Translator: Nox
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Letters from the Shadows
#1
Late at night.
Peng Hyeon-do sat under a lantern, reading the Tang Clan’s letter for the third time.
It wasn’t just an invitation.
It was layered.
Between the lines were veiled messages.
Threats. Promises. Warnings.
The Tang Clan wanted to test him.
But they also feared him.
‘They’re not sure which way I’ll lean.’
And so, they extended a poisoned hand — just to see if he’d take it.
“No thanks,” he muttered, and tossed the letter into the brazier.
Flames devoured it instantly.
He wouldn’t dance to their tune.
#2
The next morning, the steward looked concerned.
“You burned a Tang Clan letter?”
“Yep.”
“They’ll take offense.”
“Good.”
The steward sighed deeply.
But said no more.
Hyeon-do wasn’t reckless.
Just deliberate.
He knew exactly what kind of ripples his actions created.
Which was why, later that day, when he got the second letter — he didn’t flinch.
This time, it was from **Mount Wudang**.
An invitation to spar.
No threats. No hidden meanings.
Just an open challenge.
He accepted immediately.
#3
The Wudang emissary was a teenage monk named Song Jin.
Barefoot. Smiling. Holding a wooden sword.
“I’m here to fight.”
“I’m here to win.”
They bowed.
Then drew their weapons.
The duel happened in the central courtyard, with the entire Peng Sect watching.
The Clan Head. The disciples. The stewards.
One round.
That’s all it took.
Wood met steel.
A flash of qi—
And Song Jin was on his back.
He blinked up at the sky, dazed.
“Whoa... You really are strong.”
Hyeon-do sheathed his saber.
“Thanks for coming.”
The monk laughed as he stood.
“You’re scary. But not evil. I’ll report that.”
And with that, he left.
#4
That night, Hyeon-do stood alone on the rooftop.
The wind carried the scent of rain.
Everyone was watching now.
Zhegall Sect. Tang Clan. Wudang. Even Sado-Ryeon.
Each waiting to see what kind of monster he would become.
And Hyeon-do?
He wasn’t waiting at all.
He was moving.
【To be continued in Chapter 19】
