Chapter 123: It’s Tiring Being a Master
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 123: It’s Tiring Being a Master
“We should part ways here.”
I spoke to Danyeong. We were at the crossroads leading toward Junggang and Chengdu.
“If it weren’t for you, Young Hero Eo, I don’t know what would have happened to us. Your men even lost their lives because of us…”
Danyeong was referring to the battle against the Divine Light Sect. I couldn’t exactly tell her that I had simply been using her, so I kept my voice calm.
“Not at all. It was simply what any martial artist ought to do. Please, do not let it weigh on your mind.”
“No, I can’t just receive such a favor and pretend it never happened. Once things are settled on my end, I will send for you officially.”
I nodded in agreement. “Understood.”
I then turned to Igaryeo. “Safe travels to you as well, Lady I.”
Igaryeo, the Jeom Binghwa, looked somewhat somber. It was likely because seven of the subordinates she had brought with her had been killed. She acknowledged my farewell with a gloomy expression and turned away.
I swept my gaze over the soldiers and the bodyguards, then cupped my fists in a polite salute.
“I received much help from all of you during our journey.”
As I offered the salute, the officers and Danyeong’s guards returned the gesture in kind. After parting with Danyeong’s group, we continued to spur our horses toward Junggang.
At this rate, we would reach Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress in about two hours. My heart fluttered with a sense of excitement, as if I were returning to my hometown.
However, that excitement vanished the moment we actually arrived.
As we entered Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress, a massive crowd was already waiting to greet us, as if they had been notified of our arrival in advance.
“Whoa! It’s the Sichuan New Dragon, Young Hero Eo!”
“Look! It’s the Invincible Blood Wind Squad!”
“The Yellow Dragon Secret Sword is so handsome!”
“It’s the Sichuan Seven Heroes!”
“The Sichuan Four Ghosts!”
Word of our battle with the Blood Lama, our clashes with the Demonic Cult League, the fight against Ban Ye, and our recent skirmish with the Divine Light Sect had already spread. In just a few days, the rumors had blanketed the Sichuan region.
Thanks to that, the Seven Heroes had earned the title 'Sichuan Seven Heroes.' Meanwhile, the group consisting of Poison Wolf Ibu, Smiling Face Sword, So Gu-chi, and Sim Geol were being called the 'Sichuan Four Ghosts' because they supposedly fought like demons.
These titles were all earned during our battles against the Unorthodox factions. Since these names had been bestowed upon us without our knowledge, there wasn't much we could do about it.
Even though their number had dwindled to five after two of them died, the Sichuan Seven Heroes looked immensely proud of their new title. The four members of the Sichuan Four Ghosts also seemed to secretly enjoy their moniker. For a martial artist, having a title means having a reputation, and that carries a special significance. No matter how trivial a title might seem, being known in the Murim means being recognized as an expert.
It felt like a triumphal return. Even the somber expressions of the Seven Heroes brightened considerably.
As soon as I returned to the fortress, before I could even enjoy the welcome, I was summoned by Mok I-gun and headed straight for the Lord’s quarters.
“Welcome back.”
Mok I-gun greeted me with a wide smile.
“I’ve heard so much about your exploits that my ears are practically calloused. I certainly have a keen eye for talent, don't I? To think I brought someone like you in as a Guardian of our Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress.”
Wait, what? Since when was I a Guardian? Wasn't I just a regular martial artist? He was clearly trying to tie me down to the fortress by sneakily raising my rank.
“I’ve already discussed this with my father and made the decision, so don’t try to argue,” he added.
Seeing Mok I-gun’s shamelessness and his snake-like maneuvering actually made me feel strangely at ease. I had smelled so much blood lately that this kind of slyness was almost a welcome relief.
“I have no one else I can trust, which is why I’ve called for Guardian Eo even though you ought to be resting.”
I almost laughed at the word 'Guardian.' How could he be so consistently brazen and slick? I decided to beat him to the punch.
“I heard Lady Mok was kidnapped.”
“Sigh… that’s how things turned out. Who would have thought those bastards from the Small Demonic Cult would harbor such wicked intentions?”
“What are their demands?”
“The dissolution of Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress.”
“Excuse me?” I let out a hollow laugh, dumbfounded. “The dissolution of the fortress? Are they insane?”
“That’s the nature of those obsessed with cultish religions. I was worried because the Small Demonic Cult follows a heretical faith, and it finally came to this. Since I couldn't accept their demands, I secretly sent the Sword Palace Squad to raid them several times.”
Hearing that, I assumed the Small Demonic Cult must have suffered heavy losses. Even if they had established themselves in Junggang before Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress, they didn't train experts on the level of the Sword Palace Squad. I expected them to be outmatched in terms of skill.
However, Mok I-gun’s next words were unexpected.
“Our Sword Palace Squad was hit hard. We lost every single one of those battles. That’s why I sent an urgent dispatch to you, Guardian Eo.”
“Hmm.”
That was truly surprising. The Sword Palace Squad wasn't weak. Furthermore, Ye Woon’s unit, which had fought the Blood Lama, consisted of battle-hardened warriors. For them to be defeated meant something was wrong.
“Did the Small Demonic Cult recruit super-peak experts?” That was the only logical conclusion.
“Indeed. They’ve brought in a large number of experts from the Black Path to oppose us. Moreover, they have a master at the extreme-intent realm, which is why we’ve been at such a disadvantage.”
“An extreme-intent master?”
When I asked in surprise, Mok I-gun nodded with a grave expression.
“Sigh, I was shocked as well.”
Damn it. Does this mean I have to fight again the moment I get back? An extreme-intent master is someone I couldn't guarantee victory against, even if Jeok Yeong, the Blood Wind Squad, and I all attacked at once. Even if Jeok Yeong’s skill was close to the peak level, he was no match for a long-established master of that caliber. He would be outclassed in both internal energy and experience.
And yet, a master of the extreme-intent realm was there. It was no wonder the Sword Palace Squad was being pushed back.
“Who is this master?”
Mok I-gun took a sip of water before answering.
“She was active in the Murim a long time ago, so you might not know her. She was notorious back when I was young. It’s the Blood Witch, Chu Bong-hwa.”
My heart skipped a beat at that name. She wasn't well-known now because she had been inactive, but she was a master from Elder Third Rate’s generation. Her name was one of the many I had heard from him.
“The Blood Witch!”
She practiced the Small Hand Skill, which originally turned the hands white and translucent. However, because her hands were always stained with blood, her original title, 'Small Hand Witch,' was changed to 'Blood Witch.'
Seeing my surprised reaction, Mok I-gun quickly continued.
“But I can rest easy now. Even the Blood Witch won't be a match for Guardian Eo, right? Hahaha!”
Mok I-gun laughed loudly.
“By the way, where is Lady Mok being held?”
Mok I-gun’s face turned serious again.
“The Blood Witch has her. However, we haven't been able to determine if she’s inside the Small Demonic Cult’s headquarters or in a place known only to the witch herself.”
“But didn't they threaten Lady Mok when you attacked the cult?”
“I launched two surprise attacks to save my daughter. But both failed because of the Blood Witch. I suspect Seon-hwa isn't at the cult’s base, but is being held somewhere else known only to the witch.”
That was possible. After being raided twice, they might have moved Mok Seon-hwa to a secret location.
“But what if our attack puts Lady Mok’s life in danger?”
This was a point I had to clarify. I didn't want him blaming me later. If we attacked, the cult members might panic and kill her.
“That is a possibility,” Mok I-gun said gloomily for a moment, then suddenly looked up. “But even if something happens to my daughter, it can't be helped. I can't dissolve Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress because of her, can I?”
For a martial artist, being told to dissolve a sect—not just go into seclusion—meant total ruin. Even if they tried to reform later, no one in the Murim would ever look at them again. A martial artist without pride was as good as dead. Thus, from Mok I-gun’s perspective, he had chosen revenge over saving his only daughter.
“However, I believe in the Sichuan New Dragon. If you, who performed so brilliantly against the Nine Demons Chamber, can't save Seon-hwa, then who can?”
Mok I-gun suddenly grabbed my hand tightly. I could feel his desperation.
“If you save Seon-hwa, I will give you whatever you ask for. Even if you want my position as Lord, I will give it to you.”
When he put it like that, I couldn't exactly say no.
“Understood. I’ll rest for a bit and try to move tomorrow.”
But Mok I-gun shook his head.
“They said they would kill my daughter if we didn't dissolve the fortress by tomorrow. You must move immediately. I think it would be best to launch a surprise attack on the Small Demonic Cult tonight. They likely know you’ve arrived, and they’ll expect you to rest today and move tomorrow. We have to exploit that lapse in their guard. Tonight is our last chance.”
“What?”
“That’s why I’ve been waiting for you with bated breath.”
Good grief. He wants me to fight again the moment I arrive? My travel fatigue hasn't even begun to fade, and my whole body is screaming with muscle pain from fighting those Divine Light Sect bastards.
Still, if today was the final deadline, I couldn't just sit around. A master like the Blood Witch was the type to actually follow through on her threats.
“Fine. I will lead the Blood Wind Squad and the Sword Palace Squad to the Small Demonic Cult.”
I still felt somewhat confident. I had the Blood Wind Squad and Jeok Yeong. I also had my own refined techniques and the Ghost Heaven Soul Formation, which had even killed the Four Wheels Twenty-Four Guests of the Nine Demons Chamber.
I couldn't use the Ghost Heaven Soul Formation openly where people could see, but it was my most reliable trump card. The Soul Spirit Beads of the formation were items that both the Demonic Cult League and the Divine Light Sect were desperately searching for. I wanted to keep them hidden if possible, but in a life-or-death situation, there was no reason not to use them. My own survival came first, after all.
“We will be engaging the Small Demonic Cult tonight to rescue Lady Mok. Until then, everyone is to eat and perform energy circulation.”
Just then, someone spoke from outside.
“May I see you for a moment? It’s Chong Ae-hyeon.”
Oh! Our lovely Medical Hall Head is here? She must have come running the moment she heard I was back! When I opened the door, Chong Ae-hyeon was standing there with a smile.
“I was so preoccupied that I couldn't even greet you properly. Have you been well?”
At my words, Chong Ae-hyeon smiled brightly.
“Thank you for not forgetting my request and protecting my father, Young Hero Eo. Also, I just received word from the Lord. He said you would be heading back to the battlefield for Lady Mok and told me to give you some spiritual medicine. This will not only restore your vitality but also stabilize your internal energy. This is all I have to offer.”
I suppose she felt bad about sending me back to a fight the moment I arrived. Seeing her bring me spiritual medicine softened my mood a little. Unfortunately, she had to leave right after giving me the medicine. She was incredibly busy herself, as the Medical Hall was overflowing with people injured in the battles against the Small Demonic Cult.
I went straight back into the room and spoke to my men.
“Take this medicine and perform energy circulation. The Medical Hall Head provided this for us.”
“Heh. You mean she provided it for you, Captain,” Poison Wolf teased as he took the medicine.
The Blood Wind Squad and Jeok Yeong split into two groups, taking turns standing guard while the others meditated. I didn't have time for a leisurely meditation session, so I went straight to find the Sword Palace Squad.
“Greetings.”
Ye Woon offered a respectful salute when he saw me.
The kid’s grown up, I thought, looking at him with a faint smile.
“It’s good to see you again. It looks like we’re heading out tonight.”
When I got straight to the point, Ye Woon replied, “I’ve already been notified by the Lord.”
“Will all of the Five Dragons of Sword Palace be participating?”
“Yes. Now that you’re here, Young Hero Eo, we must settle this tonight. We’ve repeatedly missed our chance at victory because of that Blood Witch.”
A murderous glint appeared in Ye Woon’s eyes. The Sword Palace Squad must have lost quite a few men to her.
“I will also be joining the battle tonight.”
A familiar voice came from behind me.
“Oh! Fairy Doyeon!”
I turned and offered a salute to Do Yeon. It was truly heartening to see her face again. As a smile touched the lips of the Ice Jade Ice Sword, I felt the worries in my heart begin to lift.
With this lineup, we should be able to take down the Blood Witch. If all else fails, I’ll just use the Ghost Heaven Soul Formation.
I decided to keep it simple. I was sick and tired of difficult battles.
“The Blood Wind Squad and the Sword Palace Squad will handle the Small Demonic Cult’s forces. My young brother Jeok, Fairy Doyeon, and I will take on the Blood Witch.”
“Hah! If it’s the Blood Wind Squad, I have full confidence!”
Ye Woon welcomed the plan. He knew that since their time in Sinryong and their battles with the Nine Demons Chamber, the Blood Wind Squad had transformed into experts on par with his own men. In Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress, the Sichuan Seven Heroes and the Sichuan Four Ghosts were already being hailed as rising masters.
Furthermore, with the Five Dragons of Sword Palace—whom Mok Gal-jin had poured his heart into training—also joining, we should be able to suppress the Small Demonic Cult without much trouble. As for the Blood Witch, I believed Jeok Yeong and Do Yeon would be more than enough to handle her. Jeok Yeong was already a master who had reached the peak level, and with the help of Do Yeon, who had surpassed the first-rate level, they would be a formidable pair. If I supported them from the sidelines with my Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet and Tongue Flicking Art, we could definitely take her down.
“I’ll say it again: rescuing Lady Mok is our top priority. We must focus on finding her whereabouts.”
I gave the final instructions to the Blood Wind Squad and the Sword Palace Squad. It didn't feel awkward at all for me to speak informally to the Sword Palace Squad now, and they didn't seem to mind either. My reputation had already surpassed such formalities.
“Let’s go!”
The Blood Wind Squad and the Sword Palace Squad followed me out of the fortress.
“There are about thirty first-rate experts in the Small Demonic Cult, and a few are at the super-peak level. But the one to watch out for most is the Blood Witch. Last time, we almost had the battle won, but she forced us into a retreat.”
Ye Woon continued to explain the cult’s experts as we marched for about two hours until we reached their base.
Though they called themselves a 'Cult,' they were essentially a group that exploited innocent people through deception. They had begun to build their military strength after several clashes with nearby sects, whose members had been seduced by their heretical doctrines. Once they possessed martial power, they began to expand their influence, causing even more damage.
According to what Ye Woon told me during our march, the Small Demonic Cult lured people in by claiming they could only be reincarnated as humans if they donated all their worldly possessions to the cult. They were also deceiving naive peasants with the absurd claim that they would connect the four rivers of Sichuan into one great canal.
“Jeok Yeong, Fairy Doyeon, and I will focus on the Blood Witch. If she enters the fray, we will handle her. The Blood Wind Squad and the Sword Palace Squad are to focus solely on the cult’s experts. And even if innocent civilians are holding weapons, do not kill them.”
I checked the plan one last time and took a deep breath.
“Lord, most of the cult members are asleep. It seems they didn't expect us to raid them today.”
Owoong, who had been sent on reconnaissance, returned and reported to me.
“Of course. We made sure to stage a fake banquet at the fortress before we left.”
Before we set out, Mok I-gun had arranged for music and a feast to be prepared. He had even found a body double for me. He had been planning this all along, yet he still tried to play on my sympathy. He really was a sly old fox.
“Move out!”
At my command, the Blood Wind Squad and the Sword Palace Squad leaped over the walls of the Small Demonic Cult. I watched them and let out a sigh.
Since becoming an expert, I had rarely been able to put down my sword. My blade was constantly stained with blood. More than anything, I was just so tired.
Being a master is exhausting.
I had no desire to become an even more famous expert. I was seriously considering going into retirement once this job was finished.
“Lord, let’s go.”
Jeok Yeong spoke up, noticing I was lost in thought. Do Yeon was already flying off into the distance.
Do Yeon is as headstrong as ever.
Even in the dark of night, her retreating figure was quite captivating.