TPM 51

chapter 51

Dan Yeop reluctantly spoke in response to Son Jiheon’s enthusiastic courtship.

“I’ll ask the Sect Master, and if he allows it, I’ll teach you. He’ll probably say yes nine times out of ten.”

Considering the prestige of the Hao Sect, there was no reason to oppose it. On the contrary, they would likely be pleased that a connection had formed with the child of a high-ranking official.

“Thank you. You’re not only my friend but also my benefactor.”

“Just don’t say later that you won’t learn after hearing the sect’s name.”

“Haha! Don’t worry. Even if you were part of the Green Forest, it wouldn’t matter to me.”

The Green Forest was the most notorious of all the unorthodox sects, shaking the entire empire. If the Five Mountains Sword Sect was the head of the orthodox sects, the Green Forest was the head of the unorthodox.

Compared to the Five Mountains Sword Sect, one might mistakenly think they were outnumbered. But that was not the case.

The Green Forest was a federation of eighteen mountain and water bases. In terms of numbers, they actually outnumbered the Five Mountains Sword Sect threefold.

“Well, that’s a story for another time.”

Eventually, Dan Yeop and Son Jiheon walked to the inner hall for dinner.

After the meal, at the drinking gathering, Son Jiheon confessed to his grandfather that he had drunk Baekwol Myeongju with Dan Yeop the previous night.

Son Yubaek did not scold his grandson for drinking rare wine in secret. After all, the wine had been intended for Dan Yeop and his grandson anyway.

Dan Yeop, feeling at ease, enjoyed drinking late into the night with the household of Son Yubaek.

The next day.

After breakfast, Dan Yeop returned to the detached quarters and hesitated for a moment.

Normally, he would wake Simma by now. The more he awakened Simma, the higher his martial ability grew, so he woke her every other day.

But while teaching Baek Yuhwa, he didn’t feel like it.

“Her martial skill is now high enough to be called an expert.”

Moreover, since surpassing the wall, his confidence was full. Even without Simma, there would be no difficulty in acting as the leader.

Dan Yeop decided not to practice internal energy while teaching Baek Yuhwa. Resolute, he left the detached quarters to head to the group hall.

Every day, Dan Yeop taught the masters of the sect at Ansik Hall.

There’s a saying that you learn while teaching.

While instructing the masters, Dan Yeop’s understanding of the Jincheon Guide Technique deepened. There’s a significant difference between what one learns automatically through Simma and what one discovers through reasoning.

Unknowingly, by contemplating the principles of the Jincheon Guide Technique, he was gradually advancing to a higher level.

By the third day, the sect’s masters had mastered the Jincheon Guide Technique. Feeling no need to demonstrate further, Dan Yeop called them together.

“It seems you have all mastered the Jincheon Guide Technique. Your future progress depends on your own efforts.”

Then, Baek Chogong, the sect master, spoke.

“Good work. Then, show us the Jinbaek Flow Technique. If it seems doable, we’ll start learning from tomorrow. If too difficult, we’ll rest for a few days first.”

He intended to teach the masters the Jincheon Guide Technique during the rest period.

Dan Yeop nodded willingly.

Then he stepped forward and demonstrated the Jinbaek Flow Technique.

Already known for its many variations, the Baek Flow Technique gained a depth that left the masters sighing.

They desired it, but learning it one form at a time like the Jincheon Guide Technique in a single day seemed impossible.

After a while, Dan Yeop sheathed his horizontal sword and approached Baek Chogong.

“How is it?”

“We need a few days’ rest. Let’s resume training in five days.”

“Understood.”

After speaking with Dan Yeop, Baek Chogong turned to the masters.

“Everyone heard that? Training in the Jinbaek Flow Technique will start in five days. Until then, instructors return to educate their disciples. Five days should be enough to transmit the Jincheon Guide Technique, yes?”

“Yes.”

“Enough.”

The instructors replied confidently.

Originally, the Cheon Guide and Baek Flow Techniques were entirely different in content and purpose. Cheon Guide was like a calm lake; Baek Flow was like a flowing river.

Dan Bulwi transformed the lake into an ocean, the stream into the Yellow River.

However, the Jincheon Guide Technique had fewer changes, so it was easier to grasp initially. Of course, mastery was up to the individual.

As the sect master, deputy masters, hall leaders, and instructors discussed the schedule, Dan Yeop stepped back.

Excluded from the senior meeting, Im Song and Baek Yuhwa hesitantly approached him.

Finally, Im Song cautiously spoke.

“Leader Dan, if you have time, I’d like to treat you to a drink…”

As Dan Yeop was about to refuse, Baek Yuhwa chimed in.

“Senior Dan, let’s go together.”

Dan Yeop gave a resigned nod.

“Alright then.”

While the seniors held their meeting, the three left Ansik Hall.

Early evening.

The three entered Hwaunru, a famous tavern in Seonpyeongbang.

Im Song, Baek Yuhwa, and Dan Yeop.

After taking seats by the window, the server approached.

Im Song ordered naturally.

“Two bottles of Banlichun (Yellow Wine), one bottle of Western grape wine, and for snacks, roasted lamb, walnuts, and jujubes.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll bring it right away.”

The server left with brisk steps.

Silence fell between the three. Im Song, wanting to lighten the mood, spoke.

“Already halfway through December in the blink of an eye. It feels like I’ve aged without accomplishing anything.”

Baek Yuhwa, nodding, recalled what Baek Chogong had said the previous night.

“Yuhwa, what do you think of Leader Dan?”

“Pardon? What do you mean, uncle?”

“Why so surprised? There’s no one like Leader Dan, that’s all.”

“Eh?”

“I noticed he’s treating you well. Men, if uninterested, treat women like cattle or chickens. But Dan doesn’t, does he?”

“There’s no reason for him to treat me well. I’ve only received martial guidance.”

“Do you think it makes sense that, with your current skill, you mastered the Jincheon Guide Technique at the same pace as me or the hall leaders?”

“Isn’t that possible?”

“If Dan hadn’t been carefully guiding you, it would have taken another day or two at least.”

“Uncle, I was the top of the third-year students in my own way…”

“Even so, you’re a frog in a well. No matter how the Jincheon Guide Technique is based on the Cheon Guide, it’s not something you could master in three days.”

“….”

“Be grateful to Leader Dan. Whatever his intentions, you’ve received special treatment.”

Thinking this over, Baek Yuhwa glanced at Leader Dan.

‘Is it true?’

But his expression was unreadable.

As Im Song fumbled awkwardly, the server returned with drinks and snacks.

Im Song poured the Western grape wine into Dan Yeop’s glass.

“This is a fruit wine from the West, made from fermented grapes. The taste is exquisite.”

“Ah, yes.”

Dan Yeop replied dryly and sipped the wine.

Im Song filled their own glasses as well.

Just as Im Song began rambling, a group of martial artists entered the tavern.

Seeing one of them, Im Song whispered.

“They’re from Sahebang.”

Seeing Dan Yeop confused, he added.

“One of the top five unorthodox sects in the region.”

Dan Yeop nodded knowingly.

“We should finish our drinks quickly and leave.”

It was best to avoid staying near Sahebang. The three drank faster.

True to their unorthodox nature, Sahebang paid no attention to others.

A middle-aged man with a mole on his cheek spoke.

“You’ve heard that Heukseonbang roamed the region in summer, right? Do you know why Hyunmugwan didn’t intervene?”

“No.”

“Hadong also paid the Elders of Hangsanpa on behalf of the Hao Sect. Heukseonbang intended to target Hao Sect in the region, so they asked Chongnampa to help.”

“Really?”

“I heard it directly from my friend in Heukseonbang.”

“So?”

“The Elders of Hangsanpa moved Chongnampa, and Chongnampa moved Hyunmugwan. Like water flowing downstream.”

“Ah! So Hyunmugwan is just Chongnampa’s pawn, and Chongnampa obeys Hangsanpa?”

Given the relationship between Hangsanpa and Chongnampa, this was unsurprising.

“Exactly. That’s why only Hao Sect in the region suffered.”

“So the one who aligns with the Five Mountains Sword Sect wins?”

“Hasn’t that always been the case?”

“Seeing that, Hyunmugwan’s situation is no better than Heukseonbang’s.”

“Right. They may be prestigious, but Hyunmugwan is Chongnampa’s puppet. Shameless. They serve Chongnampa while showing off. Hahaha!”

Before his laughter ended, someone inside shouted.

“How dare you insult Hyunmugwan in Jang’an City! Who are you?”

The atmosphere went cold instantly.

One of Sahebang’s masters stood up and retorted.

“Who dares interrupt the elders of Sahebang? If you’re confident in your skill, show your face!”

“What? Dare insult Hyunmugwan? You’ll die for this!”

With curses, an elderly man emerged proudly.

It was Cheong Heo Geom Yu Musang, an elder of Hyunmugwan.

However, the middle-aged mole-faced man, Bioksal Geom Byeok Haemyeong, showed no change in expression.

Hyunmugwan’s elders were inferior in skill compared to their names.

“Cheong Heo Geom? You think you can handle me alone?”

Yu Musang recognized Byeok Haemyeong belatedly and gritted his teeth.

“Hmph! Byeok Haemyeong! You rely on numbers, but even if all of Sahebang comes, I alone am enough.”

Despite his confidence, Yu Musang did not draw his sword. He knew a fight would be unfavorable.

A cold smile appeared on Byeok Haemyeong’s lips. When an opponent shows weakness, it is natural to strike.

Rising from his seat, Byeok Haemyeong strode toward Yu Musang. The latter’s gaze wavered under his pressure.

In the next moment, Byeok Haemyeong drew his straight sword like lightning and slashed at Yu Musang.

“Die!”

Yu Musang twisted his body to avoid the strike.

Byeok Haemyeong seized the opportunity and swung three times consecutively.

Shhik! Shhik! Shhiik—!

On the last strike, blood splattered from Yu Musang’s waist.

Fortunately, he managed to create distance and drew his sword in haste, but his face betrayed the disadvantage.

“An ambush! Cowardly bastards!”

“You talk nonsense. You came in here and call it cowardice? Beg to be spared, then!”

Meanwhile, Byeok Haemyeong’s subordinates slowly surrounded Yu Musang.

Thinking the risk outweighed the gain, Yu Musang ran sideways and leaped out the window.

Crash—!

Seeing Yu Musang flee, Byeok Haemyeong and his men followed like starving wolves.

The sudden fight ended in a brief moment without a proper conclusion.

Watching the broken window in a daze, Dan Yeop heard Im Song’s voice.

“Could what Byeok Haemyeong said be true?”

Unfamiliar with the affairs of the martial world, Dan Yeop said nothing.

Baek Yuhwa spoke instead.

“It’s not entirely impossible. By the way, Hyunmugwan and Sahebang looked so huge before, but today they don’t seem so anymore.”

If Hyunmugwan and Sahebang had heard this, they would have been outraged. Yet Baek Yuhwa said it casually, showing how keen her insight had become.