Chapter 13: First Mission (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 13: First Mission (2)
Namgung Jun descended Huangshan with a senior from the Heavenly Sword Hall.
The senior was a swordsman named Heo Il, who was said to be in his mid-twenties. In an ordinary sect, a man his age would still be treated as a rising star.
But perhaps because he had joined the Azure Heaven Association at an early age and gained countless experiences, his demeanor and poise were exceptionally refined, far beyond what his years would suggest.
'I heard he's a talent who could challenge the Third Cloud promotion exam if he just accumulates a bit more merit and martial prowess.'
Recalling the details of his first mission, Namgung Jun spoke up.
"I feel like I could have handled this on my own."
"Full of youthful energy, aren't we? Well, you're at that age. But since you're a newcomer, we must go together. Besides, I have a few things to teach you."
Namgung Jun nodded without saying much.
Though he had shown off his martial prowess, to the Heavenly Sword Hall, he was still just a highly talented rookie. It was only natural that the higher-ups would assign a senior to act as a guardian. They also likely wanted to observe him in action—to see how he thought and moved in a real confrontation.
"Don't misunderstand; it's not that we don't trust you, Young Master Namgung. This is a process every newcomer goes through."
Heo Il’s narrow eyes curved into deep crescents as he let out a good-natured laugh. Despite their significant age gap, he treated Namgung Jun with the respect due to a fully-fledged swordsman.
"Since you're new, Young Master Namgung, most of your missions will be within Anhui Province for the time being."
As the topic of mission locations came up, Namgung Jun asked about something that had been on his mind.
"Senior Heo, I heard that the Azure Heaven Association operates not just in Anhui Province, but across the entire Jianghu. Is that really possible with only the Ten Halls?"
The Jianghu, spanning the Nine Provinces and Eight Desolates, was incredibly vast. No matter how large an alliance was, there had to be a limit to its reach.
As if pleased by the question, Heo Il's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"The Ten Halls aren't the entirety of the Azure Heaven Association's military power. We have branches scattered all over the Jianghu. The Ten Halls of the main headquarters usually handle matters that the branches cannot resolve on their own."
Heo Il used the recent placement test as an example.
"In the last test, only five newcomers made it into the Ten Halls. The rest were assigned to our various branches."
"Then the main headquarters also doubles as the Anhui branch."
"Exactly."
The Ten Halls of the Sword Fragrance Department were the elite of the Azure Heaven Association. Issues that individual branches couldn't handle were forwarded to the main headquarters, which then became missions for the Ten Halls.
'Even so, it wouldn't be easy.'
As if reading Namgung Jun's thoughts, Heo Il smiled warmly and added, "Of course, even the Azure Heaven Association has its limits when it comes to roaming the entire Jianghu. There is another secret organization that helps us from the shadows. You will learn about it in due time, Young Master Namgung."
"I understand."
Namgung Jun adjusted the bamboo hat on his head. A martial uniform embroidered with clouds and a simple bamboo hat—this was the standard attire of the Azure Heaven Association.
"You seem to enjoy your drink, Senior Heo."
Namgung Jun glanced at the gourd bottle hanging from Heo Il's waist. Heo Il scratched his head in response.
"Ah, this? It's not that I like it, but rather that I need it when I hold my sword."
Why would he need alcohol to wield a sword?
Namgung Jun was curious, but seeing the faint hint of awkwardness in Heo Il's smile, he decided not to press the matter. Lifting the brim of his hat to look past the mountain peaks, he naturally changed the subject.
"I can see our destination."
Dongling, Anhui Province.
Bordering a tributary of the Yangtze River, it was a bustling hub through which a significant amount of cargo passed.
"Are you familiar with the details of the mission?"
"Yes. We are to investigate the Bae Gong Gang of Dongling."
The Bae Gong Gang was an unorthodox group that had established itself in Dongling. They primarily made a living by collecting tolls from merchants passing through the river or extorting money from commoners under the guise of protection fees.
Lately, however, strange rumors had begun to circulate in Dongling.
'They say commoners who come into contact with the Bae Gong Gang have been disappearing.'
Namgung Jun’s hand rested on the hilt of the sword at his waist.
'I can guess what's happening.'
They were likely forcing people to take out high-interest loans—the infamous King of Hell's Debt. Then, they would continuously extort money disguised as interest until their victims had nothing left to give, at which point they would sell them off.
It wasn't even surprising. It was a classic method of the unorthodox sects.
'Even with the passage of time, the filthy deeds of the unorthodox remain unchanged.'
A cold chill gathered under Namgung Jun's lowered lashes. A martial artist bore the responsibility of the strong. If a blade lacked righteousness, it was not a tool of martial arts, but an instrument of tyranny.
If the Bae Gong Gang had abandoned their responsibility and abused their power, he would force them to face the consequences.
With the very sword in his hand.
Strength surged into Namgung Jun's steps as he walked forward.
*
In a corner of the Dongling dock, a group of rough-looking men were gathered. They were disciples of the Bae Gong Gang.
Among them, a slouching middle-aged man stared intently at the bubbling surface of the water. He was the Vice Leader of the Bae Gong Gang.
"Pull him up!"
At the Vice Leader's command, the other disciples hauled on a rope, dragging a fishing net from the river.
"Gah! Cough!"
Inside the net was not a fish, but a man.
The man heaved violently, coughing up water. His entire body was covered in wounds, likely from thrashing inside the net. After a harsh coughing fit, he went limp, barely able to breathe.
"Hey. Wake up. Choose. Are you going to pay the money, or are you going to sell one of your family members?"
"How… how could you…"
"Let's do this. Hand over your daughter, and we'll waive the interest for the next three months. That'll give you some breathing room. You might even be able to pay back the principal, right?"
"I can't do that…"
Watching the man tremble as he managed to choke out his answer, the Vice Leader smirked. There wasn't a shred of pity in his smile, only the cruel amusement of a child playing with a toy.
"Looks like you haven't swallowed enough water yet."
As the Vice Leader flicked his finger, the disciples began to loosen the rope, preparing to submerge the man again.
"Stop."
A low voice cut through the air, piercing the ears of the Vice Leader and his men.
At the end of their collective gaze stood a boy. He had a slender build, but he did not seem insignificant in the slightest. A deep blue light gleamed from beneath his bamboo hat. His posture was relaxed, one hand resting naturally on the hilt of his sword.
He was no fragile boy; he was unmistakably a swordsman.
While the Bae Gong Gang disciples stared blankly, the Vice Leader scrutinized Namgung Jun’s attire from head to toe.
"The Azure Heaven Association?"
Upon confirming the number of white clouds embroidered on Namgung Jun's sleeve, the Vice Leader's face lit up.
'First Cloud! Judging by his appearance, he's just a greenhorn who recently joined!'
Having made his assessment, the Vice Leader lunged toward the man trapped in the net.
"Ack!"
With a practiced move, he locked his left arm around the man's neck, drew a dagger, and pressed it to his throat.
"They say you hypocrites care so much about the lives of worthless trash like this, don't you?"
"Worthless?"
"Can't you tell just by looking at him?"
The Vice Leader's dagger pricked the man's neck, drawing a bead of blood.
"If you want to save him, drop your sword and get on your knees!"
The Vice Leader threatened Namgung Jun with the ease of long practice. Only then did the other disciples rally, flanking him with sinister smirks. They stood ready to prevent Namgung Jun from trying anything. If they dragged this out, more of their members would hear the commotion and swarm the area. Then, capturing this naive boy would be easy.
"I said, kneel!" the Vice Leader roared.
But Namgung Jun didn't even pretend to listen. He merely asked calmly, "Can you even see it?"
"What—"
The Vice Leader couldn't finish his sentence.
Splurt!
Blood erupted from the exact center of the foreheads of the Vice Leader and every one of his disciples.
Click.
As their lifeless bodies began to tilt, Namgung Jun was already sheathing the sword he had drawn in the blink of an eye.
Thirteen Lightning Flash Sword Thunders.
Third Form, Three Sharps.
Unleashing the Three Sharps in rapid succession, Namgung Jun had slain the Vice Leader and his five men in a single breath. Their heads had been pierced before they could even react.
"Ah…"
The middle-aged man, who had been in the Vice Leader’s chokehold, let out a dazed gasp. The arm around his neck was slowly loosening. Just moments ago, he had braced himself for death, the cold steel of the dagger against his throat. Now, he was suddenly free.
For a brief moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of liberation, as if he had finally escaped the oppressive presence that had shackled his mind and body.
Perhaps because the tension had vanished so suddenly, all strength left his body, and he slumped to the ground.
Namgung Jun helped the man up and asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I am fine, thanks to you, Young Hero."
Staring blankly at Namgung Jun, the man finally seemed to regain his senses and bowed repeatedly.
"Thank you so much. I don't know how I can ever repay this debt."
Even as he expressed his gratitude, his worried gaze flickered to the Vice Leader's corpse. His eyes were a chaotic mix of relief and anxiety.
Reading the fear that still lingered there, Namgung Jun spoke in a gentle voice.
"Do not worry about retaliation."
"Pardon?"
"As of today, the Bae Gong Gang will vanish from Dongling."
Sending a stream of internal energy from his Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula to dispel the man's chill, Namgung Jun stood up.
Watching this from a short distance away, Heo Il's narrow eyes deepened. His right hand, which had slipped into his robe at some point, quietly slid back out.
'There is no hesitation in his strikes. And he is incredibly calm.'
Normally, when encountering such a hostage situation for the first time, one's judgment was bound to waver. The pressure of holding a life in one's hands was not something a newcomer to the Jianghu could easily bear.
That was why Heo Il had deliberately held back. He had been ready to intervene at any moment to save the civilian, but he had wanted to see how Namgung Jun would respond.
Yet, Namgung Jun had not shown a single trace of panic. His judgment and execution were lightning-fast.
'He accurately gauged the difference in skill between himself and his opponents, then boldly executed his plan.'
Having watched Namgung Jun’s duel at the Heavenly Sword Hall, Heo Il knew that the swift sword technique he had just witnessed was not the boy's full power. This meant he had used just enough strength to subdue his opponents, and no more.
'How experienced. His actions don't resemble those of a young newcomer at all. He's full of surprises.'
Stepping up beside Namgung Jun, Heo Il smiled as he toyed with his bamboo hat.
"For this mission, we will move according to your judgment, Young Master. If you ever need help, just say the word."
Originally, Heo Il had intended to lead the mission himself, assigning Namgung Jun tasks while observing him. However, seeing his skillful handling of the situation, Heo Il changed his mind. He felt that this newcomer was more than capable of handling the mission on his own.
"In that case, there is something I would like to ask of you."
"Oh?"
Amusement flickered in Heo Il's narrow eyes. Highly talented newcomers usually tried to resolve their first mission entirely on their own to prove their capabilities. They rarely asked for help. He hadn't expected Namgung Jun to request assistance so readily. Given the boy's extraordinary talent, Heo Il was even more curious about what kind of help he could possibly want.
"Go ahead, let's hear it."
As the two conversed, they continued walking, and the distant signboard of the Bae Gong Gang headquarters drew steadily closer.
Yet, their steps did not falter.