Chapter 120: Walking Through the Blood Mist (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 120: Walking Through the Blood Mist (1)
After receiving Danyeong’s permission, I gave instructions to one of the military officers and Oh Woong.
“What’s going on?”
Jeok Yeong asked me this after seeing me pull the officer and Oh Woong aside to give them orders, only for them to slip out of the inn in secret.
“Oh, just sent them on an errand.”
The reason I didn't tell even Jeok Yeong wasn't that it was some grand strategy or a matter requiring absolute secrecy. It was simply because I didn't want to be mocked for making a fuss over nothing.
If I claimed to be guarding against an enemy that wasn't there, how much of a coward would they think I was?
Moreover, I didn't want to alert the Blood Wind Squad, who were itching for a fight the moment their skills improved even slightly.
Next, I called over the youngest of the Seven Heroes.
“Did you call for me, Master?”
I gestured for him to come closer, and the fellow approached.
“I believe you practiced poison arts back in the Nine Demons Chamber. Do you happen to have any Energy Dissipating Poison?”
The youngest scratched his head at my question and answered.
“Hehe, since you seemed to like that sort of thing, Master, I brought plenty from the Nine Demons Chamber. After what you said during the fight with the Blood Lama, I made sure to pack not just Energy Dissipating Poison, but laxatives as well.”
I let out a hollow laugh. Having a fellow with such a "third-rate" mindset around really made my life easier.
“Well done.”
“But what are you planning to use it for?”
“Stop talking and follow me if you have it.”
I took the youngest and quietly slipped out of the inn.
Since it was late at night with the sky full of stars, the youngest kept tilting his head in confusion as he followed. Using Energy Dissipating Poison at this hour was suspicious, after all.
“Not here either, it seems.”
As I wandered through every mound and thicket around the inn, muttering such things, the youngest finally asked.
“Master! Just what are you looking for?”
“Something.”
This time, I moved toward the hills on the right.
“Completely suppress your presence and hold your breath. Make sure your footsteps are silent.”
As I spoke cautiously while entering the hills, the youngest seemed to grow tense.
After checking everywhere else, this was the only place left. I was certain they would be here.
“As I thought!”
Venturing a bit deeper into the woods, I spotted a light in the distance. I couldn't feel any killing intent yet, but the damp, eerie energy was even more potent than that of the Ghost Pursuit Squad.
The distance was nearly thirty jang, so I couldn't see clearly, but thanks to the internal energy of my Circulating Dantian, I could roughly count the number of people.
“Against experts of that caliber, we’d be facing total annihilation.”
“Master, I only see a light. What people are you talking about?”
The youngest’s vision wasn't sharp enough yet to see the figures.
“Be quiet.”
At my words, the youngest immediately shut his mouth.
“How long does the effect of your Energy Dissipating Poison last?”
“One day.”
“That’s enough, then.”
One day was plenty.
They would undoubtedly attack tomorrow when we entered the canyon. Otherwise, there was no reason for them to leave us alone until now. Even for the Divine Light Sect, they couldn't openly attack the daughter of a Commander.
Fighting isn't the only way. And those people are too dangerous.
I began to make rat-like squeaks, subtly infusing them with a hint of the Lion’s Roar. This was the somewhat foolish countermeasure I had agonized over for hours to deal with the Divine Light Sect experts.
“Master, why are you making rat noises?”
“Be quiet.”
The youngest grumbled at my command.
“You only ever pick on me.”
I continued making the rat sounds. Previously, when Seol-a and the Rat King fought, the rats had swarmed around me because of the sounds I made. I had formulated this plan based on that memory.
As I kept up the squeaking, a field rat cautiously approached me. As expected of a place near human habitation, the field rats were quite plump.
Squeak, squeak, squeak!
After I had been making the sounds for about fifteen minutes, roughly ten field rats had gathered.
“Gasp! The vermin...”
The youngest inhaled sharply in surprise. Since he kept making unnecessary noise, I smacked him on the head with my fist.
“Quiet. They’ll hear us.”
Rubbing his head, the youngest made a tearful face.
“Smear the Energy Dissipating Poison on the bodies of these rats.”
“Pardon?”
“Don't talk back and just do as I say.”
When I scowled again, the youngest flinched and pulled out the poison from a small bundle.
It really is funny. To think these rats would follow my will.
As I projected my intent through the rat sounds, telling them not to move, the rats stayed perfectly still even as the youngest smeared the poison on their fur.
This must be related to the internal energy of the Circulating Dantian. They say the energy of the Circulating Dantian is the closest to nature, and it seems that wasn't a lie.
Since the True Qi of the Circulating Dantian was an energy that radiated outward, it seemed my intent was conveyed when I spoke with purpose.
Grimacing, the youngest finished slathering a generous amount of poison on the last rat.
Squeak, squeak, squeak!
As I conveyed my intent through the squeaks, the rats twitched their heads and then scurried toward the campfire.
I focused my will on the water barrel the Divine Light Sect members had filled to use in the morning. One by one, the rats jumped into the barrel, swam around, and climbed back out.
If they drink that water, their internal energy will scatter, giving us a fighting chance.
As I was lost in thought, the youngest asked.
“Master, who are those people?”
“The ones pursuing us.”
“Are they from the Demonic Cult League?”
“No. They’re ten times stronger than that.”
“Then should we use a more potent poison? Wouldn't it be better to just make sure they can't get up at all?”
He was saying that because he only saw the surface of things. If we used a lethal poison, we might kill one or two, but the rest would become alert upon seeing the bodies. If that happened, we would be the ones cornered.
It would be best if they just withdrew on their own, but...
That wasn't going to happen. Looking at them, I could tell they were like the Ghost Pursuit Squad. They would undoubtedly attack with everything they had, prepared to die.
“This should be enough. Let’s go.”
I slipped away from the area and returned to the inn.
When asked where I had been, I brushed it off by saying I was taking a walk, then went to bed early to wake up at dawn for the Energy Guiding Technique.
Not just me, but the entire Blood Wind Squad had made early morning meditation a habit, so by the time I finished, everyone had completed their Energy Circulation Practice and was awake.
As everyone gathered for breakfast, I slipped away. I felt I needed to scout the enemy's camp one more time to be at ease.
I looked toward their campsite from the same spot as yesterday. I saw warriors lined up by the jars containing the poisoned water.
As I thought, they drew that water to drink.
I was watching with inward glee when a warrior scooped some water from the jar—but instead of drinking it, he poured it into a small basin and began washing his face.
What? That water was for washing?
My heart turned cold at the sight. If that was the case, my plan had completely failed.
I guess I really am not cut out to be the protagonist of a martial arts novel. In those stories, the protagonist's plans always work out perfectly.
Left with no choice, I retreated and hurried back to the inn.
“Everyone, prepare to leave immediately.”
When I spoke urgently, Danyeong asked.
“Has something happened?”
“I'll explain on the way. Just tell the officers to get ready to move at once.”
Danyeong gave the order to the officers and then asked.
“What in the world is going on?”
“While I was on my morning walk, I encountered a suspicious group. They seem to be bandits aiming for the medicinal herb, and their momentum is quite formidable.”
At my words, Igaryeo, who was standing beside Danyeong, spoke mockingly.
“They’re just mere bandits. If they attack, we can just kill them all. There’s no need for such a fuss, is there?”
I had expected such a response and quickly countered.
“If we do that, the people of this inn or this village will surely suffer. If we must fight them, shouldn't we do it away from here?”
Upon hearing this, Danyeong let out an exclamation of admiration.
“As expected of the chivalrous New Dragon of Sichuan. Even in such small matters, you think of the powerless. I am deeply moved.”
I simply nodded at Danyeong’s praise and quickly ate my meal. I needed to eat breakfast to have the strength to fight if it came to that, or the stamina to flee.
“But the officer I sent on an errand yesterday hasn't returned.”
When Danyeong remembered and mentioned it, I replied.
“I'll explain that on the way as well.”
More than anything else, I prioritized the preparations for departure. There was a reason I was in such a hurry. I needed to reach the canyon to use the plan I had devised.
The Blood Wind Squad didn't ask questions; they simply prepared to leave and brought the horses out to the inn's courtyard. Danyeong also boarded her carriage.
“Let’s go.”
I urged my horse forward and galloped away.
After riding for about two hours, we reached the canyon. It was a pass about fifty jang long that one had to cross to reach Junggang or Chengdu.
“Someone is pursuing us.”
At the officer’s words, I looked back, and my heart sank.
They’re already here?
Twenty-five men in black martial robes, giving off an aura similar to the Ghost Pursuit Squad, were chasing us.
“Let’s move faster.”
When I urged them on, Danyeong shook her head.
“We must find out why they are pursuing us.”
“It’s not that...”
As I tried to speak again, Igaryeo cut me off.
“Are you afraid? If those are the bandits trying to steal the herb, our Ice Soul Divine Martial Team can handle them, so just stay back.”
I almost snapped back but held my tongue. They didn't know, but if those men were experts on par with the Ghost Pursuit Squad, this would be a very difficult battle. At least half of our side would likely become casualties.
I also thought we might have a chance with our current strength, but strangely, my gut was signaling me not to fight.
My sixth sense is warning me not to clash with them.
As we stopped to wait for them, they also halted about ten jang away. Soon, two men rode forward.
“Who are you to be pursuing us?” one of the officers stepped forward and shouted.
“There is no need for you to know who we are! If you grant our condition, we will let you go peacefully!”
The officer shouted back.
“What nonsense is this! We are officers under the Commander. Do you intend to become rebels?”
“Let’s hear what the condition is first,” Danyeong said, stepping forward.
The officer shouted again, “What is your condition!”
“Hand over Eo Ja-seo! Then we will let the rest of you go.”
Gasp! I didn't expect him to be so blatant. The officers and Danyeong all looked at me with questioning eyes.
While I was reeling in surprise, Xing Youzheng stepped forward and spoke.
“Are you dogs of the Demonic Cult League?”
A young man among them laughed toward the sky.
“Do you think we would even care about such lowly scum?”
From those words, I could be certain of one thing.
“Are you members of the Divine Light Sect?”
The young man said nothing to my question. I realized then that the Divine Light Sect was indeed trying to take revenge for the way I had sabotaged their alliance at the Nine Demons Chamber.
To confirm their identity, I began to provoke them.
“If you don't admit to being from the Divine Light Sect, I'll assume you have no relation to them and call you sons of bitches of the Divine Light Sect. Is that alright? You Divine Light Sect bastards!”
Igaryeo sneered at my words.
“How childish.”
However, that childishness worked on him. Enraged, the man shouted.
“When I catch you, I will tear you limb from limb! I am Wi Se-gun, one of the Six Villains of the Divine Light Sect!”
As he shouted, the elderly man beside him, who carried a blade on his back, looked flustered.
Martial artists are people who live and die by their pride. That’s why they fall so easily for such childish provocations. To me, such pride was worth less than a pebble in my pocket, but to these proud warriors, it was more precious than life itself.
“I’ve never heard of a sect called the Divine Light Sect,” others murmured among themselves.
Then the man shouted again.
“I say again, hand over Eo Ja-seo, and we will let the rest of you go!”
It seemed they weren't keen on attacking the Commander’s daughter either.
“They’re using a trick to separate me from Lady Dan. That way, they can divide our strength and crush us more easily,” I explained haphazardly.
Danyeong nodded at my words.
“It seems so. But how did Young Hero Eo know their identity?”
Danyeong asked, looking at me with suspicious eyes. I felt a pang of guilt inwardly. As expected, educated women were sharp.
“While I was on my walk this morning, I saw that group and monitored them in secret. I heard them mentioning the Divine Light Sect among themselves. That’s how I knew.”
Even though I made it up on the spot, Danyeong believed me. The reputation I had built up provided that much trust.
It was then.
The enemies' horses suddenly buckled at the knees and collapsed to the ground. The remaining horses began to defecate where they stood, their waste so thin it flowed like water.
The Divine Light Sect warriors panicked, dismounting to check on their steeds.
Huh? Energy Dissipating Poison shouldn't affect horses, so why are they like that?
As almost all the horses collapsed, a thought occurred to me, and I called over the youngest of the Seven Heroes.
“I told you to put in the Energy Dissipating Poison last night. Did you add anything else?”
He gave a sheepish grin, looking a bit guilty.
“Yes. After I applied all the Energy Dissipating Poison, there were still rats left, so I also applied some sleeping drugs and laxatives.”
He hunched his shoulders, expecting a scolding.
“As expected of our youngest. You did exceptionally well.”
I smiled and patted his shoulder, and he beamed.
They had used the water from the jars to wash their faces and then given the leftover water to the horses. This is why I like low-level types. They’re great at doing unnecessary things.
“You Divine Light Sect bastards! Try and catch us if you can! We’re leaving!”
I shouted as I saw the horses of the man who called himself Wi Se-gun and the elderly man also collapse.
I spoke to the group with great delight.
“Their horses are down, so let’s get out of here.”
Danyeong, thinking it better to avoid a fight if possible, followed my lead.
“Everyone, follow Young Hero Eo’s lead.”
In martial arts novels, they say those with great lightness skills are faster than horses, but that’s a total lie. No matter how fast a human is, how could they be faster than a horse? If that were the case, why would martial artists bother riding them? They ride horses because they lack the speed and endurance of the animals.
No matter how much they tried to pursue us with their lightness skills, they could never keep up with us.