Chapter 65: Daring Not Even to Approach

The children’s bodies were gradually recovering, and the elders in charge of their education were also becoming more familiar with martial arts.

In fact, there was no need for them to teach the martial arts as a true master would.

All that was needed was someone to watch over their basic stances and prevent them from growing lazy.

That was why I had only asked the Murim Alliance for four or five peak-level experts.

But in reverse, since Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak showed interest in the Golden Arts, I decided to teach them.

If they knew the incantations and taught them, the efficiency would surely improve, which would be good for the children.

“But don’t you think you handed it out a bit too carelessly?”

Of course, there were people like Gwak Jindo who voiced their concerns, just like now.

Now that things had settled into a certain routine, I had a bit more time.

Once again, I resumed my studies and training, spending more time alone with Gwak Jindo.

“If you allow it, it’s actually better for me.”

“No, I mean, it’s a problem for you more than the kids. Sure, there were martial arts you used as references, but those belonged in the realm of original creation. You can’t just hand those over so easily. Even if you’re not practicing those arts yourself, it’s the same as exposing your own weaknesses.”

“If trading one weakness brings me seventy-two strengths, it’s a gain.”

I looked out the window at the children training in the Yeonmujeong.

At the very front, Han Yulim and Peng Chawol were diligently practicing martial arts.

It was indeed a moment when the basics learned from a renowned family shone through.

“Besides, I don’t even consider that a weakness. Those are techniques best suited for the ones with the Geukyang Jeolmyeok or the Guum Jeolmyeok. I have no need to master them myself.”

“… I see. Well, if that’s how you feel.”

Gwak Jindo looked in the same direction I did.

In front of the children stood the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron mannequins.

Though they weren’t brought in for that purpose, it became a chance to gauge the children’s level of understanding.

A child who was startled by the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron mannequin clearly had some prior knowledge, while those who weren’t surprised were either too young or lacked much learning.

“Well, since Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak are here, it feels wasteful to only watch their basic forms. They’re both skilled, after all.”

“Yes. So I was hoping to ask for a favor.”

“What is it?”

“I have a close brother who handles Lightning Energy. Elder Gang Un also wields Lightning Energy, doesn’t he?”

“Who? Oh.”

Gwak Jindo immediately understood.

There was indeed a martial artist in the Hwanggeum Family known for his extraordinary talent with Lightning Energy.

Even when Geum Mokhwan and Gwak Jindo were busy running around, he silently devoted himself to training.

***

“Alright, one hundred rounds of Taesan Apjeong again!”

“Yes!”

A resounding shout echoed through the Yeonmujeong.

Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak had observed both Golden Sword Techniques, the Sword of Extreme Yang and Golden Yin Sword Technique, as well as the two Simbeop: Golden Yang Internal Art and Golden Yin Internal Art.

But it was not yet time for them to learn the higher-level martial arts.

They needed to first firmly establish the foundation of their bodies and their swordsmanship.

In truth, Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak had not yet fully mastered the martial arts collectively known as Golden Arts.

After putting the children through their basic training, Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak began to talk quietly.

Their conversation was solely about the Golden Arts.

“I read through the Golden Yin Internal Art yesterday.”

“I went through the Golden Yang Internal Art.”

“The Sword Techniques were impressive, but the Internal Arts are truly complete. Of course, it’s a Simbeop that only works for those with the specific meridian condition, but it seems it’s not inferior even to the Ice Heart Technique of the North Sea Ice Palace.”

“Indeed, the Simbeop is the truly outstanding part. It’s amazing that someone with such talent has stayed quiet until now.”

Geum Mokhwan had experience revising the Taeeul Shingong, the greatest ultimate art of the Jongnam Sect, through discussion with another Jongnam Sect master.

That’s why he was more adept at creating Simbeop than Sword Techniques.

Of course, these two had no way of knowing that.

“Isn’t there a saying—Bulbi Bulmyeong? A bird that sits long in the sun will naturally have great wings.”

“Is that so? At first, I thought it was wasteful to spend so much on medicine for those with meridian blockages, but maybe it’s not such a waste after all.”

Muk Hyeonhak and Gang Un watched the children as they brought down their swords in unison.

Normally, teaching children at this stage was the hardest.

They had little understanding and lacked patience, often leading to complaints and giving up.

But perhaps because these children had their lives saved by the Hwanggeum Family, none of them were lazy or gave up.

Later, they even brought their families, and the family’s living quarters were provided for them as well.

Even young children with little knowledge could feel gratitude.

“So this is how the rich spend money. They really do see things differently.”

“If you talk about wealth, isn’t the current Gaju of the Hwanggeum Family the most powerful person under the heavens? Of course, their perspective would be different from ours.”

There were so many bloody tragedies in the Wulin that began with betrayal and desertion.

If you had money, such secure investments weren’t a bad idea.

They were once again delving deep into a discussion about the Golden Arts when they sensed the presence of three people.

They immediately stopped talking.

Only a handful of people were allowed into Okmyogak.

And among them, Geum Mokhwan was always included.

Whenever he finished his own martial arts training, he would always check on the children.

He didn’t particularly give them encouragement, but every time he came, the children rushed to him.

It was somewhat enviable.

Just as children needed the attention of adults, so too did adults need the interest of children.

The ones who arrived were, as expected, Geum Mokhwan and Gwak Jindo.

It was only natural since Gwak Jindo was again overseeing Geum Mokhwan’s martial arts.

But the burly man standing behind them looked familiar, though the memory wouldn’t quite surface.

“What brings you here?”

“Nothing special, just came to take a look.”

Gang Un and Gwak Jindo exchanged polite greetings as usual.

Gwak Jindo grabbed the sleeve of the bear-like man behind him and pulled him forward.

“This guy is the Daegongja of the Hwanggeum Family. He’s called Geumwolsang.”

“…Ah, greetings. I’m Geumwolsang.”

Ah.

Only then did Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak remember.

He was the one who had been present at the important meeting after the last battle.

They’d only glanced at him then, so he hadn’t left much of an impression.

“Right. I’m Gang Un.”

“And I am Muk Hyeonhak.”

“I know. If you don’t know the famous Manroe Gang Un and the peerless Muk Hyeonhak, you can’t call yourself a true martial artist.”

Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak glanced at each other at Geumwolsang’s words.

Indeed, they were quite well-known in the Central Plains.

Here in the Hwanggeum Family, with Gwak Jindo’s nagging, Geum Mokhwan’s indifference, and the children too young to understand, they had almost forgotten.

Seeing Geumwolsang now, he looked somewhat endearing.

There was a touch of sympathy too.

Having a genius younger sibling in the same family could be burdensome for an older brother.

“Heh heh. It’s just an old reputation, nothing more.”

A sense of satisfaction came from being acknowledged after so long.

Geumwolsang seemed rather nervous.

“So, what about this friend?”

Muk Hyeonhak asked, looking past Gwak Jindo at Geum Mokhwan.

When things became awkward, Geum Mokhwan always handled it well.

As expected, Geum Mokhwan naturally opened his mouth.

“I was hoping you could teach the children together with my older brother.”

But Geum Mokhwan didn’t look at Muk Hyeonhak—he looked at Gang Un.

“Since you’re skilled in Lightning Energy, your instruction would be an immense help.”

“…Hmm.”

Gang Un hesitated slightly.

Rather, it was Geumwolsang who was startled.

He leaned in toward Geum Mokhwan.

“You never mentioned this…”

“There was no real need to.”

“…Hmm.”

Geum Mokhwan gave a slight, open smile.

Gang Un was a little surprised.

When they’d met before, Geum Mokhwan’s face was frosty, but perhaps he was different in front of family.

…If that’s the case.

Currently, Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak knew Geum Mokhwan’s abilities better than anyone else.

Even Jong Ri Un didn’t know that Geum Mokhwan was the creator of these arts.

In fact, they’d come after hearing mysterious orders from Jegalheon.

They were told to befriend Geum Mokhwan at all costs, and, if possible, tie him to the Murim Alliance as much as they could.

“In that case, how about I teach you my Gangnoe Do Beop?”

“What?”

Geumwolsang was taken aback.

Even Geum Mokhwan looked surprised, his eyebrows arching slightly.

“You would really do that?”

“Of course.”

This was Gang Un’s own gamble.

Someone of the same blood as Geum Mokhwan surely wouldn’t lack martial talent.

Just looking at the calluses on his hands and the defined muscles on his body, he seemed diligent.

Passing down one’s own ultimate technique wasn’t an easy thing, but Gang Un had started thinking about choosing a disciple.

After all, he was past the age of forty by now.

He could raise his own disciple and fulfill his duty to the Murim Alliance—a true moment of killing two birds with one stone.

“Thank you.”

Geumwolsang and Geum Mokhwan bowed their heads in thanks at the same time.

Gang Un felt slightly proud.

In any case, it was a way to leave a bit of debt to the Hwanggeum Family.

“In exchange, just stock some liquor in our quarters.”

“Ah, that’s already being prepared.”

At Geum Mokhwan’s words, Gang Un was flustered.

He had meant it as a joke, but it turned out preparations were already underway.

Even the accommodations in the separate Okmyogak annex where they were currently staying were luxurious.

“The families inside Okmyogak will soon be moved to outside the family compound. Along with that, the elders’ quarters will be expanded. All necessary supplies will be provided, of course.”

At Geum Mokhwan’s words, Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak were speechless.

It felt refreshing.

Just yesterday, they had to fight with the Murim Alliance leader to get a single whetstone, but here, everything was simply provided.

Of course, there were rumors that the Murim Alliance had changed a lot.

The Murim Alliance, which used to be so stingy, was now building lavish halls and recruiting martial artists.

News like that was bound to spread.

If a martial arts group the size of the Murim Alliance moved, the Gupailbang would definitely be watching.

And they would know all that money was coming from the Hwanggeum Family.

Which meant attention would inevitably be drawn to Geum Mokhwan.

As Muk Hyeonhak had feared, it seemed certain that Geum Mokhwan’s emergence in the Central Plains as a new star was not far off.

“Relocation.”

Muk Hyeonhak spoke.

“Yes.”

“When you go to war, you don’t carry a gleaming blade, and you shouldn’t wear white clothes either.”

“I see.”

Geum Mokhwan replied briefly.

The fact that he responded immediately meant he understood.

In fact, it wasn’t even much of a metaphor—it was a saying always used in large-scale battles.

If you wore white, you’d end up with mud or blood on you.

But now was precisely the time for Geum Mokhwan to soil his clothes with mud and blood.

Wasn’t he someone who constantly wore gleaming robes?

It seemed the conversation had ended, but Geum Mokhwan spoke up again.

“But even if I wear white and step onto the battlefield, there’s no need for mud or blood to touch me.”

Everyone, including Muk Hyeonhak, stiffened.

Geum Mokhwan already knew the saying.

“If I make it so that no one dares even to approach, that’s enough.”

At those words, Muk Hyeonhak fell silent.

If that was truly his resolve, then he needed no further advice.

He was already preparing for what lay ahead and had made his own countermeasures.

The more you saw, the more mysterious the boy seemed.

At that moment, the presence of someone approaching quickly and steadily from a distance was felt.

Today, Okmyogak had many visitors.

The approaching attendant had neatly cropped hair—it was Jichul, who had returned as Geum Mokhwan’s Attendant.

As soon as he arrived, Jichul bowed deeply to everyone and handed Geum Mokhwan a letter.

As soon as they saw the seal in the center of the letter, Gwak Jindo’s expression changed first, and then Gang Un and Muk Hyeonhak’s changed as well.

The seal bore a pattern of rolling waves—the symbol of the Hae Nam Pa.

“The Jangmunin of the Hae Nam Pa has sent a personal letter.”

“Thank you.”

Geum Mokhwan spoke simply and broke the seal.

A personal letter from the Hae Nam Pa Jangmunin.

The most tense one was Gwak Jindo.

As soon as Geum Mokhwan read the letter, he showed it to Gwak Jindo.

“The Jangmunin wishes to invite my teacher and me.”

“Is that so?”

Gwak Jindo hid his expression and coughed.

Muk Hyeonhak’s concerns had become reality right away.

‘Even if you attract the Gupailbang’s attention, hide yourself.’

Of course, people often said one thing and did another, so it remained to be seen what Geum Mokhwan would decide.

Gwak Jindo asked Geum Mokhwan quietly.

“Are you going? I don’t think you’d be at a loss to refuse…”

“I have to. I use the sword of Hangnam, and I haven’t even registered my entry yet.”

At Geum Mokhwan’s words, Muk Hyeonhak and Gang Un were both startled.

“What?”

“Are you crazy? Planning to get scolded by the Jangmunin after growing this much?”

As they knew, it had been quite some time since Gwak Jindo had taught Geum Mokhwan the sword.

It was one thing for an elder to take on an outside disciple, but if you let so much time pass without registering their entry, it was considered a grave offense that could even get you expelled.

Otherwise, the sect’s system would become chaotic.

“…There wasn’t enough time. He’ll understand.”

Gwak Jindo spoke in a resigned tone.

It seemed Geum Mokhwan had already made up his mind to go.

Just as he had said to Muk Hyeonhak, he was not someone to avoid things.

“Go and return safely.”

“Of course. But just tell the Gaju. Someone else won’t be coming back from this well.”

“Keep your mouth shut.”

Gwak Jindo growled, but soon sighed.

It was indeed his own fault.

Jangmunin of Hae Nam—Jeok Yuyeop.

He was not one to let this matter go lightly.

And he was not the kind of person to simply ignore the talent of someone like Geum Mokhwan.

What to do now? There was no other way.

Even now, it seemed the only option was to rush over.

The scent of the sea wind blowing from the South Sea already seemed to brush the tip of the nose.