Episode 155: Yangyang
Seung-ryong Sword Hyun-gong had a peculiar habit of rating people.
His criteria varied—martial prowess, background, reputation, and so on. But among these, two stood out as the most crucial: martial prowess and background.
In Hyun-gong’s self-assessment, he rated himself around seventeen out of twenty. His martial skills were exceptional among his peers, earning him nine out of ten, and his background as the top disciple of the Wudang Sect added another eight points.
Hyun-gong meticulously evaluated each member of Tang Mujin’s group, starting with the familiar Namgung Myung.
“Namgung Myung is quite the anomaly. Losing an arm yet growing stronger in martial arts.”
Not long ago, people considered Hyun-gong to be a few steps ahead of Namgung Myung. Hyun-gong himself believed there was a noticeable gap between them.
However, the Namgung Myung he met after a long time was a completely different person—his demeanor, aura, and martial prowess had all transformed.
Hyun-gong calculated Namgung Myung’s overall score.
“His martial prowess is on par with mine, so nine out of ten. His background, however, is a perfect ten. Total: nineteen points.”
Though their martial skills were similar, Namgung Myung’s prestigious family background gave him an edge. The Namgung family was renowned, even more so than the Wudang Sect, and the current head was the legendary swordmaster Namgung Jincheon.
After some contemplation, Hyun-gong adjusted Namgung Myung’s score.
“Considering the loss of an arm, his potential for growth might be slightly reduced. I should deduct a point.”
Even with a point deducted, Namgung Myung still scored eighteen, placing him slightly above Hyun-gong’s own seventeen.
”…He was impressive before, but now I should definitely keep him close.”
Next, it was time to evaluate Namgung Myung’s two subordinates. The beggar caught his attention first.
“His martial prowess is first-rate. Six out of ten? No, maybe six and a half. His background seems lacking. As a member of the Beggars’ Sect, perhaps four or five points. It’s curious that Namgung Myung keeps such a seemingly insignificant person as a subordinate.”
Just as he was about to dismiss the thought, he noticed a rope with five knots. Hyun-gong’s eyes widened.
A five-knot rank indicated a deputy leader, a position held by only five people in the entire Beggars’ Sect.
Six knots meant a leader, seven knots an elder, eight knots the successor, and nine knots the sect leader.
Even counting the leaders and elders, there were fewer than fifty people with five knots or more.
While being ranked fiftieth might not seem impressive, the Beggars’ Sect was known for its vast numbers, rumored to be as many as a hundred thousand.
The weight of being fiftieth in the Beggars’ Sect was vastly different from being fiftieth in any other major sect.
Hyun-gong approached Hong Geol-gae with a gentle voice.
“You’re Hong, right? How old are you?”
“Twenty-two.”
“Haha, I’m two years older. Feel free to speak comfortably.”
“Alright.”
”…?”
Hong Geol-gae immediately switched to informal speech, but Hyun-gong didn’t mind.
Becoming a five-knot rank at twenty-two was significant. It wasn’t just about being fiftieth in rank.
One couldn’t achieve such a position at that age through ordinary accomplishments.
“You’re not deceiving about your rank, are you?”
That was unlikely. Namgung Myung wouldn’t keep someone deceitful by his side.
Upon reflection, Hyun-gong realized Hong Geol-gae also spoke informally to Namgung Myung, who was a year older.
Namgung Myung likely considered Hong Geol-gae an equal, which explained why he tolerated the informal speech.
A thought struck Hyun-gong.
“Come to think of it, I heard the successor position is vacant.”
Suddenly, everything clicked into place.
“This guy is the designated successor.”
The successor was the heir to the Beggars’ Sect leader.
If he was indeed the successor, he was essentially the next leader of the Beggars’ Sect.
Even the prestige of the Namgung family head couldn’t compare to the leader of the Beggars’ Sect, the largest group in the martial world.
While there might be debates about who was the strongest, the Beggars’ Sect undoubtedly had the most members.
“Martial prowess is six and a half, background ten out of ten. No, even more than ten. So, his total should be at least seventeen.”
Realizing Hong Geol-gae was at least his equal, Hyun-gong adopted a more amiable demeanor.
“Hong, if you need anything, just let me know.”
“Sure. You can speak comfortably too.”
“Haha, should I?”
Despite being two years older, he wasn’t called ‘hyung’ but treated as an equal.
The thought that Hong Geol-gae was impudent briefly crossed his mind, but considering he was the next leader of the Beggars’ Sect, it seemed natural. They were both destined to lead the next generation of the martial world.
“Namgung Myung is quite shrewd. Is he finally growing up?”
Finally, Hyun-gong turned his attention to Namgung Myung and Hong Geol-gae’s other subordinate. The one called Yi Ryong. Hyun-gong crossed his arms and scrutinized Tang Mujin.
“His achievements are subtle, but he’s young with plenty of potential. Eight or eight and a half points.”
The crucial factor was his background. But without any clues, Hyun-gong decided to ask Tang Mujin directly.
“Tang.”
“Oh, I’m twenty-two as well.”
“I’m not asking about your age. What’s your sect?”
“I don’t have one.”
”…But you’ve learned martial arts, haven’t you?”
“I’m from a family of physicians, not martial artists.”
“So, you learned family martial arts?”
“No, my family has no connection to martial arts. I was fortunate to learn from Master Lee Choong.”
It seemed he was a disciple of the renowned physician Lee Choong.
Though Lee Choong was famous, he was just an individual, and not particularly well-regarded.
“Martial prowess around eight, background maybe four. Total twelve? No, being considered a future top physician in the world, I should add a couple more points.”
Fourteen points. Useful, but not quite an equal.
“Once we build some rapport, I might allow him to call me ‘hyung.’”
Hyun-gong regarded Tang Mujin with a slightly haughty gaze.
After two days of diligent travel, the group of four arrived near Yangyang.
They were eager to enter the city, but upon spotting someone lurking around the outskirts, they instinctively paused.
The person seemed to be picking fruit, but something felt off. Instincts screamed that he was likely a spy for the Assassins’ Guild.
“Let’s take a break.”
The group sat down at a suitable spot to rest their legs.
During the short break, Hyun-gong asked, “What’s the plan now?”
Namgung Myung replied, “Simple. We’re going to attack the Jin family manor in Yangyang.”
“Why the Jin family manor?”
“That’s the Assassins’ Guild’s base.”
Namgung Myung offered no further explanation, but Hyun-gong merely shrugged.
“The source of your information is a bit dubious… but we’ll find out soon enough. By the way, do we have any more allies?”
“No.”
Namgung Myung’s immediate response prompted Hyun-gong to ask in a hesitant voice, “Do you know the strength of the enemy?”
“No.”
”…Even with me, there are only four of us?”
“That’s right.”
“And you’re still planning to attack the Assassins’ Guild’s main base?”
“Yes.”
Hyun-gong had assumed the talk of attacking the Assassins’ Guild with just three people was mere bravado. It seemed it wasn’t a joke.
He stared at Namgung Myung.
“What on earth is he thinking?”
If he had a plan, that would be reassuring. But Namgung Myung’s slightly vacant expression suggested otherwise.
Hyun-gong calmly assessed the situation. It was the role of the elder to guide the foolish.
“Think logically. Does this plan make any sense?”
“Are you scared?”
He asked if it made sense, and that was the response he got. Hyun-gong’s voice rose slightly.
“No, that’s not the issue. Let’s act sensibly.”
“If you’re scared, you can back out.”
“Who said I’m scared? That’s not the point.”
Though he couldn’t admit it, he was a bit scared.
Hyun-gong wanted to live long enough to become the head of the Wudang Sect and live comfortably. With his talent, dying young would be a waste, especially his own life.
He concealed his true feelings and spoke.
“If this were a righteous war, I’d gladly sacrifice myself. But this is revenge. Do you want to die a meaningless death, especially to nameless assassins?”
Tang Mujin, who had been listening quietly, interjected.
“Have you ever seen an arrow afraid to leave the bow for fear of breaking?”
It was a line so impressive that it shook Hyun-gong. He mentally noted it for future use.
But regardless of how impressive the line was, the plan was something no sensible person could agree with.
Hyun-gong pondered for a moment and then proposed a solution.
“Do we have to attack the Assassins’ Guild tonight?”
“Not necessarily.”
“I know a mid-sized sect in Yangyang. How about we seek their help?”
“Hmm.”
Tang Mujin seemed reluctant. Hyun-gong sighed softly.
“You guys said you lost track of the remnants of the Salmak because you were short-handed in Sangshin Village. Are you planning to make the same mistake twice? Letting them escape again while claiming it’s for revenge?”
If things went well, stopping the fleeing remnants was indeed important.
But more crucial was having reliable allies in a crisis.
Hyun-gong had no intention of getting caught up in someone else’s revenge and losing his life for the sake of glory.
“You’re right. If we’re going to do this, we should do it thoroughly.”
In the end, Dang Moo-jin nodded in agreement. They weren’t a minor sect, so it seemed unlikely that the purpose of their revenge would be lost.
“Alright. I’ll head to Yangyang first and request assistance. I’m not known as part of your group, so I’ll take responsibility for gathering reinforcements. Meet me by the largest well in central Yangyang by midnight tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
Hyun-gong wore a confident smile, pleased with his persuasive skills and sharp mind for convincing the three fools.
“Don’t be late.”
With that, Hyun-gong set off for Yangyang.
The following night, Dang Moo-jin and his companions rose in the darkness. As usual, a light drizzle was falling.
Unexpectedly, Namgoong Myung wasn’t wearing his black outfit or mask.
“Not wearing black today?”
“No, it might confuse us with the Salmak.”
“Hmm.”
The three cautiously approached the outskirts of Yangyang.
Though it was well past nightfall, someone was still lurking around the outskirts of Yangyang, as if instructed to guard the area.
“Wait here.”
Namgoong Myung melted into the shadows and reappeared behind the man wandering the outskirts. He swiftly covered the man’s mouth and tore at his clothing, revealing a black butterfly tattoo on his chest. A Salmak member.
With a swift motion, Namgoong Myung snapped the man’s neck and gestured to Dang Moo-jin and Hong Geol-gae.
They approached silently, careful not to make a sound.
“Let’s go.”
The three slipped into Yangyang, moving quietly to avoid detection. The rain and darkness kept the streets mostly empty.
Before long, they reached a sizable well, surrounded by about twenty martial artists.
None seemed to be of the highest caliber, but they all appeared to be skilled fighters. It was clear they had weeded out the less capable for this dangerous night.
Hyun-gong introduced the martial artists with confidence.
“These are the great warriors of the Taeui Sword Sect, here to help us wipe out the Salmak. This is the sect leader, Yang Gwak.”
“I’m just a humble swordsman. I’m glad to lend a hand in such an important matter.”
Yang Gwak bowed modestly. He appeared to be in his early forties, with a neat appearance and a commanding presence.
Hong Geol-gae seemed pleased with the number of reinforcements, but Dang Moo-jin and Namgoong Myung felt a strange unease.
They had never been to Yangyang or met Yang Gwak, but the name Taeui Sword Sect sounded familiar, tickling their memory.
One of the Taeui Sword Sect members seemed to realize something first.
“Uh…?”
The member hurried to Yang Gwak and whispered something in his ear.
Though brief, the whisper made Yang Gwak’s expression turn serious.
After a moment of contemplation, Yang Gwak addressed Dang Moo-jin.
“Excuse me, but may I ask your name?”
“Dang Moo-jin.”
“Our instructor mentioned that your face looks familiar. Did you, by any chance, visit Nogunsan last year?”
Dang Moo-jin and Namgoong Myung stiffened.
Nogunsan, Taeui Sword Sect.
It all came back. The master swordsman Dang Moo-jin had killed at Nogunsan was the former leader of the Taeui Sword Sect.
They should have considered the proximity to Nogunsan.
Dang Moo-jin forced a sheepish smile.
“Well, isn’t this a coincidence? I hope the former leader was your sworn enemy. But I suppose that’s not the case?”
“Of course not. He was my father.”
Yang Gwak smiled broadly and signaled to his men.
“Kill them.”