Chapter 131 < A Bit Rough >
The Seventh Squad Leader of the Heaven Sword Corps was meeting Jin Sahong.
Jin Sahong had been living through hectic days recently, busy with issues concerning the Murim Alliance's local branch.
But then, out of nowhere, the Squad Leader of the Heaven Sword Corps came to join him, which made him extremely uneasy.
In truth, the Heaven Sword Corps was not an organization that engaged in external activities recklessly.
It wasn't a group that primarily gathered information or conducted external operations; it was a group meant for combat.
The Heaven Sword Corps existed to become the blade of the Murim Alliance whenever conflict arose.
While the excuse of assisting with the relocation of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion made it somewhat understandable, it was, in fact, a cause for concern.
It was possible that discussions regarding this matter were already taking place within the Murim Alliance.
At one point, Jin Sahong had considered contacting the Murim Alliance for confirmation. However, doing so could be interpreted as a lack of trust in the Seventh Squad Leader, which made it a difficult step to take.
Amid this situation, the Seventh Squad Leader requested a private audience.
"How have you been faring lately?"
Jin Sahong asked casually, to which the Squad Leader replied calmly.
"Thanks to your consideration, Sect Leader, I’ve been managing quite comfortably."
Jin Sahong was the leader of the True Sword Sect, an organization established by the Murim Alliance to handle external affairs.
This was why the Squad Leader's presence in Wuhan drew Jin Sahong's attention.
Such matters were supposed to fall under the True Sword Sect’s jurisdiction, but the Heaven Sword Corps had gotten involved instead.
After a few more casual exchanges, silence settled between them for a while.
It was Jin Sahong who eventually broke the silence.
"So, what business do you have with me?"
"I wanted to hear your opinion."
"Opinion? About what?"
"I’ve been surveying the surrounding areas recently."
Jin Sahong nodded.
"I’ve heard about that."
Reports had already reached him that the entire Seventh Squad of the Heaven Sword Corps was scouring various locations in Wuhan.
The Squad Leader wasn’t trying to hide it either, moving openly to make it easier for the Golden Moon Merchants to approach them.
"But I noticed that there’s a surprising number of Unorthodox Path groups in Wuhan."
"Well… I've heard it’s somewhat like that."
"Could they be managed by the Black Lotus?"
The Squad Leader’s tone turned serious.
"If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be necessary to reinforce our personnel here?"
Jin Sahong shook his head.
"No, they’re not Black Lotus people. They’re just Unorthodox Path thugs. Honestly, they’re more like back-alley hooligans than proper Unorthodox Path factions."
The Squad Leader tilted his head.
"Really?"
"Why do you ask? Did something seem off?"
"It’s nothing. It’s just… they seemed unusually rough."
"It’s not exactly news that Unorthodox Path thugs are rough."
The Squad Leader shook his head.
"It’s not just roughness, it was the aura they exuded. From what I could tell, they seemed like individuals who’d spent at least five years in a proper Unorthodox Path sect."
"That’s hard to believe."
Although Jin Sahong said this, uneasiness began creeping into his mind.
Could it be that he had underestimated Jeong Gyeol Gyeong too much?
If the Unorthodox Path groups in Wuhan were indeed sent by the Black Lotus, it would ultimately mean losing the battle for influence.
In the worst-case scenario, should things escalate to an extreme, not only would it be humiliating, but it could also lead to his death.
"So, what are you suggesting?"
Jin Sahong focused on the Squad Leader's words, suspecting they were related to the Black Lotus.
"How about I personally subdue that Unorthodox Path group?"
"You want to bring them under your control?"
"Not exactly. More like making them submit and using them. It would also serve as a way to verify things."
"Verify… Hmm. That does make sense."
If the Squad Leader hadn't mentioned it, Jin Sahong might not have thought much of it. But now that the idea of the Black Lotus’s influence in Wuhan had taken root in his mind, he couldn’t leave the matter unattended.
"Unorthodox Path groups have a tendency to submit to the strong. If done right, we could even get some capable individuals to work for us."
"What do you intend to do after gathering these people?"
The Squad Leader smirked.
"Naturally, I’d have them do what we can’t. They are Unorthodox Path thugs, after all. There are certain activities they’re accustomed to handling."
Looking at the Squad Leader’s subtle smile, Jin Sahong felt a vague sense of unease.
However, he couldn’t outright refuse the suggestion.
"Fine. But make sure no issues arise later."
"Of course. I’ll ensure everything is handled smoothly. In fact, this kind of thing isn’t that uncommon for us."
Was it the Squad Leader’s overconfidence? Jin Sahong couldn’t help but feel an ominous premonition.
•••••
Cho Seoran paced nervously in front of the main gate.
In the distance, two physicians approached, spotting her and hurrying over in surprise.
"Leader, were you waiting for us?"
"Was a bit worried. Nothing happened, right?"
The physicians responded with a small smile.
"There was no issue at all. Well… we were a little surprised to wake up lying on the floor, but honestly, we feel so refreshed and clear-headed that it’s quite nice."
"Is that so?"
Cho Seoran, slightly surprised, carefully observed the two physicians.
On the surface, they looked perfectly fine.
"To be honest, we don’t remember much. We were having a brief conversation, and then it seems we just fell asleep."
It was a bit embarrassing.
When they woke up in the morning, Byeok Taesan was gone, and only they were left lying side by side on the floor.
"You don’t remember anything? No strange sensations?"
The physicians stroked their chins thoughtfully.
"Now that you mention it, there was a peculiar feeling. It’s hard to explain, though…"
Cho Seoran’s eyes lit up as she spoke.
"Like the sense of accomplishment after achieving something through long perseverance and effort?"
The two physicians clapped their hands together.
"Exactly! That’s it! Ah, that’s why we feel so good!"
Cho Seoran nodded. They seemed to have experienced something similar to her.
"Was that all?"
"What else would there be?"
Looking at them, it wasn’t entirely identical. After all, she had experienced some pain and exhaustion as well.
Cho Seoran’s face flushed slightly.
"No, it’s nothing. Anyway, you’ve worked hard. Now, go inside and rest for a while."
The physicians grinned widely.
"Rest? With how energized and motivated we feel, there’s no way. We can get so much done today."
After a slight bow toward Cho Seoran, the two physicians entered the manor.
Watching them leave, Cho Seoran glanced in the direction where Byeok Taesan had gone, a peculiar expression on her face.
Then, with a small sigh, she turned and went inside.
Byeok Taesan sat in the training hall, calmly absorbing the spiritual energy he had acquired today.
The energy gained from burning the spirits of the two physicians was, as expected, similar to an elixir.
However, the quality and quantity were significantly lower than what he had obtained from Cho Seoran.
"That’s a bit disappointing."
It would take the spirits of about twenty physicians to match the amount he had absorbed from Cho Seoran.
And perhaps thirty, considering the quality as well?
"Well… even so, this is sufficient."
The Heavenly Medicine Pavilion still had plenty of physicians left.
Simply burning and absorbing their spirits one by one would more than justify the effort of bringing the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion to his side.
And in the process, their spirits would accumulate impurities again. Since they were always crafting medicines, their spirits were practically akin to elixirs.
The effects would diminish over time, but it would still be far better than indiscriminately burning any spirit.
When enough time passed, he could revisit Cho Seoran for another harvest.
With this, it was sufficient for now.
Closing his eyes, Byeok Taesan immersed himself in the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art once more.
These days, training had become increasingly enjoyable.
••••
The Seventh Squad of the Heaven Sword Corps consisted of thirteen members, including the squad leader.
The Heaven Sword Corps was divided into numerous squads, each with varying numbers and skill levels.
Generally, the squads were grouped in tiers of ten, with similar overall capabilities.
This meant that while the composition of the Seventh Squad might differ slightly, their overall strength was on par with the other top squads.
In short, the Seventh Squad was among the elite of the Heaven Sword Corps.
Various factors were used to evaluate skill.
The Heaven Sword Corps placed the most weight on combat experience.
While internal energy, techniques, and basic physical fitness were also part of the assessment, nothing was deemed more critical than actual combat experience.
Since they were the first line of offense in most engagements, this emphasis was natural.
Because of this, members of the Seventh Squad were particularly perceptive.
They were currently patrolling the back alleys of Wuhan.
Instead of moving as a single group, they divided into smaller teams of three, with the squad leader moving alone.
The squad leader, being significantly stronger and more experienced than the others, could handle the workload of three members on his own.
Without that level of capability, one wouldn’t even qualify as a squad leader candidate.
The Seventh Squad leader, prowling the alleys, was on the lookout for individuals who seemed to belong to the unorthodox faction.
Previously abundant, they had become elusive now that they were being actively hunted.
It was during this search that a peculiar group caught his eye.
'Those guys look like they’re with the unorthodox path.'
Five men, exuding the typical aura of unorthodox faction members, were moving together, glaring around as if searching for something.
Their movements made it obvious they were on the hunt.
'They’re not ordinary.'
The Seventh Squad leader immediately assessed their skills.
While they were inferior to the members of the Heaven Sword Corps, their abilities were still formidable. If such individuals attacked in large numbers, it could be problematic.
It didn’t take much to guess their true identities.
'Black Lotus.'
The Black Lotus forces had begun to move. Or perhaps the Unorthodox Path group here had always been affiliated with the Black Lotus and had come out to enforce order within their ranks.
The Seventh Squad Leader quietly followed them.
After walking for about half an hour, he spotted a few members of the Unorthodox Path seated in front of a tavern, chatting in low voices.
It was unexpected to see members of the Unorthodox Path sitting in front of a tavern without drinking, despite their reputation.
Regardless, five men approached the Unorthodox Path group briskly.
The Seventh Squad Leader assessed the Unorthodox Path members in front of the tavern.
‘It’s hard to gauge their level quickly. Their appearances are rough... and they seem to have plenty of scars...’
At first glance, they appeared to be individuals who had lived rough lives at the bottom of the hierarchy.
Moreover, their eyes were sharp and full of energy. The glint of hostility and killing intent flickered in their gazes.
The Seventh Squad Leader slightly concealed himself, observing their actions. Or at least, he tried to.
Behind him, a group of people suddenly appeared.
Startled by the unexpected presence, the Seventh Squad Leader turned around.
Ten individuals, who appeared to be from the Unorthodox Path, were approaching. Their destination was clearly the tavern.
However, they noticed the Seventh Squad Leader.
“Hey! Mister! What are you doing there? Why are you sneaking around? Come here for a moment.”
The Unorthodox Path member spoke casually, his tone mocking. The Seventh Squad Leader felt a surge of irritation but decided to suppress it for the moment.
Unfortunately, the Unorthodox Path members had no intention of leaving it at that and rushed toward him in a group.
The Seventh Squad Leader had no choice but to engage with the Unorthodox Path members before he could even observe what was happening at the tavern properly.
At that moment, he thought he would quickly resolve the situation and return to monitoring the tavern.
But things didn’t unfold as the Seventh Squad Leader had hoped.
The Unorthodox Path members were far stronger than he had anticipated.
A fight erupted between the Seventh Squad Leader and the Unorthodox Path group.
Meanwhile, the Black Lotus warriors approached the Unorthodox Path members in front of the tavern.
“Are you the Crimson Dragon Sect members?” one of the Black Lotus warriors asked, his eyes gleaming.
“Nope. We’re from the Black Axe. This area is under the Black Axe. If you’re looking for the Crimson Dragon Sect, try heading toward the downtown area.”
The Black Lotus warrior chuckled.
“Crimson Dragon Sect or Black Axe—it doesn’t matter. Join under me.”
At this, one of the Unorthodox Path members wore an incredulous expression.
“Are you telling me to join under you? Where are you even from?”
The Black Lotus warrior smirked meaningfully.
“I’m from the Black Lotus. So, what do you think? Does that clear things up?”
“Crazy bastard. Someone like you claiming to be from the Black Lotus? The Black Lotus isn’t some place for kids to play around.”
The Black Lotus warrior’s expression darkened.
“Kids’ play? You little... Are you talking to me?”
The Unorthodox Path member shook his head.
“No, I meant all five of you standing there.”
“You must feel the sting before you come to your senses.”
The Black Lotus warrior clenched his fists. It seemed he would need to break a few limbs before continuing the conversation.
The Unorthodox Path member stood up, glaring at the Black Lotus warriors.
“Did you think we’d bow and scrape just because you said you’re from the Black Lotus? What’s wrong with you? We’re not even scared of the Murim Alliance.”
At the mention of the Murim Alliance, the Black Lotus warriors momentarily flinched. Something felt off about this.
“Hey, guys! We’ve got guests! Everyone, come out!”
At the shout, a group of Unorthodox Path members poured out of the tavern.
Their numbers were easily over twenty.
Seeing this, the Black Lotus warriors chuckled.
“Typical Unorthodox Path idiots. They think numbers decide the outcome of a fight.”
One of the Unorthodox Path members leaned toward another.
“Go report to the boss. Tell him it’s started. Send five more to help out—they look strong.”
The Unorthodox Path members moved efficiently and without hesitation.
The Black Lotus warriors, observing their actions, began to suspect the involvement of other Black Lotus operatives.
It became clear that the group from the Black Lotus here wasn’t acting alone.
A sense of unease crept over them.
Then, one of the Unorthodox Path members spoke.
“Think about what will happen if we lose here. The top brass won’t be happy. They’re out for blood.”
The Unorthodox Path members shuddered collectively.
“We won’t lose!”
“Kill them all!”
Suddenly, their energy surged with ferocity.
The Black Lotus warriors were taken aback. They couldn’t understand why these lunatics were behaving like this.
But that thought didn’t last long.
The Unorthodox Path members charged at them in unison.
Thus, the battle between the Black Lotus warriors and the Unorthodox Path of Wuhan began.