The Qi Arts Master Chapter 12
The varied buildings within Shenyang's walls sparkled under the red glow of the setting sun. In the bustling market streets, vendors were hawking their final wares of the day, while countless people headed home to the warm embrace of family after finishing their daily labors. Men gathered in small groups at taverns to drown their fatigue in drink, and fathers pulled out pocket money to buy sweets for their children— a vivid tapestry of life unfolding before their eyes.
Tian Ailang had been amazed by the crowds in the previous village, but Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, was on another level entirely.
Suddenly, his gaze caught an old man and his young grandson holding hands as they strolled through the market. For a moment, Tian Ailang thought of his own late grandfather.
Instead of hiding away, how wonderful it would have been to live like this among people, chatting amiably.
Did Grandfather go to a good place? Has he reunited with the family? Is it a peaceful realm?
Would he have been pleased to see me battle the Demonic Cult that wiped out our clan? He wouldn't scold me for vowing revenge against them, would he?
Did Grandfather know that old man called Ji No?
Ni Daegyeok's loud call snapped Tian Ailang from his reverie.
"Young Master Tian!"
Startled by the sudden summons, Tian Ailang blankly turned his head. Ni Daegyeok was looking at him with concern.
"Yes?"
"Is something wrong? I called several times, but you didn't respond."
Was I that lost in thought?
Tian Ailang shook his head lightly, brushing away the lingering haze like dust.
"No, nothing. I was just overwhelmed by all the people."
He brushed it off casually, pushing aside the emptiness in his chest.
Ni Daegyeok burst into laughter.
"Haha! Even so, this is still the frontier— the crowds here are on the lighter side."
"What?!"
Tian Ailang whipped around in surprise, scanning the surroundings with fresh eyes.
This many people, and it's light? Talk about a frog in a well—that's me to a tee.
That's when he noticed the diverse array of clothing on the passersby.
"The clothes people are wearing are so varied," Tian Ailang remarked to Ni Daegyeok.
But it was Dam Soyeon who answered.
"It has to be. This is a melting pot of cultures from Yan, Han, Goguryeo, Tang, Balhae, and countless other nations."
"Impressive..."
Dam Soyeon beamed at Tian Ailang's admiration. Ni Daegyeok smirked at his sister, who had parroted back word-for-word what he'd once told her.
He glanced at her fondly before adding, "That's right. Central Plains folk often look down on us frontier dwellers, but few places offer such a lesson in diversity."
"Diversity..."
Tian Ailang recalled his grandfather's teaching: that varied perspectives aided martial arts growth.
"Yes, diversity terrifies politicians, but it's essential for advancing culture, economy, politics, and society."
"Politicians hate it?" Dam Soyeon asked curiously.
Ni Daegyeok nodded with a smile at her question.
"Exactly. Acknowledging diversity starts with accepting others. But to politicians, that means recognizing and understanding enemies and their ideologies. It falls on deaf ears. Haha."
"Is that why our clan sticks to internal affairs and avoids government service—for failing to embrace diversity?"
Ni Daegyeok pondered, then nodded slowly.
"You could see it that way. I wouldn't dream of defying the elders' stance, justified by the current imperial house not being Han Chinese. But I don't think it's right. Still, the throne's discrimination against Han people and rejection of diversity only hardens such attitudes. If they'd embraced Han Chinese without prejudice, the realm wouldn't be shaking like this."
"Hmm... It's complicated."
Ni Daegyeok gazed warmly at his sister, who pondered the answer on her own.
"Hahaha, you don't need to grasp it all. I'm Han Chinese myself, son of a prestigious clan—my biases bend toward my own. But I dream of standing by someone who champions equal opportunity and meritocracy, pouring out all my knowledge in full support."
Tian Ailang fell into thought listening to Ni Daegyeok's dreams.
Dreams...
He'd never really pondered his own. There was only the goal—revenge for his precious family. And he was aware it might consume him. But there was no choice. He'd resolved it firmly before leaving the array.
To Tian Ailang, the world had been his grandfather. His life began and ended with him—that was his entire universe.
But that world was gone now. He'd thought emerging into the wider world would naturally resolve everything. Yet he realized a world teeming with people didn't automatically become his world.
Tian Ailang slowly looked around. Even amid the throng, he felt utterly like an outsider. It was the same even with the Damga siblings laughing and traveling alongside him.
Of course, he hoped this unease would fade in time. But for now, waves of emotion refused to subside easily.
Perhaps because of it, his thirst for vengeance against the Demonic Cult—the root cause that stole his world—grew ever firmer. Maybe fulfilling that revenge would restore what he'd lost.
Snapping from his prolonged reverie, Tian Ailang saw the Damga siblings watching him worriedly. Seeing that grandfather-grandson pair earlier had stirred up extra melancholy today.
He shook his head forcefully, banishing the thoughts.
Enough. Save the brooding. It's been ages since a town—let's eat something tasty and wash up!
He smiled at the Damga siblings.
"Hahaha... I'm starving. Hope there's a good spot for dumplings."
The siblings, who'd been fretting over his dour expression, let out awkward chuckles at the sudden silliness.
"Phew... We were worried. If something's bothering you, tell me straight up. I'm a great listener!"
Dam Soyeon flexed her fist dramatically, drawing a smirk from Tian Ailang.
"She's right, Young Master Tian. Sometimes voicing worries solves them. Anyway! Shall we secure an inn first?"
Ni Daegyeok glanced around, then called to a tanned boy who looked about ten.
"Hey, kid!"
The boy scampered over and eyed the group appraisingly.
"Not 'kid'—call me Jangdol. First time in Shenyang? Hmm... Silk robes, but filthy. You want an inn to wash up pronto, right?"
Tian Ailang stared in fascination at the boy, who spoke like a fortune-teller.
"Yeah, long journey—dying for a bath. Can you guide us to a clean place with good food?"
The boy snorted and thumped his chest with tiny fists.
"If a Shenyang merchant doesn't know Jangdol, he's a spy. If there's any spot in Shenyang I don't know, it's a spy den. Don't worry. Follow close—no crying if you lose me. Oh, and payment upfront."
Jangdol spread all ten fingers, offering his grubby palm.
Ni Daegyeok pulled out ten coins from his pouch and handed over five.
"What's this? I said ten!"
Ni Daegyeok chuckled lightly.
"How do I know I can trust you? Impress me with the inn, and I'll add the rest."
Jangdol, about to argue, quickly calculated and grinned.
"Deal. Crowds make it easy to get lost—stick tight."
He strode ahead confidently. Ni Daegyeok followed, gesturing for Tian Ailang and Dam Soyeon to keep up.
"Brother, what's with that kid?"
Tian Ailang nodded in agreement. Ni Daegyeok kept his eyes on Jangdol ahead.
"Big cities draw lots of travelers—veterans and newbies alike. Finding what you want takes time in unfamiliar turf. So kids like him make a living guiding or selling info. Don't underestimate them; their tips are often spot-on. Some shops cut deals with them for a fee, but for folks like us, convenience trumps haggling."
Tian Ailang's eyes widened at Ni Daegyeok's worldly knowledge—not something from books alone, making him all the more impressive.
"Whoa, Brother, how do you know that? Guess sneaking out pays off sometimes!"
"Haha... 'Pays off'? It's always..."
Ni Daegyeok trailed off under Dam Soyeon's icy glare.
"Ahem. Let's keep up with Jangdol."
Following Jangdol led them to a two-story building deep in an alley. A weathered sign reading Songhwa Inn proclaimed its purpose.
"Looks rough outside, but it's clean inside with great food. Trust me."
Jangdol pushed open the door confidently.
"Sis! Got customers!"
A woman descended from upstairs, wiping water from her hands on her apron—she'd been cleaning rooms. She looked too old to be the kid's actual sister; probably just his cheeky term.
True to his word, the interior was spotless, unlike the exterior. Delicious aromas wafted from the entrance, tickling their noses.
The first floor bustled with evening diners.
Can't judge a book by its cover.
Tian Ailang looked around in mild awe. The happy faces, savory scents, and cleanliness soothed their weary hearts.
Ni Daegyeok addressed the proprietress.
"Three rooms, please. Hot bath water available right away?"
"Yes. We prep extra for peak times—ready now. Bath first?"
Dam Soyeon nodded vigorously at Ni Daegyeok, who replied, "Perfect. And kid."
"Jangdol, I said."
The boy grumbled but beamed at Ni Daegyeok's outstretched hand, snatching the coin deftly.
After pocketing it, Ni Daegyeok pulled out more.
"One more errand. We need fresh clothes. Can you handle it?"
The boy nodded eagerly.
"Payment?"
Ni Daegyeok flashed a small gold plaque.
"Token of a Mangeum Transfer Office executive. Tell them the owner requests clothing purchases charged there, and to deliver here."
Jangdol's eyes widened—Ni Daegyeok was a bigger deal than expected. No debt worries now. He grinned and dashed off.
Once Jangdol left, the group bathed in hot water under the proprietress's guidance, then reconvened in fresh clothes courtesy of the boy and the transfer office staff.
"Ah~ Feels amazing!"
Dam Soyeon smiled in satisfaction.
"Young Master Tian, how's your arm?"
Ni Daegyeok eyed Tian Ailang's injured limb worriedly.
"Much better. Internal injuries linger, but simple movements are fine. And you, Miss Dam?"
"Thanks to you, I'm recovering well. My gratitude."
"What about me?"
Dam Soyeon poked her face toward Tian Ailang. He leaned back, flustered. No fancy bath oils in the modest inn, but she smelled nice.
"And you, Lady Soyeon?"
"Heh, belated bow received. Aside from lingering fatigue, I'm good as new. Thanks to you, Young Master Tian."
"Hahaha. A proper meal after so long—let's dig in, everyone."
Ni Daegyeok beamed at his sister and Tian Ailang.
Then a cat hopped through the inn window, straight to Tian Ailang's lap, where it settled comfortably. He stroked it naturally.
The Damga siblings watched curiously.
Dam Soyeon's eyes sparkled.
"Huh? What's with the cat? You know it?"
"Met it on the mountain recently. Nursed a minor injury, and it started following me. Thought it'd left when I didn't see it, but here it is again."
Tian Ailang patted the white tiger's head lightly. He was grateful—it had been a huge help in the Yinsha Group battle and treatments after.
Sensing his appreciation, the white tiger purred contentedly. But soon its expression turned aloof, staring at the door.
Tian Ailang followed its gaze curiously. Just then, a massive dog shoved through the inn door.
It was huge—almost bear-like—with yellow fur matted in dirt and blood. It sniffed the air, then beelined for Tian Ailang.
"Huh? That knot?... Beggar Clan?!"
Ni Daegyeok's eyes widened in shock at the dog.