Chapter 191
Chapter 191
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 191
Chapter Title: Battle of the Three Demons (1)
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-Sichuan Province, Downtown.
Mu-heun walked through the city with Gam Pa-pa. They were heading toward the castle of the Heavenly Wealth Trading Company. Seol Ha-ryeong had ordered them to wait on the outskirts of Chengdu so they could leave Sichuan at any moment.
“No matter how many times I see it, I always think Chengdu is a great place to live.”
“Is that so?”
“From the perspective of a martial artist, perhaps not. You have the Tang Clan, which holds a seat among the Five Great Families, the Emei Sect, which produces powerful warriors like you, and the Qingcheng Sect, known as one of the Nine Sects and One Alliance.”
“Heh heh heh, Divine Doctor, you are a martial artist now too.”
“That’s true, but I wasn’t in my past life. So I know well how the people here live. Sichuan is where four great rivers flow, a prosperous land that never runs dry. And that’s not all, is it?”
Mu-heun pointed to the grains being carried by merchants.
“Hasn’t this place been called the land of heavenly abundance since ancient times for its fertile soil? The climate is mild and the rain falls just right, so the farming is excellent. The abundant grain has contributed greatly to the development of Sichuan’s civilization.
And the food is delicious, too.”
“Heh heh heh, I was born and raised here, so I wouldn’t know.”
“...I suppose so. I didn’t know either, until I spent time in that barren land where the Demonic Cult is, Xinjiang—a place with long, cold winters.”
Gam Pa-pa listened quietly to Mu-heun’s words before speaking, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“You wish to expand the grain trade.”
“I do. The bright future of Sichuan. I want to share it now with the Demonic Cult, to which I belong.”
“There will be no problem. The Heavenly Wealth Trading Company is thrilled at the thought of selling the rare medicinal herbs from the Demonic Cult and the exotic goods from the Western Regions.”
“Yes... I suppose that’s what trade is—exchanging what each party desires. By the way, seeing the Martial Alliance’s Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, it seems Sichuan has a bright future.”
“...”
“I’m talking about Ha Na-rin of the Emei Sect. Her achievement was astonishing. Although she’s not yet at a level to surpass the other rising stars, she soon will be. With her Nine Yin Severed Meridians, she will learn the Nine Yin Divine Arts. Who could possibly stand against her then?”
“Still, I heard Dang So-so was the victor.”
“That’s right. Dang So-so’s martial prowess was also outstanding. It seems she, too, has been relentlessly pushing herself in her training.”
“What about that child, Gu Mok-yeong, whom you treated when you went to Qingcheng?”
“He was also remarkable. Of course, I did expand the meridians through which his ki flows, but I never imagined he would grow so quickly. He certainly hasn't been idle. Moreover, since Qingcheng cherishes him more than anyone, his internal energy will likely be supplemented with elixirs and spiritual herbs...”
“Heh heh. I understand what you mean about the future being bright, Divine Doctor.”
Mu-heun looked at Gam Pa-pa and gave a slight smile.
“By the way, did you know?”
“Heh heh. What is it? It seems like you’re the one itching to tell me something, Divine Doctor.”
“Heh heh, you’re right. You’re right.”
By then, Gam Pa-pa and Mu-heun had arrived at the main gate of the Heavenly Wealth Trading Company’s castle. The gatekeeper saw them, bowed deeply in greeting, and spoke.
“We have been waiting for you! Please, enter.”
*Creeeak*
The massive gate of the trading company swung open. As he entered the company grounds, Mu-heun said,
“Ha Na-rin actually has a younger sibling, her only one. I plan to reunite the two of them very soon.”
Gam Pa-pa’s eyes widened.
“Ha...!”
But she quickly returned to her gentle smile and said,
“Heh heh heh heh. It seems the pasts of those children have come full circle to meet you again, Lord Mu-heun.”
“Heh heh, you could say that.”
***
The Flame Demon and the Ice Demon went to the Valley of Villains, the hidden residence of the Three Supreme Blades of the World, located in the Sidalmok Basin. However, the news they heard there was so shocking it made them doubt their own ears.
“The Three Supreme Blades of the World have all been annihilated.”
“What?”
The Ice Demon’s intelligence unit, skilled in corpse puppetry using soul-lost beings and in tracking techniques: the Strange Fang Unit. The leader of that unit, Cheong-hyang, reported calmly.
“We tailed them from a distance of about ten li to avoid detection. We confirmed that the Three Supreme Blades of the World were lying in wait on the border of Hubei and Chongqing.
As per your request, my lord, they set up a temporary inn, prepared poison, and ambushed the Dragon Demon, Baek Mu-heun, on a mountain path.”
“Right! Then how is it that the Three Supreme Blades are the ones who were annihilated, not Baek Mu-heun?”
“Baek Mu-heun did not come alone.”
“If he wasn't alone, then who was with him?”
“Our investigation revealed that after leaving the Heavenly Dragon Castle, the Martial Alliance headquarters in Wuhan, Hubei, he was accompanied by the Plum Blossom Sword Venerable, Jin Hong.”
“...What!? The Plum Blossom Sword Venerable, Jin Hong?”
“...!”
Even the Flame Demon, Cho Yeom-wi, couldn't hide his bewilderment.
“The Plum Blossom Sword Venerable!?”
Yeon A-ryeong had also fought countless warriors from the Central Plains, and among them had been Jin Hong.
“Wh-What are you talking about!”
His strength was overwhelming. He was a formidable opponent she couldn't overcome, even when she had temporarily surpassed her limits and displayed power beyond the demonic realm using her Ice Soul Demonic Arts.
“It is certain. And... that is not all.”
“Ha! Not all?”
“Yes, the Taiji Sword Emperor of Wudang also joined the fight.”
“The Taiji Sword Emperor?!”
“Are you talking about Mu Jin-hyeon of Wudang!?”
Cho Yeom-wi burst into a hearty laugh.
“Hah! Hahahahahaha!”
Yeon A-ryeong also let out a laugh of disbelief from the shock.
“Ha, ha, haha.”
“Sister. This is not good. We must kill that bastard Baek Mu-heun this time, no matter what. If we don't, there's no telling what he'll become!”
“You don't have to shout. I feel the same way.”
“I will summon someone to lure him out.”
“Prepare a letter as well. And remember, he must not, under any circumstances, find out that you and I are here.”
“Of course. There’s no telling what else that man might prepare.”
And so, the Flame Demon and the Ice Demon began to prepare a trap to catch Mu-heun.
And.
A man, bound with all his limbs broken, listened to the conversation in a daze. Though bloodied and battered, Pa-sun smiled.
***
The Heavenly Wealth Trading Company VIP room.
“Oh my! I should have been the one to visit the Sichuan branch! My apologies!”
The Merchant Lord had arranged a magnificent feast in the VIP room and had summoned courtesans to play beautiful music.
The dishes served were all prepared with only the finest, carefully selected ingredients. The courtesans, too, were said to be the best among the most renowned performers in Sichuan.
Just by looking at what was prepared in this VIP room, one could tell how much care the Merchant Lord had put into receiving Mu-heun.
“Haha, not at all. The food you’ve prepared seems to be alive and breathing. I have encountered many ingredients while traveling the Central Plains, but to see such freshness even after being cooked...
Where else in the world could one find such a banquet?
And not only have the Three Flowers of Sichuan gathered, but they are performing together? Your sincerity is truly visible, Lord Merchant.
I don’t know what to do with myself, being treated with such care.”
The Merchant Lord stared blankly at Mu-heun’s words for a moment. But soon, a wide smile spread across his face.
“Ah, hahaha! I tried my best to show my sincerity, and I am grateful that you have noticed the details. By the way, Pavilion Lord Dragon Demon, your knowledge is truly profound.”
In the Merchant Lord's eyes, Mu-heun was still a young hothead who hadn't even reached thirty. He was even younger than his own son, Cheon Hwi-san. Yet, his vast knowledge and depth made one forget his age.
“Now, I would like to hear about the trade with the Ming Cult of Xinjiang.”
“Of course. I will explain in detail.”
Mu-heun had a long conversation with the head of the Heavenly Wealth Trading Company. They discussed detailed lists of items for future trade, the goods needed by the Divine Cult, and the goods the Divine Cult could provide.
Gam Pa-pa listened to their conversation and pointed out items that the Martial Alliance might take issue with. Then, she discussed how to connect the trade not only to Sichuan but also to Gansu, Shaanxi, Hubei, and Hunan.
“I feel good, as if I have met a fine merchant.”
“The feeling is mutual. I had no idea you were so well-versed in commerce, Lord Dragon Demon. It is truly remarkable.”
Mu-heun extended his hand to the Merchant Lord, and the Merchant Lord took it.
“I look forward to working with you.”
“The pleasure is all mine.”
“However, I don't see the Young Lord whom I met last time.”
“Ah, my son has gone to Xinjiang for the first exchange.”
“Hmm... Then he must be with the returning caravan.”
“Yes, it seems he had a lot pent up from his time at the Sichuan Tang Clan when Dang Baek-ho was the family head. After returning to the main family, he studied so diligently... When I think of that time, I feel I could bow to you a hundred, a thousand times and it still wouldn't be enough.”
“I only did what I had to do, so please don't trouble yourself over it.”
“Ah, speaking of which, the caravan should be returning in about a week. You are welcome to rest here until then. According to the message from the carrier falcon, warriors belonging to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Dragon Demon Pavilion are serving as escorts.”
Mu-heun was momentarily surprised.
*‘Warriors belonging to the Dragon Demon Pavilion...? There shouldn't be any warriors in the Dragon Demon Pavilion yet... Isn't that why the Bright Heavenly Demon Unit and the Bright Left Emissary, Lord Seo Deung, have been handling the duties previously managed by the Red Demon Pavilion?’*
But warriors belonging to the Dragon Demon Pavilion...
Mu-heun could only think of two groups: the Azure Dragon Unit and the Blade Leaf Valley. Traveling from Xinjiang to the Central Plains, which was teeming with Orthodox Sects, was a dangerous task. It was best not to expect support from other families.
Even if they did help, they would never identify themselves as 'belonging to the Dragon Demon Pavilion.'
In that case, it had to be the Azure Dragon Unit and the Blade Leaf Valley, which protected the Heavenly Dance Family... But it seemed unlikely that the Blade Leaf Demon would leave the Blade Leaf Valley, which had once been devastated by the Golden Fang Poison Claw, to come out.
*‘Then it must be the units led by the Maple Leaf Unit Leader, Un Gak, and the Azure Dragon Unit Leader, Cheon Ga-rak, that have joined the Dragon Demon Pavilion and taken on the escort duty.’*
As his thoughts reached that point, Mu-heun sensed something ominous.
*‘Wait a moment...’*
“Thank you for your offer, but it’s alright. It has been a long time since I left the Cult, so I must return quickly. I will check on them on my way.”
“Ah... yes, I understand.”
“Gam Pa-pa, we must leave immediately. Let’s go.”
“Yes, Lord Mu-heun.”
The Merchant Lord noticed the subtle change in Mu-heun's expression. For that reason, he didn't ask any more questions and didn't try to stop the hurried Mu-heun.
But perhaps he had sensed the same ominous feeling as Mu-heun. The Merchant Lord felt a tightness in his chest, as if it were blocked.
Just then, Mu-heun, who had been rushing off, stopped and turned back.
“Do not worry. The caravan will return safely.”
“...!”
Only then did the Merchant Lord’s expression brighten.
“I will put my trust in you, Lord Dragon Demon!”
Mu-heun left the Heavenly Wealth Trading Company, leaving the bowing Merchant Lord behind.
“Gam Pa-pa, do you know where the Beggars' Sect and Underworld Sect branches are in Sichuan?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Let’s go there. It's urgent.”
“...Yes.”
Mu-heun and Gam Pa-pa immediately headed for the branches of the Beggars' Sect and the Underworld Sect in Sichuan.
At that moment, Mu-heun clutched the golden plaque and the missive in his robe.
The golden plaque from the Underworld Sect Leader, Wi Guk, and the missive from the Beggars' Sect Leader, Bi Chwi-hak.
*‘With these two tokens, I should have an advantage when it comes to gathering information.’*
Mu-heun repeated to himself with hurried steps.
*‘Please, let this ominous feeling be wrong.’*