Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Those Destined to Meet Will Always Meet Again (3)

The Yueyang Sword Gate was situated at the very heart of Eakyang, as if to prove its dominance. At the gate, a dozen or so warriors stood guard.

Those who passed before the Yueyang Sword Gate walked with their heads bowed, lest they accidentally meet the warriors' eyes.

In the grand hall of the Yueyang Sword Gate—the largest and most magnificent building—Sat the Sect Leader, Sa-ma Gyeong-won.

It was Sa-ma Gyeong-won who had elevated the Yueyang Sword Gate to its place among Hunan's Five Great Sects. Now entering his mid-fifties, he still maintained a robust physique and commanding gaze.

Before Sa-ma Gyeong-won sat Hae So-wol.

It was the Yueyang Sword Gate that had restored order along the shores of Dongting Lake after the previous night's assassination attempt.

Sa-ma Gyeong-won, his lips having been firmly sealed, finally spoke.

"Is it truly confirmed that a Heaven-Shaking Thunder was used?"

"As far as I know, yes."

"Hmm!"

At Hae So-wol's answer, Sa-ma Gyeong-won uttered a heavy sound.

His face was rigid with tension.

A mass assassination attempt in a place crowded with people was serious enough. But the greater problem was that the assassins had used a Heaven-Shaking Thunder—a weapon of mass destruction—as their final resort.

Over a hundred years ago, there had been a sect called the Fire Forge Sect. They specialized in crafting firearms. One day, an artisan there had mistakenly mixed gunpowder incorrectly and produced an unintended device.

A Thunder Shock Bomb with three to four times the power of a conventional one, and portable to boot. That was the Heaven-Shaking Thunder.

When the Heaven-Shaking Thunder first appeared, people recoiled at its horrifying destructive power.

With the Heaven-Shaking Thunder, even an untrained person could kill hundreds of people. More than hundreds.

Such an event had actually occurred. At a martial world gathering, someone had detonated a Heaven-Shaking Thunder. Hundreds of martial artists were killed or injured, and as a result, the Fire Forge Sect became a pariah of the martial world.

Friends and family of those who had lost loved ones at the gathering attacked the Fire Forge Sect. But the Fire Forge Sect did not simply take the assault lying down.

They fought back with various firearms and Heaven-Shaking Thunders, and in the process, hundreds more martial artists lost their lives.

Enraged, the martial artists attacked the Fire Forge Sect with even greater ferocity. In the end, the sect could not overcome its numerical disadvantage and was annihilated.

The secret formula for creating the Heaven-Shaking Thunder was destroyed in the fire of that day.

Thus the Heaven-Shaking Thunder faded from memory, and a hundred years passed.

"And now, after a hundred years, the Heaven-Shaking Thunder has resurfaced."

If the assassins had truly used a Heaven-Shaking Thunder, this was not a matter Sa-ma Gyeong-won could handle alone.

Though the Yueyang Sword Gate was counted among Hunan's Five Great Sects, it did not possess power on a national scale.

Sa-ma Gyeong-won asked:

"Do you know the assassins' identities?"

Hae So-wol quietly shook her head.

"You mean to say you don't know, even though they attacked with a Heaven-Shaking Thunder?"

"It's the truth."

On her journey here, she had fought in numerous duels. But among them, there was not a single person who harbored such deep enmity as to use a Heaven-Shaking Thunder to kill her.

"This is grave."

The incident had occurred in none other than Eakyang. Like it or not, it was inevitably connected to the Yueyang Sword Gate.

Then—

"Perhaps…"

"What? Do you have a suspicion?"

Sa-ma Gyeong-won asked, but Hae So-wol could not easily answer. It was related to the reason she had come here.

Sa-ma Gyeong-won's face hardened.

"Lady Hae, I am treating you with all due courtesy and sincerity. Though the Yueyang Sword Gate is a minor sect compared to the Hainan Sect, we do claim to be masters of Eakyang. It is our duty to know every detail of what transpires here. So if you have even the slightest suspicion, I would appreciate your candor."

A formidable pressure emanated from Sa-ma Gyeong-won's body.

In Hunan Province, there were no massive sects like the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Families.

In the past, the Great Guardian Sect had been a powerful force that claimed leadership of Hunan, but over thirty years ago, it had been destroyed in battle against the Demonic Cult.

After that, countless sects had risen to claim leadership of Hunan, resulting in the emergence of the Five Great Sects of Hunan, including the Yueyang Sword Gate and the Medical Benevolence Gate.

Though they were the five most powerful sects within Hunan Province, they did not possess the influence or martial strength of the Nine Great Sects or Five Great Families.

They had insufficient power to claim regional dominance, but the five similarly-sized sects had achieved a delicate balance of power, creating the current state of affairs.

Because of this, those affiliated with the Nine Great Sects or Five Great Families tended to look down on Hunan's Five Great Sects.

"Sigh."

Hae So-wol let out a soft sigh. Sa-ma Gyeong-won's pressure was not what frightened her. But as he said, she had a duty to know what was happening here.

After all, this was the territory the Yueyang Sword Gate governed.

"Then I will speak frankly."

"I am listening."

"A great gathering will soon be held on Dongting Lake."

"A gathering?"

"I don't know the details either. Only that several influential sects of the Central Plains are organizing a meeting here."

"What does that mean?"

Suspicion clouded Sa-ma Gyeong-won's face.

If such a grand gathering were to take place on Dongting Lake, he—the Sect Leader of the Yueyang Sword Gate—should naturally have been informed. Yet he had been kept entirely in the dark.

"It's of the highest secrecy. Few know about this. If my master had not given me a hint, I would never have known either."

"No. Having a secret gathering in my own front yard without so much as a word to me—is that reasonable?"

"I was told that a message would be sent to Sect Leader Sa-ma in due course. That is what I was told."

Sa-ma Gyeong-won's cheeks trembled. Overwhelmed by humiliation, his face flushed red.

"So, a secret gathering is being held in my own front yard, and it may be connected to this crisis? Is that what you're saying?"

"Yes."

"Hmm!"

Sa-ma Gyeong-won tapped his chin with his finger.

'The term "influential sect" is not used for just any sect. They must be at least on the level of the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Families.'

Though the Yueyang Sword Gate wielded considerable influence in Hunan, he knew well that it could not compare to the Nine Great Sects or Five Great Families.

No matter how angry he was, he could not simply explode. Picking a fight with a massive sect like the Nine Great Sects would only bring ruin to the Yueyang Sword Gate.

He had to remain as calm as possible.

"Do you know why they are gathering here, Lady Hae?"

"I don't know. I'll only know once they arrive."

"Sigh!"

In the end, Sa-ma Gyeong-won let out a sigh.

He realized that pressing Hae So-wol further would yield nothing.

"So I must wait until the gathering takes place to learn the truth."

"That's correct."

"I have one request, Lady Hae."

"Please speak."

"Would you remain here until the gathering is held?"

"Why?"

"There's no telling when assassins might attack you again."

"I am more than capable of protecting myself."

"There's no guarantee they won't use the Heaven-Shaking Thunder again. If something were to happen to you here, I would not be able to show my face. So I ask that you honor my wishes this once."

"Hmm!"

This time, Hae So-wol murmured in agreement. Sa-ma Gyeong-won's reasoning was sound.

Though Sa-ma Gong-cheon weighed on her mind, there seemed to be no alternative at the moment. The appearance of the Heaven-Shaking Thunder was as significant as the secret gathering.

"Very well. I will stay here for a time."

"A wise decision. I will send my men to fetch your belongings. I will provide the finest private villa here—please rest comfortably."

"Thank you."

Hae So-wol nodded reluctantly.

After concluding all conversation, Hae So-wol left the grand hall.

"Lady Hae."

Sa-ma Gong-cheon, who had been waiting outside the hall, brightened at the sight of her. The bird he thought had flown away had returned.

"Sigh."

Hae So-wol let out a soft sigh.

She suddenly thought of that man.

The man in the black robe who had, with a single strike, sent the assassin wielding the Heaven-Shaking Thunder flying.

She had deliberately omitted any mention of him during her conversation with Sa-ma Gyeong-won. She herself was uncertain whether her memory of the event was not simply a delusion.

She had asked those who had been nearby at the time, but none of them could recall anything.

Of course, it was impossible for ordinary people who did not know martial arts and had been caught up in the Heaven-Shaking Thunder's explosion to remember such a sight.

'If that man truly sent the assassin flying with a single strike, we will meet again.'

In the early hours of dawn, Dam Ho and Bang Jin-bo left the West Wind Inn.

Their destination was Eakyang's pier, where sightseeing barges for Dongting Lake were moored.

Though smaller than the Cloud-Running Yangtze Ferry, it was still a considerable vessel. The two purchased tickets and boarded.

By taking this barge, they could easily reach the opposite shore of Dongting Lake, where the Heaven's First Tower stood. On the opposite shore was the Yuan River, and on the Yuan River stood the Heaven's First Tower, famed throughout the land.

If they hurried, they could make the round trip within the day.

"Finally, I'm going to the Heaven's First Tower!"

Bang Jin-bo's face was already flushed with excitement.

This had been his father Bang Woo-gwang's lifelong wish, and it would be a pivotal moment in his own life as well.

"A Food Immortal—they say he's truly remarkable. Just what level of mastery must a cook reach to earn the title of Food Immortal?"

The Food Immortal was the epithet of Do Hak-gyeong, the greatest chef in the world.

It was said that anyone who had tasted his food even once could never forget the flavor and would return again and again.

His food was said to taste of heaven itself and contained the power to make people happy.

Bang Jin-bo could not even begin to fathom what level of mastery was required to produce such flavors.

"Ugh! I can't wait."

Bang Jin-bo stamped his feet, eagerly awaiting the barge's arrival at the Yuan River.

Dam Ho watched him in silence.

There were roughly fifty passengers on the barge. They wore expressions of anticipation, waiting for departure.

Shortly after, carrying everyone's hopes, the barge set sail. The wind-filled sail billowed tautly.

"Wow!"

Exclamations erupted from the passengers.

For some, it was a dream long awaited. For others, it was a perfect opportunity to enjoy refined pleasures.

The barge sailed smoothly.

"Haha!"

"Receive my wine cup."

Here and there, small pleasure boats with courtesans enjoying revelry could be seen. They were vessels owned by the pleasure houses along the lakeshore.

The boats were laden with delicacies from land and sea, and the laughter of gentlemen flanked by courtesans never ceased. It was truly an earthly paradise.

Many passengers on the barge watched with envious eyes. But no sight could capture Dam Ho's attention.

After half a day's sail, the barge moored at the Yuan River. Dam Ho and Bang Jin-bo disembarked and headed for the Heaven's First Tower.

Finding the Heaven's First Tower was not difficult. From the pier, one could see it atop a hill—a magnificent five-story pavilion.

As imposing as its appearance suggested, the Heaven's First Tower was lavishly decorated. Near its entrance, numerous carriages and coachmen waited. They were there for the masters who had gone inside.

Anyone who could afford the Heaven's First Tower was certainly not ordinary in status or wealth. Elaborate horse-drawn carriages were the norm, and even more splendid ones were plentiful.

At the front gate of the Heaven's First Tower stood two large men who appeared to be martial artists.

When Dam Ho and Bang Jin-bo approached, the men blocked their path.

"Do you have a reservation?"

"No."

"Then you cannot enter."

At Bang Jin-bo's reply, the older of the two men stated flatly.

"Must one have a reservation to enter?"

"That is correct. Only those with reservations may enter the Heaven's First Tower."

Bang Jin-bo's face fell.

He had come with such high expectations, only to be denied even entry. He was deeply disappointed.

In that moment, Dam Ho stepped forward.

"If I make a reservation now, how long would I have to wait?"

"You would need to wait approximately one month."

"One month?"

"That is correct! And that is the minimum. It could take longer."

The large man looked Dam Ho up and down. A mocking smile played on his lips.

Though Dam Ho's black leather robe was distinctive, it appeared rather shabby. With such attire, he would never gain entry to the Heaven's First Tower, not even in his dreams.

"Then I'll make a reservation now."

"To make a reservation, a deposit is required. Do you have gold? A minimum of one tael of gold must be placed as a deposit."

Before he had even finished speaking, Dam Ho produced a tael of gold and tossed it over. The large man's eyes widened slightly at the sight of Dam Ho readily producing gold.

But it was only momentary, and he quickly spoke in his flat tone.

"If you would state your name, I will add you to the reservation ledger."

"Dam Ho."

"Please wait a moment."

The large man opened a massive ledger before him. Running his finger along the page, he finally spoke.

"The first day of next month is open. Will that do?"

When Dam Ho silently nodded, the large man wrote his name in the ledger.

"That is all. Please return at that time."

"Very well."

Dam Ho turned to leave.

Bang Jin-bo followed with a disappointed expression. But pestering would accomplish nothing, so he had no choice but to trudge along.

At that moment, a carriage entered the Heaven's First Tower.

It was a six-horse carriage. Six pure white horses, without a single mixed hair, pulled a carriage adorned with elaborate patterns, and it stopped before the front gate.

A flag bearing the words "Silver Fortress" fluttered from the carriage's roof.

"It's a carriage of the Silver Fortress."

The large men who had been so dismissive toward Dam Ho and Bang Jin-bo rushed forward in a panic at the sight of the Silver Fortress flag.

Bang Jin-bo instinctively stopped and watched. He was curious about what could move these arrogant gatekeepers of the Heaven's First Tower.

Shortly after, the carriage door opened, and a small foot lightly stepped onto the running board. A young girl in magnificent garments emerged.

She was a doll-like girl with striking obsidian-black eyes.

"My lady, have you arrived?"

The large men quickly bowed in greeting.

The moment he saw the girl's face, Bang Jin-bo's pupils dilated rapidly.

"So…cheong?"