Chapter 185

Chapter 185

Dan Ryeong-gyeong, whose body had recovered, noticed surveillance eyes more sensitively than before.

“There have been people following us continuously since morning.”

It was the second time this had happened, three days after passing Mirror Sea.

On the first day too, pursuers had attached themselves shortly after departure, then fallen away.

Jin Ja-gang answered.

“They must be people who don’t know our faces. Like last time, they’ll disappear soon enough.”

Bian Bu grumbled.

“We could just catch them and bury them in the ground to make things quiet.”

Jin Ja-gang replied.

“It’s not that I’m avoiding them because I’m afraid of fighting, but because I don’t know how their information and communication networks operate.”

“I know, do you think I don’t understand that? But the carriage is too slow for that approach. At this rate, it would be stranger if pursuers didn’t attach themselves to us.”

Indeed, the group’s carriage was extremely slow. It was only slightly faster than an ox cart. Moreover, Jin Ja-gang kept stopping to rest intermittently, saying he needed to take breaks. Such a comfortable and leisurely journey was almost a first in Bian Bu’s lifetime.

“They’ve spread webs in all directions and are waiting, while we’re crawling along like slugs – I don’t see how we can avoid getting caught in their webs.”

While listening to Bian Bu’s grumbling, Woon-jeong asked Jin Ja-gang.

“How can Poison Dragon benefactor be so calm and composed? There are pursuers following right behind us.”

“Do I seem composed? I’m also extremely tense and vigilant inside.”

“You don’t look it at all…”

From Jin Ja-gang’s expression alone, one could never tell if he was feeling anxious.

Bian Bu looked at Woon-jeong and said.

“Give up, Taoist. Even if you understand, you won’t be able to imitate it. This is something only people whose guts have spilled outside their bellies can do.”

Jin Ja-gang pointed to the stream ahead.

“Speaking of which, let’s rest briefly up ahead.”

“Again?”

The words “You’re going to rest openly when pursuers are following?” almost came out of Woon-jeong’s mouth.

“Since this is my first time driving a carriage, I suppose I’m not used to it yet.”

“What? This is your first time driving a carriage?”

“I learned from her before we left.”

Woon-jeong realized that Jin Ja-gang had no intention of racing the carriage fast to escape. He was even openly wearing his Taoist hat. When Woon-jeong had questioned whether he should at least take it off and disguise himself, Jin Ja-gang had said it didn’t matter.

“At this rate, it’s not just a matter of getting caught along the way, but almost like begging to be captured…”

“Even if we race fast, there’s no way to avoid them. Even if we took the fastest carriage and fled in the opposite direction, martial artists using lightness skills would catch up within a day or two. Then the probability of having to fight would be ten out of ten.”

When Jin Ja-gang stopped the carriage in the shade, Soso brought out food and prepared for a rest. The group also got off the carriage and made themselves comfortable.

Jin Ja-gang tied up the horses and walked around the area. Since it was winter, there weren’t many useful plants available.

False hellebore roots were the most common. Jin Ja-gang pulled up false hellebore, brushed off the dirt, and chewed the roots.

Crunch, crunch.

Since this was his usual behavior during breaks, it no longer held any particular interest for the group.

“Really, such strange eating habits.”

Bian Bu gave up and stopped paying attention to Jin Ja-gang. Then he picked up a piece of pancake and a bottle of alcohol.

“Well, I don’t know. This is my first time drinking alcohol while on the run in my life.”

Bian Bu took a big gulp of alcohol.

Jin Ja-gang smiled with false hellebore root in his mouth.

“You’re doing well.”

Dan Ryeong-gyeong also smiled with a different meaning.

“The presence of those who were following us until just now has disappeared. I can no longer sense them.”

Bian Bu was amazed.

“Well, well. This is truly enough to make ghosts weep.”

The pursuers had disappeared after following for only half a watch period.

Jin Ja-gang nodded.

“They probably think it would be a waste of time to pursue us further.”

Woon-jeong raised a question.

“But anyone can see we’re suspicious. Anyone can see we’re suspicious, yet they just leave?”

Woon-jeong looked even more confused.

Jin Ja-gang explained.

“If people who should be fleeing are traveling slowly on the road without hiding themselves, what would you think?”

“Well… I’d think it was strange.”

“Exactly. Normally it would be proper to hide. But since we’re exposing ourselves, they’d think it even stranger. They might wonder if it’s not bait. They’d worry that we’re using bait to distract their eyes and buy time while the real targets escape elsewhere. In fact, the person who parted ways with us at Mirror Sea is currently going in the opposite direction from us.”

“But the pursuers could directly confirm with us.”

“That’s why we’re taking the road to Sichuan. As long as we’re going to Sichuan, they won’t feel the need to block and check us.”

“That’s right. Once we enter Sichuan, there are so many watching eyes… Eh? What did you say? Sichuan?”

Woon-jeong’s mouth fell wide open.

“Wait, then when are we going to veer off while heading to Sichuan?”

“We’re not veering off – we plan to go all the way near Mount Qingcheng. As soon as we enter Sichuan, we’ll enter Qingcheng Sect’s territory to shake off surveillance from other sects.”

Woon-jeong looked devastated.

Bian Bu looked at Woon-jeong and clicked his tongue.

“Really impressive, so impressive. No matter how uninterested you are, it’s been two days since we departed – are you only curious about that now?”

“No, that’s not it… You should have told me if there was such talk!”

Jin Ja-gang said while chewing roots.

“We discussed this before, but you seemed to have fallen asleep.”

Woon-jeong looked tearful.

“If I get caught after going to Mount Qingcheng now, I’m in big trouble.”

Bian Bu asked back.

“But then how long are you planning to follow us around?”

“Originally I was going to get off after just passing through Sichuan…”

Woon-jeong hesitated. Somehow he had missed the opportunity to part ways and had been with them until now. He couldn’t understand why he hadn’t left when he could have.

“So… Ah…! Why is everyone so desperate to devour me!”

Dan Ryeong-gyeong smiled and said.

“It’s time for Taoist Woon-jeong to return.”

“But, but…”

Woon-jeong looked worried and dejected as he hung his head.

Soso patted Woon-jeong’s shoulder.

* * *

The pursuers appeared two more times but quickly turned back after following briefly.

Once they approached very close before disappearing. So Dan Ryeong-gyeong and Woon-jeong, who had deep internal energy, could overhear their conversation.

“I heard beforehand, but no matter how you look at it, it’s really suspicious.”

“To throw out such obvious bait. Do they think we’re fools?”

“Anyway, it’s the road to Sichuan. As long as they don’t deviate from this route, we don’t need to worry about them anymore.”

Hearing their words, Woon-jeong realized that Jin Ja-gang’s thinking had worked to some extent.

Sichuan was a cave with a tiger’s mouth wide open. No one in their right mind would think of returning to Sichuan.

* * *

There were good points to the carriage going slowly.

Even in the somewhat shaking carriage, they could practice breathing exercises and cultivation. Not only Woon-jeong but Dan Ryeong-gyeong also continuously practiced breathing exercises to tend to her wounds.

Moreover, whenever there was time, Dan Ryeong-gyeong transmitted the Jade Void Nine Light Five Thunder Toad Technique to Jin Ja-gang.

During the ten-odd days the carriage traveled toward Sichuan, Jin Ja-gang absorbed Dan Ryeong-gyeong’s teachings like a water-soaked sponge.

* * *

As soon as they entered Sichuan, Jin Ja-gang drove the carriage quickly into Qingcheng Sect’s territory. He was utilizing the fact that territories were clearly divided among Sichuan’s Three Powers.

The carriage ran safely to near Mount Qingcheng without any interference.

However, Jin Ja-gang and Dan Ryeong-gyeong could feel sharp gazes following them from the moment they entered Qingcheng Sect’s territory.

When Mount Qingcheng became visible in the distance, Woon-jeong looked completely devastated.

“I don’t know anything. Whatever happens now, it’s not my fault.”

Jin Ja-gang said.

“It was Taoist Woon-jeong who said to come meet your master directly.”

Bian Bu chimed in.

“That’s right. Didn’t you tell me to come too? Surely you didn’t lie to this old man?”

Woon-jeong pleaded.

“That’s not it. That’s not what I meant… Sigh… Back then you all said you didn’t want to… Listen, couldn’t you just knock me unconscious and take me along? When I see Mount Qingcheng and have to pass by, my legs go weak and I can’t stand it.”

Jin Ja-gang said.

“To be honest, part of the reason for coming to Mount Qingcheng was to use Taoist Woon-jeong. I thought that if we were with Taoist Woon-jeong while passing Mount Qingcheng, Qingcheng Sect wouldn’t interfere.”

“So I’m essentially a hostage…”

“When I saw how Taoist Woon-jeong dealt with people from the Tang family and Emei Sect, I judged that since Qingcheng Sect isn’t a member sect of the Martial Arts Alliance, they wouldn’t cooperate with other sects.”

“That’s correct. Sichuan’s Three Powers aren’t on particularly good terms.”

“So while passing through Qingcheng Sect’s territory, the gazes of the Tang family, Emei Sect, and Zhuge family will completely disappear, making our subsequent escape easier.”

Woon-jeong sighed.

“But that’s something you’re saying without knowing us well enough. Our Qingcheng rarely moves as a group, but many individuals are extremely obsessive. You won’t be able to pass through so easily.”

Jin Ja-gang said.

“When we leave Qingcheng Sect’s territory, I’ll stay behind.”

Dan Ryeong-gyeong seemed to have expected this, but Bian Bu and Soso were greatly surprised, apparently not having thought of it at all.

“What? You?”

“This is the best way.”

Soso grabbed Jin Ja-gang’s sleeve.

“Ah-eo-eo-eo!”

“It’s okay. Since I’m not injured, it’s much more convenient to be alone.”

Bian Bu asked.

“Have you given up on revenge?”

“How could that be? It’s just…”

The words that there were things just as important as revenge that he couldn’t abandon now rose to his throat, but Jin Ja-gang didn’t voice them aloud.

Still, Bian Bu had already sensed Jin Ja-gang’s resolve.

“You’ve changed… You’re different from when we first met.”

Jin Ja-gang smiled silently.

But then, Jin Ja-gang’s face involuntarily hardened.

An old Taoist was walking toward them from ahead on the road. He was thin but tall, keeping his back straight. His hair was tied back in a topknot and his white beard hung to his shoulders.

He was definitely a Taoist from Qingcheng Sect.

But what surprised Jin Ja-gang wasn’t that. It was that the old Taoist had been walking toward them from ahead, yet he hadn’t noticed until he was very close.

The old Taoist looked at the group, then suddenly put his finger to his lips in a gesture for silence. Then he gestured for them to follow. His attitude showed no hostility or particular expression.

As Jin Ja-gang wondered what to do and looked to the side, Woon-jeong’s face was ashen, and Dan Ryeong-gyeong also had a frowning expression.

The old Taoist walked ahead with his hands behind his back, then turned around and gestured again.

Dan Ryeong-gyeong said in a stiff tone.

“Follow him.”

For now, that was the only option.

Jin Ja-gang slowly drove the carriage, following behind the old Taoist.

Crunch, crunch.

While chewing the plant roots he had gathered during their breaks.

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Dan Ryeong-gyeong, whose body had recovered, noticed surveillance eyes more sensitively than before.

“There have been people following us continuously since morning.”

It was the second time this had happened, three days after passing Mirror Sea.

On the first day too, pursuers had attached themselves shortly after departure, then fallen away.

Jin Ja-gang answered.

“They must be people who don’t know our faces. Like last time, they’ll disappear soon enough.”

Bian Bu grumbled.

“We could just catch them and bury them in the ground to make things quiet.”

Jin Ja-gang replied.

“It’s not that I’m avoiding them because I’m afraid of fighting, but because I don’t know how their information and communication networks operate.”

“I know, do you think I don’t understand that? But the carriage is too slow for that approach. At this rate, it would be stranger if pursuers didn’t attach themselves to us.”

Indeed, the group’s carriage was extremely slow. It was only slightly faster than an ox cart. Moreover, Jin Ja-gang kept stopping to rest intermittently, saying he needed to take breaks. Such a comfortable and leisurely journey was almost a first in Bian Bu’s lifetime.

“They’ve spread webs in all directions and are waiting, while we’re crawling along like slugs – I don’t see how we can avoid getting caught in their webs.”

While listening to Bian Bu’s grumbling, Woon-jeong asked Jin Ja-gang.

“How can Poison Dragon benefactor be so calm and composed? There are pursuers following right behind us.”

“Do I seem composed? I’m also extremely tense and vigilant inside.”

“You don’t look it at all…”

From Jin Ja-gang’s expression alone, one could never tell if he was feeling anxious.

Bian Bu looked at Woon-jeong and said.

“Give up, Taoist. Even if you understand, you won’t be able to imitate it. This is something only people whose guts have spilled outside their bellies can do.”

Jin Ja-gang pointed to the stream ahead.

“Speaking of which, let’s rest briefly up ahead.”

“Again?”

The words “You’re going to rest openly when pursuers are following?” almost came out of Woon-jeong’s mouth.

“Since this is my first time driving a carriage, I suppose I’m not used to it yet.”

“What? This is your first time driving a carriage?”

“I learned from her before we left.”

Woon-jeong realized that Jin Ja-gang had no intention of racing the carriage fast to escape. He was even openly wearing his Taoist hat. When Woon-jeong had questioned whether he should at least take it off and disguise himself, Jin Ja-gang had said it didn’t matter.

“At this rate, it’s not just a matter of getting caught along the way, but almost like begging to be captured…”

“Even if we race fast, there’s no way to avoid them. Even if we took the fastest carriage and fled in the opposite direction, martial artists using lightness skills would catch up within a day or two. Then the probability of having to fight would be ten out of ten.”

When Jin Ja-gang stopped the carriage in the shade, Soso brought out food and prepared for a rest. The group also got off the carriage and made themselves comfortable.

Jin Ja-gang tied up the horses and walked around the area. Since it was winter, there weren’t many useful plants available.

False hellebore roots were the most common. Jin Ja-gang pulled up false hellebore, brushed off the dirt, and chewed the roots.

Crunch, crunch.

Since this was his usual behavior during breaks, it no longer held any particular interest for the group.

“Really, such strange eating habits.”

Bian Bu gave up and stopped paying attention to Jin Ja-gang. Then he picked up a piece of pancake and a bottle of alcohol.

“Well, I don’t know. This is my first time drinking alcohol while on the run in my life.”

Bian Bu took a big gulp of alcohol.

Jin Ja-gang smiled with false hellebore root in his mouth.

“You’re doing well.”

Dan Ryeong-gyeong also smiled with a different meaning.

“The presence of those who were following us until just now has disappeared. I can no longer sense them.”

Bian Bu was amazed.

“Well, well. This is truly enough to make ghosts weep.”

The pursuers had disappeared after following for only half a watch period.

Jin Ja-gang nodded.

“They probably think it would be a waste of time to pursue us further.”

Woon-jeong raised a question.

“But anyone can see we’re suspicious. Anyone can see we’re suspicious, yet they just leave?”

Woon-jeong looked even more confused.

Jin Ja-gang explained.

“If people who should be fleeing are traveling slowly on the road without hiding themselves, what would you think?”

“Well… I’d think it was strange.”

“Exactly. Normally it would be proper to hide. But since we’re exposing ourselves, they’d think it even stranger. They might wonder if it’s not bait. They’d worry that we’re using bait to distract their eyes and buy time while the real targets escape elsewhere. In fact, the person who parted ways with us at Mirror Sea is currently going in the opposite direction from us.”

“But the pursuers could directly confirm with us.”

“That’s why we’re taking the road to Sichuan. As long as we’re going to Sichuan, they won’t feel the need to block and check us.”

“That’s right. Once we enter Sichuan, there are so many watching eyes… Eh? What did you say? Sichuan?”

Woon-jeong’s mouth fell wide open.

“Wait, then when are we going to veer off while heading to Sichuan?”

“We’re not veering off – we plan to go all the way near Mount Qingcheng. As soon as we enter Sichuan, we’ll enter Qingcheng Sect’s territory to shake off surveillance from other sects.”

Woon-jeong looked devastated.

Bian Bu looked at Woon-jeong and clicked his tongue.

“Really impressive, so impressive. No matter how uninterested you are, it’s been two days since we departed – are you only curious about that now?”

“No, that’s not it… You should have told me if there was such talk!”

Jin Ja-gang said while chewing roots.

“We discussed this before, but you seemed to have fallen asleep.”

Woon-jeong looked tearful.

“If I get caught after going to Mount Qingcheng now, I’m in big trouble.”

Bian Bu asked back.

“But then how long are you planning to follow us around?”

“Originally I was going to get off after just passing through Sichuan…”

Woon-jeong hesitated. Somehow he had missed the opportunity to part ways and had been with them until now. He couldn’t understand why he hadn’t left when he could have.

“So… Ah…! Why is everyone so desperate to devour me!”

Dan Ryeong-gyeong smiled and said.

“It’s time for Taoist Woon-jeong to return.”

“But, but…”

Woon-jeong looked worried and dejected as he hung his head.

Soso patted Woon-jeong’s shoulder.

* * *

The pursuers appeared two more times but quickly turned back after following briefly.

Once they approached very close before disappearing. So Dan Ryeong-gyeong and Woon-jeong, who had deep internal energy, could overhear their conversation.

“I heard beforehand, but no matter how you look at it, it’s really suspicious.”

“To throw out such obvious bait. Do they think we’re fools?”

“Anyway, it’s the road to Sichuan. As long as they don’t deviate from this route, we don’t need to worry about them anymore.”

Hearing their words, Woon-jeong realized that Jin Ja-gang’s thinking had worked to some extent.

Sichuan was a cave with a tiger’s mouth wide open. No one in their right mind would think of returning to Sichuan.

* * *

There were good points to the carriage going slowly.

Even in the somewhat shaking carriage, they could practice breathing exercises and cultivation. Not only Woon-jeong but Dan Ryeong-gyeong also continuously practiced breathing exercises to tend to her wounds.

Moreover, whenever there was time, Dan Ryeong-gyeong transmitted the Jade Void Nine Light Five Thunder Toad Technique to Jin Ja-gang.

During the ten-odd days the carriage traveled toward Sichuan, Jin Ja-gang absorbed Dan Ryeong-gyeong’s teachings like a water-soaked sponge.

* * *

As soon as they entered Sichuan, Jin Ja-gang drove the carriage quickly into Qingcheng Sect’s territory. He was utilizing the fact that territories were clearly divided among Sichuan’s Three Powers.

The carriage ran safely to near Mount Qingcheng without any interference.

However, Jin Ja-gang and Dan Ryeong-gyeong could feel sharp gazes following them from the moment they entered Qingcheng Sect’s territory.

When Mount Qingcheng became visible in the distance, Woon-jeong looked completely devastated.

“I don’t know anything. Whatever happens now, it’s not my fault.”

Jin Ja-gang said.

“It was Taoist Woon-jeong who said to come meet your master directly.”

Bian Bu chimed in.

“That’s right. Didn’t you tell me to come too? Surely you didn’t lie to this old man?”

Woon-jeong pleaded.

“That’s not it. That’s not what I meant… Sigh… Back then you all said you didn’t want to… Listen, couldn’t you just knock me unconscious and take me along? When I see Mount Qingcheng and have to pass by, my legs go weak and I can’t stand it.”

Jin Ja-gang said.

“To be honest, part of the reason for coming to Mount Qingcheng was to use Taoist Woon-jeong. I thought that if we were with Taoist Woon-jeong while passing Mount Qingcheng, Qingcheng Sect wouldn’t interfere.”

“So I’m essentially a hostage…”

“When I saw how Taoist Woon-jeong dealt with people from the Tang family and Emei Sect, I judged that since Qingcheng Sect isn’t a member sect of the Martial Arts Alliance, they wouldn’t cooperate with other sects.”

“That’s correct. Sichuan’s Three Powers aren’t on particularly good terms.”

“So while passing through Qingcheng Sect’s territory, the gazes of the Tang family, Emei Sect, and Zhuge family will completely disappear, making our subsequent escape easier.”

Woon-jeong sighed.

“But that’s something you’re saying without knowing us well enough. Our Qingcheng rarely moves as a group, but many individuals are extremely obsessive. You won’t be able to pass through so easily.”

Jin Ja-gang said.

“When we leave Qingcheng Sect’s territory, I’ll stay behind.”

Dan Ryeong-gyeong seemed to have expected this, but Bian Bu and Soso were greatly surprised, apparently not having thought of it at all.

“What? You?”

“This is the best way.”

Soso grabbed Jin Ja-gang’s sleeve.

“Ah-eo-eo-eo!”

“It’s okay. Since I’m not injured, it’s much more convenient to be alone.”

Bian Bu asked.

“Have you given up on revenge?”

“How could that be? It’s just…”

The words that there were things just as important as revenge that he couldn’t abandon now rose to his throat, but Jin Ja-gang didn’t voice them aloud.

Still, Bian Bu had already sensed Jin Ja-gang’s resolve.

“You’ve changed… You’re different from when we first met.”

Jin Ja-gang smiled silently.

But then, Jin Ja-gang’s face involuntarily hardened.

An old Taoist was walking toward them from ahead on the road. He was thin but tall, keeping his back straight. His hair was tied back in a topknot and his white beard hung to his shoulders.

He was definitely a Taoist from Qingcheng Sect.

But what surprised Jin Ja-gang wasn’t that. It was that the old Taoist had been walking toward them from ahead, yet he hadn’t noticed until he was very close.

The old Taoist looked at the group, then suddenly put his finger to his lips in a gesture for silence. Then he gestured for them to follow. His attitude showed no hostility or particular expression.

As Jin Ja-gang wondered what to do and looked to the side, Woon-jeong’s face was ashen, and Dan Ryeong-gyeong also had a frowning expression.

The old Taoist walked ahead with his hands behind his back, then turned around and gestured again.

Dan Ryeong-gyeong said in a stiff tone.

“Follow him.”

For now, that was the only option.

Jin Ja-gang slowly drove the carriage, following behind the old Taoist.

Crunch, crunch.

While chewing the plant roots he had gathered during their breaks.

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