Wine is Emptiness
While Jeong Gwang stared at the Huashan Sect disciples in disbelief, they were gaping at the Kunlun Sect in utter bewilderment.
What kind of Taoist robes are those? So luxurious!
A temple gate made of blue jade? They must be swimming in money!
The sword hilts and scabbards are gold! Pure gold, maybe?
No way. It was just gold plating.
No matter how much posturing the Qinghai Province Lord did, he wasn't foolish enough to waste real gold like that.
The leader of the Huashan Taoists, Ja Yeop, narrowed his eyes.
The aura feels similar to Kunlun's... Ah!
Just then, he spotted a familiar face.
"Amitabha. What a coincidence meeting you here, Daoist Un Hak."
"It's been a while. Must be twenty years now."
"Hahaha. I almost didn't recognize you. You look so much more radiant."
Un Hak glanced down at his outfit and gave a wry smile.
No wonder they're wary. Who walks around dressed like this?
He was about to crack a joke when a group in white Taoist robes emerged from the inn.
Zhongnan Sect?
An old Taoist startled at the sight of Un Hak, then flashed a grin.
"Well, well! Kunlun's lofty crane has descended into the mortal world. How have you been?"
"Thanks to you, quite well. And you, Daoist Gu Seong?"
"Just wandering around, eating and loafing since there's nothing to do."
"I didn't realize Huashan and Zhongnan were on such good terms."
"Haha. All under heaven's Taoists are brothers. For those of us in the same province, it's only natural, no?"
Un Hak inwardly shook his head.
Something's up.
Two tigers couldn't share the same mountain, just as two massive sects couldn't peacefully coexist in one province.
Did the Murim Alliance matter bring them together?
It was surprising, but it meant little to Un Hak.
"Good to see you. We need to find lodging, so until next time."
Ja Yeop and Gu Seong exchanged glances, then pulled Un Hak along.
"Come now, no need to be so distant. Let's have some tea at the teahouse."
"This inn's perfect for lodging. It's run by a lay branch of our sect—quiet and clean."
"I don't want to impose."
"Come on. You're in Shaanxi—send you off like this, and what will the Jianghu Taoists say?"
"They'll point fingers for sure, so saving face would be appreciated."
Un Hak chuckled inwardly.
Probing and persuading. Scouting our forces too.
The intent was obvious, but they weren't wrong, so he had no choice but to agree.
Besides, Un Hak was confident he could handle whatever they threw at him.
"Very well, we'll impose then."
"Hahaha. Splendid. This way."
Baek Seung-mu peered out the window, then sighed.
"Huashan and Zhongnan disciples are milling around the inn. Seems like they're watching us."
"Yeah."
"Doesn't that bother you, sahyung?"
"Nah."
Baek Seung-mu shook his head at Jeong Gwang, lounging casually on the bed.
"They're plotting something, yet you're so calm."
"It's not a big deal."
"Pardon? How can you tell?"
Jeong Gwang clicked his tongue at Baek Seung-mu.
I thought he was sharp, but he's a total airhead.
"What you're saying is: two sects that never got along are meeting openly, so they're scheming something huge, right?"
"Isn't that obvious?"
"Yeah. Wrong."
"Huh? Why?"
"If it were important, they'd keep it secret. Not meet in a packed city."
"To hide a tree, put it in the forest; to hide a man, hide him among men, no?"
Jeong Gwang shook his head without sitting up.
"Nonsense. To hide a man, chop him up and bury the pieces."
"...Pardon?"
"Anyway, meeting openly in Xi'an means they don't care who sees."
"So...?"
"Means it's already done."
Probably about the Alliance Leader election.
Grabbing Kunlun was to flaunt their power, tempt them to switch sides.
Or at least show Kunlun was outmatched, so Hebei Pang Clan wouldn't go all-in supporting them.
Sasukjo won't budge.
Jeong Gwang pictured Un Hak and smirked, then bolted upright.
"Oops. Not the point right now. Change clothes."
"Those plain robes...?"
"Gotta dress like this to sneak out and play."
"Play? And why plain clothes for disguise? Why more Taoist robes?"
"Sigh. In this life... no, forever in robes, can't wear anything else. Kinda unfair. You too."
Jeong Gwang forced the robes on him, and Baek Seung-mu squirmed, protesting.
"No! Not now! Huashan and Zhongnan are watching!"
"So? Forgot my teachings already, saje?"
Baek Seung-mu's head throbbed.
Teachings? What?
All he recalled was scams, extortion, threats.
"What teachings...?"
Jeong Gwang's reply made him drop everything.
"Don't get caught."
Baek Seung-mu stared blankly at the three-story building.
A large sign read Xi'an's Best Flavor.
"Disappointed it's not a brothel? We'll hit that tonight. Lunch first."
"...I just don't get how we got here."
"I carried you on my back."
"That's what I don't get!"
The moment Jeong Gwang hoisted him up, his vision expanded wildly. The world rushed by at insane speed, and he blacked out.
Jeong Gwang slapped his cheeks awake, and here they were.
"What're you doing? Let's go."
The errand boy at the door bowed deeply.
"Welcome to Xi'an's Best Flavor."
"Saw the sign passing by. Best food in Xi'an, right?"
"A bit pricey, but we pride ourselves on the taste."
"Exciting. Table for two."
Jeong Gwang pulled out a banknote; dazed Baek Seung-mu snatched it like a ghost.
"Sahyung! Too much!"
"Huh? Really?"
"Sigh. I'll pay. You'd be homeless in no time."
"Fine, you do it."
Baek Seung-mu handed silver to the boy.
"Lead the way."
The boy, stunned by the note's amount, snapped to.
The God of Wealth has arrived!
True status spoke through money. Plain robes, shabby hat—but no ordinary guests.
He bowed extra low, guiding them.
"Thank you. This way. Early hour, third floor's empty—enjoy comfortably."
Soon, Jeong Gwang and Baek Seung-mu sat by a scenic window. Nearby, a group of guests; among them, a strikingly handsome youth glared at Jeong Gwang.
Jeong Gwang tilted his head.
Who's that ugly one? Gloomy vibe over there.
Not wanting a fuss, he was about to mouth eyes down, punk when the errand boy spoke.
"Sirs, what shall I prepare?"
"Your specialties, a few..."
"Saje, I'll order. Three Skin Shreds, Milk Soup Fish Pot, Gourd Chicken, Goji Berry Stewed Silver Ear, Braised Golden Money Hair Vegetable, Crystal Lotus Vegetable Cake. That first. Xifeng Wine, one bottle. The priciest, right?"
"...!"
Silence, then the boy rubbed his hands eagerly.
"As expected of sirs. You know Xi'an's finest dishes and liquors. I'll tell the chef to make them extra delicious."
Baek Seung-mu, still dazed, tipped silver. The ecstatic boy vanished like wind; focus returned to his eyes.
"Sahyung! How do you know all that?"
"Read it in a book."
"Sounds meat-heavy! And booze?!"
Shh. Others around—use transmission.
Ah, sorry. My mistake... anyway, answer!
You're not a full Taoist yet. Eat and drink happily.
...And you?
I'll join in.
...Whatever.
The food was delicious.
The wine superb.
Jeong Gwang drained cups with satisfaction; Baek Seung-mu fretted.
Sahyung. Don't get drunk.
I won't.
What Taoist drinks? How'll you hide the smell?
Burn it off.
Pardon? Possible?
Wine is Emptiness. Turns alcohol to nothingness. Intoxication, scent—all gone. Taught your sahyung brothers before. Wanna learn?
...As your saje, I can't ignore precious teachings. How?
Jeong Gwang taught the hand seals, told him to circulate qi.
...Tried, but nothing. It works?
After drinking.
Ah! Short-sighted me.
Baek Seung-mu drank a few cups, then circulated as taught.
"Gasp! It works!"
Transmission! Thought I was lying?
No! Just amazed.
Drink freely now. Who knows the next chance.
Yes! Sahyung!
They poured and drank heartily when the boy returned with guests.
Four rich-looking youths, outfits flashy to vulgarity.
Arrogant faces, swaggering walks. Obvious playboys from big families.
Baek Seung-mu looked away. No good entangling.
But they picked a fight.
"Tch. Xi'an's Best Flavor's gone downhill. Letting ragged Taoists on the third floor? Huh? Meat and booze? Cult heretics?"
"Hey, errand boy. Ruining appetite—chase 'em out. We'll take that table."
"Y-Young masters. Can't do that to guests. Sorry, another table please."
"What? Saying no?"
"Please, any seat... Oof!"
The leader punched the boy rolling.
Playboys stomped him, cursing.
"Dare talk back?!"
"We're Xi'an's Four Blossoms!"
"Lowly scum always crawling up!"
"Ruined my mood. Die, punk!"
"Here! Another Xifeng!"
"Right! Another Xifeng... What?"
The room froze.
Playboys' eyes turned to the window. Bleeding boy too. Baek Seung-mu gaped at Jeong Gwang.
"Sahyung! What're you doing?!"
"Huh? Not drinking more?"
"Not that!"
As brothers bickered, playboys surrounded the table. Burly leader glared.
"You say that?"
Baek Seung-mu sighed to explain—
Bam-bam-bam!
"Arghhh!"
Playboys flew out the window, crashing to the street.
"Agh! Someone fell!"
"Oh my!"
Panicked crowd quieted seeing their faces.
Xi'an's Four Shits!
Strutting thugs get their comeuppance!
Eyes gleamed with glee.
Serves you bastards right!
Heaven's punishment for their bullying!
Wait, mouths full of beans?
Crowd looked up at Xi'an's Best Flavor third floor. Two hat-brimmed men peered down.
Then vanished inside.
Baek Seung-mu yanked Jeong Gwang's sleeve.
"Sahyung! When'd you stuff the beans?!"
"Sect disciples don't waste food."
"Not the issue! Just eat!"
"Hate beans! Food's getting cold. Dig in."
"Maybe... Ah!"
Snapped from Jeong Gwang's spell, Baek Seung-mu widened eyes.
"Now what?!"
"What? Just punished bad guys. Everyone's happy."
"Well, yes, but..."
"Don't worry. I clean up my messes."
Jeong Gwang sealed the boy's pressure points, stanched blood. Applied his golden sore medicine; swelling faded fast.
The boy collapsed sobbing.
"Sir! They'll bring clan fury now! What do I do? Save me!"
"Send complaints to me."
"...Pardon?"
"Good?"
Boy swallowed, asked cautiously.
"If I may... who are you?"
Jeong Gwang grinned.
"Amitabha. Know the Nine Great Sects and One Gang?"
The boy's eyes bulged.
The watching handsome youth's eyes sparkled with curiosity.