171 - Mission, Stealth (2) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

After completing the arrangements for their stay, the next task was to determine their course of action. In the largest room of the pavilion, Dang Hwa-seo addressed the assembled members. "First of all, it's imperative that no one finds out we've met the leader of the Black Snake Union. Until we meet the Union Leader within the Black Snake Union, we must maintain our disguises," she stated. "As for the disguises..." one member began. "Yes, we'll be masquerading as vagabonds to infiltrate the Black Snake Union," she confirmed. Their disguise as vagabonds, characterized by shabby clothes and heavy bundles, had been maintained throughout their journey. Dang Hwa-seo continued, "We must keep up this guise until we're just about to meet the Union Leader, or at least until we encounter his close associates." Listening to her, it seemed like Jegal San had figured out a rough plan to meet the leader. Dang Hwa-seo nodded in agreement. "Fortunately, we have someone who can connect us to the Black Snake Union," she said, looking at Seo Ye. Seo Ye immediately responded, "I intend to introduce a warrior from Haomun as a new member to the Black Snake Union. Of course, an ordinary position won't suffice." The Black Snake Union is a massive alliance of martial arts factions within the underworld. Given its size and the secretive nature of the underworld, gaining an audience with the Union Leader would require more than just a nominal position. Dang Hwa-seo elaborated on Seo Ye's plan. "We'll aim to join the Union Leader's personal guard. We'll undergo a test for that." She looked at Mok Riwon, whose face showed tension, and reassured, "Haomun's leader will vouch for our identities. If we can prove our skills, reaching the Union Leader shouldn't be too difficult, especially for someone like you, Mok Riwon." Jegal San raised his hand, and Dang Hwa-seo allowed him to speak. "But why go through such a complicated method? Couldn't we just say we're escorts of the Haomun leader and get an audience with the Union Leader?" he inquired. "That's not possible," Dang Hwa-seo quickly countered, having already discussed this with Seo Ye. "Only those recognized by the Union Leader can meet him. Moreover, anyone in his presence cannot have guards or be armed," she explained. Jegal San's mouth shut tight upon hearing this. Namgung Jincheon scoffed. "Typical of the weak to fear assassination. A true strongman would..." "Just shut up," Seo Ye interjected, effectively silencing him. Dang Hwa-seo, trying to push past the awkward moment, concluded, "We leave tomorrow morning. Since we don't know what kind of test awaits, please ensure you're in peak condition. That's all." With that, the meeting ended. * The next day, the Yongbong Peak members, all disguised as vagabonds, arrived at the entrance to the Black Snake Union's stronghold. Seo Ye, wearing a black hood that obscured her face, confronted the gatekeeper. Upon showing a black, shimmering badge, the gatekeeper, visibly startled, bowed slightly and said, "Welcome, leader." "I've come to discuss matters with the Union Leader," Seo Ye stated. "I'll notify the interior. And these people with you?" "They're my retainers." "You know the protocol..." "I don't recall asking for your advice," Seo Ye cut in with a chilling tone, making the gatekeeper shiver. "Please, enter," the gatekeeper relented, stepping aside. As they moved through the fortress, long unvisited by Seo Ye, the black buildings and martial artists in black uniforms seemed irritatingly familiar. Too familiar, in fact, because Seo Ye knew them too well. "Like a bunch of jackals," she thought to herself. Every one of them was eager to backstab and exploit weaknesses, just as they had when Haomun was nearly brought to ruin by the Demon Path. They all wanted to fill Haomun's void, presenting themselves to the Union Leader as new sources of information, although none could match Haomun's capabilities. But that was not the immediate concern. Seo Ye took a deep breath and crossed the courtyard, ignoring the stares. Her focus was on meeting the Union Leader. "Leader," she was greeted upon entering the inner chamber. "Disarm yourself. Leave your escorts here." "There are no weapons. The escorts will stay here," Seo Ye directed her group, receiving a nod of compliance. Inside, she encountered the inner chamber's gatekeeper, a martial artist at the pinnacle of his skills. Although not perceptible to Seo Ye, the gatekeeper's publicly known prowess was significant, suggesting his true strength was even greater. As the doors to the grand chamber of the Union Leader opened, Seo Ye swallowed nervously. Inside the vast hall, a man's silhouette was vaguely visible behind a large curtain. Stepping forward, Seo Ye knelt and bowed her head. "I am honored to meet the Union Leader," she said solemnly. * Meanwhile, Mok Riwon, waiting at the entrance with the others, glanced at Namgung Jincheon. His fierce demeanor was masked by an ugly, ill-fitting mask designed to cover his distinctive eyes. "Jincheon seems particularly irritable today," Mok Riwon thought, noting his restlessness since Seo Ye had entered alone. Leaning against the wall with arms crossed, Jincheon tapped his foot impatiently, his scowl deepening under the mask. Recalling their dynamics, Mok Riwon wondered if Jincheon's affections might have involved Seo Ye. Even the usually oblivious Riwon could sense the tension. Suddenly, they were instructed to enter. Beside the gatekeeper stood a masked man in black, bearing the emblem of the Black Snake Union, likely a martial artist from the inner chamber. "A test awaits," the gatekeeper announced, his voice laced with suspicion and annoyance. Mok Riwon inferred from the tone that Seo Ye had successfully negotiated with the Union Leader. "Where is the leader?" Jincheon demanded. "She's having tea with the Union Leader," the masked man replied. "Don't joke. If you've detained our leader..." "Brother!" Jegal San interjected, grabbing Jincheon's arm. "Have you forgotten our leader's instructions?" Jegal San's anxious face was streaked with sweat. The sudden absence of Seo Ye had triggered Jincheon's impulsiveness, leaving everyone, including Mok Riwon, quite flustered. "Calm down, Jincheon," Dang Hwa-seo sternly advised, her fierce expression intensified by the intimidating mask. "She will be fine..." Jincheon finally relented, grumbling to the masked man, "Get on with this so-called test." "Follow me," the masked man replied, leading them with a derisive snort. "They shouldn't underestimate him," Mok Riwon thought, aware of Jincheon's formidable strength far surpassing the masked man's. * They arrived at a training ground where numerous Black Snake Union martial artists were gathered, each exuding immense strength. "This is the first test," the masked man declared, emphasizing his authority. "You seek to join the Union Leader's personal guard. Ambitious and unaware of your limits," he scoffed. Mok Riwon's gaze shifted to Jincheon, noticing his brewing fury. "Prove yourselves. The Union Leader's guard is fixed at twenty members. Your only way in is to demonstrate superior skill by besting them in combat..." "Enough talk," Jincheon interrupted, stepping forward with his fist radiating a deep blue energy. Without drawing his sword, he launched a punch into the air. Boom! A warrior gasped as the energy wave struck him squarely, rendering him unconscious. The fallen guard's plight made the masked man flinch. Jincheon growled, "What's the point of proving ourselves against such mediocrity?" He faced the masked man, now the apparent head of the guards. "I'm not interested in small fry. Come at me." The masked man, stunned and speechless, drew his sword in a desperate move. "Confident, but foolishly so," Jincheon stated, drawing his own sword, which shimmered with energy. A swift strike shattered the masked man's blade. Before the man could react, Jincheon charged, delivering a series of brutal blows that left the guard defeated on the ground. Jincheon then stomped on the man's head, glaring at the other guards. "The quality of this group, led by such a fool, is evident. Utterly boring," he taunted. His presence grew more menacing. "Come on, then. All of you," he challenged, embodying the ruthless spirit of the underworld. Watching Jincheon's domineering stance, Mok Riwon couldn't help but think, "Truly befitting a figure of the underworld." Indeed, Jincheon seemed perfectly at home among the ruthless, especially with that hideous mask, a perfect match for his newfound role.