Episode 220

On the roof of a traditional gate, overlooking the entire city of Xi’an.

Jinmu’s stern expression, seated directly under the sun, remained unchanged.

He appeared quite irritated, perhaps due to the sun.

It was only after visiting the Guards’ Garrison, defeating a hundred soldiers who obstructed him, and demolishing the hall’s wall that he encountered Bang Man-pyung.

Due to a corruption scandal, his superior had been discredited, and together with Jinmu, he was acknowledged for exposing the corruption through legitimate means, and assumed the role of Provincial Commander without formal orders.

Upon recognizing Jinmu, he ceased paying attention to corruption reports and mobilized the army.

Additionally, his subordinates willingly joined the cause.

However, they vanished without a trace.

Had they already fled?

Despite his agreement with Yang So-bang, he felt compelled to express his frustration with the elusive Southern Edge people.

This situation wouldn’t have occurred if they had kept their word. Now, it’s a matter of honor.

“Taoist Jinmu?”

Ho Hyeon-gae, observing Jinmu’s intense demeanor, spoke cautiously.

“We will manage this area, so you should descend and take a break for a while.”

“……”

Rest? Is this man out of his mind? Rest here?

Ho Hyeon-gae was met with Jinmu’s piercing gaze.

“You were awake the entire night.”

Indeed, I didn’t sleep all night.

I was furious.

“It’s fine to close those eyes for a moment.”

“……”

“With officials and soldiers cooperating with the Murim Alliance, everyone is scrutinizing those in Xi’an.”

I am aware.

But why are you standing right beside me?

Head to the understaffed yard and take action. Detain someone for questioning, please.

I wonder if the face of that passerby over there belongs to that bastard. Is there anyone deliberately hiding their martial arts skills?

My stomach was already boiling.

Five thousand warriors were deployed.

Many from the Alliance.

But it’s still not enough.

For the soldiers of the Guards’ Garrison, they’re just monitoring the entry and exit of the outskirts of Xi’an.

Like Jinmu, they too had stayed up all night without a break and seemed tired.

The number of people deployed to catch just a few individuals is beyond imagination, yet it wasn’t sufficient.

Reinforcements are needed.

Even if we request aid from the Murim Alliance, we don’t know how many will come.

Now that Yang So-bang has delivered the news, they will also be busy preparing to root out the spies in areas other than Xi’an.

Damn it, should I just confront the Southern Edge men?

Am I angry for no reason?

I was feeling regretful and dwelling on the past.

What should I do?

“Taoist Jinmu, just in case, I have already requested information through the secret line in the Lower District Sect of Xi’an. Don’t worry.”

Yes, the Lower District Sect would be quite helpful in times like this… huh? What?

Lower District… huh?

Jinmu suddenly lowered his head and looked at Ho Hyeon-gae.

“Why are you doing that?”

As Ho Hyeon-gae opened his eyes in confusion, Jinmu smiled deeply.

Right! The Lower District Sect!

Darn it, why didn’t I think of that before? Did I focus only on the Justice Faction because I was a part of it?

I visited a drinking place known as the best in Xi’an twice. Why did I forget those people!

Lower District Sect.

The largest intelligence organization in the Plains with an information network similar to the Beggars Union, or maybe even better.

There were only a few officially affiliated with Lower District, and compared to the Beggars Union who handle information, it was different.

But their information-gathering capabilities were unmatched.

From back alleys, vagabonds, courtesans in the bars, shops, gamblers, and slaves in official houses, and even the laborers in officials’ halls, there is no one who doesn’t sell information to the Lower District Sect when they need money.

In other words, all of them are informants of the Lower District.

The Lower District Sect not only protects those who are persecuted and living at the bottom of their lives but also buys information at the right price.

There are these so-called hawkers; simply put, they are people who buy information.

Hawkers purchase a lot of unconfirmed intelligence from the aforementioned individuals or lowly people.

This information is collected and delivered to the Graspers, who, through their analysis and discernment, turn it into a single piece of information.

This is how the Lower District Sect operates.

Those who seek intelligence are unaware of Lower District’s true identity.

Hawkers are just hawkers. However, starting from the Graspers, one enters the level of the Lower District Sect.

If they can be found, then the Lower District Sect can be reached.

However, a Grasper doesn’t easily reveal themselves. They are excellent at hiding. That is why Jinmu couldn’t find the Lower District Sect even when he knew they existed.

Even Jinmu, the Heavenly Lord, didn’t know the true identity of the leader of the Lower District Sect.

Although Myung Se-chan and the troops he commanded were the best of the Lower District Sect’s elite, knowing them didn’t mean one could understand the Sect’s system.

It was a secret they had been guarding for generations, so they protected it, and they had no interest in revealing it.

But Jinmu had a way to find them.

That is something that would be shocking…

Even if he didn’t have to search for the one called the Grasper in Xi’an, they would have to come to Jinmu.

Perhaps, in the process, Myung Se-chan, the leader of the Secretly Great Troops whom he asked Cheon Woo-myung to find, might come in person now.

Right, that is good.

Well, once the spy bastards in hiding are eliminated, there is no need to remain in the Justice Faction any longer.

He had to keep the promise to Yang So-bang and seize the opportunity to reclaim the Lower District Sect.

With their intelligence and Cheol Ji-ryang’s martial arts skills honed, it is only a matter of time before the spies are apprehended, even if they have fled or are still concealed in Xi’an.

For nothing in this land can evade the scrutiny of the Lower District Sect.

“Kuak, hehehehe….”

“……”

Ho Hyeon-gae wore a puzzled expression seeing as Jinmu suddenly broke into an evil chuckle.

Had he developed some significant mental issues stemming from prolonged exposure to the sun?

Given his consistently stern and angry demeanor, such a thought was not unwarranted.

“Mister Ho Hyeon-gae!”

“…Yes?”

“They might still be nearby, so stay vigilant.”

“Will you be resting then?”

In response to Ho Hyeon-gae’s query, Jinmu simply chuckled.

How could a beggar who comes running when called understand the concept of planning?

“Well said. I will inform the Branch Leader and arrange a place.”

“……”

Damn.

I have no intention of resting, and even if I did, why would I choose to rest in a beggar’s den!?

There are comfortable places like guesthouses here.

However, contrary to his desires, Jinmu lightly placed his hand on Ho Hyeon-gae’s shoulder.

“I entrust you with this task, Mister Ho Hyeon-gae.”

“…Ah!”

Upon hearing Jinmu’s words filled with trust (?), Ho Hyeon-gae’s expression shifted as if he were in a dream. Determination? Perhaps.

“Leave it to me! I will track those bastards down!”

Indeed, work diligently then. Do work diligently.

Jinmu nodded at him and made his way towards the guesthouse with a bar.

The establishment was situated in the heart of the city.

It’s a place I’ve visited once or twice. Once for leisure and once with Chung Sang and Chung Woo for a meal.

Jinmu ruffled his hair and covered his face above the chin in case anyone recognized him, as he had recently become famous.

Ddddrrr.

At the sound of a curtain being lifted at the entrance, a middle-aged person sitting at the desk and dressed in silk rushed over like the wind.

“Welcome.”

The lady bowed and quickly adjusted her clothes as she spoke to Jinmu.

“Shall I take you to a quiet place?”

“……”

As expected, those working at prestigious establishments for the wealthy and famous had sharp eyes.

Since he was carrying a sword, he was assumed to be a warrior. Clad in black with no distinctive markings or features, his hair disheveled and covering his face, she surmised that he preferred not to be scrutinized by others.

Jinmu nodded.

“Do you have a sponsor?”

“…A sponsor, you mean?”

The receptionist looked puzzled.

Right, it was understandable.

Sponsorship could be costly.

In Jinmu’s possession… except for the Luminous Night Pearls, all he had was the reward he received from Bang Man-Pyung.

Perhaps he should have requested cash instead.

As he slowly retrieved the gold scycee and twirled it around his finger, a flicker of surprise crossed the receptionist’s eyes.

But there was no astonishment.

“Would you prefer a blue room? Or would a red room be more to your liking?”

Two choices.

He could discern it at a glance.

He probably wanted to enjoy his time at the establishment without drawing attention, at least that’s what she assumed since he had come alone.

“Please keep it neat. I prefer things uncluttered.”

“Understood. Would you care for some tea in the tea garden while we prepare your room?”

“I would.”

Jinmu nodded, and the receptionist signaled for someone to escort him.

As he strolled through the corridor with a view of the pavilion, he was awestruck.

It could easily be deemed the finest in Xi’an.

From the exterior, all he had seen was a three-story building with an entrance and windows, but as he ventured further inside, there was nothing ordinary about it.

It was like a small village with streets, pavilions, and gardens aplenty!

The joyful sounds of pipa resonated through every pavilion, mingling with the laughter of courtesans and drunkards.

It was chaotic.

The guide led Jinmu to a secluded hall.

“Please wait here for a moment. Once the preparations are complete, a meeting will commence.”

The young man had a peculiar air of arrogance as he spoke.

“What would you like with your tea?”

“Just tea will suffice. Thank you.”

Jinmu’s hand rested on the gold sycee.

A hint of greed flickered across the man’s face but quickly vanished.

I know how to be ruthless, and I excel at it.

“Could you exchange this for me?”

“How would you like it exchanged?”

“Half for the sponsor, and the other half in silver sycee and a silver coin.”

“Certainly.”

The man replied politely, taking the gold sycee. Jinmu was impressed and smiled.

“One of the exchanged silver sycees is yours.”

“…Huh?”

The boy looked up, confusion marking his face for the first time.

One silver sycee equaled nearly 50 silver coins.

A single silver coin could buy two bags of rice, totaling 99 bags.

The boy couldn’t believe his ears.

Children working in guesthouses and bars, among other places.

Children who began working at a young age often did so due to poverty in their families, with meager incomes and many siblings.

That was Jinmu’s reality 70 years ago. The people Jinmu knew were in similar situations.

In this era, breaking free from poverty is as challenging as threading a needle.

Yet, Jinmu overcame it.

“Consider this your lucky day.”

“……”

“What’s the matter? You haven’t even served the tea. Shouldn’t you hurry?”

“T-thank you! Elder!”

The young man bowed and hurried off.

For some reason, I feel content for doing a good deed…

“……”

Jinmu shook his head at the sudden thought.

The damned Justice Faction mind.

What is there to like in giving away money?

After giving it away, it only feels like a waste.

It cannot be taken back… one precious silver sycee….