Chapter 168

In the end, Woo Jang-rak had no choice but to accept Pung No-san’s proposal.

It would have been impolite to outright refuse the Heavenly Eunuch Clan’s invitation.

Above all, maintaining a good relationship with a Sect like the Heavenly Eunuch Clan would be helpful if he ever needed to pass through the area again.

Considering various factors, Woo Jang-rak decided to stay at the Heavenly Eunuch Clan for a few days.

Pyo Wol also went along with Woo Jang-rak’s decision.

After all, Woo Jang-rak was the one in charge of the group.

And so, their trip to the Heavenly Eunuch Clan was decided.

The closer they got to Enshi, where the Heavenly Eunuch Clan was located, the darker the expressions of Mok Ga-hye and Shin Mu-geom became. When the boat finally arrived in Enshi, Mok Ga-hye looked as if she was about to cry.

Now, all that remained was to enter the Heavenly Eunuch Clan and become the concubine of the old Hwa Yu-cheon. It was already too late to change her mind.

“Haa!”

Mok Ga-hye stayed cooped up in her cabin, doing nothing but sighing. A deep shadow was cast over the face of Shin Mu-geom, who stood guard in front of her cabin, and it showed no sign of lifting.

Thud!

The boat finally docked at the pier in Enshi.

The moment Mok Ga-hye appeared on deck, a booming voice rang out.

“We sincerely welcome Miss Mok’s visit.”

Dozens of Martial Artists were lined up at the pier.

They were the Martial Artists of the Heavenly Eunuch Clan.

The eyes of everyone around the pier focused on Mok Ga-hye all at once. Mok Ga-hye felt her face flush.

She wished she could find a mouse hole to hide in.

A wave of regret washed over her.

She wished she could turn back time.

Mok Ga-hye took a deep breath and carefully disembarked from the boat. Shin Mu-geom followed quietly behind her.

Everyone’s gaze was fixed on them.

Watching Mok Ga-hye’s back as she disembarked first, Pung No-san smiled.

There was no escape for Mok Ga-hye now.

She would become Hwa Yu-cheon’s concubine, and the sword passed down in her family would become a stepping stone for the Heavenly Eunuch Clan to soar even higher.

‘So things can go this smoothly.’

Pung No-san glanced behind him.

He saw Woo Jang-rak.

‘To think he was from the Snow Cloud Stronghold.’

Yu Gicheon, the Manor Lord of the Snow Cloud Stronghold, was a man who had left a significant mark on the world of commerce. Although Yu Gicheon had retired, his son had taken over the Trading Company and was actively running it.

If he could use this opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the Snow Cloud Stronghold, it would undoubtedly be a great help to the Heavenly Eunuch Clan.

That was why he had gone so far as to breach etiquette and invite Woo Jang-rak’s party to the Heavenly Eunuch Clan.

Although he was a little reluctant to let the Wanderers hired by Woo Jang-rak into the Heavenly Eunuch Clan, it was an acceptable compromise.

What was important was building a friendship with Woo Jang-rak. If he could solidify his relationship with Woo Jang-rak, his own success would be guaranteed.

Pung No-san’s attention was entirely focused on Woo Jang-rak. As a result, he paid no mind to Pyo Wol and Soma, who were standing far from the group. No, he didn’t even know they were there.

Ever since Pung No-san had boarded the boat, Pyo Wol and Soma had remained cooped up in their cabin.

When Pyo Wol and Soma came outside, Woo Jang-rak hurried over and said,

“My apologies. They were so insistent that I couldn’t refuse. It seems our schedule will be delayed by a few days.”

“I told you to handle it. I don’t mind.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

After expressing his gratitude, Woo Jang-rak quickly disembarked.

Pyo Wol and Soma deliberately moved with the Wanderers, so everyone else assumed they were hired Wanderers as well.

The Heavenly Eunuch Clan was not far from the pier.

People were astonished by the immense scale of the Heavenly Eunuch Clan.

The roofs of dozens of pavilions could be seen over the high walls. It was not the size of a mere Manor. It looked as if a section of Chengdu had been cut out and moved here.

“Incredible. I knew the Heavenly Eunuch Clan was powerful, but I never imagined it would be to this extent.”

Woo Jang-rak marveled at the massive sight of the Heavenly Eunuch Clan.

The Snow Cloud Stronghold was quite large, but it seemed shabby compared to the Heavenly Eunuch Clan before him.

A scholar in his early fifties was waiting to greet them in front of the main gate of the Heavenly Eunuch Clan.

His refined features and clear eyes created a pristine atmosphere.

He made a Fist-Palm Salute toward the visitors.

“Welcome. I am Mae Bul-gun, the Steward of the Heavenly Eunuch Clan. Thank you for visiting our Manor. You must be tired from your long journey, so please rest for now and join us for the evening banquet.”

“Thank you for the invitation, Great Hero Mae!”

“Not at all. We are the ones who are grateful for your visit. You can discuss the details at the evening banquet, so for now, please get some rest. We have cleared out the Guest Reception Hall for you.”

“Understood. Then we shall talk in the evening.”

“At that time, it will not be me, but the Manor Lord of our Manor who will personally host the banquet.”

“I see.”

“Then I will see you then, Great Hero Woo!”

Mae Bul-gun bowed to Woo Jang-rak and then approached Mok Ga-hye.

As he drew near, Mok Ga-hye flinched involuntarily.

‘He’s unsettling.’

Mae Bul-gun had clear eyes, without a single speck of impurity. But the moment she saw those eyes, Mok Ga-hye felt goosebumps rise all over her body.

“Miss Mok, we have prepared a separate residence for you. Please rest comfortably there.”

“I want to stay with them.”

“Pardon?”

Mae Bul-gun blinked.

He had not expected Mok Ga-hye to say such a thing.

He forced a smile and said,

“But the Manor Lord has given special instructions to attend to Miss Mok. If he finds out you are staying in the Guest Reception Hall with the others, many people will be severely punished.”

“Why would they be punished?”

“That is…”

“I am not yet a person of the Heavenly Eunuch Clan. I think it’s only natural for me to stay in the Guest Reception Hall. Am I wrong?”

“…”

At Mok Ga-hye’s bold words, Mae Bul-gun’s expression visibly hardened. But since so many people were watching, he quickly relaxed his face and said,

“Haha! If that is what Miss Mok wishes, then so it shall be. Very well. We will prepare a room for Miss Mok within the Guest Reception Hall. Please stay there for now, and if you find it inconvenient, please let me know. We can move you at any time.”

“Thank you.”

Mok Ga-hye bowed her head in thanks.

For a moment, a chill flashed through Mae Bul-gun’s eyes as he looked down at her. But when Mok Ga-hye raised her head again, his gaze had already returned to normal.

“Then I will see you this evening, Miss Mok!”

Mae Bul-gun made a Fist-Palm Salute to Mok Ga-hye and withdrew.

“Phew!”

As he disappeared from sight, Mok Ga-hye let out a soft sigh.

She had tried to act composed, but she was in a state of extreme tension.

Everything was unfamiliar to Mok Ga-hye.

The massive Manor, the people hiding their true intentions.

That made it even more frightening.

If Shin Mu-geom hadn’t been there, she might have broken down and burst into tears long ago.

Shin Mu-geom looked at her with a worried expression.

“Are you all right?”

“I’m… fine.”

“Ga-hye!”

“I’m really fine. Truly.”

“I understand. Hooo!”

Shin Mu-geom let out a soft sigh.

It was then.

“Noona!”

A familiar voice was suddenly heard.

There was only one person here who would call her Noona.

“What is it, Soma?”

“Should I kill him?”

“What?”

“That Steward, should I kill him?”

“N-No! Don’t do that.”

Mok Ga-hye was horrified and stopped Soma.

If any other child had said such a thing, she would have dismissed it as a joke, but Soma was a child who would actually keep his word. Above all, he had the ability to do so.

Soma smiled brightly and continued.

“If you change your mind, just let me know. Got it?”

“O…kay!”

Mok Ga-hye answered with difficulty.

She entered her room with a weary expression.

Soma watched Mok Ga-hye’s back for a moment before approaching Pyo Wol.

“Let’s rest too, Hyung-ah!”

“You go on ahead.”

“What about you?”

“I’m going to look around outside for a bit.”

“Then you have to be back before dinner.”

“Don’t worry.”

“Okay. See you later then.”

Soma went inside first.

Just then, Go Il-pae came up beside Pyo Wol.

“Are you going out?”

“What of it?”

“We’re planning to go out as well.”

“Without resting?”

“What’s the point of staying here? It’s better to go out and have a drink. I’ve already spoken to Great Hero Woo. So, why don’t you come with us when we leave? That way you won’t have to go through any troublesome procedures.”

“Do that.”

Pyo Wol thought Go Il-pae was extremely clever.

Right now, Pyo Wol had his face tightly wrapped in a scarf. It was because he didn’t want to attract attention.

But if he went out alone, he would have to reveal his face as a matter of procedure. That was the only way they could confirm his identity when he returned.

However, if he let Go Il-pae and the Wanderers go first, there would be no need for him to reveal his face. He could just come back in with them as well. Then they wouldn’t bother to check Pyo Wol’s face.

Go Il-pae must have known this, which was why he had made the suggestion to Pyo Wol first.

Pyo Wol immediately left the Heavenly Eunuch Clan with the Wanderers.

The Martial Artists guarding the Heavenly Eunuch Clan only checked Go Il-pae’s face before letting the Wanderers and Pyo Wol out.

As they exited the main gate, Seol Ha-jin asked,

“Where are you going? Why not just have a drink with us?”

Perhaps because they had shared a bed, Seol Ha-jin treated Pyo Wol casually.

Pyo Wol shook his head.

“No, I have something else to do.”

“What is it?”

“…”

“Alright! I won’t ask. Have a good trip.”

Seol Ha-jin read Pyo Wol’s mind like a ghost and threw up his hands.

Pyo Wol parted ways with them without a backward glance.

Hong Mugwang glared at Pyo Wol’s retreating back.

Go Il-pae saw him and said a word.

“Why? You want to lose your other eye?”

“N…o.”

Hong Mugwang lowered his head.

He was furious about losing his eye, but he had no courage for revenge.

＊＊＊

Enshi was a quiet city.

Cities tend to develop their own unique atmosphere depending on the disposition of the people who live there.

A city like Chengdu, with a large influx of people from the outside, naturally develops a characteristically bustling atmosphere. On the other hand, Enshi, despite being a fairly large city, was on the quiet side.

The areas outside the main thoroughfare were quite tranquil, but it was impossible to know if this was due to the introverted nature of its people.

After circling the city once, Pyo Wol entered the bustling downtown area.

The downtown area was no different from any other city.

The streets, packed with pubs, Inns, and Brothels without a single gap, were overflowing with people.

The sky was filled with clouds, looking as if it would rain at any moment, but the Courtesans paid no mind, leaning halfway out of their windows to entice drunken men.

There were all sorts of people: those who succumbed to the Courtesans’ temptations and strode into the Brothels, and those who lamented their thin purses and entered cheap pubs.

“Hey, Orabeoni over there! Take that scarf down a bit. Why are you all wrapped up when it’s so hot?”

A Courtesan leaning out of a window tempted Pyo Wol.

She was an Aging Courtesan with wrinkles on her face.

She had once made a name for herself in a large Brothel in a big city, but unable to withstand the flow of time, she had eventually drifted to Enshi.

Although she now sold her body in a cheap Brothel, her eye for people remained sharp. Seeing Pyo Wol’s physique and aura, she thought he must be handsome.

“Come on in.”

She waved her hand, tempting Pyo Wol. But Pyo Wol didn’t even spare her a glance.

Pyo Wol had come here to grasp the city’s atmosphere and gather information about the Heavenly Eunuch Clan.

Wherever Pyo Wol went, he would first grasp the atmosphere and commit the local geography to memory.

It was a survival instinct ingrained in his body.

Pyo Wol knew well that each of these trivial acts could save his life at a critical moment.

Pyo Wol was looking around in front of the entrance of an Inn.

“May I come in for a moment?”

A woman’s voice came from behind him.

When he turned around, a mysterious woman with the lower half of her face covered by a veil was looking at him.