Chapter 862 ·He Didn’t Bring Pajamas

Geom Woojin remained in the Heavenly Demon Pavilion until late.

Even though it was an hour when he would normally have fallen asleep, he sat alone on the throne mat, lost in thought.

At that moment, the doors of the Heavenly Demon Pavilion opened, and Geom Mugeuk entered.

“Father, I have returned.”

After greeting loudly, Geom Mugeuk walked along the Path of Blood toward the throne mat.

It was no different from usual, yet for some reason today, both his father and that throne mat felt different.

Stopping beneath the throne mat, Geom Mugeuk looked up at his father. Amid the unidentifiable tension flowing through the Heavenly Demon Pavilion at this late hour, he spoke provocatively.

“That seat is mine now.”

At Geom Mugeuk’s declaration-like words, Geom Woojin sneered and asked,

“Rebellion?”

The serious atmosphere loosened, and the midnight rebellion came to an end.

“As if that would be the case. I meant it’ll be my seat in about thirty years.”

Geom Woojin could tell that his son had changed his mind about handing over the position of Young Cult Leader.

“Why did you change your mind?”

“After thinking about it, it felt unfair. Why should I give such a good position to my older brother just because I like him?”

After starting with a joke, Geom Mugeuk spoke honestly.

“I got scolded by the Demonic Buddha.”

That explanation was sufficient.

Geom Woojin knew well that there was no one who understood his eldest son better than the Demonic Buddha. It seemed he had persuaded him not to do so.

From this, Geom Woojin could tell that the Demonic Buddha still favored his eldest son.

Otherwise, he would have tried by any means to make Muyang the Young Cult Leader.

“Father, you know how much I like to fool around, right? If I become the Cult Leader, rumors like this will spread in the Jianghu. ‘Did you hear? The Demonic Cult Leader got drunk, sang, and danced.’ If you don’t want to see something like that, please hold onto that position for a long, long time. I’ll probably grow up once I get older.”

“How long are you planning to make your father suffer?”

“Until I get tired of playing around and beg you to step down.”

Geom Woojin, who had been silently staring at his son, suddenly said,

“You thought it through well.”

It was an unexpected remark, and Geom Mugeuk was inwardly surprised. Hadn’t his father secretly wanted his older brother to become the successor?

He had thought that might be the case. But now, his father seemed pleased, as if it had been the right decision.

Father, do you truly want me to become the Cult Leader? Even though I’m trying to stop your dream no matter what?

“Demonic Buddha is dreaming of a rematch.”

At that moment, Geom Mugeuk’s eyes caught the fishing rod propped against the wall behind the throne mat. Judging by the fact that it hadn’t been put away yet—

“Ah, so there’s one more person here. If I see Demonic Buddha, I’ll pass along the message. That the rematch will likely happen in the near future. Then please rest.”

After politely bowing, Geom Mugeuk left.

Once his son exited the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, Geom Woojin turned his head and looked at the moon outside the window. Gazing at the bright full moon, he spoke to Hui, who was hiding.

“Bring out a good bottle of liquor.”

---

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was reading a book in the courtyard of his residence.

He had stuck the Heaven-Extinguishing Saber into the ground and leaned against it comfortably as he read.

On nights like this, when the moonlight was bright, he would often come out to the courtyard and read.

At that moment, he sensed someone had arrived behind the saber.

Judging by the martial prowess of someone who had managed to conceal their presence until they were this close, there was only one person it could be. More importantly, there was only one person who would come to his residence at this hour.

“You brat, why aren’t you sleeping at this hour and coming here again?”

Though there was no reply, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon kept his gaze on the book and spoke to Geom Mugeuk.

“Did you have a good time hunting with the Cult Leader?”

No answer came, as if he were trying to play some kind of prank. Regardless, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon simply said what he had to say.

“No matter how smart you are, how could you possibly understand a parent’s heart? The Cult Leader is holding back a lot. You can’t even imagine it. What his real temperament is like. So treat your father well.”

When there was still no response, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon finally lifted his head.

“What’s wrong with you? Why aren't you saying anything? Let me make this clear: if you didn't bring pajamas, don't even think about getting on the bed!”

At that moment, a low voice came from behind the saber.

“I didn’t bring pajamas.”

In an instant, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was so startled that he sprang to his feet.

“Cult Leader!”

The one who had come was none other than Geom Woojin.

“Apologies for coming so late. Did I startle you?”

Did he startle him? It was to the point he wondered if he had ever been this startled in recent times. He had never imagined the Cult Leader would come at such a late hour.

“What brings you here?”

Worried that something might have happened, he asked, but Geom Woojin raised the bottle of liquor he had brought.

“I came to have a drink with you.”

“I was just thinking about having a drink myself. Please, come inside.”

“The night breeze is pleasant. Let's drink here.”

“Then please wait a moment.”

“Take your time.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon went inside and prepared cups and some simple snacks. As he was about to head back out, his gaze fell upon the scene outside the window.

Geom Woojin was leaning against the Heaven-Extinguishing Saber, looking up at the moon.

As he looked at that figure, the image of his younger days overlapped with it, laughing heartily as he drank while leaning against his saber.

In the past, whenever he drank, Geom Woojin liked to lean against his saber. He said it somehow made him feel good.

Was it because of Geom Mugeuk? These days, whenever he looked at the Cult Leader, memories of the past kept resurfacing.

As Geom Woojin, who had been gazing at the moon, turned his head this way, their eyes met. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon grinned and stepped outside.

“There’s not much to go with the drink.”

“That’s fine.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon poured first, and after receiving the drink, Geom Woojin filled his cup in return.

The two emptied their cups together. It had been a long time since they had drunk alone like this.

“Did the hunt go well?”

“It was a wasted trip.”

A faint smile formed on the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s lips. If the two of them had truly set their minds to hunting, the beasts of the Daecheon Mountains would have gone extinct.

“Did you talk a lot with your son?”

“My son? He’s just a brat.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon laughed at Geom Woojin’s joke.

“He asked about his mother.”

The hand of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, which had been pouring liquor into Geom Woojin’s cup, paused for a moment.

“It was about time.”

He filled Geom Woojin’s cup to the brim.

“He didn’t ask out of longing.”

“What do you mean?”

“That brat arrogantly asked because he was worried I might be hurting.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon drank with an expression that said, that’s exactly like Geom Mugeuk.

After emptying his cup, he brought up something he had never once said to the Cult Leader until now.

“When I see the Young Cult Leader, I sometimes think of the Demon Empress.”

After the Demon Empress had died, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon had never once spoken of her to the Cult Leader.

This was the first time.

He believed that coming to see him at this late hour and bringing her up first meant that he wanted to talk about her.

Geom Woojin silently nodded.

Though it was a wordless response, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon could feel that the Cult Leader missed the Demon Empress.

He knew well how much the Cult Leader had loved her. He had witnessed it from the very beginning.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon recalled that day.

“I should take this martial world for myself.”

What had filled the eyes of Geom Woojin, who had said those words to him with a face full of heat, was not a desire to conquer power.

It was the resolve of a man whose love had just begun.

Over the face of that young Geom Woojin, the current Geom Woojin overlapped.

“I have the confidence to bend the world to my will, yet I don’t have the confidence to bend even my own child to it.”

“You can.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon understood Geom Woojin’s heart well.

“You simply don’t want to.”

Holding out his cup, he said,

“Family is one’s greatest enemy. And among them, a man’s own child is the greatest enemy of all.”

Geom Woojin smiled, clinked his cup against his, and emptied it.

Since ascending to the position of Cult Leader, he had always shown only a strong side, yet today kept reminding him of his younger days.

That was why what Geom Woojin needed now was someone to stand on his side.

“Call him tomorrow and scold him like this. ‘You brat, stop running wild like a reckless fool and listen to your father!’”

Geom Woojin laughed in good spirits. It was the kind of smile that, if Geom Mugeuk saw it, he would say, “You should smile like that at your children too.”

“Yes, I will do that.”

And that was precisely why he could not say it.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon nodded at those words. If he simply resisted blindly and stubbornly insisted that his own thoughts were right, he would actually be easier to break.

But Geom Mugeuk held deep respect for Geom Woojin. That was why this fight was difficult.

It was a difficult fight for the child, but an even more difficult one for the parent. After all, it was a battle fought while carrying the greatest weakness of all. No parent can ever truly defeat their child.

After drinking a few more cups, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon spoke the words he had been holding in his heart.

“If parents are the bow, then children are the arrows. Even if that arrow aims in a direction the parent does not desire……”

As he filled the cup, he added,

“When the time comes, you must entrust it to the wind and release the bowstring.”

Geom Woojin silently looked down at his reflection in the cup. Whether he had released the bowstring in his heart could not be known.

Thus, the two shared drinks together until the moon set.

---

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Fireworks burst in the sky.

At last, the construction of Maga Village was complete, and the day had come for the residents to return to their homes.

Those gathered in Maga Village rejoiced. The old houses had been completely transformed into new ones. In place of collapsed mud walls stood stone walls, and thatched houses had been replaced with tiled-roof homes.

Single-story houses had become two-story ones, and two-story houses had become three-story ones. Moreover, the interiors were filled with furniture better than anything they had owned before, and in their yards were piled clothes, daily necessities, and even enough food to live on for the time being.

They had never imagined the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would go this far for them. Beyond saving their lives, it had bestowed upon them a great grace.

“Mom! Is this our house now?”

“Yes, it is.”

The children ran excitedly into the house, while the women stroked the sturdy pillars and wept. The men looked around their homes and shops with overwhelmed hearts.

“Maga Village has come back to life!”

At someone’s shout, everyone erupted in cheers of joy.

“Long live the Cult Leader!”

“Long live the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult!”

As much as the joy of gaining new homes, what delighted them just as much was this:

The fact that they had not been abandoned.

Among those rejoicing was Jo Chunbae. With an emotional expression, he looked up at his tavern.

The old two-story building had been transformed into a magnificent three-story structure. It was a splendid tavern that caught the eye of passersby at a glance. He had never dreamed the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would build something this grand for him.

Even the kitchen was fully stocked with ingredients, and the storage was filled with fine liquor. It had been prepared so that he could begin business immediately.

The same was true for the other shops. The fruit stalls were stocked with fruit, and the fabric shops with cloth. It wasn't merely that houses had been built. Even such thoughtful details had not been overlooked.

At that moment, cheers were heard from afar.

Everyone turned to look, and those worthy of such cheers were approaching.

It was Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang. Following them were Geom Mugeuk’s guard martial artists.

Now, their presence was in no way lacking even compared to the Cult Leader’s guards. Considering their relatively young age, it was truly remarkable progress.

Of course, even amidst all this, Jeokyeon, the guard captain leading them, was driving his subordinates harshly. Because the Young Cult Leader was growing stronger far faster than they were.

The people of Maga Village all bowed their heads and greeted respectfully.

“We greet the Young Cult Leader!”

“We greet the Great Young Master!”

Geom Mugeuk asked with a bright expression,

“How does everyone feel?”

“It feels wonderful!”

Geom Mugeuk gave the credit for today’s result to his older brother.

“The reason Maga Village could be rebuilt this quickly is thanks to the efforts of my elder brother here. He led the construction while sacrificing his sleep.”

The villagers bowed to Geom Muyang and expressed their gratitude.

“Thank you, Great Young Master.”

“Thank you so much, Great Young Master!”

Geom Mugeuk gestured to Geom Muyang and said,

“Brother, say a word.”

Geom Muyang declined, saying it was unnecessary, but Geom Mugeuk insisted.

“You built these houses. You should say something.”

In the end, Geom Muyang stepped forward. If it were in front of martial artists, even a thousand wouldn’t make him nervous, but for some reason, standing before these ordinary villagers felt more burdensome.

“I worked hard to build them as quickly as possible. But they were built sturdy, so don’t worry. Please live well.”

Though it was a short remark, applause and cheers erupted from all directions.

Seeing the people so happy, Geom Muyang also felt pleased. The effort of working day and night to finish the construction quickly had been worthwhile.

As if he had just remembered, Geom Muyang added belatedly,

“Ah, and the reason this was carried out like this is thanks to the Young Cult Leader, who regarded you all specially. Do not forget that.”

Geom Muyang returned the credit he had received back to his younger brother.

Geom Mugeuk shamelessly waved at the villagers.

“You heard him? Don’t forget this was thanks to me!”

The villagers laughed cheerfully. Even without Geom Muyang saying it, they all already knew.

The elders of Maga Village often said that this was the most blessed era the village had ever seen since the founding of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. And all of them knew who had made it possible: the Young Cult Leader.

“Young Cult Leader.”

Jo Chunbae, who had been buried in the crowd, ran over late and greeted him.

“Innkeeper, how do you feel?”

“It’s wonderful. I’m so happy.”

Jo Chunbae looked up at the tavern.

Above the entrance, the signboard bore the words “Flowing Wind Tavern” written in bold, vigorous calligraphy.

“I especially love that calligraphy.”

Whoever had written it, the characters were truly magnificent.

“I don’t know which master wrote it, but please pass along my thanks. I’d like to treat them to a drink.”

“Let’s do that. I’ll tell my father.”

“Thank you.”

Jo Chunbae answered absentmindedly, then suddenly froze. A chill ran down his spine, and his heart began to pound.

“What did you just say?”

“I said I’ll tell my father.”

“Why the Cult Leader?”

“Because my father wrote that signboard.”

Jo Chunbae was so shocked that he trembled like a leaf.

“The Cult Leader wrote that signboard? How could such a thing happen!”

“I asked him to.”

The villagers nearby also looked up at the signboard with astonished expressions.

“Oh my, such an esteemed person…”

Jo Chunbae didn't know what to do. Just imagining the Demonic Cult Leader personally writing the tavern's name left him too overwhelmed to put his feelings into words. It was nothing short of a shock.

This was even more moving than the words that had disappeared along with the wall before.

Tears welled up in Jo Chunbae’s eyes.

“I don’t know how to repay this grace.”

“You can repay it with your unchanging taste, Innkeeper. Now then, everyone, gather at the Flowing Wind Tavern!”

For Geom Mugeuk, it held great meaning simply that they were living well in front of the Main Cult. No matter what anyone said, his demonic path lay in Maga Village.

“I’ll open the new business myself. Innkeeper, prepare the table!”