Chapter 126
Chapter 126
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 126
Chapter Title: The Scene of the Murder
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The next morning.
After a leisurely meal with Jin San, Neung Un-bi began to formally investigate the murder that occurred at the Blue Cloud Carpentry Guild.
“Did you sleep well?”
“…”
As soon as Neung Un-bi stepped outside, Woong-hyeon greeted him.
His expression was full of discomfort, but… he looked fine?
Was he really internally injured?
“I was too harsh yesterday.”
“Thanks to you, I learned a lot. My body is so stiff.”
Woong-hyeon grimaced and smirked.
That was it.
An ordinary martial artist would need at least a month of rest, yet all he felt was stiffness?
It seemed he wasn't just gifted with divine strength but also possessed formidable regenerative abilities.
“Hyeon, have you realized your shortcomings?”
“Yes? Ah, yes… well…”
“Then that is enough. Continue to strive forward.”
“Yes. Next time, I will definitely defeat Young Master Neung.”
At Jin San’s words, Woong-hyeon clenched his fists and made a vow.
Somehow… it felt like I had just poured the oil of passion onto a kid with enormous potential for growth.
Talent, a powerful body… and now he would add effort to the mix?
The Demonic Cult was going to have quite a headache.
But then again, why should I, who was about to leave, worry about the Demonic Cult?
Neung Un-bi lost interest in Woong-hyeon, who was glaring at him with fierce eyes, and turned to Wang Cheon.
“Wang Cheon.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“What is the status of the Blue Cloud Carpentry Guild and the crime scene?”
“As soon as the sun rose, I deployed all the martial artists from the Shaanxi branch to seal off both locations so that not even an ant could escape.”
“Well done.”
Neung Un-bi nodded and smiled.
The foundation of any investigation is the preservation of the original scene.
Last night, he had ordered a strict watch on Yeom Seong-in and the members of the Blue Cloud Carpentry Guild to prevent them from doing anything suspicious.
The possibility of them having sent a message was nonexistent.
Then, with the deployment of the entire Shaanxi branch at dawn, they wouldn't have been able to plot anything.
A complete lockdown, so to speak.
From now on, all that was left was to dig.
Until Yeom Seong-in could barely breathe…
“Well then, shall we go? To the scene of the murder?”
“Yes, my Lord!”
Just as Neung Un-bi took a powerful step forward.
“My Lord!”
“…?”
Gwak Hui-yeong, the Shaanxi Branch Chief, suddenly knelt before Neung Un-bi.
My Lord? Why am I your lord?
“What is the meaning of this?”
“I, Gwak Hui-yeong, Branch Chief of Shaanxi, was deeply impressed by the martial prowess you displayed last night!”
“…And?”
“To reach the state of a Grand Master before even coming of age is truly a great blessing for the Demonic Cult, and as a member of the cult, I felt boundless joy.”
“…”
“Therefore, after contemplating all night, I and the members of the Shaanxi branch have decided to serve the Third Young Master as our lord from this day forward!”
Neung Un-bi stared with a sour expression at Gwak Hui-yeong, who was shouting loud enough for everyone to hear.
Did this guy eat something wrong this morning… Why are you deciding that on your own?
“Henceforth, I, Gwak Hui-yeong, and all members of the Shaanxi branch will pledge our loyalty to you, my Lord.”
“…”
Right, but why are you pledging that on your own? Do you really think I’ll accept a decision you made by yourselves?
“Hah, Branch Chief…”
As Neung Un-bi sighed and was about to refuse, a voice cut in from the side.
“Hoho, as expected of a Branch Chief, you know how to judge a person. Young Master Neung is certainly worthy of being a master. He’s someone worth entrusting the future to. Indeed.”
“That is correct. It was a coincidence, but thinking back now, I feel so fortunate to have formed a connection with the Third Young Master.”
Jin San nodded as he spoke, and the owner of the Sinpyeong Brewery, who was standing beside him, quickly agreed.
“What? Jaseong, my good man… is that something you should say in front of me? You refused even when the Zhongnan Sect courted you so earnestly.”
“Ah! That’s not what I meant…”
“I’m joking, my good man.”
“Elder Jin San…”
“But I can still come by for a drink now and then, can’t I?”
“Of course! Do you even need to ask? You are always welcome, Elder. Surely the Third Young Master would not fault such a thing?”
“Indeed, there’s no way he would. Isn’t Young Master Neung a man of rare magnanimity?”
“That’s right. Sin Gong, who just opened the new Jeongmok Workshop, thinks the same as I do. He said he’s never met anyone like the Third Young Master… and that if anyone points fingers at the Demonic Cult, he’ll break their wrists first.”
“Hahaha! A good connection, indeed. Truly.”
“…”
Everyone was busy praising Neung Un-bi from all sides.
But if this was the case… it was hard to refuse…
“My Lord.”
“…”
As Neung Un-bi hesitated, Ju Seung, standing beside him, smiled and called out to him.
“Please just accept. It is not the way of a leader to reject the loyalty of his subordinates.”
That’s not the problem here!
My skills have improved dramatically. I’ll soon be learning Hyang-i’s tricks as well.
This means the day of my escape is not far off, so what am I supposed to do if these hangers-on keep increasing?
“Ahem, my Lord… isn’t this a situation where you need to gather forces anyway? From what I’ve gathered, Branch Chief Gwak’s skills are recognized even at the main headquarters. He is also well-versed in formations and mechanisms, so he will surely be of help.”
Even Wang Cheon was siding with them, damn it.
Just act like you usually do.
Say no, tell me not to do it. Vehemently oppose it!
“My Lord.”
“My Lord.”
“Young Master Neung.”
“My friend.”
“…”
As Neung Un-bi failed to make a decision, everyone chimed in one by one with expectant eyes.
But seriously, Jin San, why are you doing this too?
You’re from Zhongnan, so just act like you’re from Zhongnan and pretend you don’t know anything!
But in this atmosphere, how could he possibly give a cold refusal?
Fine, you’re the one who decided this.
I’m not the one who demanded your loyalty.
Got it?
“Huu, Shaanxi Branch Chief.”
“Yes, my Lord!”
“From now on… I’ll be in your care.”
“Thank you, my Lord! I, Gwak Hui-yeong, will pledge my life and loyalty so as not to tarnish the name of my wise lord!”
“…”
Gwak Hui-yeong even began to slam his head on the ground, expressing his overwhelming emotion.
Everyone watched him with bright smiles.
Damn them all… A man is bashing his head on the ground, and they’re not even thinking of stopping him…
“Alright, rise. We must proceed with the investigation quickly.”
“Yes, my Lord! Gwak Hui-yeong, Branch Chief of Shaanxi, at your service!”
“…”
Greatly inspired, Gwak Hui-yeong marched forward with a proud stride.
Another hanger-on had been added to the list.
…Damn it, to hell with it all.
***
The tavern district, a short distance from the Sinpyeong Brewery.
The scene of Gong Tae-seok’s death was in one of the inns lined up in a row.
The martial artists from the Shaanxi branch had been in position since dawn, their menacing eyes scanning the surroundings, forcing passersby to watch from a safe distance.
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. They said the killer was from the Demonic Cult… but now the Demonic Cult is investigating?”
“What? So the Demonic Cult isn’t the killer?”
“Seeing as the Zhongnan Sect is with them, it seems so.”
“Hmm…”
When Neung Un-bi appeared, leading Jin San and the Zhongnan Sect members, people began to whisper amongst themselves.
“Yi Pyeong-san of the Shaanxi branch greets the Lord.”
As Neung Un-bi approached, the martial artist guarding the murder scene quickly came forward and bowed his head.
You too, Lord?
These bastards… it seems they had already decided amongst themselves before even getting my permission.
“The scene?”
“The body, of course, has been preserved airtight to prevent any tampering with the scene, my Lord.”
“Good. Well done.”
“Thank you, my Lord!”
When Neung Un-bi patted him on the shoulder, Yi Pyeong-san was moved and bowed his head again.
“The Lord is present! The members of the Shaanxi branch shall not show even a hint of disarray!”
“Yes, Branch Chief!”
As Gwak Hui-yeong gave another reminder, the martial artists’ eyes grew even more menacing as they guarded the area.
“Branch Chief.”
“Yes, my Lord!”
“Do something about those glares.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s a nuisance. We’re not the only ones here… you see?”
“Ah! I understand!”
When Neung Un-bi frowned in displeasure, Gwak Hui-yeong quickly understood and issued another command.
“Everyone, keep your eyes down while you watch! We must not inconvenience the people!”
“Yes, Branch Chief!”
They simply lowered their gazes, their menacing eyes unchanged.
That’s even scarier, you bastards.
They should at least stop exuding their demonic energy so proudly.
Figuring another order might lead to an even stranger sight, Neung Un-bi shook his head and went inside.
The inn was empty.
Well, they wouldn’t have been able to accept any customers.
Moreover, the owner and staff, huddled together, were pale, likely due to the intimidating presence of the Demonic Cult members who had arrived at dawn.
A lockdown is one thing, but…
“Excuse me, innkeeper.”
“Yes? Y-Yes!”
“My apologies.”
“N-No, not at all! It’s quite alright.”
He was probably just saying that. Terrified as he was, he said it was fine, but he was undoubtedly cursing them inwardly.
Because of these Demonic Cult bastards, he couldn't do business, and rumors would spread. What was he to do now?
“Branch Chief.”
“Yes, my Lord!”
“The inn must be suffering greatly because of us.”
“Pardon?”
“Have the branch provide ample compensation, and if customers stop coming due to unsavory rumors, have the branch members come for breakfast and dinner. Make sure they always pay.”
“Ah! Understood. I will take care of it as you command.”
At Neung Un-bi’s words, those behind him nodded with pleased expressions.
Wasn't this a thoughtful consideration?
It was rare for any martial artist to think of such a gesture.
No, it was more likely they wouldn’t. Even if they were from the Zhongnan Sect.
“My, seeing Young Master Neung makes me reflect upon myself.”
“Pardon?”
“One must always consider the common folk first… I have learned something today.”
“…”
There was no need to say you learned something so obvious.
“Il-san.”
“Yes, Grandmaster.”
“Watch closely, and report everything back to the main sect.”
“…”
“Before the labels of Demonic Cult and Orthodox Faction, convey that Young Master Neung’s actions are what is right. Tell the disciples of Zhongnan to always remember this and learn to act accordingly from now on.”
“I understand.”
Jang Il-san nodded and replied to Jin San’s words.
He, too, was a little surprised.
The man named Neung Un-bi. His every word and action was changing the prejudices they held against the Demonic Cult.
“Young Master Neung, the scene of the murder is in the inner room on the second floor. If no one has approached it, it should be just as I saw it. The body of the poisoned courtesan has also been placed next to Gong Tae-seok.”
“Yes.”
At Jang Il-san’s words, Neung Un-bi nodded and went up to the second floor.
Two days. It was more than enough time for the neglected bodies to emit a musty smell.
“Hmm…”
Covering his nose with a cloth, Neung Un-bi entered the room and saw two corpses.
Gong Tae-seok and the courtesan.
Gong Tae-seok appeared to have been stabbed while drinking, as he had collapsed in a seated position. The courtesan, having been poisoned elsewhere and moved, was laid out neatly.
For Neung Un-bi, who had once made a name for himself as an assassin, it was a very familiar situation. Just as a man who has been beaten knows how to take a punch, a man who has killed knows how to kill.
But there were many eyes watching. If he was too good at this, it would only arouse suspicion.
Besides, with a far more skilled assassin by his side, was there any reason for him to step forward?
“Hyang-i.”
“…You want me to do it?”
“Yes. You’re the best in this field.”
“Hmph!”
At Neung Un-bi’s command, who even gave her a thumbs-up, Hyang-i wrinkled her nose but approached the bodies. Then, she skillfully examined them.
“Hmm, he was stabbed from the front.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“The flesh is curled inward. If he were stabbed from behind, the wound wouldn’t look like this.”
“What?”
Just as I thought…
At Hyang-i’s definitive statement, Neung Un-bi let a faint smile grace his lips.
Her thoughts matched his own.
Gong Tae-seok was stabbed from the front. The blade that pierced his heart had ended his life in a single blow.
However, unable to believe a conclusion drawn from just a cursory glance, Jang Il-san and those around him began to murmur.
But Hyang-i, seemingly unconcerned with their reactions, continued to speak.
“Seeing as there are no signs of a struggle… it was an acquaintance.”
“Someone he knew?”
“Yes.”
At Hyang-i’s assertion, Neung Un-bi immediately checked Yeom Seong-in’s expression.
…The bastard’s face is rotting away.
But it’s too early to point to you as the culprit just yet.
“Lord Yeom.”
“Yes?”
“Do you have anyone in mind?”
“…No. I have no idea.”
At Yeom Seong-in’s words, Neung Un-bi smiled slyly to himself.
You don’t know, huh?
Fine, deny it until the very end.
Killing someone for personal gain? I’ll take this chance to shake you down to the very last speck of dust.
I’ll find not only you, but every single bastard connected to you.