Chapter 178

Chapter 178
## Chapter 178: Traveling Companions (3)

As the companions had anticipated, not a single ferryman was willing to allow Black Wolf on their vessel.

Assurances that the beast would be kept under strict control fell on deaf ears, and even the promise of paying triple the standard rate was flatly refused. Ultimately, just as Cheol Woo had assertively suggested, their only recourse was to purchase a ship of their own.

The boat they acquired from the Jade Dragon Merchant Association—the most prominent trade group in Sichuan—had originally served as a cargo transport. While it bore the marks of many voyages, the structure was sound and required no immediate fixing, and its robust frame indicated it could withstand the turbulent currents of the river without issue.

While the docks were always crowded with wandering sailors looking for a wage, securing a captain and a full crew proved more challenging than they had hoped. However, there were always men desperate enough to gamble with their lives for the right price, and the gold Cheol Woo provided was more than sufficient to drown out their terror of Black Wolf.

The trek began without incident.

The ship sailed down the Min River toward the southern border of Sichuan before merging into the great eastward flow of the Yangtze.

During those initial days of navigation, the skies remained perfectly clear, devoid of even a single cloud. The river stayed placid and the breezes were still, which meant the vessel made slow but steady progress.

For the members of Sima Geon’s party, who had spent over a year wandering in pursuit of the Sword Empress’s objectives, and for the Sword Empress’s own exhausted retinue, this was a rare moment of tranquility—a voyage that offered genuine repose.

Fourteen days after leaving the fortress of the Sichuan Tang Clan, the ship was already nearing the vicinity of Wu Mountain.

“In your opinion, who takes the win?”

Sima Geon directed the question to Neung So Hwa, who was resting against the ship’s side, casually fluttering her fan.

Neung So Hwa clicked her fan closed in a sharp motion and answered without a second thought.

“It is obvious our side wins. He is ranked among the elite five of the White Sword Unit.”

“Quite the certain answer. You seem full of conviction. You felt the same way during yesterday’s bout.”

Seeing Sima Geon’s smirk, Neung So Hwa’s eyes curved upward in a slight, sharp smile.

“Yesterday was a lapse in judgment by Deng Liao. It wasn’t a matter of inferior technique—he simply bit on Guo Yu’s bait.”

Neung So Hwa thought back to the recent duel between Deng Liao, a premier warrior of the White Sword Unit, and Guo Yu, her expression tightening with a sense of unfairness.

“A lapse is still a failure. Being unable to read a feint is a gap in one’s overall prowess.”

Hearing Sima Geon’s remark, Cheol Woo, who was clutching a jug of spirits a few paces away, mimicked a slashing motion across his neck.

“If this were a life-or-death struggle, it would have ended right there.”

“Why must you interfere?”

So Su-rin poked Cheol Woo sharply in the ribs.

“Ow, what was that for?”

When Cheol Woo turned toward her with a scowl, So Su-rin gave his side a painful pinch.

“Try to exercise some tact.”

“Hmph!”

Cheol Woo gave a disdainful snort and barked at Noe Jeon, who was currently locked in a high-intensity exchange in the middle of the ship’s deck.

“Do your job. If you lose this, you’re dead meat.”

Whether affected by Cheol Woo’s threat or not, Noe Jeon’s strikes suddenly turned violent, pushing his rival back with overwhelming force.

Man Chu and Guo Yu began to shout in excitement as they saw the tide turn, but the expressions on Cheol Woo and So Su-rin’s faces grew dark as they observed the fight. Cheol Woo, in particular, began knocking back drink after drink, his features twisted in annoyance.

“Honestly, this is your fault.”

So Su-rin clicked her tongue, lecturing him.

“My fault? That dimwit is the one who walked right into the snare without a clue.”

“You’re the one rattling him with those barbaric threats, forcing Noe Jeon to be reckless. He was doing perfectly fine before you opened your mouth.”

“Excuses. He simply isn’t good enough.”

Cheol Woo dismissed her words coldly, leaving So Su-rin with no rebuttal. She understood as well as anyone that if his skill were truly superior, such distractions wouldn’t matter.

Just as Cheol Woo had foreseen, Noe Jeon fell for a blatant trick by his opponent, losing his footing and quickly being forced into a defensive posture. He managed to parry a few more blows before suffering a decisive, embarrassing defeat.

“That was an excellent bout.”

Yang Yu-jeong returned her blade to its scabbard and offered a respectful bow to Noe Jeon.

“It was.”

Noe Jeon, gasping for air, returned the gesture with a look of profound disappointment.

“It appears I was right.”

Neung So Hwa looked radiant at Yang Yu-jeong’s triumph.

“So it seems. A repeat of yesterday’s match, just with the winner and loser swapped.”

Sima Geon, who had known Noe Jeon would lose the moment he abandoned caution and rushed in, smacked his lips thoughtfully.

He wasn’t truly bothered. This was merely a lighthearted contest for distraction, and both participants were talented enough that the result was respectable regardless of who came out on top. Furthermore, seeing the joy on Neung So Hwa’s face was a pleasant outcome in itself.

“You moron. How do you fall for a trap that obvious?”

Cheol Woo berated Noe Jeon as he walked back, his face red with frustration.

“My apologies.”

“Apologies aren’t enough! You’re dragging the reputation of the Divine Demon Division through the mud…”

As Cheol Woo unleashed a barrage of insults on Noe Jeon, the ship’s captain—who had been observing the sparring with interest from a distance while staying well away from Black Wolf—approached them tentatively.

“We will be reaching Wu Mountain shortly. As we discussed yesterday, we need to pull in for provisions.”

Past Wu Mountain lay the Three Gorges of the Yangtze, a region celebrated for its breathtaking vistas. However, the rugged landscape meant there were no viable ports to dock at during the passage, making it necessary to gather fresh water, rations, and supplies beforehand.

“The sun is setting. Perhaps we should dock at Wu Mountain for the night and set out at dawn?”

Sima Geon turned to Neung So Hwa for her input.

“That seems wise. I’ve heard we won’t be able to leave the ship for several days once we enter the gorges.”

Following Neung So Hwa’s agreement, a soft sigh escaped the lips of Dan Ri Hwa.

The delay was necessary, yet they had stopped like this at every major town along the way—happening multiple times now. Their schedule was becoming tighter than anticipated, but witnessing Neung So Hwa’s glowing smile made it impossible for her to voice any complaints.

—

Two men rapped on the heavy doors of the Three Gorges Inn, situated on the fringes of Wu Mountain.

It was the peak of the evening, and with every room occupied, the innkeeper attempted to send them away, but their goal from the beginning had been an audience with the Sword Empress.

The members of the White Sword Unit, who had been resting, grew instantly alert at the presence of the strangers.

“State your purpose here.”

Yi So-gun, the Deputy Leader of the White Sword Unit, questioned them with a sharp tone.

“I am Jeokgal Gyeong, a member of the Zhuge Clan Intelligence Division.”

Jeokgal Gyeong presented his jade identification badge and added,

“This is a companion of mine, here to assist.”

“My name is Jang Seo-do.”

The man identifying as Jang Seo-do looked away, visibly intimidated by the intensity of Yi So-gun’s stare.

Upon hearing the name of the Zhuge Clan, Yi So-gun’s demeanor relaxed—though only after he had thoroughly inspected the token.

“Sent from the Zhuge Clan. Understood. This way, please.”

Yi So-gun escorted the pair to Neung So Hwa, who was eating at a large table in the center of the room.

Dozens of pairs of eyes fixed on the new arrivals.

The two men looked visibly strained; it was clear that the weight of so many stares was making them uncomfortable.

Only after Dan Ri Hwa had performed a second verification of the token were Jeokgal Gyeong and Jang Seo-do permitted to stand before the Sword Empress.

Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, Neung So Hwa inquired,

“Could you tell me what brings you to find me?”

“Certainly. We have come to deliver news that we have identified the location of Senior Twin Swords Reaching Heaven.”

“Oh! You have tracked him down.”

Neung So Hwa’s face lit up with excitement.

“We have.”

“Where can he be found?”

“In a settlement known as Willow Forest.”

“Where exactly is that?”

Neung So Hwa tilted her head, unfamiliar with the name.

“It is a small hamlet roughly four hundred li to the north of this position in Wu Mountain. While not entirely certain, we suspect it might be the birthplace of Senior Twin Swords Reaching Heaven.”

“I see. My master alluded to the possibility that he had retired to his home village, but even he did not know the specific coordinates.”

“Correct. The records in our clan listed his place of birth as Ui-chang, not Willow Forest, which is why it took us some time to confirm.”

“We are deeply indebted to the Zhuge Clan for your constant support.”

Neung So Hwa offered a profound bow to Jeokgal Gyeong.

“Please, there is no need for that. I didn’t bring this news to earn your gratitude.”

Jeokgal Gyeong gestured frantically, looking flustered by the gesture.

“I understand. But it is a sentiment I felt I had to express. My thanks to you.”

Clearly moved by her genuine humility, Jeokgal Gyeong shifted his weight awkwardly.

The display elicited a quiet laugh from Sima Geon’s group, but the White Sword Unit remained stoic. Knowing the effort the Zhuge Clan put into supporting the Sword Empress pilgrimage, they felt the same appreciation she did.

Despite Neung So Hwa’s polite invitation for them to stay for a meal, Jeokgal Gyeong and Jang Seo-do took their leave immediately, claiming they had other duties to attend to.

“Other duties, my foot—I’d run off too. Who could possibly eat in this kind of tension? You’d probably choke on your rice.”

Cheol Woo laughed quietly at the pair’s hurried exit. Jin Rim looked at him with a gaze full of pity.

“Do something about that bitter attitude. You aren’t a child—why are you always so sour?”

Cheol Woo snapped his head around at the sound of the voice.

“Are you looking for another argument?”

Jin Rim paid him no mind and placed a tray on the table.

“Here. The cook said this was the final portion of twice-cooked pork.”

“We have enough. Give it to your brother or someone else.”

So Su-rin, who had recently formed a bond with Jin Rim, offered a warm smile.

Jin Rim shook her head.

“They are all too refined for this. They don’t care for fatty dishes. And none of them are touching the alcohol. Heavens, how much have you lot gone through?”

Jin Rim looked with disgust at the mountain of empty jugs scattered on the floor.

“The spirits are quite potent—make sure you eat something substantial with them next time.”

With a final remark to So Su-rin, Jin Rim went back to join her comrades.

So Su-rin slid the plate of pork toward Cheol Woo.

“This is for you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Are you truly that dense, or just acting?”

“Quiet! Just leave me be.”

Cheol Woo scoffed at So Su-rin’s implication but discreetly reached for his chopsticks anyway.

“Would you mind if I spoke with you for a moment?”

At Neung So Hwa’s approach, Sima Geon gave Noe Jeon’s leg a nudge.

“Not at all. Please, join us.”

Noe Jeon jumped up instantly, fetched a spare chair, and set it on the other side of the table.

“I believe we have a matter to coordinate.”

“I heard the gist of it. You found the whereabouts of that Twin Swords Reaching Heaven master?”

“Yes. He is one of the individuals I am required to serve a challenge writ to, but we’ve had no luck finding him until now. And it happens to come up at this exact time.”

Neung So Hwa’s expression turned slightly troubled.

“Then go see him—what is the problem?”

“It would cause a delay in our journey to the Living Immortal Medical House.”

Neung So Hwa looked at Sima Geon with some hesitation before continuing.

“I thought perhaps this is where we would have to go our separate ways…”

“Why would we do that?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“It might be a small detour, but our destination is still the Living Immortal Medical House, isn’t it?”

“Y-yes.”

“We gave our word to travel together, so we should finish the trip. It isn’t every day one gets to ride along for the Sword Empress pilgrimage.”

“Calling it an honor might be overstating it…”

Neung So Hwa’s face turned a soft shade of pink at his words. But to anyone watching the pair, it was clear there was more than just professional respect between them.

“The concern is the person waiting at the Living Immortal Medical House, right? We might fail to keep our timing with them.”

“We have already contacted the Zhuge Clan to explain the situation and ask for their patience. He has been in residence there for over a year and intends to stay much longer, so a short delay shouldn’t be an issue.”

“Then it’s settled. Let’s go pay a visit to this Twin Swords Reaching Heaven.”

“I am grateful.”

Neung So Hwa bowed, her face bright with a smile.

“It’s no trouble. I must say, the Zhuge Clan seems to be providing an incredible amount of help.”

“They do. They have been an immense help from the very start. The Zhuge Clan has a remarkably wide network and unparalleled gathering of information.”

“The Martial Chronicle wasn’t built on luck.”

Man Chu added with a knowing grin.

“Oh, did I fail to mention? The Beggars’ Sect has been assisting us just as much as the Zhuge Clan has.”

“The Beggars’ Sect is involved too?”

Man Chu’s eyes went wide with astonishment.

“Yes. Without them, how could a group like ours—with no standing in the broader martial world—possibly find the recipients of these writs on our own? Tracking one or two might be possible, but the entire Sword Empress pilgrimage is only achievable because of the Zhuge Clan and the Beggars’ Sect.”

Even though he knew her praise was perhaps a bit generous, Man Chu couldn’t stop himself from feeling a surge of pride.

—

A humble drinking house sat tucked away at the mouth of the Seo Neung Gorge, the concluding part of the Three Gorges.

A man sat there in solitude, sipping from a cup under the silver moonlight, and asked in a low voice.

“They have altered their path?”

“Yes, Master.”

The subordinate, bowing low three paces away, answered with deep respect.

“Suddenly? For what purpose?”

“It appears they have discovered the location of Twin Swords Reaching Heaven.”

“Twin Swords Reaching Heaven, I see. A capable man. A warrior worthy of the Sword Empress pilgrimage. Tell me, where is he?”

“According to our sources, he is in Willow Forest.”

“Willow Forest?”

“Yes. A tiny village approximately three hundred li to the northwest.”

After reflecting for a moment, the man drained his cup and gave his order.

“To meet them in time, we must move quickly. Set a course for Willow Forest. Make the preparations immediately.”

“As you command!”