Chapter 68: Ruffians
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 68: Ruffians
Not long ago.
A few days had passed since they left the Ice Palace by carriage.
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom’s group had already arrived in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province.
Having already traveled to the Potala Palace once, crossing over into the Central Plains didn't feel particularly difficult anymore.
Furthermore,
“We should have taken a carriage from the start.”
“And yet, we’re stuck on the driver’s seat again?”
“Well, Warrior Baek, you’re always on the driver’s seat anyway.”
“Look over there. The Deputy Squad Leader is setting an example while training Tae Un-seo!”
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom chuckled as he overheard the conversation between Baek Mu-yong and Weizhi Young.
Currently, the Divine Physician, Seol Yerin, and Cheon Deung-jin were inside the carriage.
“Since we’ve entered Shaanxi, why don’t you head inside as well, Captain?”
“No. Let’s just find an inn quickly and rest.”
In the current Central Plains, the reputation of the Ice Palace and the Demonic Cult among martial artists was not good.
No matter where they went, revealing their true identities would surely lead to trouble.
Because of this, with Moyong Geum’s help, they were disguised as members of the Seol Family.
‘I must faithfully fulfill my role as a guard of the Seol Family.’
There was no telling who might be watching them.
Moreover,
‘There might be those who recognize the Divine Physician.’
From this point on, it was best for everyone to stay in character.
- This brings back memories, Master.
- Ho-ho, your first foray into the Jianghu. Are you feeling a bit restless?
‘I’m not particularly restless.’
Since he wasn't heading out with the intention of rampaging through the martial world, he didn't feel any grand emotions.
‘It’s not like there’s an immediate need to fight, anyway.’
The first destination of their journey was Dongting Lake.
As long as they didn't reveal their identities as members of the Ice Palace or the Demonic Cult, there was no reason for a fight to break out while they were sightseeing.
- That’s true, but I thought coming from the snowfields to the warm martial world might stir something in you.
- Are you so sure there won’t be a reason to fight?
Just as he was about to respond to the Demon Empress’s remark.
“Captain, I see an inn over there.”
[Yulin Inn]
“Let’s go there.”
Although the group had been traveling by carriage, it had been a forced march nonetheless.
They had been camping out occasionally and eating food prepared by Tae Un-seo, so everyone was naturally exhausted.
They needed to eat their fill and relieve their travel fatigue in a warm place as soon as possible.
While the Little Snow Unit was somewhat accustomed to such training, this was likely Seol Yerin’s first time on such a grueling journey.
Even the Divine Physician was showing signs of fatigue due to his age.
“We shall head straight to the inn, Young Family Head.”
“Yes, please do so.”
Upon entering Shaanxi, they had agreed to play their assigned roles.
Seol Yerin was the Young Family Head of the Seol Family, and the Little Snow Unit acted as her guards.
Cheon Deung-jin was a martial artist who happened to be traveling the same way.
And then there was the Divine Physician.
Including Weizhi Young, Tae Un-seo, Baek Mu-yong, and Eun-bin, there were eight people in total—a fairly large group.
‘This should look convincing enough.’
However, the moment they encountered a true master, their cover would likely be blown.
Since most high-level experts could estimate an opponent’s martial prowess, there was a high probability they would realize the group had come from the North.
- It’s unlikely, but if you happen to encounter any of the Ten Great Masters, everyone must run. Understood?
- The Jianghu is vast; there’s no way we’d run into the Ten Great Masters.
- Well, I’m just setting a rule in case of that one-in-a-million chance. I trust you understand.
He had even set protocols just in case.
Fortunately, the journey had been smooth so far, with no major incidents.
Creeeeak—
As they stepped inside the Yulin Inn,
“Welcome!”
A waiter greeted them.
“Hmm?”
…The waiter seemed to have trained in martial arts.
The waiter who had trained in martial arts, Yu So-dong, quickly directed the warriors on the driver’s seat to the stables and then led the guests to their tables.
“What can I get for you?”
He couldn't help but steal glances.
While taking the order, Yu So-dong’s attention was constantly divided.
At first, his gaze was captured by the elderly Divine Physician, but then it shifted to the veiled woman who followed.
The handsome man beside her was no different.
‘The guard standing behind them is also incredibly striking. Just who are these people…?’
Where could they have come from?
“Please serve us the best dishes this inn has to offer, enough for everyone.”
“Ah, yes. Understood.”
Normally, he would have asked exactly what they wanted to eat, but not this time.
They didn't look like they lacked money.
And since there were some large men in the group who looked like they could eat plenty even if he served a feast, Yu So-dong decided to show off his culinary skills for the first time in a while.
Soon, Yu So-dong headed into the kitchen to cook.
“He’s trained in martial arts.”
“It seems the waiter does the cooking himself, too?”
“Is he running this inn all by himself?”
“I’m very curious to see what kind of food he’ll make.”
The members of the Little Snow Unit, including Tae Un-seo, sat at a separate table.
The Divine Physician, Cheon Deung-jin, and Seol Yerin sat together, while Hyeok Ryeon-yeom stood behind Seol Yerin until the food arrived.
“Captain, why don’t you take a seat as well?”
They had agreed to address Hyeok Ryeon-yeom as "Captain."
“Please allow me to remain like this until the food is served.”
“…Alright, I understand.”
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom watched Yu So-dong as he prepared the food.
The energy he possessed was remarkably pure, suggesting he had trained in Taoist martial arts.
Moreover, he seemed to have reached a significant level of mastery.
What kind of story did he have that led him to run an inn all by himself?
He wanted to ask.
“When the food comes out, I would appreciate it if you could strike up a conversation with the waiter.”
“You want me to ask how he ended up running an inn in a place like this?”
Seol Yerin saw right through Hyeok Ryeon-yeom’s thoughts without him having to say a word.
Bloop, sizzle.
The sounds of cooking reached their ears.
Even the most beautiful sights were best enjoyed on a full stomach.
He figured it would be better to eat first before questioning the waiter.
Just as he was looking forward to the meal,
Tinkle~
The inn door opened, and a group of people walked in.
“What’s this? We have guests?”
The group that entered wore black martial robes embroidered with red plum blossoms.
There wasn't a single martial artist here who didn't recognize which sect those robes belonged to.
- There are five of them in total.
- They are warriors of Mount Hua.
- What should we do?
- Act as usual.
Actually, this was for the best.
Being recognized as the Seol Family in front of Mount Hua warriors might be more helpful for traveling through Shaanxi Province later on.
“Where are you all from?”
The men in Mount Hua robes approached their table.
Their youthful faces suggested they were rising stars of the sect.
As they approached, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and stepped in front of Seol Yerin, staying true to his role.
“Oh? You’re putting your hand on your sword even after seeing this emblem?”
“First Senior Brother, look over there.”
One of the men in the back pointed at the veiled Seol Yerin.
“She looks like an incredible beauty.”
“Ho?”
The man gave Seol Yerin a lewd smile.
“…I find it hard to believe you are truly warriors of Mount Hua.”
Cheon Deung-jin wore a look of utter disdain as he watched the Mount Hua disciples.
“Hard to believe?”
One of the warriors raised an eyebrow in offense at Cheon Deung-jin’s words.
Another warrior, who stood with his hands behind his back, took over the conversation.
“I find you lot more suspicious. What kind of plot are you hatching, gathering in an empty inn like this?”
The one speaking with his hands behind his back.
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom remembered the other guy calling him "First Senior Brother."
“Un-gang, let’s start by teaching that fellow who put his hand on his sword a lesson. It’s highly suspicious that they’re using an inn run by an excommunicated disciple of Mount Hua.”
“Excommunicated disciple?”
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom muttered at the words of the one called First Senior Brother.
At that moment, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom’s group turned their gaze toward the kitchen.
The sounds of cooking had stopped.
The waiter knew the Mount Hua disciples had entered, but he hadn't come out.
“Innkeeper. There are those here harassing your guests; are you not going to come out?”
When the Divine Physician, unable to watch any longer, spoke up, the Mount Hua disciples flinched in surprise.
“…There was an old fogey here?”
They hadn't even noticed the Divine Physician’s presence.
Even if the Divine Physician had been suppressing his presence as much as possible.
‘To think such immature, arrogant brats are swaggering about. Mount Hua has many problems.’
They were supposed to be like noble red plum blossoms blooming alone in winter.
That was why they were called Mount Hua.
Who was it that called the current martial world an era of peace?
Stagnant water always rots.
The Mount Hua Sect was said to believe in righteousness and chivalry, walking the orthodox path with a heart as clear as a mirror.
But looking at their current behavior, it seemed only the empty shell and the rags remained.
“Young Family Head, what shall I do?”
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom asked Seol Yerin, acting as her guard.
“…They appear to be young heroes of the Mount Hua Sect. Let’s hear more of what they have to say.”
“Yes.”
As Hyeok Ryeon-yeom took his hand off his sword hilt, the men whispered among themselves.
“Young Family Head?”
“State the name of your family.”
“If you are disciples of the Great Mount Hua Sect, shouldn't you be the ones to introduce yourselves first?”
Cheon Deung-jin pointed out their lack of manners.
- …First Senior Brother, what should we do?
- Even if it’s not a famous clan, if she’s the Young Family Head of a family…
- Maybe we shouldn't touch them…
- Should we drag that brat out first?
- Let’s do that.
Their conversation via secret voice transmission was plain to see.
“Un-so! Why aren't you coming out this instant!”
At the Mount Hua warrior’s shout, everyone looked toward the kitchen.
Now, everyone in Hyeok Ryeon-yeom’s group knew that the waiter who had taken their order was actually an excommunicated disciple of Mount Hua.
Regardless, the waiter slowly emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray laden with food.
“…The food is ready.”
“Hmm?”
Tae Un-seo quickly stepped forward to take the tray and began serving the dishes.
There was a reason the waiter hadn't come out despite knowing the Mount Hua disciples had arrived.
It was clear he had prioritized the order of the guests he had already welcomed.
Seeing the waiter’s actions, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom understood the situation.
‘It’s obvious this isn't the first time these Mount Hua brats have done this.’
If he had once belonged to the sect, his body would have reacted to his former sect members first, no matter how he had been excommunicated.
But the fact that he focused on the guests’ order before dealing with them meant he had either experienced this enough to be sick of it or knew exactly how to handle it.
‘If he dealt with the Mount Hua brats first, everything for the guests would be ruined. He’s not a foolish fellow.’
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom felt a sense of liking for the waiter’s response.
Furthermore,
At the sight of the feast that was suddenly laid out,
“Un-so, are you ignoring us now?”
The rising stars glared, their tempers flaring.
The waiter didn't stay silent this time either.
Only after setting all the dishes did the waiter, called Un-so, clasp his hands in a fist salute toward the Mount Hua disciples and speak.
“There are guests present.”
“Ha, that quiet personality of yours hasn't changed even after being excommunicated.”
“I apologize. I will go outside and deal with them, so I would be grateful if you could enjoy your meal.”
“Are you saying these mere guests are more precious than your senior brothers?”
It was all too clear what would happen to that waiter if he went outside.
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom knew this, but he said nothing and only looked at Seol Yerin.
At this moment, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom was merely a guard of the Seol Family.
“Captain, what are the famous sights of Shaanxi Province?”
Seol Yerin spoke, and Hyeok Ryeon-yeom immediately replied.
“The Five Great Mountains of the Central Plains. I believe Mount Hua is the most famous landmark.”
“Then I don't think there’s any need to visit Mount Hua. The smell of rot is already overwhelming.”
“What?”
“They are disturbing my meal. Clear them from my sight.”
Grin.
The Little Snow Unit rose from their seats.
It was as if they had all been waiting for Seol Yerin’s command.
“Ha, what? You want to go?”
“Young heroes, please calm down. If you touch Mount Hua in Shaanxi… you might find yourselves in great trouble.”
When it looked like a fight was about to break out, the waiter began to dissuade them.
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom looked at the waiter and asked,
“So, you’re telling us to endure this situation where we are insulted as ‘mere guests’ and our meal is being disturbed?”
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom looked down at the waiter, who was bowing his head in a fist salute.
At this, the waiter raised his head.
“I am sorry that their words have offended you. I will take the punishment, so please, let your anger subside.”
‘Look at this guy.’
The waiter’s eyes as he spoke to Hyeok Ryeon-yeom were clear and unwavering.
Why on earth did the current Mount Hua excommunicate such a man?
And then,
“Un-so, once we’re done with these fools, you’re next.”
“The Young Family Head needs to eat. Let’s take this outside.”
“Ha, as if a mere family guard could be a match for us—”
Whoosh—!
Annoyed by the constant chattering, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom struck the air with his fist.
A Shockwave Punch was unleashed, striking the chest of the one called First Senior Brother.
Boom!
The man couldn't even react properly before he was sent flying through the door and out of the inn.
“Didn't I say you were disturbing the meal?”
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom’s group drew their swords against these brats who felt more like common ruffians than warriors of the Mount Hua Sect.