Chapter 216: Secret Mission (3)
In the inner court of the imperial palace, there were 87 women donning the robes of concubines.
This meant that there were 87 women who had received the titles of Talented Maiden, Noble Consort, Consort, Imperial Consort, and Noble Imperial Consort.
Among these numerous imperial concubines, there were two consorts who were the most favored by the emperor.
One of them was none other than the Noble Imperial Concort Seo, Seo Yang-hyo.
The emperor's favor towards her was so immense that despite the presence of the empress's grown children, the seven-year-old child she bore became the crown prince.
As a result, she became one of the four individuals wielding limitless power within the imperial palace.
Gan-yang, the leader of the advance team, spread out four fingers and spoke while folding them one by one.
"If we were to name the four individuals with the greatest power in the current imperial palace, they would be His Majesty the Emperor's younger brother, Prince Gyeong, the Grand Preceptor who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the Central Overseers among the Three Excellencies, the powerful minister Hang Yoon, His Majesty's second prince, Prince Jong, who was originally the most likely candidate for the throne, and Noble Imperial Concubine Seo, the mother of the current crown prince."
He slowly listed them out because Mok Gyeong-un had mentioned being completely unaware of the power dynamics within the imperial palace.
Having spent his time only in the mountains, Mok Gyeong-un had learned a lot through books but was not well-versed in how the martial arts world or the current Central Plains operated.
"So, one of the four most powerful figures in the imperial palace is Noble Imperial Concubine Seo."
"That's correct."
"Then why would such a person help us?"
Mok Gyeong-un raised a question, finding it incomprehensible.
He had heard that the relationship between the imperial palace and the martial arts world had improved significantly, but the non-aggression treaty remained unchanged, and only the righteous sects actively interacted with the palace.
So why would Noble Imperial Concubine Seo, one of the powerful figures in the palace, assist the Heaven and Earth Society, which had even confronted the righteous sects in the past?
As he pondered, Yoo-bong spoke in a quiet voice as if revealing a secret.
"Because we were the ones who supported her from the time she was a noble consort until she became the current Noble Imperial Concubine."
"The Heaven and Earth Society supported Noble Imperial Concubine Seo?"
"Yes, that's right."
'Hoho.'
It seemed their claim of having a plan was not an empty one.
If Noble Imperial Concubine Seo had received support from the Heaven and Earth Society to reach her current position, it would be difficult for her to simply ignore their request for assistance.
At that moment, the Demon-Subduing monk Ja Geum-jeong, who had been sipping alcohol from a gourd with a dissatisfied expression, spoke up.
"Hmph. She might agree to a reasonable request, but will she really accept a request that could affect her own position?"
"....."
At his words, none of the advance team members denied it, remaining silent.
Then, Gan-yang spoke.
"The Demon-Subduing monk is right about that. When people reach a high position, they tend to easily forget all the hardships they endured to get there."
"So there's a possibility of rejection?"
"We won't deny that. The current Noble Imperial Concubine Seo is not the same as before. As the mother of the crown prince, she has risen to a position where it's difficult for us to exert pressure on her."
When a concubine becomes the mother of the crown prince, the title "Imperial" is added to her existing title of "Noble Consort."
From that point on, she essentially wields limitless power.
In this regard, the Heaven and Earth Society found it not entirely pleasing that she, whom they had supported for a long time, had reached such a position. In a sense, she had escaped their control.
"It won't work unless there's a mutual benefit between both sides."
"That's right. That's why we need to meet Noble Imperial Concubine Seo in advance. Fortunately, with you all joining as the rear team this time, it aligns with her requirements."
"Requirements? So there have already been discussions?"
Seop Chun asked, puzzled.
To that question, Yoo-bong answered.
"Yes. We can't abruptly demand that a powerful figure like the Noble Imperial Concubine, who holds the highest position in the inner court, immediately comply with our request."
".....Then what are those requirements?"
"She requested that we send properly trained late-stage warriors, just like how the major and minor sects of the righteous faction do."
At Yoo-bong's answer, Mong Mu-yak clicked his tongue.
Mok Gyeong-un then asked.
"Why do you do that?"
"She's not an ordinary woman, indeed."
"Pardon?"
"Asking the Society to send properly trained late-stage warriors is no different from telling us to move openly in the light, not through spies or from the shadows."
Seop Chun also expressed his astonishment.
"Ha! Even if she helps, she wants to prevent any situation that could harm her."
"It seems so."
In the case of spies, their ties can be cut off if necessary.
But if the Society officially dispatches late-stage warriors, the situation becomes different.
Not only is it difficult to sever ties if a problem arises, but it also leads to a situation where responsibility must be taken.
-What do you think?
Cheong-ryeong asked Mok Gyeong-un.
To this, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and said.
-She's a clever woman.
-It seems so. If we move officially, naturally, the one making the request is the one who needs to be mindful. Moreover, they'll have to take responsibility if something goes wrong. She's making sure of that.
-That's not all.
-Not all?
-Yes.
-Her hunger has been satisfied.
-Her hunger has been satisfied?
-Yes.
-Ah, so that's what you meant.
Cheong-ryeong understood what Mok Gyeong-un meant by those words.
A hungry person may say desperate things due to their hunger, but once that hunger is satisfied, the situation changes.
They no longer want to make desperate pleas or have a leash around their neck.
Considering this, it's not a matter of whether she will readily accept the request or not now that she has gained power.
Mok Gyeong-un spoke up.
"She may have been raised by this side, but she's no longer a pawn that can be controlled as desired."
Gan-yang agreed with those words.
"That's why we need to appease her to some extent while obtaining what we want. That's the key to this mission."
At Gan-yang's remark, Yoo-bong added with a smile.
"But you don't need to worry too much. Noble Imperial Concubine Seo, whom we have been observing, has not forgotten the help she received from the Society. She simply wants to prevent anything that could negatively impact her and the crown prince, so if we can assure her of that, she will be of great assistance to us."
Everyone nodded at these words.
In any case, their purpose was not to do something to the imperial palace through Noble Imperial Concubine Seo.
They merely aimed to accomplish the mission assigned by the Society.
As everyone was coming to terms with this, Mok Gyeong-un alternately glanced at Gan-yang and Yoo-bong from the advance team with a peculiar look in his eyes.
However, he didn't say anything in particular.
Having learned from the advance team how the secret mission would proceed, the rear team, who had not rested at all since arriving here, decided to take a break for about an hour.
***
Exhausted, Seop Chun fell into a deep sleep, while Mong Mu-yak engaged in meditation.
Ja Geum-jeong spent his time sipping alcohol from a gourd, using the roasted deer meat prepared by the advance team as a snack.
In a quiet place slightly away from the Guan Yu Shrine, Cheong-ryeong, who had come out of the wooden puppet for the first time in a while, was showing something to Mok Gyeong-un while wielding her long pipe.
It was none other than a sword technique.
Watching this, Mok Gyeong-un exclaimed in admiration.
"Ah!"
The sword technique Cheong-ryeong was demonstrating was the Moon Sword Style.
However, the Moon Sword Style had changed.
It had become more refined and flawless compared to the original Moon Sword Style she had taught him.
Moreover, the sword technique had evolved into a set of movements that incorporated much more complex variations, capable of deceiving and pressuring the opponent.
After showcasing the evolved Moon Sword Style, Cheong-ryeong asked.
-What do you think?
"The sword technique has become flawless."
-Is that all?
"The variations have also increased, making it an even more troublesome sword technique to face."
At those words, Cheong-ryeong smiled and nodded.
-That's right. After observing that old man's sword technique on the ship, I realized what was lacking in the Moon Sword Style. So, I took the opportunity to supplement it.
"Excellent."
-You memorized everything, right?
"Yes."
-Then forget the previous one.
"Yes, of course."
With an improved sword art available, there was no need to remember the flawed one.
Cheong-ryeong put the long pipe in her mouth and spoke while puffing out smoke.
-By the way, you also witnessed that old man's swordsmanship along with me. Haven't you realized anything?
"Realization?"
-Yes. Did you not gain any insight after seeing that swordsmanship?
The swordsmanship the old man displayed on the ship was truly shocking.
As a result, Cheong-ryeong observed it and filled the gaps in the Moon Sword Style, refining the sword techniques to evolve it closer to perfection.
Now, she was confident that it could surpass his Heaven Sword Style.
If even she had gained such insights, it would be a lie if this fellow, Mok Gyeong-un, claimed to have realized nothing after witnessing it.
This guy's talent was at a level that even she couldn't fathom.
She was curious about how that swordsmanship had approached him.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un drew his Evil Commandment Sword.
-Sreung!
And with the sword, he assumed a stance she had never seen before.
Puzzled, Cheong-ryeong asked.
-What is that?
The stance Mok Gyeong-un had assumed was neither the old man's nor her Moon Sword Style.
To her question, Mok Gyeong-un replied.
"Originally, the Moon Sword Style required a total of four sword techniques for the first stance. But this time, two more techniques were added, harmonizing six techniques."
At those words, Cheong-ryeong smiled and said.
-Yes. I originally thought four techniques were the most suitable and the limit for a single stance, but that was just my fixed mindset. If more techniques are needed, they can be incorporated to diversify the variations of the stance and compensate for weaknesses.
She considered six techniques to be the most ideal.
The current Moon Sword Style was the result of such refinement.
"Yes. Seeing that, I realized there was no need to be bound by fixed ideas."
Cheong-ryeong's eyes sparkled at those words.
-Don't tell me… you also refined the sword techniques like me?
"No. You know the Moon Sword Style better, so there's no need for me to refine it."
-Then what?
"I just pondered what would be the most efficient and ideal sword technique for me."
-Wait… don't tell me?
Is this guy saying he created his own sword technique?
Creating a sword technique was by no means a simple task.
It wasn't merely about swinging the sword, but required the harmony of sword techniques to manifest stances, the sword intent to infuse the sword with qi, and the most suitable breathing path to maximize the power of the stances. All three elements had to be in place.
Reaching a level where this was possible was referred to as attaining the realm of a Sword Saint.
'Even I spent years refining the Moon Sword Style with that fellow after overcoming the bottleneck.'
But no matter how impressive the swordsmanship he witnessed was, it was beyond common sense for someone who hadn't even learned martial arts for long to create his own sword technique.
However…
-Seuk!
Mok Gyeong-un slowly began to move the Evil Commandment Sword.
As if drawing strokes with a brush, Mok Gyeong-un executed sword techniques in a completely different trajectory from the Moon Sword Style.
-Chwak!
The first technique was simple.
It was just a horizontal stroke, and the second technique was a vertical stroke.
But as more techniques were added, the variations naturally became more prominent.
The Moon Sword Style consisted of a total of 24 techniques, and originally, four sword techniques were combined for each stance. But now, with a total of 30 techniques, six sword techniques were combined for each stance to further enhance the variations.
-Chwak! Chwahchwahchwak!
The sword techniques displayed by Mok Gyeong-un exceeded ten.
Given the nature of the sword as a weapon, it was natural for thrusting and slashing to be harmonized.
As a result, overlapping techniques were bound to appear.
About half of the sword techniques shown by Mok Gyeong-un resembled those of the Moon Sword Style.
However, at some point, the techniques began to differ.
-Chwahchwahchwak! Chwak! Chwak!
The trajectory of the sword extended to completely unexpected angles.
Witnessing this, Cheong-ryeong couldn't help but feel puzzled.
She got the impression that each and every sword technique Mok Gyeong-un demonstrated did not overlap in trajectory at all.
'There's no need to make them so different.'
It seemed that due to his lack of experience in this area, he was approaching the creation of sword techniques in an overly complicated manner.
With such an approach, the stances would inevitably become difficult as well.
The sword techniques needed to be combined to create stances, but excluding the initial ten techniques, it looked daunting to figure out how to combine the remaining ones.
-Chwak!
"Phew."
In the end, Mok Gyeong-un had demonstrated a total of 24 sword techniques.
Seeing this, Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue and said.
-There's no need to deliberately make the trajectories different. Creating sword techniques like that will ultimately result in overlapping useful techniques, and the rest will be discarded.
"No. I'll use all of them."
-You don't need to be greedy with something like this. Mok Gyeong-un.
"Is that so?"
-Trying to make the trajectories completely non-overlapping is also being trapped in a fixed mindset. If you truly realized something, don't be bound by it.
"I'll keep that in mind."
-Are you ignoring my advice again? Tsk tsk.
He's so stubborn.
Cheong-ryeong thought there was no point in saying more.
If he tried to combine the sword techniques he created like that, he would eventually realize that her words were right.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un assumed the initial stance again.
Then…
"This will be the first stance."
It was at that very instant.
-Chwahchwahchwahchwahchwahchwak!
Mok Gyeong-un linked the sword techniques and executed a stance.
However, Cheong-ryeong's eyes trembled wildly as she watched this.
'What?'
The reason being, she was curious about which techniques he would combine to execute the stance, but the result unfolding from Mok Gyeong-un's hands completely overturned all her expectations.
Cheong-ryeong was momentarily dumbfounded.
She had naturally assumed that out of the 24 techniques, at most four to six would be combined.
However, the combination of sword techniques Mok Gyeong-un was demonstrating now…
'He's harmonizing all twenty-four sword techniques into a single stance?'
It was a combination of techniques that completely defied conventional wisdom.
24 non-overlapping trajectories were unfolding at an incredible speed, forming a single stance.
-Chwahchwahchwahchwahchwahchwahchwahchwak!
It was a sword technique that seamlessly integrated offense and defense without any gaps.
After executing the stance, breath flowed from Mok Gyeong-un's mouth.
The hand gripping the sword trembled, as executing twenty-four techniques simultaneously had strained his muscles.
'!!!!!!!'
Witnessing this, Cheong-ryeong was left speechless.
When told not to be bound by fixed notions, he created a stance that defied common sense.
'This guy… he's really insane.'
218: Chapter 217: Craftsman (1)
A single stance consisting of 24 sword techniques.
Witnessing this, Cheong-ryeong was left speechless.
When told not to be bound by fixed notions, he created a stance that defied common sense.
Throughout her life and even in death, she had thought about the sword for so long, but she had never considered increasing the number of techniques in this manner.
In the first place, it wasn't something that could be achieved simply by increasing the number of techniques.
-You… how…
"Phew. Phew. It seems it will take some time to get used to this."
She was dumbfounded by Mok Gyeong-un's nonchalant attitude.
With each additional sword technique, the number of movements naturally increased, inevitably straining the muscles.
Moreover, if a single stance was like this, performing twenty-four stances was equivalent to not only overexerting the body but pushing it to its limits.
'…What a monstrous fellow.'
This sword technique was not something that could be executed in a short period of time.
It was a sword technique that would be challenging to execute even after several years of training, yet this punk, Mok Gyeong-un, visualized it in his mind and physically manifested it in a single attempt.
Calling it innate talent was an understatement.
Astonished, Cheong-ryeong finally managed to suppress her amazement and asked.
-How did you come up with this?
"I'm not sure. When I saw the swordsmanship of that elder, I noticed that within its simplicity lay complexity. However, I felt that with my current abilities, I wouldn't be able to wield such a sword."
The swordsmanship the old man had demonstrated became increasingly simple.
Yet, within that simplicity, Mok Gyeong-un sensed profound principles.
At this point, Mok Gyeong-un realized that it was not something that could be achieved by merely imprinting it with the eyes and memorizing it.
"In that case, I thought if I were to manifest all the ideal trajectories to thoroughly slay an opponent, wouldn't it become a nearly flawless sword technique?"
-Ha!
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue.
They had witnessed the old man's swordsmanship together, so how could the results be so different?
No, perhaps it was possible because it was him.
In the first place, since he hadn't learned the sword for long, there were no limits to his imagination.
'I have no choice but to acknowledge it.'
Mok Gyeong-un's sword talent had already surpassed her own.
With him, reaching the pinnacle of swordsmanship that all swordsmen dreamed of might be possible.
***
Two days later.
The imperial capital, Kaifeng.
Upon arriving in Kaifeng, Mok Gyeong-un's group couldn't help but express their sincere admiration.
They knew it was called the center of the Central Plains and, being the imperial capital, it would naturally be prosperous, but its scale was incomparable to even the outer city of the Heaven and Earth Society, considered the largest among single forces.
The outer city of the imperial capital seemed to stretch endlessly, and even reaching the outer walls, which could be seen in the distance, would likely take more than half an hour by carriage.
As everyone marveled at the city, there was one individual who seemed restless with a darkened expression.
It was the Demon-Subduing monk, Ja Geum-jeong.
Seop Chun asked, puzzled.
"Are you feeling unwell? Your complexion has been poor since yesterday… Wait, are your hands trembling?"
Ja Geum-jeong's hands were even shaking.
Seeing this, Seop Chun expressed concern.
However, Ja Geum-jeong shook his head and said.
"We need to find it… quickly."
"Find what? Are you looking for a doctor?"
"No. Help me find an inn or a tavern."
"…"
Seop Chun stared intently at Ja Geum-jeong's face.
Come to think of it, he had been complaining about running out of alcohol since yesterday afternoon.
So, was he experiencing withdrawal symptoms from not drinking?
"…You're quite something."
This level of addiction was almost severe.
No matter how skilled he was, could his liver withstand drinking so much?
Shaking his head, Seop Chun glanced at Gan-yang, the leader of the advance team guiding them.
After entering the city, Yoo-bong, the eunuch of the imperial palace, had left midway.
He said he would go ahead and prepare for the meeting with Noble Imperial Concubine Seo.
The place they were currently heading to was Hong Bong Meat, the largest slaughterhouse in the capital city.
The reason they were heading to the largest slaughterhouse was simple.
[There is a highly skilled craftsman there.]
***
"It's huge."
Mok Gyeong-un remarked upon seeing the slaughterhouse.
Typically, a slaughterhouse is divided into four areas: the cattle and pig pens, the meat storage, the slaughter area, and the vendor stalls.
However, the scale of these four areas was much larger than an ordinary estate.
Pointing to it, Gan-yang from the advance team said.
"There are a thousand cattle and pigs inside. Naturally, it's operated on this scale."
"I see."
"Since this place also supplies meat to the imperial palace, I've heard they only handle the highest quality. You'll understand once we go inside."
With that, they entered through the main gate of the slaughterhouse.
As they stepped inside, the smell of cattle and pig feces and the stench of blood assaulted their nostrils.
It certainly seemed like a slaughterhouse.
-Buzzing noise!
Inside the main gate, there were vendor stalls with meat sorted by parts, and in front of them, a large crowd of customers had gathered.
"Tsk tsk. There are so many bodhisattvas obsessed with meat."
Ja Geum-jeong clicked his tongue and spoke.
Despite being a Demon-Subduing monk, he surprisingly refrained from eating meat even after leaving Shaolin.
Therefore, he seemed displeased with the slaughterhouse.
With a puzzled expression, Seop Chun said to Gan-yang.
"Is there really a 'craftsman' in a place like this?"
No matter how he looked at it, this place was too conspicuous.
Even if it's darkest under the lamp, it was too crowded.
Moreover, if this place supplied meat even to the imperial palace, wouldn't officials frequently visit here? Could they really carry out such a task?
"That's correct. So, don't worry too much."
"Hmm."
Seop Chun still seemed dissatisfied.
Just then, among those near the vendor stalls, a hairy man noticed their group carrying weapons, unlike the other customers, and approached them.
"My lords, what brings you here?"
In response to his question, Gan-yang took out a prepared token from his bosom and handed it over.
Then, he casually said.
"We're here to select some good rind meat. May we take a look?"
Upon receiving the token, the man examined it closely and then revealed his yellow teeth, saying.
"If you're looking for rind, pork rind is the best when grilled."
"Pork rind sounds good. We'd like to select the meat to be slaughtered. Is that alright?"
"Why wouldn't it be? I'll guide you, so please follow me."
With that, the hairy man pointed to a pavilion and took the lead to guide them.
However, as Mok Gyeong-un was about to follow behind him, he suddenly paused.
Noticing this, Mong Mu-yak, who was beside him, asked.
"My lord, why are you hesitating?"
"…"
Without answering the question, Mok Gyeong-un turned his head and looked towards the main gate.
-Rumbling noise!
The sound of wheels rolling could be heard.
Soon, the entire main gate opened, and individuals who appeared to be government slaves entered the square, pulling carts.
However, Mok Gyeong-un's gaze was not on them but on the person walking at the very back of the cart procession with his hands behind his back.
He was wearing a blue flying fish robe and a unique patterned mask.
Behind him, four individuals wearing navy blue flying fish robes with their faces covered in cotton cloth were also following.
They seemed to be officials, but all of them…
"They have cultivated martial arts."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Mong Mu-yak frowned and said.
"My lord, please turn your head and enter inside for now."
At Mong Mu-yak's urging, Mok Gyeong-un turned his head and followed the group beyond the pavilion.
As they moved away from the square, Mong Mu-yak spoke in a low voice.
"What a coincidence."
"Why do you say that?"
"The officials in flying fish robes earlier are from the Embroidered Uniform Guards."
"The Embroidered Uniform Guards?"
At these words, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes sparkled with interest.
He seemed to understand why Mong Mu-yak called it a coincidence.
The identity they were trying to infiltrate for their secret mission was none other than the Embroidered Uniform Guards, so who would have thought they would encounter them by chance in a place like this?
Mong Mu-yak clicked his tongue and said.
"Yes, the Embroidered Uniform Guards."
"…Aren't the Embroidered Uniform Guards the imperial palace guards?"
"That's right. It's strange. Not even the Guard troops, but the Embroidered Uniform Guards in a place like this…"
"What? The Embroidered Uniform Guards?"
Seop Chun, who was walking ahead, interjected with a frown.
Mong Mu-yak then said.
"Shh. Be quiet. Right now, in the vendor square of the slaughterhouse, the Embroidered Uniform Guards…"
Before he could finish his sentence, Gan-yang whispered.
"You don't need to concern yourselves too much. The Embroidered Uniform Guards personally inspects the meat that enters the inner palace since it's used for the meals of the imperial family."
"Ah…"
Handling food ingredients might seem trivial, but it wasn't.
Food ingredients and medicinal herbs were not only consumed by palace residents and officials but also by the imperial family and even the emperor, so the imperial palace paid the utmost attention to their inspection.
Assassination attempts through food ingredients and medicinal herbs had been carried out since ancient times, making it particularly important.
"I see. But do most of the Embroidered Uniform Guards cultivate martial arts?"
"Yes. Since the Embroidered Uniform Guards are under the direct command of the emperor, I've heard that each of their martial arts is at least first-rate or above. Among those in high positions, there are quite a few who would be considered experts even in the martial arts world."
"What is the rank of the one wearing a blue official robe with a golden belt depicted with flying fish?"
In response to that question, Gan-yang asked back with a somewhat surprised expression.
"Did you say a blue official robe with a golden belt?"
"Yes."
"A blue official robe with a golden belt indicates a Thousand-men Commander, a 5th-rank senior Embroidered Uniform Guards. With that rank, he must be a significant figure even within the Embroidered Uniform Guards."
The organizational structure of the Embroidered Uniform Guards's executive ranks is as follows:
Lesser Banner, Sogi (Junior 7th rank); Chief Banner, Chonggi (Senior 7th rank); Probationary 100-men Commander, Sibaekho (Junior 6th rank); One Hundred-men Commander, Baekho (Senior 6th rank); Deputy Thousand-men Commander, Bucheonho (Junior 5th rank); Thousand-men Commander, Cheonho (Senior 5th rank); Pacification Commissioner, Yukcheonho (Junior 4th rank); and Assistant Commander-in-Chief, Jinmusa (Senior 4th rank).
[TL/N: Read more notes on the rankings after this chapter]
"If he's a significant figure, how skilled is he?"
In response to Seop Chun's question, Gan-yang stroked his beard and replied.
"A Thousand-men Commander (Cheonho) of the 5th rank senior in the Embroidered Uniform Guards would be an expert who has at least reached the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm."
"'At least'? The imperial palace's Embroidered Uniform Guards is no ordinary force."
"Yes. Since they have been exchanging with the righteous sects and recruiting many experts, their level has become much higher than before."
At Gan-yang's words, Seop Chun grinned and said.
"Hahaha. Still, if the level of a Thousand-men Commander is that high, if this friend or I join the Embroidered Uniform Guards, we would receive a rank of at least Pacification Commissioner or above."
Seop Chun and Mong Mu-yak were among the Five Tigers, the highest-level pinnacle-stage Transformation Realm warriors of the Heaven and Earth Society.
With their martial arts approaching that of the executives, they were confident they could receive high ranks in the Embroidered Uniform Guards.
At Seop Chun's confidence, Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head and said.
"I wonder about that."
"Pardon? Why do you say that?"
"That Thousand-men Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guards we saw earlier, the one with the mask…"
"What about the Embroidered Uniform Guards?"
Just as Mok Gyeong-un was about to say something, he shook his head and said.
"Never mind."
Suddenly stopping mid-sentence, Seop Chun couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"Let's go for now."
"…"
He wanted to ask what Mok Gyeong-un was trying to say, but given his personality, it seemed unlikely he would answer.
Curious, Cheong-ryeong asked.
-What were you trying to tell him?
-That masked Thousand-men Commander from earlier… he had sealed some of his qi points.
-Sealed his qi points?
-Yes.
Mok Gyeong-un could see the general flow of qi with his naked eyes without opening the power of the Third Eye in his right eye.
In Mok Gyeong-un's eyes, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guards Thousand-men Commander had sealed three major qi points.
So, based on the qi emanating from him, his level seemed to be at the pinnacle stage of Peak Realm, but…
-If he unseals them, I don't think Seop Chun would be a match for him.
-Was he that skilled?
-Yes.
For some unknown reason, that person was sealing his own qi points to conceal his true abilities.
Mok Gyeong-un was about to mention this but decided not to, as the conversation would have become lengthy.
-But there was one more unusual thing.
-What is it?
-Through the gaps in the mask, I noticed that person's eyes were blue.
'!?'
***
Jinyiwei, or Embroidered Uniform Guards ranking (From Highest to Lowest)
指挥使 (Zhǐhuīshǐ) – Commander-in-Chief: The highest-ranking official in the Jinyiwei, responsible for overseeing all operations and reporting directly to the emperor.
指挥同知 (Zhǐhuī Tóngzhī) – Vice Commander-in-Chief: Assisted the Commander-in-Chief in managing the Jinyiwei and assumed command in their absence.
指挥佥事 (Zhǐhuī Qiānshì) – Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Aided the Commander-in-Chief and Vice Commander-in-Chief in their duties and handled specific tasks as assigned.
镇抚使 (Zhènfǔshǐ) – Pacification Commissioner: Responsible for maintaining order and suppressing rebellions in the provinces.
千户 (Qiānhù) – Chiliarch: Commanded a unit of approximately 1,000 men.
副千户 (Fù Qiānhù) – Deputy Chiliarch: Assisted the Chiliarch in commanding the unit.
百户 (Bǎihù) – Centurion: Commanded a unit of approximately 100 men.
试百户 (Shì Bǎihù) – Probationary Centurion: A trainee or candidate for the position of Centurion.
总旗 (Zǒngqí) – Chief Banner: Commanded a banner, which was a military unit that varied in size.
小旗 (Xiǎoqí) – Lesser Banner: Assisted the Chief Banner in commanding the unit.
将军 (Jiāngjun) – General: A high-ranking military officer responsible for leading large formations of troops.
校尉 (Jiàowèi) – Captain: Commanded smaller units within the Jinyiwei.
力士 (Lìshì) – Strongman: Physically strong individuals who served as bodyguards or enforcers.
参某某事 (Cān Mǒumǒu Shì) – Participant in Certain Affairs: Officials assigned to specific tasks or investigations.
校令 (Xiàolìng) – Drill Master: Responsible for training and drilling the troops.
219: Chapter 218: Craftsman (2)
-Through the gaps in the mask, I noticed that person's eyes were blue.
-What? Blue eyes?
Blue eyes.
It refers to someone with blue irises while also signifying a person from the Western Regions.
People from the Western Regions live to the west of the Central Plains.
Although there was a considerable distance between the vendor stalls in the square and the pavilion at the back behind the main gate, Mok Gyeong-un, who had reached the Transformation Realm and possessed more developed senses than ordinary people, noticed the blue eyes showing through the gaps in the mask.
-Are you certain?
-The eye area of the mask protrudes, so it was dark inside and not very visible, but my eyes could see it.
-Hmm. That's quite peculiar. This isn't Tibet or Xinjiang, so it's strange to have someone from the Western Regions as an imperial official.
This was more than just a rare occurrence.
Although there had been much openness and exchange with martial artists recently, the imperial palace was still more closed-off and conservative than any other group.
This was because the Han people prided themselves as the center of the Central Plains in this nation.
They even arrested all those associated with the Baihwa Religion, which originated from the Western Regions, accusing them of deceiving the world and the people, and exterminated their families.
In the imperial palace of such a nation, employing someone from the Western Regions as an official, not even a slave, was quite extraordinary.
-There must be a reason for it.
-That's a carefree response. But the mere fact that someone from the Western Regions who has cultivated martial arts is in the imperial palace's Embroidered Uniform Guards warrants caution. Try not to get entangled with them.
-I'll keep that in mind.
In any case, their purpose here was singular.
It was to abduct Fire Faith Order Holy Guardian, who was said to be imprisoned in the underground Golden Jade of the imperial palace.
Regardless of their background or motives, it had nothing to do with him.
As they followed the hairy man's guidance, pig pens emitting a strong odor of livestock feces came into view.
The squealing sounds were deafening.
The hairy man led them inside the pens without stopping.
At this, the Demon-Subduing monk Ja Geum-jeong muttered with a frown.
"Don't tell me we're really here to slaughter pigs?"
Mong Mu-yak shook his head and said to him.
"If you don't know anything, just follow along."
"So you're telling me to keep my mouth shut? Hmph."
"Tsk tsk."
Mong Mu-yak clicked his tongue in displeasure.
As they walked through the pens, the hairy man stopped at an empty pen.
He then used a fork to push aside the pile of straw there.
Underneath, there was a wooden entrance.
The hairy man grabbed the rusty shackle on the entrance and pulled.
-Screech!
As the door opened, stairs leading underground were revealed.
Seeing this, Seop Chun remarked with admiration.
"They sure made a place like this."
Who would have imagined a secret underground passage hidden inside a pig pen filled with the stench of feces?
The hairy man grinned and pointed downwards with his thumb.
"Follow me."
With that, they descended the stairs.
After descending to a depth equivalent to two floors, a cavity about ten-feet wide came into view.
Inside the cavity, which was lit by lanterns, there were various tools and a workspace.
The hairy man pointed to a reception chair on one side of the workshop and said.
"The craftsman will be here soon, so please wait a moment…"
-Tatatatatak!
Before he could finish his sentence, someone hurriedly descended the stairs and rushed towards the hairy man.
Judging by the blood-stained leather apron he was wearing, he seemed to be a worker from the slaughterhouse.
"Brother Song, a word with you."
At his words, the hairy man asked for Mok Gyeong-un's group's understanding.
"Please wait a moment."
Gan-yang nodded, indicating not to mind it.
The worker and the hairy man then moved a short distance away from them and engaged in a whispered conversation.
Although they spoke in low voices, Mok Gyeong-un, whose hearing had become more developed as his martial arts improved, could hear their conversation clearly.
"We're in trouble."
"What's the trouble?"
"The person who requested the production last time seems to have been an official."
"What?"
"So we need to have these people wait for a while."
At their whispers, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes narrowed.
It seemed they had encountered some problem.
Just then, the hairy man approached them, bowed his head in apology, and said.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, but could you please wait here for a moment? The craftsman may be a little late due to an urgent delivery."
"Why would that be a problem? We'll wait then."
Gan-yang spoke in an understanding tone.
In any case, they were in the position of making a request, so they couldn't complain.
As the slaughterhouse workers who had asked for their understanding went outside, Gan-yang glanced at Mok Gyeong-un and the rear team and said.
"It won't take long."
At this, the Demon-Subduing monk Ja Geum-jeong interjected.
"Who knows? Will it really be so?"
"Pardon?"
"I heard those guys talking earlier about some officials. Didn't you hear?"
It seemed Ja Geum-jeong had also overheard their conversation.
Gan-yang asked back.
"Officials?"
"Yeah. The lord mentioned seeing the Embroidered Uniform Guards earlier. Isn't that who they were referring to?"
At his words, Gan-yang stroked his chin, looking troubled.
The Embroidered Uniform Guards had simply come to inspect the meat to be delivered to the imperial palace and take it.
But he couldn't fathom what this was about.
Seop Chun said to him.
"If something happens to the craftsman, won't it hinder our mission?"
"That's…"
"Didn't you say this person is the only one who can create the human skin masks within the time frame?"
"…That's right."
The purpose of their visit was to commission the creation of human skin masks.
Human skin masks refer to leather masks made using human skin or pig hide that are indistinguishable from real human faces.
The owner of Hong Bong Meat here was known for slaughtering livestock on the surface, but in the underworld, he had a high reputation for crafting extremely sophisticated human skin masks.
Of course, not many in the martial arts world were aware of this.
"But even so, as the Demon-Subduing monk said, if those officials are from the Embroidered Uniform Guards, it's best for us not to intervene."
"What a coincidence on this day of all days. Dammit!"
It was truly an uncanny coincidence.
Since they needed to infiltrate the Embroidered Uniform Guards, it was best not to cause friction with them right away.
If they stirred up trouble and it affected the Guard Trials, everything would be for naught.
"Let's wait for now. It's not like we have an alternative plan."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, everyone nodded in agreement.
About an hour passed.
Just then, the sound of the secret underground door opening came from above, and someone descended.
They thought it might be the craftsman, but it wasn't.
The one who came down was the hairy man who had guided them.
However, unlike before, the hairy man's complexion and expression didn't look good.
Gan-yang spoke.
"Is the craftsman not here yet?"
"I apologize for the wait, but I'm afraid I have even more regrettable news for you."
"What do you mean?"
"The craftsman is currently unable to accept any requests."
"Unable to accept requests?"
Gan-yang raised his voice.
The hairy man then bowed his head and spoke in a groveling tone.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot disclose the circumstances. So, I kindly ask the guests to please leave."
"What? You're telling us to leave now?"
Gan-yang looked dumbfounded and abruptly stood up from his seat.
Startled, the hairy man flinched and took half a step back.
Gan-yang pressed him.
"Are you violating the rule of accepting requests from those who bring the token? Moreover, didn't we wait here despite arriving first, considering your circumstances?"
"Ah, I'm aware of that. However, we truly cannot accept any requests at the moment. Even if you threaten my life…"
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un spoke up.
"I smell blood."
'!?'
At his words, everyone looked at him in surprise.
Mok Gyeong-un pointed at the hairy man's hand with his index finger and said.
"That hand."
The hairy man furrowed his brows at those words.
What was he saying about smelling blood from this distance? He wasn't a dog or anything.
The hairy man waved his hands and said.
"Naturally, there's the smell of blood since our job is slaughtering…"
"No. It's not the smell of cattle or pig blood but human blood."
"Th-that's…"
"It's not just that. Judging by the scent of dried purple orchids and large knotweed mixed with the blood, it seems you hastily applied a hemostatic."
At these words, the hairy man's eyes widened.
He was already skeptical when Mok Gyeong-un mentioned the smell of blood, but now he was mentioning purple orchids and large knotweed, leaving him perplexed.
Both herbs were hemostatics used in slaughterhouses.
Occasionally, cuts occurred during the slaughter work, and those herbs were used at such times.
But he had smelled it even though it was mixed with the scent of blood?
The startled hairy man spoke in a trembling voice.
"…How did you know that?"
"Ah. I've studied herbs a little."
'A little?'
At those words, everyone looked at Mok Gyeong-un with surprise.
Was it possible to do this by simply studying herbs a little?
Even in this underground room, the smell of leather and metal was mixed, making it difficult to detect other scents.
Yet, Mok Gyeong-un had distinguished the scent of blood and herbs from the hairy man's hand, which was astonishing.
Just then, the hairy man suddenly approached Mok Gyeong-un, knelt down, and said.
"D-Do you perhaps know medicine as well?"
"Medicine?"
As Mok Gyeong-un asked back, the hairy man, who had even lowered his head, pleaded in a desperate voice.
"Please help us!"
***
A building located between the pig and cattle pens.
"Ugh…"
Inside a room in the building, a middle-aged man in his fifties wearing a shaggy leather outfit was suffering in agony with a pale face.
That was because both of his wrists had been severed.
The slaughterhouse workers beside him had tightly wrapped cloth above his severed wrists to stop the bleeding, but the blood didn't seem to clot easily.
One of the workers said to the man, who was in pain.
"Master, please endure a little longer. The doctor will arrive soon."
"Haa… haa… but… my daughter…"
"Young master Mo has gone to bring the young miss back immediately."
"Hurry and bring my daughter first… ugh."
"Please calm down. It will be serious if you continue like this."
The workers tried to dissuade him as he attempted to get up despite his agony from his severed wrists.
Just then, the door opened, and six men, led by the hairy man, rushed into the room.
They were Mok Gyeong-un's group.
One of the workers abruptly stood up and shouted.
"No, Brother Song. What is the meaning of this? Why did you bring the guests here?"
The hairy man pointed to the middle-aged man, who was referred to as the master, and said to Mok Gyeong-un.
"The master's severed wrists are not clotting. We have called for a doctor, but something might happen before then. Please help us."
"Wait, what is going on here?"
Gan-yang was dumbfounded as he witnessed this.
What on earth had happened for the master's arms to be severed like that?
Seeing this, Seop Chun and Mong Mu-yak simultaneously looked at Mok Gyeong-un.
That was because, although they didn't know the details, Mok Gyeong-un had previously used his techniques to reattach Mong Mu-yak's severed arm.
So they glanced at him with a glimmer of hope.
-Step step!
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un approached the master.
The workers beside him tried to block the way with a guarded look in their eyes.
The hairy man, called Brother Song, scolded them.
"Don't interfere! He's here to help."
At those words, the hesitant workers stepped aside.
Mok Gyeong-un then approached the suffering master and quickly pressed the acupuncture points on both of his arms.
-Tatatatatak!
As he pressed the hemostatic points, the blood seeping from the cloth-wrapped severed area noticeably stopped.
The master, who had been in agony, looked at Mok Gyeong-un with a surprised expression.
"Haa… haa… who… are you?"
"Let's talk about that later. Where are the severed hands?"
Mok Gyeong-un looked around and asked.
That was because he couldn't see the master's severed hands.
Instead of the master, one of the workers beside him slammed the table and spoke in an angry voice.
-Bang!
"Those bastards took the master's severed hands wrapped in leather."
"They took the severed hands?"
Mok Gyeong-un showed a troubled expression at those words.
Just then, the master, who seemed to be able to endure a bit after the bleeding had stopped, spoke with difficulty.
"G-Guests, I don't know who you are, but please leave. I'm in no condition to accept any requests or help anyone…"
"Who are the ones that took the severed hands?"
"What's the point of asking that…"
"If you want to save your hands, it's best to tell me."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, the master and the workers showed incomprehensible expressions.
How could they possibly save the already severed hands?
As they were puzzled, the hairy man, referred to as Brother Song, spoke to Mok Gyeong-un with a troubled look.
"The ones who severed the master's hands and took them away are from the Embroidered Uniform Guards. I apologize, but even if you follow them, you won't be able to retrieve the hands."
"Damn it!"
Seop Chun cursed at the hairy man's words.
As he suspected, it was the Embroidered Uniform Guards.
If the Embroidered Uniform Guards, the imperial palace guards, had severed the hands of the master, no, the craftsman who was supposed to make the human skin masks, there was no way to do anything about it right away.
Just then, Mok Gyeong-un turned around.
"My lord?"
Mong Mu-yak called out to him in confusion.
Mok Gyeong-un shook his head and said.
"There's no other way. I'll be back soon, so please wait here."
"Pardon? But my lord…"
-Swish!
Before he could finish his sentence, Mok Gyeong-un's figure dispersed like smoke and disappeared from their sight.
The master and the workers' eyes widened at the sight.
***
Although Hong Bong Meat was a large-scale slaughterhouse, it was located on the southwestern outskirts of the city due to the nature of slaughter work.
The outskirts were surrounded by forests, making it relatively less frequented by people.
-Rumble rumble!
A procession of carts loaded with meat was proceeding there, and at the very back, there was a carriage and four Embroidered Uniform Guards in navy blue flying fish robes riding horses side by side as if escorting it.
Among them, an Embroidered Uniform Guards with droopy eyebrows riding on the right side clicked his tongue and said.
"What a foolish wench."
The Embroidered Uniform Guards with a beard riding next to him said.
"Indeed. No matter how much they are her father's hands, it's quite daring of her to chase after us and make a fuss."
"She has no sense."
"Understandable. What child wouldn't be distraught over their parent's plight?"
"Well, that's true."
"But I wonder how the Thousand-men Commander will deal with that wench. His Excellency personally ordered us to bring the severed hands, so it's unlikely he'll return them."
As he spoke, the bearded Embroidered Uniform Guards glanced at the carriage.
Inside that carriage were the Thousand-men Commander and that wench.
Just then…
The carriage that had been following the cart procession suddenly came to a halt.
"Huh?"
Wondering what was happening, the Embroidered Uniform Guards steered their horses to the side to look at the front of the cart procession.
There, someone with their face covered in black cloth stood with their hands behind their back.
The Embroidered Uniform Guards with droopy eyebrows, dumbfounded, rode his horse to the front of the cart procession, drew his sword, and shouted.
-Sreung!
"Who dares to block the way of the procession?"
In response to his shout, the person with the covered face chuckled and said.
"How foolish of you."
"What?"
"If I were going to tell you, why would I have covered my face?"
"You insolent bastard!"
-Pat!
Enraged, the Embroidered Uniform Guards with droopy eyebrows immediately leaped off his horse and swung his sword with fierce momentum towards the person with the covered face.
However…
-Clang!
His blade was blocked by the index finger of the person with the covered face.
Having his blade blocked by a mere finger, the Embroidered Uniform Guards with droopy eyebrows was so surprised that he couldn't hide his bewilderment.
'A-An expert!'
220: Chapter 219: Craftsman (3)
Everyone was baffled by Mok Gyeong-un's sudden disappearance.
Of course, Mok Gyeong-un's group, consisting of the advance and rear teams, were amazed in a different sense, knowing that he had utilized an incredibly fast lightness skill.
Then, Gan-yang, the leader of the advance team, spoke softly to Mong Mu-yak and Seop Chun from the rear team with a troubled expression.
"Shouldn't we have stopped Young Master Mok?"
"Stop him? How could we have done that?"
He had vanished before they could even say anything.
How were they supposed to stop him?
"If there's friction with the Embroidered Uniform Guards now that the mask production has already gone awry, it could further disrupt our plan."
Gan-yang thought the human skin mask production was already a lost cause since the master's arms had been severed.
If they clashed with the Embroidered Uniform Guard under such circumstances, it could make infiltrating the imperial palace even more difficult.
At his words, Seop Chun spoke as if telling him not to worry.
"Just wait and see. Our lord is not someone who lacks judgment. And as for the mask production…"
Seop Chun hesitated, unsure how to phrase it.
He was about to say that if their lord, Mok Gyeong-un, could find the master's severed hands, he could reattach them with his mysterious medical techniques, but he wasn't sure if they would easily believe it.
After all, it was hard to believe that severed arms could be reattached.
Just then, someone suddenly rushed into the room, panting heavily.
"Gasp! It's… it's a big problem."
"Brother Mo!"
The hairy man recognized him and called him Brother Mo.
Brother Mo then spoke to the slaughterhouse workers with a tearful voice, as if apologizing.
"Miss… Miss Song-ah has been arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard for obstructing official duties."
"Wh-what? Obstructing official duties?"
"No, Mr. Mo, you just watched it happen?"
Shocked by the sudden news, the slaughterhouse workers were perplexed and outraged.
At that moment…
"These damn bastards!"
-Pak!
The hairy man, with an enraged face, pulled out a slaughter knife hanging on the room's wall.
He seemed ready to rush outside at any moment.
Just then, someone scolded him.
"Stop right there!"
The hairy man, who was about to run out, frowned and stopped in his tracks.
The one who stopped him was none other than the master.
The master spoke with difficulty as he struggled to get up.
"Haa… haa… What do you think you can accomplish by getting involved?"
"But Young Miss Song-ah…"
"Do you want to make matters worse?"
The master, who had reprimanded him, then looked at Seop Chun and his group and spoke.
"Haa… haa… You're martial artists, right?"
At his words, Gan-yang, the leader of the advance team, nodded and replied.
"That's correct. But Master… You're bleeding heavily, so don't strain yourself and sit down for now…"
-Thud!
Before he could finish his sentence, the master knelt on the floor.
"M-Master!"
"Why are you…"
The slaughterhouse workers became restless at his action.
Nevertheless, the master ignored them and said what he wanted to say.
"Haa… haa… I'm… fine. But I have a request for you."
"A request?"
"Please help us."
Gan-yang was troubled by his plea.
It was already a difficult situation with Mok Gyeong-un acting on his own, and if they also clashed with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, it could seriously hinder their mission.
"Master… I understand your desire to save your daughter, but…"
"Haa… haa… That child… cough cough… is not my daughter."
"What?"
Didn't everyone refer to her as the young miss?
If so, she should be the master's daughter, but what does he mean by that?
Just then, the hairy man, who had been gripping the handle of the slaughter knife, also knelt on the floor like the master.
"Please help us."
"Brother Song!"
Surprised by his sudden action, the slaughterhouse workers tried to dissuade him.
At that moment, the Demon-Subduing monk Ja Geum-jeong alternately glanced at the master and the hairy man called Brother Song, then burst into laughter.
"Hahahahaha. Now I get it."
***
-Clang!
The Embroidered Uniform Guard with droopy eyebrows couldn't hide his bewilderment.
'This guy… is an expert!'
The Embroidered Uniform Guard with droopy eyebrows was a One Hundred-men Commander of the senior 6th rank, an expert at the entry-stage of the Peak Realm.
If someone could block his sword strike, infused with his 7-star martial power, with a mere finger, it meant that the martial prowess of this unknown expert with a covered face far surpassed his own.
'With an expert of this level, the four of us need to attack together, or the Thousand-men Commander needs to step in.'
-Pat!
Realizing he couldn't handle it alone, the Embroidered Uniform Guard with droopy eyebrows hastily distanced himself and raised one hand behind his back, sending a hand signal to the other Embroidered Uniform Guards for help, and spoke.
"Who are you to interfere with our Embroidered Uniform Guard's affairs?"
He deliberately emphasized their identity as the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Among the people of the Central Plains, there was no one who didn't know that the Embroidered Uniform Guard were the emperor's personal guards.
He did so to instill a sense of caution in his opponent.
No matter how skilled in martial arts, he wanted to convey how dangerous it was to provoke them.
In response to his words, the person with the covered face, no, Mok Gyeong-un, whose face was covered with a black cloth, chuckled and said.
"Oh? So you're from the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"
The Embroidered Uniform Guard frowned at Mok Gyeong-un's tone, as if he was pretending not to know.
Was he doing this on purpose?
It made no sense for him to not know they were from the Embroidered Uniform Guard after seeing their golden belts and flying fish robes.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard then spoke.
"If you truly didn't know, stop right here and back off. Then we won't question your circumstances or accuse you of any crimes…"
Before he could finish his sentence…
-Swish!
Mok Gyeong-un instantly closed the distance, appearing right in front of him.
"Gasp!"
Startled, he swung his sword behind him, trying to propel his body backward, but Mok Gyeong-un struck the acupuncture points of the Embroidered Uniform Guard with droopy eyebrows at lightning speed.
-Tatatatatak!
The Embroidered Uniform Guard, whose acupuncture points had been struck, closed his eyes and immediately fell unconscious.
-Thud!
Witnessing this, the other Embroidered Uniform Guards, who had dismounted from their horses to help the Embroidered Uniform Guard with droopy eyebrows and were stealthily approaching, couldn't hide their bewilderment.
One of them hurriedly tried to shout towards the carriage.
"Comman—…"
-Pak!
Mok Gyeong-un then grabbed the neck of the Embroidered Uniform Guard with droopy eyebrows as if he would break it and wiggled his index finger from side to side at the Embroidered Uniform Guards.
It was clear to anyone that if they shouted, he would snap their comrade's neck.
'H-He's taking a hostage?'
The Embroidered Uniform Guards, whose comrade had been taken hostage, stopped shouting and hesitated, unsure of what to do.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un's figure dispersed like smoke.
-Swish!
'B-Body Displacement Technique?'
Body Displacement Technique.
It is a phenomenon where one moves so fast that their figure appears as an afterimage.
The startled Embroidered Uniform Guards tried to turn their backs to each other and assume a defensive stance.
However, before they could even turn around, one of them, the Embroidered Uniform Guard with a beard, was struck on the chin.
-Bam!
"Ugh!"
His head jerked upward, and then his eyes rolled back as he collapsed to the ground.
-Thud!
'N-No way!'
With another comrade taken down in an instant, the remaining two Embroidered Uniform Guards, startled, pressed their backs tightly against each other and frantically darted their eyes in all directions with extreme tension.
However, not even Mok Gyeong-un's shadow entered their sight.
Their complexions gradually darkened under the suffocating tension.
***
The name of the woman with thick eyebrows, freckles, and braided hair was Song-ah.
She was the daughter of Hong Bong Meat's master and also the head maid in charge of the slaughterhouse's inner workings.
Song-ah, whose mouth was gagged with a thick cloth, glared at the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard sitting with his arms crossed in front of her.
She had desperately chased after the Embroidered Uniform Guards to demand her father's severed hands, but now she found herself bound and confined inside the carriage.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard spoke to her.
"Have you calmed down a bit?"
It was a heavy, baritone voice.
Judging by his voice, he seemed like someone who wouldn't speak much.
Song-ah stared intently at the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard for a moment, then finally nodded.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard then removed the cloth that had been gagging her mouth.
"Puhaa… haa… haa…"
She let out rough breaths, as if she had been suffocating.
After catching her breath, she glared at the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard again and spoke.
"Is the great Embroidered Uniform Guard not only taking my father's hands but now kidnapping me as well?"
"…"
"Where are you trying to take me?"
While most women would have been frightened after being arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, she boldly confronted him.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, who had been staring at her, opened his mouth.
"Watch your words. You were the one who followed the procession and caused a commotion."
"A commotion? Is it a commotion to try and stop you from taking my father's hands like some trophy after severing them, even though he accepted the request from your esteemed superior?"
"Be quiet and lower your voice."
"I won't lower it!"
"Do you want to be gagged again?"
"Go ahead and do it. I'll continue causing that so-called commotion until you return my father's hands! Kyaaaaa…"
-Tatatap!
As Song-ah tried to scream, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard pressed her mute acupuncture point.
He then sighed and shook his head.
She was not just bold but incredibly foolish.
"Mmph!"
Even with her mute acupuncture point pressed, she struggled with all her might to make a sound.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, watching her, spoke.
"You're persistent."
"Mmph!"
"But don't overdo it."
"Mmph!"
"You came to retrieve your father's severed hands? Your filial piety seems admirable, but it's excessive."
"…"
At his words, Song-ah, who had been putting in effort to make a sound, stopped and glared at the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard then picked up a leather pouch from the floor and held it up to Song-ah.
He then pushed it towards her and said.
"If you had made a reasonable commotion and left, it would have looked plausible, but why did you go to such lengths to retrieve this?"
"…"
"Strictly speaking, these aren't even your master's hands, are they?"
At those words, Song-ah's eyes trembled slightly.
Seeing her somewhat subdued attitude, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard released the mute acupuncture point that had been blocked.
-Tatatatatak!
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard then said to Song-ah.
"I've enclosed this space with true qi, blocking the sound between the inside and outside of the carriage. Shouting won't do any good, so confess the truth."
At his words, Song-ah tightly shut her mouth.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard shook his head and spoke.
"I see. It would be troublesome for you to reveal the truth here. But you've already been caught."
"…What have you caught?"
In response to her question, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard set the leather pouch on the floor and replied.
"These aren't the real master's hands, are they?"
"What are you talking about? You severed my father's hands and now claim they're not the real master's hands…"
"For the hands of someone who creates human skin masks, the distribution of calluses seemed consistent."
"What does that mean?"
"From what I know, the process of creating human skin masks is more difficult than one might think, and the craftsman's hands are unlikely to remain intact due to the glue and various chemicals used. However, the owner of these hands is no different from someone who has only done slaughter work their entire life."
"…"
At these words, Song-ah's expression hardened even more.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, further convinced by her reaction, continued.
"Perhaps the master whose hands were severed is a fake. I didn't think you would easily expose the real craftsman to others."
Speechless at the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard's piercing speculation, Song-ah, who had been keeping her mouth shut, finally swallowed her saliva and spoke.
"No. That person is really…"
"If I were to turn the carriage around right now, go back to Hong Bong Meat, and raid the place, would you confess the truth?"
"…"
-Grip!
At his threat, which wasn't really a threat, she bit her lip tightly.
She wanted to deceive him, but he was not someone she could deceive.
In the end, she confessed the truth.
"…You're right. That person is not the real master."
"Finally, we're getting somewhere."
At those words, Song-ah snorted and spoke with a sneer.
"Then, of course, you must have also figured out that I'm not his real daughter…"
"Of course, you're not his daughter, but you're not a fake either."
"What?"
"Your hands."
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard pointed to her hands with a nod.
The skin on her palms was peeled, and calluses were so prevalent that it was difficult to find a properly intact area.
Because of this, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard was convinced that she was the real craftsman's daughter.
'Damn it.'
Realizing that she could no longer deceive him, Song-ah could only grit her teeth and glare at him, unable to do anything else.
"So what are you going to do with me? Will you use me as a hostage to find the real one?"
"Is that what you wish for?"
"Then I'll bite my tongue and die right here."
"Willing to give up your life for your father…"
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard pondered her words, then chuckled and spoke.
"If I truly intended to use you as a hostage, do you think there would be a reason for us to have this conversation?"
"…What do you mean by that?"
She asked, puzzled.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard lowered his voice cautiously, even though he had said he blocked the sound between the inside and outside of the carriage, and spoke.
"I had no choice but to sever the fake master's wrists due to orders, but I wouldn't have done so if he were the real one."
"What?"
"I'm saying I had no intention of making an enemy of your father, the real craftsman."
At the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard's words, she frowned.
Was he testing her?
She couldn't adapt to his suddenly changed attitude.
"Do you think I'll believe your words?"
"Of course, you won't believe me. But I have my circumstances where I have no choice but to obey someone's orders. Of course, I won't ask you to understand this."
"…Even if you have such circumstances, I can't trust you."
"I know. But if it were a lie, having this conversation would be meaningless, as I said before."
At these words, Song-ah became increasingly confused.
Was this man's true intention what he was showing now?
To her, who couldn't escape her doubts, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard said.
"I will release you soon
"What? You're releasing me?"
"That's right."
"Why?"
"Didn't I say I have no intention of making an enemy of you or your father, the craftsman?"
"…"
"I won't force you to trust me. Once I release you, take your real father and leave Gaebong within four days. It may not be immediate, but if someone has a keen eye, they will eventually notice these hands. However, I will buy you time for four days."
"Why… why are you trying to help us?"
Song-ah asked, not understanding his intention to show her goodwill.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard replied in a low voice.
"It's not for nothing. I also need help."
"Help?"
"Yes."
"Help, could it be…"
"Bring me a human skin mask."
"A human skin mask?"
"That's right."
"What kind of…"
"It's simple. Just recreate the same human skin mask that was requested before."
At his request, Song-ah asked, puzzled.
"Why are you asking me to make the human skin mask again?"
"I have no obligation to tell you that. It's a mutually beneficial condition, so just make the same human skin mask. Can you…"
-Flinch!
At that moment, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard stopped mid-sentence.
"What's wrong?"
"…The carriage has stopped."
He had blocked the sound between the inside and outside of the carriage with true qi, so he couldn't hear the outside.
But that didn't mean he couldn't feel the vibrations of the carriage.
He hadn't paid attention while conversing, but the carriage seemed to have been stopped for quite a while.
Thus…
-Swish!
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard released his true qi, opened the carriage door, and stepped outside.
However…
'!?'
All the officials and four Embroidered Uniform Guards outside were lying unconscious.
'When?'
Although he had blocked the sound, it hadn't been that long.
Yet this had happened in such a short time?
Sensing that something was amiss, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard unhesitatingly tried to press the acupuncture points below his ears with his thumbs.
But then, a voice came from behind him.
"I was bored waiting. So, have you finished your secret conversation?"
'An expert…'
Even though he had sealed his qi points, the fact that someone had approached him from behind without any presence meant they were at least at the transcendent realm.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, who had his thumbs on the acupuncture points, spoke without losing his composure.
"Who are you?"
In response to his question, a completely irrelevant answer flowed from behind.
"Which one would be better?"
"What?"
"Would it be better to have the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Thousand-men Commander kill all his subordinates and officials and run away? Or would it be better to skin your faces and make use of them?"
'!!!!!!'
221: Chapter 220: Mixed-blooded (1)
"Would it be better to have the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Thousand-men Commander kill all his subordinates and officials and run away? Or would it be better to skin your faces and make use of them?"
-Flinch!
The blue eyes behind the mask trembled at the casually spoken, spine-chilling suggestion full of malice.
Just who was this person?
Who was he to attack them and make such threatening remarks?
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, his mind in turmoil, hesitated, unsure of what to do.
Since his back had been taken, there was a high chance he would be struck before he could press the pressure points.
Right at that moment…
-Creak!
"Is something happening outside?"
As the carriage door opened, Song-ah, the craftsman's real daughter, appeared.
Song-ah, seeing Mok Gyeong-un standing behind the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard with his face covered, spoke in confusion.
"Who-who are you?"
"Hmm. I was wondering who he was talking to, but it turns out to be a young lady. Judging by your attire and scent, you seem to be related to Hong Bong Meat slaughterhouse, not the Embroidered Uniform Guard… Ah! There it is."
Mok Gyeong-un noticed the leather pouch inside the open carriage.
At that very moment, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard quickly pressed his pressure points.
-Tatatap!
Mok Gyeong-un, instantly recognizing from the sound that he had taken advantage of the moment his head was turned, tried to strike the back of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's neck.
Right then…
-Swish!
Mok Gyeong-un's hand grazed through the air.
The faint wind felt at his fingertips.
'!?'
Along with it, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard disappeared.
Then, a presence was felt behind him.
-Swish!
A sharp killing intent was felt at his neck.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un spoke.
"…Your lightness skill is remarkably fast."
He meant it sincerely.
Since Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang, this was the first time someone had surpassed his movement with a lightness skill.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, who had somehow appeared behind him, pressed the blade harder against Mok Gyeong-un's neck and spoke.
"You bastard. What is your identity?"
"I don't really have an identity to speak of."
"It seems you want to play word games, but do you wish to die like this?"
-Press!
The Embroidered Uniform Guard pressed Mok Gyeong-un's neck with the blade.
No matter how sharp a blade was, it needed to be pressed and dragged to cut.
Thus, the blade only pressed against the flesh.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard spoke to Mok Gyeong-un in a menacing voice.
"If I slice like this, your body and head will be separated. So it's best for you to speak truthfully."
"You're scaring me by saying that."
Mok Gyeong-un spoke nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard frowned at Mok Gyeong-un's composed attitude.
Even in a life-threatening situation, he showed no fear at all.
Just who the hell was this guy?
'Even with the qi points sealed, the qi sensed from him is at the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm.'
Naturally, with this level of skill, it was more than enough to subdue the four Embroidered Uniform Guards of the One Hundred-men Commander rank and the officials.
However, the overwhelming presence he had felt from behind earlier surpassed this.
Was he mistaken?
'Did I do something unnecessary?'
He had unsealed the qi points he had kept sealed due to that discomfort.
But if he was simply at the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm, there was no need to unseal the hidden martial prowess.
Just then, Song-ah's voice was heard.
"Is he someone sent by the master?"
"The master?"
At her words, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard suddenly recalled what Mok Gyeong-un had said.
[Judging by your attire and scent, you seem to be related to Hong Bong Meat slaughterhouse, not the Embroidered Uniform Guard… Ah! There it is.]
He had said those words after seeing the leather pouch inside the carriage.
That meant, as she said, he might have been sent by the master of Hong Bong Meat.
If he was the renowned craftsman known for creating hidden human skin masks, he would certainly have connections with skilled martial artists.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard pressed the blade harder and spoke.
-Press!
"Is it true that you were sent by Hong Bong Meat?"
To his question, Mok Gyeong-un replied.
"Since we've also found the leather pouch, going with the latter option doesn't seem bad."
"What?"
"I thought skinning faces and making use of them wouldn't be bad either."
"What are you saying…"
-Swish!
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un moved his neck in the opposite direction of where the blade was touching.
At the same time, he quickly grabbed the Embroidered Uniform Guard's blade.
-Pak!
'This guy!'
The Embroidered Uniform Guard tried to pull the blade out of Mok Gyeong-un's hand.
However…
-Clang!
Before he could pull the blade out, the sword body held in Mok Gyeong-un's hand broke.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn't help but be inwardly surprised.
It wasn't reinforced with strong qi, but his sword was called a precious sword, and with the killing intent infused, it couldn't be broken by ordinary strength.
Yet, if he possessed the martial power to break it…
'Indeed, that discomfort was…'
-Swish!
Just then, Mok Gyeong-un's figure blurred, and a kick from him came towards the Embroidered Uniform Guard's chin.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard focused strength on the Yongcheon acupoints on both his feet and stomped the ground.
-Pabak!
Mok Gyeong-un's kick sliced through the air.
Once again, the wind was felt where it grazed, and the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard's figure disappeared.
He possessed an astonishingly fast lightness skill.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes moved swiftly left and right.
Then…
-Swish!
Mok Gyeong-un's figure also disappeared.
He had utilized the high-speed movement lightness skill, Myeonghyeon Suweolbo.
The moment he used Myeonghyeon Suweolbo, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, who had disappeared, was seen moving left and right, trying to take his back.
However, it wasn't only Mok Gyeong-un who noticed this.
'This guy?'
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard had never seen anyone enter the same realm as him when using lightness skills, except for his master.
It was a phenomenon where the axis became misaligned with others during high-speed movement.
It was similar to the phenomenon of everything appearing to stop when looking to the side while riding a horse.
Yet, someone other than himself had entered that realm.
'How?'
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn't hide his surprise.
At that instant, Mok Gyeong-un followed him closely and thrust his sword finger towards his chest.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard tilted his body to the side and executed a fist technique towards Mok Gyeong-un's face.
'Terrain Fist Technique, 6th Stance, Rock-Shattering Explosive Fist.'
A fist aura erupted from the Embroidered Uniform Guard's fist.
Since they were both moving at high speed and he had thrust his sword finger, there was no way to dodge.
Mok Gyeong-un blocked the fist aura targeting his face with his left hand.
-Bang!
However…
'Rock-Shattering Explosive Fist doesn't end here.'
Five consecutive fist auras followed, capable of shattering even rocks.
Pushed back by the fist auras that seemed to penetrate his palm, Mok Gyeong-un's figure was pushed backward.
-Bang! Bang! Bang!
-Slide!
-Bang!
At the fourth fist aura, Mok Gyeong-un's hand was forced upward.
As if seizing the opportunity, the Embroidered Uniform Guard launched the final fist aura towards Mok Gyeong-un's chin.
-Bam!
Mok Gyeong-un's head jerked upward as his chin was struck.
At that instant, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard pulled both his hands back to his waist and then sent them flying towards Mok Gyeong-un's chest with lightning speed.
'Cloud-Sending Palm Technique, 4th Stance, Double Cloud Palms!'
-Bang!
Ripples appeared on the fabric covering Mok Gyeong-un's chest area as he was hit by the double palms, and his figure was sent flying backward.
However, the place he was sent flying towards was…
'Oh no!'
The carriage.
Song-ah, the real daughter of the Hong Bong Meat craftsman, was standing there.
Realizing this, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard concentrated all his qi to the Yongcheon acupoints and stomped the ground twice.
-Papak!
At that moment, his figure became even faster than before.
It seemed as if an afterimage was created with each movement, making it appear as if there were two of him.
-Swooosh!
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, moving at a speed similar to Mok Gyeong-un who was sent flying after being hit by the double palms, scooped up Song-ah with one arm at the last moment.
-Pak!
"Ahh!"
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, having scooped up Song-ah, propelled his body backward.
At the same time, Mok Gyeong-un's body collided with the carriage.
-Crash!
The carriage that Mok Gyeong-un collided with shattered into pieces.
Seeing the carriage crumble and break into fragments, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn't hide his troubled expression.
He had prioritized saving Song-ah since she was important, but the leather pouch containing the severed hands of the fake master was inside the carriage.
'Will it be alright?'
As he was worrying, Song-ah spoke in a startled voice.
"W-What on earth is going on?"
To her, who had not cultivated martial arts, the two of them suddenly disappeared from her sight, then the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard abruptly appeared and pulled her, and the carriage suddenly shattered into pieces.
She was trembling, so shocked by the situation, and the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard spoke to her.
"It's nothing. But is that person really the one sent by your father?"
"I-I don't know. I've never seen him before."
"Are you sure?"
"No. How would I know someone who even has their face covered?"
"…That's true."
"But if he's really the one sent by my father, why were you fighting? You said you would let me go."
To her question, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard let out a faint sigh and spoke.
"He was a dangerous individual."
"Dangerous? If my father sent him, he would have sent him to save me."
"It didn't seem like he was simply trying to save you."
"What do you mean by that? Not just trying to save me?"
"I'm not sure if he was trying to provoke me or if he was sincere, but it seemed like he was targeting everyone here."
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard had felt endless malice in Mok Gyeong-un's every word.
At that, Song-ah spoke.
"If my father really sent him, that can't be. What you're saying is that he was trying to kill all of you while saving me to eliminate the evidence, but if that were the case, it would only make matters…"
"Bigger if left unchecked."
'!?'
At the voice coming from the direction of the carriage, Song-ah and the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard simultaneously turned their gazes there.
Mok Gyeong-un was standing in front of the carriage, casually holding something.
It was the leather pouch containing the severed hands of the fake master.
'What in the world?'
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard's eyes trembled.
That was because Mok Gyeong-un's appearance was too unscathed.
He was certain he had struck Mok Gyeong-un's chin with the Rock-Shattering Explosive Fist and consecutively landed the Double Cloud Palms on his chest, which should have damaged his heart.
If he had been hit in the brain and heart, he couldn't possibly be this unharmed.
As he was bewildered, Song-ah stepped forward and spoke.
"Are you really the one sent by the master, no, my father?"
"Father?"
"Yes. I'm Song-ah, the daughter of Hong Bong Meat's master."
"Ah. Is that so?"
"If you're really the one sent by my father, please stop fighting. This person was trying to let me go."
At her words, Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head and spoke.
"Trying to let you go?"
"Yes. We made a deal. So you can stop fighting now."
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Yes."
This time, Song-ah turned her head and spoke to the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard.
"I think he really is the one sent by my father. So I'll keep my promise, so please, esteemed Embroidered Uniform Guard, cover up this incident. He didn't know anything."
At her words, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard looked around.
The officials and the One Hundred-men Commander were all lying unconscious, but no one was dead.
After contemplating for a moment, he spoke.
"Alright. I'll handle this matter on my end. But hand over the leather pouch. It will be difficult to cover up this incident without it."
At his words, Song-ah frowned but then spoke to Mok Gyeong-un.
"It seems you'll have to return the leather pouch."
Mok Gyeong-un chuckled at her words.
Puzzled by his attitude, Song-ah spoke.
"If you don't return it, he won't be able to cover up the incident. So…"
"I'm afraid that's not possible."
'!?'
At his words, Song-ah spoke as if it were absurd.
"What are you saying? He's saying the incident could escalate if you don't return it…"
"I'm sorry, but I didn't come here on your father's request. I came here of my own accord."
"What?"
"I need to take this to reattach your father's severed hands."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, she furrowed her brows.
What on earth was he talking about?
She couldn't understand what he meant by reattaching severed hands.
Just then…
-Swish!
Mok Gyeong-un's figure disappeared from sight.
At that moment, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard hurriedly pulled Song-ah.
"Ah!"
Although invisible to her eyes, Mok Gyeong-un had used high-speed movement to try and strike her pressure points to make her fall asleep.
The masked Embroidered Uniform Guard, having pulled Song-ah to avoid this, stomped his feet twice.
-Papak! Swish!
Then, his figure dispersed like an afterimage and split into two.
One of the split figures was pulling Song-ah further back, while the other launched a fist technique towards Mok Gyeong-un.
-Papapapapak!
'Terrain Fist Technique, 3rd Stance, Shadowless Shattering Fist.'
His fists created numerous fist shadows, overwhelming Mok Gyeong-un.
Right at that moment.
Mok Gyeong-un stomped the ground twice.
-Papak!
Then, an unbelievable event occurred.
Mok Gyeong-un's figure created afterimages and split into two.
One figure easily blocked the Shadowless Shattering Fist with one hand, while the other figure reached out towards the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard who was pulling Song-ah.
Seeing this, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn't hide his shock.
'!?'
This wasn't the lightness skill that fellow had been using, but his own unique lightness skill.
How could something like this happen?
As he was startled, Mok Gyeong-un, who had somehow closed the distance right in front of him, tried to snatch Song-ah away using the Golden Silk Hand technique.
Left with no choice, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard pushed her to the side.
-Pak!
He then tried to block Mok Gyeong-un's Golden Silk Hand with the Cloud-Sending Palm Technique's palm strike, but…
-Papak!
Before he could even execute the palm strike, Mok Gyeong-un lightly struck down his hand with a bizarre technique, and simultaneously thrust his sword finger towards his face with the other hand.
'Different stances with both hands?'
As he executed different techniques simultaneously, even the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard had no way to deal with it.
Tilting his head back, he propelled his body backward.
-Pak!
Having propelled his body and instantly retreated about ten steps, the masked Embroidered Uniform Guard came to a stop.
At the moment he thought he had narrowly dodged the sword finger…
-Crack!
Cracks appeared on his mask, and it began to split apart.
He had failed to evade the sharp killing intent that flowed from the sword finger.
'No!'
The startled masked Embroidered Uniform Guard hurriedly grabbed it.
More than anything else, he didn't want anyone to see his face behind the mask.
However, as the mask split apart left and right, he couldn't hold it all together.
-Clatter!
The cracked parts of the mask fell off here and there, revealing the left side of his face.
Along with his blue eyes, he had a high nose bridge and a rather exotic-looking face.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard's Thousand-men Commander, believing that he had exposed this to others, distorted his expression as if feeling ashamed and covered his face with his hand.