Friends (1)
Stepping down from the carriage and passing through the main gate guarded by a warrior with sharp eyes, the full grandeur of the Hwangbo family estate came into view.
“Whoa!”
It was truly majestic. While Shaolin Temple, the cradle of Central Plains martial arts, and Cheongeumbang boasted impressive might, the Hwangbo estate gave an entirely different impression. It felt like a massive palace.
From the main gate stretched a straight path leading far to a three-story pavilion, flanked on both sides by vast open grounds. Near the walls stood rows of weapon racks displaying all manner of arms.
“It's quite different from Cheongeumbang, isn't it?”
“……Yeah, it is.”
Jin Yeo-rip nodded at Im Pilsaeng's words as the man drew near.
“That's the grand training ground. It's mainly used for formation training by the family's warriors or for major clan events.”
“Formation?”
“Yes. Judging by the size, it could easily handle drills for a formation involving over a hundred participants. Still, it's smaller than the one at your maternal Ak family.”
“The maternal home had a training ground like this too?”
“All martial clans are structured similarly. The Ak family, skilled not only in their own formations but also in military ones, often held drills with over two hundred warriors.”
A faint pride mingled with wistful longing in Im Pilsaeng's voice. Jin Yeo-rip patted his shoulder and briefly pictured Cheongeumbang. Come to think of it, they did have a training ground—where the escort warriors lodged. But compared to this, it was barely a speck.
The difference between a martial clan and a merchant house. Cheongeumbang needed vast warehouses for goods far more than training grounds.
“This way. The family head instructed to bring you to Boreyeong Hall.”
“Boreyeong Hall?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm, why there of all places……”
Jin Ha-seong tilted his head at Ye Woonghyeon's words. As Jin Yeo-rip looked on curiously, he slowly explained.
“Boreyeong Hall is the family head's private residence.”
“His private quarters?”
“Yes. Think of it like the Fugeum Hall behind Da Geumgak.”
Fugeum Hall was his father's residence behind Da Geumgak—a bedroom, study, and reception room for discreet meetings. In short, an intensely private space.
If Boreyeong Hall was the same, it meant the Hwangbo family head wanted a private audience without outside eyes. No wonder his father was puzzled. Guests should be received in the main hall or a proper reception pavilion.
“I can't fathom Mungang's intentions. Why summon you there specifically?”
Jin Ha-seong's face was etched with worry, but Jin Yeo-rip remained calm. When it came to optimism, who could rival the world's best? He'd worry about the future when it came.
Still, it was impressive. Shandong's top martial clan lived up to the hype—even their home matched the reputation.
But Cheongeumbang was still richer. They owned an entire county.
Boreyeong Hall, though similar in function to Fugeum Hall, had a completely different structure. Perhaps because Fugeum Hall emphasized ornate splendor, Boreyeong Hall seemed almost plain by comparison. Instead, the training ground stood out.
Who knew a training ground paved with perfectly cut stones like marble could look so dazzling? And the weapons neatly arrayed there.
Yet there were no people. A family head should have at least maids or escort warriors attending him.
That alone hinted at the personality of Hwangbo Mungang, the hall's master. People's character shone through in their lifestyle and possessions.
He must be frugal and refreshingly straightforward. Above all, lacking guards suggested supreme confidence in his own skills.
That was reassuring. He wouldn't be petty or nitpick words.
“Please wait a moment.”
Ye Woonghyeon halted the group and approached the hall, announcing loudly.
“Family head, Third Young Master Woonghyeon here. As ordered, I've brought the young master of the Jin family.”
“Come in.”
A deep voice rumbled from within at Ye Woonghyeon's call, followed by powerful footsteps as the Hwangbo family head appeared…… Huh?
What…… was with the size?
Jin Yeo-rip couldn't hide his shock at the sight of Hwangbo Mungang emerging from the hall. The giant leading Shandong's premier martial clan left a first impression of…… huge.
No, colossal was more fitting. Just his presence made one's chest tighten, even without any overt display of aura or glare. The body instinctively shrank back.
If the Red-Faced Ghost's vibe had been subtly uncomfortable, this was pure overwhelming pressure.
“Hahaha! Who's this? Ha-seong, you old fox!”
“It's been a while.”
Hwangbo Mungang boomed with laughter as massive as his frame and greeted warmly, while Jin Ha-seong replied with a faint smile.
Strange. Their expressions were friendly, like old friends…… so why the undercurrent of tension?
“Oh! Isn't that Gwiyeong? Seeing Shandong's top swordsman alongside an old friend—what a lucky day!”
“Greetings, Divine Fist.”
“You lot, hahaha! When in Je-nam, you should've come straight to me first. How heartless can people be?”
Hwangbo Mungang let out a hearty guffaw. But his laughter cut off abruptly, his expression softening as he regarded Im Pilsaeng.
“I've heard bits here and there. You've been through a lot.”
“I won't deny it.”
Im Pilsaeng seemed like a different man—more deferential than ever, no trace of his usual playfulness.
“I'm sorry. I couldn't step in.”
“I understand.”
“But know I stayed out of it.”
“I do. Among those chasing us, there was no hulking figure in yellow robes.”
“Of course not. I've always admired Lord Ak. Even so, I couldn't help because…… his sworn brothers' resolve was ironclad. Damn fools threatened that if I didn't join the hunt, they'd make me regret it.”
“No hard feelings. Your neutrality was enough. I believe my noble lord would feel the same.”
“Hm……”
It was about the Ak family. The Hwangbo head hadn't joined the pursuit back then.
The mood grew heavy in an instant from their exchange.
“Ahem, enough of that on a fine reunion. Come, this way.”
“Yes.”
Hwangbo Mungang led them to a pavilion at the edge of the training ground, instructing Ye Woonghyeon.
“Third Young Master, have refreshments and tea brought.”
“Yes, family head.”
“Tell the grand elder I'm entrusting clan affairs to him today while with precious guests. No one approaches Boreyeong Hall.”
“Understood. I'll take my leave.”
Ye Woonghyeon bowed deeply at the firm command and departed the hall.
“Sit.”
“Thank you.”
Hwangbo Mungang, Jin Ha-seong, and Jin Yeo-rip took seats in the pavilion. Kang Seong-gil and Im Pilsaeng stood outside.
“Hm? Why stand there instead of sitting? The pavilion's plenty big.”
“We appreciate the offer, but we can't.”
“……”
“We're escorts. We don't sit with our lord.”
Hwangbo Mungang glanced at Jin Yeo-rip with a subtle smile at Im Pilsaeng's words. He already knew.
He'd heard the full story from Deung Un-ryang, his son's escort captain, after Wonpyeong was carried in unconscious. A youth felling his son with bare fists was shocking enough, but Gwiyeong serving as that youth's bodyguard? Astonishing.
“Escort, huh. You're steadfast as ever.”
“Yes.”
“Such loyalty. You could've left without reproach and carved your own fame in murim with your skills.”
Jin Ha-seong interjected at Hwangbo Mungang's regretful tone.
“Best to drop old tales.”
“Ah, sorry. Treating a precious guest like yesterday's straw mat.”
“So, why summon us? You must know about Geumhyang Merchant Group and Wall Mountain Bandit Fort. Calling my son instead suggests no intent to advance our ties.”
“Our ties? Wasn't that your rejected proposal?”
“What else? I sought equality.”
“Still on that? Impossible.”
“You managed with the Ak family.”
“That was then. Circumstances differ now.”
“My stance hasn't changed.”
“Stubborn as ever.”
Jin Yeo-rip watched their banter intently. The ties between Hwangbo, Cheongeumbang, and Ak—still murky. But one thing was clear: “Because of Ak” was a fabricated excuse, spread by those who profited.
“Anyway, not why we meet today. Our matters later…… That's your son, Jin Yeo-rip?”
He asked despite knowing.
“Why? Confirming it's my son to demand parental compensation?”
“Compensation? Nonsense. A man's shortcomings in a fair fight—what's to compensate? I heard from your son's guard. Started from Wonpyeong's misunderstanding, no dirty tricks—just honest fists.”
“Must sting plenty? Your prized heir floored by a merchant's boy.”
“Hmph! Sweet talk as always. Why so sharp with me?”
“You deserve it.”
“Tsk tsk. Age hasn't mellowed you since twenty. But as friends, we'll reminisce later. For now, I'd speak with the boy.”
It seemed even, but Father was on the back foot. Unlike his usual composure, he seemed emotional—openly irked.
Was it always like this? Because they were friends?
Whatever. Their history wasn't his to know.
“Why stare like that?”
“Pardon?”
“Odd, me friends with Ha-seong? Friends who can't bridge views?”
“Of course not. Public and private are distinct—why let friendship sway clan affairs? I'm still learning, so I observe.”
“Ho?”
Hwangbo Mungang's eyes widened slightly at Jin Yeo-rip's words.
“Then what's with those suspicious eyes on me?”
“Just curious.”
“About?”
“Why send the Third Young Master?”
“Hm?”
“Now I think it was deliberate.”
“Deliberate?”
“Yes.”
As Jin Yeo-rip nodded, Hwangbo Mungang's smile deepened.
“Why think so?”
“From our talk, you know much about us. A man like you wouldn't misjudge a subordinate's temperament.”
“Heh, go on.”
“You chose him knowing his leanings—to see how Father, or perhaps I, would react.”
Hwangbo Mungang listened raptly, then burst into shoulder-shaking laughter.
“Kuhahaha! Ha-seong, you've raised a gem!”
“Blood runs true.”
Jin Ha-seong grumbled, but pride laced his tone.
“Indeed. A real find. Heard the Third Young Master got thoroughly humbled—in the carriage, with money…… Kuhahaha!”
“……”
Jin Yeo-rip narrowed his eyes at the roaring laughter.
Sure enough…… deliberate.
He knew everything despite our recent arrival. Knowing the merchant-disdaining Third Young Master's rudeness, he tested our response.
This guy had a sly side beneath the bluff exterior. Father's warning about minding words rang true now. Plenty hidden in that massive frame.