Where the Shadows Lead (1)
On the distant rooftop of the Infinite First Inn, Goe Mang-ryang landed gracefully, his agile movements a testament to his mastery of light-footed martial arts.
Chil-ho, who had been waiting there, asked, “How did it go?”
Goe Mang-ryang shook his head in response. “I lost him.”
Chil-ho was taken aback. Despite his short legs, Goe Mang-ryang was renowned within their organization for his exceptional skills in martial arts.
In a businesslike tone, she inquired, “Did you let him go on purpose?”
It seemed as though she had been trained to suspect first in such situations.
Goe Mang-ryang replied with a hint of self-deprecation, “I appreciate the compliment, but embarrassingly, I chased him with all my might and still lost him.”
“That man must be a true master.”
“A master among masters.”
The two of them had witnessed the nameless man kill Yeomhwa. It wasn’t with fists, palms, or feet, nor did it resemble any known combat technique.
“I’ve never seen such martial arts in my life.”
“I agree.”
“What should we do now?”
Though the situation was unexpected, Chil-ho still held the authority to decide.
“Let’s follow protocol and report back first.”
“Understood.”
Goe Mang-ryang vanished from the spot first.
Chil-ho turned to leave but glanced back at the inn once more. She couldn’t quite explain it, but the image of the man lingered in her mind.
‘It must be because his martial arts were so extraordinary.’
With that thought, she too departed swiftly.
Rumors about the Nameless Guest began to spread across the martial world, starting from the Infinite Inn.
The shock and awe were immense, especially since it wasn’t an assassination but a public execution of the Butcher of Cheondo Gate and three of the Cheondo Four in broad daylight.
The martial world was in an uproar, and the Justice Hall of the Martial Alliance was particularly thrown into chaos.
A martial artist cherished by the Alliance Leader had been killed in front of everyone in broad daylight.
Sima Cheon had to report the incident to Ma Bong-gi immediately.
Given Ma Bong-gi’s temperament, he would demand answers without considering the circumstances. Yet, they knew nothing about the perpetrator or his motives, only that he was being called the Nameless Hero.
“Who on earth is that man?”
Among the dozen soldiers lined up, the responsible officer spoke up.
“He is someone who has never been active before.”
“So, he just fell from the sky? Is that what you’re reporting?”
At Sima Cheon’s outburst, the officer and everyone else bowed their heads.
“Find him immediately! Now!”
The soldiers rushed out, and Sima Cheon called out to stop Gal Sa-ryang.
“Gal Officer! Stay for a moment.”
Once they were alone, Sima Cheon softened his tone, setting aside his earlier anger.
“How’s work these days?”
“It’s manageable.”
“You’ve got more gray hair now.”
“I’m not getting any younger.”
Gal Sa-ryang sighed lightly as he looked out the window, then bowed his head, realizing he might have overstepped in front of his superior.
“I’m sorry.”
Lately, Gal Sa-ryang had been leading a weary life, burdened by Sima Cheon’s excessive workload, which seemed intended to torment him.
As this routine continued, Sima Cheon’s vigilance gradually waned. Tormenting someone is only interesting for so long, and since Gal Sa-ryang never resisted, Sima Cheon lost interest.
To Sima Cheon, Gal Sa-ryang appeared as nothing more than a former chief officer growing old and weary.
“Do you have any idea who might be behind this? I feel like you might have a guess.”
When he first heard about the incident, Gal Sa-ryang thought it might be Baek Pyo who killed Yeomhwa.
He had heard that the Fengju Tavern had closed. He was worried something might have happened to Baek Pyo, and then this incident occurred.
But it wasn’t Baek Pyo. Rumor had it that Yeomhwa was killed barehanded.
Baek Pyo used a sword. He had never used martial arts. Even if he had a hidden technique, he couldn’t have killed Yeomhwa with his bare hands.
‘Then who could it be?’
In his experience, such a master doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. Someone must be hiding their identity.
Gal Sa-ryang cautiously offered his opinion.
“I suspect it might be someone sent by the Hoyeon family.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Every incident has a motive. Especially one as significant as this.”
Sima Cheon nodded, and Gal Sa-ryang continued.
“Yeomhwa openly declared that the disciples of the Hoyeon family should be killed. Moreover, he tried to capture and humiliate Hoyeon Tak’s grandmother and sister.”
“Did that really happen?”
“Yes, I gathered this information from direct testimonies.”
The incident was so recent that even the Justice Hall hadn’t fully grasped it. Everyone was too focused on Yeomhwa’s death and the mysterious killer.
But Gal Sa-ryang was thorough, covering details that others overlooked.
‘He’s different from the others.’
While this could raise Sima Cheon’s suspicions, Gal Sa-ryang believed that showing too much lethargy would also arouse suspicion. It seemed more natural to display a certain level of competence.
“The killer is likely someone sent by the Hoyeon family or at least related to them.”
Sima Cheon nodded. This conclusion was sufficient.
It was time to present an answer to the Alliance Leader. Whether it was right or wrong didn’t matter. As long as Ma Bong-gi found it convincing.
Sima Cheon realized it was time to stop tormenting Gal Sa-ryang and start utilizing him.
“I’ll give you full authority to investigate this incident.”
“Chief Officer!”
“Gather a team and find the killer.”
“Thank you so much.”
Gal Sa-ryang’s face lit up with genuine gratitude. Taking charge of this investigation would allow him to breathe easier, as the recent relaxation of vigilance would continue.
“I’m sorry for burdening you with trivial tasks until now.”
“Not at all. I’ll do my best to resolve this matter.”
“I trust you.”
Gal Sa-ryang left the office. As he walked down the corridor, the fatigue that had been evident in the room was nowhere to be seen.
‘The Nameless Guest.’
Though he had told Sima Cheon it was related to the Hoyeon family, he didn’t believe it was someone sent by them. It wasn’t their style.
Gal Sa-ryang sensed it.
A new change was beginning.
I stood alone in the clearing near the inn, recalling my fight with Yeomhwa.
Through that battle, I realized that my Celestial Crane Technique had advanced from the seventh to the eighth level.
Considering the time I’d spent practicing, it was an impressive achievement. Of course, any martial art grows quickly in the early stages. Though it didn’t apply to me, the real challenge usually begins at the eighth level.
I wondered how much stronger the Celestial Crane Technique would become once it reached the tenth level of mastery.
Could a fully mastered Celestial Crane Technique merge with the Soul-Hunting Demon Sword Technique? What insights would that process bring me?
These were questions I couldn’t yet answer.
Just then, Gwang-du came running towards me.
“Young Master! Have you heard the news?”
I had a hunch about what he was referring to, but I feigned ignorance.
“What news?”
“The Nameless Hero! They say he killed the Butcher of Cheondo Gate with a single punch. And he declared that if Cheondo Gate commits any more evil deeds, he’ll destroy them.”
I don’t recall saying I’d destroy them.
Rumors in the martial world tended to be exaggerated. Still, the more exaggerated the rumors, the more the name of the Nameless Guest would spread. That was exactly what I wanted.
“That’s impressive.”
“Is that all you have to say?”
“What’s wrong with my reaction?”
“Are you… jealous?”
“Hahaha!”
“Don’t be. You’re amazing in your own right, and the Nameless Hero is… well…”
“Well?”
After hesitating, Gwang-du finally spoke his mind.
“He’s incredible!”
“There’s quite a difference between ‘amazing’ and ‘incredible,’ don’t you think?”
Gwang-du pretended not to hear and continued to marvel.
“Standing up to protect others, that’s the kind of person I aspire to be.”
I understood Gwang-du’s feelings. For those just entering the martial world, how could their hearts not race upon hearing such news?
But Gwang-du, you should know.
While the life of a hero may seem glamorous from the outside, the reality is that one must overcome countless inner struggles. To turn heroic deeds from sacrifices into joys, one must conquer the hidden, humble self-doubt behind the glamour.
“By the way, I haven’t seen Baek Mu-in lately. I noticed the Fengju Tavern is closed, with a note saying they’re taking a break for personal reasons.”
“He’s attending to important matters.”
“Is it something significant?”
When I nodded, Gwang-du’s eyes lit up with determination.
“Everyone’s working hard. I’ll go train now.”
“Work hard, future hero!”
“Haha, I’m no hero. I’m just your loyal sword-bearer for a hundred years!”
Watching Gwang-du run off into the distance, I chuckled.
Left alone, I resumed my training.
In this martial world, whether you’re a sword-bearer or a hero, without skill, you’re just another fleeting presence.
The rumors about the Nameless Guest spread far more fiercely than I had anticipated. It was expected, given the title of “hero” attached to the name.
Public sentiment was ablaze, demanding a reinvestigation into Ho Yeontak’s death. This uproar was sparked by the words of the mysterious guest that had spread among the martial arts community.
In response, the Martial Alliance announced they would meet with Maerang and Ho Yeonsukjeong. The day after their meeting, they declared an official investigation into Ho Yeontak’s death.
Under normal circumstances, Mabonggi would have ignored public opinion entirely.
This time, however, his reaction was different, likely because he sought revenge against the Ho family. It seemed he concluded that the mysterious guest was sent by the Ho family.
An eye for an eye.
Yes, this was the outcome I desired. Let them fight it out.
Reports came in that Maerang and Ho Yeonsukjeong were overjoyed by the announcement of the investigation into Ho Yeontak’s death.
I felt a pang of guilt for her, but the truth behind this incident wouldn’t be easily uncovered.
Decisions of this magnitude were surely made at the highest levels. If a thorough investigation were to occur, they’d likely cut ties at a certain point to protect themselves.
Still, for Maerang and Ho Yeonsukjeong, the mere start of an investigation was significant and gave them hope.
Maerang, don’t worry. Your brother hasn’t forgotten. When the time is right, I’ll uncover the truth behind your grandson’s unjust death.
That evening, Gong Suchan paid me a visit.
“The Taeseong Trading Company is progressing smoothly,” he began, pulling a book from his coat.
“I’m here today because of the ledger you gave me.”
I had handed him a ledger to examine a while back, one that had been kept by Yacheon of the Shandong Night Market.
“Fortunately, the cipher in the ledger was based on a system we commonly use, so it wasn’t too difficult to decode.”
It seemed the ledger had its own unique code.
“This is a record of financial transactions.”
The list he handed over contained names of several individuals from Shandong, people who had been close to the Shandong Night Market. This would be invaluable when I eventually took control of Shandong.
“Yacheon had been investing in various trading companies across the central plains. I checked their profit margins, and they were quite high.”
“Is there an information network in the trade world?”
“Yes. I believe there’s a network among the night markets. With your permission, I’d like to get involved.”
“We must remain discreet.”
“Don’t worry. Many people invest in a single trading company. Sometimes dozens, sometimes even hundreds. As long as we don’t get greedy, no one will notice.”
“But how will you proceed? Yacheon is already dead.”
“There were always others who invested alongside Yacheon. They seem to be night market members from other regions. We should focus on their investments.”
“Understood. I’ll leave it to you, Chief Gong.”
“Yes. While profits are important, this will also enhance my investment acumen.”
That was indeed more valuable. Gong Suchan’s growth was more crucial than immediate gains.
“I trust you with this.”
“Thank you. I’ll take my leave now.”
As he turned to go, I called him back.
“By the way, could you take a look at this?”
I pulled out an arrowhead necklace. It had belonged to Jo Byeok, who had run a brothel with a young girl.
Seeing Gong Suchan decode the ledger’s cipher reminded me of it.
I extracted the paper hidden inside the arrowhead and showed it to him.
“Can you decipher this code?”
Gong Suchan examined it briefly before shaking his head.
“This is a very complex cipher. It’s beyond my humble skills, but I know someone who can decode it.”
“Who?”
“My mentor.”
I was taken aback.
The Chief of Staff? Could the gruff and stern Chief of Staff in our household really decipher such a complex code?
Gong Suchan added with a confident smile, “If it’s my mentor, he’ll definitely be able to crack it.”