It was the early hour of the Dog time, as the sun dipped low and dusk began to settle, when Tak Eum, the Chief Commander, arrived at Baekcheon Inn with ten warriors from Heukcheonhoe.
As the ten men armed with weapons stepped into the inn, unease was immediately visible on the faces of Baekcheon and his mother.
Instinctively, Baekcheon’s mother pulled him close into her embrace.
However, Baekcheon shook off her touch and stepped forward with a firm expression.
“Welcome.”
Baekcheon greeted them calmly, though a slight tremor betrayed his voice.
Tak Eum briefly glanced over Baekcheon and his mother before surveying the interior of the inn.
“Is there a young man staying here by any chance?”
Gangchan was the only youth lodging at the inn, but Baekcheon did not answer immediately.
Tak Eum’s gaze and tone bore a condescending air, as if looking down on them.
“May I ask what business you have here?”
Baekcheon carefully responded, withholding direct answers.
One of the warriors accompanying Tak Eum stepped forward and grabbed Baekcheon by the collar.
“You’re a tiny fellow with no fear, huh? When an adult speaks, you answer immediately.”
Startled, Baekcheon’s mother rushed toward the man.
“What are you doing to a child?”
Another warrior chuckled and placed a hand on the hilt of his sword.
Baekcheon’s mother clutched him tightly, closing her eyes with trembling hands.
At the moment the warrior half-drew his sword, Gangchan appeared on the second-floor railing.
“Looking for me?”
Gangchan’s voice echoed through the inn.
Then, he quietly watched the man attempting to draw his sword and said, “You could’ve just asked nicely. Who says you’re not a bunch of thugs? Tsk tsk tsk. Go ahead and draw them all. Should be fun.”
While speaking lightly, Gangchan secretly sent his energy only toward the warrior.
His tone was casual, but his gaze carried a sharp aura.
Meeting Gangchan’s smile, the warrior felt something chilling beneath his attitude—an overwhelming pressure and the fleeting shadow of death.
Startled by that energy, the warrior froze, the half-drawn sword unable to move further.
Gangchan descended slowly from the second floor. His footsteps heightened the tension inside the inn.
Passing the immobilized warrior, Gangchan lightly tapped his shoulder.
“Whatever it is, it only matters if you live.”
The atmosphere in the inn froze momentarily at Gangchan’s words.
Then he slowly surveyed the remaining warriors and pointed toward the exit.
“Standing and blocking the entrance to a place of business, what is this nonsense? Let’s leave.”
With that, Gangchan walked out of the inn without hesitation.
Tak Eum, who had silently observed everything, nodded to his warriors.
“Follow him.”
The warriors cautiously left the inn, trailing Gangchan.
Outside, Gangchan stopped in the center of the yard.
He smiled gently as he faced those behind him.
“Now then, shall we hear what business brought you to me?”
Tension thickened as Tak Eum stepped forward. His expression mixed caution with courtesy.
“Are you the young master who saved our lady?”
The warriors’ gazes fixed on Gangchan in unison. Without hesitation, Gangchan answered.
“Yes, that’s right.”
His fearless demeanor even seemed to assess his opponents with ease.
Tak Eum felt a subtle tension and continued, “If it’s not too much trouble, would you consider visiting Heukcheonhoe for a while?”
“If I wished, I would. But wouldn’t there be something to settle first?”
“…?”
“For starters, I believe you owe an apology to the innkeeper and the boy.”
Tak Eum’s expression twisted briefly before forcing a smile and nodding.
“Very well.”
He took a deep breath and entered the inn, bowing respectfully.
“We were rude. Please forgive us generously.”
Baekcheon and his mother exchanged uneasy looks but quickly bowed in return, overwhelmed by the situation.
“It’s all right. Truly, it’s all right.”
They bowed repeatedly, insisting it was no trouble.
***
After arriving at Heukcheonhoe with Gangchan, Tak Eum immediately informed the Hoesu.
The Hoesu summoned Gangchan to his office at once.
“Sorry to trouble you with such a long journey. I am Gwak Jagoh, the Hoesu of Heukcheonhoe.”
Though his words expressed apology, no trace of regret showed in Gwak Jagoh’s face. Gangchan dismissed this with indifference.
“I am Gangchan, traveling through Hangju for a time.”
Gwak Jagoh nodded and went straight to the point.
“First, thank you for saving my daughter. Your actions prevented a serious incident.”
Gangchan shook his head calmly.
“No need for thanks. Even if not for me, your daughter would have been unharmed.”
“Perhaps, but it’s true she was less injured because you intervened.”
Gwak Jagoh’s tone seemed to grudgingly acknowledge Gangchan’s role.
Gangchan detected a faint disdain but remained expressionless as he replied, “Given how you put it, I suppose that’s true.”
Gwak Jagoh studied Gangchan with curious eyes and continued, “By the way, have you trained in martial arts?”
“A bit of traditional family martial arts.”
Gwak Jagoh nodded, appraising Gangchan once more.
He had heard the general circumstances from the Chief Commander but wanted a more detailed account.
“Would you tell me more?”
“It’s not difficult, so yes.”
Gangchan calmly began to recount that day’s events.
As Gangchan spoke, Gwak Jagoh observed him closely.
There was no prominent pulse point or flowing internal energy to be felt.
Yet, his limbs looked slightly long, and his body balance was remarkably well-maintained.
This seemed less a matter of natural physique than the result of extensive training.
‘Has he practiced external-style martial arts?’
Although Gwak Jagoh was not a great master, he had recently reached a first-rate level.
While listening, he examined Gangchan’s attitude and movements even more carefully.
His tone was neither disrespectful nor fully deferential.
‘Was this a prejudice against Heukdo?’
Thinking so, Gwak Jagoh felt a growing distaste for the youth before him.
Gangchan finished his story.
“If you have no objections, how about staying with Heukcheonhoe while you remain in Hangju?”
Gangchan sensed the insincerity behind the offer but concealed it as he replied.
“I’m just passing through and will soon leave Hangju. I appreciate the offer but it’s unlikely.”
“I see. You’re a benefactor to my daughter after all. A pity.”
Gwak Jagoh stared silently at Gangchan, making the youth uneasy enough to speak first.
“How is the condition of the injured young man?”
“The doctor says it’s difficult. His condition is serious.”
“That’s unfortunate. Life is fleeting… If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
“Thank you for coming.”
Judging Gangchan unnecessary, Gwak Jagoh replied curtly.
As Gangchan rose to leave, Tak Eum rushed into the office.
“Hoesu, I have just been informed that Du Hyo has died. Ah, I did not realize a guest was here…”
“Hah, what are we to do now…”
A complicated expression crossed Gwak Jagoh’s face as he sighed deeply.
He was troubled by his daughter Gwak Yeonhwa’s involvement but felt a strange relief at the news of Du Hyo’s death.
‘One less problem. But there’s no way I’ll allow Yeonhwa to be harmed.’
Gwak Jagoh lowered his gaze and muttered, “How am I to manage this situation…”
The room fell cold and silent.
Thanks to his mastery of Seungcheonmugukgiseong, Gangchan naturally sensed the energy in the room.
Though Gwak Jagoh outwardly showed sorrow, his aura was oddly composed.
Even a subtle sense of relief lingered.
‘He’s uncomfortable about his daughter’s involvement but thinks Du Hyo’s death was for the best.’
Gangchan found Gwak Jagoh’s dual attitude interesting as he slowly rose.
“I will take my leave then.”
Gwak Jagoh nodded lightly to Gangchan’s farewell.
At the gate, Tak Eum handed Gangchan a pouch.
“This is a reward for saving the lady and accepting my request. Keep it.”
Gangchan weighed the pouch in his hand and quietly thought, ‘Tak Eum is truly the most humane of them.’
He pocketed the pouch and headed back to the inn.
***
Meanwhile, chaos reigned within Baekryonghoe.
No Jinhwan, the son of Baekryong Association Leader, had injured Gwak Yeonhwa, daughter of Heukcheonhoe’s Hoesu, and even killed an ordinary person.
Upon hearing this, No Yujung was furious. Approaching the still-shocked No Jinhwan, he slapped him hard across the face.
Smack!
“I may have raised you poorly, but even a man must have limits. Even when causing trouble, there is a boundary. How dare you recklessly strike the daughter of Heukcheonhoe’s Hoesu?”
No Jinhwan fell, biting his lip with bowed head, but No Yujung’s anger did not subside.
Losing reason, he rushed at No Jinhwan, delivering a flurry of kicks.
“Calm down, Hoesu.”
Only then did the Chief Commander step in, physically restraining him.
Known for his coldness, No Yujung lost control only when it came to his son.
Thanks to the Chief Commander’s intervention, No Yujung regained composure.
He sighed deeply and withdrew to his seat, though his mind darkened further.
“If this keeps up, I might just die sitting here.”
Frustrated, No Yujung instructed the Chief Commander, “Gather intelligence on the other factions in Hangju. Also, summon Sangbaek, the Manhwa Martial Arts Hall Gwanju.”
Shortly after Sangbaek arrived, No Yujung said to the Chief Commander, “Bring Mak Bi Dahyup to the office.”
“Sang Gwanju, your son caused trouble. Are you aware?”
“Trouble? What kind?”
“He drew a sword on the daughter of Heukcheonhoe’s Hoesu and injured her. Luckily, the wounds aren’t severe, but with the fiery temperament of Heukcheonhoe’s Hoesu, he won’t stand for it.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“Hoesu, Mak Bi Dahyup has arrived.”
“Show him in.”
Soon Mak Bi entered the office.
Sangbaek rose and courteously yielded his seat, and Mak Bi sat without a word.
“Mak Bi Dahyup, I apologize for the trouble.”
“To be called Dahyup by a ronin is too much honor.”
Mak Bi’s modest tone would have been overlooked on any other day.
But today was different.
To No Yujung, that excessive humility sounded like the desperation of an unconfident man.
In a crisis like this, firm decisions were needed rather than empty courtesy.
Believing Mak Bi might be his last hope, each of his words disappointed No Yujung’s expectations for decisive action.
Suppressing his rising anxiety, No Yujung waited for Mak Bi’s decision.
Since the matter had escalated, the only thing left was to find a way out of this crisis.
“It’s done and cannot be undone… So, speak frankly. What is the best course of action now?”
Mak Bi paused thoughtfully before speaking.
“Avoiding war seems impossible. Then taking the initiative with a preemptive strike may be the best chance for victory.”
No Yujung murmured in troubled thought, “A preemptive strike…”
Sangbaek cautiously agreed, “I believe preemptive action is the answer.”
No Yujung quietly weighed their opinions before nodding in decision.
“Then let’s formulate a detailed plan.”
That night, the Hoesu’s office buzzed with endless strategy and discussion, the light burning well into dawn.
***
A somewhat weary Mak Bi entered his quarters seeking Siwi.
“Is one of the young master’s bodyguards still missing?”
“I’m not certain, but I heard one of the warriors accompanying the young master died yesterday.”
Mak Bi’s face hardened in shock as he pressed further.
“Died? Are you sure?”
Siwi trembled, stammering in fear, “I’m not certain. It’s just a rumor.”
“Understood.”
Mak Bi responded coldly but stopped and sought out the Chief Commander.
Through the Chief Commander, Mak Bi confirmed that one warrior had died and that Heukcheonhoe had taken the body after cleaning up the scene.
Back in his quarters, Mak Bi was lost in thought.
“Am Yeongho is dead? Who did it?”
Mak Bi had been at the scene that day.
When No Jinhwan drew his sword in rage, it was Am Yeongho, one of Amyoungsipho, who ghosted in to repel No Jinhwan’s attack on Gwak Yeonhwa and Du Hyo.
The news of Am Yeongho’s death was hard to believe.
‘Was it that youth?’
Mak Bi recalled the young man who had blocked Amyoungsipho but had never thought him a worthy opponent.
Mak Bi himself had sent word for No Jinhwan to stop further killing after retreating.
‘Did he disobey orders? Or was there someone else?’
Unable to find answers, Mak Bi grew more confused.
‘I should have verified the body. Too careless.’
No further speculation was possible with the scant information available.
Tapping his fingers lightly, Mak Bi muttered,
“I must find out who and how this was done.”
***
Dam Sajin of Hyeolsapa from Cheonrangpa was deep in thought after analyzing the situation.
Ultimately, war could not be avoided.
The recent unrest in Hangju was an unresolvable issue.
The real problem was how Hyeolsapa would survive the coming conflict.
If there was a countermeasure against Mak Bi, they could act decisively, but Hyeolsapa had no means to restrain him now.
At that moment, news arrived that No Jinhwan of Baekryonghoe had caused a serious incident.
Upon hearing this, Dam Sajin quickly considered various possibilities.
The message from Cheonrangpa instructed them to prepare thoroughly and await contact.
Yet Dam Sajin had no intention of relying solely on Heukcheonhoe’s orders.
‘What would No Yujung do?’
The Hoesus of the four long-divided factions ruling Hangju were not merely powerholders but strategists as well.
Dam Sajin was no different. He rose through intellect as well as strength.
Based on his usual temperament, if there was no just cause, No Yujung would have created one before initiating war.
But this incident was an exception.
Due to an unexpected accident, No Yujung faced the worst situation.
His son No Jinhwan’s fault destroyed their legitimacy, providing a pretext for the other factions to unite against him.
In the end, No Yujung’s only option was preemptive strike.
Having made up his mind, Dam Sajin wasted no time. Summoning all his subordinates, he issued orders.
“You all must sense the tension in Hangju. War will likely break out soon.”
As the men’s expressions stiffened, Dam Sajin’s voice grew firmer.
“From today, vacate your estates at the hour of the Dog and patrol outside. Return at the hour of the Ox. When outside, be wary of others’ eyes and do not act alone if intruders appear. Report to superiors immediately.”
The subordinates nodded with tense expressions.
“Furthermore, if outsiders breach the estate, observe all intruders until they fully enter. Attack only on my command. If forced to abandon the estate, retreat quickly to the second rally point at Cheonrangpa.”
“Understood!”
Watching his subordinates move with precision, Dam Sajin pledged to himself.
War was inevitable.
The question was survival.
And he was prepared to survive.