Chapter 277
Chapter 277
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 277
Chapter Title: The Ugang Escort Agency
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In the Sugyeong Pavilion, Dam Yu-yeon’s office.
Jongjeong Yak listened as Dam Yu-yeon explained about the wanderer standing before her.
He wore old gray robes and carried a sword wrapped in bandages on his back.
His name was Seol So.
He betrayed not a shred of emotion, appearing at first glance like an old monk who had transcended all worldly affairs.
But according to Dam Yu-yeon, he was the most skilled wanderer in all of Jeokcheonmakji.
‘This man is a high-level wanderer?’
Jongjeong Yak blinked after hearing Dam Yu-yeon’s full explanation.
Most high-level wanderers were middle-aged men with extensive experience in the martial world.
But wasn't the man before her a youth, hardly different in age from herself?
Furthermore, his gaze was so placid and still that she found him somewhat off-putting.
‘I don’t really like him.’
Just as she was inwardly sighing and shaking her head,
“Don’t worry.”
Dam Yu-yeon, noticing Jongjeong Yak’s troubled expression, offered a smile.
“Young Master Seol will surely be a great help.”
“Sister.”
「Trust me. No matter what happens, trust and rely on him. Understand?」
Then, she suddenly sent a telepathic message.
Jongjeong Yak was puzzled.
Why was she sending a telepathic message when they were alone in the office?
But seeing Dam Yu-yeon’s confident smile, she found herself nodding unconsciously.
If Dam Yu-yeon, who had memorized the information of every wanderer in Jeokcheonmakji, said so, it must be true.
“Law Enforcement Elder. Must we really hire a wanderer?”
At that moment, a young man who had been standing beside Jongjeong Yak the whole time voiced his displeasure.
“I also have plenty of experience in the martial world. I alone should be sufficient for your protection.”
His name was Neung Jo-un.
A warrior from the Flying Sword Sect, he was her adjutant and had served her for a long time.
Though he had a somewhat fiery temper, he was highly skilled in martial arts and fiercely loyal, which was why Jongjeong Yak valued him greatly.
“This isn’t about protection.”
Jongjeong Yak stated firmly.
“To solve this case, I need a wanderer who is well-versed in the underworld and knowledgeable about the affairs of the Black Faction.”
“Can’t we just subdue such people with martial arts or persuade them with money? Isn’t it one or the other?”
“It’s not that simple.”
She had ventured into the martial world many times to handle dangerous missions.
She knew very well how much of a help it was to have someone familiar with the underworld by her side.
“Do not argue on this matter.”
After speaking solemnly, Jongjeong Yak looked at Bu Eun-seol and nodded.
“Very well. I’ll make the contract.”
Jongjeong Yak handed the paper she had received from Dam Yu-yeon to Bu Eun-seol.
“The terms of the contract are to assist and protect me until I return to the Murim Alliance. And to never disclose anything you see or hear during that time.”
She spoke in a commanding, confident tone, befitting her status as a Law Enforcement Elder of the Murim Alliance.
“Can you do it?”
“I have three conditions.”
“Three?”
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice.
“Other than you, no one is to give me orders or interfere.”
That condition was clearly aimed at the disgruntled Neung Jo-un.
Jongjeong Yak smiled and said,
“You’re quite meticulous. Fine. What’s the second?”
“When I take measures for safety, you must also follow my instructions.”
“That’s a problem.”
Neung Jo-un stepped forward with a sharp expression.
“Protecting the Law Enforcement Elder is my duty.”
“I said measures for safety, not protection.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
Sensing their argument might drag on, Jongjeong Yak nodded.
“Fine. I accept that condition as well.”
“Law Enforcement Elder!”
As Neung Jo-un protested, Jongjeong Yak spoke firmly.
“He said only when it’s a measure to protect me. What’s the third?”
“You are the only one I am contracted to protect. I will not be responsible for any other person.”
“Alright.”
She then said to Bu Eun-seol,
“Are we done now?”
“Yes.”
As Bu Eun-seol accepted the paper, Dam Yu-yeon beamed a bright smile.
「Thank you, Young Master Seol.」
In truth, Dam Yu-yeon had gone to Bu Eun-seol’s inn to make a separate request.
She had asked him to make a contract with Jongjeong Yak, offering to pay him a reward comparable to that of a special-grade wanderer herself.
Of course, this request was to be kept secret from her.
「There is nothing to thank me for. This is just a job.」
As Bu Eun-seol replied, Jongjeong Yak smiled, nodded, and said,
“Then let’s depart.”
A single eight-horse carriage and a group of mounted warriors galloped down the main road.
Jongjeong Yak’s destination was the Ugang Escort Agency.
Recently contracted with the Murim Alliance, they were responsible for delivering spiritual medicines from Shaanxi to the Alliance.
However, in recent years, the number of spiritual medicines that should have been delivered to the Murim Alliance had frequently gone missing.
In fact, not long ago, over fifty Purple Elixir Pills that the Ugang Escort Agency was supposed to transport had vanished completely.
Although they had paid a massive sum in compensation, questions remained.
—This isn’t a simple accident.
Jongjeong Yak had a gut feeling that something was wrong with the Ugang Escort Agency and intended to investigate it thoroughly.
“Whoa.”
When the carriage stopped and Jongjeong Yak’s party disembarked, the guards standing in front of the Ugang Escort Agency cupped their hands in greeting.
“How may we help you?”
Jongjeong Yak strode forward confidently and presented the guard with the token symbolizing her status as a Law Enforcement Elder.
“We’re from the Murim Alliance. Is the Agency Head inside?”
The guard looked down at the token and cupped his hands.
“Please wait a moment.”
After a while, the guard returned and gestured politely with one hand.
“This way, please.”
Upon entering the escort agency, the interior was so quiet it was desolate.
An eerie silence filled the agency, which should have been bustling with energy. There were no escorts or laborers moving goods.
“Did something happen? Why is it so quiet?”
At her question, the guard leading the way bowed obsequiously and said,
“It’s a very busy season these days. Everyone is out transporting goods.”
“I see.”
After passing several buildings, they entered a pavilion with a large reception hall designed to welcome guests.
“My lady, please go inside. The Agency Head will be out shortly.”
‘A trap.’
Observing the scene, Bu Eun-seol immediately sensed that a trap had been laid within the pavilion.
Even from a distance, he could clearly hear the faint grinding of metal.
However, Jongjeong Yak and Neung Jo-un seemed completely oblivious, their expressions serene.
“Alright.”
As Jongjeong Yak was about to open the door without hesitation, Bu Eun-seol stopped her.
“From now on, wherever you go, never enter first.”
When Bu Eun-seol moved to enter first, the guard bowed his head with a troubled expression.
“The Agency Head requested only the young lady.”
Neung Jo-un then smirked slightly at Bu Eun-seol and said,
“The Law Enforcement Elder isn’t walking into a death trap; she’s entering a reception room to meet the Agency Head.”
Jongjeong Yak also smiled at Bu Eun-seol.
“It’s fine. Please wait outside.”
But Bu Eun-seol was firm.
“Have you already forgotten our agreement? This is a measure for safety.”
“Hmph.”
Seeing the unwavering look in Bu Eun-seol’s eyes, Jongjeong Yak sighed and said to the guard,
“I will explain to the Agency Head myself.”
The guard then bowed his head with a look of reluctant displeasure.
And Jongjeong Yak also went inside.
*Clang.*
But as she entered, the sound of a door shutting from the outside suddenly echoed.
It was a heavy, metallic sound.
*Clang! Chaang!*
Simultaneously, the clash of weapons rang out from beyond the door.
‘Something’s happened!’
*Rattle, rattle.*
She jumped to her feet and tried to go back outside, but the door was firmly shut.
*Bang!*
She used her internal energy, but the door didn’t budge.
It turned out that only the surface was wood; the inside was made of steel.
*Swish-swish-swish-swish!*
At that moment, with sharp sounds of something cutting through the air, black hidden weapons began to pour out from the walls on all sides.
“It’s a trap!”
Jongjeong Yak quickly drew her sword and created a dense sword screen.
The sword technique she used was the Heavenly Steel Sword Art, taught only to the hall master-level figures of the Murim Alliance.
Rising stars who attained the rank of Law Enforcement Elder were allowed to choose and learn one of the Alliance’s advanced sword arts.
*Swish-swish-swish-swish!*
As Jongjeong Yak created an impenetrable sword screen, the pouring hidden weapons fell before they could even touch her body.
But the number of hidden weapons continued to increase, until it looked like a swarm of black bees was charging through the air.
*Whoosh!*
At that moment, a powerful gust of wind blew, and the pouring hidden weapons began to fall like rain.
The third form of the Seven Forms of the Fist Demon, Oblivion’s Chain, was unleashed.
*Kwoooooo—!*
The fist wind gradually began to rotate like a tornado, unleashing immense power in a swirling vortex. As a result, not only the hidden weapons but also the mechanisms in the walls were completely destroyed.
*Crash!*
As the walls collapsed, the barrage of hidden weapons stopped instantly.
Jongjeong Yak stared at the collapsed wall, her mouth agape.
“Wh-what an incredible fist art.”
It was a powerful fist technique that rivaled the Dragon-Subduing Palm she had seen an elder of the Beggars’ Alliance demonstrate at the Murim Alliance years ago.
“Was your true skill in fist arts, not the sword?”
Bu Eun-seol did not answer her question and quickly scanned the surroundings.
Then, Jongjeong Yak said in a low voice,
“No need to look around. We’re trapped on all sides. Let’s escape through the roof.”
And she immediately tried to break through the ceiling and leap upward.
“Stop.”
Bu Eun-seol immediately stopped her.
“This trap was designed assuming you would try to leap up.”
“What do you mean?”
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol twisted his left fist and sent a light punch toward the ceiling.
*Bang!*
The roof shattered, and…
*Swaaaaaaah!*
A swarm of hidden weapons poured down from above.
So many hidden weapons were pouring down that the piercing sound echoing all around sounded like frying a chicken in oil.
*Boom!*
Moreover, some of the hidden weapons seemed to contain explosive pellets, as multiple explosions erupted, sending flames spreading in all directions.
It is extremely difficult to block hidden weapons while in mid-air. And with explosive pellets mixed in…
Unless one had mastered a movement technique like the Eight Forms of the Cloud Dragon, which allowed for movement in mid-air, such a trap was impossible to avoid.
“I would have been seriously injured if I had gone up.”
At Jongjeong Yak’s words, Bu Eun-seol nodded and then struck the locked door with a single punch.
*Kuuung!*
With a sound like a great temple bell ringing, the locked steel door flew wide open.
As the door opened, a scene of dozens of assassins shouting and fighting with the Murim Alliance warriors Jongjeong Yak had brought with her came into view.
‘Hmph.’
Bu Eun-seol, observing the scene, frowned slightly.
The warriors fighting the assassins were far too ordinary to be affiliated with the Murim Alliance.
‘So that’s how it was.’
Only then did Bu Eun-seol understand why Jongjeong Yak had also requested ‘protection’.
‘They sent her with warriors who have just finished their training.’
When venturing into the martial world, it was standard practice to assign not only highly trained but also combat-experienced warriors.
But the Murim Alliance had assigned her rookie warriors with no experience at all.
‘She’s under pressure from the higher-ups.’
As Bu Eun-seol, who had a rough idea of the situation, narrowed his eyes, Jongjeong Yak shouted.
“Young Master Seol, help Adjutant Neung!”
Hearing this, Neung Jo-un, as Bu Eun-seol approached, shouted as if having a fit.
“I don’t need any help!”
Swinging his sword, he took a large step back and extended his left hand.
*Flash!*
Simultaneously, a streak of light shot out from his sleeve, and…
*Thwack!*
A short dagger was embedded in an assassin’s neck.
*Flash! Thwack! Thwack!*
Every time he extended his hand, a cold gleam flashed, and assassins invariably fell.
It was truly a perfect shot every time.
As expected of someone from the Flying Sword Sect, Neung Jo-un’s true skill was not the longsword at his waist, but the art of flying daggers hidden in his sleeves.
“Yargh!”
As he took down the assassins one after another with his flying daggers, the tide of the battle turned dramatically.
The leader of the assassins, seeing they could no longer hold on, shouted loudly.
“Retreat!”
But that was merely their wish.
Neung Jo-un relentlessly launched flying daggers at the fleeing assassins.
Each time, with a grunt, the assassins tumbled to the ground.
“Who did this!”
Once all the assassins were subdued, Jongjeong Yak exclaimed with a stern gaze.
“Who hired you!”
The assassins, however, just glared back with a smile.
Realizing something in that instant, Jongjeong Yak quickly flicked her finger wind.
Assassins sometimes committed suicide by biting down on poisoned false teeth.
*Thud. Thud.*
But something strange happened.
Even though she had sealed their vital points with lightning speed, they were dying with blood trickling from their mouths.
“How…”
As Jongjeong Yak was flustered, Bu Eun-seol approached and said,
“They were fighting with poison pills in their mouths.”
“Poison pills in their mouths? Why?”
As Jongjeong Yak shook her head in incomprehension, Bu Eun-seol explained calmly.
“Because they carried it out knowing the probability of success was not high.”
“Knowing the probability of success was not high…”
She muttered, shocked.
She had investigated countless cases, but she had never encountered such ruthless assassins who so completely disregarded their own lives.
Seeing Bu Eun-seol’s calm expression, Jongjeong Yak felt as if she were a fool.
“Law Enforcement Elder.”
At that moment, Neung Jo-un approached and said,
“I believe it would be best to return to the Alliance immediately.”
He looked at the fallen assassins with a grave expression.
“The assassins knew our travel route in advance and set a trap.”
The reception hall door had been replaced with a steel one, and sophisticated hidden weapon mechanisms had been installed inside.
This was not something that could be done in a short period.
The assassins knew she was coming here and had prepared the trap in advance.
“This means they not only know your movements but also understand our purpose as if reading the palm of their hand.”
Neung Jo-un said with an extremely serious expression.
“This means that if we continue the investigation, we will face even more dangerous traps.”
Jongjeong Yak bit her lip.
Neung Jo-un’s assessment was rational.
Moreover, five or six of their men had been quite seriously injured in this battle, a significant loss to their strength.
‘If I return to the Alliance…’
But if she returned like this, she might never be able to properly investigate this case again.
The work she was doing now was to uncover the corruption of the Murim Alliance’s high-ranking officials.
What if she stopped now? In the worst-case scenario, they could use the failed investigation as an excuse to strip her of her position as Law Enforcement Elder.
‘Absolutely not.’
She was only able to start this investigation because of the help of a hall master-level figure, the Hwamilwonju.
But if she returned with no results, even the Hwamilwonju would have no justification to block the pressure from the higher-ups.
“Ugh.”
Just then, one of the fallen assassins vomited and began to tremble.
Suddenly, one of the wanderers who was thought to be dead had come back to life.
“What?”
Looking closely, she saw that the wanderer named Seol So had his hand on the assassin’s Myeongmun acupoint, his expression grave.
How on earth had he brought a dying assassin back to life?