Chapter 82
Chapter 82
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Unhyeon’s Heretics
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The road to Hugwang was leisurely. Unlike the mission in Shandong, they had time to stop at inns for rest. The horses were exceptionally swift.
The difference in leadership was stark. Won-yeong, unlike her uncle, avoided forced marches. It came as a surprise to Yuk Jin-yang. He had expected her to charge ahead recklessly to rescue her comrades.
When he asked the reason, Won-yeong answered readily.
"The military values speed, but the Art of War also says this: A hasty march may cover great distances, but the general will be captured, and most soldiers will fall behind."
"You prioritize preserving your forces."
"It depends on the situation. When facing heretics, it's best to stay in top condition. They use all sorts of sorcery and tricks."
Won-yeong glanced back at Yuk Jin-yang trailing behind.
"Well, you already know that. You faced Bulbi-in in Shandong, right? How was it?"
"A sound technique expert. And they used formations."
"Exactly."
A trace of bitterness crossed Won-yeong's face as she replied.
"Who knows what traps they've set. We even have to consider the possibility that our comrades are bait to lure us in."
"Understood."
Three days later, the group finally arrived at their destination.
Unhyeon was a cozy village nestled amid gentle hills and streams. Perhaps due to its small size, the air felt faintly devoid of people.
The impression grew stronger as they entered. Though the sun hung high at midday, few people moved through the market streets. Abandoned houses dotted the area.
Yuk Jin-yang was not the only one sensing something amiss. Won-yeong and Yu-baek gripped their reins with one hand while clutching their sword hilts with the other.
With their senses heightened, the group headed to the county office at the village center. Fortunately, County Magistrate Ji-hyeon was unharmed.
After notifying the gate guards of their visit and purpose, they were soon invited inside.
Unhyeon's magistrate differed markedly from the corrupt officials they'd seen aplenty in Shandong. He looked haggard, as if deeply troubled by the incident for ages. His robes were disheveled, his eyes hollow.
The magistrate ordered a servant to bring tea. His complexion was grim. Even with steam rising from the cup before him, it took him a long while to speak.
"Are you truly warriors from the Alliance?"
"Yes."
Won-yeong stepped forward to exchange greetings. The magistrate's gaze briefly swept over the group. With a displeased expression, he muttered softly.
"Too young."
He may have intended it as a whisper, but the warriors' ears caught it clearly. Won-yeong's face hardened, and she twisted her lips as she asked,
"What do you mean by that?"
"I appreciate you coming to this remote backwater in these brutal times, but frankly, I can't help but worry. The demons rooted here are no pushovers."
"Demons? We heard it was the White Lotus Cult."
"Call them what you will. But they're as evil as any demon. They devoured dozens of my soldiers whole."
His expression was too grave for jest or metaphor. Won-yeong countered,
"Devoured?"
"People started vanishing here a few months ago. At first, I thought they'd fled to another town to escape the chaos."
"They hadn't?"
"What refugee leaves their home drenched in blood?"
"...!"
The group exchanged quick glances. It had to be the White Lotus Cult's doing.
"I immediately sent troops to investigate, thinking it might be wild beasts. But even they vanished."
The magistrate took a sip of tea. His trembling hand spilled drops onto the back.
"That's when I realized it was beyond me. That's why I sought the Alliance's aid despite the unrest. But your comrades, unlike their bold promises, achieved nothing and vanished just the same."
His gloomy eyes fixed on the Five Harmony Alliance warriors.
"You understand? Be careful. Something is happening here."
"Enough with the chit-chat."
Won-yeong cut him off coldly. She seemed fed up with the evasive talk.
"To the point. We need specific information for the search."
"I have a log of the incidents. But it won't be much use."
Won-yeong tilted her head.
"What do you mean?"
"...Take it."
The magistrate pulled a folded booklet from his sleeve pocket and handed it over. No sooner had they taken it than he declared he could offer no more help. He was sending them away.
The group left the office and headed to their tethered horses. As Won-yeong quickly scanned the document while walking, she clicked her tongue softly. She folded the booklet roughly and shook her head.
"Nothing useful at all. Just victim profiles and a few worthless clues. The Alliance warriors who came before us probably got no real help from him either."
Yu-baek grumbled.
"If he can't help, he should be ashamed. What kind of attitude is that? Scaring us while putting on airs. Is he even a proper official?"
"Our junior had high hopes for the magistrates and troops, huh?"
Won-yeong smiled as if at a naive little sister. She continued explaining.
"Remember this well. Most officials and soldiers are useless or incompetent. It's a blessing if they don't get in our way."
"That bad? I heard plenty of constables train in martial arts."
"Even if they do, they're barely third-rate at best. In key areas, maybe, but not in a rural village like this. Why do you think the court stations martial artists in the provinces to begin with?"
Yu-baek thought for a moment before answering uncertainly.
"To check the unorthodox sects?"
"To suppress peasant revolts. Against trained warriors, they'd be outmatched, but against farmers, it's enough."
Won-yeong added,
"Intelligence is the same. Against heretics using sorcery, it's useless. You saw it—they couldn't even grasp the enemy's nature."
"Then how will we track their traces?"
"Jin O-young's report. It said their trail ends at Yuwon Temple, west of Unhyeon."
Yu-baek tilted his head and asked,
"Then shouldn't we have gone there first?"
"In case the magistrate betrays us. We had to keep the possibility of collusion open. If needed, we'd take his head first. He seemed too scared to be a turncoat, though."
Her nonchalant reply revealed deep distrust of officials. Yuk Jin-yang could only guess she'd seen plenty in her time.
The group rode slowly along a flower-lined path when a small hermitage appeared. Chanting voices rang out clearly from within. Yuk Jin-yang nodded toward it and asked,
"Is that the place?"
"Probably. Let's check."
They tied their horses to a tree and approached the hermitage.
Sensing their presence, perhaps, the chanting stopped abruptly as they neared the main hall. Shadows flickered beyond the paper doors, followed by a query from inside.
"Who is it?"
"We have questions."
Won-yeong stated their purpose plainly.
The door creaked open, and a young monk poked his head out. His pale face and gaunt limbs evoked a Tibetan ascetic.
The monk's hazy eyes quickly scanned the group, lingering on their weaponry. He spoke with open wariness.
"This is a hermitage for small-vehicle practitioners. We cannot accept alms from those reeking of blood. Please leave."
"We're not here to hear sermons or give alms before filling your bowl."
Won-yeong parried with a grin.
"We want to ask about recent events. Spare us some time."
"...Very well."
At last, the monk flung the door wide.
"Come in. I can't imagine what business warriors like you have with a lowly practitioner like me."
The group stepped inside slowly. Yuk Jin-yang, surveying the hall's layout, sent a transmission.
―Senior.
―Yeah, I know.
The curt reply held layers of meaning. Won-yeong added,
―But to catch a tiger, you enter its den.
―Won't it bolt if we smoke it out from outside, no matter how fierce?
―I know formations too. This hall is structured to be sealed from within.
―Meaning we're trapped if they bar it. Got it.
In that brief exchange via transmission, much was conveyed. Yuk Jin-yang yielded to his superior's judgment.
The hall interior was cramped. With three sturdy warriors inside, the space felt tight enough to hear each other's breaths. Won-yeong began without a hint of discomfort.
"We're from the Five Harmony Alliance."
"Government dogs, then."
The monk's words grated.
In the martial world, the Five Harmony Alliance was often derided as the court's hounds for oppressing fellow martial artists. Even amid current rivalries, their record stood.
Won-yeong raised one eyebrow but steered the topic with restraint.
"How did you know we're warriors?"
"I'm no expert, but my master was from Shaolin. I've dabbled in martial arts myself, so your prowess is obvious."
"I see."
Won-yeong replied indifferently and pressed on.
"Then, have you seen other warriors like us recently? They'd have badges on their belts or necks—easy to spot."
"Hard to say. I've been focused on practice."
The monk trailed off, seeming to ponder, then lowered his voice in mutter.
"Ah, I remember. A man and woman came by once and asked about the happenings in Unhyeon."
"And?"
"Hmm. This might take a while. Let me get some tea."
The monk broke off and half-rose awkwardly. Won-yeong stopped him cold.
"No tea needed."
"Why the sudden change?"
"Who knows what tricks you'd pull the moment you step away?"
Won-yeong's tone sharpened as she glared. Her hand already gripped the short sword at her waist. She was prepared for indoor combat.