Chapter 53

The boat sailing down the endless canal came to a stop.

“This is Jin River. It’s one of the intermediate stops where the Huiyang Canal ends and transitions to the Jiangnan Canal.”

Though the journey seemed to have ended, the Grand Canal still stretched far into the distance. However, for Namgung Woo and his group, this was their destination.

The long 30-day voyage was finally coming to an end.

“The areas along the Jiangnan Canal are heavily influenced by the Black Martial Alliance. While Jin River and Shangzhou are somewhat neutral due to the presence of Nanjing and the Mosan Sect, beyond that, it’s entirely the Black Path’s territory.”

As the boat docked at Jin River’s harbor, Paeng Ha-ryeong proudly shared her knowledge from the deck.

Not to be outdone, Yang Kwae, who had picked up bits of information here and there, chimed in.

“I heard the Nine Dragons Association in Hangzhou is one of the Black Martial Alliance’s Seven Great Sects. Though I’m not sure if it’s really a sect.”

The Nine Dragons Association, a major force in the Black Path Martial World based in Hangzhou.

It was a massive alliance sect founded under the leadership of three major merchant groups, incorporating six other factions. Given its origins, the Nine Dragons Association was known for its unique sect culture, blending martial arts with strong mercantile characteristics.

“Since the Grand Canal belongs to the nation, they can’t block passage outright, but once you step off the canal, it’s a different story.”

“They’ll pull all sorts of tricks to cause trouble.”

Yang Kwae added, as if he had experienced it firsthand.

Since their journey was aimed at reaching Nanjing, Namgung Woo and his group disembarked at Jin River along with the other passengers.

Having spent 30 days together, they decided to stay at a merchant base operated by the Paeng Family to avoid parting ways with the people they had grown close to.

Leaving the dockworkers behind to handle the unloading, Namgung Woo’s group headed straight into Jin River.

After a brief stroll through the streets of Jin River, they arrived at their lodgings.

By then, the sun had already set.

“What a shame.”

Before heading to their respective rooms, Paeng Ha-ryeong, who had just finished dinner and was gazing out the window at the night view, spoke up.

“I heard Jin River has a lot to see. Especially the Dajing Tower—they said it’s a must-see.”

This was her first trip away from Hapbuk. It could almost be considered her true debut into the martial world. Naturally, she had her own expectations.

However, with the need to reach Guyajang before the start of winter, there was no time to leisurely sightsee.

On an ordinary journey, they might have found some spare time. But the Four Seasons Brew was different. Threats and incidents could arise unexpectedly. Even if no one was deliberately targeting them, the risk of getting caught up in random events was high.

So they had to hurry. Even if some incident delayed them, they needed to move quickly to ensure they arrived before winter.

Paeng Ha-ryeong understood this well, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed about having to leave so soon.

“Let’s come back together on our way back.”

At Namgung Woo’s words, Paeng Ha-ryeong’s eyes softened as she replied.

“Okay. Promise?”

Just as the two were discussing their future travels, the Yang brothers, who had skipped dinner to gather information, burst in noisily.

“Boss! We’ve got some huge news!”

“This is really important information!”

§

Curious about how big the news was, Namgung Woo sat down facing the Yang brothers. The seat next to him naturally went to Paeng Ha-ryeong.

The Yang brothers looked incredibly proud of themselves. Yang Kwae, in particular, was practically bursting to speak.

“So, what’s the big news?”

“Boss, don’t be shocked.”

As Yang Kwae built up the suspense, Yang Jeong suddenly blurted out.

“The Jegal Family has made a move.”

“Hey! I was about to say that!”

“Yang Kwae, be quiet. Yang Jeong, continue.”

With Namgung Woo’s permission, Yang Jeong continued his explanation.

“Major sects usually don’t move around much. They have good relationships with blacksmiths and craftsmen, and some even run their own workshops.”

“Like the Sichuan Tang Family.”

“Exactly. They’re a prime example of self-sufficiency.”

“Most of the Nine Sects prefer the former. They’re more like Taoists or monks than martial artists, so they avoid seeking out famous swords as a matter of principle.”

They don’t outright reject gifts, but they also don’t go out of their way to seek them.

“Even the more worldly Huashan Sect occasionally outsources, but not often.”

“But secular sects are different. The Seven Great Families, for instance, have their pride… Oh, my apologies.”

Yang Jeong quickly bowed his head upon realizing Paeng Ha-ryeong, a direct descendant of the Hapbuk Paeng Family, was present.

It was a bit awkward to speak of the Seven Great Families’ pride in front of her.

Paeng Ha-ryeong, showing she wasn’t offended, smiled and waved her hand, finishing Yang Jeong’s sentence.

“As the senior said, the Seven Great Families rarely go out of their way unless it’s something they can’t handle internally. Unless it’s a material as rare as the Paeng Family’s, they prefer to solve things themselves.”

“So the Jegal Family making a move means…?”

“Right. It seems the Jegal Family has obtained something very special.”

Indeed, that was significant news.

When a major force like the Jegal Family moves, it shifts the flow of events like gravity warping space. Some will avoid them, while others will gather to target them.

“For now, we don’t need to worry. The Jegal Family and we are heading in completely different directions.”

The Jegal Family was based in Wuhan, Hubei Province.

Unlike Namgung Woo’s group, which was moving from north to south and east to west, the Jegal Family would travel east along the Yangtze River from Wuhan.

“But once we get near Gyeonghyeon, we’ll need to be cautious.”

“Still, we should hurry. If the Jegal Family reaches Gyeonghyeon without interference, they might secure the Four Seasons Brew first.”

“As long as we arrive before the deadline, it’s fine. The Four Seasons Brew at Guyajang accepts one request per craftsman, but it’s not strictly first-come, first-served. We just need to stick to our plan.”

Paeng Ha-ryeong neatly wrapped up the Jegal Family matter.

While it was something to keep in mind, there was no need to alter their route or plans just because of the Jegal Family.

“There’s one more thing.”

While Paeng Ha-ryeong and Yang Jeong were discussing the Jegal Family’s surprising move, Yang Kwae, who had been quiet, spoke up again.

“The Bokmang Association has already started moving.”

“There’s a place called Seogeummun in Nanjing. Recently, a late-blooming prodigy from there set out aiming for the Four Seasons Brew but was ambushed.”

In the martial world, the criteria for a late-blooming prodigy are clear.

Did they reach the peak before the age of 30?

Most who meet this standard become Supreme Peak Masters before turning 60—if they avoid untimely deaths, that is.

So, for a small to medium-sized sect, producing a late-blooming prodigy was like sunlight shining into a mouse hole—a rare stroke of luck.

And the Bokmang Association thrived on crushing such hopes.

A late-blooming prodigy from a small sect was the perfect prey for the Bokmang Association.

“Did you hear about the assassin?”

“Yes. It was someone called Blood-Blind Elder Gorokgal.”

At Yang Jeong’s words, Paeng Ha-ryeong nodded as if she recognized the name.

“Blood-Blind Elder Gorokgal, huh?”

“Is he famous?”

At Namgung Woo’s question, Paeng Ha-ryeong turned to him.

“He’s quite old. They say he went blind fighting the Blood Sect.”

“I heard he learned the Blood Sect’s martial arts. Is that true?”

“I’m not sure about that. But he’s probably not a match for the Paeng Family. From what I know, he’s only at the late peak level.”

The familiar name, followed by unfamiliar ones, stirred Namgung Woo’s thoughts.

The Jegal Family. The Bokmang Association. Blood-Blind Elder. The Blood Sect. The ruthless killing of innocents for personal gain…

Namgung Woo felt he was truly stepping into the martial world.

The events in Beijing, entangled with the Imperial Family, felt more like political intrigue than martial arts.

“They were ambushed just after leaving Nanjing a few days ago, right?”

“Yes, that’s what I heard.”

“Then there’s a good chance they’re still nearby.”

Someone who kills innocents for their own desires.

Such a villain being nearby, and having the power to judge them, didn’t sit well with Namgung Woo.

“Let’s set out tomorrow. If we hear of any late-blooming prodigies nearby, we can follow them.”

“Are you planning to catch Blood-Blind Elder?”

“If we run into him.”

“Boss, if that’s the case, why bother looking for late-blooming prodigies? Just let me, a Peak Master, show off my prowess. Give me a day, and I’ll spread the word that Peak Master Yang Kwae is heading to Guyajang from Nanjing.”

Yang Kwae was confident.

In the backing of Namgung Woo.

Commander of the Imperial Guards Gwak Dan, Thunderous Blade King Paeng Hu-sang… Namgung Woo, who had completed the sealing of Manse Mountain alongside such peerless masters.

Unlike before, when his strength was unimaginable, now it was roughly estimated to be on par with the Twelve Honored Ones.

The only things that could instill fear in Yang Kwae now were the other major forces with their own Three Poles and Twelve Honored Ones.

“That’s fine too. Then we’ll meet again in Nanjing. Until then, let’s operate independently.”

“Leave it to me!”

As Yang Kwae buzzed with excitement at the prospect of being called a Peak Master or late-blooming prodigy, Yang Jeong suddenly had a question.

“Um… Traveling together is fine, but… Aren’t we a mercenary group? Shouldn’t we just take on commissions?”