Chapter 135
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 135
Chapter Title: Wheedling Secrets from the Branch Chief
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“What’s the matter?”
“Ah, well... This was just a small token of appreciation.”
“A token?”
Yu Hyun turned his head and asked coldly, leaving Jang Ye flustered and at a loss for words.
“To be honest, there have been many officials demanding bribes like this lately...”
“What? There are people like that?”
“......”
“I can’t just let my subordinates get away with this! I’ll go see the County Governor right now!”
“Y-Young Master! Please, anything but that!”
“......Please hold back?”
“Yes. He’s a close associate, so you must know his temperament well. If the Governor finds out about the bribes, our poor branch will have to pack up and leave Nanzhou immediately.”
“......”
What a joke.
The only ones in the unorthodox sects who could call themselves pitiful were the destitute wanderers with nowhere to turn—not a guy like you, fat and happy in a cushy position.
No matter what he was thinking inside, Yu Hyun feigned deep contemplation with a serious silence before nodding as if he understood.
“Hmm, I suppose that could be the case. The Governor does have a very upright personality.”
“Exactly. You’ve got it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. I plan to enter military service and make my mark someday, so I’ll need to adapt to these complicated nuances.”
“I-I see.”
His bluff had worked—Jang Ye clasped his hands politely and smiled warmly at Yu Hyun.
*I pulled it off myself, but damn, I seasoned it just right. He’s melting like butter.*
Yu Hyun sat back down, chuckling inwardly as he let out a sigh and muttered.
“Hmm, speaking of which... could you tell me about the North Branch?”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“As I said before, I aspire to be a warrior. To earn respect, I need to gain all sorts of experiences and broaden my horizons, don’t I?”
“......”
“I know the basics of military arts and troop deployment, but to become a capable commander in the future, I’ll need experience not just in officialdom but in the jianghu too. For example, what strategies and tactics do martial artists use? How do they handle their forces...? Things like that.”
“Ah! Well... I suppose that makes sense.”
“Exactly. I’ve learned a bit from the orthodox sects, but I have no connections to the unorthodox ones.”
“From the orthodox sects?”
Jang Ye asked with a puzzled look.
“What’s wrong with that?”
“No, it’s not that...”
“Haha, whether you share alliances or not, it’s all the same jianghu to us officials. Hmm, it’d be great if some unorthodox martial artist could teach me with examples... I’d never forget such a profound favor...”
Jang Ye, who had been eyeing Yu Hyun suspiciously, finally nodded in understanding.
“Hmm, from an official’s perspective, distinctions between orthodox and unorthodox probably don’t matter much.”
Yu Hyun shot him a sidelong glance as he smoothly fell for the lie, inwardly cheering.
“My father is favored by the Emperor himself, and I’m close to the Dam Clan Manor that wields great power in the military here in Hubei Province, but I still lack someone to fill in my experience gaps. It’s frustrating.”
“Pardon? The E-Emperor? What kind of family...?”
“Heh heh, you’d only get hurt if you knew.”
“......”
*As if I’d tell you.*
*What if you recognized my name?*
*You’ve already weathered one storm with that unasked-for bribe—you won’t pry further.*
“I came hoping to learn something, but... what now?”
“......”
Jang Ye’s eyes wavered like a flag in the wind as Yu Hyun’s subtle hints increasingly tempted him.
*He must be torn.*
Martial artists were human, and jianghu sects were made by humans. They couldn’t escape entanglements in various interests, leading to frequent clashes with the government.
Thus, forging ties with officialdom was crucial. Building a proper rapport was icing on the cake.
Even the Anpyeong County Beggars’ Sect Branch Chief had tried his damnedest to impress him, hadn’t he?
The orthodox sects were one thing, but for unorthodox folk who prided themselves on flouting the law, it went without saying.
“Young Master.”
“Yes?”
“If you’re alright with it, I might be able to offer some modest help...”
“Hm? You, Branch Chief?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
“Haha! I don’t claim to know grand strategies or tactics, but we’re currently at war with the Righteous Alliance, so you could learn a lot from the formations we’ve used.”
“Oh, really? You’d do that for me?”
“Of course! Why not? You’re not a Righteous Alliance spy or anything. If it helps you, Young Master, that’s more than enough for me.”
“......”
*Sharp in all the wrong places, this guy.*
Yu Hyun masked his surprise and feigned a mix of composure and shamelessness.
*Not like me, the epitome of calm, to be caught off guard—but no need to worry.*
*A branch chief wouldn’t be that stupid, but with greed lighting up his eyes, he can’t make sound judgments anyway.*
“Excellent! I won’t forget your kindness, Branch Chief! I’ll etch the name Jang Ye right here on my heart!”
As Yu Hyun spoke with firm resolve, Jang Ye’s mouth gaped open wide as a pumpkin.
*Easy there, or it’ll split.*
*Anyway, from here on, he’ll probably spill his guts and organs without me even asking.*
“Come on! Let’s go. I have a detailed map of the battlefield in my office. I’ll explain everything in full.”
“I’ll listen with the devotion of a disciple to his master!”
Yu Hyun followed close behind the suddenly energetic Jang Ye, acting as chummy as if throwing an arm around his shoulder.
“Is this... really okay?”
“He’s offering to spill it all—what’s the harm?”
“But it’s all lies.”
“......That’s just how he is.”
Nangong Seong whispered in response to Nangong Hye’s uneasy question.
*He really is like that.*
*Means to an end, no holds barred...*
“As expected of the Grand Commander. So much to learn. A few words, gestures, and expressions, and he’s got that guy wrapped around his finger.”
“Amazing. His talent for beguiling people outshines even a fox spirit.”
The Four Dragons, including Gedeushin and Unhyeon, each had their own impressions.
But they all agreed on one thing: there was much to learn from Yu Hyun.
Not just his martial arts... but his incredible social skills too.
Nangong Hye shook her head pityingly at the Four Dragons’ uncharacteristically crooked admiration.
*The Latent Dragon Squad sure runs smoothly.*
*Calling these guys the Slaying Dragons...*
* * *
“And so, our North Branch...”
“......”
Yu Hyun nodded eagerly as he listened intently to Jang Ye’s explanation, complete with a pointer stick in front of the map.
Troop numbers, combat strength, deployments—detailed enough to applaud.
Whenever he raised a hand to ask a question, Jang Ye answered with utmost sincerity.
He’d clearly reported to superiors countless times; his explanations were clear, concise, and easy to follow—not amateur work by any means.
Pleased, Yu Hyun glanced back and saw the Latent Dragon Squad members standing around blankly.
*Take some notes, you idiots.*
*The North Branch Chief is kindly leaking vital intel—no, heavenly secrets—and here you are.*
Yu Hyun clicked his tongue inwardly before addressing Jang Ye in an excited tone.
“Hmm, impressive. The jianghu employs such systematic tactics. But it seems the war with the Righteous Alliance is quite fierce.”
“It’s fine. Our North Branch heroes, the Ki-ryeon Three Heroes, are out there in person. The Righteous Alliance can thrash about all they want—it’s useless.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
*Three Heroes, huh.*
*Freaks to the orthodox folk: the bizarre one, the weird one, and the cranky one.*
*Well, even a dog is king in its own yard. For martial artists of that caliber, it’s natural they’d feel pride and respect.*
You could tell from Jang Ye’s smug, oblivious expression.
*Tone it down already. Your shoulders are gonna pop.*
*Looks like the Shadow Dragon Squad is doing its job right. Pulling out their main forces like this.*
“The Three Heroes are among the twelve Honored Elders under the Branch Leader himself...”
“Ah, hold on.”
Yu Hyun raised a hand, and Jang Ye stopped.
“You mean they’ve reached that ‘peak realm’ martial artists talk about?”
“Ah! You even know about martial realms?”
“I’ve always been interested...”
“Yes. The North Branch’s twelve Honored Elders have all ascended to the peak realm. A nobody like me never got to see them in person, but I hear they’re all superior-peak experts...”
“Hmm.”
*All three at superior-peak?*
*Would’ve been a headache if we’d run into them.*
*Me with my spirit energy training aside, even if the Latent Dragon Squad hid their presence, dodging that many high-level experts’ senses wouldn’t be easy.*
*Thank goodness they’re on the front lines.*
*Anyway, thanks to Jang Ye’s detailed rundown, I’ve got a rough grasp of their forces...*
*One thing left.*
Yu Hyun let out a long inward sigh of relief before broaching the most important topic.
“I hear there’s a Sub-Branch Leader here too—any chance I could meet him?”
“Pardon? The S-Sub-Branch Leader...?”
“......”
Jang Ye’s pupils trembled slightly at the sudden mention.
*No idea what’s up, but he’s hiding something?*
*He was bursting with pride talking about the Three Heroes and twelve Honored Elders—what’s this?*
“Well...”
“What’s wrong? I was hoping to meet him since I’m here...”
“......”
*Now he’s furrowing his brow too.*
*Ho, what’s this? Something’s definitely up.*
“Unfortunately, you won’t be able to meet the Sub-Branch Leader.”
“......”
Yu Hyun didn’t miss the shift in Jang Ye’s expression and tone.
*Even after I buttered him up this much, and he refuses...?*
“Hmm, did he go somewhere far?”
“Not exactly... Anyway, he’s not at the branch right now. He should return before dawn, so I can pass along your message.”
“Oh dear, such a shame...”
Yu Hyun didn’t press too hard.
To extract something from someone, you always had to master push and pull.
*Like pricking a fully inflated ball with a needle—carefully...*
“Hmm, I wanted to meet the Sub-Branch Leader, but no helping it. Time for me to go.”
“Pardon? Already? I was going to prepare some drinks...”
As Yu Hyun stood, Jang Ye looked at him with deep regret.
*Drinks, my ass.*
*After I scammed you big time, you think I’d sit pretty and booze it up?*
“No need for that. The Governor let me slip out briefly while he’s tied up. He said we’d have a drink when I get back.”
“Oh, I see. Then you must go. Of course. Wouldn’t do to be late for drinks with the Governor.”
“I won’t forget your kindness, Branch Chief. I’ll make sure to mention it to him.”
“Really?”
“Of course. The Governor should know about capable folks like you.”
“......Th-Thank you. I’ll treasure this honor for life. Haha!”
“Alright then.”
As Yu Hyun waved and headed out, Jang Ye stuck to him like glue, insisting on escorting him.
“Haha, you must be busy.”
“No such thing. I’ll see you all the way to the Governor’s residence.”
“......”
*Ugh, cringing hard.*
*I dangled a bright future, and now he’s clinging for all he’s worth.*
“Then just to the main gate, please.”
“I insist, to the residence...”
“Main gate.”
“......Yes, well, the main gate it is.”
Yu Hyun cut him off firmly and quickened his pace.
*Guest act ends here.*
*No good lingering in enemy territory. Keep lying too long, and suspicions arise.*
*I got plenty of intel.*
*And the Sub-Branch Leader returns before dawn tomorrow?*
*That’s my golden opportunity.*
A sly smile crept across Yu Hyun’s lips, hidden beneath his bamboo hat.