Zhejiang Province.

The Yugeom Mountain Manor, established on Mount Tianmu, was an Orthodox Path sect famous for its high reputation since ancient times.

Zhejiang was a place that was a step away from the flames of the Righteous-Demonic War, being on the outskirts of the Central Plains. Nevertheless, the Yugeom Mountain Manor pursued chivalry and righteousness to the extent that everyone from the manor lord to the lower-ranking warriors had devoted themselves to fighting in the Righteous-Demonic War.

Even after the Righteous-Demonic War, their power did not diminish and they boasted of their strength, and if their scale had been large, they boasted of a powerful force that could threaten the position of the Nine Great Sects.

However, the advantage and disadvantage of being a small number of elites was that it was impossible for them to leap to the Nine Great Sects.

Still, it was not lacking in holding the hegemony of Zhejiang.

They were fair and just in all matters, and did not use their swords rashly.

So much so that even the swarming Unorthodox Alliance members in Hangzhou would take a fist and palm salute and bow their heads when they met a warrior from the Yugeom Mountain Manor.

Although they held hegemony, they did not rashly step out into the martial world, and did not draw their swords easily. They only drew them when they deviated from chivalry and righteousness, so it was natural that their reputation was high.

But a suffocating silence and a murderous aura flowed through such a Yugeom Mountain Manor.

“Have you found him?”

The voice of the Yugeom Mountain Manor’s lord, the Yugeom Emperor, Jeon Heum, who was said to be close to the Ten Great Masters of the world, was chilly.

The general manager felt his neck become damp from the chill.

Although he had been by the manor lord’s side his whole life, it was the first time he had seen the Yugeom Emperor so angry.

With all emotions excluded, what flowed out was pure anger and killing intent.

The general manager answered with a trembling voice.

“We are tracking him in all directions, but his whereabouts are still unknown. But it is certain that he has not yet left Zhejiang Province.”

“We must catch and kill him before he leaves Zhejiang Province. If he leaves Zhejiang, we don’t know where he will go. And since the child’s health is not good, if her illness worsens from the cold wind of a foreign land…”

The Yugeom Emperor trailed off. A deep sadness and regret were mixed in his voice, which had been filled with only anger and killing intent.

The general manager just bowed his head with a sorry face.

Because the Yugeom Emperor’s precious daughter had been kidnapped.

And by doctors who had approached, saying they could cure the illness she had had since birth.

“These vicious bastards. To disguise themselves as doctors and kidnap my daughter?”

Kwaang!

The table in front of the Yugeom Emperor was shattered. The general manager’s mouth went dry at the sight of the marble, which was famous for its good quality even in Sichuan, turning into powder.

“We will be able to find them soon.”

“Hmph! Those guys are not just doctors. If they were doctors, they would not have been able to escape our manor’s pursuit. Moreover, how many sects and warriors of Zhejiang have joined the pursuit after hearing the news! He is escaping a level that is close to a net cast from heaven and earth.”

“We are currently investigating their identities through various information networks, but it is not easy.”

“They are guys who dared to aim for my daughter and approached. They must have hidden themselves thoroughly.”

“Why would they aim for her?”

“…”

At that question, the Yugeom Emperor closed his mouth.

In fact, if they had kidnapped her, it was normal to demand a corresponding price.

The kidnappers, after kidnapping his daughter, were just running away without even making a demand.

As if their original purpose was the daughter.

“Perhaps the Sword Empress of the Putuo Sect was the target.”

“I see. Because the Sword Empress of the Putuo Sect had decided to take her in.”

“She is a child who has suffered from an unknown illness since she was young.”

In any case, the Yugeom Emperor had no choice but to think so.

That the kidnapping of his daughter, who was soon to go to the Putuo Sect, was perhaps an act aimed at the Putuo Sect, not the Yugeom Mountain Manor.

“When is the Sword Empress said to be coming from the Zhoushan Archipelago?”

“A letter has come saying that she will arrive soon. It is said that the Sword Empress is also angry that the child she was to take as her disciple has been kidnapped.”

“Good. If the Sword Empress has stepped up!”

The Yugeom Emperor slapped his knee. Although he was said to be close to the Ten Great Masters of the world, wasn’t the Sword Empress a self-proclaimed and publicly acknowledged Ten Great Masters of the world?

Although the meticulous kidnapper was escaping well, if the Sword Empress stepped up, even a guy like that would have no choice but to be caught.

“We must catch him.”

The Yugeom Emperor’s pupils burned with flames.

* * *

Cheon Mubaeck packed his bags and arrived in Zhejiang Province right away.

As soon as he arrived in Zhejiang Province, he moved to grasp the situation, but in fact, there was no need to do so.

Because the entire Zhejiang Province was already bustling.

“Some crazy guy kidnapped the daughter of the Yugeom Mountain Manor?”

“The Yugeom Emperor was so angry that he even put out a bounty.”

“They say you get a reward just for witnessing and reporting it.”

“Although there are many Orthodox Path sects that are stepping up, saying they will repay the favor with righteousness, the Unorthodox Alliance sects are also stepping up, one and all, aiming only for the money.”

“So this Zhejiang is noisy.”

To the extent that such stories were circulating even in a nameless inn that he had arrived at after running for a long time.

Cheon Mubaeck was able to grasp the situation roughly without having to move around here and there to find out.

“No, you said it was an object. Why did they kidnap a girl?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

But the situation was not good.

Cheon Mubaeck’s brows furrowed.

‘Not a sacred object, but a girl?’

He had heard that the Yugeom Emperor’s daughter was only nine years old.

No matter how he looked at it, it had nothing to do with a sacred object.

‘Is it Jongri Hong?’

If Cheon Mubaeck had not passed on the information about Jongri Hong to the Blood Demon Valley, the Hao Faction would not have even been able to guess.

‘But looking at how he’s shaking off this enormous number of pursuers, he’s not an ordinary martial artist. If it’s a master of Jongri Hong’s level…’

As much as he was a strong candidate for the next sect leader, Cheon Mubaeck also acknowledged his skill.

‘First, I have to assume that the Hao Faction’s information is accurate, and chase him.’

First, there were a few things that bothered him.

“She has suffered from an incurable disease since birth, and recently, the Sword Empress of the Putuo Sect said that she could be cured to some extent with Buddhism and decided to take her as her disciple.”

“The Sword Empress of the Putuo Sect…”

“Well, she must have some talent. Even among the monster-like nuns of the Putuo Sect, there are no disciples, so would she take that young girl as her disciple just for treatment?”

“There’s something to it.”

“Yes. Although she suffered from an illness, that point was even more regrettable, as she was extremely wise. They said she didn’t seem like a person, but like a fairy.”

“A fairy?”

“I don’t know if it’s an appropriate expression for a young child, but that’s just the feeling. I don’t know if it’s because her eyes are so innocent, but when you look at her, you want to confess all your past wrongdoings and repent…”

Neung-heo laid out the information he had gathered from going around here and there.

Cheon Mubaeck first paid attention to the fact that the kidnapped girl was unusual.

‘It’s not for nothing that the Sword Empress stepped up and took her as her disciple.’

He knew the Sword Empress well. It was a moniker that had not changed for hundreds of years. Wasn’t it a title that was passed down from generation to generation only to the absolute masters of the Putuo Sect?

‘It’s not that she passed on the name. How old is that old hag I saw 40 years ago now?’

Cheon Mubaeck also let out a pure exclamation of admiration. Just because one learned martial arts did not necessarily mean one would live a long life.

‘She’s truly reached a great age (100 years old).’

She must have reached an age where one could only live if the heavens did not send down an illness.

‘Given that old hag’s personality, she’ll get angry like fire and step up in this matter.’

Cheon Mubaeck’s head throbbed.

“This is difficult, isn’t it? Lord.”

Even the great Neung-heo shook his head.

First, there were too many groups involved.

The Jongnam Sect, the Black Assembly, the Yugeom Mountain Manor, the sects of Zhejiang, and even the Sword Empress of the Putuo Sect.

Everyone was aiming only for the girl.

The problem was that Cheon Mubaeck was also the same.

“Huu. First, let’s go step by step. First, we need to know where Jongri Hong is.”

“The Hao Faction doesn’t know yet either.”

“He’s quite elusive.”

It was slow to wait for the Hao Faction to bring back information. Because others might find him first.

Cheon Mubaeck decided to move first.

“It’s too far to go back to the beginning, so let’s use the other guys first.”

“They are recruiting warriors at a place called the Yuseong Gate nearby.”

The Yuseong Gate was a fairly solid mid-sized sect, and this time, they had rolled up their sleeves and stepped up at the Yugeom Mountain Manor’s request for help.

Not only were all the members of the sect mobilized, but they were also recruiting wandering ronin.

Since they were already at the forefront of the pursuit, it would be easy to approach.

Cheon Mubaeck and Neung-heo immediately headed for the Yuseong Gate, which was recruiting warriors.

* * *

Yong Seong-ak, a master of the peak of the Yuseong Gate, frowned.

“All sorts of riffraff are gathering after seeing the bounty.”

Not just the bounty. Since the Yuseong Gate was also offering a considerable reward, all sorts of riffraff with swords gathered.

Yong Seong-ak was dissatisfied with that.

“Although the sect leader once received a great favor from the Yugeom Emperor…”

But wasn’t it not right to even take out the pillars of the sect?

Yong Seong-ak sighed deeply. All the available manpower of the sect had already been mobilized. Not only that, they had recruited warriors. If they were at least skilled warriors, it would be different. Since all the skilled warriors in Zhejiang already had their own sects, what gathered were low-life riffraff, and even members of the Unorthodox Alliance were mixed in.

But since it was the sect leader’s order, Yong Seong-ak had no choice but to gather the warriors.

“But if even one or two skilled guys come, it will be useful for the pursuit… huh?”

As he was sighing deeply and looking at the incoming martial artists with a displeased expression, at that time.

Yong Seong-ak’s brows contorted.

“The Three Dogs of Zhejiang?”

The three, who were quite famous members of the Unorthodox Alliance, were the Three Dogs of Zhejiang. In fact, it was ambiguous to even call them members of the Unorthodox Alliance, as they were originally disciples of an Orthodox Path sect. Moreover, they were first-rate warriors with fairly solid skills.

Although they called themselves the Three Wolves of Zhejiang, they were called the Three Dogs because their words and actions were so low-life.

“Hah, for guys like that to crawl in here?”

Yong Seong-ak was dumbfounded.

And even more so, he saw them picking a fight with the other warriors who had participated in the recruitment.

“A leper with a burn on his face, and a handsome young master has graced us with his presence here?”

“Hehehe. Hey, you guys. This is not a pleasure trip. Huh? It’s a matter of tracking a public enemy. It’s very dangerous.”

“This young kid has a pretty face, so if he dresses up like a girl, the public enemy might pant and his eyes might turn red, right? It would be perfect to use him as a honey trap.”

At the low-quality conversation, Yong Seong-ak sighed and contorted his face.

Looking at them, the two warriors that the three were picking a fight with were a middle-aged man with a face full of burn marks, and a handsome young master who looked so much younger that he could be his youngest son.

Although the middle-aged man was one thing, the young handsome master, although he had a rather splendid sword, did not look very skilled in martial arts.

‘He must be a young kid who is stepping up out of a childish heart.’

Yong Seong-ak was also against such a person participating in this matter. Even so, seeing the Three Dogs of Zhejiang picking a fight with such vulgar words, his already frustrated heart felt like it would explode.

Yong Seong-ak finally grabbed the hilt of his sword.

And the moment he was about to draw it.

“Well, you’re being a real smartass.”

“…!”

Peok! Kwak! Kwang!

Yong Seong-ak froze with his sword half-drawn. His eyes, which were wide open as if they would tear, landed on the handsome young master who had an annoyed expression.

‘How…’

It was truly in the blink of an eye. No, a moment.

He had not even blinked. He had seen it with his eyes wide open. But he had not seen it. He could not tell what had happened.

He had just heard a sound of something breaking and tearing, and at some point, all three of the Three Dogs of Zhejiang were sprawled on the floor. One’s shoulder was broken, one’s face was caved in, and the last one was pissing his pants and had his head buried in the ground.

‘What is this…’

Yong Seong-ak’s eyes twitched.

His dazed gaze landed on the handsome young master.

Just then, the handsome young master approached.

“I came because I heard you were recruiting warriors. Do I have to take a separate test?”

…No, would there be a need to see?

Yong Seong-ak, without realizing it, nodded his head fiercely.

“You’ve passed.”

“You’re a cool guy. I like you.”

Cheon Mubaeck smiled brightly.

* * *

“But what is your exact martial arts level?”

Since there was something to write down on the document, Yong Seong-ak asked cautiously.

Since he had taken down all three of the Three Dogs of Zhejiang in one go, he must be at least at the top level of the first-rate.

At the question, Cheon Mubaeck said nonchalantly without much thought.

“The realm of entering the divine.”

“Ah, the realm of entering the divine. I see. The realm of entering the… what?”

“Oh, I forgot. It’s a joke. Let’s just say I’m first-rate.”

“Let’s just say you’re first-rate?”

Yong Seong-ak’s eyes contorted strangely.

Looking at how he had taken down the Three Dogs of Zhejiang, he was definitely above first-rate…

‘Is that something a first-rate can do?’

But to say he was at the peak, the opponent’s face was too young.

Really young.

If he were a warrior of this level, a rumor would have spread.

At least, he had never heard a similar rumor in Zhejiang.

But since he himself said he was first-rate, Yong Seong-ak reluctantly nodded his head.

“I understand. First, the newly organized rear guard will start the pursuit.”

“Rear guard? Then is there a vanguard too?”

“That’s right. They are the ones who, along with the sect leader, have joined forces with the Yugeom Mountain Manor and have chased the kidnapper to his immediate vicinity. But since that might be a trick, the rear guard is gradually expanding the pursuit range in a different direction.”

Yong Seong-ak explained in detail, unlike his usual self. In fact, for Yong Seong-ak, it had been a long time since a warrior of this level had been recruited, so he was a little excited.

“Uh, put me in the vanguard.”

“Huh? You can’t go there. It’s dangerous. Since the kidnapper’s skill is estimated to be enormous, if a first-rate goes and gets caught up in a fight, he’ll die.”

“You’re saying a first-rate can’t?”

“That’s right.”

At that, Cheon Mubaeck crossed his arms and said.

“Hmm, then let’s just say I’m at the peak.”

“What?”

“Let’s just say I’m at the peak.”

“No, what is that…”

Does a person’s martial arts shrink and grow?

Yong Seong-ak’s face, which had been making a dumbfounded expression, contorted in astonishment.

In an instant, an overwhelming momentum erupted from Cheon Mubaeck.

At the suffocating pressure, Yong Seong-ak, without realizing it, nodded his head.

(End of Chapter)

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep