Chapter 109
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: Deep Schemes and Far-Reaching Plans
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On top of that, Smiling Buddha Hyeonjin added in a voice brimming with genuine delight.
“And that’s not all. On top of that, that headache of a Great Cloud Temple leader, Iron Water Hermit Dae Jongdo, has had his limbs’ meridians severed and his dantian shattered, turning him into a cripple. How delightful is that news?”
Gold Bell Nun could only grow more astonished.
“Hmm. For the Great Cloud Temple’s leader, who should be lurking in that cave ahead luring us in, to end up like that—truly glad tidings. But who on earth could have done it? Even I couldn’t manage such a feat. Could it be you, Senior Brother?”
Smiling Buddha Hyeonjin shook his head as he replied.
“Why would I go to such lengths? Don’t you know I despise troublesome chores? Haha….”
“Then who in the world could it be? It’s something only one of the Three Hidden Ones could pull off.”
“Haha… who else? U Cheonso, that very friend. Just like old times, cutting off his own limbs with his own hands—what a grateful and hilarious turn of events.”
“If that’s true, then this is all thanks to your orchestration, Senior Brother. Heh heh….”
“Heh heh… The phrase ‘deep schemes and far-reaching plans’ was made for times like this.”
“Indeed, none other than Senior Brother Hyeonjin. In that case, this junior can finally relax a bit. Heh heh….”
With that, the two burst into laughter and began gazing leisurely at the scenery below.
There, massive rafters and beams had already been erected, and the shattered entrance was slowly emerging from the sands.
With the bait itself vanished, Gold Bell Nun could now peer into that dark cavern with a far lighter heart.
Ten Thousand Demons Cave—what a chilling name.
But now, whatever awaited inside held no terror for her.
After all, the world’s most fearsome monster and insidious demon might well be the Smiling Buddha Hyeonjin standing right beside her.
* * *
Night fell once more, and Dunhuang’s ever-clear, arid night sky twinkled with stars.
The experts of the Ten Great Sects Alliance, made up solely of Nine Great Sects members, weren’t the only ones here in Dunhuang.
Beyond them, masters from righteous and unorthodox sects alike had gathered in droves.
Guest inns had no empty rooms, and every night, the taverns overflowed with martial artists.
Azure Moon Tower, one of Dunhuang’s more famous taverns, was packed tonight as well.
“What’s with this? Why do we keep running into crowds everywhere we go…?”
Three young men and one young lady stood awkwardly at the entrance to Azure Moon Tower.
They were the self-proclaimed Four Divine Dragons who had been scolded by Dogwang back in Lanzhou, along with their companion, the Hyulryeon young lady.
“Any chance at all? It’ll probably be the same everywhere else….”
Unlike before, Ak Ji-gwang wasn’t throwing his weight around but pleading with the waiter.
The three behind him simply watched Ak Ji-gwang’s efforts in silence.
They’d already faced similar frustrations twice here in Dunhuang, just as they had in Lanzhou.
With so many experts swarming like clouds, they’d learned the hard way that rash arrogance could lead to a broken nose.
“I’m truly sorry, young masters… but I can’t promise any seats will open up.”
The waiter could only keep apologizing.
What could he do when there were no seats?
Just then, the Hyulryeon young lady, who had been scanning the interior, let out an exclamation and pointed.
“Look over there—that guy. Isn’t he the one we saw in Lanzhou?”
Ak Ji-gwang spotted the figure her finger indicated first.
A lonesome-looking youth sat drinking alone, clearly dead drunk at a glance.
“Hmm. That Great Fortune Merchant Group, right? Must be their caravan leader.”
As Ak Ji-gwang muttered, the Hyulryeon young lady came up with an idea.
“They say even brushing sleeves creates a bond. How about we ask to join him? He even offered to buy us drinks and food back then.”
Humans always remembered only what suited them.
Of course, the drunken youth was Seonwoyong, and in their memory, he was just a merchant who knew no martial arts.
“Not a bad idea. We don’t even need the free drinks and food.”
They’d forgotten the latter half of that incident, recalling only Seonwoyong’s offer.
In any case, Ak Ji-gwang sprang into action.
“Hey. That guy sitting alone over there—he’s a good friend of ours. We’re joining him, so make room.”
With that, he shoved the waiter aside and strode straight to Seonwoyong’s table.
Naturally, Un Ja-hong, Tang Ho, the Hyulryeon young lady, and the others followed.
“Fancy meeting you here again.”
Seonwoyong’s head was bowed low, so he couldn’t immediately respond to Ak Ji-gwang’s greeting.
As he slowly lifted his head, the four clicked their tongues inwardly at his complexion.
How much had he drunk? His eyes were completely unfocused, his face deathly pale.
Drool had even crusted at the corners of his mouth—truly a pathetic sight.
Seonwoyong showed no reaction to them, merely downing his cup and slamming his head back down.
“He’s completely gone.”
As Un Ja-hong muttered, Ak Ji-gwang shot back.
“Exactly. Since he’s out cold, let’s just borrow the seats.”
Seonwoyong’s table could easily seat six, so the four sat down without issue.
Once the waiter took their orders and left, Ak Ji-gwang addressed Seonwoyong again.
“Hey. Aren’t you that Great Fortune Merchant Group leader? Remember us?”
Now settled in, his tone had already shifted.
The man was the head of some no-name little merchant group.
No exaggeration to call him one of the countless peddlers in the Central Plains.
A mere merchant wouldn’t know martial arts anyway, and even if he did, he was beneath the notice of the self-proclaimed Four Divine Dragons.
Sure enough, Seonwoyong didn’t so much as reply, barely able to hold himself up as he slumped.
“By the way… what about that coachman from before…?”
As Ak Ji-gwang glanced around worriedly, Un Ja-hong cut him off.
“Hey, why worry? He made it to Dunhuang and handed off the cargo, so they’ve all gone their separate ways. What personal ties would this guy have?”
Everyone nodded at Un Ja-hong’s clear conclusion.
After that, they ignored Seonwoyong entirely, chatting among themselves and eating and drinking when the food and wine arrived.
But moments later, it seemed Seonwoyong’s wits returned briefly.
“Who the hell are you?”
He raised his head, squinting at them through bleary eyes, and slurred his question.
“Heh heh… Looks like you’re coming to a bit. You go your way now. You offered to buy us drinks and food, so settle the bill at least.”
Ak Ji-gwang snickered mockingly.
Seonwoyong let out a snort of laughter and replied.
“Kekeke. My way? That’s why I’m sitting here—I don’t know where it is. Care to tell me if you do?”
“Hey, this guy’s got no manners at all—talking like that.”
Ak Ji-gwang barked, but Un Ja-hong held him back.
“Let it go. Matching a drunk like that just hurts us.”
“He’s right. Leave him be.”
Even the Hyulryeon young lady chimed in, so Ak Ji-gwang drained his cup and lost interest in Seonwoyong.
But Seonwoyong spoke up again.
“Do you know your way? If you do, mind telling me?”
“Hey, buddy. If you’re drunk and wasted, best thing is to pass out. Head back to your lodging.”
Un Ja-hong responded mildly enough, but Ak Ji-gwang, recalling bad memories, wasn’t so patient.
“Even drunk, that mouth of his grates on me. Doesn’t this punk need a good thrashing?”
At his rough reaction, Seonwoyong snorted again.
“Gonna thrash me? How? Heh heh….”
Seonwoyong had been drinking for over a full day now.
He’d started the previous evening and kept going, downing an astonishing amount.
Since he’d intended to get drunk, his internal energy meant nothing.
From the night before, after sending off the Ming Cult experts including Dae Jongdo, he’d emptied over ten jars of liquor.
All of them fiery spirits. He hadn’t touched a bite of food—if a normal man, he’d be dead already.
Ak Ji-gwang aside, even Tang Ho took offense at Seonwoyong’s tone.
“Curious? Then I’ll teach you.”
With that, he made his move.
With skill imperceptible to non-experts, he flicked something into Seonwoyong’s cup.
Seonwoyong picked it up and downed it immediately.
The four now awaited his reaction.
But Seonwoyong didn’t bat an eye, draining two more cups before dropping his head again.
“Look at that. What the hell did you put in?”
Ak Ji-gwang whispered to Tang Ho, curiosity piqued.
“Nothing much. Intestine-Cutting Pill—makes your gut ache like you’ve been gutted with a knife and sends you to the runs nonstop.”
“Kekeke… Perfect for a drunk like him right now.”
“Spot on. Cleans out that booze-filled stomach—probably a favor to him. Kahaha….”
As the two snickered, Un Ja-hong interjected.
“But his face looks more at ease now. Why’s that?”
True, though his head was down dozing, Seonwoyong’s complexion actually seemed more relaxed.
“No idea. Weird. He should be clutching his belly and bolting for the outhouse by now.”
Seonwoyong was even snoring lightly.
That was when it happened.
“Oh, there you are. I’ve been searching everywhere….”
It was none other than the Peerless Beauty North of the River, Moyong Qing.