Chapter 194
Chapter 194
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 194
Chapter Title: Afternoon Gate (2)
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“Uwaa! Finally here!”
Confirming the brilliant lights shimmering in the distance, Manchu threw both hands high in the air.
“That exciting, huh?”
At Gwayu’s question, Manchu spun the liquor pouch around and around as he replied.
“I didn’t notice it at first, but no matter how much fine liquor from all over the world I drink, nothing beats the cheap rice wine back home.”
“Right, Hangzhou’s your hometown. How’s it feel to be back after so long?”
Draping an arm over Noejeon’s shoulder as he asked, Manchu grinned sheepishly.
“Not quite ‘reflections,’ but... it just feels good.”
“Grown man acting like a kid. Anyway, we’re heading straight out from Hangzhou—what about you?”
Cheol Woo inquired.
“I’ve been thinking about it. I’ll stick around Hangzhou for a bit. No real blood kin left, but there are folks just as close. Gotta show ’em what I’ve achieved.”
“Tch, achievements? That’s stretching it.”
As Manchu got a little giddy at the thought of showing off to his comrades, Cheol Woo gave him a light jab.
Despite his words, the warmth in Cheol Woo’s eyes betrayed him.
He’d watched Manchu’s hard work and growth up close, after all.
“Rest up and take your time coming after us.”
At Sima Geon’s words, Manchu straightened up and shook his head.
“No, it won’t take long. I’ll catch up as fast as I can.”
Sima Geon couldn’t help but chuckle at the fire in Manchu’s eyes.
“That’s up to you.”
“So, brothers, you’re heading straight to the Ha Hu Clan, then?”
“Yeah.”
“Isn’t that going way out of your way?”
“No choice. Can’t just tell those two to come to Shaoxing alone in these dangerous times.”
“Aw, come on, you wouldn’t send just the two of them, right? Yeon-i brother’s there too.”
“Even so, no reason to impose. Besides, we owe them for looking after the kid all this time.”
“Ah, true.”
Manchu fell silent, mentally calculating the time it’d take Sima Geon’s group to detour to the Ha Hu Clan before Shaoxing. Realizing he could linger in Hangzhou a few extra days, he couldn’t suppress a smile.
The group hurried into Hangzhou city proper and checked into the inn Manchu had recommended. Though it was late, a special request ensured a hearty meal.
“Whew, stuffed.”
Cheol Woo, gorged for the first time in ages, picked up an empty liquor bottle and pondered.
He’d already drunk plenty, but a bit more would’ve been nice. Still, everyone else seemed done with booze.
“If Manchu were here, no need to hold back.”
As Cheol Woo licked his lips and set the bottle down, the inn door swung open. Manchu rushed in from his errand to the Beggar Clan’s Hangzhou branch.
“Huh? Why’re you back here so...”
Cheol Woo’s face lit up with a welcoming wave—then froze.
Manchu wasn’t alone. He was with Mo Uk, the Hangzhou branch leader. Their expressions were grim, a far cry from Manchu’s earlier cheer.
“What’s wrong? Something happen?”
Noejeon asked, but Manchu just shook his head. Mo Uk bowed toward Sima Geon.
“Long time no see. You might not remember, but I’m Mo Uk, Hangzhou branch leader.”
“It’s been a while. Please, sit.”
Sima Geon gestured to a seat.
“I know you’re weary from the road, but a grave matter forced me to come in person—my apologies.”
“No worries. What’s on your mind?”
“Remember the Afternoon Gate’s Hangzhou branch?”
Sima Geon nodded, recalling the fierce chase to rescue the kidnapped Sima Jin.
“Of course. Something happen there?”
“The sole survivor back then—well, the courtesans lived too, so not quite. Anyway, the one who lived besides them has exposed it.”
“Hmph, that wench, huh.”
Noejeon thought of Han Seol, the one he’d tortured but ultimately spared out of mercy.
“That girl revealed the Afternoon Gate’s Hangzhou branch—no, the entire Afternoon Gate—has fallen to the Blood Slaughter Cult.”
The shocking revelation left everyone stunned.
Before Sima Geon could question further, Mo Uk launched into details.
As Mo Uk spoke, a whirlwind of emotions flickered across their faces. Especially when he explained how the Heavenly Demon Cult learned of Sima Geon’s Shaoxing hideout and sent men for the Heavenly Demon Pill—all due to Afternoon Gate schemes. Cheol Woo slammed the table in fury.
“Those filthy dogs!”
Cheol Woo shot to his feet, radiating murderous intent like he’d charge the Afternoon Gate right then. Sima Geon grabbed his arm.
“Sit.”
“Boss!”
“I said sit. We can go after he finishes.”
Feeling the iron grip, Cheol Woo grumbled but sat.
“We’ve secured the Hangzhou branch. It was already a shell, so no major issues. I’ve already sent pigeons to headquarters. Measures will be taken soon.”
“Then we’re good? No need to come all this way.”
Mo Uk hesitated, then sighed.
“Pigeons to Beggar Clan HQ, but a swift response... might be tough.”
“Because of North Sea Ice Palace?”
“That, and the Blood Slaughter Cult stirring trouble in Shandong. We could hit Afternoon Gate alone, but risk letting their Nanjing heads escape.”
“Ask elsewhere for help?”
“Nanjing’s under Yeongho Clan influence, but they’ve sent most forces to aid Justice Heaven Alliance in Shandong. Not sure they have spare capacity. Plus, Afternoon Gate might catch wind.”
“Spit it out. You want us to handle them, right?”
Cheol Woo cut in impatiently.
“Yes. We need your help for a quick, covert takedown. Please.”
Mo Uk bowed to Sima Geon.
“Let’s go, boss. If Blood Slaughter Cult hadn’t leaked our base to Heavenly Demon Cult, Yongjung wouldn’t have died so pointlessly.”
“Sahaekrim too.”
Gwayu, whose clan was shattered by Blood Slaughter Cult schemes, chimed in.
“The ones who fed us to Umjeokso were tied to Blood Slaughter Cult too.”
Soh Surin spoke softly, but her eyes blazed with rage. Even Sima Geon had to nod.
“No living under the same sky as them. Got it. We’re going to Nanjing.”
Mo Uk, inwardly anxious, clenched his fist in relief.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Contact’s cut off?”
Pyeon Gwang scowled deeply.
“Reports every three days—no sign. We overlooked occasional skips, but yesterday’s missed too.”
Quicksword Hall Leader U Geumhoe looked grim as well.
“Others?”
“All normal.”
“Reach out ASAP. Figure out what’s happening.”
“Understood.”
“Now!”
At Pyeon Gwang’s bellow, U Geumhoe scurried off.
“Don’t worry too much. It’s Hangzhou—not the first hiccup.”
Elder Ju Hang tried soothing him.
“Not the first, that’s the problem.”
“Still recovering from Sima Geon’s crew razing it. And didn’t Jeok Elder just inspect? Probably fine. Relax.”
“Maybe Jeok Elder’s got them distracted with his vices—Hangzhou’s temptations and all.”
Pyeon Gwang sighed, picturing the pleasure-loving elder.
Then—
Commotion erupted outside.
Pyeon Gwang’s already foul mood turned icy.
Seeing it, Ju Hang flung open the door.
“What the hell’s all this racket?”
Shouts, curses, and clashing weapons answered from all sides. Sensing dire straits, Pyeon Gwang leaped up.
“L-Lord Gate Master!”
U Geumhoe, back from contacting Hangzhou, rushed in pale-faced.
“What?”
“Th-The enemy...”
“Enemy? What enemy?”
Ju Hang seized U Geumhoe’s collar.
“B-Beggar Clan’s attacking!”
“Beggar... Clan?”
Pyeon Gwang’s face twisted in disbelief.
“You sure it’s Beggar Clan?”
U Geumhoe nodded frantically at Ju Hang’s query.
“Yes. Nanjing branch scum, no doubt.”
“Territory spat now? What the...”
Pyeon Gwang eyed Ju Hang.
“They catch on?”
“Relations cordial enough—no open hostility. Sudden attack like this? Only reason fits.”
Ju Hang replied helplessly.
“Linked to Hangzhou silence?”
“Can’t say for sure, but possible.”
“Means they prepped. Can we hold?”
“Nanjing branch is weak—we can. Problem is...”
“Our forces here are thin.”
Pyeon Gwang gave a bitter smile.
“Yes. Shandong reinforcements drained us. But don’t fret—their Nanjing branch is weakened too. We can manage with what we have.”
Ju Hang’s confident air shifted to worry.
“Unless they’re not alone.”
“Doubt it. Yeongho would’ve signaled.”
Pyeon Gwang jerked his chin toward Yeongho territory.
“No word means Beggar Clan solo. Spotted our weakness and got cocky. Arrogant bastards!”
Killing intent surged in Pyeon Gwang’s eyes.
“Still, better safe—evacuate for now.”
“I’ll escort you.”
Guard Captain Gan Dok, already inside, bowed. His twenty guards stood ready behind him.
“Can’t. How can I flee and abandon the disciples?”
Pyeon Gwang shook his head reluctantly.
“Just in case. Afternoon Gate can’t bow to Beggar Clan rabble. As long as you’re safe, we stand.”
“Elder’s right. You intact means Afternoon Gate endures. Where you are is our true headquarters.”
Pyeon Gwang pondered their pleas, then moved.
Gan Dok led, twenty guards flanking Pyeon Gwang tightly.
“You?”
Pyeon Gwang glanced back at Ju Hang.
“I’ll assess and follow.”
“Fine. Be careful.”
“Yes. Move! Escort the Gate Master!”
At Ju Hang’s roar, Gan Dok hurried off.
Exiting Afternoon Gate HQ, they slipped into a narrow alley from Nanjing backstreets.
A filthy, labyrinthine path shunned by most—known only to Afternoon Gate disciples. At its end—
“Ha, you rat bastards! Knew you’d come this way. Come on in. Was getting bored waiting.”
Cheol Woo blocked the path, cracking his knuckles with a gleeful grin.