Chapter 23
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: Overwhelming Talent
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She was sincere.
At first, she'd just seen him as a talented kid young enough to be her grandson—cute, nothing more. But her opponent was something else entirely.
She'd sensed it ever since he'd saved the black stones on the brink of death. The boy before her was on a higher level than she was.
No, he possessed an overwhelming skill gap that transcended mere rank.
She had to admit it, no matter how reluctant she felt.
People get jealous of those slightly better than them, but when the difference is vast, awe takes over.
That was exactly Yi Ho-chang's level.
Yi Ho-chang had turned the unfavorable board around and claimed victory as if by magic.
Even Yi Chan-seong, watching from the side, could instantly tell the gap in their skills.
The astonished Yi Chan-seong turned to Yi Ho-chang and asked,
"How could you play like that?"
"Haha... I just followed my instincts, so it's hard to explain."
Yi Chan-seong was surprised enough, but Wi Bu-hyeong was even more shocked.
Wi Bu-hyeong looked stunned as she said,
"Truly a heaven-sent talent... No wonder losing to you doesn't sting much."
"Thank you."
"It's been a good jolt in ages. As promised, I'll grant you one wish."
A wish.
Yi Ho-chang smiled faintly and replied,
"Nothing comes to mind right now. May I claim it later?"
"Huhu, you're not like other kids these days. Fine, do that."
"Thank you."
Having gotten the answer he wanted, Yi Ho-chang stood without lingering.
He hadn't joined the game for any reward in the first place.
He'd only added a bit of provocation for the fun of it.
Standing, Yi Ho-chang bowed politely.
"I'll take my leave."
"Huhu, that was a delightful game. Hope we cross boards again sometime."
"I'd like that too."
As Yi Ho-chang departed, Wi Bu-hyeong gazed longingly at his back.
Seeing this, Yi Chan-seong stroked his chin and said,
"Feeling wistful?"
"Of course. It felt like playing Go against an immortal."
"Huhu. That good, huh?"
Yi Chan-seong continued with a chuckle,
"But aren't you a Seated Hidden Star yourself, National Hand?"
Yi Chan-seong was right.
Ranked 68th among the Top 100 Seated Hidden Stars, "Harmony with the People" (Got In-hwa).
That was Wi Bu-hyeong's title.
"What does rank matter? As the Master said, true wisdom is knowing how much you don't know."
Wi Bu-hyeong paused, as if struck by a thought, then turned to Yi Chan-seong.
"By the way, didn't you say that kid belongs to the Dragon Pearl Gang?"
"Yes."
"And their gang leader is Bok Jung-ho, right?"
"How would you know that?"
"Hmm... I see."
Wi Bu-hyeong laughed heartily, prompting a puzzled Yi Chan-seong to ask,
"Why the sudden interest in the Dragon Pearl Gang Leader?"
"Great Benevolence Leader, I think I've found the perfect man to escort this shipment."
*
As dusk fell, the door to the Dragon Pearl Gang's lodgings opened, and someone entered.
The visitor was none other than Yi Chan-seong.
He arrived with two attendants. Bok Jung-ho rose at his entrance.
"Great Benevolence Leader?"
"Ah, no need. Sit."
Yi Chan-seong had an attendant hand over a wooden box.
Inside was none other than the tournament prize: the inner core of a Millennium Flower Carp.
The flustered Bok Jung-ho said,
"What's this all of a sudden? The tournament isn't even over."
"Haha, that's not important. I'm giving this out of gratitude. Thanks to you stepping in, it ended as mere commotion. You deserve a reward."
The words praised Bok Jung-ho's efforts but also signaled the investigation's conclusion.
"We've confirmed the Dragon Pearl Gang has no ties to this incident. The rest needs more digging, but..."
Everyone nodded.
Bok Jung-ho did too.
But while he nodded, he felt a twinge of curiosity.
Yi Chan-seong visiting in person for this?
Watching quietly, Bok Jung-ho asked,
"Great Benevolence Leader, anything else to say?"
Yi Chan-seong smiled faintly.
"Huhu, sharp as ever. I came personally because I have a request for you."
"A request?"
Yi Chan-seong sat in the offered chair and said,
"Ever heard of the Great Glory Escort Agency?"
"Isn't that under the Great Benevolence Gang?"
"Yes. They have a shipment heading to Henan Province, but the cargo's so valuable, it's drawing threats. I'd like the Dragon Pearl Gang to handle the escort."
"Why us?"
"You're a volunteer army veteran, right?"
"Yes, but...?"
"You served under Grandmaster Gwang-hyang, former head of Shaolin's Guard Hall."
At "Gwang-hyang Grandmaster," Bok Jung-ho and Mo Gun-hyeong reacted.
After a brief silence, Bok Jung-ho asked,
"...Is the cargo that monk's old staff?"
"It is. Up for it?"
Bok Jung-ho answered without hesitation.
"I'll do it."
Yi Chan-seong smiled in satisfaction, thinking,
'Wi National Hand was right.'
Wi Bu-hyeong's words echoed in his ears.
"A warrior from the volunteer army who saved Gwang-hyang Grandmaster's life multiple times—that's Bok Jung-ho. See what I'm getting at?"
Yi Chan-seong realized Bok Jung-ho was perfect for the job.
Two reasons.
First, gratitude to the Grandmaster would drive him to protect the cargo fiercely.
Second, his volunteer army experience meant he'd faced more demonic cultists than most—ideal for this.
Plus, he'd proven his skills in this incident.
Nodding pleased, he said,
"Good. The job's yours, Dragon Pearl Leader."
"One question first."
"What?"
"How'd Gwang-hyang Grandmaster's staff end up in your hands?"
"It came to me by chance."
Standing with his reply, Yi Chan-seong added,
"It's a Shaolin icon, so carrying it around feels off. I'm just returning it where it belongs."
Not a full answer.
But Bok Jung-ho didn't press.
What mattered was getting it back home.
Yi Chan-seong continued,
"Stay at Grand Reputation Hall tonight; depart tomorrow. I'll send escort details later. Won't take long."
"Understood."
With that, Yi Chan-seong headed out.
Or tried to—pausing, he added quietly,
"Oh, and."
"...?"
"Keep this commotion under wraps for now."
An embargo of sorts.
For the Great Benevolence Gang's prestige—and who knew what ripples demonic cult news would cause.
Bok Jung-ho nodded, understanding.
*
The next day at noon.
The Dragon Pearl Gang members gathered to head back to their base in Soheung.
Yi Ho-chang was about to leave Grand Reputation Hall for the rendezvous when—
'Ah, the stone board.'
He'd forgotten it.
Returning to grab it, a shadow loomed as he exited.
Looking up, there stood Beom Jung-cheon.
Bandages wrapped tight, but he looked much recovered.
Yi Ho-chang asked,
"Something you need? Our leader's outside."
Beom Jung-cheon shook his head.
"No. Came to see you. Glad I didn't miss you."
"Me?"
"Yeah. Wanted to say thanks."
With that, he clasped hands in formal salute.
"I truly appreciated it back then."
Ah.
Yi Ho-chang finally recalled why.
Returning the gesture, he replied,
"No need. So that eye contact then...?"
"Yes. My way of showing thanks. Couldn't join the arena, so..."
Gripping Yi Ho-chang's shoulder with a grin, he added,
"The more I see you, the sharper you seem. Waste under Bok Jung-ho. How about joining Red Tiger Gang while you're here?"
"Haha, no thanks."
"You're always welcome. Tired of Dragon Pearl? Come to Red Tiger anytime."
"I said no."
As Yi Ho-chang firmly refused—
"Beom Jung-cheon!"
A familiar voice made both turn.
Sure enough, Bok Jung-ho.
Searching for the tardy Yi Ho-chang, he'd stumbled on this scene.
Striding over, Bok Jung-ho demanded,
"What do you think you're doing?"
"Can't you see?"
Beom Jung-cheon tied a red knot on Yi Ho-chang's arm, chuckling.
"Looks good, right?"
"You mad bastard!"
Face flushing, Bok Jung-ho lunged at Beom Jung-cheon.
Sheesh.
Better not get caught in the whale fight—shrimp backs break.
Yi Ho-chang slipped away, untying the knot.
*
The Dragon Pearl Gang reached Soheung five days after leaving Yingbo.
Everyone was exhausted, unlike the outbound trip.
They arrived before sunset. Bok Jung-ho told the members,
"Good work. Rest up today."
They murmured weary thanks. Yi Ho-chang walked with Chun Seom.
Once the others were out of sight, Chun Seom asked,
"Hey, Ho-chang."
"Yeah?"
"Felt it these past days, but the leader's been extra nice to you."
"Well..."
Chun Seom was right.
Bok Jung-ho had fussed over Yi Ho-chang the whole way back—uncomfortably so.
Despite repeated assurances he wouldn't join Red Tiger Gang.
Hearing the story, Chun Seom burst out laughing, clutching his belly.
"Uhahat! That's what happened!"
"Haha, it's awkward."
"Kid, the leader likes you. That's good."
"True."
"So, where to now?"
"Home. But first, gifts for the family."
He'd planned to shop in Yingbo, but no time.
Now, belatedly here.
Chun Seom whistled.
"Your stamina... Anyway, I'm off first."
After Chun Seom left, Yi Ho-chang shopped earnestly.
No money worries—the Famous Name Assembly payout made his pouch heavy.
After much browsing, he had fine gifts. Heading home, he ducked into a nearby inn to grab a bite.
"Innkeeper, this sword's pure steel. Even as stolen goods, it'd fetch 200 silver taels. Take it as collateral; I'll pay up for sure..."
"No, I can't tell steel from scrap! I know zilch about swords—pay cash!"
At the inn entrance.
A well-dressed man argued with the innkeeper over a sword.