Chapter 24: Assassin 1

Iron Blood Hall.

A man in his late thirties sat at the head of the table, receiving reports from his subordinates. His hair was long enough to reach his waist, and his skin was flawless, clearer than most women’s.

His appearance was also highly unusual. His eyes were so small his pupils were barely visible, while his lips were unusually large, frog-like.

When one spoke of the Iron Blood Sect’s ‘Smiling Blade’ (a hidden dagger behind a smile), they referred to this man, Deputy Sect Leader Liu Ziyan.

Outside the Iron Blood Sect, everyone feared the Sect Leader Guan Minggang, but within the sect itself, it was Liu Ziyan who was feared the most.

Reports from the officers poured in to Liu Ziyan.

“Ma Xiao Guang, who frequented the North Heaven Alliance’s West Light Branch, is dead.”

The reporting officer briefly studied Liu Ziyan’s expression. There was no change in his face.

The officer continued his report.

“Ban Goyoung, who was returning, was killed by a man named Baek Mujin, a martial artist of the North Heaven Alliance, at a place called Daemyeongjang while pursuing the one who killed Mak Sogwang.”

The officer paused again and cautiously looked at Yu Ja-eon.

Yu Ja-eon’s narrowed eyes turned toward the officer.

“How did Ban Goyoung die?”

“They say he was cut from shoulder to navel. Likely killed in a single blow.”

“Understood. Next…”

“Yes.”

At the order to continue the next report, another officer spoke up.

“Negotiations with the Nine Heavens Alliance have collapsed. They didn’t disclose the circumstances, but upon separate inquiry, it appears they are embroiled in conflict with a shadowy faction unknown even to us.”

“Shadowy forces?”

“Yes.”

“Next time you report, find out where these shadowy forces are.”

“Understood.”

“Is that all?”

At Yu Ja-eon’s question, the executives’ expressions tensed. Yu Ja-eon continued.

“The North Heaven Alliance is preparing to strike us, they say.”

“That is correct.”

“Then why isn’t anyone suggesting countermeasures?”

The officers couldn’t get used to Yu Ja-eon’s tone. It felt like talking to a woman with a bad temper. And since she was their superior, it was even more irritating.

One officer responded to the question.

“Actually, we were reviewing a plan. I’ll explain it here. First, an incident occurred at the Dongcheon branch of the Bukcheon Alliance.”

“What kind of incident?”

“It seems an inspector dispatched by the North Heaven Alliance clashed with the Dongcheon Branch. The Dongcheon Branch Chief was killed, and dozens of branch members were either killed or injured.”

“So?”

“How about dispatching an adequate force to surround the Dongcheon Branch, then waiting while ambushing a large force nearby? The plan is to crush the relief forces and march straight north to the North Heaven Alliance headquarters. Alternatively, we could lure a large force into the Dongcheon Branch, then have the entire Iron Blood Division strike the North Heaven Alliance headquarters.”

“Not a great idea.”

“············.”

The veins on the forehead of the man reporting bulged.

‘Damn bastard, this isn’t a game of wordplay…’

Yoo Ja-eon remarked, observing the bulging vein on the officer’s forehead.

“Enemy leader, you should work on controlling your facial expressions before those bulging veins on your forehead get cut off.”

The man called the enemy leader bowed his head and said.

“My apologies.”

Yu Ja-eon smiled and continued.

“I’ll ask the Lord about that plan. Anyway… Separately.”

“Yes.”

“That Baek what? The one who killed Ban Goyoung.”

“Ah, his name is Baek Moo-jin.”

Yoo Ja-eon addressed the officers.

“Who’s going to kill him?”

“We were actually planning to send the Rain Guest.”

“The Rain Guest? Does the Rain Guest have the skill to kill Ban Go-yeong with a single strike?”

“Not exactly. But that Baek-ga fellow is certainly capable enough…”

Yu Ja-eon responded with a sneer at his subordinate’s words.

“If the Rain Guest dies too, you’ll take responsibility?”

When the subordinate couldn’t answer, Yu Ja-eon issued the order again.

“Five thousand taels… No. Bang Go-yeong would be disappointed. Set aside ten thousand taels separately. Inquire about the cost at the Salmun.”

“Lord Bu, why insist on such an expensive funeral?”

Yu Ja-eon ignored his subordinate’s words and continued his own.

“The conditions are simple. I want to see Baek Moo-jin’s face, so bring his head to my desk. I don’t want him brought back dead—I want his head cut off. If you can bring him back alive, that’s fine too. Tell them I’ll pay extra for that. Understood?”

“Understood.”

“While you’re handling the request, pass this along to the owner of the Salmunju. Tell him we should grab a drink sometime soon.”

“I will.”

The Salmun was an organization formed by a group of mercenaries who only cared about money, famous for accepting jobs regardless of faction.

Yoo Ja-eon concluded the meeting with one final instruction.

“Get ready. I’ll discuss the remaining details with the Captain and inform you.”

“Understood.”

2.

From the moment the name Baek Moo-jin became known within the Iron Blood Sect, his life was rapidly swept into the turbulent world of martial arts.

First, Baek Moo-jin’s name was gradually spreading throughout the Northern Martial World.

Those who had witnessed Baek Moo-jin’s martial prowess at the Great Martial Assembly, those who relayed their stories to the Iron Blood Sect, and even the assassins of the Sword Sect commissioned by the Iron Blood Sect—all frequently mentioned the name ‘Baek Moo-jin’.

After comprehensively evaluating the reports, the Assassins made an unexpected decision.

‘It’s said even Ban Goyoung of the Iron Blood Sect couldn’t resist.’

Despite possessing assassins rated among the top tier in the martial world, the Assassins’ Sect dispatched two assassins simultaneously to the Northern Heaven Alliance.

Baek Moo-jin suddenly found his name at the top of the assassination list held by both the Assassins’ Guild and the Iron Blood Sect.

3.

Late afternoon, Seo Mun-geuk, craving alcohol more than usual today, was searching for Baek Moo-jin, scouring the North Heaven Alliance. He found Baek Moo-jin in a corner of the Jipseodang (Compilation Hall), a place accessible even to ordinary alliance members.

Seo Mun-geuk clicked his tongue and said.

“What are you reading so intently?”

Seo Mun-geuk asked upon finding Baek Moo-jin.

“Ah, you’re here?”

Various books were scattered across Baek Moo-jin’s desk. Among them, Baek Moo-jin was reading the Jianghu Martial Might Record.

The Record of Martial Might in the Jianghu.

It was a book compiling records of powerful figures and factions organized by era, along with accounts of past Demon-Slaying Wars. However, being a book of historical records, it was severely lacking in content about recent developments.

Seo Mugeuk exclaimed in admiration upon seeing the title of the Jianghu Martial Might Record.

“Brother Baek, is this your first time seeing the Record of Martial Might in the Jianghu?”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations on finally seeing this fascinating work.”

“Have you read it all, Brother Seo Mun?”

“Indeed I have. There are several editions of this, and our family even had one thicker than this one. The tales of the masters who once dominated the martial world are incredibly engaging to read, even with such dry prose.”

“Indeed. I was engrossed in reading it.”

But Seo Mun-geuk, quick to pick up on things, noticed Baek Moo-jin’s less-than-pleased expression and tilted his head.

‘Hmm…’

Why was Baek Moo-jin reading the Martial World Chronicles here? Baek Moo-jin was the twelfth head of the Baek Clan of Snow Mountain. Yet, he was examining the Martial World Chronicles, hoping to find traces of the Baek Clan’s history before Snow Mountain.

Fortunately, the Martial World Chronicles contained some records about Ice Arts. However, most of the Ice Arts masters listed were either from the heretical sects or even recorded as masters of the demonic path.

It was at that moment, as Baek Moo-jin’s expression darkened while reading, that Seo Mun-geuk entered.

Seo Mun-geuk’s intuition had reached a truly remarkable level. Without knowing the exact situation, he had accurately guessed Baek Moo-jin’s concern.

Yet, without showing any sign of it, Seo Mun-geuk smiled faintly and said.

“Knowing the past is good, but grasping the reality of the present is also important. Do you know about the Guqian Alliance, which borders the Beichuan Alliance’s Southeast Branch?”

“I don’t.”

“Tsk tsk, the situation is too dark. Add the Iron Blood Sect and the Holy Flame Palace to the Nine Heavens Alliance, and that’s the former Black Path Alliance. While vying for the Black Path Alliance leader, they fell into internal strife. Iron Blood and Holy Flame broke away, forming the current Nine Heavens Alliance. Is this news to you?”

“Yes. How could I know? I’ve only been down from the snowy mountains for a short while.”

“That’s precisely the problem.”

“What exactly?”

“If you drank with me more often, wouldn’t you know naturally? How many days have passed since we drank at the Great General’s? How old are you? Is this the time to spend your days poring over books? Military service? A government post? Anyway, this is the problem with young people these days.”

As Seo Mun-geuk rattled off his nonsensical rant, Baek Moo-jin, having roughly guessed his meaning, chuckled softly and replied.

“So what’s your point?”

“Let’s have a drink.”

“Heh heh, let’s go.”

“Goodness, it’s hard to get a drink these days. If you’re the younger brother, you should invite the elder first. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? Why do you always make me come looking for you?”

As Seo Mun-geuk grumbled, Baek Moo-jin patted his back soothingly, like a younger brother calming an older one.

“I held back because things were chaotic. It’s about time we had a drink. Let’s go.”

Seo Mun-geuk flicked his fan with a sly grin.

“Today I’ll explain the martial world’s situation clearly. You’re paying for the drinks.”

“Of course, no question about it. Master Seomun…”

And so, the two men, meeting after a long time, headed toward the inn district.