Chapter 91

The western highlands of Sichuan Province stood like a giant folding screen, separating the Central Plains from the Outer Regions.

It was nearly impossible for an ordinary person to cross the western highlands and venture into the Outer Regions. Of course, those with exceptional courage or superior physical strength might succeed, but even they had to risk their lives to cross the highlands.

There were, of course, roads leading to the Outer Regions, but these strategic points were heavily guarded, and no one could pass without permission.

Once through the Checkpoint, the Outer Regions finally unfolded. The area bordering Sichuan Province was known to people as Tibet.

The name Tibet was given because it was the hidden land to the west.

Tibet had long been an object of awe and fear for people.

Occasionally, Experts from Tibet would cross over into the Jianghu and cause major incidents. Each one possessed formidable martial prowess, instilling great fear in people. Thus, people came to believe that Tibet was teeming with terrifying Experts.

This belief was half right and half wrong.

Not all of the Tibetan Murim was so strong and fearsome. However, a few sects possessed a power comparable to the great sects of the Jianghu.

One of them was the Small Thunder Sound Temple.

After entering Tibet and walking west for a month, one would reach a region called the Southern Wood Forest. As its name suggested, it was a place with a vast forest that people were reluctant to approach even in broad daylight.

Within the Southern Wood Forest stood an ancient temple: the Small Thunder Sound Temple.

The Small Thunder Sound Temple did not permit the entry of ordinary people. Moreover, it was shrouded in a thick fog of clouds and mist all year round. As a result, ordinary people could not even get close, let alone enter.

The peace of the ever-quiet Small Thunder Sound Temple was shattered this morning.

A sudden visitor had arrived.

Carrying two coffins on their backs, they had crossed Tibet to reach the Small Thunder Sound Temple. At their arrival, the thick fog that had enveloped the Small Thunder Sound Temple dissipated, and a path opened.

The visitors, still carrying the coffins, climbed the stairs one by one and finally reached the Small Thunder Sound Temple.

After setting down the coffins they had been carrying, they cried out at the top of their lungs.

“O Hyeolbul, the Dharma Lord who presides over the life and death of the secular world. Your disciples have suffered a tragic fate due to our incompetence. We beg you to resolve this injustice.”

They repeated the same words several times in unison.

Tears streamed from their eyes as they bowed their heads.

A moment later, someone appeared to the sound of a wooden fish being struck.

They were monks clad in blood-red kasayas.

At the center of the monks, each of whom radiated an extraordinary aura, was an old monk of a particularly imposing build.

An ominous red energy undulated around the old monk.

Holding a string of prayer beads, each the size of a walnut, the old monk looked down at the bowing visitors.

“Are you not the disciples who were dispatched to Sichuan Province?”

“That is correct. We are the disciples who went to the Jianghu under the command of the venerable Former Dharma Lord.”

“Then for what reason have you returned? The Former Dharma Lord surely commanded you to establish a base in Sichuan Province.”

“Please kill us. We have lost our Sect Leader and Young Sect Leader and have been chased out like mangy dogs. We beg you to resolve this injustice. Sob, sob!”

The visitors wept.

They were the survivors of the Thunder Clan.

After losing Mujeong Jin-in, the Qingcheng Sect had released the disciples of the Thunder Clan. But having lost both their Sect Leader and Young Sect Leader, the disciples had nowhere to turn to resolve their grievances. So, carrying the coffins containing the two men’s bodies, they had walked the long road to the Small Thunder Sound Temple, their place of origin.

“What happened? I heard you had successfully established a foothold in Sichuan Province.”

“Sob! That is…”

The disciples of the Thunder Clan began to recount in detail what had happened in Chengdu.

They told him everything: how the Young Sect Leader, Nam Hosan, had been assassinated by an assassin hired by the Qingcheng Sect, and how Tae Yeonho, who had gone to the Qingcheng Sect to demand accountability, had been killed by Mujeong Jin-in.

“Hmph!”

An intense light shot out from Hyeolbul’s eyes after he heard the Thunder Clan disciples’ story.

It was his Master, the Former Dharma Lord, who had taken advantage of the Qingcheng and Emei Sects being closed-off to have a few disciples return to secular life and infiltrate Sichuan Province.

His plan had been to first establish a bridgehead and then, when the opportunity arose, to enter Sichuan Province.

Under the Former Dharma Lord’s plan and with the support of the Small Thunder Sound Temple, the Thunder Clan had steadily built its foundation.

Although the plan to enter Chengdu had been postponed when the Emei and Qingcheng Sects ended their seclusion, Hyeolbul was satisfied with the mere fact that a solid foundation had been laid.

He believed that if he waited, an opportunity would surely arise someday, and entering the Central Plains would not be just a dream.

That is, as long as the Thunder Clan remained intact.

But now, the Sect Leader and Young Sect Leader of the Thunder Clan, which he had so painstakingly nurtured, had both been killed. Their foundation in Sichuan Province had been completely wiped out.

Enraged, Hyeolbul asked the monks guarding him.

“How dare the Qingcheng Sect destroy this temple’s foundation. This is utterly intolerable. What do you all think?”

“It must not be tolerated. The Qingcheng Sect must have known that the Thunder Clan was a sect associated with our temple. Yet, to kill the Sect Leader and Young Sect Leader of the Thunder Clan is a clear act of contempt towards our temple. If we let this go, many will look down on our temple.”

“That is right. If we stand by and watch, many will surely look down on the Small Thunder Sound Temple in the future.”

The monks standing guard for Hyeolbul were the Blood Thunder Ten Monks, the top experts of the Small Thunder Sound Temple.

They all insisted that they must avenge the Thunder Clan.

Hyeolbul thought the same.

Whatever the reason, this matter could absolutely not be overlooked.

“Send Heuk Am to handle this matter.”

“We receive your command.”

The Blood Thunder Ten Monks joined their palms and bowed deeply.

Not a single person raised an objection.

That was how special the existence of Heuk Am was, even within the Small Thunder Sound Temple.

Hyeolbul muttered.

“I will make them regret ever daring to touch the Small Thunder Sound Temple.”

＊＊＊

Pyo Wol left the inn.

After their meeting that day, Hong Yushin had not appeared again. But Pyo Wol knew.

He knew that Hong Yushin had not yet left Chengdu. Still, since he didn’t show himself directly, it wasn’t a major bother.

Pyo Wol’s destination was Tang Sochu’s workshop.

As soon as he arrived at the workshop, the vigorous sound of a hammer could be heard. It was the sound of Tang Sochu at work.

Pyo Wol opened the workshop door and went inside.

The inside of the workshop was so hot and stuffy that it was hard to breathe. In this harsh environment, where an ordinary person couldn’t last a moment, Tang Sochu was working.

Tang Sochu had taken off his shirt and was hammering away. Countless beads of sweat, like pearls, had formed all over his body.

Unaware that Pyo Wol had arrived, Tang Sochu was completely absorbed in his work.

Pyo Wol did not disturb him and silently watched him work.

His work was finished almost two hours later.

“Hoo!”

Tang Sochu let out a sigh and looked at the result in his hand.

What he had spent half a day painstakingly creating was a single sword.

Although it was just a bare blade without a hilt, it exuded an extraordinary sharpness.

A satisfied smile bloomed on Tang Sochu’s lips.

The result was as satisfying as the time he had put in. Now, all it needed was a hilt and a scabbard, and it would be no less than any famous sword.

After admiring the sword for a long while, Tang Sochu belatedly realized someone else was in the workshop.

“Huh?”

“That’s a fine piece.”

Pyo Wol finally stood up from his seat and acknowledged him.

“Why didn’t you say something when you arrived?”

“You were so completely immersed, I didn’t dare disturb you.”

“Thanks! Thanks to you, I was able to finish this guy without any interruptions.”

“Looks like you got a commission.”

“That’s right! Word has gotten around Chengdu that I’m skilled. Thanks to that, I’ve been getting a lot more orders.”

“That’s a relief.”

“It’s all thanks to you. If it weren’t for you, brother, none of this would have happened.”

Calling Pyo Wol ‘brother,’ Tang Sochu wore a bashful expression. The title still felt awkward.

He had been able to set up his workshop here thanks to Pyo Wol’s support. Pyo Wol had given him most of the Gold Taels he possessed.

Thanks to that, he was able to take over the workshop and hold out until orders started coming in.

To Tang Sochu, Pyo Wol was truly a benefactor.

He had avenged him against the Qingcheng and Emei Sects, and helped him establish a stable life by setting up the workshop.

As far as Tang Sochu was concerned, he had incurred a debt he could not repay in a lifetime.

Tang Sochu had been trampled on by countless people just for having the surname Tang. Pyo Wol was the only one who had shown him kindness. That was why he felt even more grateful.

“So, what brings you here? Is the Ghostly Rain damaged again?”

“No! There’s something else I want to order.”

“What do you want to make?”

“I need a Wrist Guard.”

“A Wrist Guard?”

In his fights with Guhwa Satae and Mujeong Jin-in, Pyo Wol had felt the need to protect his arms.

As an assassin, Pyo Wol primarily engaged in close-quarters combat.

Although he used the Ghostly Rain as his main weapon, he still had to prepare for hand-to-hand combat.

But using a weapon other than the Ghostly Rain didn’t sit right with him. After much deliberation, the conclusion Pyo Wol reached was to wear a Wrist Guard to protect his arms.

If he could block an opponent’s attack even once using the Wrist Guard, he could create that many more opportunities to counterattack.

After listening to Pyo Wol’s explanation, Tang Sochu nodded.

“In that case, I should make it in a form that covers from the back of the hand to the forearm, so your fingers can move freely.”

“Exactly!”

“As for the material, it would be best to layer leather over metal. That way, it won’t attract attention.”

It seemed Tang Sochu had already finished planning what form the Wrist Guard should take.

“How long will it take to finish?”

“Well! I’ll have to see once I start making it, but I think it will take at least five days. It seems I’ll have to connect several thin iron plates, and to ensure proper strength, I’ll have to put in quite a bit of effort. Hold out your arm for a moment.”

When Pyo Wol extended his arm, Tang Sochu carefully felt it, meticulously checking its circumference, length, and shape.

“That’s good. Come back in five days. I’ll have it ready by then.”

“I’m counting on you.”

“Don’t worry and get going. I have to get to work now.”

Tang Sochu turned his back on Pyo Wol and hurriedly began his work.

After coming outside, Pyo Wol walked towards the street where the stalls were clustered.

Many people were coming and going on the street, and merchants were loudly hawking their wares.

Pyo Wol walked down the street with a scarf covering half his face. There were too many people who knew his face.

Fortunately, most of the merchants and shoppers were too engrossed in haggling to pay any attention to Pyo Wol.

It was then.

“How dare you try to sell me such a piece of trash.”

Along with the angry shout, a crashing sound was heard.

When Pyo Wol turned his head to look, a short, hunchbacked man was causing a ruckus.

He seemed very angry, having overturned the stall and was now glaring at the owner. His gaze was so fierce that the stall owner couldn’t say a word and just trembled.

“Heh heh! You must have looked down on me because I’m a hunchback, right?”

“N-No, sir.”

“And yet you dare ask for three Silver Nyang for this piece of junk?”

The hunchback shook the accessory in his hand.

It was an item the shop owner had brought to sell. Inlaid with jade and pearls, it had an air of elegance.

The owner said with an aggrieved expression.

“The cost was calculated including the high price of the raw materials and the artisan’s labor fee. Three Silver Nyang is already a big discount.”

“Shut up and take one Silver Nyang.”

“Then I’ll be at too much of a loss.”

“So you’re saying you can’t give me a discount?”

“Please, consider my situation.”

The owner got on his knees and begged. But the hunchback’s eyes as he looked at the owner were only cold.

A chain hung from the hunchback’s waist, with a large iron ball attached to the end.

If he were to strike with the iron ball, the owner’s head would surely burst like a rotten pumpkin in an instant.

Knowing this, the owner prostrated himself, begging for the hunchback’s mercy. But the hunchback’s gaze, as he looked at the owner, showed no signs of calming down.

On the contrary, it grew more menacing, as if he would bring down the iron ball at any moment.

Just then, a hearty laugh echoed through the street.

“Haha! Why is the great Iron Hunchback of All Under Heaven so angry? The atmosphere is too grim, so please stop tormenting the poor owner. If you’re short on money, I’ll pay for it.”

“Who are you?”

The hunchback, called the Iron Hunchback, whipped his head around to where the voice came from.

Where his gaze landed, there was a middle-aged man with a stylishly grown beard. He was smiling, gently fanning himself with a folding fan painted with a brilliant picture.

Upon seeing his face, the Iron Hunchback’s face contorted.

“Shadowless Hermit, Yoo Shinpoong? What are you doing here?”

“Haha! I came this far while wandering with my niece.”

As the middle-aged man called Yoo Shinpoong took a step back, a young woman who had been standing behind him appeared.

She was a woman with a cute impression, like a curious puppy.

“Soha! Pay your respects. That is the Iron Hunchback, Oh Kyungwol, the Great Hero of the Seven Stars Hall, renowned throughout Hunan and the southern Jianghu.”

“This young lady, Lee Soha, greets Great Hero Oh.”

Lee Soha smiled and greeted the Iron Hunchback.

Once it was revealed that he was a member of the Seven Stars Hall, the Iron Hunchback could no longer bully the owner.

Although it was hardly known in Sichuan Province due to the great distance, the Seven Stars Hall was quite famous around Hunan Province.

The Seven Stars Hall was a sect created by seven martial artists who had sworn an oath of brotherhood.

Though they numbered only seven, each individual’s martial arts were formidable, and they were united by a strong bond, so no one dared to look down on them.

Among them, the Iron Hunchback was famous for his foul temper. Born a hunchback, he was a bundle of inferiority complexes. But even the Iron Hunchback could not dare to ignore the middle-aged man before him.

Shadowless Hermit, Yoo Shinpoong.

He didn’t belong to any particular sect, but his martial arts were extremely strong and his sense of chivalry was so great that he was praised by countless people.

Many martial artists, who admired his chivalry, maintained close friendships with him.

No matter how much of an Iron Hunchback he was, he couldn’t carelessly pick a fight with such a man. If he made an enemy of him, the repercussions would surely be endless.

Yoo Shinpoong said.

“Haha! If you want that accessory so badly, I will buy it for you.”

“Forget it! Who do you think is a beggar?”

His pride wounded, Oh Kyungwol threw the accessory he was holding at the owner.

He glared at the people around him and said.

“What are you looking at, you bastards! Is this a spectacle?”

Then he pushed through the crowd and disappeared.

Yoo Shinpoong muttered as he watched the direction he had disappeared in.

“If the Iron Hunchback is here, it’s only a matter of time before the other martial artists of the Seven Stars Hall join him.”

It was common knowledge in the Jianghu that wherever the Seven Stars Hall went, trouble followed.