Who is the author of Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes?
Mo!
The original manuscript discovered by Cheong-Woon had the author’s nickname at the corner, but it was damaged and only the character for “Mo” could be recognized.
Thus, the martial artists of Mount Wu could only speculate vaguely about the writer’s identity and didn’t feel the need to find out who it was.
“There was definitely another character written before ‘Mo.’”
Except for the person who discovered Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes first.
Cheong-Woon, being the first discoverer and avid reader of Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes, had solely possessed the original manuscript until he left Mount Wu.
Therefore, although it was damaged, he had countless times burned the traces of the author’s name into his memory.
Of course, just staring at it wouldn’t allow him to distinguish the damaged characters, but Cheong-Woon could get one clue from a very unexpected place.
“The unshakable sword.”
A Joseon friend who admired heroes. The enlightenment given by the first friend he made after leaving Mount Wu was a clue for Cheong-Woon.
“There is a will contained in the characters, especially if it’s a pen name.”
If the author of Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes wasn’t trying to hide himself but instead intended to reveal himself…
Just as there is the will contained in the blade of a sword, there must also be strokes of a brush carrying intention. Cheong-Woon decided to follow along the traces, even if damaged, as if restoring martial arts.
Every night, Cheong-Woon closed his eyes and picked up a sword, searching for the will within the characters hundreds and thousands of times.
If someone had seen him, they would have tried to talk him out of it, saying he was wasting his efforts. However, Cheong-Woon had embarked on a journey to find the author of Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes.
Even when everyone tried to dissuade him, he climbed cliffs countless times until his hands became wrecked, all to uncover Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes.
From Mount Wu in Hubei province to Yodong Province. At the end of his quest for the damaged text of Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes,
Cheong-Woon finally realized the identity of the character written before “Mo.”
“Did you say it was Kang Mo?”
“It’s not definitive, but it must be Kang Mo.”
At first, he thought it was the character for beauty (美) but learned that it should be Kang (姜), as he was helping Joseon people during the heroic journey.
Upon hearing the Joseon person’s words again, he clearly saw it was Kang Mo.
“Kang Mo…”
Murong Sang-a’s eyebrow twitched slightly.
Lost in his own discovery to the point of pride, Cheong-Woon failed to notice the atmosphere around him growing tense.
“My lord, Cheong-Woon the little hero. Do you happen to know any rumors around the Yodong area?”
Discussing the Kang family with Murong Sang-a was somewhat of a taboo. The deputy head was flustered, wondering why Cheong-Woon was asking about such rumors without first asking about his lord’s rumors.
“Yes. That’s why I’m looking for information. I heard he is a Taoist Master from Mount Changbai. Although it’s possible he inherited martial arts, I think based on his writing style, he’s likely a Taoist Master.”
A martial artist who spends a lifetime wielding a sword can’t have this kind of literary skill. He must be a master of Taoism more accustomed to writing than swords.
Cheong-Woon nodded, eyes gleaming with excitement, unaware of anything.
“Literary skill?”
“Ah… I received a letter containing rumors that the Taoist line continued from Mount Wu; I was just traveling.”
Realizing he had inadvertently revealed secrets of Mount Wu, Cheong-Woon hastily tried to recover by saying,
“So you have such connections.”
It’s common in the martial arts world for a martial lineage to split into factions. Both Murong Sang-a and the deputy head nodded at his words.
“I apologize for not being able to tell you things with certainty yet.”
“How could a benefactor like you apologize? It’s foolish people who gossip about uncertain matters while enjoying themselves. By the way, the literary skill noted in that letter must be extraordinary.”
Murong Sang-a barely managed to calm the ripples within her heart and casually joked with the seemingly naive but passionate Taoist.
“Honestly, it wasn’t something to express with mere words.”
However, Cheong-Woon frowned as if his most precious thing had been insulted by Murong Sang-a’s words.
“Huh?”
“It felt like I opened my eyes in a pitch-dark world. Like a dish that reveals a deep flavor when savored, the more I read, the more new flavors I discovered in the text. Reflecting on each character’s meaning while traveling through the days…”
A gleam of madness sparkled in Cheong-Woon’s eyes.
“Little hero Cheong-Woon?”
“Ah?! I-I’m sorry! I’ve shown an embarrassing side of myself.”
Only then did Cheong-Woon realize, startled, and bowed his head.
“I may not know much of Taoism, but I see you are indeed a sincere Taoist.”
“Hahaha.”
“I know nothing of the Taoist Master Kang Mo from Mount Changbai. However, while you are here as a guest, I will gather information for you. What do you say?”
“I would appreciate it.”
If he rushed to Mount Changbai, he would only risk getting lost. Cheong-Woon agreed to the proposal.
“Although the assassin has fled, they could return for another strike. I will assign guards to your room.”
“Oh… no, it’s fine. I can’t sleep unless I feel I’m alone.”
Cheong-Woon bizarrely fumbled with Murong Sang-a’s kindness, then responded with a slightly flushed face.
“Then I will just have the guards set watch outside the door.”
Was there a reason why Little Hero Cheong-Woon was resting in the guest room? Murong Sang-a nodded at Cheong-Woon’s answer, but she did not lower her kindness towards him regarding the benefactor.
“Thank you.”
————
“An unusual Taoist, indeed.”
Murong Jin-Soo, the deputy head of Spear Peak, spoke as he confirmed that Cheong-Woon had returned to the guest inn.
“Please check if there is a Taoist with the surname Kang on Mount Changbai.”
Murong Sang-a ordered him in a flat tone.
Though she seemed to speak without concern, to someone observing, it appeared as if she was curling up as if to avoid getting hurt.
“My lord… the investigation into the Taoist with the surname Kang…”
The only family that was completely ruined was the Kang family, a family of interpreters, so the other Kang families would be in Joseon. However, searching for a Kang could lead to emotional wounds on both sides.
The deputy head tried to talk him out of it as cautiously as possible.
“It could be a distant relative or a Taoist Master. Since it concerns the benefactor, please inquire, if only a little.”
“Understood.”
To argue any further would be to knowingly step forward into a dead end. The deputy head dutifully nodded at his lord’s words.
“What became of the assassins?”
“Two of them ended up surrendering on the spot while one was thrown off-balance by their surrender.”
“Thrown off-balance?”
It’s common for captured assassins not to surrender in order to keep secrets, but thrown off-balance was unusual.
Murong Sang-a was surprised enough to ask again.
“Upon capturing and confirming their identities, a troublesome issue arose.”
“What issue?”
“The captured assassin is of the Jurchen, of the Turushan tribe.”
“Didn’t kill them? Deputy head! Didn’t you say you were confident?”
In Murong Family’s office, the Deputy Head of the Family Murong Bi, with a face full of anger, questioned the head of guards.
“I ran into an unexpected obstacle…”
“What?! That stubborn woman doesn’t know you’d encounter assassins?”
“…”
They had specially prepared assassins skilled in martial arts. He was sure this time it would work, yet now, the head of guards, who came from the Demonic Cult, found it hard to speak of his unexpected failure.
“Well, if she was the kind to fall behind like that, she wouldn’t have thought to stab a blade into her husband’s heart to escape danger. What about the Sacred Martial Library?”
That damn woman. Just how long can her life string hold on? Murong Bi, with evident annoyance, next questioned about the following agenda.
“I placed Jurchens among the assassins group. While the mission turned out to be a failure, they will undoubtedly suspect the Jurchens are colluding with us during the Changbong Hall.”
Though the head of guards felt confident of success, he had not prepared for failure.
By inserting Jurchens among the assassins, he aimed to confuse the situation. Maybe the culprits could be the warriors of the barbaric tribes skilled in martial arts. This was a scheme to create panic for Murong Sang-a.
“As you well know, in order to force that madwoman to waste her resources, we must not cease our search of the Sacred Martial Library.”
“We must trigger her into a continuous war of attrition with the Jurchens.”
“Exactly. I believe you will manage that much.”
Murong Bi nodded at the satisfactory response. That damned woman had created a hassle, yet she wasn’t scary. However, the resources held by his sister were an enormous issue.
In no time at all, she had managed to create many nuisances. If left unchecked, those nuisances could turn into terrifying threats at any time.
Murong Bi hoped for his sister to continually waste her resources searching the Sacred Martial Library.
“Why not have the Deputy Head meet with the barbarians instead?”
“Are you suggesting I negotiate with those barbarian pups?”
Just when things were going smoothly, here comes a weird suggestion. Murong Bi glared at the head of guards.
“By spending a bit of money, it should be doable.”
“Money? That damn woman has squandered every monetary resource available! Whose pockets do you think are filled with the funds to run the Murong Family now?”
“It’s an easier way.”
“Right, an easier way. What if she gives up on what she’s been digging and starts digging somewhere else? Will you spend money on that Jurchen tribe? Where’s the money going to come from? Is the church lending you some?”
The Murong Family nearly fell from power just a generation ago.
If the head of the family, Murong Cheon, hadn’t managed to rise them back, both Murong Bi and Murong Sang-a would have been living in that crumbling mansion.
Now, Murong Cheon is in a state of unconsciousness, and the Kang family has been obliterated due to treason.
Although Murong Bi had most of the Murong Family’s wealth in his hand, it could never compare to the enormous resources his sister monopolized in the ginseng trade routes.
“Ha! Would it be better for you to provide the church’s martial arts to those certain to struggle?”
“Deputy Head.”
Murong Bi, with a low tone laced with a grinding edge, called for the head of guards.
“Speak.”
“Do you know why every person—admin or barbarian—bows their heads to the Murong Family?”
“Why is that?”
“Because we have power! Why would those untamed young beasts thank us for giving them iron claws? And yet, you want to offer martial arts to the barbarian pups? Do I really need to explain this?”
“…I was short-sighted.”
Though he was deceived by the church, the opponent was the Deputy Head of the Murong Family, which had secured its place in Yodong for a millennium. The head of guards apologized for his careless statement.
“Deputy Head. Should I have nearly sacrificed this Murong Family for the church, the church should at least show some gratitude by offering something in return for what I’ve contributed.”
Giving a sigh of annoyance at this conversation, Murong Bi stated to the head of guards.
“Master. I cannot sit idly by and listen to criticisms of the church.”
At a moment’s notice, killing intent seeped from the head of guards, making Murong Bi tense.
“My apologies. I was almost offended.”
The head of guards bowed his head and quickly exited the Deputy Head’s office.
‘Murong Bi, that damnable brat!’
Just at the thought of confronting him, the head of guards boiled with rage as he looked back at the Deputy Head’s office.
‘A self-serving prick!’
The guy only moves when there’s no risk to himself.
He isn’t lacking in perception. No, he is actually quick-witted in the wrong situations.
When something can turn back on him, he stops to consider. He’s greedy, desiring to obtain many things at once.
His character resembles that of a corrupt official who likes to accumulate wealth through deception.
‘The one leading the group should sometimes make quick and bold decisions.’
Whether to spend the money or to reveal martial arts to the barbarians, he chooses the safest route by not selecting either option.
The head of guards let out a huge sigh of frustration.
“Could the Demonic Cult and the Jurchens have teamed up?”
As soon as Murong Sang-a heard the identity of the captured assassin, she asked the deputy head.
“I cannot be sure at that point.”
“…We have too many enemies.”
Half of the Murong Family and the Demonic Cult; already having more than enough enemies, now the Jurchens might join in the worst-case scenario.
In her impatience, Murong Sang-a unconsciously murmured her frustration.
“Lady, no, my lord…”
Deputy Head Murong Jin-Soo called out to her with worry, but as a deputy head, he had no effective solutions in the current situation.
‘We must not cease searching the Sacred Martial Library.’
Ignoring the deputy head’s concerned gaze, Murong Sang-a fell into thought. To rise to her father’s position, she must continue searching.
Could it truly be that the Jurchens have allied with the Demonic Cult? While her brother wouldn’t recognize the danger, had he recklessly rushed in?
There’s no way to know.
What should be done?
‘There’s no reinforcement.’
Murong Sang-a felt the deficiency of personnel in the rapidly changing situation.
Spear Peak’s Great Lord, a veteran martial artist, sometimes provided advice, but unfortunately, he was absent at this moment.
Though the deputy heads radiated enthusiasm and loyalty, they were mainly responsible for martial matters.
It’s natural; Spear Peak has always been a protective organization.
To the head of the family, a councilor who could keep watch over her daughter and provide advice was what they needed alongside martial strength.
‘If only… If only the Great Lord were here…’
Her husband, who understood everything about her. The assassin who had arrived with strategies so cunning that they were hard to fathom from the Demonic Cult’s den.
If the Great Lord were alive.
Day after day, she would bury her head in his embrace to whine about her fears of reclaiming the family, and he would lovingly hold her, imparting to her plans she had never even considered.
‘What a foolish thought.’
She didn’t think she deserved to even think about someone lost forever due to her mistakes. A icy cold dagger stabbed at her heart.
Could it be from hearing Kang Mo from little hero Cheong-Woon? She was trying not to show it, but unanticipated emotions stirred violently in Murong Sang-a’s chest.
Murong Sang-a managed to calm herself and finally opened her mouth to the deputy head.
“From now on, move as I command.”
She needed to decide carefully and quickly.
The wicked woman lived to protect what the Great Lord had left behind.
