Finally, That Day Arrives
Finally, that day had come, but Namgung Ji wasn't at ease. Anxious was the word for it. It had been two full months since he'd met Bang So-un. He'd been told it would take some time, but now that it actually had, doubts crept in—had something gone wrong?
Of course, he trusted Bang So-un. That trust had bound them as a community of fate, with everything on the line. But still, there was always an if. That nagging what if was what had Namgung Ji pacing restlessly.
Gulp. Thunk.
"Ugh."
The liquor tasted bitter again today. Even so, Namgung Ji had no choice but to punch his daily clock at Cheon-sang Ru. Why? Because Bang So-un had said it plain as day: Stay here, and I'll contact you. Clinging to that hope, he came every day.
Money? He had none. But that didn't matter. Madam Mo Ryeo-won, the keeper, treated him like royalty anyway—thanks to Bang So-un. Every time he saw her acting like an obedient puppy, it drove home just how effortlessly Bang So-un tamed women.
But...
"Hmm, I wonder if things aren't going according to Brother Bang's plan..."
Namgung Ji was muttering worriedly when—
"My, my, so many worries."
The voice he'd been waiting for drifted in from outside. Namgung Ji's eyes nearly bulged out of his head.
"B-Brother Bang?!"
"That's right. It's me."
Creak.
Bang So-un pushed the door open and stepped in, wearing that same relaxed expression from before. That face. It was that very composure that convinced Namgung Ji he was in the presence of a truly extraordinary man. Special. Exceptionally so.
"Long time no see, Brother Namgung."
"Pl-Please, have a seat."
"Was just about to."
Bang So-un chuckled lightly and settled into the seat across from him. No sooner had he sat than Namgung Ji blurted out eagerly.
"I've been waiting desperately for you, Brother Bang."
"You seem like the impatient type."
"How could my heart stay calm when we're plotting something this huge? Every day is a trial."
"Hahaha, fair enough."
Bang So-un laughed as he grabbed a pear from the table and crunched into it.
"So, h-how did it go, Brother Bang?"
Namgung Ji's heart pounded like a drum as he awaited the answer.
"Perfectly, without a hitch."
"Phew..."
Only then did Namgung Ji exhale in relief. In many ways, he wasn't cut out to be the heir of a great house like the Namgung family. Of course, sitting next to Bang So-un's extraordinary caliber only made the contrast starker.
"The acrobatic troupe arrives in Anhui in six days."
"Oh!"
Namgung Ji's eyes lit up. He didn't know the exact details of Bang So-un's plan for the troupe, but he knew it involved capturing both Namgung Hwaran and her guard at once. That alone was enough to thrill him.
"Their name is the Shin Ga Acrobatic Troupe."
"Shin Ga Acrobatic Troupe..."
"Anyway, that means there's something you need to do for me, Brother Namgung."
"Anything—name it."
Namgung Ji nodded vigorously, eyes burning with resolve.
"Good. I like that determination."
Bang So-un chuckled again before continuing.
"The shows run for a full week. If all goes to plan, Namgung Hwaran will visit at least once during that time. All you have to do is let me know the moment she heads out to see the performance."
It was simple. No need to get too close and risk suspicion. As the precious daughter of the family head, any move Namgung Hwaran made outside the estate would be impossible to hide. And as the eldest young master—not some servant or laborer—Namgung Ji would hear about it for sure.
"No problem. I'll inform you right away. Ah, but how...?"
Namgung Ji trailed off, suddenly struck by a potential issue.
The obvious ways—sending a carrier pigeon or a messenger—carried the risk of a trail later on. Namgung Ji knew that much.
"Oh, oh, no worries. I've got just the reliable little guy."
Bang So-un pulled a small pouch from his bosom. When he opened it, a black rat popped out. Strangely, it made no squeaks.
Namgung Ji's eyes went wide.
"What is...?"
"Heukseo. A spirit beast among spirit beasts."
"This is a spirit beast...?"
"Haha, it's just a rat pup, but the real deal. Smart as they come—beats most humans. Use this, and there's no trail to worry about."
"Well, I'll be. Glad to hear it, but how do I...?"
"Keep it in the pouch normally. When the time comes, take out Heukseo and stuff something in its mouth. It'll come straight to me."
"Ah, I see... Got it. I'll do exactly that."
Shin Ga Acrobatic Troupe. Just as Bang So-un had said, they arrived in Anhui exactly six days later. And they put on the passionate shows they always did—the ones that had earned rave reviews everywhere.
Anhui was no different. The crowds loved it, especially the kids, so word spread fast among parents. Soon, the shows were nearly sold out.
A woman sat before a mirror. Another tall woman brushed her hair—Namgung Hwaran and her guard.
Namgung Hwaran was a stunning beauty beyond words, but her guard was no slouch either, with sharp, refreshing features that could easily qualify as pretty.
The guard's name was Hwa Mulin, a martial artist from the Qingying Guard. Young, but top-tier in her unit—a testament to her talent. She couldn't match the Azure Sky Flower Namgung Hwaran, but that wasn't due to any lack on Hwa Mulin's part; Namgung Hwaran was simply too exceptional.
"Heard about it?"
Namgung Hwaran spoke casually, like to a friend. That's how close they were—same age, known since childhood. Status differences didn't hinder their bond, especially since Hwa Mulin became her dedicated guard.
"Heard what, miss?"
"The acrobatic troupe in Anhui right now. Shin Ga Acrobatic Troupe, I think?"
"Ah."
Hwa Mulin nodded, finally catching on. Her charge loved spectacles, performing or watching. So when Namgung Hwaran brought up the troupe, it was obvious: she was interested.
Hwa Mulin smiled faintly.
"Yes, I've heard. They're quite popular and well-reviewed."
"Even you, Hwa warrior? Good. I've heard too, and I was thinking of going."
"Hehe, I see. When were you planning?"
"Hmm, not sure. Whenever."
"From what I hear, the shows have about three days left."
"Oh, really? Hm... In that case..."
Namgung Hwaran pondered for a moment, then decided.
"Might as well go today while we're on the topic. Schedules can get messy if we wait."
As the pampered daughter of the Namgung house, Namgung Hwaran was busier than most. Plans could pop up anytime. It was weirder that Namgung Ji, the eldest son, wasted his days so freely.
"Understood. I'll prepare right away."
It was a guard duty to a crowded place, but Hwa Mulin showed no special concern. Naturally so—this was Anhui. No one in the world would dare harm a direct Namgung heir here. Plus, Namgung Hwaran was a Peak Expert woman warrior, and Hwa Mulin herself was on the cusp of Peak. No issues would arise; Hwa Mulin was absolutely certain.
"Oh, and prepare a veil."
Being recognized as a Namgung lady in Anhui would just bring headaches. Hwa Mulin understood well.
"Yes, miss."
Hwa Mulin replied with a soft smile.
Fi-Finally.
Namgung Ji's feet flew. He'd gotten the news: Namgung Hwaran was heading out to see the Shin Ga Acrobatic Troupe's show.
He rushed straight back to his room.
Creak. Slam.
No sooner had he shut the door than he reached for the pouch with Heukseo. But his fingers paused.
"Ah, wait a second..."
Something had just occurred to him. Back at Cheon-sang Ru, Bang So-un had said he knew what his sister looked like. No bluster from that man—he'd gotten intel somewhere. As a famous murim figure, portraits of the Namgung daughter would circulate in info networks.
But he'd overlooked one thing until now: his sister almost always wore a veil when out in Anhui.
A veil would render any description useless.
"Damn, how... Ah."
Pacing in frustration, Namgung Ji hit on a solution: Heukseo.
Heukseo could carry something in its mouth. A scrap of paper...
He hurriedly grabbed brush, ink, and paper, scrawling the characters for "veil."
Then he pulled out Heukseo, wadded the paper, and stuffed it in its mouth.
Without hesitation, the black rat vanished out the window.
"Phew, it-it worked, right?"
Part of him wanted to follow, to see it all with his own eyes. But that could raise suspicions or leave a trail. Namgung Ji knew better. He had the patience to endure—especially with such a grand scheme ahead.
"Please, Brother Bang."
He muttered fervently to himself.