Book 18 Chapter 11

The Master! He visited the Zhongyang Escort Agency.

- Lying by telling the truth

The Zhongyang Escort Agency was not far from Iron Flower Village. Not even a quarter of an hour had passed since he left the blacksmith's shop when the old man was already looking up at the plaque that read "Zhongyang Escort Agency."

"What business would that scoundrel have here?"

The old man muttered to himself.

"He can't possibly be just an escort here…"

Just then, a loud voice from within the door pierced through the door and echoed in the old man's ears.

"I am the one worthy of this sword!"

A sharp female voice that resonated so loudly it rattled the roof tiles, and it was a voice he seemed to recognize.

"Her nickname was… Chim Baekryeon, wasn't it?"

The Zhongyang Escort Agency spared no convenience for the Amida Sect. They were a strong shield, so how could they neglect its care? Any disciple of the Amida Sect could accompany the Zhongyang Escort Agency on their escorts at any time. They handled everything from arranging horses to accommodation and meals. Of course, all travel expenses were borne by the agency. This had become a custom since heading to Nanchang with the Vermilion Bird Troupe. Since they were experts in travel, the Amida Sect, which sent out novice disciples unfamiliar with the martial world, could rest assured. Although there was a risk of bandit attacks during escorts, in the current world, bandits appeared about once every two or three mountains, even if one traveled alone. Moreover, there was a rumor that one felt inexplicably stronger when traveling with the Zhongyang Escort Agency, so they received requests not only from the Amida Sect but also from other famous sects in Sichuan. The Zhongyang Escort Agency, in turn, did not refuse as the more masters who accompanied them on escorts, the safer it became. It was a form of mutual aid. Coincidentally, a large-scale escort to Nanchang was organized, and the arrival date was before the entrance examination. It was for such reasons that Jin Solryeong and Yuran, who had business at the Cheonmu Academy, and Yu Eunseong and Yu Unbi, who had the same reason and personal matters, gathered at the Zhongyang Escort Agency. And now, Yuran and Yu Unbi were arguing over a sword.

"I understand that Miss Yu wants this sword. However, this sword was already reserved under my name. Frankly, I claimed it first. So, Miss Yu, who is a step late, should yield, shouldn't she?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I've endured three years to buy that sword. The money to buy it is all money I've saved penny by penny. Do you think I'm buying it with my master's money? Unlike someone who doesn't spend a single coin of their own and has all expenses paid by their benefactor, my resolve is different!"

"But being late is being late. Don't you know that happiness is first come, first served? The swift wins. Like a jab."

"Hmph, do you really think Young Master Yu, with just that much skill, deserves to have that sword?"

"That's an insult I can't overlook. You haven't even seen it yet, have you?"

"Do I have to see it to know? But if you insist on showing me, I won't refuse. How about this? Let's settle it here and now, and the winner will be the owner of 'Bicheon'?"

"You'll regret it, Miss Yu?"

"Are you scared?"

"Alright. Let's do it. I will show you how fast the jabs of the Chongtan sect are today."

"Hmph, then I'll let you experience how versatile the sword of Amida is."

Just as the two were about to draw their swords, Jin Solryeong, who had been watching their antics, spoke up.

"Both of you, stop! Do you know whose safety you're jeopardizing by fighting like this?"

"Heh, Miss Jin, it's alright. It's natural for young people to be impulsive."

Yu Eunseong said with a smile, while inwardly vowing, 'Unbi, just you wait.'

"By the way, there are two people but only one sword, which is a problem. We can't cut a perfectly good sword in half and share it…"

However, Jin Solryeong's eyes, as she looked at the children, remained cold.

"In my opinion, neither of you deserves to have this sword. Let's do this. First, I will take responsibility for keeping this sword. And after the entrance examination, I will give it to the person I deem more worthy. Do you have any objections?"

"…No."

"…Me neither."

"What about you, Young Master Yu?"

"I have no particular objections. Do as you please."

"Understood. Then, I will keep this sword for now. Both of you should know this and strive to become the people worthy of this sword. Do you understand?"

At Jin Solryeong's solemn words, both replied with dejected faces.

"Yes, we will keep it in mind."

'That old man is the one…'

As soon as Jang Wooyang saw the white-haired old man, who was politely guided by the host, he recognized him at a glance. He gently closed his eyes.

'The time has finally come!'

He had braced himself for this day, but now that it had arrived, Jang Wooyang couldn't suppress his nervousness. This was the same ruthless and brutal old man that Biryuyeon had warned him about. He was also the one prophesied by Biryuyeon to one day destroy the Zhongyang Escort Agency.

'He will surely ask about my whereabouts. And if I say I don't know, he will utterly destroy the escort agency, leaving not a single rafter standing.'

'Why would he go to such lengths just for saying he doesn't know?'

'Of course. Because he already knows.'

'What? No, what does that mean?'

'Lies don't work on that old man. He can tell if someone is lying as if by magic. He just has to stare at you, and that's it. Sometimes, he knows without even looking. I don't know if he's learned mind-reading or the legendary telepathic ability, but in any case, flimsy lies won't work at all. You must always tell the truth. But that doesn't mean you should ever reveal my location.'

'How can you do that? Didn't you just say you must always tell the truth?'

'You can deceive someone while only telling the truth. In fact, many people use that method. Lord Guo, don't be intimidated and just do as I say. Then the escort agency and you, Lord Guo, will be safe.'

'How, Young Master Bi?'

'That's… telling only part of the truth.'

Even though he had heard the method, he couldn't help but feel nervous. In practice, there would only be one chance. Jang Wooyang tried to calm himself, telling himself to stay calm. The fate of the Zhongyang Escort Agency rested on his words.

"Welcome, welcome. I am Jang Wooyang, in charge of this small escort agency, Zhongyang Escort Agency. If you don't mind, would you grant me the honor of learning your esteemed name?"

"I am a person with no connection to names. So, I have nothing to tell you."

"Is that so? Then, what should I call you?"

"Hmm, it would be convenient to have something to call you. You can call me anything, but just call me Old Master, Old Master."

"Old… Old Master?"

Jang Wooyang wore a slightly troubled expression. In fact, there was another person he knew as Old Master. That Old Master had caused a stir at the Zhongyang Escort Agency once before this old man. Then, he would have two people to call Old Master.

"Why are you troubled?"

"Ah… no. How could that be?"

'Ah, it doesn't matter. It's not his real name anyway, just a title. Even if the title doubles, it shouldn't matter much.' He felt that the title was temporary and wouldn't be used for long. Most importantly, as long as the two Old Masters didn't appear before him at the same time, he wouldn't be in any trouble.

"Then I will call you 'Old Master' from now on."

"Do as you please."

The Old Master replied nonchalantly.

"Why have you come to such a humble place, Old Master!"

"I am looking for a young man. A boy, in his early twenties. His hair is long, so it always covers his eyes. Have you seen him?"

"What is that person's name?"

"That wretched fellow's name is Biryuyeon."

'As expected!'

His prediction was correct.

"Then, what is your relationship with that Biryuyeon, Old Master?"

"He is my wayward, troublesome disciple."

"Ah, I see, he is your disciple."

'Huh? Something's strange.' When Biryuyeon first came to the Zhongyang Escort Agency, the letter he presented was from his master, the Old Master.

'Ah, of course, he's also an Old Master, but that Old Master… uh, so… uh… Ah, it's confusing. Then who is this Old Master, and who was that Old Master back then? Does Biryuyeon have two masters?'

Suddenly, Jang Wooyang's mind became a tangled mess. For the sake of convenience, he decided to assume Biryuyeon was the disciple of this Old Master. It seemed less confusing that way.

"Do you know him?"

"Yes, I think I know him."

"Then do you know where that fellow is now?"

"I took him as far as the vicinity of Poyang Lake a few years ago."

"Tell me only part of it. Don't try to tell me the whole story."

He omitted any mention of Cheonmu Academy or Nanchang. However, it was not a lie. Nanchang was definitely a large city near Poyang Lake.

"Really?"

"Really."

The Old Master stared intently into Jang Wooyang's eyes. Intimidated by an inexplicable sense of pressure, Jang Wooyang gave an awkward smile. He hoped he hadn't been found out.

"Hmm, it seems to be the truth."

At the Old Master's words, Jang Wooyang let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

"That fellow has gone quite far. What a bother."

As the Old Master grumbled for a moment, his eyes caught sight of the people bustling about. Many people were carrying boxes and loading them onto carts.

"Seeing people busily moving around and packing things over there, it seems you're about to set off on an escort, aren't you?"

"Y-yes, sir!"

Jang Wooyang replied, momentarily flustered, "Why now of all times?"

"When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow at dawn."

"The destination?"

"…"

Jang Wooyang paused his answer here for a moment. The Old Master asked again.

"Where is that escort going?"

"Remember. Never lie."

Jang Wooyang replied, justifying it as not his fault.

"N-Nanchang."

"Isn't that near Poyang Lake?"

"Y-yes, Old Master!"

The destination of that escort was the sacred ground of martial arts, Cheonmu Academy. This was the first commemorative transaction with Cheonmu Academy.

"Good."

The Old Master uttered a single word. That was enough for one more person to be added to the Zhongyang Escort Agency's escort to Nanchang.

* * *

Biryuyeon's eyes snapped open as he slept. His back was still on the bed. Biryuyeon sat up as if floating and stroked his left earlobe and neck with his right hand. Dampness came off on his hand.

"Cold sweat?"

Biryuyeon tilted his head.

"What's wrong, Ryuyeon?"

Moyong Hwi, who had woken up, rubbed his eyes and asked. It seemed he had also sensed Biryuyeon stirring in his sleep.

"No, it's nothing."

"Really? I have experience, so it's good to sleep soundly."

Moyong Hwi then lay back down and covered himself with the blanket. Nowadays, Moyong Hwi, who could sleep soundly without being bothered by nightmares, cherished his sleep time as he had come to realize the importance of deep slumber. Biryuyeon was left alone in the darkness again.

"Surely I didn't just have a dream?"

Dreams are for sleeping people, not for those who are awake. But if he had a nightmare, shouldn't its content remain? However, not even the content, he couldn't even remember if he had dreamed at all.

'Is this some kind of omen? This hasn't happened in years.'

A bad premonition arose. However, Biryuyeon knew well that succumbing to fear based on premonition alone would lead to nothing.

"Let's just sleep!"

That was the best decision he could make. This time, he did not dream.