Chapter 016
Before the assassination mission, the Wanderer of Mystic Sound visited the Hao Sect's Xuchang branch as instructed by his superiors.
The Hao Sect had been keeping a low profile due to the Black Brush Gang incident. Though the Xuchang branch was filled with exhausted members worn down by the Murim Alliance's paranoid pressure, they still received the visitor—who had come to rescue Baek Won—with proper courtesy.
"Assassin, the Wanderer of Mystic Sound."
"I am Yonghyeon, branch leader of Xuchang."
The Wanderer of Mystic Sound addressed Yonghyeon, who held his head high while looking at him.
"I need to kidnap Baek Sugyeong to rescue the fourth disciple of the Hao Sect Leader. I request your cooperation."
"I intend to assist as much as possible."
"Did you obtain a map of the Murim Alliance's interior?"
Yonghyeon nodded and turned to his subordinate.
"Bring the map."
"Yes, Branch Leader!"
A Hao Sect member quickly brought a large leather map and unfolded it. Yonghyeon pointed to a location on the map of the Xuchang Murim Alliance headquarters, which rivaled an imperial palace in size.
"Yewun Pavilion is at the center of the Murim Alliance, slightly to the south. It's guarded by warriors from the Shadow Pavilion, making it difficult to penetrate."
"That won't be a problem."
For an assassin of the Dark Mist Society, Shadow Pavilion warriors posed no obstacle. With sufficient achievements, he would have already risen to the rank of Death Assassin.
Yonghyeon instructed his subordinate to bring another map, handing it to the Wanderer.
"This map shows the fastest route to Yewun Pavilion. Memorize it and burn it afterward."
"I will. Are there any formation arrays protecting Yewun Pavilion?"
"There are, but they shouldn't be a major issue. Our agents have already infiltrated the Murim Alliance disguised as stokers, maids, and such."
The Wanderer smiled faintly.
"Yewun Pavilion is protected by the Demon-Subduing Bewildering Illusion Formation."
"A formation from Shaolin."
"Indeed. I don't think further explanation is necessary."
"Go ahead."
The Demon-Subduing Bewildering Illusion Formation caused intruders to wander endlessly in illusions. Anyone entering Yewun Pavilion with even a trace of malice would be trapped.
"At exactly the beginning of the Rat Hour, we'll temporarily disable the formation."
"Why not dismantle it?"
"Even mobilizing all our formation experts, we couldn't unravel it. Complete dismantling would alert the Murim Alliance."
The Wanderer nodded.
"When do we execute?"
"Tonight. We'll lure away as many Shadow Pavilion warriors as possible. You'll deal with the rest."
"Good."
Thus, the infiltration of the Murim Alliance was set.
...
'If the enemy remained in place, security would've been incredibly tight…'
The Wanderer frowned as he observed the pavilions where Shadow Pavilion warriors should have been stationed. Many presences were gone.
'This will be easy.'
He melted into the darkness, racing through the night using Dark Night Illusion. Though slipping openly into shadows, no one noticed him. Concealment wasn't illusion—it was deception of the eye.
"They've already stopped the formation. Impressive."
Normally, he would have been trapped instantly. But the Hao Sect had kept their promise.
"Stuffy fools. That's why you'll never defeat us."
...
"How troublesome."
From the ceiling, the Wanderer looked down at the sleeping Baek Sugyeong, guarded by Kang Yupyeong. Descending like a gecko, he struck Kang Yupyeong's unconscious acupoint.
Kang Yupyeong collapsed silently.
"Who…?"
Baek Sugyeong stirred.
A heavy metallic voice pressed against his chest.
"You need to sleep."
"Who are you—!"
A fist slammed into Baek Sugyeong's stomach. The Wanderer sealed his mute acupoint.
"I should hurry."
Wrapping both of them in concealment, he vanished.
...
As he crossed the rear garden wall—
A terrifying sword energy like moonlight descended.
Clang!
His armored right arm was exposed.
"Ugh."
A woman stepped forward, her beauty like carved ice. A star-shaped ornament swayed from her sword.
"Damn it… a Namgung woman!"
Jade Sword Flower — Namgung Somin.
Her gaze fixed on Baek Sugyeong.
"Put him down, assassin."
"I've been discovered…!"
"Refuse, and I'll cut you down."
Golden killing intent gleamed in her eyes.
...
'Damn it…'
Despite his Armor-Shattering Gauntlet, her blade was untouched.
"A master!"
Her aura roared like storm clouds.
'Supreme realm… at her age?'
She moved.
"Ha!"
Thunder followed her blade.
Bang!
"Heavenly Thunder Emperor Divine Art?!"
His concealment tore apart.
She stared coldly.
"Shadow-Exchanging Body Concealment."
Golden Thunder Eyes burned.
'She recognized the Night Emperor's Ten Arts…!'
He measured the distance.
'I can't use Violent Spirit Soul Refinement… I can't die here.'
...
Her sword descended like a falling star.
"Running away so cowardly!"
"I am an assassin."
"Calling me cowardly is the highest compliment."
He fled.
Black shadows surged.
"Worthless tricks!!"
Golden lightning erupted.
Suppress the Shaking.
Crash!
The wall crumbled.
Blood poured from his severed arm—
Yet Baek Sugyeong was unharmed.
"Heh… were you planning to crush Sugyeong with me?"
"What—?!"
"Hup!"
Black fog exploded.
"Concealment—!"
Black Mist Bomb.
He vanished.
...
Namgung Somin stared at the bloodstains.
"I won't let you escape."
Golden flames burned in her eyes.
She leaped into the night.
---
📚 Author's Note:
Thanks to The_Therapist for the 1 Power Stone!
🐧