There’s No Way Nothing Will Happen
Yi Jingang spoke in a reluctant tone.
“Jinpyeong. Do you really think it’s right to attend this banquet?”
“Of course we have to go. It was decided long ago—what are you saying now?”
“If we must go, then maybe you should go alone...”
“You want to send your little brother into that viper’s nest by himself? You brothers will gain a lot from seeing the Nine Great Beggars Clan members with your own eyes this time. Broaden your horizons! Build connections! It’s killing two birds with one stone.”
“Your words don’t even...”
“Jeez. Anyway, come on—spread your arms.”
“Spread my arms? For what reason... Huh?!”
Riiip!!!
Yi Jinpyeong yanked at Yi Jingang’s clothes. The ragged martial robe, worn thin from years of sweat and toil, tore away pathetically.
“......”
Yi Jingang shyly covered his upper body with his arms, while Yi Jinpyeong nodded at the sight of his brother’s exposed pale skin.
The first thing that caught his eye was the muscles now firmly taking shape on his body. Still lean by normal standards, but compared to before, the change was astounding—enough to make one exclaim in admiration. The effects of consuming various spirit medicines over the past few months, eating well, and training relentlessly were plainly visible.
The second were the numerous scars from when he’d been kidnapped by Dang Sobaek. Large and small marks were deeply etched across his body.
Well, as long as he didn’t die, it’s fine. Now, with time passed, they even lent him a manly charm.
“Whoa... those are some impressive muscles! A true man’s body! Is this really our big brother’s?!”
Yi Jinun let out a gasp of admiration. Without being asked, he began stripping off his own clothes.
Yi Jinun, now completely naked, flexed his biceps beside Yi Jingang, proudly showing off his physique. His body was no slouch either. Muscles clung tightly to his lean frame, creating sharp, defined ridges. It wasn’t yet a perfectly filled-out figure, but considering they’d both been mocked as the White Bone Heroes not long ago, the transformation was nothing short of miraculous.
“Jinpyeong. What do you think? Whose muscles look better?”
“This isn’t a muscle contest. Here—both of you, try these on.”
“Huh? When did you even...”
Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun’s eyes widened as they took what Yi Jinpyeong handed them.
In their hands were martial robes of fine material. Not flashy, but dazzlingly white, with the character ‘Yi’ embroidered in blue at the hems.
“I prepared them in secret because I knew you’d whine about the cost if I told you ahead of time. We’re attending as Yi Gajang—can’t show up looking like beggars, right?”
“Well... jeez!”
“Oh, and just so you know, the embroidery makes returns impossible.”
Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun sighed repeatedly. Their little brother’s preparations were thorough, and he knew their personalities inside out—escape was impossible. They’d followed his coaxing and wheedling, and somehow, the day had arrived. Besides, attending such a grand event in the family’s name made it hard to refuse even luxurious clothes they’d normally balk at.
Exchanging glances, Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun silently donned the pristine white robes.
“Big brother...! You look...!”
“Jinun! You too...!”
These weren’t their usual beggar rags. The crisp white robes fit their frames perfectly. Looking at each other, they could’ve passed for young masters of a renowned clan. Clothes make the man, indeed.
But only they were lost in admiration.
Yi Jinpyeong, face scrunched in dissatisfaction, spoke up.
“Take it all off. First, wash up properly, then fix your hair. You look like beggars.”
Yi Gajang’s outer courtyard. Dozens of warriors stood in formation.
To see off the three brothers heading to the Dongbeonhoe event.
The ranks included original Hwang Sabang members and those who’d surrendered from Jang Gapae, totaling over fifty.
As they stood rigidly without a twitch, a small voice came from somewhere.
“They’re coming!”
The warriors straightened their backs and tucked in their chins.
With light footsteps, Yi Gajang’s three brothers—reborn in entirely new appearances—entered the courtyard one by one.
Leading was the eldest, Yi Jingang. Neatly combed hair, clean skin, a slender yet sturdy build supported by pristine white martial robes and black leather boots—a perfect figure.
“Ooooh—!”
The gasps escaped despite their efforts to hold them back. Was this really the Yi Jingang they knew? Their memory of him was always gentle but grimy with sweat, hiding something in his robes as he smuggled it out.
Today, lips pressed firm, sword in hand, he exuded an untouchable dignity. Like a finely honed blade. The very picture of Yi Gajang’s master.
Following was Yi Jinun.
“Ooooohhh—!”
An even louder cheer erupted.
His attire and skin matched his brother’s. But his face shone brighter. Where Yi Jingang looked sturdy and resolute, Yi Jinun’s features were softer, giving a youthful beauty. Unlike his brother’s stiff expression, he awkwardly smiled and waved, bringing a fresh spring breeze to the sweat-soaked Yi Gajang.
“Whoa... look at that! Are our young masters heading out to charm someone?!”
“I never knew the second young master was such a hunk!”
“The eldest is the real surprise to me.”
“Shh! They’re coming!”
Last came the youngest of Yi Gajang’s three brothers, Yi Jinpyeong.
Like his brothers, he wore crisp new white robes, but he’d thrown them on casually, like heading to the market, with a pipe clenched in his teeth.
Puffing out clouds of smoke, he swept his narrowed eyes over the lined-up warriors.
“......”
No cheers like for his brothers. They just tucked chins tighter, backs straighter, eyes forward—afraid to even glance.
Thud.
Thud.
His footsteps synced with the warriors’ pounding hearts. Instinct honed from months of brutal beatings. Their bodies shrank involuntarily. His shadow alone froze them.
He’d always been harsh in training, but the last few months? Like a relentless demon driven by some purpose—a terrifying trainer.
“What’s this? Why’d it get so quiet when I show up?”
The warriors jolted and finally erupted in cheers and applause.
But their belated noise had no effect. Under his icy glare, the cheers died quickly, eyes shifting to the distant sky.
Truth be told, Yi Jinpyeong’s change felt least stark to them. Unlike his brothers, who’d secluded in Mugunjeon, he’d roamed, overseeing and teaching daily. And while they’d always been sweaty and unkempt, he’d kept himself clean and tidy—so his transformation was subtler.
Objectively, though, Yi Jinpyeong had changed most. No longer mad, he’d shot up in height and weight, naturally dominating his surroundings.
His steps halted before bucktoothed Chief Steward Gwak Yeonyong.
“Gwak Chonggwan. Take care of things. Don’t forget to contact Chwi Hwa Bang immediately if anything happens.”
“Don’t worry.”
Passing the bucktoothed steward, Yi Jinpyeong stopped once more.
Short, stout Seo Dal—recently recruited and promoted to Supervisor.
“Go easy. You’ll kill the guy.”
“Yes, sir.”
Seo Dal shrugged with a grin. He was the only one Yi Jinpyeong ever told to hold back.
He’d been Gang Ryong’s sparring partner lately. Gang Ryong, growing fast with Gu Hwan Nan Gyeok, still lagged far behind. Plus, resenting the loss of his supervisor post, he charged Seo Dal fiercely.
Thus, every bout ended with Gang Ryong battered immobile—today, too beat to see the brothers off.
The three passed the warriors and exited Yi Gajang’s gates.
The ranks followed, watching the brothers leave.
Yi Gajang’s three, side by side in matching robes.
Yi Jinpyeong suddenly stopped, turned, and shouted.
“You know what I expect. No slacking while we’re gone—just train like always.”
“Yes, sir!”
“I’ll check each of you when we return, so don’t think of goofing off.”
“...Yes, sir!”
The warriors bellowed—or trembled—in response, bowing heads.
Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun bowed deeply, overwhelmed with gratitude.
“Come on, brothers. Let’s go.”
Yi Jinpyeong shoved their backs.
The warriors watched the trio shrink along Dongjeong Lake’s shore.
The ever-present brothers, now properly dressed and departing together— a novel sight. Like a renowned clan finally taking shape.
Still a long way off, but...
“Nooo! Young masters!!! How can you leave your loyal servant Gang Ryong behind?!”
Gang Ryong, wrapped head to toe in bandages, came running late.
Seo Dal grabbed his nape; Gang Ryong stretched pleading hands toward the receding figures.
But the brothers, surely hearing, kept going. Only middle brother Yi Jinun waved high.
“Young masters! This is too much! So heartless! I didn’t even get a proper goodbye!!!”
Gang Ryong dangled like a child from the smaller Seo Dal, whining.
Chief Steward Gwak shook his head and murmured.
“The three will be fine, right?”
Seo Dal replied.
“The answer’s set. You’ve served the youngest longer than me—still don’t know?”
Gwak nodded.
Yeah. The answer was fixed.
There was no way nothing would happen.