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The Strongest Member of the Murim Alliance-Chapter 12

Episode 12: In the Martial World, They Call Me the Thousand Killing Ghost

Finding the Ghosts of Hubei before the Mu-pung Escort Agency turned out to be more challenging than anticipated.


‘Damn, they had horses.’


When I heard the journey would take two days, I assumed it was on foot. Turns out, they meant on horseback.


This forced me to use my Hellfire Step continuously just to keep up. Fortunately, I’m confident in my speed; otherwise, I might’ve arrived too late.


One lucky break was that even they couldn’t push their horses all day. With some of them injured, they couldn’t afford to overexert themselves.


Still, my internal energy wasn’t unlimited, so I had to take breaks, which resulted in us reaching Baeyang County around the same time. However, Gwok Du-san and Ma Hyeok’s group didn’t move immediately.


I found out they were regrouping at a local nobleman’s mansion. That made sense. Despite Gwok Du-san being a well-seasoned expert, they were still short-handed with Ma Hyeok and his injured escorts.


And that’s how I ended up facing the Ghosts of Hubei first.


‘They’re even uglier than their wanted posters.’


A crescent blade, a straight sword, a saber, and a butcher’s knife.


The variety of weapons they wielded was the most striking feature. It was no surprise since they weren’t originally a group; they’d met in the dungeons of the Martial Alliance and teamed up out of convenience.


“Stop right there. State your identity.”


First Ghost pointed his crescent blade at me, clearly on guard.


Who wouldn’t be cautious when approached by someone wearing a pig mask?


But I had an identity perfect for such situations.


“In the martial world, they call me the Thousand Killing Ghost.”


“The Thousand Killing Ghost?”


“From the Underworld’s Tournament.”


“…!”


First Ghost’s expression remained stoic, but the other three Ghosts widened their eyes in shock.


The Underworld’s Tournament fighters are popular among criminals; there’s no way they hadn’t heard of it.


Especially since I’d recently taken down One-Eyed Ghost Wang Gi-pyo, who had held the top spot in the tournament for years.


“Seems like you’ve heard of me. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Jang Man-bok, the Thousand Killing Ghost.”


“You’re the infamous Jang So-hyup? What brings you here?”


First Ghost had clearly recognized me, and his guard relaxed a bit. We were both from the underworld, after all.


But that didn’t mean he fully trusted me.


“As I said, someone’s hunting you.”


“Hunting us? What do you mean?”


“You’re on your way to fulfill a request, right? It’s a trap. If you go there, you’ll die.”


“Bullshit! We got the request through a Black City middleman. The request is legitimate.”


Fourth Ghost barked out, but I ignored him, focusing on First Ghost.


“The request itself is real, but didn’t you notice anything strange? Let me guess—they specified a particular date for the job, offered more money than usual, and probably said they’d pay afterward…?”


“…!!!”


First Ghost’s usually expressionless face contorted into something demonic. It seemed he’d finally realized something was off about this request.


The other Ghosts noticed as well and began cursing under their breath.


“Who the hell…?”


“Damn, the Black City middleman must’ve known.”


“Bastards! We’ll kill them all.”


First Ghost was clearly the leader, while the others were just muscle with little brains.


After gauging their reactions, I continued.


“The one who set the trap is Gwok Du-san, known as the Red Blood Sword. He’s the chief escort of the Mu-pung Escort Agency, and he’s here to assist their heir, Ma Hyeok, in the Martial Alliance entrance exam. You’re one of the targets for the practical exam.”


“Do you have proof?”


First Ghost asked, now calmer. I immediately pulled out the wanted poster from my sleeve and tossed it to him.


First Ghost caught it effortlessly and began to scan through it. He paused when he found the section about them.


His hands trembled as he clutched the wanted poster, but he quickly composed himself. This was impressive; most people lose control when they realize they’ve been betrayed.


He wasn’t a peak martial artist for nothing.


First Ghost spoke again.


“I understand what you’re saying. But I still don’t get one thing.”


“Go ahead.”


“Why are you telling us this? You have nothing to gain. It’s suspicious. And how did you even find out about this? Unless you’re working with the Mu-pung Escort Agency.”


As soon as First Ghost finished speaking, the other Ghosts began to raise their energy, subtly forming a perimeter around me.


I didn’t stop them. Instead, I calmly explained.


“I have a grudge against the Mu-pung Escort Agency, specifically Ma Hyeok. He raped and brutally murdered my woman. I’ve been following him to exact my revenge, and that’s how I came across this information.”


Their movements ceased. Everything I’d said was a lie, but there was no way for them to know that.


I continued.


“Honestly, if I could’ve killed Ma Hyeok on my own, I wouldn’t have bothered coming here. But with Gwok Du-san, a peak expert, by his side, I knew I couldn’t take them both. So I came to you.”


“You want us to help you kill them in exchange for this information?”


“Exactly. Gwok Du-san will keep hunting you. He’s already made a deal with Ma Hyeok to become the chief escort in exchange for bringing you down. So this isn’t a bad deal for you.”


“Hmm… What if we just run away?”


“Do I look like someone who’d ask for help for free?”


I pulled out a pouch and handed it to First Ghost. This time, I didn’t throw it; he seemed to have relaxed a bit, so he accepted it without hesitation.


“What’s this?”


“The down payment for the request. Help me, and I’ll double it.”


“…100 taels of gold…!!!”


Fourth Ghost exclaimed as he peered inside. No wonder his eyes went wide; that’s a lot of money.


Twice that would be 200 taels.


I made my final offer.


“Money doesn’t mean much to me. As long as I keep winning in the Underworld’s Tournament, I’ll die eventually. This much is nothing; I make a similar amount betting on myself every time. So, what do you say?”


There was a brief silence, but I was confident they would accept.


My identity was solid, my story credible, and the idea of revenge against Gwok Du-san was irresistible. Plus, the money.


“Fine. We’ll do it. Got a plan?”


Like clockwork, criminals rarely deviate from expectations.


“I’ve got a plan. If we execute it right, this’ll be over quickly.”


“What’s the plan?”


“Ambush and strike first.”


Four pieces had just been added to the game board.


First Ghost watched the Thousand Killing Ghost walking ahead of him.


‘This guy is terrifying.’


He had just heard the plan from the Thousand Killing Ghost.


The Mu-pung Escort Agency is regrouping at a nobleman’s mansion in Baeyang County. They’re likely bringing in reinforcements from the local branch of the escort agency to strengthen their forces. Is the job scheduled for two days from now?

Yes.

In that case, we attack tonight.

Tonight?


The Thousand Killing Ghost was extremely methodical. He chose the time and place with precision and knew exactly when their enemy would be at their weakest.


Given the location and timing, they’ll only be able to muster the forces from the local branch and the escorts Gwok Du-san brought with him. The escorts are already here, but the local forces won’t arrive until tomorrow. So tonight, they’re at their weakest.

You’ve done your homework.

They’ve been riding hard for two days straight, so they’ll be exhausted. Tonight is the perfect opportunity. They’ll be dead asleep.


The Thousand Killing Ghost’s plan was flawless. First Ghost had hoped to find a weakness to exploit, but there was none.


Moreover, he didn’t demand anything reckless from them. If the plan had been too dangerous, they would’ve backed out or asked for more money.


First Ghost, your job is to distract Gwok Du-san.

He’s a level above me. He’s a seasoned peak expert, and I’ve only just reached the peak.

It’s an ambush. You don’t have to kill him, just buy time while I take care of the rest.

The rest? Are you planning to overwork my brothers?

No. I’ll handle everything. Second Ghost, Third Ghost, and Fourth Ghost should set the mansion on fire and ensure no one escapes. After that, they can help you with Gwok Du-san. Together, you can defeat him.


The Thousand Killing Ghost was solely focused on his revenge. If it weren’t for Gwok Du-san, he wouldn’t have needed their help at all.


But it wasn’t just his thoroughness that made him terrifying. His next move was even more chilling.


I’ll give you a rundown of the Mu-pung escorts’ martial arts.

What? You know their techniques?

I’ve faced them before. I know their basics. It should help.

What? Just from one encounter?

They use short swords, about two feet long. Their style is designed for stabbing and thrusting but leans more towards defense. It’s developed for protecting their cargo, but their weakness is…


First Ghost now understood how the Thousand Killing Ghost had risen to the top of the Underworld’s Tournament.


With that level of preparation and talent, he could have easily killed One-Eyed Ghost Wang Gi-pyo, even with slightly inferior martial arts.


Who else could analyze an opponent so thoroughly after just one encounter? It was frighteningly meticulous.


If he ever faced the Thousand Killing Ghost with his internal energy sealed, he’d most likely lose.


‘I’d be dead nine times out of ten.’


First Ghost knew himself well, which was why he’d survived this long.


But it also made him realize that this was a perfect opportunity.


‘How long can the Ghosts of Hubei survive in the underworld with people like him around?’


First Ghost had been planning to retire.


The constant risk of death with every job was becoming too much. He hadn’t committed many serious crimes, yet he was already on the Martial Alliance’s wanted list.


He had just reached the peak, but First Ghost didn’t want to rot in jail or die prematurely.


So, his original plan was to complete this job and then cross over to Hunan, where he’d join the Evil Alliance. It was the safest path available.


But then the Thousand Killing Ghost appeared, completely upending his plans.


It wasn’t just the money.


‘He’s got several thousand taels’ worth of certificates.’


First Ghost had caught a glimpse when the Thousand Killing Ghost pulled out the wanted poster and pouch. There had been several certificates worth a thousand taels in his sleeve.


With that much money, they could retire without ever having to risk their lives again. There’d be no need to join the Evil Alliance and fight in the war against the Black Sky Gang.


First Ghost’s heart pounded with excitement. But before he could act, there was something he needed to do.


He had to give his brothers a heads-up.


“Thousand Killing Ghost, hold on.”


“What is it?”


“Do you have a moment? I need to speak with my brothers.”


“Go ahead. We still have time before nightfall.”


Thankfully, the Thousand Killing Ghost wasn’t suspicious and allowed the Ghosts of Hubei to confer privately.


First Ghost gathered his brothers and spoke quickly.


“Listen up. This is our last job. After this, we’re retiring.”


“What?”


“How long are we going to keep this up? It’s time to settle down and open a martial arts school.”


“But we don’t have enough money yet.”


“The Thousand Killing Ghost has several thousand taels in certificates. I saw them.”


“Then?”


“Yeah. We’ll take down the Mu-pung Escort Agency and then betray the Thousand Killing Ghost. It’s unfortunate for him, but we’ll split off from him and kill him, then take the money and disappear.”


The Ghosts of Hubei’s eyes gleamed with murderous intent. It was easy to see why they were so eager; a few thousand taels of gold were more than enough to retire on.


“What’s the plan?”


“No plan needed. The Thousand Killing Ghost trusts us completely. So we’ll kill Gwok Du-san first, and once the Thousand Killing Ghost lets his guard down, I’ll personally behead him.”


“Sure, he’s only at the first-class level. Even if we fought him head-on, we’d win.”


“Exactly. So just play along with him for now. Got it?”


“Yes, Brother.”


The Ghosts of Hubei’s meeting didn’t last long. They had to return quickly to avoid raising any suspicion.


When First Ghost returned, the Thousand Killing Ghost was already skinning a rabbit he’d caught.


The Thousand Killing Ghost asked.


“All set?”


“Yeah. Just had to get my brothers ready.”


“Thanks.”


“No problem. Need any help?”


“Yeah, start a fire. We’ll eat and then start the operation.”


First Ghost began gathering dry branches for the fire. As he moved around, he kept glancing at the Thousand Killing Ghost, but the latter seemed completely unaware.


‘How naive.’


I’ve dealt with these kinds of petty schemes too many times to count.


First Ghost was actually more cautious than most. I’ve seen idiots who’d openly use sound transmission in front of me.


Even if I couldn’t hear what they were saying, detecting the movement of internal energy was easy. It’s the perfect way to raise suspicion.


So, First Ghost was smart enough to hold the meeting away from me and avoid using sound transmission.


But it’s not like I needed to eavesdrop on their plan.


‘There’s no need. I know exactly what they’re up to.’


In my previous life, I was the leader of the Five Peaks of the martial world. The minds of criminals like these were an open book to me.


Everything they’re plotting now, I’ve either done or had done to me.


That’s why I found their scheme almost endearing.


But there was no need to confront the Ghosts of Hubei right away. They’d likely wait until after the battle with the Mu-pung Escort Agency to turn on me.


‘They’ll probably try to make it look like we killed each other.’


If it were me, I’d have thought of that too. And after killing me, they’d fake their deaths to change their identities and start fresh.


Then they could live a new life.


Of course, with their violent tendencies, they’d eventually return to this path.


That’s just how the underworld works.


Redemption in the underworld is a myth, something that only exists in novels or the romanticized minds of a few idealistic martial artists.


The truth is that the underworld is a life of endless backstabbing, betrayal, and ruthless survival.


Sigh


I took a deep breath, savoring the smell of intrigue in the air. It had been a while since I’d felt this kind of energy; it made me feel more alive.


Now, I’m striving to become a hero like the Sword Saint, but this was the world I’d lived in for so long that it felt almost like coming home.


As the sun set and night fell, we each dreamed our own separate dreams.


“Let’s get started. I’ll take care of Ma Hyeok and then deal with the escorts. First Ghost, distract Gwok Du-san. The rest of you set the mansion on fire and help First Ghost afterward. Kill anyone you encounter along the way.”


“Understood.”


Five shadows leaped over the mansion’s walls.


As soon as I crossed the wall, I dashed to the left.


Baeyang County isn’t a large town, but the mansion the Mu-pung Escort Agency had taken over was massive.


There were two annexes, a pond, and even a garden—clearly a place of wealth.


‘Is it here?’


I headed to one of the annexes, checking the time. The ambush was scheduled for a specific time.


Within the next half-hour or so, Second Ghost, Third Ghost, and Fourth Ghost would start the fire, signaling the attack.


Before that, First Ghost and I had to infiltrate Ma Hyeok and Gwok Du-san’s quarters.


‘Got it.’


Luck was on my side. I’d guessed that the shabbier of the two annexes would house Ma Hyeok, and I was right.


That meant the other annex would be where First Ghost was headed to face Gwok Du-san.


I quietly climbed onto the annex roof. There were escorts patrolling below, but the darkness concealed my presence.


My Hellfire Technique, which excelled at detecting heat signatures, helped me navigate through the shadows.


I carefully lifted a few tiles and slipped inside. As I did, I heard voices.


“Heh heh heh. So you’re the girl? Take off your clothes.”


“…Excuse me?”


“The old man who wanted to marry you hired me to humiliate and kill you. I saved your life, so the least you can do is give me your virginity. Understand? Now, strip.”


‘…?!’


This guy’s a complete lunatic.


It didn’t take much to figure out what was happening. Ma Hyeok was about to force himself on this woman, claiming he was saving her from the Ghosts of Hubei.


And this guy is supposed to be the heir of an escort agency affiliated with the Martial Alliance?


On top of that, they’d concocted the whole assassination request as a pretext to get to her.


It was absolutely infuriating.


“Please, spare me.”


“Who said anything about killing you? Just take off your clothes.”


“I refused to marry the man from the neighboring village because I love someone else. How can I betray him like this…”


“Ha! I saved your life, and this is how you repay me? I see you need some discipline. Come here!”


Ma Hyeok was getting impatient. He jumped up, shaking the woman’s clothes loose.


But with one hand injured, it wasn’t easy.


“You damn bitch!”


Slap!


Ma Hyeok slapped her, and her head snapped to the side. Her cheek turned bright red.


I glanced outside.


The fire hadn’t started yet.


‘How much longer?’


I wanted to break Ma Hyeok’s other hand right now, but if I moved now, the plan would be ruined.


The image of the woman’s reddening cheek made me think of Choryeong, but I had to restrain myself.


“It’s quieter now, isn’t it? Come here and show your gratitude to your savior. Only a beast would refuse.”


Ma Hyeok reached out again, this time grabbing the woman and pulling her toward him.


She was trembling so much she could barely resist.


She’d been beaten into submission, her will to fight back completely crushed.


Ma Hyeok’s lips curled into a sickening smile. The more she trembled, the more his smile grew. He was about to savor his prize.


‘This can’t wait any longer.’


I couldn’t stand it any longer.


Swish!


I silently dropped down beside Ma Hyeok. Despite being a martial artist, he was startled and turned to look at me.


I saw his eyes widen through my pig mask.


Ma Hyeok took a deep breath, about to scream.


“W-Who…?”


Thunk!


I immediately clamped my hand over his mouth and ripped out his throat.


Gasp…


Ma Hyeok’s last breath gurgled through his severed throat as he crumpled to the ground.


Outside, the night remained quiet.


‘I should have done this sooner.’


I felt a surge of satisfaction.

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