Chapter 14 Hell’s Narrow Pass Mission (3)

Chapter 14: Hell’s Narrow Pass Mission (3)

If the Nine Dragon Alliance was a coalition of nine martial arts factions in the southwestern Central Plains, the Ten Demon Alliance was a coalition of ten demonic arts factions.

The slight difference was that the Ten Demon Alliance was formed by descendants of the ancient Demon Sect uniting to seize the northwestern Central Plains.

As for the Nine Dragon Alliance, you could say it was neighbors and cousins banding together because they felt threatened by the birth of this Ten Demon Alliance?

Well, think of it as the difference between a family reunion and a women’s association.

It was only natural that these two massive powers, now facing each other across the border, would engage in a war of nerves.

And within that war of nerves, one faction stood out among the Ten Sects (十宗) of the Ten Demon Alliance: the Dark Sect (暗宗).

Before joining the Ten Demon Alliance, it was known as the Heavenly Slaughter Demon Gate (天殺鬼門), a mercenary group specializing in assassination.

Faced with the appearance of such a ruthless enemy, I despaired and looked at my right hand.

‘I can’t even cut this off!’

Just as I was wallowing in despair, the team members who had gone out to find supplies returned.

“Team Leader! For now, the dried grains…?”

“Wh-what is this?!”

They gasped in shock at the sight of the corpse, then quickly scanned the surroundings.

“Cancer!”

Yoo So-pyeong let out a scream like someone was wringing his throat, and the team members’ faces turned ashen.

“If we mess this up, we won’t even get the bones back. How about we turn back now?”

“I’ve heard that a gentleman must also know when to retreat.”

When Yongma-san voiced his opinion, Yoo So-pyeong agreed.

“Well, maybe we should?”

The temptation was immense.

We could just claim the mission was a failure.

Sure, we’d be locked in a brain prison for a few years as punishment, but staying alive was the priority, right?

‘Even as a lowly beetle, this world is better.’

But this plan was blocked before it could begin.

“If you deliberately abandon the operation, you cannot avoid the death penalty… ”

Because Dan-un was glaring fiercely from behind.

We couldn’t be sure what that stubborn bastard would blab if we turned back, so we resumed our journey.

***

The terrain of Gansu Province was truly hellish.

It was a water-scarce region, so there was no grass, and consequently, few animals. Prey was so scarce you could search with eyes wide open and find none.

Thanks to that, we had to make do with meals like the dried millet we found in Hoyang Village, which threw off the balance of our provisions.

This went on for a fortnight.

“We’re finally here.”

We had reached our destination, Nanju.

The exhausted group, drained of energy, shouted with weary faces.

We wanted to rush in and eat immediately, but there was something we had to do first.

Visit the secret contact point in Guryongseong.

Looking like beggars after the grueling journey, we disguised ourselves as beggars and cautiously entered an inn on the outskirts of Nanju.

“Seven bowls of noodles, two plates of mapo tofu, make that nine in total. Bring it over.”

“Got the money?”

“Plenty.”

“Let’s see it.”

It wasn’t because we looked like beggars that he demanded payment upfront.

True to the secret branch’s nature, he was asking for the Nine Dragons Sect’s token.

When I handed over the token, the owner nodded and went inside.

After a short wait, the owner returned carrying a tray laden with food.

Simultaneously, he muttered to himself.

“The target is believed to be in the inner hermitage of the branch, but the masters of the Dark Sect guard it day and night. The branch’s affiliated warriors are providing ironclad security around the perimeter.”

“Is there a way in?”

Tap. Tap.

The owner answered as he set down the food.

“At the first hour of the morning tomorrow, ingredients will be delivered to the Huang Family Store right next door. If we disguise ourselves as laborers pushing carts, we should be able to get in.“

”Any chance of inspection?“

”The supplier changed just two days ago, so it shouldn’t be an issue.“

”I see. And if there’s somewhere we can rest our bodies for the day…“

”This place was only supposed to be used until today before being demolished. You can stay here.”

“Thank you.”

With that, the owner stepped outside and locked the door.

Thanks to that, we ate well and could rest from the fatigue of our arduous journey.

The next day.

Before sunrise, we peered through a crack in the inn wall to observe the Huang Family Storehouse.

Soon after, the shop door opened and men began loading something onto a cart.

It was clearly food supplies destined for the Shima Lian Gansu Branch.

“Let’s go.”

Our group, including me, slipped out of the inn without a sound.

The top priority in such situations is to handle things quietly.

Ha Jin-hyeong, who was fast on his feet and skilled in stealth, approached in an instant, pressing the men’s pressure points to knock them unconscious.

Nod.

We swiftly stripped them of their clothes and changed into them, then issued orders.

“Jin-hyeong, check the escape route. It’d be good if you could set up plenty of traps too.”

Ha Jin-hyeong grinned and nodded.

“Don’t worry.”

“So-pyeong, find horses and necessary supplies and wait here.”

“I’ll try to find the sturdiest ones possible.”

“The rest of you take the carts and head into the fort.”

The group nodded.

“We’ll handle it.”

I made my request to Dan-un and Yongmasan.

Dan-un quietly nodded, while Yongmasan, sensing his chance, blurted out his demand.

“When we get back, give us extra meat dishes.”

This was something I’d have to think about.

* **

About an hour after pulling the two carts.

The outpost of the Ten Horses, perched atop a hill, came into view.

True to its reputation as a notorious bandit’s lair, menacing-looking warriors stood guard.

“Who goes there!”

The men radiated a threatening aura.

No matter how much I disguised myself, I couldn’t lose the bearing of a warrior from the Great Dragon Fortress.

“Oh my! You’re working hard. I’ve brought ingredients for the heroes from the Imperial Grocery Store. Hehe.”

I met their force with a loud voice.

“You’re not the one who came yesterday?”

“That fellow specializes in vegetables. I was assigned to come on days when meat is delivered. I may look like this, but I’m a meat specialist.”

I did work part-time at a meat restaurant for half a year in college, so it’s half true.

‘Mr. Hwang…’

I heard your meat restaurant got thoroughly raided by the district office’s sanitation department and went out of business?

That was my tip-off.

You didn’t even pay minimum wage and skimmed the weekly holiday pay, right?

You should’ve kept the place cleaner. And passing off Chilean beef as domestic? That was too much.

This boldness seemed to work, as the security guards’ eyes lit up.

Seeing them drool the moment they heard “meat” reminded me of Pavlov’s dogs.

” “So, the day you come is the day meat dishes are served?”

“Yes, look. We’ve carefully selected only the finest meat.”

Swoosh.

As the covering cloth was lifted, fresh vegetables were revealed.

“But that’s not meat?”

“Hmm, I forgot about the stuff in the back cart. Oh no! How time flies! We’ll be late if we don’t hurry!“

”Uh… Alright, go on in.“

”Thank you for your hard work!”

The moment he crossed the threshold, Yongmasan’s telepathic voice reached him.

[It’s probably best if you just stay put.]

And he didn’t even help…

As soon as we entered, we scanned the area with our eyes. We were looking for our target.

‘Over there.’

About twenty paces to the east, a small pavilion held a dozen warriors.

Just looking at them, the thick scent of blood was unmistakable—they were undoubtedly elite assassins.

Nod.

I briefly met Danun’s gaze. I planned to dash straight in, judging the situation.

‘An assassin whose form is revealed sees their combat power plummet.’

If Dan-un and I charged in while Yongmasan and his men covered our rear, we could eliminate them in an instant.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen blood.’

Though not my first kill, a moment’s hesitation could lead to eternal regret. I took a deep breath, preparing myself mentally.

Just as I was about to move.

“If you’re late, you should hurry up and run! Why are you dawdling?!”

‘Damn it…’

A man wearing an apron, presumably from the dining area, glared at us and bellowed.

Instantly, all eyes in the vicinity focused on us.

“What are you doing?! Bring it here quickly!”

“Yes! Coming!”

With all eyes on us, a surprise attack was out of the question.

We had no choice but to assess the situation and wait for an opening.

“How long has it been since we made the deal, and you’re this late?! If you can’t make it in time for the meal, I won’t let you off the hook!”

He glared and snapped, and I quickly responded.

“I’m truly sorry!”

“No time! Just drop it off and go!”

He waved me off impatiently, and I cautiously approached his side.

I needed to buy time somehow.

“Um…”

“What?!”

“Please let me help prepare the ingredients as an apology. Thinking that the head chef is suffering because of our tardiness makes my heart ache with regret.”

“…Not necessary.”

“No! Making such a mistake on the second day of our deal! I deserve to die! Please, let me help!”

Thump thump!

He suddenly dropped to his knees and banged his head on the ground, his voice slightly softening.

“Hmph, hmph. What’s with all that… Fine. Go trim vegetables over there in the corner.”

“Thank you!”

After unloading the cart, we sat around washing vegetables, stalling for time.

[What’s your plan, Jinmujon?]

[I’m not sure yet. For now, we should watch the situation and seize an opportunity.]

There was no chance for a second attempt.

It was obvious that if someone from the Imperial Household Department came by, we’d be caught red-handed.

‘Should I wait for the right moment to leave?’

As soon as the vegetable prep was done, the head cook ordered us to other tasks.

“This meat here… You clean… The fire…”

This went on for about an hour.

“Good work. Thanks to you, we’re not late. I won’t make an issue of today’s work later.”

“Thank you!”

“By the way, your skills don’t seem half bad. Have you ever worked as a head chef before?”

“Good heavens! How could someone like me be a head chef? I only learned by watching over the shoulder while working as a shop assistant when I was young.”

“I said it because you seem talented. It wouldn’t hurt if you came by occasionally to help out. Then we could also maintain a long-term business relationship with the Imperial Storehouse.”

“Anytime! It would be my honor.”

Using goods delivery as an excuse to force unpaid labor.

Even Hell Joseon’s conglomerates would be amazed at such blatant abuse of power.

‘Just what you’d expect from a gathering of scoundrels.’

Just as he was pulling the cart back.

The opportunity struck suddenly.

Ding-dong-ding~!

The bastard who’d just finished his bullying suddenly rang the bell.

Rumble.

“Everyone, move!”

The warriors of Gamsukbunta rushed in, swarming into the restaurant.

It was a scene reminiscent of high school lunch breaks.

“…!”

And this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

[Now!]

Thud thud thud.

My companions, receiving my telepathic command, burst out.

“…What the hell!”

The Amjong masters, relaxed during mealtime, drew their swords in shock, but the unexpected ambush left them unprepared.

Crack! Thud! Swoosh.

Three fell from the single strike of Yongmasan, myself, and Danun.

“You bastards!”

Only then did the two remaining bandits snap to attention, hastily unleashing their double-edged swords. But Danun’s blade whirled, its blue-black blade light flashing.

It was the Qingfeng Sword Technique, the Qingcheng Sect’s unique sword art blending the swiftness of a fast sword with the weight of a heavy sword.

Swoosh, swoosh. Thud!

Two men in one strike.

Their heads flew off instantly, blood spattering.

Seeing this, my entire body broke out in goosebumps.

‘I’d better get out of here the moment I reach Nine Dragons Fortress.’

He’d only graduated from Ascension Pavilion two years ago, yet he’d mastered the Clear Wind Sword Technique.

The thought of facing that madman already made my head spin.

Creak.

Meanwhile, Dragon Horse Mountain opened the door, entered, and brought out his target.

A woman was dragged out, looking utterly bewildered.

I hurriedly asked her name.

“What’s your name?”

“Ch-Cheng Xiaoshao.”

“Right. I’m from Nine Dragon City. Let’s go!”

It was the beginning of a perilous and treacherous journey.