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Chapter 10: Azure Forest's Token (1)
Chapter 10: Azure Forest's Token (1)
Chapter 10: Azure Forest's Token (1)
In this world, there are many martial masters. Yet, only a few surpass the human limit to be called superhumans.
Among such superhumans, a few are particularly notable. In the orthodox Murim, there would be people like the abbot of Shaolin, or the Sword Emperor of the Wudang Sect. Among them, there was the Forest Lord of Azure Forest.
The sect led by this Forest Lord was the very Azure Forest.
Though they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nine Sects One Gang, meeting them while wandering around Jianghu was not easy. Only members of the sect recognized for their skills could leave the forest. They also stayed out of power struggles between sects. Despite being a major sect, they maintained a sense of mystery.
Thus, it was surprising to hear that the Immortal Divine Sword had a connection with the Azure Forest.
?Reading many books is good, but the real world lies outside those books. Those from Azure Forest are also humans and move around just the same. I once stayed in Azure Forest.?
‘I’ve never heard of this.’
?…I didn’t mention it to the clan. At that time, I obliged to their request. They needed a strong martial artist like me.?
Yi-gang recalled what he knew. Even during the time when the Immortal Divine Sword was alive, the Azure Forest was powerful.
Yet, they had to seek help from an outsider?
However, the Immortal Divine Sword did not elaborate further.
?What I received in return back then was a token. They said if I ever presented this token, they’d fulfill a favor.?
Hearing this, it was clear that this token was more precious than any treasure. After all, it carried the promise of Azure Forest.
‘One question, why did you hide the token somewhere else and not in the clan?’
?It wasn’t an item that could be left in a common place. Once you see it, you’ll understand. So, my descendant, don’t be too picky.?
It was said that the Immortal Divine Sword sealed the token inside a shrine in Xi’an.
The shrine was located in a busy pedestrian street where many people roamed.
“Brother, should we head this way?”
Yi-gang looked back at Baek Ha-jun, who was sipping on some candied fruits.
Compared to a little earlier, Ha-jun looked quite disheveled now. His hair was unkempt, mud smeared across his face, and his clothes were dirty. A cloth was wrapped around his jewel-studded sword, making him look every bit the beggar.
He seemed a bit down until he was treated to the sweets. Now he looked more spirited.
“So, is it good?”
“Yes.”
Listening to him, Baek Ha-jun revealed that it was his first time out in the city alone. Hence, he was busy looking around and admiring the surroundings as if he just came from the countryside.
“…Oh, thinking about it, my clothes have become this dirty. What will I do when I return to the clan?”
“You think about that now?”
Yi-gang laughed. Though Yi-gang might not have realized it, if Ha-jun left the clan’s premises, he would inevitably be found out. Therefore, he had left a letter in advance so that the clan members would not be too shocked.
“It’s always been easier to commit a deed and then seek forgiveness rather than getting permission beforehand. Maybe you’ll get a few hits with a whip, but that’s about it.”
“A whip…”
“Have you never been scolded before?”
Baek Ha-jun’s face turned a shade of red, clearly showing his fear of being scolded.
After all, unlike Yi-gang, Baek Ha-jun was a model child.
“Don’t worry. I’ll tell them I forced you to come with me.”
“Brother… then you’ll get scolded again.”
“It’s okay. I’m used to it.”
Yi-gang shoved another one of the sweets into Baek Ha-jun’s mouth, who seemed about to get emotional.
Leading Baek Ha-jun, Yi-gang navigated through the bustling street.
The Immortal Divine Sword tried to recall the way and guided them.
?There used to be a pond over there, and, hmm, the government office of the local chief was in that direction, so surely it should be this way.?
‘Didn’t you mention a shrine? We seem to be heading towards the commercial district.’
?That shrine was dedicated to the God of Wealth. It’s only natural that commerce flourished nearby.?
Hiding the token of Azure Forest in a shrine for the God of Wealth was indeed strange.
“Brother, you seem to know the way really well.”
To Baek Ha-jun, Yi-gang’s navigation based on the guidance of the Immortal Divine Sword must have seemed magical.
“Do you think it’s really there… the relic of the Immortal Divine Sword.”
“It’s the place where I lived, and it used to be the manor where he resided. I clearly read about it in a book from there.”
“Do you think it’s alright if we don’t inform the elders or father?”
“What if someone steals it while we’re notifying them?”
Yi-gang gave Baek Ha-jun such an excuse.
“We should secure it ourselves.”
“…Right, after all, it’s the relic of the Immortal Divine Sword.”
Baek Ha-jun looked expectant. Ever since the name of the Immortal Divine Sword was mentioned, he had been like this.
“Do you admire him?”
“Of course I admire him… There hasn’t been such a great martial artist in our clan’s history.”
“Well… sure.”
Although Yi-gang was a bit grumpy, the Immortal Divine Sword burst into hearty laughter.
?Hahaha! That lad is indeed very different from his brother, so bright-eyed!?
‘Would you please focus on the path?’
?Don’t rush me, I remember it now. Turn right from over there.?
The Immortal Divine Sword eventually recalled the location of the God of Wealth’s shrine.
However, when Yi-gang and Baek Ha-jun followed its guidance and arrived, what awaited them was not a shrine.
“What is this…”
There was not the dignified stone statue of the God of Wealth nor even the incense that passing merchants would light and leave behind.
Instead, there stood a magnificent restaurant five stories high. Rather than the scent of incense, the aroma of food wafted in the air.
“…Is the relic of the Immortal Divine Sword in that building?”
“…”
Yi-gang remained silent, staring intently at the restaurant building.
‘Is this the place?’
?Hmm, there’s no doubt about it. It seems that over 100 years is indeed enough time for the landscape to change.?
‘It seems as though the shrine might have been completely bulldozed.’
?That’s not the case.?
The Immortal Divine Sword rose in mid-air, taking a deep breath as if smelling something.
?Both the shrine and its marker are undoubtedly inside there.?
‘How can you be so certain?’
?Those who built such a colossal restaurant out of greed wouldn’t dare to destroy the God of Wealth’s shrine.?
Yi-gang looked up at the signboard.
‘Greatest Gold Tower.’
With a name that seemed obsessed with wealth, it did seem plausible that they might have preserved the shrine.
“Let’s go in.”
“We’re really going into that restaurant?”
Baek Ha-jun seemed taken aback, perhaps thinking Yi-gang would suggest turning back. However, there was no intention of retreating now.
Having once secretly left the clan, getting penalized was inevitable. He might not even be able to meet with Baek Ha-jun afterward, and there would be no opportunity until someone from Azure Forest arrived.
“We must.”
As Yi-gang was about to enter through the main gate, he hesitated.
A burly man guarding the entrance of the building was glaring at them with narrowed eyes.
“Hey, you beggars. Scram! There’s no food for you here!”
Both Yi-gang and Ha-jun looked like beggars. The disguise was meant to be inconspicuous while traveling with children. If they’d known, they might have worn their original silk clothes.
?The place likely to have the shrine is obvious; it’s probably somewhere on the first floor.?
‘With a building of that scale, there might even be an indoor garden.’
?How shall we enter? I recommend searching for a back door, climbing the wall, and sneaking in. It reminds me of when I infiltrated the Evil Cult.?
As Yi-gang stood still, the gatekeeper shouted again.
“You brat, are you deaf?”
“Hmm…”
Ignoring the man, Yi-gang took a quick glance at Ha-jun. Then, with a sigh, he nudged Ha-jun.
“Hey. Eyes.”
Baek Ha-jun had a cold glare, gripping the cloth on his sword tightly. He seemed ready to strike the gatekeeper who insulted Yi-gang at any moment.
“You have until the count of three to disappear. Shoo! Now, one, twooo…!”
Oblivious to the threat to his life, the man began counting. Regardless, Yi-gang whispered to Ha-jun.
“Don’t draw your sword impulsively. Only pull it out when I tell you to. I think there won’t be any need to draw it today.”
“Go, twooo—!”
Yi-gang playfully ruffled Ha-jun’s hair and looked back at the gatekeeper.
“Why are you glaring? Oneeee…!”
Then, Yi-gang took something from his pocket and flicked it. It hit the man’s nose and fell into his hand.
“Ouch! What’s this… huh?”
What Yi-gang threw was a shining piece of jewelry. It was a silver coin, the size of a fingernail.
“…How did a kid like you get this?”
Various emotions crossed the gatekeeper’s face: immediate greed and suspicion as to why a boy looking like a beggar would have a silver coin.
Just as he was about to confront Yi-gang, demanding where he got the coin from,
“What are you doing? Show us in.”
“That…”
Yi-gang’s demeanor suddenly changed.
Having driven away little beggars several times before, the man inadvertently stiffened.
“Bring a good room, rich food, and precious liquor. Isn’t that your job?”
Yi-gang walked over and stood in front of the man.
Only then did the man realize that even Yi-gang’s walk was far from ordinary. Even the children of noble clans, who often visited the restaurant, did not carry themselves with such grace.
Standing right in front of the paralyzed man due to an unknown pressure, Yi-gang slowly swung his sword, wrapped in cloth.
“Uh!”
The hard hilt of the sword tapped the man’s lips. A small cut appeared, and blood oozed out.
“You barbarian.”
“…”
Somehow, the man felt he deserved it. Perhaps that was why he could not avoid the slow movement.
“Or would you like to cut off those insolent lips now and apologize for your rudeness?”
“No, no, I will do as you ask.”
The man bowed to Yi-gang, sweat dripping from his forehead. His experience working as the gatekeeper of a high-end restaurant had shaped him this way.
It happened from time to time. Individuals, especially martial artists, whose origins were far from ordinary despite their appearance.
Following the man’s lead, Yi-gang entered the restaurant.
The gatekeeper, notorious for his nasty temper, personally escorted the seemingly ragged boys, attracting people’s attention. However, Yi-gang walked without showing any signs of intimidation.
?That brat is acting quite mighty for his age.?
‘The people in such places surely know how to gauge someone’s worth.’
?Heh, heh. Sly as a snake.?
It seemed as if the Immortal Divine Sword was hoping that Yi-gang would casually enter the restaurant, but he had no such intention.
Receiving curious glances from both customers and servers, Yi-gang secured the best private room on the first floor.
It was right next to an indoor garden with a preserved shrine.
The server’s face brightened upon receiving Yi-gang’s order. It was because a silver coin had just slipped out of Yi-gang’s sleeve moments earlier.
“What is the dish that this establishment is most proud of?”
“Our specialty is soup filled yellowfish, a soup made from well-cooked, plump yellowfish.”
“Prepare that and roast a duck for me.”
“Hee-hee. I’ll arrange it right away.”
“No, hold off on that. I have a long conversation to share with my brother. Bring the food after about two hours.”
The server also realized earlier on that these seemingly ragged boys were more than met the eye. Bowing courteously to him, Yi-gang instructed.
“Until then, do not allow anyone into the room.”
“Understood, sir.”
The server pocketed an additional silver coin with a broad grin before making his exit.
Not long after the server left, Yi-gang suddenly rose from his seat.
“Let’s go.”
“…Huh?”
But Baek Ha-jun remained seated, clearly startled.
“But the food hasn’t arrived yet.”
“I purposely asked them to bring the food later to buy us some time.”
Embarrassed, Baek Ha-jun got up.
“Ah, r-right.”
“Good grief.”
Although his younger brother was renowned not only for his martial talent but also for his intelligence, he had a certain naive aspect.
Yi-gang cautiously opened the door and scoped out the surroundings.
Fortunately, their private room was located in a quiet spot, and the shrine was right in front of it.
Without needing to employ any light footwork techniques to avoid notice, he approached the shrine with quiet steps.
The shrine, about the size of a small room, looked very old at first glance. Inside, there should be a statue of the God of Wealth and some ancestral tablets, but the door was closed. In front of it, an incense burner held several half-burned sticks of incense.
“Let’s go in now.”
Yi-gang opened the door and confidently stepped into the shrine’s interior. Inside was a statue of the God of Wealth, Guan Yu.
Baek Ha-jun examined the interior with a tense expression. It just looked like an old shrine.
“You said the relics of the Immortal Divine Sword are in here?”
“Right below here.”
Yi-gang raised his finger and pointed to the floor.
“It was written that it’s underground.”
However, it merely looked like an ordinary wooden floor; there was no apparent staircase or door leading down.
?Look behind the statue.?
Following the Immortal Divine Sword’s advice, Yi-gang inspected the back of the Guan Yu statue. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary stone statue. But as his gaze traveled downward, Yi-gang’s eyes sparkled.
There was a notably worn and shiny spot on the statue’s heel.
?Pull it.?
As Yi-gang grasped and pulled on that part, surprisingly, a chain emerged with a distinctive feeling of something catching.
Grinding noises followed—
Along with the sound of stone being scraped, a hole large enough for a person appeared in what had seemed like a solid floor.
“Whoa…!”
Baek Ha-jun gasped in awe.
“How could there be something like this…”
The fact that there was such a mechanism meant it was never an ordinary shrine. Ha-jun’s gaze towards Yi-gang was filled with an even deeper admiration.
?The one who should be respected isn’t this guy but me…!?
“Let’s go in.”
Ignoring the Immortal Divine Sword’s remark, Yi-gang intended to enter the hole.
“No, brother, I’ll go in first.”
Baek Ha-jun stopped him. Ha-jun drew his sword, gripping it firmly, and stepped forward.
?That might be the better choice. The mechanism is old and might malfunction, but that kid can surely avoid any danger.?
Though Yi-gang had explained that there might be a trap, Baek Ha-jun’s stance was resolute.
“…Be careful. We don’t know what might be there.”
“Okay.”
Baek Ha-jun took a torch lit inside the shrine and jumped into the hole. His movements showed no hesitation, and when he landed, only a faint noise was heard.
“Is there anything?”
“It’s a bit dark for a moment…”
That’s when it happened.
From the hole in the floor, Baek Ha-jun cried out desperately.
“Ah! Big Bro—!”
Yi-gang quickly rose to his feet, drawing his sword.
“No, no, bro, brother!”
It seemed something was so shocking that Baek Ha-jun mistakenly used the less formal term for “brother.”
Yi-gang dove into the hole even faster than Baek Ha-jun. There was not even a moment for the Immortal Divine Sword to follow.
Unlike Baek Ha-jun, when Yi-gang fell, not even a hint of noise was made.
?Really.?
The Immortal Divine Sword chuckled softly. Yi-gang’s movement was as swift as a gust of wind.
?Has he further mastered the art of light-footedness in the meantime? An impressive fellow.?
Unable to hold back his praise, the Immortal Divine Sword followed Yi-gang into the hole.