In a quiet teahouse with no other patrons, six young people sat together.
They were Bu Eunseol, Hyeok Sojin, the Zhuge siblings, and the Hwangbo brothers.
“So…” Bu Eunseol spoke, breaking his silence after listening to Zhuge Seoun’s explanation. “The Zhuge, Moyong, and Hwangbo Clans have joined forces to personally deal with the Mad Soul Physician who has reappeared.”
The Zhuge, Moyong, and Hwangbo Sects.
Among the Eight Great Sects, these three were the most active in the martial world and maintained close ties with one another. Thus, upon hearing of the Mad Soul Physician’s return, they had swiftly united to form a pursuit team.
‘As expected.’ Bu Eunseol nodded faintly, as if he had anticipated this. The Zhuge Sect, in particular, never failed to appear in the martial world whenever trouble arose.
Bu Eunseol had noticed the Six Harmonies Fan at Zhuge Seoun’s waist in the inn, immediately recognizing him as a member of the Zhuge Sect. He had surmised they were out in the martial world to hunt the Mad Soul Physician.
“But how do you plan to catch the elusive Mad Soul Physician?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“Our clans, including mine, have already tracked down his trail,” Zhuge Seoun replied.
“His trail,” Bu Eunseol repeated, his expression skeptical.
Sipping his tea, Zhuge Seoun continued, his phoenix-like eyes glinting. “Of course, the Mad Soul Physician is a master of evasion. He’s well aware that the elders of our three clans are pursuing him.” After another sip, he added, “He’ll likely slip through blocked escape routes to evade the pursuit. That’s why we’ve united to track his movements.”
Bu Eunseol let out a low hum.
Zhuge Seoun called it “tracking his movements,” but the meaning was clear. They intended to outmaneuver the pursuit teams sent by the three clans and deal with the Mad Soul Physician themselves.
“But why ask us to join you?” Bu Eunseol asked, puzzled.
To hunt the Mad Soul Physician, three of the Eight Great Clans had already united. With such overwhelming forces, there was no reason to involve outsiders.
“Both you, Young Master Bu, and Young Master Hyeok possess exceptional martial skills and a strong sense of chivalry,” Zhuge Seoun said with a cough and a smile. “Most would have focused solely on defeating the river pirates, but you prioritized the safety of the civilians.”
He gave a faint smile. “I believe the most important thing in the martial world is the path of chivalry. Only those with such a mindset can defeat a vile demon like him.” Looking between Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin, he continued, “Moreover, you two are indifferent to fame and wealth. Despite your pivotal role in defeating the pirates, you left quietly without seeking recognition.”
“You need us just for our sense of chivalry?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“Of course not. Chivalry is merely the foundation.”
“The foundation,” Bu Eunseol echoed, a smile tugging at his lips. “If you’re truly determined to catch him without greed, why go out of your way? Wouldn’t it be better to request additional forces for the suspected escape routes and deal with the Mad Soul Physician that way?”
“Of course, part of our motive is to gain fame,” Zhuge Seoun admitted frankly. “We’re not entirely without ambition.”
He paused, sighing, then shook his head. “But the fact that the three clans’ elders have united spread too quickly. As a master of evasion, the Mad Soul Physician is fully aware he’s being pursued by three pursuit teams.” He continued, “He’ll definitely slip through. We advised forming a new pursuit team or splitting the three teams to block all possible escape routes, but… our suggestions were ignored.”
In short, the elders of the three clans had dismissed their ideas, so the young talents decided to take matters into their own hands to capture the Mad Soul Physician.
‘They’re underestimating his strength.’ Based on Nine Deaths Squad intelligence, the Mad Soul Physician’s skills far surpassed what was publicly known, having reached the supreme level long ago.
Yet they were chasing him based on mere rumors? ‘Or they’re overconfident in their own abilities.’
“Of course, the Mad Soul Physician might be stronger than rumored,” Zhuge Seoun said, as if reading Bu Eunseol’s thoughts. “That’s why we tried to recruit the Heavenly Will Scholar, a friend of mine and Brother Hwangbo’s, but he’s gone to Yunnan.”
“The Heavenly Will Scholar?” Bu Eunseol tilted his head, unfamiliar with the name.
“His martial activities are so discreet that his fame isn’t widely known,” Zhuge Seoun explained. “But he’s a master from the Wudang Sect.”
“A Wudang disciple?”
“Yes, a lay disciple, but he’s deeply versed in Taichi Swordsmanship and possesses exceptional intellect.”
Zhuge Seoun had hoped to recruit the Heavenly Will Scholar, a master comparable to the Moyong Clan’s elites, to safely deal with the Mad Soul Physician.
“The Mad Soul Physician’s Bone-Piercing Blade Technique is filled with ruthless killing moves, likely to unleash unexpected power,” Zhuge Seoun said with a serious expression. “That’s why we wanted the Heavenly Will Scholar to prepare for any unforeseen situations, but since he’s in Yunnan, we were at a loss.”
Pausing to sip his tea, he continued, “Then we saw your exceptional martial skills on the ship. Meeting Young Masters Bu and Hyeok, who rival the Heavenly Will Scholar, feels like fate.”
Possessing chivalry, indifference to fame and wealth, and exceptional martial prowess. From Zhuge Seoun’s perspective, as someone tasked with hunting the Mad Soul Physician, these two were an opportunity he couldn’t let slip.
“Young Master Bu,” Zhuge Seoun said with conviction. “Will you join us?”
‘Perfect.’ Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
In truth, he had allowed Zhuge Seoun’s approach because he suspected they might have information about the Mad Soul Physician’s whereabouts. And now they were offering to lead him straight to the enemy? It couldn’t get any better.
“Let’s do it.”
“Thank you!” Zhuge Seoun beamed, clasping his hands.
The Hwangbo brothers, however, stood silently with displeased expressions.
“Rin,” Zhuge Seoun said, ignoring their unease and turning to Zhuge Seorin. “Since Young Masters Bu and Hyeok have agreed to join, explain the current situation.”
“Yes.” She spread a detailed map of the Guangxi region on the table. “The pursuit teams from the three clans are currently chasing the Mad Soul Physician beyond the Sa’eunbu area. We plan to rendezvous with Young Master Moyong Kyung, the second son of the Moyong Clan, here.”
Zhuge Seorin spoke cautiously. “After joining Young Master Moyong, we’ll wait at the pass of Wuzhong Mountain, where we predict the Mad Soul Physician will appear.”
“The Mad Soul Physician will come to Wuzhong Mountain?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“If our predictions are correct,” Zhuge Seorin replied with a smile, brightening the teahouse.
At that moment, the Hwangbo brothers’ mouths curled into wide grins. ‘They’re interested in more than just the mission,’ Bu Eunseol noted, observing that the Hwangbo brothers likely had ulterior motives for joining.
“Then let’s…” Zhuge Seoun stood, brimming with energy. “Set out!”
***
Two carriages raced along the official road.
One carried the Zhuge siblings and Hwangbo brothers, the other Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin.
“Hmph,” Hyeok Sojin let out a deep sigh, his face full of dissatisfaction. “This whole thing feels off.”
“What do you mean?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“Can you call this the martial path… or even a fight?” Hyeok Sojin said, crossing his arms. “Sure, he’s a vile demon who deserves to die, but hunting him down like a pack of hunters chasing a beast? It doesn’t sit right with me.”
Since venturing into the martial world with Bu Eunseol, he had always fought life-or-death battles from a disadvantage. But now, they were joining a group to overpower a single target, which left him discontent.
“I told you before,” Bu Eunseol said calmly, seeing through Hyeok Sojin’s thoughts. “Intense battles aren’t the only way to grow as a martial artist. Diverse experiences can also advance your martial arts.”
“Well… that’s true,” Hyeok Sojin admitted, about to retort but falling silent under Bu Eunseol’s gaze.
He looked like a younger brother swallowing his words before a stern elder. Seeing this, Bu Eunseol was reminded of Black Leopard, who was likely training in martial arts at Dongpyoseorang. With his exceptional talent and diligence, Black Leopard’s martial progress was surely advancing rapidly.
“And no need to worry,” Bu Eunseol said, staring at Hyeok Sojin with a meaningful tone. “There’s no guarantee we’ll have the upper hand in this fight.”
“What?”
“Despite being pursued by three pursuit teams from the Eight Great Clans, he hasn’t been caught. Perhaps…”
“Whoa, whoa!” The coachman’s low shout interrupted.
The carriage stopped at a modest manor slightly outside Buzhong. This was Falling Star Manor, where Moyong Kyung, the second son of the Moyong Clan, was to join them.
“Brother Zhuge,” a handsome young man emerged from the manor, dressed in ornate clothing with decorative earrings.
It was Moyong Kyung, the second son of the Moyong Clan and one of the Seven Heroes and Three Geniuses, known as the Flash Flying Sword.
“Brother Moyong,” Zhuge Seoun greeted warmly, along with the Hwangbo brothers.
But when Moyong Kyung saw Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin approaching, he blinked, his eyes filled with wariness.
“Who are they…?”
Sensing his caution, Zhuge Seoun quickly explained, “The Heavenly Will Scholar broke his promise. These are Young Masters Bu Eunseol and his sworn brother, Young Master Hyeok Sojin, joining in his place.”
Moyong Kyung’s expression soured. Not only were their names unfamiliar, but their auras seemed unremarkable.
“Even so, you’re bringing strangers into this?” he asked.
“Not strangers,” Zhuge Seoun replied. “On our way here, Young Masters Bu and Hyeok…”
Zhuge Seoun elaborately described their prowess and chivalry in swiftly defeating the Gyoryung Band pirates. But Moyong Kyung’s expression didn’t soften.
Zhuge Seoun, with a serious look, explained further. “The Mad Soul Physician has roamed the martial world for over a decade, evading pursuit from both orthodox and demonic factions.” Staring into Moyong Kyung’s eyes, he continued, “His strength may be greater than rumored, so we need to bolster our forces to subdue him without issue.”
“But can you call them elite just because they defeated some pirates?” Moyong Kyung asked cautiously, clearly looking down on Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin.
Flustered, Zhuge Seoun lowered his voice. “Even if they’re not, they can at least buy us time.”
Moyong Kyung still looked skeptical, and Zhuge Seoun wiped the sweat from his brow, worried that Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin might take offense and leave. But despite hearing the entire conversation, the two showed no reaction.
‘Their character is impeccable. Truly remarkable!’ Zhuge Seoun mistakenly thought their silence stemmed from patience and refined character. The reality was entirely different.
“Brother Bu, another frog in the well has appeared, hasn’t it?”
“Be quiet.”
“Aren’t you being too selective? With another frog in the well, shouldn’t you give him a stern lesson?”
Unfazed by Moyong Kyung, the two were casually exchanging voice transmissions, engaging in trivial banter.
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