Chapter 92
Chapter 92
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 92
Chapter Title: The Hao Mun Branch
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A tavern that appeared flashy on the outside. But its true nature was a secret branch of the massive information network that dominated the world.
When a branch's identity was exposed, they would torture the intruder to find out how it happened or eliminate them to cover it up.
It was a scene commonly featured in tales spun by storytellers in back alleys or in collections of rumors and wild stories.
But...
Chui-dal looked back and forth between the tavern keeper and Yang-hui with a baffled expression.
His sworn brother staring at him with a pathetic look.
The tavern keeper holding an abacus and ledger instead of a weapon for a sneak attack.
"You brat. Didn't I tell you to stop reading those rumor rags?"
"Uh... well..."
"It seems the young hero has misunderstood."
The tavern keeper let out a hollow laugh while holding his ledger and abacus, and Yang-hui apologized on Chui-dal's behalf.
"My apologies. This one's still green when it comes to the jianghu."
"Given how people view our Hao Mun, it's understandable. It happens often enough, so I get it."
"Who would've thought this place was a Hao Mun branch, though. We just picked the flashiest tavern in town to unwind, and of all the luck."
"Haha, there's no faction in Taihua worth calling a hegemon. Of course, An-hui province itself falls under the Namgung Clan's domain."
"Ah, now that you mention it, yeah."
"Exactly."
Chui-dal, who couldn't follow the conversation, finally chimed in.
"Brother, what's going on here? You didn't come in knowing this was a Hao Mun branch for sure, did you?"
"You idiot, how would I know where a Hao Mun branch is?"
"...?"
This was why first-timers shouldn't venture into the jianghu.
Believing every rumor you picked up without a filter.
"Let me explain step by step. First off, the Hao Mun doesn't try to silence people just because their cover's blown."
"Hah, but from what I know..."
"That's why what you know and reality are different. Think about it. What's the most famous information network in the world?"
"The Open, right?"
"..."
Well, that was true.
Chui-dal glanced at the tavern keeper's face.
He was still smiling, but there was a subtle hint of wounded pride.
"When it comes to information in the world, it's the Open and the Hao Mun. Being famous for information doesn't just mean buying and selling it—it means they can manipulate it too."
In other words, if the Hao Mun were the type to hide their identity obsessively, their name wouldn't even be known in the first place.
The tavern keeper added his own explanation.
"People often misunderstand because of preconceptions about information networks, but we at the Hao Mun don't hide our branch locations. We need people to come to us to do business, after all."
It sounded reasonable enough on the surface, so Chui-dal nodded.
But his doubts weren't fully cleared.
"Then how did you know this was a Hao Mun branch, Brother?"
"I didn't, I said. I just figured a tavern this flashy and large-scale had to have ties to the Hao Mun. Didn't expect it to be an actual branch."
"Unless there's a powerful sect in the area, Hao Mun branches are usually the flashiest taverns or brothels."
It was an unwritten rule. Designed so clients could easily find the Hao Mun.
"But doesn't that mean you get hassled by experts who come in causing chaos to get information?"
"It happens from time to time, sure. Troublesome customers exist in every business. You just have to deal with it."
"..."
The Hao Mun in Chui-dal's mind was far more secretive and dangerous.
He'd imagined them handling things like an assassin sect.
But reality was utterly different.
"Of course, information networks like what you're thinking do exist. But even knowing their names is limited to a select few."
"The moment their name spreads, they can't really call themselves a secret information network anymore."
The tavern keeper chuckled wryly. Yang-hui watched him for a moment.
'Well... that doesn't mean the Hao Mun is some upright organization.'
Closest to the unorthodox black path. Being generous, neutral at best.
That was the Hao Mun's position in the current jianghu.
Unlike the Open, which dealt in and shared information for justice and righteousness, they did it purely for money.
Unlike the Open with its main headquarters in Kaifeng, the Hao Mun had no central base.
It was run strictly on a compartmentalized cell structure, so raiding one branch wouldn't yield much.
And considering the fallout afterward, it was a loss for any peak expert to attack a Hao Mun branch.
'That's why it's perfect to exploit in this situation.'
"Tavern keeper. Shall we get down to business?"
"I got carried away by how cute the young hero was and forgot myself. What brings you here?"
"Information on the Sword King Tomb. I'm here to sell it."
"Ho. The Sword King Tomb, eh."
The tavern keeper—no, the head of the Hao Mun's Taihua branch—narrowed his eyes.
"That's some awfully expensive intel you're offering. Assuming it's not fake, of course."
"Who'd try to peddle fakes to the Hao Mun of the world? Right?"
"Hard to say. It happens often enough."
A brief silence. In the meantime, Chui-dal sent a transmission.
-Brother. Can we really spill everything on the Sword King Tomb?
-Why not?
-How much are you planning to reveal?
-Everything we know.
The intel Yang-hui's group had was that the Sword King Tomb was in the Baeksu Mountains and a rough map pinpointing the entrance.
Shocked, Chui-dal pressed again.
-Handing it all over is like feeding the rice to the dogs, isn't it?
Not wrong.
The moment they handed it to the Hao Mun, other sects and martial artists would swarm like dogs.
But.
-We can't even get a single spoonful on our own anyway.
Yang-hui's group's strength was one peak expert, three first-rate, and one second-rate.
They had specialties in poison, hidden weapons, and the Divine Throw Lineage, but it was still far short of excavating the tomb themselves.
-Then we gather more forces and come back later, right?
-What if the Namgung Clan gobbles it all up in the meantime? And bringing a large force means the Namgung Clan will notice.
In short, taking the Sword King Tomb with just the Baek Clan Manor and Tang Clan's power was impossible.
Unless they were ready to openly clash with and defeat the Namgung Clan.
-To claim the Sword King Tomb with just our clan and the Tang Clan, we'd need years to build up more power. If the Namgung Clan raids it first? We'd end up like dogs chasing a chicken.
In his past life, the Namgung Clan had announced the Sword King Tomb's existence years from now.
Considering they'd stripped it bare, investigated every nook for leftovers, and only then made it public...
'Time's not on our side.'
-Even so, this is too sudden... Does the Tang Young Clan Leader know?
-Of course.
No matter how reckless he could be, they'd never moved without discussion.
...Probably.
-You discussed it without me?! That's too much!
Yang-hui suppressed a sigh and transmitted back.
-We didn't need to discuss. You tacitly agreed.
-Agreed without saying anything? What kind of nonsense is that!
This guy, really.
Always making me sigh.
-Do you think the Tang fellow sees you as some jianghu newbie?
With their current forces, scouting the Sword King Tomb themselves was impossible.
Gathering more would alert the Namgung Clan and cause huge issues.
If the Namgung Clan found it, it was game over, and there was a time limit.
The Tang Young Clan Leader, who'd led several outings into the jianghu and gained experience, wouldn't be unaware of these constraints.
The moment they'd decided to stab the Namgung Clan in the back, this situation was already assumed.
-So just watch and learn. I brought you along on purpose for that.
Ending the transmission, Yang-hui looked at the tavern keeper. He was still deep in thought.
"You know of it?"
"Impossible not to."
Of course. Even the Namgung Clan would've found their own intel network lacking and turned to the Hao Mun.
When it came to digging through ancient texts for historical info, the Hao Mun outshone the Open. High chance they'd used them.
"Then you know it's worth a fortune."
"Hm. Can't confirm that yet. Verifying authenticity costs quite a bit, as you know."
"Fair enough."
Yang-hui turned to leave without hesitation.
The tavern keeper didn't stop him.
-Brother, I've read this scene before. In novels, they usually grab you. Why not?
Why? The moment they grab you, they lose the negotiation.
"Oh, one more thing before I go."
What Yang-hui pulled from his bosom was a letter he'd taken from the Dragon Subduing Stronghold.
A letter marked "Green Forest Bandit," containing a code phrase to contact the bandits.
The tavern keeper's face hardened.
"This is..."
"Figured a Hao Mun branch head would recognize it."
"Planning to go to the Green Forest?"
"You thought I'd go to the Open instead?"
-Brother, when negotiating with the Hao Mun, threatening to go to the Open is standard if they lowball you.
Quiet, you.
"I don't know what leads you have on the Sword King Tomb, young hero, but the Green Forest is dangerous."
"I know."
"A clue from the Jin Clan Manor won't even budge them."
He even knew about the Jin Clan Manor. Pretty well-informed.
Yang-hui replied calmly nonetheless.
"That too, I know."
The branch head was seasoned enough to read if a client's attitude was genuine or bluff.
'No posturing. This young hero's got something.'
"Hahaha, esteemed customer. Since you've graced us, it's poor form to leave without showing the goods. Come, let's have a drink and change the mood."
The branch head pulled one of the silk cords hanging behind his chair.
Soon, footsteps approached, and a lovely woman in palace attire brought in wine and light appetizers.
"No girls. Just the drinks."
"Tch. You're a tough one."
"Brother, can't I stay?"
Crack!
"Arghhh!"
"You little punk. Flirting already? You'll dry up before you know it."
"..."
The tavern keeper filled each cup to the brim, raised his own, and proposed a toast.
The cups clinked lightly, and he downed his drink in one go.
"Young hero. First, I need to know the big picture you're painting. How do you want to set up the board?"
"Not checking the info first?"
"You showed me the Green Forest contact, so that can wait."
"Very well."
Yang-hui tapped his cup and continued.
"I want to stir up a massive mess."
The branch head immediately grasped his intent.
"Planning to profit as the fisherman, eh?"
"And snag the River East Crossing while we're at it."
"You'll go after the Golden Thread Skin-Shedding too."
"You got it."
The branch head smacked his lips regretfully.
Yang-hui couldn't help a smirk.
"You've got your eye on swallowing it whole in some scenario?"
"Haha... it's no small matter."
That was why he'd shown the Green Forest letter.
To nudge the Hao Mun into selling the info to as many groups as possible instead of hoarding it when he handed it over.
"Alright, show me. At this point, I need to secure my gains."
Yang-hui obligingly pulled out a multi-folded sheet of paper.
A map copied straight from the Jin Clan's.
The branch head studied it for a while before shaking his head.
"Not the real deal. Can't even price it properly—wouldn't buy it in the first place."
"As expected."
Yang-hui's response piqued the branch head's strong interest.
"Ho? Got more?"
"Naturally."
He drew out another piece of paper.
This one wasn't from the Jin Clan—it was what Yeo Un-hyeok had given him before setting out on this journey.
The most crucial clue for setting up the current board.
"Th-this is...!"
The branch head's eyes widened like saucers.