-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: Henan Escort Bureau
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Namgung Jin subtly reached out toward Jo Seol-yeon. He intended to share some of his qi with her. A master of his caliber could transfer qi even while sprinting at full speed. Of course, doing so required physical contact.
Thud!
Jo In's hand intercepted Namgung Jin's arm.
"What do you think you're doing?"
As Jo In glared, Namgung Jin awkwardly withdrew his hand with an embarrassed look.
"I was just going to give her a bit of qi. To help out Young Lady Jo, even if only a little..."
"Forget it. I'll handle her. Just leave it be. And it looks like we're almost at our destination anyway."
At Jo In's words, Namgung Jin and Paeng Cheol-yeong turned their heads. Sure enough, the group's overall pace was gradually slowing. Naturally, Jegal Jung-cheon was the one directing the entire formation. The Azure Dragon Unit warriors began reducing speed in response to his hand signals.
Only then did a faint tension ripple through the air. They all knew exactly why they'd come this far—and what situation they were walking into. After all, they were martial artists who lived by the blade.
As the mood shifted in an instant, Jo Seol-yeon pulled Jo In and Sama Cheol aside to a corner. She clearly felt uncomfortable lingering near Namgung Jin and Paeng Cheol-yeong.
The Martial Alliance warriors, having come to a full stop, pushed through the dense trees and underbrush. They arrived at a towering cliff.
"Impressive."
Dugun Un muttered as Jegal Jung-cheon scanned the surroundings with a grave expression. Massive boulders lay scattered amid splintered trees everywhere. From the looks of it, part of the cliff had collapsed, crushing the forest beneath.
A few Martial Alliance warriors leaped ahead to scout near the cliff.
"There's a cave here!"
Hearing that, Dugun Un and Jegal Jung-cheon instantly vaulted forward to stand before the cave entrance.
"This doesn't quite match the description, does it?"
"You're right. It mentioned the cliff, but we were supposed to open a hidden door behind it, not enter a cave..."
"Hold on a moment."
Before Jegal Jung-cheon could finish, Dugun Un spun around, glaring at a certain spot.
"Looks like we have uninvited guests."
Dugun Un's meaning was clear.
"Everyone, prepare!"
Clang clang clang!
At Jegal Jung-cheon's shout, the Azure Dragon Unit warriors moved with perfect coordination. Swords drawn in a flash, they formed a defensive sword formation, eyes scanning every direction.
The Victory Dragon Unit moved far more sluggishly by comparison. Yet their sharp gazes gleamed, ready to strike at any moment.
"Come on out!"
Dugun Un's voice boomed like thunder, infused with such deep inner power that it seemed to shake the entire forest.
"Hahaha! The Mountain Breaking Sword lives up to his name!"
A booming laugh echoed from beside the cliff as a burly man emerged. His face screamed bandit, and a massive cleaver—big as a man's torso—hung from his back.
His laughter served as a signal. Bandits began pouring out from between the trees, all with savage faces and wielding weapons as varied as their numbers.
"Greenwoods Bandits."
Jegal Jung-cheon swept his piercing gaze over them. But that wasn't all. Among the bandits appeared others—clad in black robes, their numbers rivaling the outlaws.
"The Demonic Alliance has joined them."
Jegal Jung-cheon frowned. Still, he wasn't overly concerned. Even if they combined forces, the Black Tortoise Unit striking from behind would ensure an overwhelming victory.
"Hahahaha! Still got that confident look, old man Jegal!"
The man clinging to the cliff drew the cleaver from his back.
"You don't think this is all of us, do you? Huh? Old man Jegal?"
The Martial Alliance warriors were stunned by his words. Even this many foes promised a tough fight—what if there were even more? No one could guarantee survival.
Tension swept through the area.
Dan Hyeong-u had trailed the Martial Alliance warriors to the cliff vicinity before halting. On second thought, he couldn't fathom why he'd followed them at all.
"Why did I even come this far?"
Dan Hyeong-u muttered blankly, eyes drifting shut—only to snap open. He sensed presences approaching his position, exuding razor-sharp killing intent.
An ordinary person might not detect it, but Dan Hyeong-u was no ordinary man. In a hell where missing even the faintest killing intent meant death, he'd survived.
"Numbers... around thirty."
Dan Hyeong-u simply stood there. Whatever they were after had nothing to do with him. Above all, their killing intent wasn't aimed at him.
In an instant, thirty shadows engulfed his spot. They startled at the sight of him and swung their swords wildly—never expecting anyone there.
No time for thought. He had to kill them before they could cry out.
Shiak!
A sharp sword severed Dan Hyeong-u's neck. The attacker confirmed the clean cut. But his eyes widened in shock as Dan Hyeong-u's form dissolved like mist.
"Form Swap?"
Movement so swift it left afterimages. Then, lightning crashed before the man's eyes.
Flash!
Dan Hyeong-u sheathed his sword at his waist. Around him, thirty bodies lay in chunks. No blood flowed—just scorch marks like from a blaze.
"Peaceful again."
Dan Hyeong-u walked slowly onward. Such places weren't for him. Even in that hell, he'd rested in clean spots. His form melted into the surroundings once more.
He reappeared far away and stopped again. Standing with arms at his sides, he blended so naturally he seemed part of the landscape.
"Noisy."
Dan Hyeong-u turned toward the cliff. Countless people clashed there. None concerned him—except one.
He checked on Jo Seol-yeon. She was unharmed so far. And unlikely to be injured anytime soon.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Kaaak!"
Another life ended with a dying scream. Most Greenwoods Bandits now bled out on the ground, while Demonic Alliance warriors bore wounds great and small. It was a one-sided slaughter. The Black Tortoise Unit's ambush played a huge role.
Attacking the Demonic Alliance and bandits from behind, they'd shattered their formation before it could form.
"Uwaaaah! Why aren't they coming?!"
The bandit leader roared at the cliff's base, swinging his cleaver with terrifying momentum. He couldn't comprehend it. His allies were supposed to strike together— he'd joined for them, trusted the plan because of them. Their absence meant this carnage was inevitable.
Several Azure Dragon Unit warriors fell to his fury. Dugun Un leaped before him at the sight.
"Isn't it time to end this?"
The bandit leader laughed wildly at Dugun Un's words.
"Hahaha! Don't make me laugh!"
He charged, and Dugun Un hefted the heavy cleaver.
Kaboom!
A fierce explosion scattered sword qi fragments everywhere. Nearby warriors hurriedly retreated.
Kaboom!
Boom! Boom!
Consecutive blasts rang out, and the bandit leader's head soared skyward. Impressive for a mere bandit chief, but far short of matching Mountain Breaking Sword Dugun Un.
With his head gone, the remaining bandits and Demonic Alliance fled. The Black Tortoise Unit pursued.
"Alliance Leader, well fought."
Jegal Jung-cheon approached, and Dugun Un gave a wry smile.
"What did I even do? Any casualties?"
"No, lighter than expected. Deploying the Black Tortoise Unit covertly was key."
Dugun Un nodded.
"Then it's time to see the Heavenly Qi Master's secret weapon."
Chapter 2
Henan Escort Bureau
Dan Hyeong-u's eyes snapped open.
"Heavenly Qi Master?"
Dugun Un's words echoed in his mind. He'd clearly heard the name. Dan Hyeong-u's form melted away again.
He reappeared at the cliff base. But no one remained. The Martial Alliance warriors had efficiently cleaned up and moved behind the cliff.
Dan Hyeong-u walked slowly toward the gathering crowd.
"Huh? That guy?"
The familiar voice hit as he arrived. Dan Hyeong-u turned toward it. Jo Seol-yeon gazed at him, beaming with joy.
All eyes turned to Dan Hyeong-u.
"Over here! Here!"
Jo Seol-yeon waved enthusiastically. Dan Hyeong-u paused at the sight, then walked toward her.
The Martial Alliance warriors began murmuring. Those from the first floor of the Drunken Cloud Tower recognized him instantly.
"What brings you here? You didn't follow us, did you?"
"Is the Heavenly Qi Master here?"
"Huh? Heavenly Qi Master?"
Jo Seol-yeon's face twisted in confusion at Dan Hyeong-u's question. She'd truly followed without knowing anything. But the others weren't so innocent. Their eyes grew cold and sharp.
Sensing the danger, Sama Cheol stepped forward hastily.
"Why seek the Heavenly Qi Master here? He's been dead for a decade."
Dan Hyeong-u's form flickered at Sama Cheol's words.
"Dead...?"
He couldn't believe it—no, he didn't want to. In an instant, his life's purpose vanished.
"Whatever your reason, he's not here."
Dan Hyeong-u stood motionless. A sense of emptiness emanated from him. No one around could even perceive it—they simply mirrored it, bodies growing languid, a vague loss weighing on them.
This aura even dissolved the warriors' hostility.
"A-Are you okay?"
Jo Seol-yeon asked cautiously. Only then did the void qi from Dan Hyeong-u cease. Everyone regained composure instantly.
Dan Hyeong-u nodded faintly. Jo Seol-yeon smiled radiantly, relieved.
Dan Hyeong-u stared at her smile. Her face flushed crimson in a heartbeat. She shyly turned her head.
Dan Hyeong-u looked up at the sky. The Heavenly Qi Master was dead—he had to let it go without regret. An ordinary man couldn't sever it so cleanly, but he could.
"Then I need to find the others."
Dan Hyeong-u muttered to himself. Jo Seol-yeon overheard, her eyes sparkling.
"Looking for someone?"
She stepped closer. Dan Hyeong-u nodded, and she glanced pleadingly at Sama Cheol and Jo In, eyes twinkling.
Sama Cheol and Jo In exchanged wry smiles. How could they refuse that adorable expression? If tears welled in those sparkling eyes, the heartbreak would be unbearable.
"Care to work at the escort bureau?"
Sama Cheol offered, and Dan Hyeong-u stared blankly. It was the utmost courtesy he could extend. But Dan Hyeong-u didn't even know what an escort bureau was.
"Escort bureau?"
His unchanging expression made his thoughts hard to read. Sama Cheol glanced at expectant Jo Seol-yeon, then back.
"Not interested in escort work?"
Jo Seol-yeon shot Dan Hyeong-u a worried look. She knew the Henan Escort Bureau wasn't for just anyone.
"What's an escort bureau?"
Jo Seol-yeon blinked blankly, then giggled softly. But his stoic face confirmed it was no joke.
"Well, an escort bureau is..."
Jo Seol-yeon patiently explained. Listening, Dan Hyeong-u grasped what it was and who they needed. He was exceptionally bright—without sharp wits, the Heavenly Qi Master wouldn't have chosen him.
He pondered. It involved traveling everywhere. Though only a day back in the world, he knew finding his targets would be grueling amid billions of people.
Dan Hyeong-u nodded faintly.
"Sure."
Jo Seol-yeon beamed like a child.
"Great! You'll definitely find who you're looking for. And earn money too, heehee."
She grinned at him. Dan Hyeong-u gazed back. It felt like there should be words for this, but none came to mind.
"Thank you for going along with what I wanted."
Her words made Dan Hyeong-u's eyes widen slightly. Exactly that.