Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: penny
Chapter Title: Chapter 21: Dan-ya (2)
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The explanation wasn't long.
But throughout the story, Yoram couldn't help but change her expression several times.
When the astonishing tale finally ended, Yoram muttered in a low voice.
"So, the one who attacked our sect is Black Night—no, Dan-ya—and the reason he left the desert was because of you, Superior?"
"Yeah, sorry about that."
"Black Night, who rules six months of night and six months of day, was your subordinate..."
"He's not as grandiose as the rumors make him out to be. You'll see when you meet him? He's pretty cute, and he's got a bit of a naive side."
Cute and naive in personality?
What was the evaluation of the master of Desert Assassin's Valley again?
Several phrases floated into Yoram's mind for a moment.
The desert's brutal tyrant.
The clear executor of death.
The darkness that reigns through terror.
"I'm telling you, it's true. His hair is white, eyes are red—he looks just like a bunny, super cute."
His white hair seemed to transcend time, his red eyes saw death itself.
"He looks a bit gloomy, but he's the type who hates being lonely."
Clad in a veil of darkness, delivering cold decrees of death.
"...Superior. Are you sure you're not mistaking him for someone else?"
Not widely known to the world, but as a high-ranking member of the Hao Clan, Yoram knew.
Even the rough desert warriors hardened by sandstorms dared not meet his gaze.
Even merchants who crossed the desert treating death lightly trembled in fear.
No matter how she thought about it, such a being didn't match with a 'lonely, sulky type'.
"No mistake. This iron plaque proves it."
Chu Un-hwi picked up one of the iron plaques piled like a small mountain on the desk and said.
"Binding Play. Know what this is?"
"No idea."
"It's Black Night's unique martial art."
"!"
It was an enormous fact.
The desert is secretive.
It's so far away, with a different language, so known facts are few.
Just knowing the unique martial art of the desert's ruler was information of immense value.
"Wait. Didn't you say Black Night uses a great sword? Spears too, and he's skilled in mounted combat."
"To survive in the desert, you can't rely on just one weapon. Plus, think about his profession."
"Ah, assassin."
"Right. Assassins usually avoid unique martial arts to leave no traces. They have to get familiar with various weapons."
Though now he didn't seem to care about hiding traces anymore.
Chu Un-hwi added.
"So, Black Night's unique martial art is binding technique?"
"Strangulation. He's got a weak body, so he prefers hanging people when they're off guard over direct confrontation. Loops a rope over the beam, jumps like a bunny. Uses his body weight to kill."
Another incomprehensible statement slipped out.
At any rate, Black Night's existence seemed confirmed.
Suddenly, Yoram's face darkened.
"Then our sect's disciples... They became victims of his assassination."
"I don't think so. You can tell from this mark. Depending on the kill method—knife, sword, spear, poison—they leave different iron plaques. This Binding Play is different. It's a sign of respect left for a strong foe who forced out his unique martial art."
"But our disciples aren't that skilled. Even our strongest division head couldn't last ten exchanges."
"I know. That's why I'm telling you not to worry. He's just showing off 'I'm here' right now."
"......"
It was unbelievable, but seeing Chu Un-hwi's calm eyes, Yoram could guess it was all true.
And she realized.
The current being shaking Infinite City's night streets was barely even amusement to the Superior.
"You're a frightening person, Superior."
"Well, yeah."
"......"
"Can you forgive him?"
"As an individual named Yoram, I'd like to grant your request, Superior. But I'm the Hao Clan branch chief."
Her voice grew resolute.
"If our disciples lost their lives, blood must be repaid with blood. That's the Hao Clan's way to settle blood debts."
"...That means making me your enemy."
A chill ran down her spine.
Her breath caught.
"Can you handle it?"
Feeling the immense pressure squeezing her throat, Yoram smiled sadly.
"When the fight starts, kill me first in one stroke. I want the memory of being your enemy to be as short as possible."
"...There could be a choice where we don't become enemies..."
"Even those trampled from below, whipped and despised, have their way of life."
"No intention of reversing your decision."
"I don't want to die silently like trampled grass. When stepped on, I bite back; when it hurts, I cry out on behalf of others. That's my role."
Hesitation vanished from Yoram's murmuring voice.
"Even in my dying breath, I'll wail for the lowly ones."
As the pressure grew heavier with each word, making Yoram's face pale,
"Heh. That's why I like you Hao Clan folks."
Whoosh.
In an instant, the pressure vanished, replaced by a warm energy.
It felt like standing alone in eternal snow, then suddenly welcoming spring.
"...Superior?"
"Sorry. Just a little prank."
A little prank?
To Yoram, who had just felt death's door, it was a remark that made tears well up from grievance.
"Don't worry. If my subordinate crossed the line, I'll take your side."
That meant,
"You'll abandon Desert Assassin's Valley and Black Night?"
"I don't like those who cross lines."
She was sincere.
Yoram could tell from the brief glimpse of emotion.
To discard the power ruling the desert so easily.
A person whose vessel couldn't even be guessed.
Now she had to ask.
"Someone like you, Superior, could handle this smoothly without revealing the truth."
"What? There's a way like that?"
He feigned surprise playfully, then added casually.
"Hmm. Cover up the truth, then mediate when things go south? Or let both sides wear themselves out in a war of attrition and swoop in for the fisherman's gain?"
As expected, he knew.
She thought such a deep schemer wouldn't miss it, and her guess was right.
Knowing ways to profit, why reveal the truth first?
In a situation that could make enemies.
The answer was simple.
"Know what's the worst feeling when betrayed? Not knowing until the end and getting stabbed in the back."
A world-weary, seasoned expression flashed across his face.
What experiences made him capable of such an expression?
He looked young enough to call a youth, yet his aura was like an ancient rock eroded by time.
"I hate relationships built on deception. Better to be enemies with honesty inside and out."
Does that answer it?
To his questioning gaze, Yoram smiled softly and nodded slightly.
"It's enough."
"Haha. Finally smiling. A million-nyang smile is hard to see."
Truly, his cheek was unmatched.
How could one hate such a person?
"Public business is done, so now for the personal promise."
Anytime. Always. Welcoming with a smiling face.
Truly such a difficult promise.
Today, she'd gone from hot spring to cold plunge countless times, experiencing more emotional swings than since becoming branch chief.
She really felt enchanted by a yokai.
Yet not hating it was surely because of that smile.
Chu Un-hwi winked mischievously, his radiant smile outshining the moonlight.
"You showed a pretty smile, so here's your reward."
"?"
"Don't you want to land one on that Black Night bastard?"
The deep night with lights out.
From the shadows of Blue Wall Pavilion, a black figure suddenly sprang out.
Tap tap.
It moved nimbly, kicking off the wall to leap over, then skillfully melted into the shadows.
His destination was the innermost annex of Blue Wall Pavilion.
They said secret documents are stored here?
After bypassing patrolling guards and several trap formations, he carefully hung beneath the annex's eaves.
Tap tap.
Then, tapping the wall with his fingertips, something amazing happened.
In an instant, the solid wall turned to sand, creating a small hole.
Using near-miraculous fingertip technique to breach the wall, he stealthily slipped inside.
Literally 'slipped'.
Slithering like liquid, he appeared inside the annex.
"Phew. Easy."
Shaking his short white hair, the man muttered.
"Dark Venerable, was it?"
As his red-glowing eyes in the darkness turned toward one side's bookshelf,
"Where do you think you're sneaking?!"
Boom!
A shout rang out, and the floor suddenly caved in.
"Ho— A trap?"
The man flipped backward, soaring into the air.
Tap tap tap.
Kicking crisscross with both feet, air burst with pops as his form flew nimbly.
"Incredible lightness skill!"
But as if expecting this, another trap unfolded.
Rumble!
The ceiling collapsed, dropping several iron grates.
"Hmph. Fun toy."
Scoffing, the man flared his sleeves and unleashed lightning-fast palm strikes.
Bang bang bang!
The iron grates, forged a hundred times, crumpled like toys and were flung aside.
"Everyone, attack!"
Thud thud thud.
The intact bookshelf toppled, and Hao Clan disciples hidden inside poured out.
Leading them was Dark Hidden Sword.
Emitting an even stronger aura bolstered by headquarters' support, the five boldly drew their swords without shame.
"Black Night! Do you know what this place is?!"
"Stray dogs have good eyes."
"This will be your grave!"
Clang!
As Dark Hidden Sword drew his sword, the waiting Hao Clan disciples hurled hidden weapons in unison.
Some nocked iron arrows on bows.
A perfect encirclement net built in this small annex just for him.
Surprised by the unexpected tightness, the man's eyes widened.
"Being a brothel and all? Great hospitality."
"Fire!"
Ching ching ching!
Whoosh whoosh!
Countless hidden weapons and arrows flew, but the man's expression was leisurely.
Whipping his dangling hands like lightning, popping sounds filled the room like stir-fried beans.
Clang clang clang!
Dark Hidden Sword's lead sword was astonished seeing him deflect without retreating a step.
An incredible master. Deflecting concentrated hidden weapons in this cramped space so easily.
A divine skill even he, top-tier in the Hao Clan, couldn't mimic.
Bigger monster than rumored.
But not yet.
Signaling with his hand, the ceiling crumbled again, dropping a massive iron net.
A masterpiece strike made to capture top masters.
"Such trash."
Bang!
He launched palm force like before, but seeing the unmoving iron mesh, he finally panicked.
"Quite the elaborate toy."
"Hahaha. Iron net forged from cold iron. Doesn't even cut with sword qi—a precious item."
"Then rip it with more force... Tch!"
Clang clang!
As he tried again, Hao Clan disciples targeted him with more hidden weapons.
Deflect weapons, dodge arrows, amid the chaos, the massive net too.
Arrogance shortens his lifespan.
As Dark Venerable said.
If not for predicting his arrogance would make him deflect instead of dodge.
If not for advising close combat but preferring hidden weapons.
That monster would have trashed the annex helplessly.
Slash!
Finally, the net fell over his head.
"Tch. This crap!"
"Everyone, pull the net!"
The moment he grabbed to tear it, Hao Clan disciples yanked one side.
Crash.
For the first time, the man was pushed to the floor.
"Urk."
He tried tearing again, but each time, they pulled and threw weapons.
Clang clang!
Amazingly, even under the net, he deflected.
But his movements are clearly heavier.
At this rate, they could capture the desert terror.
As small hope flickered,
"Damn. Embarrassing."
Rip rip rip!
The cold iron net tore apart in an instant.
Rattle!
Shockingly, what tore it were worn, ragged bandages wriggling from beneath his sleeves.
"Haa. Geez."
The man brushed back his tousled white hair and stood.
"Didn't plan to get serious."
With his chilling voice, a fierce heat wave swirled from him.
"Now you need to tense up."
As his scarlet eyes glowed demonically.
"Block it!"
Dark Hidden Sword flared sword qi in unison.