Chapter 303. Passage to Luoyang (1)
The Beggars’ Sect.
A faction belonging to the Nine Great Sects.
Though to be precise, it was more like a group of beggars banded together.
‘In terms of intelligence gathering, there’s no one in the martial world that can compare to them.’
With so many beggars scattered everywhere, naturally, they collect a lot of information.
And the young man standing before him…
One of the elders of the Beggars’ Sect, known more by the alias ‘Twelve Faces’ than his real name.
This was Ma Hye-ryang.
Though his true age was well over seventy, thanks to martial arts that allowed him to change his appearance, he maintained a youthful face.
However, Jinhyuk’s interest wasn’t simply because this man was an elder of the Beggars’ Sect.
‘Meeting him again really brings back memories.’
Ma Hye-ryang, while being an elder of the Beggars’ Sect, was also a spy for the Heavenly Demon Cult.
In the past, Jinhyuk had suffered significantly in the martial world because of this cunning man.
Only at the last moment did he realize Ma Hye-ryang was a traitor, but by then it was too late.
The Martial Alliance had fallen apart, and a disaster ensued where everyone stabbed each other in the back out of suspicion.
Despite their desperate efforts, they barely managed to meet the conditions to advance to the next level, but the memories of that time were not forgotten.
‘This time, I can repay the debt from back then.’
Jinhyuk’s lips curled into a smile.
Having already seen through the opponent’s identity and intentions, he now had complete control of the situation.
Moreover, trying to fool someone with the [Eyes of Gluttony] was a futile endeavor.
—
**Name:** Ma Hye-ryang
**Gender:** Male
**Age:** 73
**Level:** 127
**Strength:** 85
**Agility:** 77
**Stamina:** 60
**Magic Power:** 8
**Internal Energy:** 59
**Cunning:** 171
**Unique Ability:** Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms (降龍十八掌)
**Skills:** ‘Human Skin Mask’ Lv35, ‘Poison Crafting’ Lv34, ‘Beggar’s Stick Technique’ Lv34, ‘Demon-slaying Mind Method’ Lv33…
—
[Copy Condition: Misunderstanding has determined all the rise and fall of mankind. Ma Hye-ryang is currently trying to either recruit or eliminate you while hiding his identity. Give him the impression that his plan is going smoothly and obtain at least three fortuitous encounters or important information. By doing so, you will be able to copy one of Ma Hye-ryang’s unique abilities or skills.]
As expected, there was nothing more to say about the fraudulent nature of [Eyes of Gluttony].
Ma Hye-ryang probably thought he was perfectly disguised…
‘I’ll let him think that way and use him thoroughly.’
Acting innocent was something Jinhyuk excelled at.
He shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t know anything.
“There are a few things I need to test. Despite my appearance, I have quite the knowledge in barriers and formations.”
“Hmm. But having just some knowledge might not be enough. If you make a mistake and get caught, you’ll be executed on the spot.”
“That’s for me to worry about. The real issue is… what are you doing trying to climb the wall at this hour? And why are you trying to talk to me as if we’re close?”
A sharp response.
If you allow too easy an approach, it will only raise suspicion.
You need to push and pull appropriately to make them lower their guard.
“Haha. I don’t have any bad intentions. I went out to beg and missed the timing to get back in. If I don’t pay my quota by dawn, the boss will beat me to death, so I was looking for any chance to get back in. That’s when I saw you.”
“So, we both need to get in, then.”
“That’s right.”
Ma Hye-ryang nodded with a bright smile.
Thinking they had established some rapport, he got straight to the point.
“Actually, I know a secret passage into the city. I was about to give up on it since it’s dangerous to go alone. What do you think?”
The bait was set.
Hmm…
Originally, Jinhyuk had planned to break through the barrier and take on a new challenge…
But with Ma Hye-ryang’s appearance, he had to completely revise his plan.
‘I must seize the opportunity to copy a skill.’
Among the skills, Ma Hye-ryang’s ‘Human Skin Mask’ would be particularly useful.
Being able to change faces was an incredible advantage in itself.
‘If I can use this with the Phantom Shadow Technique later, I can really make Cheon Yuseong dance on my palm. I’ll work him like a dog.’
The thought of training subordinates already made his heart race.
“Alright. Let’s do that.”
“Great. With you along, I feel much more confident.”
“Oh! But before we go, can I ask for one favor?”
“A favor?”
“I have a companion. I’d like him to come with us. Is that alright?”
“…”
Ma Hye-ryang’s eyes briefly flickered with suspicion.
He instinctively guarded against new variables.
But it was only for a moment.
“Fine. I suppose if I refuse, you won’t come along.”
“Thanks. Just wait here for a moment.”
Jinhyuk moved to a discreet spot away from Ma Hye-ryang.
As he injected mana…
Buzz!
The ‘Ring of Abraham’ on his hand responded.
[The seal is being lifted.]
“Seriously, putting wasabi in the lettuce wrap was a real mistake. I’ve told you so many times how sorry I am!”
Alice appeared, holding her head in both hands.
—
After a brief explanation…
“So, you need my help?”
As soon as he mentioned a favor, her tone and even her personality shifted.
Her arrogance reached a point where it seemed like it would pierce the sky.
“I’ll be cautious, but that guy is incredibly cunning. I need you to watch our backs just in case.”
“You want me to use my beauty to seduce him.”
“…Huh?”
“You want me to use my charm and dignity to captivate him, right? Indeed, men do lose their minds over someone like me. I do cause a lot of trouble, don’t I? Bees constantly flying around a rose full of thorns.”
Alice admired her reflection in the stream.
Well, if she wants to think that way, so be it.
To Jinhyuk, it looked more like a granddaughter showing off at a family gathering…
There was no need to say that and upset the queen.
“So, will you help?”
“You are begging so earnestly, I can’t refuse. But remember, business is business.”
Alice held out her palm to Jinhyuk.
Obviously, the head of the overflowing wealth of Ataraxia wasn’t asking for money.
It was just her way of asking for something she liked.
“Salmon sushi and soba noodles. Plus, cheese pork cutlet.”
“More.”
“For dessert, mint chocolate from Baskin Robbins. A half-gallon size.”
“Do you want to die? I asked for a gift, not poison.”
“You’re so picky… Fine. You mentioned wanting to go to Lotte World before, right? Will that be enough?”
Alice’s eyes lit up at the mention of the amusement park.
A place she had only seen on TV.
Unlike the dangerous amusement parks in the Tower, it was a place full of laughter.
“Snow…”
“Huh?”
“Snow waffles.”
“Snow waffles?”
“They say you can taste fluffy white cream, red bean paste, and bread all at once. I’m so curious about the taste.”
“Pfft!”
“Why are you laughing! I have the right to eat too!”
“Alright. I’ll buy you as many waffles as you want.”
With that, the deal was made.
Shortly after, the two headed back to Ma Hye-ryang.
Alice used magic to change her distinctive silver hair and red eyes.
She now had straight black hair and black eyes like obsidian.
Her white skin and red lips gave her the typical appearance of a martial artist.
“Oh… there was a beautiful lady. Is she your fiancée? She looks like she’s from a prestigious family.”
“Lowly creature, you have quite the eye. I am the great Ata… Ouch!”
Jinhyuk pinched Alice’s back.
“Not a prestigious family, but the youngest daughter of a famous merchant guild. She hasn’t properly learned martial arts, but her stamina is decent enough not to be a burden.”
She shouldn’t appear too strong.
He wanted Ma Hye-ryang to think she could be taken hostage if needed.
That way, bringing Alice along would be worthwhile.
“Haha. It’s good to know she has some basic stamina.”
Ma Hye-ryang responded with a grin.
Then, with a sly smile, he pointed towards a direction opposite the palace.
“Well then, let’s head out before it gets too late. We should see the passage soon.”
—
Following Ma Hye-ryang, they arrived at a rocky mountain.
If they hadn’t known better, they would have passed by without noticing anything unusual.
But…
“Sir! Follow me exactly. Step where I step.”
Between the shadows, a very narrow gap was visible.
This was the secret passage he had mentioned.
‘So, this is the way… He led us here on purpose.’
One of the few non-standard routes into the palace.
This place was home to some of the most notorious creatures in the martial world.
Jinhyuk chuckled.
Seeing through the opponent’s intentions made him laugh.
Step.
As they descended, the moonlight completely disappeared.
Instead, the stones on the walls emitted a faint glow, illuminating the path.
“I’ll go ahead and check the way. Stay here for a moment. Especially you, miss. It’s dangerous, so don’t follow me.”
Ma Hye-ryang volunteered to go ahead and disappeared.
“This smells fishy. Why suggest coming together and then act alone?”
“Leave him be. He’s probably looking for something here.”
Go ahead and search all you want.
We’ll see if you find it useful.
As Jinhyuk pondered how to deal with Ma Hye-ryang…
Ding!
A cheerful notification sound appeared along with a status window in front of him.
[A message and an item have arrived from Blacksmith Orun.]
[Would you like to check them?]
Finally.
The long-awaited item had arrived.
Jinhyuk’s heart began to pound wildly.