Chapter 82: The Rumors Were True (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 82: The Rumors Were True (2)
“Yo—Young Master?”
The voice was a bit hoarse, but familiar.
A lump formed in my throat.
“I... I don’t know if this is a dream or if I’m awake.”
“You’re awake.”
At those words, the fellow pinched his cheek hard.
Then, his face fell.
“Ah... it’s a dream. I suppose it makes no sense for the kidnapped Young Master to appear before me with bloodshot eyes.”
Were my eyes bloodshot?
Anyway, what was this guy talking about? I told him he was awake, so why the sudden talk of dreams... Wait, could it be?
I hurriedly approached him.
As I tried to examine him, A-Song suddenly lunged forward and pulled me into a tight embrace.
He began to mutter to himself as if in a trance.
“I told myself I’d hug you at least once in a dream. Young Master. It must be so lonely staying in a place like that all by yourself without me or the Madam, right? I’ll find you for sure! Just hold on until then...”
“A-Song.”
“Even in a dream, your voice sounds so sturdy. I suppose this is what you’d look like by now?”
“It’s really me.”
“Oh, sure, sure.”
“I said it’s me, A-Song. This isn’t a dream.”
“...Pardon?”
He always had a bit of a vacant side to him, and that clearly hadn't changed. To think he hadn't changed at all even after suffering through such a harsh ordeal.
I gave his side a firm poke.
‘Ah...’
Pressing this spot should have been quite painful, but he didn't feel a thing.
Though I had managed to reconnect his energy pathways, it seemed the nervous system responsible for feeling pain hadn't been restored. That was why he thought it was a dream even after pinching his own cheek.
Just then, A-Song gave me a slight shove.
“Wait, why are you poking my side?”
“You?”
Good grief.
His strength was practically Herculean. It was almost no different from when he was a Half-Corpse.
It seemed I hadn't been able to return him completely to normal, or perhaps this was a side effect of his time as a Half-Corpse.
“A-Song. It hasn't been that many years, but since you were a Half-Corpse for a while, it seems you haven't fully returned to your original state.”
“For years? What are you talking about? I was...”
Suddenly, A-Song’s face went pale.
As if some terrible memory had resurfaced, he began to breathe raggedly.
“A-Song!”
“Gasp... huff... Is... is this real? I was kidnapped on my way to the Martial Alliance... huff... huff.”
He couldn't catch his breath.
It was understandable. Not only had he been subjected to a secret art that turned a perfectly fine human into something like a Jiangshi, but he had also endured the agony of having his eyes and mouth forcibly sewn shut.
As if those horrific memories were flooding back, he began to fumble at his eyes and mouth.
“My... my face?”
“It’s okay. I fixed it. Well, not completely, but mostly.”
A-Song looked at me with a bewildered expression. Then, his eyes welled up with tears as he grabbed my hand.
“Is it really you, Young Master?”
“I told you it was.”
“Oh, Young Master!”
He burst into tears and threw his arms around me. I patted the back of the man who was overcome with emotion.
I felt truly sorry for him, having suffered so much because of a pathetic master. If it hadn't been for my mother’s request, he could have lived a quiet life doing chores for the family.
A-Song pulled away and spoke to me.
“Young Master, how did you escape from that place? A gentleman who couldn't even learn martial arts... Gasp! Young Master, this isn't the time for this! We have to run!”
“Run?”
“Th—that... that monster of an old woman might come to catch me. No, wait. I’ll handle it somehow, so Young Master, you should...”
I grabbed A-Song’s arm and spoke.
“It’s over now, A-Song.”
“Young Master, this isn't something to take lightly. That monster of an old woman is a crazy wench who catches perfectly fine people and sews their eyes and mouths shut. Y—yes. She’s one of the notorious Four Great Villains, known as Wicked Heart Granny...”
“Pfft.”
A laugh escaped me. It was true, but hearing her called "Wicked Heart Granny" sounded strangely funny.
I patted A-Song on the shoulder and said, “Don’t worry. Wicked Heart Granny can’t harm you anymore.”
A-Song looked puzzled as he asked, “What do you mean by that?”
I pointed to the side.
There lay the bisected corpse of the old woman and her bell-adorned staff.
“Hiek!”
A-Song nearly had a fit when he saw it. Then, his eyes widened as he looked at the staff.
“That’s...?”
He must have remembered it as the one Wicked Heart Granny Cheol Su-ryeon always carried.
A-Song looked at me with an expression of utter incomprehension.
“Just what in the world is going on? The Young Master who was kidnapped by the Blood Cult appears before me on his own two feet. And a gentleman who couldn't learn martial arts somehow saved me...”
Before he could finish, I swept my fingers in a Sword Formula gesture.
Swa-shak!
The air shimmered, and a sharp killing intent carved a sword mark into the ground.
A-Song’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.
“Yo—Young Master? Have you... have you learned martial arts?”
He had always believed my Dantian was destroyed and that I could never learn martial arts, so seeing such divine authority displayed from my hand left him in shock.
I gave him a bright smile.
“Let’s go. I’ll tell you everything on the way. Let’s get something warm to eat while we talk.”
*
A port village in Honghu City.
Four people were sitting in a corner on the first floor of an inn, having a meal.
They were Sama Yeong, the twin brothers Song Jwa-baek and Song Woo-hyeon, and Jang Mun-ryang, the Ghost-Slaying Fist Demon who had become Jwa-baek’s master.
“Sigh.”
Song Jwa-baek spoke to Sama Yeong, who was sighing so much her noodles were getting soggy.
“Please eat something. Your sighs are going to bring the roof down.”
“How can I eat at a time like this?”
She was worried because there had been no news all night. She had wanted to go look for him, but everyone had talked her out of it. They said that going to a place where one of the Five Great Villains, Wicked Heart Granny, was located would only be a hindrance to Jin Un-hwi.
“The elder went with him, so it should be fine.”
“How do we know if it’s fine or not? The night has passed and it’s already noon.”
At her words, Jang Mun-ryang clicked his tongue.
“The Lord will be fine. And...”
Jang Mun-ryang whispered in a low voice.
“No matter how strong that old hag is, how could she possibly handle both the Moon Evil Sword and the Lord?”
Common sense dictated that they weren't lacking in power at all. In a confrontation between two of the Five Great Villains and one, anyone could see the odds were in favor of the former.
However, the lack of news throughout the night was indeed concerning.
‘Was that Jonju fellow right?’
If that monster of a man had warned them not to touch Wicked Heart Granny, there was surely some hidden trick up her sleeve. But he kept his mouth shut, fearing that saying so would only make Sama Yeong more miserable.
Just then, a commotion was heard outside.
A group of about six people entered the inn, drawing the attention of those around them.
“What’s all the fuss... Gasp!”
Song Jwa-baek reflexively looked over and then quickly lowered his head.
“What did you see to make you... Ah!”
Sama Yeong was also unable to hide her surprise. There were two familiar faces among the group. And they weren't just any familiar faces.
“Ardent King Hegemon!”
At the very front was a middle-aged man with a powerful impression and a short beard, walking with his hands behind his back. He was none other than Ardent King Hegemon Jin Gyun.
And beside him was his grandson, Jin Yong.
Jang Mun-ryang, with a flustered expression, pointed to his own face and asked Song Jwa-baek, “Is everything in place?”
He was checking if his human skin mask was still secure. Jang Mun-ryang recalled crossing paths with him once or twice. Each time, they had clashed due to their opposing roles as a villain and one of the Eight Great Masters.
But now, he hadn't even recovered ten percent of his martial arts.
‘Why is that martial-arts-obsessed fool here?’
Ardent King Hegemon Jin Gyun was a man who loathed villains. Jang Mun-ryang was beyond flustered, not knowing how the man would react if his identity were discovered.
Song Jwa-baek shook his head in disbelief.
“Is this place a meeting square or something? It’s like a gathering spot for superhumans.”
Yesterday, Moon Evil Sword Sama Chak had dropped in unannounced. Today, even Ardent King Hegemon Jin Gyun had appeared. It was beyond absurd; it was truly a bizarre coincidence.
Straining their ears, they could hear the group talking.
“Is this the place?”
“Yes, Senior.”
A man who looked to be in his mid-thirties answered Jin Gyun’s question politely.
However, Jin Yong, the grandson standing next to Jin Gyun, grumbled, “Grandfather, do you really believe those rumors? Didn't you see it for yourself back then? Does it make sense for someone to break the wall in just a few months?”
At Jin Yong’s words, Jin Gyun shook his head.
“I thought you might have learned something at Peerless Fortress, but you’re still the same.”
With those words, Jin Gyun glanced toward Sama Yeong’s group eating in the corner.
Song Jwa-baek was startled and quickly averted his gaze.
Jin Yong narrowed his eyes and spoke as if he recognized them.
“Oh? Those two giants. I saw them during the Successor's Martial Discussion.”
He had also participated in the Successor's Martial Discussion, and the twin brothers Song Jwa-baek and Song Woo-hyeon had such strong impressions that he couldn't forget them.
Jin Gyun, looking at the two brothers, let out a small exclamation.
“There are truly many outstanding individuals in your generation.”
“Pardon?”
“If you don't strive and hone your skills constantly, it will be difficult to make a name for yourself.”
Jin Yong couldn't understand what Jin Gyun was saying at all. His grandfather was stingy with praise, not just for his own grandson but for anyone. Yet, he was praising them.
‘Why is he doing that?’
Especially the one with hair among those twin giants—hadn't he fought to a draw against the successor of the Namcheon Sword Guest during the Successor's Martial Discussion? Still, he couldn't see what was so outstanding about them.
“There are many people here, so let’s go to the second floor. If we wait, we’ll eventually see him.”
“Senior, we will escort you.”
Those who appeared to be part of the group catered to Jin Gyun’s whims. Looking closely, two of them wore clothes with specific markings, identifying them as members of the Martial Alliance.
As the group prepared to head upstairs, Jin Yong stayed behind.
“Grandfather. They might be his companions, so I’ll go and ask them.”
Jin Gyun stared at his grandson for a moment before letting out a sigh.
“Make sure you do not lack in etiquette.”
“I understand.”
As Jin Gyun and the rest of the group went upstairs, Jin Yong approached the table where Sama Yeong’s group sat.
Having already guessed who they were looking for from the overheard conversation, Sama Yeong and the others discussed via sound transmission how they should respond.
Just as Jin Yong approached them and was about to offer a fist-and-palm salute...
The entrance of the inn became noisy once again.
Jin Yong turned his head.
There, he saw two figures standing with the sunlight at their backs.
“Young Master!”
Sama Yeong sprang up from her seat.
The two figures entering the inn were none other than Jin Un-hwi and A-Song.
The reason the people at the entrance were buzzing was partly because of their appearance, but mostly because of the large, blood-stained sack A-Song was carrying on his back.
Upon entering the inn, Jin Un-hwi’s gaze first landed on Sama Yeong and the others before shifting toward the second floor.
“Hey there!”
Jin Yong called out to Jin Un-hwi as he walked toward the entrance with an air of importance.
Glancing upward to check on his grandfather, Jin Yong offered a light fist-and-palm salute and said, “Little So, it’s been a long time.”
He immediately treated him like a younger brother. At Jin Yong’s words, Jin Un-hwi gave a small smirk.
They had met at Peerless Fortress, but since Un-hwi had been wearing a human skin mask and an eyepatch then, Jin Yong didn't recognize him at all. There was no need to reveal his identity as the Young Sect Leader of the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect.
However, that smirk rubbed Jin Yong the wrong way.
‘He’s laughing?’
He was about to get annoyed, but mindful of his grandfather, he suppressed it. But why did this guy feel so much like that fellow he had seen at Peerless Fortress?
Regardless, since his grandfather wanted to see him, he had to bring him along.
Then, Jin Un-hwi also gave a light greeting.
“It has been a while.”
“Little So. Your reputation has been quite grand lately.”
Though it was likely a reputation built on heavy exaggeration. He wanted to confirm right then and there if the rumors were true. Having learned two of the eight martial arts of the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect at Peerless Fortress, Jin Yong’s capabilities had improved significantly, and he was quite confident.
‘Grandfather might even set up a match.’
Hadn't his grandfather scolded him as if his pride had been wounded when they first met? Since then, just hearing rumors about this guy made his teeth itch.
In any case, the fact that his grandfather had come all this way suggested he might want to compare the two of them.
‘He might make us duel.’
If a stage was set and they fought, he could see just how much the rumors had been exaggerated. But just taking him along felt bothersome given his relaxed attitude.
Jin Yong said with a smile, “I should have spent my time building a reputation like you instead of practicing martial arts. If I had, I might have gained a grand title like yours. Hahahaha.”
It sounded like a compliment on the surface, but it was a clear provocation. Everyone around them felt it.
Just then, A-Song dropped the sack he was carrying onto the floor with a thud.
“Oof, that’s heavy.”
Naturally, the eyes of Jin Yong and the others were drawn to the sack. They had been curious about what it was, especially since it was stained with blood.
Jin Yong said, testing the waters, “What is that? Someone might think you’re carrying a corpse around.”
At Jin Yong’s words, A-Song replied with a smirk, “Wow. You have a very sharp eye, Young Master.”
“What?”
Was there really a corpse inside?
Jin Yong frowned as he looked at the sack. It was absurd for someone making a name for himself in the Orthodox Faction to bring a sack containing a corpse into an inn.
However, he changed his mind. He thought he could use this to put him in a difficult spot.
“Now, Little So. What is the meaning of this, carrying a corpse around in broad daylight?”
“It’s a body that needs to be sent to the Martial Alliance, so I had no choice.”
“The Martial Alliance?”
“It’s the mastermind behind the recent kidnappings of women.”
He recalled hearing something about this from the Martial Alliance people on the way here. They said a series of indiscriminate kidnappings had occurred in Inak Village, and members of the newly formed Phoenix Hall had been dispatched. He had heard they hadn't caught the culprit, but the culprit was in this sack?
“Have you identified who it is?”
“I have.”
At Jin Yong’s question, Jin Un-hwi replied nonchalantly.
“It is the corpse of Wicked Heart Granny Cheol Su-ryeon.”
“Wha—what?!”
In that moment, Jin Yong couldn't hide his shock.
Murmur, murmur!
The same went for the people around them. After all, Wicked Heart Granny Cheol Su-ryeon was one of the Five Great Villains.