Episode 114: The Old Man of Shattered Souls

Barely escaping the relentless pursuit of Tang Mujin, the assassin made his way back to the main base of the Assassins’ Guild.

Before long, he found himself face-to-face with Black Cat, the second-in-command of the guild. Although the matter at hand involved a mysterious figure, which should have been reported to the leader, Black Butterfly, she had been absent for some time.

Lowering his stance, the assassin began his report. “It seems highly likely that we’re dealing with a genuine anomaly.”

Black Cat’s eyes narrowed. No matter how high the probability, it always implies the possibility of being wrong. “Probability?”

“Yes. As a scout, I didn’t see the anomaly’s face directly. However, based on the circumstances during the mission, I’m convinced the target is indeed an anomaly.”

“Explain in detail.”

At Black Cat’s command, the assassin took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. “Three of us were on the mission, and two, aside from myself, were killed. The deceased were the ones who approached to confirm the anomaly’s identity and another scout.”

“Did you witness the anomaly’s martial arts during their deaths?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Then?”

“The anomaly didn’t engage in combat, but two of their companions responded immediately. One seemed to be at least a master of the pinnacle level, and the other was estimated to be a first-rate martial artist. Both used unusual martial arts.”

“What do you mean by unusual?”

Black Cat asked, half out of necessity, half out of curiosity. The martial world is full of eccentric individuals and bizarre techniques, but it’s rare for someone as unique and skilled as the assassin to call something unusual.

“The one presumed to be a pinnacle master moved with extreme stealth, and their attacks were ruthless. It seemed like they had recruited a master from the dark path.”

The story was less impressive than expected. It seemed like an attempt to cover up the failure of the mission. Moreover, there was no concrete evidence to label the target as an anomaly.

“Don’t jump to conclusions. Many orthodox martial artists also master stealth techniques.”

“It was beyond that. They were so accustomed to the darkness that it seemed like they melted into it when they moved. Moreover, they didn’t even draw their weapon, instead effortlessly disarming their opponent and using their weapon against them.”

“Hmm.”

There are several techniques that make one seem to blend into the darkness. However, these techniques share a common trait: they can’t be executed by mere skill alone.

Furthermore, it’s rare for orthodox martial artists to use someone else’s weapon. They pride themselves on the sword at their waist as a symbol of their honor.

“What makes you so sure the target is an anomaly?”

“The martial arts used by the second companion is the basis for my conclusion. Despite being young, barely in their twenties, they skillfully used poison techniques.”

“Poison techniques?”

“Yes. They threw a poisoned needle at me. If one of the antidotes I hastily ingested hadn’t worked, I would have been captured and killed.”

The assassin handed Black Cat a slender needle. The poisoned needle was sturdy yet intricately crafted, with a bluish poison smeared in the middle.

Poison users are rare across the entire martial world. Orthodox martial artists naturally avoid poison, and even those on the dark path find the precise handling of poison burdensome, so it’s uncommon for them to master poison techniques.

Finding a potent yet manageable poison is no easy task either.

Thus, when one thinks of someone skilled in poison techniques, three groups come to mind: certain martial artists from the Demonic Cult, assassins, and the anomaly, Yi Chong.

Occasionally, small families or sects dabble in poison research, but their level and achievements are usually insignificant and not worth noting.

In other words, if someone young has mastered effective poison techniques, they’re most likely a disciple of the anomaly. It’s unclear when the anomaly started training disciples, but…

‘Given this, it’s almost certain that the anomaly is among their group. After the last attack, they must have been operating in the shadows, only to reemerge with a new force.’

Moreover, from Black Cat’s perspective, the current situation was far from ideal. The fact that the anomaly, who usually roamed alone, had formed a group and resurfaced meant they were prepared to confront the Assassins’ Guild again.

And with the guild’s current capabilities, the chances of defeating an anomaly who might have reached the pinnacle were slim. Even if they managed to win through persistent and cunning tactics, the damage would be immense.

Black Cat’s temples throbbed. He was already contemplating how to relay the situation to Black Butterfly later.

Waving a pale, slender hand at the assassin, Black Cat instructed, “Continue to track the anomaly’s movements, but don’t provoke them recklessly.”

“Understood.”

As the assassin retreated, Black Cat sat down, deep in thought. No clear solution presented itself.

However, it wasn’t long before an unexpected visitor arrived.

An old man with a shiny bald head and age spots on his face. His small, slender frame seemed unimpressive.

Yet, in terms of martial prowess and status, he was not someone Black Cat could treat lightly. The old man was the External Chief of the Demonic Cult, the Old Man of Shattered Souls.

The Demonic Cult had no ties with the orthodox sects. To be precise, the orthodox sects had no desire to associate with the Demonic Cult. In the martial world, the most exclusive group wasn’t the dark path or the Demonic Cult, but the orthodox sects.

On the other hand, the dark path wasn’t on bad terms with the Demonic Cult. However, few dark path organizations had a proper central authority.

Given this situation, when the Demonic Cult wanted to extend its influence into the martial world or needed information, the first organization they contacted was the Assassins’ Guild.

And whenever they collaborated with the guild, the one who came was always the External Chief, the Old Man of Shattered Souls.

The old man asked, “Where’s Black Butterfly?”

Black Cat lowered his stance and replied, “She’s away on personal business. What brings you here?”

“I came to assign a task, but with Black Butterfly absent, it seems I’ve come in vain.”

“Not at all. You can tell me your business.”

“Really? You’ve got ambition. I suppose being second-in-command can get tiresome, huh?”

The old man chuckled, hinting at a joke about a coup.

Unfazed, Black Cat calmly responded, “That’s not it. I’ve simply been entrusted with the role.”

“That’s how it always starts… Anyway, it’s not a complicated task. I just need you to find a capable physician.”

“May I ask why?”

“The Grand Physician went on a trip and died.”

“What?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected news, Black Cat asked again, somewhat dumbfounded.

Not pleased to repeat unpleasant news, the old man spoke in a low voice. “It seems the martial world hasn’t heard yet? The Grand Physician died last winter. There’s a mountain of work to be done, but none of his disciples are up to par. I was hoping to bring in the Divine Physician, but he died before the Grand Physician.”

“Yes, there were rumors around last autumn.”

Black Cat organized his thoughts. So now, among the three great physicians of the world, only the anomaly remains.

A lot now hinges on the anomaly’s life, and if he dies, the martial world’s medical knowledge will suffer a significant setback.

But within the Assassins’ Guild, no one cared about such matters.

Black Cat’s thoughts were simple: if they could get a higher fee, they should.

The old man interrupted Black Cat’s musings. “Anyway, if you find a capable physician, bring them to me. It would be ideal if they have knowledge of both medicine and poison.”

“Are you looking for the anomaly?”

“No. The anomaly won’t do. He’s too stubborn to be of any use, even if we bring him in.”

In terms of expertise in both medicine and poison, no one compares to the anomaly.

But the anomaly is as stubborn as a mule. There’s no way to force his cooperation or assign him tasks. Unlike other stubborn individuals, he has no family or sect to hold hostage.

“Understood. I’ll look for someone suitable.”

“I’ll pay more than usual. Once the task is done, I’ll bring the money, so please make an effort.”

At that moment, an idea flashed through Black Cat’s mind. He was already worried about the anomaly attacking the guild.

If they could use the Demonic Cult’s power to kill the anomaly and hand over his disciple to the cult, it would be perfect.

They’d earn the fee for the assassination, gain additional income, and overcome the crisis using someone else’s strength. A win-win-win situation.

Black Cat spoke up. “Even if the fee is lower, could we borrow the Demonic Cult’s martial power when needed?”

“Exchanging martial power for money? That works for us. How much do you need?”

“For now, a few pinnacle-level martial artists should suffice.”

“Alright. That’s not difficult.”

The Demonic Cult has many skilled martial artists. It’s just rare to find opportunities to earn money by getting involved.

The interests of the Old Man of Shattered Souls and Black Cat aligned, and they concluded their discussion satisfactorily.

Meanwhile, as Tang Mujin traveled east, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.

‘If the problem is that the Assassins’ Guild thinks Chusam is the anomaly, shouldn’t we just prove to them that Chusam isn’t the anomaly?’

When Tang Mujin shared this idea with his companions, each had their own reaction.

Chusam tensed up, Dansulyeong seemed indifferent, and Namgungmyeong was somewhat skeptical.

“Think about it. Those guys tried to kill Chusam even after knowing he wasn’t the anomaly.”

“Huh? Didn’t they try to kill him because they thought he was the old man?”

“There’s no way. If they really thought he was the Elder of the Ghost Clan, they wouldn’t have sent some second-rate assassin reeking of inexperience. They would’ve brought in a top-tier expert at the very least. The fact that a mere first-rate killer attempted the assassination is the clearest proof they were sure Chusam wasn’t the Elder.”

I understood the point, but the way it was said rubbed me the wrong way. It was clearly intentional.

Dang Mujin let out a small snort and retaliated in the simplest way possible: by taking larger, more determined strides eastward.

As his pace quickened, Namgung Myung’s expression grew noticeably uneasy.

Like a worm writhing in agony when it touches salt, Namgung Myung seemed to lose strength the closer they got to the Namgung family estate.

”…By the way, Mujin, how far are we going?”

“Well, Anhui Province sounds good, doesn’t it? Lots of people, prosperous, and with the Namgung family right next door, assassins wouldn’t dare act up.”

Chusam and Dan Seol-young seemed to like the idea, but Namgung Myung’s face turned serious.

“Let’s not go all the way to Anhui. How about Jiangxi instead?”

“Hmm. We can think about it. But I really like Anhui, especially the Huangshan area.”

The choices for Dang Mujin’s group were clear: head into a bustling city or stay in the sparsely populated countryside.

Dang Mujin chose the city.

Of course, more people meant a higher chance of an assassin blending in and launching an attack. But it also meant the assassin’s actions would be restricted.

By avoiding crowded places, securing a secluded lodging, and having Dang Mujin and Namgung Myung keep watch, the situation would be safer. There might be an assassin somewhere in the world who could surpass their skills, but one who could completely deceive their senses was rare.

If they joined a martial arts sect as guests instead of staying at a regular inn, the situation would improve even more.

With Dang Mujin and Namgung Myung’s martial prowess and Dan Seol-young’s skills, many sects would be eager to host them. Naturally, the safest place would be within the Namgung family itself.

Eventually, Namgung Myung blocked Dang Mujin’s path.

“Anhui is really not an option.”

Even without entering the Namgung estate, Namgung Myung was quite well-known in the Huangshan area of Anhui. It meant others could recognize him first, and his free-spirited life would end there.

“Hmm… Then how about Jiujiang?”

Dang Mujin offered a reasonable compromise. Jiujiang bordered Anhui but didn’t extend into it.

“Jiujiang? That works. I’ve never been, but I’ve always wanted to visit.”

Namgung Myung seemed relieved, a small sense of comfort settling on his face.

However, he hadn’t fully grasped Dang Mujin’s intentions.

If things ever got out of hand, Dang Mujin planned to head to Anhui and seek refuge with the Namgung family, whether Namgung Myung liked it or not.