A kindly face with a generous build.

Perhaps because of this, King Gye-yeong gave off an impression of softness and leniency.

But not today.

He stood tall, and a sense of determination shone in his eyes.

“Soon, we will begin the grand plan,” he declared solemnly, his expression grave.

It had been a few days since he visited the Emperor at Huangtian Palace.

“With the court long engulfed in chaos, I can no longer overlook this situation.”

Like a general heading to the battlefield, King Gye-yeong proclaimed solemnly, “I will use this opportunity to purge the evil practitioners who have clouded His Imperial Majesty’s vision and desecrated the state with their wicked sorcery.”

The reason for reiterating what had already been discussed was clear.

It was to reaffirm their resolve and to foster a sense of camaraderie among those on the same ship.

King Gye-yeong looked at the people gathered there.

First, his wife, Queen Yuye.

Then, Senior Grand Secretary Seong Yeok-ju and the ministers who followed him.

Yi-gang, Master Azure Sky.

There were not many people present.

“If this plan fails, we could be accused of treason. All those treacherous retainers who clouded the Emperor’s eyes have used such tactics.”

The vast empire of Ming was an abnormal form, where power was concentrated in a single figure, the Emperor.

Thus, the one closest to such an Emperor held the greatest power.

Even more than King Gye-yeong or Senior Grand Secretary Seong Yeok-ju, the current power was most strongly held by the Seven Great Immortals.

“Those who fear this can leave now. I will neither pursue nor blame you.”

A silence followed.

No one left.

Standing on the outskirts, Yi-gang smirked bitterly.

「Such pointless words.」

‘Indeed.’

As if anyone would truly leave just because of those words.

Even if someone did leave out of fear, King Gye-yeong would not let them be, contrary to his words.

“Your resolve is firm, and your spirits are high.”

King Gye-yeong laughed heartily, “Hahaha,” then nodded with satisfaction and called someone.

“Admiral Grand Eunuch.”

The Admiral Grand Eunuch was the leader of the Eastern Depot.

How could someone from one of the three factions within the Forbidden City come to this place?

Yet, Hu Gyeong, the Admiral Grand Eunuch, truly appeared here.

“Hu Gyeong, I am truly glad that you have decided to join our cause.”

“How could I stand idle while you pursue a righteous cause? His Imperial Majesty’s favor is as vast as the sea; if I can sacrifice my life to assist him…”

He had decided to join the plan.

Originally, Hu Gyeong was the person King Gye-yeong and Seong Yeok-ju were most wary of.

It was Hu Gyeong himself who introduced the Seven Great Immortals to the Emperor, making him appear to be in collusion with them.

However, as the situation grew dire, King Gye-yeong and Seong Yeok-ju extended a hand to the Admiral Grand Eunuch.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Bu Yeong-hu, did not take that hand, but the Admiral Grand Eunuch quickly did.

“Isn’t it my fault? If I had known they were evil sorcerers, I would have prevented them from approaching His Majesty…”

In fact, this was nothing less than a heaven-sent opportunity for Hu Gyeong.

Having lost the Emperor’s favor to the Seven Great Immortals, he was always at risk of losing his position.

Now that he had a chance to save his life, it was only natural for him to cooperate with King Gye-yeong.

“What does the past matter? The future is what’s important.”

“Oh, I, Hu Gyeong, am overwhelmed by His Imperial Majesty’s mercy.”

Hu Gyeong bowed so exaggeratedly it was almost comical.

Certainly, those who would despise each other inwardly were all smiles outwardly.

Yi-gang quietly observed these interactions.

‘This is, for now, good news…’

The fact that the Eastern Depot was joining them was certainly welcome news.

However, the situation wasn’t turning in their favor entirely.

There was also bad news.

“His Imperial Majesty has decided to hold a hunting competition to commemorate the Longevity Festival.”

A hunting competition.

Hunting. It wasn’t particularly special.

Hunting animals had always been a way to train martial skills and one of the pastimes of the royal family.

However, to those aware of the Gyeongmun Emperor’s condition, it sounded ridiculous.

「The idea of that hefty Emperor going hunting is laughable.」

When one spoke of royal hunting, it naturally referred to mounted hunting—hunting on horseback.

But the Gyeongmun Emperor couldn’t ride a horse.

Partly due to his naturally timid nature, but also because his body was in no condition to ride or hunt. He couldn’t even walk properly, let alone ride a horse and chase animals.

“Many officials, including members of the imperial family, will participate, and His Imperial Majesty will be there to observe.”

Of course, it would proceed in such a manner.

If one thought of it that way, the hunting competition seemed unremarkable, but it became very special because of its ‘location.’

“…They plan to release all sorts of animals in the gardens attached to the Forbidden City and the palace, and conduct the hunt there.”

The Emperor, who originally never even left Huangtian Palace—

Naturally, it was madness to hold a hunting competition, which should have been outside the Forbidden City, within the palace grounds.

Such a reckless act was worthy of condemnation, even for an Emperor.

Ordinarily, ministers, including Seong Yeok-ju, would have risked their lives to oppose it…

“For us, this could be an opportunity. While His Majesty enjoys the hunting competition, we can isolate and eliminate the Seven Great Immortals.”

King Gye-yeong and Seong Yeok-ju decided to seize this chance, even though it was against their better judgment.

King Gye-yeong looked at Yi-gang.

“The Eastern Depot will be keeping an eye on the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so your role is crucial, Crown Prince’s Teacher.”

All eyes turned to Yi-gang, who was standing quietly.

Yi-gang responded to King Gye-yeong’s expectation, “I will fulfill my duties to the best of my ability.”

Unlike the others, his answer was straightforward, without any embellishment.

“…Good.”

However, in a place overflowing with excess, simplicity often sounded more sincere.

“Have the helpers from the Azure Forest arrived?”

“They will arrive within five days.”

“There must be no delays.”

“Do not worry.”

Not long ago, a message pigeon arrived from the Azure Forest.

The letter stated that three second-generation disciples had been sent to Beijing as requested.

As expected, Dam Hyun was included.

And Jin Mu and Jin Ri-yeon were also sent to control him.

「I guess I’ll be meeting that strange senior brother of yours again. Haha.」

‘Senior Brother Dam Hyun is indeed quite peculiar.’

But clearly, there was no better person to deal with the sorcerers than Dam Hyun.

‘…But will they arrive on time?’

The five days mentioned to King Gye-yeong were certainly a generous deadline.

There was an agreement to rendezvous with the helpers from the Azure Forest at a place called Fujing Restaurant.

Yet, Yi-gang felt uneasy for some reason.

Jin Mu smiled with a satisfied expression.

“Heh heh…”

The distance from the Azure Forest to Beijing was not short.

Even though they were experts riding swift horses at full speed, the journey remained arduous.

Moreover, Jin Mu had the responsibility of leading the group as their leader.

Fortunately, they managed to reach Beijing without missing the deadline.

Jin Mu had never been to Beijing before, but despite it being his first time, he successfully completed the journey.

Though his whole body was covered in dust, making his appearance shabby, his heart felt refreshed.

“Look!”

From halfway up the ridge, having traversed the rugged road, Beijing was visible below.

“That is the Grand Capital, Beijing!”

The Grand Capital, the city of the Son of Heaven, ruling over the vast Central Plains.

Beijing came into full view.

The grand city was bathed in the mystical dawn fog.

Yet, even the grandeur of nature could not overshadow the magnificence of Beijing.

The red walls and golden glazed tiles, visible clearly even from this distance. Their identity was unmistakable.

“The Forbidden City has been waiting for us!”

Jin Mu felt a surge of emotion welling up inside him.

He laughed heartily and looked back at Jin Ri-yeon and Dam Hyun.

“…”

“What is it?”

Jin Ri-yeon remained silent, while Dam Hyun was digging his ear as if to say, “What do you want?”

“…You guys have no sense of romance.”

Jin Mu lowered his head bitterly.

There was still a long way to go.

The path they had traveled was not a proper road but a shortcut through the mountains.

It was a small, rugged trail used only by hunters.

If they were to enter the city by today, they needed to hurry from this point.

Just as Jin Mu was about to set off again, he raised his hand to halt the group.

“Wait a moment.”

The group, sensing the presence as well, did not question his command.

“Hmmm…”

Soon, someone sprang out from the bushes.

It was a person with ashes smeared on their face and branches stuck in their clothing.

He flinched in surprise upon seeing Jin Mu and his group.

However, the disciples of the Azure Forest reacted differently.

Jin Mu asked with a gentle smile, “Are you a hunter?”

“…Yes, but you, sirs…”

It was obvious to anyone that the person who appeared was a hunter.

Their clothing and the bow slung over their back made them look like quite a professional hunter.

“We are just passing through.”

“I see.”

Jin Mu was about to leave.

However, he couldn’t leave immediately because of the strange sight that unfolded.

More hunters suddenly emerged from the bushes where the first hunter had appeared.

But these hunters were all in peculiar states.

“Quiiiik!”

One of them appeared dragging a boar with its limbs tied to a cart.

“That noise is going to burst my eardrums.”

“Why don’t you switch with me! This one is so heavy I’m dying here.”

“The blindfold has come off, so it’s thrashing more. Tie it up properly.”

Some appeared carrying deer on their backs.

Others showed up with several rabbits in a mesh bag.

Jin Mu couldn’t help but ask, bewildered by the bizarre sight of hunters capturing live game, “What on earth are you doing?”

“…Did you just arrive in Beijing, sirs?”

“Yes.”

“Then you wouldn’t know. The emperor has issued a decree to us hunters.”

The first hunter, who appeared, spoke with a sense of pride.

And rightly so. The Emperor of Ming himself had given direct orders to the hunters of Beijing.

“He commanded us to catch animals because they’re going to hold a hunting competition inside the Forbidden City.”

“…A hunting competition inside the city?”

“Well, who are we to understand the minds of high-ranking officials?”

“Kekeke.”

The one who snickered was Dam Hyun, standing at the back.

“That’s an amusing thought. What a ridiculous person.”

“…Watch your mouth, Dam Hyun.”

As Dam Hyun mocked the Emperor, the hunter’s face turned pale, and he quickly ran away.

Dam Hyun looked interested, regardless of what was happening.

At that moment, Cheongho poked her head out from Dam Hyun’s collar.

Cheongho sniffed the air and then stared at the hunters heading down the mountain.

More precisely, it was focused on the cage one of the hunters was holding.

“Oh look, they’ve even caught a fox.”

Inside the cage, a fox cub was struggling.

The little creature was gnawing on the cage bars with its tiny teeth, but there was no way it could escape.

“…Shall I save it?”

When Dam Hyun said this, Cheongho looked up at him.

Her ears perked up, as if expectantly waiting.

With a joyful expression, Dam Hyun slowly raised his hand.

The moment his finger pointed directly at the hunter holding the fox…

“Hey, you!”

Sensing danger, Jin Mu stopped Dam Hyun.

“What are you planning to do to a commoner…”

“Hey, what makes you think I’d do anything?”

“It’s obvious, you idiot. You’re a Taoist priest; you shouldn’t act like that.”

“Can’t I just mess with him a little? I’m not killing him or anything.”

“You must never harm a commoner!”

Dam Hyun lowered his finger, wearing a look of frustration.

“As long as I don’t harm them, right?”

“Yes… oh.”

Jin Mu might have briefly forgotten that Dam Hyun was not someone who gave up easily.

In fact, he had been waiting for the answer, “As long as you don’t harm them.”

Without giving anyone a chance to stop him, Dam Hyun took out a small bell from his sleeve and rang it.

Deng—

That’s the sound it should have made, but nothing was heard. It was as if the bell hadn’t rung at all, leaving only silence.

It was a strange occurrence.

Having never seen the Star Mist Alarm Bell, a forbidden Treasure, ring before, Jin Mu couldn’t discern what had happened.

The sound of the Star Mist Alarm Bell could only be heard by its intended target.

Thus, the hunter carrying the fox cage suddenly stopped in his tracks.

“Good.”

When Dam Hyun rang the bell again, the hunter fell to his knees and opened the cage to release the fox cub.

The hunter’s companions were flustered, but the fox cub dashed into the bushes the moment the cage was opened.

“Haha, hahaha!”

Dam Hyun laughed cheerfully.

“This is what a forbidden Treasure is!”

“Hey… you fool…”

“What are you doing, Senior Brother! Let’s hurry down. Yi-gang, that guy… oh, oh.”

Suddenly, Dam Hyun wiped under his nose.

A stream of blood was running down from his nostrils.

“Ah, I’m still not used to it. Whew…”

Then he wobbled and collapsed on his horse.

If Jin Mu hadn’t grabbed his collar, he would have fallen off his horse.

“Damn it!”

Jin Mu cursed, feeling like the world was spinning.

“Get a hold of yourself, idiot. If we want to arrive today, we need to hurry.”

“…Yes, haha.”

Jin Mu could only feel relieved after tying Dam Hyun securely to the horse.

“It’ll take some time to find the meeting place once we get there… damn.”

The name of the place where they were supposed to gather was definitely…

“Beijing Restaurant. Yes, that’s where we need to go.”

Beijing Restaurant.

However, the location Yi-gang communicated was actually “Fujing” Restaurant.

Without noticing the mistake of a single character, the second-generation disciples entered Beijing.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep