Chapter 21: Obtaining a Secret Manual (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 21: Obtaining a Secret Manual (1)
After unleashing that strange power while thrashing those rats, the yin energy within me deepened. I couldn't even catch a glimpse of the martial arts contest; instead, I was confined to the Medical Hall for days, unable to step foot outside.
Visitors were banned, which was a relief since it meant I didn't have to see Mok Seon-hwa, but it felt like a cruel injustice that I couldn't see Tang Bin either.
However, that frustration was short-lived as I began to writhe in agony.
I finally understood why the White Horse Ten Canes was so infamous.
No medicine worked.
The yin energy from the White Horse Ten Canes wasn't a simple ailment; it was a toxic energy that no ordinary herb could neutralize. Eventually, I found myself waking up countless times throughout the night.
Whenever the yin energy flared up, I had to wrap myself in blankets and groan in pain, even though it was the height of summer.
Amidst all this, I was genuinely moved by the hospitality Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress showed me.
Not only was I given decoctions made from precious medicinal herbs, but I was also served three meals a day consisting of high-end cuisine I had never even seen before. It was a lifestyle that even royalty or high nobility wouldn't envy.
When else would I ever enjoy such luxury?
However, I did not forget the most important of the Eight Iron Rules of a Small Fry: a weakling must know his place.
If I got too comfortable in this luxury, my true identity would be exposed in the blink of an eye, and the probability of me getting caught up in some nonsense and meeting a sudden, violent end was high.
Through my somewhat long and arduous life, I had realized one truth: when a small fry forgets his place, his own sword eventually turns on him.
The reason Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress was treating me this way became clear this afternoon when the Twin Heroes of Guiyang paid me a visit.
I had finally been allowed to leave the Medical Hall and return to my quarters, but only on the condition that Chong Ae-hyeon followed me with various herbs and medicinal ingredients.
Spending so much time in the Medical Hall had made me quite close to her.
As I entered my courtyard, I saw two men pacing around the garden.
I recognized them immediately; they were the ones who had fought alongside me during that desperate struggle against the Red Robed White-Eyed Demon at the inn.
Upon seeing me, the Twin Heroes of Guiyang offered a respectful fist-palm salute and spoke.
"We have taken the liberty of entering your quarters to see you, Young Hero Eo. We apologize for the intrusion."
"Not at all. It’s fine. But what brings you here?"
The two hesitated for a moment before the words came pouring out in a rush.
"When you repelled the Red Robed White-Eyed Demon a week ago, we were deeply moved. As warriors who wield swords, we felt such shame that we wanted to take our own lives right then and there. In that situation, you truly gave us a profound realization. One who teaches writing or martial arts is called a master, but we did not know what to call someone like you, who gave us a lesson in chivalry and enlightenment. We haven't been able to sleep for days because we were agonizing over this."
The Twin Heroes of Guiyang were surprisingly good at spouting such cringeworthy lines.
While I stood there with my mouth agape as they showered me with praise, they continued to recount my "heroic deeds"—half of which I didn't even recognize.
"The image of you protecting the Fortress Lord’s daughter with a spirit of self-sacrifice, facing the Red Robed White-Eyed Demon alone to ensure the other guests wouldn't be harmed, is still vivid in our minds. You awakened the true spirit of chivalry and the soul of an Orthodox warrior in us, who were too terrified of that demon to even speak. We saw the very reason and purpose for why we have held our swords until now in you, Young Hero Eo."
I was aware that the story of that incident had been inflated and spread not just in this area, but throughout all of Sichuan.
I heard that since then, many martial artists had flocked to Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress, and hundreds more had been recruited. I could only imagine how the story of that fight had been retold.
"Therefore, we too have joined Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress. Please accept our desire to serve by your side, Great Hero."
Wait, what?
That was completely unexpected.
As I stood there frowning, unable to process the situation, they dropped to their knees.
"We know that small fries like us are hardly fit to serve you, but you may use us as you would a horse or an ox. We will give our utmost, faithful service."
Good heavens! How could the Twin Heroes of Guiyang be considered small fries?
Even if they weren't world-class masters, they were seasoned Murim warriors hovering around the second-rate level—at least a hundred times more skilled than I was. And yet, here they were, misunderstanding everything and volunteering to serve me.
So, I spoke honestly.
"How could someone like me hope for the help of people like the Twin Heroes of Guiyang? Such words are undeserved."
At my refusal, the faces of the Twin Heroes turned beet red. Thinking their loyalty had been rejected, they drew their swords and laid them on the ground beside them.
"The reason we took up the sword was to practice chivalry and uphold justice throughout our lives. However, as we lived, we found ourselves neglecting those ideals to chase personal gain and success. In fact, since entering the Murim, we have never seen a warrior who truly practices chivalry and justice. But witnessing your noble intent from up close, we felt as though our eyes were opened and we were reborn. We have lived our lives with the title of 'Heroes.' But if you reject us, then please, take the new lives of these unworthy Twin Heroes."
The Twin Heroes of Guiyang truly looked the part of great heroes brimming with righteous spirit.
There was a reason why they were known by that title in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou, despite not being first-rate masters.
They were warriors who had always prioritized the path of chivalry.
They had sturdy, reliable builds that made them look like men of strong character. They appeared to be a few years older than me, but one could never accurately guess a Murim warrior's age.
Feeling troubled, I looked up at the sky.
What am I supposed to do? This is just great. The trouble just keeps piling up.
My only desire was to quickly drive out the yin energy of the White Horse Ten Canes, collect a hefty sum of silver from Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress, and leave.
Since I wasn't qualified to lead them, I spoke in a persuasive tone.
"As you know, my martial arts are currently sealed by the yin energy of the White Horse Ten Canes, making me no different from an ordinary villager. I cannot even guarantee if I will ever hold a sword again. Therefore, please understand that I cannot live up to your expectations. However, I will keep your intentions deep within my heart."
When I spoke with a slightly choked, emotional voice, the Twin Heroes of Guiyang looked at me with intense gazes.
"Our desire to be your servants is not because we admire your martial arts. It is because your chivalry has made us new men. If you will not accept us..."
Suddenly, the Twin Heroes grabbed the swords they had laid down and took a posture as if to commit suicide.
Startled, I shouted, "What are you doing?!"
"Since our intentions have been trampled upon, how can we say we are truly alive?"
The look in their eyes as they spoke was genuine. They were the kind of real-deal chivalrous knights you only heard about but rarely saw in the Murim.
The sincerity of the Twin Heroes of Guiyang tugged at my heartstrings.
Even though I was receiving this treatment because I was mistaken for a master, I felt that these men would never abandon me even if my true identity were revealed.
At the same time, a thought occurred in a corner of my mind: It would be pretty convenient to have people to do the hard work for me.
This thought gradually took over my brain.
I guess I’m really not a good person.
After a brief moment of self-reproach, my heart swayed at the thought that if I had these two, small-fry rats wouldn't dare mess with me.
Besides, this was the kind of situation that only happened to the protagonist in a wuxia novel.
To think such a thing was happening to me.
I felt so good that my nostrils flared.
"Fine! What luck have I stumbled upon to have people like you under me? Unless you are willing to be my left and right arms... From now on, you are my friends and my brothers. If you cannot accept that, then I cannot yield any further."
At my words, the Twin Heroes of Guiyang began to shed tears.
Perhaps they had felt a similar sense of alienation as I had.
The Murim was structured and systematized around the Great Orthodox Sects, and warriors from other backgrounds were often treated as mere extras.
If you didn't possess the strength to command respect from the Great Sects, the Murim was a place where you suffered all sorts of humiliation and contempt.
So, even if it was based on a misunderstanding, how could they not be moved to hear someone like me—rumored to be a first-rate master—talk about being friends and brothers?
"That is unacceptable! Moreover, after hearing such words of consideration for us, we feel that even giving our lives would not be a waste. From this moment on, we shall serve you as our Lord."
"Ah! I see I cannot break your stubbornness."
I looked at them with an expression of regret.
Well, if you insist, I can't help it.
To be honest, subordinates were better than sworn brothers if I wanted to put them to work.
In the history of the Murim, I was probably the only small fry to ever take warriors stronger than himself as subordinates. Not that I could report this to the Murim Book of World Records or anything.
They were truly men full of loyalty.
In one corner of my heart, their devotion made my chest feel warm.
"Since I am currently unable to move freely, let us hold a formal ceremony to pledge the bond of Lord and subordinate once my body has recovered."
Since it had come to this, I might as well make it official and advertise that they were my people.
"Understood. From now on, we will stay and eat near your quarters. And we will visit you once every day."
I couldn't refuse that either.
It might be a bit of a hassle, but it sounded pretty cool.
As the Twin Heroes of Guiyang stood up, someone peeked their head into my quarters.
It was a rat-like face, still swollen.
As the "Big Rat" stepped inside, the other rats swarmed in behind him.
Immediately, the Twin Heroes of Guiyang blocked my front and barked a command. Seeing them already acting to protect their Lord made me feel proud.
I made the right choice in taking them in. With them around, even assassins won't be able to act recklessly.
"I've heard the stories. I heard you bastards dared to plot against our Lord, and I was just about to go find you and take an arm from each of you. But you've saved us the trouble by showing up on your own."
Indeed! These were my Twin Heroes of Guiyang.
With them acting like this, those guys wouldn't be able to try anything, regardless of why they had come.
Their skills were far inferior to the Twin Heroes, so I wasn't worried.
Since they had come empty-handed this time without weapons, the Twin Heroes didn't draw their swords but remained on high alert.
They were true chivalrous warriors after all.
"What brings you here? Do you still have complaints about how I handled things? Do we still have some unfinished business?"
Now that I had subordinates, I asked them with a slightly arrogant expression.
The Big Rat stepped forward boldly.
The Twin Heroes gripped their sword hilts, ready to draw at any moment.
"Stay back!"
What cool guys!
Being protected by the Twin Heroes of Guiyang made me feel like I didn't even need to envy the Martial Alliance Leader.
The Big Rat looked at me with his swollen eyes and suddenly burst into tears.
"Young Hero!"
Then, he threw himself onto the ground in a deep prostrate bow.
The other six rats also fell flat on the floor.
The youngest rat, unable to bow properly, stood awkwardly leaning on his crutches.
"Please take us in as well! We deserve death for making such a request of you, but you are the only one we can entrust our lives to! Please, take us in!"
He spoke through his tears, and the impact was even greater than when the Twin Heroes had offered their loyalty.
I couldn't understand why these guys, who had been trying so hard to torment me just a few days ago, were suddenly asking to be my subordinates.
"I cannot grant that request. These two, who are like my left and right arms, are enough for me."
When I pointed to the Twin Heroes of Guiyang, they looked at me with faces full of emotion and bowed their heads.
Giving people a sense of being moved without spending a dime was one of my ultimate techniques.
"How could we ever dream of becoming your subordinates? We would be happy just to be your servants or your stable boys. We would be satisfied just to follow in your shadow!"
Looking closely, it wasn't an act. Their words and actions were sincere.
Did these guys lose their minds after I beat them so hard?
I felt a secret twinge of guilt toward them.
"I have no reason to take you in. So, please leave."
I cut them off, thinking that dragging this out would only make things more exhausting.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Suddenly, the Big Rat began banging his head against the floor.
The other brothers followed suit, and it was incredibly awkward. They were hitting the floor so hard that blood began to trickle from their foreheads.
"Like the Twin Heroes of Guiyang, we are prepared to die if you reject us!"
This was a bit much.
It was even more bizarre coming from guys I had beaten to within an inch of their lives.
Just then, Chong Ae-hyeon, who had been watching the scene, spoke with a smile.
"Really, Young Hero Eo, you are far too humble. To think you didn't even tell me. Didn't you perform Acupoint Striking on them under the guise of a beating? Because of that, their meridians were opened significantly, and their internal energy has improved drastically. I was shocked when they were first brought to the Medical Hall looking like they were at death's door, but as I treated them, I found their Qi to be overflowing. I've never seen anything like it. When I asked, they said they had been beaten by you. It seems they've come here out of gratitude for your Acupoint Striking."
They all shouted while pressing their foreheads to the floor.
"We are simply grateful to be used as your servants! Young Hero Eo! We, the Seven Cats, will not utter a single word of complaint even if you use us like dogs. What master in this world would use his own internal energy to perform Acupoint Striking on a group that tried to harm him? And not just one, but seven! If we do not follow you, who has made us reflect on our actions through such enlightenment, the people of the Murim will call us the Seven Dogs instead of the Seven Cats!"
"Hahaha!"
A laugh that sounded like it came from an old man escaped my lips.
That was how absurd and flabbergasting the situation was.
Back then, I had simply been unable to handle that strange power and had vented it through the beating, but it turned out to be Acupoint Striking.
These guys... they were incredibly lucky.
Perhaps even luckier than I was.
Furthermore, I liked that they had personally chosen the title "Seven Cats."
I felt uneasy seeing the Twin Heroes of Guiyang looking at them with envious eyes. The way they glanced at me, as if asking me to beat them too, made me break out in a cold sweat.
The sincerity was evident in the way they knelt there with bloodied foreheads.
Still, taking them in felt like a lot to handle.
If I took them all in, I could practically start my own sect.
It would look ridiculous to be a guest in someone else's sect while dragging around a whole entourage of subordinates.
Moreover, I hesitated because they were all warriors of Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress.
But above all, the main reason I hesitated more than I had with the Twin Heroes was simple.
I had no use for these useless things.
They said their meridians were unblocked, but one doesn't become a master in a year or two. How much of a headache would they be before they were actually useful?
I suppose I could use them as arrow fodder, though.