Chapter 5: Hao Clan (1)
Back in the days when the Sword Emperor was still known as the “Wind Sword.”
Taking advantage of the absence of the Tang Clan’s Lord, who was away to deal with the True Gate of Demons that had emerged near Sichuan, the Black Dragon led a surprise attack on the Tang Clan.
The Black Dragon and his army, the Black Dragon Army, numbered in the hundreds with many being top-tier martial artists.
There was plenty of time left before the Lord of the Tang Clan received news of the invasion and could return.
While the Tang Clan’s Lord, Gu Cheolun, was away, the Black Dragon harbored schemes to devour the Tang Clan and control all of Sichuan.
Without any unforeseen circumstances, the Tang Clan might have faced utter annihilation that day.
However, much to the Black Dragon’s dismay, an unforeseen circumstance did arise: the presence of the Wind Sword in the Tang Clan at that time.
What transpired next was something that few would believe had they not seen it with their own eyes.
The hundreds comprising the Black Dragon Army and the Black Dragon himself met their end at the hands of the Wind Sword.
Those who watched from afar commented that while the sword dance of the Wind Sword was as beautiful as the crescent moon hanging in the night sky, the aftermath left behind was nothing but brutality.
When the bloodbath finally concluded, only the hordes of corpses and the Wind Sword remained.
After this incident, the Tang Clan presented the Wind Sword with a sword made from everlasting iron, which he carried as his treasured blade long after he became the Sword Emperor.
The Moonlight Sword.
This sword was crafted by the finest artisans in the Central Plains, known for their mastery over iron.
Yet, that magnificent piece of art had seemingly vanished…
“It’s just a broom.”
In the hands of the Sword Emperor, it was merely a broom.
…Is this really alright?
It had just past 3 PM.
I was seated on the floor, basking in the gentle sunlight.
Although I appeared to be meditating,
In reality, I was watching an elderly man with a hunched back diligently sweeping the floor with a broom.
The old man, with his bushy white hair, was laboriously sweeping the ground.
It was hard to believe, but that old man was indeed the Sword Emperor.
“…Seeing the Sword Emperor cleaning my place with a broom… I can’t believe it.”
Is this really how things are supposed to be?
Two days had passed since the Sword Emperor and Wi Seol-Ah entered my service as my attendants.
During these two days, I felt like I was half out of my mind.
When I asked the steward why they suddenly became my attendants, all I got was:
‘It was the Lord’s command.’
A response I had half-expected.
And, of course, it wasn’t as if I could just storm into the Lord’s chamber and complain about it, right? Or should I have? Maybe arguing would have been the better choice.
I had a multitude of thoughts, yet I couldn’t arrive at a conclusion, and so time slipped away.
Is it alright to leave things as they are? I mused that maybe throwing a tantrum to get rid of them might be the better choice for my future,
But considering I didn’t have multiple lives to spare—agitating the Sword Emperor was definitely off the table, so I gave up on that notion.
Turning my weary gaze away from the Sword Emperor, I noticed another problem.
“Seol-Ah, it’s dangerous to carry all that by yourself! Want to do it together?”
“No! Seol-Ah can do it alone!”
“Uh, hey! Seol-Ah! There’s a rock in front of you…!”
“Huh? Kyaa!”
…
I averted my eyes from that scene.
Wi Seol-Ah may be treated affectionately by the other servants like the youngest sister,
But the truth is, she was absolutely terrible at chores.
How can someone so gifted as a martial artist struggle so much with manual tasks?
Even now, she had managed to spill all the laundry while carrying it!
The other servants rushed to comfort Wi Seol-Ah, who was on the verge of tears.
But, alas, the laundry scattered all over the dirty ground wasn’t coming back…
The silver lining? Thankfully, that happened before it was washed.
Sighing softly, I stood up.
As I moved, Wi Seol-Ah dashed over to me upon noticing.
“Why aren’t you continuing your work?”
“I was told to always follow the Young Master!”
“…Who said that?”
“My grandpa!”
“…I see.”
Why did he say that…
Maybe they wanted me to have personal assistance.
But in my eyes, that was really just an excuse.
The reason other servants treated Wi Seol-Ah so kindly is probably because they forced her to do the tasks they despised the most.
Admittedly, her presence did lighten the atmosphere in this otherwise uncomfortable space.
But am I really allowed to choose my personal servant so carelessly when I’m from a reputable family?
The steward must have had a hand in this.
Do both my father and the steward actually know the true identity of the Sword Emperor, or did they just pull this off due to the horde of servants quitting lately…?
There’s no way the steward wouldn’t know about the comings and goings in the clan, so there had to be a reason,
…but it seems more likely to be the latter.
Wi Seol-Ah tried fixing my clothes, but when I noticed her clumsiness, I simply told her I’d handle it.
She looked ready to cry, disappointment shining in her eyes at my rejection.
But,
I just couldn’t trust her skills yet.
Wait, is it even right to assign her such tasks?
Time seemed plentiful, but the urgency still nagged at me.
One of the reasons I was leaving the house was this very urgency.
I sent Wi Seol-Ah back to the other servants as she tried to follow me outside.
Using her clumsiness as an excuse, it was easy to persuade her.
Disappointment flickered in her eyes at the thought of not being able to join me outside.
I found myself stuck regarding how to deal with Wi Seol-Ah.
I couldn’t treat her like just any servant, but treating her differently presented its own difficulties.
Just as I was about to exit, my eyes met the Sword Emperor’s.
He respectfully bowed his head to me.
Feeling extraordinarily uncomfortable, I hastily stepped outside the house.
Once I stepped out, my escort, Muyeon, waited for me.
“I heard from the steward you were going out to the streets.”
“It won’t take long. I’ll probably return before sunset.”
“Understood, Young Master.”
He didn’t ask any more questions; it was evident he was well-trained as an escort.
It’s just a pity he has to play my escort.
After walking a short distance, I found myself at the place where I first met Wi Seol-Ah.
I recalled feeling breathless after such a short walk—just how poorly had I been training?
I wanted to take a break but had to keep moving to get back before sunset.
I weaved through the bustling streets and scoured the alleyways.
Muyeon expressed concern about the dangers lurking in this area, but I pressed on.
“Found it.”
After rummaging around for a while, I finally located the building I was looking for.
Though the structure looked old and worn, I knew without a doubt that this was the right place.
“I was worried that this establishment wouldn’t exist during this period, but I guess it’s still holding up.”
“Young Master… what on earth brought you to this place?”
“Why? Does it look strange?”
“Honestly, yes… the atmosphere here does not maintain a positive vibe, not to mention the building itself.”
“You have good instincts; that’s exactly it.”
– Creak!
As I opened the old door, the eyes of those inside turned to fixate on me.
“Huh, a little kid? Did someone secretly bring you in?”
“Quit spewing such nasty garbage. He’s probably just lost his way.”
“Then what’s up with the guy standing behind him? He’s clearly got a sword on his belt.”
Muyeon placed his hand on his sword, sensing the aggressive atmosphere of the dim room.
Yet the people inside appeared unfazed.
One of them turned to me.
“Hey kid, what brings you to this not-so-friendly neighborhood?”
It had been a while since I’d been treated so poorly, but honestly? I was more accustomed to this treatment than the one at home.
I replied with a slight smile.
“Why, you ask? I’m here as a customer, obviously.”
“What’s with the sassy little brat? Maybe I should just cut your tongue off to teach you a lesson?”
Muyeon was ready to withdraw his sword against the man giggling mockingly at me, but I quickly stopped him.
“Young Master, this guy is…”
“Hang on a second.”
Stopping Muyeon, who was ready to swing, I addressed the man who wore a sinister smile.
“Since you probably knew who I was the moment I stepped into this area, let’s just get straight to the point.”
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to extend my pleasant offer for long.
After my statement, the smile vanished from his face.
“Hey, let’s skip the games. I don’t have much time. Don’t forget, I came here knowing everything. So let’s cut to the chase.”
“What kind of absurdity are you spouting?”
He attempted to put on an act, but it was too late.
“You might be worrying that the Gu Clan discovered your little hideout and intends to demolish it, but we lack sufficient motives, and inciting conflict will only harm us.”
I could see cold sweat trickling down his cheeks.
“However, I really don’t have much time. I’m here as a customer, so hurry up and call the branch manager. Otherwise, you might just create the situation you fear.”
At my threat, his eyes widened in alarm.
Truth be told, I lacked the power to destroy the place, but these guys were simple enough to understand. It was about striking fear into them.
Muyeon, sounding perplexed, asked, “…Young Master, what the hell is going on…?”
“It’s nothing; I was originally headed somewhere else, but ran into a bit of trouble.”
Muyeon seemed to have caught onto something. Did he realize the place I meant to visit?
He might actually be sharper than I initially assumed.
While it would have been preferable to go there solo, my current state made that impossible.
“Sorry for dragging you here, but it was unavoidable.”
The place I had intended to go was the Beggar’s Sect, which had managed to hold its ground in the Ten Sect Alliance thanks to its knowledge.
Normally, I would have preferred to go there for an easier approach.
However, the Beggar’s Sect would not support anything problematic for them.
Well, that is, unless I offered them a boatload of cash.
Regardless, the job I had would be troublesome for the Beggar’s Sect, so I needed to think of another location.
If Beggar’s Sect were to be the best at information in the Orthodox Faction,
Then the Hao Clan was definitely the best for information in the Unorthodox Faction.
I stood at the Hao Clan’s doorstep.
It didn’t take long for me to receive proper treatment at the Hao Clan.
After the man contacted someone, he led us to the cellar nestled behind the building.
Despite Muyeon’s protests, “I can’t let the Young Master come to such a dangerous place!”, I ignored him, lacking the time to argue.
Upon reaching the underground level, a young man with a face reminiscent of a snake awaited us.
“I am the branch manager, Dowoon-Chu.”
With pale skin, he was quite the handsome boy. Of course, given this was the Hao Clan, it was pretty much a given that his looks were a facade.
“We didn’t expect a young customer like you to come here… I apologize for our earlier hostility.”
“No need to apologize. Will you accept my request?”
“Before anything, can I inquire why someone of your stature from the Gu Clan would seek us out specifically, rather than other places?”
“Does it seem strange to you that I’m coming for a favor?”
“Honestly, yes… the ambiance around here is not favorable, let alone the dilapidated building.”
“Your instincts are sharp; you hit the nail on the head.”
—Creak!
As I opened the rusty door, the attention of those inside shifted towards me.
“Huh, who’s this little brat? Did someone bring him here?”
“Stop saying those filthy words. He probably just took a wrong turn.”
“Then what’s with that guy behind him? Can’t you see he has a sword on his hip?”
Muyeon instinctively placed his hand on the sword, sensing the dangerous vibes within the dimly lit building. Yet the folks inside seemed indifferent.
One of the men pointedly asked me, “Hey kid, what’s a little boy like you doing in this sketchy neighborhood?”
Gotten used to being spoken down to, I answered with a slight smile, “What brings me here? I’m here as a customer, obviously.”
“Such disrespect from a kid. Maybe I should cut out your tongue to teach you a lesson?”
Muyeon reached for his sword, ready to draw against the mocking man, but I swiftly stopped him.
“Young Master, he is daring…”
“Hold on a second.”
I addressed the man wearing an ominous grin. “I’m certain you’ve recognized who I am from the moment I stepped foot here. Let’s just skip the pleasantries.”
The man’s smile faded at my words.
“Listen, I don’t have the luxury of time, and I came here fully informed—let’s get straight to the point, shall we?”
“What in the world are you babbling about?”
The man attempted to feign ignorance but it was too late to salvage his expression.
“Worried about the Gu Clan discovering this place and trying to raid it? There’s no reason for us to act recklessly, and any fight would only bring misfortune for both parties.”
I could see the cold sweat trickling down his face.
“I mean it when I say my time is short. I came here as a customer, so hurry and call for the branch manager. Unless, of course, you’re keen to create the situation that’s weighing on your mind.”
The man’s eyes fidgeted at my implied threat.
Truthfully, I didn’t possess the capability to dismantle this place, but these guys were evidently easy to intimidate.
Muyeon eyed me with confusion, “…What exactly is happening, Young Master?”
“Nothing much, really; I was preparing to go to another place, but I was met with an obstacle.”
Looks like Muyeon has some inkling of what I meant. Did he catch on to where I was actually headed?
He might be sharper than I initially thought.
Honestly, I would have preferred to go there myself, but with this body in its current state, I couldn’t venture alone.
“Sorry for bringing you into such a perilous situation, but it was unavoidable.”
The intended destination was the “Beggar’s Sect,” which gained its spot within the Ten Great Sects solely through its knowledge.
It would have been easier to simply visit “Beggar’s Sect” for assistance.
However, being a legitimate faction, they rarely engage in troublesome ventures.
Unless, of course, I offered them a fortune.
In any case, the task I had wouldn’t sit well with beggar sect members; thus, I was compelled to search elsewhere.
While “Beggar’s Sect” reigned supreme for information in the Orthodox Faction,
For the Unorthodox Faction, this place, the Hao Clan, was prime for what I sought.
*
I arrived at the Hao Clan in search of reliable intel.
Without delay, the man who contacted someone quickly escorted us to a cellar behind the building.
Although Muyeon noted, “I cannot allow the Young Master into such a dangerous location!” I chose to disregard him, as there was no time for debate.
When we descended into the cellar, a young man with a visage reminiscent of a snake awaited us.
“I am the branch manager, Dowoon-Chu,” he introduced himself, his complexion fair.
Without a doubt, he had the appearance of a strikingly handsome individual; however, given the reputation of the Hao Clan, I suspected it was all a facade.
“We did not expect someone of your stature to come here. I apologize for our somewhat hostile reception.”
“There’s no need for apologies. Will you accept my request?”
“But first, might I ask why someone from the Gu Clan would seek us, rather than other avenues?”
“You continue to ask odd questions. I came here for assistance, didn’t I?”
“Why not visit ‘Beggar’s Sect’ instead?”
What compelled me to venture to the Unorthodox Faction, bypassing the orthodox faction?
“This request is one only the Hao Clan can fulfill. Why keep asking, when the answer is right in front of you?”
My annoyance was slipping through my words, making me sound somewhat impatient.
A sly smile graced Dowoon-Chu’s face as he caught my unspoken irritation.
“I apologize if I seemed disrespectful. Given the rumors circulating about you, it’s only natural to verify.”
He was probably just being cautious, considering I was just a fifteen-year-old from the Gu clan.
“The fact I, the branch manager, came myself is entirely due to your esteemed surname.”
“I know my name carries weight, hence I keep asking if this is an accept-or-not situation. This is the third time, by the way.”
“The Hao Clan never turns down a request, as long as the price is right.”
At last, a sign of acceptance from Dowoon-Chu, encouraging me to present my case.
“I’m searching for someone—a boy just over ten years old,” I replied.
Producing a piece of paper detailing his features and whereabouts, I presented it to Dowoon-Chu.
Examining the paper, he wore a perplexed expression.
“I’m not sure I follow, Young Master. If you simply wish to find someone, wouldn’t the Hao Clan be unnecessary?”
“The area of interest is quite distant, plus my knowledge is limited. The Beggar’s Sect charges a king’s ransom.”
Notably, the Beggar’s Sect boasted high credibility due to its renown.
And with that renown came exorbitant fees.
If I requested the same assistance from the Beggar’s Sect that I did from the Hao Clan, I’d likely be paying at least twice the amount!
Yet, a slight complication arose.
“Uh, Young Master, we don’t usually operate on meager sums either.”
Their refusal came forward with clear terms.
“I understand, but I believe Hao Clan can handle what I’m willing to pay.”
Dowoon-Chu continued to analyze the paper in his hands.
“The specifics you provided make it easier to recognize the boy; however, considering the distance and area, this request remains a hefty undertaking.”
“You’re saying it’s going to come pricey, right?”
Dowoon-Chu mentioned the going rate.
Muyeon behind me drew a sharp breath upon hearing the figure.
Just how many months of allowances would it take me to amass that sum?
It was downright terrifying to think of.
But that wasn’t enough to deter me.
“The more elusive the boy, the lower the price will be. As of now, I’m aware that the amount is….”
“Sorry, but we’re not offering cash.”
“Wha—what did you say?”
Ranking as a member of the Orthodox Faction and requesting help from the Hao Clan involved its own set of risks.
Pairing my Gu Clan affiliation with the Unorthodox faction brought trouble my way.
Even so, I approached the Hao Clan with the assurance they’d remain discreet while honoring my plea.
“I possess vital information that should suffice as suitable payment.”
“…Young Master, do you really know where you are?”
Of course, I understood the implications of the situation.
In the realm of information, they rivaled the Beggar’s Sect in terms of quantity.
“I assure you, our repository of information likely eclipses that of the Beggar’s Sect,” I declared confidently.
Thanks to their unrestrained nature, the Hao Clan engaged in matters the Beggar’s Sect wouldn’t dare touch.
This very difference likely empowered Dowoon-Chu’s brazen statement.
“Additionally, we shouldn’t overlook that any information you provide is likely within our existing repertoire. If you lack sufficient funds….”
“The Head of the Hao Clan.”
A sharp intake of breath was heard from Dowoon-Chu, his earlier bravado waning to pure surprise at my mention.
“Curious about the whereabouts of the missing Head of the Hao Clan?”
Immediately after I spoke, weapons were drawn, and blades threatened my person from all directions.
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