Chapter 194

Chapter 194
## Chapter: 194

### Chapter Title: Afternoon Gate (2)

—

“Whoa! We finally made it!”

Observing the vibrant glows of the city shimmering on the horizon, Manchu thrust both of his arms into the air with a shout.

“Are you really that thrilled?”

In response to Gwayu’s query, Manchu twirled his flask of spirits around and around before answering.

“I didn’t realize it back then, but regardless of how many premium liquors I sample across the land, nothing compares to the simple, inexpensive rice wine from my neck of the woods.”

“That’s right, Hangzhou is your old stomping ground. What’s it like returning after such a long absence?”

While resting his arm on Noejeon’s shoulder during the walk, Manchu offered a bashful smirk.

“It’s not exactly deep ‘nostalgia,’ but… it just feels right to be here.”

“Look at this grown man acting like a little boy. Anyway, we’re passing through Hangzhou and moving on—what’s your plan?”

Cheol Woo questioned him.

“I’ve given it some thought. I’m going to linger in Hangzhou for a short while. I don’t have any actual relatives left, but there are people here who are just as dear to me. I need to show them what I’ve managed to become.”

“Hah, achievements? You’re definitely exaggerating a bit.”

When Manchu grew a bit boastful at the prospect of impressing his old friends, Cheol Woo gave him a playful nudge.

Despite his teasing tone, the kindness in Cheol Woo’s gaze gave him away.

He had, after all, witnessed Manchu’s relentless effort and development firsthand.

“Get some rest and take your time catching up to us later.”

Following Sima Geon’s remark, Manchu stood tall and shook his head firmly.

“No, I won’t be long. I’ll be back with the group as quickly as possible.”

Sima Geon couldn’t suppress a small laugh at the sheer determination visible in Manchu’s expression.

“Whatever you say.”

“So, brothers, you’re proceeding directly toward the Ha Hu Clan then?”

“That’s the plan.”

“Isn’t that a massive detour for you?”

“There’s no other way. I can’t exactly tell those two to travel to Shaoxing by themselves during these treacherous times.”

“Oh, come on, you wouldn’t just send the two of them alone, right? Brother Yeon-i is with them too.”

“Even so, there’s no reason to be a burden. Furthermore, we are in their debt for taking care of the child during this entire period.”

“Ah, that’s a fair point.”

Manchu fell into a quiet state, doing the mental math on how long it would take Sima Geon’s party to reach the Ha Hu Clan before finally heading to Shaoxing. Realizing he could spend several extra days in Hangzhou, he was unable to hide his delight.

The companions hurried into the heart of Hangzhou and settled into the lodging house Manchu had suggested. Even though the hour was late, a special order ensured they were served a massive feast.

“Phew, I’m stuffed to the brim.”

Cheol Woo, having gorged himself for the first time in an age, lifted an empty wine jug and looked thoughtful.

He had already consumed quite a bit, but he felt he could go for more. However, everyone else seemed to have finished their drinking.

“If Manchu were here, I wouldn’t have to hold myself back.”

As Cheol Woo licked his lips and placed the jug back on the table, the entrance to the inn creaked open. Manchu burst in from his trip to the local Beggar Clan branch in Hangzhou.

“Huh? Why are you back so quickly—”

Cheol Woo’s expression brightened as he started to wave—then he stopped mid-motion.

Manchu wasn’t by himself. He was accompanied by Mo Uk, the leader of the Hangzhou branch. Their countenances were heavy and somber, a complete reversal of Manchu’s earlier excitement.

“What’s happened? Is there trouble?”

Noejeon inquired, but Manchu merely shook his head. Mo Uk offered a respectful bow toward Sima Geon.

“It has been some time. You might not recall me, but I am Mo Uk, the leader of the Hangzhou branch.”

“It has been a while indeed. Please, have a seat.”

Sima Geon indicated a chair for him.

“I am aware you are exhausted from your journey, but a matter of extreme gravity forced me to seek you out personally—I apologize for the intrusion.”

“Do not worry about it. What is weighing on you?”

“Do you recall the Hangzhou branch of the Afternoon Gate?”

Sima Geon gave a nod, remembering the desperate pursuit to recover the abducted Sima Jin.

“Certainly. Has something occurred there?”

“The only person who made it out alive back then—well, the entertainers survived too, so that’s not quite right. Anyway, the one who lived besides them has come forward with the truth.”

“Hmph, that woman, then.”

Noejeon’s thoughts turned to Han Seol, the person he had interrogated but ultimately let go out of a sense of pity.

“That girl has confessed that the Hangzhou branch of the Afternoon Gate—no, the entirety of the Afternoon Gate—has been taken over by the Blood Slaughter Cult.”

The jarring news left the entire group in a state of shock.

Before Sima Geon could press for more information, Mo Uk began to lay out the specifics.

As Mo Uk spoke, a range of intense emotions crossed their faces. Particularly when he detailed how the Heavenly Demon Cult had discovered Sima Geon’s secret base in Shaoxing and dispatched warriors to claim the Heavenly Demon Pill—all because of the Afternoon Gate’s treachery. Cheol Woo struck the table with his fist in a rage.

“Those disgusting rats!”

Cheol Woo leaped to his feet, emitting a wave of lethal intent as if he intended to sprint to the Afternoon Gate that very moment. Sima Geon reached out and gripped his arm.

“Sit down.”

“Boss!”

“I told you to sit. We can move once he is finished speaking.”

Feeling the crushing strength of the grip, Cheol Woo muttered under his breath but complied.

“We have already taken control of the Hangzhou branch. It was mostly empty, so there were no significant complications. I’ve already dispatched messenger birds to our headquarters. Proper steps will be taken shortly.”

“Then the matter is settled? There was no reason to come all this way.”

Mo Uk paused, then let out a heavy sigh.

“Birds were sent to the Beggar Clan main office, but a rapid mobilization… might be difficult to achieve.”

“Is it because of the North Sea Ice Palace?”

“That, and the fact that the Blood Slaughter Cult is causing chaos in Shandong. We could potentially strike the Afternoon Gate ourselves, but we run the risk of letting their leadership in Nanjing escape the net.”

“Why not ask for assistance from another source?”

“Nanjing falls under the Yeongho Clan’s sphere of influence, but they’ve sent the bulk of their warriors to assist the Justice Heaven Alliance in Shandong. I doubt they have the manpower to spare. Furthermore, the Afternoon Gate might get word of the movement.”

“Just say it plainly. You want us to take care of them, don’t you?”

Cheol Woo interrupted, losing his patience.

“Yes. We require your assistance for a swift and silent elimination. Please.”

Mo Uk bowed deeply to Sima Geon.

“Let’s go, boss. If the Blood Slaughter Cult hadn’t revealed our location to the Heavenly Demon Cult, Yongjung wouldn’t have perished so pointlessly.”

“And the Sahaekrim as well.”

Gwayu, whose entire organization had been demolished by the machinations of the Blood Slaughter Cult, added his voice.

“The individuals who handed us over to Umjeokso were also connected to the Blood Slaughter Cult.”

Soh Surin spoke with a quiet tone, but her eyes burned with a fierce anger. Even Sima Geon found himself nodding in agreement.

“There is no way we can exist under the same sun as them. Very well. We are heading to Nanjing.”

Mo Uk, who had been internally terrified of a refusal, squeezed his fist in a wave of relief.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“What exactly does this mean? Communication has been severed?”

Pyeon Gwang wore a deep, frustrated scowl.

“We are supposed to receive reports every three days—there has been nothing. We didn’t think much of the occasional delay, but yesterday’s check-in was missed as well.”

The Quicksword Hall Leader, U Geumhoe, looked equally troubled.

“And the other locations?”

“Everything else is functioning as normal.”

“Establish contact immediately. Find out exactly what is going on.”

“I understand.”

“Go now!”

At Pyeon Gwang’s roar, U Geumhoe hurried away.

“Try not to stress yourself too much. It’s Hangzhou—this isn’t the first time there’s been a minor problem.”

Elder Ju Hang attempted to calm his nerves.

“The fact that it isn’t the first time is exactly why I’m worried.”

“They are still in the middle of rebuilding after Sima Geon’s team trashed the place. And didn’t Jeok Elder just go on an inspection tour? It’s likely fine. Take it easy.”

“Perhaps Jeok Elder has them all distracted with his love of debauchery—Hangzhou has plenty of vices to offer.”

Pyeon Gwang let out a sigh, imagining the hedonistic elder.

Then—

A massive disturbance broke out in the courtyard.

Pyeon Gwang’s already sour mood turned freezing.

Seeing the shift, Ju Hang threw the doors open.

“What is the meaning of all this noise?”

Shouts, obscenities, and the sound of clashing blades echoed from every direction. Realizing the situation was dire, Pyeon Gwang surged to his feet.

“L-Lord Gate Master!”

U Geumhoe, returning from his attempt to contact Hangzhou, stumbled into the room with a ghostly pale face.

“Speak!”

“Th-The enemy is here…”

“Enemy? Who is attacking us?”

Ju Hang grabbed U Geumhoe by the collar.

“The Beggar Clan is launching an assault!”

“The Beggar… Clan?”

Pyeon Gwang’s face contorted in total shock.

“Are you certain it is the Beggar Clan?”

U Geumhoe nodded his head violently at Ju Hang’s question.

“Yes. It’s the Nanjing branch filth, without a doubt.”

“A territory dispute at a time like this? What on earth…”

Pyeon Gwang looked toward Ju Hang.

“Did they figure something out?”

“Our relations have been civil enough—there was no sign of open war. A sudden strike like this? There is only one logical explanation.”

Ju Hang answered with a look of helplessness.

“Is it connected to the silence from Hangzhou?”

“I cannot be certain, but it is highly probable.”

“That means they have prepared for this. Can we hold the line?”

“The Nanjing branch is weak—we can repel them. The issue is…”

“Our own forces here are spread thin.”

Pyeon Gwang offered a cynical smile.

“Yes. The reinforcements we sent to Shandong have left us drained. But do not lose heart—their Nanjing branch has been weakened as well. We can handle this with the men we have.”

Ju Hang’s momentary confidence turned back into concern.

“Unless they aren’t acting alone.”

“That seems unlikely. The Yeongho would have sent a signal.”

Pyeon Gwang tilted his head toward the direction of the Yeongho territory.

“The lack of word means the Beggar Clan is acting solo. They saw our vulnerability and got arrogant. Those prideful fools!”

A surge of murderous intent flared in Pyeon Gwang’s eyes.

“Still, it is better to be safe—you should withdraw for the time being.”

“I will provide the escort.”

Guard Captain Gan Dok, who had already entered the room, bowed his head. His twenty personal guards stood prepared behind him.

“I cannot do that. How can I run away and leave the disciples behind?”

Pyeon Gwang shook his head in a show of reluctance.

“It is just a precaution. The Afternoon Gate cannot fall to the Beggar Clan trash. As long as you remain safe, our sect survives.”

“The Elder is correct. Your safety ensures the Afternoon Gate continues. Wherever you are, that is our true base of operations.”

Pyeon Gwang considered their arguments for a moment, then began to move.

Gan Dok took the lead, with the twenty guards surrounding Pyeon Gwang in a tight formation.

“What about you?”

Pyeon Gwang looked back toward Ju Hang.

“I will evaluate the fighting and follow shortly after.”

“Very well. Be careful.”

“Yes. Move out! Protect the Gate Master!”

At Ju Hang’s command, Gan Dok moved quickly.

Exiting the Afternoon Gate HQ, they ducked into a cramped alleyway in the backstreets of Nanjing.

It was a grimy, convoluted path that most avoided—known only to the members of the Afternoon Gate. At the very end of the passage—

“Ha, you little rats! I knew you’d try to sneak out this way. Come on forward. I was starting to get tired of waiting.”

Cheol Woo was blocking the exit, cracking his knuckles with a predatory smile.