Chapter 70: The Masters Gather
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The mountain foot on the western outskirts of Youyang.
In a forest where clear, cold stream water flowed, there was a manor surrounded by moss-covered stone walls.
This place, which exuded an antique charm, appeared peaceful and leisurely on the outside.
However.
Inside was different.
Within the building, a dark conspiracy was currently quietly taking shape.
It was only natural.
This manor, harmonizing with the tranquil scenery, was the promised venue for the secret meeting organized by the Thousand Snake Gang.
Meanwhile.
A certain old tree standing tall outside the eastern wall of the manor.
On the thick branches above, where autumn-colored leaves were lush, a person was hiding with their presence killed, cleverly concealed.
The identity of the one crouched deeply in the shadows created by the leaves was Head-Severing Yama Seop Pyo.
Because the tree was so large and tall, the spacious courtyard inside the manor could be clearly seen below – it was the optimal position for monitoring the enemy’s movements.
‘Now if only the Thousand Snake Gang personnel appear, it’ll be done.’
Dark Hall Master Netherworld Sword Fork Jeo Gyeom and his disciple Dark Sword Fragrance Mun Bin, Brandished Sword Pavilion Master Mok Geun-geum and two executives Savage Blade Seong Pan and Ferocious Blade Jang Yeol – thirteen first-rate unorthodox masters had already set foot in the building at the center of the manor.
Finally, when Geum Ja-jeom’s party made their appearance, the mission of the first request Seop Pyo himself had received would at last come to an end.
Yesterday, Cheol Ryu-heun had said this.
-Go there in advance, hide in a suitable place, and wait. When I arrive, just make the final report and leave. I’ll handle the rest myself.
Liberation was imminent.
He still didn’t know what the remaining two requests would be, but at least one burden had been lifted.
Through this matter, he had newly realized the peace and preciousness of his carefree secluded life.
As expected, the secular world outside the mountains was just as bustling and inconvenient as before.
He wanted to hurry home and rest.
His disciple, whom he had taken in by chance in his old age, was probably waiting eagerly right about now.
But.
If he just made the final report as Cheol Ryu-heun said and left, something was nagging at him for some reason.
To be precise, it was one person he had discovered yesterday who was the cause.
The mysterious masked figure in the forest who had piqued his curiosity by detecting his presence with outstanding energy sense… The leader of the suspicious group that had set up temporary lodging in the outskirts and was secretly observing the Thousand Snake Gang’s movements.
Though it had been only a moment, the energy sense that unidentified figure had displayed was quite impressive.
An outstanding talent.
Surely the genius type.
He was presumed to be a young martial artist similar in age to Cheol Ryu-heun, but displaying a level of energy sense far surpassing that age range was proof that his personal talent was exceptional.
‘Did even I have such senses in my youth?’
Well, he wasn’t sure.
In any case, one thing was certain – that fellow’s outstanding skills would improve even more greatly in the future.
Unless he was the type to rely on innate aptitude and be lazy, there was no way his martial prowess wouldn’t develop.
‘Hmm, if that fellow appears here today…’
Cheol Ryu-heun had dismissed him as nothing more than flies, but it was hard to rashly predict what kind of presence he would show off.
‘Should I step in tactfully? So he can’t easily approach Sect Master Cheol.’
Thus, Seop Pyo fell into contemplation while hiding on the old tree, keeping close watch on the manor.
* * *
The aged building inside the manor.
Currently, the unorthodox masters including Jeo Gyeom were gathered around a wide table in the center of the inner chamber, waiting for Geum Ja-jeom’s party to arrive.
While the Longjing tea placed at each seat sent up white steam in curls, spreading a deep fragrance.
GLUG GLUG GLUG-
A man of around forty was alone making such sounds as he poured wine down his throat instead of tea.
Tap.
Having placed the wine bottle on the table, the man wiped his mouth with his sleeve and smirked.
“Ah, did I drink too loudly? Sorry about that. I’m not the type to drink tea elegantly, so please understand.”
Seated at the far left end from the head seat occupied by Jeo Gyeom, he was Pa Woo-saeng, the Hall Master of Shaking Martial Hall, an unorthodox force in this region.
A renowned swordsman who had emerged prominently in recent years, and a person who had even earned the alias Drunken Sword because he loved alcohol so much.
At that point, a man of similar age sitting beside him smiled back and said.
“Heh, what do we do if you’re already drunk?”
The tone was somehow familiar.
Geo Ja-woong.
Red Leopard Hall Master, alias Roaring Leopard Saberman.
Having built his reputation with fierce saber forms reminiscent of a leopard’s, he was actually a close friend of Shaking Martial Hall Master Pa Woo-saeng.
“Hey, hey, who’s getting drunk from this little bit?”
“Just leave the alcohol you drink every day and try the tea today. It’s really expensive. Completely different class from the regular cloud mist tea.”
At Geo Ja-woong’s recommendation, Pa Woo-saeng took a sip of the Longjing tea and soon frowned.
“See, it doesn’t suit my palate.”
At that moment, a man in his forties seated across from them near the head seat let out a dignified voice.
“How regrettable. Hall Master Pa. To not appreciate the true flavor of that Longjing tea, specially made only from leaves that haven’t grown beyond two chi. Before your taste buds deteriorate further, I recommend you start abstaining from alcohol.”
It was Wenren Yindao, alias Cold Blood Evil Sword Peak, the Sect Master of the Ashen Heart Sect, which was assessed as having top-tier fighting power among all unorthodox forces in Hunan Province.
True to his alias, his gaze was cold as could be.
‘What, taste buds what now?’
Pa Woo-saeng’s feelings were slightly hurt, but he didn’t carelessly show it.
Though everyone here was a first-rate master, they weren’t all lumped into the same grade.
Wenren Yindao was like that.
The alias Cold Blood Evil Sword Peak was mighty enough to easily suppress Pa Woo-saeng’s own alias of Drunken Sword.
Among those here, the only martial artist who had built a higher martial reputation than Wenren Yindao was Jeo Gyeom, known as “the Yaksha holding the Sword of the Netherworld.”
In other words, Cold Blood Evil Sword Peak was the most famous alias after Netherworld Sword Fork.
Therefore, for Pa Woo-saeng, he was quite a formidable opponent to rashly challenge or quarrel with as he usually would.
Right, one would need to be at least at the level of Dark Hall’s sword genius Dark Sword Fragrance Mun Bin to even attempt to challenge the majesty of Cold Blood Evil Sword Peak.
Soon, Red Leopard Hall Master Geo Ja-woong moved his hand under the table to discreetly tug Pa Woo-saeng’s sleeve while giving him a subtle glance.
‘You bear with it. What can you do.’
Pa Woo-saeng, who read the meaning in his eyes, let out a wry laugh internally.
‘Heh… I already know well. That there’s nothing to gain by making a scene here.’
Setting aside the gap in martial prowess, they were outnumbered as well.
The four swordsmen sitting in a row beside Wenren Yindao also belonged to the Ashen Heart Sect.
The Four Heartless Evil Swords.
The highest-ranking executives and elite masters excluding Sect Master Wenren Yindao.
Though they didn’t have individual aliases, that collective title alone was enough to feel their substantial weight.
In truth, the martial prowess of each of the Four Heartless Evil Swords was at a level rivaling Drunken Sword Pa Woo-saeng and Roaring Leopard Saberman Geo Ja-woong.
Suddenly, a man in his forties set down his teacup and looked at Jeo Gyeom seated at the head.
“We’ve gathered like this following Hall Master Jeo’s will, but Vice Gang Leader Geum… Ah, now he’s nominally Gang Leader. Anyway, is he a trustworthy person?”
With an eccentric appearance and a beard like a goat’s, he was Gyu Geon, alias Twin Moon Scar Swords, the Sect Master of the Lone Moon Sword Sect who had come as its representative.
Jeo Gyeom met his gaze and countered.
“Why, are you worried Gang Leader Geum won’t properly pay the money as promised later?”
Gyu Geon, having been hit on the mark, scratched his head with an awkward expression while pointing out his concern.
“Honestly, I agreed to this matter because I needed a lump sum, and if the payment date gets postponed for some reason, it would be quite troublesome for me.”
At that point, Jeo Gyeom slightly raised one corner of his mouth.
“Heh, that won’t happen. The Thousand Snake Gang will soon be incorporated as a subordinate organization under this Hall…”
Hearing those words, the expressions of everyone present quickly hardened.
“We gathered to form an alliance under a short-term goal. But I think it would be too wasteful to disband after just destroying White Peak Sword Sect.”
Red Leopard Hall Master Geo Ja-woong cautiously probed.
“Are you planning to maintain the alliance continuously?”
Jeo Gyeom nodded and asked in a direct manner.
“Before Gang Leader Geum arrives, settle your positions. Will you join hands with me and develop the alliance? The ultimate goal is, of course, the reorganization of the martial world structure in this region.”
Immediately after, Brandished Sword Pavilion Master Mok Geun-geum agreed as if he had been waiting.
“Our pavilion has decided to fully follow Hall Master Jeo’s will.”
Following that, Seong Pan and Jang Yeol nodded and showed accommodating postures, intending to add weight to their Pavilion Master’s statement.
Only then did everyone present realize what kind of situation this was.
‘He’s already won over the Brandished Sword Pavilion!’
Suddenly, when Jeo Gyeom gestured, his disciple Dark Sword Fragrance Mun Bin untied a pouch and placed the items inside on the table.
They were five gold ingots, each the size of a child’s fist.
“I’ve prepared these for each force. They will be of considerable help in settling your positions.”
Lone Moon Sword Sect Master Gyu Geon rolled his eyes briefly as if deliberating, then picked up one gold ingot.
It was an action of accepting Jeo Gyeom’s proposal.
Soon, starting with him, Shaking Martial Hall Master Pa Woo-saeng, Red Leopard Hall Master Geo Ja-woong, and even Ashen Heart Sect Master Wenren Yindao grasped gold ingots and expressed their intention to participate.
Jeo Gyeom stroked his chin with pleased eyes.
“Good. From now until White Peak Sword Sect is destroyed, never speak of this matter.”
The meaning was that he would personally proceed with subjugating the Thousand Snake Gang to make them a subordinate organization, so each should keep the secret and wait at their own discretion.
Having swept his gaze over everyone, Jeo Gyeom spoke in an even heavier voice.
“If any force appears that offends my sensibilities by showing acts of betrayal from this moment on…”
As he trailed off, thick bloodlust suddenly emanated from his body.
‘Ugh!’
Everyone present, including Wenren Yindao, flinched as they felt the hair on their heads stand on end.
His eyes flashing, Jeo Gyeom continued in a heavy voice.
“…Remember that you will fully experience the true power of this Hall that I lead. The price is only one thing – annihilation.”
While everyone present swallowed dryly with tension, Wenren Yindao maintained his cool composure and muttered internally.
‘Hmm… He’s right. No matter how capable our Sect’s fighting power is, I cannot deny we’re a step below compared to the Dark Hall. It’s beneficial to accommodate him for the time being. There will be other opportunities to withdraw later.’
Meanwhile, Mun Bin maintained his tension and prepared in advance for Jeo Gyeom to show impulsive behavior.
‘He might have an overreaction again like that…’
But suddenly.
Swish.
Jeo Gyeom turned his head, and his gaze lodged into Mun Bin’s face.
“It would be good to show them once, borrowing this occasion.”
A chilling bloodlust was contained within Jeo Gyeom’s quiet voice.
In that moment, Mun Bin was seized by a sense of foreboding.
“Pardon? What do you mean…”
“What kind of state you’ll end up in if you dare try to rebel against me. Wouldn’t you make a perfect example.”
“…!”
Cold terror burrowed into Mun Bin’s chest.
* * *
The Thousand Snake Gang party led by Geum Ja-jeom arrived at the foot of the mountain, meticulously examined the surroundings, and upon confirming no one was around, advanced quickly along the forest path.
When their figures finally disappeared into the distance.
Swish, shush, swish…
Ximen Yue and Nu-heum, who had been tailing the Thousand Snake Gang party while hiding in the dense brush, exchanged whispered conversation while wearing masks.
“It seems they’re going to meet someone somewhere in the forest.”
“Yes, judging by how their pace quickened here, it seems to be somewhere not far.”
Right at that moment.
Ximen Yue, sensing a faint vibration, turned his gaze to the rear and soon discovered something.
‘…!’
Dust rising high.
Along with it, a certain sound was constantly heard.
Thud-thud-thud… Thud-thud-thud-thud…
It was the sound of horse hooves rapidly striking the ground.
It was different from ordinary horses.
It was a presence like a lightness technique master fiercely sprinting while emanating massive internal energy.
He had heard it somewhere before…
‘Could it be!’
Simultaneously with that thought, Ximen Yue sent a hand signal and hid deep between the trees and brush together with Nu-heum.
After a moment.
THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD- THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD-!
The moment the vibration and sound drew close, Ximen Yue’s pupils radiated intense emotion.
‘That’s…!’
His tightly clenched fist.
His earlier premonition had been correct.
To think he would see it again in this manner.
Indeed.
The identity of the horse that had appeared at a terrifying speed was none other than Divine Wind, carrying Cheol Ryu-heun and party on his back.