Book 19 Chapter 6

Secret Rendezvous

—Secret Passage

“Whew~”

After looking around the room once, Ishigeon whistled softly. He could understand at a glance why it was so strictly locked up at all times.

The first time he set foot in this room, the light shining from the expensive glass lamps filling the room, reflected by the light outside, made the golden light shining from all directions so dazzling that he couldn’t even open his eyes properly. The floor, pillars, and even the walls were all laid with light pink marble. Although he wasn’t very knowledgeable about stones, he intuitively knew it was more expensive than pure white. That’s the nature of rarity. And the decorations and vessels adorning the marble were almost all made of gold, with silver used only to further enhance the gold. All of them were polished so brightly that they reflected his face like a mirror, without a speck of dust. It was a room that didn’t match the name “Seolhwa” (snow flower), which evoked the purity and cleanliness of midwinter, in any way, but anyone overwhelmed by the golden light would not have had even a moment to ponder such questions.

However, not everything was complete. Unfortunately, one thing was missing. Suddenly, he wondered if it was intentionally decorated so extravagantly to emphasize that one missing emptiness. Ishigeon also couldn’t help but feel a similar emptiness in his heart.

“A beautiful woman is missing!”

Of course, if he wanted to, Cheonghongru could supply him with a peerless beauty at any time, but unfortunately, he was severely short on time today.

“If only I didn’t have work…”

Ishigeon promised himself for a future occasion and turned the third golden candlestick on the left wall to the right. Then he turned to the right wall and turned the fourth golden candlestick to the left. After that, he pulled the rope next to the bed.

Rumble!

Normally, it should have rung like a bell to call a servant, but the sound of heavy stone moving was heard. However, the sound was not loud at all. Soon, the expensive marble in front of Ishigeon opened, revealing a passage leading underground. Perhaps still reluctant to let go of his lingering feelings, he glanced around the room with a hint of regret before hurrying into the passage. He worried that if he stayed any longer, he might not be able to leave, as this room offered the perfect environment to kill one’s motivation for work.

“You’re testing me!”

If this place were a place to test and evaluate the patience and diligence of his subordinates, this golden paradise would be the perfect spot. While he wasn’t opposed to calling for courtesans and indulging himself, he knew how to distinguish between work and pleasure. Failure to do so would never earn him a good reputation from the organization, which would be troublesome, and that trouble gave him the strength to move forward.

Soon, darkness swallowed Ishigeon’s body.

The passage was so black that he couldn’t see an inch ahead even with the eyes of an owl. The common(?) and expensive luminous pearls that appear so frequently in stories were nowhere to be found even if he scoured the ceiling. If such high-priced items, which cost tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of taels per piece, were embedded in such an ordinary secret passage, not only would the finances be unable to bear it, but the luminous pearls that mysteriously disappeared each time someone passed through would have to be replaced. Therefore, having nothing at all was a much more rational choice.

But then again, there were no torches to light the passage. Ishigeon considered this a stroke of luck. In such a narrow, poorly ventilated, and closed space, if torches were placed at intervals of one jang, one would suffocate before even reaching the end of the passage. So, as a last resort, a long rope was hung on the left wall at about waist height. It seemed to be intended for him to hold onto and use as a lamp in the darkness—though it emitted no light—but it offered no real support. Or perhaps it was meant to convey that safety was not guaranteed if he strayed from this one, correct path designated by the organization. Either way, it didn’t matter to him. He had long since stopped questioning it. Without hesitation, he grabbed the rope that had been set up and began to walk forward.

The passage was longer than expected. And it wasn’t a straight line. Only after passing through several forks did Ishigeon finally reach the end of the dark secret passage. When he pulled the rope hanging in the darkness on the left, the door opened with a rumbling sound. Quickly looking around, he saw no windows. Only lanterns hanging on the left and right walls and the candlelight on the large table emitted light in the darkness. And the crimson flames on the candlesticks were unwavering. That meant there was no wind. It seemed to be underground.

Three people were seated at a large table in the center of the room. As soon as the stone door opened, they sprang to their feet and approached Ishigeon. And as if by agreement, they simultaneously knelt on one knee and shouted.

“Gyeopnan hyeolse (劫亂血洗)! Hyeolsin jaerim (血神再臨)!”

Then Ishigeon added the final words.

“Cheonggeob cheon-ha (天劫天下)!”

Once the final confirmation was complete, the man bowed his head and saluted.

“Greetings, Young Master Lee.”

Ishigeon’s gaze fell upon the middle-aged man kneeling half a step in front of the other two. The long sword at his waist clearly indicated that this man was the leader among the three (the scar near his eye was a striking feature).

“And you are?”

Ishigeon asked.

“Yes, I am Yoon Ijeong, the one who effectively oversees the Namchang Branch of Jungwon Pyoguk!”

The place where Ishigeon was currently located was a secret room located underground at the Namchang Branch of Jungwon Pyoguk. Only five people within this Namchang Branch knew of the existence of this secret place. This meant that besides the three present, there were only two others: the branch chief of Namchang Branch and the deputy branch chief. Both were absent due to urgent matters related to the courier business, but judging by Yoon Ijeong’s emphasis on “effective oversight” just moments ago, the hierarchy seemed to operate differently from the superficial one. Indeed, the position of “Geumgang Sibyebyeok” (Twelve Jade Walls of Diamond) that Yoon Ijeong held occupied a special place within Jungwon Pyoguk, and thus could surpass the authority of the branch chief in a symbolic sense. Finally, Ishigeon concluded that it would be best to proceed with Yoon Ijeong as the highest responsible person.

“Have the items I requested been prepared?”

“Yes, everything is ready.”

As Yoon Ijeong slightly raised his right hand, a martial artist standing to his right quickly brought forth a large box. According to Yoon Ijeong’s introduction, they were the Oh brothers, masters of swordsmanship, and were indispensable to him, skilled in infiltration and intelligence gathering. The one standing on the left was the elder brother, Oh Young, and the one who had just placed the box on the table was the younger brother, Oh Gi. Yoon Ijeong politely opened the lid of the box and turned it so Ishigeon could see it clearly.

“Now, please examine them. These are the results obtained after meticulously observing the target for two months.”

The items in the box did not look as impressive as they seemed. A black martial arts uniform that looked ordinary and not particularly expensive, a uniquely shaped wig, and finally, a rolled-up piece of paper. When he unrolled the paper, a person’s face appeared. This was a portrait. No, it would be more accurate to call it a physiognomy. There was a lack of affection for the subject in this drawing from the outset.

“It’s a very strange hairstyle, isn’t it? I doubt if one can distinguish things with such a hairstyle. Does it not obstruct their vision?”

“I know. I met him myself not too long ago.”

At those words, Yoon Ijeong’s eyes widened.

“I never thought he would be that person. I guess this is fate, if you can call it that. A terrible twist of fate.”

A wry smile formed on Ishigeon’s lips.

“What is the general opinion of him?”

“He is certainly quite a peculiar eccentric, but there is considerable doubt about how skilled he is.”

“And why is that?”

“After investigating, almost all of the academy students vehemently denied his skill. Some even called him mere trash, or worse. Why would someone like that be of such concern…”

“I don’t know either.”

Ishigeon’s answer was simple and direct.

“Until I coincidentally ran into him a while ago, I had never met him. I had never seen him before. All the information about him was just a few nonsensical evaluations heard secondhand. They were all products of distorted truth where the authenticity of the information could not be confirmed due to personal biases. So, what could I have used to evaluate this person until then?”

Yoon Ijeong listened to his words in silence.

“But it was an order. So I decided to follow it. I may not be sure about that person, but I am sure about the organization. That’s why I follow the organization’s orders. Perhaps they see things differently than you do. Perhaps they see something you don’t? Well, unless you claim to have a better eye than your superior.”

“How dare a subordinate…”

Yoon Ijeong quickly lowered his head, trailing off.

“But it’s different now. I met him in person, and I have a personal debt to settle. There are things I want to take back.”

“Is that so?”

“Indeed. He possesses things far too excessive.”

“And what might those be?”

“A peerless beauty.”

Yoon Ijeong had to close his mouth.

“Then let this plan be executed without objection.”

“Understood.”

“Do you have any other questions?”

“Uh… there is one thing I need to report.”

“Is it important?”

“It is the highest priority.”

At his firm reply, Ishigeon’s gaze shifted slightly.

“Highest priority? Is it a matter so urgent that it must be handled before anything else? More so than my mission?”

“From my limited perspective, yes.”

Knowing that it was impolite to his superior, but speaking so firmly, his curiosity was piqued.

“What is it about? Your recent painful failure?”

Yoon Ijeong flinched slightly at the fact that his critically fatal failure had already reached Ishigeon’s ears, but he did not reveal his inner turmoil any further, speaking in as even a tone as possible.

“It is not entirely unrelated, but it is more important than that. It is about the key.”

At that moment, the surroundings of Ishigeon’s body seemed to freeze for a moment. The paused time began to flow again about two breaths later.

“The key?”

Ishigeon asked, secretly hoping his voice wouldn’t tremble.

“Yes, we have found the whereabouts of the lost key.”

Ishigeon listened intently to the low voice, as if afraid of being overheard.

“I’ll hear your limited perspective.”

With permission granted, Yoon Ijeong began to explain his experiences in Sichuan in detail.

Of course, he spoke about how competent he was, how smoothly and flexibly he had handled the situation. He also boasted about how readily he could act decisively for the organization, even against someone with whom he had once sworn brotherhood—even if the ceremony itself was fake. He was eager to boast of his extreme loyalty. It was inexplicable by anything other than the whims of nature that a disaster (natural disaster), not of his own making, occurred to someone filled with such devotion.

However, his proud and unparalleled loyalty was not broken by such a disaster. Although an unavoidable mistake occurred due to some unknown natural phenomenon, he did not fail to mention how hard he tried to make up for the mistake made by his subordinate. The story unfolded in a way that minimized the mistakes and magnified the achievements. And finally, he reached the part where Yoon Ijeong, who had taken all the blame for his subordinate’s mistake and was doing his best to resolve the situation, finally found the whereabouts of the key after immense hardship that could not be heard without tears. His voice was now feverish, reaching its climax. Unable to contain his surging emotions, he had long since risen from his seat, unable to sit still.

“But why didn’t you retrieve it?”

Amidst the lengthy story, that was the only thing Ishigeon was curious about.

“Well…”

Yoon Ijeong dragged his words.

“A team that was tracking the children has gone missing. There are no survivors. It’s unbelievable, but… it is believed that all have died.”

“I can’t believe it. Who on earth possesses such power?”

“Uh… those children are currently staying at Jungyang Pyoguk.”

Not much could be inferred from these facts.

“So, Jungyang Pyoguk is behind this?”

Yoon Ijeong nodded solemnly at Ishigeon’s question.

“Exactly.”

“Is Jungyang Pyoguk such a formidable organization? It’s a courier service that has only recently gained some recognition in Sichuan, wasn’t it almost unknown a few years ago? Since when did Jungwon Pyoguk start paying attention to a second-rate courier service in a Sichuan backwater? Moreover, isn’t the child named Yu, who currently holds the key, your relative? Yet, why did you just stand by and watch like a feast in a painting?”

“Jungyang Pyoguk being second-rate is all in the past. It has now grown into a beast that rivals Jungwon Pyoguk’s position in Sichuan. Some even dare to call it the best courier service in Sichuan. But if Young Master Lee were to step forward, how could those insignificant beings dare to resist?”

Yoon Ijeong replied, showing his boundless trust in Ishigeon.

“Hmm, so you are willing to yield the key to me?”

“Yes. That item would suit you better than a fellow like me.”

“Indeed, what’s your motive? It doesn’t seem like a free gift.”

Ishigeon deliberately controlled his force, not wanting to push Yoon Ijeong too hard, as he asked. Pushing too hard, even with a superior, would invariably incur resentment. He had learned at a young age that there were limits to how much rank could suppress the inherent rebellion and insolence in human hearts.

“M-motive? Nonsense. I merely knew someone more suited to obtaining that key than myself.”

With that, Yoon Ijeong looked at Ishigeon with a meaningful gaze. Those eyes seemed to suggest that although he could have retrieved the key himself, he was willingly giving it up for Ishigeon. He clearly lived by the creed of making the most of any opportunity to gain recognition.

“I understand.”

Ishigeon certainly understood. Not just the surface of the matter, but its hidden depths as well. He had intended to handle it himself and rectify the failures of himself and his subordinates, but he encountered an unexpected obstacle and was struggling. At that moment, a suitable person appeared to remove that obstacle. In other words, if he lacked the ability to deal with the obstacle, he would be helpless, and it would all be for naught. Without him, Yoon Ijeong would have to be content with merely gazing at the feast in the painting and drooling. In that case, he would have to bear the responsibility for failure despite the solution being right before his eyes.

Humans with weaknesses have limits to how strong they can become. The remaining weakness creates a subtle crack in their confidence. There was no better news than the fact that the opponent was not in a position to boast loudly. After calculating all the variables, Ishigeon looked up at Yoon Ijeong.

“It seems the situation is not straightforward. Now, tell me the truth. If you are in trouble, I will lend you my strength.”

Ishigeon asked, being careful not to sound sarcastic. He didn’t want to give the impression that he had completely seen through Yoon Ijeong’s intentions. However, Yoon Ijeong realized that Ishigeon had understood his intentions too much. Further concealment would now be disadvantageous.

“Well… there is an obstacle.”

“There are obstacles in any matter.”

The reply came back in a dismissive tone. It was a consideration to allow him to speak more comfortably. To bring out what was hidden inside, one needed to provide some breathing room.

“This obstacle is not an ordinary one.”

“How big of an obstacle is it that it has kept you, so incredibly capable, glued to your chair?”

“Well… it’s a formidable opponent.”

Yoon Ijeong began to choose his words carefully. The term “formidable opponent” seemed like the best choice among various options.

“A formidable opponent? Is it someone I should be concerned about?”

“Anyone who isn’t concerned about those people is probably hard to find in the martial world.”

“Well, that makes me even more curious. It seems you are hesitant to mention their name, perhaps because you fear I cannot handle them. Don’t hesitate. Tell me who it is.”

Only after hearing that confirmation did Yoon Ijeong begin to speak.

“For some reason, Yu Eunseong, the foremost swordsman of Jiancang, is currently staying at Namchang Branch of Jungyang Pyoguk.”

“What?! Yu Eunseong of Luo Ri Jian (Falling Sun Sword)?”

At the unexpected name, Ishigeon’s backside twitched slightly.

“The result of Jiancang Sect’s hundred years of cultivation?”

That name was already recorded on his mental list of influential martial artists who needed to be considered.

“Yes, he is the only person who is expected to elevate Jiancang, a major sect that hasn’t been able to make a name for itself in Sichuan, to the top position in Sichuan.”

“Yu Eunseong… Certainly a talent. However, I don’t think I cannot handle him.”

Although it was a rather arrogant statement for a young man to make, Ishigeon’s voice was filled with confidence. Yoon Ijeong also felt no particular resentment towards his words. He believed in the strength of the organization. However, the problem this time was that the problem wasn't him.

“If it were just that one person, I might have been able to handle him. But there was someone else by his side. Seeing her, I had no choice but to abandon the plan. If only she weren’t there…”

Yoon Ijeong trailed off, and Ishigeon’s interest was piqued by one word that came out of his mouth.

“Her? Women have always brought me joy, but they have never been an obstacle before?”

“Even you, a man of refinement, will have to change your mind this time, Young Master.”

Yoon Ijeong replied, hiding the expression of great joy at shattering Ishigeon’s preconception behind a mask.

“She must be a very special woman?”

“Indeed. Are there any women who are not special? But this woman is definitely a little more special.”

“Who is it?”

“It is Jin Soryeong, the Amide Nun, one of the Five Great Swordswomen of the world.”

Gasp!

Even this young man, whose arrogance reached the heavens, could not easily overlook that name. However, he was not intimidated either. His momentary startle simply meant that he did not underestimate the name.

“Someone of her caliber, why at a place like Jungyang Pyoguk? She wouldn’t have much connection there, would she? Moreover, the Amide Sect is nearby, but why is Yu Eunseong, a person from the Jiancang Sect, so far from Amide, also there?”

“That is also a mystery to me.”

It was not the time to be concerned with the reasons. The problem was that if the fact that those two people were currently at Jungyang Pyoguk was true, they could become a very troublesome obstacle to the success of the plan. However, on the other hand, Ishigeon found himself intensely excited by this fact. To achieve what his senior had failed to do with his own hands would be an incomparably sweet and captivating proposition. Moreover, although they were currently an obstacle, once overcome, they would become the highest honor that could not be exchanged for anything. The higher the obstacle, the more the person who overcomes it stands out. He had already abandoned any means to resist that temptation.

“Interesting.”

“Excuse me?”

For a moment, Yoon Ijeong doubted if his ears were deceiving him. He was considering making an appointment with a doctor for the next day when he heard the next words.

“It’s a good opportunity to test the power of the new ‘Ja-un’ (Purple Cloud)!”

It seemed his ears were fine. But this time, his eyes were playing tricks on him. Ishigeon seemed to be smiling joyfully.

“Indeed, with just you and your subordinates, it would be insufficient to handle those two.”

After subtly implying that he knew everything and that he shouldn’t act up, he continued.

“However, if I lend you my strength, it may not be impossible. Then, your uncertain future could also be saved. But…”

Suddenly, Ishigeon looked at Yoon Ijeong and trailed off.

“……?”

“I still cannot find a reason why I should abandon my own mission and do this for you. Honestly, although we are bound by the large framework of the organization, we are also, in a way, merely strangers. I have no obligation to do that for you. As for someone like me, I am just one of many superiors scattered around, am I not?”

“Th-that is…”

Ishigeon’s arrogant gaze fell upon Yoon Ijeong. Those eyes seemed to ask:

‘What will you do?’

Those eyes compelled him, stating that he could not move forward without making a choice. It was not permissible to flee from fate. He sprang to his feet, approached Ishigeon, and knelt on one knee. The Oh brothers also knelt down.

“I, Yoon Ijeong, will trust and rely only on Young Master Lee, follow with all my heart and loyalty. Please accept my loyalty. And grant me the honor of standing by Young Master Lee’s side and fighting together.”

Yoon Ijeong spoke about how his position would be greatly strengthened if Ishigeon himself found the key, and that he was fully prepared to dedicate himself to that process. He was trying to enter Ishigeon’s faction. Factions existed in every organization, and among them, the most powerful factions were those under the candidate for successor.

Just as there cannot be two tigers on one mountain, there can only be one successor to the organization, and he deeply believed that the person suitable for that position was very close to him—as close as touching his nose if he were to fall. He emphasized that he himself was very useful and could be utilized in many ways, and especially if he, who belonged to the outer part of the organization, could be brought under Ishigeon’s command, who belonged to the inner part, it would not only be a loss-free endeavor but would also bring immense profit. This middle-aged courier knew how to appropriately exaggerate his own value. Of course, in return, Ishigeon had to omit a significant portion of his mistakes and highlight only his successes. However, even after meticulously calculating all these factors, it was not a bad deal for Ishigeon. No, it was exactly what he wanted.

Ishigeon quickly stood up and grabbed Yoon Ijeong’s shoulder, helping him up.

“No, why are you doing this? Get up. There’s no need to be so formal. Aren’t we now one family who will fight and rejoice together?”

Ishigeon particularly emphasized the word “one family.” He also spoke about enduring hardships together. They were now a community of fate. Or rather, from now on, Yoon Ijeong’s fate would be bound to Ishigeon’s fate. Therefore, if Ishigeon soared, he would soar too, and if Ishigeon fell, he would fall as well. However, the fact that there was no choice remained unchanged.

“Thank you, my Lord!”

Various meanings were highly condensed and expressed in this single word. If the title changed, the status and position would also change accordingly. Or perhaps, because the status and position had changed, the title had changed. Yoon Ijeong expressed his will by changing his title to Ishigeon. There was no turning back for him now, and his last hope was Ishigeon alone. He had decided to stake everything on this young master. Of course, this expression delighted Ishigeon, who was patiently gathering strength and steadily increasing his influence within the organization, waiting for an opportunity. He exclaimed in a cheerful voice.

“Well then, shall we resume the meeting? Shouldn’t we discuss how to get the key back?”

“Of course. Absolutely.”

Yoon Ijeong replied with delight and then hastily returned to his seat.

“I have an idea.”

Ishigeon brought out the idea he had been mulling over in his mind, as if he had just thought of it.

“I am listening intently.”

“There’s no need to make a big fuss from the beginning. If it can be resolved quietly, nothing is better. So, I intend to throw out a bait first. We’ll see how they react before making a decision. How about a visit tomorrow?”

The first instruction was a sudden frontal assault.

“Yes? Who?”

“Who else? It’s you. Is there anyone more suitable than you here?”

As the prominent representative of Jungwon Pyoguk and the actual person in charge of Jungwon Pyoguk’s Namchang Branch, he was in a position to freely knock on the doors of Jungyang Pyoguk, even though they were competitors in the same industry.

“There isn’t.”

“Then it’s decided. Besides, aren’t those children, in a sense, your nephews? Isn’t it a nephew’s duty to comfort his uncle’s pain?”

There was no falsehood in those words, but the person to whom they applied was the problem this time. Yoon Ijeong wore a rather sinister smile.

“Then, let’s move on to the next matter. I have work to do, after all.”

They moved on to the next matter. It was finally time for the items in the box to shine.

“I will make that hateful fellow pay dearly for mocking me!”

A cruel smile formed on Ishigeon’s lips.