Finally Arrived at the Namgung Estate
"No way."
It was blatantly magnificent just at a glance. No, it went beyond magnificent—it was like a full-on fortress. Was this for real? A actual house?
Tall, imposing walls encircled a vast estate, and beyond them rose several grand halls that exuded sheer majesty. It looked sturdy enough to hold off even a Yuan cavalry charge. The visuals screamed "castle," no problem there.
So this was Anhui Province? From what I knew, in this Ming Dynasty where the emperor was still kicking, it was impossible to build walls around your house or make it castle-like. The moment you did, they'd accuse you of plotting a military revolt and drag in even your distant relatives. But here, with the Great Ming Imperial Army tied up fighting hellish demons everywhere, they'd let local clans secure their turf. That must be why something this insane existed.
"My jaw's gonna hit the floor, Geun-hyeop."
"No kidding! This a house? It's a fortress! So this is Anhui Province, real-deal Anhui!"
At my praise, Namgung Serin smiled faintly.
"We'll provide you with a guest annex. You can rest there."
"Aigoo, thank you."
"I'll arrange a physician right away, so please take good care of yourself. Oh, and I'll send a maid—if you need anything, just tell her."
"Man, living like this... I'm damn glad I jumped on that Mad Demon Nachal and stabbed the shit out of him back then."
"Think of it as a reward for your courage."
"Ooh yeah!"
The main gate swung open, and we all headed inside together. Up close, it was even more jaw-dropping. Towering halls stretched wide to left and right, welcoming us. There were walkways everywhere, of course, plus training grounds and buildings for all sorts of uses. What to call it? A university campus? Spot on. Slap walls around a college grounds and swap the roofs for wuxia-style tiles, and you'd have this place. That level of grandeur.
As I stood there gaping, a young maid approached—clearly on orders.
"Hellooo, Great Hero."
She had a bun hairstyle and a smile like a steamed bun—super cute.
"I'll guide you to the annexxx."
"Ah, sure."
I followed the maid straight to the annex. It was a single-story building nearby, and I spotted more of these scattered around. Makes sense—with all the guests in a place like this, they'd need plenty of annexes.
Still marveling, we arrived. She opened the door, and I stepped in.
"Whoa."
A room this spotless? First impression: pure bliss. After crashing in dingy inn rooms, seeing a proper building like this just melted my stress away. The floor was pristine. Furniture well-maintained, bedding looking all cozy and plush.
"A room this nice... incredible."
"Let me show you around the annexxx. This is the living room. Over there's the bedroom. And that one's the bathroomhh."
"Pardon? Bathroom?"
A bathroom inside the annex? Mildly shocked, I peeked in—and yep, a real bathroom. Complete with plumbing. Next door was even a bath, but not some well-water setup; it had pipes drawing in water. In simple terms, a shower.
"This can't be real!"
This ain't wuxia anymore!
"If you need hot water, just say sooo."
"Hot water too?!"
"Yesss."
Even hot water! At this point, it's basically a modern house!
"There's a small training yard in the back for martial arts practice if you want. Food's coming soonnn. Oh, spare clothes are in the wardrobe toooo."
With a bow, the maid left.
"Holy shit."
For real? This luxury spot was just a "guest annex"? I was too stunned to close my mouth.
Dazed, I opened the wardrobe.
"Nice."
Clean clothes folded neatly. Sized for me, even underwear.
"Do I deserve this kinda treatment?"
The thought flickered, but...
"Hell yeah!"
I deserved it! No matter what anyone says, in that critical moment, I made the big call—launched a reckless ambush on the Mad Demon Nachal and saved Namgung Serin's life. This reward was mine by right.
Time to change and crash. First, though, the bathroom.
"Always hauling well water before. But here..."
I flicked the mechanism.
Whoosh.
Water sprayed from the overhead pipe.
"Whoa!"
Cold water hit my head. Freezing, but exhilarating. How long since a proper shower? Bucket baths sucked.
I scrubbed gleefully, toweled off, slipped into fresh clothes, then flopped onto the bed.
"Ahh!"
No beds at inns! Lying here felt like back on Earth. This was civilization's bliss.
Honestly, a place like this? Livable as hell. Wait—the maid said food delivery?
"Room service...!"
Hit the maid button, food arrives? Sweet.
Knock knock.
"Guest. Food's hereee."
"Ah, come in."
"Yesss."
I opened the door, and she brought in a full spread.
"Fried rice, twice-cooked pork, and yellow peaches."
"Ooh!"
Appetizing fried rice, some meat dish, and yellow-skinned fruit. Insane lineup...!
"Thanks, I'll dig in!"
Shooed her out and sat down to chow. First, a big spoonful of fried rice.
"Mmm...!"
Delicious! Worlds better than inn slop. Next, chopsticks for the pork—eyes popped at the savory kick. Greasy, spicy perfection.
"Damn!"
Then a bite of the fruit, skin and all.
"Hmm?"
Not like any I knew. Soft, slightly chewy inside, juicy flesh with a subtle sweetness. Never had this before. Local specialty, probably.
"So good!"
Perfect portions, killer flavors—my taste buds were in heaven. Sure, junk combat rations on the road had dulled them, but even without that, top-tier.
Pure paradise. Stuffed, I called the maid to clear the table, brushed my teeth, and hit the bed.
"Yawn...!"
Sleep hit like a truck. We'd taken carts sometimes, but mostly walked, bunked with river pirates in the wild. Exhausted, sore from crap bedding—body wrecked.
That did it. Bed hit, body melted, consciousness faded in seconds.
* * *
Noise woke me. Blinking awake, the maid was calling from outside.
"Ah, what's up?"
"You're uppp. The young lady's hereee."
Suddenly? Door opened—Namgung Serin entered.
"Namgung Serin?"
"Awake, I see. The family head wants to meet. Let's go."
"Huh? Why?"
"You saved his daughter. Of course he wants to see you."
True that.
"Got it. Gimme a sec to get ready."
Quick prep, stood by her side.
"Wore stuff from the wardrobe—okay?"
"Fine. Oh, take some clothes if you need."
"Whoa, really?!"
"I'll give you sturdy martial robes too. Your old ones got soaked in great devil blood, right?"
"Truly grateful, fairy lady!"
"No big deal."
Maybe not for you, but to me, it's priceless!
Thrilled to my core, I followed her. Destination: the family head's quarters, somewhere in that massive central hall.
"Man, these buildings are huge. Just stairs would build killer legs."
"Not really. We mostly use the lift."
"Lift, what?"
"This."
An elevator appeared before us.
"Mechanism-powered. Press for your floor."
"..."
This ain't wuxia...! Wait, focus! Elevators existed in ancient Rome's Colosseum. Not weird for Ming.
Creak grind.
Real elevator.
"Heaven's realm ain't got nothin' on this. Body's shivering from the awe."
"Feel it fully."
"Etched in my soul."
Lift stopped. She stepped close.
"Follow."
"Yes."
Trailing her through corridors—like a massive corp building. Long halls, rooms everywhere. Skyscrapers in Murim? Unacceptable. Roofs Ming-style don't cut it! Can't deal!
Finally, family head's door. She knocked.
"Enter."
"Yes."
Door opened.
"Family head. Brought the guest."
"..."
The man in the room's center looked young. But he radiated heavy, potent aura.
That's right! This guy was the Namgung Family head...!
"Namgung Cheon. And you?"
"Ronin Kim Geun-hyeop!"
Just a greeting, but it felt like facing a massive beast. This was a true Murim master? His mere presence shook my mind!