Chapter 186
In the quiet, empty Daru Tea House, six young individuals were seated.
They were none other than Bu Eun-seol, Hyeok So-jin, the Jegal siblings, and the Hwangbo brothers.
"So, in summary..."
Bu Eun-seol, who had been silently listening to Jegal Seo-un's explanation, finally spoke.
"...The Jegal Clan, along with the Hwangbo and Murong Clans, intends to personally deal with the Suspicious Madman who has recently revealed himself."
The Jegal, Murong, and Hwangbo Clans.
These three were not only the most active among the Eight Great Clans in the martial world but also shared deep bonds of friendship.
Thus, when news of the Suspicious Madman's appearance broke, they immediately joined forces to form a pursuit team.
As expected.
Bu Eun-seol nodded faintly, as if he had anticipated this.
The Jegal Clan, in particular, never failed to make their presence known in the martial world whenever trouble arose.
Bu Eun-seol had recognized Jegal Seo-un as a member of the Jegal Clan the moment he spotted the Six Harmonies Fan tucked at his waist in the guest inn.
In other words, he had already guessed that they had emerged to deal with the Suspicious Madman.
"But how exactly do you plan to capture someone as elusive as the Suspicious Madman?"
"The senior members of our three clans have already picked up his trail."
"His trail, you say."
Noticing Bu Eun-seol's skeptical expression, Jegal Seo-un's phoenix-like eyes gleamed as he continued.
"Of course, the Suspicious Madman is a master of evasion. There's no way he wouldn't notice three clans pursuing him."
After taking a sip of tea, he resumed.
"Most likely, he'll avoid blocked or surrounded escape routes to shake off pursuit. That's why we've gathered to track his movements instead."
Bu Eun-seol let out a low hum.
Though Jegal Seo-un phrased it as "tracking his movements," the implication was clear.
They intended to bypass the pursuit teams sent by the three clans and take down the Suspicious Madman themselves.
"Then why ask us to join you?"
Bu Eun-seol asked with a puzzled expression.
Three of the Eight Great Clans had already united just to capture one man.
They had more than enough manpower—there wasn't the slightest reason to invite outsiders.
"Young Hero Bu and Young Hero Hyeok are not only highly skilled in martial arts but also possess remarkable chivalry."
Clearing his throat, Jegal Seo-un smiled.
"Most would have focused solely on eliminating the bandits, but Young Hero Bu prioritized the safety of the common folk first."
A faint smile lingered on his lips.
"I believe the most important virtue in the martial world is the Path of Chivalry. And only those who embody such virtue can truly apprehend a vile demonkin."
His gaze shifted between Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin as he continued.
"Moreover, both of you are indifferent to fame and glory. Though you were responsible for most of the credit in dealing with the bandits, you left quietly without seeking recognition."
"So you're saying you need us just for our sense of chivalry?"
"Of course not. Chivalry is merely the foundation."
"The foundation, you say."
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled slightly.
"If you truly had no ulterior motives in capturing him, why bother acting separately? Wouldn't it be better to request additional reinforcements to the suspected locations and let them handle the Suspicious Madman?"
"Admittedly, we do seek to enhance our reputation by capturing him. It's not as though we're entirely free of ambition."
Jegal Seo-un was candid.
"But the fact that three clans have joined forces spread far too quickly. Given that the Suspicious Madman is a master of evasion, once he realizes three pursuit teams are after him..."
He sighed briefly before shaking his head.
"He will undoubtedly find a way to slip away. That's why I suggested either forming a new pursuit team or splitting the existing three to block all possible escape routes. But... my advice was ignored."
In short, the senior members of the three clans had dismissed his suggestions, leaving the younger generation to take matters into their own hands.
They're severely underestimating the Suspicious Madman's abilities.
According to the Kill-Seeking Unit's intelligence, the Suspicious Madman's strength far exceeded common knowledge—he had already entered the Transcendent Realm long ago.
Yet they were chasing him based solely on rumors circulating in the martial world?
Or perhaps they're overestimating their own strength.
"Of course, it's possible the Suspicious Madman is far stronger than the rumors suggest."
Jegal Seo-un continued as if reading Bu Eun-seol's thoughts.
"That's why we initially sought to recruit the Heaven's Will Scholar, a close acquaintance of mine and the elder Hwangbo brother. But he had already left for Yunnan."
"Heaven's Will Scholar?"
It was a name Bu Eun-seol had never heard before.
Tilting his head slightly, he waited as Jegal Seo-un explained.
"Due to his extreme discretion in martial activities, his reputation isn't widely known. But he is a master from the Wudang Sect."
"A disciple of the Wudang Sect?"
"Indeed. Though technically a secular disciple, he has deeply mastered Taiji Sword Studies and possesses exceptional strategic insight."
Jegal Seo-un had intended to recruit the Heaven's Will Scholar—whose skills rivaled even those of the Murong Clan's masters—to ensure a stable capture of the Suspicious Madman.
"The Suspicious Madman's Bone-Piercing Saber Method is filled with brutal killing moves, giving it a high chance of displaying unexpected power."
Jegal Seo-un's expression turned grave.
"That's why we wanted the Heaven's Will Scholar's assistance—to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. But since he departed for Yunnan, we had no choice but to be disappointed."
After a brief pause, he took another sip of tea before speaking again.
"However, aboard the merchant ship, I witnessed the exceptional martial prowess of you two. Meeting Young Hero Bu and Young Hero Hyeok, whose skills are no less than the Heaven's Will Scholar's—perhaps this, too, is fate."
They understood the Path of Chivalry, were indifferent to wealth and fame, and possessed outstanding martial skills.
From Jegal Seo-un's perspective, these two were an opportunity he simply couldn't afford to miss in his mission to eliminate the Suspicious Madman.
"Young Hero Bu."
Jegal Seo-un spoke again with firm emphasis.
"Will you join us?"
'Perfect.'
Bu Eun-seol allowed a faint smile to play on his lips.
Truthfully, the reason he had permitted Jegal Seo-un's approach in the first place was the hope that he might have information on the Suspicious Madman's movements.
But now, they were willingly leading him straight to the enemy? It couldn't get any better than this.
"Let's give it a try."
"Thank you."
Jegal Seo-un beamed, clasping his hands together.
However, the Hwangbo brothers remained standing in silence, their expressions far from pleased.
"Rin."
Deliberately ignoring their discomfort, Jegal Seo-un turned to Jegal Seo-rin.
"Since Young Hero Bu and Hyeok So-jin have agreed to join us, please explain the current situation to them."
"Understood."
She unfolded a map on the table, detailing the geography of the Guangxi region.
"Right now, the pursuit teams from the three families are chasing the Suspicious Madman beyond Saeun Prefecture. And we've arranged to rendezvous with the second son of the Moyong Family, Young Master Moyong Gyeong."
Jegal Seo-rin spoke carefully.
"After meeting with Young Master Moyong, we'll lie in wait at the mountain pass of Ujung Mountain, where we expect the Suspicious Madman to appear."
"You're saying the Suspicious Madman will come to Ujung Mountain?"
"If our predictions are correct, yes."
As Jegal Seo-rin smiled, the interior of the teahouse seemed to brighten.
At that moment, the Hwangbo brothers' mouths twisted into wide grins.
'They must have their own interests in this too.'
It seemed the Hwangbo brothers had another motive for joining this operation.
"Then now..."
Jegal Seo-un stood up energetically.
"Let's depart!"
Two carriages raced down the highway.
One carried the Jegal siblings and the Hwangbo brothers, while the other held Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin.
"Hmm..."
Hyeok So-jin let out a deep sigh before speaking with a dissatisfied expression.
"This whole thing doesn't sit right with me."
"What do you mean?"
"Can we really call this a martial journey—no, even a fight?"
Hyeok So-jin folded his arms, his face sour.
"Even if he's a Great Demon who deserves death... hunting him down like a pack of beaters cornering a beast? It's hardly appetizing."
Ever since he and Bu Eun-seol had ventured into the martial world, they had fought life-or-death battles from disadvantaged positions.
But now, they were about to engage in a battle where overwhelming numbers would crush a lone opponent—naturally, it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"I've told you before."
Bu Eun-seol, having read his thoughts, replied impassively.
"What nurtures a martial artist isn't just fierce battles. One can also refine their martial arts through diverse experiences."
"Well... I suppose so."
Hyeok So-jin opened his mouth to retort but clamped it shut the moment his eyes met Bu Eun-seol's.
He looked like a younger brother who, cowed by an imposing elder, swallowed his words rather than dare to talk back.
Watching him, Bu Eun-seol was suddenly reminded of Heuk-pyo, who was currently training in martial arts at the Eastern Drifters, Western Wanderers.
With his outstanding talent and diligence, his mastery of the Martial Arts True Scripture must be advancing at an astonishing pace.
"And don't worry."
Bu Eun-seol stared intently at Hyeok So-jin before speaking in a meaningful tone.
"There's no guarantee we'll have the upper hand in this fight."
"Huh?"
"Despite three pursuit teams from the Eight Great Families hunting him, he still hasn't been caught. Perhaps..."
"Whoa!"
Just then, the coachman's low shout rang out.
The carriage came to a halt before a shabby manor, slightly removed from the Bu Estate.
This was Falling Star Manor, where Moyong Gyeong, the second son of the Moyong Family, was supposed to meet them.
"Brother Jegal."
A handsome youth emerged from the manor, dressed in lavish robes with decorative ornaments dangling from his ears.
This was Moyong Gyeong, the second son of the Moyong Family Head and one of the Seven Heroes and Three Sects—the Flashing Flying Sword himself.
"Brother Moyong."
Moyong Gyeong greeted Jegal Seo-un and the Hwangbo brothers warmly.
But when Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin approached behind them, his eyes blinked rapidly.
"And these are...?"
Seeing the wariness in his gaze, Jegal Seo-un quickly interjected.
"The Heaven's Will Scholar didn't keep his promise. So in his place, we have Bu Eun-seol, Bu So-hyeop, and his sworn brother Hyeok So-jin, Hyeok So-hyeop."
Instantly, Moyong Gyeong's face twisted in displeasure.
He had never heard their names before, and their qi presence seemed utterly unremarkable.
"Even so, is it wise to suddenly involve strangers in this matter?"
"It's not sudden. On the way here, Bu So-hyeop and Hyeok So-hyeop swiftly dealt with a group of river raiders from the Flood Dragon Gang..."
Jegal Seo-un launched into a lengthy explanation of Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin's martial prowess and chivalrous spirit.
Yet Moyong Gyeong's expression remained unimpressed as he listened in silence.
Finally, Jegal Seo-un spoke again, his tone grave.
"The Suspicious Madman has roamed the martial world for over a decade, evading pursuit from both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths."
He locked eyes with Moyong Gyeong.
"His strength may exceed what's known... We must reinforce our forces to subdue him without difficulty."
"But can we truly call them 'reinforcements' just because they handled a few river raiders?"
Though Moyong Gyeong phrased it carefully, his words were clearly dismissive of Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin.
Flustered, Jegal Seo-un lowered his voice.
"Even if they aren't, buying us time alone would be enough."
Seeing Moyong Gyeong's lingering skepticism, Jegal Seo-un wiped the sweat from his brow.
He was worried Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin might take offense and leave.
But despite having heard the entire exchange, the two showed no reaction whatsoever.
'Such admirable character! Truly, they've cultivated themselves well!'
He mistakenly assumed their patience stemmed from noble temperament and forbearance.
But the reality was entirely different.
「Brother Bu. A new frog in the well has appeared, hasn't he?」
「Quiet.」
「Isn't this discrimination? Another frog in the well shows up, so shouldn't Brother Bu properly discipline him?」
The two of them hadn't paid Moyong Gyeong the slightest attention, instead exchanging trivial chatter through Telepathic Transmission.