Chapter 20
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Chapter 6. Jin Ga-yong (1)
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Even if they were at the bottom rung, these were the Ye brothers, renowned even among Shaanxi's black path factions. To toy with both of them at once—what kind of monstrous martial prowess did that man possess?
Bi-ho didn't know for sure, but in this Shaanxi Province, there were countless major sects that couldn't boast even a single expert of that caliber.
Of course, places like the Huashan Sect, with their resounding fame across the world, were exceptions. Still, that was the lay of the land.
Yet in Bi-ho's judgment, Squad Leader Jin Ga-yong was precisely such an expert. Going by appearances alone, he looked barely into his mid-twenties, not much older than Bi-ho himself. Looking back, Bi-ho had sensed danger from Jin Ga-yong right from their first meeting. And he'd watched up close as the man unleashed his swift swordplay with his own eyes.
But up to that point, it was surprising yet understandable.
A promising young master has emerged from the Martial Qin Alliance. That swift sword must be one of those so-called supreme techniques from the prestigious orthodox sects we've only heard about.
Something along those lines.
But what Jin Ga-yong had done to the Ye brothers exceeded even those expectations.
Honestly, it was baffling why the Martial Qin Alliance hadn't deployed someone of that skill in a war they were staking everything on.
And now, watching how Jin Ga-yong carried himself, it was clear he was holding back, revealing only enough to conceal his true power!
Deeply suspicious.
So what exactly had Bi-ho seen to form such a judgment?
When Jin Ga-yong fought the Ye brothers on the second floor of the building, Bi-ho had actually been outside with Choi Ong, spectating the squad members' battles.
In truth, even as he watched the fight before him, he'd heightened his hearing and senses with internal energy to eavesdrop on the battle upstairs.
It was the Heavenly Ear Technique.
A skill said to let one hear even the fall of a leaf thirty zhang away when mastered to the extreme.
A branch of the Tracking Technique—specialized in tailing targets—and fairly common in the jianghu among those versed in such methods.
But grasping the full flow of battle from sounds alone, ten zhang away? That was exceedingly rare. Not only was Bi-ho's Heavenly Ear Technique superior to most, but he also possessed an innate talent for discerning and interpreting sounds.
Anyway.
The fight Bi-ho had overheard and reconstructed in his mind's eye went like this.
By the time Jin Ga-yong leaped onto the second-floor railing sword-first, Vice Leader Ye Gyeong-gu had already suffered a grievous thigh wound from the sword qi he'd flung.
After that, Jin Ga-yong focused primarily on Leader Ye Gyeong-cheol, while occasionally peppering Ye Gyeong-gu with swift sword strikes to keep him pinned.
These Ye brothers were battle-hardened veterans who'd fought dozens of life-or-death duels. Yet they couldn't find even a single opening for a counterattack.
Not some divine art or supreme technique, either.
Just slightly faster swordwork, wielded with such deft control over the flow that the recipients felt utterly suffocated.
Was this what a Sword Ghost felt like?
In a mere twenty exchanges, they were already showing signs of defeat without landing a proper blow—then the Enforcement Squad's squad leader jumped in, and only then did Jin Ga-yong give the brothers some breathing room.
The brothers, clueless as to why, simply caught their breath and charged back in with renewed vigor.
Afterward, Jin Ga-yong covered for the Enforcement Squad leader while sparring moderately with the Ye brothers. He artfully steered the fight, ensuring it concluded at just the right moment.
"Heh~ So, will the squad leader split the spoils equally with us, then?"
After hearing Jin Ga-yong's "woeful tale"(?), Choi Ong magnanimously offered, but Jin Ga-yong smiled and shook his head.
"How could I stick my spoon into your rice bowls? Just accept my thanks."
Jin Ga-yong exchanged a few more pleasantries with the squad members, downed three cups of liquor in quick succession, then rose without touching a single bite of food.
With a parting word of encouragement to do their best going forward—and a promise to treat next time, so they should loosen their belts and drink heartily—he left.
Fortunately, he wasn't some oblivious superior, and his poise remained impeccable until the end. Impressive.
And one more thing.
Bi-ho, come to the Yushun Relay House by the north gate before noon the day after tomorrow.
Jin Ga-yong transmitted privately via sound transmission, unnoticed by anyone. Bi-ho feigned ignorance, tapping his teacup with his index finger.
The signal for "got it."
Hmm, what's this about?
The drinking session dragged on for another half shichen afterward.
With all the blood from the day's work, everyone guzzled liquor like it was disinfectant. Occupational hazard? They couldn't sleep easily without blurring their minds like this.
Amid it all, the blabbermouth Hwa Yeong kept yapping nonstop, while A Jeok-gang stuffed his face with snacks.
Conversations circled every which way until gripes about the meddlesome Enforcement Squad bubbled up, leading to an amusing tidbit.
"By the way, did those bastards eat something bad? Why pull such a half-assed stunt? Did they really think we were pushovers?"
Ye Dok-du's question was valid.
Betraying trust for personal gain was taboo everywhere, but especially among bounty hunters.
No room for sentiment in this line of work—"trust" was vital. How could you watch each other's backs mid-swing if it shattered?
In this industry, a reputation for unreliability meant you were done for. Or someone would make sure of it.
The Enforcement Squad members were industry veterans too; they knew better.
So it begged the question.
Choi Ong chimed in.
"I was wondering the same, and lo and behold, one of those faces was a guy I'd synced up with a few times before."
"Who?"
"Dangeum. A brute who wields hammers and nails like magic."
"Oh? And?"
"I asked what the hell he was thinking. If he had a death wish."
"What'd he say?"
"Dangeum looked embarrassed and let slip that they'd tried talking their squad leader out of it, but the bastard threw a fit and insisted."
"Why?"
"Because of our squad leader."
"Wait, why? He seems strict but decent enough to me. Top-notch skills too."
A Jeok-gang jumped in puzzled, prompting Hwa Yeong to butt in knowingly.
"Obvious, isn't it? Their squad leader felt it too. Our guy's got this subtle arrogance—gets under your skin."
"Huh?"
Everyone stared at Hwa Yeong's out-of-left-field boss-bashing in disbelief, but Bi-ho nodded.
Hwa Yeong lit up.
"You think so too! Right?"
"Nah. Just noting what you think of the squad leader."
"Huh?"
"Your flapping trap is so reckless, it's making my mouth itch too. Might wanna say something to him myself."
"Uh... that's not what I... I mean, if I had to guess..."
Bi-ho's jab left Hwa Yeong flushing beet-red, sobriety crashing back. His words tangled, and Choi Ong laughed, defending him.
"Heh heh heh, they say you curse the king behind closed doors—what's the harm? And Hwa Yeong's not entirely wrong. Similar vibes. Specifically, their squad leader despises ours. Grimaced at the thought of working with him before the mission even started."
Despise—look down on with contempt.
Bi-ho tilted his head at that.
Their squad leader was skilled enough for expert treatment anywhere. On par with One Heart Society's vice leader. But for such a man to dare scorn him?
Utterly clueless about his place.
So Bi-ho asked.
"What happened? No bad blood on first sight, so some old grudge with our squad leader?"
"Beats me. But they say squad leaders are all direct disciples or kin from core Martial Qin Alliance sects—probably knew each other."
"Damn it, point is, their leader squabble splashed shit on us."
"Heh heh heh, pretty much. Anyway, enough of that. Not exactly cheerful, and it sours the booze."
The Face Pursuit Unit Jeong members shifted topics, downed a few more rounds, then staggered off.
The Face Pursuit Unit Jeong would reconvene in three days. Good work—rest up till then.
But was it really a vacation?
The higher-ups were probably rooting out other infiltrators in the Face Pursuit Squad during that time.
So today was the final test. Official start in three days.
Why call me aside early, though? Gaining trust? Good, if so... But maybe testing suspicions. I don't think I slipped, but he's an expert. From his view, something might ping...
Bi-ho walked drunk but clear-headed, mind racing coldly. No slacking from fatigue or booze—he was an infiltrator, committed to the role. That meant earning the Face Pursuit Squad's trust and excelling as a squad member.
Suddenly, Bi-ho halted in the empty street, all others abed, muttering to himself.
"Did the intel get through before it was too late?"
Silently, a man emerged from hiding. The contact who'd signaled Bi-ho at the "Six Fairies" street stall before. Name: Aruk.
Aruk approached, handing over a heavy pouch.
"Thanks to you. Elder says it helped big time."
"Gratefully received. Safe travels."
The weight screamed fifty taels of silver. The intel he'd passed merited that bonus.
Tenfold? Hundredfold value?
Bi-ho pocketed it, ending the day's duties. Exhaustion hit like a wave.
Two days later, around noon.
Bi-ho set out early, asking around the north gate for the Yushun Relay House.
It occupied an entire three-story building, exuding refined opulence.
Tasteful. Loaded? Didn't seem stingy, though.
Bi-ho took a third-floor window seat, ordering tea and light snacks. He passed the time people-watching, sipping tea, nibbling when bored.
Half a shichen later, Jin Ga-yong appeared on the street.
Alone.
From Bi-ho's observations of passersby and surroundings, no tails or guards.
So what did Jin Ga-yong want with him?