“Then, Yu Seonsaeng. Should I write the introduction letters for these individuals?”
“That’s right.”
“Got it. Anyway, welcome. Munsahgong tends to be wary of martial artists… If it’s not a trustworthy introduction, they might not even see you.”
Hongryeon looked at me with curiosity. It was as if she was asking how I knew that. I smiled.
“Hano told me.”
“Uh… But why does that kind person avoid martial artists? We are of the righteous faction, after all…”
Sayoon tilted her head. From her perspective, it wouldn’t make sense.
After all, most martial artists she had encountered likely aided struggling individuals and cooperated.
With her innocent remark, Cheonilhwa smiled brightly.
“I don’t mind much, but there are not a few officials or soldiers who are wary of martial artists.”
“Really?”
“Yes. To them, martial artists are certainly dangerous figures who could break laws and order.”
“But martial artists also help the people and support the Empire.”
“True. There are excellent sects, like Hongseong, that cooperate with the Empire. Also, Moonjeong has pledged loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor and promised to show strength when the Empire is in crisis. But not all martial artists are like that.”
Just like that gang Samagun led, or that Iron Blood Clan bunch.
There are also those in the righteous faction who act like nobles and ignore officials.
“I see…”
“Honestly, from our perspective, the more places like Hongseong and Moonjeong, the better… but the world isn’t like that.”
“Hmm. Then we should work hard, at least.”
Sayoon’s eyes sparkled, and Cheonilhwa burst into laughter.
“The young lady is quite admirable.”
She really knows how to read people.
Thanks to Sayoon, the atmosphere ended quite pleasantly.
Of course, a martial artist offering cooperation for the Empire and its people would naturally please a proper official.
Is that why?
As I was about to leave after receiving the introduction letters, Cheonilhwa took out a small token from his drawer.
“What is this?”
“If you ever visit the military in the future, stop by. Experiencing the military’s martial arts properly will aid in your growth.”
That token was originally received when forming a connection with the Imperial Military around the end of the third part.
With that, you could obtain military supplies and also, depending on your activities, gain the qualification of a military officer to use military facilities or hire soldiers.
“Thank you.”
“Hehe. If you are a master from Hongseong, you are always welcome. And for Nakilgum or Wolgwang, if Lady Hyunhwi is interested in the military, feel free to visit anytime.”
“Hehe. I’ll think about it.”
“Moonjeong is favorable toward the Empire, so there’s no need to think about the military.”
Instead of answering, Hyunhwi just slightly bowed her head.
In response to their reactions, Cheonilhwa merely shrugged his shoulders.
“Well then, are you leaving now? Or would you like to rest a little longer?”
I looked at Sayoon. Since we had come this far to Yangwi City, it would be better to look around a bit more, right?
“If we are to rest, please prepare a room at Cheonghoeru.”
“Let’s get ready,” I said.
“Thank you!”
Exiting Cheonilhwa’s room, I followed Wiyeol’s lead to the fourth floor. Maybe it was because it was a floor not freely accessible to just anyone, but the fourth floor was quiet with fairly extravagant rooms and banquet halls.
“Wow. Can we really stay in a place like this?”
“Of course.”
We were given three rooms. Two were meant for four people, while it seemed I was to have one all to myself…
“Then shall we go out and explore?”
“Sure!”
“Hyunhwi, what about you?”
“I’ll go too.”
“Then Innkeeper, what do you say?”
“Let’s all go together. Will you join us, Chaejin?”
“Of course!”
So we all decided to go out, simply unpacking our bags before heading outside.
The flashy and bustling night market of Yangwiesung certainly had a lot to see.
I handed a snack to Sayoon, who was wide-eyed and looking around everywhere. Staring at it in confusion, she eventually broke into a smile.
“Thank you!”
“Don’t mention it. But if you see something else you want, just let me know. The guards won’t charge me, so I might as well get you something. Hongryeon, Chaejin, Hyunhwi, if you want anything, feel free to choose.”
“I’m good.”
“I’d prefer you didn’t disregard my goodwill.”
Eventually, they all accepted my gesture.
Still, I wished they’d picked something a bit more expensive. All they chose were practical things like daggers, armor, and herb seeds.
“…Is that really enough?”
“This is plenty for me.”
“Well, okay. Then when we go to the Murim Alliance later…”
“I’ll buy it for you then!”
Sayoon exclaimed brightly, making me laugh.
I’ll look forward to that.
After touring the market and returning to Cheonghoeru, we had a light dinner and headed straight to our rooms.
“How about a drink before bed?”
“Haha. That sounds good, but the dawn market in Yangwiesung is worth seeing too. We have things to buy there, so it’s probably best to turn in early tonight.”
“Well, guess we have no choice.”
“Then let’s have a drink when we get back?”
“Let’s do that.”
Hongryeon and Chaejin seemed a bit disappointed, but it was what it was.
Yohwan had requested ingredients that could only be found in the dawn market of Yangwiesung.
“By the way, are the two of you sharing a room?”
Seeing Hongryeon and Chaejin go into the same room intrigued me, and they shared a smile as they looked at each other.
“Hehe. What of it?”
“Yeah, what’s it to you?”
Well, I guess it doesn’t matter.
As I watched them go into the room, I turned to Hyunhwi and Sayoon to say my goodbyes.
“Sleep well.”
“Good night!”
After Hyunhwi, who nodded to me, entered her room, I stepped into mine and lay down on the bed.
“…”
Now that I lay down, sleep eluded me.
Tossing and turning, I finally got up.
I might as well practice a bit.
As I headed to the back yard of Cheonghoeru, a few servants and soldiers recognized me and greeted me.
I waved back casually, then practiced Taijiquan and Ogumhee before trying out the military footsteps technique I’d learned last time.
Maybe because I had been practicing consistently? It wasn’t that difficult to execute the military footsteps technique.
Is it because of that? It wasn’t hard to demonstrate the military king’s technique.
“Haha. Practicing in the middle of the night, are you trying to walk the path of a warrior?”
At that moment, a voice filled with laughter was heard. Looking over, it was Cheonilhwa.
“Haha. I can’t sleep, so I’m just doing it for a bit. And for a simple country bumpkin to learn for self-defense, calling it the path of a warrior is a stretch.”
“With someone like Yu Seonsaeng, it’s hard to just call you a simple country bumpkin. By the way… was that the military king’s technique I just saw?”
“Do you know the military king’s technique?”
“How could I not? Those around generals in the Empire’s military all learn it. Defeating opponents without fighting is the best combat method, after all.”
“Oh… I see.”
“…In truth, most people just know how to perform it but don’t practice regularly.”
He awkwardly chuckled and scratched his cheek. Somehow.
“Still, I do know a bit about the military king’s technique… Want to practice together for a while?”
Though he called it practicing together, it was more like he wanted to guide me.
Since he had learned martial arts systematically, he would definitely perform better than I would, so there was no reason to decline.
Besides, hadn’t the Sword Saint said? The military king’s technique suits me well.
Then I should learn as much as I can when I get the chance.
“Alright. Then I’ll show you a demonstration. Don’t be surprised.”
Cheonilhwa smiled and took a step towards me.
I looked at him, and he tilted his head before taking another step.
Then one step, and another.
After a total of seven steps, he awkwardly smiled.
“Uh. Hmm. Has it been too long since I used it? Ahem! The military king’s technique is a martial art that reveals one’s will and influences the opponent. When someone with a strong will properly demonstrates it, those overwhelmed by that momentum might become momentarily shocked. It particularly works well against instinct-driven evil monsters and ferocious beasts… Yu Seonsaeng, with such a strong will, might not be affected by my military king’s technique. Hahaha. Truly impressive.”
It seemed quite embarrassing for him that a master like him tried to cast it on a novice like me and failed.
His face slightly flushed, he spoke quickly, and I shook my head, smiling.
“You’re overpraising me.”
“Then let’s try something else… Maengseo! Come over here!!”
Cheonilhwa called over a few other soldiers and demonstrated the military king’s technique, baffling them effortlessly.
After displaying his triumph, he then taught me the military king’s technique.
By the end of the training, I succeeded in shocking a soldier from Cheonghoelu named Maengseo as well.
Of course, it took several attempts, and I barely managed it.
“I’m glad you’re picking it up quickly. If you continue training like this, you’ll definitely achieve great success.”
“Thank you for your help. And…”
“Haha. It would be an honor if I could be of assistance to Yu Seonsaeng.”
He quickly recovered from being momentarily stunned by my military king’s technique.
As I intended to slip him some silver from my pouch in gratitude, Maengseo smiled and shook his head.
“I also went to support Seomhwa Village. I received a generous reward from you back then. How could I expect compensation for this little bit of help?”
“Oh, is that so? I was really grateful back then.”
“You’re welcome. If you ever need help later, don’t hesitate to come to me.”
He bowed, and Cheonilhwa smiled and said, “I feel the same. Thanks to you, I’ve gained a good person.”
“Oh, are you referring to Hyeonryeong?”
“Hehe, yes. They’re more capable than I expected, so they’ve been quite helpful. Thanks to this, I’ve met a good person. I feel like I’m always just thanking Yu Seonsaeng.”
Eh. I’m more grateful. Thanks to them, my work is getting easier.
The next morning arrived.
Hongryeon and Chaejin looked a bit tired, as if they hadn’t slept well, but Hyunhwi and Sayoon seemed to have rested well.
As we browsed through the dawn market and bought the necessary items, Cheonghoe Merchant Guild had already loaded my cart with goods.
Now, all I have to do is take this!
“Get in the back. I’ll handle the driving.”
Although the cart was loaded, there was still room. At least four people could sit comfortably, which was fortunate.
As they climbed onto the cart, I said goodbye to Cheonilhwa and started driving.
“When we get back, we’ll have a lot to do.”
“There won’t be a shortage.”
Winter is a season of rest, but it can also be harsh.
Of course, with Hongseong Mountain around, monster attacks will be fewer, but the cold winter, hunger, and possibly refugees or wanderers suffering from monster attacks or bandit raids could come to Seomhwa Village.
If we defeat the enemies and accept them, maybe by next year, the village could grow bigger.
“There will be many tasks for Hongseong as well.”
“Hehe, you’ll help us, right?”
“Of course.”
Is it because there are no raids? The journey is pleasant.
As we traveled for a while, familiar sights began to appear as the sun slowly set.
Just a little more and we’ll reach Seomhwa Village.
“Oh. Snow. This year’s first snow is early.”
At that moment, Sayoon looked up at the sky and spoke.
As she said, delicate snowflakes were drifting down from the darkening sky.
It was the first snow, much earlier than expected.
“…It’s too early.”
I said seriously, and the tension quietly rose from Hongryeon and Chaejin.
When Hyunhwi and Sayoon, surprised by their reaction, also raised their morale,
Fog began to rise at the end of the road.
Cold and chilling.
The snow mist.
Within that mist, frozen monsters could be faintly seen.
And among them, a large white beast grinned, its huge mouth open, as if happy to have found new prey with its bright red eyes.
Mountain Tiger.
The monster we need to catch was wickedly grinning and licking its tongue, calling an early winter.
In front of that formidable monster, Hongryeon, Chaejin, Hyunhwi, and Sayoon jumped off the cart as if they had been waiting for this.
Unexpected.
But the battle we were hoping for had begun.
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