Dongjeong Lake.
An overwhelming lake among the vast territories of the Huang Nation. The Dongjeong Lake, where the waters of the Yangtze River flow in, could more aptly be described as a sea laid upon the land rather than a mere lake.
In such a Dongjeong Lake, countless boats floated day and night.
During the day, boats set out to enjoy the scenery of Dongjeong Lake, while at night, people launched their boats for a bit of enjoyment.
Midnight.
In the deep parts of Dongjeong Lake, not even the sounds of music or laughter from those enjoying their boat rides could be heard.
Chwaak. Chwaak.
Four boats converged.
The figures gathered on the deck of the boats were partially obscured by the dim moonlight, but even half-visible, the aura of ferocity emanating from them was exceptional.
One with a huge scar that couldn’t be hidden even by the moonlight opened his mouth.
“Good to see you all after such a long time, even if you’re just the outcasts.”
“Right? It’s a surprise we’re all still alive.”
“Hehe, it would be utterly unjust to die at a time like this with business going so well.”
The faces of the outcasts, exchanging lighthearted updates, were carefree.
The activity of the Blood Sect.
For the outcasts of Dongjeong Lake, the activity of the Blood Sect was like a bolt from the blue.
With the emergence of the Outcast Faction in various regions, the Righteous Faction had shrunk, turning travel into a risky venture, leading everyone to forgo travel, and as a result, tourists to Dongjeong Lake had dried up.
Still, those coming to Dongjeong Lake had not completely vanished, but due to the chaotic world, most traveled with martial artists for protection, and the money they carried was not as abundant as before.
With prey becoming scarce and the risks significantly raised, the outcasts of Dongjeong Lake could not help but lead a frugal life.
Tightening their belts for a long time.
Not long after the Heavenly Demon Sect appeared with the Brain Knife Outcast, the Mosan Great War broke out, leading to the downfall of the Blood Ancestor, and the Entities of the Blood Sect, along with the factions aligned with them, were shattered by the righteous factions across the land.
This marked the end of chaos, and people across the world were rejoicing and beginning to enjoy peace again, leading a surge of tourists returning to Dongjeong Lake, naturally inviting the outcasts to enjoy a boom.
With pockets getting fuller, it was only natural for people to feel relaxed.
The light expressions on the faces of the fearsome-looking outcasts stemmed from this reason.
The outcasts, having exchanged casual conversation, concentrated their gaze on one spot.
“So, what’s the reason for gathering us at a time when we could use twice as many hands?”
“Is it something big that’s come up?”
Receiving their attention, the leader of the outcasts, Gwang-yoon, looked around at the captains of each outcast ship and spoke.
“Are we satisfied with the current situation?”
The sudden question from Gwang-yoon made the captains tilt their heads. How could there be a better time than now?
“Well, our pockets should be filled. But isn’t it just me who’s noticed that the way people look at us outcasts has changed?”
“Hmm…”
“Hmpf.”
In response to Gwang-yoon’s words, the captains let out a displeased sound.
Once, outcasts and bandits were objects of fear in the Martial World.
But now, what is the real object of fear in the Martial World?
It was the Blood Sect, the Entities, or the Heavenly Demon Sect.
The Blood Sect, which had previously only seemed like a bogeyman, was now feared as they wielded strange techniques to tame immense entities and attacked sects, while the Blood Persons threatened the world, exactly as the tales had described.
And then there’s the Heavenly Demon Sect, known for its own wicked rumors about its cruelty, appearing in the Central Plains to smash the Blood Sect, instilling both relief and dread in the people at the sight of their might.
In a situation where legendary beings like the Blood Sect, Entities, and Heavenly Demon were now real threats rampaging about, who would genuinely fear outcasts or bandits?
The outcasts of Dongjeong Lake were no longer feared.
The captains who looted understood this fact at the core of their beings.
In the past, they, terrified, rushed to offer tributes were now perhaps just embarrassed at being robbed by outcasts and chose rebellion instead.
“Hah! It’s just a passing wind. The Blood Sect and Heavenly Demon Sect are just a part of the past. Soon, the people of the world will remember to fear us again!”
“Just because they send us disrespectful looks, they’ll find themselves drowning, taking a mouthful of Dongjeong Lake’s water to come to their senses!”
The captains, having their uncomfortable points brought up that they have diligently ignored to fill their reduced pockets with gold, glared at Gwang-yoon in anger.
However, receiving the fierce momentum of the three captains, Gwang-yoon merely smiled smugly.
“Thus, I have a scheme for us.”
“…A scheme?”
“The fact that our current status is looked down upon stems from the recognition that the outcasts of Dongjeong Lake are nothing compared to the Blood Sect or Heavenly Demon Sect. Therefore, I believe we need to make it clear what kind of beings we truly are.”
The faces of the captains scrunched up. What kind of method could possibly change the perception of the world?
“I’m certain you’ve all heard the news that the Brain Knife Outcast is currently residing in Ak-yang.”
“Indeed. Apparently, that fellow made Cheon-ho Sect go into lockdown?”
“Why are you so late with this gossip? That was ages ago; these days, he’s supposedly being escorted into the authorities.”
“Then you’ve also heard that the Brain Knife Outcast is staying in Ak-yang because of So Yeon-hwa from the So-gapo normal shop.”
Upon hearing Gwang-yoon’s words, the captains nodded.
“How about we join forces to kidnap So Yeon-hwa?”
At Gwang-yoon’s suggestion, the captains’ eyes widened in shock.
“What?!”
“Are you out of your mind? The Brain Knife Outcast and his party are at So-gapo normal shop. You want to raid a place crawling with Hwa-gyeong Martial Artists and Peak Experts?”
“I know that too! But considering these factors, I still think it is feasible to propose.”
“…I need to hear more.”
“Currently, the Brain Knife Outcast is holed up in the authorities. There are even rumors that the governor has been imprisoned! The situation in the authorities is serious, so he’ll probably stay there for a while. This means that only Peak Experts are left at the So-gapo normal shop.”
“Still, it won’t be easy.”
“True, if we were to go head-on. But what if we take the people of So-gapo normal shop hostage?”
Hostages?
At the mention of hostages, the captains’ eyes lit up.
“Think of the party of the Brain Knife Outcast. So Yeon-hwa, whose family is captured, would certainly find it hard to resist. The likes of Moyong Yeon-hwa and Miss Yeo Il-ye wouldn’t dare overlook hostages. If we were to seize Son Mi-ok, the hostess, things would get even easier.”
“…I see.”
“All we need to ask for is one person: So Yeon-hwa. If we agree to eventually pay for her release, the likelihood of them acquiescing to a deal increases significantly. From there, if we manage to escape back to Dongjeong Lake, everything should unfold smoothly.”
“Hehe, that’s spot on. Even if the Brain Knife Outcast catches wind of things, with Cheon-ho Sect being locked down and the authorities in a state of disarray, there’s nowhere for them to seek help.”
“Finding us out, who are moving smoothly through Dongjeong Lake, would be nearly impossible for the Brain Knife Outcast and, should the worst happen, in a water fight, it would be difficult for him to exert his powers due to the nature of his abilities!”
“If all goes well, not only can we regain our former glory, but we could also rake in a whopping amount of cash!”
Gwang-yoon looked around at the captains, who were now actively willing to participate in the plan, and spoke.
“The Brain Knife Outcast is likely to return from the authorities in a few days. Therefore, we have only a limited time to carry out this plan. Time is of the essence, so I ask the captains to make a decision right here, right now.”
In the dim moonlight, the gazes of the captains crossed, and soon the heads of the three captains nodded.
“Very well. Let’s meet at the dock tomorrow.”
“Hehe. Sounds good.”
“I’m truly looking forward to this.”
With satisfied expressions, the three departing captains vanished, and as their boats gradually moved away, Gwang-yoon’s eyes gleamed.
“So Yeon-hwa…”
Gwang-yoon recalled the commotion that ensued when So Yeon-hwa disappeared long ago. The thunderous bandit Dong Bo-wi spread absurd rumors, igniting those who held unrequited affection for So Yeon-hwa to target her, resulting in such chaos that she could no longer be found.
After So Yeon-hwa completely vanished, many who cherished her directed their resentment toward Dong Bo-wi.
Gwang-yoon was among those individuals.
Given the upheaval, it seemed unlikely So Yeon-hwa would return to Ak-yang again, and perhaps she would never come back.
However, Dong Bo-wi was known as the reigning figure of the large sect, Cheon-ho Sect, so rather than encountering enemies, Cheon-ho Sect branded those opposing Dong Bo-wi as troublemakers and expelled them from Ak-yang.
At that time, Gwang-yoon was a promising young martial artist, but for that reason, he was driven out of Ak-yang and turned into an outcast.
Now living as an outcast, Gwang-yoon suddenly received news of the lockdown of the Cheon-ho Sect and So Yeon-hwa’s return…
From that moment, Gwang-yoon began to wait for a chance to possess So Yeon-hwa.
Whether it was when Zhuche mobilized the royal guards to pressure So-gapo normal shop, or when the Brain Knife Outcast entered the authorities with the visiting officer, he had been patient to ease his anxiety.
And when Zhuche ended up imprisoned and Gwang-yoon learned the Brain Knife Outcast had left So-gapo normal shop, he realized he had found his optimal opportunity and called forth the outcasts.
The other outcasts had no clue Gwang-yoon was after So Yeon-hwa, deceived by what seemed to be a plausible fake plan. Thus, they could never dream that the Zhuche, who had taken So Yeon-hwa hostage, would quietly disappear.
They would become the bait to buy time for Gwang-yoon to vanish with the rage of the Brain Knife Outcast.
“If that happens, I will… finally become the partner of So Yeon-hwa, whom I’ve long dreamed of!”
With a twisted smile, Gwang-yoon laughed.
Recently, Son Mi-ok’s face was always filled with joy.
Having crushed Cheon-ho Sect, which had been like a thorn in her side, and tidied up the ridiculous Zhuche, it was only natural.
Plus, it was the Brain Knife Outcast and his party who helped clean up Cheon-ho Sect and the governor, doubling her happiness.
Squeak!
Where on earth did he dig so much dirt, returning dirt-covered, Seo Gong was quite adorable.
As she tidied up the mud stuck to Seo Gong’s body, Son Mi-ok thought to herself.
Now all that remained was…
“Well then, when should I hold the wedding with the Brain Knife Outcast Great Hero?”
“Ah, Mom!”
“Why are you getting mad? I could get married tomorrow without any burden, so feel free to say it.”
“I’ll figure it out myself!”
As the Black Cat sulked, Son Mi-ok wore a sad expression while embracing Seo Gong.
“Sigh, I genuinely worry about how long you will hesitate like this. I would also like to see my grandchild before I age…”
Squeak?
“Mom!”
“Your ears aren’t old yet!”
Staring piercingly at Son Mi-ok, the Black Cat gave a pseudo-sorrowful smile, pretending to be pitiful. Overwhelmed by her mother’s antics, the Black Cat sighed and stood up.
“Ugh, I’ll just take a breather outside for a moment.”
“Go ahead.”
After closing the door, the Black Cat took a deep breath. There was no complaint about spending the whole day with her mother, but being cooped up in a room all day felt a bit stifling.
As evening came and shadows grew darker, she felt confident enough to notice the intruders first and hide if necessary, so she leisurely strolled around the interior of the So-gapo normal shop.
After a little while, the Black Cat spotted Dokgo I-seol approaching from the opposite side.
“Out for a stroll?”
“Yes. How about you, I-seol Miss?”
“Oh, just patrolling.”
Feeling guilty at I-seol’s natural words, the Black Cat felt an uncomfortable mix of remorse.
Even though it was her family’s business, she was merely enjoying a comfortable time with her mother, while the others were doing all the work.
Of course, this was unavoidable.
Many young men had been enchanted after witnessing So Yeon-hwa, who emitted lunar energy back in her childhood. Now, most of the lunar energy was under the Black Cat’s control, but it wasn’t a good idea to show her current self or even a trace of her lunar energy.
Picking up on the Black Cat’s guilty expression, Dokgo I-seol chuckled.
“Why are you making such a face? It’s just dealing with those who lack or haven’t learned martial arts. It’s nothing significant.”
“…Right.”
“If I had Miss Yeo Il-ye or Moyong Yeon-hwa as my houseguard, I’d be boasting about it all over town! Like saying, ‘Look! These are the folks protecting me!’ So, enjoy this moment more!”
Since the Black Cat’s expression remained unchanged, I-seol eventually gave up and returned to her patrol. The Black Cat gazed after her and resumed her walk.
“Sigh.”
The Black Cat let out a small sigh.
Before heading out for a stroll, Son Mi-ok’s playful remark about hastening the wedding plans had lingered in her mind.
The Black Cat had indeed deferred Ho Cheon-an’s proposal. But the reason for the deferral was entirely out of spite towards him.
She yearned to be cherished and to bask in Ho Cheon-an’s affection.
However, the reason she hesitated at the notion of marriage now was something else.
What would happen if she married Ho Cheon-an in this state?
The Black Cat believed that events akin to what was unfolding at So-gapo normal shop would continue to happen. Even though she had mostly gained control over her lunar energy, the root cause of the issues would still remain, so troubles were bound to arise.
Is it truly the right choice to marry Ho Cheon-an while leaving these problems unaddressed? And would she continue to rely on Ho Cheon-an and his allies each time an issue arose?
The Black Cat could not easily draw a conclusion.
Wishing to shake off her vexed thoughts, she took a stroll but was left with no resolution at the end.
Burying her worries deep within her heart, she opened the door to her room with a bright smile.
“Mom! Let’s sleep together today!”
“Hoho, let’s do that.”
With shared pillows on the bed, the two laid beneath one blanket. The Black Cat burrowed into Son Mi-ok’s embrace, and Son Mi-ok hugged her warmly.
The warmth enveloping her heart made the Black Cat smile as she thought to herself: it felt almost magical that being held by her mother made her inner turmoil gradually dissipate.
Half-asleep, the Black Cat finally made a decision.
“When Senior returns… I’ll honestly express my feelings.”
No matter the outcome, she’d confide the feelings she had brewed inside and, afterward… they could come up with solutions together.
Determined to do so, the Black Cat attempted to drift into a deep sleep, but—
“What the hell is going on here?!”
With Dokgo I-seol’s voice resoundingly filling the So-gapo normal shop, she had no choice but to open her eyes wide in shock. Hastily, she sprang up and peeked through the window to assess the situation outside, her heart racing at what she saw.
In the dim moonlight, it seemed like dozens of armed figures were rushing into the So-gapo normal shop.
At midnight.
The operation of the Outcast Union had begun.
