Chapter 14: Collision

Am Yeong-ho was a man in his thirties with an extremely ordinary face.

So ordinary that it was hard to remember unless one looked closely.

After entering Hangju, he began searching for a way to approach No Jinhwan, the Son of Baekryong Association Leader.

No Jinhwan often caused trouble, relying on his father’s influence as the Baekryong Association Leader, so getting close to him wasn’t too difficult.

No Jinhwan was always accompanied by four Bodyguards, whose skills barely escaped third-rate, but they had no trouble dealing with ordinary people, not Wulin.

After arriving in Hangju, Amyoungsipho began covertly tracking and observing No Jinhwan.

On the third day of surveillance, an opportunity finally arose.

A drunken No Jinhwan, on his way home, got into a dispute with a group of Rōnin passing through Hangju.

“Do these bastards even know who I am to dare!” No Jinhwan roared.

But one of the Rōnin sneered and retorted, “If you’re drunk, drink quietly. What the hell is this retard blocking the road and causing a fuss for?”

No Jinhwan’s face twisted in anger as he shouted, “What? You call me a retard? You sons of bitches must be crazy if you want to die! What are you waiting for? Kill them all!”

His Bodyguards drew their swords and stepped forward.

But the opponents were not ordinary people—they were Rōnin.

As the Rōnin drew their weapons, No Jinhwan’s face paled, and trembling with fear, he retreated several steps back.

One of the Bodyguards stepped forward nervously.

“Wouldn’t it be better to just stop here and pass by quietly?”

But the Rōnin, drunk on their own bravado, began to provoke further.

“Well, if you say so, we can let you pass. But that bastard bumped into me earlier and hurt my shoulder, and it still hurts. You’ll have to pay for the treatment.”

The mocking laughter of the Rōnin made the atmosphere increasingly tense.

Though the demand was clearly unreasonable, the Bodyguards had no desire to risk their lives fighting over it.

“How much will it take?”

“That’s up to the one offering goodwill, isn’t it?”

***

After a moment’s hesitation, a Bodyguard took out three Silver Nyang from No Jinhwan’s pouch and handed it over.

The Rōnin smiled with satisfaction as they tossed the silver back and forth.

“It might not be enough for treatment, but we’ll accept it as goodwill and let you go. Hahaha!”

However, their mocking laughter deeply offended No Jinhwan.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? All these vermin need to be wiped out!”

His shouted words shattered the late-night silence, drawing the attention of nearby passersby who began to gather.

The faces of the laughing Rōnin instantly twisted into rage.

How dare they be called vermin in front of witnesses.

Unable to contain their rising fury, one of the Rōnin suddenly drew his weapon and charged at No Jinhwan.

“How dare you call us vermin!”

But the weapon was barely blocked by one of the Bodyguards.

“If you want to touch the Noble’s Son, you have to go through me first!”

Thus, the fight began.

The Rōnin and the Bodyguards, evenly matched in skill, exchanged several fierce blows.

The clang of steel rang out, but neither side managed to land a decisive strike as they stood locked in a tense standoff.

Amidst the stalemate, the Rōnin exchanged glances.

“If we take down that bastard, it’s over!”

One Rōnin shouted and charged.

The Bodyguards quickly narrowed their defense to protect No Jinhwan, blocking the Rōnin’s approach.

But in the hurried movement, one Bodyguard was struck on the arm by a Rōnin’s sword, dropping his own weapon.

“Ugh!”

The wounded Bodyguard collapsed backward, while the others desperately tried to hold the Rōnin back.

The Rōnin suddenly changed direction and charged straight for No Jinhwan.

“Noble’s Son, dodge!”

A Bodyguard shouted in desperation, but the Rōnin were closing in fast.

In this critical moment, Amyoungsipho slipped lightly between the Rōnin.

Dressed in black, with cold eyes, he stood tall between No Jinhwan and the Rōnin, glaring at the intruders.

“Stop this.”

The Rōnin sized up the newly appeared Amyoungsipho with wary eyes.

“And who the hell are you to interfere in our fight?” one growled.

Amyoungsipho answered calmly.

“This fight ends here. I will not tolerate this any longer.”

“Why should we listen to you?”

“Because it’s the only way to live and leave Hangju.”

A tense atmosphere spread among the Rōnin at Amyoungsipho’s words.

He deliberately revealed a hint of his martial skill as he pushed between them.

At that moment, one of the Rōnin instinctively flinched and stepped back.

Realizing the deliberate display of strength, he shook his head in tense resignation.

It was a clear warning and a chance for survival.

He looked to his companions and said briefly, “This opponent is a master. Let’s go.”

Without another word, the Rōnin sheathed their weapons and vanished silently into the darkness.

Amyoungsipho watched their retreat carefully before turning to the Bodyguards around No Jinhwan.

Except for the wounded one who had dropped his sword, they all looked tired but uninjured.

“Are you all okay?”

One Bodyguard bowed his head in gratitude.

“Thanks to you, we’re safe. If you hadn’t helped, this would have been a disaster.”

“Don’t mention it. Is the Master unharmed?”

Only then did No Jinhwan, freed from fear, approach Amyoungsipho.

“Hey, what the hell did you say to make those bastards run away like scared puppies?”

Amyoungsipho answered calmly.

“It’s nothing. Rōnin recognize each other. They just realized they might die if they fought.”

He bowed slightly as if satisfied and turned away.

“It seems no one is seriously hurt. I’ll be going now.”

Just as Amyoungsipho turned to leave, No Jinhwan hurriedly grabbed him.

“Hey, you can’t just leave. From the way you talk, you sound like a Rōnin yourself. Why not join my Bodyguards?”

Amyoungsipho glanced at No Jinhwan for a moment.

“My pay better not be stingy. What do you say?”

Pretending to hesitate for a moment, Amyoungsipho then readily accepted the offer.

“I just finished another job, so if you’ll have me, I’d be grateful.”

And so, Am Yeong-ho naturally infiltrated Baekryonghoe by becoming No Jinhwan’s Bodyguard.

Gangchan went out into the marketplace, both to look for work and to take in the sights of Hangju.

Standing amidst the bustling crowd, various energies naturally flowed into him.

He recalled the first day he stepped into Hangju’s marketplace—when he had carelessly used Jieugiseong among the crowd and was overwhelmed by the multitude of energies swirling around.

Thinking back to that, he smiled unconsciously.

Gangchan strolled slowly through the market.

Amid the peaceful flow of energies, one place stood out for its unusual turmoil.

There, countless energies converged, shaking the area precariously.

“Something’s definitely going on.”

Gangchan quickened his pace toward the spot.

Upon arrival, a small man was blocking the way of a well-built man.

Listening to whispered conversations around him, Gangchan gauged the situation.

“Isn’t that… No Jinhwan, the Son of Baekryong Association Leader?”

“Yeah. He’s dangerous to mess with, but the man standing in front of him is a Painter named Du Hyo, I think?”

“And the woman behind him is Gwak Yeonhwa. I heard she’s the daughter of the Heukcheonhoe Leader. What’s going on?”

“I heard No Jinhwan harassed Gwak Yeonhwa.”

When Du Hyo realized Gwak Yeonhwa had been harassed by No Jinhwan, he couldn’t hold back and stepped forward to protect her.

Though small in stature and seeming fragile compared to the burly No Jinhwan, Du Hyo’s eyes held a resolute determination.

Behind him, trembling with anger, was Gwak Yeonhwa, daughter of Gwak Jagoh, Leader of Heukcheonhoe, one of the Four Major Powers in Hangju, and evidently someone with a deep connection to Du Hyo.

“Apologize.”

Du Hyo, still shaking, confronted No Jinhwan with lethal intent.

“Apologize? Do you know who I am… Do you want to die?”

“Who you are doesn’t matter. What matters is your behavior—harassing a passing woman. Especially when her betrothed is right there. Apologize immediately!”

‘Me? No, I just greeted Master Gwak, whom I haven’t seen in a while, and that’s harassment?’

“Harassment? You’re insane.”

Du Hyo raised his voice, looking around.

“Everyone here saw it! You say you greeted her? When Master Gwak clearly said no and tried to pull her wrist away, you still grabbed her—that’s your idea of a greeting?”

Increasingly annoyed by the alcohol, No Jinhwan’s temper flared.

Actually, he had been drinking lightly during a meal with local notables’ children, but the alcohol hit him harder than usual today, souring his mood.

So on his way home, he ran into a familiar face.

But when that person casually greeted him and was about to leave, No Jinhwan impulsively grabbed Gwak Yeonhwa’s wrist, sparking the whole incident.

But he had no intention of apologizing.

His opponent was a nobody with no backing.

Moreover, surrounded by dozens of witnesses, apologizing to such a lowly man was simply unacceptable to his pride.

“If your eyes are bad, that’s your problem. Step aside.”

“Apologize immediately.”

Du Hyo stood firm, unwilling to back down an inch.

Murmurs rose from the crowd, criticizing No Jinhwan.

Suddenly, a murderous gleam flashed briefly in No Jinhwan’s eyes and vanished.

Gwak Yeonhwa reacted first.

She stepped in front of Du Hyo with a pleading gaze.

“Please stop. I’m not hurt. I’m really okay.”

“I’m not okay. Harassing a woman in broad daylight and then acting shamelessly like that…”

Du Hyo still wouldn’t relent.

Protecting Yeonhwa by pushing her behind him, he took another step toward No Jinhwan.

“Apologize. If you apologize, I will back down.”

Du Hyo’s voice was firm and unwavering, but he was just a Painter with no martial arts skills.

No Jinhwan looked at Du Hyo with nothing but contempt.

Baekryonghoe, one of the Four Major Powers ruling the Night of Hangzhou—No Jinhwan, son of its leader, would never apologize.

Gwak Yeonhwa knew that well.

Looking at Du Hyo’s back, Yeonhwa’s expression was a mix of anger and worry.

She trembled with rage at the scene but feared Du Hyo might be hurt if things escalated.

In truth, Du Hyo blamed himself for lacking the strength to protect her, especially knowing her father, Gwak Jagoh, opposed their relationship.

In that self-reproach, today Du Hyo was daring to stand up for her with reckless courage.

But Yeonhwa sensed that if things got worse, Du Hyo would be in danger.

Although Bodyguards were nearby to protect them, Yeonhwa had secretly left her house today, making their protection unreliable.

It was time for her to step forward.

Du Hyo’s resolute voice stopped her momentary hesitation, and she steeled herself to end the situation.

Unbeknownst to anyone, the current chaos was the result of Amyoungsipho’s meticulous plan.

His mission was to help Baekryonghoe absorb the other three powers of Hangju by provoking a war led by Baekryonghoe.

But Baekryonghoe Leader No Yujung was too cautious, preparing excessively to avoid mistakes.

As a result, the current situation was waiting on Sangbaek to find another Rōnin and send news.

Amyoungsipho’s mission had a time limit.

He couldn’t wait endlessly for war to break out in two or three days.

So rather than targeting No Yujung, he devised a plan to use his son, No Jinhwan.

To manipulate Gwak Yeonhwa of Heukcheonhoe and her lover Du Hyo, Amyoungsipho monitored their movements closely.

He learned they had an appointment today and discreetly laced No Jinhwan’s drink with a mild poison.

This poison only caused nausea and discomfort.

Weakened by the poison, No Jinhwan hurried home, where he encountered Gwak Yeonhwa and Du Hyo, exactly as Amyoungsipho had arranged.

Of course, what happened next was beyond Amyoungsipho’s prediction.

Had No Jinhwan simply passed by, Amyoungsipho would have had to devise another plan.

But fortunately, No Jinhwan fulfilled his role perfectly.

Embarrassed by the accusing stares and Du Hyo’s words, No Jinhwan slowly approached and whispered threateningly into Du Hyo’s ear.

“Shut up and leave. If you open your mouth one more time, I’ll really kill you.”

Then he stepped back, a vile smile on his face.

Seeing that smile, Du Hyo lost the last thread of reason.

“Try to kill me, you trash.”

No Jinhwan looked at Du Hyo with disbelief and drew his sword in a flash.

“Trash? You really…”

Gwak Yeonhwa stepped in to block Du Hyo.

“Stop it! I’m not hurt. I’m really okay.”

But the furious No Jinhwan did not stop.

His sword lunged straight at Du Hyo.

“Now!”

At that moment, Amyoungsipho unfurled the Mayeonggwisinbo and vanished into its shadows.

Pushing No Jinhwan’s sword forward from within the hidden realm of the book, Amyoungsipho forced the blade onward against No Jinhwan’s will.

“Aaah!”

“Ugh!”

“Ah?”

Gwak Yeonhwa, shielding Du Hyo, was deeply cut on her right arm, and the sword pierced beside Du Hyo’s heart.