- Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint

"Did that work?" Cold sweat trickled down Yeon Woo Hyeok's back. He could recount without taking a breath how he resolved Ma Papa's missing candlestick case because it was a case he had actually worked on. How hard had it been the first time he cracked it? "How was I supposed to know the clue was the absence of moisture under the lamp?" Back then, he had cursed in frustration, never imagining it would come back to be so useful now. "What are you doing standing there? Aren't you coming with me?" Oh Podu looked at Yeon Woo Hyeok with eyes full of expectations. In his memories, Oh Podu was not such a gentle person. He was someone who would hurl curses or even resort to hitting if people didn't listen, regardless of whether they were corrupted officials or kin. Yet here he was, directing a gaze filled with anticipation. While the immediate threat was gone, Yeon Woo Hyeok couldn't help but feel on edge. "Please, let it be a case I'm familiar with." * * * To the east lay An Jangjoo's manor, flourishing from the silk trading business. According to Jangjoo, it was reminiscent of a utopia. "Of course, it's not quite that level. They served lousy liquor to guests there. That's just unacceptable." Oh Podu was still disgruntled about the cheap liquor served to him three months back and let out a grumble. Sure, influential figures in the city didn't need to bow down as commoners did, but serving cheap liquor was a bit much. "Has An Jangjoo possibly made any enemies?" "Enemies?" Oh Podu looked around cautiously before lowering his voice. "In fact, Jangjoo didn’t just make money on silk. He also earned big from what's called Yan Wang's debt." "Yan Wang's debt?" This referred to exorbitant interest loans. Although not illegal, it wasn't something city bigwigs could proudly boast about. Places specializing in such loans were typically run by people from the underworld or the like. "Yes. Of course, Jangjoo himself didn't do it personally but used subordinates within the manor... though those in the know were aware." "Did he have many debtors?" "There are a few deceased. Their kin would want revenge." Yeon Woo Hyeok nodded. In reality, information didn't just conveniently fall into his lap while sitting idle. If information was needed, it had to be pursued actively. Without knowing what kind of case it was, asking as much as possible was his only option. Oh Podu seemed to have a favorable impression of this proactive approach. He nodded in satisfaction and smiled. "Your questions are sharp. My nephew babbled nonsense wondering if Jangjoo merely stumbled. Right, if someone died, it's logical to suspect those with grievances." "Thank you for your kind words." However, for Yeon Woo Hyeok, who wasn't fully accustomed yet, praise from Oh Podu was sheer pressure. As he himself was unsure how he would contribute to this case, he couldn't afford to let his guard down. "We've arrived. Over there is Jangjoo's manor." Oh Podu confidently summoned the manor's servants. Yet, his confidence didn't last long. There were already other guests who had arrived earlier within the manor. * * * Sa Podu's surname was Sa (謝), but his appearance seemed more fitting for the character Sa (巳, meaning snake). With an iron whip at his waist, his red leather shoes strikingly pacing back and forth, glaring at the servants like a snake eyeing its prey. Of course, Oh Podu, whether faced with a snake or a dragon, was unfazed. "Sa, you shameless dog! What are you lingering here for? Get out of here! If you don't scram this instant, I'll teach your dirty face a lesson!" His shout was imbued with subtle inner strength. Yeon Woo Hyeok realized that Oh Podu possessed martial arts skills, surprising him. Though it wasn't unusual for captains and constables to acquire martial arts skills, given the high number of martial artists committing major crimes, it was nonetheless exceptional for a captain or constable to possess outstanding martial prowess. Most of their days were consumed with official duties, leaving little time for martial arts training, unlike martial artists who could dedicate most of their time to it. Moreover, what about their upbringing? From a young age, those from renowned martial households honed their bodies and energy channels meticulously, fortified with various elixirs. Captains and constables started from a very different point. In that regard, Oh Podu's skill was impressive enough to startle Yeon Woo Hyeok. It was a roar that sent tingles down one's spine like that of a beast or fierce predator. Momentarily intimidated by the suppressive stoicism of Oh Podu's martial arts, Sa Podu flinched. But he soon regained his composure and put on a mocking grin. Oh Podu was briefly taken aback by his confident demeanor. Without something to lean on, it was rare for captains to invade each other's jurisdictions. To trespass on a captain's district was akin to an assault on pride, prompting knives to be drawn without hesitation. "The magistrate has issued an order!" "What?" "When a captain can't swiftly resolve a case, it's only natural for the magistrate to lose patience." A thick vein pulsed at Oh Podu’s jaw. He was clenching his teeth with all his might. A murder case dragging on affected the reputation of the magistrate, overseeing all legal matters around the city. Urging prompt action was expected. However, Oh Podu hadn't dawdled or made any major blunders recently. The magistrate wasn't one to disregard Oh Podu's pride and replace him. There was one conclusion. That Sa fool must have sweet-talked the magistrate. Claiming Oh Podu was drawing it out because he couldn't handle it, whereas he could. "So competitive, really." Yeon Woo Hyeok stood silently to the side, watching the fierce struggle between the captains. No swords had been drawn, nor blood spilt, yet both parties were dead serious in their rivalry. In situations like this, there was really only one thing for a newly appointed constable to do: stand still and blend in like a corpse. "So, are you saying you're confident in solving this?" "Of course! Just watch. Hey, did you bring the esteemed guests?" "Yes!" The constables under Sa Podu nodded, glancing warily at Oh Podu. Apparently, they had arrived early and made several preparations. "Bring them in! Haha! I'll unravel the mystery behind this murder thoroughly for you all!" * * * A murder had taken place at the manor. The body of An Jangjoo was discovered at a pavilion on the manor's outskirts, with no footprints around except for the victim's own. There was just one mark on the body: a dagger lodged deep in his back. Jangjoo's face bore a serene expression, and as there were no other injuries, some constables speculated bizarrely that he had been bewitched by a ghost or that a demon used magic to hurl the dagger. Upon seeing the scene, Sa Podu immediately discerned what had happened. The body was found at a pavilion on the manor's outskirts, yet there were no footprints in the soft earth nearby other than the victim's? Such feats weren't the work of ghosts or demons. If it were a ghost, Jangjoo's face would have been contorted in terror, and if a demon, it would have left other signs of its ferocity behind. The culprit was a martial arts master of significant skill. They would have leaped from the distant wall, using light-footed techniques to land silently on the pavilion, delivered a single lethal blow, then soared back over the wall to escape. "What nonsense are you spouting? How far do you think that is?" "Hah. Oh Podu, if it's a top-tier martial artist, especially one exceptional in light body techniques, do you think it's impossible?" Oh Podu closed his mouth with a groan. Indeed, if this was a top-tier martial artist who had mastered such techniques deeply, then it was a different matter. If they had honed their art to perfection, they might have leaped over the wall and reached the pavilion. As his opponent fell silent, Sa Podu let out a smug chuckle, gaining momentum. "Now, the esteemed guests are entering, so it might be wise to hold back any shouting. Witnessing poor martial skills might upset them!" As the constables ushered the guests in, Oh Podu was taken aback. He had expected some notable dignitary when they were referred to as esteemed guests, but entering the courtyard were martial artists. "Pyung Ilwon, the Iron Heart Iron Sword!" Seeing the small plum blossom emblem engraved on the sword's hilt made Oh Podu's heart sink. The guests were martial artists from none other than the Hwasan Sect. Generally, martial artists were cautious of authorities and wouldn't openly defy them, but the story changed when it concerned renowned noble houses or large martial sects. Their influence was powerful enough to easily overpower a single constable. And that wasn’t all. Even without exerting influence, the martial artist Pyung Ilwon alone could turn the place into a sea of blood. A master at the apex of the martial world! Even within the Hwasan Sect, there were few masters of his caliber. The martial artists entering behind Pyung Ilwon were less famous, but their reputations were sinister in their own right. The first of the Red-Faced Three Hounds, Jeong Il. Known for his notoriety, if he lost at gambling dens, he'd resort to all sorts of havoc, making him infamous in the vicinity. His martial skills were formidable too, and his siblings were so viciously skilled that those wronged by them in the underworld would grind their teeth but couldn't easily confront them. The last to enter was Dam Poongho, the Triumphant Guest. Among them, he had the least renown but was notorious for his unpredictable temperament. While playing the lute and drinking, if he got agitated, he wouldn't hesitate to draw his sword unexpectedly. People feared him because there was no telling why he'd unsheathe his weapon. "I am deeply grateful that honored guests have heeded a humble request from me, Sa." As the guests arrived, Sa Podu expressed his thanks with a polite bow. "The reason I dared to call upon the esteemed guests is that a heinous villain has murdered An Jangjoo and fled!" The martial artists present showed little reaction. The bound servants merely glanced up to curiously observe the martial artists. "Master Pyung, my deepest apologies for summoning you. But..." "Enough. Was it a martial artist who killed Jangjoo?" Pyung Ilwon replied coolly. From his calm demeanor, Yeon Woo Hyeok suspected that Sa Podu had already explained things beforehand. It didn't seem likely that such a figure would have come without forewarning. "Indeed!" "It wasn't me, no way!" Jeong Il shouted with his face flushed red. "That constable dares accuse me of..." "The Red-Faced Three Hounds couldn't have killed Jangjoo. He was aiding me on the day of Jangjoo's death." "Right, right!" Oh Podu asked in disbelief. "Really, you, Jeong Il of the Red-Faced Three Hounds, aiding the Hwasan Sect?" "......" Jeong Il held his tongue, seemingly embarrassed, while Pyung Ilwon waved his hand dismissively. "Anyway, it wasn't Jeong Il." "Yes, Master Pyung. Everyone, please listen. Iron Heart Iron Sword Master Pyung would never commit murder, and Jeong Il was assisting Master Pyung. Therefore..." The eyes of those present shifted towards Dam Poongho. Pyung Ilwon moved his robe aside and reached for his sword. It was then that Oh Podu understood Sa Podu's intentions. From the outset, he had pinpointed Triumphant Guest Dam Poongho as the suspect and summoned the other martial artists to address the matter. Attempting to capture Triumphant Guest alone might have led to his untimely demise. Oh Podu felt a sharp pain in his chest. Sa Podu’s deduction had been flawless. While he was busy tending to his foolish nephew, Sa Podu had sunk his teeth into his heel like a venomous snake. "Are you saying I'm the culprit?" "Not necessarily. If you're innocent, the magistrate will see to your release." "Oh, I'm sure." Triumphant Guest Dam Poongho seemed to be preparing for a fight, unwilling to go quietly. As his intent clashed with the aura of Iron Heart Iron Sword, the air in the manor became heavy with tension. Sensing an impending bloodbath, Yeon Woo Hyeok couldn’t wait any longer. "That's not necessary." "?!" "!" "Is there a chief steward in this manor?" "There... is." Oh Podu was too flustered to respond coherently. What was a mere rookie constable thinking by stepping in right before martial artists clashed swords? "That person is the culprit." "...!!!!!" ※ The rights to this work belong to the copyright holder. Copying, reproducing, modifying, or distributing the work may result in criminal prosecution and civil liability.