TPM 34

chapter 34

Time flew like an arrow.

Before he knew it, Danyeop had been in Chang’an City for a whole month.

During that time, both of his personalities had experienced no small amount of events.

First of all, the simple-minded Danyeop had completely settled into the fabric shop.

He no longer loitered in front of the shop.

Whether it was because his connection with Simma had deepened, making him a bit bolder, or because he had awakened through Hao Men’s path, only heaven knew.

Almost every day, the simple-minded Danyeop went to the training ground at Gosan Manor.

The genius Danyeop did the same.

After learning about the events at Gosan Manor from the simple-minded Danyeop’s writings, the genius Danyeop also trained there.

Perhaps thanks to their daily, continuous training, the simple-minded Danyeop mastered the representative martial skills of the Six Gates.

He learned: Cheonbung Fist, Beoncheon Hand, Hohak Twin Fist, Seomjeon Palm, Falling Flower Mountain Water, Heaven-Earth Technique, White Flow Sword Technique, and Seven-Star Sword Technique.

From that point on, he sparred with Danbulwi Hyangju to develop his combat instincts.

At first, he was completely outmatched by Danbulwi Hyangju, who was one of the top masters in the sect.

But it didn’t take long before their duels became evenly matched.

Of course, this was only true for the simple-minded Danyeop.

The genius Danyeop’s martial skill had already surpassed Danbulwi Hyangju since the days of the Bingma Tomb.

Then, on the first day of October, Danyeop finally defeated Danbulwi Hyangju.

“Huff… huff… I lost.”

Danbulwi Hyangju panted as he stepped back.

He could have continued fighting, but he felt as if even one more strike would leave him cut.

Danyeop did not chase him and sheathed his skills.

“Thank you for your effort.”

At his greeting, Danbulwi Kyodu shook his head.

He had expected that even the simple-minded Danyeop would eventually fall behind—but it had happened far too quickly.

‘The Hao Men sect leader won’t even be a match for the genius Danyeop.’

The sect leader Hasoran is the most exceptional master in the entire Hao Men area.

Even she could not possibly contend with the genius Danyeop.

As Danyeop turned to leave, placing his straight sword back on the rack, he asked Danbulwi Hyangju,

“What is my current standing in Hao Men?”

“You’re stronger than the other Hyangjus, but still slightly below the sect leader.”

“I see…”

“Disappointed? But considering your rate of growth, you’ll catch up to the sect leader before the year ends.”

“Yes…”

“Considering your age, this is an achievement that could turn Hao Men upside down. You should be proud.”

“Uh… and what about Simma’s level?”

Danbulwi Hyangju thought for a moment and then spoke as if it were nothing.

“No one in Hao Men could match him.”

“And compared to other factions in Chang’an City?”

“Perhaps similar to the leader of Hyunmu Hall… or maybe even stronger.”

“Simma’s martial skill is really that high?”

Danyeop could not understand Danbulwi Hyangju’s words.

They had learned the same Six Gates martial skills, so how could there be such a difference?

“I don’t know how it really is. I just have a feeling he won’t be outmatched, so I said it.”

“Even though Simma learned the same Hao Men martial arts as us?”

“Even if it’s the same martial skill, the depth is different. Perhaps he has mastered the Six Gates techniques to their fullest.”

“If one masters the Six Gates martial skills, could they even look down on Hyunmu Hall?”

At the strange question, Danbulwi Hyangju glanced at Danyeop.

It sounded as if he considered Hyunmu Hall a rival.

“Looking at him, it seems possible. Why? Do you want to defeat Hyunmu Hall?”

Danyeop did not answer.

He did not want to reveal to others the matter of breaking ties with Nabu-gang after swearing brotherhood.

But his expression alone was enough, so Danbulwi Hyangju did not ask further.

As the two left the training ground, Seol Yeonhee ran up hastily.

“Uncle Dan!”

“Huh? What’s the matter?”

Seol Yeonhee, usually lively and cheerful, spoke with a pale face.

“Someone from Taehwa Trading Company came by, but it’s been a long time since we lost contact with the merchants who went to Baekwol Kingdom.”

“What?”

Danbulwi was shocked.

He had already been worried because the traders were late in returning, but to hear that it had been so long since contact was lost…

“The first few days, they thought it was just a delay, so they waited. But since it’s been over ten days, it seems something’s wrong…”

“So what will they do?”

“They plan to send people to investigate in Baekwol Kingdom… but what if something has happened to my father?”

“I’ll look into it, so don’t worry too much.”

Because Seol Yeonhee was young, Danbulwi intended to take action himself.

“Thank you, Uncle Dan.”

“I’ll go to the trading company right away to check the situation.”

“Yes…”

Tears already welled up in Seol Yeonhee’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Danyeop also felt uneasy seeing the young girl.

She had known he was from Hao Men and still let him use the training grounds, inviting him to meals as if he were family.

After Danbulwi Hyangju, she was the closest person to him.

“Yeonhee, don’t worry too much. Elder Dan will handle it properly.”

If it were a well-known martial faction, perhaps not, but when Hao Men decided to intervene, even a trading company couldn’t simply ignore them.

Danbulwi, after all, was the notorious Hyangju of a ruthless sect.

Even the trading company would have to do their best.

Danbulwi rushed off to Taehwa Trading Company, and Danyeop stayed at Gosan Manor to comfort Seol Yeonhee.

At dusk, Danbulwi returned to Gosan Manor.

But his expression was grim as he entered the room.

Seol Yeonhee, anxiously waiting, cautiously asked,

“Uncle Dan, what did the trading company say?”

“They said they would send an investigation team to Baekwol Kingdom.”

“Did they request outside help?”

“Apparently, it’s difficult to find a faction willing to help.”

“Then what about the investigation team?”

“They’ll be made up of the company’s own guards.”

Danbulwi’s dark expression was because of that.

The company in Baekwol Kingdom also had guards, and now the investigation team would consist only of the company’s own guards—it was frustrating.

“That won’t do. I’ll go to Hyunmu Hall and ask for help.”

Seol Yeonhee immediately jumped up and rushed out without waiting to be stopped.

Danbulwi did not stop her.

At this point, the only hope was for Hyunmu Hall to help.

“Elder Dan, what kind of place is Baekwol Kingdom?”

“It’s a land ruled by various tribes in the southern continent. Beyond the empire’s reach, a savage land. They follow the law of the jungle, so fights break out at the slightest provocation. For the weak, it’s like a living hell.”

“Is that why other factions avoid it?”

“Yes. There’s little to gain and much to lose.”

“Then why did the trading company go there?”

“Because the more dangerous it is, the greater the profits if they succeed.”

Medicinal herbs and spices from Baekwol Kingdom are sold at high prices in Chang’an City.

Especially the Baekwol Mingju, a fragrant kind of sorghum liquor, fetches high prices at top establishments in Chang’an.

Taehwa Trading Company imported it cheaply from Baekwol Kingdom and made a fortune.

“Do you think Hyunmu Hall will help?”

“Maybe. If they value negotiation, they will help, but if they think practically, it will be difficult.”

Baekwol Kingdom is not a place where negotiations succeed easily.

If the investigation team goes, a fight will almost certainly ensue. Even if they win, Hyunmu Hall gains nothing, but could lose much.

It takes forty days round-trip by carriage from Baekwol Kingdom to Chang’an City.

Considering the damages and casualties, it wouldn’t be surprising if they chose to ignore it.

About two hours later, Seol Yeonhee returned.

Her expression was similar to Danbulwi’s when he had gone to Taehwa Trading Company.

“They want to help, but no one is willing to go to Baekwol Kingdom.”

Danbulwi and Danyeop were not surprised—this was the expected result.

Unless a real powerhouse like Seol Kyung-mun intervened, no martial expert would risk going to Baekwol Kingdom to rescue retired merchants.

“Uncle Dan, what should we do now? Can the company guards go save my father?”

“Haah, don’t worry too much. I’ll handle it…”

“Sniff! Sniff!”

Seol Yeonhee finally burst into tears.

Then Danbulwi, who had been sighing quietly, spoke resolutely.

“I will go to Baekwol Kingdom with the investigation team.”

“What? You?”

“I am better than the company guards.”

“Sniff… thank you if you do… but is it alright?”

Seol Yeonhee looked at Danbulwi with hopeful eyes.

She vaguely knew his true identity—Hao Men’s Hyangju.

Though Hao Men was a minor sect, a Hyangju was considered a master.

Not as high as an expert from a prestigious sect, but above the guards.

She had to grasp at any straw to save him.

“Of course it’s alright.”

Danyeop looked at Danbulwi with new admiration.

Even a Hyangju was going where Hyunmu Hall had given up…

Danyeop felt a sudden sense of pride.

Glancing at Seol Yeonhee, he finally spoke,

“…Elder, I will help as well.”

Danbulwi’s face lit up as if he had been resurrected.

“You’ll help? Thank you, truly thank you.”

Danbulwi, who had intended to recruit Danyeop, was so happy he couldn’t help bouncing in excitement.

Seol Yeonhee, grateful for Danyeop but puzzled by Danbulwi’s reaction, did not understand.

She didn’t think the slight Danyeop would be much help.

As a disciple of Hyunmu Hall, she avoided the training ground when Danbulwi and Danyeop trained.

That was out of respect for their Hao Men pride.

Seeing Seol Yeonhee puzzled, Danbulwi smiled.

“Danyeop has some extraordinary skills he doesn’t tell others about.”

“Really?”

Seol Yeonhee looked at him incredulously.

Danyeop smiled wryly and shook his head.

And silently promised himself: I’ll raise my martial skill and save him with my own hands.

It would take about twenty days by carriage to Baekwol Kingdom, so he wasn’t sure if it was possible.

That meant he’d have to summon Simma often, which was a little annoying.

“Oh, Elder, please inform the sect master Yanghoe Naeuri. I probably won’t be at the fabric shop for about two months while I go and return.”

“Understood. I’ll handle that. I’ll tell people you’re my disciple, and on the investigation, call me your master.”

“Yes.”

Danyeop thought of Danbulwi as both his master and adoptive father, so he agreed willingly.

At that moment, a bell rang, announcing a curfew.

“Oh dear! Looks like we’ll have to stay at Gosan Manor tonight.”

Seol Yeonhee responded naturally,

“Uncle Dan can use the main room. I’ll prepare separate accommodations for Danyeop.”

The three immediately got up.

Danbulwi went to his usual room, and Seol Yeonhee guided Danyeop to the separate quarters.

The annex was much larger than Danyeop had imagined.

“Am I really supposed to use this alone?”

“Yes, it was originally meant for receiving guests.”

“I see.”

“And thank you, brother.”

Seol Yeonhee’s eyes were red again.

She was grateful and embarrassed that Danyeop of Hao Men would help where others had ignored the matter.

“Don’t thank me—we’re not strangers. And don’t pretend not to know me if you become a master later.”

“Pff! I’m not that kind of person!”

Danyeop’s joke made Seol Yeonhee pout.

“Go rest. Well… goodbye.”

Danyeop refrained from saying, Don’t resent your sect, though it was slightly meddlesome. Her sect was Hyunmu Hall after all.

“Yes, see you tomorrow.”

Seol Yeonhee bowed to Danyeop and left.

Danyeop explored the annex in detail—not out of a particular purpose, but simply because he liked the place.

He noticed a stack of clean paper in the bookshelf.

Curious, he picked it up—it was just a bundle of paper.

It was a hundred-sheet pad kept for guests who liked writing poetry.

“Oh, this is nice.”

He had been exchanging writings with Simma like a diary, and this would make it much easier.

“I’ll ask Yeonhee for it tomorrow.”

He placed the pad on the desk and climbed onto the bed, ready to sleep.