Chapter 50
Chapter 50
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Wang Ji-kyeong's Bodyguards
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Wang Ji-kyeong's residence was a mansion reminiscent of a grand palace.
Nestled in its deepest recesses was his private quarters, surrounded by warriors standing guard with unbreachable vigilance.
It was a sight rarely seen under normal circumstances.
The warriors' demeanor was gravely serious. Some even wore mournful expressions.
The news of the Black-White Twin Swords' deaths had spread by word of Wang Ji-kyeong himself, who had canceled his schedule to return.
At that moment, Wang Ji-kyeong was inside, drowning his shocked nerves in drink.
His close aide poured liquor into his empty cup and spoke heavily.
"Who in the world could have done such a thing... In any case, it's a blessing that you emerged unscathed, my lord."
"Have the warriors been dispatched?"
"Yes. They should recover the bodies soon."
Wang Ji-kyeong drained his cup, trembling with rage. His mind was filled with the image of Yi Hwan charging straight at him.
*Is there any demon fiercer than that one?*
The bloodshot gleam in Yi Hwan's eyes had been the most terrifying sight of his life.
"Until we bolster your guard, it would be wise to cancel all schedules. With your permission, I'll send someone to explain the situation and seek understanding."
"Do so."
Glug glug.
Thud!
"Damn it! I thought with the Black-White Twin Swords, no one in the world could touch us."
"Even if it takes time, we must secure experts stronger than they were. I'll head to the Spring Guest Inn and make the arrangements personally."
"Tell them money is no object—bring back masters stronger than the Black-White Twin Swords, no matter the cost."
"Understood."
It was then, as the aide rose to leave.
"My lord, a messenger from the Spring Guest Inn has arrived."
"Bring him in!"
Moments later, the door opened, and in walked the owner of the Spring Guest Inn.
His face was taut with tension. He had just learned of the Black-White Twin Swords' demise through the guards.
"What in heaven's name happened? The Black-White Twin Swords, dead?"
"They were like ferocious demons. Neither the Twin Swords nor the guards could stand against them. Had they not fled in exhaustion, I would have perished there on the spot."
"How many of them were there?"
"Two."
"...Pardon?"
The innkeeper's eyes bulged. He doubted his ears.
Just two of them had slain the Black-White Twin Swords—with other guards present, no less.
"We need stronger masters. Money is no issue—find them as quickly as possible."
Hearing this, the innkeeper steadied his breathing.
"That's precisely why I've come. Some extraordinary individuals have appeared. I tested them myself, and they seem at least as strong as the Twin Swords—never weaker."
Flash!
Flames ignited in Wang Ji-kyeong's eyes.
"Such masters have come?"
"Yes. They're waiting at the inn right now."
"Bring them at once!"
At that, the aide stepped forward.
"We don't know who they are—best to proceed with caution before admitting them outright. We should verify their identities first, no?"
"A fair point. But it seems they've already received offers elsewhere. The Moon Pavilion dangled eight thousand silver taels per month, but they'll go to anyone offering ten thousand."
"Ten thousand per month!"
The aide gasped in shock.
That was exactly double what the Black-White Twin Swords had commanded.
Wang Ji-kyeong asked,
"Where did they say the offer came from?"
"The Crown Prince's Palace."
"..."
This time, even Wang Ji-kyeong's expression shifted in surprise.
The aide spoke in disbelief.
"They're inflating their price with lies, aren't they? No way the Crown Prince's Palace would recruit them and have them shop around elsewhere."
"It rang true. I pressed them with questions out of suspicion, and they even described the emblem carved on the Crown Prince's Palace main gate in detail. That means they've been there."
"Hmm."
"As for their skills, you can trust them on that front. And if the Crown Prince's Palace sought to recruit them, doesn't that vouch for their legitimacy?"
"Makes sense."
In these times, even the imperial family threw vast sums at recruiting skilled warriors. Though the value of martial artists had declined, true masters still commanded proper respect.
Hence the wry term circulating in the world: the Golden Martial Realm.
"Bring them."
"Understood."
"Are you sure about this, my lord?"
"No need for worry. Would the Crown Prince's Palace carelessly leak recruits like that?"
"..."
* * *
Yi Hwan sipped his tea leisurely.
Cheol Mu-ok, looking somewhat concerned, said,
"I'm worried the Crown Prince's Palace interest might complicate things."
"A man not bold enough for that wouldn't earn the title Dark Emperor. Just wait."
Yi Hwan glanced sideways while drinking. There, in blue and black robes, knelt two men on the floor, heads bowed in silence.
Their faces were a mess—they had picked a fight and been thoroughly thrashed by Cheol Mu-ok. Yi Hwan hadn't even lifted a finger.
Onlookers stole glances at Yi Hwan and Cheol Mu-ok in astonishment. They had seen it clearly.
Cheol Mu-ok manhandling those two like stray dogs—all by himself.
"Shall we let them go now?"
Yi Hwan stared at the pair, who were furtively gauging his mood.
"Hey, you two."
"Yes!"
"You hurting?"
"We're fine!"
"See? They're fine."
"..."
Just then, the innkeeper entered. Yi Hwan regarded him calmly.
"The lord wishes to see you."
"Did you mention the terms?"
"Yes. Exactly ten thousand silver taels per month."
"You forgot the 'minimum,' didn't you?"
"...No, I relayed it precisely."
"Wait. Gotta finish my tea first."
Yi Hwan drained his cup with deliberate slowness before rising.
"Now scram."
"Thank you!"
The blue- and black-robed men fled the inn like rats with their tails aflame.
As Yi Hwan headed downstairs, he casually asked,
"Is Wang Ji-kyeong trustworthy?"
"Who in this world could you trust if not him? Rest easy. He honors every promise he makes."
"You're certain?"
"Absolutely. I've dealt with him for years without a single breach."
"Good then. By the way, I heard there were these Black-White Twin Swords at his place. If we sign on, they ought to rank below us."
"Well... the Twin Swords fought assassins targeting the lord yesterday and lost their lives."
Yi Hwan feigned surprise.
"Is that true?"
"Yes. Hard to believe, but it is."
"Looks like plenty of people gunning for Wang Ji-kyeong. And killers strong enough to take out the Twin Swords? Sounds like hazard pay's in order, no?"
Cheol Mu-ok chimed in.
"Absolutely. At minimum, a danger bonus on top."
The innkeeper inwardly clicked his tongue as he listened.
*Money demons, the pair of 'em. Tsk tsk.*
* * *
Yi Hwan couldn't hide his amazement at Wang Ji-kyeong's mansion.
*Immense. This outshines even lesser imperial estates.*
Just then, the innkeeper's voice rang out.
"Please, come in."
"Lead on."
Yi Hwan passed through the grand gate. The expansive grounds leading to the main hall resembled a training yard, with warriors drilling in spots here and there.
[This could pass for a martial clan in its own right.]
Cheol Mu-ok was awestruck.
Yi Hwan smiled faintly.
*Now that's more like it.*
Soon, Yi Hwan and Cheol Mu-ok reached Wang Ji-kyeong's quarters in the innermost depths.
Warriors stood guard from hidden vantage points to the corridors, vigilance airtight.
"Was security always this tight?"
"No. The lord must have been badly shaken by yesterday's events."
Moments later, they halted before an opulently ornate door.
"You'll have to leave your sword."
Yi Hwan silently handed it over.
Clank.
"My lord, I've brought the warriors."
"Send them in."
* * *
Yi Hwan locked eyes with Wang Ji-kyeong, seated on a tiger-skin chair.
Dark circles under his eyes aged him a decade in a single day.
"Welcome."
Even the realm's Dark Emperor spoke deferentially. The rumors of him favoring masters rang true.
*He's properly terrified.*
Yi Hwan inwardly smirked at the sight.
"Take a seat."
Yi Hwan and Cheol Mu-ok sat side by side opposite him.
"I'm Wang Ji-kyeong."
"Presumptuous as it is, we'll use our martial aliases. I'm Divine Sword; this is my brother, Blood Sword."
"Mind your manners! Even before the lord—"
"Stand down."
The outraged aide fell silent at Wang Ji-kyeong's command.
Wang Ji-kyeong asked,
"I hear the Crown Prince's Palace made you an offer. True?"
"True."
"Then why come to the Spring Guest Inn?"
"The pay was insultingly low, and above all, I loathe palace work. All you'd do there is bow and scrape all day."
Wang Ji-kyeong nodded in understanding. As an employer of many martial artists, he knew better than most their prideful nature.
"Fine! Let's discuss terms then. What'll it take?"
"Ten thousand silver taels per month each. Plus two thousand hazard pay. Lodging and meals free—including liquor. Those are our conditions."
The aide shot a glance at the innkeeper.
"You didn't misrepresent, did you?"
"Well..."
As the innkeeper hesitated, Yi Hwan spoke.
"I heard the Black-White Twin Swords are dead. If killers that strong are after you, hazard pay is only right, isn't it?"
Wang Ji-kyeong silenced his approaching aide and asked,
"Are you confident you're stronger than them?"
"Of course. Why show up here knowing they'd been slain if we weren't?"
Yi Hwan glanced at Cheol Mu-ok.
On cue from their prior exchange, Cheol Mu-ok placed his palm on the table.
Slap!
An astonishing sight followed.
Smoke billowed from the contact point, and soon a hole gaped through the table—perfectly shaped like a handprint.
"Gasp!"
The aide and innkeeper inhaled sharply.
Wang Ji-kyeong, however, looked pleased.
"Excellent! Ten thousand silver each, hazard pay bumped to three thousand! In exchange, minimum one-year contract, renewable annually."
"One year?"
Yi Hwan tilted his head as if puzzled.
Cheol Mu-ok upped the ante.
"Weren't you thinking six months, brother?"
Eager for his hefty commission, the innkeeper interjected.
"Most places contract by the year."
"The Crown Prince's Palace offered six months."
"...I see."
Yi Hwan met Wang Ji-kyeong's gaze squarely.
"Fine. One year it is. But if you survive unscathed till year's end, throw in a bonus. Naturally, if an assassin so much as scratches you, we get nothing."
"Hahaha!"
Wang Ji-kyeong burst into laughter.
Thud!
"Done! Guard me well, and I'll reward you with a bonus that'll stun everyone come year's end! Overseer, prepare ink and brush!"
"Yes, my lord."
Wang Ji-kyeong kept laughing.
Yi Hwan had thoroughly won him over.
But Yi Hwan wasn't finished. Turning to the innkeeper, he added,
"That inn of yours had fine liquor and food. Can you comp us whenever we drop by?"
"How many times a month..."
"Five."
"...Understood. Specially for you two, yes."
"Hahaha!"
Wang Ji-kyeong roared with laughter again.
Gone was any trace of grief or fear over the Twin Swords' deaths.
Watching, Cheol Mu-ok chuckled inwardly.
*He has no idea he's let foxes into the henhouse—and he's thrilled about it.*