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chapter 69
Naeng Seo-ryang, the chief enforcer of Sipya Castle, made his way to an old shrine halfway up Okhwa Mountain.
He looked around cautiously, ensuring no one was nearby, and then stepped inside the shrine. Once inside, after surveying the surroundings again, he approached the statue of the Deity King.
Pressing the thumb of the statue with his own foot, he triggered a mechanism.
Rrrr!
The statue of the Deity King rotated halfway, revealing a passage behind it.
Naeng Seo-ryang, familiar with the shrine, stepped confidently into the passage. As he entered, the statue returned to its original position as if nothing had moved.
The shrine was silent, as though no one had been there from the beginning.
Following the passage, Naeng Seo-ryang passed an open space and entered a small cave, where he had arranged to meet someone today.
The agreed-upon time had long passed, yet no one appeared.
Naeng Seo-ryang was unaware that the person who had poisoned him was actually Sa Hak-ryeong, the very master he served. Had he known, he probably wouldn’t have come here.
“Why isn’t he coming?”
Of course, it was unlikely that someone already dead would show up.
“Since the lord is dead and I have seized control of Sipya Castle, I should be able to negotiate for the antidote.”
Naeng Seo-ryang waited for Sa Hak-ryeong all night, but in the end, he couldn’t meet anyone and had to return to Sipya Castle.
“Damn it…”
He paced nervously upon returning. He had been taking medicine to suppress the poison for almost two weeks.
The one who had poisoned him had clearly mentioned two weeks, and after that, he feared his body would dissolve into a handful of blood.
“Damn it… why haven’t they shown up yet?”
“Are you talking to me?”
A strange voice suddenly came from behind.
Although he prided himself on his martial arts skill, he hadn’t sensed anyone approaching. A cold sweat ran down his spine.
“Who’s there?”
Naeng Seo-ryang turned and tried to attack the intruder with his martial arts technique, Usu.
Thud!
“You’re impatient, aren’t you?”
The intruder was dressed in black martial attire and a black mask. They easily blocked Naeng Seo-ryang’s attack.
“The poison is spreading, and you want to turn into a handful of blood, don’t you?”
Naeng Seo-ryang instantly sensed that this person, though unfamiliar, belonged to the same group as Sa Hak-ryeong.
“Forgive me.”
As he bowed, he felt an invisible force pressing down on him.
“Ugh!”
He tried to resist, but his knees buckled, his waist collapsed, and his forehead hit the ground. He realized almost immediately that he could not contend with this person.
“This time, I’ll let you off.”
“I was unaware. Please forgive me.”
“You took control of Sipya Castle after Sa Hak-ryeong died, right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. That’s the level of competence I expect.”
The masked figure approached Naeng Seo-ryang and placed a hand on his Myeongmunhyeol (vital acupoint).
Naeng Seo-ryang felt something being drawn from his body.
The figure removed his hand, stepped back, and a black liquid dripped from his palm. The pungent smell filled the air, and the floor seemed to burn slightly.
The poison that had been crippling Naeng Seo-ryang was now neutralized.
“You understand what this means, right?”
The antidote also meant that at any time, this person could kill him.
“I will serve you faithfully.”
“Of course. If you wish to rise in rank, that’s the way to do it.”
The masked figure’s voice carried a hint of temptation.
“And the one I asked you to investigate?”
Naeng Seo-ryang hesitated.
“Did the person change?”
He couldn’t bring himself to admit the truth.
“I appeared because I trust your loyalty. That’s why I removed the poison. Otherwise, your existence, the poison, and the Seomun family would’ve…”
Naeng Seo-ryang quickly explained everything he had discovered.
“They have nothing to do with the Seomun family, except for Jeok Hwa-myeong…”
“By ‘uncertain,’ you mean there isn’t enough time to investigate further?”
“Yes, I’m sorry.”
The masked figure remained silent for a long time, and the heavier the air in the room became, the more fearful Naeng Seo-ryang felt.
“Then, if time permits, you’ll be able to learn more about them?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I’ll give you the chance. Attend the martial arts tournament held by the Martial Alliance and report back to me.”
“Thank you.”
Naeng Seo-ryang felt the oppressive energy lift. He tried to see who it was, but the figure had already vanished.
—Make sure you arrive at the Martial Alliance on time. I don’t have much patience.
From the faint transmission, he realized the figure had already left Sipya Castle.
“Damn it…”
Naeng Seo-ryang muttered curses. Though the poison had been neutralized, he wasn’t happy. He realized he could not escape their grasp.
A man in a black mask lay on the roof of Sipya Castle’s inner courtyard, gazing at the moon.
Frustrated, he removed his mask.
“Finally, I feel alive. I don’t understand why people wear such stifling masks.”
The person who had subdued Naeng Seo-ryang was none other than Geomryeong.
He had limited information: that Naeng Seo-ryang had been poisoned and was acting according to the conspirators, and that he was investigating Jeok Hwa-myeong.
He wanted to ask about the Ma-in, but could not, since he lacked information on Sa Hak-ryeong’s schemes and any misstep might raise suspicion.
“For now, I’ve let him live. Surely, someone is trailing him.”
“Sa Hak-ryeong’s martial arts exceeded normal levels. Being defeated by Ma-in who have lost their reason is impossible.”
Mu-yeong bowed before the closed door.
“Then do you have a suspect?”
It was the same voice he had heard in the carriage by the Yangtze River long ago.
“No particular suspect. Only a handful could have killed Sa Hak-ryeong. But all were confirmed to be far from Junggyeong.”
“So, those capable of killing him have no relation to Sa Hak-ryeong? I see, Mu-yeong, you are indeed incompetent.”
Though the voice was soft and gentle, anyone who knew her understood that speaking incorrectly could cost them their head.
Thump! Mu-yeong bowed deeply.
“Forgive me, Hwa-ryeongju. But I do have a suspect.”
“A suspect?”
“Yes. Jeok Hwa-myeong and his group.”
Hwa-ryeongju narrowed her eyes at the mention of Jeok Hwa-myeong. She knew of him to some extent.
Sa Hak-ryeong was stronger than most knew. Despite the public praise of the “Hundred Martial Masters,” Sa Hak-ryeong was among the strongest. Only he hid his true strength for a purpose.
Hearing that Jeok Hwa-myeong, who did not rank among the top hundred, was involved, irritated her.
“Mu-yeong, are you mocking me?”
“No, Hwa-ryeongju.”
“You know Jeok Hwa-myeong cannot defeat Sa Hak-ryeong, right?”
“Yes, but among his companions is someone who cut the ear of Hyuntaeryeong of the Geompa clan.”
“The one regarding the Shin Chang-ui incident?”
“Yes. Since Jeok Hwa-myeong is in Junggyeong, he will also be there.”
Hwa-ryeongju fell silent, and the longer she stayed silent, the more anxious Mu-yeong became.
“Alright. I’ll trust your words this time, Mu-yeong.”
“Yes, Hwa-ryeongju.”
“Investigate Jeok Hwa-myeong and his companions yourself.”
“I won’t disappoint you.”
“Take care of it, and next time we meet, let’s meet in Wuhun, where the Martial Alliance is located.”
Mu-yeong bowed before leaving.
“Now, who is suitable to take over Sa Hak-ryeong’s duties?”
In Wuhun, Hubei Province, the Martial Alliance held a ten-day martial arts tournament starting on the full moon of August, intended to promote unity, camaraderie, and encouragement among posthumous disciples.
The Martial Alliance tournament had grown in scale over the years, becoming the premier festival of the righteous sects.
Merchants in Wuhun prepared supplies for the visiting crowd, often requesting items from other regions. At this time, trading companies across the Central Plains were especially busy.
Cheonryong Trading Company in Junggyeong was no exception. After preparing goods for delivery, owner Cheon Jin-haeng waited outside for someone.
Seeing a few people approaching, he greeted them.
“Lady Sosa-suk.”
When Cheon Jin-haeng addressed Geomryeong as “Sosa-suk,” everyone looked toward them.
The Hwa-seongyi family patriarch, Yak Jin-yong, also called Geomryeong by the same title, prompting curiosity.
“Have you been waiting long?”
“No, we still have a few preparations. Please rest in the annex; we’ll be ready shortly.”
Cheon Jin-haeng led Geomryeong and his companions to the annex.
“Please wait here. I’ll bring tea.”
Once Cheon Jin-haeng left, Seo Gun-ha asked,
“Is this place connected to her too?”
“No, this place is related to someone else. Just know that.”
Geomryeong didn’t explain further. This location was unrelated to the Martial Alliance, unlike the other two, Hwa-seongyi and Gu Ga Ironworks.
Soon, Cheon Jin-haeng returned with his wife, Jin Sook-ha, carrying tea personally.
“I hope it suits your taste.”
“I eat anything. Please, let’s exchange greetings. This is Cheon Jin-haeng, owner of Cheonryong Trading Company, and this is his wife, Jin Sook-ha.”
“I’m Yoo Ak-gun, bodyguard of the master,” introduced Yoo Ak-gun, followed by Jeok Hwa-myeong and Seo Gun-ha.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Cheon Jin-haeng, and this is my wife, Jin Sook-ha,” said Cheon Jin-haeng.
“Please feel at ease. I’ll check on our departure preparations,” he said, leaving Jin Sook-ha behind in the annex.
—Yak Jin-yong mentioned that the young woman accompanying Lady Sosa-suk seems to be her companion. Keep an eye on her.
Jin Sook-ha, recalling her husband’s words, approached Seo Gun-ha and sat beside him.
“What beautiful skin you have.”
She skillfully started the conversation by mentioning things of interest to women.
While this was happening, Geomryeong, Jeok Hwa-myeong, and Yoo Ak-gun discussed the Martial Alliance’s tournament.
“There are rumors they plan to form a martial group for posthumous disciples.”
“Yes?”
Jeok Hwa-myeong showed interest. Seo Gun-ha, speaking with Jin Sook-ha, also listened attentively.
“Most posthumous disciples from the Gu Pailbang or Ten Major Clans might not participate, but smaller righteous sects and those with connections will likely join.”
“A martial group… then the leader will be decided through the tournament at the Martial Arts Festival?”
“Perhaps, but they appoint leaders from outside the posthumous disciples. Likely from Gu Pailbang or the Ten Major Clans.”
Jeok Hwa-myeong nodded.
“They have too much pride to serve under others,” he commented.
“If such a rumor spreads, posthumous disciples from smaller sects will surely attend to gain recognition.”
“Yes, Master. Opportunities like this are rare, so they treat the tournament as a gateway to advance their skills.”
Geomryeong nodded in understanding.
“What kind of events are held at the Martial Arts Festival?”
“Many. Martial demonstrations by elders, lectures, and more…”
Listening to Yoo Ak-gun, Geomryeong nodded slightly, a faint smile forming on his lips.
“This should be interesting.”
