The events in Yunnan yielded results beyond expectations.
Wi Ji-cheon showcased the martial strength of the Heavenly Demon Sect to the world, gaining the support of the Yunnan forces in the process.
After several days of expanding the influence of the Heavenly Demon Sect and observing the reactions of the Yunnan forces, we left the Dark Dragon Sect and began to move again.
Only then did I share the information I received from Ak Gyeong-cheol with my companions, Wi Ji-cheon, and Wi Seoryeon.
Hyeok Gi-rin let out a lament upon hearing the information.
“Why did the Mosan Sect, a centuries-old righteous faction, join forces with the Blood Sect…?”
“It’s true, the fact that their headquarters has never been identified suggests they had an unexpected collaborator.”
“So the Mosan Sect is a traitor…”
“Hmm.”
Wi Seoryeon contemplated while stroking Seo Gong’s head. Thanks to the daily forced feeding of Spirit Herb by Wi Seoryeon, Seo Gong had grown plump and now lay limp across her lap as if he had given up on everything.
“In that case, isn’t the location of the Blood Sect practically determined?”
“Yes.”
As I nodded, my companions, who had shown a momentary expression of doubt, quickly came to the conclusion and jaws dropped wide.
“Could it be… that the Blood Sect’s headquarters is located within the Mosan Sect’s territory?”
“Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to hide their identity so perfectly.”
While I spoke broadly about the Mosan Sect’s territory, it was more accurate to say that the Mosan Sect’s seat in Maoshan was the Blood Sect’s headquarters.
Mosan Sect was the only faction that came to mind in relation to Xian, but there were certainly other factions affiliated with the Martial Forest Alliance in Xian.
In the end, the only place where the Blood Sect could sneak away from the gazes of those factions was the very Maoshan.
“Finally, we’ve found the heart of the Blood Sect.”
Wi Ji-cheon’s words heavily filled the room. His eyes, filled with a pressure several times greater than usual directed toward me, seemed to harbor fighting spirit against the Blood Sect.
“And you have already thought about how to pierce the heart of the Blood Sect.”
“Yes.”
Wi Ji-cheon looked at me, demanding an explanation with his gaze.
“Do you remember what I said on Gunlun Mountain? I said we could ambush the Blood Sect’s headquarters if the Heavenly Demon Sect revealed itself to the world.”
“You did say that.”
“I anticipated that the Outcast Factions would be disturbed by the emergence of the Heavenly Demon Sect. Among them, those with deep ties to the Blood Sect would be scared and surrender information in exchange for leniency. Based on that information, we would be able to discover their headquarters, hence my statement.”
“When did you have such a conversation with Father? Well, it seems the situation flowed exactly as you predicted.”
“Yes, I was just very fortunate.”
Indeed, I was fortunate.
Whether it was Sabok Seol moving as he did or Ak Gyeong-cheol knowing the Blood Sect’s headquarters, it could all be attributed to luck.
“And thanks to that, opportunities arose.”
My companions looked at me. While their expressions were different, the thoughts that arose in their minds seemed strikingly similar.
They were thinking about what I was about to stir up again.
A clear expression of that thought was on their faces.
“Oh.”
With light anticipation and interest, Wi Ji-cheon asked.
“What opportunity do you speak of?”
Having located the Blood Sect’s headquarters within the first step, we conserved time and information on the Heavenly Demon Sect.
However, it was too early to celebrate.
Even though I saved the cards by relying on luck, the cards still had to yield results for it to be deemed advantageous.
Thus, I pondered throughout my stay in Yunnan.
How could I use the remaining time and information to gain the greatest benefit?
After deep consideration, I reached just one conclusion.
“It is precisely the opportunity to deceive the world.”
I decided to use the remaining cards to fool the world.
*
Upon hearing news of the Heavenly Demon Sect, the Blood Sect was thrown into chaos.
Why was the Heavenly Demon Sect, which had only been lurking in Xin Gang, suddenly emerging in the Central Plains and taking a stand against the Blood Sect?
Before the proclamation could spread across the world, the determination of the Heavenly Demon Sect was made evident when the boar Entity attacking the Gunlun Sect was eliminated.
Crunch!
Blood Ancestor could no longer suppress the rising fury within him.
Upon hearing the news that the Heavenly Demon Sect was opposing the Blood Sect, the rapid growth of the Blood Sect, which had been increasing day by day, was immediately halted.
Would it stop there?
The flood of information, support, and inquiries for alliances vanished in an instant.
If only…
If there had been just a little more time, they could have harnessed the achievements of Gunlun Mountain to unite many Outcast Martial Artists and Entities to conquer the world!
At a time when explosive growth was expected, a perfect halt occurred, causing even the built-up foundation to tremble.
Blood Ancestor clenched his teeth at the thought of the culprit behind this situation.
“Ho Cheon-an…!”
It was not difficult to ascertain what had happened at Black Dragon Castle. After all, the entire fortress had been in an uproar over the events surrounding the Heavenly Demon Sect.
To risk his life for the inheritance of the Heavenly Demon Arts and to succeed, no less!
Having caused a major incident in just a few short months.
Blood Ancestor barely managed to suppress the smoldering anger rising within him.
He didn’t have the luxury of being angry right now.
Blood Ancestor recalled the news regarding the Heavenly Demon Sect. In the end, the Heavenly Demon had revealed its martial strength in Yunnan, causing major powers in Yunnan to turn to the Heavenly Demon Sect.
He coldly calculated the profit and loss.
“The Yunnan Outcast forces were our future growth engines. The actual eliminated combat power was only a few factions, including the Sokryeong Sect. In terms of the current situation, it’s not a huge loss.”
However, now was the problem.
He recalled the nearly real-time transmissions of the Heavenly Demon Sect’s movements.
“The next destination of the Heavenly Demon Sect is Sacheon.”
Blood Ancestor instinctively furrowed his brows.
From the Blood Sect’s perspective, what would be the worst case scenario?
It would be the situation where the Martial Forest Alliance and the Heavenly Demon Sect joined forces to pressure the Blood Sect.
In other words, if the overflowing combat power of the Heavenly Demon Sect hunted down the scattered Entities while providing protection to the current Rightful powers, the Blood Sect would certainly find itself in a dire situation.
Of course, the possibility of that was very low.
After all, the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Rightful factions had been at odds for years. The Rightful forces would go into convulsions at the mere sight of the Heavenly Demon Sect’s warriors appearing in the Central Plains, and the Heavenly Demon Sect warriors held no respect for those Rightful factions whatsoever.
“Yet, considering the way the Heavenly Demon Sect conducted itself in Yunnan, anything could be possible.”
Who would have anticipated that the Heavenly Demon Sect would take control of Yunnan? Blood Ancestor had thought the same—believing the Heavenly Demon Sect would wreak havoc in Yunnan.
However, the result was the complete opposite.
The outcome from Yunnan was so unexpectedly varying that one could not guarantee the attitude the Heavenly Demon Sect would take toward the Rightful factions.
And then, there was the looming issue of Ho Cheon-an.
Everyone knew that Ho Cheon-an shared a very strong bond with the Tang Clan and the Jeomchang Faction, exerting absolute influence in Sacheon.
If that Ho Cheon-an were to initiate collaboration between the Rightful factions and the Heavenly Demon Sect? If, somehow, the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Sacheon Martial World began to foster a good relationship, this could very well lead to an alliance between the Martial Forest Alliance and the Heavenly Demon Sect.
Ho Cheon-an would likely be envisioning that scenario as well.
“I must prevent any friendly relations between the Sacheon Martial World and the Heavenly Demon Sect at all costs.”
Blood Ancestor considered numerous hypothetical situations and devised corresponding strategies in his mind.
In the future, intel regarding Ho Cheon-an’s interactions with the Heavenly Demon Sect and various factions in Sacheon would continue to pour in.
Each time he received such news, his head would undoubtedly ache.
Even if he formulated a strategy, it wouldn’t be easy to manipulate Sacheon, the den of the Rightful factions where Ho Cheon-an’s support was solid.
“I will report it.”
Amidst it all, news of the Heavenly Demon Sect reached Blood Ancestor.
“The Brain Knife Outcast has separated from the Bicheongmacha and the Heavenly Demon Sect’s group.”
“What?”
“Considering their movement direction, it is assumed the Brain Knife Outcast is headed to Sacheon while the Heavenly Demon Sect is bound for Shanxi.”
Blood Ancestor’s face contorted in confusion upon hearing the perplexing news.
*
What is the most famous cart in the world?
It’s the Bicheongmacha.
Who is the most famous coachman in the world?
It’s Tang Do-yeon.
And which region boasts the highest popularity for both the Bicheongmacha and Tang Do-yeon?
Indeed, it’s Sacheon.
“Bicheongmacha!”
“The Bicheongmacha has appeared!”
Therefore, the instant the Bicheongmacha entered Sacheon, chaos erupted. Fortunately, nobody obstructed their path, allowing us to reach the Outcast Inn safely.
Outside the Inn, a crowd had gathered like clouds.
Now that I was no longer a Sacheon Outcast, I wore a mask instead of my black attire, but the gathered crowd erupted into cheers the moment they spotted me.
“Waaaaah!!!”
…Honestly, I wasn’t entirely sure why they were cheering, but I waved back nonetheless.
“Look! It’s Miss Yeo Il-ye of Red Bamboo Swordswoman!”
“Is that the Black Cat?”
“Whoa! Everyone looks like a blooming flower!”
My companions stepped into the Outcast Inn with cheerful expressions at the avalanche of compliments coming from all directions. Since we arrived without any prior notice, only a few Sacheon Outcasts remained in the inn.
“Brain Knife Outcast! Welcome back!”
The future Sword Queen, Seo I-ryeong, greeted us warmly. Glancing closely, it seemed she had been mastering both the Cheonwon Heart Method and the First Swing of the Azure Cloud Sword quite adeptly.
“Your accomplishments have significantly increased.”
At my praise, Seo I-ryeong beamed brightly.
“It’s thanks to mastering martial arts! After all, these are techniques from an expert who pioneered Hwa-gyeong.”
Regardless, as I extended compliments to Seo I-ryeong, I noticed a few hesitant Outcasts in the corner. Among them were Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang.
Since I had officially announced my departure from the Sacheon Outcasts, coupled with the fact that my former companion Iryu had returned from the martial world as a renowned Hwa-gyeong expert and the terrifying Saint of the Heavenly Demon Sect, they might not know how to treat me now.
Thus, I playfully tossed a fist toward Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang.
“Well, well, you rude bastards! When your older brother returns after such a long time, you just stand there dumbfounded without even greeting me?”
“W-what? We were just shocked to see someone without the black attire!”
“What sort of face should someone who wasn’t dressed in black going to an Outcast Inn even have?”
The panic-stricken expressions of Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang turned pale in response to my accustomed banter. They were just spineless little guys.
Well, I guess it’s better than causing trouble by flaunting my connections with Ho Cheon-an.
“Tsk tsk, better practice martial arts! Seriously! How long have you been loafing around to have faces looking like a flour dough?”
Only then did Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang regain some color in their faces.
“Shut it, you! I’ll soon achieve something too!”
Twitch, twitch?
Seo Gong, who had plumped up beside me, dashed over as expressions grew louder in my exchange with Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang, likely out of curiosity.
“Whoa! A monster! It’s a monster!”
Both of them stumbled back in shock upon seeing Seo Gong. Watching them sag against chairs and tables, poking their heads out as makeshift cover, a heavy sigh escaped my being.
However, seeing the foolish antics of those two somehow made me feel relieved.
“Hey you! Stop making a fuss and bring some drinks!”
The two hesitated but eventually settled down, while the Black Cat conversed with some familiar Outcasts, and a later-arriving Seo I-ryeong shrieked in shock upon witnessing Seo Gong, acting all flustered as I enjoyed my drink.
Soon, one by one, Outcasts started returning from their missions.
“You’ve returned!”
“Ho Cheon-an! You again!”
Jo Yong-sang and Yu Sa-yeon also came back.
“Are you alright? Now that you’re back at the Outcast Inn, it’s bound to stir up some rumors.”
“I’ll have to endure it.”
Dodging Jeong Cheol, I declared myself not a Sacheon Outcast but as simply another Outcast. There’s no written rule saying one has to avoid seeing the Sacheon Outcasts for the rest of their life due to becoming an Outcast, but acting like one while being branded as a Sacheon Outcast would invite criticism.
Well, it can’t be helped; the nature of my work in Sacheon necessitated staying at the Outcast Inn.
“I heard you were moving with the Heavenly Demon Sect; why did you stop by Sacheon?”
“Just to kill two birds with one stone.”
“Hm.”
Yu Sa-yeon snickered and raised her drink.
“Better be cautious. All the forces of the world are keenly watching your movements with the Heavenly Demon Sect.”
As expected.
The Heavenly Demon Sect was currently at the heart of a storm. I realized from Yu Sa-yeon’s tone that the forces of Sacheon were also keeping their eyes peeled for the movements of the Heavenly Demon Sect.
“Can you give me more specific details?”
“Why should I tell you why you’ve tossed your black attire away after being gone for so long?”
Clearly, Yu Sa-yeon was still quite miffed about my declaration of leaving the Sacheon Outcasts, glaring at me with a sharp voice.
I had no choice but to take Seo Gong, who had been clinging to Seo I-ryeong, and hand him to Yu Sa-yeon.
Seo I-ryeong appeared to pout and look forlorn since she had lost her chance with Seo Gong, but I couldn’t help that.
As I stroked Seo Gong, Yu Sa-yeon’s furrowed brows relaxed as she smiled.
“Naturally, the factions in Sacheon are keeping their ears up regarding you and the Heavenly Demon Sect. I am too. The latest news I heard is that the Heavenly Demon Sect entered Sacheon and is redirecting toward Shanxi.”
Clearly, Yu Sa-yeon was quite fast in gathering intelligence.
After the news of the Heavenly Demon Sect’s departure spread, all Entities of the Blood Sect in Sacheon retreated.
This must have been because they judged that the Heavenly Demon Sect would prioritize attacking Entities in their home territory first.
Thanks to that, Sacheon had taken a breather from Entity attacks.
In the current landscape of Sacheon, the most crucial task would be to monitor the movements of the Heavenly Demon Sect.
From the Rightful factions’ standpoint, it was still ambiguous whether the Heavenly Demon Sect was a foe or an ally.
If a confrontation were to occur, the Entities of the Blood Sect would absolutely be powerless in the ensuing whirlwind.
Thus, they would be completely focused on tracking the movements of the Heavenly Demon Sect, and Sacheon would not be an exception.
“News of your arrival in Sacheon will spread like wildfire, and everyone will wonder why you and the Heavenly Demon Sect are splitting up. Whatever your intentions are, you’ll need to behave yourself.”
“Yeah. Understood.”
Yu Sa-yeon intently stared at me. Her gaze felt as though it could see right through my intentions, causing me to timidly turn my head away.
“Could you arrange a meeting with the factions in Sacheon?”
…Caught, for real?
“No, I intend to visit them directly.”
“You rascal!”
Yu Sa-yeon snorted.
“Thinking about it, you’re no longer a Sacheon Outcast, and whatever mischief you pull isn’t my concern. Just be sure to keep me out of it.”
“Yeah, I’ll be relying on you for a while.”
“With the Heavenly Demon Sect’s Saint and an expert of Hwa-gyeong, Ho Cheon-an himself stating that, how could a mere Innkeeper refuse?”
Yu Sa-yeon playfully teased, brushing Seo Gong’s head with a wistful look before standing up.
“If you’re going to stay for a while, do take the time to evaluate the martial arts of the Outcasts.”
Though she generalized it as “Outcasts,” her gaze was fixed on Seo I-ryeong, who was eyeing a chance to reclaim Seo Gong, and Jo Yong-sang, who was smirking at the two.
“Understood.”
Well, I had to act busily in a bid to deceive not just Sacheon but all factions in the world, but I could probably spare some time to evaluate their martial arts.
Snap!
Lost in these thoughts, Seo Gong whacked my hand with its tail. That charming mannerism of pointing with its front paws implied it was quite angry at my act of sharing its presence with too many others.
“Oh dear, my bad. You can go rest now.”
After I placed it down and patted its bottom, Seo Gong let out a little grunt as if to say it would let it slide just this once and scurried out of the inn.
It had deemed the Bicheongmacha its home for the day.
“Ah…!”
Seo I-ryeong, watching that scene, reached out in sorrow, only to eventually fall back dejected.
I couldn’t help but laugh at her expression and took in the view of the Outcast Inn. Since the post-competition recruitment drive, had things gone well? The number of Sacheon Outcasts had grown nearly double, expanding from the initial twenty or so.
Although half of the faces were new to me, the Outcast Inn itself hadn’t changed.
The remnants of the literary competition we organized to enlighten Tang Do-gyeong were still palpable, with even the leftover marks from where we affixed our writings remaining.
One, two, three, countless eloquent lines filled the walls, heartfelt and exquisite.
“Senior!”
The protagonist of those lines, Aesua-yaewo, raised their hand, signaling me. Their joyful demeanor was contagious.
“Hurry and come sit! They don’t believe a single story from your Outcast days!”
“Did the Great Hero Ho Cheon-an really say that?”
For those who hadn’t seen the Iryu variant of myself, like Dokgo I-seol and Moyong Yeon-hwa, that would indeed be hard to believe.
Hyeok Gi-rin also chimed in.
“I’ve always been curious about what transpired during your Sacheon Outcast days. Surely, there must have been quite a few amusing tales.”
Many stories indeed existed.
But if I were to unravel the tales of the Iryu variant named Ho Cheon-an, a day would quickly pass.
As I reflected, this may not be a bad turn of events.
I had to hustle to deceive the world from tomorrow forth, and as soon as I achieved any results, I’d have to rush posthaste.
There likely wouldn’t be moments to rest in the near future, so taking a break today felt refreshing.
Wetting my lips with my tongue, I nestled amid my companions, reflecting on how long this night would truly turn out to be.
