Chapter 652
Chapter 652
Chapter 652. Finishing Up (5)
Inside the tent, I wiped the Silver Mist Sword with a cloth.
In truth, the Silver Mist Sword was a blade that remained sharp even without being sharpened, and blood did not stain its edge either.
So there was no need to wipe the Silver Mist Sword, but it was an action for organizing my thoughts.
Swish, swish.
Sitting on the simple cot and wiping the Silver Mist Sword, I continued thinking about what had been bothering me.
It was about the conditions the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost had put forward for releasing the hostages.
I could understand the thirty thousand seok of rice.
But I could not understand demanding one hundred slaves and autonomy.
Having traveled on merchant routes for decades and encountered the Green Forest Bandits throughout the entire empire, I could say with confidence that I knew them well.
They were quicker-witted and more calculating than one might think.
They did not ask for things that would never be accepted from the start.
Except in one single case.
When they wanted to pick a fight or create a pretext for one.
Think about it.
It was obvious that we would not accept what they demanded.
Then our side had only one method.
Organize a rescue team and save the people detained in the cave.
What if I had not used the Hyunro Diagram to safely get the people trapped in the cave out?
Even if the rescue team had succeeded in approaching the cave, they would not have been able to save the people trapped inside it.
Then even if we annihilated the Green Forest Bandits here, it would have been a victory that left only wounds.
Among those detained there were quite a few from powerful sects in Sichuan.
If such people were all wiped out during the subjugation of the Green Forest Bandits?
Their grief would be very great, and the feelings they held toward the government would never be good.
After all, whatever the circumstances, they had stepped forward after accepting the Provincial Inspector and the Crown Prince’s request for cooperation, then died after being deployed in an operation under White Tiger’s command.
Moreover, Qingcheng Sect had already suffered considerable damage due to this earthquake, and if they lost their prodigies on such a large scale again, the orthodox sects of Sichuan themselves would shrink.
If Sichuan’s orthodox murim weakened, and their relationship with the government or the imperial family also grew cold……
I do not even want to think about it. (Eun Seho)
And once again, I could be certain.
This was absolutely not the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost’s idea.
He might risk his mountain keep being annihilated, yet he deliberately demanded such negotiations?
It made no sense.
It was definitely an order from someone who had bestowed some sort of “favor” upon him.
With an extremely high probability, it was the Asura Blood Cult.
And the Asura Blood Cult must have offered the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost something in return to entice him.
What could they have offered?
“What are you thinking so deeply about?” (Warrior Seo-woo)
I came out of my thoughts and looked to the side.
Warrior Seo-woo, having finished inspecting his weapon, was putting his sword into its scabbard.
I shook my head and answered.
“Ah…… I just have a lot of things to think about.” (Eun Seho)
“I see. I worry that I may have needlessly disturbed you.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
“No. Mm, there is something I would like to ask.” (Eun Seho)
“Please speak.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
My guards already knew about the Asura Blood Cult, so I spoke comfortably.
“In my estimation, this incident was not the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost acting alone. There is a high possibility that the Asura Blood Cult manipulated the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost from behind the scenes.” (Eun Seho)
“It is them again.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
“Yes. They must have made such a proposal despite clearly knowing that the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost’s mountain keep would be subjugated. If so, they must also have offered the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost something in return that he would accept.” (Eun Seho)
“That seems likely.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
“What I am thinking about is this. What could they possibly have offered the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost?” (Eun Seho)
At that, Warrior Seo-woo thought for a moment and said.
“I have heard of the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost before. In truth, he was once a Green Forest Bandit in a mountain keep led by a man called Tangdon among the mountain keeps around here.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
“Come to think of it, I remember hearing that before. They said he was called that because he loved sweet things so much.” (Eun Seho)
“Yes. That is correct. But he was killed by the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost, and the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost became the new Boss.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
The Green Forest Bandits had a peculiar rule.
If there was someone among the subordinates who wanted to become Boss, he had to challenge the Boss of that mountain keep and kill him.
Then he could take the head of the Boss he had killed, go to the Green King, and be recognized as the new Boss.
“And he absorbed nearby mountain keeps and gathered people until he reached his current scale.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
“I see.” (Eun Seho)
“And before my body was ruined, I once went on an escort trip to Yunnan and met someone I had known for a long time. He had been under Tangdon, but when the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost became the new Boss, he fled and started a new life. I once heard about the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost from him.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
“Please continue.” (Eun Seho)
“They say the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost has a very strong desire for honor. He is different from ordinary Green Forest Bandits.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
A strong desire for honor……
“They say he is especially obsessed with aliases.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
Well, an alias is also a kind of honor.
I felt as though I knew what they had offered the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost.
“Thank you for your useful words. I think I have an idea now.” (Eun Seho)
“I am glad I could be of help. In truth, I felt there was something I had heard about him, but I only remembered it just now and was about to tell you.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
“It was useful information. Thank you.” (Eun Seho)
I continued speaking.
“He is someone who even sacrificed his own subordinates to lure the subjugation force. And he must have received the arrow we shot earlier as well.” (Eun Seho)
“Yes. He probably did.” (Warrior Seo-woo)
“On top of that, the Asura Blood Cult has offered him an appropriate reward. Then how will he act?” (Eun Seho)
At my words, Warrior Lee Pil, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, answered.
“Well, of course, he will run away.” (Warrior Lee Pil)
“I think so too.” (Eun Seho)
I rose from my seat and said.
“Then shall we try playing the role of the vanguard?” (Eun Seho)
In the dead of night, with darkness on all sides.
The Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost quietly left his quarters.
“Ah! Boss!” (Lookout)
“Where are you going?” (Lookout)
At the questions of those standing watch, the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost asked coldly in return.
“Do I have to go around telling you my destination too?” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“Huk! N-no, sir!” (Lookout)
“We apologize!” (Lookout)
At the sight of them hurriedly prostrating themselves and apologizing, the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost said with a benevolent expression.
“I was too sharp. I am sorry.” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“We overstepped our place.” (Lookout)
“In truth, I am going to visit their temporary camp.” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“What?” (Lookout)
“Boss, are you going to personally scout them?” (Lookout)
“That is right. This is dangerous work, and I must see it myself for an accurate operation to come out.” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“B-Boss……” (Lookout)
The Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost waved his hand at the lookouts, who wore moved expressions.
“Then keep up the good work.” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“Yes, sir!” (Lookout)
“Ah, and absolutely do not tell anyone else that you saw me.” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
After repeatedly emphasizing that, the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost left the mountain keep. Watching him, the lookouts tilted their heads slightly.
It was because of the huge bundle the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost was carrying on his back, which looked heavy at a glance.
But soon, they assumed it must be something necessary for scouting.
Meanwhile, the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost laughed softly.
They really do fall for it well. (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
Right now, he had not the slightest thought of scouting the temporary camp where the subjugation force led by the Provincial Inspector was located.
He intended to head straight for the safe house.
The bundle on his back was the gold, silver, and treasures he had collected bit by bit.
If he did not surrender by the end of the horse hour tomorrow, the subjugation force would attack, but there was no way the people currently remaining in the mountain keep would know that.
So the subordinates left in the mountain keep would be subjugated without knowing anything.
But he had no intention of saving them.
I am sorry. But I will make sure your sacrifices are not in vain by raising my fame. (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
He crossed the mountain and arrived at the safe house.
The safe house had been neatly cleaned, and it did not look as if there would be any inconvenience in staying there for a while.
“Is anyone here?” (Masked Man)
Then someone’s voice was heard.
“……!” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
In an instant, he tensed and stiffened his body.
Because the only people who would come looking for him here were those people.
But they had clearly told him to wait here for several days, so there was no way those people would have come already.
So he carefully tried to check the yard.
“Is anyone here?” (Masked Man)
The voice continued to be heard.
“I know you are inside. I have visited because there is an item sent from above.” (Masked Man)
At that, he flinched. It was because of the words “an item sent from above.”
So he opened the door and went out into the yard.
“It is our first time meeting.” (Masked Man)
In the darkness, someone gave him a clasped-hands greeting. When he raised his head, he was wearing a smiling mask.
Thus, only the white mask was clearly visible.
“Ahem, who are you?” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“My identity is not something I can reveal.” (Masked Man)
“Then how am I supposed to trust you?” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“Why are you trying to trust me?” (Masked Man)
“Hm?” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“You should trust not me, but the person who sent me.” (Masked Man)
“…….” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
He took something out of the bundle he had been carrying on his back and held it out.
“Please accept this.” (Masked Man)
“What is this box?” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“The person who sent me said that preparation is necessary.” (Masked Man)
“Preparation?” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“Yes. I do not know the details either. I was merely told to tell you to prepare while staying here by eating those.” (Masked Man)
As he said that, he opened the box.
Inside were six pills.
“Take one pill every two hours.” (Masked Man)
Tak.
Closing the box, he held it out.
“Please accept it.” (Masked Man)
The Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost accepted it, then thought for a moment before saying.
“Look at me.” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“Yes.” (Masked Man)
In that instant, light flowed from his red eyes. At that light, the man’s gaze grew clouded.
“The one who sent you. Who is it?” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“That person is someone whose name cannot be revealed.” (Masked Man)
“Did those people truly send these pills?” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“Yes.” (Masked Man)
“Can they be trusted?” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“Of course. Those people are ones who never lie. Being chosen by them is a tremendous honor.” (Masked Man)
“I see. Now come to your senses and forget that I cast a soul-bewitching art on you.” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“Yes.” (Masked Man)
Thud!
When the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost stomped his foot, the clouded gaze of the one wearing the smiling mask returned.
“Uh…… Did I perhaps make some mistake?” (Masked Man)
“No. You did not.” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
He shook his head and issued an order to leave.
“I have received it well, so convey my thanks.” (Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost)
“Yes.” (Masked Man)
After the masked one returned like that, the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost grinned.
There was a limit to the inner arts achieved through a pill that raised one from peak to the Transformation Realm.
Because if one used that power for more than fifteen minutes, the body could not withstand it and would begin to collapse.
Thus, those people had said they would provide a supplement in the near future.
The pills given to him.
They were surely a supplement for his unstable power.
“Hoo…….” (Eun Seho)
I lightly exhaled as I took off the mask.
“How did it go?” (Warrior Jin-yu)
“Fortunately, it seems he fell for it.” (Eun Seho)
I answered Warrior Jin-yu’s words and put the mask inside the emergency pack.
That was right.
I had just returned from giving the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost the pills Elder Man-gyeol Divine Physician had made this time.
There were several reasons I had been able to stop Maeng Hyeon, who had rapidly grown stronger after taking the Extreme Martial Awakening Pill at Zhu Rong Palace last time.
The first was that, by chance, I had learned the Extreme Ice Sword through the founder’s arrangement.
The second was that I had fought against a master of the Transformation Realm before.
The third was the side effects of the Extreme Martial Awakening Pill.
Because he could not continue fighting for a long time due to that, he had also lost to me.
In truth, in my previous life, once the Extreme Martial Awakening Pill became known, research into it was conducted.
It was research led not by the Martial Alliance, but by the Sichuan Tang Clan.
According to what I found out, there was a spiritual herb that nullified the effects of the core ingredient of that Extreme Martial Awakening Pill. And if one ate it, those who had taken the Extreme Martial Awakening Pill would have problems drawing up the inner arts they had built through taking the pill.
Of course, it caused no problems at all for someone who had not taken the Extreme Martial Awakening Pill.
That spiritual herb was none other than Baekhoryeong.
It was one of the spiritual herbs that had been strewn around Mount Odong’s mountain keep before.
And through Geumryeong, I had received Baekhoryeong from Father and asked Elder Man-gyeol Divine Physician to make pills with it.
Six pills in total.
Even eating one of them would be enough to take effect, but he might grow suspicious if I gave him only one, so I prepared six.
Since I already had experience subduing Maeng Hyeon, who had rapidly grown stronger after taking the Extreme Martial Awakening Pill, there was no reason I could not subdue the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost.
But when there was a method by which I could expend less effort and face less danger, there was no reason not to use it.
One could say using medicine was cowardly, but what did I care?
I might die if things went even slightly wrong, so what room was there for cowardice or anything else?
And the one who was more cowardly was the Blood-Eyed Sword Ghost, who raised his realm through a shortcut by taking such a pill.
Warrior Yeoeungam said.
“I was very worried because you went personally.” (Warrior Yeoeungam)
“It could not be helped. There was a high possibility he would use soul-bewitching arts.” (Eun Seho)
I continued speaking.
“And just as I guessed, he really did use a soul-bewitching art.” (Eun Seho)
“Is that really true?” (Warrior Yeoeungam)
I nodded.
Perhaps he was uneasy because I, someone he had never seen before, came to the safe house, so he put me under a soul-bewitching art and questioned me about the truth.
So I deliberately pretended to be caught in the soul-bewitching art.
Whether my acting was fairly good or not, he trusted my words.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow.” (Eun Seho)
.
.
.
Day broke.
And the promised horse hour arrived.
As expected, not a single weapon had been hung from a pole like the letter we had sent to the mountain keep said.
Lord Provincial Inspector heard that report and rose from his seat.
“The time for subjugation has come.” (Provincial Inspector)
At those words, the eyes of those in attendance shone.
Lord Provincial Inspector called me first.
“Young Master Eun Seho.” (Provincial Inspector)
“Yes.” (Eun Seho)
“You said you would stand at the vanguard.” (Provincial Inspector)
“That is correct. Before that, there is something I must tell you.” (Eun Seho)