Chapter 164
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 164
Chapter Title: This Counts as Fame Too (1)
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The serial killer who had terrorized Nanjing without a trace finally got caught.
Even with the cooperation between the government offices and the martial world in pursuit, they hadn't even caught a glimpse of his tail. Everyone had assumed the culprit had fled to another city from Nanjing.
Up to that point, people just thought it fortunate and didn't pay much attention. But once the killer's identity came to light, not just Nanjing but the entire Jiangsu Province was shocked.
The Yin Assassin, Jongri Cheon.
It was a culprit no one had anticipated. This wasn't the first time—his notoriety from the Extreme Killings had just climbed even higher.
Now it made sense why the assassin's tracks had been so elusive. The Yin Assassin was a mystery—not only his martial arts but even his personal details were unknown. If he was determined to hide, catching him was next to impossible. Even if they knew who he was, tracking him down wouldn't have been easy.
That raised a question.
The Wind Sword Sect might be one of Nanjing's three great sects, but the Yin Assassin's skills far surpassed their level. Capturing him wasn't as simple as it sounded.
And then the martial artist who had caught the Yin Assassin was revealed.
"Hey, you hear the news?"
"What now?"
"What's with that sour look? Don't wanna hear it? Fine, I won't tell."
"Who said I don't wanna hear? I'll buy the drinks, happy?"
"I'm a very sensitive guy. You've hurt my delicate feelings."
"With that bandit mug of yours... Whatever, just spill it. What?"
"The one who nabbed the Yin Assassin is Heavenly Luck Fist."
"Why's Heavenly Luck Fist popping up here?"
Not world-famous by any means, but anyone in the know had heard the rumors about Mujin.
Loose-lipped busybodies spread the word like wildfire. It was standard fare for tavern chatter over snacks.
But everyone found it baffling.
"How the hell did Heavenly Luck Fist catch the Yin Assassin?"
"The Wind Sword Sect Leader vouched for it."
"What? So Heavenly Luck Fist's not just some lucky punk."
"Gotta be."
"So what happened next?"
"The bounty on the killer was fat. Word is he's blowing it all while bragging about his exploits."
"Living the dream."
"Calls himself the New Generation Twenty Heroes now. His own words."
He went around insisting people stop calling him Heavenly Luck Fist and dub him Heavenly Fist instead. Having subdued the era's Yin Assassin with pure martial prowess, he claimed he deserved a fitting title.
It was convincing enough.
People acknowledged his feat in catching the Yin Assassin, but they didn't take kindly to him blabbing about it himself. It was that peculiar human psychology—unwilling to accept a braggart who loved the spotlight.
Just when it seemed like that reputation was sticking...
The Beggars' Sect launched an investigation and revealed the Yin Assassin had been poisoned with Scatter Energy Poison and other toxins. Witnesses testified he'd fallen into a trap, unable to use his martial arts, and been subdued defenselessly.
"Knew something was off. Had to be."
"Saw it coming the moment he started bragging."
"Then why's the Wind Sword Sect Leader keeping quiet?"
"The guy's still the benefactor who caught his son's killer. What could he say?"
"Classic Heavenly Luck Fist. Shamelessness second to none."
"Still, he did catch the Yin Assassin. Used tricks and Scatter Energy Poison, sure."
"Should've just shut up. Beggars' Sect wouldn't have reopened the case otherwise."
"That mouth of his is his downfall. Stay quiet, and fame comes naturally."
"Talent for ruining his own rep, gotta give him that."
Mujin's desperate claim that he hadn't cremated the body quickly after killing the Yin Assassin out of grief was the final nail in the coffin. Everyone clicked their tongues at what would have remained hidden if the Beggars' Sect hadn't stepped in—Heavenly Luck Fist's fabrication.
In the end, rumors about Heavenly Luck Fist overshadowed even the Yin Assassin's identity for a while. He became the poster boy for a fame-hungry, ugly martial artist, met with mockery and scorn everywhere.
The world could mock all it wanted.
Mujin pocketed the handsome bounty and rewards from the Wind Sword Sect and the yamen, then painted Nanjing red. Lavishing himself with others' money made the joy tenfold. He hadn't spent a single coin of his own even after receiving the payouts.
Having indulged to his heart's content, he was now cruising on his reserved luxury liner down the Yangtze, enjoying the boat ride. It was from an elite fleet on the great river—fares three times higher than ordinary vessels. Whenever spare cash rolled in, he splurged on extravagant trips.
This time, he'd chartered the whole damn boat.
The deck was laden with booze and food, while Yukchil and Taejin fished off to one side.
Fresh catch sashimi was best gutted right away anyway.
Mujin had demonstrated proper fishing technique, but it hadn't helped a bit. How were they supposed to mimic sniping massive river fish with spirit sword strikes while cruising?
Mujin lounged in his custom-ordered high-end functional chair, laid out a booze spread before boarding.
Namgung Yeonhwa picked at her food across from him, the epitome of carefree living staring right back.
"The world's gotten so stingy, huh?"
"What scheme you cooking up now?"
"Suspecting me before I even speak? FYI, I'm delicate and innocent."
"Innocent types all croaked long ago—you ain't one!"
"Harsh words. Careful, or no one's gonna marry you."
"Know your limits!"
"Even spinster... Nah."
Namgung Yeonhwa couldn't fathom Mujin's antics. No need to go out of his way courting hate. He was tarnishing his own name. They said martial artists lived by honor and died by fame. To this guy, fame seemed worth less than a single meal.
So there had to be some ulterior motive.
Seemed like he had zero worries, yet trouble followed him everywhere.
"Like you said, tigers die for their pelts, men for their names. Why hang yourself over some lousy fame? Let others yap—who cares but me?"
"Quit spouting that enlightened bullshit."
"Tch! Can't even talk!"
"It's true!"
Mujin didn't deny it. He didn't prize honor much, but he couldn't let open disdain slide.
"Nice view."
"Don't change the subject."
"Drop it if you know what's good. Keep it up, and it's fists."
"Always resorting to punches, hmph!"
For peace, a righteous fist was sometimes needed. When words dragged on uselessly, a punch settled everything. Any rebuttal? Straight to the fist.
"Do I look that scary?"
"Better safe than sorry."
Namgung Yeonhwa couldn't help tensing at Mujin's caution toward the dark currents. For him of all people to be wary—it was shocking.
The guy who lived by his own rules.
She'd grown lax too, truth be told.
At some point, she'd let her guard down. The Yin Assassin was proof—the martial world wasn't all about raw power.
Hide three-tenths of your skill.
It was a maxim every martial artist in the jianghu had to heed. Reflecting on Mujin reminded Namgung Yeonhwa of the basics. Knowing the dark currents' terror only hardened her resolve to temper herself further.
This punk worries too, huh.
She'd thought he barreled through inhuman feats without a care for consequences.
"Captain Bang, good spot for fishing?"
"You bet."
"Then why haven't we caught squat?"
"This can't be. Let me show you how it's done."
Fishing spots mattered little, but fresh sashimi supplies were lagging. Yukchil and Taejin sweated over the impending shortage. Unlike martial arts, fishing just wasn't their thing.
Taat!
The captain was seasoned for sure. No sooner had he cast than he reeled one in. Rookies had that fearless edge, but the captain surpassed even that—he was a true master angler. In seconds, he'd scaled and gutted the catch. The pro captain's knife work was chef-level too.
"Impressive."
"Nah, it's nothing compared to a real chef. Tastes good 'cause it's fresh off the boat."
The captain knew his limits. Straight-from-the-river sashimi was the key; in a restaurant, it'd be ordinary.
"Have a drink."
"Gotta steer the boat."
"One won't hurt."
"You know your stuff, sir."
Mujin pushed booze on the crew regardless. No big deal. Worst case, he'd levitate the boat with void grasp. As long as he didn't black out.
One drink turns to two, two to three—anything less felt wrong. Booze bridged strangers fast. Indeed, liquor was essential for networking and gauging character.
To become my son-in-law someday, chug nonstop for thirty-one days straight.
"You not drinking?"
"Pass."
Namgung Yeonhwa still felt queasy recalling a few days back. Day-drinking with this guy till sunset and sunrise had left a hangover that wouldn't quit.
"Told you I don't get hangovers."
"Bull. My whole body ached."
Waking after a nap, not a spot on her hurt-free. Blackout memories hinted at regrettable antics. But this much pain? He must've beaten her senseless while drunk.
And he claims no hangover!
Just say you felt like hitting me!
"I got a mystical hangover cure, seriously."
"Shut it!"
Mid leisurely cruise...
Thud!
Ten ominous ships approached. Their flags bore a water dragon emblem—the mark of the Yangtze Waterway Eighteen Docks.
Ten ships? Why?
Captain Bang's face drained of color upon spotting the flags. He paid the tolls monthly on schedule, yet tension gripped him.
The reason? It was the East Dragon Dock of the Yangtze Waterway Eighteen Docks.
East Dragon Dock Leader, Poison-Eye Fierce Blade—one of the Six Great Evils.
Even among the waterway docks, his infamy rang loud. True to his name earned losing an eye, he was a nightmare for any vessel crossing the river.
He often acted on whims despite tolls paid. Rumors swirled he'd slaughtered protesting captains and crews outright.
Captain Bang dreaded the encounter, but as a Yangtze boatman, it was an ordeal to endure.
Ugh!
Mujin rose from his chair, savoring the river vista, and approached Captain Bang.
The captain feigned calm to keep his passenger from panicking. If even he lost it, who knew what chaos? In these moments, stay composed and meet the East Dragon Leader's demands.
"Sir, it's nothing serious."
"It is serious. Get the crew belowdecks."
"Pardon? What do you—"
"Come on, inside. I'll handle it."
"No, sir, how could you—"
"Persuasion's my specialty. Don't worry."
"Still... Whoa!"
Mujin herded the captain and crew into the hold like sheep. Resistance was futile against his strength. Yukchil and Taejin shoved the rest in and barred the door.
"What's the plan?"
"This."
Namgung Yeonhwa gaped at Mujin's next move.