Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Sword Dragon (3)
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The Secret Wire Hall was the organization within the Murim Alliance that handled the murkiest, most clandestine affairs. They orchestrated shady backroom deals and planted spies—tasks no one could openly claim.
Because of this, even within the Alliance, few knew their true nature. Only the Alliance Leader held the authority to issue orders to the Secret Wire Hall, making it the shadow cast by the Alliance itself.
Yet even the Alliance Leader was unaware of one thing: the collusion between the Secret Wire Hall Leader and the Heavenly Mechanism Hall.
To be precise, the Secret Wire Hall Leader had a grip on the Heavenly Mechanism Hall Leader's weakness and used it to manipulate them at will.
The Heavenly Mechanism Hall served as the eyes and ears of the Alliance, compiling intelligence from across the lands and managing the information network. So if there was a spy in the Alliance, the Heavenly Mechanism Hall was the natural suspect.
The Alliance Leader surely knew that much. The fact that he still couldn't root out the spy meant it was no simple matter.
So what if the Secret Wire Hall Leader was the spy?
The Alliance Leader would never suspect him of tampering with the information network, so he wouldn't even spare him a glance. It could have gone undetected for years.
Besides, the Secret Wire Hall Leader was despicable enough to pull it off.
In my previous life, he was one of the bastards who held Wolhyang hostage to blackmail me.
Jegal Wiheon, the Secret Wire Hall Leader. At this moment, I sincerely hoped he was the spy.
I would kill him with my own hands and tie up that loose end from my past life.
"Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing. I suppose the fatigue from the Dragon Phoenix Tournament has built up."
Lost in vengeful thoughts, I snapped back to reality at the sound of the Alliance Leader's voice.
Whew, I need to focus. I couldn't even be sure the spy was that Secret Wire Hall bastard, and right now, there were more pressing matters anyway.
"That's understandable. By the way, as the tournament victor, you're entitled to one of the Alliance's secret treasures. When do you plan to visit the main headquarters?"
The Murim Alliance headquarters was located in Hubei, not far from Chang'an. Getting there wouldn't be an issue, but there was no need to rush.
"I'll visit soon. However, I already have my eye on a specific treasure."
"What is it?"
"The inner core of a Millennium Fire Carp."
The Millennium Fire Carp lived up to its name: a carp that survived ten thousand years, amassing extreme yang energy. It dwelled in sunlit ponds, condensing ten millennia of sunlight into its inner core.
Even encountering one per generation was rare, and consuming the core was no easy feat.
Its overwhelming yang energy could lead to qi deviation—like swallowing lava—if mishandled, or death in the worst case.
"That's unexpected. Planning to cultivate fire arts?"
"No, I just have a use for it."
"Lucky you, regardless. The core is stored here, so I can hand it over right now."
I figured as much. In my previous life, I'd stolen the Millennium Fire Carp's core from this very place, so I knew all about it.
Considering how I'd been hunted by the Alliance for days on end back then, receiving it honorably like this felt almost moving.
"Here is the inner core of the Millennium Fire Carp."
The Alliance Leader led me to the alchemy chamber within the branch and retrieved a small box from the deepest drawer, handing it to me.
"It's made from icewood grown in the Millennial Snow to contain the heat. Best not to open it unless necessary."
The box gleamed white like it was rimed with frost, yet it radiated a subtle warmth. Even specially processed icewood couldn't fully contain the core's heat.
"Thank you for entrusting me with this precious treasure."
"No need. It's your rightful reward as the victor."
With this, all my preparations were complete.
Now, all I could do was pray for some luck.
"Great hero! Did everything go well?"
As I stepped out of the branch after speaking with the Alliance Leader, Unhak stood waiting at the main gate. Had he been standing there foolishly the whole time?
I thought him an idiot, but his steadfastness was also endearing.
"Yes, he invited me to join the Alliance."
"Congratulations! So you'll be part of the Murim Alliance from now on?"
He assumed I'd accept, of course. For a disciple of the Huashan Sect—one of the old nine sects—joining the Alliance was an honor.
He had no idea I harbored grudges against them.
"No. I've pledged my life to the Lower Five Gates. How could a true man so easily change his resolve?"
In truth, I just didn't want to share a meal with those Alliance bastards even if it killed me.
"I spoke out of turn. I didn't realize you had such noble convictions."
Unhak bowed his head in apology, then his eyes sparkled as if inspired by my words.
Another strange misunderstanding.
"Anyway, are you heading back to Huashan now?"
"Nothing's set, but I descended the mountain with permission, so I can't stay away too long."
"I see. Then this is where our paths part."
A gloomier expression than usual crossed his face. It was a short journey together, but parting brought regret.
Even I didn't relish the farewell, so for this disciple who saw me as a master, it must be worse.
"Will we meet again?"
To others, mere parting words. To me, they carried deep meaning.
The jianghu isn't that vast. Righteous sect scions cross paths more often with those they know.
But the Lower Five Gates weren't righteous and rarely ventured out publicly. Huashan, as a Daoist sect, kept disciples cloistered in the mountains for cultivation.
By normal standards, years or even decades without meeting would be nothing unusual.
"We'll meet again soon. Perhaps I'll even need your help then."
But I knew better. War with the Demonic Cult was coming, and Unhak would join it.
Not like my previous life, though. With his strong tournament showing, he'd have no reason to leave Huashan on his own.
Still, as a martial artist, he'd fight for justice. That's the kind of guy he was. And I'd appoint him Dragon Phoenix Corps vice commander again.
"When that time comes, I'll rush to your side without hesitation."
Unhak clasped his fists in firm resolve and continued.
"Huashan Sect second-generation disciple Unhak swears never to forget the master's grace bestowed by Great Hero Yi Sowol and to repay it with his utmost efforts."
"Fifth Gate Leader Yi Sowol of the Lower Five Gates gratefully accepts Sword Brother Unhak's sincerity."
With that brief exchange, we turned and went our separate ways, each anticipating the day we'd reunite.
"You've returned?"
Opening the door to the Clear Sound Pavilion, I found Baek Eunhwa sitting alone in the empty inn, waiting for me. She must have known I'd come.
"Congratulations on your Dragon Phoenix Tournament victory. Sincerely."
With a gentle smile, she offered heartfelt felicitations. I'd expected as much, but she seemed genuinely pleased that I'd won for the Lower Five Gates.
"It's not the Lower Five Gates' win that delights me, but yours, Great Hero. Seeing your name spread across the world is beyond thrilling."
She read my mind and answered before I could ask.
"I'll accept your congratulations. But I came today because I have business to discuss."
"Business? Have you finally decided to confess your love?"
"No. You could read that in my heart anyway."
"Just kidding. Still, knowing in advance isn't the same as hearing it from your lips."
Her playful smile suggested she was thrilled to be alone with me. Considering the old fogeys she'd been dealing with, it was understandable.
"Enough joking. Let's get to the point."
"Oh, how heartless."
As soon as I brought up work, she switched to a reproachful tone.
To guard against eavesdroppers, I spread my qi sense like the Alliance Leader had, ensuring no sound leaked.
"You may already know, but there's a Demonic Cult spy hidden in the Murim Alliance."
The Leader had confided only in me, distrusting the Lower Five Gates, but that was his problem. I'd use every card available.
"I'd suspected as much. The Alliance rarely needs our intelligence. So, do you know the spy's identity?"
"No, not even I knew in my previous life. But I have a suspect."
"Who?"
"Secret Wire Hall Leader Jegal Wiheon."
Baek Eunhwa's expression hardened at the name.
"But how could the Secret Wire Hall Leader..."
"There must be some shady connection between the Secret Wire Hall and the Heavenly Mechanism Hall. Have the Lower Five Gates investigate discreetly, without alerting the Leader."
"So that's how it is. Understood. Entrust this to the Lower Five Gates."
She seemed to grasp the situation.
The long-secret ties between the Secret Wire Hall and Heavenly Mechanism Hall, and the sudden emergence of a Demonic Cult spy. I pegged the Secret Wire Hall Leader as the nexus.
Uncovering that wouldn't be easy, but I trusted her with it.
"We can't predict what might happen, so above all, be cautious."
A misstep could devastate the Lower Five Gates just as they were gaining ground. Rushing was unwise; caution was best.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Baek Eunhwa knew it better than anyone.
"What are your plans now, Great Hero?"
"I'll stay around Shaanxi and Hubei for the time being. Need to handle everything possible before the war breaks out."
"Won't you spend even one night with this hardworking girl?"
Her smile turned alluring today, brimming with mischief.
"Enough with the jokes..."
Suddenly, she closed in and kissed me. Amid the soft touch, her lips seemed to tremble faintly.
"I'll pray for your safety from here. Please take care."
Thinking back, that was her way. She always hid her worries deep within.
Like a single flower, forever fretting over someone in silence—I could picture her living that way.
"Didn't I promise? I'd never leave your side."
I placed my hand on her snow-white hair, brushing away her swallowed concerns with a vow to return safely to her.
Only then did she bloom with a genuine smile.