Chapter 439
## Chapter 439. The Bird That Calls the Typhoon (4)
—
The celebration for the reopening reached its conclusion.
The guests who had partaken in the magnificent feast began departing one by one, yet the grounds of the Tae-eul Sect remained packed with people. A large portion of the crowd consisted of individuals who had either received word of the banquet too late or had traveled in haste after discovering there would be a martial arts contest, only to miss the main events. To accommodate them, the Tae-eul Sect provided modest refreshments and alcohol.
“Is it truly finished already?!”
“Since you traveled quite a distance to get here, please join us inside for a drink before making your way home.”
“Tsk. Had I known the timing would turn out this way, I would have abandoned my fields and set off far sooner.”
This hospitality was maintained because the Sect Leader had explicitly ordered that no traveler from afar should be turned away empty-handed.
Three days slipped away in this fashion, yet the influx of visitors to the Tae-eul Sect showed no signs of stopping.
“Oh? Who might those individuals be? What is the occasion?”
“They are people inquiring whether we are accepting secular disciples (Sok-ga-je-ja).”
“Secular disciples?”
What sort of prominent organization did they think the Tae-eul Sect was to be taking in secular disciples? The incident at the Buk-won Plain was an extraordinary crisis where exceptions had to be made due to the gravity of the situation; under normal circumstances, the Tae-eul Sect simply lacked the scale and infrastructure to accommodate secular disciples. On top of that, they currently lacked enough instructors to properly train the disciples they already had.
“Go back out there and decline their requests with courtesy. We simply do not have the capacity to take on anyone new at this moment.”
“Ah… Dang-ju-nim, how should we handle the individuals who claim they are willing to offer payment if we agree to teach them?”
“……They are offering to pay?”
Gang Chae-seok, the Hall Master of Kwae-hwa, blinked in sheer bewilderment. After all, did he not understand the local reality better than anyone else? In the minds of the populace throughout Hefei, the established view was clear: ‘One would be much wiser to enroll in a training hall tied to the Nine Sects and One Gang or the Five Great Families than to waste time at the Tae-eul Sect.’ Yet now, people were actively begging to learn martial arts from this very Tae-eul Sect, even offering financial compensation for the privilege.
“One person out there is offering a sum as high as ten gold coins.”
“Ha…….”
Even if someone were to employ a personal martial arts instructor for private lessons, they wouldn’t expect to pour out that much money. Furthermore, the applicants arriving at their gates were not uninitiated novices. Without exception, every single one of them bore the unmistakable look of individuals possessing a solid amount of Jianghu experience. For such people to willingly offer that kind of wealth, there could only be a single explanation.
‘They witnessed the martial prowess of Jin So-un.’
The Frontal Attack (Jeong-gong) he displayed when confronting Jong Byeok-gi of Jeom-chang had been nothing short of magnificent. Anyone who possessed even a rudimentary understanding of martial arts would have found themselves entirely spellbound by the profound principles and boundless variations within those techniques. Frankly, had even he himself not harbored fleeting doubts about whether the Tae-eul-jin-gyeong he had spent his entire life practicing was truly the authentic version?
“Dang-ju-nim?”
“Ahem!”
Realizing that the Tae-eul Sect had finally achieved true recognition, a grin threatened to break across his face. However, he forced his features into the most dignified expression he could muster and dropped his voice to a serious register.
“The Tae-eul Sect is not a commercial enterprise that barters its martial heritage for coin. Go back and turn them away with proper politeness.”
“……But we are talking about ten gold coins?”
Hearing Gwak Sam-nam’s questioning hesitation, Gang Chae-seok’s eyebrows twitched with irritation.
“Is it ever acceptable to trade our martial arts for money, whether the offer is ten coins or a hundred?”
Gwak Sam-nam wavered, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot as he muttered under his breath.
“No, that’s not what I meant…… I merely thought that if the Dae-sahyeong were to hear of this, the sheer shock might cause him to faint…….”
For a split second, Gang Chae-seok flinched visibly, though he instantly smoothed over his features as if nothing had occurred.
“Just what kind of person do you take the Eldest Disciple of the Tae-eul Sect to be? So-un is absolutely not the sort of child who would lose his mind over money!”
“……???”
Gwak Sam-nam stared up at the confidently declaring Gang Chae-seok with an expression of profound disbelief. No matter how his master painted it, the Dae-sahyeong would almost certainly react exactly that way…….
“In any case, deliver the refusal with due courtesy and send them on their way.”
“……Understood.”
Sam-nam, envisioning the terrifying countenance of his Dae-sahyeong, finally turned and walked away. Once Gang Chae-seok’s decision was conveyed to the waiting crowd, the assembled ronin sighed in deep disappointment and dispersed.
When the next day arrived, an entirely different group of visitors emerged. Unlike the wandering martial artists from before, these people were dressed in the simple attire of ordinary citizens. Some possessed the bearing of merchants, while others looked like simple farmers. Yet they all shared an identical trait: each one walked through the gates of the Tae-eul Sect while firmly clutching the hand of a young child.
“What is the meaning of this gathering?”
“They have arrived requesting to enroll their youngsters as formal disciples of the Tae-eul Sect.”
“Formal disciples?”
“Indeed. We are being bombarded with questions regarding when the entrance examinations will take place and how they can have their children’s innate talent evaluated.”
What on earth was going on now? Gang Chae-seok tilted his head in confusion.
“Did you ever have to pass an entrance examination?”
“Not at all. I merely came over to play with Ja-mun one afternoon, and because I was given a free dinner, I ended up trapped into becoming a disciple before I knew it.”
“……We certainly did not expand our numbers through such aggressive coercion.”
“I still have a vivid memory of that evening, Dang-ju-nim. You looked at me and said…….”
“Aaaakh…… stop right there, do not say another word……!!”
“‘If you swallow this food, you are officially one of our disciples,’ those were your exact words.”
Gang Chae-seok’s face, which had flushed as crimson as a fully ripened persimmon, completely locked up.
“……What exactly did we serve for dinner on that particular evening?”
“It was chicken broth with noodles. If it had only been the noodles, I might have found the strength to resist…… but I ended up eating that small morsel of chicken meat, ah.”
“…….”
Historically, the Tae-eul Sect had never been a desirable option for the residents of Hefei. Back in the days when they managed to acquire meat, their standing was so abysmally low that they practically had to bribe the existing disciples’ playmates just to entice them onto the premises. For the most part, the children who ended up training under the Tae-eul Sect were either from families experiencing severe poverty or were individuals whose parents had no choice but to leave them somewhere while they labored through the day.
Yet now, they were asking about an entrance exam……. A dilemma he had never once implemented, and one he assumed he would never have to contemplate for the rest of his days, had suddenly dropped right into his lap.
“H-Hold on a moment.”
“Where are you off to?”
“To consult the individual who actually holds the authority here!”
“?”
Was the Hall Master of Kwae-hwa not supposed to be the supreme authority regarding the education of disciples? The young disciple watched with wide eyes as the impressive figure of his master rapidly retreated to escape the burden of responsibility.
Gang Chae-seok, sprinting toward the Tae-eul Hall with the velocity of an arrow, suddenly skidded to a halt as he sensed a highly abnormal phenomenon enveloping the surrounding space.
‘C-Could this be an Energy Veil (Gi-mak)?’
An Energy Veil. It was a sophisticated internal energy technique capable of containing sound within a specific perimeter to keep conversations strictly confidential. It represented a pinnacle of martial mastery that Gang Chae-seok could currently only dream of achieving.
“But to maintain a Gi-mak of this magnitude…….”
In ordinary circumstances, keeping even a tiny Gi-mak active within a localized area containing just two individuals requires immense concentration. Yet at this very moment, the Gi-mak draped over the Tae-eul Hall was vast enough to encapsulate the entirety of the massive structure.
“Ah…….”
While he stood there utterly transfixed, completely forgetting the entire reason he had run over in the first place, Hong Mun-gi pushed the doors open and stepped outside with a grim, rigid countenance.
“S-Sect Leader! How did you realize I was standing out here?”
“……The individuals inside told me to step out and attend to you.”
“What in heaven’s name is transpirng within those walls? To deploy a Gi-mak on such an unbelievable scale.”
“…….”
Hong Mun-gi’s face remained taut. He hesitated for a long moment before slowly shaking his head.
“To be frank…… I am just as blind to the details as you are.”
“……!”
His demeanor, his physical posture, and even the cadence of his voice—absolutely nothing about the man seemed ordinary right now. Gang Chae-seok found himself suddenly terrified to probe any deeper. In the treacherous world of the Jianghu, possessing knowledge of profound secrets is often synonymous with shortening one’s own lifespan.
“I understand. I shall refrain from digging any further.”
“……No, it is not a matter of me withholding information from you…… I genuinely possess no understanding of what is happening myself.”
“Understood completely. I will convey my business swiftly and leave you to it.”
“No…… I am telling you, I truly do not kno…….”
“A massive crowd wishing to enroll their children as formal disciples has gathered outside.”
“What?”
Hong Mun-gi, who had been speaking with an expression of deep exasperation, tilted his head in surprise at the mention of ‘formal disciples.’
“Formal disciples?”
“To speak accurately, they would comprise our third-generation line. The number of applicants waiting out there matches the scale of the mobs that used to protest right outside our gates. I am at a loss as to whether we should organize an admission test.”
In stark contrast to Gang Chae-seok’s visible thrill regarding the situation, Hong Mun-gi’s features twisted into a deep, troubled frown.
“Third-generation disciples…….”
From the beginning, because the number of first-generation members was incredibly small and an increasing number of people had to travel outside to secure funds for the sect, they had been forced to induct the second-generation disciples far ahead of schedule. Because of that choice, there was virtually no true age gap separating the first and second generations.
“Should we not seize this chance to accept more followers if we wish to expand our influence and strength?”
“Mmm…….”
“People are practically fighting one another for a chance to join us. Is this not precisely the future you always envisioned, Sect Leader?”
This was the very same Hong Mun-gi who used to declare that his ultimate dream was to see the grounds of the Tae-eul Sect overflowing with disciples. Yet that very man was now shifting his anxious gaze back and forth between the grand entrance of the Tae-eul Hall and his subordinate.
“Disciples…… accepting new disciples right now seems incredibly ill-timed.”
“Pardon?”
“I cannot precisely identify the cause, but a massive storm is about to break across the entire Jianghu…….”
Right at that second, the heavy doors of the Tae-eul Hall slammed open, and Moyong-gang stepped out in a hurry.
“Sect Leader Hong! What is taking so long! Are you occupied with something urgent?”
“Ah? Yes. At this exact moment, outside the gates of the Tae-eul Sect…….”
“Do not waste time on trivialities. Is it not the primary duty of an overseer to leave internal logistics to his underlings so he can focus on grand strategy? Hurry back inside! Our deliberations have come to an absolute standstill because you are missing from the table!”
Gang Chae-seok felt his mind go completely blank from sheer astonishment. Moyong-gang, the legendary ‘Grasping Sword.’ A figure who stood at the absolute pinnacle of power, reputation, and authority within the martial world, was currently proclaiming that critical business could not move forward because his respected Sahyeong and the Sect Leader of the Tae-eul Sect wasn’t in the room!
“Sahyeong Hong…… just what kind of profound matters are you discussing in there…….”
Unable to contain himself any longer, Gang Chae-seok violated his own rule and asked.
“I have already told you, I am entirely in the dark.”
The only response he received was the same tense look on Hong Mun-gi’s face.
“Regardless, I must return inside. As for the potential disciples…… I have absolutely no intention of bringing new people in at this juncture, so instruct them to return to their homes for now.”
Watching the retreating form of his Sahyeong Hong, whose shoulder was currently draped by the familiar arm of Moyong-gang as the giant guided him back into the hall:
“Good heavens…….”
Hong Mun-gi felt an overwhelming wave of emotion wash over him.
“To think that a titan of that stature treats our Sahyeong with such deference…….”
Like an absolute equal……! Furthermore, to think that grand affairs could not even progress without his Sahyeong’s presence! Within Gang Chae-seok’s soul, for the very first time since he could remember, a deep-seated reverence for Hong Mun-gi began to blossom rapidly.
“So you ordered them to leave?”
“Indeed.”
“You claimed that Sam-nam was the person who actually dismissed them, so why are you the one delivering this report to me?”
I directed my question toward Eun-ho.
“He explicitly stated that he was far too terrified to bring the news to you himself.”
“……???”
Pardon? In my previous existence, Sam-nam had never shown an ounce of fear toward me. In fact, far from being intimidated, hadn’t he routinely gone out of his way to mock and poke fun at me?
“Am I truly such a terrifying figure to those children?”
“To be completely honest, your reputation among them is far closer to being a source of amusement.”
The response shot out without a single moment of hesitation. Hmm, hearing that wounds my pride in a completely different manner. While I leveled a harsh stare at Eun-ho, he adroitly shifted the conversation to a new topic.
“Setting that aside, what is your stance? Regarding the prospect of taking on new disciples.”
“The current climate is entirely wrong for it.”
The moment the cataclysmic conflict between the forces of Justice and Evil erupts across the land, everyone from grown men to young children will be swept up and dragged directly onto the front lines. If we bring innocent youngsters into our fold right now, we will likely end up watching them perish without even possessing the strength to safeguard their lives.
“My thoughts align precisely with yours.”
“Naturally. But I am asking because I am genuinely perplexed—why exactly did Sam-nam refuse to give me the report directly? I was under the impression that Sam-nam and I shared a very close bond.”
A prickle of anxiety hit me, making me wonder if I had somehow failed to show proper care to the younger ones during this lifetime. Even if we had been inseparable throughout our early childhood years, a significant amount of time had passed during our period of separation.
“……The reality is likely quite different from what you are imagining, Dae-sahyeong.”
“If that is the case, then what is the true reason?”
After a brief hesitation, Eun-ho spoke up.
“A particular piece of gossip has been making the rounds among the Saje.”
“Gossip?”
“It concerns…… the notion that Dae-sahyeong is incredibly…… obsessed with wealth. That is almost certainly the root cause.”
I tilted my head in total bafflement.
“I fail to see the logic?”
Is there a single human being walking this earth who harbors a genuine hatred for money?
“They say you value it to an absolute ‘maniacal’ (Gwang) degree…….”
“……No, that makes even less sense to me?”
Even granting that I might possess a slight (?) inclination toward financial security, how does that translate into the Saje actively keeping their distance from me? Man, I am starting to feel genuinely slighted by this.
“He was most likely terrified that you would fly into a rage upon hearing the second piece of news.”
“The second piece of news? There is an additional matter to report? Listen, regardless of what the news happens to be, do I genuinely strike you as the type of unhinged individual who would direct unbridled fury at Sam-nam over a simple message?”
“It appears there were also individuals who arrived at our gates seeking enrollment as secular disciples.”
“……And?”
In contrast to his earlier demeanor, Eun-ho’s tone took on a stark clarity, and for some inexplicable reason, I felt my pulse begin to quicken. Eun-ho paused for a brief instant to steady his breathing. Why on earth is he adopting such an ominous gravity…….
“They openly stated their willingness to pay as much as ten gold coins just to receive instruction.”
“Good heavens! Is that the truth? That is absolutely…….”
“However, the Hall Master of Kwae-hwa sent them away. He informed them that the Tae-eul Sect does not barter its sacred techniques for financial gain.”
“Gah!!!!”
My jaw dropped so violently that a sharp ache shot through my face.
“Are you experiencing anger right now?”
“……Not at all.”
“Are you absolutely certain you are not furious?”
Because Eun-ho refused to drop the matter and kept prodding me, my temper finally shattered. That’s right, the source of my rising fury isn’t the piece of information I was just handed, but rather this incessantly annoying Eun-ho standing right in front of me.
“……Do you possess a death wish?”
“You are absolutely furious.”
Hearing Eun-ho’s smug declaration, any trace of fraternal affection vanished instantly.
“I am not! My irritation stems entirely from your blatant disrespect toward your elder brother who stands as high as the heavens themselves……!”
“This exact reaction is precisely why Sam-nam fled the scene!”
“…….”
As I stood there plotting the most painful way to deal with Eun-ho, who seemed to possess a natural talent for uttering words that begged for a physical thrashing, another interruption arrived.
“Dae-sahyeong…….”
Dong-ryong appeared to deliver intelligence regarding an uninvited party.
“An envoy has arrived from Jeom-chang.”
“The martial showcase concluded days ago. Inform them to turn around and leave.”
“No, these are individuals representing the primary branch of the Jeom-chang Sect.”
Dong-ryong clarified, his facial expression turning incredibly severe.
“They are high-ranking figures from the main sect itself.”
Ho-oh. What possible motive could they harbor now that the festivities have wound down completely? I rotated my wrists to loosen them up and allowed a sharp grin to spread across my face.
“Have they traveled all this way because they are eager to seek their own graves?”
“……It is precisely due to this terrifying display that Sam-nam refused to come near you.”
“……You, shut your mouth for a moment.”
I gestured for Dong-ryong and Eun-ho to follow as I marched toward the front gates. As we made our way across the grounds, the rest of the Saje silently began to fall into file behind us one after another.
“What is the meaning of this? Why are all of you trailing behind me?”
Eun-ho acted as the group’s spokesperson.
“Are we not merely preparing ourselves for a potential crisis?”
“A crisis?”
“Well, such as Dae-sahyeong suddenly starting an altercation, or casting deliberate provocations, or unleashing a torrent of biting sarcasm…….”
Just what kind of monster do these punks take me for? I am a refined individual who places a premium on constructive dialogue and open communication above all else. I desperately wanted to turn around and reprimand them, but I was forced to hold my tongue because we had already arrived at the primary threshold, bringing us face-to-face with the Jeom-chang delegation. An organization possessing true heritage (Geun-bon) must never display a lack of manners (Bi-rye) in the presence of visitors.
I brought my hands together in a flawlessly executed, respectful martial salute and spoke.
“Greetings. I am Jin So-un of the Tae-eul Sect. You have endured a arduous journey to reach our halls.”
“How amusing. To think that a mere low-ranking disciple, rather than the actual Sect Leader, is the one sent out to receive representatives of Jeom-chang?”
In an instant, a wave of pure heat rushed straight into my brain. That’s right, it was entirely obvious that my lingering irritation toward Eun-ho had not evaporated in the slightest.
“I have absolutely zero desire to converse with you. Turn around and bring Jong Byeok-gi to me this instant.”
“…….”
“Are you hard of hearing! Did I not explicitly command you to bring Jong Byeok-gi before me!”
No. I take that back. Eun-ho did absolutely nothing wrong.
“Hey, Jeom-chang—”
These absolute clowns standing right in front of me…….
“I must have misheard the absurd words that just left your mouth…….”
They have unequivocally crossed the line and incited my wrath.
“What sort of garbage, pathetic excuse for a sect do you clowns belong to that gives you the audacity to wag your tongues and dictate commands to me? What, did you leave Jong Byeok-gi here as a piece of property for safekeeping?”
“Y-You arrogant bastard!!”
“Get out of my sight while I am still choosing to speak to you with a shred of civility! The feast is entirely finished, and we don’t even have scraps left over to toss to dogs like you.”
Clang-clang-clang-clang!
The Jeom-chang martial artists unsheathed their blades in perfect unison. As I forced down the urge to decimate them, Eun-ho leaned in close and breathed a quiet remark into my ear.
“Dae-sahyeong. This exact scenario is precisely why we insisted on coming along.”
No, damn it all, is this situation seriously being blamed on me?! Anyone with a working pair of eyes can see that this is a complete and utter frame-up!
