I started analyzing the information sent by Wolbok-dang in earnest.
The data from Wolbok-dang truly lived up to its reputation as the world’s best intelligence organization. It not only detailed the movements of each sect but also organized the attempts of other sects to contact or engage with the key experts of the Sokryeong Sect.
“That’s really impressive, to get such confidential materials so quickly…”
Tang Do-yeon couldn’t help but marvel at Wolbok-dang’s capabilities.
“The impact of Ak Gyeong-cheol’s defeat against the Lord of the Palace is greater than expected.”
“Mm.”
According to the intel, the authority and fame of the Ghost Valley’s Ak Gyeong-cheol were plummeting, leaving the Sokryeong Sect staggering. This was somewhat of a boring piece of news.
I had anticipated that Ak Gyeong-cheol would be significantly affected after losing to Rano Jingbu, but it seemed the Sokryeong Sect’s strength was worse than I had predicted.
“This is good news not just for Honorable Person but also for the Sacheon Righteous Faction.”
Miss Yeo Il-ye was pleased, but the Black Cat shook her head.
“The current situation isn’t favorable for the Righteous Faction or Senior Ho.”
Confusion appeared on the faces of Yeo Il-ye, Tang So-yeol, and Tang Do-yeon.
“Why is that? If the Sokryeong Sect is shaken, there will be a struggle for power in Yunnan.”
“That’s true, but power struggles are commonplace in Yunnan. More importantly, even if the Sokryeong Sect loses strength, it doesn’t mean Ghost Valley’s Ak Gyeong-cheol will.”
“…so, losing its foothold in Yunnan means they’ll be even more fervent in attacking Sacheon? The damaged reputation with the Lord will ultimately need to be restored by defeating the masters of the Sacheon Righteous Faction.”
At Tang So-yeol’s words, the Black Cat nodded.
“The remaining sects of Sadoryeon would also hope for the Sokryeong Sect’s disbandment. It’s a chance to swallow the territory of the Sokryeong Sect and at the same time find a vanguard to lead the invasion of Sacheon.”
“Hmm…”
“Well, the Black Cat’s prediction is based on the worst-case scenario. However, if we leave it as is, the chances of it unfolding that way are quite high.”
Ak Gyeong-cheol wasn’t injured; he was merely humiliated. Therefore, he wouldn’t hand over his neck to a force below his rank.
Ultimately, the issue lies with the four factions in Yunnan that comprise Sadoryeon. Even if they outwardly act as a united front, they wouldn’t openly cause trouble. But just the pressure from the four factions from below could be fatal for the Sokryeong Sect.
So…
“It seems we need to alleviate the pressure on the Sokryeong Sect somehow.”
All eyes turned to me.
“That’s right, my disciple. Have you come up with a good plan?”
“It’s not exactly a brilliant scheme…”
I could feel their eager gazes on me as I opened my mouth.
“I’m thinking of infiltrating one of the factions of Sadoryeon.”
*
“Hmm… not sure if that’s a good idea.”
“Haaa, Senior! You must be getting updates on your information, so please act accordingly if a crisis arises!”
“Honorable Person, please take care…”
“I’ll ensure the cart is ready for immediate departure.”
“Mm, I appreciate it.”
Unfortunately, it was decided that I would undertake the infiltration alone.
Tang Do-yeon and Yeo Il-ye were already renowned heroes. Miss Yeo Il-ye was practically a household name in the martial world, and Tang Do-yeon had gained considerable fame during the bandit purge.
The Black Cat, with her unique beauty, along with her changes due to Taeyomi and Guumgi, made her a walking obstacle to infiltration.
At least Tang So-yeol fit the criteria, but she had been exposed to Jeong Cheol before.
Even without that reason, nobody would choose to infiltrate with Tang So-yeol since it was clear she wasn’t the type for stealth operations.
Given how difficult the task was, I couldn’t afford to be dragging a sandbag along.
I trudged along the road, heading toward Kunming, which could be considered the domain of Dark Dragon Sect. It felt strangely uncomfortable, probably because I’ve only been enjoying comfy travels in a Bicheongmacha lately.
Now, what to do about Tang Do-yeon.
The road was too treacherous for the Bicheongmacha to speed through safely, and once we entered the Central Plains, I had to keep her in check under the guise of avoiding any notable actions in Yunnan.
As soon as we left Yunnan, Tang Do-yeon’s pent-up need for speed was about to explode… I could genuinely be in trouble.
Hmm.
I’ll think about that when we get there. Worrying about things with no solution will only bring me down.
Lost in such thoughts, I soon arrived in Kunming. Walking through the bustling streets, I truly felt this was the domain of the Outcast Faction.
Passing travelers looked warily at my sword hanging from my waist, avoiding my gaze.
In Sacheon, I would get scowled at and yelled at just for walking around, but here in Yunnan, people were fearful and tried to avoid eye contact.
Dramatically different environments, making it impossible to avoid problems!
Shaking my head, I wandered around looking for an inn.
“Wahahaha!!”
“Ahahaha!!”
From within an inn, loud laughter echoed as if they had rented out the whole place. I scanned the area around the inn and nodded.
Hmm.
Not a center for gatherings but a place where people would pass by enough so that it felt just right for folks who wanted to project, ‘We are fearless heroes, unbothered by others’ eyes or disputes!’
[Hero Inn]
The name was acceptable.
As I stepped in, four martial artists caught my eye. Trying to act nonchalant, I entered the inn while observing the four rowdy figures laughing and joking.
All four were top-tier.
Good; this level is manageable.
“Jeomsoi! Give me a bowl of noodles and a plate of dumplings!”
“Yes, yes! I’ll bring them right away!”
Jeomsoi bowed to me and, glancing at the four martial artists, quickly disappeared. For a moment, silence fell in the inn.
When armed men are strutting around the inn, most customers would immediately turn back.
Pleased with having cleared out the place, they must have felt a little too proud looking at the empty inn.
But just then, I walked in.
Ignoring the four of them who were busy showing off, I sat down.
“Here are the noodles and dumplings!”
A short while later, Jeomsoi returned with my order. Just as I picked up my chopsticks, one of the noisy quartet raised his voice.
“Jeomsoi! What’s the meaning of this?”
“Yes? Yes?”
Jeomsoi looked flustered at the sudden accusation.
“It’s been ages since I ordered my dumplings, and why is he served first?”
“Haha, dear hero, could there be some misunderstanding…”
“What? Even the mighty U-reung can’t remember a single order?!”
Internally marveling at U-reung’s antics, I thought, “Wow. Some things never change, no matter how much time passes.”
I, Ho Cheon-an, once wandered aimlessly in the wild martial world, having fallen into its depths. In those cold, hard, hungry days, I was often met with petty disputes.
“Hey, Brother Officer! Jeomsoi seems to have mistaken something! I ordered those dumplings first!”
Ah, memories of the past resurface.
U-reung using classic tactics to initiate problems made it nostalgic.
He picks a quarrel to gauge my reaction. If I look easy to mess with, he continues; if things look bad for him, he’ll back down and apologize for getting drunk.
Thus, my response was simple.
I took a dumpling and bit down.
“Wha–!?”
U-reung’s eyes widened as he pointed at me, but I maintained a nonchalant expression, chewing on the dumpling calmly.
Now, the pressure to respond was on him, not me!
I could just sit here and enjoy my dumpling while he either got furious and drew his weapon or…
“Oh! U-reung! I must’ve spaced out! I’ll serve your dumplings right away!”
Or he has to accept Jeomsoi’s mediation.
And U-reung chose the first option.
“How dare you ignore me!”
Shoving Jeomsoi aside, U-reung drew his weapon, glaring at me. I met his gaze with an uninterested look and said one word.
“Move.”
A statement, sharp yet weighty, reverberating through the chest!
Calmly munching on my dumpling, I stared at U-reung. He hesitated as if sensing my prowess from my glare…
“Ignorant fool! You shall die!”
Perhaps he thought it was too far gone to turn back as he raised his weapon.
What? For a messed-up order, you’re trying to kill someone?
I, Ho Cheon-an, as a hero, felt the need to correct such heinous behavior. A villain who kills over a mix-up in the order! Let me set you straight today!
Bam!
My right hand shot out like lightning, sending my chopsticks flying.
“Ugh!”
With my chopsticks piercing through the air at him, U-reung stumbled back, groaning, while I swiftly drew my sword.
“Zzzzs!”
“W-what!? A sword aura!”
Seeing the red aura surging from my blade, the martial artists were struck with awe.
I was at a peak level that could be regarded as among the best in the martial world. With talents like Yeo Il-ye from the Nine Great Sects, Tang Do-yeon from the Tang Clan, or Black Cat from Guumgi around me, it was easy to lose yourself among such caliber!
“I only wanted to have a quiet meal, yet you forced me to draw blood,” I said as I watched U-reung and his accomplices shrink back in fear, clearly terrified.
Ahh, it felt nice! Wiping the floor with thugs and thus causing fresh trouble!
Now that’s what real martial arts is!
“W-we made a mistake…!”
“Leave!”
I struck first to silence U-reung who was trying to share an excuse. Not wanting to kill him, I used the gentle maneuver of the First Swing of the Azure Cloud Sword to smack his side.
He moved to defend himself, but…
Bam!
“Cough!”
Overwhelmed by the force of my sword, U-reung was sent flying.
Thud!
Crash!
He crashed into the dining table, smashing it to pieces as he fell down.
“U-U-reung!”
“Are you okay?!”
U-reung’s companions hurriedly rushed to confirm his state.
I stood there, bemused, staring at them as they fussed over him.
Seriously? I didn’t even put much force into my strike; how could he end up like this with just one attack?!
“Ugh!”
“I think his ribs are dislocated!”
“It seems he’s vomiting blood because of the sword aura!”
Dammit, this is a mess. I was just trying to get rid of him, and now I’ve made him a critical case. I needed to diffuse the situation.
“I didn’t kill him. Take him to a physician.”
Then, pretending to be casual, I returned to my seat and started munching on dumplings again. Since I had lost my chopsticks, I couldn’t eat the noodles.
Ahh, things got slightly complicated, but it shouldn’t be a big deal. I, Ho Cheon-an, a veteran with seven years of experience, can easily navigate such a trivial crisis in the field.
As U-reung’s group hoisted him up, they glared at me.
“…what is your name?”
According to my usual aliases, I should introduce myself as Park Busan, but… this time I put a bit more thought into my alias.
“Yongji Maeng!”
“Good! Yongji Maeng! You will pay for your arrogance!”
A typical threat, nothing out of the ordinary. Just a loser’s whining. But they might come back for revenge with a whole crew later on, so I should remember their faces.
Well, they’re just a bunch of lowlifes in a middle-of-nowhere kind of place. If my reputation rises in Kunming, they’ll just fade away with time.
“The Dark Dragon Sect will never forget what happened today!”
…Looks like things just took a turn for the worse.
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