Chapter 77

Chapter 77
Gu-ryong Inn in Nam-nyeong, Gwang-seo Province.

An attendant working on the ground floor rushed toward the top level. He made his way to the chamber situated at the far end of the uppermost hallway.

“What is the matter?”

“Please examine this.”

Flustered, the attendant passed over a single sheet of paper.

The man who inspected its contents bounded to his feet in disbelief.

“What in the world is this?”

The document spread before his eyes was a formal assassination request. This establishment functioned as the Gwang-seo branch of the Sal-su Yeon-maeng, and the reader was none other than the branch’s chief assassin. In truth, every individual employed within the inn was a trained killer.

Under ordinary circumstances, three particular factors had the power to astonish a lead assassin regarding a contract: an extraordinary commissioner, a target of extraordinary renown, or a sum of money so colossal it defied belief.

Yet the brief now resting in his hands proved staggering on every single count.

Commissioner: Yeom Sa-won

Target: Baek So-cheon

Payout: One tael

There was no time to waste standing about in frozen stupor.

With the assignment brief in hand, word was dispatched toward the main citadel of the Sal-su Yeon-maeng through Byeok-ryeok.

Byeok-ryeok, an elite operative entrusted with managing the broader administrative affairs of the alliance, found himself equally floored by what was written. He departed without delay to locate Cheon-geuk, traveling all the way to Daroo Tea House, which stood directly opposite the Murim Alliance headquarters.

Thus, the commission report ended up within Cheon-geuk’s hands, drawing an expression of total, utter disbelief.

Yeom Sa-won had shamelessly affixed his personal name as the client, offering an insulting reward of merely one single tael.

Cheon-geuk had already formed a sharp distaste for Yeom Sa-won. During their previous encounter, he had regarded Na-sa-rin as though she were some grotesque beast, behaving with deplorable arrogance. Swallowing the blistering curses rising in her throat, she addressed Byeok-ryeok in an even, measured tone.

“How are we expected to interpret this gesture?”

Byeok-ryeok was a confidant whom Cheon-geuk held in exceptionally high regard. During his active years in the field, he had proved himself an outstanding assassin endowed with keen intelligence and sound judgment, leading her to grant him stewardship over the alliance’s practical operations. In practice, he was the instrument responsible for executing matters once her decrees were made.

“Openly listing his real name is unquestionably intended as intimidation to force our compliance.”

Had the parchment carried the signature of Yeom Hwa-sin, she would have yielded to the reasoning; after all, that man possessed the formidable stature to warrant such haughtiness. But for Yeom Sa-won to act this way? No, he did not come close.

“We cannot forget what occurred during our prior bid to end his life.”

“That is true, Alliance Lord, though…”

The unspoken reality lingered in the air: circumstances were no longer the same now that Baek So-cheon was devoid of internal power.

Byeok-ryeok was fully cognizant of the fact that Cheon-geuk possessed intimate ties not merely to Baek So-cheon himself, but to the Murim Alliance as a whole.

Even if those connections had not existed, anyone audacious enough to mock their guild with a farcical one-tael contract would have been annihilated without hesitation to set an example—assuming, of course, the client was not the direct scion of the Black Heaven Alliance.

“Our agreement still stands that we take no assignments concerning Baek So-cheon.”

“Yes, I am mindful of that.”

She took up an ink brush, inscribed a short line across the paper, and tossed it toward Byeok-ryeok.

He peered down at the brushstrokes she had left behind:

‘Shove that solitary tael straight up your shaft.’

“Heavens!”

Byeok-ryeok stared at her in wide-eyed astonishment.

A faint smirk appeared on Cheon-geuk’s face.

“A simple jest. Compose a dignified, polite reply formally rejecting the job.”

“Good grief, Alliance Lord.”

Byeok-ryeok shredded the parchment into scraps so no stray eye could ever read it, letting out an audible breath of relief.

“Yet is it truly wise for us to cast aside this commission?”

Unease clouded Byeok-ryeok’s expression. The Sal-su Yeon-maeng upheld an official posture of neutrality between the righteous and unorthodox sects, yet numerous operatives leaned their sympathies toward the Black Heaven Alliance. Byeok-ryeok himself suspected that aligning with Black Heaven might yield greater advantages in the unfolding struggle. In the end, the peerless master Baek So-cheon had lost his martial foundation, whereas Yeom Hwa-sin maintained overwhelming, undisputed superiority.

“What shall we do if the Black Heaven Lord chooses to take action?”

“His boy offers an absurd one-tael contract, receives a refusal, and the great lord mobilizes to crush the Sal-su Yeon-maeng? The entire world would roar with laughter at him. Furthermore, Yeom Sa-won made a catastrophic misstep.”

“What misstep?”

“Fixing the reward at one tael. Had he put forward an immense sum of three million taels as was done previously, we truly would have possessed no grounds to decline. There would have been no justifiable pretext.”

It was an undeniable truth. Rejecting an astronomical sum like that would have been tantamount to publicly admitting they were allied with the Murim Alliance.

“He probably presumed he was acting clever and showing aloof disdain, yet that arrogance seals his folly. Who could possibly sympathize with such petty posturing? Even within the ranks of Black Heaven, the elders will criticize such thoughtless insolence.”

“The Black Heaven Lord remains the true dilemma. As you are well aware, he is terrifying beyond measure.”

“Precisely why this makes no difference. He is not the sort of sovereign who would show us mercy merely because we consented to take the job. He will determine our annihilation regardless of how this turns out. Should he succeed in uniting the martial world under his singular fist, he will wipe out every assassin guild without exception.”

Byeok-ryeok stiffened in surprise.

“Are you truly certain of that?”

“Without a doubt.”

Faced with Cheon-geuk’s resolute declaration, Byeok-ryeok ventured a different perspective.

“Our origins are tied to the dark path. We share a common root.”

“That is the exact motive behind why he will seek to erase us. He will want to prove to the entire realm that true mastery over the shadows belongs to them alone. That is the nature of Yeom Hwa-sin as I understand him.”

Their gazes met and locked steadily in the stillness of the room.

In that quiet moment, there was no trace of personal sentiment clouding Cheon-geuk’s clarity under the guise of an alliance cause. She stood composed, clearer and calmer than ever before.

“Understood. I will place my faith in your assessment, Alliance Lord.”

At last, Cheon-geuk delivered her official mandate.

“The alliance formally rejects Yeom Sa-won’s one-tael contract.”

“I accept your decree, Alliance Lord.”

Once Byeok-ryeok had departed, she shifted her attention toward the personal guardians stationed beside her.

“Would you mind if I vented some fury? I feel as though I will develop a sickness from pure rage if I bottle it up any longer.”

“Please speak freely, as much as you require.”

“Ugh, that insolent brat parading around on his father’s coat-tails! I swear I ought to march over right now and sever his throat. Even had he set down ten million taels, I would have thrown it back in his face—yet a measly one tael? Am I expected to take a life for pocket change? Who on earth would even price his worthless neck at that much? No, don’t answer that. Even one tael would be throwing money away. If that punk ever crosses my path again, I swear…”

Having unburdened herself with a cascade of colorful insults, her breathing gradually settled into tranquility.

She issued a steady instruction.

“Ensure this news quietly finds its way to Hyun-cheon Pavilion. They must be made aware that we stood beside the Murim Alliance, even while taking on grave danger.”

“Yes, Alliance Lord. It will be done.”

She stepped over toward the open window.

A moment later, Na-sa-rin stepped into the room. She was currently lodging alongside Cheon-geuk, occasionally lending a hand at Daroo Tea House while devoting the remainder of her days to silent cultivation.

“Byeok-ryeok crossed my path to offer his greetings before he left.”

Clearly, she had already caught wind of the contract details through him.

“Elder.”

“Yes, Alliance Lord.”

“I have just arrived at a conclusion that could alter the very destiny of our faction.”

Even hearing those momentous words, Na-sa-rin’s demeanor remained perfectly serene.

“Do you harbor any regret regarding your choice?”

“None whatsoever.”

Na-sa-rin smiled gently upon hearing that firm, uncompromising response.

“Then all is well. Place your trust in your instincts henceforth, Alliance Lord. That inner compass is the sole reason we have managed to survive up to this day.”

—

“The Sal-su Yeon-maeng has officially declined the assignment.”

Yeom Sa-won turned entirely rigid upon receiving Won-mu’s declaration.

Won-mu held his breath in tense anticipation. This was always the most perilous juncture. His master was undoubtedly turning over thoughts in his head: in what manner could he display his unbridled wrath to the greatest effect? Men routinely lost their lives over it, and sturdy walls ended up caved in from sudden blows—it was an instinctive, violent pattern.

Smash!

Fortunately for those present, the wooden writing desk directly before him served as the victim on this occasion.

“That wretched wench has clearly lost her mind and wishes for an early grave.”

Yeom Sa-won had never envisioned such an outcome. In his estimation, refusing his personal order was equivalent to rebuffing his father—and an insult to the Black Heaven Alliance itself.

“Along with the rejection, they delivered an elaborate letter offering formal apologies.”

“Tell those cowards to spare me their useless excuses!”

Thick waves of raw murderous intent rolled off Yeom Sa-won.

“I will drag that arrogant woman here by her hair and force her onto her knees before me.”

Yeom Sa-won’s eyes gleamed with madness for a brief instant, causing Won-mu to lower his gaze to the floor.

He knew he was obligated to speak. His immediate predecessor had perished while attempting to stay the young master’s wrath; however, the attendant before that one had been beaten to death for staying silent and failing to offer counsel, branded a useless sycophant. Surviving beneath such an unhinged master demanded a razor-sharp instinct for knowing when to yield and when to interject.

“Are you suggesting we simply overlook that insolent woman?”

Yet Yeom Sa-won was privately aware of the truth.

Spouting threats and vowing to slaughter the wench was simple enough, but neutralizing her was far from an effortless feat. He had no confidence in emerging victorious should they face each other in single combat. Beyond that, the sheer thought of being marked for death by the foremost assassin in the central plains carried a deep chill.

Nevertheless, he could not endure the sickening humiliation of being openly ignored. Unless the matter directly pertained to his father, the virtue of patience simply did not exist within his character.

“Why not bring this before the Alliance Lord and request his backing?”

Yeom Sa-won gave a bitter scoff.

“Father will never lift a finger to aid me. He will do nothing except subject me to endless derision.”

The gaze Yeom Hwa-sin directed toward him was ever freezing, never once carrying a trace of warmth. Even the bloody campaign in Jeol-gang Province had been pursued solely in an attempt to gain his father’s approval.

“Father already knows about this development, does he not?”

“Yes, young master.”

It was not merely Yeom Hwa-sin; all the highest-ranking figures across the Black Heaven Alliance were already privy to the matter.

“If I back down now, they will mock me as a useless cripple.”

There were moments when Won-mu desperately wished he could run into the secluded bamboo groves of the rear mountains and scream into the trees: *They already treat you like a cripple.*

Yet this man was his master, and their fates were bound together. Won-mu sought to redirect the raging inferno by any means necessary.

“There is no reason to direct our animosity toward a mere collective of cutthroats. The true instigator who destroyed our plans in Jeol-gang Province was Baek So-cheon.”

He was providing an easy path for tactical retreat. The Assassin Queen was a deadly adversary, but a Baek So-cheon bereft of internal energy seemed an entirely manageable quarry.

Yet those words failed to offer a soothing balm; instead, they fanned the flames of madness in the opposite direction, throwing open the floodgates of his rage.

“No! This time, I will slaughter every single one of those insolent assassins down to the last breath! Go summon Jan-baek immediately.”

Won-mu flinched visibly upon hearing that name. Jan-baek was the formidable warrior whom Yeom Hwa-sin had personally stationed at the young master’s side—one of the renowned 18 Ghost Swords of the Black Heaven Alliance, and easily counted among the three strongest of that elite order.

Won-mu opened his mouth to voice an objection, but upon meeting Yeom Sa-won’s wild, bloodshot glare, the words died in his throat.

“Your will shall be executed.”

Stepping into the corridor, Won-mu let out a long, weary sigh.

Calling upon Jan-baek was troublesome enough, but whether a warrior of that stature would ever deign to obey such a manic directive was an even more troubling question.

—

Baek So-cheon came to visit her.

“I caught wind of the news.”

“What news would that be?”

She acted innocent.

“That you declined the contract placed upon my head?”

“Word certainly travels with great speed, does it not?”

Cheon-geuk played dumb about having leaked the information herself. Baek So-cheon saw clean through the innocent front yet chose to play along. He considered it a sensible decision on her part; providing updates as circumstances required was far better than allowing resentment to fester later with accusations of withholding truths. It was a wise way to handle alliances.

“Do you feel no fear?”

“Fear of whom? That arrogant little brat? Not in the slightest.”

“No. I meant the Black Heaven Alliance.”

“Black Heaven? Why, of course they are terrifying.”

“And despite that?”

“You are going to protect me, aren’t you? As I mentioned before—I placed my entire wager upon you in this conflict. Truthfully, I ought to have voiced that openly to the subordinate who just departed, but I could not bring myself to say it.”

“Worried about matching the cliché?”

“Naturally. You know how the old tales go: falling foolishly for some man and dragging the entire organization down into ruin… I have not turned that soft-headed.”

Baek So-cheon gave a soft chuckle.

“Then you had better wield your blade skillfully when the clash arrives. If you perish, we all perish with you.”

“If death comes knocking, I will simply flee. I have no desire to fight a doomed struggle.”

“You need not fret over that. There is nobody in the realm better at slipping away without a trace than I am.”

Cheon-geuk offered a subtle smile, and Baek So-cheon returned the grin in kind.

“So why did you come all this way?”

“To express my thanks. Because you turned down the contract on my life.”

“A promise is a promise, after all.”

“It was Yeom Sa-won who tendered the request, was it not?”

“Indeed.”

“He will never let an insult like that pass quietly. Regardless of whether he directs his fury at you or at me, he will make a move.”

“How ought we to handle it?”

“I will take care of the matter personally.”

“My, how dependable and manly!”

“A man needs an opportunity to display his strength every now and then.”

Baek So-cheon rose from his seat.

“I shall go retrieve my personal belongings. Do you have an unoccupied chamber for me?”

“Only this room right here.”

“In that case, we shall share quarters for the time being.”

Without lingering for her response, he stepped out of the chamber.

Cheon-geuk remained frozen in place, gazing blankly after him.

Nearby, Dong-seong and the sole female guardian, Seo-seong, swiftly traded telepathic thoughts:

—*Do not allow him to settle in so easily! Did you not explicitly lecture her on that very point?*

Her cheeks taking on a faint flush of color, Cheon-geuk cleared her throat and asked:

“At what hour do they usually shut the eastern gate these days?”