Chapter 24: Chapter 24
At Song Yi-yeon’s remark, a peculiar atmosphere was formed.
The martial artists of the Heavenly Tiger Squad looked at the youngest of the Black Tortoise Squad with eyes that seemed to say he was talking nonsense, and the martial artists of the Black Tortoise Squad also inwardly seemed keen to visit the Namgung Clan.
Such was the name of the Namgung Clan in the martial world. Its patriarch was always counted among the greatest swordsmen of the era, and it had produced countless Martial Alliance leaders.
Observing the atmosphere, Song Yi-yeon cleared his throat.
“Ahem, I am sorry. Please pretend you did not hear my words. I only spoke because I wanted to treat the seniors since we happened to come to Anhui.”
At Song Yi-yeon’s apology, Namgung Jin let out a subtle smirk. Song Yi-yeon also saw that smile, but he could not open his mouth any further.
When both the Heavenly Tiger Squad and the Black Tortoise Squad desired the Namgung Clan rather than the Anhui Song Clan, what more could he say?
At that moment, Zhuge Rin, who knew of the conflict between Song Yi-yeon and Namgung Jin, observed the situation and casually spoke:
“Squad Leader, shall we just go to the Song Clan?”
“Hmm…”
Cheol Ji-ak scratched his beard with his index finger. In truth, whether it was the Namgung Clan or the Anhui Song Clan, it did not matter much to him. To begin with, he was not the type of personality to admire just the name of the Namgung Clan.
It was merely that deciding on separate lodgings in the middle of conducting a single mission felt troublesome.
As Cheol Ji-ak seemed to be pondering, Zhuge Rin’s words followed:
“No matter if it is the Namgung Clan, having this many people suddenly visit is discourteous as well. Also, since the distance between the Song Clan and the Namgung Clan is right nearby, there will be no hindrance to the mission. Moreover, it feels like imposing on someone else’s house.”
Having spoken so, Zhuge Rin glanced sideways at Namgung Jin. At the words ‘someone else’s house,’ Namgung Jin’s eyebrows twitched peculiarly.
He had extended goodwill to the likes of the Black Tortoise Squad, yet seeing them draw the line first was not pleasing in the slightest. However, because two squad leaders were present, he could not open his mouth recklessly.
After a brief moment passed.
“Well, let us do that. Certainly, having this many people rely on one place is somewhat shameless.”
“Exactly. Even though our Black Tortoise Squad originally lacks a bit of shame, this crosses the line.”
Confirming Song Yi-yeon’s brightened expression, Zhuge Rin broke into a beaming smile. Meanwhile, the oblivious Jang Woo-pyeong let out a deep, deep sigh.
“Phew, when else will I ever get to visit the Namgung Clan if not now?”
Approaching, Zhuge Rin poked his side sharply. Belatedly, Jang Woo-pyeong told Song Yi-yeon that he had not meant it that way, but Song Yi-yeon smiled nonchalantly.
“Our Song Clan is also quite a fine place.”
“Of course, certainly so.”
Naturally, several members of the Black Tortoise Squad, including Jang Woo-pyeong, could not shake their inward regret. At any rate, there was a strong tendency in the martial world to value martial families higher than merchant houses.
Even more so if it was the Namgung Clan.
* * *
“Squad Leader, I have no regrets even if I die today.”
Jang Woo-pyeong patted his swollen belly. The other Black Tortoise Squad members were the same.
As soon as they arrived at the Song Clan, the enormous banquet hall was filled with liquor and food. Even though they had shoved food into their mouths indiscriminately, servant girls still continuously brought something and placed it on the tables.
“Hahaha, why aren’t you all eating more?”
The hearty laughter of a handsome middle-aged man filled the banquet hall. Though his physique was not massive, he was a man whose atmosphere flowing from unique, deep eyes seemed to hold sway over the surrounding air.
The master of the Anhui Song Clan, Song Ha-baek.
Facing him, who looked identical to the youngest of the Black Tortoise Squad, Jang Woo-pyeong reflected inwardly.
‘Without knowing it, I was looking down upon merchants.’
In truth, he had never met a proper merchant. That would be the same for everyone here. At most, seeing merchants selling goods in the marketplace was all.
However, unlike the common practice of looking down upon merchants in the jianghu, Clan Head Song, seen in person, was an exceedingly extraordinary man.
Furthermore, the clan called the Anhui Song Clan was also colossal in scale to the point of being incomparable to what he had imagined. Combining servant girls and laborers, the number of people relying on the Song Clan reached as many as four hundred, so even compared to ordinary great sects of the martial world, it was by no means lacking.
Cheon Woo-jin, who had put down his spoon and chopsticks long ago, was also inwardly marveling as he looked at such a Clan Head Song.
‘Even though he is not a martial artist, his atmosphere dominates his surroundings.’
It was an exceedingly fresh experience. Master martial artists naturally possessed a disposition that drifted from them. It was like an instinct that made others around them tense without realizing it.
That unique aura was being felt from a middle-aged man who had not even learned martial arts.
Approaching casually, Song Yi-yeon filled Cheon Woo-jin’s cup.
“In truth, I was terribly worried, but I am glad everyone likes it. By the way, how is he? My father.”
“He is a remarkable person.”
Song Yi-yeon beamed broadly.
“Right? Though I have not lived long, there are few people I found remarkable, and one of them is my father.”
“It is worthy of feeling so.”
Cheon Woo-jin nodded calmly.
Young Hero Song’s father possessed a charm that made people feel comfortable without being frivolous.
If his skill was enough to disarm even martial artists, who were fundamentally highly suspicious and difficult to deal with, and have them guzzle liquor, ordinary merchants would not even be able to harbor secondary thoughts before him.
Zhuge Rin and Cheol Ji-ak were also flushed red in the face, having already drunk heavily. Of course, though on standby, the mission had not ended, so they were expelling the intoxication appropriately.
Song Yi-yeon let out his characteristic smile where his eyes curved roundly.
“Of course, Young Hero Cheon is also one of them.”
“Hmm?”
“Naturally, you are remarkable. When we were attacked during the exam, frankly, I was scared. It was my first time directly facing such a murderous aura.”
“…”
Cheon Woo-jin, in fact, could not understand. When he first held a sword, when he was on the verge of dying at the hands of his two masters, when he faced the assassins or masters who visited constantly…
He had never been afraid once. Even when his martial prowess had been so low as to be incomparable to now.
However, White Elder master had said that such a disposition of his was unusual.
– Therefore, in the future, if you make a friend and cannot quite understand that fellow’s words, just nod your head roughly.
Recalling White Elder’s words, Cheon Woo-jin nodded his head roughly.
Emptying his cup, Song Yi-yeon grinned.
“As expected, Young Hero also seemed nervous in truth. Still, it is truly remarkable. Normally, one would run away or call for help, but you pursued the mastermind endlessly and ultimately shattered the Western Sky Society. Single-handedly, at that. Is that all? You stood against the notorious Gu Clan, and before the eldest son of that great Namgung Clan, far from losing your nerve, you made him flee…”
“Hahaha! That rascal Yi-yeon was someone who held a sword instead of a brush ever since childhood. Truly, how absurd it was.”
Song Ha-baek’s laughter, booming heartily from over there, cut off Song Yi-yeon’s words. Naturally, Song Yi-yeon’s and Cheon Woo-jin’s gazes turned toward him.
With Zhuge Rin and Cheol Ji-ak seated before him, Song Ha-baek rambled on about Song Yi-yeon’s childhood stories.
“A merchant’s son taking up a sword first. Moreover, having been a child who was terribly ill when young, my worries were endless.”
“An unfilial son has entered our Black Tortoise Squad as the youngest. But what should be done about this? Having learned Clan Head Song’s worries, that fellow’s talent is so outstanding that I cannot urge him to lay down his sword… I have also been put in a difficult position.”
“What? Hahaha!”
“Bwahaha!”
Surprisingly, Cheol Ji-ak and Song Ha-baek seemed to share similar traits.
In particular, the expressions of the two speaking about Song Yi-yeon looked extremely happy.
Song Ha-baek recalled his son’s cute childhood, and Cheol Ji-ak recalled his cute appearance now, having chosen the Black Tortoise Squad instead of the Heavenly Tiger Squad.
Of course, Song Yi-yeon felt quite embarrassed by his father’s doting behavior, so he spoke:
“Ahem, father, the hour is quite late. We do not know when communication might come from the Alliance, so let us end the gathering…”
“Ah, is that so? I do not know if I have kept busy people seated for too long.”
As Song Ha-baek spoke self-reproachingly, Cheol Ji-ak opened his eyes wide and waved his hands.
“Not at all. In the first place, since the mission is suspended for three days, resting thoroughly during that time and bringing one’s body to the best condition is the most important. For your information, the more liquor I drink, the more comfortable my body becomes.”
“As expected, our Squad Leader Cheol seems to have quite a few points that match well with me.”
“Hahaha, speak comfortably from now on. Despite appearances, I have not even reached forty yet.”
“What a joke.”
Song Ha-baek waved his hand in the air. However, Cheol Ji-ak’s expression was exceedingly serious. Seeing this, Song Ha-baek’s expression also grew serious in turn.
“Is that true?”
“…Yes.”
“Ahem, still, how could I speak informally to a squad leader of the Martial Alliance?”
“Clan Head, that hurts my feelings. Having shared cups together like this and deeming our hearts connected, I was prepared to serve you as an older brother.”
Ultimately, the two, who had even come to address each other as brothers upon their first meeting, ordered servant girls to carry over jars of liquor.
Suddenly, the two looked at Song Yi-yeon and Cheon Woo-jin, who wore bewildered expressions. Unlike the other squad members who were already drinking heavily, the two had no taste for alcohol, so they merely sat and watched people’s conversations.
Cheol Ji-ak pulled a money pouch from his robes and handed it to Zhuge Rin. Having received money all of a sudden, Zhuge Rin tilted her head.
“Why pocket money all of a sudden…”
“Take the youngest over there and go to a tavern or something. It seems the talk will become quite long.”
Zhuge Rin’s eyes narrowed.
“Even so, I am the Vice Squad Leader…”
Having spoken so, Zhuge Rin beckoned with her finger toward Jang Woo-pyeong, who happened to catch her eye. Jang Woo-pyeong, who had been pretending not to notice with a flushed face, saw Zhuge Rin’s expression turn chilling and ran over in a flurry.
“Yes, Vice Squad Leader.”
“Take the kids and go out.”
Receiving the money pouch, Jang Woo-pyeong blinked blankly.
Cheol Ji-ak’s words followed:
“It is because there is something I need to discuss closely with the Clan Head.”
As he spoke so, he gestured toward Song Yi-yeon with his chin. It seemed he intended to talk about Song Yi-yeon. Something that was somewhat awkward to discuss where the person in question was present.
Being reasonably quick-witted, Jang Woo-pyeong understood at once and nodded.
“Yes, since the youngest recruits have arrived, I will represent the squad and treat them to a grand round of drinks.”
Having spoken so, Jang Woo-pyeong approached the two and placed his arms firmly over their shoulders.
“Shall we youngest go have a drink by ourselves so the adults can talk?”
Gauging the weight of the money pouch, Jang Woo-pyeong even added the others beside him. Seeing this, Cheol Ji-ak glared fiercely, but having handed over the money pouch while putting on airs, he could not take it back either.
* * *
“There are many people.”
Stepping out onto the street, Cheon Woo-jin looked around curiously. Having lived in the mountains all his life, seeing so many people gathered felt fascinating.
Hubei, where the Martial Alliance was situated, also had many people, but here in Hefei, Anhui Province, the marketplace was bustling to the point where walking properly was difficult.
There was a reason why colossal martial families and merchant houses like the Namgung Clan and the Anhui Song Clan took root here.
Suddenly, Cheon Woo-jin’s gaze turned toward the man walking ahead.
Draping an arm over his shoulder, Jang Woo-pyeong spoke:
“Even though our Senior Do looks like that, he is someone with a surprisingly tender side. He has also been in the Black Tortoise Squad the longest after the Squad Leader. Though he once sulked after losing his spot to Vice Squad Leader Zhuge Rin. Ah, he has a somewhat sensitive and selfish side as well. Also, he has a timid side too, but…”
Meeting the eyes of Do Seong-hwi, who had suddenly looked back, Jang Woo-pyeong shut his mouth with an expression claiming he knew nothing.
At that sight, Cheon Woo-jin nodded.
As expected, the Black Tortoise Squad seemed to be a place where rather eccentric people were gathered.
Just how far did they walk like that? Following the lead of Song Yi-yeon, a native of Hefei, they arrived at a tavern.
Judging by its dazzling exterior, it seemed poised to boast exorbitant prices.
Because of that, Jang Woo-pyeong hesitated while fiddling with the money pouch.
“I might be killed by the Squad Leader…”
Song Yi-yeon smiled warmly.
“Do not worry. It only looks like this, but the alcohol is not as expensive as you think.”
Of course, it was a lie. The most expensive tavern in this vicinity was none other than this place, the Azure Flower Pavilion.
If the bill came out excessively high, he intended to pay under his own name. Having a drinking session separately with his seniors for the first time, they could not just drink anywhere.
Thus, four people, including Cheon Woo-jin and Song Yi-yeon, stepped into the Azure Flower Pavilion.
“Oh my, aren’t you the eldest young master of the Song Clan?”
A woman exuding quite an alluring atmosphere spoke in a voice like rolling jade beads. Thanks to that woman’s appearance and voice, the eyes of Jang Woo-pyeong and Do Seong-hwi had already widened in astonishment.
However, Song Yi-yeon replied nonchalantly:
“I came to share a drink with precious guests. By chance, is there a table?”
“Of course. No, even if there isn’t, I must make one.”
The pavilion master smiled as the corners of her eyes curled thinly. Even if merchant houses received lower treatment compared to martial families in the martial world, among merchants it was different.
To do business and make a living in Anhui, one had to avoid making an enemy of the Namgung Clan while maintaining close ties with the Anhui Song Clan.
As the pavilion master sent a glance to the employees inside, the entire tavern moved in an orderly fashion.
“Conveniently, the finest third-floor lake-view room is vacant, so I will guide you there.”
“Thank you.”
Of course, there was no way such a fine room happened to be vacant by coincidence. It was surely a room always kept empty in preparation for when the most precious guests arrived, like right now.
The pavilion master walked ahead with quite a dignified manner. At that spectacle, Jang Woo-pyeong looked at Song Yi-yeon with fresh eyes.
“What is this? A remarkable young master has entered the Black Tortoise Squad.”
Scratching his head awkwardly, Song Yi-yeon glanced sideways at Cheon Woo-jin.
‘Is Young Hero Cheon also on the weaker side toward women?’
Cheon Woo-jin had not taken his eyes off the pavilion master for a single moment, as if he had met his first love.
* * *
Soon, as the four entered the room, liquor and food were served simultaneously. At a glance, it looked exceedingly expensive. It felt as though light was radiating from atop the table.
Jang Woo-pyeong’s eyes grew round. Even though he had eaten his fill at the Song Clan, his mouth was watering again.
Soon, the pavilion master who had guided the four spoke:
“Bring them in.”
At the same time, courtesans who had been waiting outside the door stepped into the room half-clad. For some reason, the room suddenly felt humid.
While Jang Woo-pyeong’s eyes were spinning, Song Yi-yeon jumped to his feet and waved his hands.
“No, courtesans are unnecessary. We intend to drink quietly with the seniors…”
The pavilion master smiled subtly.
“Do the children not please you? Indeed, being the young master of the Song Clan and so handsome to boot, your standards must be high.”
As if understanding everything, the pavilion master dismissed the courtesans. She looked poised to bring other courtesans from the tavern soon.
As the pavilion master departed, Song Yi-yeon let out a long sigh.
“Why do something that was not even asked for? I am sorry. If courtesans come again, I will send them back immediately.”
Jang Woo-pyeong and Do Seong-hwi shrugged their shoulders.
Soon, cups were exchanged among the four.
After a very brief moment passed.
“May we enter?”
A slender, beautiful voice was heard, and before Song Yi-yeon could even refuse, the door opened smoothly.
Instantly, the eyes of Do Seong-hwi and Jang Woo-pyeong widened. Originally, Jang Woo-pyeong was a man honest with his emotions, but Do Seong-hwi was a person who strove not to lose his dignity as an Alliance member.
However, the appearances of the courtesans who appeared were exquisite to the point where they had never seen or heard of such in their lives. It felt like seeing the reincarnation of Daji or Yang Guifei, who were said to have held nations in their grasp.
Of course, the two feeling that way was not simply due to the exquisite appearance of the courtesans.
“Hmm.”
Leaning against the wall, Cheon Woo-jin observed the courtesans. Simultaneously with their appearance, a peculiar air was circulating within the room.
There was something so thick that it interfered with breathing, but regrettably, the two seniors did not seem to notice.
On the other hand, Song Yi-yeon looked far too fine compared to expectations.
‘Was his martial prowess higher than my estimate?’
He clearly seemed not to have seen something else, but it was truly strange.
Frowning faintly, Song Yi-yeon waved his hand as if telling the courtesans to withdraw.
“We are in the middle of an important conversation, so please leave. We wish to dine quietly amongst ourselves.”
One courtesan brought her eyebrows together as if extremely aggrieved, her eyes shining pitifully.
“Great Hero, could we not return after offering just a single cup? We are also women with our own pride, so if it is said that we were driven out as soon as we entered, we will become the laughingstock of other courtesans.”
Song Yi-yeon let out a sigh as if troubled. Meanwhile, Jang Woo-pyeong brought his cup and spoke:
“Junior Song, let them do so. Did she not say they might be teased? We cannot have that. Certainly not.”
Ultimately, Song Yi-yeon let out a sigh and sat down. With his senior speaking like that, and since they were leaving after offering just a single cup…
Soon, the courtesans sat beside each of the four and began filling their cups.
Liquor also gurgled into Cheon Woo-jin’s cup. Watching this quietly, Cheon Woo-jin downed it without a moment’s hesitation.
“Is it Yanghe Daqu?”
Yanghe Daqu was liquor so rare and precious that it could not be easily found even in high-end taverns. To the extent that there were people who visited from distant regions just to drink it.
One of the great pleasures of his masters was alcohol, and he remembered that both of them had enjoyed drinking Yanghe Daqu.
When Cheon Woo-jin recognized it, the courtesan sitting beside him was surprised.
“Your discernment is excellent, milord.”
“Milord?”
“Ah, I shall call you Great Hero. To be honest, it is my first time serving martial artists, so it feels awkward, hohoho.”
Cheon Woo-jin savored the taste of the liquor nonchalantly. Whether milord or Great Hero, it was of no concern.
While smacking his lips, a foreign taste was felt. At the same time, a certain energy flowing out of the alcohol that passed into his stomach tried to infiltrate his dantian, only to evaporate in an instant.
Cheon Woo-jin broke into a chuckle.
‘Is it bewitching poison?’
At the same time, three Alliance members, including Song Yi-yeon, slammed their foreheads onto the table with thuds.
Bewitching poison was a poison where toxic qi absorbed into the body reacted with the energy of a woman trained in yin arts to sever the flow of qi.
Like qi-scattering poison, it merely caused a temporary state of inability to resist; it was not a poison that harmed the body on its own.
In other words, it meant they had a certain purpose.
The four courtesans gently stroked the heads of the collapsed Song Yi-yeon, Do Seong-hwi, and Jang Woo-pyeong, then looked at Cheon Woo-jin all at once.
Soon, as Cheon Woo-jin quietly closed his eyes, slender smiles finally spread across the faces of the courtesans.