Chapter 17. A Warrior's Values (1)
A burly man in his thirties wore a look of deep sympathy.
"You must have been through hell. It's a shop with such a storied history, passed down through generations."
The owner of Choseong-ru let out a heavy sigh of frustration.
"I just feel like I've let my ancestors down. I thought I was taking good care of it, but then this happens..."
"Come on, how is this your fault, Owner? Life throws curveballs like disasters out of nowhere sometimes, right? You're alive and unscathed—that's the real blessing here."
"Heh."
Just having someone come by to offer comfort like this was a huge boost. And this stranger he'd never met before had mobilized countless laborers to help repair the damaged areas. Younger than himself, yet no ordinary fellow.
"Here, take this."
"What's this?"
"It's not a huge sum, but it should help with the repair costs a bit."
"Oh, no! I couldn't! I've got some savings set aside..."
"Heh, come on, you know better than that. They say true generosity comes from the heart—and the purse. Fixing this place up is gonna cost a fortune. You'll need top-quality ingredients like always, won't you?"
"Well..."
"Choseong-ru is one of Anhui's signature inns. Folks won't want its flavor to change. Please, keep it shining as Anhui's pride."
Gratitude washed over the owner's face. He'd mentioned savings, but truthfully, they wouldn't even cover full restoration. And with rumors of arson spreading, foot traffic would dry up for a while. One wrong move, and the business could fold entirely. He'd been at a loss for how to endure those lean days—yet here was this help.
"If you put it that way, I can't refuse."
"That's the spirit. But don't think you can just wipe your mouth and forget it. When I drop by later, you owe me a free meal."
"How could I skimp on my benefactor? Come anytime. I'll serve you the finest dishes from the freshest ingredients that day."
"Haha, I'm not that shameless."
The burly man slipped in a casual probe.
"Speaking of which, don't you have a real hero who saved the day?"
"Pardon?"
"The ones who saved Choseong-ru."
"Ah... yes, that's right."
The man's eyes sparkled. Fear? In the innkeeper's stammering face, he sensed dread before thanks.
"What? Did they rough you up or something?"
"N-no, of course not! Without them, the whole annex would've burned to the ground. In over forty years, I've never seen such xiaoshi."
"Oh ho? High praise."
The man teased lightly.
"Word is they put out the fire. Evacuated everyone safely first, too."
"Yes."
"And they looked young?"
"Ah! There were warriors about the age of Elder Huigae's successor. I'm no martial artist, but they seemed like real masters."
"Real masters, huh..."
The eyes of Gadeuksang, the Open Gang's Huigae, gleamed like stars.
Has to be the Cheong-eungdae.
The Cheong-eungdae was one of Bi-san Yeon Family's elite forces, part of the Seven Great Families' might. Their skill was legendary, so such acclaim wasn't surprising.
But...
Gadeuksang glanced toward the southwest gate.
The blaze was massive, but the damage was lighter than expected. A fire that size should've gutted the main building. It stopped at the outer walls and a few warehouses. And the Cheong-eungdae handled it?
Incredible. Even martial artists panic in a fire. Stronger and faster than common folk, sure—but disasters level the playing field. Yet piecing together scorch marks, damage scale, and witness accounts, they'd secured escape routes in moments, minimized casualties, and quenched the flames swiftly. Not just anyone could pull that off. Even well-drilled soldiers would struggle to suppress it so fast. And then there was Ma Bang, leader of Reohwabang.
Ma Bang was once counted among the Black Path's Thirteen Heroes. Vanished a decade ago, resurfaced last year. Exact level unknown, but too much for juniors.
The Black Path had lost its old glory, but the Thirteen Heroes were still the pinnacle of its younger generation. Ten years stronger? No half-baked martial arts would touch him. Eyewitnesses said even Jegal Family juniors were outmatched throughout. Jegal A-yeon fought valiantly but couldn't gain the edge. And someone had beaten such a master one-on-one.
"Did you speak with the Yeon Family's eldest young master?"
The innkeeper flinched. Gadeuksang tilted his head.
"Why the surprise?"
"N-no... nothing."
He said that, but clearly didn't want to dwell.
Gadeuksang bowed with a grin.
"Sorry if I stirred up bad memories. My bad."
"No! How could you say that!"
"Restoring this place will take time. If you need anything, just tell the Open Gang's disciples. Farewell."
Gadeuksang wrapped up politely and slipped out of Choseong-ru. He felt the owner's complicated gaze but shrugged it off.
"Bi-san Yeon Family's eldest, Yeon Hojeong..."
Gadeuksang stroked his chin.
"Not the pup crushed by his brother's talent, huh?"
Intriguing. As heir to the Beggar Sect—one of Murim's info hubs and White Path pillars—he relished this novelty.
"Hmm, a gathering of juniors? Seven Great Families or not, doesn't matter to me. I'm a beggar—free to roam anywhere."
* * *
Whoosh!
The iron staff's motion grew smoother, more stable. Gripping it with both hands, Yeon Hojeong thrust forward powerfully.
Thud!
A thick tree trunk shook. The staff pierced seven inches deep. Astonishingly, the bark around the hole was pristine—no cracks or splinters. The force had concentrated at the tip, like a drill's piercing power.
Tighter now.
Regret flickered on Yeon Hojeong's face as he withdrew the staff.
It's denser, but still far off. Gotta work harder.
Yeon Hojeong slumped to the ground. His hands were still bloodied, his body soaked in sweat. Sitting cross-legged, he circulated Bi-ra Jin-gyeol, then summoned Black Tortoise Qi.
Tssst.
A faint mist rose from his body—crisp and pure, almost holy. The Four Gods Martial Arts were invincible in battle, their energies upright and noble.
Feels alive again. Even after so little time, like ages passed.
Black Tortoise, the Northern Divine Beast, ruled winter as the Water God of guihai. It governed the kidneys. As master organ for expelling waste, strong Black Tortoise Qi kept the body free of impurities. Its arts were called ironclad for unmatched solidity. Starting here boosted overall finesse. Reason he'd pierced the tree so cleanly.
Room for improvement remained, but this covered many offensive and defensive gaps.
Yeon Hojeong opened his eyes and murmured low.
"Woke it too soon, maybe. But time's short. Gotta reclaim my old power fast."
No whining about workload. Momentum now—awaken the remaining three gods swiftly.
Training done, Yeon Hojeong headed to where his group rested in the woods.
"Welcome back, Young Master."
"Mm."
Sin Mo bowed deeply. Yeon Hojeong scanned around.
"Where's Jipyeong?"
"Said he wanted some time alone..."
"I see."
Fair enough. Turbulent teen years—emotions all over. Nothing odd.
Nodding, Yeon Hojeong eyed the Cheong-eungdae members. Meeting his gaze, they all bowed low. Seemed respectful, but they looked... wary?
Yeon Hojeong cocked his head.
What's with them?
Did I do something? They'd just nodded before; today felt off.
"Y-Young Master."
"Yeah?"
"You okay? Your hands are bleeding..."
"Oh, yeah. Training reopened some wounds. It'll heal quick."
"Ah, right."
Then—
"Um..."
Yeon Hojeong turned. Jegal A-yeon stood there, haggard.
"First time greeting properly. Jegal A-yeon of the Jegal Family."
"Yeon Hojeong."
Sin Mo's face stiffened. Unlike her casual tone, Yeon Hojeong's was arrogant—like addressing a much younger junior.
But Jegal A-yeon ignored it.
"Where are we, anyway?"
She'd passed out from wounds, just woken. Her brother Jegal Jun was still out.
Sin Mo explained.
"A forest some ways from Ham Mountain. Tried finding a physician right away, but no luck. Your injuries aren't severe—better to head straight to Hapbi."
Not obvious at first. Hurt? See a doctor, skill be damned. But Hapbi?
Wait—'not severe'?
Jegal A-yeon closed her eyes, checking inward. Her eyes widened.
"Wha...?"
Sin Mo was right. She'd taken heavy internal damage from overusing Hyeonwonjeondansingong and enemy strikes. Now, most was healed.
When did this happen?
She checked Jegal Jun.
"My brother? How's he...?!"
"Don't worry. Poison's gone. Didn't know Jegal arts were that potent."
"Ah!"
She felt his pulse herself.
True.
Steady. Lingering poison damage, but recoverable once awake.
Sin Mo looked sheepish.
"Sorry. Should've sought a doctor regardless. But after that mess, I panicked. Hapbi quickest for everyone's safety."
"N-no! You're all lifesavers—don't say that."
"Heh, embarrassing."
Then Yeon Hojeong spoke.
"Jegal A-yeon, right?"
"Yes? Oh, yes!"
"Got something to say. Follow me."
He tossed that and strode into the shadows.
Jegal A-yeon glanced at Sin Mo, flustered. He muttered awkwardly.
"Probably nothing big."
"..."
"...Maybe."