Chapter 52: Who Is That

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Chapter 52 – Who Is That?

Du Cheong, the new Vice Gang Leader of the Thousand Snake Gang who had arrived in Youyang, was crossing the moonlit streets with his horse when he suddenly pulled on the reins.

“Whoa.”

It was because he saw people moving urgently with torches in the street beyond.

‘Why are they so restless?’

The ten or so people were soldiers belonging to the command post.

“Doesn’t seem like he’s around here.”

“Quite some time has passed already. Let’s finish the search in this area for now.”

“He might have ridden off on a horse early on…”

Then one of the soldiers spotted Du Cheong and shouted.

“Hey there, wait a moment!”

The group quickly went to him and held up their torches to first check the stranger’s appearance.

Du Cheong asked in an unpleased tone.

“What’s the matter?”

“We’d like your cooperation with an inspection. An intruder entered our post about half a shichen ago, and we’re currently searching the area.”

“So… you’re suspecting me right now?”

“Ah, this is just a routine investigation. Please don’t be too offended. Where are you coming from at this hour?”

“I left on personal business yesterday and just arrived here.”

“Hmm, you don’t seem to be carrying any weapons… Did you perhaps see anyone suspicious on your way here?”

“Not at all.”

At Du Cheong’s brief answer, the soldier exchanged glances with the surrounding group before asking again.

“If you have anything in your clothes, could you show us?”

“And if I refuse?”

When Du Cheong raised his eyebrows and snapped back, the soldier’s expression stiffened slightly.

“What?”

“That’s an excessive demand. How dare a lowly foot soldier… do you know who I am…”

“Insolent wretch!”

Just as the offended soldier raised his voice, another soldier standing beside him let out a quiet exclamation.

“Oh! Wait, he’s from the Thousand Snake Gang!”

Then another soldier added.

“The executive Snake Heart Sword!”

They had belatedly identified him because Du Cheong was in casual clothes.

Reading the soldiers’ flustered looks, Du Cheong introduced himself with an arrogant attitude.

“I’m Du Cheong of the Thousand Snake Gang. Looks like there are some familiar faces here?”

The soldiers all looked troubled.

The Thousand Snake Gang was a martial world power in Youyang protected by various officials.

As such, not carelessly provoking their executives was a kind of unwritten rule.

The soldier at the front scratched the back of his head and spoke.

“Oh dear, I’m truly sorry. It was dark and we were slow to recognize your face. It was a simple mistake, so… please don’t hold it against us.”

He was asking this out of worry that the Thousand Snake Gang executives, taking offense at this incident, might later use connections to pressure them.

One avoids shit not because it’s scary but because it’s dirty.

“Well, I’m rather narrow-minded.”

Just as Du Cheong sneered with his confidence boosted.

“Are Thousand Snake Gang executives allowed to look down on low-ranking soldiers?”

A voice with a distinctly challenging tone came from one side.

A man approaching with heavy steps.

A military official in his forties with an impressive build, sharp tiger eyes, and a bushy beard.

The ten-odd soldiers all brightened at once.

‘Ah!’

The owner of the voice was the minor captain who controlled the command post.

Just when they were in an awkward spot, their trustworthy superior had appeared.

On the other hand, Du Cheong clearly showed displeasure.

‘Tch, Ban Bu-bong…’

Having muttered the man’s name internally, he spoke with a deliberately composed expression.

“Minor Captain Ban, please don’t misunderstand. Who said anything about looking down? I was merely making a light protest against unfair treatment.”

Minor Captain Ban Bu-bong, who had come close, made his tiger eyes flash.

“Hey, I hate looking up at people. Get down and talk.”

With the commanding presence befitting the head military official of the command post.

A presence in a different league from the group of soldiers.

Though inwardly annoyed, Du Cheong complied with the instruction for now.

“Well, as you command…”

He answered in an unwilling tone, then planted both feet on the ground.

Ban Bu-bong made his eyes shine again as he commanded.

“Show me everything you’re carrying in your clothes.”

Du Cheong spread both arms wide.

Meaning: search to your heart’s content.

Ban Bu-bong signaled a soldier with his eyes to search Du Cheong’s body.

However, there was nothing notable except a pouch containing snacks.

When the soldier quietly stepped back, Du Cheong lowered his arms and wore a haughty expression.

Ban Bu-bong stared at him and spoke.

“You should have cooperated like this from the start.”

“Heh… I won’t forget today’s matter.”

“What will you do if you don’t forget?”

“You’ll find out in time.”

“Impudent – your words and actions are still insolent. If you think the Thousand Snake Gang’s corrupt influence will last forever, you’re gravely mistaken.”

When Ban Bu-bong openly showed hostility, Du Cheong also drew his battle lines.

“You speak too harshly. I heard some intruder appeared at the command post – are you venting frustration at not finding them? A warning… Don’t make our gang a target for misplaced anger.”

“A warning?”

“That’s right.”

“How amusing.”

“I could make things even more amusing if you wish.”

“Are you saying try me if you dare?”

Ban Bu-bong’s right hand promptly rested on his sword hilt.

Seeing that, Du Cheong pulled up one corner of his mouth.

“Care to exchange blows?”

“If you want it, do I have any reason to refuse?”

When Ban Bu-bong became even more aggressive, Du Cheong felt somewhat flustered.

‘Ha! Look at this bastard? Has he really lost his mind over today’s incident? No, which crazy fool went and messed with the command post…’

Tension crept in.

It couldn’t be helped.

As a seasoned senior military official at the command post, Ban Bu-bong’s personal martial prowess was at a high level.

He didn’t know the exact level, but the man had a reputation for being well-versed in military sword forms and ranking among first-rate swordsmen.

‘Damn, when will we get rid of that eyesore?’

The Thousand Snake Gang had tried using connections to pressure Ban Bu-bong several times, but hadn’t achieved much success.

Not only was he a military official who had accumulated considerable merit since his youth, but the corrupt officials who’d taken bribes found it difficult to find fault with his conduct because he was so strict about separating public and private matters.

The reason the Thousand Snake Gang wanted to eliminate Ban Bu-bong at all costs was simple.

He was a military official who, whenever inspection periods came around, lit a fire in his eyes and took the lead in finding illegal establishments.

Of course, the Thousand Snake Gang’s businesses had safely weathered each crisis thanks to corrupt officials’ protection.

Even so, Ban Bu-bong was always the most nerve-wracking presence whenever the inspection net went up, making him a target that absolutely had to be dealt with someday.

Du Cheong bit his lip and assessed the current situation calmly.

‘Right, let’s be patient. I shouldn’t create problems for no reason. We have big matters ahead…’

Ban Bu-bong, gripping his sword hilt, stepped forward.

“What, now that it comes to exchanging blows, you’re uncomfortable?”

“I know you’re strict about separating public and private matters. So why are you threatening me without justification?”

“When the target is the Thousand Snake Gang, what meaning do public and private distinctions have?”

Just as Du Cheong clenched his fist at Ban Bu-bong’s continued provocation.

“Now, now.”

A quiet voice tapped everyone’s ears.

When Ban Bu-bong, Du Cheong, and others turned their heads to the side, they saw a man approaching.

“Everyone, that’s enough.”

In his mid-to-late thirties and wearing official’s attire, he was Ju Yu-gang, Magistrate of Youyang.

Ban Bu-bong and the soldiers immediately showed respectful courtesy.

“Welcome, Magistrate.”

Only then did Du Cheong realize the middle-aged man’s identity.

‘Ah, that’s the new magistrate…’

He’d heard about him all this time but this was the first time actually meeting face to face.

Ju Yu-gang, having come to stand nearby, smiled warmly.

“I happened to be watching the whole time. I’m Ju Yu-gang. So, you said you’re Du Cheong of the Thousand Snake Gang?”

Du Cheong answered awkwardly.

“Ah, yes… It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“An unfortunate incident occurred and everyone’s nerves are on edge. Would it be too much of me to ask for your understanding here?”

When Ju Yu-gang spoke with a smiling face, Du Cheong quickly shook his head.

“It’s fine. Well… These things happen.”

Unlike the Ban Bu-bong group, his expression seemed somehow friendly.

Soon, Ju Yu-gang’s gaze turned to Ban Bu-bong.

“Minor Captain, apologize at once.”

“Pardon? B-But…”

“Neighbors should end things on good terms. Isn’t that so?”

At Ju Yu-gang’s subtle but commanding tone, Ban Bu-bong swallowed his anger with effort and offered an apology.

“Hmm… I’m sorry about that.”

Du Cheong gave a slight nod instead of a reply while sending a silent sneer.

‘Heh, serves you right!’

Then Ju Yu-gang stepped close and counseled.

“You should also let go of any hard feelings. Shouldn’t we all get along well from now on?”

“Yes, I completely agree.”

Having answered thus, Du Cheong was inwardly jubilant.

‘Heh. So you’re also an official who’s eager for bribes, is that it?’

The magistrate who hadn’t understood the local situation must have finally felt the Thousand Snake Gang’s influence and was now seeking reconciliation.

Ju Yu-gang suddenly tilted his head and asked.

“Hm? But where did you leave your sword?”

“Well, I left urgently on business, so it’s at our headquarters…”

“You didn’t lose it?”

“Oh come on, as if that could happen.”

“Then that’s good. Now, just fill out a witness statement here. Then you won’t be troubled going forward. I stake my position on it.”

Ju Yu-gang held out a portable form and a fine brush.

‘Oho, you won’t bother us anymore? You’re completely on our side.’

Du Cheong, in good spirits, eagerly took the form and brush and asked.

“How should I write this?”

“Just briefly note the place you visited and your business.”

Du Cheong nodded and worked his brain.

‘Since we’re planning to hit White Peak Sword Sect soon, I should write a different place. Don’t want to give them an excuse to make trouble later.’

A suitable place came to mind, and he quickly moved the brush to finish writing.

Ju Yu-gang checked the contents and smiled faintly.

“You have surprisingly bad handwriting. Quite a distinctive writing style.”

“How embarrassing.”

“Not at all. A martial artist doesn’t need to be a calligrapher.”

“Sir Ju, is that all? Actually, I’m in a bit of a hurry to get going… My apologies.”

“Oh my, oh my, go ahead. I’ll handle the rest on my own.”

When Ju Yu-gang gestured with a benevolent expression, Du Cheong bowed politely in greeting.

“Yes, I’ll see you again. No, our gang will arrange a nice occasion soon.”

“I look forward to it.”

Right after Du Cheong mounted his horse and disappeared down the street.

Ban Bu-bong gave a snort of laughter and spoke.

“Deliberately acting is no easy feat.”

The soldiers all nodded in agreement.

That’s right.

Ban Bu-bong and the others had heard the plan from Ju Yu-gang, who had visited the command post an hour ago, and had been acting in time for Du Cheong’s arrival.

Ju Yu-gang, his expression completely changed, looked at the writing on the paper and muttered coldly.

“So… You visited this place, you say? Idiotic fool.”

Ban Bu-bong also looked at the writing and clicked his tongue.

“Sect Master Cheol’s discernment is remarkable.”

Ju Yu-gang recalled part of the conversation he’d had with Cheol Ryu-heun earlier.

-Du Cheong still doesn’t know I came here a day early. He’ll be passing through that street soon, so that’s when you appear and get him to write a statement about where he visited. What he’ll write is obvious. It’ll be…

Soon, Ju Yu-gang was inwardly impressed along with a clear smile.

‘Cheol Ryu-heun, he’s indeed accurate. How many moves ahead did he see…’

He soon looked at Ban Bu-bong beside him and gave an order.

“Minor Captain Ban, take this route immediately to the neighboring city’s Inspection Office and obtain the copy of the verdict documents I mentioned earlier. Time is of the essence, so move as quickly as possible. Understood?”

“Yes, Magistrate. I’ll gather the official documents and depart immediately.”

Having answered thus, Ban Bu-bong rushed toward the command post with his subordinates.

Then, Ju Yu-gang turned and walked while his eyes gleamed.

‘This opportunity will let me completely sweep away the scum that has been dirtying Youyang. Both the martial groups and the corrupt officials…’

* * *

An abandoned temple in a hillside on the southern outskirts of Youyang.

Cheol Ryu-heun, sitting with his back against an old, broken Buddha statue, suddenly looked to one side and spoke.

“Did it go well?”

At that, Yeop Hwon and Hyeop Mu-geuk, who were just stepping into the Buddha hall, spoke in unison.

“You arrived before us. Yes, we did as you instructed.”

“By now, matters between Magistrate Ju and Vice Gang Leader Du should be wrapping up.”

The two’s mission had been to go to the command post that Cheol Ryu-heun had disrupted and shoot an arrow with the paper attached.

“Good, it won’t be long now.”

No sooner had Cheol Ryu-heun’s words ended than Hyeop Mu-geuk posed a question.

“Sect Master, then are you planning to start monitoring the Thousand Snake Gang’s movements from tomorrow?”

“No need to.”

“Pardon?”

Seeing Hyeop Mu-geuk’s puzzled expression, Cheol Ryu-heun spoke indifferently.

“I already sent someone.”

“…!”

“I’ve involved one retired swordsman. A very suitable person for covert missions.”

“Who on earth is that?”

“Head-Severing Yama.”

Simultaneously, Hyeop Mu-geuk and Yeop Hwon were struck with shock.

‘What!’

It was a natural reaction.

Head-Severing Yama.

That was the alias of a legendary great assassin who had disappeared thirty years ago.