Chapter 151
Chapter 151
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 151
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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I headed to Sichuan lands first with Miho. There, I received the latest information from Dae Jong-gae, the head of the Beggar Clan’s Sichuan branch.
“We’ve found the Gambling King.”
Dae Jong-gae stared at me silently for a moment before speaking.
“And as for Eastern Perfection, sorry, but it looks like he has no intention of ever coming to the Central Plains.”
“No sign of him returning from the Southern Barbarians yet?”
“That’s right.”
“It’s been almost a year since the request was made, so if that’s the case...”
“You’ll have to go there yourself.”
I instinctively knew that if I wanted to find Eastern Perfection, I’d have to head to the Southern Barbarians. A year might seem short, but it wasn’t at all. For a martial artist not to return in that time meant something major had happened.
Dae Jong-gae continued.
“If you want to know his movements in the Southern Barbarians, it’d be quickest to ask the Yunnan Ten Thousand Poisons Sect. The Beggar Clan’s information network is vast, but we don’t have a branch in Yunnan.”
“They’re the overlords of that region?”
“Something like that. Within Yunnan, there’s no decent sect that can stand against them, so they’re probably the most informed.”
I didn’t think it was time to go chasing Eastern Perfection right now. Traveling through Yunnan to the Southern Barbarians would be a long and perilous journey far beyond the Central Plains. It wouldn’t be too late to handle other matters first. I organized my thoughts and said to Dae Jong-gae.
“Then give me the Gambling King’s information.”
“Very well. The Gambling King appeared in Sichuan martial society about two months ago. For some reason, he’s been holed up in one casino almost without moving.”
“A casino?”
“The largest one in Chengdu: the Shu Han Mahjong Parlor.”
The Shu Han Mahjong Parlor wasn’t just the biggest in Chengdu—it was the grandest in all of Sichuan. Its main game was, of course, mahjong, which thrived there. But it wasn’t some low-class third-rate joint. High officials and wealthy elites frequented it, turning it into a sort of social club. The amounts of money changing hands were beyond what any commoner could imagine.
Dae Jong-gae grimaced as he explained that far.
“And it’s giving everyone headaches.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you know the Gambling King Bi Ji-sang’s win rate when he gambles? A whopping eighty-five percent.”
“......!!”
“He doesn’t even lose at mahjong. When it comes to mahjong, he displays godlike skill.”
Eighty-five percent!
That was an absurd win rate. It meant winning eighty-five out of a hundred games. And not losing at mahjong? It suited the title of King of Gambling perfectly. I’d played mahjong a few times myself, so I blinked in disbelief before saying.
“That guy isn’t running a scam, is he?”
“Everyone thought so at first. But no. The top gamblers of Sichuan scrutinized his methods, but it was just astonishing card reading, psychological warfare, and sheer heavenly luck. In fact, a few gamblers who tried scamming him got caught, and their wrists were chopped off.”
“......!!”
“Because of that, the Shu Han Mahjong Parlor’s customers have plummeted, and it’s barely operating now.”
“That’s...”
I fell silent before continuing.
“Trouble. Is that guy trying to get himself killed?”
Exactly.
Gambling had aspects you couldn’t win at, even if you could always come out on top. Violence was inherent to its nature, and with the ridiculous sums and stakes involved, murder or threats could follow at any moment. Especially in a place like the Shu Han Mahjong Parlor, backed by high officials, gamblers, and underworld forces—if you swept them all clean, iron-fisted retaliation was inevitable.
Dae Jong-gae gave a wry smile at my question.
“His martial prowess is considerable, so the parlor can’t touch him yet. But the major Sichuan sects are eyeing him closely, so the Gambling King Bi Ji-sang will be killed soon enough.”
Killed!
If even Dae Jong-gae, from an intelligence group, was this certain, the Gambling King was undoubtedly in real danger. If he got kidnapped or murdered, I’d lose my chance at info on Eastern Perfection—that would be a disaster for me.
‘I was planning to stop by Geuk-ho first, but I need to find the Gambling King right away.’
After thinking it over, I said.
“Which sects are specifically targeting Bi Ji-sang?”
“That information costs fifty silver taels.”
I snapped irritably.
“You’re really shameless. Is fifty silver taels the name of your house pet?”
“Haha, the moment the Beggar Clan hands you this info, we take on risks too. Factor that in.”
With no choice, I pulled out fifty silver taels and handed them over. I wasn’t short on money, but I was getting fed up with Dae Jong-gae acting so un-beggar-like, obsessed with cash. He pocketed the silver and spoke.
“Six in total.”
“That many?”
“Qingcheng Sect, Sichuan Tang Clan, Blood Flame Sect, Twin Star Saber Sect, Dragon Severing Gang, Heavenly Heart Society.”
“......”
My heart sank heavily. Qingcheng Sect was one of the Nine Great Righteous Sects, and the Sichuan Tang Clan was the unchallenged hegemon of Sichuan. Fortunately, Emei Sect wasn’t involved—nuns meddling in casino business would be weirder. I said in disbelief.
“What reason do a Nine Great Righteous Sect or the Sichuan Tang Clan have to go after the Gambling King?”
“A Qingcheng elder once tried to discipline him but lost a bet and had his famous sword taken. The Tang Clan head dislikes his cocky attitude.”
“Hmm.”
“Blood Flame Sect and Twin Star Saber Sect were already backing the parlor as underworld sects but brought in others. Dragon Severing Gang is a rising new force in Sichuan. Heavenly Heart Society was originally a secret Buddhist group but turned martial.”
I scratched my head.
“Haa... This is insane. Did Dragon Severing Gang and Heavenly Heart Society take parlor commissions too?”
“Yes. The gang wants to capture him to boost their fame. Heavenly Heart Society probably the same.”
My head throbbed. As Dae Jong-gae said, six influential Sichuan sects were out to kill Bi Ji-sang. Imagining the experts I’d face saving him was grim.
“Any Qingcheng elders or Tang Clan elders... especially strong peak experts?”
“Not details, but rumor is the Qingcheng elder himself is joining to reclaim his honor. Not sure on Tang Clan. Other sects might send peak experts too...”
“Super peak experts?”
“They’re not that common. If any, it’d be the Qingcheng sect leader, Tang Clan head, or Heavenly Heart Society leader—figures above the heavens bothering for one Gambling King?”
“That’s a relief at least...”
Dae Jong-gae looked baffled.
“A relief? Baek Woong, you’re really planning to save the Gambling King?”
“Yes.”
“His skills are peak realm, so riffraff can’t touch him. That’s why Blood Flame and Twin Star hesitated and pulled in others. Don’t you know peak experts will swarm?”
I chuckled.
“That’s for me to handle.”
“Heh heh...”
“Tell me the Shu Han Mahjong Parlor’s location. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Alright...”
Soon after, Dae Jong-gae gave directions and a rough map. About twenty li from here.
I slipped out and said to Miho.
“Miho. What do you think I should do?”
Miho was munching on sticky rice cake dumplings from Dongyoung, chewing away. It wasn’t really her business, so she watched like an outsider. But she’d listened, because she replied.
“Go ask Mang Ryang. Don’t act on your own and regret it.”
“... Hearing that from you kinda hurts.”
“Don’t pretend to be sensitive. You asked me because you’re not sure, right?”
Grumbling, Miho continued.
“But remember this: Trying not to regret is good, but relying too much on Mang Ryang’s wisdom might lead to bigger regrets.”
“Hmm...”
“The most important decisions are yours to make, and the most important tasks are yours to handle for fewer repercussions. When seeking advice out of need, don’t uselessly doubt it. That’s all I’ll say.”
I nodded.
“You’re right. Thanks, Miho.”
As Miho said, I sometimes agonized over consulting Mang Ryang. For big matters, I’d ask without hesitation, but worried about over-relying. Her words gave me a good benchmark.
Paat!
I headed to Jin Rang Valley with Miho. It hadn’t changed much, but Mang Ryang had.
‘He’s gotten stronger.’
Just over a year, but he’d built substantial internal energy and martial prowess. Probably digested the Black and White Lotus quickly with his talent. Sitting in the main hall reading, he lit up seeing me.
“Long time! Doing well?”
“Of course. Got a gift.”
Seeing him, I pulled out clothes from Dongyoung. Examining the two or three outfits, Mang Ryang said.
“This is ninja stealth garb, right?”
“Yes.”
Miho had gotten it forcefully from the Sengaji Clan, one of the three great ninja families. Also called the Hattori Clan, they were the most prosperous under the current shogunate.
“Heh heh... Makes me want to collect them.”
Mang Ryang oddly liked Dongyoung clothes. I added a doll and a Dongyoung sword. He admired the doll’s craftsmanship but frowned at the sword.
“Made of cheap metal. No point as a souvenir.”
“Hmm, is it?”
“The doll’s excellent. They say Dongyoung dollmakers are skilled, and it’s true.”
Mang Ryang spent about half an hour enjoying the souvenirs. Satisfied, he said.
“Thanks for the gifts.”
“No big deal.”
“Now, tell me how things have gone.”
I recounted everything up to now.
Mang Ryang pondered before saying.
“Nothing major. Do as I say.”
“How?”
I listened to his plan for about half a shichen. Finished, I was impressed.
“As expected...!!”
“The key isn’t just saving the Gambling King. Make sure not to create needless grudges.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Oh, and come back—I have something to tell you.”
“Got it.”
He’d planned important talk upon my return but delayed for this urgency. I figured his plan would work smoothly, so I focused on resolving this first.
Paat!
First, I used flight escape to the Sichuan Tang Clan.
“I’ve come to request something of the clan head.”
“A request?”
Facing Tang Mu-gyeok, the Tang Clan head, I pressed on boldly.
“If you could obtain the Human-Faced Spider Lord’s inner core, would you stop targeting the Gambling King Bi Ji-sang and help me instead?”
Tang Mu-gyeok burst out laughing.
“Ha ha ha... Long time no see, and you come with nonsense.”
“No joke. There’s no major grudge between your clan and him, right?”
“Heh heh... Personally, I’d love to catch and thrash that insolent punk, but true, he hasn’t done anything huge. I could do as you ask.”
Then Tang Mu-gyeok laughed even louder.
“Except that things like Human-Faced Spider Lords don’t exist! Kahaha.”
He probably thought it was a joke since I hadn’t visited in ages. After thinking, I said.
“Then shall we bet again?”
“What? You serious?”
“If I win, grant my request. If I’m lying, I’ll give you three gold ingots.”
Thud.
Placing three gold ingots on the table, Tang Mu-gyeok looked shocked.
“Oh, lend me poison-proof gloves too.”
His expression sharpened. Even a hint of killing intent leaked.
“Baek Woong. I’ve favored you as a once-in-a-generation prodigy. Even if you came jesting, I’d laugh it off. But pushing this far, you take responsibility for your words.”
“What do you want?”
Tang Mu-gyeok tossed the ingots back.
“Forget gold. If you’re lying, pay with your life.”
“Understood.”
I nodded, borrowed the gloves, and left the Tang Clan. Using flight escape, I went to Su-yo’s ruins. Arriving, Miho curiously looked around. Wearing the gloves, I approached the cliff-embedded Human-Faced Spider Lord.
Dead long ago, its acidic fluids had drained, mummifying it. Gripping its corpse from the legs, I slowly fed it into the neck gourd. Shockingly, despite the size difference, it vanished inside in under three breaths.
‘Size doesn’t matter for the neck gourd.’
I planned to return to the Tang head with it. But Miho tugged my sleeve regretfully.
“Baek Woong... Can I have that spider?”
“Huh?”
“Looks tasty...”
Miho eyed it hungrily, wanting to transform and eat. Stunned, I asked.
“Won’t the poison stop you digesting it?”
“Absolutely not. Foxes love spiders.”
Her pleading eyes tugged at me. I patted her head.
“Later, I’ll catch one at Wol-yo’s ruins for you.”
“Kuung... Promise?”
“Of course.”
Seeing her smack her lips cutely yet wryly, I smiled. Despite her beauty, Miho was a great yokai at heart. Checking Su-yo’s ruins for more, I headed back to the Sichuan Tang Clan.
Facing Tang Mu-gyeok again, I pulled the corpse from the neck gourd.
Thud.
“Huh... Huhuk....!! Heuk?!”
Tang Mu-gyeok was too shocked to speak. The tiny gourd producing the real Human-Faced Spider Lord corpse so quickly left him speechless. While he gaped, I grinned.
“You have to grant my request.”
“Y-... Of course... Of course... Uhahaha... Human-Faced Spider Lord... Its inner core...!!”
Muttering dazedly, he turned to me.
“Give me this corpse!”
“Naturally! Just help me with the Gambling King as much as possible.”
At my reply, Tang Mu-gyeok’s eyes sharpened with vigor, nodding firmly.
“Of course. Whatever fools are involved, I’ll shake them off.”
“I know Qingcheng elder, Blood Flame Sect, Twin Star Saber Sect, Dragon Severing Gang, and Heavenly Heart Society are in.”
“Ha! Qingcheng elder... The Sword Timber guy, huh. Senile old fool...”
To Tang Mu-gyeok, other sects were beneath notice. Fitting for a Heavenly Great Clan and top Sichuan powerhouse. Smirking coldly, he continued.
“Don’t worry. I’ll lead the Ten Thousand Poisons Squad there myself.”
“I’m counting on you.”
“Yes, yes...”
Tang Mu-gyeok eyed me before saying.
“... Young hero Baek Woong. Married yet?”
“......”
“My youngest, So-hye, is such a fine girl...”
I quickly changed the subject.
“Ah! I have business—must rush off.”
“At least have some tea.”
“No, thank you. Please handle it!”
I fled the Tang Clan. With Miho, I returned to Chengdu and reached the Shu Han Mahjong Parlor. Tang Mu-gyeok would move, but it’d take a day from the clan, so I needed to scout Bi Ji-sang’s moves first.
Entry cost over ten silver taels. Even an escort warrior saving a year might barely afford it. Sure enough, after paying, the door guard frowned.
“Uh... Sorry, but next time, wear better clothes. It’s a place of decorum...”
“Will do.”
“Enter.”
Miho and I stepped inside, her giggling beside me, hand in hand.
“Normally, that guard would’ve turned us away for our outfits. Business must be bad.”
“Proof the Gambling King’s here.”
“Hee hee hee, I like mahjong too. This’ll be fun to watch.”
Soon, Miho and I overlooked the first floor of the massive five-story parlor. Several mahjong tables ran there, but the central one had four players.
One woman stood out. In purple robes, she was a sharp-featured beauty. Silently stacking tiles slowly, soon her opponent paled.
“N-No way...”
“Hua liao.”
Her clear voice rang out.
“Thirteen Orphans.”
Murmurs...!!
The onlookers gasped.
“Ooooh...!!”
“Impossible!!”
“In that setup?!”
They’d watched from the start. Dressed luxuriously with half-masks, likely secret high officials or rich folk.
‘Watching the Gambling King sweep as entertainment.’
The middle-aged player opposite grimaced horribly, head drooping.
“H-How... in that situation...”
The beauty replied coolly.
“Thanks for the East tiles.”
“Uwaaa... Aaaah...!!”
He wailed, then fainted backward. Attendants carried him out amid whispers.
“Faints understandably...”
“Seven thousand taels on the line, right?”
“That guy’s bankrupt too. Top Shaanxi gambler fleeced by the Gambling King...”
Seven thousand taels!
Unbelievable for one table. But one big reverse hand blew it all. Onlookers mixed thrill and dismay.
From that, I knew the cold beauty’s identity.
“Gambling King Bi Ji-sang.”
No prior description, but certain.
She was the one called Gambling King, Sichuan’s top gambler, contender for world’s best.