“…My, I didn’t expect that Great Hero Wi was aware of such information.”
The goatee maintained a deceitful poker face as he readily admitted. Likely because he’s uncertain what kind of attack might come from me.
Though I’ve entered enemy territory alone, if we were to assess who’s the superior party, it would definitely be me.
Hao Gate cannot cause trouble in Wuhan.
Hao Gate lacks the martial might to confront an expert of the highest caliber.
Hao Gate has no real reason to be adversaries with me.
Therefore, if this man is a traitor, he would likely attempt to coax me over.
If not… he might seek to cooperate with me.
Which one is this goatee really?
I leaned back against the chair and spoke.
“The cultists who’ve defected have been leaking various kinds of information.”
I gradually released some aura from the mana core.
Although I have no intention of causing disorder, if he makes a reckless move, I plan to respond in kind.
…Surely he wouldn’t dare.
“Indeed, Great Hero Wi. Your fame in Jianghu appears to be well-deserved.”
“Enough of the flattery. What’s your answer?”
An acceptance or refusal.
As he locked eyes with me, the goatee immediately answered with a somewhat respectful expression.
“I’ll provide information about the Devil Sect’s branch. However… I have one request.”
“What’s that?”
“If you can assist in dealing with the traitors… not only will I give you relevant information, but any other information you desire as well.”
This goateed man bowed to me. Is he truly sincere?
“I don’t have much time to spare, either.”
“There’s a way. With an artifact passed down through the Hao Gate’s leadership, we can issue a summons. Since there’s also a matter concerning the next leader of Hao Gate… we can naturally summon them soon.”
“If we manage to draw the traitors out… we ask that you help us deal with them.”
The situation is getting more complex.
Who would’ve thought the process of saving the Martial Alliance Leader would involve so many twists and turns.
Saving Hao Gate, gathering information, raiding the Devil Sect branch, and securing the approval for the succession duel.
Though it’s something I’ve set in motion myself, it’s quite regrettable that there’s no room for rest.
Still, if we can manage to prevent the Devil Sect from causing a war, or destroy them to bring peace within the next two years, the rest of my life can be peaceful.
“Still, won’t this plan of yours leak soon?”
“I’ve personally cultivated the people at Ten Fragrance Tower. They’re not the type to betray me easily.”
Well, if you say so.
“When will this summoning order be issued?”
“In thirty days. We agreed to gather in Huchang, Henan, so you can come disguised as a bodyguard then.”
“What’s the reason you’re involving me?”
I stared into the goateed man’s eyes.
He looked at me seriously and replied.
“Though Hao Gate is made up of grassroots people, it was created to protect each other. Those who betray their family must meet their due punishment.”
“Can’t Hao Gate handle the traitor issue by itself?”
“As you know, Hao Gate was built on information, not martial prowess. If the traitors are supported by the Devil Sect…”
Ah, makes sense.
“Why are you issuing a large gather like this if it’s so risky?”
“To lull them into complacency. We’ll pretend we know nothing while issuing the summoning. Once they gather, we planned to use the secret martial artists we have been cultivating to attack them.”
There wasn’t much detailed background in the original story about how Hao Gate fell. Is this what happened?
If I don’t intervene, the Hao Gate leader gets killed and Hao Gate gets taken over. And Hao Gate’s information will be critical for the Devil Sect’s invasion of the Central Plains.
“…But compared to top-tier experts, they’re still novices at best.”
True.
If everyone could become an expert at training with money, there wouldn’t be so many major sects taking such pains to train disciples.
To cultivate an exceptional martial artist, you need proper support, mentors, and good martial arts techniques.
At some point, I underwent intense training too, recalling those golden days spent rolling around in the training grounds, gritting my teeth to keep up and putting in a lot of effort because I didn’t want to die.
“Well… since Hao Gate is valuable to me, it’s not a bad deal. Still, the timing is a bit inconvenient.”
“Timing?”
“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but do you know why I’m seeking information on the Devil Sect?”
“…I apologize, but I do not know.”
Sure, only someone who’s read the original story could understand why I’m seeking information on the Devil Sect. The Martial Alliance Leader probably hasn’t yet learned of my application for the succession duel.
“The Devil Sect is my enemy. That should suffice.”
“…Understood.”
It’s not something I can easily reveal.
No matter what, Hao Gate is an organization that trades information. Sharing too much with them benefits neither of us.
In case things go awry, they could use the information against me.
I rose from my seat leisurely.
“When the time comes, send word to Hainan Sword Sect.”
“Thank you.”
“Still, thirty days feels a bit long…”
I need to take care of what I can before then.
I left the brothel.
——————-
“Ah… uncle, I smell powder. Where have you been…?”
Startling.
Even at this late hour, Hye-ryeong didn’t sleep and waited for me, causing a shiver down my spine.
I feel like I’m some husband who’s gotten caught before even settling down.
“I just went out for a little while.”
“What did you do…?”
There’s no need to hide it from her, so it’s better to tell her.
“I made contact with Hao Gate.”
“Hao Gate?”
“I needed some information.”
“Couldn’t you just go to the Beggar Sect?”
“It was easier to get through Hao Gate than Beggar Sect.”
“What information?”
“The Demon Sect.”
“Ah…”
Hye-ryeong nodded at my words; she’s heard of plots among noble families, so she must understand my intentions.
“Anyway, why does it smell like powder?”
“It was a brothel where I made contact with Hao Gate.”
“Is that so…?”
“It’s true. Do you really think I’m someone who would fool around with women?”
“Since you said it, I’ll believe you.”
What’s with all this worrying?
Seeing Hye-ryeong acting like a child with separation anxiety made me smile faintly. Perhaps she’s more of a puppy than a penguin. I ruffled her hair as I spoke.
“Since there’s more to do tomorrow, you should sleep. You don’t need to wait like this next time.”
“Yes…”
I led the sleepy Hye-ryeong back to her room and entered mine after that.
Helping Hao Gate is a month away.
I’ll prepare everything I can within that time.
With about half a year left, I will gain the approval from Hainan Sword Sect and Northern Pang family within a month.
To obtain certification from Shaolin… it would need to wait until the Hao Gate matter concludes.
“Too much to do.”
I might as well forsake everything and live a hermit life somewhere in the mountains to find peace.
After changing clothes, I climbed into bed.
I will need to start my busy routine again once I wake up.
Closing my eyelids…
—————————–
“…A succession duel with the Alliance Leader? That’s heavy humor.”
“…I’m serious.”
At my words, Elder Baek looked at me with a skeptical expression, probably unsure if it was a joke or not.
What could be the best way to persuade him?
After pondering, I spoke.
“It’s related to the Devil Sect.”
“…”
At the mention of “Devil Sect,” Elder Baek’s expression turned instantly serious. The fact that he immediately reacted shows that the Devil Sect’s previous attack is still fresh in his memory.
I continued persuading.
“Do you remember my encounter with the Devil Sect’s underlings on my way back from Wudang Sect?”
“You mentioned that story. I also recall that the Martial Alliance sent people to investigate.”
“Because of that, I suspect there’s a Devil Sect spy among the Martial Alliance Leader’s closest circle.”
I dropped the bomb.
Of information that only I know about from this world.
“…Can you guarantee that?”
“For now, it’s still a possibility.”
“Why do you believe that?”
“That city wasn’t far from Wuchang.
Since the Martial Alliance operates its own intelligence network as far as I know, failing to detect such a close location implies that someone is either intercepting or falsifying information from behind.”
There are undeniably some vulnerabilities in my story.
However, the weight of my words isn’t something to easily dismiss.
“Still, I don’t see how this connects to the succession duel.”
“We would need a private meeting with the Martial Alliance Leader to secretly report and expose the spy.
But as an outsider, the only way for me to privately meet the leader is through a martial duel.”
“Hmm… so you’re asking for help.”
“Yes.”
Elder Baek turned his head slightly, looking out the window while stroking his beard.
Is he deep in thought?
Since this involves our sect’s reputation, he wouldn’t lightly make a decision.
“I understand. Since Hainan Sword Sect owes you, we’ll support your cause.”
“Thank you.”
The first certification.
Fortunately, I was able to quickly gain Hainan Sword Sect’s support.
Next… I’ll head to the Northern Pang family.
