Chapter 17
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Flower Point
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“Haha, so that’s what happened while I was away.”
“Yes, sir.”
After that incident, Yi Ho-chang and Jo Jung-seon were chatting in the annex of the White Go Hall, enjoying the cool breeze.
“By the way, that name Yu Pyo-gyeom rings a bell. Wasn’t he a disciple taken in by the Seated Hidden Star, No-hyung-goe?”
“He definitely showed signs of proper training. It’s possible.”
“Heh heh, if that’s true, it’d be a huge embarrassment for No-hyung-goe. But more importantly, is that the gauntlet you received as payment?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
In response to Jo Jung-seon’s question, Yi Ho-chang removed the gauntlet and handed it over.
Jo Jung-seon examined it closely and spoke.
“It certainly emanates a refined energy. This isn’t just any ordinary item. At this level, you could call it a Go treasure.”
“Could it really be something Rightsung used?”
“Who knows? There’s no proof.”
“True enough.”
It wasn’t like there was a certificate of authenticity. How could anyone trust a con man’s word?
Still, the energy emanating from the item itself was real, so it seemed to qualify as a treasure.
“By the way, have you named this thing yet?”
“A name?”
“Whether it’s a person or an object, everything needs a name to have true meaning. You’re not planning to sell it, right? You’ll keep using it yourself.”
“That’s true.”
“Then name it yourself. That way, you’ll grow attached to it.”
Fair point.
People who give nicknames to their cars treasure them more.
How much more so for a treasure that wasn’t just any ordinary item? Naming it wouldn’t be hard at all.
Yi Ho-chang pondered for a moment before speaking his mind.
“Then from now on, I’ll call it the Flower Point.”
The gauntlet’s purpose was to protect the hands and forearms.
But it also provided great aid during attacks, serving as a foundation for both offense and defense—like a key placement on the board. That’s why he chose the name Flower Point.
Jo Jung-seon nodded with a smile at those words.
“Flower Point... A fine name. I can tell exactly what you meant by it.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“When the opportunity arises, have an expert appraise the Flower Point. Who knows? It might turn out to be not just a treasure, but a divine relic.”
A divine relic...
Wouldn’t that be an incredible treasure?
Yi Ho-chang couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Yes, I’ll do that if the chance comes.”
After exchanging a few more words with Jo Jung-seon, Yi Ho-chang rose from his seat.
He then moved to the back of the annex, where he saw Baek Hwi training in martial arts under Mae Hyang’s guidance.
‘They’re working hard.’
Fortunately, Jo Jung-seon had accepted Yi Ho-chang’s request and assigned Mae Hyang as Baek Hwi’s martial arts instructor.
Yi Ho-chang, who had been watching, made his presence known.
“Working hard, I see?”
“Brother!”
Baek Hwi lowered his swinging sword and broke into a wide grin at Yi Ho-chang’s arrival.
Yi Ho-chang asked,
“So, how’s the training going?”
“Haha, I still have a lot of shortcomings. The instructor teaches well, but I’m just not getting it...”
Baek Hwi scratched the back of his head sheepishly, smiling.
Yi Ho-chang smiled and turned to Mae Hyang.
“That’s what he says. Thank you for your hard work teaching Baek Hwi, Master.”
“Not at all. We’re just building the basics. But has your talk concluded?”
“Yes. Actually, I have a favor to ask you, Master.”
“Go ahead.”
“Starting tomorrow, I’ll need to be away for a few days on personal business. Please take good care of Baek Hwi in the meantime.”
Personal business.
He meant the Famous Name Assembly.
Mae Hyang nodded without asking for details.
“Understood. Don’t worry and go safely.”
“You keep at it too. No slacking while I’m gone.”
“Of course. How could I waste this opportunity?”
With the request fulfilled, the next day...
Yi Ho-chang headed to the designated location early in the predawn hours.
Mu Cheol-gae and the others had arrived ahead and were waiting.
“Squad Leader Yi, you’re here!”
“Yes. Looks like I’m the last one. Sorry.”
“Kahaha! No worries, we just gathered. Let’s head out!”
The group of six, including Yi Ho-chang, set off for Yingbo, breathing in the crisp early morning air.
Yingbo in Zhejiang Province.
Situated by the sea, it had developed into a bustling port city and prospered greatly as a result.
The Great Benevolence Gang had established itself near the harbor, leveraging its prime location to grow rapidly. Backed by immense wealth, it became the province’s dominant force.
“We’ve arrived.”
Bok Jung-ho withdrew the internal energy he’d been using for his movement technique and spoke.
The others landed one by one, their feet touching down.
The Dragon Pearl Gang members had reached Yingbo in three days from their base in Shaoxing.
“Hmm! Smell of the sea.”
Mu Cheol-gae gazed at the horizon and grinned.
Seeing the vast ocean truly dispelled the stuffiness from days of sleeping outdoors.
‘Feels great.’
Yi Ho-chang had always loved the sea in his previous life.
After staring at a tiny Go board, the ocean’s vast freedom was indescribable.
Mo Gun-hyeong addressed the gang members admiring the view.
“The scenery’s nice, but let’s find an inn to stay first.”
“Deputy Leader’s right. I know a good one—let’s go there.”
Indeed.
Yingbo’s inns were on another level in scale.
Bok Jung-ho might have chosen it deliberately, but it was incomparably luxurious compared to Shaoxing’s.
A waiter hurried out to greet the Dragon Pearl Gang arrivals.
“Welcome, sirs!”
“Six of us for one night. Got rooms?”
“Yes, three double rooms will do. That’ll be 60 silver taels.”
“Here you go.”
Bok Jung-ho handed over the money, and other waiters took the gang’s luggage.
That was when it happened.
“Long time no see, Bok Jung-ho.”
A man called out Bok Jung-ho’s name.
Bok Jung-ho whipped his head around reflexively.
Long hair, a scar over his left eye.
A well-trained physique and two large swords at his waist.
Anyone could tell he was a seasoned warrior who’d seen it all.
The man glanced around briefly before fixing his gaze on Bok Jung-ho.
Bok Jung-ho approached, glaring at him.
“...Beom Jung-cheon.”
“Don’t stand in my way. I’ve got something I must tell you when I see you.”
Behind him stood what looked like his subordinates.
Probably a gang leader like Bok Jung-ho.
Bok Jung-ho furrowed his brow and said,
“What do you want to talk about?”
“Don’t play dumb. I know it was your gang that turned our two squad leaders into pulp, and you still deny it?”
“What on earth are you...”
“You won’t claim ignorance even after hearing the names Maeng Do and Gyu Hak, will you?”
Yi Ho-chang’s body twitched at those words.
No way...
A red knot on Beom Jung-cheon’s forearm symbolizing the Red Tiger Gang.
And Maeng Do and Gyu Hak.
Weren’t those the two Red Tiger Gang thugs I beat up?
‘So they talked after all, those bastards.’
Yi Ho-chang averted his gaze slyly while thinking that.
Beom Jung-cheon, observing Bok Jung-ho’s reaction, narrowed his eyes and asked,
“...You really didn’t know?”
“First I’ve heard of it.”
Beom Jung-cheon seemed momentarily flustered, closing his mouth before slowly scanning the room and stopping at Yi Ho-chang.
“They said it was a kid about that guy’s age...”
“Don’t go grabbing innocent people based on vague stories. Go home.”
“Innocent? Are you saying our boys lied?”
“Bring the actual parties involved to sort it out. I’m getting annoyed with this baseless nonsense.”
“Ha, should I tuck tail because you’re annoyed?”
Bok Jung-ho clicked his tongue at the retort.
“It’s before the Famous Name Assembly. As a gang leader, keep some dignity.”
“Unbelievable.”
Beom Jung-cheon stepped forward, glaring fiercely.
“Fine. As you said, we’ll settle it at the Famous Name Assembly. Should be quite the show.”
With that, Beom Jung-cheon turned and left the inn.
Once he was gone, the waiter and other guests sighed in relief.
They’d been on edge, fearing they’d get dragged into a fight.
Yi Ho-chang quietly asked Mu Cheol-gae beside him.
“I knew we weren’t on good terms with the Red Tiger Gang, but are the leaders on bad terms too?”
“Well... I don’t know the details, but I know their connection goes way back. They say they first met 25 years ago in the martial alliance’s volunteer army during the Righteous-Demonic Great War.”
“That’s a long history.”
“Yeah. But that’s all I know—they never talk about it.”
A connection of at least 25 years.
What had happened to sour it was anyone’s guess.
That was when Bok Jung-ho approached Yi Ho-chang.
“Squad Leader Yi.”
“Yes, Gang Leader.”
“What that guy said earlier—is that you?”
He couldn’t hide it from the gang leader.
Besides, any lie would be exposed quickly.
So he decided to come clean.
Bracing for a scolding.
“Yes, it was.”
But Bok Jung-ho’s reaction was unexpected.
“Well done. You gave them a good hit.”
“...Pardon?”
“What? Worried I’d chew you out?”
“...Yeah, honestly.”
“Heh heh, why worry with me here? A gang leader takes responsibility for what his members do, right?”
No matter what trouble they caused, he’d always have Yi Ho-chang’s back.
It was the solid assurance of a true leader.
Yi Ho-chang expressed his gratitude.
“Thank you, Gang Leader.”
“Enough thanks. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”
“Yes, sir.”
With the commotion settled, Yi Ho-chang unpacked in his room and then went sightseeing in Yingbo’s streets with Chun Seom.
Yingbo was definitely different from Shaoxing.
Being near the sea, fresh seafood lined the stalls alongside expensive luxuries from trade ships.
‘Feels like a trip abroad.’
In his modern life, he’d traveled for tournaments but never purely for tourism.
Tournament days were spent holed up in hotel rooms staring at Go boards.
They were just casually window-shopping when...
‘Hm?’
Wandering aimlessly, something caught Yi Ho-chang’s eye.
It was a Go board and stones.
Carved entirely from jade, it looked quite luxurious.
Chun Seom, walking behind, saw it and said,
“Whoa... Ho-chang, check that out. A Go board carved from solid jade. That must cost a fortune.”
“Yeah, well...”
“What? Not impressed?”
“Not really. A true Go board is best made of wood.”
He wasn’t just saying it.
Like how tuning leads back to stock, wood was unbeatable for Go boards.
No other material could match the sound or color when placing stones.
But Chun Seom, unaware of the reason, tilted his head.
“Really? Wood’s just... common, something anyone uses.”
“Real luxury is in the details of everyday things.”
“Details? What’s that?”
“Uh... details? Quality? Oh, that’s foreign too. Well...”
Yi Ho-chang was pondering how to explain when...
Something not far away caught his eye.
It was a life-and-death problem being solved.