Chapter 58: Water Too Clear Has No Fish (6)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 58: Water Too Clear Has No Fish (6)
During the half-month that Yeon So-wol remained out of sight, the martial artists gathered in Xinxing County were consumed by curiosity.
“Do you really think Young Hero Yeon is the expert the rumors claim?”
“Nah. No way.”
“No way?”
“Yeah. I did a bit of digging out of curiosity, you see. Turns out it’s only been a year since he started learning martial arts. There’s no way he’s already first-rate.”
“How does that make any sense? I heard he’s only nineteen. You’re telling me he started his training at eighteen?”
“That’s what they say.”
“Where did you hear such a ridiculous rumor?”
“No, it’s true. They say he’s an incredible genius.”
“So what? Are you saying he stumbled upon some legendary elixir?”
“Come on. Reaching a high realm solely through an elixir is even more ridiculous.”
“Why is that ridiculous?”
“If he reached his realm purely through an elixir, do you think he’d be able to control that energy? Forget unleashing his power—he’d be so busy wrestling with his own strength that he wouldn’t even be able to manage his footwork. He’d be terrified of breaking his own bones. If that were the case, he never would have gained the fame he has now.”
“So what you’re saying is that Young Hero Yeon So-wol is a once-in-a-century genius who also took an elixir, and that’s how he’s already reached the entry-level of a first-rate master? All in a single year, starting at eighteen?”
“Huh? When did I say that? I’m saying he’s probably only around the late stage of a second-rate artist. Because he’s a genius. The rumors are just exaggerated.”
“Give me a break. Everyone else says he’s first-rate, but there are always a few people like you desperately trying to knock him down to second-rate.”
“What? When did I try to knock him down… Besides, even the people who saw him during that boat trip say he was second-rate back then. Does it make any sense that he’d become first-rate in such a short time?”
“You’re just downplaying him. Look at you now. The way you talk—we’ve never met before, so why are you speaking so informally to me?”
“Huh? This is just how I talk.”
“Then fix it.”
“Who do you think you are?”
“Who do you think you are!”
With everyone so fixated on Yeon So-wol, the arguments were endless. Skepticism regarding his true strength erupted from every corner of the county.
“Does it really matter if Young Hero Yeon is first-rate or second-rate?”
“Right? It’s an interesting topic, but not a very substantial one.”
“Look how many first-rate experts have gathered here. Even if he is first-rate, he’d only be at the very beginning. It won’t really affect the grand scheme of things.”
“Exactly. There are just too many martial artists here right now.”
“They all gathered with good intentions, but… they’re the type to live as they please. I wonder if Great Hero Lee Yu-baek can truly control them all.”
Many passionately argued that the real issue wasn’t Yeon So-wol, but the practical problem of whether such a chaotic crowd of martial artists could be properly commanded.
Some placed their hopes in Yeon So-wol. Some were merely curious. And some were simply sick and tired of hearing his name when there were practical matters to discuss.
On the eve of the Mount Cheonro Subjugation, the atmosphere remained volatile. Lee Yu-baek relayed the details of this tension to Yeon So-wol.
“So-wol. I told you, didn’t I? In the Jianghu, how you carry yourself is more important than anything.”
“Yes.”
“Everyone is quite interested in you. What do you think?”
“It’s precarious.”
A corner of Lee Yu-baek’s mouth lifted.
“Aren’t you excited? You’ve reached the late stage of a first-rate master. Don’t you want to show those ignorant fools your true strength? Mo Cheong certainly would have.”
“Of course I want to. But the problem is that I’ve gained an excessively high reputation in a short time without actually doing much.”
“Why is that a problem? Isn’t it a good thing?”
Yeon So-wol looked at Lee Yu-baek’s playfully questioning tone and shook his head slightly. He recalled an absolute law of human society discovered by the internet sages of the 21st century.
Toxic fans are what create the worst haters.
Above all, Yeon So-wol did not overestimate himself. It had been the same when he was studying for his college entrance exams—the first step to improving your score was to accurately assess your own abilities. Baselessly overestimating yourself and thinking you could do anything would never lead to better results.
“You say I’m a late-stage first-rate master, but that’s merely the realm of my internal cultivation. My martial arts are still stuck at the second-rate level. I can’t even properly handle my own power yet.”
Yeon So-wol told him the story of how he had barely managed to break the rock in the closed-door training cave.
“I still can’t properly master the harmony of Qi. I can’t even perform my lightness technique correctly, let alone dream of channeling my Qi to unleash its full potential. If I act cocky in this state, I’ll just become a laughingstock for those looking to find fault.”
“Excellent.”
Lee Yu-baek nodded, pleased.
“Yes. That’s what I was about to bring up. We still have about ten to fifteen days before the Mount Cheonro Subjugation begins. In that time, let’s work on completing the Small Heavenly Circulation and learning to control your Qi.”
“What is the Small Heavenly Circulation?”
“I’ll teach you in due time. Once you complete it, controlling the harmony of your Qi will become much easier. Then you’ll be able to pass as a proficient early-stage first-rate master. No, with your talent, you could even pass for a mid-stage one.”
“As high as a mid-stage first-rate master…”
“Indeed. Trying to properly wield the power of a late-stage first-rate master will inevitably take time. Learning martial arts isn’t something you can just skip through. But for now, just showing the power of an early or mid-stage master will be more than enough.”
A sudden worry crossed Yeon So-wol’s mind.
“There’s something else that concerns me. If it becomes known that I’ve reached such a high realm, I’m worried rumors will spread that I took a powerful elixir…”
“Why worry about that? The disciples of the so-called prestigious sects grow up eating fine elixirs like rice and drinking them like water. People will just think Lee Yu-baek is a generous adoptive father. It won’t be a problem.”
“Ah, I see.”
“And even if it does become a problem, it’s better for rumors to spread that you’re a prodigy of the ages who took a legendary elixir than for rumors to spread about that ultimate technique of yours.”
“…Yes.”
Lee Yu-baek had never once asked about the power of the Heavenly Killing Star, nor did he try to investigate it. He simply referred to it vaguely as an ‘ultimate technique.’
“In any case, don’t worry and focus on your cultivation until the subjugation. For today and tomorrow, though, you should rest. You need to properly recover from the fatigue of your closed-door training.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Ultimately, what’s important is the Mount Cheonro Subjugation. That will inevitably succeed. The situation is already set. So don’t worry about trivial matters. Get some good rest.”
“Yes!”
*
Yeon So-wol was ordered to take two days of rest.
To rest for only two days after such a long period of closed-door training… Lee Yu-baek had repeatedly and earnestly insisted that he spend those two days completely clearing his mind, playing and enjoying himself to the fullest.
So, Yeon So-wol immediately ran to Jo Man-seok’s shop. Looking back, Jo Man-seok’s shop was like a hometown to him. It was the place where, at the very moment he felt he could no longer endure the filth and senselessness of this world, he had first found hope—a hope that there might be a way to live a life that felt human.
Yeon So-wol always found new strength at Jo Man-seok’s shop.
“By the way, Elder. I’ve been meaning to ask. What is this fragrance?”
Yeon So-wol sniffed the air. A warm, enveloping vanilla scent. It made him feel as comfortable as if he were tucked into a luxury hotel bed.
The white-haired Jo Man-seok’s entire face crinkled into a warm smile.
“It’s called Benzoin Incense. You get it by wounding a benzoin tree and letting the sap harden.”
“Benzoin Incense… I’ve never heard of it.”
“I’m not surprised. Now that the Black Path factions of Xinxing have disappeared, trade has become easier, and the variety of goods has increased. That’s how it finally came into my hands.”
“Ah, I see.”
As Yeon So-wol inhaled the comforting scent of the benzoin, a thought occurred to him.
“Elder.”
“Hm?”
“You told me before, didn’t you? To never trust a martial artist.”
“Ho ho.”
“But as I’ve lived here, I’ve come to see that there are many different sides to it.”
Yeon So-wol tilted his head slightly, sniffing the benzoin fragrance again.
“In fact, if it weren’t for the martial artists, I might never have been able to smell this Benzoin Incense.”
“That’s true.”
“If the Mount Cheonro Subjugation succeeds, things will become even more prosperous, and there will be more opportunities to smell rare fragrances I’ve never encountered before.”
“That’s likely.”
Yeon So-wol recalled the free-spirited martial artists he had seen at the Jipseong River. He also remembered the countless martial artists who had shown up at the funeral at Gugeunsa Temple, just when he thought the subjugation was a lost cause.
“So, this is what I think now. Of course, there are many lunatics and truly evil men among the martial artists. But still, some of them, at certain moments… perhaps they can be trusted.”
Jo Man-seok nodded his head deeply.
“Yes. That’s right. You’re not wrong.” Then he added, “In that case, trust them by half. Just never trust them completely.”
Yeon So-wol burst into a hearty laugh.
*
Yeon So-wol obtained some Benzoin Incense from Jo Man-seok’s shop and made a new fragrance pouch. Wearing it as he stepped outside, he felt a sense of security.
He hadn’t noticed it while in closed-door training, but upon returning to Xinxing County, the various stenches of ancient China had once again begun to assault his nose. Every time he made a new fragrance pouch, he felt like he had gained a talisman that would protect him from those foul odors, which put him in a rather good mood.
Yeon So-wol hummed a tune as he walked through the streets of Xinxing County.
I wonder what Jin Geol is up to? Maybe Mo Cheong knows?
He had a new fragrance pouch. It would be nice to call Jin Geol and Mo Cheong for a drink, he thought as he walked.
“Young Master Yeon!”
A man landed lightly in front of Yeon So-wol, beads of sweat dotting his forehead. Recognizing his face, So-wol saw he was an inner disciple of the Pungryu Martial Arts Hall.
Yeon So-wol was startled. “Senior! Where are you going in such a hurry?”
“Young Master Yeon, a brawl is about to break out at the inn down there!”
“What?”
“I was on my way to inform the Hall Master so he can mediate. Your friend is there too, so it would be great if you could go and help calm things down.”
“My friend? Jin Geol?”
“Yes. Well then, I must go get the Hall Master…”
Thak!
The inner disciple kicked off the ground and disappeared into the distance. Yeon So-wol was dumbfounded.
“A brawl? Jin Geol?”
Fwoosh!
He quickly roused his True Qi and kicked off the ground as well.
The area in front of the inn the disciple had mentioned was in utter chaos. At the center of it all, two men stood facing each other, locked in a fierce argument.
“I’m telling you! That Biyik Sword? I can dodge a pathetic thing like that, no problem!”
The man’s shoulders shimmered with a faint haze—a sign that he had drawn up his True Qi. He was a first-rate expert. His opponent was also a first-rate expert: a scholar in a tattered, patched-up robe and a battered cap. He too had a faint haze rising from his shoulders as he scoffed.
“Ha! What did you say at the beginning? Didn’t you agree to use the Straight Walk Footwork for this Sword Debate?”
“I did.”
“Exactly! And I’m telling you, you can’t dodge the Biyik Sword with the Straight Walk Footwork.”
“I’m telling you I can!”
“You must not know what the Biyik Sword is.”
The man’s face turned beet red. The problem was that their argument wasn’t just between the two of them.
“He definitely doesn’t know what the Biyik Sword is!”
“That’s right. You can’t dodge the Biyik Sword with the Straight Walk Footwork.”
“Young Hero Jin is absolutely right about this!”
A large crowd had gathered behind Jin Geol, echoing his words.
“Hey! Hasn’t Great Hero Seong been saying the same thing over and over? If the Biyik Sword is so great, why not just show it?”
“Right. This could all be settled with one simple exchange to see if he can dodge it or not. So much talk.”
“Since when do martial artists fight with their mouths?”
Behind the man called Great Hero Seong, another crowd had gathered to support him. The two groups were relentlessly slandering and tearing into each other.
“Good grief. Look at these guys who know nothing about martial arts. Why do we have to argue with people who don’t even know what the Biyik Sword is?” one of Jin Geol’s group shot back.
“We asked you to show us, but you can’t even do that simple thing. And if you can’t prove it, what does that mean?” one of Great Hero Seong’s group retorted, incensed.
“Great Hero Seong, please follow the rules of the Sword Debate. This is what a Sword Debate is for—this kind of entertainment. We decide on the martial arts we can use, agree on them, and then determine victory or defeat through a battle of wits. If we were going to draw swords, we would have done so from the start.”
“No! But you’re being so one-sided! I’m telling you I can dodge it! That Biyik Sword or whatever! Let’s just try it!”
“Ah, I’m telling you, that’s not what a Sword Debate is. You’re not a child.”
“What? A child!”
Sching!
The man called Great Hero Seong drew his sword. Jin Geol looked disgusted.
“Seriously? You’re actually drawing your sword? For fuck’s sake. If you don’t want to give me the silver taels, just say so! Why draw your sword over something like this?”
“You little…! Draw your sword! Let’s find out! We’ll see if I can dodge the Biyik Sword or not!”
As the sword was drawn, the crowd behind them grew even more agitated.
“Hey, even for Great Hero Seong, this is going too far!”
“That’s right, there are rules to a Sword Debate!”
“Tsk, country bumpkin martial artists…”
“What? Country bumpkin? Did you just call us country bumpkins?”
“Let’s be honest, you are, aren’t you?”
“You bastards! Fine, let’s see who’s stronger! Isn’t the Jianghu all about the stronger one being right?”
“Ugh. The country stench is overwhelming with every word you speak.”
“You son of a bitch!”
“Yeah, let’s go. You think we’re afraid of a bunch of guys who know nothing about martial arts?”
Sching!
Chang!
Swords began to be drawn from all sides. Yeon So-wol arrived at that very moment. Honestly, he was dumbfounded by the sight.
Are these people insane…?
How could they be about to draw swords and fight over something like this? But there was no time to think. He had to jump in.
“Wait! Wait! Everyone, please calm down!”
Fwip!
His robes fluttering, he landed right between Jin Geol and Great Hero Seong. Everyone recognized him.
“It’s Young Master Yeon.”
“That’s Young Master Yeon.”
“I heard he was recuperating. Looks like he’s all better now.”
“I finally get to see Young Master Yeon.”
Thanks to his presence, the atmosphere that had been on the verge of exploding into a full-blown brawl subsided slightly. Yeon So-wol spoke earnestly.
“I beg of you. For my sake, please sheathe your weapons. Are we not fellow martial artists of the Jianghu, gathered to subjugate the bandits together? If we fight amongst ourselves here, only the Mount Cheonro Bandits will rejoice.”
At Yeon So-wol’s earnest plea, the men who had drawn their weapons looked embarrassed and began to sheathe them one by one. Most of them had come here after hearing the names of Yeon So-wol and Lee Yu-baek. His words were bound to have an effect.
The man called Great Hero Seong also sheathed his sword. He tossed a pouch heavy with silver taels.
“Hey, Young Hero Jin. Let’s do this again sometime. Next time, show me properly what that Biyik Sword is all about. I’m curious. Genuinely curious.”
He then ground his teeth.
“I’m letting this go today only for Young Hero Yeon’s sake. So don’t think you can just brush it off. You have to show me. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep because of that damn Biyik Sword or whatever.”
With that, he gave Yeon So-wol a short nod, then turned on his heel and strode away as if brushing off dust.
Yeon So-wol realized.
…I just incurred a debt of face.
This man, Great Hero Seong, despite being a first-rate master, had backed down out of consideration for Yeon So-wol’s reputation. Yeon So-wol had to remember this. That was the way of the Jianghu.
The thought made him sigh involuntarily. He had expected it would be difficult to control the gathered martial artists, but he hadn’t thought it would be this bad already.
Frustrated, Yeon So-wol whispered to his friend, Jin Geol.
“Hey, Jin Geol. Why didn’t you just show him a glimpse of that Biyik Sword or whatever and settle this? Why did you let it get so big?”
Jin Geol replied.
“So-wol, there’s just one problem.”
“What is it?”
“I don’t actually know how to use the Biyik Sword.”
“…”
“I had no choice. I needed the silver taels…”
“You damn, crazy martial artist.”
Yeon So-wol thought to himself.
Ah. Old Man Jo Man-seok is never wrong.