Chapter 140: Setting a Trap (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 140: Setting a Trap (1)
“Young Hero Eo, please give me a chance to repay my debt.”
Tang Ja-seong muttered these words the entire way down the mountain, as if he were suffering from some sort of gratitude complex.
To put it simply, he was the type who couldn't stand being in someone's debt. Still, it wasn't as if I could be undignified enough to just ask him for money. The problem was that my reputation was starting to overshadow my true nature.
Right, there is one thing. Something far more valuable than money.
I recalled something I had seen back at the Nine Demons Chamber, which they said had been custom-ordered from the Tang Clan.
“It’s not an easy request. Will you be alright with that?”
At my words, Tang Ja-seong bristled and replied.
“I would give you my head if you asked for it.”
As expected, the man was a true warrior. I slipped closer to him and sent a message via Sound Transmission.
As I spoke into his mind, Tang Ja-seong’s expression shifted by the second.
“If it’s too difficult, then never mind.”
Tang Ja-seong looked at me with a solemn face.
“If I cannot do even this much for Young Hero Eo, who recognized my worth and saved my life, how could I call myself the Junior Sect Leader of the Tang Clan or the Poison Dragon of the Sichuan Four Dragons? Once it is finished, I shall send word to Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress.”
I took his hand firmly and spoke.
“I’ve felt a kinship with you for a long time, Young Master Tang. I suppose there was a reason for that.”
Tang Ja-seong laughed heartily at my remark.
“I felt the same way!”
You brat, if you hadn't shown me that Meteor Transforming Rain, I wouldn't be acting this friendly.
I smiled outwardly while muttering to myself.
Furthermore, I didn't forget to remind Tang Bin of her promise.
“I trust Lady Tang will keep her word as well.”
Tang Bin sent me a Sound Transmission.
[What is it that Young Hero Eo desires?]
As she spoke, her cheeks flushed red.
[I heard the Tang Clan possesses a Poison Avoiding Bead.]
[That... is an item only members of the Tang direct lineage are permitted to hold.]
Do you think I’m asking because I didn't know that?
[If it’s too difficult, then so be it. Let’s pretend I never mentioned it.]
Tang Bin let out a deep sigh at my words.
[I understand. I will try to obtain it.]
After witnessing the battle between the Tang Clan and the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, I realized that if the Divine Light Sect bastards attacked me with poison, I would be utterly defenseless. That was why I thought of the Poison Avoiding Bead, an item that couldn't be bought with any amount of gold.
“I’ve thought this for a long time, but you would have been a wildly successful con artist.”
Gasp! Did she hear my Sound Transmission?
Seeing my startled face, Chu Bong-hwa spoke.
“Don’t go sending Sound Transmissions so carelessly around someone with over three Jiazi of internal energy. I can hear everything. If you were far away, it would be one thing, but when you’re right next to me, a master with three Jiazi of internal power can hear it all.”
She really is a monster. So that’s why they say anyone with over three Jiazi of internal energy becomes a freak of nature.
However, I wasn't about to be intimidated. I spoke to Chu Bong-hwa with confidence.
“In my time in this world, I’ve realized one thing. A little madness brings peace of mind, a little shamelessness makes the world easy, and a little deviousness prevents regret. If you can't manage that, life is truly exhausting, and you’ll always end up the victim.”
Chu Bong-hwa looked at me and spat out in a low voice.
“You rotten bastard.”
*
Tang Ja-seong and Tang Bin departed for the Tang Clan, and we returned to Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress.
Tang Ja-seong only let me go after making me promise three or four times that I would definitely visit the Tang Clan. He must have been incredibly grateful that I helped him when he was in such a dire predicament.
Personally, however, I had no desire to go anywhere near the Tang Clan.
Strangely, on our way back to Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress, I spotted warriors dressed in the martial robes of the Black Fortress. While others didn't pay much mind to the warriors passing by on horseback, I saw the large characters for 'Black Sovereign' embroidered on their backs.
What are Black Fortress warriors doing in Sichuan?
The question crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. Idle curiosity was my greatest enemy.
Upon arriving at Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress, someone was waiting for me. It was a face I knew well, but an unexpected person nonetheless, leaving me bewildered.
“Black Spirit One? What brings you here?”
It was the leader of the Black Spirit Ten Guards, Galwi’s personal bodyguards. He was someone I had maintained a relatively close relationship with during my time at the Nine Demons Chamber.
“Young Lord Gal asked me to convey his wish for Young Hero Eo to grace the inauguration of the Black Fortress’s Sichuan branch with your presence.”
“Ah, is that so?”
This was the first I’d heard of it. The fact that it hadn't reached my ears meant the matter was being handled in secret.
However, I had no intention of attending such an event. I was the New Dragon of Sichuan, a man rumored to be a righteous hero of the Orthodox Murim; attending the branch opening of an Unorthodox sect wouldn't look good.
I was trying to think of a way to decline without causing offense when Jeok Yeong spoke from outside the door.
“Brother, someone from Night Candle's Radiance is here to see you.”
Night Candle's Radiance? Why is someone from a tavern looking for me?
I didn't have any unpaid tabs.
“What is it about?”
“They say it’s urgent and must be delivered to you in person.”
Hearing that, I figured they must have come with a message from the tavern owner, Seol A-young. I didn't have an excuse to decline Black Spirit One yet, but I thought this was a perfect opportunity and spoke to him.
“My apologies. This is not a matter I can answer easily. Would you mind waiting a moment?”
Black Spirit One nodded as if he understood and replied.
“Of course. I didn't expect an immediate answer. I shall wait, so please see your guest.”
Looking at Black Spirit One, it was clear these weren't the kind of warriors Galwi should be leading. I offered my apologies several more times before meeting the person from Night Candle's Radiance.
“Oh? Is that not Lady Wol Hwa?”
Wol Hwa smiled brightly upon seeing me. At the sight, the Seven Heroes of Sichuan, who had been staring blankly at her, began to tremble as if they were about to faint. The Four Ghosts of Sichuan were also present, so I led Wol Hwa to a more secluded spot.
“Why is the Squad Leader dragging Lady Wol Hwa into a dark corner? Surely he’s not planning to do that in broad daylight?”
The words of Poison Wolf Ibu reached my ears clearly, but I pretended not to hear.
“Your subordinates are quite... reliable,” Wol Hwa remarked once we reached a place where no one was around.
“I suppose I have a knack for attracting people.”
Wol Hwa stared at me for a long time before snapping out of it at my fake cough and speaking.
“The Tavern Owner told me to relay some information that recently came in. It’s said that the son of the Divine Light Sect’s Heavenly Lord has entered Sichuan. She is worried they might be moving with you in mind, Young Hero Eo. She told me to tell you to be exceptionally careful.”
What? The Heavenly Lord’s son has entered Sichuan?
Why is everyone flocking to Sichuan?
Usually, shouldn't people be flocking to wherever the Murim Alliance is located?
I was secretly terrified, but I couldn't show that in front of Wol Hwa, so I blustered.
“She worries too much. If those bastards come, I’ll just deal with them as they arrive.”
At my bravado, Wol Hwa’s face flushed with concern.
“It’s not a matter to be taken so lightly. If the Heavenly Lord’s son has come, many masters must have accompanied him for his protection. That is what she wants you to be careful of.”
I nodded.
“I understand. Tell the Tavern Owner I am grateful for her concern. I will keep it in mind and be careful.”
Relieved by my words, Wol Hwa quickly made her way out of Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress.
As I watched her retreating figure, Chu Bong-hwa jumped down from the roof. Thanks to my Circulating Dantian, I had sensed her presence and knew where she was, but sometimes when I was lost in thought, I would lose track of her and get startled like this.
“Stop jumping out from random places.”
“It’s the fault of the one who was daydreaming. But this is strange. Why would the Heavenly Lord’s son suddenly enter Sichuan?”
“It’s probably a high-ranking official coming to push for an alliance with the Foreign Forces. Ah!”
As I spoke, a scenario suddenly flashed through my mind.
“What did that Shadowless Ghost Thief say was the reason he stole the Thousand-Year Snow Blossom Fruit?”
Chu Bong-hwa had mentioned it in passing when we handed the thief over to the authorities, but I couldn't quite remember.
“He said he stole it because of the Heavenly Lord’s son...”
As she spoke, Chu Bong-hwa seemed to realize something as well. She stopped mid-sentence and looked at me.
“That’s it. The Heavenly Lord’s son is here for the Thousand-Year Snow Blossom Fruit.”
Chu Bong-hwa chimed in agreement.
“The Thousand-Year Snow Blossom Fruit has incredibly strong Yin energy. Even if you refine it with internal power, it carries many restrictions. Since one can only practice martial arts with strong Yin energy after consuming it, it’s not considered a good elixir for most warriors. However, it is a miracle cure for someone suffering from a Sun Blocked Meridian.”
Chu Bong-hwa, with her vast knowledge of the Murim, immediately deduced the situation from a few pieces of information. And at that moment, I was already devising a plan to make this situation very interesting.
It’s not a coincidence. Every meeting between people is bound by fate.
I immediately headed back to where Black Spirit One was waiting. He looked at me as I burst in and started firing questions without preamble.
“So, you’re asking which masters from the main fortress are attending the branch inauguration?”
“Exactly. I’m asking which Black Fortress masters will be there.”
A flash of pride appeared in Black Spirit One’s eyes as he answered.
“Since the inauguration of the Sichuan branch is a very significant event, Young Lord Gal will be accompanied by Lord Jo Ji, who resides at the Black Fortress as an honored guest. Additionally, the Chief Guardian of the Black Fortress and four other Guardians will be in attendance.”
What? Jo Ji, the honored guest of the Black Fortress, is coming?
The Black Fortress had many guests, but among them, the 'Honored Guests' possessed reputations and skills on par with the sect leaders of major factions. Among them, Jo Ji was a master whose name was known to everyone in the Murim.
In particular, he held the alias 'Corpse' (Bushi)—a title not particularly honorable for a master—because anyone struck by his palm force would rot as if they were a decaying cadaver. His Sea Chant Mirror Breaking Palm was a technique that destroyed all internal organs, causing the body to rot from the inside out.
However, Jo Ji was proud of this alias. It was a testament to his martial prowess, and that palm technique was counted among the top ultimate arts in the Murim.
And that 'Corpse' Jo Ji is coming?
I was so shocked I almost started hiccuping. In terms of realm, Jo Ji was a master who had surpassed the Extreme Intent Realm.
A master of that caliber was perfect for my plan.
Now is finally the time for my counterattack. I’ll get the job done without lifting a finger.
I would use them to capture the Heavenly Lord’s son, who was trying to seize the Thousand-Year Snow Blossom Fruit. In the process, I’d pit the Black Fortress and the Divine Light Sect against each other. The Divine Light Sect’s attention would turn toward the Black Fortress, and I could safely make my escape to the Murim Alliance.
“Listen carefully to what I am about to say and relay it exactly to Young Lord Gal.”
Seeing my serious expression, Black Spirit One’s face stiffened in turn.
“Someone else sought me out earlier and gave me very important intelligence. We’ve found the mastermind behind the attempt to ambush Young Lord Gal, and it is none other than the Divine Light Sect. Furthermore, the central figure behind it has entered Sichuan, and it seems he is targeting Young Lord Gal. The timing of his arrival in Sichuan coincides far too perfectly with Young Lord Gal’s arrival. This is proof that he is after the Young Lord.”
“Such a thing is happening?”
“Why else would those bastards appear exactly when Young Lord Gal is inaugurating the branch? They are undoubtedly here for him.”
Seeing that Black Spirit One was still a bit skeptical, I emphasized the point once more and then leaked the plan I had concocted.
“According to the information I obtained, it seems they plan to rape and murder the Commander’s daughter and frame Young Lord Gal for the crime. This intel comes from a spy hidden within the Divine Light Sect, so it is certain.”
As he listened, Black Spirit One surged to his feet, radiating killing intent.
“Those absolute curs!”
I laughed inwardly as I watched him get worked up.
“Calm yourself. I also consider Young Lord Gal to be no different from a brother, so I cannot stand for them acting so despicably.”
Black Spirit One looked at me with touched eyes.
“That is why I cannot leave them be. I will strike them down alongside Young Lord Gal. Therefore, Black Spirit One, tell Young Lord Gal to station masters around the Commander’s estate to catch the ringleader of those Divine Light Sect scoundrels. I will also lead my own masters there soon. In particular, Lord Jo Ji and all the Guardians must be deployed for this operation.”
Black Spirit One replied.
“How could we soil his hands with the task of catching such filth?”
Since he was taking it too lightly, I spoke up.
“They are no ordinary masters. To be honest, I recently clashed with people calling themselves Elders and Guardians of the Divine Light Sect alongside the Fist King and the Phoenix King. Even the Fist King and the Phoenix King were only able to fight their Elders to a draw. I barely managed to hide and escape their Guardians. They are by no means easy opponents. Fortunately, since Lord Jo Ji is coming, we won't have to worry about such trash.”
Black Spirit One nodded.
“I understand. Since Young Hero Eo says so, how could I be negligent? I shall relay this exactly to Young Lord Gal.”
Black Spirit One gave me a fist-and-palm salute and left Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress.
If I moved Galwi to pit Jo Ji against the Divine Light Sect, there would be massive casualties. Truly, Jo Ji was known as a mad slaughterer who showed no mercy to his enemies. One could say that all of the Black Fortress’s wars were won by his hands.
I just had to sit back and leisurely watch the war between the Divine Light Sect and Jo Ji.
Isn't this exactly what they mean by 'Using Poison to Fight Poison'?