Chapter 38: An Unidentified Test (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 38: An Unidentified Test (1)
“Are you really not going to report this?”
Jo Seong-won spoke to me, his voice laced with disbelief.
Sama Yeong had already filled him in on what had transpired in the Chief Strategist’s office while he was waiting for us at the lodging. Upon hearing the news, Jo Seong-won was now insisting that we report to Haeakcheon—who was stationed outside the fortress—and change our plans to reclaim the Blood Demon Sword.
This kid. I was one thing, but this disciple of the Beggar’s Sect had become a full-blown Blood Cultist.
Then again, since our goal was to recover the Blood Demon Sword, anyone would react the same way upon hearing that its location was being moved.
“Deputy Unit Leader?”
“……”
“What are you doing?”
When I didn't respond, Jo Seong-won voiced his frustration.
What was I doing? I was listening to the Sodam Sword recount the conversation that took place after we left.
I had originally intended to retrieve it myself, but Jang Myeong had brought the Sodam Sword back to me.
-So, as I was saying, that guy with the squinty eyes looked at that dagger. The small one…
The Sodam Sword was chattering away, clearly excited that it had accomplished something significant. Thanks to it, I had gained invaluable information.
I had almost walked straight into a trap.
‘……Zhuge Won-myeong.’
He certainly lived up to his reputation as the Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance. I hadn't expected him to set a trap like this. Leaving the Sodam Sword behind to eavesdrop on the off-chance of a lead had saved my life.
-Ahem.
The Sodam Sword let out a proud little cough, seemingly basking in its own success. No matter how brilliant Zhuge Won-myeong was, how could he have guessed that a dagger was eavesdropping on his every word?
-Right, right.
As the two of us shared a moment of agreement, the Namcheon Iron Sword chimed in.
-That’s all well and good, but wouldn't it be faster to just use the Heavenly Secret?
-……..
……He had a point.
If I used the Heavenly Secret, I wouldn't need to rely on the Sodam Sword. I’d have to keep that in mind for the future.
“Deputy Unit Leader?”
I looked at Jo Seong-won, who was calling out to me with a frustrated expression. I told him plainly:
“It’s a trap.”
“What?”
“Doesn't it strike you as odd? Why would they leak such critical information to us, people who aren't even part of the Martial Alliance?”
He frowned at my words. Since I couldn't tell him that the Sodam Sword had stayed behind to spy, I had to provide a plausible explanation. Fortunately, knowing the truth made it easy to piece together a convincing argument.
However, as I explained it to Jo Seong-won and Sama Yeong, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
‘……Wait, did they leak the information to the other side as well?’
-The other side? You mean that vixen?
With the intelligence network of the Chief Strategist’s Hall, they must have spotted many suspicious individuals besides us. If so, Baek Hye-hyang’s side would inevitably be caught in the net.
Of course, they would have prepared thoroughly, but Zhuge Won-myeong might be testing Baek Hye-hyang’s group by dangling bait just as he had with me.
-Isn't that a good thing, then? It’s a chance to wipe them out in one go.
The Sodam Sword’s point was logical. But there was a problem.
If Baek Hye-hyang’s side fell into the trap, the Martial Alliance would use it as a pretext to further unify the Orthodox factions. Moreover, they might not just keep the Blood Demon Sword as a trophy; they might take the drastic step of destroying it.
-But if that vixen gets caught, can't you just unify the Blood Cult without the sword?
The sword’s insight had improved quite a bit after following me around for so long. It was right, but there was also a worst-case scenario to consider.
-What is it?
The loyalty of the factions supporting Baek Hye-hyang. If their loyalty was deeper than we imagined, they would try to rescue her at any cost. If that happened, the Blood Cult could suffer a devastating blow before it even had a chance to rise again.
In that sense, her words were correct. From a different perspective, Baek Hye-hyang’s side and Baek Ryeonha’s side were essentially two parts of the same body. The internal war had to be settled without either side suffering massive losses for the Blood Cult to resurface in perfect condition.
-You’ve certainly had a big influence on things.
Tell me about it. In a way, Baek Hye-hyang could have taken control of the Blood Cult with very little effort, but because of me, she was now walking a difficult path, just like Baek Ryeonha.
-Tsk. I really wanted to see that vixen in trouble.
I felt the same way. But her getting captured and the Blood Cult weakening was not good for me. As someone currently affiliated with the Blood Cult, if my identity were accidentally revealed, I would lose the very shield that protected me.
‘He said five days from now, right?’
-That’s right.
If Zhuge Won-myeong was telling the truth, he would definitely be waiting with a trap in five days. I needed to make contact with Baek Hye-hyang’s side. At the very least, I had to give them this information so they wouldn't walk into the trap.
But how was I supposed to find them? They would be hiding their identities thoroughly to avoid detection within the fortress.
That evening, we headed outside the Martial Alliance fortress. It wasn't to find Baek Hye-hyang’s group, but because of a promise I had made to the master blacksmith.
Since we weren't officially involved in the Martial Alliance’s affairs, we were free to roam outside the fortress. That was why Seoilju, the disciple of the First Sword of Wuhan, had come to the Doyeon Inn alone to pick up Dongpo pork even though his group was staying inside the fortress.
‘By the way, it’s getting hard to see Yeong-yeong.’
I had tried to visit the Hengshan Sect’s quarters earlier to see her, but she was out attending a meeting of disciples from the Nine Great Sects. It seemed she was quite busy, considering she hadn't even shown her face after hearing news of us from Seoilju.
-Rustle!
As we left the fortress and entered the village, Sama Yeong lightly grabbed my sleeve.
“Deputy Unit Leadeeeer.”
I wondered what kind of favor she was about to ask, given the flirtatious, nasal tone she was using.
“How about we stop by the blacksmith and then pick up some Dongpo pork on the way back?” she asked.
“Oh! That’s a great idea.”
Jo Seong-won chimed in excitedly, supporting her request. The Dongpo pork from the Doyeon Inn was famous for being delicious even when cold. Biting into that chewy fat and tender meat while sipping on some liquor was nothing short of paradise on earth.
My mouth watered, but I kept a straight face. “If that is what everyone wishes.”
At that, Jo Seong-won grinned. “Oh, come on, Deputy Unit Leader. We know you’re tempted. Stop pretending you aren't.”
Look at this guy. He was starting to get comfortable enough to joke around with me. As long as he didn't cross the line, this was more comfortable than standing on ceremony.
Then Sama Yeong spoke up. “Wait, don't we need to reserve the Dongpo pork before it runs out? It’s already evening.”
“Ah… you’re right.”
The Dongpo pork at the Doyeon Inn was so popular that it usually sold out by evening. Sama Yeong turned to Jo Seong-won.
“Great Leader Jo, why don't you go ahead and make a reservation? The Deputy Unit Leader and I will stop by the blacksmith.”
-Flinch!
I saw Sama Yeong’s eyes sparkle like a hawk eyeing its prey. The corners of her mouth were turned up in a slight, excited smile. Was she aiming for a moment alone with me?
“Ahem. Why don't you go and make the reservation, Young Lady Sama? We’ll be back shortly.”
“Pardon?”
Sama Yeong blinked in surprise at my words. Jo Seong-won, catching my drift, quickly chimed in.
“Ahem. That sounds like a better plan. If the Deputy Great Leader goes ahead and waits after making the reservation, we’ll be there in no time.”
At his words, her lips puffed out in a pout as she glared at him. My suspicion was right. Lately, whenever we were alone, she would ask random things like, “Deputy Unit Leader, what kind of women do you like?” or “If you get married later, would you hate it if your father-in-law was a scary person?” It was starting to get a bit frightening.
The Sodam Sword muttered to me.
-You wouldn't know a good thing if it hit you in the…
‘Quiet!’
It was starting with the nonsense again. For something so small, it sure had a big mouth.
-……Fine. I’m short. Did you contribute anything to my length?
The Sodam Sword was in a rebellious mood for once. Sigh. I wasn't blind; I knew she was dropping hints that she liked me. All those random comments were clearly directed at me, and I’d have to be an idiot not to notice. It was just that…
-You just don't want a scary father-in-law.
“……..”
That hit the mark. Who in their right mind would dare covet the only daughter of Sama Chak, the Moon Evil Sword and one of the Four Great Villains? I was just an ordinary person in that regard.
Then the Namcheon Iron Sword cut in.
-Don't worry, Un-hwi. My previous master once gave advice to a junior martial artist who was getting married after getting into some trouble. He said that no matter how much a father-in-law hates his son-in-law, he wouldn't actually kill him.
“…….”
……Forget it. Arguing with these two only made me more confused. In a situation where I could barely keep myself alive, liking someone was a luxury I couldn't afford.
The Sodam Sword grumbled at my thoughts.
-Acting like you don't like it when you clearly do…
I told you to stop.
In any case, after sending a grumbling Sama Yeong toward the Doyeon Inn, Jo Seong-won and I arrived at Blacksmith Street. As darkness fell, most of the forges had their lights extinguished. Work was meant for the daytime, after all.
‘I wonder.’
I was feeling a bit of anticipation. After I had dealt with the disciple of the Fifth Blood Star, the blacksmith had mistakenly believed I had saved him and promised to grant me a favor in return.
When I asked if he could make the Sodam Sword sharper or more durable, he noted that the iron filings from the broken swords were made of Cold Iron. He promised to melt them down and craft something for me. I also had the five remaining swords in the incense burner to deal with, so I had come to the blacksmith for multiple reasons.
But something was wrong. Jo Seong-won must have felt it too, as he spoke to me.
“I don't sense any presence inside.”
We hurried inside. To our shock, most of the tools and the weapons that had been hanging on the walls were gone. It was as if the place had gone out of business overnight.
‘What on earth happened…?’
There were some traces left on the floor—broken blades and useless scraps—but all the important tools were missing. It really looked like he had moved out. Driven by a sudden worry, I rushed to where the incense burner was kept.
‘Ah!’
The five remaining imitation Muchen Swords that had been stuck in the incense burner were gone. It was strange that he had left all the other broken swords behind but taken only the imitations.
Jo Seong-won, who had searched the living quarters in the back, came out shaking his head.
“His clothes and belongings are gone too. Looking at the room, it seems he left in a great hurry. I have no idea what’s going on.”
It was bizarre. Why would someone who told me to come back a day later suddenly vanish? Moreover, even if it wasn't for me, hadn't he received a commission from the Alliance Leader, Baek Hyang-muk?
‘Was he kidnapped?’
I couldn't rule out that possibility. But if he had been kidnapped, it was strange that he had taken all his necessary tools with him.
-……Could the Alliance Leader have taken him? Un-hwi.
The Namcheon Iron Sword’s suggestion made sense. He had left behind all the other broken or cracked blades, but he had taken the five imitation Muchen Swords. Perhaps the Alliance Leader had made a move.
‘Hmm……’
But why would he? If the Alliance Leader had considered this a sensitive matter, he wouldn't have asked a blacksmith on Blacksmith Street to make the imitations in the first place.
It was just as I was pondering this.
-Behind you!
At the Sodam Sword’s shout, I ducked instinctively without a moment’s thought. Something whistled through the air, grazing the top of my head.
‘!?’
I quickly threw myself forward and spun around.
‘What?’
Jo Seong-won was already collapsed on the floor in front of the incense burner, unconscious. Yet, there was no one around. I couldn't even sense a presence, but the Namcheon Iron Sword spoke to me.
-Un-hwi…… there is a man in a black veil and a bamboo hat standing right behind you. Can't you tell?
‘What?’
A chill ran down my spine. He was right behind me, yet I couldn't feel a single thing. To think such a monstrous master had appeared.
Then, a voice came from behind me.
“Do not turn around.”
The voice was deep and distorted, as if he were disguising it. It felt as though he would pierce through me in an instant if I made even the slightest move. I had never felt such sharp killing intent in my life.
“Who…… are you?” I asked, my voice tight with tension.
There was no answer.
-Un-hwi. He is scanning the surroundings.
‘Scanning the surroundings?’
I was suddenly torn. The moment this man decided to kill me, I would be finished. I couldn't just stand here and let it happen simply because he told me not to turn around.
‘Whew.’
There was only one way to break this stalemate. I had to open my Middle Dantian and flee from the enemy with everything I had. But I couldn't leave Jo Seong-won behind. If I ran, there was no telling what would happen to him.
‘……I have to catch him off guard.’
It was do or die. This was right under the nose of the Martial Alliance, the sanctuary of the Orthodox faction. If all else failed, I would burst through the roof and scream with all my internal energy. My master, Haeakcheon, was not far away.
‘Hah!’
I threw open my sealed Middle Dantian. In one fluid motion, I drew the Sodam Sword and swung it behind me.
In that instant, something unbelievable happened.
-Clang!
Before I could even see it, the Sodam Sword was swatted away, flying through the air and embedding itself in the floor. He had clearly moved, but I hadn't even registered it. In that split second, I leaped backward and drew the Namcheon Iron Sword.
‘!?’
But the man was nowhere to be seen.
-Un-hwi. He’s behind you.
‘Damn it!’
He must have moved behind me the moment he blocked the Sodam Sword. The saying that a person becomes invisible when they move too fast truly hit home.
“It seems you don't value your life.”
The voice came from behind me again. There wasn't a hint of bloodlust in it, yet it made my heart hammer against my ribs. The mysterious man spoke.
“With your skills, you cannot see my face. Give up.”
I couldn't see his face? At that moment, an idea flashed through my mind. I tilted the Namcheon Iron Sword in my hand so that the flat of the blade acted as a mirror.
In the reflection, alongside my own face, appeared the figure in the black veil.
‘!?’
Through the gaps in the black veil, I saw his eyes narrow. He spoke as he watched me.
“A clever child…… Hm? That sword……”
His voice trailed off in curiosity. I didn't miss the opening and spun my body. My body rotated rapidly as my sword technique rose upward like a whirlwind, slashing in every direction—front, back, left, and right.
It was the 4th form of the Life Bright Sword Technique: Rising Dragon Return Sword. I chose this because it was the only technique capable of striking an opponent directly behind me.
‘I’ve got him.’
Soaring upward, I aimed for the roof. My plan was to maintain the technique, burst through the ceiling, and scream for help.
But then, the technique was abruptly halted.
‘!!!’
My heart dropped. Somehow, the man in the bamboo hat had leaped into the air with me and caught the blade of the Namcheon Iron Sword between two fingers. Then, with a flick of his wrist—
“Gah!”
The sheer weight of his profound internal power slammed me back down to the floor.
-Crash!
The wooden floorboards splintered as I landed in a tangled, unsightly heap. My body screamed in pain, but I forced myself up, springing back to my feet like a coiled wire. The man in the black veil stood right in front of me.
-U-Un-hwi!
He was no longer trying to hide his presence as he examined the Namcheon Iron Sword in his hand. To have my sword snatched away while performing a technique—it was a humiliation beyond words.
Then, the man spoke.
“So, you are the successor of the Namcheon Sword Guest.”
He had recognized me, whether by the sword or the technique. I asked him in a cautious voice.
“……Do you know me, Senior?”
“How could I not? I have wanted to meet you once.”
With those words, he flicked the Namcheon Iron Sword with his finger. The sword flew like an arrow and embedded itself in the floor in front of me.
-Thud! Twang!
The sword vibrated violently, yet the floor beneath it didn't even crack. His skill was nothing short of miraculous. This alone told me everything I needed to know.
‘……He’s stronger than Master.’
This man was a peerless master who far surpassed even the Bizarre Haeakcheon. Only twelve people in the world came to mind who could possess such monstrous power.
The man in the bamboo hat then said to me:
“Pick up your sword and come at me.”