Chapter 80: Unintended Meetings Can Bring Trouble (2)

Do Hak-gyeong's expression instantly twisted.

"What was that? What did you just say?"

It was the Golden Silk Black Dragon he had crafted with painstaking care.

Using the finest sea cucumber and meat, with his greatest skill, he had created a work of art—and this fat boy's food was being compared to it?

It was an indelible humiliation.

"Are you saying the Golden Silk Black Dragon I made is not delicious?"

"I believe I have already tasted the finest Golden Silk Black Dragon. Of course, it was not made by the Food Immortal."

Eun So-cheong wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief.

Do Hak-gyeong's Golden Silk Black Dragon was indeed delicious. But to Eun So-cheong, it somehow felt lacking.

Under normal circumstances, she would have been diplomatic or remained silent. But fed up with Do Hak-gyeong's arrogance, she had spoken without thinking. And it had provoked him.

"You say what I made is not delicious? And you—do you agree?"

"Pardon?"

Bang Jin-bo's eyes went wide. He looked flustered.

"N-no! That's impossible. The food the master made is truly delicious."

"Then why that expression? Why that face?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why that look of distaste?"

Do Hak-gyeong's voice thundered across the fifth floor. Other diners at nearby tables turned to look at Bang Jin-bo and his companions.

Bang Jin-bo did not know what to do.

He had never imagined that the world's greatest chef, Do Hak-gyeong, would direct such a gaze at him. He looked to Dam Ho.

In that moment, Dam Ho's firmly shut lips parted.

"You've only ruined your palate."

"…"

In that instant, the atmosphere in the room turned to ice.

"Br-brother?"

Bang Jin-bo looked as though he might burst into tears.

Do Hak-gyeong's sharp gaze fixed on Dam Ho.

"What did you just say?"

"I said it's not good."

"How dare you mock me, Do Hak-gyeong?"

The greater his pride in his cooking, the greater the fury Do Hak-gyeong now felt.

Dam Ho raised his head and looked at Do Hak-gyeong. In that instant, Do Hak-gyeong flinched.

Dam Ho's gaze, infinitely heavy and deep, was not something an ordinary man could withstand.

It was not only he who felt the tension.

Crack!

Jong Ri-su clenched his fist without realizing it. The moment he saw Dam Ho's gaze, his entire body stiffened, and the nape of his neck went rigid. His hands and feet tingled—he knew just how much tension he was under.

If Jong Ri-su, a trained martial artist, reacted thus, how could Do Hak-gyeong—a mere cook—possibly face Dam Ho's gaze?

Do Hak-gyeong quickly turned his head, unable to meet Dam Ho's eyes.

Dam Ho set down his chopsticks.

"You've tampered with the food."

"W-what?"

Do Hak-gyeong's face flushed crimson.

He wanted to lash out at Dam Ho immediately, but he lacked the courage to meet his gaze.

As the head chef of the Heaven's First Tower, Do Hak-gyeong had encountered countless dignitaries and martial artists. But never—not once—had anyone given him such fear as Dam Ho.

Do Hak-gyeong tried to speak. But his lips merely moved without producing any words.

Then—

"What is this commotion?"

An unfamiliar voice echoed across the fifth floor.

All eyes turned toward the source of the voice.

A man who appeared to be in his mid-forties was ascending the stairs. He had a refined face, a well-groomed beard, and wore a white robe that suited him remarkably well.

The moment she saw him, Eun So-cheong's expression changed.

"Uncle!"

"So-cheong."

The man ascending the stairs was Sim Woo-won, the Sect Leader of the Medical Benevolence Gate. Behind him, over a dozen warriors of the Medical Benevolence Gate followed.

Their intense gazes spoke of formidable presence.

Sim Woo-won asked:

"What is happening?"

"Well…"

"These people insulted my cooking."

While Eun So-cheong hesitated, unsure how to respond, Do Hak-gyeong stepped forward.

The Medical Benevolence Gate was the Heaven's First Tower's greatest patron. At least here, on the Yuan River, they were virtually supreme. Do Hak-gyeong's confidence soared.

Do Hak-gyeong's gaze turned to Dam Ho and Bang Jin-bo.

"Is that true?"

"It's not like that, Uncle."

"You stay quiet. I asked them."

Sim Woo-won dismissed Eun So-cheong.

Though she was his beloved niece, public and private matters had to be strictly separated.

The revenue generated by the Heaven's First Tower in a single year was astronomical. A significant portion of that money flowed to the Medical Benevolence Gate.

None of this would have been possible without Do Hak-gyeong as the world's greatest chef. Therefore, the Medical Benevolence Gate had to protect Do Hak-gyeong's honor at all costs.

If his honor fell, so would the Heaven's First Tower's reputation, and customers would cease to come. The losses would fall entirely upon the Medical Benevolence Gate.

Do Hak-gyeong wore a smug expression.

Like a dog whose master was at hand, he was emboldened by the presence of his powerful patron, Sim Woo-won.

Eun So-cheong, on the other hand, was visibly flustered. She had not expected matters to escalate this far.

Sim Woo-won's gaze settled on Bang Jin-bo.

The Medical Benevolence Gate was both a medical and martial sect. Naturally, Sim Woo-won was both a physician and a martial artist—one who had trained in highly advanced martial arts.

Bang Jin-bo, young as he was, could not endure Sim Woo-won's gaze. He quickly looked away.

"I asked if it was true. Did you truly insult his cooking?"

"That's…"

"It wasn't good."

Dam Ho stepped forward in Bang Jin-bo's stead.

Sim Woo-won's eyes flickered with interest.

"Everyone calls him the world's greatest chef. And you say his food is not good? You're being unreasonable."

"I'm simply stating the truth."

At Dam Ho's words, the warriors behind Sim Woo-won surged forward.

"Do you know who you're speaking to? How dare you spout such nonsense!"

"Watch your manners."

They looked ready to charge at Dam Ho. But Sim Woo-won raised his hand to stop them.

Sim Woo-won looked at Dam Ho.

"Can you take responsibility for those words?"

"What? That it's not good?"

"That's right. Not a single guest who has come here has ever said such a thing."

"Just because no one has said it before doesn't mean no one ever will."

"It seems to me that you're simply looking for trouble. Today, for the sake of my niece's dignity, I will let you go. Please leave now."

This was Sim Woo-won showing the utmost courtesy. He wanted to reprimand Dam Ho and Bang Jin-bo immediately, but Eun So-cheong was watching.

Though she was his niece in private, she was also the precious treasure of the Silver Fortress. If the Silver Fortress chose to cut the money supply, the entire economy of Hunan would grind to a halt.

No matter how much the Medical Benevolence Gate was praised by the people, if the money dried up, it was finished.

Eun So-cheong's father, Eun Il-myeong, was more than capable of doing so. He cherished Eun So-cheong more than his own life. If she wished it, he would cut the money supply without a moment's hesitation.

"While I'm asking politely, I suggest you leave. The Heaven's First Tower has no need for guests like you."

"Uncle!"

Eun So-cheong cried out in alarm, but Sim Woo-won was resolute.

"Immediately!"

At his command, his subordinates stepped forward. Their faces brimmed with killing intent. Seeing this, Do Hak-gyeong smiled.

'How dare you insult my cooking. Serves you right.'

No one was permitted to disparage his creations. They were meant to be eaten as prepared, and praised—that was all.

"Get up."

One of Sim Woo-won's subordinates placed a hand on Dam Ho's shoulder.

In that instant, Dam Ho's gaze turned cold.

"Take your hand off. Unless you want to die."

"How amusing. You're the kind who needs to see the coffin before you'll shed tears."

The man who had touched Dam Ho's shoulder drew upon his internal energy.

"Brother!"

Bang Jin-bo squeezed his eyes shut.

He knew better than anyone what would happen in the next moment.

Boom!

The Heaven's First Tower shook.

Compressed air exploded outward, sending tables and furnishings tumbling across the floor. Even the diners were knocked over.

Splat!

A crimson object was splattered against the wall. It had not been there moments before.

"Ugh!"

The sight of it made the diners who had been knocked to the floor retch.

Though its form was unrecognizable, it was unmistakably a human. Someone who had been alive and breathing just moments before.

All he had done was place a hand on Dam Ho's shoulder. Truly, that was all.

But now, he was crushed beyond recognition.

It had happened in an instant. Most people did not understand what had occurred.

A tremor ran through Sim Woo-won's shoulder.

He was one of the few who understood.

The moment Dam Ho's shoulder had moved, a thunderous sound had rung out, and his subordinate had been sent flying. And now he looked like this.

Splat!

The subordinate's body, which had been stuck to the wall, slid down. His features were crushed beyond recognition, his breastbone caved in, and his ribs protruded grotesquely.

It was a sight too horrible to behold.

"Ugh!"

Do Hak-gyeong, who had been so smug moments ago, clamped both hands over his mouth.

Though he handled pig and cattle carcasses daily, seeing a human corpse before his eyes was a first.

Dam Ho slowly rose from his seat. Everyone's eyes were fixed upon him.

When he was still, one might not have noticed. But the moment Dam Ho moved, a crushing pressure suffocated all within range.

"Ugh!"

An involuntary groan escaped Sim Woo-won's lips.

Through the tangled hair, bestial eyes gleamed. Within them burned thick, viscous killing intent.

Sim Woo-won had spent his entire life within the protective embrace of the Medical Benevolence Gate. This was a gaze he had never seen, never imagined—and it was fixed directly upon him.

'Why didn't I see this sooner?'

Regret flooded in like the tide.

He wondered if he had been too hasty, relying solely on Do Hak-gyeong's words. But the water had already been spilled, and too many eyes were upon him.

He asked:

"Who are you?"

"What does that matter?"

"What?"

"Is my identity really that important?"

Dam Ho took a step toward Sim Woo-won. His leg dragged slightly as he walked.

But not a single person present dared to laugh.

'If I laugh, I will die.'

That thought flashed through the minds of everyone on the fifth floor. Sim Woo-won was no exception.

Though he had always prided himself on being a master of formidable martial arts, the moment he saw Dam Ho's gaze, his knees weakened.

Those warriors who had been shouting boldly moments ago now clamped their mouths shut. Their pupils trembled violently.

Dam Ho finally stood before Sim Woo-won.

His lips parted.

"So what are you going to do about it?"

Sim Woo-won smelled the scent of a beast from Dam Ho's breath—the foul stench of death that belonged only to a predator that had slain the living.

Sim Woo-won's jaw muscles twitched. He tried to speak. But his lips would not open.

Though he boasted that the Medical Benevolence Gate was one of Hunan's Five Great Sects, in truth, it was a sect that had never engaged in a proper battle. Moreover, most of its members were physicians who devoted themselves to medicine rather than martial arts.

He had to decide.

Would he fight Dam Ho, or would he swallow his pride and retreat? Neither was an easy choice.

When beads of sweat began to trickle down his forehead—

"Brother!"

Bang Jin-bo's voice echoed through the room.

Jin Ja-gang did not head straight for Iron Umbrella Sect.

Though time was urgent, he deliberately delayed his journey by a day to rest.

This was something he absolutely needed to do to ensure he could reach Iron Umbrella Sect safely.

Fortunately, after a day passed, news reached his ears that Shadow Bureau had been annihilated.

Jin Ja-gang, who had been anxiously waiting for the outcome, was finally able to set out with peace of mind.

‘For the wanted notice spread by Shadow Bureau to become meaningless, the rumor of their destruction has to spread. Only then am I safe.’

Shadow Bureau had issued a wanted order for the limping man-Jin Ja-gang.

But now that Shadow Bureau was gone, there was no one left to report to, even if someone found the limping man.

Naturally, those seeking the bounty would no longer bother searching for Jin Ja-gang.

This meant he could travel with less scrutiny from others.

So Jin Ja-gang acted normally.

He didn’t go out of his way to take rough mountain paths, nor did he sneak around only at night. He didn’t need to flaunt himself, but neither did he have to hide.

Still, he was careful not to travel through places too deserted, just in case “he” was lurking and watching.

He could have walked without limping if he paid attention, but since “he” might recognize him, Jin Ja-gang continued to limp as usual.

Occasionally, there were still people who eyed Jin Ja-gang with suspicion.

But most of them just seemed uncertain. Even if Jin Ja-gang was the limping man from the rumors, there was nothing they could do about it.

Because of this, Jin Ja-gang was able to travel more comfortably than expected.

Now that he didn’t have to worry about how to reach Iron Umbrella Sect, he only needed to think about how to deal with it once there.

‘The real headache with Iron Umbrella Sect is their hidden weapons.’

Iron Umbrella Sect uses hidden weapons fired from umbrellas, so facing many of them head-on was difficult. Even for Jin Ja-gang, with his resistance to poison, he had no desire to become a human pincushion.

Moreover, news of Shadow Bureau’s destruction would have reached Iron Umbrella Sect, so they were surely on alert. A frontal assault was impossible; he would have to exploit their preparations and find a gap.

… ‘I’ll have to see for myself how prepared Iron Umbrella Sect is when I arrive. Time will be very tight.’

Jin Ja-gang quickened his pace a little.

* * *

Early in the morning, Chu Sa-jin was leaving his sect, sent off by his beautiful wife.

Chu Sa-jin was the only son of Chu Hyo, the Tiger Shield Sword, a vigorous young man in his early twenties. As the only son, he had married early to continue the family line, but despite it being an arranged marriage, the couple was genuinely close.

“Dear, don’t be too anxious.”

His wife tried to comfort the nervous Chu Sa-jin.

Chu Sa-jin gave her an awkward smile.

“It’s already the fifth day, and there’s still no result. I’ll have no face to see uncle if this goes on.”

“There will be good news, I’m sure.”

“I can’t let this opportunity slip by. If I catch that man, our Ojo Sect could become one of the top clans in Yunnan. All I have to do is succeed.”

“Still… please be careful not to get hurt.”

“That guy is just a lowlife who acts as a henchman for others. There’s no danger for me. But for your sake, I’ll be careful.”

“Take care.”

With his wife’s farewell, Chu Sa-jin left Ojo Sect. Three martial artists were waiting outside.

“Let’s go.”

As ordered by his father, Chu Hyo, Chu Sa-jin was searching the nearby villages every day with Ojo Sect’s martial artists.

Though only three accompanied him at the moment, in reality, the entire Ojo Sect had been mobilized for this operation. With thirty more gathered through connections, a total of eighty people had been deployed for this task.

That’s how much the future of Ojo Sect depended on capturing the limping man.

The pressure on Chu Sa-jin was immense.

A martial artist holding Chu Sa-jin’s horse’s reins spoke.

“Don’t worry, young master. We’ve sent people to all three surrounding counties-he won’t be able to escape.”

“He’d better not. We must succeed this time.”

… Above all, he couldn’t fail-not after Mang Ryo had brought this great prey right to their doorstep, and not after his father’s tireless efforts for Ojo Sect.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

Chu Sa-jin and his three companions began making their rounds of the designated areas.

The search was conducted mainly by visiting martial arts halls, tea houses, and inns to ask questions.

After a morning of inquiries, Chu Sa-jin’s group spotted a small martial arts hall.

Chu Sa-jin dismounted and entered the hall with his men.

The instructor greeted him with a martial salute.

“Welcome. What brings Ojo Sect’s Chu young master here?”

Chu Sa-jin returned the salute politely.

“Hello, Master Hwang. I have something to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Have you seen a young man, late teens or early twenties, who limps, possibly from out of town?”

“A limping young man?”

The instructor frowned in thought, but a student behind him spoke up.

“Oh? I think I saw someone like that just a little while ago.”

“When?”

“I saw him just after passing the three-way intersection. He was heading toward Danya Mountain. He definitely looked like an outsider.”

Chu Sa-jin’s eyes lit up. He quickly saluted the student and instructor.

“If this is the man we’re looking for, I’ll be sure to return and thank you properly. Let’s go!”

Chu Sa-jin hurried toward Danya Mountain with his men.

It was a promising lead. He couldn’t afford to lose time and let the target slip away.

One of the martial artists asked, “Should we contact the elder?”

“No, let’s catch him ourselves and bring him to uncle.”

There had been many leads on the limping man, but most had turned out to be false-wrong age, unable to walk at all, or even women.

… So Chu Sa-jin didn’t want to trouble Mang Ryo every time a tip came in. He planned to bring in anyone who was even a close match for Mang Ryo to check.

According to Mang Ryo, the man’s martial arts were only third-rate, so there was little to worry about. The only concern was that this might not be the right person.

When Chu Sa-jin and his three men reached the foot of Danya Mountain, they saw a slim young man climbing the mountain ahead.

“Ah! Young master?”

The martial artists looked at Chu Sa-jin in surprise. A smile appeared on Chu Sa-jin’s face as well.

“This tip was the real thing!”

The young man climbing the mountain was limping.

Chu Sa-jin chased after the young man, calling out loudly.

“Wait a moment!”

The young man only stopped after Chu Sa-jin called out several times.

Chu Sa-jin dismounted as he drew near.

“Whoa.”

He calmed his horse and quickly looked over the young man’s face.

He looked ordinary enough, dusty and travel-worn, clearly a stranger to these parts.

Chu Sa-jin gave a slight martial salute.

“I am Chu Sa-jin of Ojo Sect.”

The young man nodded slightly, showing no sign of recognizing the name Ojo Sect.

“What is it?”

His voice was remarkably calm for someone stopped so suddenly. Normally, Chu Sa-jin might have found this odd, but in his excitement, he didn’t notice.

“I have a few questions. Forgive my rudeness in stopping you.”

“I’m in a hurry…”

Chu Sa-jin quickly asked, “Where are you headed?”

“I’m crossing Danya Mountain to Songcheon.”

“May I ask your name?”

“Wang Mo.”

“Can you show me your identification?”

“I don’t have it with me right now…”

In these times, it wasn’t unusual not to carry identification. But that was just an excuse.

Chu Sa-jin seized the opportunity.

“Then, could you come with us for a moment?”

“Huh?”

Chu Sa-jin puffed out his chest and spoke with pride.

“Our Ojo Sect is a member of the Martial Arts Alliance.”

At the mention of the Martial Arts Alliance, the young man’s expression changed slightly.

He clearly reacted to the words “Martial Arts Alliance.” Chu Sa-jin pressed on.

“That means our Ojo Sect’s actions are on behalf of the Alliance itself. Even if you’re busy, I hope you’ll cooperate.”

Just in case, Chu Sa-jin placed his hand on his sword hilt. His words were polite, but his actions bordered on intimidation.

The young man protested.

“The Martial Arts Alliance isn’t the government. You can’t just detain innocent people. How do I know you’re not bandits pretending to be Ojo Sect?”

At this, the martial artists who had followed Chu Sa-jin stepped up angrily.

“Ojo what? Ojo Sect is a famous, long-standing clan!”

“If you don’t know Ojo Sect, you’re clearly not from around here!”

The young man replied, “I’m just passing through on business.”

Chu Sa-jin gripped his sword hilt more tightly, his expression serious.

It was a clear threat.

“We’re chasing a very dangerous criminal. If you don’t want to be suspected, you should come with us.”

The young man widened his eyes and asked, “Is he really that dangerous?”

“He’s a vicious criminal,” the martial artists answered.

“He’s slaughtered hundreds of people-a truly evil monster.”

“Alone?”

“Yes, alone.”

The young man blinked, as if frightened.

Chu Sa-jin and his men exchanged glances. The young man’s innocent expression made them doubt he was the one, but they couldn’t be sure.

Suddenly, the young man waved his hands.

“Oh, come on. How could anyone do that? One man killing hundreds? That’s impossible.”

“Uh…”

Chu Sa-jin and his men felt awkward, having exaggerated the story. But it was too late to backtrack now.

The martial artists looked to Chu Sa-jin, then barked at the young man.

“Are you saying we’re lying?”

“Do you know who you’re talking to?”

The young man protested, “No, I just wanted to know if such a person really exists. Is he really so terrifying?”

“He is!” they shouted.

“But,” the young man said, “if he’s so terrifying, what do you plan to do if you find him?”

“What?”

Chu Sa-jin was taken aback, his face reddening.

“What did you just say…?”

The three martial artists shouted, “Are you mocking Ojo Sect?”

The young man replied, “I don’t know about Ojo Sect, but I’m asking you right here.”

His expression was calm, but his words sent chills down their spines.

“You… you bastard!”

The martial artists looked helplessly at Chu Sa-jin.

But there was little Chu Sa-jin could do.

He suppressed his anger and said, “Perhaps I was rude. If you wouldn’t mind, please come with us for a moment…”

The young man answered immediately, “I do mind. Goodbye.”

With that, he turned as if to leave.

They couldn’t let him go.

Srrrk!