Chapter 142
Several days later.
A forest hideout near Poison Valley.
Jaseong sat beneath the shade of a tree, tending to his sword.
The blade of the Wicked Flame Sword gave off a chilling light, resonating with its master's murderous intent.
Just then—
Flap! Flap!
A dark shadow dropped from the sky: it was the black hawk, Jaseong's exclusive carrier pigeon.
The hawk landed on Jaseong's shoulder, folding its wings and offering the bamboo tube tied to its leg.
With practiced hands, Jaseong retrieved the correspondence and unfolded it.
Hyang's neat handwriting caught his eye.
[May this letter reach you safely, hall lord.
Greetings from Hyang, secretary of Scarlet Lotus Hall, Hao Sect.
As per your orders, I have mobilized all informants in the Hebei region to monitor movements.
During this process, I detected highly suspicious activity in Hebei.
Currently, the Hebei Peng Clan and the Sichuan Tang Clan have completely cut off contact with the outside, conducting a joint closed-door training.
Officially, it's said to be for martial arts exchange, but it has been witnessed that large quantities of medicinal herbs and braziers have been delivered to their location.]
As Jaseong read through the letter, his expression turned cold.
"... What I'd only suspected has become reality. All the evidence fits perfectly. The only party capable of supplying White Summer Herb, which grows only in Hebei, is the Hebei Peng Clan; and only the Sichuan Tang Clan possesses the skill to refine that poisonous herb into Soul-Bewildering Powder. Without these two joining forces, it would be impossible to distribute Soul-Bewildering Powder across the entire Central Plains."
Jaseong muttered under his breath, a mix of certainty and deep contempt coloring his voice.
He soon summoned his companions.
"Gu Janghu's suspicion was correct."
"?"
"The Hebei Peng Clan and Sichuan Tang Clan used closed-door training as a cover to manufacture drugs and distribute them in the Red Light District."
"What did you say, Great Hero?"
At Jaseong's words, Lee Rin questioned her ears.
Unlike her, Gu Janghu nodded silently, as if this was what he had already expected.
Dokgo Yeon was left speechless, a mix of shock and disgust on her face.
"... For so-called orthodox factions to perpetrate something this insane. Not even us, the unorthodox sects, would go so far...."
Dokgo Yeon spoke, shuddering.
"No matter how corrupt one may be, for members of a prominent orthodox sect to manufacture drugs and addict the common folk... this crosses a line, and then some. Even our Poison Valley abides by a few taboos when dealing with poisons."
She was right.
While Poison Valley dealt with toxins, they refrained from randomly scattering poison among civilians out of a matter of pride as martial artists.
And yet, for two of the so-called Five Great Clans—the very pillars of orthodoxy—to collude on such a vile act—
Gu Janghu let out a cold laugh.
"There's nothing to be surprised about. From all we've experienced so far, there's no such thing as truly orthodox or truly unorthodox in this martial world. There are only greedy packs desperate for power and profit."
To Jaseong and his party, long familiar with the hypocrisy of the orthodox factions, this was nothing new.
It was simply repulsive.
'Hebei Peng Clan...'
A deep light filled Jaseong's eyes.
That name was like a thorn lodged in his heart.
On the day of the Red Light District massacre, it was the attack by the third son of the Hebei Peng Clan that brought down a pavilion.
He still vividly remembered the screams of friends and neighbors crushed beneath the ruins.
'Back then I was too powerless to do anything... But this time is different.'
Jaseong stood up.
A cold killing intent emanated from his entire body.
"We're heading to Hebei."
At his declaration, Dokgo Yeon looked at him and spoke.
"What, are you planning to declare war on the Hebei Peng Clan and Sichuan Tang Clan?"
"If necessary."
"... You never fail to impress, Lord of Scarlet Lotus Hall. In that case, may I accompany you to Hebei?"
Jaseong glanced at her, puzzled.
"Hebei is quite a distance from here. Is it really alright for you to be away from Poison Valley for so long?"
"They deliberately pinned the blame on Poison Valley. I can't let this slide. Besides, dealing with this incident will only strengthen my claim to the position of young head. And..."
Dokgo Yeon flashed Jaseong a sly smile.
"I also want to see you bring the Hebei Peng Clan and Sichuan Tang Clan to ruin with my own eyes. If they fall, it's an opportunity for Poison Valley as well."
It was a typically ambitious answer from her.
Jaseong gave a small smile and nodded.
"Fine. Come with us. I expect your poison skills will be needed."
"Heh, a wise decision."
Jaseong then took out his carrier pigeon and wrote a correspondence to send to Hao Sect's upper management.
[Confirmed collusion between Hebei Peng Clan and Sichuan Tang Clan. Scarlet Lotus Hall is heading to Hebei. Requesting support.]
He tied the letter to the black hawk's leg and set it aloft.
Soon after, from the northern sky, the white hawk of the Hao Sect's Right Protector, Gal Seo-ryeong, appeared, as if it had been waiting.
It led Jaseong's black hawk through the forest to Gal Seo-ryeong.
* * *
In the forest near Poison Valley.
Gal Seo-ryeong accepted Jaseong's carrier pigeon, her eyes sharp and cold.
"As expected... Ansun Branch Leader's intuition was correct."
Standing beside her were the Lord of the Five Dragons HallLeader, Moon Castle Hall Lord, and Heavenly King Hall Lord.
They too had received the letter's content and could not suppress their outrage and excitement.
"So, the Hebei Peng Clan and Sichuan Tang Clan... Heavyweights, both of them."
"If they really are behind the Soul-Bewildering Powder, this won't end with mere retribution. The entire balance of the martial world could be overturned."
Gal Seo-ryeong nodded.
"That's right. This is an opportunity—to expose the ugly face of the 'orthodox' factions and reveal their hypocrisy to the world. And it's the decisive justification Hao Sect needs to enter the light."
She gave her orders at once.
"Everyone—move to Hebei. But do so covertly. We need to shrink the net without them noticing."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
The elite experts of Hao Sect melted into the darkness.
Their movements were swifter than the wind, more subtle than shadows.
* * *
At the same time, Jaseong's party was also departing for Hebei.
This time, they had to be even more cautious.
Hebei was a stronghold of the orthodox factions.
"We need to move without attracting attention. We should disguise ourselves as a merchant guild."
Following Jaseong's suggestion, the group assumed their disguises.
Jaseong and Gu Janghu took the role of guards, Lee Rin and Dokgo Yeon dressed as young ladies of a merchant guild, and Mansul tied her three tails into one, making her appear just like an ordinary fox.
"Kiing..."
Mansul whined, clearly uncomfortable.
"Here, have a candy. Hang in there a little longer."
Lee Rin gave her a piece of candy, and Mansul quickly settled down.
"It'll take about fifteen days to reach Hebei. Along the way, the orthodox factions' inspections will be intense, so we have to be careful."
Gu Janghu checked the map as he spoke.
The group traveled northward by wagon and horseback, passing desolate wastelands and rugged mountain ranges.
They encountered a few dangers on the road.
They easily defeated attacks by bandits, but sometimes ran afoul of orthodox martial artists.
"Where is your merchant guild from?"
On a mountain path thick with vegetation, a group of Qingcheng Taoists—one of the great nine orthodox sects—spotted the party and asked.
They had sensed an unusual force in the party, not typical of ordinary merchants.
"We're the Jaryeong Merchant Guild from Guizhou Province."
Lee Rin, pretending to be the merchant guildmaster, tried to avoid conflict.
Unfortunately—
"You can't fool my eyes. I possess martial arts that measure internal power."
"..."
"I have never seen a merchant guild made up of such remarkable experts. Are you... from the Demonic Cult, sent to spy on the orthodox factions?"
An elderly Qingcheng Taoist's eyes gleamed with suspicion.
Jaseong's party had no way to avoid a fight.
Naturally, it wasn't what they wanted.
Unless they were elders, three Qingcheng Taoists could be subdued easily.
But if blades were drawn, other orthodox fighters might swarm to the scene.
'... If that happens before we reach Hebei, things will get very tricky.'
At that moment, Dokgo Yeon did something unexpected.
[Everyone, hold your breath for half a gak.]
She sent them a telepathic message. Then—
Sssss—
A colorless, odorless poison drifted into the air.
Following her instructions, the party held their breath.
In less than half a gak—
"Kuuk?!"
"Huup! P–Poison?!"
The Qingcheng Taoists fell into chaos.
Though they belatedly tried to cover their mouths and noses, the poison had already deeply invaded their systems.
Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!
Just like that, the three Qingcheng Taoists collapsed to their knees, falling unconscious.
At the same time, Dokgo Yeon used the broad sleeves of her robe to sweep away the lingering poison from the surroundings.
"Let's go. They won't wake for a while. At least four days by my estimate."
Her poison techniques were incredibly effective.
Without shedding a drop of blood, Dokgo Yeon had neutralized the threat in an instant, leaving the group in awe.
"... So that's why Poison Valley poison arts are so infamous."
"Well, at least we avoided any loud fighting."
At last, fifteen days later, the party reached the border of Hebei.
In the distance stood a majestic city wall: the capital of Hebei, home base of the Hebei Peng Clan—Beijing.
"We've finally arrived."
Dokgo Yeon said, her eyes tense.
As a member of an unorthodox sect entering the stronghold of the orthodox factions, she couldn't help but feel on edge.
Hebei Province.
The heart of the Central Plains and the territory of the Hebei Peng Clan, one of the Five Great Clans.
Matching its reputation, Hebei's capital was imposing and vibrant.
Beneath the towering walls, countless wagons bustled by, and the streets were packed with merchants and martial artists from all over.
"Let's fill our stomachs first before moving. I'm so tired of dried jerky and vegetable porridge."
Lee Rin pointed excitedly to an inn.
It was 'Grand Harmony Pavilion', famous for its cuisine, a renowned Hebei eatery.
Jaseong nodded silently.
Everyone was exhausted from the journey, and an inn was the best place to gather information.
"Welcome~!"
"The largest and quietest room, please. And bring us your best dishes."
Jaseong handed the errand boy a silver tael, eliciting extra enthusiasm.
Soon after, the errand boy led them to a large room at the very back.
The table was soon covered with Hebei delicacies.
Lvyuhuasao—softly roasted flatbread stuffed with finely chopped donkey meat.
Baegye—smoked chicken, crispy outside, juicy within.
Hwoemyeon—a thick, savory noodle soup with seafood and vegetables.
"Wow...!"
Lee Rin exclaimed repeatedly, her chopsticks flying.
The moment she bit into the lvyuhuasao, savory juices burst in her mouth.
"Ha, it's a different kind of delicious from North Sea reindeer. This is what Central Plains journeys are all about. Hehe."
She stuffed herself until her cheeks bulged, piling bones on her plate.
Watching from across, Dokgo Yeon lowered her chopsticks.
Her own plate held only a few vegetables and a single piece of meat.
"......"
Dokgo Yeon swept her gaze over Lee Rin with a look of disdain.
"Didn't they teach table manners at North Sea Ice Palace? You eat like a starving beggar who hasn't had food in days."
"Why start with me again? You're supposed to eat well to attract good luck!"
"I doubt it's good fortune you're attracting, more like weight."
With a cold smile, Dokgo Yeon gestured at Lee Rin's waist.
"At this rate, I can picture your future—you'll have a belly sticking out further than your chest, and you'll be too fat to even attempt lightness skills."
"This—this woman—!"
Lee Rin flushed with anger, standing up abruptly.
"Great Hero, are you just going to let her talk to me like that? Today it's her and me, all the way!"
Jaseong ignored the women's squabbles and quietly drank his tea, gaze fixed outside the inn where the flag of the Hebei Peng Clan fluttered atop the city's wall.
'It all looks peaceful. But beneath it, filth and conspiracy are lurking.'
Memories flashed through his mind—
The blood-soaked day when the Hebei Peng Clan brought ruin to the Red Light District.
Remembering that, cold fury filled Jaseong's eyes.
As if resonating with his anger, the Wicked Flame Sword at his waist thrummed—Zzzzng!