Chapter 252
Chapter 252
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 252
Chapter Title: Rescuing the Brother-in-Law (3)
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We entered a shabby eatery outside the south gate of Nanjing and took a seat.
We had been chewing on nothing but dry rations on the way here, so we needed to get something proper into our stomachs.
“Three bowls of noodles.”
“Right away.”
Of course, we had to avoid any conspicuous, extravagant meals.
A short while later, steaming bowls of noodles arrived. The moment I took a bite, I couldn't help but be surprised.
“This is awful.”
If I had to describe it, it tasted like noodles served in plain water boiled with salt.
“Hmm, I must agree.”
“…”
The strange thing was, despite the terrible taste, the restaurant quickly filled with customers.
It seemed to be due to the high foot traffic outside the south gate.
“It’s bad, but let’s eat. We need to fill our stomachs to get anything done.”
“Yes, sir.”
Still, it was carbs, and once I started eating, it was manageable.
*Slurp.*
As we were diligently moving our chopsticks, the waiter approached.
“Gentlemen, we’re running out of seats. Would you mind sharing your table? I’ll treat you to some dumplings in return.”
Sharing tables is common enough even in the modern world, but being offered free food in exchange was unusual.
In the martial arts world, where the concept of customer service was virtually nonexistent, it was even rarer.
“Very well.”
Refusing an offer that included dumplings would only draw unnecessary attention. I didn't want that, so I accepted.
Having gotten our permission, the waiter stepped back, and soon a middle-aged man sat down with a broad smile.
He had the typical appearance of a merchant, but the calluses on his fingertips suggested he was a martial artist.
Only then did I understand why this terrible restaurant was so crowded.
Members of the information network had filled the seats to create a private meeting spot that no one would suspect.
“Thank you for sharing your table. I am Yang Ok-seon of the Two Immortals Merchant Guild. As a token of my gratitude, I’d like to offer you a drink.”
“We won’t refuse.”
He raised his hand high.
“Bring us some white liquor and boiled meat!”
“Right away!”
The waiter immediately brought the meat and liquor. The man who introduced himself as Yang Ok-seon glanced around as he poured the drinks.
“Due to the recent rebellion, entry into the Imperial City has been forbidden. We are looking for a way in, but it does not seem easy.”
“Hmm…”
That wasn't good news.
Nanjing was divided into the Outer City, where the common people and officials resided, and the Imperial City, which housed the Imperial Palace and the Six Ministries.
The Imperial Prison, where Myo San was believed to be held, was also located in the Imperial City. Being unable to enter meant we had a problem infiltrating the prison.
“Is there any issue entering the Outer City?”
“Entering itself is not a problem. However, the atmosphere is so tense that it’s difficult to move around at night. It’s also difficult to carry weapons.”
Finishing his words, he took out three small wooden tags from his robes and handed them to us. They were the empire’s official identification tags.
“For now, use these to pass through the checkpoints. Follow me to the inn to drop off your luggage, and I will investigate the situation as quickly as possible.”
“Let’s do that.”
With those words, the man reverted to his role as Yang Ok-seon of the Two Immortals Merchant Guild.
“Hahaha, you are quite to my liking. Since fate has brought us together, how about we move to another place for another drink?”
His acting was terrible.
* * *
“Pass!”
The scene that unfolded after we passed the checkpoint left me and my companions speechless with admiration.
A road wide enough for ten horses to travel side-by-side, flanked by tightly packed buildings, with people filling every space within.
Even I, who had lived in the metropolis of Seoul in my past life, was rendered speechless by the sheer scale.
But we weren't here for sightseeing.
We immediately dropped our luggage at an inn and began formulating a plan based on the information brought by Yang Ok-seon's group.
A day passed like that.
*Thud.*
After reviewing the deployment of troops stationed around Nanjing, I put down my brush.
“Damn it.”
“I expected it to be difficult, but I never imagined it would be like this. I can’t see a single opening.”
With nearly five thousand Imperial Guards maintaining an ironclad watch, there was simply no way to infiltrate.
If I were to sneak in alone using my stealth arts, there would be no way to get Myo San out. If we tried to force our way through, there would be no escaping the pursuit of the Imperial Guard and the Golden Brocade Guard.
Furthermore, the Lion Alliance was right next door in Anhui. One wrong move, and I'd surely die a bachelor.
In other words, our initial plan of a stealth infiltration was now off the table.
As I was pondering this seemingly impossible situation, Yang Ok-seon returned.
“You’re back?”
“Here is the map of the Imperial City you requested. It has been cross-verified by several people, so it should be accurate.”
“Thank you.”
After handing over the map, Yang Ok-seon spoke in a troubled voice.
“It seems things aren’t going well.”
“It’s a bit of a problem.”
“If only we had more brothers, the task would be easier… I am truly sorry for not being of more help.”
“No, you’ve been more than helpful, so don’t worry about it. Right?”
“The Hall Master is correct.”
“I share the same sentiment.”
U Je-jun and Sama Heun nodded in agreement.
In truth, the information network's primary business was intelligence gathering; covert operations were a side gig. They had already done more than enough.
Moreover, gathering information in Nanjing, where they had virtually no influence, was a life-risking endeavor. Their efforts were truly commendable.
“We’ll take it from here. You should withdraw your men, Guild Master Yang.”
“No, sir. I will remain until the end to assist you.”
“You have to think of your subordinates. It would be ironic to see people die while we’re here to save someone, wouldn’t it?”
Snooping around for information in Nanjing right now was practically a death wish.
When I pointed this out, Yang Ok-seon finally nodded.
“…I understand.”
“I’ll buy you a drink when I get back, so wait for me.”
“I will look forward to that day. Please take care.”
About fifteen minutes after Yang Ok-seon left the room…
“What is it? I told you to go home. Why are you back?”
He returned, his face slightly flushed with excitement.
“I believe I may have found a way.”
* * *
According to Yang Ok-seon, not only were there no martial arts sects in Nanjing, but the very concept of a martial world didn't exist here.
That didn't mean there was no martial arts.
On the contrary, large martial arts academies thrived throughout Nanjing, each boasting its own unique style.
Countless aspiring civil servants with ambitions for the military exam enrolled in these academies to hone their skills.
Just as in Noryangjin, the mecca for civil service exams in Korea, these preparatory academies were divided into popular and unpopular ones.
The martial academies in Nanjing promoted themselves based on how many of their members passed the military exam.
This trend also gave rise to a peculiar phenomenon.
*Thump, thump, thump. Squeak.*
“Who goes there?”
“I am Sama Hu from Shandong. These are my brothers.”
“And?”
“We’ve come to sell a martial art. I heard the Iron Martial Academy here pays a handsome price.”
That phenomenon was the emergence of people who sold martial arts.
For the sellers, it was a good way to offload a useless or unlearnable martial art for a high price. For the buying academies, acquiring a good martial art increased their members’ success rates, making it a win-win transaction.
Of course, such dealings weren't always above board.
It was common for disciples who had left their sects to sell their clan’s secret techniques, or for people to sell stolen martial arts.
That was why U Je-jun, Sama Heun, and I had dressed in clean clothes before coming here.
We needed to project the image of respectable people.
“…Wait inside. I will bring the Academy Master.”
Following him inside, we saw a spacious training ground and a rear garden.
It was a fitting sight for Nanjing’s top martial academy, which had produced the Left Commander, the head of the Imperial Guard.
As we were admiring the scenery, a middle-aged man who appeared to be the master emerged from inside.
“So, you’ve come to sell a martial art?”
“That is correct.”
“Let me see it.”
“I must receive payment before I show you the manual. It’s not impossible that you might read it and refuse to pay, is it, Master?”
“…Do you know where you are?”
“I heard this is the Iron Martial Academy, the best in Nanjing.”
“And yet?”
“It is because the martial art we intend to sell is a supreme technique.”
The master scoffed in response.
“That’s what all the swindlers say.”
“If you don’t believe me, see for yourself and judge.”
“Hmph, I don’t need to—!”
I gave Sama Heun a look. As the master of the Iron Martial Academy was turning away, Sama Heun shot out his hand like a lightning bolt toward the man’s waist.
Startled, the master twisted his body, striking a palm toward Sama Heun’s chest while his other hand reached for his sword.
*Boom!*
The sound alone indicated a palm strike packed with considerable internal energy, but it hit empty air.
Sama Heun had displayed ghost-like movements, slipping from the master’s grasp.
Seeing his attack miss, the master thrust his sword forward while simultaneously kicking out.
His style was linear and direct, as befitting the director of a civil service academy.
*Clang, thwack.*
“Hmph!”
Sama Heun snorted and moved his hands.
*Swish, swish, swish!*
His hands moved in a blur, blocking the master’s attacks.
“…”
The spar was brief but intense.
The master of the Iron Martial Academy looked down at his own sword with a dumbfounded expression.
“You are no ordinary men.”
“Did I not say it was a supreme technique?”
“What did you say your name was?”
“I am Sama Hu.”
“The Sama Clan?”
I gave a silent nod to his startled question.
“It is said the martial arts of the Sama Clan are fluid yet incomparably sharp. It truly lives up to its reputation.”
“I believe we’ve proven ourselves… Are you going to buy it?”
“Why are you trying to sell it?”
“We wish to raise funds to rebuild our clan. As you can imagine, it requires more than a few coins.”
“Even though the martial arts of the Sama Clan could be exposed to the world?”
“We are selling one of the better techniques among those that are not secret arts. I believe our ancestors would understand this one exception.”
“That sounds like you have properly inherited the direct lineage of the Sama Clan.”
“It was possible because we are three brothers.”
“I have seen this friend’s skill for myself… What about your martial arts and that of your other friend?”
“You ask a lot of questions.”
“I am a naturally curious person.”
The master’s tone had subtly shifted from condescending to semi-formal.
“The youngest and I are at a similar level, and this brother here is a couple of levels above me.”
Hearing my answer, the master nodded with a look of slight admiration.
“Hoh, your skills are quite remarkable for your young age.”
“If your curiosity is satisfied, please tell us how much you will pay.”
“I would like to make a different proposal.”
“A proposal…?”
“Instead of selling your martial art, have you considered selling your swords?”
“…You mean you want to hire us.”
“In the end, all you need is enough money, correct? This should be a much better deal than selling a martial art.”
At the offer to become hired swords, I inwardly shouted, *‘Nice!’*
This was the very reason we had come to the Iron Martial Academy.
‘For the past year, the Imperial Palace has seen no end to the bloodshed from power struggles among the high-ranking officials. This recent rebellion was also a result of this backdrop.’
‘And?’
‘When the high-ranking officials, the supposed heads of the civil administration, are causing such a commotion, do you think the commanders who hold military power would just stand by?’
‘They must be pointing their blades at each other.’
‘Yes. Among them, a man named Left Commander Lee Mu-cheong is recruiting a large number of martial artists to serve as his hands and feet.’
‘Don’t tell me?’
‘That’s right. You will become his personal guards and enter the Imperial City.’
That was the plan.
We came to the master of the Iron Martial Academy, a close friend of Left Commander Lee Mu-cheong, under the pretense of seeking employment and deliberately showcased our skills.
For the master, who happened to need skilled warriors for his friend’s sake, this must have seemed like a godsend.
After all, people rarely question a stroke of unexpected luck.
“The martial prowess of the Sama Clan is by no means cheap…”
“Don’t you worry. I’m not the one paying.”
“…Let’s hear it.”
As I played the part of a descendant of the Sama Clan, a thought crossed my mind.
If swordsmanship has the state of Mind-Sword Unity, then lying must have Mind-Lie Unity.