Chapter 553: If You're Late, You Become the Youngest
Geom Mugeuk recalled that day.
The moment when he finished two days of training with Evil Smiling Demon inside the Temporal and Spatial Transference Technique.
At the end of that blood-soaked battle, Geom Mugeuk, out of consideration for Evil Smiling Demon, changed the scenery around them into a snowy landscape.
―Next time, you must travel with me.
―At that time...
At that moment, Evil Smiling Demon had hesitated to speak. Uncharacteristically, he seemed to want to say something but held back.
Now, Geom Mugeuk thought he understood.
That hesitation was the sign that he was about to say he would take off his mask.
Geom Mugeuk did not stop him.
In his life before the Great Regression, Evil Smiling Demon had shown his face. In this life as well, he had removed his mask by his own will.
It must be their fate to live facing each other.
Srrrk.
Evil Smiling Demon's hand trembled slightly as he removed the mask.
Evil Smiling Demon's face revealed beneath the mask.
When Geom Mugeuk had seen his face before the Great Regression, it had been after many more years had passed. It was during the time he was searching for the final material for the Great Regression Technique.
He had been handsome even then, but now he was at a much younger point in his life.
Evil Smiling Demon was truly handsome. If the Poison King had the beauty of a pretty boy, and Drunken Demon gave off a unique charm, then Evil Smiling Demon possessed flawless, perfect face.
His features were in perfect harmony, and his gaze was both clear and profound.
Who in the world could see this face and think of Evil Smiling Demon?
"How did you endure it? Not showing off such a handsome face?"
Evil Smiling Demon smiled. Until now, Geom Mugeuk had only seen his eyes smiling—now, he saw his whole face smiling.
"I took it off because I wanted to drink comfortably with the Young Cult Leader. Drinking under a mask just doesn’t bring any enjoyment."
Geom Mugeuk knew that was not the real reason. Evil Smiling Demon was offering the strongest form of trust he could give.
Evil Smiling Demon silently looked down at the mask. The mask seemed to smile back at him.
What could he be thinking now?
That much Geom Mugeuk didn’t know, but there was one thing he was certain of.
At the moment Evil Smiling Demon removed the mask, he had become even stronger.
Until now, the mask had protected him. It was his symbol, his identity, and his pride. The mask had made him strong, and it had also made him wicked.
"Now, I will wear it when I want to, and take it off when I want to."
He was now free from the mask.
Ssssss...
At that moment, the surrounding environment began to change. As his internal energy completely depleted, the Temporal and Spatial Transference Technique began to dissipate.
"Do you remember? I told you I’d treat you to an amazing meal if you took off your mask."
Evil Smiling Demon nodded.
"When we return to the main sect, I will treat you to fine food and drink."
Evil Smiling Demon spoke as he put the mask back on.
"I will look forward to that day."
* * *
Before Han Seol arrived here, she hadn’t imagined going through anything like this.
Who could have expected that, the moment she arrived at the location promised with Geom Mugeuk, she would have to freeze a wave of darkness flying toward the Unorthodox Alliance’s Young Leader?
How could she have known she would witness martial artists drenched in blood breaking through the formation?
―Seol-ah, this doesn’t feel right. How about we retreat for now?
How serious must the situation have been for the Cold Ice Twin Swords, who were guarding her, to send such a message?
‘Young Cult Leader, what kind of gathering have you invited me to?’
It truly felt like something only that person would do. Of course, she had no intention of retreating.
Bih Sa-in rushed to Jin Hagun, who had just escaped from the formation, and asked,
"Are you alright?"
Jin Hagun turned and first checked the martial artists of the Demon-Slaying Brigade. Fortunately, not a single one had failed to escape the formation safely.
Only then did Jin Hagun nod and respond.
"We're fine."
"That's a relief."
At that moment, both of them felt a similar emotion.
‘I never thought the day would come when seeing this person would make me so glad.’
Bih Sa-in had noticed the look in Jin Hagun’s eyes when he turned back just moments ago. The gaze between them had grown deeper than before they entered the formation.
Just as they had, those two had also fought a desperate battle that flirted with death.
"And you?"
"This side wasn’t easy either, but it was resolved well. Miss Han helped greatly."
Bih Sa-in introduced Han Seol to Jin Hagun.
"This is the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace. And this here is the Demon-Slaying Brigade Leader of the Martial Alliance."
At the mention of the Demon-Slaying Brigade Leader, Han Seol was inwardly surprised. How could she not know that he was a leading successor of the Martial Alliance?
So the friend the Young Cult Leader from the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had promised to introduce was none other than the successors of both the Martial Alliance and the Unorthodox Alliance.
Han Seol had already known Geom Mugeuk wasn’t ordinary, but to think he would befriend people like them.
"Brother!"
At that moment, Jin Haryeong and the Sky Flower Pavilion Mistress also emerged from the secret chamber. When the sounds of fighting outside had stopped, Jin Haryeong had cautiously gone to check the situation, and realized it was over.
Seeing each other safe, Jin Hagun and Jin Haryeong felt relief together.
Jin Haryeong looked around and asked,
"Where is the Young Cult Leader?"
At her question, Jin Hagun glanced at Bih Sa-in. Bih Sa-in said nothing and simply looked at the palanquin. It meant the fight was still ongoing.
Jin Hagun replied to Jin Haryeong.
"He’s on his way."
It was the exact same phrase Bih Sa-in had spoken earlier. The size of their trust was about the same.
And so, they all spread their perimeter of vigilance around the palanquin.
On one side stood Bih Sa-in and the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Alliance. Opposite them were Jin Hagun and the Demon-Slaying Brigade. On another side were the Faceless Swordsmen and Jin Haryeong, and directly across from them stood Han Seol and the Cold Ice Twin Swords.
How much time had passed like that?
Wuuung.
The palanquin began to tremble.
At that moment, when everyone tensed, stepping back and drawing their weapons—
Light burst out from the palanquin. The light, radiating from every crevice of the palanquin, spread through the darkness and shot upward as if reaching for the sky.
With a whooshing sound, that intense light vanished in an instant.
Ssssss...
The palanquin began to disintegrate into ash.
Everyone watched, astonished.
“Why are you all staring over there? We're right here.”
When they turned around, two people were standing side by side. They were none other than Geom Mugeuk and Evil Smiling Demon, their entire bodies drenched in blood.
Even from their battered appearances, it was clear what kind of battle they had just endured.
Geom Mugeuk quickly scanned the surroundings. Everyone who was supposed to be there was present.
A wave of relief spread across Geom Mugeuk’s face.
It was a genuine expression—neither feigned nor hidden.
Only then did Geom Mugeuk slump to the ground with exaggerated complaints.
“Aigoo! My arms, my legs—feels like my whole body’s been beaten to a pulp. Wait, no, I really *was* beaten to a pulp.”
Everyone finally relaxed and smiled. That lighthearted remark was the surest sign the battle had ended.
Still seated on the ground, Geom Mugeuk turned to Han Seol and asked,
“How do you find the Central Plains so far?”
He was bloodied and bruised, greeting a guest like that—yet seeing him joke like this brought her quiet joy and relief.
“I don’t recall you mentioning that this banquet would be a *blood* banquet.”
It was a rare jest from someone who seldom joked.
“A proper celebration must always include a surprising twist, don’t you think?”
After that exchange, Jin Hagun and Bih Sa-in approached him.
Geom Mugeuk looked more exhausted than he ever had before. It was clear he had returned having expended every last ounce of strength.
“Now would be the perfect time to kill the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult,” he joked.
Bih Sa-in and Jin Hagun exchanged glances. Their eyes seemed to say, *Shall we really try it?* Seeing that, Geom Mugeuk quickly added,
“Kidding! That was a joke, a trustworthy person is behind me!”
A smile spread across Bih Sa-in’s rugged face.
“In that case, it really is the perfect opportunity.”
When Geom Mugeuk turned around, the Evil Smiling Demon was no longer there.
At some point, he had walked off and was now speaking with Yeo Jeong.
“What? You’re ditching me the moment we step out?”
Despite Geom Mugeuk’s outcry, Evil Smiling Demon pretended not to hear.
Seeing Yeo Jeong smiling brightly in front of Evil Smiling Demon, Geom Mugeuk once again felt a deep sense of relief—they had truly returned safely.
Yeo Jeong turned to look at Geom Mugeuk and gave a quiet bow. Even without words, he understood what kind of heartfelt greeting it was.
Bih Sa-in and Jin Hagun, who had been standing above, also crouched down next to Geom Mugeuk.
It was a rare sight to behold—two successors who seemed least likely to ever do such a thing, now squatting on the ground with Geom Mugeuk between them. It was a scene one might never witness again in their lifetime.
Geom Mugeuk expressed his gratitude to Bih Sa-in.
“If you hadn’t severed their internal energy, I would have died.”
At those words, Bih Sa-in looked surprised and asked,
“How did you know I severed it?”
“I noticed the thread connected to the palanquin was cut, and yet you didn’t come rushing in. I guessed it then. I fought while thinking only of the moment you’d sever that infinite flow of energy.”
Bih Sa-in was pleased to know his effort had not been in vain.
Originally, he had planned to tease Geom Mugeuk with something like, *What would you have done without me?* But in the face of this situation, the words didn’t come. He was reminded once again that even jokes must suit the moment—and the speaker.
Just like Geom Mugeuk now. And his target was clearly Jin Hagun.
“You’re feeling regret right now, aren’t you? If *he* had gone into the formation and *you* had stayed outside, then *you* would’ve been the one to save my life.”
Jin Hagun shook his head.
“If that had happened, we would’ve lost a friend.”
“You mean Sa-in wouldn’t have escaped from the Heavenly Abomination’s formation? Are you underestimating our Young Leader?”
“No. I’m saying I wouldn’t have thought to sever it.”
It was an honest answer that implied Geom Mugeuk would’ve died in that case—and it also showed respect for Bih Sa-in. Jin Hagun, who had always placed great importance on pride and honor, now bore a look of calmness that only someone who had let go could possess.
Because he had let go, his hands were empty. The question now was: what would those hands reach for next?
“You both can’t keep acting all cool like this! Being cool is *my* thing.”
At Geom Mugeuk’s protest, Jin Hagun and Bih Sa-in each supported him from either side and helped him to his feet.
This time, Geom Mugeuk turned to Jin Haryeong with gratitude.
“Thank you for keeping your promise.”
“I was just hiding in the secret chamber.”
“That’s why I’m even more grateful.”
The look in Geom Mugeuk’s eyes deepened as he faced her.
“Be honest—how many times did you want to come running out?”
Jin Haryeong smiled. This was what she liked about Geom Mugeuk. He understood her heart without her needing to say a word. He was someone who knew that hiding in a secret chamber was even harder than rushing out to fight.
“Maybe ten times?”
“Less than me, then.”
“Less what?”
Geom Mugeuk’s gaze turned toward Bih Sa-in. No way he’d just let that pass.
"Because of this slowpoke of a friend, I had to pray! 'Please sever the energy flow!' I pleaded while getting beaten half to death."
"Stop exaggerating. If you were beaten that badly, your opponent must've been reduced to dust."
"Hah! How did you know? She really *was* turned to dust and scattered."
Finally, the three of them looked at one another and laughed.
At that moment, Geom Mugeuk's gaze shifted to a particular spot.
"Ah, over there!"
Everyone turned their heads to follow Geom Mugeuk’s line of sight.
Far off on the horizon, light was spreading and pushing back the darkness.
While the sun had been setting inside the Temporal and Spatial Transference Technique, in the outside world, the cruel night had passed and morning was breaking.
Everyone silently watched that majestic sunrise, more grand than any they had seen before.
The Sky Flower Pavilion Mistress stepped forward and spoke in a bright voice.
"Thanks to all of you, everyone in our pavilion was able to survive. We sincerely thank you."
The courtesans, cooks, and workers who had been hiding nearby all came forward, bowed, and expressed their gratitude.
"Please rest now. We’ll do our utmost to prepare tonight’s banquet."
And just like that, another battle—one that had started with the escape of a single courtesan—came to an end.
* * *
Back in his room, Geom Mugeuk began circulating his energy to replenish his internal energy.
It had been a long time since he had exhausted it this thoroughly—he had used up every last drop.
He cycled his energy through the First Cycle, then the Second Cycle, and the Third Cycle, repeating the process until his inner reserves were full once more.
After completing the replenishment, Geom Mugeuk took out the Secret Box and placed it on the table.
He looked at the smiling Secret Box and spoke his gratitude.
"If not for you, I would’ve been in serious trouble. Thank you."
Yet, as if nothing had ever happened, the aura of the Dark King that the Black Eye had absorbed—along with the other unfamiliar energies—lay dormant deep within him, as if they had never existed at all.
"What exactly *are* you?"
The Secret Box only continued to smile. Well, the day would come when he would find out.
He tucked the Secret Box back into his robe, lay down on the bed, and tried to sleep. Circulating energy helped to relieve some fatigue, but nothing beat a proper rest. The moment he lay down, Geom Mugeuk fell into a deep sleep.
In his dream, he walked through darkness.
It wasn’t the oppressive darkness of the Dark King. It was the darkness that had been with him in his life before the Great Regression.
There were good things about the dark—it could hide loneliness. People say the night makes one lonelier? Not always. Sometimes, the brightness of the world made loneliness even more unbearable.
How long did he walk through that darkness?
At the end of it, he encountered a presence.
Was it because the Nine Calamities Demon Art of Seven Stars had failed multiple times? Or was it because his subconscious longed to see that figure?
The one who had been waiting for him—was the Celestial Demon Soul.
Geom Mugeuk silently looked up at the enormous Celestial Demon Soul. Today, its facial features were slightly clearer than the last time he saw it. Why was that? Could it be that his battle with the Dark King had somehow advanced his mastery of the Nine Calamities Demon Art?
―Are you feeling a little hurt in your pride?
Even when he spoke like this, the Celestial Demon Soul had always simply looked down on him with a haughty gaze. But today, its reaction was different.
The Celestial Demon Soul’s head gave a faint nod.
―You're listening to me?
Geom Mugeuk shouted those words as he woke from sleep. The last part had been spoken aloud, like the echo of a dream.
"...It definitely nodded."
Though it had only been a dream, Geom Mugeuk’s heart pounded at the Celestial Demon Soul’s response.
He had only intended to nap briefly, but when he stepped outside, evening had already fallen.
The Sky Flower Pavilion was busy with banquet preparations. Though walls were broken and holes dotted the structure, it instead lent a unique charm to tonight’s feast.
All the cooks and workers of the pavilion were mobilized, preparing food. They cooked with the spirit of honoring the benefactors who had saved their lives.
"Tonight, we’ll drink until morning! Make sure there’s plenty of alcohol!"
The one who responded to Geom Mugeuk’s declaration wasn’t the Pavilion Mistress, but Jin Hagun, who had arrived earlier.
"You haven’t seen the liquor storeroom, have you? You don’t need to worry about that."
Now that he thought about it, Jin Hagun and the Demon-Slaying Brigade had disguised themselves as workers at the Sky Flower Pavilion, carrying liquor and serving.
As Geom Mugeuk sat across from Jin Hagun, he spoke.
"Ah! A cult leader with experience working in a courtesan house! How am I supposed to face you now?"
"Well, I’d bet you’ve done even more outrageous things."
"Of course. I even worked as an attendant."
At those words, Jin Hagun laughed. Sitting across from Geom Mugeuk like this had become comfortable. The more time they spent together, the more he found himself joking too—just as they said, being together made people alike.
"Have a drink of the liquor I delivered, attendant!"
"You’ll be doing a lot of carrying tonight, Elder!"
As the two exchanged drinks, Jin Haryeong and Han Seol arrived.
It was rare for Bih Sa-in to be late, as he was usually punctual. But today, for some reason, he was running behind.
"Why is the youngest so late when the elders are already gathered?"
At Geom Mugeuk’s comment, Jin Hagun responded.
"You know, Young Leader Bi is much older than you."
"Still, if you're late, you become the youngest."
At that moment, Geom Mugeuk looked toward the entrance with an unreadable smile. The others also turned with surprised expressions.
Bih Sa-in entered, dressed in a pristine white robe he did not usually wear.