Chapter 149: Hundred Cats Chaos (1)

On a ridge overlooking a vast grassland, a man in red stood gazing down the cliff.

As he looked at the distant green waves of the grassland, a benevolent smile appeared on his lips.

“Is it midsummer already?”

Listening to the echoing cries of cicadas, he sighed.

A masked man in red appeared beside him.

“Greetings, Eight Heavenly Apostles.”

Without looking at his bowing subordinate, the Eight Heavenly Apostles asked,

“Isn’t it a beautiful sight?”

“……”

“Such a peaceful scene.”

Seeing no response from the masked man, the Eight Heavenly Apostles continued.

“The spirits of the scattered poison worms are being severed.”

Snap.

The man’s gentle demeanor vanished.

“The world is truly kind.”

If it weren’t for the vermin called humans.

Muttering, the Eight Heavenly Apostles clasped his hands behind his back.

“Disappointing. I hoped the Murim Alliance would be more stirred up.”

“The Murim Alliance’s response was quicker than expected. Also…”

The Eight Heavenly Apostles shook his head.

“I didn’t know the beggars of the Beggars’ Sect were so diligent.”

“If you wish, we can erase them.”

The masked man spoke loyally, but the Eight Heavenly Apostles shook his head.

“Enough. We’ve lost too much for the Awakening Stone.”

The unexpected turn of events revealed their plans to tighten the noose around the Murim Alliance too early.

“Their heightened vigilance is likely due to feeling threatened.”

“…I apologize.”

Barely listening to his subordinate’s apology, the Eight Heavenly Apostles asked,

“Have you found the whereabouts of the Awakening Stone?”

“Yes, we have.”

Bowing his head, the subordinate continued.

“The Awakening Stone, or Blood Tear Stone as they call it, is currently under strict Murim Alliance control.”

They had managed to plant spies and trace its location.

“It will soon be moved to the Huashan Sect.”

“The Huashan Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects? Not a bad choice.”

Planning to hide the stone in the rugged terrain of Huashan.

Muttering, the Eight Heavenly Apostles thought of Huashan.

The Huashan Sect, located in Huashan, is part of the Five Sacred Mountains, known as the Western Mountain.

“Huashan, with its rugged peaks like the swords of the gods, is a breathtaking sight.”

An excellent place to hide something using the terrain.

They might have their own schemes.

But they don’t know.

“They don’t know their decision will set the beautiful Huashan ablaze.”

“Are you planning to attack Huashan?”

If the Eight Heavenly Apostles decided, they could defeat even the strongest of the Nine Great Sects.

‘If the Eight Heavenly Apostles wish it.’

He would sacrifice his life to bring about Huashan’s downfall.

As he waited with a pounding heart for the order, the Eight Heavenly Apostles shook his head.

“No need to act prematurely.”

There’s still time before the Awakening Stone is moved to Huashan.

The Eight Heavenly Apostles had another reason.

“We’ve received word from the Wind Sword. They’ve rebuilt the altar.”

“Oh, finally.”

“They’ll soon send the Awakening Stone to me.”

Hearing this, the subordinate’s eyes showed caution.

“The Wind Sword is not to be trusted.”

“I know. I know.”

After all, the Apostles of Eight Heavens are competitors dreaming of becoming gods.

“There can’t be two heavens.”

They must have their own schemes.

“……”

“But if they hand over the key to godhood, it’s worth being deceived temporarily.”

With that, the Eight Heavenly Apostles turned.

“Of course, the best outcome is for me to possess both Awakening Stones.”

To become a god unrivaled in the world.

– Therefore, I command.

“I will retrieve the stone myself before it reaches Huashan.”

“Yes, my lord!”

***

Hundred Cats Chaos.

Myojinmun was busy preparing for the upcoming event.

Originally, as a sect in Suzhou, it was just a place loved by people with unique tastes, but its status had recently changed.

Gathering the martial artists of Suzhou, they had made significant contributions during the Shinmu Murim Excursion.

With rumors spreading, more people came to Myojinmun for exchanges.

“We’ve heard of your reputation.”

“Can we make a deal with Myojinmun?”

“Although we are neighbors, we’ve had little interaction. Let’s meet more often.”

The reason people sought exchanges wasn’t just Myojinmun’s reputation.

– A Kunlun Sect master resides in Myojinmun.

Once a legend of the righteous factions, the presence of Wang Woo, inheritor of the Great Kunlun, was another reason.

“Please convey our respects to Elder Wang Woo.”

“We’ve brought fine tea. Could you give it to Elder Wang?”

Some came with small hopes, others with genuine respect for the great hero.

People frequently crossed Myojinmun’s threshold.

Typically, gaining attention would raise the vigilance of nearby sects.

But Myojinmun was free from this.

“Our sect’s martial arts are insignificant. What’s important is how much we cherish cats.”

Despite their reputation, their presence as a martial sect was minimal.

So much so that some said,

“Isn’t Myojinmun more of a merchant or tourist attraction than a martial sect?”

And Myo Gwang, hearing this, laughed it off.

So people lowered their guard even more.

Unaware of what lay beneath the lighthearted exterior.

***

In a private room at Myojinmun.

Myo Gwang brought a bundle of portraits.

“These are newly drawn.”

“There are quite a few this time.”

“I stayed up all night to draw them.”

*Flip. Flip.*

He carefully examined the twenty or so portraits.

But Cho Un-hwi’s expression remained unchanged.

“Hmm. Still not here.”

“Really?”

As Myo Gwang, disappointed, began to gather the portraits, a voice interrupted.

“Don’t be disheartened.”

Wang Woo, or rather Sima Bai, said, serving tea.

“With your dedication, the heavens will surely grant you a fateful encounter.”

“I hope so.”

As he sipped his tea, the air trembled, and something black fell from the air.

“My lord, I think I found her!”

With an excited voice, Danya’s bandages danced behind him.

“I knew it when I saw her. Isn’t this the one?”

“Really?”

Taking the portrait from Danya, Cho Un-hwi’s face twisted.

“Ugh.”

“Not her? She seemed perfect with her striking looks.”

“That’s Tang Ae-hui from the Tang Clan.”

“Tang Ae-hui?”

Oh, she hasn’t earned her nickname yet.

Unlike in his previous life, where she was a venomous woman, she was still a young girl.

“She’s not the one.”

Tang Ae-hui from the Tang Clan.

Displeased by the large butterfly motif, he covered the portrait.

“Is she coming to Myojinmun too?”

“Yes, it seems so.”

I hope we don’t cross paths.

Praising Danya for his efforts, he asked Myo Gwang,

“Myo Gwang, when is the Hundred Cats Chaos scheduled?”

“In about five days.”

“That’s soon.”

“It seems the righteous factions dealt with the demonic practitioners faster than expected.”

He explained that the righteous factions had moved quickly in response to the demonic appearances.

“Especially with Wang Woo’s name, it had a significant impact.”

The forgotten master of Kunlun.

‘With the most respected figure leading the charge, even the slow-moving elders of the righteous factions couldn’t remain idle.’

As expected.

The Nine Great Sects and the Ten Great Families, who would normally just maintain appearances, actively intervened.

“Glad to have been of help.”

Smiling, Wang Woo focused on brewing tea.

They had no idea that he was a villain plotting the conquest of the righteous factions.

Thanks to him, things had gone well.

“Anything else of note?”

Danya raised his hand and bandages.

“I sent a letter to Little Toe.”

The one he called Little Toe was Sima Yul.

Known as the One-Eyed Sword God, he was the hope of the righteous factions.

“He sent back a blank letter with a tear.”

I didn’t want to know that.

“Yul will handle things well.”

Turning his attention, Myo Gwang answered.

“Nothing significant so far.”

“The inspectors?”

“I heard they appeared near Habi Fortress.”

So nothing significant?

That’s good.

“Be vigilant. Finding my fiancée is important, but we must avoid getting caught by any hindrances.”

“Yes, my lord.”

***

Finishing his tasks, Cho Un-hwi left the room unguarded.

Looking at the sun to estimate the time.

“Should I visit Instructor Yeo?”

She should be treating the injured now.

Muttering to himself.

*Bang!*

A loud noise came as a group entered through Myojinmun’s main gate.

He recognized many familiar faces.

‘First, there’s Instructor Shim.’

Qingyang County is nearby, so they must have been invited to the Hundred Cats Chaos.

Then he saw Cheongsu with a lighter expression.

Seeing familiar faces, he thought to greet them.

“Instructor Cho Un-hwi!”

A middle-aged man with a twisted expression appeared, fuming.

Seeing him, Cho Un-hwi snapped his fingers.

“Oh, right. I think it’s a good time for a nap.”

As he turned to leave, another loud shout followed.

“Instructor Cho Un-hwi! You… temporary instructor!”

Hearing the suppressed shout, Cho Un-hwi counted to himself and prepared mentally before turning around.

“Oh, it’s been a while.”

He tried to be cheerful, but the man’s face didn’t improve.

Seeing the veins on his forehead, it seemed to have the opposite effect.

Cho Un-hwi turned again.

“Yes, a nap is definitely needed.”

He tried to leave quickly, but a shadow loomed over him.

*Crack.*

A hand gripped his shoulder, nearly breaking the bone, and forcefully turned him around.

Face to face with the man, who spoke through clenched teeth.

“We need to talk.”

His face and voice showed no hint of a smile as Jang Cheol-sim spoke.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Stop playing dumb.”

“Why would I need to play dumb?”

Feigning ignorance, Cho Un-hwi tried to deflect, but Jang Cheol-sim didn’t budge.

“Come with me.”

***

Jang Cheol-sim was in for a surprise.

He had just heard about Myojinmun and was rushing to help.

The appearance of demonic practitioners was urgent, so he had set out immediately.

Thankfully, he heard that the worst had been averted.

“Haha. Elder Wang Woo.”

“Seeing the trouble and stepping in immediately, truly a great hero.”

Instructor Shim agreed.

“We need more people like him in the Jianghu.”

Shim agreed somberly.

“Indeed. When did so many people start calculating profits before justice?”

“We need to cultivate more important talents.”

Having set out, they headed to Suzhou to celebrate Myojinmun’s victory, as requested by Shinmu Academy.

Excited to see the living legend again, they arrived in Suzhou.

“Jang Cheol-sim. Are you really a senior instructor?”

At the city gate, showing his ID, guards surrounded him.

“We need to question you. Come with us.”

“We don’t want to be rude to a master from Cheongseong Sect, so please cooperate.”

What was going on?

He asked, and got an unexpected response.

“Everyone knows you attacked the Jangcheon Sect!”

“Don’t play dumb.”

“Everyone in Suzhou knows.”

He protested.

“I haven’t been to Suzhou in a year.”

“All criminals say that.”

After much persuasion from Instructor Shim, the charges were dropped.

But the humiliation of nearly being detained in broad daylight left a scar.

***

Jang Cheol-sim, recalling the incident, glared and asked.

“Do you have nothing to say?”

He seemed ready to unleash his fury.