109 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Episode 109 The Hao Clan! This sect, named 'The Lowest and Dirtiest,' had only been known in the martial world for around two hundred years, but its influence was remarkable. Its intelligence network rivaled that of the Open Clan. And they had one distinct way of doing business. A method so peculiar and unique. Simply put: ‘As long as you paid, they didn't care who you were and would sell any information.’ Whether it was the orthodox sects, the unorthodox sects, or even latent enemies within the martial world, they never probed into the buyer's identity. As long as they were paid, they sold. How astonishing this was. The audacity to conduct business with both orthodox and unorthodox sects, and even with the enemies of the martial world. If any sect discovered that information about them had been sold to a rival, they would be justified in seeking retribution... Yet, the Hao Clan continued to thrive. There were many reasons, but it could primarily be narrowed down to four key factors. First, they focused solely on transactions. Second, by treating all parties equally, irrespective of alignment, they built trust. Third, everything about the Hao Clan remained shrouded in secrecy. No one knew who the leader was. How many members there were. Where their main base was located. And lastly, a decisive incident from the past. Long ago, when information had been sold to hostile forces, some sects, bearing a grudge, conspired to attack. But somehow, the Hao Clan got wind of it and fled, leaving the attackers to retreat in frustration. The following day, the misdeeds and hidden secrets of those who had attacked the Hao Clan were exposed to the martial world. The disgraceful nature of those who were once known as honorable caused their downfall. And that was not all. To thoroughly end them, the Hao Clan handed over their weaknesses and secrets to those who had long been eyeing them with envy. Within a fortnight, the sects that attacked the Hao Clan were annihilated. Without the Hao Clan even lifting a finger. After that incident, not even the most powerful groups nor any sect dared to provoke the Hao Clan openly, instead choosing to ignore its presence. Officially, it was due to their neutral stance, but the true reason was entirely different. The fear was that attacking without knowing the full reality of the Hao Clan might lead to a fate similar to those who opposed them. After all, couldn’t any sect harbor unclean secrets? Hence, all the sects, including the most powerful ones, had no choice but to acknowledge and tolerate the Hao Clan’s existence. The sole neutral sect in the martial world. “Here is the emblem of the Hao Clan...” The man quickly pulled a piece of cloth symbolizing the Hao Clan out of his sleeve and unfolded it. “Here, have a look.” Upon seeing the silk with the inscription ‘Hao (下汚),’ Chun Hui spoke up. “And so?” Chun Hui looked at the man, rummaging through his sleeves, with an expression that said, ‘What's the point?’ Hao Clan? Where’s that? It was perhaps only natural. The Hao Clan started to visibly appear in the martial world just about two hundred years ago. During the three hundred years between Chun Hui’s past and present existence, he had no knowledge of what or where the Hao Clan was. However, the man, unaware of this reason, stammered in surprise. “W-what?” “What does you being from the Hao Clan have to do with this matter?” The man was momentarily speechless. Experiencing such defiance for the first time left him in a difficult spot. Meanwhile, Chun Hui locked eyes with him. Those eyes, gleaming like a snake’s. Seeing the predatory gaze, the man’s eyes lost focus, and soon his facial muscles slackened. ‘It's been a while, but it works well.’ Chun Hui, employing the Soul-Imperiling Demon Technique, asked in a low voice. “Was this Hao Clan's doing?” “No! Absolutely not!” The man, deeply intimidated by Chun Hui, flinched with every finger movement and shrank his neck. ‘I better say something.’ Sensing an immediate threat to his life, the man hurried to speak. “D-Dear sir! Do you perhaps not know of the Hao Clan?” “I’m hearing of them for the first time... Ah!” As Chun Hui expressed a short sigh, as if recalling something, the man smiled. “Phew, you do know of them...” “The Iron Sword Hero once told me it was a place to visit if I ever wished to find myself again.” But the follow-up from Chun Hui wiped the smile off the young man's face. Instead, his eyes widened. “Oh my! You’re a guest of the warrior!” The young man’s expression softened. No, rather, he looked at Chun Hui with a welcoming, bright smile. “Nice to meet you. I am Sang-yeo, of the Hao Clan's Shaanxi branch.” What’s all this? Chun Hui looked at Sang-yeo, who suddenly acted overly friendly, with an expression of bewilderment. Sang-yeo then excitedly started to speak. “I came here on orders because there was something suspicious about the recent activities of those who bought this inn. As it turns out, most of them were skilled warriors...” Sang-yeo continued to spill information. Seems like he knows quite a bit. Chun Hui watched Sang-yeo ramble on, then took a functional chair from nearby and sat down comfortably. “You’ve worked hard by yourself.” “That’s exactly it! The branch leader should know how much I’ve been running around tirelessly! If I could provide detailed information, it would be that last night the ones who bought this inn suddenly appeared and drove everyone out...” The information Sang-yeo provided was indeed valuable. Judging by its detail, it was clear he’d been investigating for quite some time. “They were all quite adept, even though I pride myself on my agility, it seemed like most of them were aware, so I had to hide... Ah! But of course, compared to you, sir, it’s a mere trifle!” Sang-yeo continued to answer, and Chun Hui intermittently asked questions of interest. Through several rounds of questioning, Chun Hui gathered a wealth of information. “Do you know where they came from?” “That I don’t. They appeared as if rising from the earth.” Sang-yeo, while speaking, shook his head. "The only thing I know is that they belong to the unorthodox sects." Of course, they do. Chun Hui silently agreed with the statement. The martial arts of the attackers carried the unique murderous aura and spirit characteristic of the unorthodox sects. "Is there any place you suspect?" "There are a few places that come to mind, but..." Sang-yeo spoke cautiously, casting uneasy glances around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "In reality, there aren't many places capable of secretly sending this many highly skilled individuals and having the financial power to buy an inn outright. There might only be a few." As he spoke, Sang-yeo watched for Chun Hui's reaction. "It would have to be one of the powerhouses among the Nine Peaks and Eight Sects, the Five Sovereign Sects, or the Royal Palace, though it's unlikely the major sects would make such a move...which leaves very few options...." Sang-yeo trailed off. "Who are they?" Chun Hui asked. Sang-yeo flinched and, after nervously darting his eyes around, whispered carefully into Chun Hui's ear, “...Either the Outer Territory or the Imperial Family.” Chun Hui's eyes narrowed. He had anticipated as much. After all, the primary target of the attackers had been none other than the noble Princess Sohee. "What do you think?" "That is...," Sang-yeo hesitated, a look of realization dawning on his face as his expression turned pale. 'Why did I divulge so much information so easily?' Even when faced with a threat to his life, spilling secrets this freely was unheard of. For someone from the Hao Clan, information was more precious than life itself. Naturally, he should have maintained ignorance or found another way. To betray such vital information? 'This makes no sense... Could it be!' As he regained clarity, Sang-yeo was suddenly aware. ‘Did he regain his composure already?’ Chun Hui observed Sang-yeo, who seemed to have regained some consciousness, and stroked his chin. 'As expected, performing the Soul-Imperiling Demon Technique without dark energy reduces its effectiveness.' The technique aims to exploit a moment of mental vulnerability, compelling truthful answers. However, its effects wore off faster than anticipated without the supplement of dark energy. ‘If I infused more power, it would destroy his mind.’ Chun Hui glanced at Sang-yeo, whose face was now in disarray. His unfocused eyes stared blankly at nothing, drool dripping down his chin and soaking his clothes. ‘Well, it's not like it matters if he dies. After all, this is an informant sect... Ah!’ Then a sudden idea flashed through Chun Hui's mind like lightning. A sly grin crept onto his lips as he withdrew the Soul-Imperiling Demon Technique. Shortly after, focus returned to Sang-yeo's once dazed eyes. “Huh, urgh!” Regaining his senses, he swiftly wiped the drool from his chin, holding his aching head. Watching Sang-yeo struggle with a headache, Chun Hui spoke. “If the information you provided is accurate, then the attackers' identity must be the Imperial Family. Or rather, they are the force behind it.” “...!” Sang-yeo experienced a sudden cessation of his headache—a strange clarity washed over him. All at once, his mind became alert. 'Why is he so certain?' Sang-yeo's thoughts raced, his eyes widened with shock. 'Could it be...!' The young man before him and the companions accompanying him were individuals Sang-yeo had never encountered. Moreover, they were exceptional martial artists. 'There are only a few places with the capability to train such masters: the Nine Peaks and Eight Sects, the Five Sovereign Sects, and...' Cold sweat formed on Sang-yeo’s forehead. “...Are you associated with the Imperial Family?” Chun Hui's lips curled into a smile. This was the very question he had anticipated. "Do you know of Princess Sohee?" “...!” Sang-yeo was utterly dumbfounded. Who was Princess Sohee? She was the direct descendant of the Emperor, known as the cherished and beloved daughter of the Sea King, and had recently visited the Mount Hua Sect... Sang-yeo quickly turned his head. “Could it be that Princess Sohee...?” His lips trembled uncontrollably. ‘Damn it! Chief, we’ve messed with the wrong people!’ While he suspected the unexpected visitors weren't ordinary, he never imagined they’d be involved with the Imperial Family! He swallowed dryly. “I, I didn’t see anything...” As Sang-yeo attempted to back away: "It's too late for that." Chun Hui rose from the chair. “How do you think the Imperial Palace will react if they find out? The Hao Clan stood idly by while Princess Sohee was in danger, do you think they'll be pleased?” Sang-yeo's face turned ashen. He was completely trapped. By saying he did nothing, he essentially admitted to not intervening during Princess Sohee's attack! Chun Hui, observing the situation turn to his favor, smiled as he continued. “Would you rather become an enemy of the Imperial Family?” Sang-yeo vigorously shook his head. Who would willingly become an enemy of the Imperial Family unless they were insane? “Or will you choose to ally with them?” “...!” Sang-yeo's eyes wavered. Gaining favor with the Imperial Family would mean a smooth-sailing life henceforth. He immediately bowed his forehead to the ground. “I, I’ll do anything.” “You know the way to Qinghai Province, right?” “I know the general route but...” “What about the hidden paths?” “If you mean hidden paths...” “The paths known only to the Hao Clan.” Chun Hui peered intently at Sang-yeo. For an intelligence sect on par with the Open Clan, they must have secret routes. After all, those would allow them swift information transfer and the ability to escape readily. This turned out to be correct. “...You want me to guide you through them?” “That’s right.” Chun Hui added, “And one more thing. Convey my message to the others right now.” “A message?” “Just tell them this.” With those words, Chun Hui smiled broadly. * * * “Phew, everything is sorted now.” “It’s all taken care of!” Princess Sohee patted Solyeong's blood-smeared hair with a smile. “Well done, Solyeong.” “Yep!” “How about over there…” Sim Wi-jin, observing the duo, turned his gaze towards the Red Sword and Snow Orchid camps and halted. ‘As expected of the Plum Blossom Swordsman.’ Red Sword and Seolran stood in pristine silence over the fallen bodies. If not for the bloodstained swords in their hands, they might not have seemed like they had just engaged in a fierce battle. Despite their calm exteriors, both Red Sword and Seolran struggled to swallow their astonishment internally. 'Was the Imperial Family's martial arts always this remarkable?' 'Their swordsmanship was impressive, but the way they wielded hidden weapons...' Their throats bobbed as they tried to comprehend. Just then, a presence was felt behind them, causing them to pivot sharply. Sang-yeo quickly raised both hands and shouted. "I-I'm not your enemy!" His anxious voice reached them as he laid eyes on Princess Sohee, promptly dropping to his knees. "I greet Princess Sohee." Princess Sohee narrowed her eyes at him. "How do you know I'm Princess Sohee?" "The martial hero informed me." "The martial hero…?" Who might this martial hero be? As Princess Sohee pondered the mystery. "And the hero asked me to convey a message directly to you and your companions." Before they could react, Sang-yeo quickly continued. "He requested that you all head to Qinghai Province, stating that he would deal with the forces behind the attack." In that instant, it became clear to everyone who the mysterious hero was. "That rascal!" "Ah, the master." "The young hero?" Meanwhile, Chun Hui, who was some distance from the group, was enjoying a moment of newfound freedom, humming to himself contentedly. "Looks like luck’s on my side." A smile played on Chun Hui's lips. He had embarked on this journey because he had no choice, but he wasn’t keen on heading to Qinghai Province. More precisely, he wished to avoid entanglements with the Imperial Family. ‘Dealing with the Divine Cult is...’ Just the thought of it made him shiver in disgust. The Imperial Family had a way of meddling with transactions, sending spies and assassins at every opportunity. They desired everything they liked—be it people or objects—and if they couldn't own it, they sought to destroy it. ‘I had nothing to gain from getting involved with the Imperial Family, but this worked out well.’ With a chuckle, Chun Hui pocketed the cloth given to him by Sang-yeo before his departure, making him promise a discreet favor. "Still, I should keep my promises, right?"