Chapter 377
“Have they… left?”
The middle-aged Lord of Sichuan, now considerably plumper than before, asked nervously. His bodyguard replied.
“Yes. Their ship, a swift vessel of the Yangtze Waterway Alliance, set sail about a quarter of an hour ago.”
“Phew…”
The Lord of Sichuan heaved a sigh of relief so deep that his belly jiggled. He waved his hand dismissively.
“Good, now you may go. If there’s any news related to the martial artists, report it to me immediately.”
“Understood. But what about the troops stationed near Chengdu…”
The Lord of Sichuan frowned.
“Look here, Captain.”
“Yes?”
“Do I really need to worry about such trivial matters? Handle those details among yourselves. Coordinate with the *Dojihwisa* (Commander) or that stubborn old man, whatever it takes, got it?”
The captain was inwardly stunned.
Is this man serious? The Lord’s incompetence and habit of passing off work to his subordinates were nothing new, but this was taking it too far.
‘He wasn’t always this bad…’
Ever since he took in a concubine years ago, he had been completely absorbed in his indulgences, neglecting his duties.
The captain let out a deep sigh internally as he weakly saluted.
“…I will follow your orders, my lord.”
“Of course, you should. Now, get back to work. I have urgent matters to attend to.”
Satisfied, the Lord of Sichuan nodded and stood up, his excessive weight causing him to breathe heavily as he walked away. The captain, watching him go, muttered in a voice as small as an ant.
“Urgent matters? Probably just off to see that concubine of his again.”
The captain’s guess was spot on. The first place the Lord of Sichuan headed after leaving the main hall was the elaborately decorated bedchamber.
“Aehyang! Aehyang!”
On the large, silk-covered bed, a beautiful woman, half-dressed, sat up.
“My lord, why did you take so long? Aehyang has been waiting for you.”
“R-Really?”
The Lord of Sichuan was instantly captivated, first by her alluring gaze and then by the glimpses of her white skin peeking through the blanket.
“I’m sorry. That troublesome captain delayed me.”
“That man again? As if my lord isn’t busy enough already, why does he torment you so?”
“Exactly.”
“That’s the problem with incompetent subordinates. They can’t do anything without you!”
“Indeed, only you understand me, Aehyang!”
If the captain had heard this conversation, his eyes would have rolled back in his head.
The Lord of Sichuan, trembling with emotion, reached out to embrace his concubine.
“Come here, my lord. You’ve worked so hard; let Aehyang hold you close.”
“Aehyang…!”
Captivated by his beloved concubine’s sultry and enchanting smile, the Lord of Sichuan’s eyes became dazed.
“There can’t be a woman as beautiful as you in all the world!”
The Lord of Sichuan, born into a prestigious family that had produced three Dukes, had led a smooth and easy life.
He had frequented brothels, embracing countless beauties, and when one caught his eye, he made her his concubine without hesitation. However, no matter how beautiful they were, his interest rarely lasted more than a year.
‘But this girl is different!’
He swore he had never met a woman like her before. Her voice, her gaze, even the slightest movement of her fingers—everything about Aehyang was enchanting and lovable to the Lord of Sichuan.
Though he had been with her for several years, he never tired of her. In fact, he found himself falling deeper and deeper in love, almost frighteningly so.
“I love you. I love you, Aehyang!”
The Lord of Sichuan, who had just turned fifty, shouted with the passion of a man half his age.
As he eagerly approached and embraced his concubine, he began, as always, to tell her about his day. To the Lord of Sichuan, his concubine was the only person with whom he could share his deepest, most secret thoughts.
“…And so, those troublesome ruffians have finally left.”
“Ruffians? You mean those martial artists who visited last time?”
“Yes, the ones who brought the token from Prince Sangsan.”
“Hmm…”
“Why do you ask?”
“It’s nothing. But my lord, you must have had a hard time with all this. I heard many people were killed and injured because of a dispute between the martial artists.”
The Lord of Sichuan shook his head with a weary expression.
“Don’t even get me started. Somehow, they even managed to steal the uniforms of the imperial soldiers and caused chaos in our country.”
“Oh my, really?”
“It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. I might let other things slide, but I must report this to the court…”
“How noble you are, my lord. But…”
With a playful smile, the concubine stroked the Lord of Sichuan’s head as it rested on her lap.
“If the royal family finds out, won’t this become a big issue?”
“Huh?”
“Think about it. Someday, you will be among the Three Dukes, leading the civil and military officials and assisting the Emperor… I worry that those who envy you might use this incident against you.”
“Haha. As expected, only you, Aehyang, care for me this much.”
The Lord of Sichuan gazed at his concubine with eyes full of affection.
But he wasn’t entirely foolish.
Although the government and the Murim world typically kept out of each other’s way, the fact remained that over a thousand people had died across Sichuan in the past seven days.
Even if he left the minor clean-up tasks to his subordinates, this was something he had to handle personally.
“Your concern is touching, but the more significant the issue, the more problematic it becomes if we try to hide it.”
“My lord, do you think I don’t know that?”
“Hmm? Then what are you suggesting?”
“Hide what should be hidden and exaggerate the rest.”
Her voice, full of flirtation, tickled the Lord of Sichuan’s ears.
“There was a major dispute between the martial artists, and my lord calmed the situation by mobilizing the imperial soldiers under his command.”
“Hmm…”
“You will be known as the wise Lord who restored order to the nation and protected the people. Of course, it would be best to leave out the part about the stolen weapons and uniforms to avoid any misunderstandings.”
“It would be nice if it could be as you say. But falsifying a report to the court…”
“My lord, look at me.”
The Lord of Sichuan, who had been hesitating, was struck by the sight of her beautiful, obsidian-like eyes.
“Ah…”
“Don’t you know how much I care for you, my lord?”
“I… I do, but…”
He couldn’t continue. The moment his eyes met hers, his mind went blank.
Her captivating figure made his heart race, and her scent, like a fragrant flower, made him dizzy.
Suddenly, he was overwhelmed by boundless trust, affection, and irresistible desire.
“Aehyang, Aehyang!”
His voice was desperate, but the concubine held back the hands that were groping her.
“My lord, what’s your answer?”
“Of course, I’ll do as you wish. I would do anything for you!”
The smile on the concubine’s lips deepened.
“Very well. Just keep doing as you’ve always done. Understand?”
“Yes, yes!”
Completely lost in his desire, the Lord of Sichuan didn’t notice.
He failed to see the ominous, demonic red light seeping into the eyes of the concubine he loved so dearly.
“You’re such a good boy. Our Lord is so obedient.”
The concubine laughed aloud.
Everything was proceeding as she, or rather, as he wished.
—
* * *
“Hmm?”
“What is it?”
“I thought I just heard a crazy woman’s laughter.”
“A crazy woman? Here?”
“Yeah. It gave me the creeps.”
Hyeok Mu-jin and I looked around. We were sailing smoothly down the tributaries of the Yangtze River on three swift vessels flying the banner of Water Dragon Stronghold. Naturally, there were no women aboard.
“Maybe I imagined it? Weird.”
After everything I’ve been through lately, I’m starting to hear things.
As I pondered this, Hyeok Mu-jin spoke up with a serious expression.
“Could it be that…”
“What?”
“That you can’t forget the girl who was standing fourth from the right in the front row?”
Gung Ki-bang shook his head.
“Nonsense. It was the third from the left. A beauty like that would be unforgettable.”
“Oh, so that’s what this is about?”
I smiled warmly at the two and looked at them.
“I think today is going to be a day you two will never forget.”
With a bright smile, I beckoned, and several strong boatmen, who had been standing by, quickly approached and bowed.
“Did you call for us, Jin Daehyeop?”
“Is there something you need us to do?”
“Yes, take these two and give them a ‘dunking’ in the Yangtze.”
The boatmen looked confused and asked for clarification.
“Dunking? Did you say dunking?”
“Sorry, we’re a bit uneducated, so we’re not sure what you mean by that.”
“Dunking is a… never mind, just keep dunking their heads in the water and pulling them out until I say stop.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Sounds easy enough.”
“W-Wait!”
“Captain!”
Gung Ki-bang and Hyeok Mu-jin tried to resist, but it was futile.
One of them only had one functioning leg, and the other was wrapped in bandages from head to toe. The strong, muscular boatmen, trained in martial arts, quickly grabbed them and began the dunking process.
As they struggled, I turned my attention to the system window that I had left floating in the air.
– There is an unclaimed bound item that has yet to be named. Would you like to name it now?
‘Of course, yes.’
*Ding.*
[???]
Type: Armor
Grade: Divine Artifact
Restriction: Jin Tae-Kyung
Description: This armor contains the spirit of an ancient blacksmith. It possesses formidable defensive capabilities. As the previous owner has died, ownership has now been transferred to a new master. Once named, it can be used freely anywhere.
‘Ownership transferred due to the previous owner’s death?’
I had a hunch, and it seems I was right about what this item is.
After thoroughly searching my inventory, I found the new bound item. The only sound I could make was a resigned sigh.
“…Really?”
What lay in my palm was just a small fragment. It was once part of what was called Black Dragon Armor.
‘I’m sure I destroyed this along with that bastard, *Seocheonmagun* (Western Heavenly Lord), in our final battle. Did it automatically enter my inventory as a bound item?’
The scene of the Black Dragon Armor shattering into pieces was still vivid in my mind.
But what am I supposed to do with just this fragment?
‘Maybe I could put it in the front of my pants for extra protection.’
Perhaps that’s why it’s classified as armor.
As I discreetly pulled my waistband forward to find the right spot, a voice interrupted.
“What are you doing here…”
“Ah.”
Suddenly, an icy silence fell over the scene.
The boy’s face stiffened as he saw my hand inside my loosened waistband.
After confirming no one else was around, Killing Star, also known as Moon Kyung, spoke up.
“Of all places, you’re doing this here?”
“Wait, hold on. This is a big misunderstanding.”
I tried to explain quickly, but Moon Kyung’s eyes had already darkened.
“I told you when we set sail. Address me as Moon Kyung in front of everyone except for *Hwa-wang* (Fire King) and Cheongpung.”
I responded with a frustrated expression.
“You’re speaking informally too, aren’t you, newbie?”
“……”
“Oh, sorry.”
Moon Kyung, with a complicated expression, clicked his tongue as he glanced at the approaching boatmen.
The terrifying Killing Star quickly transformed back into the bright, innocent young physician.
“What were you doing?”
“Nothing that concerns you.”
This is actually kind of fun, but I don’t think I can do it three times.
I quickly extended my hand towards Moon Kyung.
“This got caught in my pants.”
Although it wasn’t entirely accurate, Moon Kyung didn’t care about that. To be precise, he was fixated on the fragment of the Black Dragon Armor.
“This is…”
“Do you recognize it? Or at least, do you know what it is?”
“Where did you get this?”
“From that bastard.”
Moon Kyung, understanding that I meant *Seocheonmagun* (Western Heavenly Lord), nodded.
“You’ve acquired a *Shinbyeong-igi* (Divine Artifact). I’m not sure why only a fragment remains.”
“He called it the Black Dragon Armor.”
“Black Dragon Armor?”
“Does that name not match what you know?”
“I read about it in an ancient *bisa* (secret history). It spoke of a mysterious armor with no fixed name, whose form and nature change according to its owner.”
“It changes form and nature? How?”
Moon Kyung responded with a look of pity, and I finally realized what I needed to do.
‘Energy.’
Your energy is the form and nature of what you possess.
*Sssaaaa.*
Following the *Gu-gyeol* (Secret Technique) of the *Yeolhwasingong* (Fiery Flame Divine Art) that I had mastered to the 8th level, I channeled my lava-like energy into the fragment of the *Black Dragon Armor*.
The dark aura surrounding the fragment dissipated, replaced by a blue-white glow of *Yeolyangjigi* (Fiery Sun Energy).
What was once known as the *Black Dragon Armor* could no longer be called by that name, as it now bore a fiery dragon pattern.
*Hwalryonggap* (Fire Dragon Armor).
Simple, but nothing could be more fitting.
As I smiled with satisfaction, a cheerful chime rang out.
*Ding.*
– You have successfully named the bound item [???] as [Hwalryonggap] (Fire Dragon Armor)!
– You can now use [Hwalryonggap] freely anywhere!
– [Hwalryonggap] resonates with your energy! It requires your power to repair its damaged parts!
*Ssssshhh.*
I could feel it. The massive energy that was drawn from within me was absorbed into the *Hwalryonggap*.
Pretending to tuck it into my robe, I secretly stored it in my inventory.
‘Auto-repair, huh? This is amazing.’
I’ve acquired something truly useful.
I’m glad the final reward from this journey was the *Hwalryonggap*.
As I turned to leave, Moon Kyung stared at me with wide eyes.
“Where are you going?”
“Why do you care?”
“……”
Ah, this is kind of addictive.
I waved at Moon Kyung, who was probably trying to calm himself with deep breathing.
“I’m going to take a nap. Don’t wake me.”
Yeah, it’s time to wake from a long sleep.
But…
‘Why do I feel so uneasy? Did I forget something?’
Puzzled, I lay down in the cabin of the swift ship and closed my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I uttered the command.
“Logout.”
*Ding.*
– Logging out in 10 seconds. Ten, nine, eight, seven…
As the final countdown ended, the faint sound of splashing water and someone’s distant cry reached my ears.
*Splash, gasp! Captain, save—gasp!*
