Chapter 194
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: Whisper of the Ghost (3)
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The rain that had been pouring relentlessly, as if the heavens themselves had sprung a leak, finally let up only as evening fell. Around that time, Flying Tiger made his appearance at an inn in a remote village more than a hundred li from Hanzhong.
Plop, plop.
Flying Tiger removed his dripping conical hat and his thoroughly soaked raincoat before stepping inside the inn. He glanced around, and one of two men seated by the window spotted him first, waving enthusiastically in greeting.
It was Hyeong U-saeng and So Myeong-rang.
The one waving excitedly was Hyeong U-saeng. His enthusiasm was a bit over the top, as if they were reuniting after years apart, but it wasn't entirely incomprehensible. Though it had been less than two days since they'd last met, each had brushed death in that short span—every moment had felt like an eternity.
"Come on in! Everything go smoothly on your errand?"
"Thanks to you all, it was manageable enough."
As Flying Tiger spoke, he set the bundle he'd been carrying on the table. So Myeong-rang unwrapped it to reveal a neat wooden box. Opening the lid exposed a head pickled in salt.
"This Zuo Eung-gi of the Stone Flower Spear?"
"Yeah. For Master O-rim."
"Why not deliver it yourself?"
"I've gotta head out."
So Myeong-rang nodded and tucked the wooden box under his feet. Meanwhile, Hyeong U-saeng eyed Flying Tiger up and down with an amazed grin.
Flying Tiger looked like he'd just dropped off a parcel somewhere. One might expect him to swagger back from slaying a major foe and regale them with tales of valor, but he was utterly nonchalant. And it wasn't just any head hanging from a persimmon tree at the village edge.
That guy's the type who could fetch the emperor's head if asked. Hell, he might even pluck the moon from the sky...
Hyeong U-saeng chuckled to himself at the absurd thought, prompting Flying Tiger to ask,
"Brother U-saeng, something good happen?"
"You bet. Surviving the brink of death makes everything look brighter."
"You two must've had it rough. No wonder things went so smoothly—their spirits had fled the scene. Looks like you both pulled your weight."
And indeed, Hyeong U-saeng and So Myeong-rang looked wrecked, like men who'd truly clawed their way back from the grave. Proof they'd overextended themselves to draw the enemies' eyes.
As Flying Tiger played along with Hyeong U-saeng's banter, he noticed So Myeong-rang's sullen expression and asked why.
"Brother So, something bothering you?"
"Aren't you going a bit easy on yourself? My master and I just beat the drum and ran, and we're beat to hell. Meanwhile, the one who did the real work looks spotless. Makes a guy feel inadequate."
"Ah, if that's it, no need to feel slighted. Call it a windfall—pure luck."
"What kind of luck?"
"When I tracked down Zuo Eung-gi, turns out he was already on his deathbed. Left alone, he'd have kicked the bucket in months anyway."
"Huh? How'd that happen?"
"Well, see... Sigh. Do I have to spell it out?"
"You can't start a story and just clam up!"
Flying Tiger suddenly played coy, leaving So Myeong-rang and Hyeong U-saeng staring in frustration. Only then did he tap an empty cup with his finger.
So Myeong-rang burst out laughing and poured three cups in apology. They called over the waiter and ordered various side dishes.
From that point, the trio dove into swapping stories in earnest.
The liquor bottles emptied rapidly, but the dishes barely got touched, cooling untouched in the corners. It wasn't that they tasted bad. No, the tales of their "together yet apart" journeys were so savory, no other appetizers were needed.
Liquor and comrades.
Sometimes, that was enough.
"But..."
Eventually, the lively topics ran dry. Hyeong U-saeng, thoroughly flushed, voiced his disappointment.
"It's a half-day trip. You sure you won't swing by Zhao Family Manor? Brother Sang-gun-bo and the others are dying to see you."
"I have to go. Stopped by a Seo Nation Hall branch on the way back—got word from Jeo-su Ma-gak."
"What'd they say? Everything work out?"
Hyeong U-saeng and So Myeong-rang leaned in, equal parts worried and hopeful.
They knew the rough outline of Flying Tiger's situation. And that in exchange for his help with Zhao Family Manor matters, the experienced and efficient Maeng Dal-seo of Jeo-su Ma-gak had taken on negotiations with Golden Jade Immortal.
Yet here was contact from Maeng Dal-seo mid-negotiation.
Come to think of it, that was odd. Depending on the news, it could mean heaven or hell for Flying Tiger. But throughout the drinks, he hadn't breathed a word, nor shown a flicker of emotion.
What on earth did it say?
Flying Tiger drained the last of his cup in one gulp, frowning as he replied.
"Says there's a problem only I can handle. Hurry up and come."
"Huh? What the hell?"
"Exactly. Golden Jade Immortal wants to make a deal with me."
"How does she even know who you are?"
"That's the thing. If she didn't, she wouldn't propose a deal. But if she really knew me... she wouldn't have done it this way."
"If it's not too much, care to share the details?"
"No idea. Insists on talking face-to-face."
"..."
It was the kind of news that invited heavy thoughts.
As silence fell, Hyeong U-saeng suddenly remembered something urgent.
"Wait! Flying Tiger, if that's the case, we shouldn't be lounging with drinks. You need to head out ASAP!"
"Planning to leave at dawn tomorrow. Need a rest tonight—I'm beat. Gotta wash off the grime and the stench of blood. And with Young-i waiting, I can't show up like this."
Flying Tiger shrugged casually. He spoke and acted as if it were no big deal, but exhaustion was etched into his features.
Only then did Hyeong U-saeng and So Myeong-rang realize that while he looked fine on the outside, he was burned out inside.
According to the message:
Golden Jade Immortal had dawdled for ages, dragging her feet through the months. Upon finally reaching Chang'an City, she plopped down and refused to see the patient, making all sorts of impossible demands.
Then Maeng Dal-seo showed up for one-on-one talks. Whatever conditions were met, she eventually went to the safehouse where Gong Won-yeong was staying and examined her.
That's when things went south.
After the check-up, when asked about the patient's condition and curability, Golden Jade Immortal dodged every question and abruptly demanded Flying Tiger.
"Bring Warrior Flying Tiger first. I won't say a word until I meet him in person."
"What is this all about?"
"Think what you will. Doesn't matter. Point is, I won't speak or act until he arrives. And the woman lying before me doesn't have much time left."
"Sigh... Fine, we'll send word. But at least tell us why you need him."
"Why? I have the means to save her, and he's a capable bounty hunter. Time for a deal."
"What? You mean to scrap everything we've agreed on so far?"
"..."
"Hah..."
Utterly unreasonable. They'd gone to great lengths to fetch this life-saving physician, only for her to hold the patient hostage like some kidnapper in their own home.
But what could they do now?
This bizarre standoff had unfolded just yesterday afternoon. A urgent missive demanding Flying Tiger was immediately sent to all Seo Nation Hall branches. But he was infiltrating Yu-rim Academy at the time and couldn't receive it. Only today, after escaping Yu-rim and fleeing the Hanzhong area, did he learn of it at a nearby branch.
"Hmm, sounds suspicious on multiple fronts. Good call. As the saying goes, haste makes waste when you're busy. Heart must be racing, but rest up tonight—shake off the fatigue. What do you think, Brother So?"
"Flying Tiger, your lady's safe, right?"
"Reliable folks are watching over her."
"Glad to hear it. Then I agree with Master—your choice is sound. Leaving at dawn, you said? Not sure if it calls for a blade, but if needed, I'll lend mine. I'm coming along."
"Pardon?"
Flying Tiger blinked in surprise, but So Myeong-rang ignored him and turned to Hyeong U-saeng.
"Sorry, Master, you'll have to go alone. I'll tag along with him—if nothing happens, I'll rejoin you and Brother Maeng Dal-seo at Zhao Family Manor from there."
"Very well. I'll explain to Elder Sang."
"Ah, Brother So, no need to go out of your way for me..."
Hyeong U-saeng cut Flying Tiger off.
"Listen to Brother So. We know you're clever and skilled, Flying Tiger, but even a monk can't shave his own head. Having him by your side will be reassuring. Look at that mug of his. Even if that Golden Jade whatever tries funny business, one glance at his face and she'll think twice."
"Master!"
So Myeong-rang and Hyeong U-saeng bickered playfully, leaving Flying Tiger no room to interject. In short, there was no arguing with So Myeong-rang's sudden insistence on tagging along.
What could you call this?
Gratitude.
Flying Tiger smiled wryly at the thought.
Hyeong U-saeng was right. He didn't expect So Myeong-rang to change outcomes or anything, but the mere offer of company eased his mind considerably.
Originally, Flying Tiger had planned to sever all ties after this final bounty—save for that one lingering grudge with the fake Ghost Mask.
Once wrapped up, he'd devote himself entirely to Gong Won-yeong, whose life hung by a thread. Share every remaining moment with her.
That initial reluctance when So Myeong-rang offered to come along stemmed from that.
But in the end, he'd accepted. And surprisingly, it didn't feel bad at all.
That said, Golden Jade Immortal... Who the hell is she? Is she really the bitch Lady Dang warned about? If so... we won't see eye to eye. So please, I beg you—don't be.
That night, Flying Tiger couldn't sleep. No matter how he tried to calm himself or shout it down, anxiety kept rearing up, whispering in his ear.
Prepare yourself.
And at that same hour, in another place, someone else lay sleepless, tormented by a whisper.
—Young one, did you call for me?
The man shuddered.
After seven grueling days of effort, he'd finally succeeded in the Initial Soul Summoning Ritual. Thus passing the first and hardest hurdle to obtain the Ghost Shell.