Chapter 56
Chapter 56
----------------------------------------------------------------- Translator: Ryuma Chapter: 56 Chapter Title: Let's Do It By the Book (2) ----------------------------------------------------------------- In life, you sometimes see suspicious groups lurking about. It's nothing out of the ordinary. Yet it was enough to catch the attention of the local authorities. 'That means we can't dismiss them as mere martial artists.' "Suspicious group?"
"Yes. Most of them appear to be trained in martial arts."
"And?"
"They don't seem to move with any discipline."
The cautious old servant bowed his head as he spoke.
"Bandits known as green forest outlaws in the martial world have gathered in force."
"Green forest? Hmm. Bandits, eh."
It wasn't uncommon for bandits to raid cities or villages.
"But O-gang County here isn't as large as typical counties," Bi-seon stated what he knew.
"Plus, there are troops garrisoned here, and many merchant caravans pass through."
That meant plenty of escort warriors as well. It wasn't a place bandits could easily target.
"Yes. That's why even the magistrate finds it suspicious."
The others listening to the exchange began to share the doubt. -It's a juicy target, but too tough for most bandits to approach... 'And green forest bandits abandoning their mountain dens to attack a county seat?' It wasn't unheard of, but neither was it common. Dang Yu-wol spoke carefully.
"What if they're not real bandits, but disguised as such?"
"But the reports say..."
"A lack of discipline is easy enough to fake."
"I see. Hwang-no, look into it."
"Understood."
Hwang-no bowed at Bi-seon's firm command. The mood suddenly grew tense. After a moment's thought, Bi-seon laughed.
"Hahaha! This has nothing to do with you all, so don't worry and eat up."
"Ahahaha..."
Seol Ryu-a let out a dry chuckle. In the meantime, Dang Yu-wol set down his chopsticks. 'This isn't a place where a large bandit force could arise.' Yet one had. Could this be a diversion to draw eyes away from something else? Finishing his thought, he glanced at Hwan-gyu. 'The Blood Cult hasn't given up yet. So...' -Who knows. They might even be targeting that man. Dang Yu-wol subtly eyed Bi-seon. The position of the Great Empire's Third Prince was no light matter. -The Third Prince is deeply scheming, with many followers in the imperial court. 'Indeed... He was the first to lead martial artists and the military against the Blood Cult's stirrings.' In other words, a threat to the Blood Cult. Dang Yu-wol and Ye-ui's views aligned. 'And there's talk that the Fourth Prince despises him. That's worth considering too.' There were quite a few suspicious points. Dang Yu-wol took a sip of tea before speaking calmly.
"Going outside right now doesn't seem wise."
"Agreed. That's for the best."
Hwan-gyu had been thinking along the same lines. 'Maybe Little Brother is right, and there's a traitor within Jeomchang Sect.' They had the power to plant spies in one of the Nine Great Sects, after all. They might be plotting something again. Which meant leaving the city walls wasn't a smart move.
"Then we'll have to stay here for the time being?"
"Looks like it."
"How about this?"
Bi-seon grinned as if amused.
"Since fate brought us together, why don't we all head to Haejeong Sect?"
"Young master?! What do you mean..."
"They invited us just a bit ago."
Hwang-no's gaze shifted to Seol Ryu-a. She nodded quickly.
"Wouldn't it be safer than staying at an inn where anyone can come and go?"
It certainly would. Easier to guard as well. But there was another option.
"Why not let me carry you out of here swiftly on my back..."
"Hahaha. Don't be ridiculous. You stay and help defend this place against the enemy."
Hwang-no looked regretful at Bi-seon's refusal. His safety was paramount to her. But she couldn't defy an order.
"With a Transcendent Realm master here, the people can rest easy."
"Then who will guard the young master?"
She asked with a glimmer of hope. Bi-seon was relaxed.
"Don't we have these friends right here?"
He gestured to Dang Yu-wol's group.
"Even someone loyal enough to study the laws himself."
His eyes fell on Hwan-gyu, Yi-kyeong, and Yi-rul.
"And we have esteemed Daoists from one of the Nine Great Sects. Plus..."
Next was Seol Ryu-a. She jumped in before he could finish.
"Yes!! I'll protect you with my life!!"
Hwang-no frowned at the sight. As if some mere peak expert had any business stepping up. Seol Ryu-a shrank back slightly.
"Looks like we have a Beggars' Sect member too."
"Hehe."
Gu Hwan-gae chuckled unwittingly, then startled. His beggar's instincts were kicking in on their own.
"Aren't you going to ask our opinion?"
That's when Dang Yu-wol spoke up. Bi-seon seemed surprised by the response. As if he hadn't expected it.
"Hm? You planning to say no?"
After a brief think, he snapped his fingers. They were martial artists, after all. Even without revealing his status as Third Prince, this was too high-handed.
"Fine, then take this. What do you say?"
Grinning, he pulled a small box from his robe. Hwang-no's expression hardened at the sight. But Bi-seon casually opened it.
"This fragrance...?"
The faint aroma from the box cleared the mind. Yang Ui-seok's eyes widened. He knew exactly what it was.
"Soul-Preserving Life Restoration Pill?!"
"Oh ho. So the Healing Hands Sect fellow recognizes it."
"Yang, little hero. What's that?"
Hwan-gyu seemed puzzled, having never heard of it, while Yang Hee-seok hesitated. As if unsure whether to explain.
"An elixir from the Healing Hands Sect. It boosts internal energy by ten years on consumption."
"Ten years? No kidding?"
"Yes. And if taken while injured, it heals the wound instantly."
Ten years of internal energy was great. But instant recovery from mortal wounds... For martial artists who lived on the edge of death, it was tantamount to an extra life. 'If Hwang-no weren't here, other martial artists would've drawn steel without a second thought to claim it.' It was that precious, even in Dang Yu-wol's mind. Yet Bi-seon offered it freely.
"Deal?"
"We'll do it." 'We need the elixir anyway.' He'd need one later to attempt the Transcendent Realm. Best to stockpile them steadily.
"I heard Jeomchang Sect's buildings are aging. And that you're short on land near Jeomchang County for renovations."
"Infinite mercy. How did you know?"
"A friend of Yunnam's Governor. Word is there's friction over land... I'll resolve it for you."
It had been a headache for Jeomchang Sect since a couple years back. Solving it would be a huge boon.
"For the Beggars' Sect... here."
From his robe came a small plaque. Gu Hwan-gae paled and bowed deeply upon seeing it.
"To think you hold a Secret Command Plaque. As a benefactor of the sect, it's only natural we protect you."
"And you..."
"I'm fine. It's what I should do anyway."
Bi-seon was pleased with Seol Ryu-a's firm words. All issues settled.
"Then, until this blows over, I leave it in your hands."
Yes. This breaks Iron Sword Hall's momentum." And then Haejeong Sect would dominate O-gang County. A moment of silence. Haejeong Sect leader and his second disciple, Gyu Nam-seok, quietly sipped tea. "S-Se-Sect Leader!!" What was the commotion? Stepping out curiously, he froze in shock. Gu Hwan-gae, the Thousand-Li Flying Swallow of the Beggars' Sect, was here. "Aigoo! Elder! Long time no see! You could've sent word..." "What word? Just happened to pass by. Anyway... got any rooms?" "Rooms? Of course! Plenty!!" He'd helped the man once before. Having forged ties then, Haejeong Sect leader welcomed him joyfully. Gu Hwan-gae nodded, then called out leisurely. "Rooms available!!" "Haha. Perfect timing." People entered through Haejeong Sect's main gate. 'Wait?! Them?!' Three Daoists in Jeomchang Sect robes. A man and an old woman in stained, luxurious silk. A youth in Healing Hands Sect garb. And finally, a young man in dark green martial robes. "N-No way." The one in dark green stepped forward. Young-looking, but clearly the group's leader. "Greetings. I'm Dang Yu-wol of Sacheon Tang Clan." "O. Ohhh..." "Your disciple invited us earlier." He could guess why they'd come. Joy flooded Haejeong Sect leader's face. "Would it be alright if we stayed here a while?" The whole vine had come with the gourds. To think they were with Gu Hwan-gae. "Aigoo! Of course! Come in, come in!!" Precious guests had arrived. He had to do his utmost. "Disciples! Bring tea and refreshments, quick!!" A rare joyous occasion for Haejeong Sect. Even the sect leader rolled up his sleeves to prepare. Under his guidance, Dang Yu-wol's group headed inside. "You take the seat of honor. You're the eldest, aren't you?" Bi-seon said with a smile, and Gu Hwan-gae hurriedly bowed. His beggar's instincts kept shrinking him before Bi-seon. "Aigoo, how could I dare..." "Go on." "Yes, sir." In the end, at Hwang-no's glare, Gu Hwan-gae took the head seat. "Ahem. Never thought I'd see a beggar's brat in the seat of honor." "By age or seniority, it's proper for the elder." "Tch. In the martial world, it's all about martial prowess." How embarrassing. A Transcendent Realm master and two peak experts. Even someone with a Secret Command Plaque. And he was at the head table. "Not like you to fuss, Elder." "Hey, put yourself in my shoes..." As Gu Hwan-gae grimaced, the door opened. "Clear Sound Jade Tea!" Haejeong Sect leader brought out rare tea reserved for special days. He poured for Gu Hwan-gae in the head seat first, then the others in turn. "So, what brings you all to stay here?" Dang Yu-wol answered in his stead. "Unknown bandits are gathering outside O-gang County." Haejeong Sect leader sighed at the words. He'd heard similar from the magistrate. "Indeed. Little hero, merchant caravans have been whispering about bandit swarms hitting O-gang County for days now." "Seems they're targeting the county." "Likely so." "We'll lend our strength to the subjugation." Of course, that was the surface reason. Haejeong Sect leader was impressed. A tale to move any righteous sect member. "Heavens. Such chivalry from one so young!" Admirable at such a youth. As a martial world elder, he wanted to offer some wisdom. "Do you have a moniker?" "Poison Dragon!" "Yu-wol oppa's moniker is Poison Dragon!" "Impressive title." 'Poison Dragon at such a young age. Rare breed.' Inexperienced youths often gave themselves grand titles. They tended to get hurt as a result. As Haejeong Sect leader smiled to caution him, "It's one I acknowledged." "Ah. I-Is that so?"