Chapter 618
Before long, the air had grown hot and heavy, and in the distance, tall mountains and deep valleys came into view.
The fan leader of the Water Dragon Stronghold pointed toward the rapidly approaching shore.
“This is as far as we can take you. Once you disembark and walk ten li straight ahead, you’ll be in Yunnan. You’ll arrive soon enough.”
Although the tributaries of the Yangtze stretched far and wide across the continent, they didn’t extend into the inland of Yunnan.
Well, to be precise, they didn’t cut off completely.
The problem was that if we followed the waterways all the way to the plateau in northern Yunnan, it would actually take much longer to reach our destination.
‘Our top priority is still the Southern Barbarian Beast Palace.’
The quest I’d received only required arriving in the Southern Barbarian Region, but for the Fire Dragon Pavilion’s mission, we had to head for the Beast Palace.
With that in mind, I bowed slightly to the fan leader.
“Thank you. I know you must be busy plundering merchant ships, yet you brought us all the way here.”
“Oh, don’t say that. If Great Hero Jin calls, it’s only right we drop everything and rush over. It’s almost a shame we’re parting ways here, hahaha.”
For someone saying that, he looked far too happy.
Well, considering he’d had to bow his head and sprawl on the deck in front of his men whenever I felt like it, this parting probably did feel like a blessing to him.
Matching his laugh, I asked,
“Really?”
“Of course, haha.”
“Then it’d be nice if you stayed nearby, right?”
“Haha… what?”
“I was a little worried about how we’d get back later, but since you say you’re reluctant to part, this works out perfectly.”
“…What?”
“So stay close by.”
The smile vanished from his face. He stammered,
“Ah, no, that’s… we have things to do as well…”
“I know. That’s why you can send most of your ships back. Just leave one or two here.”
“G-Great Hero, please. Just send for us after you’ve finished your business in Yunnan—”
“Mm. But that would be too long a wait.”
All traces of joy were gone from his expression.
I patted his shoulder gently.
“I know it’s a big ask, but let me impose on you.”
“But still—”
“Let me impose.”
“Ah, damn it. Answer me. You need to carry yourself properly if you want to live long in Murim.”
“…Ugh.”
His answer was as good as decided.
Not long after, I had his promise that they’d remain docked nearby until our return. The looks I got as I stepped off the ship were… less than pleasant.
“Felt like watching a third-rate rogue.”
“No offense, but is the Taewon Jin Clan rooted in the unorthodox side?”
“As expected of you, Captain. You never disappoint.”
“Taesan thought Captain was a pirate.”
“I actually agree with the Captain. If trouble comes in the Southern Barbarian Region, we can rely on their help. Right?”
That last answer was the only correct one.
Once again, Ju Hwaran was the only one who understood me. I looked at her with a touched expression.
“Exactly. Word for word, my thoughts exactly.”
“Oh, you really think so?”
“…Huh?”
“I just said it because everyone else was criticizing you. Someone had to take your side…”
Was my reputation really okay like this?
With that concern gnawing at me, we walked along the rough, narrow path—nothing like those in the Central Plains—when a familiar sound rang in my ears.
Ding.
– You have entered [Southern Barbarian Region].
– Mission [Enter the Southern Barbarian Region] completed.
– Quest [Southern Barbarian Journey] successfully completed!
– Quest reward acquired!
– Gained a small amount of experience!
– Gained a small amount of fame!
– Achievement [Thousands of Li to the Southern Barbarian Region] unlocked!
– The Southern Barbarian Region is a harsh land filled with unpredictable weather, wild beasts, and poisonous creatures. Outsiders must beware of local diseases and toxins.
– Acquired [High-Grade Antidote] x10, [Mid-Grade Antidote] x20, [Low-Grade Antidote] x30!
– A new linked quest has been generated.
– Would you like to check the quest window? Y/N.
The stream of system notifications and floating holographic windows confirmed it—the fan leader was right. Even if the area was deserted, we’d quickly crossed into Southern Barbarian territory.
I kept my composure and spoke inwardly. Ding.
[Seed Planted in the Southern Barbarian Region]
You’ve traveled thousands of li to reach the Southern Barbarian Region, but it is a land with few people and little welcome for outsiders.
With your current limited knowledge and information, you cannot act rashly. Seek out the Silent Heaven Pavilion operative the Murim Alliance planted here long ago and obtain detailed information.
Rank: Absolute Peak
Restriction: Jin Taekyung
Objective: Contact Silent Heaven Pavilion operative (Incomplete)
Reward: Linked Quest ???
Failure: Stat reduction
‘Hmm.’
So I had to make contact with a Silent Heaven Pavilion operative.
Reading the new linked quest several times, I recalled the conversation I’d had in Henan with Song Ho, the Thousand-Faced Fox and master of the Silent Heaven Pavilion.
‘After the Great War of Justice and Evil ended and the First Alliance Leader, the God of War, disappeared, the Pavilion was quietly disbanded. But a skeleton crew to maintain our information network remains, even after decades.’
‘You mean…’
‘Didn’t I tell you? The Pavilion’s eyes and ears are everywhere.’
Even after a war that shook the world, as people slowly eased into peace, there were those who did not. Song Ho and the Silent Heaven Pavilion were among them.
‘They remained in place for decades, holding fast to righteousness and loyalty. When you reach the Southern Barbarian Region, seek him first. He’ll provide information and much-needed help.’
‘How will I find him? Surely you’re not just giving me a name and an address.’
‘There’s a secret code known only to our operatives. I’ll tell you a specific location where you can confirm it—you’ll meet him there.’
It was impressive. Nearly fifty years had passed since the war, yet their network was still alive—even in a remote place like this.
‘If anything, it must have been harder to stay here.’
Still, thanks to people like that, the Fire Dragon Pavilion’s mission would be much easier.
I gathered my thoughts and addressed the Fire Dragon Pavilion members as we moved.
“We’re heading to Yeongin.”
“Yeongin?”
Hyuk Mujin tilted his head.
“Never heard of it. Where is it?”
“About two hundred li from here. Of course, compared to towns in the Central Plains, it’s a backwater.”
Ju Hwaran answered for me.
“It’s also home to various tribes living together. That doesn’t mean there’s no conflict, though.”
Noticing something in her tone, I asked,
“You’ve been there?”
She smiled faintly and nodded.
“Didn’t I mention it? Three years ago, I pestered my father until he agreed to let me join a caravan to the Southern Barbarian Region.”
“Ah, so that was Yeongin.”
“Yes. It was a short trip, but I remember it vividly. Escort Song was with me then too.”
With everyone looking at him, Song Ilseom raised an eyebrow and said,
“The Southern Barbarian Region is a hellhole I never want to visit again. But Yeongin was tolerable. The tribes there were relatively docile.”
High praise, coming from someone as cynical as him. No wonder they’d been able to make that journey.
“But why are we going to Yeongin?”
Now everyone was looking at me. Clearly, they’d been holding that question back until now.
It wasn’t something that needed hiding, so I answered honestly.
“To meet a Murim Alliance informant.”
“Then it’s a must. News from the Southern Barbarian Region doesn’t leave easily.”
This was the most remote of remote lands.
The dozens of tribes living in the dense jungles were highly suspicious of the Han people from the Central Plains, and they waged countless wars among themselves to defend their territories.
Even major caravans and trading groups were reluctant to make the trip.
Success could yield spices, medicinal herbs, and rare gems, but the dangers—poisonous creatures, ferocious beasts, and deadly diseases—were just as likely to kill you.
“But Yeongin should be fine,” Ju Hwaran said with a bright smile.
“Our Yongbong Escort Agency has ties with them going back generations, and the tribes there tend to be friendlier to Han.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. You’ll see—they’re good people.”
* * *
Hock, spit.
A glob of phlegm landed at my feet.
Clad in white, a tribesman from the Bai people glared at us with hostility before disappearing.
Watching in silence, I cautiously asked Ju Hwaran,
“Just to check… that counts as one of the ‘friendly’ ones?”
“…That man seems a bit rough. Most aren’t like that.”
“Right?”
“Yes. Of course.”
No sooner had she spoken than a middle-aged tribal woman in gaudy clothes covered a child’s eyes and muttered,
“Heavens, Han dogs have come this far. Let’s go inside before we go blind.”
“Mom, I can’t see.”
“It’s okay, darling. Let’s get away from those fiends. Dear! Come out—Han dogs are in the village!”
“What? Wait there, I’ll get my plow and bash their skulls in!”
I clearly saw Ju Hwaran’s pupils shake.
Clinging to my last shred of hope, I asked,
“They’re just… a little rough compared to the average, right?”
“…Probably.”
Her optimism was crushed moments later when the road filled with hostile tribesmen.
“So they really are Han.”
“Bold of them. Notify the chief.”
“Already sent someone.”
“Get the women and children inside. Gather the warriors and keep an eye on them.”
I felt like a criminal.
And to them, we were criminals worth tearing apart.
The others, unable to speak the tribal language and without my system’s translation, could sense it too.
“Captain.”
“What?”
“I think we’re screwed.”
Hyuk Mujin swallowed hard.
“I don’t know what they’re saying, but the mood’s bad. Shouldn’t we just get out of here?”
“…No.”
Part of a leader’s job is easing subordinates’ fears. I replied firmly,
“They’re just curious about seeing Han.”
“Then why are they holding axes?”
“Probably came from chopping wood.”
“They’re holding knives too.”
“Probably from butchering.”
Ignoring Hyuk Mujin’s suspicious glare, I led the way through the hostile crowd to a wooden building.
[Poison Flower Pavilion].
The sign was so worn it looked ready to crumble—this was the meeting place Song Ho had told me about.