Chapter 178
Chapter 178
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 178
Chapter Title: Traveling Companions (3)
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As the group had feared, there wasn't a single boat willing to take Black Wolf aboard.
Promises to manage things carefully so no one would get hurt fell on deaf ears, and even offers to pay several times the usual fee were flatly rejected. In the end, just as Cheol Woo had boldly declared, they had no choice but to buy a boat outright.
The vessel they purchased from the Jade Dragon Merchant Association, the finest in Sichuan, had primarily been used as a merchant ship. Though a bit weathered, it showed no major damage in need of repair, and its considerable size suggested it could handle even treacherous waters just fine.
The harbor area was always teeming with idle boatmen seeking work, but finding a captain and crew to man the ship proved more difficult than expected. Still, there were certainly those desperate enough to risk their lives for pay, and the amount Cheol Woo offered was more than enough to overcome their fear of Black Wolf.
The journey proceeded smoothly.
The boat followed the Min River south to the southernmost reaches of Sichuan before merging into the eastward-flowing Yangtze.
For the few days it took to navigate, the weather was perfectly clear without a single cloud in the sky. The waters were calm and the winds absent, preventing the boat from picking up much speed.
For Sima Geon's group, who had wandered far and wide for over a year in search of the Sword Empress's targets, and for the Sword Empress's own weary travelers, this was a long-overdue respite—a journey that felt like true rest.
Two weeks after departing from the Sichuan Tang Clan stronghold, the boat was already passing near Wu Mountain.
"Who do you think will win?"
Sima Geon asked Neung So Hwa, who was leaning casually against the railing, idly fanning herself.
Neung So Hwa snapped her fan shut in an instant and replied without hesitation.
"Obviously, we'll win. He's one of the top five in the White Sword Unit."
"Obviously, huh? You're brimming with confidence. It felt the same yesterday."
At Sima Geon's smile, the corners of Neung So Hwa's eyes twitched upward slightly.
"Yesterday was Deng Liao's mistake. It wasn't a lack of skill—he fell for Guo Yu's trick."
Neung So Hwa recalled the recent spar between Deng Liao, one of the White Sword Unit's top fighters, and Guo Yu, her face clouding with injustice.
"It was a mistake. Failing to spot the feint is part of your skill."
At Sima Geon's words, Cheol Woo, who had been holding a liquor bottle a short distance away, drew a finger across his throat.
"If it were real combat, it'd be over like this."
"Why are you butting in?"
So Su-rin jabbed Cheol Woo in the side.
"Ow, why?"
As Cheol Woo turned with irritation, So Su-rin pinched his side hard.
"Use some common sense."
"Hmph!"
Cheol Woo snorted and shouted toward Noe Jeon, who was locked in a fierce exchange in the center of the deck.
"Fight properly. Lose, and you're dead."
Whether spurred by Cheol Woo's warning, Noe Jeon's attacks suddenly grew ferocious, overwhelming his opponent almost one-sidedly.
Man Chu and Guo Yu cheered in triumph at seizing the advantage, but Cheol Woo and So Su-rin's expressions soured as they watched. Cheol Woo in particular downed shot after shot, his face twisted in dissatisfaction.
"Sigh, this is all because of you."
So Su-rin clicked her tongue and scolded him.
"Because of me? It's that idiot who stuck his head in the trap without realizing."
"You're the one scaring him with your crude threats, making Noe Jeon rush. Things were going well earlier."
"Excuses. He's just not good enough."
Cheol Woo cut her off coldly, leaving So Su-rin with nothing more to say. She knew as well as anyone that true skill made such issues irrelevant.
As Cheol Woo had predicted, Noe Jeon stumbled into his opponent's trap, losing his balance and quickly falling on the defensive. He held out for a few more exchanges before suffering a hollow defeat.
"That was a fine match."
Yang Yu-jeong sheathed her sword and bowed courteously to Noe Jeon.
"Yes."
Noe Jeon, breathing heavily, returned the greeting with a dejected face.
"Looks like I won."
Neung So Hwa beamed at Yang Yu-jeong's victory.
"It is. Just like yesterday's match, but with the results reversed."
Sima Geon, who had foreseen Noe Jeon's loss from the moment he failed to spot the trap and charged ahead, smacked his lips.
He wasn't particularly upset. It was just light sparring for amusement, and both fighters were skilled enough to make the outcome convincing regardless of who won. Plus, seeing Neung So Hwa's bright smile was a bonus.
"Idiot? Falling for such an obvious trap?"
Cheol Woo yelled at Noe Jeon as he returned, face flushed with anger.
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry doesn't cut it? The Divine Demon Division's reputation is getting dragged through the..."
As Cheol Woo unleashed a storm of scolding on Noe Jeon, the captain, who had been watching the match enjoyably from afar while steering clear of Black Wolf, approached cautiously.
"We're nearing Wu Mountain soon. As I mentioned yesterday, we'll need to stop for supplies."
After Wu Mountain lay the Three Gorges of the Yangtze, famed for their stunning scenery. But the treacherous terrain meant no proper harbors for docking while passing through, so they needed to stock up on fresh water, food, and the like in advance.
"It's getting dark soon. How about staying in Wu Mountain tonight and departing tomorrow morning?"
Sima Geon consulted Neung So Hwa.
"That sounds good. They say we won't be able to get off the boat for a few days after."
At Neung So Hwa's response, a quiet sigh escaped Dan Ri Hwa's lips.
The situation was unavoidable, but they'd delayed like this every time a major port appeared—several times now. Time was tighter than expected, but seeing Neung So Hwa's radiant smile made it impossible to voice the concern.
Two men knocked on the door of the Three Gorges Inn, located on the outskirts of Wu Mountain.
In the evening rush, with guest rooms fully occupied, the inn tried to turn them away, but their purpose from the start had been to meet the Sword Empress.
The White Sword Unit, somewhat relaxed at the arrival of strangers, tensed up instantly.
"What business do you have?"
White Sword Unit Deputy Leader Yi So-gun asked sharply.
"I'm Jeokgal Gyeong of the Zhuge Clan Intelligence Division."
Jeokgal Gyeong flashed his jade identity token and continued.
"This is my friend, here to assist."
"Name's Jang Seo-do."
The man who introduced himself as Jang Seo-do averted his eyes, cowed by Yi So-gun's piercing gaze.
At the mention of the Zhuge Clan, Yi So-gun's expression softened—but only after verifying the token.
"From the Zhuge Clan, I see. Please, follow me."
Yi So-gun led them to Neung So Hwa, who was dining at the central table.
Dozens of eyes turned toward the newcomers.
The two men's faces stiffened; clearly, the attention weighed on them.
Only after Dan Ri Hwa double-checked the token could Jeokgal Gyeong and Jang Seo-do stand before the Sword Empress.
After brief greetings, Neung So Hwa asked,
"May I hear why you've come to see me?"
"Yes. We've come to inform you that we've located the whereabouts of Senior Twin Swords Reaching Heaven."
"Ah! You've found him."
Neung So Hwa lit up with joy.
"Yes."
"Where is he?"
"In a place called Willow Forest."
"Where's that?"
Neung So Hwa tilted her head at the unfamiliar name.
"A small village about four hundred li north of here in Wu Mountain. It's not confirmed, but we suspect it may be Senior Twin Swords Reaching Heaven's hometown."
"Ah, I see. My master mentioned he might have retired to his hometown, but even he didn't know the exact location."
"Yes. Our clan's records listed his origin as Ui-chang, not Willow Forest, which caused us some trouble."
"We're always grateful for the Zhuge Clan's help."
Neung So Hwa bowed deeply to Jeokgal Gyeong.
"Oh, no need. I didn't say it to receive thanks."
Jeokgal Gyeong waved his hands in flustered surprise.
"I know. But it's something I wanted to say. Thank you."
Overwhelmed by her sincere courtesy, Jeokgal Gyeong fidgeted awkwardly.
The sight drew a light chuckle from Sima Geon's group, but the White Sword Unit remained utterly serious. Knowing how diligently the Zhuge Clan aided the Sword Empress pilgrimage, they shared her sentiments fully.
Despite Neung So Hwa's earnest plea to at least join them for a meal, Jeokgal Gyeong and Jang Seo-do departed immediately, citing prior engagements.
"Prior engagements my ass—I'd leave too. How do you eat in this atmosphere? You'd choke for sure."
Cheol Woo snickered at Jeokgal Gyeong's hasty exit. Jin Rim shot him a pitying look.
"Fix that cynical attitude of yours. You're not a kid—what's got you so grumpy?"
Cheol Woo whipped his head around at the sudden voice.
"Picking a fight again?"
Jin Rim ignored him and set down her tray.
"Here. Kitchen says it's the last twice-cooked pork."
"We're good with this. Take it to your brother or something."
So Su-rin, who had recently grown close to Jin Rim, smiled.
Jin Rim shook her head.
"Everyone's picky. They don't care for greasy food. And no one's drinking. Goodness, how much did you all have?"
Jin Rim grimaced at the countless empty bottles rolling on the floor.
"The liquor was strong—make sure to pair it with proper side dishes next time."
With a final word to So Su-rin, Jin Rim returned to her colleagues.
So Su-rin pushed the twice-cooked pork toward Cheol Woo.
"Yours."
"What nonsense?"
"No tact? Or pretending?"
"Bullshit! Spare me."
Cheol Woo snorted at So Su-rin's words but slyly picked up his chopsticks anyway.
"Mind if I join you for a moment?"
At Neung So Hwa's question, Sima Geon nudged Noe Jeon's leg.
"Of course. Have a seat."
Noe Jeon sprang up in an instant, grabbed another chair, and moved to the opposite side.
"I think we need to discuss something."
"I overheard roughly. You found where that Twin Swords Reaching Heaven fellow is?"
"Yes. He's someone I need to deliver a challenge writ to, but we've been unable to locate him until now. And it happens right at this moment."
Neung So Hwa's face darkened slightly.
"Then just go—what's the dilemma?"
"It would delay our path to the Living Immortal Medical House."
Neung So Hwa glanced cautiously at Sima Geon before continuing.
"I suppose we'll have to part ways here..."
"Why?"
"Pardon?"
"It's a bit of a detour, but we're heading to the Living Immortal Medical House anyway, right?"
"Y-yes."
"We agreed to travel together, so we should see it through. Not just anyone gets the honor of accompanying the Sword Empress pilgrimage."
"Honor might be a bit much..."
Neung So Hwa's cheeks flushed faintly at the word "honor." But no one watching the two thought it was merely that.
"The issue is the one waiting at the Living Immortal Medical House, isn't it? We might break our promise."
"We've arranged for the Zhuge Clan to seek understanding on that front. He's been staying there over a year already and plans to remain awhile longer, so it shouldn't be a problem."
"Perfect, then. Let's go meet this Twin Swords Reaching Heaven."
"Thank you."
Neung So Hwa bowed with a bright smile.
"No trouble at all. Ah, the Zhuge Clan seems to be providing a lot of help."
"Yes. They've aided us greatly since the beginning. The Zhuge Clan has surprisingly wide reach and excellent intelligence."
"The Martial Chronicle didn't come about by chance."
Man Chu chimed in slyly.
"Oh, did I not mention? The Beggars' Sect is helping just as much as the Zhuge Clan."
"The Beggars' Sect too?"
Man Chu's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes. Otherwise, how could we—a group with no real presence in the martial world—track down challenge writ recipients on our own? One or two, maybe, but the Sword Empress pilgrimage is possible only thanks to the Zhuge Clan and Beggars' Sect."
Even knowing her praise was somewhat exaggerated, Man Chu couldn't help but puff up with pride.
A modest tavern nestled at the tributary of Seo Neung Gorge, the final stretch of the Three Gorges.
A man sitting alone, tilting his cup under the moonlight, asked quietly.
"They changed course?"
"Yes."
The subordinate prostrated three paces away replied deferentially.
"Suddenly? What's the reason?"
"It seems they've located Twin Swords Reaching Heaven."
"Twin Swords Reaching Heaven, eh. Fine fellow. A master fitting for the Sword Empress pilgrimage. So, where is he?"
"From what we've confirmed, Willow Forest."
"Willow Forest?"
"Yes. A small village about three hundred li to the northwest."
After a moment's thought, the man raised his cup and commanded.
"To arrive on time, we must hurry. Head to Willow Forest. Prepare at once."
"Understood!"