Chapter 27
Chapter 27
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 27
Chapter Title: Chang'an Falling Moon Manor
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Martial artists love to learn.
Even as they age, that thirst for knowledge never fades. That's the mark of a true martial artist.
It's the driving force behind growth and the foundation for progress.
As long as they keep learning, stagnation has no hold over them.
Seolha and Yeonhwa were exemplary students in that regard.
The new martial arts they were learning featured movements utterly different from what they knew.
Yet the two women picked it up with ease.
Probably thanks to their solid foundations.
Clean, efficient motions without any wasted effort open the door to so much more.
Like land with a perfect foundation laid before construction begins.
Anything can be built on it, step by step, solidly.
While guiding the two women through their training, I kept tabs on the situation in Chang'an.
The Shadowless Gate and the Demonic Cult. Suspiciously quiet, those two.
With the Shadowless Gate's superior intelligence network and the Demonic Cult's formidable forces.
I figured something would pop off soon... but no.
So every day, I made a point of taking a casual stroll around Chang'an, like I was just out for a walk.
The Falling Sun Merchant Group where the Demonic Cult had set up shop, the Crimson Prosperity Inn where the Shadowless Gate gathered, and the Fragrant Flower Pavilion where Maewol was.
After that incident, the Shadowless Gate had moved their meeting spot from the Myriad Gold Inn to the Crimson Prosperity Inn.
Not that it was much of a move—they were still in the same alley, not even a hundred paces apart.
Trying to prove that the darkest place is under the lamp, maybe?
Or admitting that even the Shadowless Gate couldn't stray far from that alley?
Could be both. Doesn't matter either way.
They were in my sights now, so wherever they went, it was irrelevant. Maewol was there too, after all.
I'd been deliberately avoiding Maewol.
Every time we met, that woman kept throwing flirtations my way. No, not throwing—hurling them like daggers.
I'd played along a few times, but now it felt a bit obsessive.
Honestly... it's getting dangerous.
That woman could burn down an entire brothel raking in massive profits without batting an eye.
But dodging her like this might not be great either, I thought.
A woman denied what she wants can be scary. The type to go, "If I can't have it, no one will!"
One day, as this daily circuit became routine, changes hit the Falling Sun Merchant Group.
The group itself was unchanged. But the ones disguised as martial artists, managers, or laborers were slipping away, one by one.
Now, barely any were left.
Where the hell are these guys going?
Anyway, with changes afoot, I had to watch closely. Better know what they're plotting.
The Demonic Cult members pulling out of the Falling Sun Merchant Group relocated to a manor outside Chang'an.
A massive place called Falling Moon Manor.
And there were far more Demonic Cultists there than at the Falling Sun Merchant Group.
Judging by appearances, the merchant group must've been a temporary outpost before setting up here properly.
But aren't both names a bit too on-the-nose? Falling Sun, Falling Moon.
Sun (日) and Moon (月) combine to form Bright (明).
Bright. Falling Bright (落明).
Bringing down the light—fitting for them.
These Demonic Cult guys here seem based out of the White Lotus Cult.
Some wuxia call the Demonic Cult the Ming Cult.
Looks like this bunch got betrayed and ousted by the Ming.
Why else use names like that?
Or maybe I'm overthinking it based on the names alone.
Either way, I started keeping an eye on Falling Moon Manor too.
Maybe that's why there'd been no clashes with the Shadowless Gate—they were busy expanding their base.
But now they've solidly pushed into Chang'an in Shaanxi Province. Time to secure the area for real. Probably.
I watched for a few more days.
And in doing so, I realized they were meticulously monitoring the Shadowless Gate.
They were already tailing the new branch leader and executives.
Maewol was on the list too. Surveillance on a mere third-ranked courtesan?
And tighter than on the brothel madam or second-ranked Cheongneung.
How much do these guys know?
Stricter watch on her than the others means they strongly suspect Maewol.
No other explanation. Everything has a reason.
This is a hassle. Once suspicion takes root, it won't fade easily.
I observed a bit longer. Hiding and watching them was no challenge.
A few more days confirmed there was one man directing it all.
Chae Ji-gyu, the Demonic Cult's Chang'an branch leader. An old master.
Alias: Mad Wolf Blood Demon. Holds a fairly high rank even in the Demonic Cult.
Being a demon, his aura is utterly unique.
Not sure how to put it here.
Demonic Cults usually use realms like Entering Demon, Extreme Demon, Transcending Demon.
Anyway, roughly gauging him, it's not a perfect conversion, but around Transformation Realm.
No ordinary guy. That's why he ranks high in the Cult.
Got me interested. A spark of competitive spirit too.
First proper martial artist I've seen since arriving here.
Of course, a Demonic Cult expert isn't "proper." They cheat.
Still, demonic aura has me curious.
How does one cultivate that? I want a closer look. Study it.
So I decided to act.
No reason for me to hesitate. I could handle it.
I waited for deep night.
Better for a calm talk than broad daylight. Among other things.
Once the lights at Falling Moon Manor dimmed and only a few patrols remained, I slipped inside like a shadow.
No one noticed me. My presence is that subtle.
Frankly, barring Chae Ji-gyu, I could take out the rest without them even knowing how they died.
I'm holding back because there might be ways to use these guys.
The heart of Falling Moon Manor. The grand hall where branch leader Mad Wolf Blood Demon Chae Ji-gyu resided.
I landed lightly and entered.
One guy on the roof standing guard, but he didn't sense me.
Of course. If he could, he wouldn't be pulling roof duty.
I scanned inside the hall.
Chae Ji-gyu's presence emanated from within. No reason for him to hide his aura.
Still hasn't noticed my intrusion? A bit disappointing.
Guess I have to announce my arrival personally.
"Hey, you in there—Chae Ji-gyu?"
A crash echoes from inside as I call out.
Rapid movements follow. Then Chae Ji-gyu appears.
His expression was downright bizarre.
Like he'd seen a ghost. Doubts and suspicions he couldn't hide: How is this possible?
"Tch. Poor hospitality. Not even coming out to greet your guest."
"From... which sect does this esteemed senior hail?"
Fitting for an old survivor of harsh times. No knee-jerk "Who the hell are you?!"
Yeah, that's the vibe from experience. Not unscathed all these years for nothing.
"If you wanna know where I'm from, shouldn't you offer a guest a drink first? Something decent."
His eyes still brim with suspicion, but he can't glean anything about me.
I've never sold my face, after all.
"...Please, have a seat."
Chae Ji-gyu let me in, and I strode after him confidently.
A plain room. Stark, almost worn.
I pull out a chair and sit. He fetches a bottle and cups.
At least there's liquor. And good stuff, by the look.
No luxuries, but can't give up the booze, huh?
"You sit too?"
I pour casually, like it's my place. Suddenly the errand boy, Chae Ji-gyu sits, still wary.
I sip leisurely, appraising him.
Fascinating. So this is demonic qi.
Up close reveals more, but still not crystal clear.
If I touched him or sent qi through, I'd know perfectly.
But I don't want to. And he wouldn't let me.
"Are you loyal to the Divine Cult?"
He shifts slightly at my question.
Probably because I said "Divine Cult."
Only Demonic Cult insiders call it that.
"Are you from the Cult, sir?"
He probably pegs me as some retired giant demon from the old guard.
Those they wouldn't know one by one—numbers, looks.
Maybe keep pretending to be a Transcending Demon? Nah, scrapped it.
Sloppy impersonation would blow up fast. I know zilch about the Cult.
"Nah. Just a guy with questions and desires."
His wariness spikes. Cautious eyes.
Poised to strike at any moment.
"Ever thought of ditching the Divine Cult and working for me?"
"Tch. Ridiculous."
His attitude flips at my pitch.
Didn't expect him to bite easy. Oh well.
"Talks broken. I don't make second offers. And that means, regrettably, I have to wipe you out completely."
"Quite the confidence."
"That's why I'm here. Would I show up without it? Any room for negotiation? I can't force you with blood gu or forbidden spells, so asking. Ah, said no second offers and here I am."
"Cut the crap. If you're gonna exterminate me, bring it."
"Fine? I talk too much. Shall we step outside? Bit cramped here."
I drain my cup, stand.
He glares, then speaks curtly.
"Mind giving me time to write a few words?"
"Last words?"
"Nothing so grand. No one to leave them for."
"Go ahead. Long as you don't mention me."
He heads to the desk, preps brush and ink, writes where I can see.
Simple message:
'Hand my position to No-yeop. Abandon Chang'an push. Withdraw the branch.'
Quick thinker. Knows his fate already.
"Shame."
My honest feeling. Killing talent like this sucks.
"Thanks for the courtesy. Let's go."
He strides out boldly, leaping through the window.
Movement too swift for the roof guard to notice.
Doesn't want our duel interrupted.
Even at the cost of his life.
"What a shame."
I mutter to myself and follow.
Thus, under the dark night and moonlight, the two men headed to a nearby wild mountain.