Chapter 339: Secret Master Han Jin (1)

‘That is definitely the Black Tortoise Supreme Yin Qi. But how does Seok Unjeong know the Black Tortoise Supreme Yin Art? Did Geum Yujin pass it down to her?’

Otherwise, there would have been no reason for Seok Unjeong to know the Black Tortoise Supreme Yin Art.

Then Yong Hwarin let out an exclamation inwardly.

‘I see now. Since Jeong Mae suffers from the Moon Yin Meridian Blockage, her body must have reacted to the Black Tortoise Supreme Yin Art, which is rich in yin qi.’

Watching the two train together, he was able to understand the circumstances.

If not for that, nothing else could explain the situation.

‘But it is surprising. I never thought the Black Tortoise Supreme Yin Art would suit Jeong Mae so well…’

That was as far as Yong Hwarin thought. He had no idea that Seok Unjeong was practicing the Black Tortoise Supreme Yin Art to reduce her own pain.

Just as she tried to grab the stream of water with both hands, it fell back into the jar, perhaps due to a lack of energy.

“Ah, this really isn’t easy.”

When Seok Unjeong spoke with a regretful expression, Geum Yujin looked at her in disbelief.

He knew well how many years he had trained to reach that level.

And yet she had managed it in just a few days and was saying it wasn’t easy—it left him feeling hollow.

No matter how talented someone was, surpassing time itself was too much.

While teaching Seok Unjeong, Geum Yujin began to feel a frightening thought creep in.

“Don’t push yourself too hard.”

As Yong Hwarin spoke from behind them and approached, both froze up.

Like thieves caught red-handed, they glanced at Yong Hwarin’s expression.

Yong Hwarin clasped his hands respectfully toward Geum Yujin.

“Young Master Geum, I truly thank you. This is gratitude from me as Jeong Mae’s older brother. It is the tradition that a clan’s secret arts are never passed to outsiders, yet you broke that tradition to teach Jeong Mae. I am at a loss for words.”

Receiving Yong Hwarin’s sincere thanks, Geum Yujin returned the clasped hands.

“I do not mind passing my clan’s martial art to Miss Seok. If she can use it to reduce the pain of her Moon Yin Meridian Blockage, that is satisfaction enough.”

Yong Hwarin replied with a gentle smile.

“That must be the heart of a righteous hero. If giving your own skills without any reward to relieve another’s suffering is not chivalry, then what is?”

As he spoke, Yong Hwarin thought to himself.

‘Young Master Geum has changed a lot. When I saw him at Hajeong Escort Agency, he was narrow-minded and self-righteous.’

It seemed he had gained great enlightenment through hardship.

Such trials inherently caused people to grow.

‘But to mature, he had to pay too great a price. Thinking about it, it’s similar to me. In my past life, I only realized the importance of family and friends after losing all my loved ones. In some ways, Geum Yujin may grow even greater from here.’

Through the conversation, Yong Hwarin learned that Seok Unjeong was practicing the Black Tortoise Supreme Yin Art to ease the pain from her Moon Yin Meridian Blockage.

“It seems the energy of the Black Tortoise Supreme Yin Art is dissipating the Moon Yin Meridian Blockage’s qi.”

“Yes. I think so as well. Since practicing it, she says she no longer feels pain.”

“To think an illness that no medicine could cure would be healed by martial arts… truly, it’s heaven’s blessing for Jeong Mae.”

Yong Hwarin felt as if a great burden had been lifted.

“However, because Jeong Mae’s cultivation is still low, she seems unable to fully control the art’s energy. We should raise her cultivation with spiritual medicine. I will give Jeong Mae some—Young Master Geum, please assist her.”

“I’ll help as much as I can while I’m here.”

Yong Hwarin looked quietly at Geum Yujin before speaking in a heavier tone.

“And your late father gave his life to save the members of the Jeong Family Manor. I will never forget his sacrifice.”

At those words, tears welled up in Geum Yujin’s eyes.

Receiving understanding and comfort from the person he had once hated most moved him deeply.

He lowered his head and said, “Thank you.”

“Though the Sky Ocean Merchant Union is not my home, please treat it as your own, Young Master Geum. If you need anything, tell the Escort Agency and they will provide it. I’ve already given the orders, so don’t hesitate—just tell the Vice Chief.”

As he turned away, Yong Hwarin thought to himself,

‘Surprisingly, the two of them suit each other well.’

He smiled faintly at the sight of Seok Unjeong comforting Geum Yujin.

The next day, Seok Unjeong received a visit from Bukri Sehee.

“Sehee unnie.”

Bukri Sehee was two years older than Seok Unjeong, so she called her unnie. But at first, that was a difficult term.

There had been a time when Seok Unjeong had known Bukri Sehee as Bukri Sogun, so calling her unnie hadn’t come easily.

But as they spent more time together, they grew close like real sisters.

“What brings you here?”

“I heard from your brother—you’ve started learning martial arts. And not just any, but one of the Four Divine Arts.”

“Hehe, I was lucky. I didn’t know Young Master Geum’s martial art would match so well with my blocked meridians.”

“I’m glad you’re no longer suffering. So I brought you a gift.”

“What is it?”

With sparkling eyes, Seok Unjeong watched as she was handed a bowl.

“You’ll know when you taste it. This isn’t just ordinary blood.”

Seok Unjeong knew that Bukri Sehee’s blood was a spiritual medicine.

Knowing that, she also understood exactly what the blood in the bowl meant.

“Unnie, you really didn’t have to…”

“No. I want you to grow stronger, Unjeong. You know I don’t know any martial arts. That’s why sometimes, being the one who’s always protected makes me feel miserable. So these days, I’ve been learning martial arts from Unnie Minji and learning sound arts from Elder Demonic Master. I hope that once you grow strong through martial arts, you can protect Gaga and Father as well. Since you’re learning anyway, I thought it best for you to become strong—so I prepared this.”

I couldn’t bring myself to speak.

I was deeply grateful for Bukri Sehee’s thoughtfulness.

“I won’t refuse. Just as you said, I have people I must protect.”

“Good.”

Bukri Sehee patted my shoulder before stepping back.

It felt wonderful to be able to give something to someone dear to her.

Yang Gwak visited Woo Hak Bookstore to inspect the scheme he was overseeing.

After compiling various pieces of information and receiving reports, he spoke to his strategist.

“Strategist Mak, what we are planning is time-sensitive. We must ensure it proceeds without any setbacks.”

“Do not worry. I have already checked every detail in advance.”

“Good. But when will the man you mentioned arrive? Is he really good enough for us to use in our second scheme?”

Mak Gyo’s expression brimmed with confidence.

“Of course. He is the head of the Secret Beyond Secrets.”

“But didn’t the assassins of the Secret Beyond Secrets all get wiped out by Yong Hwarin’s group? From that, they don’t seem very skilled.”

Mak Gyo shook his head.

“Absolutely not. It was only because that Yong fellow was unexpectedly strong, not because the assassins were weak. And the Secret Master is a very special man. With him stepping in this time, there will be no mistakes.”

“Indeed, instead of rashly targeting Yong Hwarin and stirring up a hornet’s nest, it’s better to cut down the tree the hive hangs from. Tell me more about this man.”

“I used the full extent of our sect’s information network to uncover his identity. That’s how deeply his origins were shrouded in secrecy. If it weren’t for our sect, no one could have found out.”

Mak Gyo was very proud of the effort it had taken to discover the Secret Master’s identity.

Just as he was about to speak, Myeong Gujeong’s voice came from outside.

“Young Master Il, a guest has come to see you.”

The two men looked at each other.

“It must be him.”

“Show him in.”

A moment later, a middle-aged man entered the room with a bamboo hat pulled low over his face.

Seeing his energy, Yang Gwak let out an inward exclamation.

‘Oh… incredible. His qi is beyond what I can gauge. That means he’s at a higher realm than I am.’

Though his pride was stung, knowing such a strong man would take on an assassination relieved him.

“I came personally after reading the details of your request. I have my own grudges to settle with Yong Hwarin, and I doubted my subordinates could handle them—so I’m stepping in myself.”

“For us, having the Secret Master personally involved is the best we could ask for. I’ve never heard of you failing an assassination. With you leading, we feel secure.”

Yang Gwak praised the Secret Master in flattering terms.

He then pulled out an envelope and handed it over.

“This is the payment. You can exchange it at any money exchange.”

The Secret Master checked the note from the envelope and tucked it away.

“When will you leave?”

“Now.”

“How many subordinates will you bring?”

“I will take two or three trusted men.”

“Will that be enough?”

At Mak Gyo’s words, a killing intent flashed out so sharply it felt like it would crush his windpipe.

“Hmm!”

“I said I would go.”

“S-sorry. My mistake. The Secret Master alone is worth a hundred men—of course you can be trusted.”

Mak Gyo wiped his cold sweat, making excuses.

When the Secret Master stood, Yang Gwak spoke.

“Leaving already?”

“What more is there for an assassin and a client to discuss?”

Speaking curtly, the Secret Master gave a slight nod, opened the door, and left.

When Yang Gwak felt his presence vanish completely, he muttered,

“He’s truly remarkable. Until now, aside from my masters, I’ve never felt intimidated—but standing before him made me feel it naturally.”

“He is the one currently called the King of Assassins. Though he’s an assassin, he proudly holds a seat among the Seven Kings of Murim.”

“It would be something to see him go head-to-head with Yong Hwarin.”

Mak Gyo shook his head firmly.

“Still, we should avoid a direct confrontation with that Yong fellow. He has defeated even experts he shouldn’t have been able to beat. That means he has many hidden methods. There’s no need to face him head-on.”

“Ah, but you didn’t finish telling me his background. Continue.”

Mak Gyo conveyed it through a voice transmission instead of aloud.

Hearing the voice transmission, Yang Gwak stared at him in surprise.

“Is that true?”

“Yes, without a doubt. I confirmed it using all our information sources.”

“Then infiltrating Shaolin Temple shouldn’t be difficult for him.”

“Exactly. That’s why the chances of success for this plan are very high.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt excited. I hope the orthodox sects gather in Shaolin Temple soon for their meeting.”

“I feel the same.”

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