Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: Nine Deaths One Life (11)
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The coachman's whip crack made the horse shit messily from its rear as it slowly pulled away. The ash-gray thunderclouds blanketing the sky looked ready to pour down rain again at any moment.
I had no desire to end up looking like a drowned rat in a place where I had zero connections anyway. With no other choice, I headed straight to the nearest inn and booked two rooms.
Was it the gloomy weather? The inn had so few customers that most seats stood empty, giving it an downright eerie vibe. My first impression of the north bank was the absolute worst so far.
Only after Sua and I had firmly settled into our seats did the waiter come rushing over, panting and out of breath. Let me think... what kind of food do they even serve at places like this...?
"What's the best thing going today?"
"Lately, the braised pork's got the best reputation!"
"Then two bowls of thin noodles and one braised pork. Oh, and two cups of green tea."
"Right away!"
Braised pork was the closest thing here to sweet and sour pork among modern dishes. Unlike the Korean version, though, it had a sweet-and-savory profile laced with garlic—that was its signature.
As I placed the order, I scanned the inn's interior. I could feel a few curious glances from locals eyeing the newcomers, but the interest faded fast.
If the Nangong Clan represented the south bank, then the Moyong Clan did the same for the north. It was downright odd that no one here recognized their young lady.
"Looks like you were right—no need to hide your face after all."
"I've never once shown my face to anyone outside the clan since I was a child."
"On your father's orders?"
"Yes. I existed, but it was as if I didn't."
On days when guests visited the clan or festivals were held, she'd been locked in her room all day. It was heartbreaking that she could recount such things so casually.
'That patriarch's a bigger parental failure the more I learn. Could he have some shady ties to the Demonic Cult?'
Like peeling an onion, every layer just brought more headaches. Anyone with half a brain could tell the Moyong Clan's patriarch wasn't right in the head by now.
Word was, the Moyong Clan had long cut off exchanges with the martial world. That made it prime pickings for Demonic Cult schemers to sweet-talk their way in.
But I couldn't be sure yet. It was all suspicion—no hard evidence. For now, I'd shelve that and prioritize gathering intel.
"Anyone in the Moyong Clan you can trust?"
"One person comes to mind."
"Who?"
"Moyong Heisu, from Dragon Hall. Brother's close friend, always looked out for me, and even kept me company with stories when I was confined."
"Any standout features to spot her?"
She sounded like a flower blooming amid a trash heap. Someone like that could surely help. But for some reason, Sua narrowed her eyes.
"If it's not rude... may I ask why?"
"Planning to meet her and get info firsthand. If she's legit, she'll help us."
"Ah, I see. Well, for obvious traits... Heisu has striking red hair like peony blossoms, and a mole under her eye."
"That'll do."
But contact would have to wait. So far, I'd handled second-raters fine, but this was the Moyong Clan's home turf.
'As one of the Five Great Clans, they've got to have pinnacle experts—maybe not Life-and-Death Realm, but Manifest Realm at least, or even Flower Realm. Charging in solo would be suicide.'
Getting spotted by Moyong warriors with Sua in tow was risky too—they'd send their elites after us. I waved the waiter over.
"Got a question."
"Yes, sir! Need something?"
"Is the inn usually this empty?"
"Oh, no, not at all!"
Inns were hubs of traffic and gossip. I wasn't an insider, so no deep dirt, but the big picture should emerge.
"A few days back, we saw a bunch of Moyong Clan warriors heading out!"
"Heading out? Where to?"
"Not sure on that. But they looked like they were hunting for something."
"Hm. Know a warrior named Moyong Heisu?"
"Of course! She's a regular here. Came yesterday, so probably today too!"
Meaning we could just wait her out here. Not ideal to twiddle thumbs endlessly, but beats storming or sneaking in alone.
Bonus: confirmed a chunk of Moyong forces were out. I slipped the helpful waiter a decent tip.
"Thanks for the details. Take this as thanks."
"Th-thank you, sir!"
"So we might see Heisu here?"
"If she didn't leave this morning, yeah. Let's rest up and wait."
We'd ridden non-stop for half a month straight. A short break wouldn't hurt. And food first, anyway.
Right on cue, the waiter brought the order and set it down. But Sua hesitated, glancing around instead of digging in.
"Not hungry?"
"N-no, it's not that."
"Then what's the issue?"
"Well... I've done nothing for a month yet eaten for free. It feels shameful."
"...???"
Basically, it boiled down to this.
In the Moyong Clan, Sua only ate if she pleased the patriarch. Fail that, no food—so daily bone-grinding training on an empty stomach.
In short: no work, no eat.
It was just drilled too deep into her head.
No wonder her portions had shrunk lately. What kind of upbringing twists a kid like that? I shook my head and spoke up.
"True, there's that saying: no work, no eat."
"..."
"So, what do you think your 'work' should be?"
"I... don't know."
"Growing up healthy and right."
Sua stared at me, stunned, like her whole worldview had shattered. I smiled and handed her chopsticks.
"Eat before it gets cold."
She must be starving.
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After finishing our meal and waiting at the inn, a woman in martial robes entered. True to Sua's word, she had vibrant red hair like peony blossoms.
With so few patrons, her gaze naturally drifted to us—one of the handful. She startled briefly, then cleared her throat and approached.
"Moyong Sa's report said you were hiding near Golden Peak Mountain. How'd you make it back?"
"With the great hero's help, somehow."
"...I see. So you're the benefactor who aided Sua."
Why does everyone I meet treat me like some geezer?
I swallowed a surge of irritation. No time to vent about my 'old eyes'—we needed to rescue Moyong Hyeon ASAP.
"I've heard about you, Moyong Heisu. First-rate warrior in Dragon Hall, right?"
"Yes."
"Straight to the point: do you know where Young Lord Moyong Hyeon is imprisoned?"
"...No clue on that. Only the patriarch knows."
"Is that so?"
"But give me one day, and I'll find out."
Moyong Heisu promised confidently she'd deliver in a day. I nodded along and sent her back to the clan.
"Stay here—it's safest. Latest, noon tomorrow."
"I'll trust you."
"Won't let you down."
"One worry down, great hero."
As Heisu left, Sua relaxed with a sigh. But when I stood silently, she tilted her head.
"Something wrong?"
"Warriors will probably raid the inn tonight."
"What? Why...?"
"Still not clear?"
Constant reports to Moyong Sa, 'lord' for the patriarch only. Knows only-he info, begs us to wait a day?
"Moyong Heisu's a traitor."
Or maybe...
She'd been sent to approach us from the start.
To monitor Sua.