The rankings among the outcasts created quite a stir.
Aside from the automated match-making happening in front of me, they started ranking themselves too. From those challenging the Black Cat to the ongoing whirlwind of matches, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
Naturally, everyone was curious about where they stood at the Outcast Inn. This topic was undeniably intriguing, and the ranked matches provided the opportunity for pent-up curiosity to explode.
There’s certainly a certain charm in an objective ranking. In the case of Sacheon Outcasts who, for whatever reason, couldn’t accumulate glory from the outside world and had to suffer endless defeats, there was a latent desire to have their skills evaluated fairly.
So, here’s how the newly established ranking among the Sacheon Outcasts looked:
—————-
1. Black Cat
2. Jaso-gyeong
3. Yeong Ji-hu-yeol
…
11. Ho Cheon-an
…
13. Yeo Jin-sang
…
28. Jeong Sam
—————-
Unfortunately, Jeong Sam was still at the bottom due to no one willing to duel him. As all the outcasts got serious about the rankings, various rules emerged, and according to those regulations, Jeong Sam might finally escape the last place in a day or two. He wasn’t really meant to be at the bottom anyway, so he would surely rise on his own.
Thanks to the ranking matches, the Outcast Inn was experiencing an unprecedented training craze. The sound of combat echoed from the training hall from dawn until late at night—it had become a daily occurrence.
However, even the fervor of those outcasts was about to be disrupted by something.
That something was the insane heat that seemed to suck the very life out of them.
“Ugh!”
“Eww!”
The outcasts who attempted morning training rushed back inside the inn, drenched as if they’d just emerged from a river. In this stifling heat where simply breathing made you sweaty, it was no surprise they ended up in such a state after intense training. Non-martial artists might have suffered from heatstroke.
“Phew… How can it be this hot?”
“The authorities say this is record heat not seen in 64 years…”
“Hmm. I feel like I heard that last year too, but it’s really hot.”
As I chewed on some bread, thinking that eating noodles steaming in this heat was just not right, I recalled:
“I heard the Minjang River has run dry? Because of that, goods are stranded since the boats can’t set sail.”
“Wow, it really does seem like a record heat.”
“Rather than heat, wouldn’t drought be a better expression?”
Is this what it is? This year… it’s the eighth year since I came here, so… yes, I would say it’s the time for this event.
Almost overlooked that. Sometimes, the gossip of outcasts can be surprisingly helpful.
These days, I was completely immersed in martial training. In the early mornings, I trained my stats and engaged in ranking matches. During the day, I accepted requests to gain practical experience, then returned to review that experience, and in the evening, I would prepare countermeasures. The cycle repeated until I finally collapsed into bed, waking up to dawn once again.
Actually, until I reached this stage, training had been a tedious task. Even at Iryu level, aside from refining my Qi, it was no different from exercising back in the modern world. Just swinging swords with my body, building muscles, and training my reflexes…
I was just a gamer indulging in a martial arts game, not a fitness fanatic. Excluding the Qi aspect, there wasn’t much difference from physical training or martial arts practice in reality, so I hadn’t felt a significant charm in training apart from the increase in stats shown on the system window.
But once I reached the peak stage, things changed. The distribution and concentration of Qi opened up numerous possibilities for practical use. Not only did I need to focus on physical movements, but I also had to pay attention to my Qi techniques, so there was much to learn and master.
The thrill of harmonizing Qi and body to unleash maximized martial arts forms was unparalleled. What used to be a painful process for raising my skills now became an enjoyable experience.
But no matter how enjoyable training was, I had to take care of my responsibilities. I still needed to gather seven pieces, making it quite a challenge.
Black Cat, who was bundled up so tightly, also couldn’t escape the blazing heat as she brought a fan and started waving it gently.
“Hey, Black Cat.”
“Yes?”
“Let’s go catch some carp.”
“…What did you say?”
“I said let’s go play in the water.”
Black Cat suddenly sprang up.
“Let’s leave right away!”
* *
“Looks like they’ve been caught after all.”
Hwang Geum-seon mumbled as he crumpled the letter in his hand. Despite trying hard to erase those traces for the past fifteen years, it was a mistake made from the very start.
Even without physical evidence, the words of those who were present at the scene remained.
If those present had gathered to kill the residents of the mountain villa and loot, there was even more reason to be anxious.
That’s why Hwang Geum-seon had bribed the people around those he suspected might get caught. So he could quickly receive news when they came under attack.
The letter sent by Mo Yeobu’s subordinate contained astonishing news, besides Mo Yeobu’s death.
It said that Miss Yeo Il-ye had simultaneously defeated two peak experts head-on. Hwang Geum-seon recalled the image of Yeo Il-ye, who had effortlessly subdued his hidden bodyguards.
“Heh.”
Surprisingly, the smile that appeared on Hwang Geum-seon’s face contained a sense of calm.
“So, you were really a disciple of the Jeomchang faction.”
Hwang Geum-seon thought back to Yeo Il-ye’s actions that day. Beneath her calm demeanor lay a hidden ferocity—flashes of madness that could resurface at any moment.
He felt a fear in the shards of madness that Yeo Il-ye had hidden away.
What he once considered the not-so-smart and overly benign behavior of a Jeomchang disciple had eventually brought her back to being a Jeomchang disciple after all.
The evidence was in this letter.
If she were truly blinded by revenge, her blade would have reached Hwang Geum-seon faster than this letter could.
Instead of avenging blood with blood, she chose to gather witnesses and evidence to punish those responsible for the bloody incident at the Yeo-ga Mountain Villa.
“What changed her mindset?”
Reflecting on the actions of Miss Yeo Il-ye, who was burning with hatred towards the outcasts, one would expect her to draw her sword and charge in at any moment, yet she chose to walk the path of righteousness instead.
For reasons unknown, it was a fortunate development for Hwang Geum-seon.
What he truly feared was that Yeo Il-ye would resurrect as a vengeful spirit—a person who would throw everything away and come at him saying, “You die, or I die.” In front of someone with nothing left to lose, power, status, and money had no meaning.
Indeed, Yeo Il-ye had the power to crush Hwang Geum-seon if she burned everything. If she transformed into a bloodthirsty spirit aiming to kill everyone in the Hwang Gold Clan, Hwang Geum-seon would have to face death as well. Therefore, after she reached the peak stage, he had refrained from provoking her.
However, Yeo Il-ye chose the path of righteousness instead of the path of bloodshed.
“You’ve made a foolish choice.”
Hwang Geum-seon scoffed at Yeo Il-ye. The laws of the righteous faction, the methods of Jeomchang—if they could not achieve their objectives, they were all in vain. No matter how outstanding Yeo Il-ye is, what good would that do? If she fears the blood that flows from others besides her target, she wouldn’t even dare to draw her sword.
“Now I can crush you with full force.”
Hwang Geum-seon thought of the members in Sacheon City. After instigating the bloody event at Yeo-ga Mountain Villa fifteen years ago, he quickly capitalized on that capital to rise rapidly.
Then, he realized.
There were figures in Sacheon City who, like him, pushed aggressively with unknown capital at all costs and by any means. Hwang Geum-seon confirmed them to be among those who burned down Yeo-ga Mountain Villa.
While the influential figures in the light carefully concealed their identities during the bloody incident, they weren’t so obscured that they could not be recognized with this level of conviction.
Since then, the three of them and Hwang Geum-seon had meticulously pretended not to know each other, yet unbeknownst to them, they had cooperated and maintained their relationship for the past fifteen years.
The reason for maintaining such a vague relationship while cooperating was simple.
“If one of those two falls, my safety becomes at risk.”
If one person fell, would they simply let the others be? There would arise a necessity to pressure the others into cooperating for a comeback. Thus, the three formed a peculiar relationship, eyeing each other’s safety while burying the dark secret of the bloody event at Yeo-ga Mountain Villa.
Though not as intimidating as Hwang Geum-seon, they were considerable figures within Sacheon City.
“They likely want to settle their past as well.”
This time, they would join forces to decisively deal with Yeo Il-ye.
Hwang Geum-seon thought about how much possible resistance Yeo Il-ye could muster while cornered by numerous powerholders, against one righteous martial artist. It was evident who would win. Especially if the duel is held in Sacheon City, the home turf of three power holders, it would be even clearer.
Yeo Il-ye would simply struggle and flounder, caught in one trap after another.
A lingering smile crept onto Hwang Geum-seon’s face.
* *
Black Cat and I quickly finished our preparations and left Sacheon City.
“Senior~ But where exactly are we going?”
“To Minjang River.”
“Hmm? Didn’t you mention something about it being exposed earlier at the inn?”
“That’s why we’re going.”
“Haah, I thought we were just going out to fish and enjoy the day, but…it’s for treasure hunting, huh….”
Well, it could be considered for leisure too—whether it’s beach fun or fishing. Just a bit of everything. But telling Black Cat beforehand would spoil the fun.
“Tsk… While I’m here trying to find some Seven Daze Potion to purchase, someone else is going out to fish while dragging me along for the treasure hunt!”
I had suggested going to catch carp, so I almost made her think it was a simple fishing outing, but realizing she’s the fish herself, Black Cat, sulking, began to stomp her foot, following me.
“Tsk!”
“Ugh.”
Accommodating the disgruntled Black Cat, we headed towards Minjang River. Minjang River is relatively small, being a tributary of the Yangtze River.
Of course, it’s small only by Yangtze standards; it’s definitely not a small river.
It’s a day’s walk or half-day from Sacheon City, and now that I’d come to be able to execute basic light-footedness techniques, we significantly shortened our travel time. Even upon arrival at Minjang River, the sun was still high in the sky.
“Wow, it’s really dried up!”
Black Cat marveled at the cracked riverbed, taking off her shoes to dip her feet in. Even with the record heat, the water in Minjang River hadn’t disappeared completely; it just meant the deep water had dried up to be left with a valley’s worth of water. Perhaps it was even more suitable for playing in than usual conditions.
Once her feet touched the water, Black Cat seemed much cheerier.
“Hmmm…”
What was it… a distinctive terrain feature? We walked along the river for a while. Finally, after about half an hour of searching, I saw a notable landmark.
“Now, this is more like it.”
A large weeping willow growing on a rock. This was indeed the right landmark.
“Black Cat, check one last time that our gear is waterproof before diving.”
“…Diving?”
“Right. Did you bring the bamboo pipe? Just in case, keep it in your mouth.”
“Hmm…what’s that all about? Anyway, I’m feeling a bit nervous now!”
After that, I was searching for the entrance, stirring up stones here and there, and eventually discovered a cave just wide enough for a person to squeeze through. But maybe “cave” was the wrong term; the water inside was completely filled.
“I’m going in.”
The underwater cave, just wide enough for a person to barely crawl through, expanded to have enough space for swimming as I moved forward while holding my breath. I wasn’t feeling secure now; had I come just a few days earlier, I might have been unable to enter due to the water filling the cave.
The width of the underwater cave was about one person’s width, and around 80% of the cave was water. I could probably stick my face up for air, but just to be safe, I continued swimming while keeping the bamboo pipe in my mouth.
Bubbles rose.
Looking back, I saw Black Cat navigating through the narrow space with wide eyes, taking in her surroundings. Once I confirmed she had signaled me to lead, I moved forward.
This underwater cave is accessible only when a historic drought renders the Minjang River dry. The water level must drop enough so that a bit of air can flow into the cave’s ceiling, allowing passage.
Considering it was about a half-hour swim, even martial arts masters couldn’t enter during other conditions.
Even if someone accidentally stumbled upon this underwater cave, who would be insane enough to continue exploring a seemingly endless underwater cave devoid of rewards?
Yet, someone did crazy enough to find this place. But isn’t that only possible in a game? Judging by the shape and possible special terrain beneath it, it’s almost a certainty that something exists within.
Regardless, whenever I felt out of breath, I would gulp air from the bamboo pipe trapped in the ceiling and repeat. Despite the protection of my internal power, chills began creeping over me.
“Phew.”
I finally emerged into the open.
“Wow…what on earth.”
Black Cat exclaimed in awe, and once she was sure there were no other people around, she released her Black Shadow Qi. Her eyes sparkled like starlight after a long time.
It was indeed a sight worth admiring.
We emerged into a large cave illuminated by faint glowing moss and various unidentified underground plants.
Stretching ahead were pools filled with water, not just holes but ponds thriving with vegetation.
It looked precisely like a natural aquarium.
“I didn’t know such a place existed…”
Hearing Black Cat’s voice soaked with emotion sparked a sense of pride in me. After all, if it weren’t for me, where would she ever experience something like this? You can’t visit such a hideaway without someone with experience.
We placed our bags down and decided to take in the view of the cave. I may have only seen places like this in my game screen, but this was my first time witnessing it in person.
Above us was a spacious cave adorned with soft glowing moss, and below lay endless shimmering pools of water; the scene was breathtaking.
“Senior! Senior! How many days are we staying here? We have plenty of food packed, don’t we?”
Nodding at Black Cat, who was making a face like she would scratch my face if not.
Sure, it was slightly humid, but not unpleasantly so. Perhaps it was the refreshing humidity felt in the morning forest? Above all, this cave’s temperature was just perfect for humans. The chill felt akin to stepping into a room where the air conditioner is set to 23-25 degrees. Compared to the outside weather that makes you sweat buckets in only a minute, it felt like heaven.
My feelings of wanting to stay in this cave as long as possible were exactly the same.
“At the very least, we might stay for a few days, perhaps even a week!”
“That’s exciting!”
Black Cat hopped around in joy, and with her motions, the information pouch swayed dynamically.
Hmm.
Usually, due to her use of Black Shadow Qi, the contours of Black Cat’s body were seldom, if ever, visible, but now as she wet with water and moved energetically…
What a delightful sight.
“Ah! Senior! There’s something in the water in this hole!”
“Right.”
Black Cat peered into the water, where something was swimming, glimmering faintly. The shape was indiscernible as it swam along the bottom.
“What is that?”
“It’s Hwari (Fire Carp).”
Black Cat looked at me as if to confirm what she had heard. I nodded, confirming, and spoke once again.
“More accurately, it’s probably around the ten-year mark.”
This cave was a habitat for a colony of Fire Carp.
