Chapter 280
Chapter 280
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 280
Chapter Title: A New Contract
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The lead assassin stood as still as a stone statue.
Thick beads of sweat streamed down his forehead like rain, his gaze fixed on the ground.
Shudder...
He trembled uncontrollably, like a herbivore cornered by a predator.
Fragments of flesh, matted with blood and bodily fluids, were scattered all around him.
They were the remains of over a hundred assassins, pulverized into a bloody pulp by Bu Eun-seol's fists.
‘This man… is a god of death.’
The leader’s mind replayed the martial prowess Bu Eun-seol had just displayed.
He was a raging inferno, and the hundred-some assassins were nothing more than thin, dry straw.
Every time an assassin charged at Bu Eun-seol, their life was snuffed out in an instant as pieces of their bodies and fluids scattered in every direction.
Not a single one of them could block even one of his fists.
“…Who are you.”
Whoosh!
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol reached out his hand.
A powerful force of Void Manipulation erupted, tearing away a piece of the lead assassin’s robes.
Thwack.
At the same moment, a small wooden box flew into Bu Eun-seol’s hand as if drawn by a magnet.
The assassin’s eyes filled with terror once more as he watched.
‘Such power at his age.’
It was only after witnessing this powerful display of Void Manipulation that he realized Bu Eun-seol was not simply strong… he was one of the supreme masters who looked down upon the entire Murim.
“The one behind this.”
It was the voice of a reaper.
The assassin’s body trembled as he spoke.
“If I tell you… will you let me live?”
A crimson light flickered in Bu Eun-seol’s eyes as he spoke in a low voice.
“I will permit you to take your own life.”
A strange offer.
Permission to commit suicide for talking.
But the leader understood the faint, underlying threat.
He could sever his own meridians. He could bite down on a poison capsule. It wouldn't matter.
The reflexes of masters who had reached such a realm surpassed those of ordinary martial artists by dozens of times.
He sensed that if he didn't answer truthfully, this terrifying monster would leave him in a state where he could neither live nor die.
“I was far too greedy.”
The assassin, having surrendered even his will to live, lowered his head.
He spoke in a low voice.
“The Vice Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall, Danri Muk.”
With his head bowed, the assassin continued in a low voice.
“He planned all of this. To kill Law Enforcement Inspector Jong Jeong-yak, who was investigating him.”
“And you are?”
“The Wol-yeong-mun. An assassin sect that has long held a contract with the Murim Alliance.”
Having received a sufficient answer, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
He slowly turned his body.
Thud.
The assassin leader fell like a log. Only then, relieved, did he bite down on the poison capsule.
*Stomp, stomp.*
Bu Eun-seol looked down at the face of Neung Jo-un, who was unconscious with his acupoints sealed.
In his eyes, the man was nothing more than a naive fool who knew nothing of the world, but he was fiercely loyal and had a strong sense of justice.
*Smirk.*
A slight smile on his lips, Bu Eun-seol hoisted him over one shoulder. Then he immediately left the Song estate.
*Whoosh.*
Unleashing a movement technique as swift as a gale, Bu Eun-seol arrived back in the forest, where he saw Jong Jeong-yak kneeling in prayer.
“Deputy Neung!”
She had been praying, but upon spotting Bu Eun-seol and Neung Jo-un slung over his shoulder, she rushed over.
“You’re safe! Both of you.”
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol took a wooden box from his robes and held it out.
“This is the Jaso-dan.”
“This is… how?”
As Jong Jeong-yak’s eyes widened, Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
“He said the mastermind is Vice Hall Master Danri Muk. That he planned to use the Jaso-dan as bait to kill you.”
“Vice Hall Master… Danri orchestrated this?”
Jong Jeong-yak’s mouth fell open.
How on earth had Bu Eun-seol discovered this? How had he found the Jaso-dan and rescued Neung Jo-un?
“Just who are you?”
It was a fundamental doubt about Bu Eun-seol.
What he had just accomplished was impossible for a high-rank wanderer, no matter how fast his movement technique.
‘So it won’t work after all.’
Bu Eun-seol considered for a moment.
What if he didn't resolve her suspicions now? She would never trust him again, no matter what happened.
If that were the case, even if he managed to enter the Murim Alliance through her, his actions would be severely restricted.
‘I have no choice.’
His mind made up, Bu Eun-seol opened his mouth.
“I am a Special-Grade Wanderer of Jeok-cheon-mak-ji.”
“A Special-Grade… Wanderer?”
“That’s right.”
Jong Jeong-yak’s mouth hung open.
Even in Jeok-cheon-mak-ji, the largest wanderer market in Shaanxi, there were fewer than ten Special-Grade Wanderers.
And this plain-looking man was one of them—a Special-Grade Wanderer who commanded tens of thousands of nyang for a single request.
‘A Special-Grade Wanderer would have to be at least at the entry level of the Transcendent Realm.’
Only now did Jong Jeong-yak begin to understand the incredible martial prowess Bu Eun-seol had displayed.
“How did you, a Special-Grade Wanderer, end up taking this request as a high-rank wanderer?”
Her voice was thick with suspicion.
Bu Eun-seol feigned a sigh and shook his head.
“I received a request from Lady Dam.”
“From Dam?”
“Yes. She asked me to help you, but to keep it a secret. She said you would feel burdened if you found out.”
Jong Jeong-yak’s eyes lit up as if she had realized something.
“Then did Dam pay you separately?”
“She did.”
“How much…”
“One hundred thousand nyang.”
“What?”
As she looked ready to faint from shock, Bu Eun-seol quickly added.
“Just the down payment.”
For a moment, Jong Jeong-yak’s face burned as if she had been slapped.
“One hundred thousand nyang for just the down payment? Then what about the success fee?”
“I'm to receive another hundred thousand nyang separately.”
Jong Jeong-yak lowered her head, her eyes wide.
To think Dam Yu-yeon had readily spent two hundred thousand nyang for her sake.
“I really had no idea…”
“Don’t worry about it. All I need is to get paid.”
“That’s not what I mean!”
Jong Jeong-yak spoke with an exasperated expression.
“Two hundred thousand nyang for something like this? That’s too much, isn’t it? Don’t ask Dam for any more money.”
“The way you say it makes me sound like a swindler who took the money without doing anything.”
“You know that’s not what I mean.”
“Not at all. I have no idea.”
As Bu Eun-seol remained rigid, Jong Jeong-yak seemed to make a decision.
“Fine. I’ll pay the success fee. So please, don’t ask Dam for any more money.”
Bu Eun-seol held back a laugh.
“Do you have one hundred thousand nyang?”
“Not right now, but once I resolve this matter…”
She faltered, then turned her blushing face away and said coldly.
“Give me a discount.”
“How much.”
“T-twenty thousand nyang.”
“You want a discount of twenty thousand nyang?”
“N-no. Could you… just take twenty thousand?”
At her naive words, Bu Eun-seol spoke firmly.
“I'll pretend I didn't hear that.”
Turning away, Bu Eun-seol immediately released the seal on Neung Jo-un’s acupoints.
“Ugh!”
Neung Jo-un cried out as he awoke, his mouth falling open as he looked around.
“What happened? Why am I here?”
“Well, you see…”
Jong Jeong-yak tended to his wounds as she gave him a rough summary of what had happened.
She explained that he had found the Jaso-dan, and that this was all a plot orchestrated by the Law Enforcement Hall’s Vice Hall Master, Danri Muk.
“A Special-Grade Wanderer?”
But Neung Jo-un was most surprised by an entirely different part of the story.
To think that Bu Eun-seol, whom he had considered an arrogant and unimpressive wanderer, was actually a Special-Grade Wanderer?
After that, the arrogance in his gaze toward Bu Eun-seol vanished, but his eyes now burned with hostility.
It was the misguided affection of a young man afraid of losing the interest of the woman he secretly adored.
“Well, just because you're a Special-Grade Wanderer doesn't change anyth… thing.”
Though he said that, Neung Jo-un seemed quite intimidated now that he knew Bu Eun-seol was a Special-Grade Wanderer.
“In any case, you are merely a wanderer contracted by the Law Enforcement Inspector.”
“I’m aware.”
Just then, Jong Jeong-yak spoke.
“So, what do we do now?”
She sighed, looking at the distant sky.
“We’ve recovered the Jaso-dan and found out who orchestrated this, but in the end, we couldn't find any evidence to prove his corruption.”
Neung Jo-un’s expression darkened as well.
What if they returned to the Murim Alliance like this? They would know Danri Muk was the culprit but be unable to arrest him—a frustrating situation that would make their blood boil.
“Ah! I have an idea!”
Jong Jeong-yak’s eyes suddenly sparkled.
“Young Master Seol heard from the assassins that the Vice Hall Master was the culprit behind all this, right?”
“And?”
“I'm going to request a Council of Ten Rectitudes.”
The Council of Ten Rectitudes was a meeting convened when there was evidence of misconduct by an official of Hall Master rank or higher, in order to investigate the matter.
If the Council was convened and a resolution passed, the Inspection Hall would launch an intensive investigation.
Once that happened, Danri Muk would be cornered with no way out.
“But how will you get the motion to pass without any evidence? Your opponent is the Vice Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall, a man said to be able to knock a flying bird from the sky.”
“We don’t need definitive proof. Just planting a seed of doubt is enough for the Inspection Hall to make a move.”
Jong Jeong-yak said in a firm voice.
“Young Master Seol is an officially registered wanderer of Jeok-cheon-mak-ji, so if his testimony is deemed credible… the Inspection Hall will investigate Vice Hall Master Danri.”
“I see, that makes sense.”
Neung Jo-un nodded, then abruptly shook his head.
“Don’t you think that will be difficult?”
“Why?”
“It’s too dangerous, isn’t it? If that happens, the Vice Hall Master will do whatever it takes to have him killed.”
“Hmm.”
Jong Jeong-yak hummed and lowered her head.
No matter how skilled a Special-Grade Wanderer he was, the Murim Alliance was home to countless masters who surpassed him.
Besides, this was not part of their contract.
If Bu Eun-seol did not agree, she couldn't force him to come to the Murim Alliance.
“Young Master Seol.”
But she didn't lose that sliver of hope and looked at Bu Eun-seol.
“Please help me. Only your testimony can bring him before the Council of Ten Rectitudes.”
Bu Eun-seol gave no answer.
In truth, what he wanted was to enter the Murim Alliance naturally.
But he was being cautious, as readily accepting Jong Jeong-yak’s proposal could arouse suspicion.
A Law Enforcement Inspector investigating corruption would not miss even the slightest suspicious detail.
“Young Master Seol.”
When Bu Eun-seol didn’t respond, Jong Jeong-yak pleaded once more.
“A high-ranking official, the Vice Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall, is embezzling the Murim Alliance’s elixirs and commanding assassins. If we let him be, he will bring great harm not only to our Alliance but to the entire Murim.”
“I am a wanderer.”
“Pardon?”
After a long pause, Bu Eun-seol finally spoke.
“Meaning the state of the Murim and its affairs have nothing to do with me.”
Momentarily speechless, Jong Jeong-yak spoke again.
“Doesn’t our contract state that you will escort me to the Murim Alliance? Can’t you think of this as an extension of that duty?”
When he still didn’t respond, she began to leverage her connections, bringing up Dam Yu-yeon and her own position.
“Dam and I are very close friends. I can speak well of you to her. And having a Law Enforcement Inspector in your debt would certainly not be a bad thing for you, Young Master Seol.”
After thinking deeply for a moment, Bu Eun-seol stared intently at Jong Jeong-yak and said.
“If you want my help, we'll need a new contract.”
“A contract?”
“That’s right. The original contract was only until we reached the Murim Alliance.”
Jong Jeong-yak couldn’t hide her bewilderment.
“So… you're saying you demand payment in exchange for your testimony.”
“Payment is a strange word. I am requesting a success fee.”
She couldn't hide her shock, but at the same time, she felt a sense of relief.
It was only natural for a wanderer to want money. If he had proclaimed his commitment to justice and offered to help, it would have been suspicious.
‘Was I worried for nothing?’
In truth, she hadn't completely trusted Bu Eun-seol.
The fact that she was heading to Jeok-cheon-mak-ji to hire a wanderer was public knowledge.
Anyone who controlled an information network could have easily approached her.
“The price?”
“Two hundred thousand nyang.”
Bu Eun-seol said in a low voice.
“And that’s a cheap price, since this is an additional contract.”
“Even if I sell all my possessions, I can’t afford two hundred thousand nyang.”
“Then I suppose it can’t be helped.”
Bu Eun-seol turned his back coldly.
But at that moment, Jong Jeong-yak’s gaze fell upon the wooden box Bu Eun-seol had given her.
“Do you only accept payment in cash?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m asking if you accept goods.”
She then smiled and pointed to the wooden box containing the Jaso-dan.
“Half of an elixir that sold for five hundred thousand nyang at auction should be more than enough for payment, don't you think?”
“Inspector.”
“It’s fine. Besides, if it weren't for him, recovering the Jaso-dan would have been impossible in the first place.”
Bu Eun-seol blinked, as if surprised.
“Are you saying a Law Enforcement Inspector of the Murim Alliance intends to misappropriate the Jaso-dan?”
“Misappropriate is a harsh word. I intend to use half of this Jaso-dan to catch the person who is causing our Alliance to rot from within.”
‘I see.’
Bu Eun-seol smiled inwardly.
So Ja-myeong, the leader of the Nine Kills Squad, had been right.
Jong Jeong-yak preached justice, but in reality, she was captivated by the desire for success.
“Inspector, no matter what, this is…”
Just as Neung Jo-un was waving his hands to stop her,
“Very well.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded crisply.
“If you give me half of the Jaso-dan, I will go to the Murim Alliance and testify.”
***
Unlike the Demonic Cult, the procedure for entering the Murim Alliance, located in Henan’s Changde Prefecture, was very simple.
One simply had to state their purpose of visit and sign the guestbook to be allowed inside.
In fact, not only members of the Orthodox Faction but also those from the Demonic Cult or Unorthodox Factions could enter at any time, as long as they signed the guestbook.
Confidence.
No matter who entered with what ill intentions, they could never cause harm within the Murim Alliance.
After all, there were far more supreme masters who could look down upon the world in the Murim Alliance than in the Demonic Cult.
It was truly a dragon’s lair and a tiger’s den.
Because it was a place where the strongest masters of the Orthodox Faction resided, its gates could be thrown wide open to anyone.
But there was a catch.
Getting in was easy, but getting out was extremely difficult. Once someone entered the Alliance, they were thoroughly monitored to ensure they could not leave without permission.
“Welcome back.”
When they arrived at the Murim Alliance, a guard recognized Jong Jeong-yak and Neung Jo-un and clasped his hands in greeting.
But when he saw Bu Eun-seol in gray martial robes behind them, he tilted his head.
“And who might this be?”
Normally, Jong Jeong-yak would have first created a false identity for him or mumbled something while signing the guestbook.
But she spoke confidently to the guard.
“He is a witness who will provide crucial testimony at the upcoming Council of Ten Rectitudes.”
“The Council of Ten Rectitudes, you say?”
The guard’s mouth fell open.
Did that mean a meeting to punish an official of Hall Master rank was soon to be held?
“That’s right.”
Jong Jeong-yak wore a confident smile.
She was spreading the word in advance to prevent Danri Muk from using his power to suppress the Council.
“P-please, come inside.”
As the guard opened the gate, Jong Jeong-yak, Neung Jo-un, and Bu Eun-seol walked in with their heads held high.
The Murim Alliance provided three classes of accommodation for visitors.
There were the general quarters, where merchants, laborers, and others on business with the Murim Alliance stayed.
Then there were the guest quarters, which had private bedrooms. And finally, there were the VIP quarters, which not only had private bedrooms but also came with assigned servants.
“You can use this place for the time being.”
However, the lodging Jong Jeong-yak assigned to Bu Eun-seol was neither general, guest, nor VIP… but Neung Jo-un’s personal quarters.
“I don’t know what Vice Hall Master Danri Muk might try, so for now, please stay with Deputy Neung.”
Ignoring the despairing look on Neung Jo-un’s face, Jong Jeong-yak pointed to one of the rooms in his quarters and said.
“Even if I submit the request now, it will take a few days for the Council of Ten Rectitudes to convene.”
‘So she still doesn’t trust me.’
Of course, she might have made this decision for his safety.
But this was the Murim Alliance, and she was a Law Enforcement Inspector of the Murim Alliance.
To investigate the corruption of someone like Vice Hall Master Danri Muk, she couldn't convene the Council based on the word of a single wanderer like him.
‘She probably intends to conduct a thorough background check over the next few days. Not just on me, but on Danri Muk as well.’
No matter how much they wanted to convene the Council, punishing an official of Hall Master rank was a difficult matter, and thus, there could be no room for error.
She was clearly trying to protect Bu Eun-seol from Danri Muk's clutches while simultaneously investigating both of them more thoroughly.
“I understand.”
Bu Eun-seol looked at Jong Jeong-yak and nodded agreeably.
‘No matter how much you investigate, you won't find anything.’
Even if the Murim Alliance mobilized its entire information network to dig into him, there was nothing to find on Bu Eun-seol.
The wanderer identity of Seol So was one he had created long ago, and it was by no means false.
“It’s late, so please rest well.”
After Jong Jeong-yak left, Neung Jo-un stretched and yawned.
“I’m going to get some rest too, so you make yourself comfortable.”
Having given his room to Bu Eun-seol, Neung Jo-un lay down on a chair in the reception area used for greeting guests.
“I’ll just sleep here.”
“Alright.”
Bu Eun-seol entered the room and closed his eyes.
How much time had passed?
When the third watch of the night arrived, Bu Eun-seol slowly opened his eyes.
‘He’s not sleeping.’
Bu Eun-seol could feel it.
Neung Jo-un in the reception area was lying down, pretending to sleep, but his consciousness was directed outward.
Approaching the door without a sound, Bu Eun-seol inserted his fingers through the slight crack.
Flicking a finger wind to strike an acupoint creates a sound as it cuts through the air and a sensation of impact, alerting the target just before the point is sealed.
That was why Bu Eun-seol intended to use the Yeo-ui-jin-gyeol to strike his acupoint covertly.
*Whooom.*
As he drew up his internal energy and activated the Yeo-ui-jin-gyeol, a thread-like strand of true energy flowed from his fingertip.
*Hiss. Hiss.*
The true energy moved forward like a living creature and struck deep into the acupoint of the reclining Neung Jo-un.
*Snore.*
Once his acupoint was struck, Neung Jo-un began to snore.
He was already exhausted from the recent forced march and had expended a great deal of mental energy trying to watch Bu Eun-seol.
With his acupoint struck on top of that, he was now completely dead to the world.
“Hmph.”
Before leaving, Bu Eun-seol tucked a pillowcase into his robes.
He intended to use it as a makeshift mask, in case he needed to cover his face.
‘I’ll start by searching the nearby areas.’
Slipping out stealthily, Bu Eun-seol surveyed his surroundings.
If the Murim Alliance was connected to the musk, there had to be a warehouse storing related hidden weapons, or perhaps documents or other traces.
From this moment on, he intended to find them in secret.