Chapter 66: The Blood Star Shines and All Hold Their Breath (1)

The first to pass through the Ten-Fold Labyrinth Formation was, surprisingly, a young martial artist named Jo Gyeong-ui. He received the Azure Moon Sword from Lee Sin-pung and was beside himself with joy.

"Thank you, Great Hero Lee. To think you would entrust me with such a precious treasure."

"The treasure has found its rightful owner. Please cherish the Azure Moon Sword."

"I will. I will treasure it as I would my own body."

"I appreciate it."

Lee Sin-pung patted Jo Gyeong-ui's shoulder with his thick hand. Jo Gyeong-ui looked even more deeply moved.

"I am overjoyed to have formed a bond with such a fine martial artist as yourself."

"It is I who am honored to receive your sword, Great Hero Lee. Should you ever require my aid, you need only call upon me. Both I and Unyang Martial Academy will be at your service whenever you wish."

"Ha ha! Your words alone give me great comfort."

Lee Sin-pung let out a hearty laugh.

Jo Gyeong-ui was the current Sect Leader of Unyang Martial Academy. A prodigy since childhood, he had ascended to the position of Sect Leader before the age of thirty.

He was particularly skilled in swordsmanship, and his inability to find a sword to his liking had long been a source of distress. To receive a treasure blade like the Azure Moon Sword was a joy beyond measure.

Lee Sin-pung wore a satisfied smile. Unyang Martial Academy was one of the largest martial academies in Lanzhou. For the Sect Leader of such an institution to pledge his loyalty was as good as a vow of fealty.

A single sword in exchange for such a pledge was a bargain. The Azure Moon Sword was no longer of use to him anyway.

Countless onlookers watched with envious eyes—those who had been defeated in the competition with Jo Gyeong-ui.

Lee Sin-pung addressed them.

"It was meant as mere entertainment, but it seems I've left many feeling sore. My apologies."

"Not at all, Great Hero Lee. It was a splendid event."

"Indeed."

Though they denied it, their expressions could not fully conceal their disappointment. Lee Sin-pung read their thoughts.

"Then I shall make this announcement. Next year, on my birthday, I shall host a martial arts tournament. The champion shall receive a treasure sword no less valuable than the Azure Moon Sword."

"Waah!"

Before Lee Sin-pung had even finished, thunderous cheers erupted. The people chanted his name in excitement.

Watching from the platform, the Southern Scholar's expression hardened like a block of stone.

*'That old fox…'*

At this birthday celebration, he had offered the Azure Moon Sword; at next year's celebration, he would offer another treasure blade as a prize. It was an event that would inevitably draw the full attention of the martial world. Gansu Province's influence under Hongam Mountain Villa would only grow further.

The expansion of Hongam Mountain Villa was not a welcome development for the Tongtong Sect. Gansu Province needed only one sovereign.

While the Southern Scholar watched Lee Sin-pung with cold eyes, a disciple of the Tongtong Sect came running up urgently.

"Great Senior Brother."

"What is it?"

"Well, you see—"

The disciple whispered something in the Southern Scholar's ear. The Southern Scholar's expression changed instantly.

"Is that true?"

"Yes. They say a physician is tending to him now."

The Southern Scholar's eyes narrowed sharply.

Even below the platform, someone was seen rushing toward Jo Gyeong-ui. It was Mo Jung-hyeon—the chief instructor of Unyang Martial Academy and Jo Gyeong-ui's Junior Brother.

Though it was unclear what Mo Jung-hyeon whispered, Jo Gyeong-ui's complexion turned to ice. He offered Lee Sin-pung an apology and departed.

The Southern Scholar rose from his seat as well.

"Let's go. Where?"

"I will lead you."

The disciple hurried ahead. The destination was a separate pavilion within Hongam Mountain Villa.

Inside the pavilion, a man lay upon a bed. It was a face the Southern Scholar recognized.

"Sang-han."

"G-Great Senior Brother?"

The man spotted the Southern Scholar and tried to sit up. But his right arm was broken and useless—he could struggle but apply no force.

"Stay still, Sang-han."

"Great Senior Brother."

The man was none other than Yoon Sang-han, the outer disciple of the Tongtong Sect.

"What happened?"

"I have no excuse."

The Southern Scholar's eyes glinted coldly, and Yoon Sang-han's face went pale. The Southern Scholar was the man Yoon Sang-han most revered within the Tongtong Sect. He feared the Southern Scholar more than any other elder—and respected him all the more for it.

Yoon Sang-han himself was a recognized talent, but compared to the Southern Scholar, he was insignificant. The reason he had never become a main mountain disciple was that he had recognized early on that crossing the towering wall that was the Southern Scholar was impossible.

The Southern Scholar's gaze fell on Yoon Sang-han's right arm. Twisted and broken, it had turned black and was grotesquely swollen.

"Who did this?"

"Senior Brother—"

"Who made it like this?"

"It was my own fault. I do not wish to make an issue of it."

"Sang-han."

"I am sorry."

Yoon Sang-han closed his eyes.

Seeing him thus, the Southern Scholar bit his lip. Yoon Sang-han had always been this way—fiercely stubborn, once he made a decision, never to reverse it.

It was the same within the Tongtong Sect. Everyone valued his talent and wished him to become a main mountain disciple, but Yoon Sang-han stubbornly followed his own course.

The Southern Scholar liked that about Yoon Sang-han. Though they were separated as main mountain disciple and outer disciple, he had never once forgotten him.

"Even if you do not tell me, I will find out. And I will never forgive the one who did this to your arm."

"Senior Brother."

"I am a man who acts when he says he will."

"I am asking you not to. This is a personal matter. I do not wish to escalate this further."

"Truly?"

"Yes."

Yoon Sang-han's will was resolute. The Southern Scholar let out a quiet sigh, recognizing that he could not persuade him further.

"Very well. I will honor your request. But in exchange, tell me who did this."

"Senior Brother."

"Though you are an outer disciple, your skill is not greatly inferior to the first-generation disciples of the main mountain. Tell me. What happened?"

"Fine. The truth is…"

Yoon Sang-han's lips parted with a sigh.

"Hyung, you're late."

Bang Jin-bo sat on a bench before the guest quarters, greeting Dam Ho.

The smell of oil clung to Bang Jin-bo's body. Spending the entire day cooking in the kitchen, the scent had seeped into him.

It was mixed with sweat and might have been unpleasant, but Dam Ho did not so much as furrow his brow. It was proof of how hard Bang Jin-bo had worked.

"How was work?"

"It finished a little while ago. They said I only need to come through tomorrow. Hehe!"

Even though Dam Ho had not asked, Bang Jin-bo launched into a detailed account of everything that had happened in the kitchen.

"The head chef is truly incredible. I don't know how he knows so many secret recipes. I've been busy stealing glances to learn. Today we made beef meatballs, and—"

Dam Ho listened silently as Bang Jin-bo chattered on with increasing enthusiasm.

While Bang Jin-bo was still talking—

"Whoever is inside, come out."

A cold voice suddenly came from outside. Bang Jin-bo startled and looked at Dam Ho.

"Hyung?"

"Let's go."

Dam Ho showed no surprise. He opened the door and stepped outside, where dozens of martial artists stood arrayed in the courtyard. Among them were familiar faces.

Jang Hak-gyeong and Mo Jung-hyeon stood at the forefront, with Jo Gyeong-ui and Lee Sin-pung positioned behind them.

When Dam Ho appeared, Mo Jung-hyeon shouted.

"That's the one! That's the man who made Brother Jwa half-paralyzed!"

Mo Jung-hyeon's finger pointed squarely at Dam Ho. Jo Gyeong-ui stepped forward.

The Azure Moon Sword hung at Jo Gyeong-ui's waist. Perhaps because he now possessed the blade, his face seemed brimming with confidence.

Dam Ho's gaze turned to Jo Gyeong-ui. The moment their eyes met, Jo Gyeong-ui flinched. The numbness in Dam Ho's gaze sent an inexplicable chill through him.

But Jo Gyeong-ui squared his shoulders. This was Hongam Mountain Villa, and behind him stood its master, Lee Sin-pung. There was not a single reason to feel intimidated.

Jo Gyeong-ui hardened his expression.

"Why did you do it? This could have been settled with words."

"Did I attack first?"

Dam Ho asked.

The one who answered was Jang Hak-gyeong, standing beside Mo Jung-hyeon.

"Did you not attack Brother Jwa without provocation? Surely you won't deny that?"

The veins stood out on Jang Hak-gyeong's neck.

He did not particularly care that Jwa Sang-cheon had been reduced to paralysis. Their bond had not been strong enough to leave any lingering attachment.

But if they let Dam Ho leave like this, their pride would suffer. Jang Hak-gyeong was the young master of a great trading company; Mo Jung-hyeon was the chief instructor of Unyang Martial Academy. They were men accustomed to living under the admiring gazes of others.

When had they ever suffered such humiliation? They had considered letting it pass, but they simply could not. Their damaged pride had to be restored somehow, or they would never sleep soundly again.

Their solution was to involve Jo Gyeong-ui. By a fortunate turn, Jo Gyeong-ui had just forged a close bond with Lee Sin-pung.

By drawing Jo Gyeong-ui in, they naturally brought Lee Sin-pung into the matter as well. For Jang Hak-gyeong and Mo Jung-hyeon, this was the best possible outcome.

They knew Dam Ho was strong, but they did not believe he could afford to disregard both Jo Gyeong-ui and Lee Sin-pung.

Mo Jung-hyeon cried out.

"He is undoubtedly a demonic cultivator. Look at the killing intent in his eyes!"

"Indeed. He must have practiced demonic arts. His cruel methods are proof."

Jang Hak-gyeong echoed Mo Jung-hyeon's words.

Jo Gyeong-ui did not fully believe them. He did not know about Jang Hak-gyeong, but Mo Jung-hyeon was someone who valued profit over principle. This affair was surely of his making. Yet he could not simply ignore Mo Jung-hyeon's words.

Regardless, Mo Jung-hyeon was the chief instructor of Unyang Martial Academy and his right hand. His pride had to be appropriately preserved.

Jo Gyeong-ui turned to Dam Ho once more.

"Have you practiced demonic arts?"

"…"

"Every bone in Jwa Sang-cheon's lower body was shattered. No orthodox martial art could produce such cruelty. You must provide a clear explanation."

"Why should I explain anything?"

"Because if you don't, it will amount to an admission that you are a demonic cultivator. You know what kind of treatment demonic cultivators receive in the martial world, I trust?"

A smug light appeared on Jo Gyeong-ui's face. He glanced around and lowered his voice.

"Truthfully, it doesn't matter whether you're a demonic cultivator or not. I'll simply make you one."

The Azure Moon Sword alone was not enough to secure his fame. Having forged a connection with Lee Sin-pung, he needed even greater renown.

Fame was earned through great deeds. If he could slay a legendary demonic cultivator with the Azure Moon Sword, his reputation would soar.

The walls of the guest quarters were lined with onlookers. Martial artists who had attended Lee Sin-pung's celebration had followed the commotion here.

They watched the unfolding situation with keen interest. None wore serious expressions or raised objections—this was merely another source of entertainment for them.

Whatever the truth, they could simply watch and enjoy. They settled comfortably on the walls and observed. If Jo Gyeong-ui performed a great deed before them, his name would gain renown.

Jo Gyeong-ui whispered.

"So I suggest you surrender quietly. If you don't wish to experience pain."

But Dam Ho offered no response.

"Hyung!"

Behind Dam Ho, Bang Jin-bo surveyed his surroundings with a worried expression. Countless gazes were fixed upon Dam Ho. He did not know why this was happening.

But Bang Jin-bo trusted Dam Ho. Though Dam Ho's methods were harsh, he had never once initiated a conflict with anyone.

This time would be the same. Bang Jin-bo was certain of it.

When time passed and Dam Ho still did not speak, Jo Gyeong-ui's expression hardened.

"Are you ignoring me now?"

"There's no need to respond to every dog's bark."

"What did you say?"

Jo Gyeong-ui's eyebrows shot upward, but Dam Ho paid him no attention.

His gaze turned to Jang Hak-gyeong and Mo Jung-hyeon.

"So you really are friends."

"What?"

"You risked your lives for your friend."

"You—"

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Mo Jung-hyeon and Jang Hak-gyeon stumbled backward.

"But empty boasts in the martial world invite bloodshed."

Dam Ho's chilling voice echoed through the courtyard.

*CRASH!*

"AAAGH!"

Thunder crackled, and a scream tore through the night sky.

Under the dark moonlit night, the scent of death lingered over the entire village.

There was neither the sound of human presence nor the barking of dogs or crowing of roosters; a heavy silence had settled over the area.

Amidst that silence, a single noise could be heard.

Thud, thud.

Mang Ryo walked along the path, leaning on his cane with a bottle of liquor in one hand. His hands, clothes, and cane were all stained with blood.

Spotting a suitable pavilion, Mang Ryo climbed up to it.

He drank straight from the bottle.

Gulp, gulp.

“Delicious!”

Mang Ryo sat on the pavilion, gazing at the moon.

“Now, where has that guy gone off to?”

Jin Ja-gang had emerged from the mine shaft and had a chance to stretch his limbs with a good fight. Moreover, having killed the experts from Iron Umbrella Sect and Shadow Bureau this time, he must have gained confidence as well.

Thus, Mang Ryo couldn’t leave him be for too long. It was time to start hunting Jin Ja-gang down.

To do that, he needed to predict Jin Ja-gang’s next move.

There were three poison sects left that Jin Ja-gang might target.

Iron Umbrella Sect, Shadow Bureau, and Poison Valley.

“The easiest would be Iron Umbrella Sect.”

Iron Umbrella Sect used iron umbrellas as hidden weapons, and aside from the considerable power of their Joint-Breaking Needles, they had no particular distinguishing traits. Among the remaining three sects, they could be considered the weakest.

They had five experts, or rather, since Do Nam-gi had died here, including their sect leader, there were only four who could wield martial arts to any significant degree, and the number of regular disciples was around one hundred.

If Jin Ja-gang aimed to reduce the overall strength of the poison sects, targeting Iron Umbrella Sect first would be the most straightforward choice.

Mang Ryo took another swig of liquor.

“But… if it’s him, wouldn’t he target Poison Valley first?”

Poison Valley had the largest number of experts and disciples among the three sects and was the strongest. While the other poison sects were more like third-rate peripheral groups, Poison Valley maintained the discipline and scale befitting a proper sect.

In particular, Poison Valley’s leader, Hundred Scents Wei Zong, possessed skills recognized even in the broader martial world.

Thus, for Jin Ja-gang to attack Poison Valley would be akin to striking a rock with an egg, and it would be an extremely burdensome target as his first goal.

Nevertheless, the reason Mang Ryo thought Jin Ja-gang might target Poison Valley was singular.

Jin Ja-gang always exceeded others’ expectations.

The very idea of taking on all of Yunnan’s poison sects was already something beyond common sense.

Therefore, no matter how difficult attacking Poison Valley might be, if he succeeded, it would be as if Yunnan’s poison sects were nearly annihilated.

If Poison Valley fell, the remaining two sects would flounder and eventually disintegrate.

Of course, if the Martial Arts Alliance intervened, the situation would become more complicated.

Mang Ryo drained the liquor from the bottle in one gulp and tossed it aside.

In any case, that left Shadow Bureau as the third option.

“Ugh, Shadow Bureau is quite a troublesome one.”

Shadow Bureau was a sect specializing in assassination. Their martial arts weren’t particularly unique, but their movement techniques were exceptional, and they excelled in ambushes.

“If he’s determined to fight all the poison sects…”

For Jin Ja-gang, unlike Iron Umbrella Sect or Poison Valley, which would confront him head-on, Shadow Bureau, striking from the shadows, could pose a far more difficult challenge.

Reaching this conclusion, Mang Ryo suddenly slapped his thigh.

“Shadow Bureau it is.”

That would be Jin Ja-gang’s next target. He felt certain of it.

Jin Ja-gang knew that the three poison sects had gathered here and had extracted information by taking down warriors from each sect. Therefore, he must also know that a general assembly of Yunnan’s poison sects, hosted by Poison Valley, was imminent.

If so, he could easily predict that the three poison sects would unite their strength at the assembly.

At that point, the biggest obstacle would be Shadow Bureau.

Unless Jin Ja-gang were a top-tier master renowned in the martial world, at his current level, enduring Shadow Bureau’s persistent and prolonged ambushes would be difficult. Shadow Bureau could strike at Jin Ja-gang anywhere-be it at an inn, on the road, or in a marketplace.

Mang Ryo was convinced.

Jin Ja-gang would definitely head to Shadow Bureau.

Having predicted Jin Ja-gang’s movements, a laugh escaped him.

What was a thorn in Jin Ja-gang’s side was a useful tool for Mang Ryo.

Mang Ryo pulled a plaque from his sleeve. Even the silver plaque with its attached silver thread was stained with blood.

It was a silver plaque granting the same authority as an investigator from the Martial Arts Alliance.

With this plaque, he could request assistance from nearby sects and mobilize the forces of the Martial Arts Alliance’s branches.

Mang Ryo wiped the blood off the plaque with the hem of his robe.

“Well then, shall we start the hunt?”

From now on, Jin Ja-gang would live a hellish life, hunted relentlessly without a moment to breathe until the day he died. Perhaps, in the end, he would kneel before Mang Ryo and beg to be killed?

Mang Ryo let out a loud laugh.

For the sake of Jin Ja-gang’s cursed life, today was the day to take the first long step.

Mang Ryo left the village and raced through the night.

This was a race against time.

By the time dawn broke, a fork in the road appeared not far from Kunming.

Mang Ryo paused briefly at the crossroads.

Though he was somewhat fatigued from killing hundreds and immediately traveling via lightness skill, that wasn’t the only reason for stopping.

To the right lay Panlong, where Poison Valley was located; to the left was Fumin, home to Shadow Bureau.

Deciding which to visit first was a critical part of this plan. After catching his breath for a moment, Mang Ryo headed toward Fumin.

* * *

Fumin, with its winding river as a boundary, featured gentle hills and terraced fields layered across the landscape.

A wide road stretched through the scenery, leading to the heart where overlapping hills converged.

Shadow Bureau was situated at the very edge of this center. Over twenty flat mud houses were built in the shadows cast by the hills, hidden from prying eyes.

The sunny slopes of the hills were terraced fields, while the shaded areas behind them housed the dwellings, creating a peculiar sight.

Thud, thud.

Mang Ryo entered Shadow Bureau’s territory, the sound of his prosthetic legs echoing loudly.

The gazes of farmers working in the fields turned toward Mang Ryo.

“Heh heh heh.”

Mang Ryo stood still in that spot and waited.

The fact that he had arrived must have already been reported to Shadow Bureau’s sect leader, Guai Song.

Before long, an ordinary-looking village elder, as if he had been working in the fields and just stepped away, approached Mang Ryo holding a sickle.

Mang Ryo also walked toward him.

They stopped about three steps apart, facing each other.

Guai Song greeted him with a smiling face.

“Ha! It’s been a long time. Have you been well?”

Mang Ryo, with his scar-covered face, also wore a broad smile.

“Thanks to your concern, I’ve been doing well.”

“I see. What brings you here? I figured the Martial Arts Alliance would send someone due to the incident at Stone Forest Gang, but there’s no reason for you to come all the way here while conducting an investigation.”

“Since I’m in a hurry, I’ll skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point…”

Mang Ryo continued immediately.

“They’re all dead.”

Flinch.

Guai Song was smiling with his eyes, but his mouth wasn’t smiling at all. Guai Song looked at Mang Ryo and asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you get it from the fact that I’m here? The ones dispatched from Poison Valley, Shadow Bureau, and Iron Umbrella Sect to Stone Forest Gang-they’re all dead.”

Only then did Guai Song erase the smile from his eyes as well. A murderous aura flickered across his face.

“Who killed them?”

“The one who razed Stone Forest Gang to the ground.”

“What kind of person are they?”

“Well… for starters, no one has seen them.”

“How can there be no witnesses when there were so many people there?”

“Didn’t I tell you? They’re all dead, tsk. The culprit massacred every villager near Stone Forest Gang’s manor, regardless of age. The only witnesses are the dead.”

“Huh.”

Guai Song let out a hollow laugh.

“What kind of era are we in for someone to commit such reckless slaughter? Are they insane, seeking death?”

“That’s why I need Shadow Bureau’s help to catch them.”

“Us?”

“Shadow Bureau has the fastest information network, doesn’t it? This is an urgent matter, so I came here first.”

Guai Song fell into thought for a moment before suddenly asking Mang Ryo.

“Who is it?”

“Hmm? What do you mean by ‘who is it’?”

“You’ve been referring to them as ‘the culprit’ all this time, but it’s someone you know, isn’t it? That’s why you came to us, right?”

Guai Song was sharp. That made things convenient since there was no need for lengthy explanations.

Mang Ryo gave a sly smile and answered.

“It’s a limping fellow.”

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Jin Ja-gang left Stone Forest Gang close to nightfall, so after walking for a while, he had to camp out and continue his journey on foot.

The distance to Fumin, where Shadow Bureau was located, was considerable. At Jin Ja-gang’s pace, it would take about four or five days.

Although he could draw energy through his Baihui acupoint to temporarily use martial skills, he had the drawback of being unable to use lightness skills that required sustained internal energy.

Thus, Jin Ja-gang walked diligently.

After walking all day, as the sun was nearly setting, he spotted a light slightly off the main road before entering the official highway.

It was an inn, its lights on, still open for business.

Jin Ja-gang no longer needed to hide or beg. He had enough money in his pouch to stay at an inn, and his attire was decent.

He walked toward the inn. It was a remote place with hardly any customers, yet a waiter stood outside, soliciting business.

Upon seeing Jin Ja-gang, the waiter tilted his head curiously before breaking into a welcoming smile and rushing over.

“Welcome, sir!”

Since night was approaching anyway, Jin Ja-gang decided to follow the waiter’s suggestion and have dinner and rest at the inn.

Though accustomed to killing, Jin Ja-gang was unfamiliar with worldly matters. Born in a remote mountain area with little exposure to the world, he had then spent eight years trapped in an underground mine shaft by the time he began to understand life.

Staying at an inn was a first for him.

Jin Ja-gang struggled with the unfamiliarity of ordering food.

Inevitably, he had to ask the waiter about everything from start to finish to place his order.

Fortunately, there was only one other table of customers at the inn. After giving a small silver coin as a token of appreciation for the explanations, the waiter, doubting if it was real silver, bit it with his teeth before happily returning to his duties.

‘A suspicious waiter, isn’t he?’

What Jin Ja-gang ordered after asking several questions was a simple fried rice with meat and vegetables.

Yet, even that was enough to move Jin Ja-gang deeply.

The savory taste of oil and the umami of meat dancing in his mouth enraptured Jin Ja-gang, who had only eaten raw poisonous plants. Even his tongue, accustomed to bitter and sour flavors, was astonished.

“Ha, delicious.”

Riding on the momentum, Jin Ja-gang ordered a Sichuan-style spicy beef stew called Sichuan Boiled Beef to eat as well.

Contrary to his initial plan of just having a light meal, once the food started going in, it was hard to stop.

As he was wolfing down the food, the waiter suddenly brought over a bottle of liquor.

“The customers over there said they’d treat you to this.”

Jin Ja-gang turned his head and saw one of three sturdy men, who looked like merchants, waving at him. The man appeared to be in his thirties.

“Hey, young friend, you look like you’ve been starving for a while. I’ll buy you a drink, so take your time eating.”

Jin Ja-gang felt quite embarrassed by the situation.

What should he do in a moment like this?

After a brief moment of thought, Jin Ja-gang stood up from his seat and offered a fist-and-palm salute to the men.

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank us. We’re just merchants staying here, and since business went well today, we’re treating you. Don’t feel burdened and enjoy it.”

Though the merchants offered the drink, they didn’t bother Jin Ja-gang further. They seemed busy drinking and chatting among themselves.

Jin Ja-gang looked at the liquor, lost in old memories. The only time he had drunk alcohol was as a child, out of playful curiosity.

Yet, time had flowed so much that he was now of an age to drink on his own.

Jin Ja-gang poured the liquor and drank.

The unique aroma of the alcohol, its roughness, and the harsh, murky aftertaste stung his tongue.

‘A familiar taste.’