Chapter 24
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Assassin's Hell (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
‘That man completed the sword and was called the Sword of Completion...’
Pyo Il-jeon glanced at Ha Hyeol-ran, who had been pointing a blade at him just a few hours ago.
She, too, was looking at Pyo Il-jeon with the same gentle smile as before.
“Today, we have had a very precious experience.”
“Indeed.”
“Even if he isn’t a supreme master, I saw the future in his sword. Perhaps it’s because our Ichi Sect’s martial arts were influenced by the Qingcheng Sect.”
The founder of the Ichi Sect was a former disciple of the Qingcheng Sect. Since it wasn't a secular branch, Pyo Il-jeon and the disciples of the Ichi Sect couldn't directly learn the martial arts of the Qingcheng Sect.
However, the sword art created by their founder was entirely based on the sword of the Qingcheng Sect.
“But that future is utterly hopeless.”
Pyo Il-jeon’s smiling face crumpled wretchedly.
He had witnessed a realm he could not reach even if he spent his entire life trying.
He had never tasted such despair, no matter what master he had faced before.
It was a sense of deprivation on a completely different level from the helplessness one felt when facing a master.
“He has stolen my entire future as a swordsman.”
“…”
Ha Hyeol-ran said nothing, but her expression was not much different from Pyo Il-jeon’s.
What the young man, half her age, had shown could only be described as divine prowess.
The Azure Cloud Descending Sword he had drawn with his blade was astonishing enough, but the silver rain he painted afterward made her feel an impulse to gouge out her own eyes.
“But that man is a benefactor to our Aro Sect.”
“The same is true for the Ichi Sect. We shed much blood at the hands of that wicked Ham Jeong-eun. To the point where we have no idea how to settle this grudge.”
Fooled by Ham Jeong-eun's trap, the Ichi Sect and the Aro Sect had pointed their blades at each other.
Although Ham Jeong-eun was the culprit, the resentment from killing and being killed would not be easily erased from the hearts of their members.
“Once this matter is concluded, I plan to prepare for the Gold Basin Hand Washing.”
Ha Hyeol-ran confessed her inner thoughts. The Gold Basin Hand Washing meant leaving the martial world and no longer living as a martial artist.
Pyo Il-jeon agreed and empathized.
There was no longer any meaning in holding a sword. He had painfully realized that no matter how hard he tried, he could never approach the realm Jin Je-yong had shown, the sword he had displayed.
‘And that Ham Jeong-eun must feel the same way.’
Pyo Il-jeon looked at Ham Jeong-eun, who was kneeling before Jin Je-yong in resignation.
He was laughing vacantly, as if he had lost his mind.
* * *
“What kind of place is the Yangcheong Escort Agency?”
“It’s an escort agency established by the Yangcheong Sect, a secular branch of the Qingcheng Sect. It’s a massive agency, one of the top five in Sichuan, and it’s essentially the enterprise that sustains the Yangcheong Sect.”
At my question, Dang Jin-seong quickly spewed out the words.
Though he was supposedly the young master of the Sichuan Tang Clan, he was well-versed in the Sichuan martial world despite the checks from Dang Ga-ta.
“The Yangcheong Sect is mostly composed of secular disciples from the Qingcheng Sect. The Yangcheong Sect actively recruits secular disciples from the Qingcheng Sect and employs them as martial arts instructors for the sect or as escort leaders for the agency.”
“Literally a secular branch of the Qingcheng Sect.”
“Yes. However, the family of the Yangcheong Sect’s leader controls the escort agency through the sect, without going directly through the Qingcheng Sect. In reality, the Yangcheong Sect itself is a small-scale sect, no larger than the Ichi Sect or the Aro Sect.”
It meant the Yangcheong Sect placed itself between the Yangcheong Escort Agency and the Qingcheng Sect, relying on the latter while not relinquishing control over the agency.
“So the Yangcheong Sect, and by extension the Qingcheng Sect, could be behind the agency?”
“Conversely, it’s also possible the Yangcheong Sect escalated the matter on its own.”
Whether it was the Yangcheong Escort Agency, the Yangcheong Sect, or the Qingcheng Sect, it was best to identify the target clearly.
Dang Jin-seong glanced at me before speaking.
“Instructor Jin, the Soul Return Pill is the worst combination of narcotics and potent poisons. It’s not something the righteous members of the martial world can tolerate.”
“It would be heavily condemned if it became public knowledge.”
“It’s not just about being condemned… they’ll be completely branded as an evil sect. So, if the Qingcheng Sect is even slightly involved in this incident…”
“They’d try to kill us to silence us.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to reveal it to the world? The Qingcheng Sect is too much for our clan to handle at present.”
Dang Jin-seong suggested with a worried look.
But I refused firmly.
“Out of the question.”
“But Instructor Jin.”
“My purpose is to deal with the mess made by my foolish senior brother, who might tarnish our master’s honor. How can I reveal this to the world and stain the reputation of our school and master?”
That wasn’t the whole reason. The Soul Return Pill had the effect of enhancing martial prowess. It was a drug with an irresistible allure for the powerless martial artists.
Looking at the incident with the Ichi Sect and the Aro Sect, it was clear what would happen if the Soul Return Pill spread throughout the Central Plains.
“Besides, the Tang Clan also has circumstances that would be troublesome if they came to light, doesn't it?”
“In-Instructor…”
Dang Jin-seong looked as if he were moved.
“Because we need to promote our school and master.”
“Instructor Jin…”
With that one sentence, his expression immediately changed to disappointment.
“Enough nonsense. Let’s take that fellow and find the escort agency.”
I pointed at Ham Jeong-eun, who was sitting there blankly.
I had conversed with him through the sword. Although Dang Jin-seong and Yi Geum-yeong didn't believe it, it had been a very pure conversation, devoid of any violence.
“Instructor, shouldn't we tie him up? Or at least seal his acupoints and drag him along.”
“There’s no need for that. He promised to cooperate.”
My gaze, too, turned toward Ham Jeong-eun.
I had never failed in persuasion by the sword. Especially not with someone who also wielded a sword.
‘But I don’t understand why they all lay down their swords.’
Although the Sinnae Sword School was a sword school, among all my senior brothers and disciples, only Nam Gyeong had never put down his sword in the end.
* * *
The next day, Pyo Il-jeon and Ha Hyeol-ran also accompanied us on our journey to the Yangcheong Escort Agency.
The two, who had been pointing blades at each other almost daily, now followed along as if they were childhood friends.
‘The reason is obvious.’
I quietly turned my gaze toward Ham Jeong-eun, who was walking ahead.
The Ichi Sect and the Aro Sect had crossed a river of no return by killing each other's members.
But since all of this was orchestrated by Ham Jeong-eun and the Yangcheong Escort Agency behind him, they had to put their conflict aside for a moment and eliminate the source of the problem first.
‘Whether they fight again or reconcile, they must first take Ham Jeong-eun’s head.’
That was why the two sect leaders had personally stepped forward to honor their fallen members.
Knowing their inner thoughts, I tacitly allowed them to accompany us.
There was another reason.
“Great Warrior Jin’s master must be truly happy to have a disciple like you!”
“Not at all. I was the one honored to have met such a master.”
“Indeed, how could a tiger give birth to a dog? An outstanding disciple comes from an excellent teacher.”
It was because Pyo Il-jeon was endlessly praising my master and me.
I was a bit embarrassed by the flattery directed at me, but it felt good to have my master’s greatness recognized.
“Oh my, seeing Great Warrior Jin’s sword, one can know his master’s sword. The title of Divine Sword is truly not wasted on him. What a shame. I wish I had the opportunity to receive his teachings.”
Not to be outdone, Ha Hyeol-ran also chimed in with praise for my master.
Although they were leaders of small sects, I was proud that my master’s name was becoming known in other regions.
‘Yes, this is how it should go.’
When I dealt with the Gyeongmun Sect or faced the Jeungbyeok Sect, I unfortunately couldn't create such opportunities.
Perhaps my master's name had only become known in the slash-and-burn village I first visited after leaving home?
‘Should I go and visit the Twenty-Two Masters Under Heaven, as Sam-i suggested?’
The Twenty-Two Masters Under Heaven were supreme masters representing the martial world of the Central Plains, so famous that even I, who had lived my whole life in the countryside of Sinnae Village, knew of them.
If I did, perhaps I would hear from my senior brothers or disciples who had lost contact.
“By the way, Great Warrior Jin, may I ask which school your sword art belongs to? With such skill, you couldn't be completely unknown. Seeing the mystical aura when you demonstrated the Azure Cloud Descending Sword last time, could it be from a Daoist lineage?”
Pyo Il-jeon asked, recalling when I had refined Ham Jeong-eun’s sword technique.
The reason he was hesitant was that inquiring about another’s martial arts was a great discourtesy in the martial world. Of course, in the case of unknown schools or sects, they would often exaggerate their own martial arts.
“There’s nothing to call a school. The only sword art I have learned is the Three Talents Sword Art.”
Of course, for other reasons, I had no need to hide it.
“The Three Talents… Sword Art?”
“Ah, that, ah…”
Pyo Il-jeon, who had asked, and Ha Hyeol-ran, who was listening intently beside him, laughed awkwardly.
I had expected this kind of reaction anyway.
‘Even my disciples were all disappointed when they heard the name of the sword art.’
Having experienced this enough with my disciples, I didn’t bother explaining that it was different from the common Three Talents Sword Art.
Adding more words would only make it seem like an excuse.
‘They’ll find out later that Master’s Three Talents Sword Art is different from the common one once I show them directly.’
* * *
“This is the Soul Return Pill my elder planned. I can make it.”
A disheveled middle-aged woman said, grinding her teeth.
She looked as if she had barely escaped from Dang Ga-ta; her clothes were as filthy as if they had been dunked in a sewer several times, and her face was a mess.
“You must have had a hard time getting here. You can prepare slowly and take your time.”
Go Yi-hyeon said, soothing Dang Jin-wi’s mother, Dang Hok-nyeo.
Her bloodshot eyes glared as she shook her head.
“Only if you catch the bastard who killed my son. Until then, I can’t rest, even if my head is cut off.”
“Haha. Well now.”
Go Yi-hyeon wore a troubled expression.
However, he too had identified who killed Dang Jin-wi through Ga Yu-bae.
Considering he had interfered with the Jeungbyeok Sect’s affairs, he was a nuisance that needed to be eliminated anyway.
‘This is killing three birds with one stone.’
“Of course. It’s just that the matter is so urgent, I was hoping you could help us with our work first.”
Go Yi-hyeon said, inwardly rejoicing.
“I must tear that bastard to pieces and kill him.”
“They say his name is Jin Je-yong of the Sinnae Sword School.”
“What school? A bastard I’ve never even heard of dared to kill my son!”
A chilling killing intent flowed from Dang Hok-nyeo’s body.
Go Yi-hyeon smiled with satisfaction.
She seemed like a very useful pawn.
After Dang Hok-nyeo left, Go Yi-hyeon called the man again.
With the issue of sourcing ingredients for the Soul Return Pill resolved, the man came to Go Yi-hyeon’s office with a much more relaxed expression.
“From what I hear, she wants you to avenge her, right?”
“Not everyone in the Tang Clan is skilled in martial arts.”
The Sichuan Tang Clan, specializing in hidden weapons and poisons, had artisans who manufactured the weapons and researchers who studied poisons and antidotes. Though they might lack in martial prowess, they were rare master craftsmen and apothecaries in the martial world.
And Dang Hok-nyeo specialized in concocting medicines.
“Hmph! Then it would be best to do as she wishes for now.”
It wasn't that there was no way to deceive and use Dang Hok-nyeo.
But since the Soul Return Pill was Go Yi-hyeon’s greatest means for the Yangcheong Escort Agency's independence, he didn't want to risk ruining things by being clever.
The man felt the same way.
“Ten thousand nyang of gold for the Joyful Troupe and the Moth Group. Commission them. The reward will be given only to the organization that succeeds.”
Go Yi-hyeon did not let his guard down just because Jin Je-yong was from an unknown school in the countryside.
Considering the importance of the matter, Jin Je-yong had to be killed.
So he invested ten thousand nyang of gold without hesitation.
“The Joyful Troupe and the Moth Group… a fearsome duo for a country bumpkin to handle.”
The Joyful Troupe was an assassin group composed entirely of women, and the Moth Group were those who would easily wipe out a village for money.
They were professional assassin groups, not opponents that an inexperienced newcomer to the martial world could handle.
Furthermore, ten thousand nyang of gold was an amount that even the Yangcheong Escort Agency would find hard to bear. If not for the income from the Soul Return Pill, it was a sum that even Go Yi-hyeon would find difficult to mention.
“If the two groups compete, there will be no failure.”
“I should congratulate Dang Hok-nyeo in advance. Tell her she will be able to avenge her son.”