Episode 265: Infiltration

Though Tang Mujin had promised to assist Ilsunja, the fact that Ilsunja bypassed both the Cheongseong and Ami sects to come directly to the Tang family was significant in many ways.

If Ilsunja had thought the gap between the Cheongseong and Ami sects and the Tang family was vast, he would have approached them first before coming to the Tang family.

This implied that, in Ilsunja’s view, the Tang family was a force not to be underestimated, on par with the Ami and Cheongseong sects, and that Tang Mujin was a significant enough figure to connect him to Yeongheoja and Hyangbaeksa.

Tang Mujin realized this a bit late—specifically, after he had already sent someone to relay the message to the Cheongseong and Ami sects.

“When did I become someone who could summon the leaders of the Cheongseong and Ami sects?”

Of course, it was more of a request than a command, but it was still something unimaginable in the past.

The following evening, Yeongheoja, the leader of the Cheongseong sect, and Myeongryeonsatae, the head of the Geumjeong Pavilion of the Ami sect, arrived at the Tang family estate.

There was a complicated history between Tang Mujin and Myeongryeonsatae, who had once imprisoned him in the Geumjeong Pavilion’s underground chamber. However, Tang Mujin didn’t hold a grudge, knowing it wasn’t done out of malice.

Myeongryeonsatae, on the other hand, seemed burdened by the past, subtly avoiding Tang Mujin’s gaze.

“If it bothers him that much, he should have sent someone else…”

Ilsunja, lacking the luxury of time, got straight to the point as soon as everyone was gathered.

“I assume you have an idea why I’ve come.”

Both Yeongheoja and Myeongryeonsatae nodded.

Ilsunja shared only the essential information they needed to know.

“The northern sects have once again occupied the Gongdong sect. The Jongnam and Hwasan sects see this as a sign of the northern sects’ growing aggression. We desperately need your help.”

Ilsunja’s humble demeanor, despite his position as the leader of the Jongnam sect, indicated the pressure he was under.

Indeed, if he let pride get in the way, it could spell the end of the Jongnam sect’s history.

Yeongheoja readily agreed.

“I will select those among the Cheongseong sect who can immediately head north to assist and have them arrive at the Tang family estate by the day after tomorrow. Rest assured, it won’t be a mere token gesture.”

However, Myeongryeonsatae’s response was different.

“Leader Hyangbaeksa has sustained internal injuries while preparing for the upcoming crisis, so we cannot offer immediate assistance.”

“What!”

This unexpected news caught Yeongheoja off guard.

“Is Hyangbaeksa’s condition serious?”

“He won’t be able to move for a while. That’s why I’m here in his stead.”

Internal injuries from training aren’t minor issues like a simple cold or indigestion. If the flow of energy is disrupted and blood is coughed up, that’s fortunate. In severe cases, it could lead to mental confusion or even death.

Tang Mujin addressed Myeongryeonsatae.

“Do you need a physician’s help?”

“Fortunately, he’s past the critical stage. With time, he should recover without issue, so there’s no immediate need for assistance.”

Yeongheoja and Ilsunja seemed relieved, but Tang Mujin felt something was off.

Hyangbaeksa knew well of Tang Mujin’s medical prowess. He was aware that Tang Mujin could be of significant help when a martial artist suffered internal injuries.

Conversely, this meant that Hyangbaeksa, knowing Tang Mujin could help, chose not to seek his assistance.

This suggested one of two things: either Hyangbaeksa truly didn’t need Tang Mujin’s help, or he was feigning illness to avoid going to the Jongnam sect.

Tang Mujin’s rational mind told him that someone of Hyangbaeksa’s stature wouldn’t feign illness, but his intuition whispered otherwise.

“Isn’t the timing a bit too convenient?”

“Hyangbaeksa wasn’t too keen on attending the last Wudang Mountain meeting either. Remember how uncomfortable he was among the other sect leaders? Maybe this time he’s pretending to be ill to avoid it altogether.”

“Could a sect leader really feign illness? Perhaps. But think about all the people you’ve met. Everyone has at least one flaw in their character.”

Tang Mujin’s thoughts leaned more towards intuition.

His experience with countless people and his instinct as a physician to recognize feigned illness were intertwining, solidifying his intuition.

“The likelihood of Hyangbaeksa feigning illness is about seventy to eighty percent.”

However, upon further reflection, it didn’t matter if Hyangbaeksa was pretending.

Myeongryeonsatae had already stated that no help was needed. If Tang Mujin were to approach the Ami sect, doubting Myeongryeonsatae’s words, it would be a grave insult. If Hyangbaeksa truly was recovering from internal injuries, the situation would worsen.

“Hyangbaeksa is young. He’ll likely lead the Ami sect for another twenty years. It’s not wise to strain relations now.”

Thus, Tang Mujin simply replied, “I wish him a speedy recovery. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you. Even without our leader, the Ami sect has five top martial artists. We can send two of them to the Jongnam sect, excluding those who are absolutely necessary here.”

Myeongryeonsatae’s voice was tinged with melancholy. It seemed he was one of the two designated to be sent to the Jongnam sect.

After a moment of thought, Yeongheoja responded.

“No. With your leader indisposed, it wouldn’t look good to pull people away. The Cheongseong sect will send more people, so the Ami sect should remain in Seongdo.”

A flicker of relief passed through Myeongryeonsatae’s eyes. It seemed the right decision.

Tang Mujin added his voice.

“I agree. Instead, if the Ami sect can ensure there are no issues with the Cheongseong sect and the Tang family, it will lead to a positive outcome for everyone.”

Myeongryeonsatae looked at Tang Mujin with eyes full of gratitude, as if he were ready to atone for past mistakes by voluntarily entering the Geumjeong Pavilion’s underground chamber.

“He really didn’t want to go to the Jongnam sect.”

Ilsunja didn’t mind much. It was better to leave the Sichuan region to the Ami sect and receive additional support from the Cheongseong sect, as Yeongheoja suggested.

“The Cheongseong sect will leave only one top martial artist in Sichuan and gather as many as possible to assist.”

“That would be immensely helpful.”

Now it was Tang Mujin’s turn.

“How many from the Tang family should move?”

Ilsunja had spent a day at the Tang family estate, observing its members before Yeongheoja and Myeongryeonsatae arrived.

He had seen Tang Mujin and his friends, as well as Sam Anbul, Jang Il-nam, and numerous martial artists from the Demonic Cult. Such a force would be a tremendous help.

However, the Tang family’s forces had a few complications.

Jang Il-nam, the Blood Rain Guest, had no grudges against the orthodox martial artists, but his origins in the unorthodox sects were concerning.

There would undoubtedly be those who looked at him with suspicion, leading to inevitable conflicts.

The situation was even worse for Sam Anbul and the martial artists from the Demonic Cult.

Though quiet in recent years, Sam Anbul had built a notorious reputation by killing orthodox martial artists.

The Shaolin Temple and Sam Anbul were in a completely antagonistic relationship, and it was said that the Wudang sect also viewed Sam Anbul unfavorably.

Sam Anbul would undoubtedly cause even greater turmoil than Jang Il-nam.

“Preventing internal discord is more important than receiving less help. Besides, with the Cheongseong sect’s active involvement, we’re receiving more support than expected.”

After a brief consideration, Ilsunja spoke to Tang Mujin.

“The assistance of you and your three friends will suffice.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. The martial prowess of the four of you is exceptional, comparable to what we’d get from a large sect.”

“I’m concerned about burdening the Cheongseong sect too much.”

Listening to the exchange between Ilsunja and Tang Mujin, Yeongheoja laughed heartily.

“I have my own reasons for stepping up, so don’t worry. The Jongnam sect has agreed to join us in confronting the Demonic Cult, so if we show sincerity first, they’ll repay us with even greater support. It’s like erasing a debt of gratitude.”

“Is that so?”

Thanks to the mutual goodwill expressed, the conversation concluded on a very amicable note.

It was a discussion where no one left dissatisfied.

Two days later, Tang Mujin and his companions, along with Ilsunja, departed Sichuan, mingling with the Cheongseong sect members.

Ilsunja wanted to assess what had transpired in his absence, so instead of heading straight to Jongnamsan, the group made their way to the vicinity of Pyeongnyang County, below Gongdongsan.

As they traveled, Namgung Myung grumbled.

“What I’m saying is, shouldn’t you at least ask for my opinion before deciding to go? Do you know how it feels to be informed out of the blue while you’re eating?”

Before Tang Mujin could respond, Hyeongong interjected.

“Whether you knew or not, the result would have been the same. There was no time to go back and forth looking for you during the meeting.”

Unlike Namgung Myung, who had little interest in the fate of the Gongdong sect, Hyeongong was in a situation where he needed to head to Jongnamsan for the sake of the Wudang sect. Having been promised the position of the next leader, it would be devastating if something happened to the Wudang sect.

Understanding the underlying reasons, Namgung Myung wasn’t easily convinced and continued to grumble.

“This is a pretty big deal. I might not have wanted to go to the Jongnam sect.”

This time, it was Hong Geolgae who chimed in.

“I could tell you were bored out of your mind lately. Of course, you wouldn’t miss this chance. Besides, it’s not like you were doing anything productive staying in Chengdu.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

Namgung Myung fell silent, reflecting on his recent days.

As the eldest son of the Namgung family, had he really been wasting his time to the point of being criticized by a beggar like Hong Geolgae?

Unfortunately, he couldn’t deny it. It had been quite some time since there was anything left for him in Sichuan.

For a more thrilling experience, Namgung Myung needed to leave Sichuan. The province had become too small a nest for a bird like him.

“Well, you’re not wrong,” Namgung Myung admitted, causing the group to halt in their tracks.

Ilseonja addressed the group. “If we enter Pyeongryang County, we might catch the attention of the Gongdong Sect. Let’s rest here for the night.”

“Ilseonja, how do you plan to keep an eye on Pyeongryang from here?” asked Yeongheoja, who had grown quite close to Ilseonja over the past few days. Despite their similar ages, Ilseonja treated Yeongheoja with the utmost respect, calling him ‘hyung.’

Ilseonja, being in a position of receiving help and recognizing Yeongheoja’s superior martial skills, had no complaints. “We’ll send in those who are least likely to arouse suspicion.”

“Those who won’t arouse suspicion, huh…”

Naturally, all eyes turned to Tang Mujin and his companions. The reason was simple: everyone else present was a Daoist.

People’s demeanor often changes based on their profession, and Daoists had a particularly distinct aura. It wasn’t just about their attire. Their clean appearance, well-groomed beards, and leisurely voices gave them away, along with their stern expressions and slightly stiff movements. The subtle fragrance they carried completed the image of a Daoist.

In contrast, Tang Mujin and his group had an air that was unmistakably non-Daoist, making them the obvious choice for the task.

Ilseonja approached Tang Mujin with a look of trust. “Master Tang, could you and your friends check the situation in Pyeongryang and the Gongdong Sect?”

“That’s not a problem.”

“Thank you. If you sense any danger, retreat immediately. Bravery isn’t just about fighting.”

As night fell, Tang Mujin and his three friends slipped into Pyeongryang County. Interestingly, Hyungong, a Daoist, was naturally included in the reconnaissance team. Even Ilseonja and the Daoists from the Cheongseong Sect found this unremarkable.

When Tang Mujin expressed his curiosity, Hyungong replied nonchalantly, “I’m still young, so I haven’t fully absorbed that Daoist aura yet.”

It wasn’t a particularly convincing explanation. Jin Hae, Yeongheoja’s disciple, was around the same age as Hyungong, yet he looked every bit the Daoist.

Jin Hae stood tall and unyielding, with a clear gaze that seemed unshakeable. Sensing the atmosphere, Hyungong added, “Besides, it’s been years since I left Wudang Mountain. I used to be as upright as Jin Hae. I’ve just softened a bit over time.”

Again, no one found this relatable.

Looking back, Hyungong had always been peculiar. He looked like a Daoist, but his aura was faint. If Namgung Myung hadn’t recognized him, the group might have assumed he was impersonating a Daoist.

Hong Geolgae let out a sigh. “Shh. Let’s keep it quiet now.”

Namgung Myung pulled out four black masks from his robe and handed them to the group. They donned them with practiced ease.

No words or signals were needed. The four figures leapt onto the nearest rooftop, blending seamlessly into the moonless night of Pyeongryang County.