Chapter 10
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: Brothers and New Obligations
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Of course, even if he'd asked Jo Jung-seon to teach him, Yi Ho-chang could have learned it.
To martial world experts, acupoint strikes were as essential as English was to modern people.
But he'd deliberately asked Sima Hwa-yeong to teach him. That way, he could forge a deeper connection with the Sima Family.
Sima Hwa-yeong nodded vigorously upon hearing Ho-chang's request.
"Of course! Young hero! You're welcome anytime!"
"Thank you."
Such an enthusiastic response.
Ho-chang nearly burst out laughing.
But what Ho-chang wanted wasn't over yet.
A true deal wasn't just giving one thing and getting one in return—it was giving one and getting two.
But Ho-chang aimed to give one and get three.
That mindset had elevated him to the rank of National Hand.
Ho-chang spoke to Jo Jung-seon.
"While I'm asking, Elder, may I make one more request?"
"Speak."
"Could you perhaps let my little brothers attend the academy?"
"Academy?"
"Yes."
Ho-chang was sincere.
Others might dismiss those kids as mere beggars, but they were the first bonds he'd formed since arriving here.
Besides...
'If I hadn't known from the start, maybe I'd ignore it, but now that I know their situation, how could I pretend not to notice?'
If Ho-chang had been born a martial artist, he might have brushed it off as their fate as beggars.
But Ho-chang was a modern intellectual educated in the system.
He'd been taught to help the poor, and especially to care for children.
In particular, he believed education was essential if possible.
He'd learned that true aid for the homeless wasn't just money or food, but helping them find jobs.
In that sense, education was what these kids needed most.
It would broaden their worldview and motivate them to rise above their station.
Ho-chang continued.
"I won't ask you to cover tuition. I'll handle their fees and living expenses. But some things can't be bought with money, so that's why I'm asking."
Jo Jung-seon chuckled at that.
He understood what was behind Ho-chang's request.
"That's no trouble at all. But young hero, how do you plan to cover tuition and living costs for so many brothers?"
Ho-chang smirked this time.
"This is the White Go Hall—what's there to worry about? As long as I have the strength to hold stones, I can earn that much anytime."
"Ha! Indeed. I was short-sighted, too caught up in your story and forgetting this is the White Go Hall. I get your intent, but don't harass our patrons over tuition. It wouldn't do to have a shark swimming among the minnows. Since I'm helping, I'll cover their tuition and living expenses too."
Ho-chang beamed.
"Thank you, Elder."
"Heh, not entirely free, of course."
Well now?
The mindset of giving one and getting more wasn't unique to Ho-chang.
Jo Jung-seon, one of the Top 100 Seated Hidden Stars, thought the same.
"I'll take full responsibility for your brothers, so use the time you'd spend earning tuition to learn martial arts from Mae Hyang instead."
"Martial arts... you mean?"
"Learning formations and acupoint strikes is all to protect yourself, isn't it? From that angle, nothing beats martial arts."
True enough.
It was a fine condition.
Ho-chang had a keen interest in martial arts anyway.
He smiled and replied.
"Thank you for the opportunity."
"Heh, no need for thanks. We'll discuss details tomorrow. You must be tired—head back early tonight."
"Yes, Elder."
Glancing at the time, it was already dark night.
With three new masters in an instant, Ho-chang bowed to the two of them before heading to the Dragon Pearl Gang.
Based on yesterday's events, Ho-chang explained everything to the kids and laid down rules of conduct.
One: Squad leaders manage tribute fees from now on.
Two: Accept financial support but act as if you don't.
Three: Pretend to beg while heading to the academy to study.
The kids were stunned at the mention of academy, but since such chances were rare, they all nodded.
Baek Hwi was included, naturally.
To Ho-chang, Baek Hwi was just another kid.
In that spirit, Baek Hwi and the squad members decided to call Ho-chang "big brother."
No objections.
In thought or action, Ho-chang seemed far more mature than them.
Besides...
"Big bro lost his memories, right?"
"Yeah, so he might really be older than us."
"Nah, at that level, he's definitely big bro."
They'd already rationalized it among themselves.
Adorable kids, all around.
Then one squad member asked Baek Hwi.
"But Baek Hwi... er, Vice Squad Leader, you okay with this?"
"I'm fine. If you all are. And vice squad leader? What's that even mean now?"
He played it cool, but inwardly, Baek Hwi welcomed it most.
Thinking of Ho-chang as an older brother rather than a peer made things much easier.
Once he'd drilled the three rules into them, Ho-chang took his brothers to the White Go Hall.
It was only proper to thank someone covering tuition and living expenses in person.
Ho-chang said.
"These are the brothers I mentioned yesterday."
Baek Hwi and the Sixth Squad kids lined up and bowed, and Jo Jung-seon chuckled with a nod.
"All bright-looking lads. Young hero... no, I'll call you by name now. That alright?"
"Yes, Elder."
With Jo Jung-seon's title changing, Ho-chang switched from "Hall Master" to "Elder."
"Elder" felt closer than "Hall Master."
Satisfied with the change, Jo Jung-seon pulled a jade plaque from his robe and offered it.
"Go to the fabric shop in front of the busy intersection inn and show them this. They'll give the kids fitting new clothes."
"Elder, this is..."
"Substance matters more than looks, but they need clean attire for the academy. No refusing—take it."
A man of deep insight, as expected.
Ho-chang smiled and accepted the jade plaque. The brothers bowed again in thanks.
Ho-chang led them lightly to the fabric shop.
They nearly got treated like beggars at first, but the jade plaque smoothed things over quickly.
The kids, in their first clean outfits, were overjoyed and fidgety.
Seeing them, Ho-chang nodded with an uncle's fond look at cute nephews.
"Clothes make the man, huh? New outfits suit you. Wash up well from now on—no body odor. That's how you honor the Elder."
"Yes, Big Bro!"
The kids replied briskly.
Ho-chang then took them to Seowon Academy, run by Jo Jung-seon's junior, and enrolled them.
Unlike the shop, no beggar treatment—advance word had been sent.
"Study hard."
"Thanks, Big Bro. Aren't you studying?"
"I already finished compulsory education."
"...?"
They didn't get it but nodded anyway.
With enrollment done, Ho-chang finally headed to the White Go Hall.
He had mountains to learn starting today.
Then, far off, he spotted a tower-like man chasing another.
A massive, brutish build.
Some thug?
Ho-chang noticed a red knot on the chased man's arm.
'That's the Red Tiger Gang?'
It didn't look like mere jewelry.
The man's grubby look matched Red Tiger Gang style.
Suddenly, the man swung a fist to shove Ho-chang aside.
'Whoa?'
It happened fast, but Ho-chang saw the fist coming slow.
He dodged and tripped him.
Red Tiger or not, swinging at him demanded payback.
"Urk!"
The man tumbled messily, and the giant pounced, knocking him out.
Shouldering the unconscious man, the giant greeted Ho-chang.
"Thanks for the help. Nearly lost this Red Tiger punk."
Ah.
Red Tiger Gang confirmed.
Ho-chang smiled.
"No problem. I'm with the Dragon Pearl Gang too."
"Oh?"
"New Sixth Squad Leader Yi Ho-chang."
Ho-chang bowed with clasped fists. The man laughed heartily, set the knockout down, and returned the gesture.
"A comrade! I'm First Squad Leader Mu Cheol-gae. Was patrolling for Red Tiger stragglers and spotted this one."
"Lucky you caught him."
"Sure is. Heard the new Sixth Squad Leader was nimble—spot on. Like me a few years back."
"Pardon? A few years ago... how old are you?"
"Turning nineteen this year!"
That face is nineteen?
Speech and looks screamed forties at least.
Ho-chang looked stunned, and Mu Cheol-gae laughed again, clapping his pot-lid hand on Ho-chang's shoulder.
"What a shocked face! Everyone doubts at first. But I'm really nineteen!"
"N-no, I believe you. Anyway, I have somewhere urgent—mind if I go?"
"Oh, holding up a busy guy. Yeah, I gotta interrogate this one too. Let's part here. Nice meeting—handshake?"
He extended his massive hand.
Ho-chang paused at the sight but gripped it.
This guy had grip strength.
Like shaking with a living bandit chief?
Ho-chang squeezed back to match.
Handshake done, Ho-chang nodded and left first. Mu Cheol-gae watched him go, then eyed his own hand.
A red imprint the size of Ho-chang's palm lingered.
'Huh, scrawny but packs a punch?'
Thought he was just quick, but that grip was impressive.
Mu Cheol-gae grinned.
A fun new guy after so long.
'Details soon enough.'
Beaming, Mu Cheol-gae hoisted the Red Tiger man again.