Chapter 93: The World Is Wide, But Those Who Must Meet Will Meet (3)

The boat arrived at the dock. Many people hurried off the boat, and among them were Dam Ho and the Black Ghost.

By the time Dam Ho reached his destination, Cho Yeon-woon and Paeng Man-yeong had still not returned. Perhaps it had been decided from the moment they chose the open ground by the river as their sparring field.

Who won and who lost, no one knew. Nor did they care. Hwangbo Yeong-cheon still lay sprawled on one corner of the deck, unconscious.

Dam Ho hurried toward the Seopung Inn.

"Hyung!"

As he entered the room, Bang Jin-bo greeted him with open arms. His eyes were even brimming with tears.

"Have you been well?"

"As you can see, unharmed. Did your business go well, Hyung?"

"It went well."

"That's a relief. Hehe!"

Bang Jin-bo forced a smile.

Dam Ho furrowed his brow slightly.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Tell me."

They had not known each other for just a day or two. Dam Ho could read Bang Jin-bo's thoughts from his expression alone.

Under Dam Ho's intense gaze, Bang Jin-bo reluctantly opened his mouth.

"The truth is…"

He recounted everything—Do Hak-gyeong's proposal and what Eun So-cheong had said, holding nothing back.

As Dam Ho listened to Bang Jin-bo's account, his gaze deepened.

Do Hak-gyeong's proposal was not the important matter. As Eun So-cheong had said, those who came seeking Bang Jin-bo would only increase. Perhaps more would come with ill intentions than good.

It was time to think about Bang Jin-bo's future.

"What are your thoughts?"

"I…"

"Your thoughts are the most important. Your future will change depending on what choice you make."

At Dam Ho's words, Bang Jin-bo bit his lip.

While Dam Ho was away, Bang Jin-bo had done much thinking. Do Hak-gyeong's visit had only amplified his worries.

After hesitating for some time, Bang Jin-bo raised his head and looked at Dam Ho.

"Just…"

"…"

"Can I not just follow you around? I want to keep following you around."

"As you can see, being by my side is dangerous. Are you still willing?"

"It does not matter. I just want to follow you around and learn to cook. That is the only thing I want."

Dam Ho gazed at Bang Jin-bo in silence.

Bang Jin-bo did not avert his eyes from Dam Ho's gaze, which even martial artists of great skill dared not meet.

From Bang Jin-bo's earnest eyes, Dam Ho saw firm resolve and an unshakable will.

"You may come to regret it."

"I won't. Never… Just let me follow you around. I will behave so as not to be a bother. Please!"

"Very well. Let us go together."

"Really?"

"Yes."

The moment Dam Ho's answer came, a smile gradually bloomed on Bang Jin-bo's previously anxious face.

He knew better than anyone that Dam Ho was not one to go back on his word. Once Dam Ho spoke, he would keep his promise even if the heavens split in two.

"Thank you, Hyung."

Dam Ho silently rubbed Bang Jin-bo's head. At that, Bang Jin-bo's smile spread into a grin.

"By the way, Hyung, aren't you hungry?"

"A little…"

"Hehe! That's good, then. I was just about to prepare to cook in the annex."

"Annex?"

"So-cheong said the food here tastes bland, so she kept asking me to cook…"

Bang Jin-bo blushed shyly and led the way. Dam Ho followed quietly behind.

When they entered the annex, Eun So-cheong greeted them.

"You're late! I'm starving… Ah, Mister!"

Eun So-cheong belatedly noticed Dam Ho following behind Bang Jin-bo and looked surprised.

"When did you return?"

"Just now!"

"That's good. Even without that, Jin-bo was anxious that you might not return. It's very tense around here lately."

"Why is that?"

"Lately, there's been a noticeable increase in martial artists coming through. Among them are quite a few prominent figures. That's why the Hunan martial artists are on edge."

"Prominent figures?"

"If it's the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families, wouldn't that qualify as prominent enough?"

Dam Ho nodded.

The Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families were the apex of all sects in the current Murim world. If such massive sects had sent martial artists, it was understandable that the Hunan martial artists would be anxious.

"Is the entire Nine Great Sects coming?"

"The Namgung Family has already arrived, so it's only a matter of time before the others follow."

Dam Ho closed his eyes for a moment.

Though he did not know the reason, if the entire Nine Great Sects was coming, the martial artists of the Mount Hua Sect would surely be among them.

The Mount Hua Sect.

It had become a name that stirred no emotion in him. But if Sage Hyeon-so was added to the name Mount Hua Sect, the story changed.

Dam Ho decided to stay here a while longer. Finding his sister's whereabouts was important, but there was also the possibility that he might encounter Sage Hyeon-so.

Meanwhile, Eun So-cheong looked at Dam Ho with curious eyes.

Dam Ho himself might not be aware of it, but at this moment in Hunan Province, there was no one more famous than he.

The Fist Demon, or the Sin-gang Blood Star.

Regardless of what his true martial strength was, his cruel methods had already made him a figure to be wary of in the Murim world.

Though young, Eun So-cheong had seen many martial artists in the Eun-ga Pavilion. Among them, not a single one had been as powerful as Dam Ho.

Naturally, Eun So-cheong's eyes could not help but fill with curiosity when she looked at Dam Ho.

Just then, Bang Jin-bo spoke in a booming voice.

"Hyung, wait a moment. I'll make something delicious for you right away."

Bang Jin-bo began moving busily.

He stoked the fire in the hearth and began preparing the ingredients.

All the ingredients had been provided by Eun So-cheong. With ample supplies, Bang Jin-bo cooked with enthusiasm.

Here, he could cook whatever he wished. That alone made Bang Jin-bo happy.

Dam Ho silently watched Bang Jin-bo cook.

A person doing what they love radiated light. And right now, Bang Jin-bo was radiant.

Even if the only person who could see that was himself.

***

Namgung Chang, Namgung Su, and Hae So-wol were walking through the streets of Akyang.

Though they appeared to be only three people walking, over thirty martial artists shadowed them in secret. All were elite members of the Namgung Family, assigned to protect Namgung Chang.

Namgung Chang looked around and nodded.

"A fine place."

"Is that so?"

"When undertaking great works, manpower and material support are important, but location is equally vital. In that regard, this place is quite perfect."

Namgung Chang pointed toward Dongting Lake.

"First, the waterway provides support, and the land routes are not lacking either. If a fortress were built here, a hundred could hold off a thousand—it would be a natural stronghold. This is exactly the kind of place we have been seeking."

"That is fortunate."

A look of doubt appeared on Hae So-wol's face.

She could not understand what Namgung Chang and Namgung Su were talking about.

So she asked.

"A fortress? What do you mean?"

"Ah, that is something you need not worry about for now."

"Pardon?"

"When your martial uncle arrives, you will learn naturally. Do not be impatient."

At Namgung Chang's answer, Hae So-wol bit her lip.

She knew only that a gathering of the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families was to be held, but she did not know the reason for the gathering.

She was frustrated and angry, but there was nothing she could do at present. She had no choice but to silently follow her uncle and granduncle.

The place they arrived at was the dock.

Namgung Chang looked around the dock and spoke.

"That spot over there seems suitable."

He pointed with his finger to a nearby hill. From there, one could survey all of Dongting Lake, and it was an area where many inns had established themselves.

"It does seem like it would produce a fine picture."

Namgung Su nodded. At that, Namgung Chang smiled.

"You seem to have developed an eye for judging things as well."

"It is all thanks to Uncle."

"You are aware that the family has great expectations for you?"

"I will never disappoint you."

"Good!"

While the two conversed, a massive transport ship arrived at the dock.

Boom!

With a heavy sound, the ship moored and the gangplank was lowered. Many people streamed out.

"So this is Dongting Lake at last."

"Hah! It feels good to be on land."

The disembarking people cheered at the feel of solid ground beneath their feet after so long.

As Hae So-wol checked each face, a flash of delight appeared on hers.

"Martial Uncle!"

She ran toward a middle-aged swordsman who was just disembarking.

The middle-aged swordsman, whose face was entirely obscured by a black beard, recognized Hae So-wol and smiled.

"Well, who is this? If it isn't So-wol."

"Martial Uncle!"

"Haha! It is good to see you, So-wol."

The middle-aged swordsman greeted Hae So-wol warmly.

His name was Oh Gun-ui, and his epithet was the White Whale Swordsman.

The greatest martial artist of the Hainan Sect was, of course, the Sect Leader Neung Cheon-wol. Oh Gun-ui was Neung Cheon-wol's junior martial brother and an elder of the Hainan Sect.

Neung Cheon-wol was so occupied with managing the Hainan Sect that he rarely appeared outside. Oh Gun-ui handled matters that arose on Hainan Island in his stead.

Because of this, the people of Hainan Island feared Oh Gun-ui even more than Neung Cheon-wol.

Though all of Hainan Island feared Oh Gun-ui, to Hae So-wol he was nothing but a kind martial uncle.

"You've traveled the Central Plains and become even more beautiful. Haha!"

"Martial Uncle, please…"

"Indeed! Have you gained much experience? Well, you are one of the Four Dragons, so of course you have. What a foolish thing to ask. You have worked hard."

As Oh Gun-ui patted Hae So-wol on the back, familiar voices called out from behind him.

"Haha! Martial Sister, we are here as well."

"It has been too long, Martial Sister."

Hae So-wol turned to see familiar faces. About twenty disciples of the Hainan Sect were looking at her.

They were the second-generation disciples of the Hainan Sect.

Oh Gun-ui smiled gently.

"I brought them along to give them experience in the martial world. You will lead them well."

"Yes! Martial Uncle!"

After the reunion between Oh Gun-ui and Hae So-wol concluded, Namgung Chang stepped forward.

"It has been too long, Gun-ui."

"Well, if it isn't you. To think you would come personally to greet me. I am honored."

"When it is you coming, of course I must come myself. Besides, you might lose your way again."

"Tch! How long are you going to keep bringing that up? That time, anyone would have lost their way in that situation."

"Because you lost your way, we nearly died. Naturally, I must keep bringing it up for as long as I can."

"Good grief!"

Oh Gun-ui scratched his head with a sheepish expression.

Namgung Chang gestured to Namgung Su, who stood at a distance. Namgung Su approached with a smile and offered a cupped-fist salute.

"I am Namgung Su, nephew of my uncle. It is my first time meeting you, Great Hero Oh."

"Oh! A pleasure to meet you. Your uncle has spoken much about you already. He says you are the talent who will lead the Namgung Family in the future."

"You flatter me."

"That man would not easily praise his own nephew. He is far too strict for that."

At Oh Gun-ui's words, Namgung Chang wrinkled his nose. But it was not a displeased expression.

Namgung Chang spoke.

"Let us be on our way. There is much work ahead."

"Indeed! To form an alliance, we must be swift."

"My friend, watch your words."

"Oh! My apologies. My enthusiasm got the better of me."

"At a time like this, we must be especially careful."

"I will remember that."

At Oh Gun-ui's response, Namgung Chang clapped him on the shoulder a few times.

Their voices were very low, but Hae So-wol had already heard everything.

'An alliance?'

If it was an alliance formed with the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families at its core, there was only one possibility.

The Murim Alliance.

Chu Hyo emphasized this point thoroughly as he drew in the various sects. It was no time to be picky about methods.

In contrast, there were also those who volunteered to help on their own.

“Father!”

Young men came to visit Chu Hyo.

They were young friends who had been close to his son, Chu Sajin. They wept tears of blood and expressed their anger.

“We will never forgive those who harmed Sajin.”

“Though our strength is meager, we will lend our support!”

“During my travels in the martial world, I made friends with several people from the Central Plains. If I contact them, they will come to help us.”

Chu Hyo gratefully took their hands.

“Thank you. Thank you so much. We will surely restore Yunnan with our own strength!”

* * *

Mang Ryo was pleased.

Standing on a tall tree with his hands behind his back, looking down at the Five Birds Sect compound, his heart was filled with satisfaction.

“How easy this is.”

Chu Hyo had been traveling throughout Yunnan day and night, persuading various sects to avenge his son.

It was a case where the only son who should have continued the family line and inherited the sect had been murdered. On top of that, his daughter-in-law, pregnant with his grandchild, had also tragically lost her life. How could anyone not feel sympathy?

“It would be inhuman to ignore this poor friend. Yes, indeed.”

In the short span of fifteen days, twenty-two sects had decided to join Chu Hyo’s cause, promising a total of one hundred and fifty people.

There was also a prevailing sense of crisis that they could no longer stand by and watch the evil deeds that the poison sects had been committing.

Additionally, the destruction of Stone Forest Gang, Shadow Bureau, and Iron Umbrella Sect had significantly weakened the poison sects’ power, which played a significant role.

“Seeing how they don’t turn a blind eye to others’ difficulties, Yunnan must be a decent place to live. Hehehe!”

One hundred and fifty people wasn’t enough to overwhelm Poison Valley, but with over seventy percent of Yunnan’s righteous factions gathered, it was a force that even Poison Valley couldn’t ignore.

However, how many people had gathered and what they could do against Poison Valley wasn’t particularly important to Mang Ryo.

Connections in the martial world are more intricately tangled than a spider’s web.

The righteous factions in Yunnan might be small and insignificant, but they are still righteous factions. They have interacted and formed friendships with righteous martial artists in the Central Plains.

They are all connected, just one or two degrees of separation from disciples of famous families or large sects. Whether they shared drinks in their youth, discussed martial arts, exchanged greetings in passing, or were bound by the worst of grudges.

“In the martial world, there’s no relationship as strong and as tiresome as connections. Like you and me.”

Those gathered by Chu Hyo would serve as the foundation.

They would push forward, revealing more and more of the body attached to the tail that Jin Ja-gang had pulled.

Mang Ryo muttered as if speaking to Jin Ja-gang:

“Please fulfill my expectations this time as well. If you knew how much preparation I’ve made for you, you should never disappoint me. Understand!”

***

Poison Valley was situated on the majestic Western Mountain of Banlong, overlooking Kunming Lake.

Buildings were erected in the treacherous terrain between two vertical cliffs, as if in the gap of a split created by thick, writhing tree roots.

Though the land was narrow and rugged, befitting Poison Valley’s status as Yunnan’s most prosperous sect, the number of buildings constructed and people coming and going was considerable.

Especially with the upcoming general assembly, Poison Valley was busier than usual with repairs and decorations being prepared for the buildings.

However, Wei Zong, the Valley Master of Poison Valley, was in a very unpleasant mood. He, who usually wore a smiling expression, had been frowning for days.

“Valley Master, please cheer up.”

Bu Gak, an elder of Poison Valley, tried to comfort Wei Zong.

“I wish I could… but the situation is not to my liking at all.”

It was the suspicious movements of Five Birds Sect that had made Wei Zong uncomfortable.

“What’s the latest information?”

Bu Gak answered Wei Zong’s question:

“So far, we’ve confirmed twenty sects with between one hundred and two hundred people. But don’t worry too much. What can they possibly do?”

“Do you think I fear them? That’s not what worries me. I’m concerned about who might be plotting behind the scenes.”

With rumors circulating that Poison Valley was responsible for killing the heir of Five Birds Sect, suspicion was inevitable.

Bu Gak thought for a moment and said:

“Could the Martial Arts Alliance be trying to get rid of us?”

Wei Zong couldn’t easily answer. It was a possibility that couldn’t be completely ruled out.

“How annoying.”

Stone Forest Gang, Shadow Bureau, and even Iron Umbrella Sect had all been annihilated. Wasn’t it as if someone was trying to exterminate all the poison sects?

On top of that, they had lost two experts sent to Iron Umbrella Sect.

“What about the limping one? How is the search going?”

“He’s so meticulous and elusive that he kills all witnesses, making it difficult to track him down. I’m sorry.”

“It’s certain that he holds the secret to all these incidents…”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Perhaps I should have listened to Mang Ryo.”

Mang Ryo had proposed the Heavenly Net and Earthly Trap. Maybe they should have caught the culprit that way.

“It seems too late for regrets now.”

Bu Gak cautiously said:

“It’s not too late yet. If we borrow the power of the Martial Arts Alliance now…”

“That’s like putting your head into a wolf’s mouth.”

“Then perhaps Sichuan…”

Wei Zong scoffed.

“That would be like avoiding a wolf only to meet a tiger.”

“Hmm. It’s difficult.”

“There’s only one way.”

Wei Zong clenched his fist with an audible crack and said:

“We have no choice but to forcibly unify all the poison sects in Yunnan at this assembly. We have enough funds. Unfortunately, we’ve lost Shadow Bureau and Iron Umbrella Sect, but their assets remain with us. We’ll seek revenge afterward.”

Though it was a choice Wei Zong made out of necessity, it happened to align exactly with what Mang Ryo had predicted.

* * *

Thud, thud.

“Over here! Put it here!”

The sounds of hammering and shouting.

The sounds of people coming and going.

Poison Valley was chaotically busy with numerous workers.

Buildings were being repaired, and lodgings were being constructed.

Particularly eye-catching was the large hall built right in the middle of the path leading to the inner courtyard.

Due to the extremely narrow terrain, a flat wooden floor had been laid on the sloped ground to create a space where many could gather, with pillars erected on all sides. Because of the frequent rain and humid weather, a large roof covered the top.

It was a place that could easily accommodate hundreds of people, and it too was undergoing repairs.

The floor was being lacquered, and the pillars were being painted with red dye. Broken tiles were being removed and replaced with new ones.

“The floor must be painted thoroughly. It gets moldy quickly because of the humidity.”

A middle-aged man with bushy beard was checking the lacquer work while directing the workers. He was the foreman. Each process had a foreman responsible for their team. This foreman was in charge of repairing the hall.

“We have less than five days left! Hurry up with your work!”

A worker carrying tiles on an A-frame approached the foreman and asked:

“Hey, foreman.”

“What?”

“Are we really going to get paid properly for this?”

The foreman looked around hastily and put a finger to his lips.

“Shh. Keep it down. What if someone hears you?”

The worker spoke quietly with an uneasy expression.

“It’s just that we’ve worked our bones off many times before and didn’t get paid. If we don’t get paid this time either, my family will go hungry. I couldn’t even take other jobs because I came here.”

“I’ll make sure you get paid. Let’s just finish the construction first, okay?”

“Ugh, this is really disgusting.”

The worker grumbled as he went back to work.

The foreman sighed.

“Whew.”

As he sighed, the foreman noticed a young man passing by with paint.

“I told you to paint the floor. Are you already done?”

“Yes.”

“Then take a break.”

“They said they need more people to paint the pillars over there, so I’m heading that way.”

“Take it easy. Don’t wear yourself out.”

“I understand.”

As the young man was about to pass by, the foreman called out to him.

“Hey, Jin Ga.”

“Yes?”

The foreman smiled awkwardly.

“I’ll definitely make sure you get your wages, so don’t worry too much.”

“Thank you.”

The young man bowed to the foreman and left.

Limp, limp.

Watching the young man’s retreating figure, the foreman wore a sympathetic expression.

When he first came asking for work, he seemed too frail and unreliable. His skin was so pale that he didn’t seem suited for rough labor.

If the rain hadn’t frequently delayed construction, he would have turned him away. But once he put him to work, he found that despite his size, he was quite strong, and above all, extremely diligent.

He always finished assigned tasks faster than expected and even found and completed tasks that weren’t assigned to him. Sometimes, even when others were resting after finishing their work, he would go around looking for more to do.

Though his work was somewhat clumsy and couldn’t be called excellent, he never rested and was certainly doing more than his share.

“I might face divine punishment if I don’t pay that guy, even if I don’t pay the others.”

The foreman shook his head and continued his work.

Jin Ja-gang climbed up a ladder to paint red dye on the upper part of the pillar supporting the roof.

Fortunately, he had entered Poison Valley’s interior more easily than expected.

However, even after getting inside, there were surprisingly few vulnerabilities. This was the result of his observations while working on the hall repairs for several days.

Places like wells or kitchens where poison could be introduced were heavily guarded. There were even people specifically assigned to check daily that the water wasn’t contaminated.

Perhaps because they were a sect that used poison, their defenses were thorough.

Moreover, there were too many workers and people coming and going in other areas to act carelessly.

‘This is difficult.’

As Jin Ja-gang was pondering, a raindrop fell on the bridge of his nose.

Plop, pitter-patter.

Looking up, he saw that the roof was wide open. They were in the process of removing old roof tiles and replacing them.

‘Rain…?’

He could hear the workers complaining from above.

“It’s raining again.”

“How are we ever going to finish the work at this rate?”

They couldn’t work when it was raining because it was dangerous.

Jin Ja-gang touched the rainwater falling on his face and fell into thought for a moment.

The rain was getting heavier, and the workers on the roof were trying to evacuate. But seeing this, the warriors of Poison Valley shouted:

“What are you doing! After all that playing around and resting, when will you finish the construction!”

“But it’s raining…”

“If we slip and fall, it could be disastrous.”

“Have you all lost your minds? How many days are left until the assembly? You haven’t even covered half the roof yet. What? Shut up and get up there!”

The Poison Valley warriors threatened the workers, even gripping their sword hilts. The drizzling rain made the roof even more slippery. The workers were at a loss, unable to decide what to do.

At that moment, Jin Ja-gang stepped forward.

“I’ll go up.”

A veteran worker waved his hand.

“You? No way. This isn’t a job for a beginner.”

“You can teach me.”

“Look, this might seem easy, but if it’s not done properly, the roof will leak and be all crooked…”

The Poison Valley warriors shouted:

“Why are you stopping someone who wants to work! At least one person needs to be working!”

“I said no! If he falls, he’ll die!”

When the veteran worker raised his voice, other workers tried to calm him down.

“We won’t be able to finish the work properly on time anyway, so we might as well just put something up for appearance’s sake.”

“Are you serious?”

“Be patient. Think of your wife and children. The young man will probably do better than us.”

But while they were talking, Jin Ja-gang had already climbed up to the roof. The veteran worker had no choice but to explain how to lay the tiles.

“Put clay on this concave tile here…”