Du Ilchung had descended from the hill before the others and was currently meeting with the owner of the nearest inn.
“The Heavenly Mandate Hall will cover all expenses, so do not worry about the money.”
“Even so, having nearly 100 rough-looking men coming in all at once is a bit unsettling…”
“Then how about you take your family and stay at the Cheonhyangru for a while? Stay there while they are here.”
“If you do that, we do not mind, but what about the guests who are already inside?”
“It is still early evening, so please ask them to move to the Baekcheon Inn.”
“I understand. Please wait a moment.”
The innkeeper went up to the second floor.
Du Ilchung watched the owner head upstairs, then left the inn and flew toward the direction where the Seomyeongdae was approaching.
“The inn is being cleared, so please rest here for a moment and wait.”
“Very well. Everyone, take a break.”
Upon Pyo Seung’s command, the warriors of the Seomyeongdae sat down and began to rest. After confirming they were settled, Du Ilchung flew back toward the inn.
As he reached the entrance, a commotion was taking place.
“No, I am asking why we have to move.”
A young man with a handsome appearance, dressed in luxurious clothing, was looking at the innkeeper with a displeased expression.
His name was Jo Yun.
He was the last disciple accepted by the current Huashan Sect Leader, the Plum Blossom Sword, Hwa Su-in, who had recognized his talent.
Though once called the Star of Huashan, he was now treated as a nuisance and lived as if he were invisible.
If that youth was indeed Jo Yun, then the young man standing beside him was undoubtedly Ma Jeon, a disciple of the Beggars’ Sect who traveled with him.
They were close friends due to the bonds between their respective masters.
“Guest, as I explained earlier, this is a decision made by the Cheonrangpa, who manage this area. I have no power to change it.”
“I am not leaving, so tell the Cheonrangpa or whoever it is to come and speak to me directly.”
As the young man remained stubborn, Ma Jeon stepped forward.
“Yun, do not make things difficult for the owner. Let’s just go to the Baekcheon Inn.”
“Ma Jeon! Why do we have to be the ones to move?”
Ma Jeon leaned in and whispered into Jo Yun’s ear in a low voice.
‘Hey, you stubborn brat. We are on a secret mission right now, aren’t we? Please, let’s just go quietly.’
“I know that, but… ah, I really hate this.”
Jo Yun was reluctantly led out of the inn by Ma Jeon.
At that moment, his eyes met Du Ilchung’s as the latter was entering.
It was a brief crossing of paths.
Jo Yun watched Du Ilchung’s retreating back with curious eyes as he entered the inn.
“He is impressive. Who is he?”
“I do not know either. Just hurry up and walk.”
Ma Jeon and Jo Yun chuckled as they walked toward the Baekcheon Inn.
“How did it go?”
“As you requested, everyone has been cleared out. You may enter now.”
“Thank you. Please prepare some simple food with the remaining ingredients, and then you may head to the Cheonhyangru.”
“Yes. I will finish the cooking quickly and leave.”
The innkeeper answered and went into the kitchen to give instructions to the cook.
Seeing that, Du Ilchung recalled the young man he had just passed.
The moment their eyes met, he had seen a steadfast spirit and a tremendous storm dwelling within the youth’s gaze.
‘I do not know which sect he belongs to, but they have raised quite an incredible talent.’
Occupied with such thoughts, Du Ilchung headed back toward the hills. He reached the Seomyeongdae and led them all back to the inn.
“Now, are you satisfied?”
“I will say thank you for now. Shall we go meet your master then?”
‘He says “your master” rather than “the Sect Leader”…’
Du Ilchung’s thoughts deepened.
As Pyo Seung stood up, Du Ilchung and Jo Mu followed suit. Just then, a member of the Seomyeongdae stepped forward and blocked the path.
“It is dangerous for you to go alone.”
“We will follow as well.”
The Seomyeongdae members sitting nearby all stood up, offering to go along.
“We are not going there to fight. It would not look good if we flocked there in a group, would it?”
“Who cares about appearances? If things go wrong and you die, we will be left stranded like lost orphans.”
As grumbling spread through the inn, everyone broke into a smile.
“As you can see, they will not let me go alone. I will have to take a few with me. Is that alright?”
“Do as you wish.”
“Then you lot will come with me.”
Thus, Pyo Seung and five members of the Seomyeongdae headed toward the Heavenly Mandate Hall.
The gates of the Heavenly Mandate Hall opened, and the group entered.
A disciple of the Heavenly Mandate Hall, who had been waiting inside, guided them to the office.
Waiting in front of the office were Nanseol, Pang Gipyeong, and Hong Hyeon.
“Welcome. Please, come inside and we can talk.”
Nanseol turned and entered the office, with Pyo Seung following behind her.
When the five Seomyeongdae members tried to follow Pyo Seung, Hong Hyeon blocked their way.
“You can go no further. Wait here.”
“Who are you to tell us what to do?”
Along with those words, hands were placed on the hilts of their sabers.
Immediately, Hong Hyeon and the surrounding disciples of the Heavenly Mandate Hall assumed stances as if they were ready to draw their weapons.
“Stop. Wait here.”
At Pyo Seung’s command, they removed their hands from their hilts and stepped aside, though they continued to glare at Hong Hyeon as if they wanted to kill him.
Two people sat facing each other in the office.
Tea with steam rising from it was placed before them.
“Have a cup. it will help you relax.”
“I will enjoy it.”
Pyo Seung picked up the teacup and took a sip.
Nanseol, who had been observing his speech and behavior, spoke first.
“If you have read the message, you know that we no longer have a reason to fight.”
Pyo Seung looked at Nanseol. He had heard rumors, but this was his first time seeing the daughter of the previous Master in person. Though he knew her actual age was in her mid-thirties, she looked as young and beautiful as a woman in her twenties.
Combined with her calm atmosphere, she seemed to possess everything a man could desire.
Pyo Seung stared intently at her before speaking.
“There is no reason to fight.”
“You understand. I am so glad.”
“Well. I wonder if that is true?”
Her eyes wavered for a moment.
“Are you perhaps denying the authority of the Mangwon-cheon-pae?”
“No. Not at all.”
“Then what is it?”
“As the Vice Leader of the Haomun, I do not deny the authority of the Mangwon-cheon-pae. I assume the same goes for you?”
“Of course. I have no intention of denying the Mangwon-cheon-pae.”
“I hope you do not forget those words.”
Having finished speaking, Pyo Seung smiled.
‘He is smiling in this situation…?’
Surprised, Nanseol hurriedly set down her teacup.
“Could it be…”
“Yes. What you are suspecting right now is correct.”
“I see. But is such a thing even possible?”
“Do you think it is impossible? Because the Gentleman’s Blade is by your side?”
“Well, we will have to see about that. And make sure you keep your word about recognizing the Mangwon-cheon-pae.”
“I will certainly keep it.”
“Then let us compete to see who claims the Mangwon-cheon-pae.”
Nanseol and Pyo Seung stepped outside.
The eyes of those waiting for the result gathered on them all at once.
Disregarding their stares, Pyo Seung approached the Seomyeongdae members waiting to one side.
“Let’s go.”
At Pyo Seung’s command, the Seomyeongdae left the Heavenly Mandate Hall.
Pyo Seung, who was following behind his subordinates with a relaxed expression, looked back at Nanseol.
“Do not forget your promise.”
Nanseol saw him off with a smile.
“It will not be easy, but do your best.”
Since Nanseol’s reaction was calmer than expected, Pyo Seung felt a strange sense of unease.
‘I do not know what she is planning, but I will win. I must.’
Steeling his resolve, Pyo Seung gave a command to his subordinates as they left the Heavenly Mandate Hall.
“Mobilize all available members and guard the roads leading from Fuyang to Hangzhou starting now. We only need to seize the Mangwon-cheon-pae from the Cheongangmun Master, Gangchan.”
“Understood.”
The Seomyeongdae members flew toward the inn where the rest of their comrades were waiting.
Once the Seomyeongdae and Pyo Seung had left the Heavenly Mandate Hall, everyone gathered around Nanseol.
“What on earth is going on?”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Pang Gipyeong pressed Nanseol for an answer. Nanseol explained Pyo Seung’s words and intentions to everyone.
“Puhahaha!”
Laughter broke out, though no one was sure who started it.
“He really stepped in it this time.”
“Once we send a message to the Sect Leader, the situation will be over.”
“While we are at it, hurry up and send the message to the Sect Leader.”
“Yes, I will take care of it immediately.”
“Shouldn’t we go watch the show?”
For the first time in a while, a peaceful atmosphere settled over the Heavenly Mandate Hall.
***
To give Mong a rest after their non-stop journey, Gangchan arrived at Dongryeo, southwest of Fuyang. He stopped at an inn to have a meal and provide his horse with some rest and nutritious fodder.
Entering the inn, Gangchan handed a few coins to the inn attendant who had greeted him very politely.
“Please give the horse outside a special meal.”
“Do not worry. I will provide plenty of good hay mixed with beans and vegetables.”
“I will have one roasted duck, some greens, and a bottle of Duck Leaf Liquor.”
“I will have it ready for you in no time.”
After placing his order, Gangchan looked around.
There was still some time before sunset, but several groups of people were already drinking and chatting.
“Gosh, even if it is winter, why is the price of rice so high?”
“Is it just rice? What about the price of barley?”
“I really do not know the reason.”
“Did the government seize all the grain again to prepare for war?”
“There is no way that is true, right?”
“If not, then why are grain prices skyrocketing like this?”
“Whatever the reason, it is not going to be an easy winter.”
“If we have food, we eat; if we don’t, we starve. What else can we do? Come on, let’s have a drink.”
While listening to the men’s conversation, the food and liquor he ordered were served.
“Please enjoy your meal.”
“Yes, thank you.”
As he was nearly finished with his meal, a man entered the inn, looked around, and approached Gangchan without hesitation.
“I am Cheon Pil, a disciple of the Haomun. I greet Hall Master Gang.”
“How did you recognize me so easily?”
“I have seen you in Hangzhou before.”
“I see. So, what brings you here?”
Cheon Pil handed a letter to Gangchan.
“I was ordered to deliver this to you before you reached Fuyang.”
“Thank you.”
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
As Cheon Pil left the inn, Gangchan opened the letter and began to read.
A smile spread across his face as his eyes moved down the page.
‘I do not need to hurry.’
Gangchan called the inn attendant to prepare a room and settled in for a rare, comfortable night’s sleep.
***
In the early winter dawn, before the world had fully awakened, steam rose from Gangchan’s entire body as he practiced the Cheonryeongmu while stepping through the Gwihoonbo.
“My body feels light after finally getting a good night’s sleep.”
He could draw in external energy and use it like internal qi, but the amount was limited to what his physical body could withstand.
However, if one surpassed the limits of the body, the size of the internal qi one could use would also increase. After finishing his training, Gangchan went to a well, lifted a bucket of water with ice floating in it, and poured it over himself.
The steam spread like a fog.
Gangchan instantly expelled the Grounded Righteous Qi he had drawn into his body.
*Pssh!*
A massive amount of steam erupted, revealing Gangchan’s refreshed appearance.
He observed his own body, searching for changes.
Although he was one step short of attaining Great Success in the Jieugiseong stage, he had now reached a level where he could control the grounded qi through his will alone.
General martial arts focus on accumulating internal qi after a certain amount of physical training is completed. However, in the case of the Seungcheonmugukgiseong, internal qi itself was meaningless since it involved drawing in and using external energy.
The only thing that mattered was how much energy the physical body and the mind could hold.
Therefore, it was essential to constantly train the body and cultivate an Unshakable Heart. After a simple breakfast, Gangchan slowly set off toward Fuyang with Mong.
If he had ridden fast, he would have already passed Fuyang by now.
However, after receiving the letter, Gangchan moved leisurely as if he were on a sightseeing trip, dragging out the time as much as possible.
Upon arriving in Fuyang, he went into another inn and spent his time as comfortably as possible.
Meanwhile, Pyo Seung and the Seomyeongdae members were lying in ambush on the official road.
They were waiting for Gangchan to come along the road leading into Hangzhou.
According to the information in the letter, Gangchan was expected to arrive in Hangzhou tonight or early tomorrow morning.
If so, he would definitely pass through this place tonight.
“Once we recover the Mangwon-cheon-pae from him, everything will be over. Stay focused, even if it is difficult.”
“Yes.”
The hardship the Seomyeongdae members faced in the cold weather was beyond words. However, no matter how long they waited, Gangchan did not appear that night.
“Could we have chosen the wrong location?”
Anger flickered across Pyo Seung’s face at his subordinate’s question.
“That is impossible.”
He tried to make contact through the existing communication network, but there was no response.
Without information, there was no way to move.
In the end, he had no choice but to wait here for Gangchan to appear.
Only after waiting another full day did he see the figure of Gangchan slowly approaching on horseback from far away.