Morning arrived, and the streets of Hangju were shrouded in silence.
Rumors of the war that broke out last night among the dark factions of Hangju had spread throughout the town, leaving the people trembling with anxiety and unwilling to step outside their homes.
Instead of the streets, small groups of people gathered around their houses, whispering about the events that had unfolded overnight.
“The Baekryonghoe took control of Hangju, didn’t they?”
“No, they fought, but I heard there was no clear winner.”
“What? If they went to war, someone should have won by now. How are people like us supposed to live if they keep fighting without settling it?”
“Exactly. Even the shops have all shut down.”
“Of course. Who would open when you never know when the next clash will happen?”
“Damn it, it’s only people like us who live hand to mouth that suffer the most.”
“Who would disagree? Either way, we’re the ones paying the price.”
The voices of the people were a mixture of unease and frustration.
As long as the fighting between the dark factions continued, it seemed the ordinary folks would never return to peaceful days.
The war had paused for now, with the Baekryonghoe regrouping in the southern part of Hangju, while the Heukcheonhoe, Hyeolsapa, and Cheonrangpa gathered in the north to prepare their lines.
At that moment, Sundeok, a maid of the Cheonhyangru Mistress, was briskly walking toward southern Hangju.
Her destination was the Baekcheon Inn.
Without hesitation, Sundeok entered the building marked with the Baekcheon Inn sign. At that moment, Sobaekcheon, who was cleaning inside the inn, saw her enter and greeted, “Welcome!”
Sundeok didn’t even glance at Baekcheon as she came in, instead quickly surveying her surroundings.
“Who are you looking for?”
Baekcheon’s voice came again, finally drawing Sundeok’s gaze.
“Is the master not here?”
“My mother’s in the kitchen. What’s the matter?”
Though Baekcheon thought she looked young, he still showed respect since she was a guest.
“Little one, could I meet the young master staying here?”
At Sundeok’s soft voice, Sobaekcheon’s face hardened. Being called ‘little one’ bruised his pride.
“Who are you calling little? You’re just as young yourself.”
Sundeok tilted her head, amused by his reaction.
“Oh my, how old are you?”
“Why do you ask? I’m probably older than you.”
“What did you say? I’m thirteen. How old are you?”
“I’m thirteen too!”
Their squabble paused briefly. The girl thought for a moment before smiling mockingly.
“Hmph, fine. I’ll believe you. So, just call the young master.”
“I’m not pretending—I really am thirteen!”
“Then I believe you. So why are you yelling?”
Sundeok answered coolly, still unbothered.
Sobaekcheon bit his lip in frustration and sighed.
“Alright, alright. Wait here. The young master is on the second floor.”
Muttering, he went upstairs.
***
A moment later, Sobaekcheon came down with Gangchan.
Gangchan held a cup of tea in one hand, looking relaxed.
Normally, at this hour, he would be out exploring the city of Hangju, but the rumors of war among the dark factions had spread all over, forcing him to give up going out today.
He looked at Sundeok and spoke.
“You wanted to see me?”
Sundeok shyly extended a sealed letter. Gangchan smiled as he looked at her.
“Who sent this?”
“Our young mistress, no, the Cheonhyangru Mistress herself.”
“Cheonhyangru Mistress? The owner of that place? Isn’t it supposed to be ridiculously expensive?”
“Probably.”
Sundeok answered plainly, looking around the inn again.
Sobaekcheon frowned at her gaze.
“Our inn isn’t so bad either, you know.”
Gangchan chuckled and ruffled Sobaekcheon’s hair.
“Sure, sure. This place has the cheapest prices in Hangju, but the best food.”
“I’ve delivered the message, so I’ll take my leave now.”
Sundeok bowed and said, “Since I’ve delivered the letter, I’ll be going now.”
She quickly turned and exited the inn.
Holding the letter, Gangchan was lost in thought for a moment before returning to his room.
Inside the second-floor room, Gangchan carefully opened the letter.
The message was brief but courteous.
“There is something urgent I must discuss with you. Please come to Cheonhyangru. We await your arrival.”
Reading the beautifully written request, Gangchan smiled and muttered to himself.
“If I can see Hangju’s finest pavilion for free, I’d regret it if I didn’t go, right?”
With resolve, he finished preparing to go out and slowly left his room. His steps were light now.
***
Gangchan walked toward the heart of Hangju unhurriedly.
The usually bustling streets were nearly empty, making it feel like he had come to a different city altogether.
After some time, he arrived before a dazzling five-story building and carefully knocked on the door.
“Is anyone there?”
As soon as he spoke, the door opened, and a middle-aged man greeted him.
“Welcome, young master. Please, follow me.”
The man didn’t ask for Gangchan’s name or status, implying he already knew who he was.
Gangchan followed the man inside.
The first floor of the pavilion had many seats where one could eat or have a drink casually.
On the second floor, there were fewer seats spaced further apart, making it look much more comfortable than below.
The man led Gangchan through the third and fourth floors up to the top floor—the fifth.
There were four private rooms separated by a hallway on this floor.
“If you wait a moment, the Mistress will come. If you need anything, please pull the string here.”
The man bowed politely and quickly left.
Inside the room, a subtle fragrance filled the air, as if walking into a flower garden.
On the table, a full spread of dishes had been prepared, steaming as if just cooked.
Gangchan smiled and quietly took a seat.
‘They’ve been watching me, as expected.’
Though not entirely pleasant, it was also proof that someone cared enough to keep an eye on him, so he decided to ignore it.
***
After a short while, footsteps came up to the fifth floor.
The door opened quietly, and a fresh, sharp scent wafted in.
The person who entered appeared to be a woman in her twenties.
Considering it was a pavilion, her attire was modest but dignified, avoiding excess flashiness.
Her slender face and delicate features resembled a doll, neat and beautiful.
However, given her status as the Mistress of the pavilion, Gangchan guessed she was likely older than she looked.
Despite that, her youthful and elegant appearance was so striking it made him forget such thoughts, standing out as one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen.
The woman bowed slightly in greeting, then carefully sat opposite Gangchan.
Caught off guard, Gangchan stared at her, and she blushed slightly before speaking with lips like a finely carved sculpture.
“Nice to meet you. I am Nanseol, the Cheonhyangru Mistress.”
“Haha… excuse me, you’re just too beautiful.”
Gangchan’s candid reaction brought a momentary flush of embarrassment to Nanseol’s face.
To break the awkwardness, Gangchan scratched his head and said, “I was orphaned young, so manners aren’t really my strong suit.”
Nanseol smiled gently.
“Please, don’t worry about it.”
According to rumors, since first arriving at Cheonhyangru fifteen years ago, Mistress Nanseol rarely received guests.
Only a handful in Hangju had seen her face.
Even offering a fortune couldn’t compel her to reveal herself if she didn’t want to.
It was no wonder Gangchan was amazed to be sitting opposite such a figure.
Nanseol’s serene smile softened as she spoke.
“Was your journey here comfortable?”
Gangchan returned a light smile.
“The streets were quiet, so it was easy to come.”
“I expect my sudden invitation must have surprised you.”
“Hahaha, yes, very much so.”
“You are very honest. Then, do you have any guesses why?”
Gangchan shrugged and teased, “I don’t know. I just found out today how dumb I really am.”
Nanseol stifled a laugh.
“That’s not true.”
Gangchan assumed a mock dignified tone and said, “Well then, will you tell me the reason for this invitation now?”
His pretentious air made Nanseol’s embarrassment turn into a smile.
“Hohoho, you’re truly candid.”
Her laughter seemed to brighten the room’s atmosphere.
Gangchan casually diverted his gaze and looked around the room, fanning himself dramatically.
“It feels a bit warm. May I open the window?”
Nanseol watched him silently for a moment before standing and opening the window.
As it opened, a chilly winter breeze swept through the room.
Even if Hangju was warm in winter, it was clearly a cold season now.
Gangchan turned, smiling gently.
“You know, I’m very sensitive to scents. I hope you’re not cold.”
Nanseol smiled softly.
“I’m quite resistant to the cold, so it’s alright.”
She lifted a bottle of liquor and slowly poured it into the cup before Gangchan.
The clear drink filled the cup as a new tension quietly began to fill the room along with the fragrance.
“Regardless of the reason, I apologize for the discourtesy of inviting such an esteemed guest without prior notice. Please accept this cup of apology.”
Nanseol’s soft voice accompanied the offering of the drink.
Her demeanor was far from that of a simple courtesan.
“Please try it. It’s thirty-year-old Yeoa Hong.”
Gangchan stared at the cup a moment before downing it in one go.
He smiled at the deep, rich flavor.
“Delicious. Now, if no one on the ceiling objects, shall we hear the reason for your invitation?”
As soon as he finished speaking, a chilling murderous aura poured down from the ceiling.
A sword shot toward Gangchan’s neck with lightning speed.
The blade stopped just before his throat. Its movement was sharp yet controlled, but it carried the unmistakable scent of an assassin rather than a bodyguard.
The figure wielding the sword was covered in black clothing, revealing only his eyes.
Gangchan didn’t even blink as he raised his hand and lightly pushed the sword aside.
“If you really don’t intend to kill, then put that away.”
The voice of the black-clad figure was curt.
“How did you know?”
Gangchan asked, relaxed.
“Know what? That I was there on the ceiling? Or that I wouldn’t kill you?”
After a moment of silence, the figure replied shortly.
“Both.”
Gangchan chuckled.
“I’ve just mastered a few special techniques.”
The figure responded with a cold voice.
“Seems you really want to die.”
The blade suddenly lunged at Gangchan’s neck again.
This time, Gangchan swiftly raised his right hand and caught the blade.
His grasp began to blur.
Inside his palm, the Soul Axe appeared, though the black-clad figure remained unaware.
Startled by Gangchan’s strength holding the sword, the figure gathered his inner energy and tried to push the blade back.
However, the sword’s edge was like hitting an iron wall—it didn’t budge.
Normally, the blade should have pierced Gangchan’s hand, but strangely, there wasn’t a single scratch.
The black-clad figure was visibly shaken, thinking to himself, ‘Could this be Geumgangbulgwae?’
While the figure was in shock, Gangchan’s whole body expressed his deep displeasure.
It was clear the opponent intended to sever his fingers.
Anyone else would already have had their fingers cut or suffered severe injuries.
At that moment, Nanseol stepped between them.
“Gaho Wi! Stand down immediately.”
But Gangchan, already irritated, had no intention of stopping.
Regardless of the opponent’s intent, he couldn’t forgive having a sword pointed at his throat.
The first time, there was no killing intent, so he let it pass, but the second time, he was resolved to make them pay.
Suddenly, Gangchan’s energy grew heavy like a mountain, and the Jui Gi surged into his hand holding the sword.
The blade slowly but surely shifted direction in Gangchan’s grasp, moving toward Nanseol’s neck.
The black-clad figure summoned every ounce of his power to stop the blade, but despite his will, the sword drew closer and closer to Nanseol’s throat.
Gangchan’s cold voice filled the room.
“Did you think you could do this, but no one else could?”
At his words, the atmosphere in the room turned as cold as ice.
“Try again. If you lose, your sword will be buried in this woman’s neck.”
The black-clad figure was wracked with agonizing pain in his dantian, but he couldn’t withdraw his power.
Finally, his blade grazed Nanseol’s neck, drawing a thin line of blood and forming a drop.
The figure’s eyes bulged with veins as an enormous amount of Mage Energy surged from the sword into Gangchan’s Jeok Geokhyeol.
The suddenness of the situation stunned Gangchan, who tried to block the Mage Energy, but it had already occupied his Jeok Geokhyeol, flooding into his body uncontrollably.
Caught off guard, a look of confusion crossed Gangchan’s face as Nanseol shouted again.
“Gaho Wi, stop!”
Yet the black-clad figure was unresponsive to outside stimuli, his consciousness seemingly lost, consumed by the Mage Energy.
Responding to Nanseol’s shout, Gangchan opened his Jui Gi Seong wide, rapidly drawing the Gaho Wi’s Mage Energy into himself.
Jui Gi Seong momentarily absorbs external energy, regardless of its nature.
Instead, the energy’s influence affects the Inuigiseong and Cheonuigiseong within the body.
For this reason, the Seungcheonmugukgiseong is almost an adversary to martial arts that use alien energies like magical arts, poisons, or sexual techniques.
Unless the energy entering the body is massive enough to overwhelm the body made of Inuigiseong or evil enough to shake the steady mind nurtured by Cheonuigiseong, it is merely external energy the moment it enters Gangchan’s body.
The Mage Energy absorbed traveled under Gangchan’s control through every corner of his body, gradually diluting before being expelled entirely.
With no more energy to release, the Gaho Wi regained consciousness.
Finally, he released his grip on the sword.
Thud.
The Gaho Wi, who had never knelt before anyone except Nanseol, knelt before Gangchan.
“Kill him.”
Gangchan gripped the sword tightly, glanced once at Nanseol, then issued a cold command to the Gaho Wi.
“If your duty is to protect someone, you should first care about the life and death of the one you protect, not your own. If you still desire death, then so be it.”
Gaho Wi appeared completely lost in spirit at Gangchan’s words.
Just as Gangchan was about to strike downward at Gaho Wi, Nanseol hurriedly blocked the sword, pleading,
“Please spare him, young master. I beg you.”
Nanseol’s direct appeal made Gangchan pause with a troubled expression.
In truth, the matter didn’t need to escalate this far. Yet, acting on his mood by drawing a sword was clearly wrong.
Gangchan threw the sword to Gaho Wi and said coldly, “Don’t die before this woman. That’s why I’m sparing your life.”
Turning away coldly, Gangchan looked back at Gaho Wi and added, “If possible, don’t use that martial art. And if you do, don’t unleash it fully. Otherwise, your master won’t even know.”
As Gangchan finished, Nanseol slumped into her seat, her tension finally releasing and her legs giving out.
After some time, Gaho Wi gathered his sword and vanished into the ceiling.