Clue (2)
That night at midnight, Man Jongrim, the leader of the 12th Division and a grim wandering swordsman, was waiting with his Division 1 members in the western forest for someone who was supposed to appear.
Division 1's leader, Do Mu-gon, kept his guard up in all directions and spoke in a low voice.
"This is far too suspicious, Division Leader. If they know we're pursuing the Blood Sect, doesn't that mean we've already been exposed? It's highly likely this is a trap."
Man Jongrim snorted.
"Hmph! Afraid, are you? So what if it's a trap? That would only mean we've found the Blood Sect bastards for real."
Do Mu-gon barely restrained the surge of anger in his chest.
What an irresponsible remark.
Even if they "find" them this way, what use would that be?
If they all died, it would mean nothing.
Could Man Jongrim seriously think they could handle Great Demon Ma Jeo ungwon, whose inner strength was said to exceed ninety years, along with three other peak-level experts, with only this small force?
And if those who summoned them here really were Blood Sect followers, then it wasn't they who found the enemy—but the enemy who had already found them.
Do Mu-gon felt a deep, gnawing unease.
Coming here with Man Jongrim was something he regretted bitterly.
Whether Man Jongrim noticed his subordinate's turmoil or not, he muttered to himself:
"It must be nearly the third watch by now. Where are they supposed to appear from?"
Truthfully, Man Jongrim's own heart wasn't at ease either.
For their foes to know they were pursuing Great Demon Ma… who exactly could the other party be?
And if those people weren't really informants trying to deliver information about the Great Demon, then tonight could become an extremely dangerous night indeed.
If they know our purpose, it could only be the 11th or 13th Divisions. But it can't be them. Then perhaps the Martial Alliance, or the Blood Sect itself. Otherwise, someone who acquired information from the Hao Clan…
Man Jongrim actually thought the last was most likely—that the informants were Hao Clan people.
But he refused to admit that possibility aloud.
If he did, the blame would fall on him for telling the Hao Clan about the Great Demon in the first place, despite Do Mu-gon's opposition.
For the sake of his pride, admitting it was impossible.
They were on edge, keeping a wary watch on all sides, when suddenly—
Rustle… rustle…
The sound of grass being brushed aside reached them from one part of the forest.
Footsteps.
Martial artists. Quite a number of them, approaching.
Man Jongrim quickly whispered:
"12th Division! Prepare for battle!"
Shrring! Clang! Clang!
All of the division members immediately drew their weapons.
From the opposite side, about thirty black-clad, masked men appeared.
That was far too many for Man Jongrim's group to handle.
Grinding his teeth, he shouted low:
"Who goes there?!"
No answer came back.
Instead, a question:
"Are you the ones pursuing the Blood Sect's demons?"
That instantly softened Man Jongrim's hostility.
If they asked that, they surely weren't Blood Sect.
He asked again, his tone a little gentler.
"We are. Who are you to know this?"
The masked men didn't answer immediately. They seemed to be deliberating.
Then, the one at the front stepped forward and pulled off his mask.
"If you're truly the ones chasing the Blood Sect's demons, then I can trust you. I am Gu Yu-sang of the Righteous Alliance."
Even under the dark night sky, his silver hair and pale, handsome face seemed to shine.
At his name, Man Jongrim's eyes widened.
"Gu Yu-sang? The White Jade Dragon of the Righteous Alliance, Gu Yu-sang?"
The young man smiled faintly in reply. His smile seemed almost to radiate light.
"Some flatter me with that title. Now, may I know senior's identity?"
The White Jade Dragon, Gu Yu-sang, was known as one of Sichuan's most famous rising stars.
In his twenties, he had already reached the peak realm and earned the title of "Dragon." Combined with his extraordinary looks, he was known throughout Sichuan as the "First Young Master."
He was also rumored to be the secret personal disciple of the Righteous Alliance leader.
Encountering Gu Yu-sang erased all of Man Jongrim's suspicions.
A righteous sect prodigy, clearly pursuing the Blood Sect as well—such a man could be trusted.
"Oh! To think I'd meet a young hero of the righteous path here! Delighted! I am Man Jongrim, leader of the 12th Division of the Flying Dragons!"
Division 1's Do Mu-gon started in alarm, trying to stop him.
"Division Leader!"
But it was already too late.
Gu Yu-sang's eyes lit with a curious gleam.
"Ho? Then you are none other than Grim Wanderer Man Jongrim of the 12th Division?"
"Indeed. I am he. We've chased the Blood Sect demon Great Demon Ma all the way here."
Gu Yu-sang smiled brightly.
"As expected. Your reputation is well deserved."
Flattered, Man Jongrim cleared his throat.
"Hem-hem. Just an empty name. Still—do you truly have information on them?"
Gu Yu-sang nodded sharply, his eyes gleaming.
"Yes. While investigating the Yun Clan estate not long ago, we discovered unknown masters entering. Witnesses even claimed to sense demonic energy from them. From your words, they must surely be Great Demon Ma's group."
Man Jongrim's eyes shone.
"Is that true?! They went into the Yun Clan estate?!"
"Yes. They were led by a large, imposing man. It must be them."
At this, Man Jongrim's face lit up brighter than it had in days.
"Oho! We've found them at last! Wahahahaha! See, Mu-gon! Didn't I say it would be the Yun Clan estate?!"
But Do Mu-gon still didn't relax, and asked Gu Yu-sang:
"Forgive me, Young Master, but how can we trust your words? And how did you learn of us?"
Gu Yu-sang smiled confidently.
"Ah, I obtained your information from the Hao Clan. By coincidence, I also had business with them. Fate, perhaps. As for proof—well, the fact that I too have pursued the Blood Sect demons here should be proof enough. But if that is not enough, why not confirm it together? I was planning to ambush them when an opportunity arose. Let us move together. What do you say, senior?"
Gu Yu-sang's words were addressed not to Do Mu-gon, but to Man Jongrim.
And Man Jongrim, now thoroughly charmed and convinced, could hardly refuse.
"Of course! In fact, I was about to propose the same! Wahahahaha!"
Do Mu-gon's expression was bitter, but he had no authority to overrule.
The Rogue Quarters of Mount Sword Sect
Among the wandering fighters gathered there, someone suddenly addressed Hae Cheong-yeon.
"Lady Yeon! Might you spare me a moment of your time?!"
The voice was bold and self-assured.
And to dare request time from Heaven's Peerless Beauty, Yeon Hae herself!
Every rogue's eyes turned toward the speaker in shock.
What they saw was a slick-faced fop.
He had a handsome enough face, wore fine clothes, and bore an expression of extreme arrogance.
The rogues' gazes were not kind.
They had spent days watching Yeon Hae from afar, not daring to approach. Yet this newcomer appeared and brazenly asked her for time.
It was outrageous.
Still, the rogues couldn't help but glance at Yeon Hae nervously.
What if, by some ill luck, she agreed?
But Yeon Hae, expression indifferent, gave a natural reply.
"No."
Her firm refusal made the rogues snicker and burst into laughter.
The man's face flushed red, then pale, before he forced a stiff reply.
"My lady, you must not know who I am. I am none other than the nephew of Sect Leader Heo Gyeong of Mount Sword Sect!"
Yeon Hae regarded him flatly and asked:
"And?"
The watching rogues could no longer hold back their laughter. They laughed aloud, delighted.
The man's face contorted in anger as he shouted:
"You are nothing but a mere rogue, while I am the nephew of the Mount Sword Sect's leader! If you wish to live well here, you cannot ignore me, Heo Yun-gu! Do I have to spell it out for you?!"
At this, the rogues shook their heads in disdain.
"I thought he was a little crazy. Turns out he's completely insane."
"For such trash to be the sect leader's nephew—this sect must be doomed."
Their gazes turned scornful. Yeon Hae, too, looked ready to dismiss him with a weary expression—
The rogues' gazes had now turned nearly to contempt, and Hae Cheong-yeon herself was about to give a tired reply when someone suddenly cut in for her.
"Then if Lady Yeon were to leave Mount Sword Sect, that would settle everything, wouldn't it?"
At the sudden interjection, Heo Yun-gu sputtered in shock.
"W-what?! Who are you to dare intrude in my conversation with the lady?!"
But the man ignored him, smiling slyly as he went on.
"Hm. I hear the Righteous Alliance has already dispatched three peak masters and a thousand troops toward Guizhou to avenge the last battle. Meanwhile, Mount Sword Sect's promised reinforcements from the Yun Clan estate have yet to arrive. And if, in the midst of this, the sect leader's nephew drives away the Five Eagle Siblings—the greatest contributors to the last battle—because of his lust for a woman…"
He swept his gaze meaningfully over the gathered rogues.
"I guarantee you, more than half of those rogues gathered here came to Mount Sword Sect just to see Lady Yeon. The rest, most likely, came for the reputation of the Five Eagle Siblings. If they leave, at least half the rogues here will scatter—perhaps all of them. What then? Still think that would be fine?"
"W-what?"
Heo Yun-gu was utterly shaken. He had never thought that far ahead.
The man's smile deepened as he spoke to the now pale-faced Heo Yun-gu.
"On the eve of a battle that could decide Mount Sword Sect's survival, rogues desert en masse because of a lustful nephew? If I were Sect Leader Heo Gyeong, I would dismember that nephew's body into five pieces and beg Lady Yeon for forgiveness. So then… what are your thoughts, nephew?"
At those words, Heo Yun-gu's face drained from white to deathly blue.
"I… I…"
He stammered, at a loss, then suddenly turned and fled at full speed—
as though his very life were at stake.
The rogues burst into raucous laughter at his disgraceful retreat.
"Pwahahaha! Look at him run!"
"Hey! Nephew of the sect leader! Where are you going in such a hurry? Don't you have to continue your conversation with Lady Yeon?!"
"My lady, won't you spare me a little time? Seems like the only time he could spare was to run away! Khahahahaha!"
The man who had so easily chased him off chuckled faintly as he watched Heo Yun-gu's fleeing back.
Then Hae Cheong-yeon addressed him.
"Thank you for stepping in. You spoke better than I expected."
The one who had helped was Je Won-yeong, known as the youngest of the Goesan Four Swords, a rogue from Zhejiang who had come alongside the Five Eagle Siblings. He smirked in reply.
"I may not be as clever as you or Young Master Seonu, but I'm not so dull either. And… in matters I take to heart, I tend to do even better."
At his meaningful words, Hae Cheong-yeon frowned slightly.
"Matters you take to heart?"
Je Won-yeong looked at her intently with deep eyes, then broke into another sly smile as he turned away.
"You'll see. Soon enough."
It was a cryptic answer.
But Hae Cheong-yeon felt she could more or less guess what he meant.
Though not particularly gifted in matters of emotion, she had received enough looks like his in her life to recognize one when she saw it.
Still, she soon shifted her attention away from him and turned her thoughts to other matters.
By now, the name Heaven's Peerless Beauty, Yeon Hae, had spread so widely that rogues were flocking here just for a glimpse of her.
Which meant, surely, the Blood Sect would have heard of her as well.
She returned to her team and said:
"We've scattered the bait and spread enough scent. Now… shall we cast the hook?"
At her words, Seol Pung and the others rose to their feet.
It was time to begin the hunt.
That evening, the Five Eagle Siblings and the Goesan Four Swords went out together.
Officially, it was just to stroll through the streets of Inhoe and have dinner. Many rogues looked eager to follow them, but the fierce glare of Bae Jong-gwan quickly killed that notion.
Once outside, finally alone, Cheon Ju-eun stretched with a big yawn of relief.
"Ahh! Now I can finally breathe!"
Her tiny frame, so petite that her outstretched arms barely reached the height of an average man, looked so cute that Na Seo-yu gazed at her dotingly as he asked:
"Why? Feeling stifled? I thought you wanted to taste a bit of fame before."
Cheon Ju-eun shook her head vigorously.
"Ugh, I had no idea people's stares could feel this suffocating. I couldn't even change my expression without thinking about it."
She even shivered as if the memory disgusted her, and Na Seo-yu patted her head, chuckling.
"Still, it's not as bad as for Young Master Seonu or Young Master Bi, who have to stay hidden all the time, right?"
"Hehe, true enough."
Seonu jin, Bi Sa-yeong, and even Sak Muhun were still concealed, circling quietly around the group.
Inside Mount Sword Sect, they had taken turns keeping hidden. But now, outside in the streets, all three shadowed the party from a distance.
Cheon Ju-eun, with a mischievous glint, bowed her head toward the direction she guessed they were in.
"Forgive my spoiled complaints."
Watching her antics with amusement, Je Won-yeong suddenly addressed Hae Cheong-yeon.
"Are you all right, my lady? Truthfully, most eyes are on you."
Hae Cheong-yeon met his gaze. She had noticed all along that he was lingering near her, pretending otherwise, yet focusing only on her.
She could guess the reason, but she answered calmly.
"I'm rather used to it. Since I let my bangs down, I've been free of it for a while, but a short time like this I can endure."
Je Won-yeong smiled knowingly.
"With your beauty, of course it must have been that way. It must have been hard."
"No. Thanks to my parents and sisters, it wasn't so bad."
Her tone was flat.
A timid man would have shrunk back at such coldness.
But Je Won-yeong was anything but timid.
He smirked and pressed on.
"Now that your parents and sisters aren't here, you'll need others. Allow me to do my utmost to ease your burdens."
It was a loaded remark.
Hae Cheong-yeon regarded him silently.
Most men wilted under her gaze, unable to meet her eyes.
But Je Won-yeong returned her stare boldly, even more direct and intense than his words.
He was overflowing with confidence.
At last, she spoke first.
"May I ask what exactly you mean by that?"
Je Won-yeong answered without hesitation.
"Exactly what I said. That I'll do my best to protect you, to make sure you're never troubled."
Hae Cheong-yeon considered pressing him further, but let it drop.
Je Won-yeong was like his Sail Sword Art—direct, straightforward, and powerful.
No wonder he clashed with sly Ma Yu-gyeom, who was the opposite in temperament.
His frank gaze pierced her so strongly that she found herself looking away first.
The intensity of his eyes unsettled her.
She had met countless men who showed their affection through looks, but this was different.
And thinking of him reminded her of Seonu jin, shadowing behind.
He was the complete opposite of Je Won-yeong—
and even after seeing her true face, he still treated her like a simple friend.
At last, Hae Cheong-yeon had to admit it to herself.
Perhaps she had been arrogant.
She had thought Seonu jin, like all others, would never be able to look away once he saw her face—that it would become bothersome.
But he never did.
Her famed beauty, which unmoored everyone else, never changed his attitude.
Her thoughts tangled.
And then—
Crash!
"Kyaaa!"
"Aaah!"
Suddenly, from a nearby tavern, came the sound of splintering wood and screams.
"You dare serve me this slop and then demand money?!"
A rough-looking rogue was smashing tables and chairs as he roared.
The situation was plain to see.