Chapter 303: Passage to Luoyang (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 303: Passage to Luoyang (1)
The Beggar's Sect.
A sect belonging to the Nine Sects and One Gang.
Though, to be precise, it was closer to a mere rabble of beggars.
'But when it comes to information-gathering, they have no equal in all of Murim.'
Since the Beggar's Sect had an immense number of beggars scattered absolutely everywhere, a massive amount of rumors and stories naturally flowed to them.
And the young man standing before him...
...was one of the Beggar's Sect's elders, better known by his alias, 'Twelve-Faced Skin', than his real name.
Ma Hye-ryang.
Though his actual age was well over seventy, he was able to maintain such a youthful face thanks to a martial art that allowed him to change his appearance.
However, Jinhyuk's current interest in him wasn't simply because the man was an elder of the Beggar's Sect.
'Meeting him like this really brings back memories.'
Ma Hye-ryang was an elder of the Beggar's Sect, but at the same time, he was a spy who had turned his back on the Orthodox Faction to serve the Heavenly Demon Cult.
In the past, Jinhyuk had suffered immensely in Murim because of this sly old fox.
He had only realized Ma Hye-ryang was a traitor at the very end, but by then, it was already too late.
The Murim Alliance had collapsed, and a tragedy unfolded where everyone suspected one another and stabbed each other in the back.
Although he had barely managed to meet the conditions to clear the floor after a life-or-death struggle, he hadn't forgotten the memories of what he went through back then.
'I can pay back that debt this time.'
The corners of Jinhyuk's mouth curled upward.
Now that he had already seen through the opponent's identity and intentions, the initiative in every situation going forward belonged entirely to him.
Above all, one shouldn't try to play mind games with someone who possessed 'Gluttony's Eye'.
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Name: Ma Hye-ryang
Gender: Male
Age: 73
Level: 127
Strength: 85, Agility: 77, Stamina: 60, Mana: 8, Internal Qi: 59, Sorcery: 171
Unique Ability: Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms
Skills: 'Human Skin Mask' Lv35, 'Poison Manufacturing' Lv34, 'Dog Beating Staff Technique' Lv34, 'Demon-Subduing Heart Method' Lv33...
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[Copy Condition: Misconception is the very element that has determined the rise and fall of all human history. Currently, Ma Hye-ryang is attempting to either recruit or eliminate you while hiding his true identity. Give him the belief that his plan is proceeding smoothly, and acquire at least three fortuitous encounters or crucial pieces of information. Doing so will allow you to copy one of the unique abilities or skills possessed by Ma Hye-ryang.]
As expected, there was no other word for 'Gluttony's Eye' than 'cheat'.
Ma Hye-ryang, hiding his identity, probably thought his disguise was absolutely flawless, but...
'I'll let him delude himself completely, then use him to my heart's content.'
Acting innocent was one of Jinhyuk's specialties.
Jinhyuk shrugged, feigning ignorance.
"There are a few things I could test out. I actually know a thing or two about barriers and formations."
"Hmm. Just knowing 'a thing or two' won't cut it. If you make a mistake and get caught, it's summary execution."
"That's my business. The real question is... what business do you have trying to scale the city wall at this hour? And why are you acting so friendly and talking to me?"
A sharp reaction.
Allowing someone to get close too easily would only arouse suspicion.
Only by properly pushing and pulling would the other party finally let their guard down.
"Haha. I don't have any bad intentions. I came out to beg, but I ended up missing the time to head back in. If I don't hand over my quota by dawn, the boss beggar will beat me to death, so I was just looking for any chance to slip inside, come what may. That's when I happened to spot you, brother."
"So we're both in the same boat, needing to get inside."
"You could say that."
Ma Hye-ryang nodded with a bright smile.
Believing they had built some rapport, he immediately got to the point.
"Actually, I know of a secret passage that leads inside the city. It was too dangerous to attempt alone, so I was about to give up on it... but what do you say? Are you interested?"
The bait had been cast.
Hmm...
According to his original plan, he was going to break the formation and try a new challenge, but...
Now that Ma Hye-ryang had appeared, he had to completely revise his plans.
'I must seize this opportunity to copy his skill.'
If nothing else, Ma Hye-ryang's 'Human Skin Mask' would be useful in many ways.
Being able to change one's face carried an immense advantage in itself.
'If I transform into Soul-Chasing Shadow later, I can run Cheon Yu-seong ragged. I'll work him like a dog.'
Just thinking about training his "employees" made his heart race with excitement.
"Alright. Let's do that."
"Wonderful. Having you with me makes me feel much more reassured, brother."
"Ah, wait. Before we go, can I ask for one favor?"
"A favor?"
"I have a companion. I'd like her to come along too. Is that alright?"
"..."
Ma Hye-ryang's eyes filled with suspicion for a brief moment.
It was likely an instinctive wariness of a new variable entering the equation.
But it lasted only a split second.
"Sure, let's do that. Well, looking at the mood, it seems like you wouldn't come if I refused anyway."
"Thanks. Then wait here for just a moment."
Stepping away from Ma Hye-ryang, Jinhyuk found a suitably secluded spot to hide.
He channeled his mana.
Wuuuung!
'Braham's Ring' on his finger reacted.
[The seal is released.]
"I-it was a genuine mistake putting wasabi in the lettuce wrap! I said I was sorry so many times!"
Alice appeared, covering her head with both hands.
* * *
A brief explanation of the situation ensued.
"Ho. So, you are saying you require Our assistance?"
The moment he asked for a favor, not only her tone but her entire attitude shifted.
Her nose was held so high it looked ready to pierce the heavens.
"I'll be careful, but that guy is incredibly cunning. I want you to watch my back just in case."
"So you mean to employ a honey trap."
"...Huh?"
"Meaning, you wish for Us to captivate his very soul with Our beauty and grace? Well, it is true that men lose their minds in Our presence. Truly, We are a woman of many sins. Bees constantly flock to Us, completely unaware that We are a rose covered in thorns."
Alice let out an admiring sigh as she gazed at her reflection in a nearby stream.
Sure, well... if she wanted to think of it that way, let her.
Though to anyone else, she would probably just look like a granddaughter putting on a cute little talent show...
But there was no need to upset the Queen by pointing that out.
"So, will you help me?"
"Since Our contractor pleads so desperately, We cannot turn a blind eye to your request. However, business is business, and pleasure is pleasure."
Alice held out her open palm toward Jinhyuk.
Naturally, the head of the Ataraxia family, who had more money than she knew what to do with, wasn't asking for cash.
She simply wanted him to indulge her tastes.
"I'll buy you salmon sushi and buckwheat noodles. And I'll throw in cheese pork cutlet too."
"Offer more."
"For dessert, I'll treat you to Mint Choco from Baskin-Robbins. A half-gallon size, specifically."
"Do you wish to die? We asked for a gift, not poison."
"So picky... Fine. You said before that you wanted to visit Lotte World, right? Will taking you there do?"
At the mention of an amusement park, Alice's pupils shook wildly.
A place of human amusement she had only ever seen on TV.
Unlike the grim and perilous amusement parks inside the Tower, it was a place where laughter never ended.
"Snow..."
"Huh?"
"Buy Us a 'Snow Waffle' as well."
"A Snow Waffle?"
"To eat fluffy, cloud-like white cream, red bean, and bread all at once... We are exceedingly curious to know what it tastes like."
"Pfft!"
"W-why are you laughing! We have the right to eat as well!"
"No, it's nothing. Sure, waffles. I'll buy you as many as you want, in every flavor."
With this, the deal was struck.
A moment later, the two of them headed back to Ma Hye-ryang.
Alice used magic to alter her signature silver hair and red eyes.
Straight black hair and eyes as dark as obsidian.
Her pale skin and red lips gave her the classic appearance of someone from Murim.
"My... what a beautiful young lady. Is she your fiancée, brother? Even at a glance, she looks like a noble lady from a prestigious family."
"A lowly creature like you has quite an eye. We are the great Atarac—ow!"
Jinhyuk pinched Alice's back.
"She's not from a prestigious family, just the youngest daughter of a famous merchant group. She hasn't properly learned martial arts, but her stamina is decent enough, so she won't be a hindrance."
She shouldn't appear strong.
He had to make Ma Hye-ryang think he could take her hostage if worst came to worst.
Only then would bringing Alice along as a hidden card truly pay off.
"Haha. It's a relief that she has some basic stamina then."
As expected, Ma Hye-ryang brightened up.
Then, wearing a sly smile, he pointed toward a direction opposite to the Imperial Palace.
"Well then, let's get moving before it gets any later. The passage will be visible just a short walk away."
* * *
Following Ma Hye-ryang, they arrived at a rocky mountain.
It was an ordinary rocky mountain that one would have passed by without a second thought if they didn't know any better.
However...
"Brother! Over here, please step exactly where I step and follow me."
A very narrow crevice was visible between the overlapping shadows.
It was the secret passage he had mentioned.
'If it's this passage... I see. So that's why he guided me here.'
It was one of the few paths that allowed entry into the Imperial Palace through unorthodox means rather than the standard route.
Among those paths, this was the habitat of the most notorious creature in all of Murim.
Jinhyuk chuckled.
He couldn't help but laugh when the opponent's scheme was so glaringly obvious.
Step.
As they descended along the passage, even the faint moonlight vanished completely.
Instead, stones embedded in the walls emitted a dim glow to light the path.
"I'll go ahead for a moment to check the path. Please wait here. Especially you, young lady from a precious family—it could be dangerous, so absolutely do not follow me. Haha."
Ma Hye-ryang volunteered to scout ahead and disappeared.
"Something smells fishy. Why did he ask us to come along only to act on his own like this?"
"Leave him be. He probably has something he needs to obtain here."
Search all you want.
We'll see if you ever get to use it.
It was just as Jinhyuk was plotting how to cook this guy's goose.
Tring!
Along with a cheerful notification sound, a status window appeared before his eyes.
[1 message and 1 item have arrived from Blacksmith Orun.]
[Would you like to check?]
Finally.
The item he had been waiting for had arrived.
Jinhyuk's heart began to pound furiously.