Chapter 149
Chapter 149
----------------------------------------------------------------- Translator: Ryuma Chapter: 149 Chapter Title: Reunion in Dankyeong ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Divine Demon Blood Death Squad crossed the mountains, traversed the ridges, and cut across the plains. After such a smooth journey, they finally had their destination in sight. Before descending the final mountain, Hyeok Mulin gazed at the gradually emerging Dankyeong from his carriage. 'So that's Dankyeong.' Taking in the fairly large city, Hyeok Mulin advanced until the entire area was within view, then halted the movement. He stepped down from the carriage and assembled the Divine Demon Blood Death Squad. With Dankyeong directly ahead, Hyeok Mulin addressed them.
"As you can all see, that's Dankyeong right in front of us. Does anyone know its characteristics?"
"……."
Silence flowed through their ranks at Hyeok Mulin's question.
"No one knows, huh."
It couldn't be helped. It was only natural. This was the Central Plains, not the Divine Province, and not even an area dominated by the Nine Great Righteous Sects and Eight Great Schools, so most demonic cultivators would be ignorant of it. Hyeok Mulin, who had anticipated this, nodded calmly and spoke.
"Before we enter, let's confirm some basic information. Han Baek."
"Yes!"
"Begin the briefing."
"Understood."
Han Baek stepped forward and began explaining while facing the squad members.
"Dankyeong is located in the western part of Shaanxi Province, a region with heavy foot traffic and constant movement."
It was the largest city among those near Gansu Province, so it was no exaggeration to say that anyone passing between Gansu and Shaanxi had to stop there.
"And most importantly, this is a place where the righteous and demonic factions coexist and live together."
At those words, Hyeok Mulin recalled the young experts he had briefly encountered in the Sichuan city. The Sacheon Tang Clan, Jeogal Clan, and successors from the Four Seas Alliance had engaged in a silent battle. Yet they growled at each other while still mingling and living side by side. That was their way of life. While some areas were completely severed from the righteous sects, the Central Plains also had places where people coexisted based on mutual gains and losses.
"When it comes to the greatest power in such a Dankyeong, there's no need to debate—it's these two."
Han Baek raised two fingers and continued.
"First, the demonic faction's Salvation Gate."
The Salvation Gate dominated Dankyeong's underworld, wielding immense influence across the entire city. It was also the largest demonic sword sect in Shaanxi Province.
"And second."
Han Baek's eyes flicked briefly toward Danri Hyang.
"The righteous faction's Danri Clan."
"……!"
"……!"
At that, all eyes turned in one direction. Receiving their gazes, Danri Hyang simply stared straight ahead in silence. Han Baek paused briefly before resuming his explanation.
"The Danri Clan originally hailed from Anhui Province but migrated to Shaanxi after the Great Demonic War."
They had once enjoyed ample authority in Anhui, but the Great Demonic War changed everything. During that war, they suffered an invasion that left their headquarters utterly devastated—not a blade of grass remained—and they chose relocation over rebuilding. Settling here, they rebuilt their power and became Dankyeong's overlords, but after the Salvation Gate was founded, the city was divided between them.
"The rest doesn't align with our objectives, so that concludes the briefing."
Having shared the minimal information needed for their goal, Han Baek returned to his position. Hyeok Mulin stepped forward again and addressed the squad.
"Then, before entering Dankyeong, we'll split the unit here."
It was unnecessary and wasteful for the entire unit to perform the same mission. Thus, before entering Dankyeong, Hyeok Mulin divided the Divine Demon Blood Death Squad into teams to maximize results in the shortest time.
"The first team, centered on me and Deputy Leader Danri, will gather intelligence within the city."
Danri Hyang nodded at Hyeok Mulin's orders.
"The second team under Ji Leader and Han Baek will not enter the city but collect information from the surroundings."
"Understood."
"Finally, the third team under Man Deputy Leader, focused around Na Taemun, will roam inside and outside Dankyeong, tracking only the traces of the missing squad member and Tugwang. Clear?"
"Yes!"
The squad members voiced their firm resolve. Hyeok Mulin looked at them and immediately issued the command.
"Then, move out." Sususu! At once, each team dispersed around their leaders and deputies. Now, only Hyeok Mulin, Danri Hyang, and about a dozen squad members remained. Taking them in, Hyeok Mulin turned on his heel.
"Let's move out too."
"Yes!"
Thus, the Divine Demon Blood Death Squad scattered with different objectives, and the first team that entered Dankyeong began gathering information in their own ways.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Three days later. In one inn, Hyeok Mulin and Danri Hyang were sharing breakfast. They lightly ate their noodle soup while exchanging the intelligence they'd gathered so far.
"Overall, the town feels chaotic, with a tense atmosphere lingering."
"Yes. Lately, the strife between the Danri Clan and Salvation Gate has intensified, directly impacting the residents' lives."
Before entering Dankyeong, they had some prior knowledge of their rivalry from reports, but what Hyeok Mulin sensed firsthand exceeded that. They weren't content with mere provocations; both sides frequently encroached on each other's territories. And most provocations originated from the Salvation Gate.
"Seems like the bad blood runs deep. It won't end easily."
"Yes. Neither side seems likely to yield."
As they speculated on Dankyeong's future over their meal, Thud. A middle-aged man in a bamboo hat approached and asked Hyeok Mulin, "Those noodles look chewy. Is the broth made from chicken bones by chance?"
"No, it's a stock from mushrooms and vegetables."
The man nodded at Hyeok Mulin's reply.
"I see. Thanks."
After their brief exchange, the man bowed lightly and left the inn. Hyeok Mulin watched his back, then checked his palm. He unfolded the small scrap of paper there. Hyeok Mulin read the note's contents in one glance.
"What does it say?"
To Danri Hyang's question, Hyeok Mulin replied flatly.
"They've found traces of Tugwang."
Danri Hyang's pupils widened at that. Hyeok Mulin rose from his seat.
"Follow me."
He exited the inn and strolled through the streets. Proceeding without hesitation, he soon arrived at the destination. Danri Hyang, following behind, stopped accordingly and looked up at the sharply arched gate's top.
Then what should we do?"
"Storming in head-on would just cause a commotion. Sneaking in is possible, but without knowing the internal layout, it's too risky."
"If they catch wind of us, they'll hide even deeper."
Even knowing the target was right before them, with the path blocked, Danri Hyang bit his lower lip.
"Then maybe we should head back and devise a plan..."
As Danri Hyang turned his head while speaking, he noticed Hyeok Mulin's utterly composed expression. Puzzled, he asked, "Cult Leader, do you have something in mind?"
Hyeok Mulin's lips slowly curved into a smile.
"Of course. There's a way." A way to entwine with them naturally—and inseparably.