A Medieval Knight in a Martial Arts Novel

The Martial Alliance was at peace.

Of course, this was because all the incidents that were supposed to be the catalyst in the original story had been resolved early on, leaving no sense of impending crisis.

Although the Demonic Sect showed signs of advancing, due to preemptive efforts, their invasion plans were disarrayed. They lacked the capacity to invade, and even if they attempted clandestine operations, I had already dismantled their base of operations.

The Xiaomen Sect, the Evil factions, and the Secret Branches were all eliminated. Could they immediately prepare for war?

Even if all their schemes failed and they attempted a full-scale war, they would still be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the righteous sect’s warriors.

And as for the potential allies such as the Green Forest Bandits or the Jiang River Water Pirates, they were lying low. Without a suicidal plan to destroy everything, the best course of action was to stay quiet.

Still, it was far too quiet.

Could something have happened to the Demonic Sect?

“It’s been a while, Great Hero Wi.”

Ah, finally, he’s here.

I looked at Zhuge Hyeon-sang sitting across from me.

Zhuge Hyeon-sang.

My first intelligence provider.

He, as usual, stared at me with a suspicious look.

“We haven’t seen each other since you were in Yunnan, which was around two months ago.”

I looked at Zhuge Hyeon-sang, who had visited me after such a long time. When I spoke, he, as usual, covered his mouth with his fan and gave off an eerie laugh.

“I’ve been incredibly busy recently. After Seo Gunsa was captured, the Alliance Leader selected talents to fill his position.”

“So, you’re now a military adjutant?”

“Not yet. But my uncle managed to take the position, so all I have to do is slowly build my credentials.”

“Building credentials, huh.”

Credentials are important. They’re one of the few indicators of a person’s actual abilities. I scratched my chin and picked up my chopsticks.

“That’s certainly something to celebrate, but how is the task I assigned you coming along?”

Ah, regarding the mysterious “Bipin Sambo” manual—did you manage to find it?” I watched him intently, and he drew a neatly folded piece of paper from his sleeve, placing it on the table and sliding it my way.

“The matter turned out to be more complicated than expected.”

“Complicated?”

“Yes. Upon investigating, it seems that within the Seongcheon Trading Company, there is a power struggle over the position of the head merchant. The company is split into factions, with the eldest son leading one side, and the second son leading another through the Seongcheon Security Agency.”

“So what does that have to do with the manual?”

“The “Bipin Sambo” and the first half of the Three Treasures Sword Technique are certainly in the possession of Seongcheon Trading Company, and it was indeed planned for auction.”

“But… each of the two brothers has one volume. To obtain both, we either have to wait until their successor battle concludes or help one side to win.”

“Is the auction canceled then?”

“Yes. Selling half a manual is meaningless. However, the real reason lies in their ongoing rivalry.”

Of course. Each volume, on its own, doesn’t have much value. If I want the entire set, including the lower volume I already possess, I’d have to sell them together to fetch a good price.

“If you want to get it, you either wait or interfere in someone else’s family feud. Which do you think is better?”

“While waiting might seem easier, the problem lies in when this rivalry will end. It’s been six months now in a stalemate, and it might drag on for years.”

“Quite a long wait.”

“Unless one side is overwhelmingly stronger, it will inevitably take time.”

“What about the head merchant?”

“He is bedridden, his days numbered.”

Complicated.

I needed the Three Treasures Sword Technique to ascend further. While the second half had been helpful, having the whole thing would be far more advantageous.

And with this being one of the easier high-level martial arts to acquire, I should get it as soon as possible.

“I understand. Let’s move on. Have you heard any information about the Demonic Sect?”

For the first time, Zhuge Hyeon-sang’s expression turned serious. He indeed had some information.

“The Demonic Sect is eerily quiet—it’s almost unsettling. However… among the merchants trading with the Western Regions, there is a rumor that all the bandits in the area have been consolidated under a single force.”

“The bandits?”

Could it be the Demonic Sect?

Are they using the bandits to cultivate cavalry?

“Do you know the identity of the one consolidating them?”

“They say it’s someone from Persia.”

“Persia?”

“I’m not too sure about the location but it’s a large nation in the Western Regions, far from us.”

Ah, Persia, I see.

Perhaps more accurately Abbas, but from the perspective of China, it’s not surprising they don’t have direct information about the Western Regions.

However, if they showed up…

Something odd was definitely happening.

My head began to ache from the sudden influx of information. If this mysterious Persia-connected force appeared in the Demonic Sect’s territory, it was not a good sign.

“I need more information on these people.”

“Someone has already been sent to investigate. However, given the distance, reliable information won’t be available until the end of winter.”

“What if the Demonic Sect acts before then?”

“…The Martial Alliance is prepared for a war with the Demonic Sect. Extra guards have been stationed at the outskirts of the Central Plains. If they invade, those guards will immediately inform the Alliance through all available means.”

It seems they’ve prepared adequately.

Recalling everything I had observed during my time with the Martial Alliance, I nodded in agreement. They had been stung twice, and they were now preparing diligently for the third time.

Even if war didn’t happen, it would cost them. But if it did, countless lives would be at stake—better safe than sorry.

“Good. Then I can focus on my own tasks.”

“Indeed, it is all thanks to your efforts, Great Hero Wi. Your discovery of the spies within the Martial Alliance has eradicated the dissenting voices.”

True. If someone in a key position had been a spy for decades, consensus would have been impossible.

“Any other news? Anything particularly interesting?”

“It will be quiet during the winter.”

“That’s a pleasant thing to hear.”

Meaning, I can focus on acquiring the manuals during the winter.

“Then I’ll take my leave. Keep up the good work.”

First, I need to solve the issue with the Three Treasures Sword Technique.

And while I’m at it, I may as well pick up some elixirs mentioned in the original story.

As I was about to depart, Zhuge Hyeon-sang suddenly stopped me.

“Ah, there’s one more piece of information I remembered. Not too important, but… two people from the Western Regions have entered the Central Plains.”

“Isn’t it common for Westerners to enter the Central Plains?”

Traders often come, don’t they?

“In this case, it appears both are from Persia. According to some locals who interacted with them, they claim to be travelers. They call themselves authors.”

“Authors?”

“His name is Kasim.”

“What? That guy actually came here?”

He talked endlessly about wanting to see the East and drink wine with me. Did he really come?

“Do you know him?”

“Kasim is a common name, but an author named Kasim isn’t. Also, it’s surprising that we’d meet here, considering old ties.”

“Could you ask Kasim to visit the Martial Alliance?”

“Understood.”

It’d be nice to see an old face again.

With anticipation, I left my seat.

I had piles of tasks to attend to.

———————————–

“Indeed, my friend was correct. The Central Plains are splendid!”

“…”

“What’s wrong, Kamel? Why so silent?”

“Many people are staring at us.”

“Consider this: if there were Chinese people in Baghdad, wouldn’t everyone stare at them too?”

“Uncomfortable. I don’t like it.”

At Kamel’s comment as both bodyguard and companion, Kasim patted his shoulder and chuckled.

“Relax a bit. Who would dare attack us in the middle of a bustling market?”

“There are thieves even here.”

“Do you really think they’d brazenly attack?”

“Who knows?”

Kamel remained on high alert. It was due to the residue of his past within the Hashashin.

“Such a dull companion you are. Then again, that’s how all Hashashin types are…”

Kasim clicked his tongue and refocused his attention on the exotic artifacts of the Central Plains.

Kamel quietly watched Kasim’s retreating back before glancing around.

Amidst the crowd, eyes filled with hostility and greed were fixed on them.

“Are there thieves in this place as well?”

His hand instinctively rested on the hilt of the shamshir at his waist.

“Hey, why so serious, Kamel?”

“There are watchers.”

“Gah, I was hoping for a peaceful trip, and yet again we seem to get involved in something. Aww.”

He sighed, disappointed, and turned to Kamel.

“Should we run?”

“No need. They’ll all die.”

“Don’t bathe in too much blood. You’re not a Hashashin anymore now, are you?”

“Understood.”

And with that, Kamel’s figure vanished in an instant.

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