The Connection Between Duels and Imperial Gifts

"Split into three and die. Well, he didn't actually die, but still."

With his staff split into three neat pieces, Man Hanseok naturally had nothing left to do. Watching Yang Seoran end the duel in a single, decisive strike, Gongson Yeongji and Yoo Jeoksan could only stare with wide, round eyes.

"How was that, my dear juniors! Have you witnessed the true power of your Student Council President?!"

Yang Seoran proudly threw her head back, prompting the clueless Gongson Yeongji and Yoo Jeoksan to cheer enthusiastically.

"You're so cool!"

"Incredible."

"Mwahahaha!"

Look at her, loving every second of it.

On the other hand, Princess Bohee, who had been watching the duel, tilted her head in confusion.

"..."

Her expression was a mix of utter bewilderment, as if thinking: What on earth was that? How did she do it? I definitely saw the wooden sword flash, but I don't understand anything after that.

So this princess was capable of making a face like that. I thought she only knew how to look blankly spaced out.

Wait a minute. If I play this right, can't we all have a peaceful day?

Quickly running the calculations in my head, I quietly slipped over to Princess Bohee and asked, "Your Highness, are you perhaps ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠curious about Lady Yang's martial prowess?"

Nod, nod.

As Princess Bohee nodded, I immediately gestured to her maid and whispered ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠in a low voice, "Take this opportunity to invite Lady Yang to your quarters, or go directly to the Student Council Room and keep her locked in there all day. Lady Yang will gladly resolve any curiosity you have about martial arts."

"...That way, she won't cause trouble for the other students, right?"

"Exactly."

Rather than letting her roam around causing accidents, it was much better to keep her in one room all day to satisfy the princess's curiosity. The maid seemed to agree. Her face filled with gratitude at the prospect of finally spending a quiet day in one place, and she nodded.

"Lady Yang, why don't you take this opportunity to invite Her Highness to the Student Council Room? Since she doesn't know much about martial arts, a kind explanation from you would surely help improve relations with the Imperial Court."

"Oh, as expected of Chef Yoon! That is a splendid idea! Your Highness, let us go!"

I let out a deep sigh of relief as I watched Yang Seoran immediately drag Princess Bohee off to the Student Council Room, not even taking a moment to wipe her sweat.

"Phew."

Man Hanseok, who had been watching the scene blankly, accepted a cotton towel from Yoo Jeoksan and looked at me. "But it feels like you're treating the Student Council President and Her Highness like baggage..."

"Ahem, it was merely a strategic choice."

Both of them were exceptionally talented and not the type to invite public criticism, but having people like that lingering nearby was always nerve-wracking.

"The timing is a bit awkward, and everyone must be covered in sweat. Shall we meet at the Outer Dining Hall in half a double-hour?"

"Oh, sounds great. What's today's snack?"

"Chilled almond tofu."

"Wow, that sounds delicious..."

"Jeoksan, you come with Hanseok too."

"Ah, me too? Is that alright?"

"Hang around with Hanseok for a while. It's much better than letting rumors start."

"Yes, sir!"

After sending the three of them back to the academy halls, I stopped by the Inner Dining Hall to check on the dinner preparations.

"How is the seasoning?"

"It's good. We can go ahead with this."

"Understood."

While directing the kitchen, I noticed a eunuch lingering near the back. He was clearly one of the eunuchs working under Ha Migwa. I whistled and gestured to him. The eunuch pointed to himself in surprise, then quickly scurried over.

"Did Associate Director Ha send for me?"

"Yes... He said he would give you the answer, Three-Virtue Chef."

"Tell him we'll meet at Mool-ru during the Hour of the Dog after dinner. I have some things to take care of today."

"I will convey the message."

Mool-ru was one of the upscale taverns in Poeun County. It was often used to entertain prestigious guests visiting the academy. Since he was the second-in-command of the Eastern Depot, surely he wouldn't be petty enough to demand we split the bill.

After finishing up my work and having a snack with the kids, I headed to Mool-ru.

"Ayo, Boss Ha."

I raised my hand high as I entered the tavern, spotting Ha Migwa looking thoroughly displeased.

"...What kind of title is 'Boss'?"

"A term of respect."

"Hmph. Are you sure it's not some derogatory term used in a region I don't know?"

"I'm just trying to be friendly, and you're already complaining."

"Anyway, what were you thinking, suggesting we meet here? You picked a remarkably expensive tavern."

"You probably make way more monthly salary than me. Why not treat me for once?"

"I truly cannot tell if you are incredibly bold or simply mad."

Clicking his tongue in a high-pitched voice, Ha Migwa snapped his fingers to call the waiter.

"Bring out the food I ordered earlier, right now."

"Yes, sir!"

With that, the waiter mobilized several other staff members to bring out the dishes. Various colorful and lavish foods caught my eye, but what stood out the most was a massive White Cut Chicken that looked like a boiled turkey. It was essentially a cold, dry-cooked chicken. Since it was served in bite-sized pieces that didn't require tearing or cutting, it was incredibly convenient for the guests to eat.

"I suppose because the academy's surroundings are rural, even the chickens are pitifully small."

"What, do they boil phoenixes in the capital? This is plenty big."

"If you were a chef in the Imperial Kitchen, you would have surely been scolded for that remark."

Taking a bite of the cold White Cut Chicken, Ha Migwa gestured toward the wine with his eyes.

"Are you going to drink?"

"Of course. Shall we pour a glass?"

"Are you not afraid of drinking with the Eastern Depot?"

When I readily accepted, Ha Migwa stared at me as if I were bizarre.

"I can neutralize basic qi-dispersing poisons on my own."

"What if it is a colorless, odorless ultimate poison?"

"I can block that to some extent too."

"How is that possible?"

"Pay me ten taels of gold if you want to know."

"Tsk."

"Trying to pry information for free, are we?"

Ha Migwa clicked his tongue and looked away. These government thieves always tried to get something for nothing.

As we exchanged a couple of cups, the atmosphere softened slightly, even if we weren't close. The White Cut Chicken was particularly delicious. It was mild yet incredibly tender; I felt it would sell quite well even back in Korea.

Actually, is it just because it's food someone else made for me? That might be it.

"I thought you would eat like a ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠glutton, but you eat surprisingly politely."

"Why would I eat like a glutton?"

"Because you're a country bumpkin from Shandong?"

"Says the man who became 'rootless' later in life."

A "rootless" person referred to someone born without that part, but an "acquired rootless" person meant... well, a eunuch. Since I had basically just called him a castrated bastard, Ha Migwa's eyes naturally twitched with rage.

"...You crazy bastard?"

"You picked the fight first."

"To think I must actually give the imperial gift to a fellow like you."

"An imperial gift?"

Now, that changed things.

"Aigoo, Associate Director Ha, sir!"

As I rubbed my hands together with a friendly grin, Ha Migwa stared at me with utter disgust.

"...Seeing how quickly your attitude flips, you might actually fit right in at the Eastern Depot."

"Whoa, you're crossing the line. I'd rather shave my head and join the Shaolin Temple than snip it and enter the Imperial Palace."

At least Shaolin only shaved the head, not that.

Ha Migwa grimaced, then pulled a small wooden box from his robes.

"This is a gift from the Director of Palace Ceremonies. He said your information was quite valuable."

"Did you contact the Martial Alliance?"

"We have been exchanging confidential letters, and we even met in person. The name of the unidentified sect is..."

Ha Migwa glanced at me, seemingly debating whether he should tell me or not.

"Oh, spit it out already. I brought you the lead, and I can't even hear the name?"

"Impatient, aren't we? The tentative name is the Blood Gate."

"How uninspired."

"We can't exactly write down a name like 'Blood Dragon Sect' for a tentative designation. Keeping it as concise as possible is the priority."

"So the enemy that the Martial Alliance and the Imperial Court must face is the Blood Gate."

"You could say that."

The guy I had beaten up had said that a sea of blood would engulf the Jianghu. He held a deep grudge against the martial world, and his use of Thunderbolt Bombs suggested a connection to the Imperial Court. Well, the Eastern Depot probably knew that much already, so there was no need to tell them.

I immediately opened the wooden box gifted by the Director of Palace Ceremonies, the top figure of the Eastern Depot, to check the contents. I had secretly hoped for something like an Iron Certificate—the Zhongyuan equivalent of a get-out-of-jail-free card—but instead, there was a single glove inside. It was a white glove, reminiscent of Michael Jackson's trademark. Naturally, I had to try it on.

The moment I slipped it on, it fit perfectly. It was soft yet felt incredibly durable. I had thought it was a simple cotton glove, but it wasn't. It was clearly an item of far greater value than mere silk.

"This is no ordinary glove."

"You have a decent eye, perhaps because you're a skilled chef. Those are the Hundred Ghost Handguards, made from Thousand-Year Silk Thread."

"The Hundred Ghost Handguards."

I had heard that Thousand-Year Silk Thread had the effect of amplifying inner qi while also protecting the user. In other words, the moment I wore the Hundred Ghost Handguards, though I wouldn't gain superhuman strength like a certain ogre's son wearing ogre power gauntlets, I could exert my usual power with far less inner qi. And if I channeled my usual amount of inner qi, I could display far greater power than before.

If I could have knocked out that guy I beat up in a single blow instead of two...

Wouldn't that be the absolute best?

"What?"

"...Nothing."

"Didn't anyone teach you that talking to yourself is a bad habit?"

"Unfortunately, my parents and my three masters are no longer in the Central Plains."

Shrugging my shoulders, I flaunted my immunity to filial piety insults, causing Ha Migwa to grimace. Seeing his face made me crave more alcohol.

"Today is a good day, so why don't we order a few more bottles?"

"I gave you an imperial gift, and now you want to squeeze money out of me too?"

"Squeeze? I'm offering you a chance to build a close relationship with someone who just received a gift from the Director of Palace Ceremonies."

"You have no shame when it comes to self-praise."

Still, whether he thought my words made sense or he just wanted to drink but accepted under the guise of being forced, Ha Migwa nodded.

"Waiter, bring two more bottles of wine."

"Yes, sir!"

And so, Ha Migwa and I poured and drank late into the night, trading insults all the while.

A few days later.

Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale deeply.

Drawing inner qi from my dantian with a deep breath, I focused my inner strength into my right hand. To be precise, I channeled it into the Hundred Ghost Handguards.

Even though I channeled only half the inner qi I usually used for the Hundred Medicine Fist Secrets, the output was superior to my usual standard. Just look at the detail of this brilliant orange fist qi. Each flame-like ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠wisp of qi felt alive. I swung my fist as a test.

Swoosh, swoosh!

The sound itself was different, let alone the sheer output. At this rate, I felt I could easily handle any Peak Master.

I began my usual training, but because I was only using half my usual inner strength, it didn't feel tiring at all. This was too much of a cheat. When training, it was actually better to be in a situation where it was harder to use inner strength. Throwing it around so easily wasn't ideal.

Isn't it much cooler to struggle with heavy sandbags during training, only to unleash your full, lightweight speed in real combat?

No, this won't do. You're sealed.

Only after taking off the Hundred Ghost Handguards did I feel that familiar, slightly challenging sensation during my training. I decided to carry this glove with me at all times but only use it when actual combat arose.

After finishing my training, I headed to the Inner Dining Hall, where instructors and tutors were standing straight and receiving their meals.

"Oh, Chef Yoon."

"Are you enjoying your meal, sir?"

"Of course, of course."

Instructor Cheongjo, whom I hadn't seen in a while, wore a gentle smile over his clean vegetarian meal. Among them, one person stood out the most. I saw Seonwoo Seol, who had been talking with the Emei Sect chef, Woo Ji-yang, waving her hand slightly at me with a smile.

"Did you just finish training?"

"How did you know?"

"Whenever Chef Yoon finishes training... you always smell like you've been to a pine forest."

"Is that so?"

What was this? Had I become a human phytoncide?

I buried my nose in my sleeve to sniff, but it only smelled of the typical kitchen grease. Seeing Woo Ji-yang watching me with a subtle smile, I remembered something I wanted to say to her.

"Ah, Lady Woo, are you leaving next week?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Seeing how well vegetarian cuisine has integrated into the academy's meals, I should head back to Mount Emei."

"Then shouldn't we hold a farewell party before you go?"

"A farewell party?"

"Yes. We've spent several weeks together, and as the chief chef, it would be rude to just let you leave like this."

Besides, she had played with Man Hanseok and Gongson Yeongji from time to time, so they should say their goodbyes too.

"Anytime is fine. Set it whenever it's convenient for you, Chef Yoon."

"I'll look for a restaurant where Hanseok and Yeongji can enter."

After finishing my conversation with Woo Ji-yang, I was about to turn around after telling Seonwoo Seol I'd see her later, but she gently tugged at my sleeve.

"What is it?"

"When are we going to look for it?"

"Look for what?"

The treasure map.

Seeing Seonwoo Seol mouth the words, I finally nodded.

"Shouldn't we scout it out soon?"

"Actually, I found a clue."

"Already?"

Seonwoo Seol gestured for me to lean in, and I brought my ear close to her.

"They say it's in the fish storehouse of the North Sea."

"The fish storehouse of the North Sea?"

Where on earth is that?