Chapter 384

Chapter 384
## 384. The Surprise Attack (2)

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A considerable amount of time passed before the local leader managed to collect his wits. I refrained from pressing him, as I also required a moment to quiet my racing thoughts and re-establish my internal equilibrium. Paradoxically, the local leader was the one to break the silence.

“I—I apologize, Young Master. I nearly disrupted our objective.”

Observing his lingering rigidity, it was clear he felt compelled to offer his regrets first, despite his deeply shaken state. To prioritize proper etiquette under such circumstances was remarkable. It proved that individuals who attained the rank of a branch manager within the *Ha-o-mun* possessed an incredibly resilient psychological makeup.

“I understand.”

I did not offer any reprimand. When conflict erupts, countless atrocities chip away at one’s core humanity. Consequently, there was no reason to abandon our compassion for the sake of mere productivity at this stage.

“……This individual truly was an impostor of Song-baek-pung-sa……”

The local leader stared at the form of Song-baek-pung-sa with utter bewilderment, struggling to accept the stark reality. Witnessing that desperate pleading and agonizing shrieking moments ago, who could possibly have suspected he was a fraud?

“How long ago…… do you believe he began masquerading as him?”

A precise timeline was beyond my knowledge. Nonetheless, considering his conduct back in Wuhan, he must have meticulously orchestrated this deception and played the role of Song-baek-pung-sa for an extensive duration. Insinuating oneself into the established social circles of Song-baek-pung-sa without raising suspicion was not a feat achieved through brief preparation.

“That is an investigation the branch manager must undertake.”

“Ah…… of course.”

The remaining four members of the Ghost Five were likely embedded in a similar fashion. To get close to Zhuge-so-myeong, they would have planned ahead for a long period and hidden their true identities flawlessly.

“Even so, Young Master Jin, there is a particular matter I am curious about.”

“Inquire.”

“If your certainty was so absolute…… why did you prolong the process for such a duration?”

I cast my eyes down at Song-baek-pung-sa—rather, the operative of the Ghost Five—whose flesh had turned completely cold. He had resisted until he could no longer withstand my questioning, which bordered on outright torment, before finally breaking down. Had I simply granted him a swift demise, he likely would have taken his secret identity to the grave.

“…….”

The Ghost Five were the very individuals responsible for plunging the Murim Alliance into utter disarray by executing numerous assassinations in my past life. In particular, they were the figures who triggered chaos within the Murim Alliance by eliminating Zhuge-so-myeong. From my perspective, they were targets who could never be granted an easy death before their true natures were exposed. Furthermore, a part of me wished to personally measure the sheer depravity of these absolute bastards once more.

Nevertheless, I could not lay bare these truths directly. Is it not a fact that human interactions remain healthiest when a certain boundary is preserved? Between the Wuhan branch manager of the *Ha-o-mun* and myself, this specific distance was ideal. I provided a terse response.

“I entertained the possibility that the remaining four might show themselves.”

“……I see.”

“Yet they refrained from intervening in the end.”

“Indeed.”

The local leader gazed blankly at the remains of Song-baek-pung-sa, which looked grotesque now that the facial skin had been stripped away.

“For the time being, ensure the demise of Song-baek-pung-sa remains strictly confidential.”

“Understood. Shall you…… verify the others you mentioned previously?”

As I had indicated to Song-baek-pung-sa earlier, the path taken to track him had been completely wiped clean. His sudden absence might prompt immediate suspicion of foul play. However, if an individual linked the origin of that demise back to me, it would mean Song-baek-pung-sa had covertly left a signal for his allies. And if someone discovered a clue we had overlooked…

‘That individual is our target.’

When I responded with nothing but silence, the local leader gave a slight nod.

“As this situation threatens to expand significantly, I have mobilized as many operatives from adjacent sectors as possible. The moment even a faint whisper begins to circulate, you will be notified immediately.”

“I am relying on you.”

Just as I prepared to depart, leaving the disposal of the body to him.

“Young Master Jin……”

The local leader paused, appearing somewhat hesitant.

“What is it?”

“Mm……. To be frank, as an information broker, I refrained from presenting this because it consists of unverified details that normally shouldn’t be shared, but……”

The local leader cast a brief look toward Song-baek-pung-sa before proceeding.

“I concluded it would be wiser to hand it over and permit you to determine its worth, Young Master Jin.”

Saying this, he extended a document I had not previously encountered.

“What does this contain?”

“A record of the individuals Song-baek-pung-sa encountered prior to his arrival in Wuhan.”

Inscribed upon it were the identities of people he crossed paths with at various inns and taverns while traveling from Jiangxi to Hubei.

“Given that these were merely chance encounters, I did not compile a formal report…… but in light of current events, it seems prudent that you possess this knowledge.”

I scanned the document and inquired:

“Is there a corresponding record for those who entered Wuhan?”

“We possess no such list.”

Among the names listed, specific identities caught my attention.

*Scholar of the Silkworm Thread, Deok-hun.*
*Investigator of the Ultimate Flower, Gam-eung-bo.*
*Eight-Armed Moon-Blade, Bang-sa-won.*

The first two were prominent figures associated with the White Path, whereas the final name, Bang-sa-won, was a wanderer (*Nang-in*) who had achieved notoriety throughout Jiangxi Province. I swiftly singled out the trio.

“Ascertain immediately if these individuals have arrived in Wuhan.”

“But their identities are generally considered reputable.”

Naturally, they were figures who had not been included in the pool of suspects capable of concealing their true forms until now. Yet beyond that, they shared a profound common denominator. Their shared trait was nothing less than this:

Every single one of them was destined to perish or vanish under mysterious circumstances within the span of a single year.

“As nothing is confirmed as of yet, may I provide an update later?”

Despite my inability to offer a proper explanation, whether due to the trust forged through the incident with Song-baek-pung-sa or something else, the local leader nodded with a resolute expression.

“I shall act with the utmost speed.”

While the operatives of the *Ha-o-mun* scoured the area for the three targets, I selected a standard iron blade at a local forge and purchased a commonplace blue martial outfit along with a headband to alter my appearance. Now that I had verified the three suspects did not originate from the Nine Schools and One Gang or the Five Great Families, I could no longer differentiate the Ghost Five using my previous methods.

While biding my time alongside the local leader at the Wuhan sector, the initial suspect was located.

“It is reported that the Eight-Armed Moon-Blade Bang-sa-won has departed from a lodging house.”

“Name the location.”

“It is Choyeol Manor.”

If it was Choyeol Manor, that was the site where an establishment known as Choyeol-ru had formerly operated. Choyeol-ru was once an opulent venue comprised of eight multi-tiered pavilions arranged around a central body of water.

“He repaired to Choyeol Manor? At such an hour?”

“Correct.”

That estate, situated far from the bustling avenues, was once a destination frequented by high-ranking dignitaries and masters of the Murim, but it had fallen into ruin after collapsing financially. In the period that followed, merchant coalitions and security firms had attempted to occupy it, but no enterprise endured even twelve months before folding. What motive could he possibly have for visiting a location that now lay entirely derelict?

“I must investigate personally.”

“Should I deploy reinforcements?”

“Merely instruct them to maintain a watch from a safe distance.”

“Understood.”

I departed from the Wuhan branch of the *Ha-o-mun* and traveled at high speed. Advancing swiftly through the pathways, I scaled the rooftops upon reaching an area devoid of bystanders, and from that moment forward, I deployed the Peerless Solo God-Stride at maximum velocity toward Choyeol Manor.

*Vroom, vroom, vroom.*

Not long after sprinting while the wind whistled sharply past my ears, Choyeol Manor materialized in my field of vision. I stepped carefully across the rooftops of Choyeol Manor while maintaining the Turtle Breathing Walk (*Gwi-sik-haeng-bo*).

The abandoned Choyeol Manor appeared far more desolate than a barren mountainside. A pungent, stagnant odor drifted from the channels routing water around the central pond of the estate, and the sporadic chirping of insects seemed to amplify the oppressive chill in the air.

Before long, I managed to spot Bang-sa-won drinking in solitude while staring at the water from the center of the grounds.

*Gulp, gulp, gulp.*

“*Kuuu.*”

Bang-sa-won lowered the container from his lips and wiped his mouth carelessly. He then tossed a piece of dried meat resting beside him into his mouth and began to chew. I monitored the scene in total silence. He proceeded to drain the first container and move on to the second. Bang-sa-won simply stared into the algae-coated pond without uttering a sound.

Just as the second container was emptied.

“How much longer do you intend to remain concealed like a rodent?”

Precisely as I anticipated, Bang-sa-won detected my presence. I held my silence and remained perfectly still.

“Did you truly believe I wouldn’t sense you if you feigned total absence?”

He turned his gaze squarely in my direction.

*Clang.*

Bang-sa-won hurled the container away violently. Then, fixing his eyes directly upon me, he unsheathed his moon-blade.

“If you refuse to show yourself, I shall sever your neck and end you.”

I abandoned the Turtle Breathing Walk, channeled my inner reserve, and dropped from the roof. Simultaneously, I gathered the Jade-Clear Heavenly-Image Power (*Ok-cheong-cheon-sang-ryeok*) and unleashed the Flying Dragon Claw (*Biryong-jo*) at the target.

*Swish—*

The Flying Dragon Claw, traveling at a lethal velocity, collided with a concealed blade in mid-air before plunging into the earth.

“What is the meaning of this!”

*Whir.*

I retrieved the Flying Dragon Claw and remarked:

“Your capacity for masking your true self is vastly inferior to that of Song-baek-pung-sa.”

“What nonsense are you—!”

“Bang-sa-won is a lone wanderer reliant on a moon-blade. How could you identify a hidden presence utilizing nothing but a discrepancy in ‘form’?”

The lesson drilled into my mind repeatedly during my training in the Turtle Breathing Walk concerned the concepts of ‘sense’ and ‘form.’ Eluding sensory perception of energy was deemed basic, whereas masking one’s actual physical form was the mark of a true expert. The reason I employed the Turtle Breathing Walk while clad in a conspicuous blue martial robe was for this very purpose. Unless one belonged to the Ghost Five, there was no way a common wanderer like Bang-sa-won could detect the subtle discord of ‘form’ within this pitch-black estate.

The ensuing silence was brief. In an instant, a malevolent demonic Qi (*Ma-gi*) erupted from the man’s frame.

“Very well, this is actually preferable.”

I executed the Tae-eul Eighty-Thousand God-Steps and flanked his rear. The adversary discarded the moon-blade, which served as Bang-sa-won’s signature weapon, drew a hidden dagger from his garments, and lashed out.

*Swish—*

The blade sliced precariously close above my head. Concurrently, the man leaped back and discharged two more hidden blades, which I rapidly deflected using the Small Heavenly Sword Technique. Immediately after, I unleashed the Myriad-Flower Peerless Fist to hem the adversary in from three sides. I then deployed the Flying Dragon Claw once more, ensnaring his ankle.

*Thud.*

The instant the man collapsed to the earth, I yanked the Flying Dragon Claw with tremendous force and slammed him against the ground a second time.

*Thump!*

Yet simultaneously, the adversary utilized the rebounding momentum to spring back to his feet, closing the distance like an apparition. In a mere breath, the individual who had been separated by two *jang* materialized right before me, swinging a middle-sword (*jung-do*) saturated with concentrated sword Qi (*geom-gang*) directly at my throat. At this velocity, decapitation seemed inevitable.

I instantly threw up my right hand to intercept the blade.

*Clang.*

“……!!”

The weapon reinforced with sword Qi ought to have severed both my hand and my throat, and when it failed to penetrate, the man’s eyes widened in shock. I offered a wide grin to the opponent, who displayed a flicker of astonishment.

“Are you familiar with the Predator Gauntlet (*Po-sik-gap*)?”

dishonesty
“……!!”

The moment the adversary failed to conceal his alarm, I gripped his throat and triggered the Blue Dragon Ring.

*Hummmm.*

A brilliant azure glow erupted amidst the Flying Dragon Claws, and vitality began to seep out of the man’s frame bit by bit.

“*Gasp, gasp*……”

In contrast to his rapidly deteriorating physique, the man’s facial features remained perfectly rigid. This confirmed he was utilizing a skin mask completely independent of his own internal vitality. I threw him to the earth and plunged the iron sword directly into his center of energy.

*Thrust—*

“Disclose the location of the remaining three.”

“……*Ugh*.”

Exactly as I had handled Song-baek-pung-sa, I contorted his internal channels. Accompanied by the agony of a shattered dantian, his energy pathways warped, causing Bang-sa-won to cough up a torrent of dark blood.

“*Blegh.*”

Nonetheless, the operative of the Ghost Five maintained his silence.

dishonesty
“Speak. Where are the other three?”

“The Heavenly Demon Descends……”

I instantly reinforced my fist with internal force and shattered both of his lower leg bones.

*Thump, thump.*

Both limbs crumbled to dust as effortlessly as decayed timber, yet the individual refrained from emitting a single cry of pain. And in that very instant.

*Bang! Bang!*

A pair of palm strikes erupted from the man’s hands. The concussive force grazed my ears before detonating in the open air. A sharp stinging sensation filled my ears, as though the toxins laced within the demonic Qi were already attempting to breach my physical defenses.

‘I am certain I dismantled his center of energy.’

When I quickly turned my gaze back to him, the adversary’s skin had flushed a deep crimson, and the veins across his entire form bulged precariously as if on the verge of rupturing.

“……A wretched forbidden technique.”

Immediately following this, the man brought his hands together, unleashing a colossal wave of palm energy.

*Bang!*

I twisted my body frantically to evade the strike, yet I could not entirely escape the residual blast of the force. My martial robe was reduced to scorched tatters, leaving only the Thousand-year Sky Silk Garment beneath to preserve its integrity. Truly, an utterly repulsive demonic art……

*Scratch, scratch.*

I shifted my gaze toward the source of an unnatural sound.

“Ha, ridiculous.”

I witnessed the sight of the individual severing his own mangled lower legs.

*Grind.*

I clenched my teeth tightly, feeling a wave of tension at the sheer madness of his actions. The moment the man stood upright on his bleeding stumps, I unleashed the Myriad-Flower Peerless Sword Secret (*Man-hae-cheon-ji-geom-gyeol*) directly at him.

*Rattle.*

Four countless blades manifested and began to circulate, illuminating the immediate area like broad daylight with a radiant golden sword Qi. Bang-sa-won, desperately attempting to close the gap by dragging his severed limbs while gripping hidden daggers in each hand, paused.

Upon witnessing the swirling mass of blades poised to consume him entirely, he muttered a final chant with eerie calm.

“The dawn of the Divine Cult approaches. You wretched fools shall not escape perdition.”

The moment his utterance concluded, the man’s physical form was utterly pulverized within the vortex of circulating blades. Malevolent Qi erupted repeatedly inside the tempest of sword energy, briefly surging as though it might overwhelm the technique, but to no avail.

*Rumble, rumble, rumble.*

Ultimately, the operative was reduced to a fine mist of blood within the gathering of blades and vanished entirely. The solitary remnants left within the estate to signify his existence…

*Thud—*

…were nothing but the limbs he had severed from his own body and the discarded piece of dried meat.