Book 28 Chapter 6

Infiltrate!

—Truth of the Great Universe

The Black Sky Alliance was located in Wuhan, the capital and a transportation and military hub of Hubei Province, and more specifically, in Wuchang, one of Wuhan's three major areas. Wuhan was a crossroads of east-west waterways and north-south land routes, and had been called 'The Thoroughfare of Nine Provinces' since ancient times. It was a place where water transport was so developed that it was not unreasonable to reach Wuhan from Jiangho Randao in Dongting Lake within a day by fast boat.

"Wow, the city walls are so tall and magnificent. To have city walls in a place that's a center of water transport, I don't know whether to call it extravagant or ignorant."

Bilyeon blew a low whistle, letting out a twisted exclamation of admiration.

"That's only here. As far as I know, there are hardly any other walled areas in Wuhan, let alone Wuchang. It contains all the prime real estate of Wuchang, including the government offices."

"Isn't that the problem? That the Black Sky Alliance, which is actually important, is beyond those magnificent city walls."

"Well, that's true, but, hmph."

Jang Hong had nothing more to say. The city gate connected to the magnificent city walls, which were 'Wuchang-exclusive,' was strictly guarded by soldiers.

"My, my, they're working so diligently, like ants. It's quite a sight."

A bright smile bloomed on Bilyeon's lips.

"Hmm, I hope you've put aside any thoughts of rushing in, beating them up, and passing through that city gate."

Fearing that Bilyeon might pursue a wild, absurd, and ignorant plan, Jang Hong hurriedly said.

"Why? Can't we?"

Bilyeon's question was met with a quick nod from Jang Hong.

"Those guards are nothing compared to a handful, let alone a single finger, but isn't the problem after that? If we act solely on strength without a plan, it would be like advertising that we've entered their territory. Because…"

Cutting off Jang Hong's words, Bilyeon continued.

"Doesn't any anomaly among them become an emergency signal? Announcing that a fearless enemy has invaded the front yard of the great Black Sky Alliance."

For a moment, Jang Hong flinched and glared at Bilyeon.

"What? You knew all along…!"

Only then did Jang Hong realize he had been used as a mere commentator and was indignant.

The current emergency warning level issued to the Black Sky Alliance was Red Special Class, 'Black Sky Territory'.

In other words, it wasn't a vague state akin to wartime. It was the highest level of emergency warning issued at the very moment of a war situation. All those involved with the Black Sky Alliance were sharpening their bodies and minds with deadly intent. If a commotion were to occur in such a den teeming with such people, the possibility of achieving their original goal would become increasingly slim. They would be abandoning the 'great mission of rescuing the Alliance Leader Na Baekcheon.'

"It's a shame, but we'll have to give up on entering through the main gate with our heads held high for now."

Bilyeon shrugged his shoulders.

The members of their rescue team were so suspicious that it would be extremely dangerous even if they entered separately.

As long as it was a city under the jurisdiction of government offices, complete blockage of passage was impossible. However, the fact that they could be so rigorously inspected at the main gate responsible for entry and exit to the city meant that the Black Sky Alliance's influence had already permeated the roots of this city.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that most people involved with the military were connected to the Black Sky Alliance. Of course, they would have spared no expense in bribing them.

This was where the Black Sky Alliance, the United Federation of Demonic Martial Arts, had taken root for the past hundred years. It wouldn't be surprising if everyone who wielded a sword in Wuhan was dyed in the color of the Black Sky Alliance. That place was already another world outside the control of the state. It was the martial world itself where only the laws of the martial world prevailed.

"What should we do?"

Jang Hong, who was currently acting as the guide within the rescue team, asked.

"We'll have to come up with another method, a more covert one. For example, disguise…"

"Disguise… Hmm, that's a good idea."

At that moment, Geum Yeongho, who had accompanied them, chimed in.

"I have a great idea. How about disguising ourselves as traveling entertainers?"

The argument was that traveling entertainers who performed on the streets might be able to get by somehow without carrying large burdens or engaging in violent altercations.

"So, the men will disguise themselves as skilled performers, and the women will disguise themselves as dancers from the Western Regions!"

Geum Yeongho spoke as if to say, 'What could be a better idea than this?' Jang Hong, who was cultured and knowledgeable, understood him first.

"Dancers from the Western Regions, you mean 'those' from the Persian Kingdom?!"

"That's right, those dancers who wear revealing costumes that expose their navels and dance with seductive hip movements."

To that suggestion, Uncle Jang Hong showed an enthusiastic agreement with a vigorous reaction.

"Oh, that's a wonderfully good idea! Brilliant, brilliant!"

Geum Yeongho's eyes sparkled with a completely serious expression.

"The key point for the dancer disguise is to wrap the chest and waist with only a thin piece of cloth. This is something you must remember."

"Right. You may be a bit overweight, but you know something. The navel is the center of the universe, and the waist and thighs represent the circulation of the universe."

Jang Hong expressed his unique opinion. Since Ok Yukgyeong was not present, he could express his opinion without fear.

"Oh, what profound insight! Then what about the chest?"

Geum Yeongho asked in return, marveling at Jang Hong's wisdom. The original purpose of infiltration and rescue seemed to have flown off to a distant star in his mind. His eyes were solely shining like those of someone listening to a sermon. Suddenly, Jang Hong clasped his hands together in a solemn gesture and said.

"That is the will of the Great Universe itself. It is the mystery of the universe and a symbol representing profound principles."

"Oh, profound principles?! Please, please impart your teachings!"

Geum Yeongho respectfully sought teachings from Jang Hong. The hierarchy of grades or the infiltration of the rescue team were of no consequence in this 'place of cultivating virtue and nurturing power' where one cultivated 'virtue.' There were only two types of people present: the teacher and the student seeking knowledge.

"Have you ever heard of the difference between linear martial arts and curvilinear martial arts?"

"Ah, I think I've heard of such theories. Something about curvilinear martial arts being more powerful than linear martial arts?"

"Ho ho, precisely. Isn't it natural that something with curves and undulations is more powerful than something plain and stiff?"

Geum Yeongho had a great realization from those words.

"Ah, it's certainly more seductive! To finally realize that principle now!"

For a moment, Geum Yeongho lamented his late enlightenment. In fact, it might have been happier to have kept his eyes closed his whole life.

"That's not all."

"Oh, are there even deeper principles than this?!"

Geum Yeongho's plump eyes were now shining brightly, like a martial artist who had obtained the ultimate martial arts revelation. Therefore, he didn't notice at all that the female warriors were slowly distancing themselves by a step or two from the two of them.

"Not too big is good, not too small is bad!"

Words like incantations flowed from Jang Hong's mouth.

"Not everything big is good, and not everything small is bad. To truly be beautiful, one must embrace the principles of creation and the doctrine of the mean!"

"Oh, oh, oh!"

"Furthermore, how deep and wide are its mystery and wondrous utility, at times it nurtures life, and at times it becomes a divine lamp that guides those who would never see the light of day into the world of light!"

To anyone who listened, it could sound as if women's chests possessed the mystical power to open the eyes of the blind. He could probably start a cult anywhere now. That cult, whose first disciple would likely be Geum Yeongho, would probably have no female disciples at all.

"Oh, oh, oh! Such a mystery! Is that true?"

"Here is the proof! Right before your eyes! Do you not believe even after seeing the evidence before you?"

Jang Hong pointed to himself with his thumb and sternly admonished Geum Yeongho in a tone that seemed to demand praise. At least the light in Jang Hong's eyes contained a powerful certainty that could not be obtained without direct experience.

"Could it be that 'that' with such a mysterious power exists in this world!"

Geum Yeongho's eyes widened, as if begging for the honor of being able to pay respects if it did.

The women who had been moving away by a step or two had already disappeared from their surroundings, and conversely, some men were approaching them step by step, as if drawn by a magnet. And those who were drawn to it, while pretending not to be, were pretending to look at distant mountains in an awkward position, their ears pricked.

Facing these diverse people, Jang Hong pointed at Geum Yeongho with his finger and said in a firm voice.

"You have already seen 'it'!"

A sigh escaped Geum Yeongho's lips.

"Ah, how can that be! But I haven't seen 'it'."

"No. You haven't seen it because you didn't want to see it! The best of it! The mystery of the universe with that perfect golden ratio!"

Geum Yeongho was plagued by severe self-reproach for not seeing the mystery of the universe that was right beside him.

"Ah, I just want to rip out these unworthy eyes of mine! Please, shine your light upon my ignorant eyes!"

Whether that light would be enlightenment or a dark cloud that would block his future life, no one knew, but at least Jang Hong opened his eyes slowly, looking afar as if gazing at a clear sky where light poured through pure white clouds. His gaze was directed afar, filled with peace and longing. It was probably a gaze towards Jiangho Randao, which they had left not long ago.

Jang Hong, with a sense of mission to enlighten the ignorance of foolish sentient beings, was about to call out a name to those who looked up to him like a cult leader.

"What bestowed salvation upon me was Ok…!"

Just then.

Just as the dragon's roar, which would shatter the ignorance of all these people at once, was about to burst forth,

"Shut up!"

*Smack!*

At that moment, Jang Hong's neck snapped backward.

He had been hit in the head by someone who suddenly appeared. Due to the incredibly rapid movement, Jang Hong was unable to avoid the attack.

"Ambush?!"

"An enemy?!"

Yeomdo and Binggeom were the first to draw their weapons. Without falling behind, the other rescue team members also drew their weapons and prepared for defense and counterattack against the ambush.

"How dare you… Hello, Brother Jang!"

The tone of Murong Hui, who had shouted in anger, suddenly changed to politeness. He was not the type to become subservient no matter how great the other person's status. However, he became so polite because the person who appeared was none other than 'Ok Yukgyeong'.

However, for some reason, her face had turned bright red like a ripe persimmon. Furthermore, as if she had been enraged, she was breathing heavily.

"Instructor Ok, how did you get here…"

Their mission was solely to rescue the Alliance Leader. Ok Yukgyeong was a person of the demonic path, so she couldn't be brought along regardless of her location. That's why they had moved, separating Mumyeong and Ok Yukgyeong, who had tried to follow. But how could she suddenly appear here?

"I was just passing by. Coincidentally."

Ok Yukgyeong said, turning her face away as if to hide her ripe red face.

'There's no way!'

This was the thought that flashed through the minds of all the rescue team members.

"You're not alone, are you?"

It was Bilyeon who asked. His gaze was directed towards the bushes from which Ok Yukgyeong had rushed out. The gazes of the other rescue team members were also directed there, but they couldn't sense any presence below the level of a martial arts master.

"That is…"

Ok Yukgyeong trailed off slightly. She seemed to be poor at lying. It seemed that not everyone in the demonic path necessarily considered deceit to be the norm.

After letting out a sigh, Ok Yukgyeong said to the bushes.

"Come out."

Then, the bushes rustled, and a woman walked out. She was wearing black clothes and her bangs covered her left eye. Seeing the woman, Na Yerim exclaimed with joy.

"Sister Ryeong!"

The person who appeared was none other than Yeong Ryeong. She seemed hesitant, as if she didn't know how to respond to Na Yerim's kindness and address.

Na Yerim looked at Ok Yukgyeong and asked.

"What in the world is going on, Instructor Ok?"

Why was Yeong Ryeong, who should have been in Jiangho Randao by now, here?

"I couldn't help it. She begged me to let her come along, so what could I do? I had no choice but to bring her."

Because the one eye looking at her was so earnest, Ok Yukgyeong couldn't refuse her plea. Moreover, Yeong Ryeong was a talent she had noticed from the first time she met her. Besides, Yeong Ryeong had seemed psychologically very unstable lately, so leaving her alone would be very dangerous. If something went wrong, she could be ruined in an instant, so it was better to observe her by her side.

After looking into Ok Yukgyeong's eyes for a moment, Na Yerim bowed her head and said.

"Thank you, Instructor Ok. For taking such good care of Sister Ryeong."

Ok Yukgyeong, also known as the Blood Jade Fan, couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed by the respectful greeting.

"Ahem, you speak as if you know my mind. It's alright. She was someone I intended to keep under me anyway, and I just didn't want to see such a promising talent ruined. Besides, she audaciously threatened to shout loudly about our infiltration if I didn't bring her."

Ok Yukgyeong seemed somewhat angry and somewhat ashamed at the same time.

"Still, I want to thank you."

As Na Yerim's transparently clear and deep eyes turned towards her, Ok Yukgyeong turned her head and said gruffly.

"Then do as you please."

It meant that if she wanted to thank her, she wouldn't refuse.

Na Yerim bowed respectfully once more, and this time, she asked Binggeom and Yeomdo in a cautious voice.

"Two Elder Masters, I know it's a difficult request, but I ask you this. Could you include Sister Ryeong in our party?"

Then Binggeom glanced at Yeong Ryeong and said in a heavy tone.

"Do you know how ambiguous that child's situation is?"

"I know."

Yeong Ryeong had not yet recovered her original memories. Without her memories returning, she was still Yeong Ryeong of Monghwan Villa, a person of the demonic path, and possibly connected to the secret forces of the Heavenly Calamity Pavilion. It was highly probable that even she herself did not know how her mind had been manipulated.

In other words, there was a risk that she could expose their whereabouts to the enemy at any moment. If that happened, it would greatly risk negatively impacting the rescue operation of Alliance Leader Na Baekcheon.

"Is he your father?"

Still, Binggeom was asking if she could take the risk.

"How could I forget that fact? However, I will take responsibility and stay by her side."

Since her father was not just an individual but the leader of the righteous path, even if she were Yeong Ryeong, she meant she would take responsibility and monitor her.

"I agree with Yerim's opinion."

It was Bilyeon who interjected after remaining silent until now.

Binggeom looked at Bilyeon with eyes that demanded an explanation. Even though he had lost a bet and had to serve her as a young master, he couldn't blindly follow her opinion on such a critical matter.

"Now that we've come this far and met them, we have to assume that our whereabouts have already been exposed to these people. We don't know what they'll do in a place where we can't see them if we send them back like this."

"In that case, wouldn't it be better to keep them close and monitor them?"

Bilyeon nodded vigorously.

"Exactly. Besides…"

"Besides?"

Bilyeon's gaze turned back to the bushes where Ok Yukgyeong and Yeong Ryeong were hiding.

"It seems there's another person over there!"

At those words, the entire rescue team was surprised. The most surprised among them were Binggeom and Yeomdo.

Someone else is there? Even if I look straight at them, I can't feel any presence? Could this young master be playing a prank on them? Doubts began to simmer.

*Rustle, rustle.*

"Ah, darn it! I've been discovered."

The bushes, where there had been no presence until now, rustled, and a person walked out. The young man in shabby clothes, looking drowsy as if he had just woken up from a nap, was none other than Mumyeong, the sixth squad leader of the Thirteen Squads of Matheon.

"Oh dear, I didn't expect there to be two…"

An expression of bewilderment, rarely seen on Bilyeon's face, appeared.

Surprisingly, it wasn't just one person who emerged from the bushes.

"What is that?"

Bilyeon pointed to 'it' that Mumyeong was carrying on his shoulder like a sack of rice and asked.

"Ah, it's So Ok? We put him to sleep beforehand when we boarded the ship so he wouldn't bother others."

'It' that Mumyeong was carrying was the body of his second-in-command, Jang So Ok, who always followed him like a shadow… or so it seemed. The reason his presence couldn't be felt wasn't because his martial arts surpassed Bilyeon's imagination, but because he was currently in a comatose state, like death, on Mumyeong's shoulder. With his limbs hanging limply, it naturally made one suspect, 'Is that person dead?'

"It looks a bit lumpy on the back of his head for someone who's been put to sleep?"

"Haha, our squad leader has a naturally large head. It's congenital."

"Even so, the color and shape seem quite recent."

Mumyeong, who was lowering Jang So Ok, said that, but he also subtly turned Jang So Ok's head at a peculiar angle, pretending to release some pressure points. But that backfired. As his head turned backward, his face naturally turned towards the group, and a bluish lump had also appeared on one side of Jang So Ok's forehead.

It seemed that he had knocked him out to prevent him from interfering when he was sneaking onto the ship, and then further induced a comatose state by pressing pressure points, carrying him around like cargo.

And while he was at it, he chose to keep Jang So Ok, who had martial arts skills, unconscious to get closer to the rescue team and deceive the attention of the top experts, Yeomdo and Binggeom. It was his fault for having a master he shouldn't have met.

A moment later, Jang So Ok, who had been slumped over, opened his eyes. As expected, Jang So Ok, sitting with his hand on the back of his head and a frown on his brow, mumbled in a dazed voice as he looked around.

"Where am I? Who am I? Who are you all? Why am I in a place like this…"

It was a reaction like a patient suffering from amnesia. Ok Yukgyeong looked at Mumyeong with slightly sharp eyes.

"Oh dear. Did I hit him a bit too hard?"

Mumyeong scratched his head and mumbled with a troubled expression.

"Ugh, my head… Oh, when did this lump appear…?"

So Ok groaned, touching one side of his forehead.

"Huh? Well, when did that bruise appear? That's really strange."

If he had kept quiet, it would have been better, but Mumyeong, pretending to know nothing, acted innocent.

Perhaps stimulated by those words.

Jang So Ok suddenly opened his eyes wide, glared at Mumyeong, and shouted.

"Do you really not know, Captain?"

Seeing that, Ok Yukgyeong let out a sigh of relief, her heart sinking. Fortunately, the memory confusion from a moment ago seemed to have been temporary. But the problem was after that.

"Ahem, So Ok, you know I have a bad memory. I don't remember what happened. It's a shame. I wish I could remember…"

Indeed, Mumyeong, who had made it a tradition for the vice-captains of the Sixth Squad to have stomach problems, did not act awkwardly by avoiding Jang So Ok's gaze. He simply met Jang So Ok's gaze with innocent eyes and tilted his head. His pretense of ignorance had reached its peak.

"No matter how you look at me with that face, it's no use! Anyway, I can overlook everything else, but you're the one who dragged me here forcefully, so you have to take responsibility!"

Jang So Ok said as if he would not compromise on this point.

"Responsibility? How?"

Jang So Ok pondered for a moment and then opened his mouth.

"Please do me a favor later."

"Okay."

Mumyeong nodded in an instant, as if there was nothing to think about. Jang So Ok rejoiced inwardly. He had finally secured a favorable leverage.

"Then I'll state my request right away."

"Huh? Right away? Isn't that a bit hasty?"

Jang So Ok shook his head firmly. He had no intention of putting away his one-time favor coupon in his drawer.

"There's no way! I bet my entire fortune that Captain will forget the very existence of that one-time favor coupon within a few days!"

Mumyeong couldn't help but flinch at that firm judgment. He couldn't find any rebuttal to the vice-captain's words, which were too reasonable.

"Well, so what is your request, So Ok?"

Mumyeong asked in a reluctant tone. The onlookers watched Jang So Ok with curious eyes. Since a public promise had been made with people watching, Mumyeong would have no choice but to grant it without being able to force it. Indeed, what Jang So Ok's request would be was a matter of great curiosity.

However, Jang So Ok's subsequent request and Mumyeong's reaction exceeded most predictions.

"I want to go back to Matheon Pavilion, Captain, you too."

It was said in a tone that suggested he had no other choice.

"…"

Mumyeong wore an expression like a martial artist who had been ambushed for the first time. Then, he recovered his composure and said.

"Don't you have any other requests?"

In other words, it was an indirect expression that this request could not be granted.

"…Then just send me back."

Jang So Ok sighed deeply and said. He had a premonition that such an absurd vacation would drain his vibrant life.

"Hmm, that won't work either? Don't you have any other requests?"

"Why? I didn't see much anyway, so I'll say I don't know anything when I get back."

"Huh? No, that's not it. A vice-captain's role is to assist the captain, isn't it? What will I do without So Ok?"

It sounded almost like saying, 'Who will take care of me, a senile old man?' So Ok was confused whether to be happy or sad that the Captain was relying on him.

"So, you're saying you want to follow these people no matter what?"

"Yes!"

Mumyeong nodded without hesitation. Then So Ok took a deep breath and slowly exhaled to calm his rising blood pressure and stomach acid.

"Haa… I knew it wouldn't work. Alright. But you owe me a favor. Everyone here is a witness, so don't try to go back on your word later!"

"Don't worry, I'll never forget that."

Absolutely, it was an untrustworthy statement. So Jang So Ok took out his portable writing brush and ink and made Mumyeong record it in writing.

"So Ok, do you always carry something like that?"

"It's essential for vice-captains who have to assist a captain who always forgets things. Witnesses alone are not enough. You need this too, so Captain can't deny it later, right?"

"That's true. You're smart."

He didn't deny it by saying he wouldn't deny it.

"It can be called the wisdom of our ancestors, built up through countless sacrifices."

Indeed, this was a 'countermeasure against a senile captain' left behind by the vice-captains of the Sixth Squad, who had gone through numerous trial and errors.

How many times had he been saved by the secret text, 'Extremely Secret! How to Deal with a Senile Captain for a Strong Stomach!'?

If it weren't for that book, passed down from generation to generation to the vice-captains of the Sixth Squad, Jang So Ok would have been carried to the Fourth Squad with a hole in his stomach long ago.

"Well, since it's come to this, please take good care of us."

Mumyeong smiled brightly, looking at the rescue team. There was no doubt in his face about them accepting him into their party.

Watching Mumyeong and Jang So Ok's banter, Bilyeon furrowed his brow, as if his head hurt. An annoying opponent had joined them. His danger level was incomparable to Ok Yukgyeong's. In case of an emergency, Ok Yukgyeong could be subdued by just one of Yeomdo or Binggeom. However, Mumyeong was still an unknown variable.

If he were to forcefully intervene at the most crucial moment, could the situation be resolved safely?

There were very few people who could instill such a sense of urgency in the always confident Bilyeon, who had the self-confidence of being the sole master under heaven and earth. And unfortunately, Mumyeong was one of those people. Mumyeong was one of the few variables whose impact Bilyeon couldn't even predict.

If he could, he would send them back to Jiangho Randao right now. No, actually, he didn't care where they went as long as they weren't following behind their rescue team. Should he drive them away by force? What would be the extent of their damage in that case? Which side would Ok Yukgyeong take?

Various possibilities swirled in Bilyeon's mind.

"Hmm? Don't stare at me so fiercely. I have no intention of interfering anyway, and I'm on vacation right now."

In other words, he was saying he would follow them somehow. It was concluded that it would be difficult to shake off this leech of an uncle here.

"Are you serious?"

Bilyeon asked doubtfully.

"Yes, I am serious."

Mumyeong nodded repeatedly, telling him not to worry.

"We'll trust you for now."

And so, Mumyeong and Ok Yukgyeong's joining was a foregone conclusion.

The remaining members of the rescue team, except for the Vermilion Bird Squad, were dumbfounded by the atmosphere that seemed to give Bilyeon the decision-making power, not Yeomdo and Binggeom. Moreover, Yeomdo and Binggeom didn't say anything about it.

Amidst this, a faint, dying voice was heard from somewhere.

"Uh… did anyone forget someone?"

Whose voice was that? People looked around. And finally, they saw it.

"Kiiiiiiaaaaaaak! A ghost, a ghost!"

Maharyeong let out a scream and grabbed Yongcheonmyeong's arm next to him. Yongcheonmyeong, feeling a little embarrassed but not entirely displeased, looked for the 'ghost' that Maharyeong had mentioned. And he saw it. A man with his neck bent to the left was looking at them. It was Jang Hong, who had just been struck by Ok Yukgyeong.

"It's amazing that you're still alive."

Bilyeon said, scanning his body from top to bottom.

His neck seemed to be bent almost vertically, yet he was still alive, which was amazing.

"It's a technique I learned while studying abroad. But it has side effects, and it's hard to fix it on my own. Please help me a bit."

Originally, it was a feigning death technique where he would lie on the ground with his neck bent, pretending to be dead. Fortunately, the technique had saved his life from Ok Yukgyeong's wrath.

Only after a few cracking sounds did Jang Hong's neck finally return to its proper position. However, he didn't dare to utter a word in front of Ok Yukgyeong, who was looking down at him coldly.

'Are all the unexpected accidents until now actually intentional?' Faced with her gaze, how could he dare to say, 'That, that was just the guidance of the Great Universe'? It was a statement that a person who valued their life and was sane would never make.

However, even in this cold atmosphere, there was a being who broke through the situation without noticing the atmosphere…

"Uh, by the way, about the plan, are we going with the one I submitted? It's a really amazing plan… Isn't it, the Western dancer disguise plan?"

Before the words were even finished, the existence was met with the terrifying glares of the women, making him feel like a hedgehog. It was an obvious gaze of condemnation and contempt. Even the clueless Geum Yeongho couldn't help but tremble at those intensely murderous gazes.

Ok Yukgyeong also clicked her tongue and said.

"Such a lewd plan cannot be permitted, nor can it be considered a wise idea."

"Why is that, Instructor Ok?"

However, Ok Yukgyeong did not answer, as if she didn't have the loyalty to explain that much. She didn't have the loyalty to help the rescue team going to rescue Na Baekcheon, who was suspected of murdering the Black Sky Alliance Leader. In fact, merely tolerating them was already crossing the line with her current actions. That was all because of Jang Hong. However, her actions couldn't be seen in a good light.

'Then why not just not come along!' It was natural to think so. It was Jang Hong who broke that ambiguous state.

"Ah, come to think of it, that person was among those inspecting over there. Isn't that right, Yukyeong?"

It was an earth-shattering event for a mere official of the Seventh Squad of the Thirteen Squads of Matheon, Ok Yukgyeong, to be called by her name, 'Yukyeong', without her surname or any honorifics. Those who knew the situation remained silent.

"Normally, during emergencies, only the south gate is open to outsiders, but one of the inspectors at the south gate is someone I know. He's known as 'Gangmok the Keen-eyed', a famous figure around here. He's famous for being able to see through any disguise."

Jang Hong pointed to a man with unusually large eyes, fierce eyes, and a gray beard, loitering in front of the inspection post.

"Is that him?"

"That's him. He can recognize a martial artist no matter how they disguise themselves. He is a person who is very good at sensing innate energy or killing intent. They say he has a naturally sensitive sense. So, although he is very nervous, there is no one better at identifying martial artists trying to sneak in. Frankly, it would be difficult to deceive his eyes with ordinary means. Besides, there are a few people among us who could be spotted even without such keen eyes."

As he said that, his gaze swept over Yeomdo and Binggeom. In fact, their appearances were so unusual that it was difficult to hide them.

"Wouldn't a martial artist trying to hide their identity as a martial artist in a situation like this look very suspicious? I'd want to capture them, lock them up in a dark basement, and subject them to all sorts of torture."

It was indeed more difficult than he thought. How could they rescue the Alliance Leader if they couldn't even get inside the city gate? Everyone put their heads together to ponder how to overcome this predicament, when Bilyeon said briefly.

"Then we have to go in as martial artists."

"……!"

Everyone's gaze turned to Bilyeon. It was a look that seemed to say, 'What nonsense is this?' However, Jang Hong's reaction was different.

"Oh, that's ingenious."

"……?"

To the question of how to enter while hiding the fact that they were martial artists, the person who suggested entering as martial artists, and the person who agreed with it. Scrutinizing gazes rained down on Jang Hong and Bilyeon, as if they suspected the two of them had gone mad together. However, since such critical gazes were familiar, neither Bilyeon nor Jang Hong budged. Being next to Bilyeon, such things were commonplace.

"If we enter as martial artists, that person's keen eyes won't be useful."

Jang Hong nodded with satisfaction.

"There's one good place for that."

A confident smile spread across Bilyeon's lips.

"Where is that?"

Bilyeon knew of a place that was good to use for such occasions.

*Smile!*

Because his eyes were hidden by his bangs, the smile drawn beneath his flowing bangs looked even more impressive.

However, Bilyeon and the rescue team members were completely unaware that another huge movement was taking place in some corner, nor did they dream of how enormous a barrier that movement would become on their future journey, blocking their way.