Secrets Over Dinner
While waiting for the meal to be served, Uncheon learned a great deal through his conversation with Yang Hui.
She had been born the youngest of three sons and one daughter to Yang Jumok, head of the Anhui Merchant Alliance. She was also the only daughter he cherished and loved most of all.
Whether by chance or not, she was eighteen—the same age as Uncheon—and her birthday fell just two days later than his.
“Young Master, how mysterious.”
“It does seem so.”
With their ages and even their birthdays nearly identical, Uncheon felt a natural sense of closeness.
Jang Sohwa looked at the two of them and spoke with bright excitement.
“This is fate too! Oppa and Unnie should just speak comfortably with each other!”
“Sohwa, you mustn’t speak so freely without first asking the parties involved. Besides, this is our first meeting.”
“Ah… Yes! I understand.”
As he spoke, Uncheon looked into Yang Hui’s eyes. If she had used Jang Sohwa in order to meet him, she would surely state the reason she so badly wanted this encounter.
The meal continued for half a shichen. Uncheon smiled as he watched her, still offering nothing further. Their gazes met, and he read her thoughts.
Once the meal ends, she means to send Sohwa away.
And what rose in her mind was something completely unexpected.
The Cheonhwangdo Map? How does she know about that?
They say there are no secrets in the Central Plains Murim.
Hmm. So talk of the Cheonhwangdo Map has been circulating quietly even among the merchants… Well, it belonged to the Middle Kingdom’s Merchant State, so it may actually be closer to the merchant world than anyone thought.
When the meal was nearly finished, she made the first move. As though they had arranged it beforehand, she looked at Jang Sohwa and made her request.
“Sohwa, could you give us some privacy?”
“Hehe, yes! You two enjoy your time together.”
Uncheon waved to Jang Sohwa, who smiled as she glanced back and forth between the two of them. Yang Hui then asked the escort warrior standing beside her to take Jang Sohwa out, and only the two of them remained on the third floor.
Uncheon looked straight into Yang Hui’s eyes.
She’s curious about what kind of man I am—and about the Cheonhwangdo Map.
He asked as he regarded her.
“Seeing how you’ve sent Sohwa away, it seems you have important business with me.”
“I’m sorry. I thought it might not be interesting for Sohwa to hear.”
“I don’t quite understand, but if there’s something you’re curious about, go ahead and ask.”
From Uncheon’s gaze as he looked at her face with a quiet smile, Yang Hui felt a sensation entirely different from before.
…What is this? Until now it felt like looking at a frail scholar… yet now it’s as if I’m facing a massive wall.
Uncheon waited until she explained her reason. Yang Hui carefully opened her mouth.
“The reason this young lady sought to meet Young Master is because of the Cheonhwangdo Map.”
Bringing up the main point so directly was unexpected.
“Cheonhwangdo—you mean that treasure vault of the Middle Kingdom’s Merchant State?”
“You needn’t pretend ignorance. I’ve heard that a man called Wolyeonggwangheun contacted the Namgung Family, citing the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident from twenty-five years ago.”
In that moment, Uncheon grew suspicious of her true identity.
“I didn’t realize Miss Yang took such an interest in the Murim.”
The instant Uncheon’s words ended, one place rose in her thoughts.
Sangcheon United Kingdom…
Indeed—she was not only the daughter of the Anhui Grand Merchant; she held another identity as well. Uncheon threw a straight pitch without further circling.
“It seems Miss Yang belongs to an organization she herself does not fully know.”
“…!”
In that instant, Yang Hui’s eyes—which had remained calm ever since meeting Uncheon—shook violently.
“What do you mean by that?”
Uncheon answered without leaving a gap.
“The Cheonhwangdo has been passed down as a legend among the common folk. Yet not only are you certain the Cheonhwangdo Map exists, you even know of its connection to the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident and Wolyeonggwangheun. Isn’t this information difficult for even ordinary Murim people to know?”
Yang Hui’s eyes shook once more. Even if the Central Plains Murim had known of the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident in secret, though it never surfaced publicly, knowing that Wolyeonggwangheun’s background, the Baekcheon Sect, and the Cheonhwangdo Map were all connected was no ordinary matter.
“If you wish to hear the answers you desire from me, shouldn’t Miss Yang also be truthful? Seeing how you went out of your way to force a meeting with me on our first encounter, it seems urgent. Am I wrong?”
How…
Yet from that alone he had pinpointed that she possessed another identity. Yang Hui felt as if Uncheon had entered her mind and was reading every thought. Unable to escape his gaze, she had no choice but to speak the truth.
“You’re right. This young lady belongs to a place called the Sangcheon United Kingdom.”
An organization composed of major figures in the merchant world. It was certainly a group the great families had never heard of.
“What is the Sangcheon United Kingdom? I don’t believe I’ve heard of such a gathering in the merchant world.”
“…It’s a gathering formed by the merchant groups of the merchant world. It isn’t known to the public.”
Even in the Murim, various sects gathered to form allied forces like the Wulin Alliance. There was no law saying the merchant world could not form an allied force either. But creating it in secret was strange.
“I don’t know what the Sangcheon United Kingdom does, but I don’t understand why you’re showing interest in the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident.”
“…”
Yang Hui hesitated. Since Uncheon was close to the direct line and had stayed at the Namgung Family until recently, he was likely to know the most recent news. She had thought that as a young master just entering the Jianghu with little experience—and having made a name for himself only recently, so full of confidence—he would easily open his mouth if a woman approached him. She had never expected that Uncheon would read this far from just a single sentence.
“If Miss Yang has something you’re curious about from me, please also tell me the reason. If not, it would be better to end our meeting here today.”
Uncheon waited a moment as he watched her still lost in thought.
“Young Master, can you keep a secret?”
“I cannot guarantee it. And if it’s content Miss cannot handle, please don’t speak of it.”
Uncheon firmly expressed his refusal. He could not decide when he did not even know exactly what kind of organization they were. At this, the one who grew urgent instead was Yang Hui.
“The Sangcheon United Kingdom is… an allied force created to oppose a certain merchant group in the Central Plains.”
“Oppose? Where is that place?”
How great a place must it be for merchant groups to form an alliance? If he were to spread rumors, it would certainly become a major incident. But strangely, Yang Hui felt certain that Uncheon was not that kind of person.
If I’m wrong… I’ll have to take responsibility with my death.
In the end, she made her decision.
“The Cheonha Merchant Coalition.”
“The Cheonha Merchant Coalition—isn’t that one of the Sangcheon Ten Merchant Groups?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Is there a reason you must stop them? I don’t understand why a merchant alliance would step forward against fellow merchant groups.”
“…Cheonhwangdo is the personal treasure vault that vanished along with the death of Man Chu-geum, the last ruler of the Middle Kingdom’s Merchant State.”
“Yes. I’ve heard the story that it’s passed down as a legend even in the merchant world. With such immense treasures, has the Sangcheon United Kingdom taken an interest as well?”
“We have no interest in the treasures of Cheonhwangdo. Of course, the treasures within Cheonhwangdo are indeed immense.”
“If you have no interest in the treasures, then for what?”
Uncheon could not understand. If it was true they had little interest in the treasures of Cheonhwangdo, then wouldn’t it not matter if the Cheonha Merchant Coalition obtained Cheonhwangdo?
“It’s said that something else is hidden in Cheonhwangdo.”
It was a story Uncheon was hearing for the first time. Until now he had only known that treasures were hidden in Cheonhwangdo.
Something other than treasures… that… martial manuals?
Reading Yang Hui’s thoughts, Uncheon finally understood why the Murim sects had been so eager to obtain Cheonhwangdo. It was not just gold and jewels there. For the Murim, a treasure far more precious than gold and jewels would be martial manuals that could rule the world.
“How did you learn that something else is in Cheonhwangdo?”
“One of those who was close with the ruler of the Middle Kingdom’s Merchant State is my ancestor.”
“What is that something?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t say that.”
“I see. So you’re saying it would be quite troublesome if the Cheonha Merchant Coalition obtained that item?”
“…”
Yang Hui said no more about the item in Cheonhwangdo. Uncheon asked no further either.
“Young Master has met a figure from the Baekcheon Sect before, correct? What was he like?”
“Well. It seemed Wolyeonggwangheun wasn’t moving alone. After all, that’s not something an individual can handle. Perhaps he’s moving under someone’s orders—to find the Cheonhwangdo Map. I myself was attacked on the way to Hefei, and everyone involved was connected to Cheonhwangdo.”
“So Wolyeonggwangheun also doesn’t know the whereabouts of the Cheonhwangdo Map.”
“That’s right. That’s why he came to our family.”
“…Isn’t the Namgung Family also one of the forces that caused the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident?”
At Yang Hui’s hesitant words, Uncheon looked straight into her eyes.
“Our family has no connection to the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident. We left that place before the incident occurred. It may be disappointing, but our family knows nothing about the Cheonhwangdo Map.”
“I see…”
Yang Hui seemed disappointed at not obtaining what she wanted to know, but there was nothing more for them to discuss.
“Miss Yang, I had a good time today.”
“Yes, Young Master. Please return carefully. If… if it’s not too shameless, should you learn anything about the Cheonhwangdo Map, could you contact me first?”
“As of now, that doesn’t seem likely.”
Yang Hui watched his retreating figure as he descended from the third floor with a regretful gaze.
After that, Uncheon spent a short three days at the Chungui Sun Family. This journey brought great change to him.
First, he gained confidence in his martial arts. It seemed a power stronger than the internal energy he originally knew was inherent in his dantian. He had no idea about the reason for that. But as the saying goes that there is no result without a cause, it could not be without any reason.
Could it be related to my ability to read people’s thoughts?
He thought it was quite possible. Reading people’s thoughts was also a special ability, after all.
“Ugh…”
After thinking for a while, Uncheon stretched.
So what. The important thing is that I have hidden power, and this can be used very usefully.
There was a reason for the saying in the Murim to hide seven-tenths of one’s ability.
Swish.
“Shall I go pay my final respects to Grandfather.”
Uncheon nodded and rose to pay his respects to his maternal grandfather before leaving the Chungui Sun Family. Sun Heo was regretful but looked forward to the next time, and Jang Sohwa was on the verge of tears, so Uncheon quickly stepped outside.
And he stopped his steps that had been about to head toward the escort agency.
Shall I move alone this time? Preparing in advance for independence isn’t bad either.
Moving with the escort convoy had been fun, but since he had memorized the path for how to return, it seemed fine to return alone this time.
The destination was Mt. Hwangshan. Uncheon set out through the bustling streets of Hefei toward Mt. Hwangshan.
An urgent letter arrived at the Beggars’ Sect.
After half a shichen passed, from the fourth-generation disciples onward, the Beggars’ Sect members gathered at the Heaven and Earth Begging Hall of the Hyeonmu Northern Branch. The expressions of those gathered under the roof that looked ready to collapse were stiffer than usual.
The death of Yeo Juge, the branch leader of Jiju. He had been found dead after being ambushed by assassins while bringing Wolyeonggwangheun Dokjeonhwa from the Namgung Family of Mt. Hwangshan. But because Yeo Juge’s corpse had been completely scattered by thunderbolt bombs, no traces of the assassins could be found.
Sixth Knot Disciple Beopgae Ujong spoke with a gloomy expression.
“This is a serious matter.”
At his words, silence fell once more around the Heaven and Earth Begging Hall.
Thud!
Beggars’ Sect Leader Mun-gyeol slammed the blue-green Chuigu Staff he held in his hand down onto the floor. From between both eyes under the flowing bushy white hair, fiery rage surged.
“How dare… there is a bastard who dares touch our Beggars’ Sect. Has Geolbi Cheonha not yet found the culprit?”
Swish.
Then, among the numerous Beggars’ Sect members gathered in the hall, the only one dressed in black stepped forward. With five knots of the Fifth Knot swaying at his waist, he was Monggong, the head of Geolbi Cheonha, which handled the Beggars’ Sect’s information.
“I apologize. The thunderbolt bombs exploded and erased all traces in the surrounding area. We are first searching for what figures moved centered around that area.”
“Monggong, no matter what happens, you must find out who the culprit is.”
“Yes. I will certainly carry out the Sect Leader’s command.”
Monggong stepped back and returned to his original place. Beopgae Ujong stepped before the Sect Leader and suggested.
“Sect Leader, it would be good to first inform the Wulin Alliance of this fact and proclaim Wolyeonggwangheun Dokjeonhwa as a public enemy of the Murim to the entire Murim.”
“To raise him as a public enemy of the Murim, there must be a reason, no?”
“Places that would know already all know—the reason Dokjeonhwa went to the Namgung Family. Moreover, if the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident becomes officially known, wouldn’t it be better from the position of the Nine Great Sects and One Alliance? Where else is there a better justification than this.”
“Hmm… That’s right.”
If the Baekcheon Blood Sect Incident was formally announced to the Central Plains Murim, the plan to quietly handle the Cheonhwangdo Map would go awry. But it was also a good opportunity to make the six great families, including the Namgung Family, lose the trust of the Central Plains Murim people.
“Beopgae, inform the Wulin Alliance and proclaim Wolyeonggwangheun as a public enemy of the Murim.”
“Yes, I will immediately carry out the Sect Leader’s command.”
Beopgae Ujong clasped his fists and shouted. Beggars’ Sect Leader Mun-gyeol this time called Outer Investigation Hall Leader Ju Geol.
“Ju Geol, have the Outer Investigation Hall investigate Salyeong. They are likely the most probable culprits.”
“I will follow the Sect Leader’s command.”
Mun-gyeol met the gazes of the Beggars’ Sect figures gathered in the great hall and shouted loudly.
“From now on the Murim will grow noisy! A new world may open, or it may turn into a world of darkness. We will of course join our will with the Wulin Alliance Leader. Until we become the greatest in the Murim, I hope you will do your best!”
“We will follow the Sect Leader forever!”
The Beggars’ Sect members gathered in the great hall bowed their waists in unison.
Huff, huff.
In the darkness, the sound of labored breathing rang out. Dokjeonhwa lay sprawled on the ground, unable to move any further.
Stubborn bastards…
The assassins of Yawolmun did not withdraw. He had thought he had escaped their sight, but before he knew it, he felt them around him again.
Where is this?
He could not even tell where he had moved. It was because he had moved while hiding his internal energy as much as possible only in the direction where the assassins’ energy was not felt. With only his eyes open, he looked at the sky and surroundings. Nothing was visible, and he could not tell where was where.
If only I could know where I’m going…
He could not just go randomly either. He rested for about two gak.
I have to move again…
It was then. From afar, the rustling sound of footsteps rang out.
They’ve appeared again.
If he thought he had escaped for about a day, the next day they would immediately reappear, repeating. Normally, Dokjeonhwa would have waited without moving until they disappeared. But this case was different. The assassins were gradually approaching closer.
What should I do?
Dokjeonhwa became troubled. They were not coming randomly but were slowly approaching while thoroughly checking the front.
If I don’t escape from here, I’ll be discovered.
Dokjeonhwa had to move in the opposite direction from which they were coming, silencing his sounds as much as possible. Moving with the power of the body rather than internal energy was difficult. Even if his whole body got wounded crawling over the rough ground, he had to move in the opposite direction from which the presence was heard without making a sound.
He did not know how long he had crawled. Sweat droplets continuously streamed down his face.
Phew… Thank goodness.
The presence that had been heard from behind was moving to the side again. But he did not know when the assassins might change direction and come back.
For now, I should keep moving today.
For him, the only thought was that he had to live. He had never wanted revenge for the Baekcheon Blood Sect either. The first time he had wanted to take revenge on someone was with Yawolmun.
Grit.
Yawolmun… No matter what happens, I will never forgive you bastards.
How long had he moved in the darkness.
Alright. Their presence is gone.
The moment he thought he had finally completely escaped the assassins of Yawolmun.
“Wolyeonggwangheun, just how far do you plan to run in that posture?”
From above his head, a chilling voice rang out. It had been his illusion alone. A voice all too familiar. How could he forget that voice. It was without a doubt the voice of Shinwol Salgaek.
“Seeing how you’ve fled this far, I’ll acknowledge your tenacity. But your fate ends here. If you don’t want your neck cut off in that spot, get up.”
Dokjeonhwa, his whole body drained of strength, rose from his place and faced Shinwol Salgaek.