Scripture Transmission Hall, Dam Yuyeon’s Office
Jongjeong Yak was listening to Dam Yuyeon describe the mercenary standing before her. He wore tattered gray robes and carried a bandaged sword on his back.
His name was Seolso.
His face betrayed not a hint of emotion, giving the impression of a seasoned monk detached from worldly affairs. Yet, according to Dam Yuyeon, he was the most skilled mercenary in the Red Sky Veil.
‘This man is a high-tier mercenary?’ Having heard Dam Yuyeon’s explanation, Jongjeong Yak blinked in surprise.
Typically, high-tier mercenaries were middle-aged men with extensive experience in the martial world. But the man before her was a young man, not much older than herself. Moreover, his calm, almost lifeless gaze made him seem oddly unapproachable.
‘He doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.’ As she sighed inwardly and shook her head, Dam Yuyeon, noticing her troubled expression, smiled.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “Seolso will undoubtedly be a great help.”
“Sister,” Jongjeong Yak began.
“Trust me. No matter what happens, rely on him. Understood?”
Dam Yuyeon suddenly sent a voice transmission.
Jongjeong Yak was puzzled.
They were alone in the office—why use a voice transmission? But seeing Dam Yuyeon’s confident smile, she nodded instinctively. If Dam Yuyeon, who held all the information on the Red Sky Veil’s mercenaries in her mind, vouched for him, it must be true.
“Law Enforcement Officer, do we really need a mercenary?” said a young man standing steadfastly by Jongjeong Yak’s side, his expression one of displeasure. “I have plenty of experience in the martial world myself. I’m more than enough to protect you.”
His name was Neung Joun.
A martial artist from the Flying Blade Sect, he had served as Jongjeong Yak’s deputy for a long time. Though he was somewhat hot-tempered, his martial prowess and loyalty made him someone Jongjeong Yak greatly valued.
“It’s not about protection,” Jongjeong Yak said firmly. “To resolve this case, I need a mercenary well-versed in the underworld and familiar with the ways of the black factions.”
“Those types can be subdued with martial force or bought with money. Isn’t that enough?” Neung Joun countered.
“It’s not that simple,” she replied.
Having ventured into the martial world multiple times to handle dangerous missions, she knew how invaluable someone knowledgeable about the underworld could be.
“Don’t argue about this.” With a stern tone, Jongjeong Yak nodded toward Bu Eunseol.
“Alright. I’ll make the contract.” She handed Bu Eunseol a document provided by Dam Yuyeon. “The contract stipulates that you assist and protect me until I return to the Martial Alliance. And you must never divulge anything you see or hear during this time.”
Speaking with the commanding confidence of a Law Enforcement Officer, she added, “Can you do that?”
“I have three conditions,” Bu Eunseol said in a low voice.
“Three?” she asked, surprised.
“No one but you may give me orders or interfere with my actions.”
This condition was clearly directed at Neung Joun, who was visibly displeased.
Jongjeong Yak smiled and said, “You’re quite thorough. Fine. What’s the second?”
“When I take measures for your safety, you must follow my instructions.”
“That’s problematic,” Neung Joun interjected, his expression sharp. “Protecting the Law Enforcement Officer is my duty.”
“I said measures for safety, not protection,” Bu Eunseol clarified.
“Isn’t that the same thing?” Neung Joun shot back.
As their argument threatened to escalate, Jongjeong Yak nodded.
“Alright, I’ll accept that condition as well.”
“Law Enforcement Officer!” Neung Joun protested, jumping in surprise.
“It’s only for measures to ensure my safety,” she said firmly. “What’s the third condition?”
“My protection extends only to you. I won’t be responsible for anyone else.”
“Fine,” she agreed. Turning to Bu Eunseol, she said, “Is that everything?”
“Yes,” he replied.
As Bu Eunseol accepted the document, Dam Yuyeon smiled brightly.
Thank you, Seolso.
In truth, Dam Yuyeon had visited Bu Eunseol at the inn and made a private request.
She had offered to pay him a sum equivalent to an elite-grade mercenary’s fee if he would take on the contract with Jongjeong Yak. Naturally, she had kept this arrangement a secret from Jongjeong Yak.
No need to thank me. It’s just a job.
Bu Eunseol’s response prompted Jongjeong Yak to nod with a smile.
“Then let’s get moving.”
***
A carriage drawn by eight horses, accompanied by martial artists on horseback, galloped along the official road.
Jongjeong Yak’s destination was the Woo River Escort Agency.
This agency had recently contracted with the Martial Alliance to deliver elixirs from Shaanxi to the Alliance. However, in recent years, elixirs meant for the Alliance had frequently gone missing.
Most recently, fifty Purple Dawn Pills that the Woo River Escort Agency was transporting had vanished entirely. Though they had compensated with a substantial sum, doubts lingered.
‘It’s not just an accident.’ Jongjeong Yak instinctively knew something was amiss with the Woo River Escort Agency and intended to thoroughly investigate its inner workings.
“Whoa, whoa.” As the carriage stopped and Jongjeong Yak and her group dismounted, the guards standing before the agency clasped their hands in greeting.
“What brings you here?” one asked.
Jongjeong Yak strode forward confidently, presenting the badge symbolizing her status as a Law Enforcement Officer.
“I’m from the Martial Alliance. Is the agency head inside?” The guard glanced at the badge and clasped his hands again.
“Please wait a moment.”
After a while, the guard returned, gesturing politely.
“This way, please.” Inside the agency, the atmosphere was eerily quiet.
The bustling energy one would expect from an escort agency was absent, with no sign of escorts or laborers moving goods.
“What’s going on? Why is it so quiet?” Jongjeong Yak asked.
The guard leading the way bowed obsequiously and replied, “It’s a busy time of year. Everyone’s out transporting goods.”
“I see,” she said.
After passing through several buildings, they arrived at a spacious reception hall designed for hosting guests.
“Young lady, please enter. The agency head will be with you shortly.”
‘It’s a trap.’ Observing the situation, Bu Eunseol immediately sensed that the hall was rigged with traps.
Even from a distance, he could faintly hear the sound of metal grinding. Yet Jongjeong Yak and Neung Joun, oblivious to the danger, stood with calm expressions.
“Understood,” Jongjeong Yak said, moving to open the door without hesitation.
Bu Eunseol stopped her. “From now on, never enter anywhere first.” As he stepped forward to enter, the guard lowered his head with a troubled expression.
“The agency head requested only the young lady.”
Neung Joun smirked slightly and said to Bu Eunseol, “The Law Enforcement Officer isn’t walking into danger. She’s entering a reception room to meet the agency head.”
Jongjeong Yak smiled at Bu Eunseol. “It’s fine. Wait outside.”
But Bu Eunseol was resolute. “Have you already forgotten our agreement? This is a matter of safety.”
“Hmm.” Seeing the unwavering resolve in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, Jongjeong Yak sighed and turned to the guard. “I’ll speak to the agency head myself to explain.”
The guard, with a reluctant expression, bowed as if he had no choice.
Jongjeong Yak then entered the hall.
Clang.
As soon as she did, the door slammed shut from the outside with a heavy metallic sound.
Clash! Clang!
Simultaneously, the sound of weapons clashing echoed from beyond the door.
‘Something’s gone wrong!’ Jongjeong Yak sprang to her feet, trying to rush back outside, but the door was firmly locked.
Boom!
She unleashed a palm strike, but the door didn’t budge. It appeared to be made of wood on the outside but was reinforced with iron within.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Suddenly, sharp whistling sounds filled the air as dark projectiles shot out from all sides of the walls.
“It’s a trap!” Jongjeong Yak shouted, swiftly drawing her sword and creating a dense sword barrier.
The sword technique she employed was the Heavenly Astral Sword Art, taught only to the hall masters of the Martial Alliance. Law Enforcement Officers, as rising talents, were allowed to learn one of the Alliance’s advanced sword techniques.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
As Jongjeong Yak formed an impenetrable sword barrier, the incoming projectiles fell before they could reach her. But the number of projectiles grew, eventually resembling a swarm of black bees charging through the air.
Whoosh!
At that moment, a powerful gust of wind swept through, causing the projectiles to scatter and fall. It was the third move of the Seven Demon Fists, the Self-Oblivion Shatter , executed with masterful precision.
Boom!
The wind began to swirl like a vortex, unleashing tremendous force that not only deflected the projectiles but also shattered the mechanisms embedded in the walls.
Crash!
As the wall collapsed, the barrage of projectiles ceased instantly.
Jongjeong Yak, staring at the ruined wall, gasped in awe.
“What an incredible fist technique!”
It rivaled the Dragon-Soaring Palm she had seen demonstrated by an elder of the Beggars’ Sect at the Martial Alliance years ago.
“Your true skill is in fist techniques, not swordsmanship?” she asked.
Bu Eunseol didn’t respond, instead quickly scanning the surroundings.
“There’s no need to look around,” Jongjeong Yak said in a low voice. “We’re trapped on all sides. We need to escape upward.”
She immediately prepared to leap through the ceiling.
“Stop,” Bu Eunseol interrupted sharply. “They designed this trap expecting you to escape upward.”
“What?” she asked, startled.
Instead of answering, Bu Eunseol twisted his left fist and unleashed a light punch toward the ceiling.
Boom!
As the ceiling shattered, a torrent of projectiles rained down like a swarm of bees.
The sheer volume was so overwhelming that the whistling sounds resembled chickens frying in oil.
Bang!
Some of the projectiles were explosive pellets, bursting into flames that scattered in all directions.
Blocking such a barrage while airborne would be nearly impossible, especially with explosive pellets mixed in. Unless one had mastered a movement technique like the Eightfold Dragon Soaring Steps, escaping such a trap was unthinkable.
“If I’d gone up, I’d have been gravely injured,” Jongjeong Yak said.
Bu Eunseol nodded and struck the locked iron door with a single punch.
Boom!
The door swung open with a sound like a temple bell ringing.
As it opened, shouts filled the air, and dozens of assassins were locked in combat with the Martial Alliance warriors Jongjeong Yak had brought.
‘Hmm.’ Bu Eunseol frowned slightly as he observed the scene.
The Alliance warriors fighting the assassins were far too mediocre to be considered members of the Martial Alliance.
‘So that’s how it is.’ It dawned on Bu Eunseol why Jongjeong Yak had specifically requested “protection.” ‘They assigned her freshly trained warriors.’
When venturing into the martial world, one should be accompanied by highly trained, battle-experienced warriors. Yet the Alliance had assigned her inexperienced novices.
‘She’s under pressure from higher-ups.’
As Bu Eunseol pieced together the situation, Jongjeong Yak shouted, “Seolso, help Deputy Neung!”
Hearing this, Neung Joun, who was fighting off assassins, yelled furiously, “I don’t need help!” As he swung his sword, he stepped back and extended his left hand.
Flash!
A streak of light shot from his sleeve.
Thwack!
A short dagger embedded itself in an assassin’s throat.
Flash! Thwack! Thwack!
Each time he extended his hand, a cold glint flashed, and assassins fell without fail.
His accuracy was flawless.
True to his Flying Blade Sect origins, Neung Joun’s true skill lay not in the longsword at his waist but in the hidden daggers he wielded with his secret sword technique.
“Hah!” As he unleashed a flurry of hidden daggers, cutting down assassins, the tide of battle turned decisively.
Unable to hold their ground, the apparent leader of the assassins shouted, “Retreat!”
But that was merely their wishful thinking.
Neung Joun relentlessly launched hidden daggers at the fleeing assassins. Each time, they fell to the ground with cries of agony.
“Who’s behind this?!” Jongjeong Yak demanded, her eyes blazing with authority. “Who commissioned you?!”
The assassins, however, smirked with glinting eyes. Realizing something, Jongjeong Yak swiftly struck their acupuncture points.
Assassins sometimes bit down on poisoned false teeth to take their own lives.
Thud. Thud.
But something strange happened.
Despite her lightning-fast strikes on their acupuncture points, the assassins began to bleed from their mouths and die.
“How…?” Jongjeong Yak stammered, bewildered.
Bu Eunseol approached and said, “They were fighting with poison pellets in their mouths.”
“Poison pellets in their mouths? Why?” she asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
Bu Eunseol explained calmly, “They knew the odds of success were low, yet they carried out the mission.”
“They knew it was unlikely to succeed…?” she murmured, stunned.
Having investigated countless cases, she had never encountered assassins so ruthless as to disregard their own lives. Seeing Bu Eunseol’s calm demeanor, Jongjeong Yak felt almost foolish.
“Law Enforcement Officer,” Neung Joun said, approaching her with a grave expression as he looked at the fallen assassins. “I think it’s best you return to the Alliance immediately.”
He continued, “These assassins knew our route in advance and set up traps.”
The reception hall’s door had been replaced with an iron one, and sophisticated projectile mechanisms had been installed inside.
This wasn’t something that could be done in a short time. The assassins had known she would come here and had prepared the trap in advance.
“They not only know your movements but understand our objectives as clearly as the lines on their palms,” Neung Joun said, his face deadly serious. “This means the deeper we pursue this investigation, the more dangerous the traps will become.”
Jongjeong Yak bit her lip.
Neung Joun’s judgment was sound. Moreover, this battle had left five or six of their warriors severely injured, significantly weakening their forces.
‘If I return to the Alliance now…’ But if she returned empty-handed, she might never get another chance to properly investigate this case.
Her current mission was to uncover corruption among the Martial Alliance’s higher-ups. If she stopped now, in the worst case, they could strip her of her Law Enforcement Officer status under the pretext of investigative failure.
‘I can’t let that happen.’
She had only been able to start this investigation thanks to the support of the Master of the Secret Flower Garden, a hall master-level figure. But if she returned without results, even the Master would lack the justification to shield her from the pressure of those above.
“Urgh.” At that moment, one of the fallen assassins began to vomit and tremble.
A mercenary who had seemingly died suddenly came back to life.
“What’s happening?” Jongjeong Yak asked.
Upon closer inspection, she saw that Seolso, the mercenary, was pressing on the assassin’s life gate acupuncture point with a grave expression.
How had he revived a dying assassin?
