Absolute Warrior V3C6: Infiltration
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TL: FoodieMonster007 If you see this, you are at the wrong site!
"I met Crimson Tiger, and I quite like that fellow," Baek Museong remarked to Jin Chung, who was reflected in the bronze mirror, as he got dressed.
"……" Jin Chung remained silent, even though his master was clearly seeking his agreement.
Giving his aide a sidelong glance, Baek Museong continued nonchalantly, "He's quite charismatic, with a decent personality."
"So, are you planning to make him your subordinate or something?" Jin Chung growled irritably.
Baek Museong gestured for the maids dressing him to withdraw, then gazed at Jin Chung's reflection in the bronze mirror. "You're still upset, aren't you?"
"I am not," Jin Chung replied.
That was the truth. He was not upset at all, but nervous and restless. Sa Gon, who should have contacted him by now, still hadn't sent word.
Baek Museong smiled. He was grateful for Jin Chung's brash attitude. Someone had to resent Crimson Tiger on his behalf, because only then could he forgive his own indifference.
Of course, he had no idea that Jin Chung had gone beyond mere resentment to actually taking action.
A brief silence fell as he turned back to the bronze mirror to adjust his attire, when suddenly, Soeun's face flickered in his mind again.
He stiffened, but fortunately the arrival of visitors pulled him away from his thoughts.
They were the Fist Master, Lee Yanghyeong, and the Boomerang Sword, Taoist Scarlet. Along with a pair known as the Two Immortals, they made up the four masters who followed him.
Also, these were the two elders whose appointments he had recently canceled.
The Fist Master Lee Yanghyeong was a master of fist techniques who had once swept through the Jiangbei1 murim with his two fists. He had the demeanor of a master and the magnanimous personality of a leader.
Taoist Scarlet, on the other hand, had a more aggressive temperament and was a hot-blooded individual who bluntly voiced his opinions without reservation.
Baek Museong offered a polite clasped hands greeting to the two elderly masters. "It's been a while since we last met."
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The two elders reciprocated with a casual greeting. When they first came under the First Young Lord's service, Baek Museong had been little more than a greenhorn, but he had now grown into a prominent figure with the highest chance of succeeding the Association. Because of that, the two men were considering treating Baek Museong with the etiquette due their liege lord soon.
However, the timing was a very sensitive issue. Whether it should be before or after the First Young Lord officially became the successor was crucial. If they recognized him as their master too soon, and the Third Young Lady became the successor instead, they would be purged along with the First Young Lord. On the other hand, if they waited too long, they would be estranged from the First Young Lord once he gained real power.
"I managed to procure some tender, high-quality meat, so I invited you both," Baek Museong said. "I hope I'm not taking up too much of your precious time."
As if on cue, several maids entered the room carrying plates of food and laid out a feast fit for kings.
Lee Yanghyeong chuckled, "Hahaha, not at all. We're grateful that you've invited us old men who have nothing better to do."
The three men sat down, while Jin Chung stood at a distance. As he was Baek Museong's right-hand man, the two old masters paid him no mind.
Baek Museong nodded. He would have preferred to invite all four elderly masters who supported him at the same time, but Taoist Scarlet did not get along well with the Two Immortals, so he was forced to invite them separately.
It started after they had a serious dispute with them during a private meeting over a certain rumor about Taoist Scarlet's past that every master in the Association had probably heard at least once.
Apparently, Taoist Scarlet committed the heinous act of murdering his own master and senior brother in his youth. He was also the sole survivor when his sect was allegedly attacked by unknown assailants.
Most people dismissed it as a wild, unfounded rumor, but one of the Immortals had thoughtlessly confronted him about it in a drunken stupor. The resulting conflict had very nearly escalated to the point where swords were drawn.
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Since then, Taoist Scarlet and the Two Immortals had become bitter enemies and never appeared in the same place together.
Baek Museong respectfully poured liquor for the two old men.
"You must be busy with wedding preparations," Lee Yanghyeong remarked.
"My heart is busy pounding from excitement, but I'm not really doing anything else."
Lee Yanghyeong laughed, "Haha, is that so?"
"……" Taoist Scarlet silently lifted his cup.
Baek Museong observed him discreetly. "Master Scarlet, does my marriage displease you?"
To his surprise, Taoist Scarlet nodded.
"May I ask why?"
Taoist Scarlet replied without hesitation, "If you become the Lord of Sword Heaven's son-in-law, then the rest of us will all end up becoming like dogs that chased a chicken only to lose it to the roof."
"Hoho, my friend, why are you saying such things?" Lee Yanghyeong exclaimed in dismay. Although Taoist Scarlet was a straight talker, this was a meeting with the First Young Lord. A certain amount of decorum had to be maintained.
Baek Museong smiled and shook his head. "I would never abandon you guys like that."
"Even if you don't intend to, it will naturally turn out that way."
"May I ask why you think so?"
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"Let's have a drink first," Taoist Scarlet raised his cup in a toast, and the three men downed their liquor. Only then did he begin, "The Lord of Sword Heaven is a very ambitious man. He will not leave us alone."
Lee Yanghyeong, who had been about to stop Taoist Scarlet, fell silent. He had a feeling that he knew what Taoist Scarlet was about to say. In fact, this was something that he himself had been a little worried about.
Baek Museong blinked in confusion. "Are you saying that he'll target you?"
"Yes, he certainly will. He wants you to become completely dependent on Sword Heaven, which makes us four old men thorns in his side."
A brief silence ensued as Baek Museong seriously considered the possibility.
His words definitely hold some truth.
Although their skills might be slightly inferior, the four elderly masters were not people the Lord of Sword Heaven could easily dismiss. In addition, they would undoubtedly hinder his ability to manipulate Baek Museong.
"Hmm… what should I do to prevent him from harming you?" Baek Museong asked, acknowledging that Taoist Scarlet had a point.
"Nothing. You wish to take a wife and start a family. We old men cannot get in the way of that." Taoist Scarlet picked up a meat skewer from the side dishes. "We can only pray that we don't end up impaled by swords."
"I won't allow such a thing to happen."
Lee Yanghyeong snorted. "How can you be so sure? Although Old Master Scarlet's words are harsh, I can't say that the possibility doesn't exist, either."
"Isn't there a saying that latrines and in-laws are best kept at a distance? I intend to adhere strictly to that saying."
"If you do that, you'll just end up being pressured from both the outside and the inside," Taoist Scarlet pointed out. He didn't mention it explicitly, but 'outside' referred to Ju Hwayin and 'inside' to the Lord of Sword Heaven.
Baek Museong smiled good-naturedly. Although he couldn't say it, he was confident that Taoist Scarlet's fears would not come to pass.
Because there was one fact he knew that they didn't.
His fiancée was Sin Yeongyeong, and that bitch was anything but a conscientious housewife. If he could get her on his side, then an entirely new situation would unfold. It wouldn't be him keeping Sword Heaven in check, but Sin Yeongyeong.
[Sir, we bring urgent news.]
Jin Chung, who had been observing the drinking party off to the side, suddenly received a telepathic message from one of his subordinates.
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Discreetly exiting the room, he headed to the end of the corridor where a trusted subordinate awaited him. Together, they left the building and headed toward a deserted spot of the compound.
"What happened?" Jin Chung asked.
"We've lost contact with Sa Gon."
"What? Report in detail."
"We found some of Sa Gon's men dead in the market district. The rest have all disappeared."
"All of them?"
"All of them, including Sa Gon."
"Are you saying that they were…disposed of?"
"It seems so."
"Seriously!?" Jin Chung gulped. He knew it wouldn't be easy to defeat Crimson Tiger, but he hadn't expected Sa Gon to fail.
"We're certain. The Phantoms never leave traces of their hunts. Also… it won't be long before the First Young Lord hears about this failed assault."
Jin Chung's mind reeled. He had already embezzled official funds, and he couldn't prevent the news from reaching the First Young Lord. Besides, the First Young Lord had access to other information channels besides his.
Nevertheless, there was a more pressing problem.
"Do you think Crimson Tiger knows we were behind it?" he asked worriedly.
"Sa Gon is a tight-lipped man. I believe he would die before revealing anything… but given the opponent, we cannot be certain. We must kill him as quickly as possible."
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Jin Chung's expression darkened. "If even Sa Gon failed, then who on earth am I supposed to send!?"
At the same time, a hushed conversation was taking place in Crimson Tiger's quarters.
"Here's what you asked for," Yeon said, handed Crimson Tiger a map.
"You got it faster than I thought. Good work." Taking the map, Crimson Tiger spread it out on the table. "How accurate is it?"
"It's the most recent copy."
Crimson Tiger examined the map. Indeed, the number of guards of the First Gate, which he had passed through, was accurately recorded.
Yeon explained, "The First Young Lord's residence is at the eastern end of the Second Gate area, and the Third Young Lady's residence is at the western end. The defenses at the Second Gate are a problem, but so is what comes after the infiltration. Even the menial workers there are closely watched at all times, not to mention the place is swarming with martial masters."
"What about here?"
"That's the Third Gate, which leads to the Association Chairman's residence. It's absolutely impenetrable, even for you."
Crimson Tiger smiled faintly. If Yeon said that much, the security there must be indescribable. Of course, he had no reason to go that far. He only needed to pass through the Second Gate, which was watched by thirty guards.
"The walls can't be scaled, and there are no secret passages. You have to go through the gates."
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"Hmm…" Crimson Tiger fell into deep thought.
It's the same setup as the Evil Coalition. The gates can be breached forcefully, but not secretly infiltrated.
"How strong are the martial artists guarding the Second Gate?" he asked.
"One peak master, five first-rate warriors, and the rest are second-rate."
"…Formidable," Crimson Tiger muttered, staring down at the map. With that level of security, stealthy infiltration was absolutely out of the question.
There must be a weakness. If I can't find it, that just means I haven't searched hard enough.
"What kind of place is this?" he asked, pointing to one of central buildings.
"It's a teahouse."
"A place for rest and relaxation?"
"Yes. It was recently built for Inner Court martial artists, but I understand it's mostly frequented by women."
Crimson Tiger grinned evilly. "A teahouse…should have good tea, right?"
Yeon sighed. She had seen that squinty, fox-eyed look before. It was the look he'd worn just before he strolled into the Ironblood Commander's residence in broad daylight, disguised as Yong Hajin.
If I had to guess, his next words should be…
"You know… I believe there might be a legitimate way for me to pass through the Second Gate."
At dawn the next morning, groceries were delivered to the rear entrance of the Hundred Flavors Restaurant.
The central food warehouse, which managed the food supplies for the Association, sorted the groceries that arrived from outside and distributed them to where they were needed.
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Crimson Tiger approached the person in charge of delivering food to the Hundred Flavors Restaurant and the other kitchens in the courtyard, a man named Heo Seung.
"You're working hard so early in the morning," he greeted as Heo Seung unloaded the goods.
"It's my job, so it's hardly an effort. But who might you be?"
"I'm the new restaurant manager, Jin Ho."
Heo Seung blinked in surprise. "Oh. Uh, is that so? I'm Heo Seung, a deliveryman."
Although Heo Seung was older than Crimson Tiger, he used polite speech as he was lower in rank than a restaurant manager. Still, he wasn't too deferential as he prided himself on working for the central food warehouse that oversaw all the food for the Association.
This was a power play of sorts. If there was one thing he'd learned from his long organizational life, it was that if you bowed down to someone at the beginning, you had to keep bowing until the end. Winning the initial power struggle made things easier all the way through.
Besides, being a food deliveryman might sound like a menial job, but if someone got on their bad side and treated them like lowly laborers, fresh, tasty food would soon become a thing of the past.
"The dawn air is chilly. Why don't you come inside for a moment and warm yourself?" Crimson Tiger offered, smiling kindly and showing no interest in Heo Seung's little word games.
"I think I will."
Having some time to spare, Heo Seung followed Crimson Tiger inside, and Crimson Tiger personally served him tea.
"You said that you were new, right? Where were you before this?" Heo Seung asked.
Crimson Tiger groaned, "I was stationed out in the remote territories."
"My condolences, and congratulations on your promotion."
Everyone wanted to work in the Association's main headquarters instead of one of the rural branches, so it was indeed something worth congratulating.
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Crimson Tiger grinned. "Thank you."
Heo Seung realized that Crimson Tiger wasn't a very troublesome person. That wasn't a bad thing. Good relationships hurt no one. No matter how much pride he had in his affiliation with the central food warehouse, if the other party was difficult and started nitpicking about ingredients, it would be tiring for both sides.
Pouring Heo Seung some more tea, Crimson Tiger remarked casually, "I'll be counting on you in the future."
"Of course." Heo Seung nodded, pleased. "But… why are you staring at me so intently?"
"Your nose bridge has a gentle slope like a mountain ridge, your earlobes are thick, and your eyes are clear and unblemished. Those features suggest that you will enjoy a very blessed life."
"Aha! Are you well-versed in fortune telling?"
"It's just a hobby I picked up in my youth."
Heo Seung beamed, his mood improving even further.
Meanwhile, Crimson Tiger continued staring intently at his face.
After chatting for a short while, Heo Seung rose from his seat. "Regrettably, I must be going now."
"Of course."
When Heo Seung left, Hong Maerang, who had been pretending not to watch from a distance, approached. "Why are you being so nice to that fellow?"
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"Why? Should I not be nice?"
"That's not what I mean, but."
"The reputation of this establishment depends on the ingredients that man brings. Obviously, I should be nice to him, right?"
"If you're too nice, he'll try to walk all over you."
"Let him try. It's not like he can do anything worse than dancing on my back while I'm drunk?"
Hong Maerang shook his head with an expression that implied that he was hopeless. Gong Suk, who had been peeking out of the kitchen, chuckled softly and disappeared behind the curtain.
After that, Crimson Tiger would greet Heo Seung at dawn for several days. Heo Seung's liking for Crimson Tiger, who treated him so graciously, grew.
It was human nature to feel affection for someone who says even one kind word, and compared to the previous manager, who acted high and mighty and boasted every time he opened his mouth, Crimson Tiger was very humble and good-natured.
Besides, when Crimson Tiger had come out and greeted him on the first day, Heo Seung thought it was just a one-time courtesy, but the man consistently greeted him at dawn. It was truly no easy task.
"Manager, you're much more diligent than you look," Heo Seung remarked.
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"So I look lazy?"
"I mean, you don't look like someone who'd be up and about so early in the morning."
"Is that a compliment?"
"Of course, it's a compliment. Waking up before the crack of dawn, rubbing your eyes, how could that not be a hard life?"
"Haha. I think it's all about perspective. Breathing this fresh dawn air while everyone else is asleep isn't so bad, is it?"
"Oh, that's a good one. Hahaha!"
The two had grown considerably closer in just a few days.
Looking at Crimson Tiger who was staring at him again, Heo Seung smiled faintly. He figured it was a habit, but since his fortune wasn't bad, he didn't much care if he was being ogled or scrutinized.
Besides, this new restaurant manager was even helping him unload the goods.
"How many restaurants do you deliver to?" Crimson Tiger asked.
"Five in total."
"That must be tough."
"Well, I'm used to it by now."
"Hmm?" Suddenly, Crimson Tiger spotted something and sniffed it. "By any chance, is this Tieguanyin?"
"It is. How did you know?"
"I once worked in the tea trade in my youth."
"Is that so?"
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"Is this tea meant for the teahouse in the Inner Courts?"
"Yes, that's right. Although it's a small teahouse, the patrons there only drink tea of the highest quality."
Crimson Tiger lifted the tea again and breathed in its fragrance. "Truly, the aroma alone feels like it could melt one's entire body."
"I'll treat you to some next time." Grinning, Heo Seung pulled his cart and departed.
Crimson Tiger's eyes sparkled mischievously as he watched the man depart.
Later that morning, after Heo Seung had finished all his grocery deliveries, 'Heo Seung' dashed to the Second Gate, looking flustered.
"What's the matter?" one of the guards asked.
'Heo Seung' held up a pack of tea leaves. "There was a mistake in one of the shipments. If the elders in the Inner Court end up drinking substandard tea, heads will roll."
The guard hesitated. Even though they saw Heo Seung daily, they couldn't let him pass without due process.
One guard ran towards the Inner Court to confirm, and a short while later, he reappeared.
"It's true. I checked with the teahouse, and they said the wrong tea was delivered."
"Give it here. We'll deliver it."
"I have to go apologize myself. You know how picky the women at the teahouse are. If I just send the tea, they'll torment me endlessly."
"Go on then." The guard chuckled. Since Heo Seung was a familiar face, he didn't think it would be a problem to let the desperate man pass.
'Heo Seung' walked through the Second Gate, but the place he headed to was not the teahouse. After all, he was not Heo Seung, but Crimson Tiger.
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Earlier, Crimson Tiger had swapped the Tieguanyin on Heo Seung's cart with cheap tea he had prepared in advance.
And now, he had successfully infiltrated the Inner Court.
"Please, just help me this once," Jin Chung begged.
Taoist Scarlet frowned. He had never dreamed that Jin Chung would come to see him, and much less that he would ask him to kill someone. He growled, "Do you even know what you're saying right now?"
"Of course."
"You'd better. This matter could bring about your utter downfall."
"I am prepared for that."
"Of course you are. By the way, Young Lord Baek doesn't know about this, does he?"
"If he did, he would have asked you himself."
"You'll be punished severely for this."
"Punishment? No, you're mistaken. My head will roll, and I'll make sure to drag you down with me, Elder."
Taoist Scarlet scoffed. Jin Chung was acting like a desperate rat driven into a corner. "Interesting, very interesting. You want me to help you so badly that you'd even resort to threats?"
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"Yes."
"So, what do I stand to gain from helping you?"
"You will have my considerable gratitude."
"Is that all?"
"Yes, that is all."
"……" Taoist Scarlet narrowed his eyes.
"Well, there might be one more thing in it for you."
"And what is that?"
"You mentioned earlier that if this marriage goes through, the Lord of Sword Heaven will oust you four elders."
"I did."
"He probably won't be able to oust all four of you."
"…!"
"No matter how powerful the Lord of Sword Heaven is, he will have to consider the Young Lord's feelings. He'll probably stop after eliminating two of the elders, and the Young Lord will do nothing to prevent it."
Taoist Scarlet nodded. Jin Chung's argument certainly sounded plausible. "And?"
"You will be one of the two who remain by the Young Lord's side. I can make sure that the Two Immortals will be the ones ousted."
"Do you have the power to make that happen?" Taoist Scarlet mocked.
Deep down, though, he believed it was quite possible. Jin Chung was the subordinate who had the most influence over the First Young Lord. Surely, he could arrange for him to be spared. Besides, if he could get rid of those despicable Immortals, that was a bonus.
Additionally, for Jin Chung to owe him a huge debt was certainly not a bad deal. When the First Young Lord became the successor of the Association, Jin Chung would undoubtedly occupy a core position of power. It was a worthwhile investment for the future.
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Taoist Scarlet asked, "What is your reason for going to such extremes?"
"I cannot tell you the reason, but that man definitely poses a threat to the Young Lord."
"Why me, of all people?"
"This task can only be done by you, Senior," Jin Chung replied earnestly. The other three elders would never agree to his request without knowing the reason, but he knew that Taoist Scarlet was different from them. If the old man thought there was a clear benefit, he would even agree to cold-blooded murder.
Still, Taoist Scarlet shook his head. "You'll need more that that to convince me."
"He is the most skilled martial artist among the Twelve Phantoms."
"I've heard some interesting things about the Twelve Phantoms, but aren't they just glorified ordinary mercenaries?"
Jin Chung lowered his voice, "That ordinary mercenary is the one who returned alive after taking the Ironblood Commander's head."
"What? The Ironblood Commander's head!?" Taoist Scarlet exclaimed, astonished.
Jin Chung nodded. The operation to assassinate the Ironblood Commander was confidential, so it was only natural that Taoist Scarlet hadn't heard about it yet, but with the elder's standing, he was bound to find out eventually. It was similar to how the top masters within the Evil Coalition would eventually learn of the Ironblood Commander's death, no matter how much the Evil Coalition tried to hide it.
"Is that true?" Taoist Scarlet asked again.
Jin Chung added, "Yes, and two years ago, he was also the one responsible for eliminating the Heaven-Destroying Corps Commander."
"Kahahahahaha!" Taoist Scarlet burst into laughter. Now he understood why Jin Chung was trying to involve him.
Even among Jin Chung's own close associates, there were many capable people, enough that the assistant didn't necessarily need to involve him. Because of this, he had been inwardly suspicious, wondering if there was an ulterior motive.
However, when he heard about the opponent's skills, everything made sense. Against such an opponent, choosing him was the wisest decision.
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"Hahaha! He sounds like quite a fellow!"
Jin Chung warned sternly, "You must be careful."
Taoist Scarlet narrowed his eyes, rebuking Jin Chung for daring to speak to him in such a manner. If he had been an ordinary master, he would never have allowed Jin Chung to provoke him like this.
No, he was a true master, and a master who reached a high realm would not let pointless pride or ego ruin a task. The provocation would only make him more cautious.
"Alright, let's assume that's true. How should I go about eliminating him?"
"I will soon assign him an assassination mission. You, Senior, will disguise yourself as the assassination target, wait for him, and then finish him off."
Taoist Scarlet nodded silently.
"And you must keep this matter an absolute secret…"
Suddenly, Taoist Scarlet raised a hand, and silence fell around them. Narrowing his eyes, he drew his sword and threw it.
SWISH! THUD!
The sword shot out like an arrow and embedded itself in the ceiling, burying itself up to the hilt.
Jin Chung froze. No blood dripped from the hilt. If the sword had been aimed at someone, then it had missed.
CRASH!
Taoist Scarlet twitched his finger, and the sword moved on its own, cleaving the ceiling as if parting the sea.
Still, the only thing that trickled down from the long, straight gash in the ceiling was dust and wood chips.
Jin Chung tensed. Even now, he still couldn't sense anyone's presence. That could only mean one thing, that the opponent was a master comparable to Taoist Scarlet.
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WHOOSH!
The sword flew through the air and back into Taoist Scarlet's hand.
"Don't even think of getting away!" he roared, before kicking open the door and rushing outside.
Jin Chung followed him anxiously. Considering the importance of their conversation, they had to catch the eavesdropper. Absolutely.
Ju Hwayin and Sin Yeongyeong ran into each other by pure chance on their way to the Inner Court.
"It's a pleasure to see you, Third Young Lady," Sin Yeongyeong greeted politely.
Ju Hwayin smiled and returned the greeting, "It's been a while."
Their relationship was fundamentally bad. From Sin Yeongyeong's standpoint, Ju Hwayin was her soon-to-be husband's rival, while from Ju Hwayin's perspective, Sin Yeongyeong was a conniving bitch who would empower her rival.
Even so, the two women hid their true feelings and smiled at each other.
"You've become even more beautiful," Sin Yeongyeong complimented.
Ju Hwayin smiled. "Shall we have some tea?"
"Certainly."
The two of them went to the teahouse that was set up for the Inner Court martial artists to rest. All the people who worked at the teahouse were women, and it was beautifully decorated.
"Please, have a seat."
The two sat down facing each other, and a waitress immediately brought them tea.
"You must be busy with wedding preparations. How many months are left until the wedding?" Ju Hwayin asked.
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"About two months."
"Oh, that time will pass in the blink of an eye. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
Ju Hwayin stared at Sin Yeongyeong, but Sin Yeongyeong couldn't meet her gaze and looked away.
Strictly speaking, the two of them were not in a superior-subordinate relationship. The Lord of Sword Heaven's eldest daughter was no lower in status than one of the Association Chairman's successors.
Sin Yeongyeong, however, behaved cautiously and deferentially, as if she were a subordinate.
Ju Hwayin asked again, "Do you see Senior Brother often?"
"Occasionally."
"Does he treat you well?"
"Yes."
"He is a good man."
Sin Yeongyeong smiled brightly. "Yes, he is."
"When I heard that Senior Brother was marrying you, Miss Sin, I was actually a bit surprised."
"Why so?"
"How should I put it? I always thought Senior Brother was far removed from the idea of a political marriage."
At the word 'political', Sin Yeongyeong's brow furrowed slightly. She hadn't expected Ju Hwayin to suddenly use the word so bluntly after creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Then again, there's no real need to hide our hostility. Everyone knows that we're enemies.
Sin Yeongyeong concealed her inner thoughts and smiled brightly. "I don't think political marriages are necessarily bad. I've seen many people become unhappy after marrying without regard for status or family background."
Ju Hwayin nodded silently.
"I respect the First Young Lord. I believe that's just as important as love," Sin Yeongyeong added confidently. In truth though, she felt uneasy, felt like she was making excuses. Eventually, a sharp remark slipped out.
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"Third Young Lady, are you so confident that you won't engage in a political marriage yourself?"
Sin Yeongyeong immediately regretted her words. She usually tried hard not to reveal her inner thoughts, but her composure had shattered because her opponent was Ju Hwayin. Panicking, she opened her mouth to try and smooth things over with kind words, but Ju Hwayin spoke first.
"I'm not confident. That's why I don't intend to get married at all," Ju Hwayin replied.
Sin Yeongyeong froze. It was her complete defeat. Forcing a smile, she rose from her seat. "I think I should be going now. See you next time."
"Goodbye." Ju Hwayin saw her off with a smile.
The moment Sin Yeongyeong disappeared, Lee Dansim materialized out of nowhere. "People say that Miss Sin is a woman who looks like a cute bear but is a fox inside.
Ju Hwayin shook her head. "No."
"Pardon?"
"She's not a fox."
"What do you mean?"
Ju Hwayin's eyes narrowed. "She's a venomous snake."
Lee Dansim blinked, startled. She knew better than anyone how good her mistress was at judging people.
Ju Hwayin explained, "When we were children, I was invited to her birthday party. Since she's the eldest daughter of Sword Heaven, it was a grand banquet. I don't know if she remembers, but all of my fellow disciples were there at the time, not just me."
Back then, they were all naive kids who never imagined that they would one day engage in a deadly succession war.
"Among the children who attended that day, there was one girl who captured everyone's attention. Even I, as a little girl, was impressed."
"Was she prettier than you, Young Lady? Surely not?"
"Well, I was quite a tomboy back then. Anyway, that girl was the prettiest that day, so all the boys at the party focused on her, while the actual birthday girl, Sin Yeongyeong, was completely ignored."
"What happened? Did Sin Yeongyeong harm the girl?"
"No. The party ended without incident."
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"Huh?"
"The incident occurred a year later. I heard news that the girl had met with misfortune."
"No way? Did she die?"
"Death would have been preferable to what happened to her. Her face was slashed dozens of times, and her bodyguards were all killed."
"Was it Miss Sin's doing?"
Ju Hwayin nodded. "She was so meticulousness that she even eliminated the subordinate who carried out the deed."
Lee Dansim shook her head in disbelief. If Ju Hwayin hadn't said it, she would never have believed this story. It was so different from Sin Yeongyeong's outward appearance.
However, it must be the truth. Given Ju Hwayin's nature, she wouldn't have investigated such a matter carelessly.
Ju Hwayin narrowed her eyes. "The scariest part is that it happened a whole year after the party, so no one suspected her. No one probably even connected her to it. Everyone had forgotten. That snake held back her venom for a whole year."
"At that time… wasn't Miss Sin still very young?"
Ju Hwayin smiled faintly. "Age isn't what turns a person into a demon."
"How creepy."
"Want to hear something scarier?"
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"Gasp!" Lee Dansim reacted with feigned shock, but her eyes were full of curiosity.
"Senior Brother probably knows about this too. He was there at the birthday party."
"Are you saying he intends to marry her even knowing her true nature?"
"I believe so."
"If that's true… it's truly terrifying."
"Yes, so don't forget who we're dealing with."
The two women stood up to leave the teahouse.
SHING!
Suddenly, Lee Dansim drew her sword and moved to block Ju Hwayin. "Step back!"
WHOOSH!
Taoist Scarlet descended rapidly toward them, followed by Jin Chung.
"Stop!" Lee Dansim shouted.
The two men landed a few paces away, looking confused. They had tracked the hidden presence here, and the Third Young Lady was the last person they expected to see.
Jin Chung's face darkened. Damn it! Could it be her spy?
Ju Hwayin gestured for Lee Dansim to step down, then stepped forward. "Elder Scarlet, I presume. It's been a long time."
"Haha, it has indeed."
Ju Hwayin looked at Jin Chung. "Mr. Jin, how have you been?"
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"I've been well, Third Young Lady." Jin Chung clasped his hands together in greeting. "We were in a hurry and acted rudely. Please forgive us."
Ju Hwayin smiled. "There is nothing to forgive. Still, what on earth could cause two such distinguished individuals to panic in this supposedly impregnable place? Have you perhaps discovered a spy of the Evil Coalition?"
"……" Jin Chung fell silent. He didn't know what to say.
Ju Hwayin giggled, "Oh, silly me. I've been saying such illogical things often lately. Please attribute it to the unsettling spring air and forgive me."
Taoist Scarlet chuckled, "Haha, there's nothing to forgive or not forgive. Well then. We'll see you next time."
The two men departed in a hurry.
Once they were some distance away, Jin Chung whispered, "Is she the eavesdropper?"
Of course, it couldn't possibly be the Third Young Lady. She wouldn't infiltrate their territory personally. Still, meeting her was such a coincidence, and she was definitely skilled enough in martial arts to dodge Taoist Scarlet's attack.
"No. The aura was definitely male."
"Damn it! We should have been more careful."
"……" Taoist Scarlet said nothing. It was a private conversation in his own quarters. A conversation where he had been on high alert. How much more careful could he have been?
"Don't worry too much. I might have been mistaken."
Taoist Scarlet was half convinced that his senses were right. When he gave chase, he definitely felt a tangible presence. However, since reaching his current realm, he sometimes encountered non-existent things and dueled with imaginary enemies.
Perhaps this too was some kind of delusion.
It was hard to believe he had lost the intruder so quickly. Why would a master of that caliber be scuttling across ceilings?
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Jin Chung's expression, however, remained dark. He couldn't to afford to gamble on what ifs.
Taoist Scarlet asked softly, "What do you intend to do now?"
After pondering for a moment, Jin Chung looked up. "There's one thing I need to confirm. Let's stay together for now. I'll explain afterwards."
As soon as he finished speaking, Jin Chung sprinted off, and Taoist Scarlet followed him.
Meanwhile, when the two men were out of earshot, Lee Dansim turned to Ju Hwayin. "Do you have any clue what those two are up to?"
Ju Hwayin frowned. "Taoist Scarlet is the most savage blade Senior Brother possesses. Him consorting with Jin Chung? They're plotting something."
Ju Hwayin spun around and walked back to the teahouse. "Excuse me!" she called out.
A waitress bowed respectfully in greeting. "Yes, Young Mistress?"
"Was anyone here just now?"
"Yes. A man named Heo Seung, who delivers the tea leaves and groceries daily, was here."
"What did he come here for?"
"He delivered the wrong tea this morning and came to exchange it."
"Has that happened before?"
"No, but why do you ask?"
"It's nothing."
Ju Hwayin turned to leave, but suddenly remembered something and turned back around. "That tea, could I have some?"
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"Of course." The woman handed a tea canister to Ju Hwayin.
"Thank you."
Seeing her mistress come out with tea in hand, Lee Dansim asked curiously, "Why was up with that strange line of questioning?"
Ju Hwayin smiled enigmatically.
"It's mean to leave me guessing, Young Lady."
Ju Hwayin grinned. "Shall we go have another cup of tea? I think I can enjoy it this time."
At the same time, Jin Chung arrived at a building opposite the Hundred Flavors Restaurant. Peeping inside, he saw Crimson Tiger, disguised as the Hundred Flavors Restaurant Manager, talking to Hong Maerang.
"Phew…" he sighed in relief.
Taoist Scarlet asked, "What on earth is going on? Why did you come here?"
"For a moment, I thought the one hiding might have been him, but it seems that I was wrong."
"Who is that man?"
"Crimson Tiger."
"That's him? The target?"
"Yes, he's working undercover as the manager here."
Startled, Taoist Scarlet fixed his gaze on Crimson Tiger. "He looks quite ordinary."
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"That's what makes him frightening."
Taoist Scarlet observed Crimson Tiger carefully.
Jin Chung is blind. This man is anything but ordinary.
As Jin Chung had said, Crimson Tiger was a man who knew how to perfectly conceal his aura. Such techniques only worked on weaklings, though. Masters of Taoist Scarlet's caliber got a feel for an opponent just by looking at them, at least enough to gauge if someone was powerful enough to pose a threat.
And he sensed it now. Crimson Tiger was a huge threat.
"So? What do you plan to do now?" he asked.
Jin Chung replied, "Please take care of him according to the plan. We must hurry, however."
"Understood," Taoist Scarlet replied confidently.
However, at that moment, Taoist Scarlet was unaware that Crimson Tiger was aware of his gaze and was deliberately adjusting his aura to fool him.
He also wasn't hallucinating. The one who eavesdropped on their conversation was indeed Crimson Tiger. He had concealed his presence as much as possible, but the moment they decided to kill him, for a very brief instant, he lost control and leaked a bit of aura.
To make up for his mistake, he had given the original tea he had prepared to a waitress at the teahouse while his pursuers were distracted by the Third Young Lady. Immediately after, he had hurried back to the Hundred Flavors Restaurant, predicting that Jin Chung might come looking for him.
His intuition was right. Jin Chung, suspecting him, had come all this way.
After a few minutes, Crimson Tiger felt the presence of the two men recede, and he breathed a sigh of relief. This infiltration had been dangerous, but it was definitely worth the effort.
Translator's Note: Holy shit, I actually finished this on a weekday. No chapter next week though, probably. It looks too long and complicated for a jet-lagged mind.
Footnotes:
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Jiangbei: Refers to the regions north of the Yangtze River, including Henan and Shandong. ↩
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