Gwak Sung, Gatekeeper of the Dongbeonhoe Banquet
Gwak Sung, the Yuncheok Dojam of the Dongbeonhoe, had been enjoying some unexpected downtime. But even he had been roped in for this event. With so many people flooding in at once, it was crucial to guide the distinguished guests properly at the entrance and weed out any uninvited crashers to prevent chaos. That was why Gwak Sung, despite holding such an important position, was stationed at the front gate.
Countless attendees had poured in, but thanks to Gwak Sung's competent handling, things were wrapping up smoothly without a hitch. Right at the tail end, though—who would have thought he'd run into those people he'd forgotten about? Or rather, tried to forget?
Behind the two Yi Gajang brothers, who were politely cupping their fists in greeting, Yi Jinpyeong popped out and casually raised one hand.
"Hey there!"
Hey there?!
Gwak Sung felt his blood boil. The brat was still as cocky as ever. He was dressed sharply in a dazzlingly white martial robe, had grown quite a bit taller in the meantime, and even carried a different air about him. But that fundamental arrogance hadn't changed a bit.
Struggling to keep his composure, he bellowed in a stern voice.
"Rejected!"
Huh?
The subordinates guarding the main gate with him all turned to stare. The guy hadn't even stated his identity yet, and he was holding what looked like a massive invitation from the Dongbeonhoe—yet Gwak Sung had flat-out rejected him? And was "rejected" even the right term to use here?
"Didn't know there was such a thing as rejection. Should we just head home, then?"
"...I wanted to shout that, but you're holding an invitation, after all."
Gwak Sung, who'd accidentally let his inner thoughts slip out, extended a hand. Yi Jingang, who'd brightened up at the word "rejected" for some reason, handed over the red invitation with a hint of disappointment.
Gwak Sung examined it closely. It was undoubtedly genuine, stamped with the Dongbeonhoe's official seal. And the Yi Gajang name was indeed listed on it.
Yi Gajang's entourage numbers over thirty now? How the hell did invitations end up with these guys?
The brothers, who had once looked like walking skeletons, now appeared almost human. What on earth had happened while he'd been off duty?
Scanning the guest list again, Gwak Sung let out a deep sigh. Sure enough, Yi Gajang was on there—dead last, but still included...
Watching Gwak Sung double- and triple-check the list, Yi Jinpyeong snickered.
"Last time you were blabbing on about your fancy title this and that, but turns out you're just a glorified doorman."
"That's not— This position is that important—"
His temper flared again, but he swallowed it down. Today was a huge day for the Dongbeonhoe. A good day, even. If unnecessary drama kicked off with a family he'd already crossed paths with badly, it wouldn't look good inside the organization.
Avoiding Yi Jinpyeong's constant smirking, he belatedly turned to Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun.
They were on the list, their identities were crystal clear—no need for extra verification. But there were still plenty of things that grated on him.
"...And you came dressed like this?"
"Ah, yep. We ran into some thugs on the way..."
The two brothers glanced down at their torn, mud-caked clothes and gave awkward smiles. At least they weren't wearing the ragtag scraps from before—small mercies.
"Would our attire be grounds for disqualification?"
Yi Jinun, the second brother, asked. His tone almost hopeful that it would be.
"Well, you're at least wearing something, so it's fine. If your clothes are filthy, that's your shame alone. But no gifts at all?"
It was customary to bring some token of sincerity to events like this. The martial conference was no exception. Most sects and factions, regardless of their ties to the Dongbeonhoe, had prepared gifts large and small. Yet these three Yi brothers had shown up empty-handed.
"Our estate's finances aren't quite there yet, so we couldn't prepare any gifts."
Yi Jingang replied sheepishly, and Yi Jinun quickly followed up.
"Would that be grounds for disqualification?"
"Enough already. Just go in."
Gwak Sung squeezed his eyes shut and waved them through. Even this short exchange had him feeling exhausted.
Ignoring Yi Jinpyeong's cheeky grin as he passed, he quietly summoned a warrior to guide them.
"Seat them in the farthest corner possible."
"The invitation's low rank already puts them on the edge..."
"Farther. The farthest edge. As far from the dais as possible—somewhere we can boot them out quick if trouble starts."
"Understood."
With his petty revenge secured, Gwak Sung plastered on his business smile and turned back. Far grander factions and sects were arriving in droves, incomparable to Yi Gajang. And the event's stars were none other than the mighty Gu Pa Il Bang. Those three brothers would soon feel just how insignificant they were.
Passing through the tight security, they entered the Dongbeonhoe grounds.
"Whoa...!"
Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun gaped. The vast estate was packed with tables, already filled to the brim with people. Nearly every faction and sect active around Dongjeong Lake was represented—the diversity was staggering. Show-offs, ugly mugs, the tense, the loudmouths, the quiet observers...
Yi Jinpyeong swept his gaze over the estate and burst out laughing.
"Damn, what a bunch of sourpusses. Herding these clowns together is quite the spectacle."
Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun's hearts nearly stopped at Jinpyeong's bold words amid the crowd. But surprisingly, only a few scowled their way—most ignored them. The Yi brothers had changed so much few recognized them, and the two elders' mud-splattered, hole-ridden clothes didn't help. Plus, everyone's attention was glued to the front.
"Brother, that must be the seats for the Gu Pa Il Bang VIPs."
Yi Jinun whispered. Sure enough, the deepest front area had a raised dais higher than the rest, topped with a massive table for dozens. Warriors ringed it, standing guard.
"Even for inviting the Gu Pa Il Bang, this setup isn't ideal. They'll end up lording over the lake factions while they eat."
Yi Jingang's face darkened. Yi Jinpyeong snorted coldly.
Seated by their guide, the brothers' dismay grew. Their spot was the absolute edge near the entrance—the dais was barely visible. At this distance, they could hardly see or hear a thing.
Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun felt a mix of emotions. Far enough that even if Jinpyeong caused a scene, it might slide. But they'd hoped to get a closer look at the murim giants leading the charge.
One silver lining, though: distance from the main stage didn't matter when every table groaned under lavish spreads of food. No one had touched them yet, the event not started...
Yi Jinun swallowed hard, drool practically dripping.
"This is all free, right? We can just dig in?"
"They invited us—has to be free. Now I'm wondering if we should have brought something."
Yi Jingang checked the pockets inside his robe as he replied.
"Hosting an event like this is impressive."
"Yeah. Amazing they have space for this many at once. The Dongbeonhoe's bigger than we thought."
"Hmph. Looks like they demolished a few walls to force this space. Probably tore down a hall or two."
Looking where Jinpyeong pointed, the brothers saw it. Cleverly hidden by decorations and structures, but this wasn't the original layout.
"Even so, pulling off this investment is commendable, no?"
"They're overreaching, pants splitting at the seams. Honestly, Yi Gajang would've been perfect for this. Think about it—one western wall down, and we'd have this space easy. Plenty of room for any number of guests."
The brothers fell silent. Spatially, he was right. No faction on Dongjeong Lake had an estate as massive as Yi Gajang's. But with their current funds and connections? Impossible to imagine.
They tried picturing a packed Yi Gajang but couldn't. Then a massive gong rang out. The central hall's doors swung wide, and key figures from the Gu Pa Il Bang emerged.
The event had begun. Cheers and applause erupted.
People stood and craned their necks; the Yi brothers couldn't see a thing.
The presumed Dongbeonhoe leader's voice, amplified by inner power, gave formal greetings, then introduced the Gu Pa Il Bang members one by one. Shaolin's such-and-such Daesa, Wudang's whatever Do-in, Hwasan's elder this...
The brothers listened intently, but Yi Jinpyeong just scoffed.
"Hmph. No sect leaders—just a bunch of nobodies."
As the Dongbeonhoe leader finished, servants flooded in with wine jars. The crowd's applause and cheers swelled louder.
Next, a Hwasan Jinin representing the Gu Pa Il Bang stepped up. His profound inner power carried his voice crystal-clear everywhere. The crowd hushed in awe, listening solemnly.
He was quite the orator. Starting with his enchantment by Dongjeong Lake's beauty, he marveled at the gathered heroes' spirit. Thanks for maintaining murim order and peace—detached from the lake's reality, but the crowd clapped wildly anyway. He thanked the Dongbeonhoe leader too.
Standing tall on the dais with the Gu Pa Il Bang elders and protectors, the leader beamed.
"Some bigger factions might gripe. Right, brother?"
"They can't show it openly here. Like it or not, they need the Dongbeonhoe to even chat with the Gu Pa Il Bang."
Curious about Jinpyeong's thoughts, Yi Jinun turned—and yelped.
"Ack!"
Jinpyeong was already chowing down, scarfing table food like mad.
"Why bother with the boring speeches? Eat fast or miss out. Gotta ask for seconds!"
"...You're right."
Agreeing wholeheartedly, Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun dove in after their youngest, devouring everything.
Yi Gajang was pulling out of poverty by collecting debts, but feeding hordes of warriors meant monotonous meat-and-rice meals. This feast of delicacies was heaven. And free! Refills too!
But something felt off mid-bite. Their table had been just the three of them—yet now eight hands darted across it.
Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun froze, blinking at the old man beside Jinpyeong.
Jinpyeong had stopped too, eyeing the geezer with uncharacteristic surprise. The old man sat naturally, gorging away.
Yi Jinpyeong asked.
"Who the hell are you?"