Night in Luoyang

“We won’t return home until we’ve found and killed the cult leader.”

Eugene Kwang’s bold declaration not to return until the cult leader was dead was certainly tempting. However, there was a significant flaw in his plan.

Tang Moo-jin turned to Eugene Kwang with a question.

“That’s a solid plan, but how exactly do you intend to find the cult leader, Master Yoo?” “If we don’t give up, we’ll find him eventually.” ”…”

Surprisingly, Eugene Kwang’s confident assertion didn’t actually solve any problems. The orthodox martial artists had already returned to their respective missions because they couldn’t trace the cult leader or the chief protector’s whereabouts.

Yet, Eugene Kwang’s words weren’t entirely meaningless. There was something about his determination that stirred the hearts of the martial artists.

‘He’s right. Instead of waiting for someone else to find the cult leader and the chief protector, it’s better to take action ourselves. Going home without dealing with them would leave us uneasy anyway…’

In the end, Tang Moo-jin agreed with Eugene Kwang’s proposal.

From the day Eugene Kwang returned, those who remained on Mount Wudang began using every means at their disposal to track down the cult leader and the chief protector.

Hong Gyeok-gae reached out to the beggars of Gaebyeok, while Hwa Yeon-shin contacted every possible informant through the Hao Mun network to inquire about any suspicious individuals.

Even Nang Woong, a disciple of Jang Il-nam, wasn’t idle. He reached out to the underworld contacts he had made during his time as a bandit.

However, Tang Moo-jin wasn’t entirely comfortable with Nang Woong’s approach.

“Is it really wise to seek help from the underworld, even if we need information? I thought Nang Woong had severed all ties with them…”

Namgoong Myung, listening to Tang Moo-jin’s complaints, responded nonchalantly.

“So what?” “What do you mean, ‘so what’? It doesn’t sit right with me to ally with those who harm and kill people. It feels like we’re losing our moral ground.”

Namgoong Myung waved his hand dismissively.

“Don’t worry about it. Even if you gathered the ten most notorious underworld figures, they wouldn’t have killed as many people as you have.” “I had reasons for every one of them.”

Tang Moo-jin defended himself, and Namgoong Myung teased him.

“Sure, your killings were always justified. I believe you.”

Despite Namgoong Myung’s teasing, Tang Moo-jin felt justified. He had killed many, but they were all criminals or corrupt individuals.

But Namgoong Myung’s words left him without a retort, and Tang Moo-jin knew from experience that actions spoke louder than words in such situations.

‘Looks like I’ll have to poison Namgoong Myung’s dinner tonight…’

Tang Moo-jin’s expression suddenly turned mischievous. Seeing this, Namgoong Myung realized he might have to skip dinner.

’…I’ve messed up. How do I fix this?’

To divert Tang Moo-jin’s attention, Namgoong Myung brought up a new topic.

“By the way, don’t you have anyone you can ask for help? You’ve got quite a network yourself.” “Well, it’s not like we’re in Sichuan. I doubt there’s anyone here I could ask…”

As Tang Moo-jin spoke, he remembered someone.

”…Actually, there is someone.” “Who?” “You know him too. The Master of the Manor.” “Ah!”

The cult leader had caused chaos at the Nengrim Temple in Songshan. Just a bit further up from Songshan was Luoyang, where the Master of the Manor resided. Tang Moo-jin thought he would be the perfect person to ask for help in this situation.

Tang Moo-jin and his friends believed the cult leader and the chief protector had likely fled to a secluded area rather than a city, as fugitives often do.

And Tang Moo-jin thought merchants would be the best people to inquire about the cult leader and the chief protector’s whereabouts. Merchants traveled extensively and were always in the know about the latest rumors. Moreover, they carried all sorts of goods necessary for travel, increasing the chances of the cult leader and the chief protector leaving clues if they attacked or stole from merchants.

In the end, without further discussion, Tang Moo-jin, Namgoong Myung, and Gwang Yeom set off for Luoyang.

As they walked, Tang Moo-jin demonstrated his unusual skill by quickly carving a wooden prosthetic arm for Namgoong Myung, leaving Gwang Yeom in awe.

Once the prosthetic was complete, Tang Moo-jin offered Namgoong Myung a suggestion.

“How about I make you a variety of interchangeable wrists?” “Wrists?” “Even if your prosthetic has fingers, it might not be easy to use. It’d be more practical to have different wrists for different needs. Plus, just having five regular fingers is a bit boring.”

Though the last reason seemed to weigh the most, Namgoong Myung found the idea intriguing. There was no downside to it.

When Namgoong Myung nodded in agreement, Tang Moo-jin eagerly began crafting various attachments. There were wrists with claws instead of fingers, a wrist with a long blade, and even a disposable wrist with a hidden dart.

Namgoong Myung was used to such sights, but Gwang Yeom watched in amazement as Tang Moo-jin skillfully crafted the items.

Among the creations, there were some peculiar ones, like a wrist with a giant finger.

”…What’s that?” “You should have at least one finger, right?”

It was a mix of consideration and mischief. Namgoong Myung could understand it to some extent, but something about it nagged at him.

“Wait a minute. What do you mean by ‘you should have one too’?”

Tang Moo-jin opened the forearm of Namgoong Myung’s new prosthetic, revealing a hidden compartment.

“This one’s mine. Don’t let anyone else use it.”

Namgoong Myung took out the hidden spoon and tossed it far away.

A few days later, the trio arrived in Luoyang.

A city so vast it rivaled the largest in the central plains. A place where all sorts of spectacles and rare items gathered. Wherever you looked, people filled the streets, and from a hill, the city seemed endless.

Gwang Yeom, visiting Luoyang for the first time, couldn’t help but gape at the bustling surroundings.

“Wow…”

Of course, Tang Moo-jin and Namgoong Myung weren’t much different. Luoyang was not a city one could get used to after just a couple of visits.

“Let’s save the sightseeing for later and get moving.”

The three made their way to the Manor of the Master.

The guards and escorts at the manor initially looked at them as if they were country bumpkins, but the more experienced ones quickly recognized their prowess. Though they couldn’t gauge the trio’s martial skills, it was clear they were exceptional.

The guards whispered among themselves.

“That’s the Poison King. And the one with the strange left arm is the Red Sword…”

Namgoong Myung stared at the whispering guard, and his title quickly changed.

“No, it’s the Sword King, Namgoong Myung. Definitely.”

Namgoong Myung felt a surge of pride.

‘Father, people are finally calling me the Sword King.’

As the attention of those at the manor focused on Tang Moo-jin and his companions, the head steward swiftly appeared to escort them to the master’s chamber.

Soon, they were face-to-face with the elderly Master of the Manor. Though he had visibly aged over the years, his voice remained strong.

“It’s been a while. I’ve heard many rumors. But I doubt you’ve come all this way without a reason. What brings you here?” “We’re looking for someone.” “Looking for someone? Who might that be?”

And so, in the sprawling city with countless untold stories, Namgoong Myung decided to enjoy his newfound freedom.

The Manor wasn’t of interest to him. He’d already had his fun there once before. Namgoong Myung quickly slipped away from the Manor.

He quietly roamed the night streets of Luoyang, searching for suitable targets.

‘I’ll focus on places where losing a few items won’t cause much trouble.’

After a season of this, Namgoong Myung’s pockets were filled with treasures. But then, he sensed a presence.

’…Huh?’

Those who dwell in the shadows can recognize their own. This presence wasn’t just someone casually strolling through the night.

Namgoong Myung cautiously followed the faint presence. The figure, clad in tight black clothing, was undoubtedly a fellow practitioner of the night.

However, the items the newcomer carried were rather peculiar. Tucked under his left arm were several planks of wood, while his right side was burdened with a heap of straw.

Such things were far too mundane for a master of stealth. If anyone else had been carrying them, one might assume they were purchased. But with his perfectly fitted black attire and mask, it didn’t seem like he had paid for them.

Namgoong Myung took a closer look at the stranger. His movements were stealthy and light, with no wasted motion. Even as he walked, his balance remained impeccable.

A master, indeed.

And Namgoong Myung suspected he was facing one.
”To think I’d encounter the Great Tiger Technique like this…?”

Quietly, Namgoong Myung opened the “wrist pouch” at his waist.

Eom Soul, master of the Great Tiger Technique, had been tirelessly plotting against the cult leader. Yet, the leader remained impervious to Eom Soul’s charms.

For someone who took pride in his appearance, this was a perplexing situation.
”Am I not attractive enough?”

Eom Soul stood straight, looking down at himself. His large, muscular frame obscured his feet from view. While tastes varied, he was confident most men would find him appealing.

“Strange.”

He caught a glimpse of his reflection in a nearby surface. His features were bold rather than delicate, but the long scar running from beneath his eye to his chin was somewhat distracting.

“Is it the scar that’s the problem? No, plenty of people have said I’m handsome despite it. Or maybe it’s because I lost two fingers last time? No, it can’t be that. I lost them fighting alongside the leader. That should earn me points.”

”…It’s not me, after all.”

Eom Soul concluded it wasn’t his fault and began to assess his surroundings carefully. He quickly reached a conclusion.

“It’s the atmosphere. The music isn’t setting the right mood.”

But music was beyond Eom Soul’s control. Creating it took time, and he had neither the skill nor the inclination to make it himself.

”…I’ll have to find some good music.”

The question was how to enhance the ambiance. There weren’t many options.

“If the walls are bare, it’ll look shabby. That leaves the floor…”

The floor was covered with straw, gathered from the outskirts of Luoyang. It was better than nothing, but not quite conducive to romance. Moreover, a musty smell lingered, likely due to the dampness seeping up from the ground.

“I need to block the moisture from the floor. Laying down planks should do the trick. Then I’ll cover them with fresh, dry straw. A layer of silk would be even better.”

With that plan in mind, Eom Soul set out to gather more materials from the streets of Luoyang.

He managed to steal four planks and a bundle of dry straw with ease.

A cow, suddenly deprived of its bedding, gazed at him with sorrowful eyes.

But Eom Soul was not one to be swayed by a cow’s gaze. He didn’t let guilt stop him from taking what he needed.

“Poor thing, the world is full of injustices.”

Thinking about decorating his hideout lifted his spirits. Eom Soul leisurely made his way back, confident that no one would notice his presence, as always.

As he walked, he heard a faint sound.

Thud.

Eom Soul turned toward the noise.

“A pebble?”

Most people might have paid more attention to a pebble. But for Eom Soul, the pebble itself was irrelevant. What mattered was that it had momentarily caught his attention.

In that instant, Eom Soul propelled himself forward with all his might.

Sure enough, he felt a sinister, stealthy intent behind him. A chilling sensation sliced through the air, barely grazing his skin.

”…That was close!”

Eom Soul finally turned to look behind him.

There, under the moonlight, stood a masked figure clad in black, much like himself.

In the man’s right hand was a sword, and instead of a left hand, a long blade extended from his arm.

The man spoke.

“I sensed it last time, too.”

Just as the man recognized Eom Soul, Eom Soul immediately identified him.

“The Red Sword…”

Namgoong Myung spoke.

“Your instincts are sharp.”