The life of an assassin is no different from performing acrobatics on a blade. The moment they become careless and make a mistake, they can easily lose their life.
This is no different for the Hundred Wraith Union assassins. Even if they’re known to be great assassins who are feared by many, death was inevitable.
Requests that exceed one’s capabilities always endanger the assassins. In fact many had died by accepting requests that went beyond their competence. Whenever this happens, the Hundred Wraith Union would promote their internally raised assassins.
The Hundred Wraith Union always thought they were the best. They pride themselves that no other assassin can dare compare to the Hundred Wraith Union. However, there were cases where they would recruit assassins from the outside.
This happens when it’s impossible for them to promote a homegrown assassin due to some kind of problem, or when an external person had capabilities that exceeded expectations.
“The last time we recruited an assassin from outside was eighty-nine years ago. This is a really great opportunity. If you come to the Hundred Wraith Union, you will get a powerful background.”
Hong Ye-seol’s face was red hot. She unknowingly revealed her emotional agitation because she was focused on the man in front of her.
However, Pyo-wol’s reply was beyond her expectations.
“You didn’t seem to care much about the dead. So why care about the person who killed him?”
“Baekrok died because of his lack of ability. You’re different so you get special treatment.”
“That’s enough.”
“Don’t turn down my offer just like that. Think about it one more time. This is a really good opportunity.”
“You’re being clingy.”
“Because you’re special.”
Hong Ye-seol laughed bashfully.
She looked so innocent. But Pyo-wol knew very well that her appearance was just a pretense. Everything about her, may it be her expression, eyes, or breathing, was a lie.
To accomplish her goal, she would easily discard her true nature and present herself with a false appearance.
That’s what an assassin is like.
Hong Ye-seol loosened the clasps on her chin and said,
“My proposal is valid for the time being. So think carefully.”
“Did you come all the way here to Runan to make that offer to me?”
“No way. It’s just a coincidence that I met you here.”
“Then why are you here?”
“You already know, don’t you? For people like us, secrecy is life.”
Hong Ye-seol winked and then stood up.
“Aren’t you going to stay here?”
“I was supposed to, but you’re here. You know how weird it is for people of the same industry to stay in the same guest house.”
“…..”
“Oh, before we go, I’ll give you a present.”
“A present?”
“I tried to get it, but I don’t need it anymore.”
She took out a yellow booklet from her bosom and threw it in front of Pyo-wol.
Strength Grinding Demonic Martial Arts.
“Did you steal this from the Wudang sect?”
“That’s right.”
“Why are you giving this to me?”
“I retrieved this for my client but he died. I have no use for it anymore.”
“Why didn’t you learn it?”
“What’s the use of learning martial arts that don’t match with my nature? I looked through it once, but if I make one mistake, I could easily end up losing my mind.”
“Why give this to me then? Are you saying it’s okay for me to go crazy?”
“If you’re uncomfortable with it, then return it to the Wudang sect. It’s a gift anyway. You can think of it as a bribe.”
“Bribe for what?”
“Well…”
Hong Ye-seol left with an ambiguous smile.
Pyo-wol also returned to the outbuilding with the booklet.
Tak!
He threw the booklet he had brought on the table.
The title of the booklet, Strength Grinding Demonic Martial Arts, sounded ominous.
Pyo-wol turned over the pages one by one.
As Hong Ye-seol said, the Strength Grinding Demonic Martial Arts was a demonic art full of madness. If learned incorrectly, then a heart demon would eat away his mind, causing him to go on a rampage.
It was an unnecessary item for those who needed a cool-headed reason like an assassin. So it’s understandable why Hong Ye-seol did not choose to learn the Strength Grinding Demonic Martial Arts.
Hong Ye-seol said that she gave it to Pyo-wol because she didn’t need it. But just as she didn’t need it, it was also useless to Pyo-wol.
After reading all the pages, Pyo-wol’s conclusion was that it would be worthwhile to learn it. Since some aspects could be incorporated into the Way of the Hungry Ghost.
The Way of the Hungry Ghost is a martial art that goes beyond common sense. To some extent, it was in line with the Strength Grinding Demonic Martial Arts. But other than that, it was useless to Pyo-wol.
Tak!
Pyo-wol closed the booklet, and wrinkled the tip of his nose.
A faint scent wafted from the booklet.
A foreign scent, not the usual smell of an old booklet.
It was an artificial scent that only people with sensitive senses could smell.
“Would you look at this?”
A cold smile crept across Pyo-wol’s lips.
What flowed out of the booklet was a special scent called the Thousand Miles Chasing Incense.1
The Thousand Miles Chasing Incense had a unique characteristic smell that could not easily be erased.
Only a few warriors could smell the Thousand Miles Chasing Incense. Furthermore, those who are not familiar with the smell would never be able to detect it even if the scent of the incense is right next to them.
Pyo-wol is an exception.
His senses had long since transcended humans. In particular, his sense of smell had reached a level where he could smell what others usually cannot.
Hong Ye-seol cutely pretended to be kind when she gave him the booklet. However, it was a trick so she would be able to find Pyo-wol at any time.
If Pyo-wol moves with the booklet carrying the scent of the Thousand Miles Chasing Incense, then Hong Ye-Seol could easily grasp all of his movements.
As expected, assassins are not trustworthy people.
They would always try to get what they want by deceiving their opponent like this.
“If she came to Runan, then her objective must be related to the Jin family and Snow Sword Manor.”
It takes more than 10 days to arrive at Runan from Wudang Mountain. She wouldn’t have traveled this far without a purpose.
It was obvious that she had received a request from someone.
The question is, who commissioned her?
It was clear that his relationship with her would be reestablished depending on whether she is affiliated with the Jin family or the Snow Sword Manor.
Pyo-wol looked at the Strength Grinding Demonic Martial Arts for a long time.
His worries continued until late at night.
* * *
Pyo-wol left the inn early in the morning.
The horse seemed to be full of energy, perhaps because it had been well rested.
Pyo-wol got on the horse and said,
“Let’s go!”
The horse quickly left Runan and headed for Tianzhongshan.
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