Chapter 34: Gunja Do Arrives

In Ten Thousand Demons Hall, located on the peaks of Mount Tian, the Master of the Demonic Sect, Hyeok Se-gi, and Ma Brain, Jin Byeok, sat before a man with a pale face and delicate, feminine features—Amun Daeju Yahon—who was bowing deeply.

“The operations in Hangju and Suzhou have failed.”

Yahon reported, forehead pressed to the floor.

“Weren’t those the locations especially marked for caution due to their connections with the Golden Family?”

“That’s correct.”

“Explain in detail.”

“The Amyoungsipho assigned to Hangju were killed by the wandering swordsman, Gangchan, and Dokgwi Geom Makbi was slain by an unidentified man known as Cheongung. In Suzhou, even after leading with Heukhobang and sending in ten Amyoungdaewon and the Geonsang Gwae, Cheongung appeared again, resulting in the deaths of both the Amyoungdaewon and the Geonsang Gwae. Also, we attached Amyeong 89th to Gangchan, the one who killed the Amyoungsipho, but a few days later, all contact with him ceased as well. Currently, Hangju is being stabilized quickly under the Cheonrangpa, and Suzhou has been seized and secured by the fleeing Heukhobang.”

“To think two unexpected variables would appear, and even the Geonsang Gwae fell?”

“Yes. We investigated Cheongung, but no one has seen him clearly, and most victims appeared to have died by archery.”

“Was it possible one of the Eight Kings was in the area?”

“We checked their movements, but that was not the case.”

Hyeok Se-gi, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke.

“How interesting. For an expert capable of handling the Geonsang Gwae to suddenly appear…”

A hint of amusement flickered across Hyeok Se-gi’s face.

“Please punish me.”

Yahon bowed even lower.

“That’s enough. If everything always went as planned, it would be far too dull, wouldn’t it? Now, what do you plan to do with Hangju and Suzhou?”

“For now, we’ve suspended all operations and are focusing on identifying and eliminating the variables.”

“Good. Have the other regions checked again for any unforeseen variables.”

“As you command.”

Once Yahon exited the Ten Thousand Demons Hall like a shadow, Hyeok Se-gi turned to Ma Brain.

“What do you think?”

“It is odd that we failed even after deploying such strength.”

“Indeed. Remain vigilant, as these variables could pose a threat. Review the next phase of our operations as well.”

“Do not worry.”

“I find myself curious about this Cheongung.”

“Yes, understood.”

A single elderly man and five robust young men entered the Plum Blossom Guesthouse.

One of the young men spoke with the innkeeper before approaching the elder.

“Elder, the young lady and young master are staying in the separate quarters.”

“Let’s go then.”

The elder was Pang Gipyeong of the Pang Family, known as Gunja Do (君刀).

The guesthouse, cozy and tranquil, radiated an air of luxury at a glance.

One young man quickly approached the door, peeked inside, and called out.

“So Gaju, the Elder has arrived from the main house.”

There was a stir from within before the door opened and Paeng Cheonho and Paeng Suhyeon emerged to greet them.

“We greet our granduncle.”

“Good, you’re both doing well in a fine place. Let’s go in. Ah, my back…”

Clutching his back in exaggerated pain, Pang Gipyeong entered the room, causing Paeng Cheonho and Paeng Suhyeon to exchange troubled glances.

Once seated, Pang Gipyeong silently looked at Paeng Cheonho and Paeng Suhyeon.

“So, I hear your health suffered?”

Paeng Cheonho shook his head, waving his hand.

“No, I am quite well.”

“Really? Suhyeon’s letter said you were gravely ill—are you all recovered already?”

Scratching his head, Paeng Cheonho looked toward Paeng Suhyeon.

After a moment’s hesitation, Paeng Suhyeon spoke with tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry for bringing shame to our family, Grandfather. Sob, sob…”

“Don’t say that. Why should you be sorry?”

“Waaaah!”

At Pang Gipyeong’s comforting words, Paeng Suhyeon seemed to seize the chance and broke into loud wailing.

“Heh, you cry no matter what I say. Who gave you the honor of our family only to have you mourn like this?”

At that, Paeng Cheonho sensed something odd and jumped in.

“Granduncle! Forgive us.”

“Yes, a proper heir must be able to assess the situation. In that sense, Cheonho, you’re not completely hopeless. Now, let’s hear exactly what went wrong.”

Still sobbing, Paeng Suhyeon gazed at Pang Gipyeong, but his resolve remained firm.

This was precisely why the Master of the Peng Family had sent Pang Gipyeong on this matter.

Pang Gipyeong was a strict traditionalist and the coldest member of the family.

That was why everyone both feared and respected him.

“So, it is true that young man defeated the Geonsang Gwae and aided the Suryongdae in their crisis, is it?”

“Yes. While I’m unsure about the Suryongdae, it is true he defeated the demonic Geonsang Gwae.”

“Then honestly recount everything that happened afterward.”

Paeng Cheonho knew any lies would be exposed by those present with the Suryongdae.

So he told the whole story truthfully.

After his long explanation, Paeng Cheonho nervously lowered his gaze.

Pang Gipyeong was angry.

They were young, but such thoughtless behavior could bring disaster upon the family.

In Jianghu, today’s ties could have unforeseeable consequences in the future.

He felt both disappointment and fury at his grandchildren’s actions.

How many in the family had risked their lives to protect their house over the centuries?

To think such useless offspring could bring ruin upon them made his vision blur with rage.

With fiery eyes, Pang Gipyeong rebuked them.

“Stop those tears at once! I should tell the family head to cut you off completely. No matter your youth, how could a martial artist of Jianghu turn a blade on someone who saved your life? And then talk of manners? Does etiquette mean only groveling for your own benefit? Useless wretches—take them and escort them to the main house at once!”

Paeng Suhyeon, taken aback by Pang Gipyeong’s unexpected reaction, still ground her teeth, scheming for revenge.

For now, there was nothing she could do, but once back at the main house, she’d have plenty of family members who’d grant her every request.

The five young martial artists accompanying Pang Gipyeong quickly led the pair out of the guesthouse.

After a moment, one of them returned.

“Elder, shall we depart immediately?”

“Go on ahead. I’d like to meet that young man before leaving. Also, wait a moment—I’ll write a letter to the Master for you to deliver.”

“Yes, Elder.”

Pang Gipyeong entered the room, wrote a letter to the Master of the Peng Family, and handed it to the martial artist, who tucked it away before following Pang Gipyeong out of the guesthouse.

Outside, Paeng Cheonho and Paeng Suhyeon looked like scolded puppies as they bowed their heads at Pang Gipyeong’s approach.

“If I hear of any trouble on your journey or that you’ve caused your escorts hardship, I won’t care for the Master’s face—there will be no mercy.”

With that, Pang Gipyeong sent Paeng Cheonho and Paeng Suhyeon back to the main house, then began gathering information about Gangchan’s whereabouts in Hangju.

The day after Nanseol’s visit, the black-clad men of Hangju and their families began to line up before the Heavenly Mandate Hall, hoping to become martial artists.

Gangchan had intended to meet every candidate himself, but their numbers were overwhelming, so an initial selection was necessary.

Gangchan instructed ten of the envoys sent by Nanseol—those he had especially noted—to conduct the first screening.

The first test was for men aged 15 to 30: to run ten laps around the Jangwon’s perimeter within a single incense stick’s time, without using any inner power.

Hong Hyeon and Du Il-chung, among the ten envoys, stood at intervals, judging posture and checking for use of inner energy, selecting the qualifiers.

Those under 15 or over 30 were to be screened directly by Gangchan.

A nervous young boy entered Gangchan’s office.

“Don’t be nervous. Just stand there and take a deep breath.”

“Yes, sir.”

The boy kept his gaze down, unable to meet Gangchan’s eyes.

“Look me in the eyes and answer my questions. What is your name?”

“My name is Jang Han-gyeong (張漢慶).”

“How old are you?”

“I am thirteen this year.”

“Why have you come here?”

“I heard I could become a real martial artist.”

“And why do you want to be one?”

“To learn real martial arts and help those weaker than me.”

“I see. That’s all. Go and wait outside.”

As he questioned the boy, Gangchan felt the change in his spirit.

It was stubborn, yet steadfast.

“Accepted.”

Gwak Jagoh, who was recording names and ages, asked, puzzled,

“Bangju, can you really judge with just those questions?”

“Every person is born with their own unique aura, and the most strongly developed aura tends to shape their nature. Though a child’s character isn’t fully formed and can change, one’s innate strength of spirit never does. That’s what I’m looking for; the questions themselves are not important.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“Haha, put simply, I check for excessive killing intent or evil aura, and whether their temperament allows them to study steadily.”

All across Heavenly Mandate Hall, everyone was busy selecting martial candidates.

After confirming Gangchan’s location, the Pang Family elder, Gunja Do Pang Gipyeong, headed for the Heavenly Mandate Hall.

As Gangchan was in the midst of the selection, a letter arrived from Nanseol.

“Elder of the Ha Buk Paengga, Gunja Do (君刀) Pang Gipyeong (彭起), and five members of the Honyun Mujeokdae have entered Hangju.

Except for Gunja Do Pang Gipyeong, the Honyun Mujeokdae five, Paeng Cheonho, and Paeng Suhyeon have returned to the Pang Family.

Note: Gunja Do Pang Gipyeong is a master of Ohodan Mundo (Five Tigers Severing Gate Saber).

Martial Skill Rank: Supreme. Ranks second in martial arts within Ha Buk Paengga.

Known for upright and fair character.”

“So, that’s how it is.”

Gangchan judged the situation to be positive since Pang Gipyeong had stayed behind alone in Hangju.

If Pang Gipyeong intended to eliminate him, he would not have sent his men away, no matter how skilled he was.

Thus, the problem with Ha Buk Paengga that Gangchan had worried about now seemed much more likely to resolve peacefully.

But another problem remained.

The selection process required far more time and effort than expected.

By the time the sun had set and Yusigan arrived, he hadn’t even seen a third of the new candidates to Heavenly Mandate Hall.

Gangchan arranged for those who needed lodging to stay in an empty hall, and told the others to return the next day.

Then he made his way to his quarters.

“I never imagined selecting people would be so tiring…”

Throwing his exhausted body onto his bed, Gangchan stared blankly at the ceiling until sleep overtook him.