Heavenly Forge (1)

Ever since word spread that Neung Je-gang had learned the forbidden art called Heaven-Shattering Thunderbolt Sovereign, it seemed certain that the martial world’s gaze upon him had changed.

As he approached the main gate of the Martial Alliance, the moment he wrote the two characters “Secret Shadow” on the visitor slip they handed him, Neung Je-gang saw the guard warriors stiffen like boards.

It was a kind of fear.

Faces as if they were seeing a wicked demon, or a man-eating monster, or a ghost.

“I came to meet the Head of the Investigation Unit.”

“Pardon? Ah—please enter. We were told to escort you when you arrived.”

Even so, there was no particular difficulty in entering the Martial Alliance. In any case, Neung Je-gang still wasn’t officially acknowledged as a public enemy.

From the Martial Alliance’s standpoint as well, it would be awkward to publicly corner Neung Je-gang, who had some sort of connection with the Eastern Depot.

“Welcome.”

Go Won-gi sat in the same seat as always, wearing the same expression as always.

“It has been a while.”

“It has been a while.”

Unexpectedly, Go So-jeong was there too—someone he hadn’t seen in a long time as well.

“It has been a while.”

Neung Je-gang greeted her just as calmly.

“Did you save that girl?”

“Thanks to you, she was able to finish treatment.”

“That’s a relief.”

Go Won-gi watched the exchange between Neung Je-gang and Go So-jeong with eyes full of questions. There was something between Neung Je-gang and his daughter that he didn’t know.

True to someone in charge of information, Go Won-gi didn’t even try to hide how plainly curious he was about what it was.

But he realized he wouldn’t be able to hear anything through the tightly sealed mouths of Neung Je-gang and Go So-jeong. Not for the moment, anyway.

‘Hmph! Making that one open his mouth is easy.’

Even if it wasn’t Neung Je-gang, Go Won-gi was confident he could make Go So-jeong open hers. If he coaxed her gently by offering what she wanted, his daughter’s personality would fold quickly.

“Ahem! Right—since you stopped by the Beggar’s Sect first, you must’ve heard the gist?”

“Yes. But they told me I had to come see you. I heard you had something specific you wanted to say.”

“That’s right. It so happens it doesn’t seem unrelated to the matter you asked me to look into.”

“What is it?”

“For over twenty years now, suspicious signs have been occurring in several cities near Mount Kunlun in Cheonghae Province. Unmarried maidens going missing—that’s what it is.”

“Something like that happened? Then why wasn’t it known?”

“Think about it. If maidens vanished day after day, it would be suspicious. But if it was one a month, or one every two months, who would notice? And Cheonghae Province is so remote that running away to the Central Plains wasn’t rare. By the time anyone felt something was strange, hundreds had already disappeared without anyone realizing.”

“…….”

Neung Je-gang couldn’t say anything. Even he likely wouldn’t have found it that suspicious—unless the bodies of the missing women started turning up.

“The first to notice it was the Beggar’s Sect. One beggar from the Beggar’s Sect who lived in Cheonghae Province wandered from village to village and, unexpectedly, realized there were many runaway women. And only pretty women at that… Thinking it was worse the closer the villages were to Mount Kunlun, he investigated on his own. And then he learned it—unexpectedly, those women’s trail led toward Kunlun.”

“A trail? Then are you saying the women disappeared of their own will?”

“That’s right. The maidens climbed Mount Kunlun on their own. And after that, there was no word at all. The problem was that even after searching all over Mount Kunlun to find them, they couldn’t be found. Of course, it was kept secret from the Kunlun Sect. If they were behind it, they would only hide it more quietly.”

“Then are you suspecting Kunlun?”

“Of course. I can’t accept that someone else did such a thing near Kunlun while evading their eyes. Mount Kunlun is a place you could say lies within the Kunlun Sect’s fence. If it were you, could you fail to notice someone making trouble inside your own household?”

“That would be impossible.”

“Exactly. That’s why I suspect Kunlun.”

“Then why are you telling me this?”

As Neung Je-gang listened, the thought struck him. If Kunlun was suspicious, the Martial Alliance could investigate. There was no reason to tell him.

“There is a monster in Kunlun.”

“What?”

Neung Je-gang was startled. He had just heard Shingae’s words again.

“And that monster is not unrelated to your going to Kunlun. Because the woman you seek married that monster.”

“Ah…!”

“Do you know what that monster is?”

“I do not.”

Of course he didn’t. He had only just learned where Dam Yeo-yeong was—how could he know whom she had married?

“In the martial world, they call him the Kunlun Oddity.”

“The Kunlun Oddity? Don’t tell me he’s still alive?”

When he said “monster,” there was no way to know. But “Kunlun Oddity” was different. He was said to be a figure of even higher seniority than Shingae—known as the highest-ranked elder in the martial world—and a master unmatched in the Kunlun Sect’s long history.

“Unfortunately, yes. And he even rejuvenated and took a maiden bride—doesn’t that say it all?”

Only then did Neung Je-gang think he understood why Shingae had said it was embarrassing. He must have meant it was shameful to even put into words the disgraceful behavior of an old man called the Kunlun Oddity.

‘So that was the place she hid…?’

Neung Je-gang felt Dam Yeo-yeong’s fate was pathetic. No matter how much someone rejuvenated, their age at the root didn’t truly change.

“Then just how big is the age gap between them…?”

“At the very least, you could say it’s over a hundred years.”

Old enough to be a grandfather—or a great-great-grandfather.

“But is rejuvenation truly possible?”

No matter how he thought about it, Neung Je-gang couldn’t believe it.

Rejuvenation was said to be possible only upon reaching the realm of immortals. In other words, becoming a demigod beyond the human realm.

That kind of realm wasn’t something achieved by high martial prowess alone—it would require spiritual enlightenment on the level of immortals as well.

And yet, if he grew young again and immediately took a bride, was that really something a being beyond humanity would do?

In the end, Neung Je-gang’s conclusion was this: either the Kunlun Oddity was a fake, or rejuvenation was a phenomenon with no connection at all to spiritual enlightenment—one of the two.

“There can be no dispute that he rejuvenated. The seniors of the martial world confirmed it at the time. But what I suspect is this: perhaps he used the missing maidens in order to rejuvenate.”

“Ah…! But is there a way to use women to rejuvenate?”

“I can’t be certain. But there is exactly one martial art that could make it possible.”

“……?”

Neung Je-gang waited for Go Won-gi to speak. He was curious, but there was no need to grow impatient. It was Go Won-gi who had called him here to talk.

“That is the Maiden Art.”

Go Won-gi finally opened his mouth first.

“Ah, one of those forbidden arts…?”

The Maiden Art was a taboo martial art, like the Heaven-Shattering Thunderbolt Sovereign Neung Je-gang had learned, or the Seven Saber Principles of Empty Spirit.

“That’s the one. The Maiden Art is a martial art that explosively increases one’s power by absorbing yin energy. If he used that on hundreds of maidens and absorbed their primal yin, I believe even rejuvenation wouldn’t be impossible.”

“I see. But as far as I know, the Maiden Art can only be learned by women?”

It was clear the Kunlun Oddity wasn’t a woman. If he were, he couldn’t have married Dam Yeo-yeong.

“That is precisely why I wanted to see you. When you meet Dam Yeo-yeong, be sure to ask her. Ask whether she has ever shared a bed with the Kunlun Oddity….”

“What?”

“If the Kunlun Oddity truly learned the Maiden Art, then he cannot have relations with a woman. For a man to learn the Maiden Art, he must abandon being a man.”

“I see. But do you think Dam Yeo-yeong will answer obediently if I ask?”

“That depends on what you do. In any case, this could expose the Kunlun Oddity’s double face, so it’s something that must be done.”

Go Won-gi gave Neung Je-gang no chance to refuse.

Neung Je-gang didn’t feel the need to refuse either. After asking who his family’s enemy was, all he had to do was add one more question. Whether Dam Yeo-yeong refused to answer or lied, Neung Je-gang had no reason to take responsibility for that.

“Understood.”

Perhaps Neung Je-gang’s ready agreement made him uneasy. Go Won-gi subtly frowned and spoke again.

“And this is something I ask because it may become a burden on your path going forward… Is it true you are cultivating the Heaven-Shattering Thunderbolt Sovereign?”

He must have confirmed it several times already. When Neung Je-gang displayed it then, there had been many people present who were trying to use the Cheongpung pier, along with the Beggar’s Sect and the Paeng Clan. There were not just one or two witnesses.

“That is correct.”

There was no need to hide what was already known.

“Why in the world did you…?”

Go So-jeong, who had been listening quietly, asked. She was scolding him for learning a forbidden art even though he knew what it was.

“To become strong.”

Neung Je-gang’s answer was simple. Because that was the answer.

“You can become strong without learning forbidden arts.”

“Of course. But if I had done that, do you think I would have survived until now?”

“…….”

Neither Go So-jeong nor Go Won-gi could respond to that.

“Public opinion in the Martial Alliance is not good. In particular, some small and mid-sized sects who took orders from the Jinju Eon Clan are stirring things up to push you as a public enemy. Perhaps by the time you return from Kunlun, you may be called a public enemy of the martial world, on top of being hunted by the Necromancer Cult.”

“I don’t care. Because the Martial Alliance and the Black Alliance recommended me to the Eastern Depot, I gained another identity. Since the empire’s law takes precedence over martial rules, it will be pointless to label me a public enemy. That was what I relied on when I used it then. And if there is any place that intends to draw a blade against me first, inform me. Tell them I cannot be responsible for what happens after that.”

“Another identity?”

“Deputy Commissioner of the Eastern Depot.”

“Huh…!”

“Oh my!”

Go Won-gi and Go So-jeong’s eyes widened.

“Then no one in the martial world can treat you carelessly.”

Go Won-gi said, shaking his head.

“That’s how it is. Which is why—surely you understand the price has gone up for me going to Kunlun and finding out whether the Kunlun Oddity learned the Maiden Art.”

“Huh? Price? Wasn’t it enough that I told you the father and daughter you’re looking for are in Kunlun?”

“No. I remember that news as the payment for the matter I commissioned earlier… don’t I?”

“Ghh…!”

Go Won-gi grimaced and sank deeper into his chair.

“So you want something else?”

“This isn’t so much a personal request as it is a matter that will help the Martial Alliance too.”

“Go on.”

“I don’t know if you’re aware of what happened in Beijing, but the Necromancer Cult is trying to eliminate me as their top priority. They keep sending strong people to kill me.”

“And?”

When Neung Je-gang brought up the Necromancer Cult, Go Won-gi finally looked relieved. If it concerned the Necromancer Cult, it was something he had to investigate anyway, so it wasn’t much of a burden.

“This time, the person they sent to kill me is called Godan, the Lord of Hyeon-ok.”

“Godan, Lord of Hyeon-ok? I’ve never heard that name.”

“It seems the Necromancer Cult has several separate combat groups made up of masters. Not long ago in Beijing, I fought the lord of one of those groups, a place called the Bronze Command. If I hadn’t been lucky, I might have died there.”

“Ah…!”

The name Secret Shadow was no longer treated as that of a mere assassin. It was acknowledged as an absolute master who could shake the martial world.

And yet he said that if luck had turned, he might have died….

If the Necromancer Cult had such masters, it meant even greater difficulty awaited in uprooting them.

“So, I’m asking you—secretly attach one person to me. It must be someone with real skill in tracking techniques.”

“Why?”

“The Necromancer Cult will show themselves at least once while I’m traveling to Kunlun. It’s a very long road, and I won’t be moving in hiding on purpose, so unless they’re fools, it won’t be hard for them to find my trail. When that happens, no matter how it ends, at least one of the people the Necromancer Cult sent will remain alive.”

“No matter how it ends?”

“Because I could die. In that case, I need someone who can track them afterward and find the place that can be called the Necromancer Cult’s main base. They call it ‘the Mountain.’”

“‘The Mountain’?”

“The Eastern Depot has already begun backtracking the Necromancer Cult figures who appeared in Beijing. If they can find it, all the better—but if they can’t, this may be the only chance to find the Mountain.”

Neung Je-gang’s plan was somewhat dangerous. He knew that well himself.

To let an enemy live, he couldn’t fight with full force. It meant he could be caught in a single moment of carelessness.

And if the opponent was expected to be stronger than Hwangbo Chu, he might truly have to wager his life.

“Why would you do something so dangerous?”

“The Necromancer Cult attacked Kuaiji Mountain. Naturally, shouldn’t I pay them back for what I suffered? If we can learn where their base, the Mountain, is, we might be able to uproot the Necromancer Cult in one stroke.”

Though dangerous, it was a proposal Go Won-gi couldn’t refuse. If Neung Je-gang was willing to become bait himself, there was no need to stop him.

“Fine. I’ll attach someone skilled enough that even you won’t notice them. If this succeeds, it may also serve as a shield against the public sentiment calling to make you a public enemy.”

Neung Je-gang gave a bitter smile. He himself didn’t care much about being labeled a public enemy, yet someone else was agonizing over it for him.

“Then we’re agreed. I’ll be going now.”

“Be careful.”

“I will.”

Neung Je-gang left Go Won-gi’s office.

After confirming he had gone far enough away, Go Won-gi seemed to have already decided whom to send and called for someone. But then Go So-jeong spoke.

“Should I go?”

“You? No.”

“Why not?”

“You’re still not good enough.”

“Why? I’m good at tracking too!”

Go So-jeong whined.

“Are you still hung up on it?”

Go Won-gi suddenly stared quietly at Go So-jeong’s face.

“What? No.”

Go So-jeong looked flustered for a moment, then answered firmly.

But Go Won-gi didn’t accept that answer.

“You said with your own mouth he was ugly—so why can’t you get out of it?”

“Who said he was ugly?”

Go So-jeong jumped up as if it were her own matter.

“You did last time.”

“I meant his face back then was worse than the one he has now—he wasn’t an ugly face.”

“Oh-ho. So you’re saying you’re still hung up on him?”

“I said I’m not!”

“Then why are you getting so angry?”

“I’m not angry.”

Go So-jeong shouted.

Go Won-gi smiled faintly, then tossed out a question as if casually. He hadn’t expected the chance to come this quickly.

“Then teach me just one thing, and I’ll let you go.”

“What is it?”

Go So-jeong’s face, which had been angry, immediately brightened.

“When he first came in, who was that girl you talked about?”

“……!”

At this point, Go So-jeong would normally chatter away to get what she wanted. But she suddenly clamped her mouth shut and didn’t speak.

“Send someone else.”

In the end, Go So-jeong gave up on following behind Neung Je-gang. If she talked about that, she would have to reveal that Neung Je-gang had stolen the Ice Essence Crystal too. Because she had vowed never to speak of it, she decided to keep that promise.

Go Won-gi’s eyes bulged at the unexpected refusal. It was a refusal even he hadn’t anticipated.

“Really? Then who should I send?”

Go Won-gi pretended to be clueless, but Go So-jeong didn’t open her mouth again and didn’t even look his way.

Go Won-gi had to admit he had failed to make his daughter talk. An awkward silence darkened the mood of the office.