Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Iron Umbrella Sect was on the way to Poison Valley.

From Fumin, where Shadow Bureau was located, it was about two hundred li. For Mang Ryo with his lightness skill, it would take a leisurely two days, but for Jin Ja-gang, it would take at least seven days even if he hurried.

Since Mang Ryo knew Jin Ja-gang’s destination was Iron Umbrella Sect, it wasn’t difficult for him. He could set a trap for Jin Ja-gang exactly as planned.

On his way to Iron Umbrella Sect, Mang Ryo stopped at a village midway.

Without treating his burns or changing his half-burned clothes, he visited a nearby sect.

Five Birds Sect.

It was one of the few orthodox sects in Yunnan that had joined the Martial Arts Alliance.

With about forty to fifty disciples, it wasn’t large in scale, but it had quite a long history and considerable fame in the surrounding area.

The sect leader of Five Birds Sect was Chu Hyo, known as the Vast Sword. He was only in his late forties.

Mang Ryo had been keeping an eye on this Five Birds Sect for some time.

He had diligently built a relationship with Chu Hyo since Chu Hyo was in his early forties and still the heir to Five Birds Sect. Since Chu Hyo succeeded as sect leader, Mang Ryo had openly supported him, most notably by helping Five Birds Sect join the Martial Arts Alliance.

In truth, small and medium-sized sects like Five Birds Sect were abundant in the martial world. Such sects weren’t easily admitted to the Martial Arts Alliance because they might carelessly use the Alliance’s name for their own benefit.

Moreover, a small sect from a remote region like Yunnan had little value to the Martial Arts Alliance.

Mang Ryo had helped Five Birds Sect join the Martial Arts Alliance, providing them with a solid backing. Because of this, Mang Ryo was practically a benefactor to Five Birds Sect.

Chu Hyo even called Mang Ryo “elder brother,” which said everything about their relationship.

So when Mang Ryo visited Five Birds Sect, Chu Hyo came out in his socks to greet him.

“Elder Brother!”

Chu Hyo, who had come out with a welcoming face, was greatly shocked by Mang Ryo’s appearance. Anyone would be, seeing Mang Ryo’s body covered in burns.

“Oh my, Elder Brother! What happened to you!”

“Ah, my brother. Don’t be too alarmed. It’s not a serious injury.”

“I’ll call a doctor for you.”

“Wait. The doctor can come later… I have something to say first.”

Mang Ryo kept looking around as if he didn’t want to be seen by others. Chu Hyo, quick to notice, guided Mang Ryo to a small inner room.

After entering the room and drinking a cup of tea, Mang Ryo finally let out a long sigh.

“Ah, that’s good.”

“Elder Brother, please tell me what happened. I’m dying of worry.”

Mang Ryo suddenly burst into loud laughter.

“I encountered the culprits behind the Stone Forest Gang massacre. I sustained some minor injuries fighting them.”

“What?”

“They were quite stubborn fellows.”

“You’ve already caught the criminals? That’s great news! I’ve been worried about the unrest in Yunnan because of them.”

Mang Ryo lowered his voice subtly.

“I’ve come to discuss an urgent matter with you about this.”

“What is it?”

As if afraid someone might overhear, Mang Ryo moved closer to Chu Hyo.

In fact, this could have been done using mental transmission. Yet Mang Ryo’s unnecessary gestures only amplified Chu Hyo’s sense of secrecy and curiosity.

“Yesterday, they reduced Shadow Bureau to ashes.”

“What?”

Chu Hyo was shocked.

“A complete annihilation?”

“Yes. Not a single survivor.”

It was no ordinary matter-two of Yunnan’s Five Great Poison Sects had been annihilated in such a short time.

“How could they do that to Shadow Bureau?”

“Shh. Lower your voice. No one else knows about this yet except me.”

“Ah, yes, yes.”

Mang Ryo gestured to his appearance.

“By the time I arrived, they had already finished their work and were trying to escape. I fought them and got caught in the flames, ending up like this.”

“My goodness, what kind of people are they…”

“Unfortunately, the fire made it impossible to capture them. I had no choice but to use lethal force. Except for one.”

“One?”

“The limping one.”

Chu Hyo’s eyes narrowed.

“Are you referring to the one who’s been rumored recently?”

“That’s right.”

“Is he such a skilled master?”

Mang Ryo smirked and waved his hand dismissively.

“He’s no master. It turns out the limping one was just a front man for them. His martial arts are at the level of a third-rate thug. I let my guard down for a moment, and while I was killing the others, he escaped. Tsk.”

Mang Ryo felt a certain pleasure in referring to Jin Ja-gang as a “third-rate thug.”

But unaware of this, Chu Hyo remained serious.

“So the rumors were exaggerated.”

“Because the criminals moved so secretively, only the most visible one-the limping one-became known.”

“But why did you come to me without treating your wounds first?”

This meant he understood the situation and wanted Mang Ryo to get to the point.

Mang Ryo smiled slightly and said:

“Oh my, Brother. Don’t you understand why I’ve come to you yet?”

“Not really…”

Mang Ryo lowered his voice even more secretively.

“Two positions are vacant.”

Mang Ryo’s smile deepened. Seeing this smile, Chu Hyo suddenly realized something.

“Elder Brother, please enlighten this foolish younger brother.”

“Stone Forest Gang, Shadow Bureau.”

“Ah!”

Finally, Chu Hyo understood what Mang Ryo was saying.

Unlike sects located in remote mountains, worldly sects engage in various business ventures. Stone Forest Gang alone owned dozens of mines.

The interests held by the Five Great Poison Sects in Yunnan were substantial. When poison sects fell, most of their interests essentially transferred to Poison Valley.

“Shadow Bureau wasn’t exposed to the general public, but they operated numerous inns, taverns, and teahouses for surveillance and communication networks. The annual revenue must be at least several thousand taels.”

That position of Shadow Bureau, with its operational rights, was now vacant.

Someone needed to take Shadow Bureau’s place.

That was the meaning of Mang Ryo’s words!

Chu Hyo swallowed dryly.

But his expression still showed uncertainty.

“Elder Brother, but aren’t those all poison sect businesses? Poison Valley won’t stand idle.”

“We need a justification that will silence Poison Valley. For instance…”

Mang Ryo paused as if about to say something important, then placed his fire-scorched hand on Chu Hyo’s shoulder.

“What if it wasn’t me who caught the criminals at Shadow Bureau, but Five Birds Sect?”

Chu Hyo’s mouth fell open.

“Having achieved the merit of dealing with the criminals who turned Yunnan upside down, the Martial Arts Alliance’s central headquarters would surely reward Five Birds Sect. How does that sound?”

“E-Elder Brother… how could I possibly…”

It was an enormous gift. Capturing the criminals who had attacked Alliance-affiliated sects like Stone Forest Gang and Shadow Bureau and thrown Yunnan into chaos would be a tremendous achievement.

Mang Ryo deliberately put on a bitter expression.

“I don’t belong anywhere anyway, and earning merit won’t do me any good in the afterlife. But you have grown sons, and you need to expand this Five Birds Sect that your father left you.”

“Elder Brother…”

Chu Hyo was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes.

“Oh my, it’s too early to be moved. It’s not done yet. There’s still something you need to do.”

“What is it? Just tell me. I’ll repay your kindness even if it costs me my life!”

“There’s no need to sacrifice your life. In a way, this is for your benefit too.”

Mang Ryo said:

“The limping one. You need to catch him.”

Chu Hyo’s eyes flashed.

“I confirmed that he fled in this direction. That’s why I came straight to you without hesitation.”

“Then!”

“He’ll pass through here soon. Capture him and find out who’s behind them. That way, no one will be able to dismiss your achievement.”

Mang Ryo suggested in a low voice:

“Then even Poison Valley won’t be able to say anything. For instance, if Five Birds Sect were to take over Shadow Bureau’s businesses.”

Greed flickered across Chu Hyo’s face.

If he just caught the limping one with third-rate martial arts, Shadow Bureau’s entire business would come to him. Five Birds Sect’s size would instantly grow six or even ten times larger.

“We must catch him.”

“That goes without saying.”

Mang Ryo finally relaxed his face and laughed heartily.

“Now, gather your warriors. We need to go find him quickly.”

“No, Elder Brother. Leave the rest to me. I’ll prepare new clothes for you and call a doctor. Please rest for a few days. I’ll catch him and bring him to you.”

“My friend, you don’t need to bring him to me. Ha ha ha! Well, alright. Then I’ll leave the rest to you and take a rest. If this goes well, perhaps you could give me a room to live in at Five Birds Sect later.”

“If it goes well? That’s disappointing, Elder Brother. I was planning to do that regardless of this matter.”

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Mang Ryo asked:

“Ah, could you prepare some writing materials for me?”

“Of course. Are you going to send a letter somewhere?”

“I need to send a report to the Martial Arts Alliance first, saying that I’m pursuing the criminals who attacked Shadow Bureau. That will be advantageous for Five Birds Sect later.”

“For such a matter, I’ll prepare it right away. I’ll also have someone ready to send the letter as soon as you write it.”

“Thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you, Elder Brother.”

Mang Ryo and Chu Hyo firmly clasped hands.

Chu Hyo was moved, and Mang Ryo’s expression also showed deep emotion.

However, the reasons behind their emotions were entirely different.

* * *

Baek Li-jung received Mang Ryo’s urgent secret letter.

Shadow Bureau annihilated.

Please attribute all Shadow Bureau’s businesses to Poison Valley.

Urgent.

Baek Li-jung’s brow furrowed deeply.

Already three of Yunnan’s Five Great Poison Sects had been wiped out.

Yunnan’s poison sects were currently affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance. Although the poison sects of Yunnan didn’t constitute a large part of the entire Martial Arts Alliance, Baek Li-jung, who had brought the poison sects into the Alliance, was in an awkward position.

“What on earth is he plotting…”

The request to push Shadow Bureau’s businesses to Poison Valley wasn’t particularly difficult.

Originally, the Martial Arts Alliance mediated conflicts between affiliated sects and arbitrated their interests. A single official letter temporarily delegating Shadow Bureau’s assets to Poison Valley before disposal would suffice. After that, Poison Valley would handle the rest, whether embezzling assets or whatever else.

But the relationship between Baek Li-jung and Poison Valley wasn’t good, so it was puzzling why he would ask to favor Poison Valley.

“Hmm.”

After pondering for a moment, Baek Li-jung picked up his brush.

He was about to write a letter entrusting Shadow Bureau’s business rights temporarily to Poison Valley, as Mang Ryo had requested.

After completing the letter, Baek Li-jung placed it in a bamboo tube and put a lump of beeswax on top. He placed his palm on it and drew up his internal energy, causing the beeswax to melt and seal the bamboo tube.

After calling someone to send it, he muttered to himself:

“Whatever you’re thinking, the outcome better be what you want. If the result isn’t good, I’ll be very angry.”

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Iron Umbrella Sect was on the way to Poison Valley.

From Fumin, where Shadow Bureau was located, it was about two hundred li. For Mang Ryo with his lightness skill, it would take a leisurely two days, but for Jin Ja-gang, it would take at least seven days even if he hurried.

Since Mang Ryo knew Jin Ja-gang’s destination was Iron Umbrella Sect, it wasn’t difficult for him. He could set a trap for Jin Ja-gang exactly as planned.

On his way to Iron Umbrella Sect, Mang Ryo stopped at a village midway.

Without treating his burns or changing his half-burned clothes, he visited a nearby sect.

Five Birds Sect.

It was one of the few orthodox sects in Yunnan that had joined the Martial Arts Alliance.

With about forty to fifty disciples, it wasn’t large in scale, but it had quite a long history and considerable fame in the surrounding area.

The sect leader of Five Birds Sect was Chu Hyo, known as the Vast Sword. He was only in his late forties.

Mang Ryo had been keeping an eye on this Five Birds Sect for some time.

He had diligently built a relationship with Chu Hyo since Chu Hyo was in his early forties and still the heir to Five Birds Sect. Since Chu Hyo succeeded as sect leader, Mang Ryo had openly supported him, most notably by helping Five Birds Sect join the Martial Arts Alliance.

In truth, small and medium-sized sects like Five Birds Sect were abundant in the martial world. Such sects weren’t easily admitted to the Martial Arts Alliance because they might carelessly use the Alliance’s name for their own benefit.

Moreover, a small sect from a remote region like Yunnan had little value to the Martial Arts Alliance.

Mang Ryo had helped Five Birds Sect join the Martial Arts Alliance, providing them with a solid backing. Because of this, Mang Ryo was practically a benefactor to Five Birds Sect.

Chu Hyo even called Mang Ryo “elder brother,” which said everything about their relationship.

So when Mang Ryo visited Five Birds Sect, Chu Hyo came out in his socks to greet him.

“Elder Brother!”

Chu Hyo, who had come out with a welcoming face, was greatly shocked by Mang Ryo’s appearance. Anyone would be, seeing Mang Ryo’s body covered in burns.

“Oh my, Elder Brother! What happened to you!”

“Ah, my brother. Don’t be too alarmed. It’s not a serious injury.”

“I’ll call a doctor for you.”

“Wait. The doctor can come later… I have something to say first.”

Mang Ryo kept looking around as if he didn’t want to be seen by others. Chu Hyo, quick to notice, guided Mang Ryo to a small inner room.

After entering the room and drinking a cup of tea, Mang Ryo finally let out a long sigh.

“Ah, that’s good.”

“Elder Brother, please tell me what happened. I’m dying of worry.”

Mang Ryo suddenly burst into loud laughter.

“I encountered the culprits behind the Stone Forest Gang massacre. I sustained some minor injuries fighting them.”

“What?”

“They were quite stubborn fellows.”

“You’ve already caught the criminals? That’s great news! I’ve been worried about the unrest in Yunnan because of them.”

Mang Ryo lowered his voice subtly.

“I’ve come to discuss an urgent matter with you about this.”

“What is it?”

As if afraid someone might overhear, Mang Ryo moved closer to Chu Hyo.

In fact, this could have been done using mental transmission. Yet Mang Ryo’s unnecessary gestures only amplified Chu Hyo’s sense of secrecy and curiosity.

“Yesterday, they reduced Shadow Bureau to ashes.”

“What?”

Chu Hyo was shocked.

“A complete annihilation?”

“Yes. Not a single survivor.”

It was no ordinary matter-two of Yunnan’s Five Great Poison Sects had been annihilated in such a short time.

“How could they do that to Shadow Bureau?”

“Shh. Lower your voice. No one else knows about this yet except me.”

“Ah, yes, yes.”

Mang Ryo gestured to his appearance.

“By the time I arrived, they had already finished their work and were trying to escape. I fought them and got caught in the flames, ending up like this.”

“My goodness, what kind of people are they…”

“Unfortunately, the fire made it impossible to capture them. I had no choice but to use lethal force. Except for one.”

“One?”

“The limping one.”

Chu Hyo’s eyes narrowed.

“Are you referring to the one who’s been rumored recently?”

“That’s right.”

“Is he such a skilled master?”

Mang Ryo smirked and waved his hand dismissively.

“He’s no master. It turns out the limping one was just a front man for them. His martial arts are at the level of a third-rate thug. I let my guard down for a moment, and while I was killing the others, he escaped. Tsk.”

Mang Ryo felt a certain pleasure in referring to Jin Ja-gang as a “third-rate thug.”

But unaware of this, Chu Hyo remained serious.

“So the rumors were exaggerated.”

“Because the criminals moved so secretively, only the most visible one-the limping one-became known.”

“But why did you come to me without treating your wounds first?”

This meant he understood the situation and wanted Mang Ryo to get to the point.

Mang Ryo smiled slightly and said:

“Oh my, Brother. Don’t you understand why I’ve come to you yet?”

“Not really…”

Mang Ryo lowered his voice even more secretively.

“Two positions are vacant.”

Mang Ryo’s smile deepened. Seeing this smile, Chu Hyo suddenly realized something.

“Elder Brother, please enlighten this foolish younger brother.”

“Stone Forest Gang, Shadow Bureau.”

“Ah!”

Finally, Chu Hyo understood what Mang Ryo was saying.

Unlike sects located in remote mountains, worldly sects engage in various business ventures. Stone Forest Gang alone owned dozens of mines.

The interests held by the Five Great Poison Sects in Yunnan were substantial. When poison sects fell, most of their interests essentially transferred to Poison Valley.

“Shadow Bureau wasn’t exposed to the general public, but they operated numerous inns, taverns, and teahouses for surveillance and communication networks. The annual revenue must be at least several thousand taels.”

That position of Shadow Bureau, with its operational rights, was now vacant.

Someone needed to take Shadow Bureau’s place.

That was the meaning of Mang Ryo’s words!

Chu Hyo swallowed dryly.

But his expression still showed uncertainty.

“Elder Brother, but aren’t those all poison sect businesses? Poison Valley won’t stand idle.”

“We need a justification that will silence Poison Valley. For instance…”

Mang Ryo paused as if about to say something important, then placed his fire-scorched hand on Chu Hyo’s shoulder.

“What if it wasn’t me who caught the criminals at Shadow Bureau, but Five Birds Sect?”

Chu Hyo’s mouth fell open.

“Having achieved the merit of dealing with the criminals who turned Yunnan upside down, the Martial Arts Alliance’s central headquarters would surely reward Five Birds Sect. How does that sound?”

“E-Elder Brother… how could I possibly…”

It was an enormous gift. Capturing the criminals who had attacked Alliance-affiliated sects like Stone Forest Gang and Shadow Bureau and thrown Yunnan into chaos would be a tremendous achievement.

Mang Ryo deliberately put on a bitter expression.

“I don’t belong anywhere anyway, and earning merit won’t do me any good in the afterlife. But you have grown sons, and you need to expand this Five Birds Sect that your father left you.”

“Elder Brother…”

Chu Hyo was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes.

“Oh my, it’s too early to be moved. It’s not done yet. There’s still something you need to do.”

“What is it? Just tell me. I’ll repay your kindness even if it costs me my life!”

“There’s no need to sacrifice your life. In a way, this is for your benefit too.”

Mang Ryo said:

“The limping one. You need to catch him.”

Chu Hyo’s eyes flashed.

“I confirmed that he fled in this direction. That’s why I came straight to you without hesitation.”

“Then!”

“He’ll pass through here soon. Capture him and find out who’s behind them. That way, no one will be able to dismiss your achievement.”

Mang Ryo suggested in a low voice:

“Then even Poison Valley won’t be able to say anything. For instance, if Five Birds Sect were to take over Shadow Bureau’s businesses.”

Greed flickered across Chu Hyo’s face.

If he just caught the limping one with third-rate martial arts, Shadow Bureau’s entire business would come to him. Five Birds Sect’s size would instantly grow six or even ten times larger.

“We must catch him.”

“That goes without saying.”

Mang Ryo finally relaxed his face and laughed heartily.

“Now, gather your warriors. We need to go find him quickly.”

“No, Elder Brother. Leave the rest to me. I’ll prepare new clothes for you and call a doctor. Please rest for a few days. I’ll catch him and bring him to you.”

“My friend, you don’t need to bring him to me. Ha ha ha! Well, alright. Then I’ll leave the rest to you and take a rest. If this goes well, perhaps you could give me a room to live in at Five Birds Sect later.”

“If it goes well? That’s disappointing, Elder Brother. I was planning to do that regardless of this matter.”

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Mang Ryo asked:

“Ah, could you prepare some writing materials for me?”

“Of course. Are you going to send a letter somewhere?”

“I need to send a report to the Martial Arts Alliance first, saying that I’m pursuing the criminals who attacked Shadow Bureau. That will be advantageous for Five Birds Sect later.”

“For such a matter, I’ll prepare it right away. I’ll also have someone ready to send the letter as soon as you write it.”

“Thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you, Elder Brother.”

Mang Ryo and Chu Hyo firmly clasped hands.

Chu Hyo was moved, and Mang Ryo’s expression also showed deep emotion.

However, the reasons behind their emotions were entirely different.

* * *

Baek Li-jung received Mang Ryo’s urgent secret letter.

Shadow Bureau annihilated.

Please attribute all Shadow Bureau’s businesses to Poison Valley.

Urgent.

Baek Li-jung’s brow furrowed deeply.

Already three of Yunnan’s Five Great Poison Sects had been wiped out.

Yunnan’s poison sects were currently affiliated with the Martial Arts Alliance. Although the poison sects of Yunnan didn’t constitute a large part of the entire Martial Arts Alliance, Baek Li-jung, who had brought the poison sects into the Alliance, was in an awkward position.

“What on earth is he plotting…”

The request to push Shadow Bureau’s businesses to Poison Valley wasn’t particularly difficult.

Originally, the Martial Arts Alliance mediated conflicts between affiliated sects and arbitrated their interests. A single official letter temporarily delegating Shadow Bureau’s assets to Poison Valley before disposal would suffice. After that, Poison Valley would handle the rest, whether embezzling assets or whatever else.

But the relationship between Baek Li-jung and Poison Valley wasn’t good, so it was puzzling why he would ask to favor Poison Valley.

“Hmm.”

After pondering for a moment, Baek Li-jung picked up his brush.

He was about to write a letter entrusting Shadow Bureau’s business rights temporarily to Poison Valley, as Mang Ryo had requested.

After completing the letter, Baek Li-jung placed it in a bamboo tube and put a lump of beeswax on top. He placed his palm on it and drew up his internal energy, causing the beeswax to melt and seal the bamboo tube.

After calling someone to send it, he muttered to himself:

“Whatever you’re thinking, the outcome better be what you want. If the result isn’t good, I’ll be very angry.”

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