The Ruler of Darkness

In Luoyang Sword House, Third Young Master’s faction abode.

On the top floor of a five-story grand pavilion, two people were sitting facing each other.

An old man dressed in crimson silk was a person with a sage-like demeanor, his deep eyes brimming with profound mystery.

The middle-aged man sitting opposite him wore white silk, a dignified and handsome man, his eyes sparkling with insight.

Behind each of them, scholars in crimson and white robes respectively lay prostrate.

Through the open window, a hawk flew in.

It was the messenger hawk of the three factions.

A scholar in crimson calmed the hawk, while a scholar in white secured the letter, unfolding it respectfully between the two great strategists.

The middle-aged man in white was the first to speak as he looked over the letter.

The old man in crimson, called Master Sima, stroked his beard.

“As predicted by brother Zhuge, they have lifted the seclusion of the Eldest Young Master in exchange for conceding the family head’s seal.”

The middle-aged man referred to as brother Zhuge nodded.

“This time, fortune favored our strategist.”

Master Sima slowly nodded.

“Do you think, brother Zhuge, that we should now directly confront the Eldest Young Master?”

The middle-aged man, known as brother Zhuge, took a sip of tea, pondering for a moment.

“…When reviewing the records, the Eldest Young Master was indeed a threat. However, back then, he had the support of the family head. Now, he is merely one among a few, lacking a substantial force.”

“I agree. For the time being, his actions will likely be limited to personal strategies, similar to this recent palace incident.”

“And unless one can see into his mind, predicting his moves is exceedingly difficult.”

Those lying prostrate behind them were diligently recording their conversation.

“What then shall we do…?”

“For the time being, a reactionary approach should suffice. Without the family head’s seal, he can no longer pose a critical threat.”

“…You are right. By taking the family head’s seal from him, we have essentially resolved the biggest issue. Currently, he is even less significant than that 4th Young Master.”

“Then, further discussion on this matter would be a waste of time.”

“Let’s take a break and move on to the next agenda.”

The two great strategists reached a consensus.

The scholars in crimson and white robes rose and descended the stairs to convey the directives they had received.

They were to deliver the instructions of the great strategists to the military personnel filling the five-story pavilion.

While drinking tea, Master Sima looked at the middle-aged man.

“Brother Zhuge, it seems something is troubling you.”

“No, it’s just…”

Master Sima sipped his tea, calmly waiting for the middle-aged man to continue.

“…I’m just a bit disappointed that everything went exactly as expected.”

A gloomy expression crossed his handsome face.

“Is the Eldest Young Master, who so many in this Sword House feared, merely this much?”

Master Sima burst into laughter.

“Worry not, brother Zhuge. The Eldest Young Master has just been released from seclusion, hasn’t he? There will be plenty of opportunities for him to meet your expectations in the future.”

“I can only hope so.”

The scholars returned, presenting them with the new agenda.

Master Sima unfolded the scroll and said,

“Now we must focus on the greatest threat, the 2nd Young Master.”

“They are indeed the real threat.”

The sunset was casting its light from outside.

* * *

In the 2nd Young Master’s faction,

Han Myeong-hwi’s office.

Han Myeong-hwi, who was pacing anxiously in his office, alone, shouted as he heard a knock on the door.

“Come in!”

“My apologies for the intrusion.”

The door opened, and it was none other than Elder Sun who appeared.

“Elder Sun! I was rude without realizing…”

Elder Sun waved his hand dismissively.

“It’s fine. It was my fault for coming without notice. Don’t worry about it.”

Then, Elder Sun handed a note to Han Myeong-hwi.

“You said it was a problem that the advisors had limited access to information, right?”

Han Myeong-hwi took the note with a bewildered look.

“What is this…?”

Elder Sun smiled kindly.

“Advisor Han. This is a victory report for you.”

Upon hearing this, Han Myeong-hwi quickly unfolded the note and read it.

“…Eldest Young Master’s seclusion lifted. Family head’s seal sealed. Congratulations, Advisor Han. And to 2nd Young Master, Yeon Ja-cheong.”

It was exhilarating.

Han Myeong-hwi silently let out a cheer.

Watching him, Elder Sun, laughing heartily, took out a small pottery jar of liquor from his robe.

“This is Great Song of the Chan River, a special victory liquor personally bestowed by our lord. It’s a very rare drink. Do you have a cup?”

Han Myeong-hwi quickly rummaged through a drawer and took out two cups.

Elder Sun then personally poured the liquor into the cups Han Myeong-hwi held.

A clear yet piercingly strong aroma filled the room.

The two clinked their cups in celebration and downed the liquor in one gulp.

Elder Sun leaned comfortably against the desk.

“Our lord is highly pleased with your recent achievements. Therefore, he has decided to appoint you as the person in charge of the Eldest Young Master.”

The victory wine was sweet.

But the reward was even sweeter.

“I will continue to do my best.”

“Just keep up the good work as you did this time.”

Elder Sun refilled his empty cup and continued.

“Everyone expects the Eldest Young Master’s first move to involve the slum development project with the 4th Young Master. Do you have the same prediction?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Elder Sun nodded.

“Then, for this task, work closely with Advisor Choi, who is in charge of the 4th Young Master, and his private group to smoothly handle the situation.”

“I was already collaborating with Advisor Choi on a matter.”

Han Myeong-hwi smiled.

“Oh? What is it?”

Han Myeong-hwi, holding his cup, searched through the pile of documents on his desk and unfolded one.

“Recently, there have been delays due to the Eldest Young Master, but I’ve been searching for the lost Sword House Bronze Plaque.”

“I see.”

“And I’ve also been tracking the external sources of the rumors about the Eldest Young Master.”

Han Myeong-hwi pointed to a section of the document.

“Meanwhile, Advisor Choi has been tracking the 4th Young Master’ business plans externally, replacing the ‘ears’ we lost inside.”

A broad smile spread across Han Myeong-hwi’s face.

“We both came across one coinciding name.”

Elder Sun read the point Han Myeong-hwi was indicating.

“…Master of Crescent Moon Pavilion.”

As Elder Sun tried to recall, Han Myeong-hwi shook his head.

“She’s not a significant figure that Elder Sun would remember. The woman’s just an informant known a bit in the streets of Luoyang.”

“And you’re saying such a minor character is involved in all these matters?”

“We’ll have to hear it directly from her to know the details.”

“Proceed with it immediately.”

Han Myeong-hwi gestured behind Elder Sun.

“It’s already in progress.”

At his words, Elder Sun looked around the empty office.

“…So that’s why the office was empty!”

A deep smile formed on Han Myeong-hwi’s face.

“By now, my men would already be surrounding Crescent Moon Pavilion.”

* * *

As the day turned to night.

Near Crescent Moon Pavilion in Luoyang.

“We have completed the encirclement. Not even a mouse can escape now.”

One of the warriors of the Luoyang Sword House reported to Han Myeong-hwi’s closest advisor.

“Good. Continue the encirclement until further instructions.”

Though the encirclement was successful, for some reason, the close advisor furrowed his brows as he looked at the pavilion where Crescent Moon Pavilion was located.

“…This is an informant’s pavilion?”

Close by, the intelligence advisors from the Great Immortal Merchant Group reported.

“The owner originally rented two floors in a central pavilion but recently bought the entire pavilion you see now.”

“It doesn’t add up, even if she has been selling hot information related to the Eldest Young Master and the 4th Young Master’s business recently.”

“Should we investigate the source of her funds separately?”

Han Myeong-hwi’s closest advisor shook his head.

“No. We just need to confirm it with her directly. Order the men to clear the way.”

The warriors stormed in first, encountering surprisingly little resistance.

In this land of Luoyang, anyone who dared to resist upon seeing the mark of the Luoyang Sword House was either a follower of the demonic cult, a rebel, or someone wishing for death.

Leaving behind the members of the Great Immortal Merchant Group disguised and performing secret missions, Han Myeong-hwi’s closest associates entered the pavilion.

“The Crescent Moon Pavilion master is in the office,” they were informed.

They headed straight for the office.

The door was flung open by the warriors.

The neatly arranged office was lit only by a single lamp on the desk.

Han Myeong-hwi’s advisor addressed the person sitting at the desk.

She was a beauty, without a doubt.

However, the formidable aura she exuded was perhaps her only flaw, if it could be called that.

“Are you the wench who calls herself the Crescent Moon Pavilion master?”

Her escort, standing behind her like a shadow, twitched at the advisor’s insulting words, but the Crescent Moon Pavilion master raised her hand to stop her.

“Yes, I am the Crescent Moon Pavilion master.”

Languidly lounging in her chair, her single eye turned towards them.

“…Are you the famous 2nd Young Master’s faction members?”

Her casual reference to the 2nd Young Master caused the Luoyang Sword House’s warriors to rest their hands on their swords.

“So, the wench is indeed an informant with a reputation to speak of.”

The Crescent Moon Pavilion master, Se-ah, faintly smiled as she held a long smoking pipe in her hand.

“Indeed. I am a well-known informant. I even know that you are part of the faction called ‘Advisor Han’s group’.”

“…A mere informant woman knows too much that she shouldn’t.”

Han Myeong-hwi’s associates were not all scholars.

“Originally, we planned to interrogate you here, but plans have changed. We will transport you to the Sword House for further questioning.”

One of them, gripping a katana sword, advanced towards her.

His aura filled the office with a tense silence, but she exhaled smoke leisurely.

“Seeing how you handle that katana sword, you must be the Blade Hunting Dogs of the Shinei Clan. The murderous hound from Fuzhou.”

She taunted the man called Blade Hunting Dogs of the Shinei Clan.

“Aren’t you still wanted in Fujian Province? I could make a nice sum by turning you in.”

The murderous intent of the Blade Hunting Dog erupted.

And even faster, his katana sword was drawn in a flash.

“!”

Just as his blade aimed to slice the tip of Crescent Moon Pavilion master’s nose,

it was blocked before fully drawn. The deft skill belonged to the expressionless woman standing behind her like a shadow.

She had struck the sword guard, blocking the draw, and then pressed her own blade to the throat of the Blade Hunting Dog.

Two Swords, Raging Current.

It was a moment that revealed the art of a coordinated offense and defense – severing the opponent’s rhythm of attack to subdue them, then utilizing that opening to counterattack.

The warriors of the Luoyang Sword House simultaneously drew their swords, pointing them at the two women.

Han Myeong-hwi’s agent looked at the Crescent Moon Pavilion master with disbelief.

“What on earth are you counting on to dare confront the people of the Luoyang Sword House?”

“What am I counting on?”

She smirked and smiled.

“This.”

She picked up an object that was on the desk and showed it to them.

“That, the Sword House Bronze Plaque?!”

The Crescent Moon Pavilion master stood up, holding the Sword House Bronze Plaque.

“For your information, this is not the same badge that was with that Gukju b*tch. If you look at the serial number, you’ll see it’s different.”

“Then, what…?!”

Her smile deepened.

“There’s no need to explain anything to thieves who break in during the night.”

She pointed to the door with the hand holding the Sword House Bronze Plaque.

“Before I formally lodge a complaint with the Luoyang Sword House, I suggest you all leave.”

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