The Fugitive (7)
I hung from the ceiling of the Black Cat Sect Leader's office, smirking as I watched the scene unfold below.
Just as I thought.
After I broke those prisoners out of the Thunder Prison, I'd figured the Black Cat Sect would come chasing after us.
But there was no reaction at all, which struck me as odd. Turns out, the Alliance Leader had ordered them to stand down.
That aside, they sure don't mess around—killing without a second thought.
The Hojeong Division Leader finished off the Black Cat Sect Leader and left without a backward glance.
Now's my chance.
I dropped down lightly and scanned the office.
There had to be something here that could serve as evidence.
I hadn't given up on finding proof. It was just that dealing with the Black Cat Sect while hunting for it at the same time was too much. But if someone else handled them for me? That changed everything.
I could sneak in amid the chaos like this.
With the whole place engulfed in roaring flames, no one else would dare try—but I wasn't "no one else."
Thanks to my Taiyin Ice Sea Divine Art, I could shrug off a bit of fire.
That's why I'd come alone instead of sending someone else.
I checked around the desk.
The desk was smashed, with a gaping hole inside—meaning something had been there.
Yet the Hojeong Division Leader hadn't taken anything with him.
Which meant...
My gaze shifted to the fallen Black Cat Sect Leader.
And just as I reached to search his robes—
Clack!
A hand grabbed my wrist.
I jolted in surprise.
He was definitely dead!
The Sect Leader's eyes trembled open, and in a strained voice, he rasped,
"Wh-who... are you...?"
"Just a traveler passing by."
For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, then spoke to me.
"A favor... In my robes... the envelope... evidence... terror for the world..."
Then his head lolled forward.
Whew, a final burst of clarity before death, huh?
A faint smile lingered on his lips.
He'd instinctively understood from my words.
I might've called myself a passerby, but he knew I was someone who could stick it to the Murim Alliance.
I quickly rummaged through his robes and found the envelope.
This must be the evidence he mentioned.
Makes sense—for the head of a black path sect this size, he'd have some contingency plan.
Too bad he never got to use it before they took him out.
Don't worry, I'll put it to good use for you.
I also pocketed all the valuables he'd stashed away. No sense letting good money go up in smoke, right?
Right?
- Cheep!
Geumryeong cheeped in agreement with my thoughts.
"Geumryeong, anything valuable left behind?"
"Cheep!"
Geumryeong swiftly sniffed out hidden treasures all over the room, and I collected them one by one.
Whoosh!
The flames were closing in fast.
Time to go.
"Geumryeong! Let's move!"
"Cheep!"
I sauntered out leisurely and looked back at the blazing Black Cat Sect.
Seeing it like this stirred complicated feelings.
The Snow Wind Palace probably met the same end.
After I died, did the Eunhae Merchant Group go down in flames too?
I shook my head.
Probably not—they'd have been too valuable to destroy, even if they killed everyone off.
Just like they did to me.
.
.
.
.
I returned to our campsite.
There weren't any good spots nearby to hole up, so our group was camping out.
The body might ache a bit, but it was easier on the mind this way.
The next morning.
The Hojeong Division Leader, who'd wiped out the Black Cat Sect, came to see us.
"You can rest easy now. The Black Cat Sect is completely eradicated."
"Thank you."
"To think you'd avenge our grudge like this!"
He brushed it off casually.
"Just doing what needed to be done. You've all been through hell—head to the Murim Alliance and recover properly."
I stepped in smoothly.
"We appreciate the consideration. But we're planning to stay at an inn nearby."
"An inn?"
"Yes. As you can see, no one's in shape for a long trip. Resting close by seems wisest. Please don't take our refusal the wrong way."
He looked a touch flustered but nodded.
"My thinking was shortsighted. How could I be offended? I'll let the Alliance Leader know."
"Thank you."
"Ahem. I hear you've contacted the imperial palace too."
"Yes, that's right."
I lied straight to his face without flinching.
"But since you've handled them all, I'll send word that the treason threat is over."
"Ahem. Much obliged. It'd be a hassle if His Majesty got bothered over something this minor."
"I'll see to it."
"Oh, do you need escorts? Even for protection, a few warriors might help."
"We're fine."
I smiled and declined.
"I've got my guards. As you know, we can handle ourselves."
Why's he so persistent? Just give up and go already.
"No need to worry—head back. If you're that concerned, escort us to the nearest inn."
"Very well, then."
He accepted my offer like he'd been waiting for it.
I didn't love it, but tossing him this bone should satisfy him enough to back off.
We packed up and headed to a nearby village inn under their escort.
Come to think of it, first time heading there.
Not long ago, I'd heard some fun news.
Mun Juseong, the young master I met while rescuing the Bok Si-ryeong Division in Shaanxi Province, had opened a Yeochun Inn branch near Mount Song of Shaolin.
With cleanliness as their top priority, everyone should be happy staying there.
Mun Juseong really started getting lucky from the mid-game onward.
Of course, he had the business smarts to back it up.
No amount of luck lasts without talent to sustain and grow it.
Two days later, we arrived in the village near Mount Song.
We could've gone faster, but I dragged it out on purpose.
To show off how rough shape the people I'd rescued were in.
I'd even told them to play up their frailty and fake some symptoms.
"Staying in this village?"
"Yes."
I'd sent Palgap ahead to Yeochun Inn, and he soon returned.
"Young master! Good news—they have rooms!"
"Perfect."
"I booked all the remaining ones."
"Well done."
We arrived at Yeochun Inn and bid farewell to the Hojeong Division Leader.
"Thank you so much for escorting us."
"Take care of yourselves."
"We really should stop by the Alliance to thank the Leader in person, but we're pressed for time—please pass along our apologies."
"No need for apologies. These things happen. The Leader isn't the petty type."
"Of course. Just being cautious."
Hey, a little humblebrag is my specialty.
We exchanged goodbyes, and he turned away without hesitation.
I chuckled inwardly watching him go.
Suspicion fully dispelled.
I glanced at the people I'd rescued as they entered the inn, thinking,
Definitely not your average folk.
Seemed like this Thunder Prison stint had added a few more sly foxes to their ranks.
I told the waiter,
"Prepare washing water for each room. And make the meals as soft as possible, please."
I handed over a gold coin.
"...!"
The waiter jumped, eyes wide.
Gold coins weren't exactly common at inns.
"Paying upfront."
"S-sir, this is too much!"
"It's fine. We'll be staying a while."
"In that case, very well."
He nodded and took the coin.
I surveyed the Yeochun Inn Mount Song branch.
Neatly dressed staff. Spotless interior, not a speck of dust.
Nice.
Guess I'll go shopping for clothes.
The rescued group's rags wouldn't cut it—they needed fresh outfits.
That evening.
After warm baths and new clothes, everyone looked refreshed and radiant.
They filled up on soft porridge and expressed their gratitude.
"To think you'd go this far for us—truly thankful."
"I'll never forget this grace."
"Once I'm back home, I'll repay you properly."
Their words warmed me unexpectedly.
Feels like coins jingling into my pocket already.
All I did was save them because I couldn't just leave them be.
"As expected of the Swordsman Beauty!"
"No one suits that title like you."
"..."
Why does Seonhyeopmirang still feel so awkward?
As I chatted with them, feeling a bit embarrassed, the Fugitive came down from upstairs.
"Brother! Master's regained consciousness."
"Ah! That's great."
"And Master wants to see you."
.
.
.
A moment later.
I entered the room the Fugitive shared with his master.
The middle-aged man on the bed tried to rise.
I stopped him.
"Don't push yourself! You're not fully recovered yet."
He shook his head.
"I'm fine. Not only did you free me from the Thunder Prison, you even gave me the antidotal herb—saving my life. Truly grateful."
"Glad you're on the mend."
"A debt too great to repay. I don't even know how."
"No need to think that way. Just focus on getting better."
"You're the Seonhyeopmirang incarnate. And to think someone tried to steal your title!"
The Fugitive scratched his cheek.
"I've confessed all my misdeeds to Master."
I nodded slightly.
Not easy to do. Impressive.
"Thanks to you, brother, I've reflected a lot and learned much."
He knelt before me.
"I was a fool. From this moment, I renounce the title of Fugitive."
"Does that mean you're quitting as the Fugitive?"
"Yes. Now that I've found Master again, no reason to wander the empire anymore."
His eyes were dead serious.
"And I'll return every title I stole."
His master continued.
"If compensation's needed, we'll provide it."
"I see."
"To repay your life-saving grace—and cover for my foolish disciple—I'll hand over one of our family's businesses."
"Pardon?"
I waved my hands hurriedly.
"No need for that!"
"Nonsense. It's the least I can do. Without you, I'd have died in that prison. And this rascal? He'd have run wild, piled up karma, and died a dog's death. Our family line would've ended, businesses snatched by others."
"..."
You know it well.
That's exactly how it went.
"You averted that future, so one business is a small price."
I sighed and clasped my hands in respect.
"Very well, I'll accept. What business is it?"
"An inn in Fuzhou, Fujian Province."
"..."
I was speechless for a moment. But I'd already agreed.
"One request."
"What is it?"
"Even after handing it over, keep it secret that I'm the owner."
The Fugitive's master agreed readily.
"Easy enough."
An unexpected inn, but it'd prove invaluable down the line.
"By the way, what's your connection to the Murim Alliance?"
"Pardon? Why do you ask?"
"Do you trust them?"
Something's up.
"They call me a hero of the martial world, but at heart, I'm a merchant."
I continued.
"Merchants don't trust easily. But I always keep my own word. Does that answer you?"
"It does."
His eyes grew solemn.
"Be wary of the Murim Alliance."
"...!"
There's definitely something.
"Someone in it you can't trust."
.
.
.
I left the room.
The Fugitive walked beside me.
"Haven't eaten yet, right? Join Master for a meal."
"Got it. Thanks for looking out. Brother."
"Fugitive bro."
He shook his head at my call.
"No more Fugitive. Call me by my name: Ugeok."
"Alright, Ugeok."
I went on.
"So, what about our title showdown?"
He grinned.
"It ends here. I lose. Only you suit Seonhyeopmirang."
The Fugitive—no, Ugeok—said,
"From now on, I'll serve you as big brother for life. Even if you say no."
Figured as much.
Got an inn out of it—can't deny him the 'brother' bit now.
"Do as you like."
"Thank you, Swordsman Beauty brother!"
"..."
Jeong Ho hyung. Feel free to be thrilled.
I kept the Seonhyeopmirang title.
Sorry, though.
You told me not to cause trouble, but this was unavoidable.
At least I cleaned up nicely after.