The Language Barrier!
The city of Unseo Castle on the 5th floor's ancient martial world was shrouded in a perpetual light mist, thanks to its terrain where mountains met winding rivers. At dawn, white fog swam between alleyways and tiled roofs, and even at high noon, cool shadows lingered in some corners of the city.
Unseo Castle wasn't a flashy or boisterous place relative to its size. People called it a city of dignity, but in truth, it was just that no merchants, taverns, or brothels could set up shop there. With the Namgoong family established, martial artists naturally gathered. Unseo wasn't a tourist or commercial hub—it was a place where martial artists flocked for training. In simple terms, it was full of folks who drew their swords first and asked questions later if shoulders bumped.
"Haa."
Sticking his head out the carriage window, the dampness of foliage and mist clung to his skin. The coachman glanced back with a friendly smile.
"To receive an invitation from the Namgoong family—truly, we're honored to escort such a distinguished guest."
"Haha, y-yeah..."
The ancient martial world's flattery felt a bit outdated and awkward.
"Unseo Castle isn't a place just anyone can casually enter. Thanks to you, even a humble driver like me gets a rare sight."
"Is that so."
I didn't exactly want to come either.
Ducking back inside with a sigh, the only companion, Kim Yang, let out a matching one.
"D-don't wanna g-go."
"Same here."
"Th-this. B-business trip. W-weekend overtime."
"Kim Yang, the company's hurting bad."
"Y-your b-body. W-wanna hurt it?"
"...I'll pack it up."
She'd instantly pulled her head back, headbutt at the ready, so he had no choice but to back down. He'd originally planned to bring Baek Yeonhwa instead, and on a weekday, not the weekend. But Baek Yeonhwa refused, saying if she went up to the 5th floor, she'd have to stop by her family because of the Blue Dragon faction and get stuck there for at least a month.
'Great hero, if I go, I'll be trapped at home again for sure!'
In the end, he'd come with Kim Yang—and for the record, she didn't like ascending to the 5th floor much either.
"We'll just stay through the weekend. Hit it and get out quick."
"Wh-why'd they call you."
"The letter said I had to learn it myself firsthand. Who knows—the ancient martial world's full of sly foxes."
Kim Yang nodded vigorously, looking battle-worn.
"...You don't wanna visit home?"
"Wh-why would I."
"Tch, fine. Your call."
The immortals of the Immortal Peach Garden still needed time to sway Kim Yang's heart. Well, being immortals, they had plenty.
They arrived at the city gates, but unlike the other gates they'd passed—guarded by soldiers—this one stood wide open with no officers in sight.
"No guards here?"
"Unseo Castle. Th-that's its thing."
"Ahh—"
Peering out the window, the reason was obvious. Sword-bearing types everywhere. This wasn't a city of ordinary citizens; it was mostly martial artists. People glanced at the carriage, but most averted their eyes or looked away. The coachman's puffed-up pride suggested the Namgoong family insignia made it unmistakably prestigious.
Passing a bulletin board—bang, the martial world's announcement post—they saw a crowd of martial artists gathered. Unfortunately, while Kim Juseon could converse, he couldn't read ancient martial script, so no clue what it was about.
"Kim Yang, why're those people huddled up?"
"..."
Leaning toward his window, her hand rested between her thighs. Dodging that near-miss inwardly, his view filled with Kim Yang's profile. Through her disheveled white hair, faint scars on her nape peeked out.
"Mm."
"How long you gonna stare."
"W-wait. C-can't see."
After straining like that for ages, she finally returned to her seat once they'd passed the board.
"N-Namgoong family. D-Dragon Gate."
"Dragon Gate?"
"R-recruiting newbies."
"New hire notice, huh?"
"Y-yeah."
Got it. That's why the martial artists were clustered, deep in thought.
Even after entering Unseo Castle, they pressed straight on without a single turn. Right at the city's front: the grandest estate. The gate emblazoned with "Namgoong" wasn't exactly pristine, but it carried a heavy weight of history.
"We've arrived."
The coachman grinned, returned the Namgoong insignia from the carriage, and departed.
No need to knock—the door opened promptly, sensing their approach. A warrior in a white-based blue martial robe, similar to what Namgoong Yeon wore.
"Are you Young Master Kim Juseon from Meracle?"
"Yes, that's me."
Showing the token from the letter, the warrior clasped hands in salute.
"The family head awaits. Might I ask who your companion is?"
"My employee. She's with me."
The warrior hesitated but couldn't leave the family head's guests standing, so he led them inside promptly.
From outside, it exuded antique tradition; inside, even more so. The training ground bore ancient stains of blood and sweat. Sword belts, wooden swords, and dummies were darkened by time. But rather than rundown, it evoked a deep respect for inherited traditions from the ancients.
Entering the inner quarters, Namgoong Pacheon and Namgoong Haryeong waited. Even seeing the family head a second time, that oppressive presence hadn't grown familiar.
"Greetings to the family head."
"..."
He'd thrown in a 5th-floor salute with clasped hands to score points, but no dice.
"And the one beside you?"
"She's an employee—"
"This maiden is Kim Yang from Meracle. We shall impose upon you for a couple of days, receiving your teachings and care, and I shall humbly ensure we cause no inconvenience."
"...!?"
Stunned, he gawked—but it made sense on reflection.
She stuttered because of the 3rd floor.
Kim Yang had lived on the 5th floor, so she was fluent in its tongue, and even handled the immortals' archaic dialect well. Her words even sparked interest in Namgoong Pacheon's eyes.
"You once crossed paths with the immortals, it seems. The qi flowing in your body, and that archaic lilt at your words' ends—unmistakably theirs."
"It was so once, but now that bond is severed."
Stroking his chin beard thoughtfully, Namgoong Pacheon probed no further. Even he wouldn't lightly tangle with a woman tied to immortals.
"We none of us have idle time, so to the point. You seek to borrow the Namgoong name to train outsiders, yes?"
"Precisely the basics of martial forms. Naturally, we're not asking to leak Namgoong sword techniques outward."
"Then answer: why must it be Namgoong?"
"Even the same form benefits far more from the Namgoong family—one of martial world's pillars—than some street thug's shoddy basics."
In truth, he wanted the name's clout more. Would random martial artists teach just anyone? Only Namgoong's prestige would make them bow and instruct.
"The reason for this venture is—"
"Enough explanation."
Busy man? Typical Namgoong—sharp as a blade.
"You seek an instructor, in the end."
"Precisely. And I'll devote my utmost sincerity to your daughter's marriage."
"Your skill in matchmaking lacks my trust as yet."
"Ahem."
Namgoong Yeon, that punk. Quit chasing skirts and visit home more. He'd sealed the marriage the family head loathed—his least favorite son's. No wonder, with the young master now out all day holding hands with his girl.
"Seek permission? Prove it."
Namgoong Pacheon's piercing gaze bore down, demanding.
"Before you leave tomorrow, let your sword graze my collar. Do that, and the Namgoong name is yours."
* * *
"Haa, this is insane."
Entering the servant-guided room, he irritably unpacked. Today Saturday, tomorrow Sunday. Graze the family head's collar before departing.
Sneak attack or whatever—he said it doesn't matter.
He could guess why the sudden condition. From their first meeting in Cyber City, Namgoong Pacheon had sensed his Law power. Probably wanted to test it.
Knock knock.
The door opened; Kim Yang from the next room entered.
"Seeing the president's deep worries, this maiden has come. Shall we put heads together and find a way?"
"...Can't you just speak 3rd-floor? This is cringey as hell."
"If this maiden may humbly suggest: when using this tongue, lower the tone, roll the tongue tip slightly."
"I'm doing pretty good already?"
"Shall this maiden teach you? Lest the president suffer some mishap elsewhere—"
"Learn Korean, damn it!"
"Pfft!"
Finally bursting into laughter, Kim Yang nodded and stepped in.
"O-okay. K-Korean. H-hard for me."
Now that's Kim Yang.