Chapter 292 – People Who Are Meant to Meet Will Meet (2)

The man was extremely thin. He was so emaciated that his cheekbones protruded sharply and his eyes were deeply sunken, adding to his sinister appearance.

Most striking of all was the clothing the man wore. The man's attire was exceedingly strange. It was reddish-brown and resembled a blood-colored windbreaker robe, but it writhed on its own even without any wind. It looked exactly like a living creature.

The man was kneeling on one knee, examining the traces remaining on the ground. His eyes gleamed eerily.

"So he did head toward the snowy mountains after all?"

He raised his head and looked north. Beyond the vast plain, snowy mountains stood tall and majestic.

It was spring, when all things came to life. As if to prove this, the plain was covered in deep green foliage. But the mountains visible in the distance were covered in pure white snow, as if denying the season itself.

At first glance, they didn't seem very far away, but they actually existed at an extremely distant location. The residents of this area called the snowy mountains sacred mountains and revered them.

As the man gazed at the snowy mountains with gleaming eyes, it happened.

Rustle!

With the sound of rustling clothing, someone revealed themselves.

It was a woman.

Her appearance was also far from ordinary. Like the distant snowy mountains, she wore a pure white long robe over which jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, and beneath the black hair was positioned a small face the size of a fist.

She was a beauty with snow-white skin and ice-cold eyes positioned beneath half-lowered eyebrows that were particularly impressive. At her waist hung a sword that looked as if it were made of frozen ice.

The man raised his head to look at the woman.

"Ha-gyeong."

"Did you find his traces?"

Instead of answering, the man looked at the distant snowy mountains. That served as his answer.

"He went to the snowy mountains."

"That was the only choice he had."

"If he really went to the snowy mountains, it might actually become easier."

"Do you think so?"

"Isn't it?"

"A man of his caliber wouldn't have headed to the snowy mountains without any calculation."

At the man's answer, the woman furrowed her brow.

The man before her was named Baek On-woo, owner of the Demon Weapon called Demon Dragon Robe. Though his outward appearance was gaunt and unimpressive, he was by no means someone to be taken lightly. Above all, he was skilled in tracking.

Even Jeong Cheon-ak, the leader of the Ten Soldiers, would acknowledge his superiority when it came to tracking, stealth, and infiltration.

Baek On-woo was a member of the Ten Soldiers. And the woman, Seomun Ha-gyeong, was also one of the Ten Soldiers like Baek On-woo.

The Ten Soldiers referred not to weapons but to people. Ten humans who possessed killing power as formidable as divine weapons with their human bodies – these were the Ten Soldiers.

The Ice Jade Blade hanging at Seomun Ha-gyeong's waist was a Demon Weapon no less powerful than Baek On-woo's Demon Dragon Robe. It possessed equally terrible destructive power. But more important than that was Seomun Ha-gyeong's martial prowess.

Though she appeared delicate on the outside, her martial power ranked among the upper tiers of the Ten Soldiers. Because of this, even Baek On-woo couldn't look down on her.

Baek On-woo asked:

"Where's Cheon-ak?"

"He's already here."

"Is that so? That's just like him."

"That's his original personality, isn't it? He's someone who can only be satisfied when he handles everything himself."

"Well, that's probably why he became the leader of the Ten Soldiers. Anyway, now that Cheon-ak has joined us, things should become easier."

"Still, we can't let our guard down. You saw it too. His martial prowess."

"He was impossibly strong."

Baek On-woo nodded and lifted his Demon Dragon Robe. This revealed his side, stained red with fresh blood. It was a wound he had received from him.

Even though he had protected his entire body with the Demon Dragon Robe, he had still suffered this degree of injury. Without the Demon Dragon Robe, he would have died instantly.

"However, he's tired and wounded. He will definitely die by our hands."

"Now that all the Ten Soldiers have been mobilized, it's impossible for him to survive. But we must be careful. Even a mouse will attack when cornered, let alone a master of his level."

"That's true. What I'm curious about is how a master of his level remained unknown to the world until now. Especially when he's supposedly from our sect."

At Baek On-woo's words, Seomun Ha-gyeong frowned slightly. And Baek On-woo didn't miss her reaction.

"So you did know after all."

"…"

"Come to think of it, you're also from the Heavenly Gold Demon Palace, aren't you? In that case, it would be stranger if you didn't know him."

Baek On-woo's eyes gleamed.

"You're right. I knew him."

"You're not sympathizing with him, are you?"

"Sympathizing? Why would I?"

"Aren't you?"

"Hmph! Just because we stayed in the same space doesn't mean everyone was friendly. Especially with someone as cunning as him…"

Seomun Ha-gyeong's voice contained subtle hostility. Indeed, her reaction had noticeably intensified ever since she mentioned 'him.'

"Then that's settled."

Baek On-woo nodded and turned around. Having heard the answer he wanted, he acted as if nothing else mattered. Looking at Baek On-woo's back, Seomun Ha-gyeong's eyes gleamed.

'Annoying bastard.'

The Ten Soldiers were largely divided into two groups.

Those who had spent their childhood at the Heavenly Gold Demon Palace and those who had not.

Seomun Ha-gyeong belonged to the former, while Baek On-woo belonged to the latter.

A subtle gap existed between them, and sometimes it was as irritating as a small pebble stuck in one's mouth.

Baek On-woo walked ahead and said:

"Let's hurry. We don't know what tricks he might pull next."

"Understood."

Seomun Ha-gyeong nodded and followed behind him.

Baek On-woo, who had been walking ahead, suddenly raised his head to look at the sky.

"The Demon Mother will arrive soon."

***

Dam Ho, Eum Yu-kyung, and Shin Moo-wol were aboard a small boat. Since Shin Moo-wol's physical condition wasn't good, they had chosen to travel by boat instead of on horseback.

Fortunately, there was a river connecting from Dujiangyan to the vicinity of Muli, so Eum Yu-kyung had rented an entire boat.

The boatman's skills were quite excellent, skillfully handling the boat by himself. Thanks to this, Shin Moo-wol was able to sit cross-legged and practice energy circulation throughout the boat journey.

Even on the swaying boat, Shin Moo-wol's concentration didn't waver. He was doing his utmost to completely expel the poison he had pushed to one side of his body.

Eum Yu-kyung watched him for a moment before shifting her gaze to Dam Ho. Dam Ho stood at the bow like a statue.

His back view, standing motionlessly with arms crossed, reminded her of Mount Hua.

His appearance, like a great peak that had endured in that place for countless eons, perfectly matched Mount Hua…

'Mount Hua Fist Demon.'

Now people don't simply call Dam Ho the Fist Demon. They attach the two characters for Mount Hua and call him the Mount Hua Fist Demon.

In Mount Hua's history, there had never existed a martial artist who stood tall in the world with as intense a presence as Dam Ho.

He was Mount Hua itself, and Mount Hua was Dam Ho himself.

Accompanying such a Dam Ho was both very reassuring and burdensome.

As always, controlling Dam Ho was nearly impossible.

The current companionship was because their interests aligned, not because Dam Ho purely wanted to help Eum Yu-kyung. So while it was reassuring, she also felt somewhat anxious on the other hand.

"Sigh!"

Eum Yu-kyung let out a sigh.

Lately, Eum Yu-kyung had been sighing much more frequently. But Eum Yu-kyung herself wasn't aware of this fact. That's how complicated her state of mind was.

'Master…'

The face and name she had tried so hard to forget suddenly came to mind.

She still vividly remembered the warm embrace of the woman who had held her as a child. At that time, she had really taken care of Eum Yu-kyung devotedly.

To young Eum Yu-kyung, she had been a mother substitute and everything in the world. But the fact that she now had to face her as an enemy made her suffer.

Suddenly feeling a chill, Eum Yu-kyung hunched her shoulders and wrapped her arms around them.

At that moment, the boatman's voice broke everyone's reverie.

"From here on, two rivers merge and flow as one, so we must be especially careful. There will probably be many more boats too."

Dam Ho raised his head, and Shin Moo-wol also finished his energy circulation and stood up from his position.

"Whew!"

Shin Moo-wol let out a sigh of relief.

In just one day, his complexion had improved considerably. Though some poison still remained, this much seemed sufficient for movement without hindrance.

Shin Moo-wol approached Eum Yu-kyung.

"Fourth Sister."

"How's your body?"

"Much better."

"That's a relief."

"I'm only sorry for causing you worry."

"No!"

Eum Yu-kyung shook her head. But the shadow that had fallen over her face showed no sign of lifting easily.

Shin Moo-wol looked at Eum Yu-kyung with a worried expression.

"Fourth Sister."

"Hmm? What?"

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"Sigh! There's no way you could be fine."

Shin Moo-wol let out a sigh. Shin Moo-wol had always been full of laughter and composure. If even Shin Moo-wol's heart was disturbed, it would be stranger if Eum Yu-kyung were perfectly fine.

"I only know some of them, but Fourth Sister knows all of them, don't you? The very fact of meeting them again will be an ordeal."

"Yes! My heart isn't very comfortable."

"That's natural."

"Of all things, they had to appear under the name Ten Soldiers."

"Indeed."

Eum Yu-kyung's eyes were shaking.

Those united under the name Ten Soldiers had once been Eum Yu-kyung's comrades and friends with whom she had shared affection. Though they had parted ways in childhood due to taking different paths, it was hard to easily accept the fact that she now had to cross swords with them.

"Hell will unfold. We must steel our resolve."

Former friends had become enemies. To point swords at them required firm resolve on this side as well.

Shin Moo-wol was speaking of this point.

Eum Yu-kyung nodded.

"I know. It's just… my heart aches. That it has to be this way."

"I understand."

"Sigh! How much further do we have to go to reach Muli?"

"If we continue like this, we should be able to arrive within two or three days."

"I hope we won't be too late."

"Don't worry. Elder Brother isn't someone who would be defeated so easily. Have you forgotten who he is?"

"Yes! He is unyielding."

At Eum Yu-kyung's answer, Shin Moo-wol smiled.

Unyielding.

Geom Yul-cheon was a man who would never yield under any circumstances. That's why they believed in and followed him.

Shin Moo-wol's gaze suddenly turned toward Dam Ho standing at the bow.

No matter how calm the river water might be, the boat was constantly swaying without staying still for a moment. Even on such a boat, Dam Ho had been showing an unwavering appearance for several hours.

'That man also walks the path of the unyielding.'

Dam Ho's course of action so far had been like this. Now he had to acknowledge it.

Though their routes were different, Dam Ho had never once retreated or taken a detour. His course of walking silently forward, looking only ahead, made even Shin Moo-wol admire him.

'Elder Brother and that man will someday clash at the summit.'

There couldn't be two tigers on one mountain. Especially if the two tigers were incomparably larger and more ferocious than other tigers.

Shin Moo-wol shook his head and said to Eum Yu-kyung:

"Let's go into the cabin. Now is the time to rest even a little and conserve our strength."

"We should."

Eum Yu-kyung nodded and entered the cabin with Shin Moo-wol.

Left alone, Dam Ho didn't even glance at them.

As the boatman had said, two rivers were merging. Along with this, the boats floating on the river had noticeably increased.

There were boats not much larger than the one Dam Ho was on, and there were also huge cargo vessels that could carry many people.

Among them, one fairly large ship caught his eye.

The ship itself was ordinary. But the appearance of the people glimpsed on the ship was not ordinary.

Instead of the typical sailors one would see on a regular ship, they were women wearing large bamboo hats and covering their entire bodies with blood-colored windbreaker robes.

They were navigating the river skillfully like experienced boatmen, cutting through the water.

At the bow of the ship stood a woman dressed in red clothing. The gazes of the woman whose face was covered with red silk and Dam Ho met in mid-air.

Whoosh.

A dark night with spring rain falling.

Tang Qing came out of the Tang family’s main manor wearing a cape over his brown clothes.

For Tang Qing, who rarely left the estate, this was an unusual outing.

The moment Tang Qing left the Tang family’s main manor, his body instantly disappeared.

Whoosh.

Tang Qing moved along the Min River using high-speed light body technique. In just one hour, he went downstream and arrived at a collapsing Guan Di temple.

When Tang Qing lifted the straw mat hanging on the temple door and entered, there were already five people inside.

Crackle, crackle.

A campfire burned on the floor and the five figures stood around it. All five were elderly with white hair, and one of them was a woman with her mouth covered by silk gauze.

They appeared to be rather ordinary old people, but if one knew who they were, no one would say such a thing.

Each was a representative of poison sects considered the best in the martial world. In other words, a secret gathering of poison sects was being held in this small Guan Di temple.

One person spoke in a rough, low voice.

“The person living closest is always late.”

Another chimed in.

“That’s right. Next time it would be better to meet somewhere like Guangdong.”

Tang Qing replied curtly while joining the circle around the campfire.

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t forget that I’m the busiest person among us.”

The woman in silk gauze said.

“The whole world knows that the King of Hell handles affairs meticulously.”

King of Hell Tang Qing had made several mistakes recently. She didn’t mean it in a good way. She was sarcastically implying that despite claiming to be busy, he wasn’t thorough enough.

Tang Qing replied with a thorny tone.

“What do you want to talk about?”

“Why did you make an enemy of the Martial Alliance?”

“We haven’t even withdrawn yet, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“But didn’t you act too conspicuously when the great work isn’t far from completion? What if you become suspected?”

Tang Qing opened his split mouth and said.

“Don’t you know that recently the Namgung family and others are all stepping forward to seize control of the Martial Alliance? It’s better to join in at times like this to actually attract less attention.”

“Hmph, don’t forget that if things go wrong, the Tang family bears the responsibility.”

The tall old man in the center spoke in a dignified voice.

“Actually, there are more than just one or two other concerning matters.”

“It feels like you came to interrogate me. Since we’ve met anyway, tell me what those one or two things are.”

“The night is long. Let’s discuss that step by step, but first let me ask for one understanding.”

“Understanding?”

“Poison Dragon.”

Tang Qing asked as if talking to himself.

“Does Poison Dragon… mean he’s significant enough to be discussed in our gathering?”

The particularly ordinary-looking old man in plain clothes said.

“Poison Dragon is getting too deeply involved in our affairs. His actions keep creating variables. That’s very unwelcome. Word has it that the rift with Mount Emei is also Poison Dragon’s fault. And he seems to have contributed to Indestructible Heavenly Sword turning away as well.”

Another old man said.

“That was what that Mang Ryo fellow did.”

“Mang Ryo is connected to Poison Dragon.”

Tang Qing interjected in their argument.

“Poison Dragon is my granddaughter’s husband. Moreover, my granddaughter is carrying Poison Dragon’s child.”

“That’s why we’re asking for understanding. Out of respect for the Tang family being the head family of poison sects.”

Another old man said.

“Tell us. Is Poison Dragon your person or not?”

Tang Qing couldn’t answer easily.

Just because Tang Ha-ran was there like a hostage, could one say Poison Dragon was on the Tang family’s side? Strictly speaking, wasn’t he closer to being an enemy?

When Tang Qing couldn’t answer, the woman in silk gauze spoke.

“You can’t give a definitive answer. Then isn’t the conclusion already reached?”

The other old men all said in unison.

“It’s reached.”

“It’s reached.”

Tang Qing said without changing expression.

“Poison Dragon thinks unusually and uniquely. Even someone with excellent martial arts but normal thinking cannot catch Poison Dragon. And naturally, ordinary poison doesn’t work on Poison Dragon.”

The ordinary-looking old man stepped forward.

“Listening to this, it seems we have a friend on our side who’s perfectly suited to catch Poison Dragon.”

The other three people agreed.

“Entrust.”

“Agree.”

“Agree.”

Tang Qing also had no choice but to agree.

The ordinary-looking old man nodded.

“Hoho. Well… then this time our Leper Mound will handle it. We’ll start working right away.”

Leper Mound was a poison sect faction formed by people afflicted with leprosy. Since they originated from gathering to live in an abandoned fortress, they came to be called by the unique name of Leper Mound rather than the usual names like sect, faction, or valley.

The remaining four except Tang Qing took out money pouches from their sleeves and gave them to the Leper Mound leader. The Leper Mound leader separated one of them and gave it to Tang Qing.

The money exchanged was payment for entrusting the job. And what was given to Tang Qing was consolation money since Poison Dragon was half the Tang family’s person.

The tall old man said.

“Well, now that the Poison Dragon matter is finished… let’s move to the main topic.”

* * *

Jin Ja-gang headed to Chongqing through Guizhou. He wanted to detour through Guangxi, but saving time was more important. He didn’t care whether it was official roads or mountain paths.

Jin Ja-gang was crossing mountains when he set up camp for the night. Normally he would have dug into the ground or hidden in bushes, but wearing the new clothes Oh Tae had given him as a gift made it inconvenient to go that far.

Instead, since his martial arts had improved, he climbed up a tree. He went up a tree about three or four zhang high, wove branches together, and lay on top of them.

While chewing jerky bought from the previous village, he fell into thought before sleeping.

How should he find the stolen goods in Chongqing?

Chongqing was surrounded by high mountains on three sides except for the western hills, making it advantageous for hiding, and as a crossroads between Sichuan and Huguang, despite the treacherous roads, there was always a lot of floating population coming and going. That was probably why stolen goods were distributed there.

While Jin Ja-gang was continuing to think, he suddenly felt human presence.

It wasn’t the presence of someone secretly approaching. They were openly chatting as they came.

Two young men and one woman who appeared to be Jin Ja-gang’s age.

“When moving through Guizhou, you must be especially careful. There might be remnants of the Demon Cult remaining.”

“Right. Since the Guizhou branch hasn’t been restored yet, bandits and all sorts of unsavory groups are said to be rampant.”

“When we get to Chongqing, we should organize the Yunnan situation and send a letter to the Alliance.”

The two men and one woman were talking loudly enough to be heard from afar, then began setting up camp under the tree where Jin Ja-gang was.

Jin Ja-gang held his breath and watched while quietly listening to what they were saying.

Their conversation continued even while starting a campfire.

“But why was Poison Dragon going around looking for traces of the past?”

“Who knows. Maybe he finally came to his senses?”

“His skills suddenly exploded right after entering the martial world. He might have been committing massacres while in a state close to qi deviation. He might have regretted it after coming to his senses.”

One man spoke in a regretful voice.

“Ah, it was really disappointing not to discover Poison Dragon in this mission. It would have been a good opportunity to build merit. Since catching that Yingshan Old Monster last time, no big fish have been caught.”

“Swift Dragon and Silent Dragon also fell to Poison Dragon. Three of the Three Dragons Four Phoenixes died at Poison Dragon’s hands. Even if you’re my brother, you shouldn’t carelessly underestimate Poison Dragon.”

“Sister Min is the one underestimating me! Are you comparing me to delicate flowers who grew up pampered at home?”

The man sprang up from his seat, took a stance, and threw several punches at the air.

“Poison Dragon’s poison and such is useless before my Yang Arts!”

Bang! Boom boom bang!

Strong air currents arose and explosive sounds echoed several times in the air.

Rustle rustle rustle.

The surrounding trees shed their leaves. His words were light, but his skills were considerable.

“Brother’s Zhongnan Invincible Fist is always superb.”

At the woman’s words, the other man stood up.

“No. It’s just too heavy without variation. Strong things are bound to break, while soft things always overcome strong ones.”

The man in white Taoist robes stepped into horse stance and raised both hands, then spread his hand gestures like gentle waves. The movement seemed unable to catch even a fly, but amazingly, deep profundity could be felt within it.

“Softness overcomes hardness! As expected of Wudang Sect.”

Then the woman also stood up.

“In that case, our Mount Hua’s swordsmanship can’t be left out!”

The woman drew her sword and rapidly displayed techniques. Within the sharpness was subtle elegance, and within the elegance was dignified energy.

The three people competed with techniques while harmonizing with each other. Occasionally they gave advice and expressed admiration. They looked very good together.

But then.

To Jin Ja-gang’s bewilderment, the woman who had raised her sword to the sky made eye contact with Jin Ja-gang.

“Huh?”

The woman who was momentarily dazed shouted fiercely.

“What bastard is that!”

Simultaneously, the Wudang Sect disciple in white Taoist robes struck the tree where Jin Ja-gang was with his palm like lightning.

Boom!

Without any destructive noise, vibrations traveled up the trunk. Only the branch area where Jin Ja-gang was lying swayed and shook greatly. Jin Ja-gang tried to hold on but changed his mind and jumped down.

Thud.

When Jin Ja-gang landed making a heavy sound, the three people’s eyes immediately changed from wariness to relief. They thought he was a weakling.

Seeing them look relieved at just this level of deception, Jin Ja-gang couldn’t help but click his tongue internally.

The three people immediately surrounded Jin Ja-gang.

“What are you doing eavesdropping on our conversation!”

“If you don’t confess honestly, we’ll teach you a lesson!”

Though they were clearly threatening words, somehow compared to the terrifying threats he’d heard until now, they were cute enough to make him laugh.

Jin Ja-gang almost laughed. He thought their martial arts were at an amazing level, but their way of speaking and behavior were too childish. Even though they seemed to be Jin Ja-gang’s age or perhaps three or four years older.

When Jin Ja-gang didn’t take particularly threatening actions or become overly tense, the Wudang Sect disciple lowered his hand and said.

“Immeasurable Buddha. I am Yeong-woon, a disciple of Wudang. You don’t seem like someone who would secretly listen to others’ words, so why were you hiding in such a place?”

Jin Ja-gang wore fine clothes and had fair skin, making him look like a wealthy family’s young master at first glance. Since he didn’t even smear dirt on his face to avoid others’ eyes, there was surprisingly no suspicious aspect.

Jin Ja-gang cupped his fists and apologized politely.

“I had no intention of eavesdropping, but since you were strangers, I felt wary. I apologize.”

At Jin Ja-gang’s excuse, the three people quickly nodded.

“Ah, is that so? We might have reacted too excessively.”

“That’s right. Guizhou is dangerous after all.”

Jin Ja-gang felt a strange mood for a moment.

Was it confidence as disciples of prestigious orthodox sects, or was it the carelessness of naive youngsters with no martial world experience?

Of course, it could be both. But perhaps this was normal.

The world Jin Ja-gang had lived in until now was just too different.

The three people put away their weapons and introduced themselves.

“We’re part of the Martial Alliance’s Mysterious Youth Squad…”

The woman was So-min, a disciple of Mount Hua Sect, and the man who specialized in fist techniques was Pyo Sang-guk of Zhongnan Sect. Yeong-woon and Pyo Sang-guk were several years older than Jin Ja-gang, while So-min was one year younger.

Jin Ja-gang introduced himself as Jin-ga from Gubuk Village. When he said he was going to Chongqing, the three people were also pleased. Jin Ja-gang couldn’t understand why they were happy.

Pyo Sang-guk guided Jin Ja-gang to the campfire.

“Come, since this is also fate, Brother Jin! Come sit over here.”

“Thank you.”

Limp, limp.

The three people clearly saw Jin Ja-gang limping slightly as he walked to the campfire.

Pyo Sang-guk’s expression changed.

“Brother Jin… you have a limp?”