Now I Can Rest Easy
Late at night, the backyard of the West Lake Number One Inn lay wrapped in silence. Soft moonlight bathed the courtyard while the night breeze from West Lake brushed the leaves, whispering gently. The inn’s lights had long gone out; the laughter of guests and the clatter of dishes had faded far away. In this quiet hour the backyard became a training ground.
“Hoo...”
Nang Hyeon stood in the center of the yard and tightened his fists. He began with the breathing method Kang Yeon had taught him. Feet set shoulder-width apart, spine straight, he drew a slow breath. His breathing was deep and still, flowing as gently as the calm surface of West Lake. With every inhalation the surrounding energy seemed to seep into his body. The air trembled faintly; beneath the moonlight his shadow stretched long across the ground.
“Hup...”
He exhaled, focusing on his dantian. Rebuilt by Kang Yeon, that core was as clear as a pure spring. His old internal energy had long stagnated against its limits; now it brimmed with fresh possibility.
Woom.
A thin thread of energy began to circulate within his dantian. It was still fine and unstable, yet steady training would strengthen it.
Once the breathing method had settled his core, Nang Hyeon moved into the fist art Kang Yeon had transmitted—the Great Cloud Fist. He settled into stance and clenched his fists. The Great Cloud Fist moved like drifting clouds, soft yet powerful enough to shatter mountains. Kang Yeon had said the art suited him perfectly and would open a new path of martial study beyond the Lion Fist he had once practiced.
“Focus. Focus.”
Recalling the mnemonic Kang Yeon had shown him, Nang Hyeon launched the first form: Cloudstream Heavenbreaker. He gathered the energy of his dantian into his fist and extended it smoothly. The fist flowed through the air like a cloud riding the wind. Faint sword-qi shimmered at its tip; moonlight glittered along the arc.
“Hup... hoo...”
Controlling his breath, he practiced the second form: Cloud Sea Thunderburst. This was a strike of explosive power, meant to shatter an opponent’s guard. He concentrated his energy and drove the fist forward. The instant it cut the air a fierce wind rose, rustling every blade of grass in the yard.
“Yes... that’s it!”
A satisfied smile touched his lips. He pressed on to the third form: Cloud Wind Soul-Dispersing. Rapid, successive blows designed to confuse and exploit openings. His fists left afterimages in the empty air. With each repetition his movements grew more natural; the energy rising from his dantian reached his fingertips without obstruction.
After completing the three opening forms of the Great Cloud Fist, Nang Hyeon advanced to the deeper sequences.
He practiced the fourth form: Cloud Mountain Jade-Shatter. A single overwhelming strike that crushed defense; its refined version carried even greater force. Energy flooded his fist as he drove it forward. Wind howled; the trees in the yard swayed. The qi bursting from his knuckles carried the momentum of a collapsing mountain.
“Ha... so this is the power of the Great Cloud Fist.”
He caught his breath, then unfolded the fifth form: Cloud Sea Wave Crash. Continuous waves of punches that overwhelmed an opponent. His fists rolled through the air like surging breakers, leaving swift, fierce trails. He felt the art settling into his body—supple as clouds drifting over the sea, yet fierce as a storm.
“Amazing. Everything I learned all those years wasn’t true martial study at all.”
These past few days under Kang Yeon’s guidance he had stepped into a new realm. Kang Yeon had taught him not mere force, but the harmony of form, heart, and energy.
Forms are extensions of your body. What moves them is your heart.
Kang Yeon’s words rose in his mind. Nang Hyeon closed his eyes and slowly extended a fist. It parted the air with soft grace; moonlight glinted along the pale qi gathering at the knuckles. He repeated the forms of the Great Cloud Fist, engraving every piece of advice.
Release the force. Move with the energy.
His fists grew more fluid; the flow of the art seemed to sink into his flesh.
“Yes... this feeling...”
Lost in training, he forgot time. Sweat ran down his brow, yet he did not stop. His movements became faster, more precise; breath and motion fused into one. Beneath the moonlight his shadow danced.
At last he finished and drew a long breath. His whole body was soaked, yet his heart felt light. He knew every step of this growth was Kang Yeon’s gift. Just then Kang Yeon stepped into the backyard and regarded him.
“You’ve grown considerably stronger, Nang Hyeon.”
Nang Hyeon bowed.
“It is all thanks to your teaching, Young Master. I am still far from ready, but I will train without fail.”
Kang Yeon nodded.
“Good attitude. But remember—training is a battle with yourself. Impatience will only destroy you. Slow and steady is what matters.”
Nang Hyeon carved the words deep. He felt that Kang Yeon was giving him not merely martial skill, but the philosophy of the martial world and the wisdom of life itself.
Jo Seol approached and held out a damp cloth.
“Master Nang, you really work hard! Watching you train like this makes me want to try harder too!”
Nang Hyeon smiled at her bright face.
“Miss Seol is remarkable as well. If you keep practicing Young Master’s breathing method, one day you’ll possess energy no less than a martial artist’s.”
Jo Seol’s eyes sparkled.
“Really? Then someday I can perform magnificent martial arts just like Brother Yeon!”
Kang Yeon laughed.
“Seol-ah, martial arts are still a long way off. For now, take good care of the guests at the inn.”
Jo Seol puffed her cheeks.
“Tch, Brother Yeon always says that. But someday I’m going to fight beautifully too!”
Nang Hyeon’s heart warmed at her innocent spirit. Standing here with Jo Seol and Kang Yeon, the inn already felt like a new home.
Kang Yeon called to him.
“Nang Hyeon.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Looks like your preparations are finished.”
Nang Hyeon grinned.
“Yes. I believe they are.”
“Then go finish things properly and come back.”
A few days later, following Kang Yeon’s direction, Nang Hyeon began watching the movements of the Blood Wolf Gang. He first contacted West Lake’s information brokers and learned that Kwak Pung appeared quiet on the surface yet was secretly meeting other factions. Nang Hyeon realized the man was seeking new allies to check Kang Yeon.
He reported to Kang Yeon.
“Young Master, Kwak Pung is contacting forces beyond the Black Wind Society and Crimson Lotus Gate. It seems he plans to restrain you.”
Kang Yeon smiled.
“As I expected. Kwak Pung is clever. But schemes like that will never defeat me.”
Nang Hyeon felt reassured by that confidence. Once more he resolved to grow stronger so he could settle the old debt with the Blood Wolf Gang.
“Young Master, I will go meet Kwak Sa myself.”
Several days later Nang Hyeon stood before the Blood Wolf Gang’s headquarters. He lifted his gaze to the gate, still painted with its crimson emblem. Two martial artists on guard barred his path.
“Halt! Who do you think you are, showing up here uninvited?”
Nang Hyeon walked forward without a word. His voice was calm.
“I have come to see the Gang Leader.”
One guard snorted in disbelief.
“Has this bastard lost his mind? How dare he demand an audience with the Leader?”
Before the man could step closer, a pure, clear aura rose from Nang Hyeon’s body—internal energy unlike anything he had possessed before. The guards instinctively retreated before its pressure.
“Y-you... Nang Hyeon?!”
Shock crossed their faces. Was this the same man who, only days ago, had barely escaped with his life after facing Blood Wolf martial artists alone? The figure before them now was someone entirely different.
“If you will not step aside, I will open the path myself.”
Nang Hyeon extended a hand. The motion was gentle, yet a sharp crack split the air.
Thud!
The two guards were hurled sideways before they could even resist. As if nothing had happened, Nang Hyeon walked calmly toward the main hall. The noise drew more Blood Wolf martial artists. Deputy Leader Kwak Pung rushed out, breathless.
“What is all this racket?”
Nang Hyeon looked at him quietly.
“Tell Gang Leader Kwak Sa that I have come to finish the match we left unfinished at the inn.”
Kwak Pung’s face hardened. After a few seconds of silence he studied Nang Hyeon closely.
“Nang Hyeon, what the hell happened to you?”
“A small enlightenment I gained at the West Lake Number One Inn brought me back to life. To repay that grace I must settle matters with your leader once and for all.”
Kwak Pung was silent a long moment, then exhaled shortly.
“My elder brother’s condition is still poor. Leave for now.”
“Ridiculous. If I meant to leave I would never have come.”
At that moment Kwak Sa’s voice rang from the main building.
“Stand aside.”
Kwak Sa walked out slowly. His face was gaunt and his aura weaker than before, yet the pride of a gang leader still remained.
“Nang Hyeon. You came to see me?”
Nang Hyeon offered a formal salute.
“I have come to conclude our previous match.”
Kwak Sa smiled faintly.
“Hmph. Even with my internal energy scattered I am still the leader of the Blood Wolf Gang. Do not think you will win easily.”
Nang Hyeon nodded lightly.
“One never knows which is longer until they are measured.”
A strange tension flowed between them. The gathered Blood Wolf martial artists held their breath and watched.
Woom.
Clear internal energy rose around Nang Hyeon—cool and pure, utterly different from the turbid force of the past.
Kwak Sa spoke with quiet admiration.
“You truly have become another man.”
Nang Hyeon answered briefly.
“All thanks to the opportunity I received at the West Lake Number One Inn. You touched someone you should never have touched.”
Kwak Sa gave a bitter smile.
“So everything began there after all.”
He settled into stance. Though his energy had not recovered, a lifetime of battle experience still upheld him. Gripping his wolf-fang blade, he watched his opponent with calm focus.
Then, in the next instant—
KWAANG—!
Their martial arts collided. A single, concise exchange. Its end was unmistakable.
Tak.
Nang Hyeon’s fingertips stopped just before Kwak Sa’s heart.
“The match is decided.”
Kwak Sa nodded evenly.
“Your victory.”
Nang Hyeon released his stance and clasped his fists in salute.
“I have no intention of erasing the Blood Wolf Gang. I have already decided to stop living as a solver. From now on I will live as an ordinary waiter at the West Lake Number One Inn. Therefore our grudge ends here.”
Kwak Sa laughed hollowly.
“A clean match. I do not know what opportunity you obtained, but I hope fortune walks the path you take.”
He raised a hand.
“Hear me, all of the Blood Wolf Gang. From this day forward none shall touch Nang Hyeon or the West Lake Number One Inn. Whoever disobeys will answer to me.”
The martial artists bowed silently to their leader’s command. Nang Hyeon offered a deep bow and walked away at an unhurried pace.
On the road home his steps turned toward the West Lake Number One Inn—the place run by the benefactor who had given him this chance, the warm shelter where both heart and body found healing. His footsteps no longer felt heavy. They were light and clear.
A small smile rose to his lips as he murmured,
“Now I can rest easy. I have finally become able to repay Young Master Kang Yeon.”