Chapter 70: Chapter 70

Demon Subduing Hall

In truth, I could not say that I had fully grasped the secret techniques of Thunder Shadow Step and Heavenly Pillar Kill. I had a rough understanding of how to use Heavenly Pillar Kill, but controlling the flow of vital energy in detail to unleash its full power remained impossible. I had yet to reach the level where I could skillfully evade an enemy’s attacks like my older brother Jin So-cheong, who had toyed with the sword strikes of a prominent disciple from the Zhongnan Sect. While I might be able to match him in momentary speed, that was entirely reliant on my internal power.

Mastering Heavenly Pillar Kill required innate talent or tremendous effort. When I said I had ‘mastered’ it, it merely meant I had reached a level where I could imitate its use. This was precisely why I sought to gain real combat experience against a master. I believed that if I could heighten my concentration on vital energy in a life-or-death struggle, it would naturally be assimilated into my body.

Whooooooosh…

It had been about a month since I resided in this house. During this time, I focused on reviewing and practicing the martial arts I had learned, including Thunder Shadow Step and Heavenly Pillar Kill. I also endeavored to improve my control over the scattered vital energy throughout my Eight Extraordinary Meridians. While this may seem insignificant, I believed that the entire process of training would be beneficial to me.

‘No, this is too difficult.’

Today, once again, I felt frustrated as I was unable to execute Heavenly Pillar Kill properly. The intricate maneuvers were far too challenging. If I could master this technique, it would apply broadly to my martial arts, making me faster and stronger. Why then was it so hard?

I needed some kind of breakthrough.

I had a gut feeling that I needed to elevate my skills at least one level before the Imperial Palace Martial Arts Tournament.

‘Let’s gather some information.’

After much contemplation, I decided to leave the house and wander around Luoyang City. I had a vague hope that I might acquire some information that would help my martial arts.

The first place I headed was a underpass beyond Changhe Street, where the beggars of the Open Sect were said to reside. According to Jeom So-i, the Open Luoyang Branch of the Beggars’ Sect was located there. As I approached the underpass, I felt the gazes of the beggars flicking over in my direction.

Standing atop the underpass, I looked down at them before leaping downwards. The eyes of the beggars huddled in their makeshift shelter by the stream all fixed upon me at once. I slowly walked toward them and spoke.

“I heard there are beggars from the Open Sect here.”

“What brings a new guest from the Han Clan all the way here?”

One beggar staggered forward. I could sense that his aura was not ordinary. This toothless beggar might be the one responsible for this branch. Acknowledging that he was a senior in the martial arts world, I performed a slight bow.

“I am Baek Woong. I came to buy information.”

“Sorry, but that won’t be possible.”

“And who are you to decide that so arbitrarily?”

The toothless beggar scratched between his teeth with his fingernails as he replied.

“I am Cheol Li-gae, the master of the Open Luoyang branch. I hold the authority to sell information.”

“I see.”

“To be blunt, we have no intention of selling information to you.”

I knew that the master of the Open Sect wielded considerable influence in the martial arts community. Even during my time as an escort, I had known that it was at the level of a branch master, like the one gathered among the beggars of the world, where one could receive the teachings of the Divine Arts and engage in merchant activities. Some of them even exceeded the late stages of prominent sects, which was why martial artists tread carefully regarding the Open Sect.

I replied to Cheol Li-gae, “Why can’t you sell information when I have enough money?”

“That’s exactly the point. You have too much money.”

What did he mean by that? I tilted my head in confusion, and Cheol Li-gae smiled cunningly.

“Seems you’ve been unaware. It’s already common knowledge that Baek Woong has purchased a large house, and that during the process, you traded in gold bars. The fact that you are a concealed wealthy man has spread throughout Luoyang’s underworld.”

“……”

“Right now, everyone is wary of you because you are a guest of the Han Clan and are under their protection. Soon, your surroundings will become chaotic. We don’t want to be caught in that muddy conflict, nor do we want to be involved with an errant fellow.”

His words struck a chord within me.

‘Is that the strange presence I’ve been sensing near my home for the past month?’

It meant that expert thieves or spies had been lurking around my house. I had ignored them because my aura was insignificant, but hearing this made it clear I had underestimated the situation. If I were not a guest of the Han Clan, those people would have surely targeted me long ago.

Remaining silent, I listened as Cheol Li-gae continued speaking.

“If you’ve understood, then please take your leave. Don’t take offense.”

“That’s strange. If I am a hidden wealthy man and at the center of the storm, shouldn’t you be even more greedy to covet my treasures? Your words and actions don’t match.”

“Heh heh. That’s a ridiculous statement.”

Cheol Li-gae chuckled.

“We are fully aware that Baek Woong here possesses unparalleled internal power. No one is foolish enough to scheme against you and end up losing. Moreover, with your connections to the Han Clan… it’s wise to avoid pulling a tiger’s whisker from the start.”

I decided to take a more assertive approach.

Swoosh – Thud!!

“……!!”

The gold bar I pulled from my pocket struck the ground just in front of Cheol Li-gae’s feet. Naturally, the eyes of Cheol Li-gae and the beggars around us widened in surprise. In particular, I noticed Cheol Li-gae’s complexion change noticeably.

I stared directly at Cheol Li-gae and said, “If I were in such a situation, I would need to buy information all the more. I will give you this gold bar in exchange for any information you have for me. That is my demand.”

Cheol Li-gae swallowed hard.

“Are… are you serious? You’d offer this just for some information?”

“Pick it up quickly, before I change my mind.”

“……”

Cheol Li-gae seemed hesitant. Logically, he knew he should refuse my proposal, but it seemed hard to resist the glimmering gold at his feet. Ultimately, he bent down slowly to retrieve the gold bar, exclaiming in astonishment.

“To think it’s unscathed even after you threw it so forcefully… you have mastered the inner family heavy technique.”

“Stop the small talk and let’s speak frankly. Tell me everything you know about this situation.”

“Very well. But first, could you remove the prying eyes from this place?”

Cheol Li-gae’s gaze drifted toward the upper part of the underpass.

“Be responsible for your own words.”

“Understood. Just take care of it.”

“Of course.”

I could also sense a presence there, so I slowly placed my hand on my waist. The next moment, I drew my sword and activated Thunder Shadow Step, leaping upward towards the upper part of the underpass.

Swish!!

With the speed of a flying tiger, I compressed my movements and instantly landed in a seemingly deserted alleyway, where a figure startled and cursed.

“Damn it!!”

Clang!

“Ahhhh…”

The intruder quickly attempted to deflect my sword but was mistaken. Even a top master from the Zhongnan Sect would struggle to parry a single strike from my powerful sword; how could a rat-like figure hope to stop it? The technique paralyzed their upper body, and they fell to their knees.

“P-please don’t kill me…”

I noticed the person was dressed in night attire. Wearing such clothes allowed them to hide in the alley in broad daylight without attracting attention. I pressed the point of my sword against their throat and spoke coldly.

“Are you a thief?”

“Y-yes. Please, just spare my life…”

“Hmph.”

Clang!!

In an instant, I swung my sword, launching a handful of throwing darts. The five darts flew with remarkable skill, and two of them targeted the thief’s life. Upon realizing his life was in danger, the thief’s face went pale. I grabbed him by the collar and jumped back under the underpass.

As I landed gracefully after making two spins in mid-air, Cheol Li-gae’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Looks like an unexpected guest has arrived.”

When the thief made eye contact with Cheol Li-gae, he forced a smile.

“Hehe… Cheol Li-gae, we know each other, don’t we? I haven’t done anything yet, so please ask this young hero to let me go. I’m begging you…”

“Cheol Li-gae, who is this person?”

Ignoring my question, Cheol Li-gae disregarded the thief and continued.

“He’s a notable thief among the ruffians in Luoyang, known by the alias Celebrated Thief. It seems he has been targeting your treasures.”

“Yikes…”

“Hmph. Should I try some torture?”

I muttered dryly while raising my hand, causing the Celebrated Thief’s complexion to turn pale.

“Please! I will only target this young hero! I will share everything I know, please let me go. I won’t show my face in front of you again.”

I glanced at the Celebrated Thief before sealing his acupoint to prevent him from moving. Cheol Li-gae appeared indifferent about the fate of the thief, as one might expect from a master of the Open Sect. I said, “Let’s hear your story, Cheol Li-gae. Please tell me what you know about this situation.”

“Very well.”

Cheol Li-gae pointed at the Celebrated Thief as he explained.

“This fellow, along with at least ten other martial artists and thieves, has been lingering around you. As far as I know, they include Heavenly Weaver, Bloodfire Twin Spears, Silent Shadow, The Wandering Guest, and Night Stalker, all skilled masters in the martial world… Additionally, masters from the Afternoon Gate, Black Snake Society, White Knife Sect, and the Blazing Debate Sect have also been showing suspicious movements.”

“……”

Although I had never heard of these names before, if what he said was true, it meant that dozens or even hundreds of martial artists were circling around, coveting my gold bars. I had been living comfortably at home without a single thought, but did that mean I was being closely observed in every move I made?

The reason they likely hadn’t attacked or attempted to steal from me was that I never took off the necklace containing the gold bars, combined with my background as a guest of the Han Clan, leading them to search for a more opportune moment.

‘Could I have been too complacent…? Occasionally, some top masters passed by my house, but I didn’t pay them much heed…’

It wasn’t entirely unexpected. Occasionally, there were considerable masters wandering around my home. However, since they didn’t emit any killing intent, I left them alone. Now it seemed those individuals were also targeting my gold bars. As I stood there in disbelief, the Celebrated Thief babbled on.

“Oh dear, young hero… you must especially be wary of the Black Snake Society among those. They are the most vile and fearsome bunch in Luoyang’s underworld. They aren’t hesitant to use poison and ambush tactics, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible.”

Clang!

“Yikes.”

No sooner had the Celebrated Thief finished his warning than I deflected another incoming dart that had come flying from somewhere. It struck me as both amusing and infuriating to swat away darts aimed at the Celebrated Thief multiple times.

I caught a falling dart and held it out, smirking. The dart had a black snake etched into it.

“It seems the Black Snake Society doesn’t quite hold you in high regard.”

“Please, no… If the Black Snake Society targets me…”

The Celebrated Thief’s face hardened in despair. I glanced at Cheol Li-gae and said, “Cheol Li-gae, this amount of information isn’t worth a single gold bar.”

“What do you expect me to do?”

“I’d like you to make it clear to those people that the Open Sect has influence here.”

“Ugh… It can’t be helped.”

Cheol Li-gae frowned, focused his internal energy, and let out a lion’s roar.

[The Open Luoyang Branch of the Beggars’ Sect supports Young Hero Baek Woong! Exercising force within a hundred paces of here shall be regarded as provoking the Beggars’ Sect!]

The roar was quite powerful and resonated, echoing to the nearby villagers. Local government officials, startled, looked our way but quickly turned their heads, seeming uninterested in the affairs of the martial world.

Suddenly, loud laughter erupted.

“Hahaha… Even the Beggars’ Sect is nothing special when it comes to gold, huh?”

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh…

About twenty figures dressed in black appeared on the bridge above. They all wore swords on their backs, clearly indicating they were from the martial world. Upon seeing the leader among them, Cheol Li-gae shouted irritably.

“Black Snake Society Leader, didn’t you hear what I just said?”

The leader of the Black Snake Society, who half-dominated the dark alleys of Luoyang, crossed his arms and mocked Cheol Li-gae.

“Oh, I was clearly watching how you, charmed by greed, made a fool of yourself.”

“What did you say!!”

Flames seemed to spark from Cheol Li-gae’s eyes, and the nearby Beggars’ Sect disciples gripped their clubs and staffs. It meant a possible confrontation with the Black Snake Society was at hand. The Black Snake Society Leader waved his hand casually.

“No, no. Why would we rashly provoke the powerful Open Sect? I respect your intentions here.”

“Get lost.”

“However, I do smell money. There’s an overwhelming scent of riches coming from that young hero. If the Open Sect tries to monopolize it, we won’t just sit idly by.”

As the Black Snake Society Leader subtly challenged Cheol Li-gae, the latter, aghast, responded.

“Monopolize? Don’t you know that Young Hero Baek Woong is connected to the Han Clan?”

“I’m well aware. That’s why I’ve been only watching thus far. Our sect could be shattered if we get involved with the Han Clan.”

With that, the Black Snake Society Leader fixed his gaze on me with a strange look.

“However, it seems our subordinates have observed this young hero, and he appears to be itching for a fight. It seems that besides sleeping and eating, he practices martial arts, filled with killing intent. I sense the innate temperament of a fighting dog in him.”

“What are you implying?”

I asked in return, and the Black Snake Society Leader chuckled.

“Young Hero Baek Woong. You wouldn’t be thinking of battling every martial artist in Luoyang targeting you, would you? If you transfer some gold bars my way, I can exert my influence to clear out those lowly goons for you. Plus, I can introduce you to a good training ground to test your martial arts. I have a grip on the darkness of Luoyang, after all.”

The Black Snake Society Leader seemed to understand what I wanted. Otherwise, he wouldn’t speak with such confidence.

I glanced at Cheol Li-gae. His expression didn’t change much, suggesting the Black Snake Society Leader’s influence over Luoyang’s underworld was indeed substantial.

“To summarize, you’re asking for my gold bars.”

“Hahaha… Isn’t that only natural? However, I speak the truth about introducing you to a suitable training ground. Young hero, you likely have your sights set on the Imperial Palace Martial Arts Tournament, but before that, there’s a wonderful venue to warm up.”

“Tell me where.”

“It’s called the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament hosted by Tuma. If you win here, you’ll receive significant rewards from Tuma. You can kill to your heart’s content without any moral repercussions. It’s a place where all forms of murder and torture are permitted.”

Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament?

I tilted my head at the unfamiliar term. However, Cheol Li-gae, who was listening beside me, was so shocked that he gasped.

“What, what did you say? The organizer of the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament is Tuma?!”

The Black Snake Society Leader smiled slyly.

“Hehe. It’s not something I need to hide, so I’ll share this information with you. It’s indeed that Tuma you’re thinking of.”

“Hmm…”

The Black Snake Society Leader spoke with a sly tone.

“Tuma is looking for more participants. Cheol Li-gae, I’d appreciate your help in promoting it.”

“Shut up.”

I glanced at Cheol Li-gae with a look that begged for an explanation. He let out a low grunt and replied.

“Young hero, reject that proposal outright. Joining the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament is madness.”

“And what is that exactly? Who is Tuma?”

“The Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament is the largest fighting arena that the powers of Luoyang tacitly approve of. Numerous martial artists who cannot openly display themselves in the martial world, including rogue and demonic experts, participate, and while the victors receive rewards, the losers are guaranteed to die.”

Cheol Li-gae spat this out as he explained.

“And Tuma is one of the eight leaders of the Mado Eight Gates, the supreme ruler of the Shura Sect. He is known as one of the most powerful masters of the dark arts.”

“……!!”

“Could it be that the Shura Sect is behind the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament…”

The leader of the Shura Sect?!

So that’s Tuma.

I felt that I had received unexpected information. After contemplating for a moment, I spoke up.

“Black Snake Society Leader, what if I choose not to accept the proposal?”

The Black Snake Society Leader shrugged.

“Well, there’s nothing I can do about it. With your skills, it might be a close call against the full power of the Black Snake Society. However, it seems you lack the backing to shake off pests like us.”

He then pointed a finger at Cheol Li-gae.

“That Cheol Li-gae here pretends to be your ally but will surely scrutinize you for any last scrap of valuable information should you step out of this place. I can guarantee that you’ll spend all your energy and mental fortitude before participating in the Imperial Palace Martial Arts Tournament.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Hehe, I’m not the only one targeting you. All the top players are watching like vultures. If you plan to kill them all and accumulate debts of karma, I won’t stop you.”

“……”

I thought for a bit longer before saying.

“Consider it an entry fee for the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament and the price for Cheol Li-gae’s life.”

With that, I flung a gold bar that soared slowly before making a huge sound as it accelerated.

“Whoa.”

The Black Snake Society Leader appeared startled and tried to catch the gold bar with both hands, but perhaps due to a lack of internal energy, he flew back. Other members of the Black Snake Society rushed to assist him, managing to secure a dozen or so flying bars before they settled down. The Black Snake Society Leader, having barely caught the gold bar, wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth and said.

“Young hero, you surely like to play games.”

I smirked.

“You’re just too annoying. In any case, you must meet my demands now.”

“Alright. I’ll use the influence of the Black Snake Society to drive away those pesky mosquitoes bothering Young Hero Baek Woong. As a bonus, I might even take pity on that Celebrated Thief.”

The Celebrated Thief, looking bewildered, began to bow to me, tears streaming down his face.

“Thank you, young hero… Thank you…”

Cheol Li-gae, beside us, grimaced slightly.

“Do you not care for the gold bars? Giving them to such scoundrels and agreeing to participate in the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament is madness.”

“But the Open Sect doesn’t have the ability to protect me, does it? If there isn’t help to offer, I won’t accept meddling.”

“……”

Cheol Li-gae turned his gaze away, seemingly uncertain if my words held any truth. It seemed he, too, was thinking of how to pocket the gold. He likely considered it not worth the trouble to protect me with the gold bar when balances with the Black Snake Society and various masters came into play.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

I murmured.

“My life isn’t something I hold dear.”

“What?”

I didn’t respond to Cheol Li-gae’s question.

‘If I die, I die. I need to first understand what the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament is about.’

Now wasn’t the time to save my life. If I was to die and come back, I had to take risks, gathering as much information and experience as I could. Moreover, it would be beneficial to gather any intelligence or weaknesses regarding Tuma of the Mado Eight Gates during the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament. This would undoubtedly aid in my future revenge against the Mado Eight Gates.