A Familiar Face
Rattle, rattle.
Clip-clop.
"Even if it's slow, a carriage is certainly comfortable."
"That is why some people insist on riding carriages even after reaching high realms of cultivation."
Following our clash with the Ridge-Cleaving Tyrant Axe, Bae Man-gang, we were now heading toward the Murim Alliance in a carriage.
Running would have been faster, but I was simply too exhausted to lift my feet.
In times like this, a carriage where you can lie down is the absolute best.
Pitter-patter.
To make things better, it was raining outside.
Lying down while traveling along a rainy road... isn't this basically self-driving?
"Snore..."
"He sleeps all day long."
Nod.
"I apologize for showing you such an embarrassing sight. My brother overexerted himself trying to protect me."
"I wasn't trying to blame him..."
In the first place, Paeng Ha-yun was the one who had rented this carriage.
Since she mentioned she was on her way to the Murim Alliance to see her father, we decided to travel together.
Scratch.
"By the way, Lady Paeng. Is it alright for you to have your veil off? I thought you didn't like showing your face to others."
I had noticed it after boarding the carriage: Paeng Ha-yun had a burn scar over one of her eyes.
Fortunately, her vision seemed fine, but... it was certainly enough to be a source of insecurity.
Smile.
"I cannot hide my face from my savior."
Despite the scar, her face was remarkably beautiful. Or rather, did the scar actually make her features stand out more?
Whisper, whisper.
"Aren't they both quite good-looking? The title of the 'Paeng Family Dragon and Phoenix' wasn't given to them for nothing."
"The Paeng Family Dragon and Phoenix?"
Rustle.
Seeing my confusion, Tongmuk flipped open a small booklet and showed it to me.
"What is this...?"
"It is a booklet containing the information we have gathered."
Ah, so the information he was diligently writing down earlier was being recorded here.
Ah, here it is.
「The siblings of the Hebei Paeng Family possess outstanding looks and martial arts, each occupying a spot among the Four Dragons and Four Phoenixes... Thus, they are called the Dragon and Phoenix of the Paeng Family...」
「The older sister, Paeng Ha-yun, is the biological daughter of the family head, but the younger brother, Paeng Mu-gang, is a sixth cousin adopted to carry on the family lineage...」
Huh?
"Hey, what is this?"
Near the end of the entry, there was some rather scandalous information written.
「There are rumors that they are suspiciously close.」
"Isn't this defamation of character?"
"Well... it is merely recording the rumors."
Come to think of it, the younger brother did stubbornly stand up to a Master-realm expert just to protect his sister, didn't he?
Could it be...?
Crash!
Thump!
"Whoa?!"
"W-What is it?"
The smoothly running carriage had suddenly come to a screeching halt. As a result, those of us who were lying down ended up tangled together and slammed against the wall.
Slide.
"Driver! What is going on?"
Tongmuk opened the small window and demanded an explanation from the driver.
"Well... someone is blocking the road. It seems they came from the carriage ahead..."
"The carriage ahead?"
Glance.
When I looked out the window, I indeed saw a carriage in front of us.
It looked like it had run over a rock while traveling through the mud, as one of its wheels had completely popped off.
Splish, splash.
And then, two men holding umbrellas were walking toward us from that carriage.
Are those the guys blocking the road?
"Who are you? If you block the road like this—"
"Step aside, driver."
"Ack?!"
Thud.
Pushing the driver aside, the two men flung open the carriage door.
And then, they squeezed themselves right inside.
"Phew, now I can breathe."
"Indeed. I thought we would be forced to walk in the rain."
"???"
Who the hell are these bastards?
Stand.
"What do you think you are doing?!"
As the carriage became soiled by their muddy feet, Tongmuk stood up with a fierce aura.
With his bear-like build and a scowl on his face, he looked unusually terrifying.
"Huh? A beggar?"
"I am Tongmuk, a five-knot disciple of the Beggars' Sect. Disciple of Elder Jeong Jin, the Law Enforcement Elder."
"The Law Enforcement Elder? This is getting a bit troublesome."
The man on the right, who seemed to be the leader, frowned.
And then—
Flick.
"I am Moyong Cheon of the Moyong Family. As you can see, our carriage is broken, so we would like you to yield yours to us."
"Moyong Cheon? The Red Dragon?"
Is he famous?
Rustle.
I picked up the booklet rolling on the floor and quickly flipped through the pages.
Moyong Cheon... Ah, here.
「Red Dragon, Moyong Cheon」
「Considers the Blue Dragon, Namgung Hyeok, to be his rival, but is rated slightly lower due to his arrogant and impatient temperament...」
「Warning: Mentioning this in front of him may result in bodily harm.」
Ho.
It's exactly as written here.
As expected of the Beggars' Sect's records, they're quite accurate.
Roar.
"Yield the carriage? Are you telling us to walk in the rain, then?"
"You may charge the expenses to the administrator at the Murim Alliance. They will compensate you handsomely."
"What insolence...!"
But this bastard is incredibly arrogant, isn't he?
Every single second he speaks is dripping with arrogance. Did he take a class on how to be a rude prick?
Step.
"Wait."
Paeng Ha-yun, who had been watching quietly, raised her hand and intervened.
"If you had politely requested to share the ride due to your circumstances, we might have considered it... but demanding we hand over our carriage is far too impudent."
"And you are... Huh? Judging by the scar over your eye, could you be Paeng Ha-yun?"
"..."
"You bastard! How dare you speak to my sister like that!"
Paeng Ha-yun fell silent as her insecurity was touched upon, while Paeng Mu-gang flew into a rage.
But don't get too angry... it just makes me think of what was written in that booklet.
Laugh.
"Sharing a carriage with the Dragon and Phoenix of the Paeng Family won't damage my reputation."
"Indeed, Daoist Friend."
A laugh that practically said, 'I'll let it slide since it's you.' But "Daoist Friend"? Is the guy next to him a Daoist priest?
Tilt.
"Then, lastly, who is that young lady over there? We have the Beggars' Sect and the Paeng Family, so is she perhaps from Mount Hua?"
"Me? I'm just Yeonhwa. I have no master and no parents."
You reap what you sow.
There was no need to be friendly to someone speaking in such a manner.
Startled.
"Lady Yeon, if you speak like that again..."
"What? No master and no parents? What a rootless wretch!"
"Indeed, Daoist Friend. Look at how proudly she says it."
Furious.
"You go too far! Lady Yeon is the savior of both Mugang and myself. If you commit any further rudeness, our family will hold you accountable."
I just said it casually, but I guess it sounded incredibly tragic to others.
For the usually calm Paeng Ha-yun to argue so fiercely.
Tsk.
"Tsk, tsk. To think such a person is your savior. The Paeng Family must not be what it used to be. Well, I shall let it pass out of respect for your family."
Shaking his head, Moyong Cheon looked at me and spoke.
"You there, Lady Yeon. May this Moyong Cheon share the carriage with you?"
"Sure, but on one condition."
"A condition...? What is it?"
Point.
I pointed at the floor of the carriage and said,
"Lick up all this mud. Then I'll let you ride."
"W-What did you say?!"
"Have you lost your mind?!"
"Just so you know, if you refuse, I'll force-feed it to you. So let's be civil and lick it up yourself, okay?"
Hummmm.
"This wench... is begging for death."
As expected, a little provocation was all it took to make him want to pounce. And that was exactly what I wanted.
"You and the Daoist priest next to you can come at me together."
I just fought a Master-realm expert. A self-proclaimed rival of Namgung Hyeok was nothing.
As I was pondering whose mouth to stuff with mud first—
Splish, splash.
"Young Master! We managed to repair it somehow!"
The driver ran over and reported to Moyong Cheon.
"You repaired the wheel?"
"Yes. We can depart now. Wouldn't our Moyong Family's carriage be far better than a shabby thing like this?"
"Hmm... Indeed."
Spin.
Hearing the driver's words, Moyong Cheon turned around and said,
"Consider yourself lucky, rootless wench. You had better pray we do not cross paths at the Murim Alliance."
"What? Hey! You—"
Grab.
"Lady Yeon. Please let it go just this once."
"Mmph?! Hey! Why are you stopping me?"
I tried to argue further, but Tongmuk covered my mouth and held me back.
Whisper, whisper.
"I'm doing this because I know how you handle things. You wouldn't just beat him up; you'd turn him into a cripple, wouldn't you?"
"Well, yes, but..."
"Making an enemy of the Moyong Family is incredibly troublesome. Please just consider it as showing mercy today."
"Tsk."
Two days after our encounter with the uninvited guests on that rainy day.
"Now, now! Those entering the Alliance, please line up here!"
Our carriage safely arrived at the Murim Alliance in Luoyang.
Since we traveled along the main road in a carriage, it was only natural that nothing eventful happened.
Furthermore—
Startled.
"Are you not the young masters of the Paeng Family! I shall guide you to the Hall of Records immediately!"
Thanks to Paeng Ha-yun and Paeng Mu-gang, we were able to enter immediately without standing in line.
"By the way, what is the Hall of Records?"
"Before entering the Alliance, you must write down your personal details and receive authorization."
"Ah."
Indeed, if they just let anyone in without procedures, the Demonic Cult bastards might sneak in with Thunder Bombs and commit suicide attacks.
"This way, please."
Step, step.
Following the guiding martial artist, we crossed the threshold of the Hall of Records.
"Whoa~ What is all this?"
Was it because of the reputation of the Murim Alliance?
Even though it was just a place to fill out registries, the entire building felt sharp and tense.
The staff wore neat robes, and the visitors' faces looked slightly nervous.
It felt like even getting inside was no simple task.
Slide.
"You may fill out the registry book here."
"Alright."
Let's see...
Although it was called a registry book, looking at it now, it seemed similar to the documents used at a local community center.
This was because all you had to write down was your name, sect or family, primary weapon, purpose of visit, and so on.
"Huh?"
However, there was a rather peculiar item at the very end.
Tap, tap.
"Tongmuk. What is this 'guarantor' section?"
"A guarantor? You just need to write down the name of someone inside the Alliance who can vouch for your identity."
"Huh? I don't have anyone."
Since I had only recently started active duty in the Jianghu, I naturally didn't know anyone inside the Alliance.
What should I do? I have a letter to deliver to Namgung Byeok, so should I write his name?
Scratch.
"Do I absolutely have to write one?"
"You don't have to, but..."
"But?"
"It is related to a martial artist's face. Naturally, the higher the status of your guarantor, the more face you gain."
"Hmm..."
Looking at them now, the Paeng siblings and Tongmuk had all written quite lengthy names for their guarantors.
"Furthermore, the plaque issued to you differs depending on your guarantor. It is a bit unfair, isn't it?"
"Tsk."
As expected of medieval China, connections are everything.
How is a modern person like me supposed to survive this injustice?
Just as I was about to reluctantly write down Namgung Byeok's name—
Pfft, hahaha!
"Hahaha! Look at that wench over there! She's struggling because she can't even write down a single guarantor!"
An arrogant voice struck my ears. It was quite familiar.
Glance.
When I turned my head, the person standing there was, of course, Moyong Cheon.
He was laughing hysterically, finding the situation absolutely hilarious.
"Hey, administrator! Is there no plaque lower than a wooden one? That seems perfect for that wench!"
"Ugh..."
If we weren't in the Murim Alliance, I would have ripped all his teeth out right then and there...
Glance.
Snicker, snicker.
"She looks like she just crawled out of some countryside village."
"She'll be lucky to get a wooden plaque."
As Moyong Cheon continued to laugh, the other visitors around us began to snicker at me as well.
Shout.
"Lady Yeon! Please wait just a moment! I will go inside and ask the elders to be your guarantor!"
"I will also get permission from my father!"
As the mockery grew louder, Tongmuk and Paeng Mu-gang shouted with flushed faces.
"It's fine."
Even if I begged for a guarantor, it wouldn't change my reputation much anyway.
Just as I was about to scribble something in the guarantor box—
Boom!
"Well, well! Look who it is!"
A voice boomed from the entrance like an exploding bomb.
It felt as though the entire building shook slightly.
What is it?
There were too many people to see clearly, but it seemed two men had entered.
Murmur, murmur.
"Is that the Chief Administrator?!"
"Why is he in a place like this?"
The Chief Administrator?
Isn't the Chief Administrator of the Murim Alliance a very high-ranking official? Why would he come to a place like this?
Was it because of the other person?
"Hey, Tongmuk. I can't see well. Who is the other guy?"
"The other person? Let me check."
Tongmuk stood on his tiptoes and looked toward the entrance.
However—
"..."
Tongmuk just stared, completely frozen.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"..."
"Hey!"
"T-That is... the Flash Sword?!"
Gasp.
"The Flash Sword!"
"Is it truly the Flash Sword?!"
"The Leader of the Wind Thunder Unit, Yeon Mu-sang!"
Along with Tongmuk's shout, gasps of admiration erupted from all around.
The reaction was so enthusiastic that if I closed my eyes, I felt like I could hear their heartbeats.
Ack! It's the Blood Sect's dog!
And I was screaming internally as well.
I knew he was in the Murim Alliance under a disguised identity, but he was at this level?!
You are the 2nd Apostle of the Blood Sect! Position-wise, you are the Blood Demon's left hand!
Rush.
With a flushed face, Moyong Cheon rushed toward Yeon Mu-sang.
"F-Flash Sword! It is an honor to meet you!"
He greeted him with such passion that he practically tripped over his own tongue.
For that rude bastard to try so hard to strike up a conversation. Is he a real fan?
However—
"I do not know if you remember, but in the past, our family—"
Step, step.
Wow...
Yeon Mu-sang completely ignored him and walked right past.
Judging by the reactions of the people around, this didn't seem to be an uncommon occurrence.
"..."
But why does it feel like he's getting closer?
I felt like it would be incredibly awkward if we ran into each other.
So I tried to leave quickly, but—
"Blood... no, Lady Yeonhwa! It has been a long time!"
Grab.
As expected of an expert. I was hugged before I could even run away. Thanks to that, everyone's eyes focused on me.
"If you were coming to the Murim Alliance, you should have told me! I would have come out to greet you!"
Gasp.
"Lady Yeon, did you know the Flash Sword?"
"W-We just met by chance? It's nothing, Tongmuk."
"Haha! It hurts my feelings when you say it like that! Ah, this gentleman here is the Chief Administrator of the Murim Alliance. Chief Administrator, this is Lady Yeonhwa."
"Ho... I never thought there would be someone the Leader of the Wind Thunder Unit would treat so warmly."
Glance.
"I am Geum Yeo-jun, the Chief Administrator."
"Ah, hello."
"Hmm... Indeed, her aura and skeletal structure seem extraordinary..."
"You have a keen eye. She is a talent I have personally set my eyes on."
"Is that so? That is a great blessing for the Orthodox Murim."
You're being fooled right now!
The "talent he set his eyes on" is for the Blood Sect!
Murmur, murmur.
"Not only the Flash Sword, but even the Chief Administrator..."
"Was she an incredibly promising rising star?"
Still, I quite liked the change in the reactions of the people around me.
They were mocking me earlier, but now they were walking on eggshells around me.
Glance.
"By the way, what brings you to the Murim Alliance? I thought you were at the Namgung Family."
"Ah, well, I have something to ask Chief Military Advisor Jegal Yeong. I also have a letter of introduction from the Sword Emperor... I mean, the former Sword Emperor."
"Senior Namgung Seon?"
"Yes."
Murmur, murmur.
"The Sword Emperor, Namgung Seon, this time?"
"A person like that wrote a letter of introduction to the Chief Military Advisor?"
"Ugh..."
Beyond feeling smug, I was starting to feel embarrassed. I needed to wrap this up and run away quickly.
"U-Um! Since we ran into each other, could you write your name as my guarantor?"
"A guarantor? Haha! Between us, of course."
Scribble.
Yeon Mu-sang took the brush himself and wrote his name in the guarantor section.
"Since it has come to this, Chief Administrator, you should write yours as well."
"Hmm... Shall I?"
Scribble.
And just like that, the name of Chief Administrator Geum Yeo-jun was added right next to it.
"Leader of the Wind Thunder Unit. It is truly time to go now. The Alliance Leader is waiting."
"Has it already been that long? Hmm... Lady Yeon, come to the Wind Thunder Unit Leader's office later. Since we met after so long, we should catch up."
"Ah... Alright."
I really didn't want to go... but if I didn't, I was afraid of the consequences.
"I shall see you then."
Step, step.
Yeon Mu-sang departed like a storm, just as he had arrived.
Still, thanks to him, the registry was complete... should I call it a relief?
"Here it is."
When I handed over the completed registry, the administrator handed me something with trembling hands.
"What is this? Jade?"
"It is the Sapphire Plaque. It is the highest-grade plaque we can issue."
"Huh? But I only wrote down two guarantors."
"The Chief Administrator and the Leader of the Wind Thunder Unit are more than enough. Well then... welcome to the Murim Alliance."