Chapter 92
Chapter 92: Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven
To the casual observer, it was merely an opulent drinking establishment. In truth, it functioned as an undercover outpost for a vast information ring that spanned the land.
According to tavern folklore, whenever a stranger stumbled upon such a covert den, the operatives would either subject them to agonizing interrogation to uncover the leak, or execute them on the spot to bury the secret.
It was the sort of dramatic trope one found in street-corner recitations and cheap serialized booklets.
Yet the reality was rather different.
Chudal shifted his gaze back and forth between the establishment’s proprietor and Yanghwi, looking completely lost.
His sworn elder brother was glaring at him with pure exasperation.
Furthermore, rather than clutching a concealed poisoned dart or an assassination blade, the proprietor merely held a wooden abacus and an open record ledger.
“You brainless fool. How many times must I warn you against filling your head with cheap pulp tales?”
“Ah… well, you see…”
“It appears our young guest has entertained a slight misconception.”
The master of the tavern chuckled warmly, resting his ledger against the abacus, while Yanghwi bowed his head slightly in apology for Chudal’s display.
“Pray pardon his foolishness. The boy has barely taken his first steps into the world.”
“Given how the general public perceives our Hao Sect, such a reaction is hardly surprising. We see it every now and then, so please pay it no mind.”
“Truth be told, I had no clue this establishment was an outpost of the Hao Sect. We merely chose the most grandiose tavern in the district to rest our feet, and here we landed.”
“Haha, well, no dominant martial clan claims supremacy over Taihe. Naturally, the wider region of Anhui falls under the purview of the noble Namgung family, but locally, the seat remains open.”
“Ah, now that you mention it, that makes sense.”
“It certainly does.”
Failing to grasp the logic behind their exchange, Chudal broke in.
“Elder Brother. What is going on? Did you not step foot in here fully aware that this was a Hao Sect outpost?”
“You simpleton, do you think I keep an internal ledger of every single Hao Sect hideout across the continent?”
“…?”
This was precisely why dealing with raw novices in the martial landscape was such a headache.
They absorbed every scrap of gossip whispered across street corners and accepted it as absolute fact, lacking any critical discernment.
“Allow me to break this down for you. To begin with, the Hao Sect does not ruthlessly eliminate bystanders just because someone recognizes their identity.”
“B-but from everything I’ve heard…”
“Which is why I am telling you that your rumors are detached from practical reality. Reflect for a moment. Which intelligence faction possesses the greatest renown under heaven?”
“The Beggars’ Sect.”
“…”
Regrettably, that was an undeniable fact.
Yanghwi shot a covert glance toward the tavern master.
Though the proprietor kept an amicable grin plastered across his face, a flicker of dented pride was obvious beneath the surface.
“When people across the land bring up information networks, only the Beggars’ Sect and the Hao Sect come to mind, do they not? Having such a formidable reputation in the information trade means they don’t merely traffic in secrets; they actively shape them.”
In other words, had the Hao Sect operated by obsessively cloaking its very presence in obscurity, its name would never have echoed across the realm to begin with.
The proprietor took that cue to add his own explanation.
“Preconceptions regarding covert information networks often lead folks to misunderstand our trade, but the Hao Sect makes no grand effort to conceal the locations of our outposts. If our patrons cannot locate us, our business ceases to function.”
Presented with such sound everyday logic, Chudal could only nod in concurrence.
Even so, lingering perplexity remained written across his face.
“In that case, how did you deduce this place had ties to them, Boss?”
“I just finished telling you, I did not know for certain. I merely assumed a tavern this extravagant and expansive would maintain connections with the Hao Sect. I had not anticipated it being a legitimate branch office.”
“Unless a sovereign martial sect governs the district, a Hao Sect outpost is almost universally the grandest tavern or the most luxurious pleasure pavilion in the settlement,” the proprietor remarked. It was an unspoken convention established so that paying clients could find them without undue difficulty.
“Operating so openly, don’t you constantly face trouble from roving martial artists who come in, smash up the tables, and demand intelligence by force?”
“To be frank, such unfortunate incidents do occur from time to time. Yet difficult patrons appear in every line of commerce, do they not? One simply learns to weather the storm.”
“…”
In Chudal’s imagination, the Hao Sect had been an intensely shadowy, ruthless confederation of ghosts.
He had presumed they functioned identically to an assassination network.
The actuality could not be further apart.
“To be fair, there are covert outfits that function precisely as you envisioned. However, practically nobody in the broader martial realm has ever heard their names.”
“Once your reputation is recognized throughout the four corners of the realm, you can hardly masquerade as a clandestine intelligence ring, can you?”
The tavern master let out a smooth, easy laugh. Yanghwi observed him in silence for a brief moment.
Though to be fair… it isn’t as if the Hao Sect walks entirely along the righteous path, either.
It lingered as a dark-path syndicate skirting the border of unorthodox ways—positioned at best along the gray divide separating the orthodox from the unorthodox factions.
That was the precise standing of the Hao Sect within the current landscape of the pugilistic world.
Unlike the Beggars’ Sect, which amassed and traded secrets under the banner of chivalry and justice, the Hao Sect dealt in intelligence purely as a commercial enterprise for silver and gold.
Furthermore, unlike the Beggars’ Sect with its singular command center situated in Kaifeng, the Hao Sect lacked a supreme central fortress.
They structured themselves into isolated, independent cells. As a result, even if an aggressor completely obliterated a local branch, they gained virtually nothing of substantial value.
Considering the inevitable retribution and complications that would follow, any master of a transcendent realm would view raiding a Hao Sect outpost as a foolish, unprofitable venture.
Which makes them the ideal instrument to leverage in our current predicament.
“Shopkeeper. I believe it is time we turn to real business.”
“Observing this young fellow was so entertaining that I nearly neglected my commercial duties. Pray tell, what transaction brings you beneath our roof?”
“I have arrived to trade intelligence regarding the Sword King’s Tomb.”
“Oho. Did you say the Sword King’s Tomb?”
The proprietor—or more accurately, the head of the Hao Sect Taihe branch—narrowed his eyelids thoughtfully.
“You bring intelligence of extraordinary value. That is, of course, assuming it holds authentic weight.”
“Could anyone truly hope to peddle falsehoods to the illustrious Hao Sect? Surely you know better.”
“Well now. You would be surprised how many still attempt it.”
A momentary stillness descended upon the room. Seizing the gap, Chudal directed a focused qi transmission.
— Boss. Is it genuinely wise for us to disperse intelligence concerning the Sword King’s Tomb?
— Why on earth wouldn’t it be?
— Exactly how much do you intend to disclose to them?
— Every single scrap we hold.
The intelligence currently within their grasp amounted to the reality that the Sword King’s Tomb rested within Bukchang Mountain in Gyesu, accompanied by a rudimentary directional chart indicating the entrance.
Thoroughly startled, Chudal pushed back through their private link.
— If we surrender the whole thing, aren’t we just toiling tirelessly only to serve up a bowl of hot porridge to someone else’s hound?
His reasoning was not entirely off the mark.
The instant that intelligence was transferred into the hands of the Hao Sect, myriad sects and solitary martial artists would descend upon the location like a pack of starved beasts.
And yet…
— We lack the capacity to take even a single taste of that porridge through our own strength anyway.
Their present fighting capacity was limited to one master at the apex realm, three at the first-rate level, and a lone second-rate practitioner.
Even with specialized mastery in virulent poisons, throwing arts, and the arts of the Divine Thief, their numbers were woefully inadequate to unearth the Sword King’s Tomb unassisted.
— Could we not simply retreat, build up our foundation, and return at a later date?
— And permit the Namgung noble house to devour the entire prize while we wait? Furthermore, the moment we mobilize a formidable strike force, there is no chance the Namgung clan remains oblivious to our movements.
In short, claiming the Sword King’s Tomb using solely the combined might of the Baek house and Tang Clan was a pipe dream—unless they wielded sufficient military power to openly challenge and crush the Namgung noble house in battle.
— For our clan alongside the Tang Clan to conquer the site alone, we would need to spend several years cultivating our resources. If the Namgung house cleans out the interior before that day arrives, we will be left standing empty-handed, looking like a mutt chasing after a stray fowl.
In his prior life, the Namgung noble house had publicly announced their claim over the Sword King’s Tomb several years down the road.
Considering they had only broadcasted its existence after clearing out every relic inside and scouring the mountain to ensure not a single trace remained…
We have very little leeway on time.
— Even granting all that, making such a sudden choice… is Young Lord Tang aware of this step?
— Without question.
Regardless of how unpredictably Yanghwi might act on occasion, he never initiated a pivotal maneuver without tacit consensus.
…Most likely.
— You two reached an understanding and excluded me entirely?! That is blatant mistreatment!
Suppressing an emerging sigh, Yanghwi answered the transmission.
— There was no requirement for formal discussion; we shared an unspoken accord.
— An accord without speaking a word? What sort of ridiculous logic is that?!
This insufferable kid, truly.
He was testing Yanghwi’s patience to its limits.
— Do you genuinely believe Brother Tang is a greenhorn uninitiated in the ways of the world like yourself?
Relying on their current personnel, a solitary raid on the Sword King’s Tomb remained impossible.
Gathering an expansive contingent would inevitably sound alarms with the Namgung noble house, precipitating an immediate catastrophe.
The tomb operated on an unforgiving countdown; if the Namgung house secured it ahead of them, all their labors would be reduced to dust.
Tang Gun stood as the young lord of an esteemed lineage, having already journeyed across the martial landscape repeatedly to temper his instincts.
There was zero probability that he failed to recognize these operational boundaries.
From the precise moment they resolved to strike a blow against the Namgung noble house from behind their backs, this calculated outcome was already woven into the premise.
— Keep your mouth shut and watch closely. I brought you along strictly so you could observe and grasp how this world works.
Severing the qi transmission, Yanghwi redirected his attention toward the branch master, who remained steeped in quiet calculation.
“Judging by your reaction, you already possess some knowledge of the matter?”
“How could I remain ignorant of it?”
Indeed, even an entity as grand as the Namgung noble house would have found its private spy network inadequate to gather every scattered clue regarding the Sword King’s Tomb.
When it came to sifting through forgotten annals and digging up ancient lore, the Hao Sect held an undeniable advantage over the Beggars’ Sect, making it exceedingly likely that the Namgung family had relied on their services as well.
“Then you understand fully that this piece of intelligence commands an astronomical sum.”
“Hmm. I cannot offer an absolute confirmation on that point just yet. As you are aware, confirming the veracity of such high-grade rumors requires an immense expenditure of resources.”
“If that is your stance…”
Yanghwi turned on his heel without a shred of reluctance.
The tavern master made not the slightest gesture to hold him back.
— Elder Brother. I recall reading this exact scenario in tales before as well. But in the stories, the seller is always called back before reaching the door. Why is he simply watching you walk away?
Why else? The moment the proprietor intervened, he would surrender every scrap of bargaining power in the exchange.
“Ah, before I take my leave, there is one further item I ought to display.”
Yanghwi slid a parchment from the folds of his garment—the precise correspondence he had retrieved during the subjugation of the Crouching Dragon Stockade.
It was an envelope bearing the distinct impression of the Great Greenwood Seal across its face, containing the classified passphrase required to establish direct dialogue with the Greenwood.
The proprietor’s expression instantly turned rigid.
“This item is…”
“Holding the rank of a Hao Sect branch leader, you surely recognize its meaning.”
“Is it your intention to present this to the Greenwood?”
“Did you presume I would carry it to the Beggars’ Sect instead?”
— Boss, whenever negotiations with the Hao Sect fall through, taking the wares to the Beggars’ Sect is the classical convention!
Hold your tongue, you idiot.
“I remain unaware of what specific fragments you hold concerning the Sword King’s Tomb, Young Hero, but dealing with the Greenwood carries extreme peril.”
“I am well aware of the danger.”
“Furthermore, whatever minor lead you retrieved from the Jin Estate would hardly suffice to mobilize the Greenwood’s forces.”
So he even possessed intelligence regarding the Jin Estate incident. His web had gathered quite an impressive volume of information already.
Nevertheless, Yanghwi’s calm demeanor never wavered.
“I am fully conscious of that as well.”
The branch leader had weathered enough storms to distinguish between a client’s empty bluff and genuine leverage.
This is no hollow boast. This young man holds true backing.
“Hahaha! Honored patron, having traveled all this way, it would be an absolute discourtesy to part without giving your merchandise an audience! Come, let us share a pot of wine to wash away the tension!”
The branch head reached back and tugged at an ornamental cord suspended behind his seat.
Moments later, the rhythm of soft footfalls neared, and a maiden draped in graceful palace-style garments stepped into the room carrying fine liquor alongside simple delicacies.
“Leave the girl outside. Bring only the vintage.”
“Tsk. You truly are a difficult guest to handle, aren’t you?”
“Elder Brother, can’t she stay just to keep me company?”
THWACK!
“OUCH!”
“Foolish boy. Consuming yourself with women at your tender age will bleed your inner essence dry.”
“…”
Pouring the amber liquor until every vessel was filled to the brim, the tavern master raised his cup in an opening gesture.
The porcelain met with a sharp ring, and the branch leader tossed back his drink in a single motion.
“Young Hero. Before we proceed, I must inquire about the larger tapestry you are weaving. Exactly what sort of game board do you intend to construct here?”
“Are we discussing terms before you even verify the authenticity of my intelligence?”
“Considering you have laid the Great Greenwood Seal upon the table, I believe the matter of verification can be temporarily deferred.”
“A reasonable compromise.”
Yanghwi lightly tapped the rim of his drinking cup before delivering his stance.
“I intend to turn the entire region into an open slaughterhouse where all sides tear into one another.”
The branch leader instantly saw straight through the core of Yanghwi’s scheme.
“You plan to sit back and reap the fisherman’s profit while the snipe and clam lock shells.”
“Accompanied by an unwitting decoy to draw the fire.”
“While you execute the golden cicada shedding its shell when the dust settles.”
“Precisely so.”
The branch leader clicked his tongue, a faint sense of disappointment coloring his expression.
Yanghwi curled his lips into a knowing smirk.
“Were you entertaining thoughts of quietly pocketing the entire tomb for yourself if the opportunity presented itself?”
“Haha… it is a treasure beyond standard reckoning, after all.”
That exact avarice was the reason Yanghwi had unveiled the Great Greenwood Seal at the outset.
He sought to ensure that rather than harboring illusions of monopolizing the intelligence internally, the Hao Sect would be pressured to circulate and sell the secret to as many competing powers as humanly possible.
“Very well, let us examine what you hold. Since matters have developed to this stage, I must guarantee our outfit extracts an appropriate return on the venture.”
Meeting the request, Yanghwi took out several folded sheets of paper from within his inner robes.
They were the transcribed diagrams duplicated directly from the original chart held by the Jin Estate.
The branch leader scrutinized the markings for a substantial duration, then gave a firm shake of his head.
“This is not the genuine article. Far from offering a handsome sum, I have no interest in acquiring a duplicate like this.”
“Naturally.”
Observing that Yanghwi remained completely unruffled by the rejection, a spark of profound intrigue ignited in the branch leader’s eyes.
“Oho? Do you possess something far more substantial than this?”
“Without a doubt.”
Yanghwi slid a separate scrap of aged paper from inside his tunic.
This piece had not originated from the Jin Estate; Yeo Hyeok had pressed it into his palms right before they commenced the escort route.
The decisive missing fragment that would dictate the layout of the entire board.
“Th-This is…!”
The branch leader’s eyes dilated until they seemed ready to tear at the edges.
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