Chapter 127 Uninvited Guests (2)

Chapter 127: Uninvited Guests (2)

The Golden Dragon Sect’s military strength could be considered the lowest among the eight sects within the Nine Dragon City.

However, its importance is the greatest among the eight factions.

It’s not just about money.

After all, the other factions, except for the Black Dragon Sect, aren’t exactly penniless either.

In fact, their financial standing was far superior to that of most major sects.

Even the Black Dragon Sect, the epitome of ignorance, operated not only ten iron mines but also one profitable gold mine and one profitable silver mine.

In modern terms, they’d be akin to a resource development corporation.

Regardless, the Golden Dragon Sect’s importance remains immense.

It stems directly from their influence.

They reach every corner of the realm – martial arts sects, merchant guilds, and wealthy families across the land.

Countless individuals had entrusted their money to the Ten Thousand Gold Exchange.

And such people inevitably held, at least indirectly, a favorable view of the Nine Dragon City.

Those who had taken loans were a given.

In a place where finding other financial institutions is difficult, if the Golden Bank refused to extend a loan, bankruptcy would follow immediately.

Ultimately, if anything happened to the head of the Golden Dragon Hall, all the advantages the Nine Dragons Fortress enjoyed would vanish.

“Damn it.”

If this goes wrong, I’ll be the one taking the fall.

You say it’s not my fault?

True.

Having assigned the strike team as escorts, the branch office has fulfilled its duty.

The problem is, this isn’t the modern world where law and principle prevail. This is the martial world, where your head can roll even without objective fault.

If something happens to the Golden Dragon Sect Leader?

There’s a 100% chance the Jinmu Hall will be held responsible.

It meant it might be better to grab what I could and flee to Goryeo right now.

Even though it was obvious the Red Dragon Sect would chase after me.

Even if I didn’t take responsibility for the Golden Dragon Sect leader’s safety, another problem remained.

As the leader of the detachment, knowing fifty of my men were in danger and taking no action would be undeniable dereliction of duty.

He must either find and rescue them, or if they were dead, hunt down the killer and exact vengeance.

He addressed the reconnaissance squad leader and Geum Jahwan, who were present in the headquarters office.

“I’m issuing a mobilization order immediately. Gather every single man who can wield a blade and have them report to the battalion headquarters. If any refuse to participate, feel free to use my name.”

Seeing their flustered expressions, he continued.

“Geumjahwan, you’ll temporarily take charge of the security squad. The reconnaissance squad leader, help Jihwan out.”

“Understood.”

“There’s no time. Get ready now!”

The moment the two darted out like bullets, I deployed the Flying Wind Technique to locate Myohyang in the Hanjung Sangryeon.

“What brings you here at this hour? Perhaps you wanted to take a stroll through the night streets with me…?”

I cut off her words as she flushed and gave a strange smile.

“You said you were contacting the kids from Yongmasan?”

“Yes.”

Realizing something was amiss, Myohyang’s eyes brightened and she nodded.

“I need to meet the person in charge. Where can I find them?”

“You should look for Wolharuju.”

“Wolharuju?”

“I only found out recently myself. They said they’d come formally to introduce themselves, so I couldn’t tell you beforehand.”

The owner of that high-end restaurant I’d visited several times was Hao Wen’s field commander…

To draw a modern analogy, it meant a Michelin Guide two-star restaurant was the base of a spy ring.

‘That bastard Yongmasan, he’s richer than I thought, isn’t he?’

Well, that wasn’t the important thing right now.

Boom.

He immediately activated the Flying Dragon Step and flew through the window.

Whoosh, whoosh.

Half a moment passed as he advanced, stepping across the roofs of the buildings.

Before he knew it, Wolharu came into view.

Boom!

Running out of time, he broke through the roof and entered the fifth floor.

A huge explosion echoed as wood splinters flew everywhere, causing those inside to rush out in shock.

“Gah!”

“W-who is it?!”

“What the hell?!”

“It’s an attack!”

Clang, clang, clang.

Shouts rang out as the sound of weapons being drawn echoed dozens of times.

A quicker reaction than expected.

‘Just as I thought.’

Seeing that reaction, I felt relieved inside.

If they’d just gathered a bunch of nobodies, I wouldn’t have gotten proper information.

Sure enough.

Amidst the people guarding me and blocking the exits, a beautifully dressed woman appeared.

She looked high-ranking at first glance.

“Everyone, sheathe your weapons.”

Her small but commanding voice instantly brought order to the chaos.

She placed her hand over her heart and bowed her head.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Yang Ling, head of the Hao Gate’s Hanzhong branch.”

An attitude that humbled herself while honoring the other.

Seeing such demeanor from a beauty whose full makeup rivaled that of a famous courtesan made my head spin momentarily.

“This is too chaotic. Please come this way. I understand the reason for your urgent visit.”

“…Thank you.”

Thus, they entered Lu Zhu’s quarters.

In that place, furnished only with a chair, a table, and a bed, Lu Zhu took out several sheets of paper and showed them.

“Please read them.”

― Discovered two hundred demons departing from Gansu. Judging by their attire, appears to be a coalition of the Gui Sect and Yan Sect. Will pursue.

― Failed to track due to rapid movement speed; confirmed heading south.

This was from three days ago.

Turning to the next page, one sentence stood out.

― Discovered a group of merchants near Jianjue Mountain. Suspected they might be the missing band of mages, so followed them, but they seemed to notice and abandoned pursuit.

“……Jianjue Mountain.”

“Yes, it’s also the fastest of the three routes from Hanzhong back to Jiulong City. And.”

Yang-ryeong unfolded another sheet of paper as he continued.

It was a detailed map of Geomgak Mountain’s terrain.

“It’s also the most advantageous terrain for engaging the enemy.”

All the information pointed to Geomgak Mountain, yet a question remained.

“How could he have been so certain the Golden Dragon Sect Leader would pass through Geomgak Mountain?”

There are three paths in total from Hanzhong back to Guolong City.

Moreover, the path crossing Jianjue Mountain is the most treacherous of the three.

The probability of the Golden Dragon Sect Leader, who has never faced such peril in his life, heading there is extremely low.

Setting up camp at Jianjue Mountain was akin to betting money on a gamble you knew you’d lose.

But my doubt was immediately resolved.

“It’s simple. Just create bait the Golden Dragon Sect Leader absolutely cannot pass up. For instance, a meeting with the Western Heaven Trading Guild Master who oversees Qinghai and Gansu…”

As soon as I heard Yang Ling’s explanation, the phrase ‘group of merchants’ I’d seen earlier flashed through my mind.

“The Golden Dragon Sect Leader has just lost the Hanjung Alliance card in an instant. If an opportunity to gain a new card appears, wouldn’t he have no choice but to take it?”

Nodding slightly at the understandable explanation, she continued.

“One piece of advice: what the enemies want might not be just the Golden Dragon Sect Leader.”

“……What do you mean?”

“We’ve only discovered two hundred demons. We still don’t know the enemy’s exact numbers. Even as we speak, more enemies could be gathering.”

“So?”

“It means that when Commander Jin led the full force of the Funta Division out of Hanjung, the warriors of the Ten Demon Alliance could have invaded.”

“……They know one thing but not the other. With that number, they couldn’t hold Hanjung even if they captured it.”

“Instead, they could kill everyone in Hanjung and burn down the halls. As you know, an empty house is easy prey for thieves.”

“What possible gain could they seek from such an act…….”

“Those Mado scum don’t care about profit. They’ll be satisfied just avenging their previous defeat and inflicting damage on Guryongseong.”

Hearing her words, my head felt light.

That meant if I withdrew the Bunta forces, I could face even greater danger.

Moreover, practically all my wealth was concentrated in Hanjung right now.

Even Myaohyang, who was like family, was staying in Hanjung.

“……”

But that didn’t mean he could abandon the Golden Dragon Sect Leader and the strike team.

Time was ticking away even now, so he had to make a decision.

“Thanks for the advice. How much?”

“Ten taels of gold. The roof repair costs will be billed later.”

“That’s expensive.”

“If you tell me how you plan to move, I’ll take only five taels. I’ll even discount the repair fee.”

Thud.

“I’m going to Geomgaksan alone. The rest of you stay and guard Hanjung.”

“…….”

He placed the entire money pouch he’d brought on the table and turned to leave.

* * *

Returning to Bunta, Geum Jahwan and the reconnaissance squad leader, who had been gathering troops at the Bunta training ground, hurried over.

“No time for explanations. I’ll make it brief. I’ll find the Golden Dragon Sect alone. Squad Leader, go to Hanjung Sangryeon immediately and warn them an ambush might happen.”

At the word “attack,” both men’s eyes widened in shock.

Ignoring their reaction, I continued.

“Ah, and when you get there, there’s this old codger named Yuk Hak? Bring him back no matter what and incorporate him into our forces.”

“Wh-what? The Iron Blood Gang was in Hanjung?”

Hearing Yuk Hak’s name, the reconnaissance squad leader asked in surprise.

“Yes. If he refuses to join, tell him we’ll give him a chance to redeem himself. He’ll join willingly then. Go now.”

“Yes!”

I looked at Geumjahwan and said.

“Do you understand what’s happening?”

“Yes, you mean the Ten Demon Alliance might launch a surprise attack?”

“Protect Hanjung. No matter what happens.”

“……Yes.”

It seemed he had something left to say, but there was no time to listen now.

CRASH!

I stomped down on the Jinjak with all my might.

* * *

Meanwhile, Yang Ling, left behind at the Moon Fragrance Pavilion, smiled pleasantly as she watched the window where the radio had vanished.

Then she called out toward the outside.

“Moo Yeon.”

Creak.

A middle-aged beauty entered and bowed. She was the woman in charge of Wolhyangru.

Yangling instantly changed her expression and began issuing orders.

“Send the entire Intelligence Corps to Geomgaksan immediately. Watch Jin Jo-jang’s fight, but if he’s in danger, tell them to rescue him.”

“Yes.”

She continued, gazing out the window.

“The military forces will assist the Nine Dragons City branch in defending this Hanjung.”

“But, but…”

“Since when did you start questioning my orders?”

The woman named Mueon bit her lip hard and bowed her head.

“I will do as you say. In that case, would it not be best for the Princess to temporarily leave Hanjung?”

Yangryeong shook her head.

“A leader never flees first.”

“…Understood.”

“Then, thank you for your service.”

After Wuyan left, Yang Ling, now alone, sat down in the chair.

Seeing the spot where Wuyan had sat, the conversation from moments ago replayed in her mind.

To charge alone into a place where the enemy’s numbers were uncertain.

Even if his martial prowess had reached its zenith, it was madness.

“Clearly, the superior strategy is abandoning the Golden Dragon Sect leader…”

Abandoning the Golden Dragon Sect leader to protect Hanjung.

Truthfully, choosing this path was the right decision.

For him, who had allied with the Red Dragon Sect, it was the safest option.

He might face political attacks later, but that was a problem to worry about after surviving first.

But Mu-jeon chose the perilous path to Geomgak Mountain, knowing the danger.

The reason was unknown.

She possessed no ability to enter and exit others’ hearts.

However, she understood the type of person who acted like Jin Mu-jeon.

‘Either a reckless fool beyond compare.’

Or a hero beyond the judgment of ordinary men.

And after facing Jin Mu-jeon directly, Yang-ryeong was certain.

Given just a little more time, a giant would rise in Guryongseong.

And the relationship between that future giant and Hao Moon wasn’t bad.

Especially since his closest aide, Myohyang, was involved in numerous business ventures with Hao Moon.

“The Sect Leader was right after all.”

Yangryeong smiled faintly.

She had confirmed that Yongmasan had been right to invest in people.

The smile that lingered at the corners of her mouth showed no sign of fading.

Until she checked the pouch Wu Tian had left behind and found five coins inside.

Thud!

“You bastard! How dare you insult the Master?!”