🔊 TTS Settings
chapter 64
Jeong Cheon Geom – Son Hak-gyu
“So, you’re saying that Hyeol-su Mu-jeong, the lord of Sipya Fortress, came to the Seo family?”
“That’s correct, Soju!”
Geomryeong paused, as if in thought, then nodded.
“You mean, you were told to investigate him?”
He was asking if Yua-gun had been tasked with finding out about Hyeol-su Mu-jeong, the lord of Sipya Fortress.
“I’ve looked into it, but it seems it will take a little more time to get the details.”
“Just tell me what you’ve found so far.”
“Hyeol-su Mu-jeong became the lord of Sipya Fortress because…”
Yua-gun began to explain about Hyeol-su Mu-jeong.
Hyeol-su Mu-jeong had been a disciple of Dam Dae-dok, the previous lord of Sipya Fortress. Dam Dae-dok had no sons, only a daughter, who was now Mu-jeong’s wife, Dam Yo-rang.
Since he had no sons, Dam Dae-dok passed the position of lord of Sipya Fortress to his son-in-law, Hyeol-su Mu-jeong, who then became the new lord.
After hearing Yua-gun’s explanation, Geomryeong nodded.
Nothing seemed particularly unusual.
“Since becoming lord, Mu-jeong has been consolidating his control over Sipya Fortress…”
In a sense, even a single martial sect wasn’t much different from a small martial world. For someone to become the head of a sect, schemes and plots were inevitable, so filling the circle around oneself with trusted people was natural.
“I see.”
Hearing Yua-gun’s words, Geomryeong wondered if other sects might have similar situations.
“There must be a few others who became heads of sects in the same way as Mu-jeong, right?”
“Not none, but unless it’s a family that has formed a large sect, for most sects formed out of necessity by martial artists…”
The martial world was a realm where the strong dominated.
Only the stronger could lead a sect and ensure its survival.
Therefore, it was common practice for sects not to designate a single successor but multiple ones, letting them compete to select the strongest heir.
“Why do you ask?”
“Just curious. You should find out a bit more about Mu-jeong.”
“Yes, Soju!”
Since Yua-gun had come to serve Geomryeong, he had absolute trust in his words.
“And do we need to stay at the Seo family any longer?”
Geomryeong felt slightly uncomfortable being at the Seo family.
“Not necessarily. But if we want to understand how the martial world operates, it would be useful to stay a bit longer.”
Yua-gun considered this reasonable. Even small clues were valuable when uncovering conspiracies.
“I see. Then I’ll head to Namnyeong. Once you finish here, come there.”
Curious, Yua-gun asked, “Are you meeting someone in Namnyeong?”
“No one in particular. I just know people there, so I plan to stay with them.”
“Is the Seo family uncomfortable for you?”
Between the later-ji women and the gazes of those watching him, Geomryeong felt displeased.
“It’s not that, but there are quite a few bothersome stares.”
Those observing him weren’t only the later-ji women. The women working at the Seo family also occasionally glanced at Geomryeong.
“Understood. Where in Namnyeong should I go?”
“Come to Hwaseong Clinic. I’ll be there.”
Yua-gun was slightly surprised at the mention of Hwaseong Clinic. It wasn’t a place the martial artists were particularly familiar with.
“Do you know someone at Hwaseong Clinic?”
“Don’t dig too much! If you know too much, it’s dangerous. And the training I told you to do… are you doing it?”
“Yes, Soju! I’m training diligently. At the very least, third-rate warriors won’t even see my sword drawn.”
Yua-gun said proudly.
“You’re slower than I thought. Don’t slack off; train diligently.”
Geomryeong had secretly hoped for praise, but instead received reproach, which made him a little disappointed.
“Sorry, Soju.”
“Don’t be. You’re progressing fast for your level. So don’t be discouraged; keep training. I’ll see you in Namnyeong.”
“I’ll go to Hwaseong Clinic.”
Geomryeong left the Seo family and headed to Namnyeong.
Seo Gun-ha walked alongside him, and the two looked like a close pair of siblings.
“Ryeong-ah!”
Even their conversation was warm and sibling-like.
“If we’re not in a hurry to go to Namnyeong, let’s stop by Seorim first.”
Seorim was a dense forested area. But calling it just a mountain would be a mistake.
It was a forest in the heart of the city, a natural woodland where many people liked to go.
“Let’s do that.”
Geomryeong had no urgency and turned his steps toward Seorim.
At the entrance, merchants had set up stalls selling goods—a scene slightly different from regular marketplaces.
Walking around Seorim would take an ordinary person about three hours.
Because of the long walk, only simple food and walking aids, like staffs, were sold.
“A forest in the middle of the city…”
Geomryeong, who had mostly seen landscapes in Heukamdo or out in the martial world, was slightly surprised.
“Let’s go in.”
Nodding, Geomryeong followed Seo Gun-ha into the forest.
Where many climbed, paths naturally formed. The same was true in Seorim, where people walked a circuitous route.
Many people walked along the path, greeting each other with genuine smiles, which made others feel comfortable.
“Looks nice.”
Unlike the life of martial artists, these people displayed warmth and sincerity.
“Yeah, looks nice. Maybe it’s the fresh air that makes it feel better.”
Perhaps, but Geomryeong felt it wasn’t just the air. As he walked, his expression slightly changed.
“They’re conscious of us.”
Geomryeong noticed that people maintained a certain distance from him and Seo Gun-ha.
“Maybe it’s because of the sword at your waist?”
Geomryeong looked down at his sword.
“Why the sword?”
“I heard they don’t like martial artists much.”
He suddenly remembered what the ghostly master Gu Yeong-cheol had told him:
Whether righteous or rogue martial artists, to civilians they’re all the same. The law doesn’t apply to martial artists, and civilians often suffer from their way of life. From their perspective, martial artists—righteous or rogue—are no different from bandits.
“I see.”
Geomryeong understood why they kept their distance, but didn’t try to explain or act differently. He thought it was enough to just exist as he was.
“Let’s go that way.”
Seo Gun-ha guided him along a less-traveled path. Geomryeong followed, though his expression wasn’t entirely comfortable.
Having walked off-path in Hyeongsan before, he knew the dangers.
‘It’s strange that Cheonmyeong Lodge is so quiet.’
Though not long since Hyeongsan, the quietness felt suspicious.
‘I need a place to handle information.’
Being separated from Yua-gun, who usually provided what he needed, made him slightly frustrated.
“Hmm… aaah… there…”
In secluded areas, the sounds of lovers could faintly be heard. Seo Gun-ha’s cheeks flushed, and her steps quickened. Geomryeong smiled faintly at her reaction.
The destination seemed to be a log cabin.
Seorim wasn’t uninhabited; it had about fifty log houses with around twenty residents.
Looking at the cabin, Seo Gun-ha said to Geomryeong:
“Sorry. I have something to do.”
“Are you referring to martial sparring?”
“Yes. I came into the martial world to achieve greater skill through sparring, so I hope you understand.”
Geomryeong nodded.
It didn’t matter who Seo Gun-ha sparred with, as long as she didn’t insist on sparring with him alone.
She bowed and announced toward the log cabin:
“Mu-ryeok Seo Gun-ha requests a sparring match with Jeong Cheon Geom, Senior Son Hak-gyu, at Cheonsan. Please do not refuse and kindly provide guidance.”
No response came from inside, but they knew someone was there.
Seo Gun-ha waited, and after about an hour…
Clatter!
The door opened, and a man stepped out. Not a martial artist, but a middle-aged man like any neighbor.
This was Jeong Cheon Geom, Son Hak-gyu, one of the top hundred martial experts.
“Is Geomhu unharmed?”
Son Hak-gyu asked Seo Gun-ha.
“Yes. Sometimes too precise, it can even reverse one’s stance.”
A calm smile appeared on Son Hak-gyu’s lips.
“If I could avoid this, I would, but it seems I cannot. If we’re going to spar, we should enjoy it, right?”
“I seek guidance.”
“Guidance… if you are an expert I cannot measure, what guidance could I give? I’m more afraid of being embarrassed by my junior.”
Geomryeong found this style of sparring unfamiliar but appealing.
“By the way…”
Son Hak-gyu looked at Geomryeong.
“I am Geomryeong.”
Geomryeong bowed in salute, introducing himself first. Son Hak-gyu examined him and nodded.
“They say the waves behind the Yangtze push the old waves forward. Indeed, the old only reminisce about past eras.”
From Geomryeong, Son Hak-gyu sensed an even greater martial prowess.
“They say a new generation replaces the old. Truly, the old adage never fails.”
Just as he had replaced old masters in his time, now a new expert was emerging. He wasn’t upset; only a bit wary of appearing weak if he stepped back too much.
‘They must have thought the same way about me.’
Son Hak-gyu nodded, realizing he must also walk the path they did.
He intended to teach as much as possible through sparring with Seo Gun-ha. What he taught didn’t need to be sword techniques; it could be anything necessary for surviving in the martial world.
“Shall we see how well Geomhu has taught his disciples?”
He felt relieved, as if a weight had been lifted.
Sister, be careful. He is stronger than most.
Geomryeong seemed to sense Son Hak-gyu’s thoughts and warned Seo Gun-ha.
Got it.
“I’ll yield three seconds.”
Out of consideration for his junior.
“I won’t refuse. But I’ll announce my counters for those three seconds in advance.”
Though it sounded a bit arrogant, Son Hak-gyu nodded.
“That confidence will help you survive in the martial world. Come! I, Jeong Cheon Geom, will show I haven’t been idle.”
Seo Gun-ha moved first, and the sparring began. Geomryeong silently observed.
