Chapter 69: Variable (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 69: Variable (1)
Three days ago.
Late at night, in the military camp of the Five Tiger Governor's Office.
Around dawn, while everyone else was asleep, I was sitting before a campfire, training with the Heavenly Secret.
That was when a voice called out to me.
[Cult Leader.]
It was a Sound Transmission.
I emerged from the Heavenly Secret and focused my Qi Sense. I detected a familiar presence hidden among the thick trees of the forest.
[What is the situation?]
The voice replied to my inquiry.
[It has been confirmed. The Taiji Sword Emperor of the Wudang Sect has made his move. He is currently heading south at high speed, accompanied by other Taoists of the Wudang Sect.]
...The situation I had feared most had finally come to pass.
This entire scenario had been orchestrated by the Martial Alliance from the start. I knew there would be a hidden trap. And just as expected, the moment I stepped into Guizhou Province alone, they blocked off every route in Guangxi Province.
Up to this point, it was something I could manage. However, one of the Eight Great Masters had now joined the fray.
[And our Cult?]
[The First Venerable, who was moving toward Guizhou to escort you, has changed course toward the border of Xinning.]
That was the right move. The only person capable of stopping one of the Eight Great Masters was the First Venerable, Blood Breaking Sword Emperor Dan Wi-gang, who had already broken through the wall.
The voice spoke to me again, sounding urgent.
[Cult Leader, you must return. The situation is critical. This is clearly a trap set by the Martial Alliance to corner you.]
I knew that. But I couldn't turn back now. If I did, I might end up facing both the government and the Martial Alliance simultaneously. I had to find a solution—a way to turn this situation to my advantage.
"I heard the Blood Cult Leader had come this far, so as a member of the Orthodox Faction, I rushed here to lend a hand."
At my words, the expressions of Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon and Taoist Master Manjong—the leader of the Quanzhen Sect and the Sixth Elder of the Martial Alliance—shifted in different ways.
"Ho-oh."
Taoist Master Manjong wore a proud expression, looking at me as if I were a commendable junior martial artist.
The Lesser Conversation Sword clicked its tongue in amazement. Even I hadn't expected to resort to such a method until now.
The title of the Twin Heroes, known as the pinnacle of the rising stars in the Orthodox Martial World—if I utilized that, I might be able to exploit the current situation. Who would ever suspect that the Blood Cult Leader was the very rising star the Martial Alliance was championing?
The problem was this man: Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon. Unlike Master Manjong, he was watching me with a peculiar gaze. There was a flicker of suspicion in his eyes.
It was likely more of a curiosity than outright doubt. As of now, no one in the Martial Alliance knew my true identity. Aside from my maternal grandfather, my father, and Sama Yeong, no one knew everything about me.
However, my opponent was the Second Strategist of the Martial Alliance. Though he hadn't stood out much while overshadowed by the Chief Strategist, Zhuge Won-myeong, I remembered him from before my regression as a man with exceptional talent as a strategist.
"How did you hear this news?" Sama Jung-hyeon asked.
"On my way back to Yunnan Province, I heard at the Right Army Commander's Office that they were escorting the Blood Cult Leader."
"The rumors have spread quite far, then," Master Manjong remarked, nodding. He then turned to me. "I have heard so much about your exploits during the Successor's Martial Discussion that my ears are practically ringing. Especially from Taoist Master Hoyang. I have been quite eager to meet you."
Taoist Master Hoyang, the Plum Blossom White Sword and Second Elder of the Martial Alliance. He had presided over the Successor's Martial Discussion. He was one of the few high-ranking members of the Alliance who had seen my face back then. It seemed he had a favorable impression of me, likely because I had exposed Baek Hye-hyang’s side's attempt to use explosives, even if my motive had been to escape.
"You flatter me. It is an honor for me to meet both a Master and a Strategist like this."
"Hahaha! Indeed, you possess the spirit and humility befitting a successor of the Namcheon Sword Guest."
Master Manjong seemed to have taken a liking to me. I didn't have any particular connection with him, so the reason he was being so friendly was... Ah! I had met the Quanzhen Sect's rising star, the Taoist Hyeonjin.
It seemed so. Truly, one never knows how a connection might influence things later on. I had to maintain this momentum and find out what kind of trap they had laid.
"Come, have a seat."
Master Manjong gestured toward an empty spot at the round table where they were sitting. I approached, gave them a light bow, unslung the scabbard of the Namcheon Iron Sword from my back, hung it on the chair, and sat down.
Master Manjong smiled, seemingly in a good mood. "To think such a reliable junior would volunteer to come here for the future of the Orthodox Faction... This humble Taoist is pleased in many ways. Wouldn't you agree, Strategist?"
"......Indeed."
I cupped my fists toward them respectfully and said, "I am lacking compared to my seniors, but please allow me to lend a hand as a member of the Orthodox Faction."
"Hahaha, of course! As one of the Twin Heroes, you—"
Master Manjong was about to say something when Sama Jung-hyeon interrupted him.
"We appreciate you coming, but as this involves the Alliance's secrets, could you excuse us for a moment?"
He was cautious, as expected. Even if I held the title of one of the Twin Heroes, it was only natural to be suspicious of someone who appeared so suddenly. Master Manjong started to say something but closed his mouth. Seeing Sama Jung-hyeon's Adam's apple quiver, it seemed he was saying something via Sound Transmission.
At this, I stood up and said, "It seems I was thoughtless to barge in like this. My apologies, Strategist."
"There is no need for an apology. This matter is of such grave importance that we must be cautious in everything. I ask for your understanding."
"I understand. Then I shall step outside for a moment. Ah... if you intend to call me back soon, may I leave my sword here?"
Sama Jung-hyeon gave a faint smile and nodded. I cupped my fists again and walked out of the quarters.
Once So Woon-hwi had left and his presence had faded into the distance, Sama Jung-hyeon sent a Sound Transmission.
[Let us speak via Sound Transmission, just in case.]
"There is no need. This humble Taoist has already blocked the sound around us with Qi."
Sama Jung-hyeon nodded at those words. Master Manjong spoke with a chuckle.
"That young fellow is certainly youthful. Look at how he left his sword behind, fearing we might not call him back."
"He was likely leaving a point of contact. He is at an age overflowing with vigor."
Master Manjong looked at the Namcheon Iron Sword hanging on the chair. "Even though the remnants of the Blood Cult are rampant, I can feel that the Orthodox Faction is still very much alive. That Namcheon Sword Guest, Ho Jong-won, is truly impressive to have raised such a disciple."
"You seem to like him quite a bit."
"The title of the Twin Heroes is perfectly suited for him. Although he performed well during the martial assembly, I thought his martial prowess would fall short of Lee Jung-gyeom, the joint disciple of the Alliance Leader and Taoist Master Zhongxian. But I was entirely wrong."
Sama Jung-hyeon asked curiously, "Is he that good?"
Though he held the position of Second Strategist, Sama Jung-hyeon's martial prowess was only at the Peak Realm. In contrast, Master Manjong was a warrior who had reached the Supreme Peak Realm, befitting the leader of the Quanzhen Sect and an Elder of the Martial Alliance.
Master Manjong said seriously, "To be honest, he is concealing his energy, but even I would have to truly exchange blows with him to gauge his full strength."
Master Manjong had been constantly probing So Woon-hwi's martial prowess with his Qi Sense. Because the youth was concealing his energy, it didn't reveal much, but to hide it to that extent, their levels of martial prowess had to be at least somewhat close. That was why he believed the future of the Orthodox Faction was bright.
"But Strategist, was there a need to keep that fellow waiting? If we sent him straight to Simpyeong to wait with my disciples..."
"We must be cautious."
"Why is that?"
"Although the Alliance gave him the title of the Twin Heroes, the Namcheon Sword Guest has been missing for a long time and has not responded to the Alliance's summons."
"Well, that is true, but..."
"We are simply being careful, just in case."
"With that level of strength, he would be a great help in suppressing the current Blood Demon, wouldn't he?"
"His sudden appearance bothers me. Besides, our current strength is more than enough to suppress the Blood Demon."
"Then will you tell him to go back?"
"No. We shouldn't just blindly suspect him either. Let's take this opportunity to test whether the Alliance can truly trust and employ him."
Master Manjong asked, puzzled, "How?"
Second Strategist Sama Jung-hyeon unrolled a map on the table and pointed as he spoke.
"There are five ambush locations in total. These are the most suitable routes for escape, no matter which way he goes. I will give him a different set of locations."
"Ho-oh. If you do that..."
"If the Blood Demon ends up heading toward an absurd location and arrives at one of these routes, there will be no room for doubt."
"Hmm."
Master Manjong stroked his beard and nodded in agreement. There was no harm in being cautious. According to the Strategist, even if information leaked, they would never lose the Blood Demon. After all, they had blocked every possible escape route.
Furthermore, this would allow them to confirm the slight possibility that the disciple of the Namcheon Sword Guest might be a mole for the Blood Cult.
Master Manjong, who had been blocking the sound around them with his Qi, released the technique and spoke loudly.
"Are you outside?"
"...So, I would like you to guard this path."
I nodded as I looked at the spot Sama Jung-hyeon was pointing to. A strategist was a strategist, after all. To think he would suspect and test me in this situation. If I hadn't left the Namcheon Iron Sword behind, I might have actually aroused his suspicion. No, even if they had only spoken via Sound Transmission, it would have been dangerous. I suppose you could call this good luck.
"I understand. I will guard this location. Thank you for entrusting me with such an important task."
"Not at all. We should be the ones thanking you for stepping forward for the sake of the Great Way. There is still time before the trial, so why not have some breakfast before you go?"
"No, thank you. I shouldn't risk being spotted by the Blood Demon while I'm here, so I will head out early to guard the path."
Sama Jung-hyeon gave a light smile and nodded at my words. I cupped my fists and stood up.
Master Manjong spoke to me. "Once this matter is settled, let us go to the Martial Alliance together. The Alliance Leader is planning to establish new halls to deal with the remnants of the Blood Cult, and a fellow like you should surely take a position as a Hall Master."
'New halls?'
It seemed they were using the fact that the martial assembly had been disrupted by the Blood Demon Sword incident as an excuse to establish them. I had been looking for a natural way to infiltrate the Martial Alliance anyway; would using this be more natural?
However, digging too deep was also risky. If I suddenly took a Hall Master position, I might get caught.
"How could I possibly take on such a heavy responsibility? I thank you for the offer, though."
"Hahaha, you are too humble, young man. The Namcheon Sword Guest truly raised his disciple well."
It wasn't humility, but it had suddenly been interpreted as such. Just then, someone hurriedly opened the door to the quarters and entered.
Thud!
"Ma-Master!"
Judging by the robes, it was a disciple of the Quanzhen Sect. Seeing him panting and rushing in, Master Manjong frowned and asked, "What is it?"
"You must go to the main trial hall of the Right Army Commander's Office immediately!"
"What? Why? There are still two shijin left before noon."
At Master Manjong's question, the Quanzhen disciple spoke urgently. "By the order of His Highness King Qin, the trial has been moved forward and is happening right now!"
"What!"
Sama Jung-hyeon and Master Manjong both jumped to their feet in shock. I laughed inwardly at their reaction.
"Why would His Highness King Qin do such a thing?"
It was a good thing I had made sure to be seen with King Yeong by the hidden agents sent by King Qin late last night. He must have been keeping a close eye on King Yeong's every move.
Master Manjong looked at Sama Jung-hyeon with a look of utter incomprehension. "What on earth is going on?"
"Blast it! We've been played. King Yeong was just a distraction."
"What do you mean...?"
"It seems the one who joined hands with the Blood Demon is King Qin!"
It was too late to realize it now. The trial would already be underway. Of course, by King Qin's own authority, I—the defendant—wasn't even there. In fact, this was something King Qin had suggested to me. He said that if the trial proceeded properly, he would have to face both princes alone, so it would be easier to manage if the trial were concluded quickly.
"He is a cunning one. It seems we took that Blood Demon too lightly."
"How long has it been since the trial started?"
"I don't know. The entrance to the trial hall is blocked, so there's no way to check."
At those words, Sama Jung-hyeon said urgently, "Tsk... we must hurry. Master Manjong, please go and bring His Highness King Jin and His Highness King Yeong immediately. I will head to the trial hall at once. You, third-generation disciple of Quanzhen, go to the ambush sites immediately and inform them that the schedule has been moved up!"
"I shall do so."
"By your command!"
The situation had become urgent. For them, at least. For me, there was no rush at all. However, I had to play along.
"Strategist, I shall also hurry to the ambush site."
"You..."
Sama Jung-hyeon started to say something but stopped, then shook his head. "No. Please, go quickly."
I leisurely headed toward the location Sama Jung-hyeon had given me. About four li south of the Right Army Commander's Office, there was a heavily forested area. I figured I'd just kill time there until they eventually came and made a fuss, saying, 'We lost the Blood Cult Leader.' They would have no choice but to believe that I, as the Blood Cult Leader, had returned to Guangxi Province.
The plan was perfect.
He probably hesitated about whether he should give me the real ambush location since the situation had become so urgent. But seeing as he held back until the end, he was a more cautious man than that Third Strategist, Baek Wi-hyang.
It didn't matter to me whether I knew the real location or not. After all, my current identity was So Woon-hwi, the disciple of the Namcheon Sword Guest and one of the Twin Heroes.
The Lesser Conversation Sword snickered, finding it amusing.
I was heading toward the fake ambush site they had assigned me. I had entered the forest and was walking for a while when a strange scent tickled the tip of my nose. It smelled like blood.
Just then, I sensed a presence not far away. Looking in that direction, I saw someone staggering toward me, struggling to walk.
'A Quanzhen Taoist?'
His attire suggested as much. He was clutching his abdomen, where blood was gushing out, and his pale face indicated he was in critical condition. What on earth had happened?
"He-help me..."
The Quanzhen Taoist collapsed onto the ground and cried out to me. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should leave him, but since I had to stay in character as the disciple of the Namcheon Sword Guest, I ran toward him.
"What happened?"
At my question, the Taoist gasped for breath. "Huff... huff... I don't know who you are... but... it's dangerous... here."
"Get a hold of yourself!"
The Taoist was in very bad shape. It looked like he could stop breathing at any moment. It was a miracle he had even made it this far in his condition.
"There's... no time... Go to the Right Army... Commander's Office immediately... and tell my Master... no, tell Master Manjong... that at the ambush site... the Blood Demon launched a surprise attack..."
'!?'
What kind of nonsense was this?
I was right here.