Chapter 87 :

Chapter 87. Time to Hunt (1)

“Daoist Myeonghyeon of the Diancang Sect has come to visit.”

At the report from a member of the Ten Thousand Information Department, Jegal Somyeong’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Did you tell him I was not here?”

Jegal Somyeong, the chief strategist of the Martial Alliance and the head of both the Ten Thousand Information Department and Simhyeon Pavilion, spoke with undisguised displeasure.

However, the messenger showed no sign of nervousness and replied as though it had nothing to do with him.

“He says he checked the alliance-entry records before coming.”

Anyone else would have trembled apologetically, unsure of how to answer.

Jegal Somyeong briefly escaped reality by letting his thoughts wander, then released a long sigh.

“Whew…… Why did he have to come today? I already have a mountain of work to handle.”

The examination atmosphere had become far more heated than during previous Martial Academy examinations.

Documents awaiting his review had filled one side of his desk and were now piled all the way down to the floor.

He was already busy enough, and whenever Daoist Myeonghyeon visited, his mood worsened and his work slowed even further.

“If he remains standing outside like that, the department members will have difficulty working. Please remove him quickly.”

Had anyone else said such a thing, Jegal Somyeong would have beaten them into pulp and thrown them out immediately.

However, because the speaker was Maeng Juwon, he forced himself to endure it.

“Bring him in.”

With those words, Jegal Somyeong moved toward a table on one side of the Ten Thousand Information Department.

It was a shabby table that Jegal Somyeong never normally used.

The department members had brought it in so they could quickly eat their meals there.

Soon afterward, Daoist Myeonghyeon of the Diancang Sect entered the Ten Thousand Information Department under Maeng Juwon’s guidance.

“Greetings, Chief Strategist.”

“Welcome.”

After lightly exchanging cupped-fist greetings, Jegal Somyeong sat down.

However, Daoist Myeonghyeon remained standing and looked around instead of sitting at the shabby table.

“It seems rather chaotic here. Would it not be better to move elsewhere?”

Daoist Myeonghyeon had always received the highest treatment accorded to senior-ranking figures within the Martial Alliance.

The idea of holding a conversation inside the Ten Thousand Information Department, which looked little different from a filthy storeroom, was extremely uncomfortable for him.

Knowing this, Jegal Somyeong nodded.

“My apologies. I am so short on time that I must receive a guest in a place like this.”

“If you find it uncomfortable, perhaps you should arrange another appointment in a more suitable place.”

In other words, sit down or leave.

At the obvious order to depart, Daoist Myeonghyeon’s face crumpled like paper.

However, he soon gave up and sat down.

“Ahem. This will suffice. Who knows when we might meet again?”

Maeng Juwon, who had guided him inside, brought over tea.

However, Daoist Myeonghyeon’s brow furrowed once again.

A sour stench, as though Maeng Juwon had not washed for several days, drifted from him.

“Keuk……”

Daoist Myeonghyeon openly displayed his displeasure.

Maeng Juwon ignored him, set down the tea, returned to his seat, and resumed working like a corpse.

It was irritating that he showed no nervousness before an elder of the Martial Alliance.

However, after realizing that Maeng Juwon was the talent whom Jegal Somyeong had personally visited the White Tiger Pavilion to recruit, Daoist Myeonghyeon suppressed his anger.

“Hoho. My apologies. Since the Martial Academy examination began, the children have barely had time to eat.”

The Ten Thousand Information Department already had its usual duties, and now it was also overseeing the Martial Academy examination.

Its already insufficient personnel were being worked to exhaustion.

The department was always understaffed, but this year’s overheated examination had made the workload even worse.

“Keuk…… There is no need to apologize. Is that not the fragrance produced by their efforts for the future of the murim world?”

“Would you like more tea?”

“……No, thank you.”

After teasing Daoist Myeonghyeon sufficiently, Jegal Somyeong immediately got to the point.

He had far too much work to waste time chatting with him.

“What brings you here?”

“In this year’s advanced scholar examination, our Diancang Sect disciple Mu Muntak failed by only a narrow margin.”

Jegal Somyeong’s face twisted again.

He was already busy enough to die, yet he had to listen to this?

“Is the Ten Thousand Information Department not constantly suffering from a shortage of personnel because of the Chief Strategist’s overly strict examination?”

The Martial Alliance recruited scholar disciples to ensure that its work proceeded smoothly.

However, anyone who wished to enter the Ten Thousand Information Department had to take a separate advanced scholar examination devised by the chief strategist.

The examination was so viciously difficult that no one had passed it in several years.

“How can you blame that entirely on me? It is because the Martial Academy examination focuses only on martial arts and background.”

Ever since Jegal Somyeong had been appointed chief strategist, he had repeatedly demanded sweeping reforms to the Martial Academy and the Martial Alliance examination.

Every attempt had been thwarted.

“Did I not warn you?”

“If the Martial Academy continues holding its examination this way, only those with money despite lacking ability, or those who have learned nothing but martial arts while neglecting scholarship, will be admitted.”

“We are not here to discuss the examination.”

“Moreover, I hear that this year’s examination has become so heated that members of the Ten Thousand Information Department cannot even return home and must eat and sleep here.”

“That is correct.”

“Mu Muntak is renowned within our sect for his scholarship and deep understanding of martial arts.”

“Why not recruit him through a special appointment?”

No matter how short on personnel they were, they could not leave vacant the positions of the Ten Thousand Information Department, which influenced the entire murim world, including the Martial Alliance.

Therefore, those who achieved the highest scores at the Martial Academy or received Jegal Somyeong’s personal recognition could be permitted to join the department.

Daoist Myeonghyeon wanted that special exception.

‘They are not even clever enough to be called foxes.’

Jegal Somyeong had long known that the Righteous Path Association, led by the Nine Great Sects, wanted to gain influence within the Ten Thousand Information Department.

Their petty grand plan was to expand their foothold there, transform the Righteous Path Association from what was dismissed as a mere social club into an official organization, establish a Righteous Path Pavilion, and eventually swallow the Martial Alliance whole.

“I did not wish to point out your embarrassment directly, Daoist Myeonghyeon, but Mu Muntak failed to complete even half the examination within the time limit.”

“Moreover, half of the questions he did answer were completely wrong.”

He had told them countless times, yet these people still heard only what they wanted to hear.

Daoist Myeonghyeon’s face twisted even more severely than when he had smelled Maeng Juwon’s stench.

“If you insist on bringing someone here and forcing me to consider him, at least bring someone remotely qualified.”

“Someone like Jin Sowoon of the Taeul Sect?”

“……?”

For the first time, Jegal Somyeong felt his thoughts come to a halt from surprise.

Why had that brat’s name suddenly appeared here?

“It caused quite a commotion for a while.”

“Everyone wondered about the identity of the child to whom the Chief Strategist gave an academy-entry plaque for the first time, despite never granting one even to my sect.”

The chief strategist and the Murim Alliance Leader were each given five academy-entry plaques.

While the Murim Alliance Leader used them every year for political or personal purposes, Jegal Somyeong had never used a single one.

When news spread that he had finally used one, the entire Martial Alliance had erupted in discussion.

“But what a pity.”

“That child appears to be in serious trouble while taking the Martial Academy examination.”

For the first time, a triumphant smile appeared on Daoist Myeonghyeon’s face.

“I hear that the children of our sect have begun moving against him.”

“Moreover, disciples of the Wudang Sect and Mount Hua Sect are moving as well.”

The disciples of the three sects regarded as the strongest among the Nine Great Sects were moving together?

There was clearly no disciple capable of opposing them.

“Let us do this.”

“Our Diancang Sect will protect that child.”

“For some reason, Wudang and Mount Hua appear to be targeting him, but even they will have no choice if he moves with Diancang.”

He would be fortunate if he merely lost his checkpoint plaques or academy-entry plaque.

In the worst case, he might even die.

“In return, give Muntak an important position.”

“……”

A deep silence settled between them.

Even the members of the Ten Thousand Information Department seemed to be secretly listening, as not even the sound of turning pages could be heard.

Just before the silence swallowed the room completely, Jegal Somyeong slowly opened his mouth.

“……Who are you talking about?”

“……Pardon?”

“I clearly gave the academy-entry plaque to someone from the Namgung Family…… Ah, right!”

Jegal Somyeong slapped his forehead.

“That’s right! I was placed in quite an awkward situation at the time, so I gave it to a disciple from some sect called Taeul or something……”

“……”

“But I was certain Namgung San would take it back from him……”

“Did he not?”

Jegal Somyeong turned toward Maeng Juwon.

As though he had been waiting for the question, Maeng Juwon replied.

“Since the Namgung Family also entered the examination, it appears the plaque still belongs to Jin Sowoon.”

“Is that so……?”

A sneer appeared on Daoist Myeonghyeon’s lips.

What a pathetic little trick.

Just as he was about to snap at him,

“Good grief, Daoist Myeonghyeon. Know when to stop.”

“Tsk. If you truly wish to place someone in the Ten Thousand Information Department and realize your grand plan, at least bring someone capable of thinking.”

“Stop pushing brainless fools like yourself.”

“W-What did you say? Just now, you—”

When Daoist Myeonghyeon shouted angrily, Jegal Somyeong lowered his voice.

“You received the position of elder and now believe yourself untouchable.”

“Shall we settle this with a fight like we did in the old days?”

“What are you saying……? I-I am an elder of the Martial Alliance……”

“And I am its chief strategist.”

Daoist Myeonghyeon trembled as memories from the past, which he thought he had forgotten, resurfaced.

“Leave. I am busy.”

Trembling with humiliation, Daoist Myeonghyeon slammed the door shut as he left.

The impact sent the documents Jegal Somyeong had to process tumbling to the floor.

“Tsk. This is what happens when a position is given to someone without the ability to handle it.”

“You could have simply accepted him.”

Maeng Juwon grumbled while picking up the documents scattered across the floor.

Jegal Somyeong frowned.

“What did you say?”

“You could bring him here and make him clean the Ten Thousand Information Department.”

“Look at this place.”

“It is impossible to tell whether this is a slaughterhouse or a command center.”

“……”

“Furthermore, Jin Sowoon is traveling with only four people.”

“What will happen if he truly dies?”

“Our Ten Thousand Information Department may be forced to work overtime until we die of old age.”

“You brat…… Do you have any idea how much work the Ten Thousand Information Department—”

There was a limit to how much indulgence Jegal Somyeong could show him.

Just as he was about to scold him, a sudden question occurred to him.

“Come to think of it, how do you know Jin Sowoon?”

Earlier, Jegal Somyeong had only casually asked about the Namgung Family, yet Maeng Juwon had immediately answered.

Now he also appeared to know Jin Sowoon’s situation in considerable detail.

“I have been watching him ever since I heard that the Chief Strategist gave him an academy-entry plaque.”

“And that fellow is remarkable.”

“How did only four people manage to……”

Maeng Juwon knew everything from the incident at Mount Tianmu to the recent events at Makgan Mountain, all of which Jegal Somyeong had secretly observed.

“Tsk, tsk. Instead of doing the work you were assigned……”

“This is why you work overtime every day.”

“Is he not a talent who may enter the Ten Thousand Information Department?”

“As his future senior, it is only proper that I take care of him in advance.”

“Huh…… Do you have any idea how many years remain before that child graduates from the Martial Academy and comes here?”

“Should not every grand plan be prepared with ten years in mind?”

“I have no desire to continue working overtime here even after I get married.”

The shameless way he spoke was deeply irritating.

“……Did you not hear what was just said?”

“Diancang, Wudang, and Mount Hua are targeting him.”

“He will be fortunate merely to survive.”

“But did you not just say, ‘Do you know how many years it will take?’”

“Does that not mean you already expect him to pass?”

After leaving Makgan Mountain, our journey had been disturbingly peaceful.

The ambushes had stopped completely.

“I don’t know whether we should be pleased about this.”

Eunho said this while tearing into dried meat beside a fire for the first time in several days.

I looked at his face after hearing him.

“What is it, Eldest Senior Brother?”

There had never been a more wretched-looking beggar.

“You said something ominous for no reason, so of course he looked at you.”

Geumpyo scolded Eunho from beside him.

Geumpyo looked no better.

He resembled a half-wild animal.

Dongryong, who was ravenously eating a roasted rabbit on one side, met my gaze, smiled brightly, and immediately resumed devouring it.

Even a Beggar Gang disciple would avoid him for looking too filthy.

“……Let’s stop at a village first.”

“What? What if pursuers find us……”

“Pursuers are not the important issue right now.”

“Then what is?”

“I am afraid people will mistake you for Beggar Gang disciples rather than Taeul Sect disciples.”

“……”

I hated clever fellows because they noticed things too quickly.

Perhaps, as Myeonghyeon had suggested, I truly should find people to handle simple tasks.

Jegal Somyeong continued thinking for a moment before looking at Maeng Juwon.

His hair had become greasy because he had not washed it for several days, but the foul odor from earlier was gone.

“What was that stench earlier?”

“I caught several Yellow Stink Bugs and kept them nearby.”

“If the Chief Strategist wastes time fooling around, the rest of us suffer even more.”

“You little—!”

Jegal Somyeong finally lost patience and threw his tea at Maeng Juwon.

However, as though he had anticipated it, Maeng Juwon dodged.

Watching Maeng Juwon tuck his tail and flee, Jegal Somyeong cursed.

“More importantly…… will he pass the official examination?”

The incident at Maling Plateau and each of his subsequent movements had been extraordinary.

Recently, Jegal Somyeong had heard that Jin Sowoon had taken Jegal Cheongi out of the Golden Prison where the Jegal Family had confined him.

He had sat there blankly for a long time after hearing it.

How had he persuaded those stone-headed fools?

Moreover, Jegal Cheongi did not even listen to his own grandfather.

How had Jin Sowoon gotten out someone who had voluntarily locked himself inside the Golden Prison?

The academy-entry plaque Jegal Somyeong had given out of simple curiosity now carried growing expectations.

He truly looked forward to seeing whether a man who was practically alone could pass the Martial Alliance examination.

Geumpyo and Eunho looked at each other, then silently nodded.

Even though there had been no immediate ambush, they could not be certain that they were safe.

At this point, openly revealing themselves might actually make dealing with their enemies easier.

‘It will also take some time for Wudang, Diancang, and Mount Hua to mobilize.’

When I heard Yang Gunbaek’s warning, I could not help tilting my head.

Wudang was located in Hubei Province, while Mount Hua and Diancang were each based in Shaanxi Province.

Would they truly travel all the way to Zhejiang Province merely to capture us?

“They are not the primary disciples of their respective sects.”

That had been Yang Gunbaek’s answer to my question.

“Even so, Lord Sowoon surely understands that they are not opponents who can be ignored.”

There was never just one or two disciples from a great sect.

Each disciple became entangled in the interests of different masters and received varying levels of support.

First, there were the primary disciples directly supported by the Wudang Sect and accompanied by fellow Wudang disciples.

Below them were disciples who still received direct support from Wudang but were protected by affiliated secular martial families.

Finally, there were disciples of Wudang who received no direct support from the sect, instead relying on affiliated merchant guilds and mobilizing warriors from their own families to take the examination.

“Those targeting you receive direct support, but they are accompanied by disciples of the affiliated secular martial families.”

The affiliated secular martial families of the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families possessed military strength greater than that of most small and medium-sized sects.

Because they could not surpass the primary groups within their own provinces, they traveled farther away after losing the competition there.

As a result, disciples of the existing small and medium-sized sects in those provinces were pushed aside and suffered because of them.

“Even so, coming all the way to Zhejiang Province is unexpected.”

If someone else seized our checkpoint plaques before they arrived, they would become like dogs left staring after a chicken that had flown away.

“I suspect they made some prior arrangement.”

Even if they were not the primary disciples, a group formed by Wudang, Mount Hua, and Diancang could never be taken lightly.

“Therefore, please be careful.”

Yang Gunbaek’s final warning continued to echo in my ears.

After crossing from Zhejiang Province into Jiangsu Province, the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers became slightly excited as we approached Suzhou.

“I heard Suzhou’s Four Great Gardens are famous.”

“Do you think we can visit them?”

Eunho clicked his tongue at Geumpyo’s relaxed question.

“Gardens? Have you already forgotten that we are taking the Hell Official Exam?”

“Who said I forgot? I only mentioned them because I had heard they were famous.”

“Sometimes, Geumpyo acts even more childish than Dongryong.”

Offended by Eunho’s words, Geumpyo turned toward Dongryong.

“Dongryong, what would you like to do when we reach Suzhou?”

“Huh?…… Hmm.”

“Eldest Senior Brother, what food is Suzhou famous for?”

“I am not sure.”

“I have heard that freshwater fish dishes are famous……”

Dongryong immediately nodded.

“I want to eat a fish dish when we reach Suzhou.”

“Huh……”

Eunho released a long sigh and shook his head.

I smiled at them and spoke.

“We may not be able to visit the gardens, but let us try every dish we can.”

“Will that really be all right?”

Geumpyo mocked Eunho for worrying.

“You can stand guard while the rest of us eat.”

“……If you truly say that again, you had better be prepared.”

“What? Did you just call your older brother ‘you’?”

“Senior Brother! This brat just—”

The Geum and Eun brothers continued bickering until they suddenly sensed the gazes around them and stopped moving.

After entering Suzhou and heading toward its bustling district, countless armed warriors lined both sides of the road and focused their gazes on us.

Whispers could be heard from the distance.

“Are those the disciples of the Taeul Sect?”

“Probably.”

“I hear they possess many checkpoint plaques.”

“Many people are after them.”

“Then we should lend a hand.”

The Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers probably could not hear the exact words.

However, they pressed their lips tightly together, weighed down by the pressure of those gazes.

“This way.”

Until I spoke, the three brothers had been walking in another direction like wooden dolls.

They hurriedly rushed over and stuck close to me like chicks following their parent.

“Relax.”

“If you appear desperate, they will see it as an opening.”

“……Yes.”

“Yes, Eldest Senior Brother.”

Eunho moved his shoulders and neck, seemingly trying to release at least some of his tension.

However, the moment he entered the inn, his expression froze stiffly.

The noisy commotion inside instantly died away.

Everyone carrying a weapon, whether on the first or second floor, turned to look at us.

It was a scene one might see only in a terrifying nightmare.

Even the waiter, who had been moving busily, sensed that something was wrong.

He stopped halfway toward us and stood there, uncertain of what to do.

“May we sit anywhere?”

Only after I spoke did he come to his senses.

“Ah, y-yes. Please sit wherever you like.”

“What does this place prepare well?”

“Most customers order Dongpo pork.”

“I heard Suzhou is famous for fish dishes.”

“Ah…… In that case, why not try sweet-and-sour squirrel-shaped fish?”

“Bring us the sweet-and-sour squirrel-shaped fish, Dongpo pork, shredded pork in sweet bean sauce, thin noodles, and dumplings.”

“Are more people joining you?”

“No. It is only us.”

“……U-Understood.”

“Ah, and heat some water while we eat.”

“Purchase some clothes for us as well.”

“Yes! Please wait a moment.”

When I placed three silver nyang on the table, the waiter’s anxious expression immediately brightened.

He hurried into the kitchen.

“Eldest Senior Brother, was there really a need to announce that we were alone?”

Eunho whispered quietly while remaining conscious of the people around us.

Everyone inside the inn was so intent on hearing even his quiet voice that not a single pair of chopsticks made a sound.

“We will continue facing hardships from now on.”

“Do not shrink back merely because of what we have experienced so far.”

“……I suppose you are right.”

We had defeated the sects of Zhejiang Province, including the Yellow Sword Sect and the Qingdao Gang, and thereby sounded a warning.

However, as long as we possessed checkpoint plaques, the peace would not last long.

Before we passed the third and final checkpoint, and even after we did, more enemies would be waiting for us.

At this very moment, elites from the Wudang Sect, Mount Hua Sect, and Diancang Sect were racing toward us from beyond the provincial border.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

A Young Master in silk robes slowly descended the stairs from the second floor while applauding.

Two warriors who appeared to be in their thirties followed closely on either side of him like guards.

“What extraordinary boldness.”

The Young Master approached our table and smiled.

“I expected you to move in this direction, but I did not expect you to travel so openly.”

“……”

“May I join you, provided you do not object?”

Our table was wide enough to seat eight people.

However, I shook my head.

“I dislike having my meals disturbed.”

Step.

Step.

As expected, the warriors standing beside the Young Master moved as though they were about to draw their swords.

Judging from things like this, guards seemed to receive some kind of standardized education.

Perhaps something like, “At least pretend to intervene whenever the words of the person you protect are disregarded.”

“It may not be much of a substitute, but I will pay for your meal.”

“Junior brothers, what are you doing?”

“Move aside and make room for our guest.”

“……”

The Young Master’s guards looked at me as though I were absurd.

What?

Was there anyone who disliked free food?

Eunho soon nodded.

“Eldest Senior Brother, may we order more food, then?”

“Of course.”

“This Young Master is wearing silk robes instead of a martial uniform despite being here to fight.”

“He must have money rotting away.”

Despite my mockery, the silk-robed Young Master merely continued smiling.

“Over here! Bring us chicken with osmanthus sauce and green-onion tofu!”

“Ah! And some braised beef!”

“Hey! Let’s try twice-cooked pork.”

“Gye Cheolyeong used to boast about it constantly.”

“Bring us twice-cooked pork too!”

They ordered an excessive amount of food to irritate him, but the Young Master’s expression barely changed.

He lightly cupped his fists and spoke.

“My name is Song Baek of the Huayang Escort Agency, which is based here in Suzhou.”

The Huayang Escort Agency.

It was one of the five largest escort agencies north of the Yangtze River.

Because escort agencies naturally kept one foot in the commercial world and the other in the murim world, they were unusual organizations possessing both wealth and military strength.

“Do you need checkpoint plaques?”

The entire inn stirred at my direct question.

Countless warriors watched us with tense expressions.

However, the smile never left Song Baek’s lips.

“You are as extraordinary as I heard.”

“Is that so?”

“I have already passed both the first and second checkpoints.”

As the child of an escort agency, he would know most of the information concerning mountain strongholds north of the Yangtze River.

Moreover, because his organization was deeply involved in commerce, obtaining spirit pills would not have been particularly difficult.

“Then there was no reason for you to seek me out.”

“Did your journey not become rather easier after crossing Makgan Mountain?”

“……”

The waiter emerged carrying a large amount of food.

However, neither the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers nor I touched it.

We silently stared at Song Baek.

“At least while you are in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, you may remain at ease.”

“The Huayang Escort Agency will be watching over the disciples of the Taeul Sect.”

Suzhou contained more personnel and resources than the capitals of many other provinces.

Yet the Huayang Escort Agency confidently claimed to control the city completely.

Not a single person in the inn mocked Song Baek’s words.

“Is there any need for you to show us such kindness?”

Song Baek shook his head as though troubled.

“I personally have no need to……”

Then his eyes widened sharply.

“But my Senior Brothers feel differently.”

“Have you not already met Senior Brother Jong Byeokgi?”

I had wondered why Jong Byeokgi, the Flying Cloud New Wind of the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, had suddenly been mentioned.

“I am an affiliated secular disciple of the Diancang Sect.”

“Ah…… Is that so?”

Clatter.

Clatter.

The moment Jong Byeokgi was mentioned, the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers began moving their spoons and chopsticks.

Song Baek glanced at the three brothers, then continued speaking.

“Senior Brother Jong told us many things.”

“Were they favorable?”

“Of course not.”

Jong Byeokgi had spread a conspiracy theory claiming that the Taeul Sword Emperor’s legacy did not truly belong to the Taeul Sect, only to be beaten into pulp by Moyong Gang.

I had expected Moyong Gang to drag him around and put him through hardship as punishment for his eccentric behavior.

Had he already recovered enough to move?

“Because of that, my other Senior Brothers appear to hold considerable resentment toward you, Young Master Jin.”

Warriors dressed in the same style as Song Baek’s guards descended from the second floor.

Every one of them carried an extraordinary presence.

“Would you accompany us until my Senior Brothers arrive?”

“I would find it rather troublesome if someone else defeated you before then.”

“Do you have money?”

“Pardon?”

“You said you would pay for the food.”

“I am asking whether you actually have the money.”

Song Baek let out a quiet laugh.

He then removed a pouch from inside his clothing.

“I will host you at the finest establishment.”

I immediately grabbed his head and slammed it into the table.

Although it was made of wood, the table was cleanly cut away in the shape of his head.

He had surrounded his head with energy to prevent the table from breaking.

As a result, Song Baek absorbed the full force of the impact and blood poured from all seven openings of his face.

“Y-You lunatic……”

Shing!

Shing!

Every warrior, including the guards, drew their sword.

I pulled Song Baek toward me and placed my sword against his neck.

“Do you wish to watch your Young Master die before your eyes?”

The warriors of the Huayang Escort Agency, along with everyone else in the inn, looked at the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers as though they were lunatics.

How embarrassing.

Song Baek’s warriors radiated such a ferocious presence that it seemed a life-and-death battle might begin at any moment.

The other warriors in the inn also began placing their hands on their sword hilts one after another.

At that moment,

Slurp.

Slurp.

The sound of people eating echoed through the tense inn.

Everyone’s gaze naturally turned toward its source.

The Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers were completely absorbed in stuffing food into their mouths, unconcerned about whether a sword fight broke out.

When I stared at them in disbelief, Geumpyo cautiously glanced around before finally speaking.

“If we do not eat now…… gulp…… who knows when we will be able to eat again…… Slurp.”

“Eldest Senior Brother, p-please keep confronting them for just a little longer.”

“The food is still hot.”

After saying that, the three brothers resumed eating with complete concentration.