Chapter 48
Chapter 48
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: The Heaven-Earth Sect Leader's Visit
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The Heaven-Earth Sect Leader, Ha Tae-gon, glared at his subordinate with bulging eyes.
"Namgung Hyeok wants to see me?"
"Yes! He says he wants to discuss the bandit subjugation."
"That bastard's reaching out first?"
"That's what he said."
"What an arrogant prick. Thinks I'm his servant or something."
"It seems like he plans to handle the bandit subjugation himself."
"Quite the eager one, isn't he? Must be pretty confident! Brought a decent entourage, I take it?"
"Just the Thunder Dragon Squad."
"The real Thunder Dragon Squad came alone? Hahaha! What does he plan to do with those lunatics?"
The situation seemed to be unfolding delightfully.
"Just as Elder Namgung Baek predicted. This is fun."
"So, what do you plan to do?"
"Toasting a greenhorn like him is nothing. He's dying to rack up achievements right now. Poke him right, and he'll dance to our tune."
"Ah! But is that really okay? He is the Namgung Clan's second young master..."
"No need to worry about that."
"Pardon?"
"If Elder Namgung Baek becomes Family Head, who cares about some second young master? He's already promised to look after us, so don't worry."
"Ah! I see!"
Ha Tae-gon burst into laughter and shot to his feet.
As the rock-solid man rose, the room felt instantly cramped.
"If the second young master summoned me, I should go. Let's have a nice chat."
Ha Tae-gon slung a massive blade over five feet long across his back and strolled out casually.
Bang!
As he flung open the door and exited, he called for ten Heaven-Earth Sect disciples.
Ten elite warriors of the Heaven-Earth Sect appeared, their eyes gleaming fiercely.
"Let's go!"
Ha Tae-gon and his ten elite warriors headed to the Silver Shadow Stable.
His confident strides slowed as he approached the stable master's office, his head tilting downward bit by bit.
...What the hell is that?
He saw men surrounding the office, blocking the entrance squarely.
'The Thunder Dragon Squad's here, right? Is the intel wrong?'
The Thunder Dragon Squad he knew wouldn't stand guard at a door like ordinary warriors.
'Hmph. Doesn't matter.'
Ha Tae-gon snorted and quickened his slowed pace.
Just as he moved to enter the office.
Out of nowhere.
A palm like a bear's paw blocked his path.
What the—?
Ha Tae-gon glared and looked up.
"Insolent...!"
He followed the hand upward.
Huh? Still just the shoulder?
He expected a head by now, but climbed another foot.
Ha Tae-gon flinched.
'...Why's it so damn big?'
No, it wasn't just the size.
A sharp scar across the temple, bulging eyes, and teeth like beast fangs came into view.
Gulp.
Where'd this bear come from?
Bear—no, Tak Hyeok-dong—glared at the Heaven-Earth Sect Leader.
"What."
"...I was just trying to pass through."
"Who're you."
"From the Heaven-Earth Sect..."
Ha Tae-gon's shoulders subtly narrowed.
Tak Hyeok-dong turned his head.
"Captain, he says he's from the Heaven-Earth Sect."
Geon Cheon-hwi stood askew, scanning Ha Tae-gon from head to toe.
Ha Tae-gon tensed his spine under the snake-cold gaze.
"Never heard of it."
Tak Hyeok-dong's palm rose to Ha Tae-gon's shoulder.
Thud.
His gaze wavered unsteadily under the heavy bear paw.
"He says he never heard of it."
"...Th-the Namgung Clan's second young master summoned me. C-can I... pass through?"
"Nope."
"Ah, got it. Can't pass."
Ha Tae-gon shriveled up.
While he cowered, his Heaven-Earth Sect disciples shrank their shoulders under the Thunder Dragon Squad's stares, fidgeting restlessly.
Then, a voice came from inside.
"Don't bully the guest."
The clear, resonant voice reached outside the moment it spoke.
Pat pat pat!
"Aigoo, we weren't bullying! You're the young master's guest?"
The bear dusted off Ha Tae-gon's shoulder and bowed deeply.
The snake eyes were gone; Geon Cheon-hwi smiled brightly.
"Please, come in. The young master is waiting."
...What the fuck are these guys?
One voice and their attitude flips?
Ha Tae-gon stared at the Thunder Dragon Squad in bewilderment.
Tak Hyeok-dong twisted his hideous scar.
Probably his version of a smile.
"Kehahaha, sir. Sorry, but could you leave your sword with us?"
"What for?"
Despite Tak Hyeok-dong's effort, Geon Cheon-hwi cut in with a pitiful look.
"You never know, right? Just in case."
"Just in case?"
Geon Cheon-hwi glanced inside, scanned Ha Tae-gon up and down, and snickered.
"Just go in."
Ha Tae-gon cleared his throat uncomfortably and addressed his disciples.
"You lot, guard the front! Ahem!"
"Pardon? Ah, yes."
The dazed Heaven-Earth Sect disciples snapped to attention.
The Thunder Dragon Squad eyed them up and down like rats in a trap.
'F-fuck, what the hell are these guys?'
'This sucks.'
'...When's this over?'
The Heaven-Earth Sect disciples gazed into the distance, sweating coldly.
Ha Tae-gon shot the Thunder Dragon Squad a dubious look before entering.
"Who the hell are those guys outside?"
He asked Sang Man-chu the moment he entered the office, but the answer came from elsewhere.
Namgung Hyeok shrugged.
"Ah, my limbs."
I know they're your limbs!
Who are they? What's their deal!
"Sit if you're here."
Ha Tae-gon flinched and stared at Namgung Hyeok.
'...Not what I heard.'
Unlike the ominous bunch outside, Namgung Hyeok looked like a frail scholar.
The ultimate bookworm.
Compared to the Thunder Dragon Squad, he seemed even smaller and weaker.
A stark contrast.
'Anyway, just sweet-talk this guy, right?'
Might be easier than I thought.
Looks like a naive type who doesn't know the world. A little coaxing and he'll bite.
Estimate made on first sight.
Ha Tae-gon smiled softly and cupped his fists.
"Ha Tae-gon of the Heaven-Earth Sect greets the second young master."
He bowed politely and slowly took a seat.
After gauging Namgung Hyeok's vibe for a moment, Ha Tae-gon spoke.
"The stable master said you wished to discuss the bandit subjugation. May I ask what it's about?"
Nom nom.
Namgung Hyeok chewed on jerky made from horse meat and said.
"You're joining the bandit subjugation yourself?"
Ha Tae-gon smiled softly, lightly clasped his hands, and replied deferentially.
"Yes, young master! It's the Namgung Clan's business—only natural to step up!"
Still munching jerky, Namgung Hyeok tilted his head.
"Why?"
Why? To lop your head off, you punk.
"Pardon?"
"No relation to you."
"...It does concern us. The Huabuk Plains have long been our sect's operating territory. We can't overlook bandits!"
"A true knight-errant, eh?"
"Hahaha! You're too kind."
Ha Tae-gon laughed heartily.
"Let's go subjugate those bandits together! I'll assist you."
"With me?"
"How else would I get to join the Namgung Clan's second young master on a bandit hunt?"
Ha Tae-gon thumped his chest and continued.
"We know the Huabuk Plains' terrain like the back of our hand. It'll surely help you rack up merits!"
"Ah. So capable, Sect Leader Ha. What would I do without you? Can I even accept this help?"
"Kuhahaha! Nonsense! No need to feel burdened. I'm doing this because I want to!"
"Wow! I'm touched."
Ha Tae-gon's eyes gleamed at Namgung Hyeok's giggling words.
'Kid's eating it up after a little flattery.'
Even greener than expected.
Seems timid too.
Makes sense for a murim newbie—fear and excitement mixed.
'Time to drive the wedge.'
Ha Tae-gon grinned.
"When do you plan the subjugation? I'll do my utmost to support you!"
Namgung Hyeok shoved the last jerky into his mouth and laughed.
"Hahaha! I know nothing, so Sect Leader Ha decides."
"Kuhahaha! Just adding a bit to your plan, young master. You decide, and I'll prepare!"
"No, no. You set it. Help me out."
"How about three days from now? Plenty to prepare—better to be sure."
Need time to ensure the neck comes off clean.
Namgung Hyeok chuckled heartily.
"Sure, let's do that."
"Yes! Relax, young master. First times are always scary and tough. Once it's over, the world looks different!"
"Kuh, reassuring, reassuring."
Namgung Hyeok stuck up a thumbs-up.
"So now I just trust Sect Leader Ha and wait?"
"Yes, trust only me and wa— Pardon?"
What? Wait?
For who?
Ha Tae-gon stared at Namgung Hyeok in confusion.
Namgung Hyeok was still chomping jerky.
"Young master? Did I hear wrong? You need to go for the experience..."
"Nah, what do I know? You can handle it! I'll wait here."
"But then how will you gain experience..."
"He's working so hard—no room for me."
What bullshit is this?!
Hey, if you don't show, we're screwed!
"Y-young master! Without you participating, it loses meaning..."
"Sect Leader Ha. I get your loyalty to the Namgung Clan. Your skills seem solid, so I'll put in a good word with the Family Head. Don't worry!"
No, no, you crazy bastard!
That's not it!
Ha Tae-gon looked at Namgung Hyeok with panicked eyes.
Namgung Hyeok patted his shoulder.
"Let's grab a drink when it's done."
"Young master, still, together..."
"How about this."
Namgung Hyeok gripped Ha Tae-gon's hand tight.
"Once the bandits are wiped out, I'll take credit for it."
...You're gonna fake it?
"And leave the bandit stronghold as is. Don't touch it. It's mine."
...Excuse me?
"Young master?"
"Yeah, you get it. Stable master!"
Sang Man-chu, who had been blankly watching, snapped to.
"Pardon? Y-yes, young master!"
"You heard?"
"...Heard what?"
"Sect Leader Ha's helping out. While he handles it, I'll tour the stable."
"Ah...?"
Namgung Hyeok grinned.
"Haven't had mare's milk wine yet? Want some horse jerky too."
"Ah, uh?"
"Make it proper. Bring lots of booze! Atmosphere's too stiff. Lots of snacks and food! Got it?"
Sang Man-chu nodded like he was entranced.
Namgung Hyeok patted Ha Tae-gon's shoulder once more.
"Talk's over. Out you go."
"...Pardon?"
"I'll call if needed. Out. You too, stable master."
"Pardon? Th-this is my office..."
"Tch."
"Yes."
The two nodded awkwardly and shuffled out of the office.
A brief commotion outside, then Geon Cheon-hwi entered.
"Young master."
"Yeah?"
"You're really leaving the bandit subjugation to the Heaven-Earth Sect?"
Namgung Hyeok leaned back and stretched languidly.
"No such thing as free lunch in this world. Goodwill without strings? Yeah, right."
"Pardon?"
"How many con artists have I seen in my life?"
I'm the world's greatest con.
Righteous, unorthodox—plenty tried to screw me over. Think I can't spot fakes?
I've eaten stares for a hundred years, punk.
'Wanna eat my back? Cough up your neck at least.'
Namgung Hyeok smiled at the Thunder Dragon Squad's baffled looks.
"Shall we see how they play it out?"
For once, something fun had come along.