Chapter 50
Chapter 50
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Shared Rides and Sect Suspicion
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Passing through Anhui Province and leaving Jiangxi Province behind, the journey proceeded smoothly on horseback. It was all thanks to the relay stations set up by the Murim Alliance.
Relay stations spaced every twenty li.
It was a scale that truly brought home the vastness of the Murim Alliance.
According to Jegal Yeong's explanation, these stations were scattered across the country, allowing missions to be carried out without delay.
'The trip to Liaoning Province was a nightmare.'
This was far more comfortable than dragging Moyong Cheon along. There were limits to lightfoot skill while carrying that guy slung over one's back, making it quite a hassle.
After joining the White Sun Unit, this was the first real taste of proper perks.
But there was one problem before enjoying such conveniences.
"You don't know how to ride a horse?"
"Yes."
"That wasn't in my expectations..."
It was what they called a difference in standards.
Jegal Yeong and Hwangbo Seyul were talents nurtured with utmost care in their great families. From a young age, they received education that commoners could scarcely dream of.
Calligraphy, painting, embroidery, flower arranging—the refinements befitting the children of prestigious houses. And among them, horseback riding was a prime example.
Horses are expensive.
Moreover, it's a skill that can't be easily learned without expert guidance. Before meeting my master, living a harsh life, when would I have had the chance to learn riding?
'Just hop on and it'll be fine.'
Less than ten seconds after boldly mounting the horse, I tumbled off. I tried a few more times, but handling a bucking, furious horse wasn't easy. Relying on sheer momentum without skill risked snapping the horse's neck first.
I only learned the hard lesson of why experts are necessary.
"W-Well, no choice then. Ride with me."
"Pardon?"
"Can't teach you on the spot, right? And we can't leave you behind. So, ride with me."
"That's a bit..."
Her consideration for a junior was appreciated, but accepting Jegal Yeong's offer outright was tough. The optics would be weird.
Pressing right up against Jegal Yeong's back while she rode?
Where would I even put my hands?
I'd likely fall off trying to avoid contact.
"It's unavoidable for the mission."
"Heh heh, then allow me to resolve Junior Junior's dilemma."
"?"
I couldn't afford to hold them up.
As I reluctantly prepared to accept Jegal Yeong's offer, Hwangbo Seyul intervened.
"There's a huge flaw in Junior's plan!"
"Sigh. What is it?"
"Junior takes up too much space to carry Junior Junior!"
What.
At Hwangbo Seyul's sudden outburst, Jegal Yeong's face turned beet red.
"W-What do you mean by that!"
"But Junior's body has gotten a bit thicker from all that training, right?"
"It's not thick! Senior's the one who's weird from the start. Muscles compress—that doesn't even make sense..."
"Anyway. She's unsuitable for carrying a beginner like Junior Junior."
Was it that bad?
Jegal Yeong's build wasn't large.
A nicely balanced figure.
Just the right amount to highlight healthy beauty.
But it seemed to be a sensitive spot for her. Faced with the oversized Hwangbo Seyul, Jegal Yeong couldn't muster a retort.
"Good thing the horseback riding master is here."
"......"
"You know my skills, right? So I'll take Junior Junior!"
A brief squabble.
No... not even a squabble.
After taking Hwangbo Seyul's barrage, Jegal Yeong quietly mounted her horse alone.
"See? Plenty of room, right?"
"Definitely more comfortable."
"Grab my waist tight."
This might actually be better.
Jegal Yeong's body had elements too risky for a young man in his prime to press against. With Hwangbo Seyul, no such distractions.
"Junior Junior?"
"Yes, Senior."
"I just felt an irreverent gaze!"
"Misunderstanding."
Hwangbo Seyul eyed me suspiciously before spurring the horse onward. It was more comfortable than feared.
Her slightly smaller frame meant leaning in more, but better than flailing with lightfoot skill.
"No time for chit-chat!"
Jegal Yeong urged us on with a sullen expression.
Until we reached the border near Hunan Province from Jiangxi, switching to foot to avoid eyes—she kept shooting dissatisfied glares.
* To gauge a person's character, go on a trip together. Quite a helpful adage.
Travel wears one down.
In a tight schedule, fatigue builds, revealing raw emotions—what's often called one's true nature.
In that sense, the two were excellent companions.
"We'll have to make do with rations for a few days, so eat up now."
Jegal Yeong was thorough, sticking to the plan.
Not one to get irritated if things didn't go as expected—just the right level.
You need someone like this.
"Junior Junior! There's an inn just a bit further!"
Hwangbo Seyul never tired.
Not her mission, yet no complaints, quietly following Jegal Yeong's lead. Sunny personality, but not childish.
'Already in Hunan Province.'
Thus, the long journey felt manageable. They accommodated me as much as possible.
Quite pleasant, in fact.
My first long-term mission would leave good memories.
Or so I thought, until entering Hunan Province proper.
"Halt! Halt! Stop right there!"
Before the city gate, a group blocked the road. Warriors in matching yellow uniforms.
Swords drawn, closing in to surround us.
They scanned us warily and spoke.
"Who are you, and from where?"
"Shouldn't you introduce yourselves first before asking?"
"Hah, I am Hwang Chil, second-generation disciple of the Hyungsan Sect. Now, your answer?"
I'd guessed from the beard he stroked like a self-proclaimed master. Sharp, thuggish impression clashing with his Taoist airs. My snarky tone irked him; he raised his voice.
"Why is the Hyungsan Sect blocking the road in broad daylight?"
"Wouldn't it be proper for you to answer first?"
"......"
Short exchange.
The atmosphere grew tense.
I didn't like it.
The subtle buildup of aura to intimidate.
And the sudden interrogation.
All of it.
"If you keep dodging, we'll have to get rough."
"Impressive. Think name-dropping Hyungsan Sect would cow us?"
"What did you say? We speak nicely, and you don't listen!"
"Shoving swords in our faces first and expecting compliance? Is that a weight on your neck or a brain?"
"You bastard!"
Taoists are like that.
Acting all refined and superior...
But resorting to thuggery when things don't go their way.
As Hwang Chil charged swinging his sword, I thought:
'Hyungsan Sect must be on edge.'
Even sending these amateurs to posture. Waste of energy on minnows without gauging strength. Friction with the Bloodied Guest, bigger than expected.
"Urk!"
Thwack!
And flop.
No need to draw.
Hwang Chil charged full of openings.
A simple leg trip sent him rolling several times.
"You punk! Think you can rampage in Hyungsan Sect territory unscathed?!"
"Let's see if that name saves your neck from snapping too."
These types come around after a good thrashing.
Weak mind, tough body.
As I prepared physical therapy,
"Yi Se-woong. That's enough."
"Stop, right there."
Two voices halted me simultaneously.
One was Jegal Yeong restraining me.
The other, a Taoist who hadn't joined the encirclement, observing from behind. Unlike Hwang Chil, he looked the part—slit-eyed like a thread.
"Apologies for the rudeness. Lately, some loach dared stir trouble in Hyungsan Sect, so we overreacted. Young hero, set aside your anger."
"......"
Condescending tone, like scolding a child.
Obvious intent to provoke; I nearly snapped back.
But Jegal Yeong blocked me.
"Who are you?"
"This humble Daoist's name is Ma Won-pyeong. Senior brother to that fool rolling on the ground."
Twisted speech confirmed Taoist.
"Is this the Hyungsan Sect's way?"
"As I said repeatedly, there were circumstances."
"Because of the Bloodied Guest?"
"How did you..."
As expected.
"We're from the White Sun Unit. I'm Jegal Yeong. You know this emblem, I presume."
"White Sun Unit!"
"Even they dispatched to White Sun Unit?!"
At Jegal Yeong's proof, the Hyungsan group stirred. Even these backwater toughs knew the name.
"Indeed. No wonder your auras seemed extraordinary."
"Really? Could've checked before charging."
"......"
Oh.
Jegal Yeong's words polite, but hitting sore spots. Judging no gain in bickering, Ma Won-pyeong got to the point.
"To be blunt, we cannot cooperate."
"?"
"Hyungsan Sect's honor is at stake. We don't expect you to grasp our grievances fully, but we'll catch him first."
The Bloodied Guest had killed Hyungsan Sect disciples.
Stated flatly, like mentioning lunch's beef soup.
'What situation is this?'
This wasn't mere provocation.
The Bloodied Guest, who targeted bandits, now aimed at Hyungsan Sect.
Incident brewing.