Chapter 228
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 228
Chapter Title: Teasing?
Rumble rumble.
A messenger pigeon alighted at the Dragon Training Pavilion.
The letter tied to the pigeon's leg was immediately inspected and passed to Ki Yu-chan, who confirmed its contents before heading to the Pavilion Lord's office.
Pavilion Lord Pang Do-yul frowned after reading the letter through.
How could he not?
It was a situation dripping with déjà vu.
No, not déjà vu.
It was an event that had swept through just a few months ago.
And of all places, the sender was the Iron Flag Clan, based in Hubei.
Weren't they rivals with the Pang Clan for dominance in Hubei?
Yet after that incident, the Pang Clan's power had plummeted.
Thanks to that, the Iron Flag Clan's influence had been surging unchecked in Hubei.
"Hmm. Are they trying to restore the balance like this?"
How ridiculous must it have felt for him to mutter such a joke to himself?
"To come charging in over actions taken by the pavilion rules. Utterly absurd."
Ki Yu-chan seemed to share the sentiment as he spoke.
"I'm more curious about what's going on in the head of the disciple who sent this triviality via messenger pigeon in the first place."
Ki Yu-chan nodded silently at Pavilion Lord Pang Do-yul's words.
It was spot on.
The Dragon Training Pavilion wasn't a place to drag in kids and teach them.
It was where adults gathered to receive instruction.
Yet for parents to come rushing over a punishment in line with the pavilion rules?
The letter was filled with complaints about the injustice of Iron Spirit's discipline.
"They said the clan leader dotes on his youngest sister. Looks like that child's mother is the woman in question."
Pang Do-yul recalled a rumor he'd heard sometime back.
"They won't let it slide quietly, will they?"
Ki Yu-chan's words drew a nod from Pang Do-yul.
No choice there.
The Iron Flag Clan didn't truly know what kind of man Ha Mu-baek was.
Ironclad Cavalry Troops.
The Iron Flag Clan, with its massive cavalry as its main force, primarily fought in open-field battles even during wars against the Blood Cult or Demonic Cult.
Entirely different from the battlefields where Ha Mu-baek had led operations.
Even in the final decisive battle against the cult leaders, the Ironclad Cavalry Troops had been tasked with sweeping the broad fields.
"They'll arrive tomorrow or the day after, so we need to prepare."
"Pardon?"
Ki Yu-chan asked in surprise at Pang Do-yul's words.
How could he not be shocked?
The messenger pigeon had just arrived.
From Hubei's Stone Family Market to Muchang.
A long distance.
Yet they claimed to arrive just one or two days behind the pigeon?
"It's right there in the letter. They're coming at full speed and demanding we halt Iron Spirit's unjust punishment. If they're riding all out, that's about right."
Iron Flag Clan.
Their horsemanship was the real deal.
Wei Ji-gun had left the Dragon Training Pavilion for the first time in ages.
He was off duty.
The pavilion had gotten a bit noisy from the disciples squabbling among themselves, but it had nothing to do with him.
As an old man just sweeping around the Dragon Training Pavilion, it wasn't his place to get involved.
Even Ha Seol-ran had fully adapted to life there now, so there was no need for him to hover anxiously anymore.
Of course, he was still keeping a subtle sense on the pavilion.
But these days, he had all the leisure in the world.
"Heh heh. This is the time for daytime drinking."
Wei Ji-gun entered one of the many taverns in front of the Dragon Training Pavilion.
The Golden Dragon Tower, run by the pavilion's central administration.
Its name came straight from the administration's Golden Dragon Merchant Group.
It was the tallest among the nearby inns and taverns.
Five stories high, no less.
The tallest spot near the Dragon Training Pavilion, offering a decent view of the surroundings.
Wei Ji-gun climbed to the top floor.
Exactly one window seat was empty.
He took it.
A perfect spot with a clear view of the entire Dragon Training Pavilion.
"Welcome, sir. What can I get for you?"
A sharp-eyed server appeared in a flash.
"Hmm. It's been a while, so let's go with something nice today. Do you have Hundred Flowers Dew?"
"Of course, sir. A true wine immortal graces our humble tavern today. Heh heh."
Wei Ji-gun chuckled at the server's words.
True to its name—dew distilled from a hundred flowers—it was a rare brew.
Expensive, too.
Sweet, without a harsh bite, and good for the body, it was Wei Ji-gun's go-to when he was in high spirits.
"Just for me, so bring a small bottle."
"And for food? Something mildly spicy or salty pairs wonderfully with the sweet Hundred Flowers Dew."
Wei Ji-gun eyed the server with newfound respect.
"Impressive lad. Got any Chicken Ding?"
"Naturally. One of our chefs hails from Sichuan."
Chicken Ding.
A type of spicy fried chicken chunks.
Perfect with the sweet Hundred Flowers Dew.
"Excellent. Bring that, then."
"Right away!"
The server snatched the small iron coin Wei Ji-gun flicked his way and vanished.
Moments later, a small bottle of liquor and the Chicken Ding arrived.
Glug glug.
He poured a cup and sipped. Sweet and smooth—delightful.
Then a bite of the spicy chicken.
"Heh heh. Is there paradise beyond this? This is paradise."
Wei Ji-gun, smiling contentedly, froze as his gaze landed on a man.
A one-armed fellow scanning the window seats, troubled by the lack of vacancies.
His eyes darted toward the Dragon Training Pavilion now and then, complex emotions swirling within.
'Whoa...'
Wei Ji-gun was startled upon seeing the man.
He hadn't expected a martial artist of that caliber to enter Muchang.
'Reached the Return to Truth Realm. No wonder I didn't sense him with just my qi perception.'
Wei Ji-gun nodded faintly.
At his level, he could tell the man had entered the upper echelons of Peak Realm—the Return to Truth stage.
To lower experts, he'd just look like a worthless one-armed cripple.
That's the Return to Truth Realm for you: so transcendent it appears utterly ordinary.
Wei Ji-gun observed the man closely.
His interest was piqued.
A sudden appearance by a Peak Realm master.
Did he sense the gaze?
The man's head turned toward Wei Ji-gun.
Their eyes met, and the man flinched.
He'd clearly sensed Wei Ji-gun's level.
Finding no hostility in Wei Ji-gun's expression or aura, the man gave a light nod of greeting before turning back to the Dragon Training Pavilion.
He seemed intent on waiting for a window seat. There were empties inside, but he stuck to the windows.
'Hmm. What's his story?'
Wei Ji-gun had no intention of prying into others' affairs.
He just tilted his head.
The man's eyes, glimpsed in that brief meeting, weren't entirely unfamiliar.
'A master whose level I can't quite gauge. Why would someone like that come to Muchang...'
Namgung Hwi felt cold sweat trickling down his back as he turned away.
He'd only turned because he felt eyes on him.
No—belatedly sensing the gaze at all proved the other's superior cultivation.
He'd reached Peak Realm's Return to Truth just last year.
And honed it for another year since.
Convinced he was ready, he'd left his village.
Yet to run into such an expert in a tavern.
The world was vast, and experts as numerous as grains of sand.
Namgung Hwi gazed at the Dragon Training Pavilion again.
Searching for someone hidden there.
'Shall I offer a small kindness?'
Wei Ji-gun made up his mind.
"Hey there."
He called to Namgung Hwi.
The man's gaze shifted to him.
"Were you speaking to me, sir?"
Wei Ji-gun nodded.
"Looks like you're after a window seat. Care to join me?"
Namgung Hwi hesitated briefly.
But Wei Ji-gun's spot was prime real estate—a true vantage point on the pavilion.
"Then I'll impose on you. Thank you."
Namgung Hwi bowed and sat opposite.
Wei Ji-gun called the server for an extra cup.
"All roads lead to Rome, and this is fate too. Here."
Namgung Hwi carefully accepted the drink from Wei Ji-gun.
He wet his lips lightly, then glanced at the pavilion again.
"Join me. I'm old—can't eat much."
"My thanks for your consideration."
Wei Ji-gun smiled and looked toward the pavilion.
He had no desire to probe the man's story.
How much time passed like that?
"Um, sir."
Namgung Hwi spoke first.
"The Dragon Training Pavilion—what kind of place is it?"
"A fun one. Heh heh. I work there as a handyman. Quite the entertaining spot."
Namgung Hwi's eyes widened at Wei Ji-gun's words.
A handyman?
This master?
What for?
Sensing the agitation, Wei Ji-gun explained.
"My disciple's an instructor there. I'm just passing my old age idly. Heh heh."
He brought his cup to his lips.
Namgung Hwi's eyes returned to the pavilion.
"Might... someone like me find work there as a handyman?"
Namgung Hwi asked cautiously.
"Someone like me"—obvious why.
He was missing an arm.
"Hmm. Need work?"
Wei Ji-gun inquired.
"I'd like to work there."
His gaze remained fixed on the pavilion.
Dust clouds billowed thickly.
The horses were visibly exhausted now.
How could they not be?
Days of riding at full gallop.
The end was finally in sight.
A bit past noon.
Muchang Fortress's walls came into view.
"Almost there. Hold on a little longer."
Iron Flag Clan Leader Gu Tan-gil spurred his horse fiercely.
Normally, one would bring two or three spares to maintain speed.
But this breakneck forced march left few reserves that could keep up.
So twelve men rode twelve horses like madmen.
The horses frothed at the mouth.
By the time they reached Muchang's gates, three of the twelve had collapsed.
The remaining nine didn't look much better.
"Tend to them."
At Gu Tan-gil's command, three of his Ironclad Cavalry subordinates bowed and stayed behind.
Gu Tan-gil and Gu So-so took the lead.
The other seven followed as they entered Muchang.
No need to scout around.
They headed straight for the Dragon Training Pavilion.
Nine martial artists marching the main street, massive cavalry spears at rest on their shoulders—more than enough to draw eyes.
Ignoring the stares, they soon reached the pavilion's main gate.
The gate guards, already informed, ushered them in immediately.
'Must be because of that commotion a few days ago.'
From the Golden Dragon Tower's fifth floor, Wei Ji-gun watched the scene at the gate, interest flickering in his eyes before fading.
The current atmosphere suited him just fine—no need for him to stir.
'Iron Flag Clan. What business do they have at the pavilion?'
Namgung Hwi tilted his head at the sight too.
Just the unique cavalry spears gave away their identity.
Their aura was far from ordinary.
For such folk to storm the pavilion so menacingly...
He worried briefly if they were after the ones he sought, but calmed quickly.
No matter the Iron Flag Clan—even they wouldn't dare touch Namgung Clan direct bloodlines recklessly.
"Heh heh. Welcome. The Iron Flag Clan Leader has made quite the journey."
Pang Do-yul received the Iron Flag group in the Pavilion Lord's Hall's first-floor grand chamber.
The very spot where Iron Spirit had been disciplined before.
"Where's Ryeong?"
Gu Tan-gil demanded Iron Spirit first thing.
Gu So-so at his side scanned the surroundings restlessly.
"Facing the wall in seclusion, as he should be."
Pang Do-yul stated matter-of-factly.
"Take me there!"
At that, ferocious aura exploded from Gu Tan-gil in all directions.
A stinging pressure on the skin.
Pang Do-yul frowned.
Indeed, the Iron Flag Clan Leader.
The plain fact: he was stronger than Pang Do-yul himself.
"Clan Leader or not, that's too rude."
Pang Do-yul circulated his inner energy to counter the pressure as he spoke.
"I sent a messenger pigeon before departing. You saw it and welcomed us—yet how is Ryeong not here?!"
"It was punishment per the pavilion rules. Even the Iron Flag Leader can't interfere with those!"
Pang Do-yul shot back without yielding.
"Hmph. Our Ryeong was the victim, beaten one-sidedly. Why should he be punished? The rules are wrong here."
Gu So-so interjected.
"She's right. Those insolent Fierce Dragon Corps wenches should be disciplined—not our innocent Ryeong suffering like that!"
The two bellowed repeatedly.
"Iron Spirit was the one who teased the female disciple."
"Hmph. Teasing from a light joke? Ridiculous."
Gu So-so retorted as if it were absurd.
"Ha. I can't stand for this any longer."
A voice rang out then.
Ha Mu-baek strode into the Pavilion Lord's Hall.
"Who the hell are you?"
Gu Tan-gil scowled at the intruder.
But Ha Mu-baek ignored him, heading straight for Gu So-so.
He reached toward her chest and said,
"You'll end up attending me anyway. How about practicing serving this commander right now?"
Gu So-so's face flushed crimson at Ha Mu-baek's words.
Whoosh!
Gu So-so swung her spear at him.
She wasn't alone.
Gu Tan-gil and the seven Ironclad Cavalry spears flew toward Ha Mu-baek too.
"You mad bastard! Do you know who I am to tease me like that?!"
Gu So-so roared in fury.
"To tease this clan leader's sister like that—you're begging to die!"
Gu Tan-gil exploded in rage as well.
Ha Mu-baek retreated a step, dodging all attacks, and smirked.
"Teasing?"