Chapter 311
Chapter 311
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 311
Chapter Title: Yi Hwan Steps In Personally
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Yi Hwan had requested from Yi So to expand Moon Pavilion several times over in scale. He also selected the most talented individuals from the Golden Army and placed them directly under Go Mi's command.
Thanks to this, Moon Pavilion—which had previously lagged behind East Depot in terms of capabilities, size, and authority—had now risen to become the largest and most elite surveillance and covert operations agency, surpassing even East Depot.
With its expanded size, Moon Pavilion established secret branches throughout the Yeon Kingdom, embedding agents everywhere in the land.
Inn errand boys, butchers in slaughterhouses, even courtesans in the red-light districts.
The warriors of these secret branches concealed their identities meticulously, even from fellow Moon Pavilion members. Only Yi Hwan and Go Mi knew of their existence—not even Emperor Yi So was aware.
And now, Moon Pavilion began to move.
To find Jang Cheon-jo, who had crossed into the Yeon Kingdom after killing a warrior from the Danri Clan and going into hiding.
* * *
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok stayed by Yi Hwan's side.
They had been told that if any trace of the suspected Jang Cheon-jo was found, they would be informed, so for now, they should remain at Golden Army headquarters and wait. The warriors from the two clans who had come up with them were also staying there.
Meanwhile, Ju Tae, Kim Mu-gwan, and the others only managed to pick up Cha Ryong and Ban Go's trail after reaching the southern region of Hebei Province.
A Moon Pavilion warrior arrived at the inn where they were staying.
"Two days ago, a local magnate was robbed. Based on witness statements, there's a very high chance it was them."
Ju Tae smirked at the report.
"You think master-level experts would stoop to banditry?"
"That's what we thought at first. But according to the testimony, one of the bandits let out a very strange laugh. Like 'kikiki,' something like that."
"......"
Kim Mu-gwan spoke up.
"That guy who hung back during the duel with Ji-mun—he laughed just like that. It was so bizarre, I remember it clearly."
"What? So they really are going around robbing people?"
"When money's tight, why not? Martial prowess doesn't always correlate with good character."
"Even so, that's a bit..."
Kim Mu-gwan asked the warrior,
"Any reports of other martial artists gathering nearby? If those bandits were them, there should've been warriors tailing them close to the scene."
"No separate reports on that front."
"So they might be moving independently."
"Yes."
Kim Mu-gwan nodded and said,
"It could really be them, so we should pursue."
"We've eaten and drunk our fill. Time to move."
Park Ji-mun stretched grandly and stood, while Ju Tae pocketed the half-empty liquor bottle.
* * *
Some individuals were pushing southward through the fierce winds.
Cha Ryong and Ban Go.
"What if they just take the money and run?"
"Can't be helped."
"What? Then why give them so much? It was money we earned through that humiliating robbery!"
Two days prior, Cha Ryong and Ban Go had broken into a wealthy household and stolen a considerable amount of gold and jewels. They converted it into banknotes and distributed it to the warriors following them, assigning them a rendezvous point. They told them to wait there, and they'd come find them.
Ban Go couldn't understand why Cha Ryong had done such a thing.
"Think of it as an investment to test if they're worth keeping around. If they wait at the rendezvous, we can keep them on. If they just take the money and bolt like you said, better to learn they're useless sooner rather than later."
"Oh!"
Cha Ryong believed wealth could be amassed anytime. To build a force, people mattered more than money, and this was a necessary check.
"...By the way, the capital's off-limits. Where to next?"
"Anywhere, anyone. Shut up already. You're getting on my nerves."
"......"
Cha Ryong still hadn't recovered from the mental blow of his duel with Park Ji-mun. A shattered ego was this hard to mend.
If not for Jo Yun's orders, he wouldn't have left Hebei—he'd have sought out Park Ji-mun for a rematch. Cha Ryong's pride ran that deep.
"Feels off."
"What's off?"
"Just... a hunch. Their identities are suspicious."
"Better if they catch up. Then I'll fight for real this time."
"I'm saying they might have approached us on purpose with some agenda. Honestly, all that talk about being Feng Lei-do's nephew and disciple reeks of lies."
"I said shut up."
"...Got it."
Whoooosh!
The wind grew fiercer.
Cha Ryong took a deep breath and muttered in a somewhat hollow tone.
"Still, the Yeon Kingdom's nice. Thanks to Non-Aggression between Court and Martial World, the authorities don't interfere even with our antics."
"True."
"But this'll bite the Yeon Kingdom in the ass someday. In a war, martial artists will play key roles, but they won't be controllable like before."
Grrrrumble.
"I'm hungry."
"Let's eat somewhere."
"Drink too! Kikiki!"
* * *
Golden Army headquarters.
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok walked the path behind the headquarters. With no sign of Jang Cheon-jo yet, they were still stuck spending time there.
"Our Golden Army feels different from the start. Even the regular warriors have iron discipline."
"Yeah, I feel that too."
"Every time I see him, I can't even gauge his limits. But know what's even weirder?"
"What?"
"He feels like a different person each time. Last time, he seemed like a giant. This time, it's something else."
"Kinda."
"Don't wanna talk?"
"No?"
"Then show some effort! Don't just give one-word answers."
Danri Mok's words drew a wry smile from Namgung Jang-cheon.
"Was I?"
"Never mind. Forget I said anything."
Namgung Jang-cheon gazed at the blue sky and murmured,
"I've had this thought. If possible, I'd love to serve as a retainer to the Great Prince, even briefly."
"Relations between our kingdoms are great now, but who knows when we'll draw swords on each other. Think that's feasible?"
"That's why it's a shame. Just being near him would accelerate my growth..."
"Mastering your clan's secret arts perfectly would suffice. Isn't that greedy?"
"That's separate."
It was then.
A general approached from behind.
"You're here."
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok turned. The general continued,
"The Great Prince summons you."
"Have they found him?"
"Not sure."
"Let's go."
They hurried to Yi Hwan's office.
* * *
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok gazed at Yi Hwan with eager eyes. But disappointing words came from his mouth.
"Something came up. I need to head out briefly. While I'm gone, ask the Deputy General for anything you need."
"Far?"
"A bit."
"When will you return?"
"Once it's done."
A warrior entered then.
"Everyone's waiting."
"Got it."
Outside, Yang Chan, the Sword King, and Blade King lineage warriors awaited. Yi Hwan mounted his crimson-maned steed.
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok bowed their heads.
"Safe travels!"
"I'll see upon return."
Thud thud thud!
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok watched Yi Hwan speed north from headquarters at incredible velocity.
"Who's that guy?"
"Who?"
"The one next to the Great Prince."
He meant Yang Chan.
"His bodyguard? Why, something off?"
"He doesn't even look like a warrior. Totally different vibe from the others."
"Hmm... yeah. Feels exactly like a scholar."
"High-level expert, though?"
"Has to be, to be with the Great Prince. Let's head in."
* * *
Moments ago, Go Mi had sent a homing pigeon message.
It detailed finding the Sun-Moon Twin Swords and their direction of travel.
Thus, Yi Hwan anticipated their path and headed to a likely interception point.
Thud thud thud!
Yi Hwan's crimson-maned steed boasted otherworldly speed. The warriors struggled to keep up, to no avail.
"My lord! The gap's widening!"
At the shout, Yi Hwan finally throttled back. He'd been lost in thought and hadn't noticed.
Yi Hwan glanced at the empty side beside him with a bitter smile. Without Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae, who had always been at his side, a corner of his heart felt empty.
He fixed his gaze forward again.
Rounding one more mountain would bring him to the destination. He planned to wait there for Go Mi's next contact.
'It might be coincidence, but if not...'
Similar incidents at the same time in Yeon and Qin Kingdoms.
In Yeon alone, it could be dismissed as fallout from Non-Aggression between Court and Martial World. But if similar events occurred in Qin too, it might not be natural.
If this was orchestrated by someone...?
The trail of suspicion led to Jo Yun and Dark Heaven Cult.
If Jo Yun or Dark Heaven Cult had sent experts into both kingdoms' martial worlds for some purpose—what could it be?
'No point overthinking now. Confirm through the Sun-Moon Twin Swords' mouths.'
Yi Hwan drew a deep breath, clearing his muddled mind.
Thud thud thud!
The Blade King lineage warriors had caught up, flanking him. Their relentless training had transformed them—their aura utterly different from before.
They had been experts then, but now incomparable.
All pressed on without rest. As dusk fell, they entered the market town of the destination.
Yi Hwan and Yang Chan entered a manor first. It looked utterly ordinary, but it was one of Moon Pavilion's secret branches.
He'd preferred an inn, but to receive Go Mi's contact, this was necessary.
Had they known he was coming? The resident warriors gathered in the courtyard to greet him.
"Any word from Moon Lord?"
"No, Great Prince."
"I'll rest. Report her message immediately when it arrives."
"Understood."
* * *
Yi Hwan and Yang Chan sat facing each other, tilting their cups.
Two bottles of liquor and a single boiled chicken as anju—but ravenous hunger made it exquisite.
Yi Hwan poured for Yang Chan's empty cup and asked,
"How's the research?"
"Progressing, but it'll take time."
"What power level if successful?"
"Not up to me or other experts, but with minimal training, anyone can wield it—huge impact in large-scale group battles."
Yang Chan was developing a hidden weapon infused with Poison King's secrets, easy for anyone to use, per Yi Hwan's orders.
Success would secure battlefield superiority and let regular warriors challenge experts.
Yi Hwan's expectations were immense.
"Mass production feasible?"
"That's the issue. Making it user-friendly for regulars is doable, but potent versions require pricey materials—mass production's doubtful."
"Succeed, and I'll procure materials somehow."
"Really?"
"Do I joke?"
"Understood! I'll meet expectations!"
Yang Chan's face lit up.
Yi Hwan smiled faintly.
"Looks enjoyable."
"Nothing beats creating something new. Anyway, I'll succeed and aid you, my lord."
"Expectant."
Lately, one of Yi Hwan's joys was Yang Chan's change.
Post-Reverse Heaven Society, Yang Chan was like a man unburdened—bright, proactive.
Yi Hwan thought of Poison King, his lifelong companion.
'A guy as prickly as you, but as brilliant, stands by me now.'