Squeak, squeak.

The boat touched the wharf.

"Welcome, I'm Woo Junghwan, the escort captain responsible for the Chamber Leader's security at the Minglun Chamber."

Before anyone from the Tang Family could disembark, a middle-aged martial artist who had been waiting bowed in greeting.

He had deliberately put deep hats with veils on Meng Serling and Sanghui to use later.

Fortunately, Woo Junghwan, not recognizing Meng Serling, glanced at the accompanying martial artists and greeted them without suspicion.

Also, since he had changed Yu Seong-yeon's clothes, no one would suspect him of being a Taoist.

"I am Cheonyeong, the Family Head of the Tang Family."

"I've heard much about you. My heart swells meeting the young hero who's been making Sichuan buzz these days."

"I've heard more praise than I deserve."

"More than you deserve? All of Sichuan knows you surpassed the Ghost Hand."

"It was just good fortune."

"Fortune is also skill. I only hope for an opportunity to learn from you someday."

"If the opportunity arises."

Cheonyeong smiled brightly.

He had worried somewhat on the way to Neijiang.

How would the Minglun Chamber respond? How should he handle it?

Why would the unorthodox faction be called unorthodox for nothing?

Just in case, he had armed the Green Warrior Unit that came with him excessively.

With Danya's new weapons.

But seeing how Woo Junghwan was responding, it seemed his worry was unnecessary.

Treating him with courtesy and... wait?

Cheonyeong's steps, just as he was disembarking, stopped short.

"In any case, there was an unfortunate incident at our main branch, so I'm sorry we're meeting like this."

"...I understand."

"Shall we go? The Chamber Leader is waiting for you at the reception hall."

"Of course."

Cheonyeong, who had stepped forward, spoke to Woo Junghwan while observing his surroundings.

"The wharf is quite large."

"Is it?"

"Yes, it's quite different from Wonggin Wharf. It seems like dozens of boats could be docked here."

"It can't be helped. Unlike the Tang Family, which pursues profit through various methods, we focus solely on the wharf."

"I see. There are many workers, and I've heard the boats are well-maintained."

"Our martial artists also come out to help with the work."

"It certainly looks that way."

Cheonyeong nodded at Woo Junghwan's words and laughed.

Yes, quite a lot of martial artists.

But why do they all have such sharp killing intent?

From the moment his feet touched the wharf.

Cheonyeong looked around as if sightseeing, carefully observing the killing intent lingering in the surroundings.

Martial artists, after long training, naturally develop sharp killing intent like a blade.

But these people's killing intent wasn't that sharp.

What was suspicious wasn't just the men dressed as Minglun Chamber martial artists.

The laborers with loose fronts carrying cargo, the pilots helping with boat mooring, even the boatmen.

Though their clothes differed, the atmosphere they emanated was uniform.

Killing intent.

The kind that arises when harboring the intention to kill someone.

Such killing intent reached his skin, raising goosebumps.

A smile concealing a blade.

It refers to smiling outwardly while harboring only schemes to harm the other party.

Woo Junghwan was smiling with courtesy toward him, while the wharf people, harboring killing intent, were closely watching the Tang Family.

Foolish bastards.

Setting such a trap for a former assassin like himself.

Or should he say that without the experience of an assassin, it would have been difficult to notice the trap?

Indeed, one shouldn't trust unorthodox faction bastards, or rather, martial artists in general.

"Escort Captain."

"Yes?"

"If you don't mind, could I look around a bit?"

"Look around?"

"Yes, I know it's not ideal. I know the Chamber Leader is waiting, but since I'm in the position of just establishing and building my family, I want to learn when I see good things."

"Ah, I see. Then perhaps after meeting the Chamber Leader, I could guide you..."

"Sigh, I'm sorry to keep the Chamber Leader waiting. What should I do?"

"Yes? What do you mean?"

"Since I'm at an age overflowing with youthful vigor, if I don't do something when I think of it, my mind stays confused and I can't concentrate well. I'm worried I might have wandering thoughts when meeting the Chamber Leader."

At Cheonyeong's subtle words, Woo Junghwan, with a troubled expression, thought for a moment before nodding.

"Then, let's do that. I'll guide you."

"Yes."

"This way... Family Head?"

Though Woo Junghwan led the way as he intended, Cheonyeong, who already had a target in mind, had no intention of following obediently.

"Oh? They load cargo in an interesting way here."

Cheonyeong moved his steps toward where the laborers were carrying cargo.

"Family Head, this way..."

"This is good. With cargo tied this way, it would be sturdy. The goods would be well protected."

At Cheonyeong's unexpected behavior, Woo Junghwan broke into a cold sweat.

The laborers also seemed flustered, moving busily.

As if hiding something.

But he had already seen it.

Weapons hidden here and there among the cargo.

Cheonyeong, dropping his pretense, walked around the wharf looking around.

Beside cargo, under tree shade.

Every time Cheonyeong's steps reached a location, Woo Junghwan beside him visibly flinched.

Flinching then relieved, flinching then relieved again.

Kehehehe.

The fun of teasing was quite satisfying.

"This really has much to teach. History and tradition don't come from nowhere, as they say. I feel like I'm opening my eyes today. Hahaha!"

"I'm glad you think so."

"But why so much sweat?"

"Yes? Ah, I've caught a cold."

"Oh no! So you haven't been able to rest because I suddenly arrived?"

"No, no. Don't worry, I'm fine."

"For martial artists, the body is their wealth. Please take care of your health."

"Thank you, Family Head."

As Cheonyeong patted his shoulder encouragingly, Woo Junghwan wiped his sweat and laughed awkwardly.

I'm worried. Very worried.

A man who escorts the master of a faction, yet so weak-hearted.

Would he even be able to properly wield a sword if he panics so easily?

Cheonyeong, hiding an ominous smile inside, turned to look at Sanghui and spoke in an authoritative tone.

"All of you, remember this sight well!"

"Yes!"

"You must never neglect learning and practice for the Tang Family's development."

"Yes! Family Head."

But internally, he was saying something different.

[Sanghui.]

[...Yes?]

[It's a trap.]

[Yes?!]

[Don't show it and listen carefully. Only I and Meng Serling go inside. Based on where the weapons are hidden, I think forming a circular formation centered on that tree would be good.]

[Damn bastards... understood.]

[However, leave Yu Seong-yeon alone. With his skills, he'll be able to thrash about on his own.]

[Yes.]

Having given detailed orders to Sanghui through sound transmission, Cheonyeong spoke with a smile.

"Well then, shall we go meet the Chamber Leader? I'm sorry for making him wait long with my stubbornness."

"Not at all. We'll provide you with separate time after the meeting."

"Oh, I'm grateful. What other precious learning could there be for someone managing a family? I'm moved by Escort Captain Woo's consideration."

"The reception hall is this way."

"Yes."

Cheonyeong answered vigorously and ordered his subordinates.

"You stay here. You must learn well and return."

"Understood."

Having given his orders, Cheonyeong followed Woo Junghwan with large strides toward the reception hall.

"Ah, I..."

At the hand pulling her sleeve, Meng Serling made a confused expression, but soon followed without complaint.

Cheonyeong and Meng Serling disappeared into the reception hall.

"Hey! Let's rest. What studying?"

Sanghui coaxed the Green Warrior Unit.

As soon as the Family Head disappeared, they started slacking off, and the Minglun Chamber martial artists nearby secretly smiled.

These kids...

If they're this thoughtless...

* * *

"Welcome!"

As Cheonyeong entered the reception hall, a well-built middle-aged man greeted him with a hearty laugh.

Minglun Chamber Leader Gu Yongtae.

He couldn't say the generous appearance was a good impression, but he could tell this was a cunning bastard who plotted traps despite his build.

Well then, let's hear what this guy has to say.

"I am Cheonyeong, Family Head of the Tang Family. It's truly an honor to meet a senior who's made a name for himself in southern Sichuan."

"Ha! The Tang Family Head is gilding his own face. Is there any place in Sichuan these days that's made a name for itself like the Tang Family?"

"It's just a fleeting reputation I've gained."

"Your modesty is excessive. Come, let's sit."

"Yes."

"You can leave now."

"Yes."

Gu Yongtae sent Woo Junghwan out.

There was probably something he was plotting, but Cheonyeong pretended not to notice.

"And who is this person?"

"Ah! She's one of my household members. Since she handles riverside operations, I brought her along to learn various things."

"I see, the woman is truly remarkable."

"Is there a difference between men and women in work? Simply, if someone has the ability, I place them in a fitting position. That's my family's management philosophy."

"Indeed, you're quite enlightened for your age. Our old elders at the chamber should learn this."

"You must have much experience from your years. I can't compare."

"Hahahaha!"

With awkward greetings, various words were exchanged.

Probably he needed time to prepare.

To perfect the trap.

He'd drop his mask soon.

Cheonyeong accepted Gu Yongtae's words one by one and waited and waited.

But for Meng Serling standing behind, it was only confusing.

A household member?

Why was he hiding her identity?

Hadn't he said he was using her as a hostage?

Meng Serling thought Cheonyeong was a person whose thoughts were utterly incomprehensible.

Meanwhile, the conversation continued.

And Cheonyeong didn't miss the reception hall door opening slightly and closing.

Suddenly?

That couldn't be.

It was definitely a signal.

That the trap was ready to be activated.

So now, was it his turn to move?

Cheonyeong smiled wickedly and placed both arms on the table, interlacing his fingers.

"Anyway, why don't you lift the inspection order?"

"That's not possible. A criminal who committed a grave crime at our main branch and fled. We must capture him."

"But it seems you haven't even caught his tail yet."

"We had intelligence that he was hiding on a boat."

"I see. But that target shouldn't be only the Tang Family's boat, right?"

"Haha, surely we didn't target only the Tang Family's boat?"

"That's what it looked like."

"Yes?"

"On the way, I had a brief conversation with the ship owners. They said the Minglun Chamber is letting all other boats pass but detaining only the Tang Family's boats. Wasn't that right?"

As his tone suddenly changed, Gu Yongtae's face contorted.

"You..."

"What? Why are you speaking informally?"

"..."

"Damn bastard."

At Cheonyeong's mockery, both Gu Yongtae and Meng Serling standing behind him looked surprised.

"A guy hiding a blade and waiting wanted formal speech?"

As Cheonyeong's lips curved into a bloody smile, Gu Yongtae's face hardened.

And a smirk appeared at his lips.

"You knew."

"Yeah. I can feel the killing intent from here. The disguise is clumsy, and the hidden weapons are even clumsier."

"I see. Well then. So destroying the Qingshe Sect wasn't just luck. You've become quite the wolf cub."

"Wolf? Who?"

"Aren't you? Not knowing the power you possess, thrashing about like a reckless fool?"

"Then are you a dog?"

"What?"

"Wagging your tail like a dog at the Black Heaven Sect's orders, digging traps and waiting to capture me."

"You bastard!"

"So you're confident?"

"Hmph! You don't seem to understand your current situation."

"I do. Do you?"

"..."

"From now on, I plan to trample the Minglun Chamber that targeted my life."

At Cheonyeong's threat, the Minglun Chamber Leader burst into hearty laughter.

"Hahahaha! Look at this young punk, getting cocky with a little bit of fame. Boy, do you think I'm the same as that fool of a Qingshe Sect Leader?"

"What's so different?"

"Right, even if you defeated the Ghost Hand, you absolutely won't escape today. To capture you..."

"Hey bastard, if you're going to do it, do it quickly. Stop wasting time with your mouth."

"You bastard!"

"Didn't the door open and close a moment ago? A signal that the trap outside was ready?"

"..."

"Then do it. Stop playing with your tongue."

At Cheonyeong's mockery, enraged Gu Yongtae lowered his hand.

"You bastard!"

Whoosh!

At the signal, Gu Yongtae's drawn sword flashed in like lightning.

It was quite a fast blade.

But what he aimed for...

"Damn!"

Cheonyeong, trying to defend, quickly threw his body aside.

Thud!

The sword stopped before Meng Serling's eyes.

Blood dripped from Cheonyeong's hand.

"You, what are you doing? Why not me but..."

"Because I need to keep you alive."

"What?"

"The Grand Elder wants to meet you."

"Ah, so?"

Cheonyeong, with a contorted face, grabbed the veil Meng Serling was wearing.

"Listen, Gu Yongtae."

Whoosh!

Cheonyeong ripped off the veil, and Meng Serling's face, eyes widened in shock, was revealed.

"Y-you are?"

Her face couldn't go unrecognized, and Cheonyeong turned toward Gu Yongtae with an icy smile.

"This wasn't what I intended, but you just tried to kill the Grand Elder's daughter."

(End of Chapter)