The Assassin in the Black Hat
“Blue Stream Sword Fragrance…”
Yu Gonggae’s scowl deepened as he stared at the young man who had appeared out of nowhere. What, he wondered, could have brought him all the way out here?
Uncheon first turned to Dokjeonhwa, who stood frozen in a daze.
“Are you all right?”
“Young Master Namgung… how did you come to be here?”
“I was simply passing through and found myself in this village. I never expected to run into you.”
“…”
“Gave me quite a start, too. I was resting in town when a whole pack of Beggars’ Sect heroes suddenly came pouring in.”
No one believed a word of it.
Uncheon looked at Yu Gonggae’s twisted face and spoke again.
“Master Yu Gonggae. On my way here I happened to overhear the charges against this man. He did not kill the Beggars’ Sect’s Yeo Jugae.”
“And how would you know that?”
“I can go to the Beggars’ Sect myself and explain it directly to your Sect Leader, can’t I?”
Uncheon answered while holding the man’s gaze.
To his surprise, Yu Gonggae already knew that Wolyeonggwangheun had not killed Yeo Jugae. He simply had no intention of accepting it.
Yu Gonggae had only one purpose. For reasons still unclear, he wanted Dokjeonhwa dead.
“Is the Young Master of Namgung saying he will accompany Wolyeonggwangheun to the Beggars’ Sect?”
“Yes. Is there any reason I shouldn’t? He was already on his way there with Master Yeo Jugae, so it’s the same road either way.”
“…”
Yu Gonggae could not refuse him here. He simply could not find a reason that would hold.
While the man hesitated, Uncheon turned to Bu Jung and asked again.
“You would be the Huanggang Branch Leader, yes? I am Namgung Uncheon.”
“Ah, Blue Stream Sword Fragrance. I’ve heard a great deal about you.”
“I will take full responsibility and escort this man to the Beggars’ Sect myself. In that case, there is no need to seal his inner energy, is there?”
“Of course not. I see no problem with you accompanying him either.”
“Thank you.”
Uncheon clasped his fists in a formal salute.
That bastard…
At Bu Jung’s oblivious reply, murderous light flared in Yu Gonggae’s eyes.
Just then Uncheon turned his head, and their gazes locked.
“Master Yu Gonggae does not seem pleased that I am going with him. Your eyes look rather angry.”
“It isn’t that… I was merely wondering whether the Young Master of Namgung truly needs to go along.”
“I believe it is only proper that I speak with the Sect Leader myself. And I have been wanting to visit the Beggars’ Sect when the chance arose, so it is fine.”
“…”
“Then let us head for the Beggars’ Sect at once. The villagers are frightened because of us.”
Uncheon turned back to Dokjeonhwa.
“Shall we go? I will accompany you as far as the Beggars’ Sect.”
“…I am grateful that the Young Master of Namgung would travel with me.”
Yu Gonggae glared at the backs of Uncheon and Dokjeonhwa as they walked ahead.
They would move with the beggars of the Huanggang Branch only as far as Maseong.
Once we’re past Maseong, I’ll watch for a chance and finish him.
In Josong—the village that marked the crossing from Hubei into Henan—escort from the main force of the Beggars’ Sect would be waiting for Wolyeonggwangheun. The window to dispose of Dokjeonhwa would close the moment they crossed into that province.
He promised that if I settle this matter cleanly, he will restore me to my family.
Yu Gonggae wanted to go back. He missed his old life far more than this filthy existence as a beggar.
Murderous intent poured from his eyes as he stared once more at Uncheon and Dokjeonhwa ahead of him.
Thank heaven.
When the beggars had seized him, Dokjeonhwa had believed everything was finished. Then Uncheon had appeared, and the entire situation had shifted.
He was grateful that Uncheon would walk with him all the way to the Beggars’ Sect. He had not said so aloud, but Dokjeonhwa knew the young man had been tracking him since Akseo for the sake of helping him.
“Truly, thank you.”
“Think nothing of it. Though you might try a little harder not to get caught next time.”
“And I am sorry. I moved as carefully as I could… but of course they were the Beggars’ Sect. Their eyes are everywhere in the Central Plains.”
“Yes. Dodging the Beggars’ Sect’s network is genuinely difficult. I felt that keenly this time as well.”
“Even so, you did not have to deliberately accompany me all the way to the Beggars’ Sect…”
“I’m doing this because I want to. You needn’t feel burdened.”
“I only say it because I am both sorry and grateful.”
The hard edge that usually sat on Dokjeonhwa’s face softened whenever he spoke to Uncheon.
Uncheon smiled and met his eyes. He could feel the man’s sincerity.
Then he glanced back. Yu Gonggae was approaching from about ten paces behind.
Who is trying to kill this man?
No precise name had yet surfaced in Yu Gonggae’s mind. What was certain was that his intent to murder Dokjeonhwa was absolute.
There’s no telling what he’ll try on the road to the Beggars’ Sect. I’ll have to stay careful.
They reached Maseong.
Bu Jung, Branch Leader of Huanggang, went no farther. Regrettable as it was, he could not leave Hubei.
Still trailing behind, Yu Gonggae toyed with the pouch at his waist.
If I fail to kill Wolyeonggwangheun in Josong, there may never be another chance… No choice. This is the only way.
A method of killing Dokjeonhwa that even his twenty subordinates would never notice: aconite. Poison.
Colorless, odorless. It won’t kill him at once the way a true lethal toxin would, but it can finish him slowly on the road to the Beggars’ Sect.
Yu Gonggae drew a long, steadying breath.
As the sun set, the entire mountain looked as if it were burning.
Fortunately, the party that had set out from Maseong reached the outskirts of Josong before full darkness fell.
Then the beggar walking at the head of the column stopped short.
A figure in a black hat that hid his face stood before him.
“Who are you? Stand aside!”
The beggar shouted and started forward—then faltered as the pressure pouring from the black-hatted man crashed over him.
That was when Uncheon’s urgent voice rang out from behind.
“Get back! He’s dangerous!”
The beggar’s face went blank with shock as he tried to retreat.
But a streak of crimson light was faster than his body.
“Ghhk—?!”
The red light punched straight through his throat. With a strangled cry, the beggar collapsed where he stood.
Uncheon wrinkled his nose.
I knew it would come to this.
Once the Beggars’ Sect had moved, word would have already spread across the Central Plains. The black-hatted man would have had no trouble tracking their location.
Uncheon had hoped to reach the Beggars’ Sect before this man acted…
He got here far sooner than I expected.
The black-hatted man kicked the fallen beggar aside and strode closer.
Yu Gonggae stepped forward to bar his path.
“Who are you to murder a man of our sect?!”
“If you want to know who I am, ask that cunning little rat from the Namgung Family.”
Yu Gonggae looked at Uncheon as the young man came up beside him.
“Who is this man?”
“The one who killed the New Moon Assassin.”
The New Moon Assassin—one of the Twelve Assassins of the Yaweol Sect. Even Yu Gonggae could not say with confidence that he would win against such a man; among the assassin halls, the New Moon Assassin had ranked among the strong.
So this one… also has business with Wolyeonggwangheun?
There could be only one reason the black-hatted man had appeared before them.
The black-hatted man threw back his head and laughed.
“Hahahaha! I would love to kill every last one of you, but I am not in the mood today. Take your beggars and withdraw. Refuse, and I will leave none of you breathing.”
Ugh…
Even the man’s approach made it hard to draw a proper breath under the crushing pressure.
Yu Gonggae felt the black-hatted man’s aura and knew at once that victory was impossible.
We have to fall back.
Every living instinct screamed at him to run.
No… he is alone. If we strike together…
Then Uncheon’s voice cut in as if he had read the thought.
“We should withdraw. We cannot beat that man.”
“…”
The black-hatted man looked at Uncheon.
“Little Namgung. You and Wolyeonggwangheun will stay. Someone who bears a grudge against you is waiting. If you cut off an arm or a leg yourself, I might consider letting you keep your life.”
“I already know who you mean.”
“Clever boy. You would have needed at least that much to deceive me before.”
“I was curious who you were as well, and I think I have it now. Knowing about Salgwangdoksa means one of two things: either you are from Salyeong, or you are the one who hired Salyeong.”
“As expected… you have a sharp head. Correct. I was the one who commissioned Salyeong. So—how do you plan to run today?”
“I have no intention of running. The Namgung do not turn their backs on an enemy.”
“Hahahahaha!! Not even strong, yet so full of pride in your swords. Typical of that lot, isn’t it?”
“Pride, yes—but our family has the skill to match it.”
“Oh? You believe the Namgung Family is that capable?”
“I do.”
Thaat!
The black-hatted man flicked his hand almost lazily.
A long ribbon of crimson inner force streaked straight for Uncheon’s chest.
I knew he’d attack the moment he thought I was only lightly scratched.
Already prepared, Uncheon thrust both hands forward and snapped the Crimson Qi Flame aside.
“Striking without a word is a bit much—especially for someone so strong.”
“Tch… now I see how that fool fell for you. You expected me to attack, didn’t you?”
For an instant the black-hatted man looked almost impressed by the unexpected depth of Uncheon’s inner force.
Then the killing intent returned, and he unleashed the full flood of energy from every meridian in his body.
From farther back, Yu Gonggae watched Uncheon weather that monstrous power.
At that level… if we fight together, we can win, can’t we?
Yu Gonggae called out boldly toward Uncheon.
“Blue Stream Sword Fragrance! If we join forces, I believe we can defeat him!”
“…?!”
For a moment Uncheon was simply speechless.
What is this old man talking about? Defeat him? I barely blocked one strike!
He had been waiting for a chance to slip away again. The sudden proposal to fight left him floundering.
Yu Gonggae bellowed at his subordinates.
“Form the Tagujin!!”
The Beggars’ Sect’s circular battle array—inner force gathered as one to meet the storm.
At his command the beggars surged into motion to form the Tagujin.
Before Uncheon could even shout for them to fall back, the black-hatted man moved first.
“If you wish to die, so be it. I will kill you all!”
Twin torrents of scarlet force leapt from his hands, soared into the air, and rained down upon the beggars locked in formation.
Yu Gonggae’s voice cracked with urgency as he saw the falling flames.
“Bakjin Gunman!!”
Advance as one and drag the enemy into the circle—the Tagujin’s answering technique.
The beggars formed a ring and poured their inner force together, rising to meet the Crimson Qi Flames raining from every direction.
Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud—!!!
Flame and barrier collided.
The Tagujin was solid—but not solid enough. It could not fully stop the Crimson Qi Flame.
Scarlet force punched into hearts. Beggars coughed blood and crumpled.
Yu Gonggae himself wrenched up every scrap of his inner energy, yet it was nowhere near enough.
“Ghhk!!”
A shock like a chest splitting open tore through him.
Blue Stream Sword Fragrance—!
His eyes hunted for Uncheon, who should have seized the opening of a joint assault.
Uncheon was already swinging his sword at the black-hatted man.
At least he isn’t a fool.
Yu Gonggae was certain the blade would take the man’s head clean off.
But—
Paaaah!!
The Blue Silver Sword carved empty air and passed straight through the black-hatted man’s neck.
An afterimage. He was waiting for my strike!
Uncheon’s eyes met those of the real man as he closed from a hair’s breadth outside the sword’s path.
“Still too young. Fighting is not about prediction. You watch how the enemy moves—then you counter.”
Thoooom!!
Crimson Qi Flame erupted from the black-hatted man’s right hand and drove into Uncheon’s heart.
Uncheon’s body sagged.
“Ghhhk!”
He spat blood as he was hurled through the air and crashed down more than ten jang away.
Dokjeonhwa tried to run to him—only for the black-hatted man to step into his path and cut him off.
“You stay with me.”
Tears stung Dokjeonhwa’s eyes as he stared at Uncheon lying motionless on the ground.
He’s dead…
Uncheon had stepped forward to save him. Dokjeonhwa’s hands shook with rage at his own helplessness.
The black-hatted man seized Dokjeonhwa with one hand and raised his voice in warning to the rest.
“Last chance. Withdraw.”
To live, they had no choice but to leave that place. There was no winning against this man.
Whoosh!
Yu Gonggae edged backward step by step and vanished with the survivors among his men.
Young Master… Namgung…
Strength drained from Dokjeonhwa’s body as he gazed at Uncheon collapsed in the distance.
Yet instead of simply carrying Dokjeonhwa away, the black-hatted man began to pour out an ever denser killing aura.
He stood his ground and called out, voice thick with murderous intent.
“If you do not wish to die, you had best show yourselves now.”
Ssshhh.
One man and one woman.
A woman whose face was veiled in gauze, and a man draped in a white tiger pelt, stepped into view.
Gong Hwaseon, Leader of the Yaweol Sect, and Chae Eunjang, the Inbyeok Assassin of Yaweol.
The black-hatted man’s eyes narrowed, thick with killing light.
“…Quite strong. Where did you come from?”
“Did you kill the New Moon Assassin?”
“Asking about the New Moon Assassin—so you are from the Yaweol Sect.”
“Answer the question I asked.”
“Heh. An insolent little girl.”
Inner force surged from the body of the Inbyeok Assassin, Chae Eunjang.
“You bastard—how dare you speak that way? Show proper respect!”
The black-hatted man looked back at Gong Hwaseon with a mocking smile.
“You keep a rather fine subordinate. And if I did kill him—what then?”
“So it was you.”
“And? What can the Yaweol Sect do to me? Not even your whole sect—surely you two do not imagine you can defeat me alone.”
“We can win.”
“The murim has grown strange. In the old days people at least knew fear… The Yaweol Sect has no sense of its place. Still a young maiden, and yet you do not seem eager to live long.”
Chae Eunjang raised his voice.
“Final warning. Do not speak carelessly to our Sect Leader.”
“Judging by the clothes, you must be the Inbyeok Assassin. To my eyes you look less like a white tiger and more like a white cat.”
Blue light exploded in Chae Eunjang’s eyes.
“You know who I am and still feel no fear?”
“A white cat, I said. Rather adorable, the way you carry on.”
Chae Eunjang’s hands trembled.
Thaat!!
He lunged in a single breath and thrust his hand for the black-hatted man’s chest, seizing him.
The black-hatted man did not dodge. He simply took the strike head-on.
Pat!!
Hhk… he doesn’t move.
The man’s body was like a solid wall—like a boulder sunk deep into the earth. He did not so much as sway.
“Disappointing.”
Taat!!
The black-hatted man casually closed his hand over the wrist that had seized him.
“Khhhk…!!”
Chae Eunjang felt as if the bones would snap under that monstrous strength.
Whirrr!!
In that instant the hem of Gong Hwaseon’s crimson robes fluttered, and the finest threads in the world—Heavenly Golden Silk—shot through the air to wind around the black-hatted man’s throat.
“Dangerous toys you carry.”
With his free left hand the black-hatted man traced a circle and wound the Heavenly Golden Silk out of the air. Then he snatched the retreating woman’s neck in turn.
“Ah—!”
Holding Gong Hwaseon and Chae Eunjang in either hand, the black-hatted man smiled a killer’s smile.
“Heh heh heh. Now, how shall I kill the two of you?”
That was when a voice spoke behind him.
“Ah… that was close… Hey. Mind taking your hands off them?”
“…!”
Thooom—!!!
The black-hatted man turned—and the world went white.
His black hat tore free as he was blasted sideways a full three jang.
“Ah… that really hurts.”
Uncheon bent at the waist, clutching his chest.
Agony still ripped through his heart as if it would tear the organ apart.
The black-hatted man, driven to the side, stared at Uncheon with eyes that could not believe what they saw.
Blue Stream Sword Fragrance…
The boy he had thought dead was still alive.