It was just about the time when the line was almost down. The warrior, who had just introduced himself as the legendary warrior from Iggosan, Guwonchang Nojin, approached me with a slightly disgruntled expression.
“Uh, Yu Seonsaeng.”
Despite his young age, Guwonchang Nojin was a warrior who skillfully wielded two spears like a ghost. Those like him, known as “Jeongsajigan,” simply move according to their own standards.
Not exactly a villain, but neither a virtuous person.
Most of these folks tend to operate solo rather than belonging to any sect or clan, often working as mercenaries instead.
Nojin was one of the more famous mercenaries.
He’d join battles, hunt evil monsters, and tackle secret domains—if you paid him enough.
It’s not that he was obsessed with money; rather, he saw it as a means to an end, much like I did.
His purpose was singular.
To treat his sister’s illness.
I recalled one of the events I could trigger in Heavenly Bright Moon, which allowed me to learn about Nojin.
His sister was afflicted with an unusual illness known as Jeolmaek. To cure it, a team of skilled physicians capable of using high-quality elixirs would need to work on her for several months.
Naturally, that demanded a lot of money, and just keeping her alive in her current state wasn’t cheap either.
That’s why, even while risking his life in fights, he was spending all his savings on his sister’s medical bills and hospitalization fees.
He even came to my inn, ordering a bowl of simple noodles and a cheap wine to consult with me.
The reason he was so embarrassed when I asked him earlier was probably due to that; while others ordered expensive dishes and wine before approaching me, he obviously didn’t have that luxury.
“The information and knowledge you provide, sir, are worth their weight in gold to people like us.”
“Yes. The amount of research needed to discover the information or methodology to deal with evil monsters is unimaginable. It’s common for those who neglect to research to end up dead.”
Another warrior in the back chimed in. Nojin nodded seriously in agreement.
“Isn’t it a waste for you to provide such resources?”
What could I say?
“I’ve made it clear: after you obtain my information and defeat the evil monsters, you must sell me some of the materials you acquire from them as a condition.”
“That’s not what I mean…”
“No, No Sohyeop, helping you and others in taking down evil monsters is a noble act for world peace and the welfare of people. Even though I have close ties with members of the righteous faction, is it really a big issue to share my knowledge with those who aim to help and save?”
“No…”
“The learned should use their knowledge for the benefit of others. Furthermore, all of this is beneficial for His Majesty the Emperor, as well as the Empire and the world, and ultimately, it helps me too. To expect a great reward for this is rather strange.”
“It will be a task that helps Your Majesty, and furthermore, it will serve the Empire and the world, and the people. Not to mention, it will also benefit me. It would be quite strange to ask for a separate reward for this.”
“…Huh.”
Nojin looked at me, and I smiled at him.
“So please come back safely. As you mentioned earlier, your sister, who is struggling, is counting on you.”
He bit his lip slightly.
I smiled at him and patted his shoulder.
“Anyone who knows that everything you’re doing is for your sister will never insult you. I will not either. So hang in there a little longer.”
“…Yu, Seonsaeng…”
Nojin bowed his head deeply, and I held onto his shoulder.
“Whenever it gets tough, feel free to come see me. I’ll buy you a drink or two when times are hard.”
“I will definitely come back.”
Nodding, Nojin left. As I watched him go, I looked around at the others and spoke.
“Is there anyone else who wishes to consult? If there are those with burdens on their hearts, aside from questions about evil monsters, I’d like to help lighten that load, even if just a little.”
After a few consultations post-Nojin, the day’s work finally came to an end.
Shall I head upstairs now?
As I got up from my seat, Chaejin, who had been waiting late, approached me with a smile.
“You’re quite something.”
“You mean my knowledge about evil monsters? That kind of information can be found in books.”
One could easily learn many things from other scholars instead.
Of course, one would have to pay or fulfill their requests.
But Chaejin just shook her head.
“Not that. It’s the way you can extend your hand to others without a second thought.”
“Hmm…”
“It seems like you save anyone effortlessly. I’m a bit jealous.”
Seeing her weak smile, I took a step closer.
“I’m not particularly trying to save anyone; this is for myself. However, it will be a bit more special for you, so I hope you’ll understand.”
“Ugh.”
Chaejin puffed her cheeks slightly and blushed. After I patted her head, we made our way upstairs and stopped in front of her room.
“Then, sweet dreams.”
“I wish you’d dream of me.”
She giggled playfully and went inside, while I headed to my office.
Then I sat down in my chair and closed my eyes.
The number of martial artists asking for consultations had increased.
And among those martial artists, the number of monster hunters was on the rise.
I took a drag from the pipe, and a hazy smoke billowed out as I recalled our scenario.
“If we must fight the Iron Blood Wood, we have to prepare for Dool without fail. Dool consumes other monsters, so we need to reduce as many of them as possible before the control of the Northern region is complete.”
If we’re going to fight, we need to prepare for Dool without a doubt. Dool is the kind of evil monster that devours other monsters, so we need to thin their numbers out before any control from the North wraps up.
Yeah.
We should reduce the number of monsters as much as we can while there’s still no movement from the North.
And it’d be best if we could clear out the monsters around where I’m located.
It’s important to win over the monster hunters, too. Sure, the power of renowned orthodox sects or strong unorthodox factions might be greater overall, but we can’t underestimate their expertise. Often, they can be more helpful in catching monsters.
What the monster hunters want is information to deal with monsters.
Therefore, I released just enough information about monsters that was necessary.
Normally, such intel could be obtained through books or records, but through me, it can be acquired easily.
And all it takes is a meal at the inn.
Since I’m already gaining recognition in the Murim Alliance and amongst orthodox martial artists, it’s only natural that they’d start paying attention to my activities.
Especially since this is the first time I’m putting my name out there in Hongseong.
I needed to use that reputation to draw in more martial artists.
So they can catch monsters.
If Dool fights here, I can’t let her summon nearby monsters to strengthen and recover herself.
Therefore, what I’m doing now isn’t just an act of goodwill; it’s necessary for us to complete our scenario.
And it’s not a bad thing either. Helping each other out is a win-win.
Of course, this isn’t all that needs to be done.
But step by step, we’ll get there.
“Whooo…”
Exhaling smoke, I closed my eyes.
Just a little more effort.
The next morning, when I went down to conduct business, I saw Hyunhwi out in the open.
In front of her, Chaejin was reaching out, and I could see Hyunhwi extending her strike in response.
Is Hongseong Divine Art’s technique and Chae’s Taijiquan sparring?
Since I know Chae is learning Taijiquan, it seems wise to observe…
“Ha!!”
With a low shout, the extended strike aimed for Chaejin’s hand. Within it was packed a red energy. However, Chaejin nonchalantly waved her hand, causing Hyunhwi’s attack to hit nothing but air.
“Even though Hongseong Divine Art is originally powerful, you can’t underestimate finesse.”
“Got it.”
The punch that struck the air transformed into a downward blow. Perhaps not anticipating this, Chaejin’s eyes widened in surprise as she stepped back. Following that, Hyunhwi shifted her attacks between martial arts techniques with punches and kicks to strike at Chaejin.
“Yap.”
But it was only a moment. Chaejin simply caught the center of Hyunhwi’s attack and lifted her into the air. As her body spun in the air, before she could regain her stance, Chaejin’s hand landed firmly on her shoulder, bringing her down.
The attack simply caught Hyunhwi’s body at the center and lifted her into the air, and before she could regain her stance while spinning in the air, Chaejin’s hand seized her shoulder and slammed her down.
– Thud!!
“Ugh…”
“The change in your attack is good, but catching the end of that change is easy. Cheonhwa Divine Art creates an astounding number of variations in martial arts, so dealing with it at your current level is going to be difficult.”
“I see. Thank you for the guidance.”
“Hehe. No problem.”
“Yeah. That level of change is troublesome.”
Just then, a voice came from the backyard. As I, Chaejin, and Hyunhwi looked that way, the Sword Saint was seen walking over with her signature sleepy expression.
“Have you arrived already?”
Isn’t this even faster than before? As I looked, the Sword Saint cleared her throat softly.
“Ahem. Ahem. Well, I couldn’t sleep, so… I thought I might teach Hyunhwi a bit more…”
Her voice was getting quieter. I smiled at her while she was fiddling with her fingers.
“Well, that’s a good thing.”
“Is it?! Hehe, yes, it is a good thing. Now, anyway, this is how you make the changes. Chae… no.”
Shaking her head, the Sword Saint looked at me.
“Can you handle it?”
“Wouldn’t Chae be better at it than I would?”
“That’s true, but I’ll take it slow. It should be easier for Hyunhwi to watch as well.”
“In that case… understood.”
I nodded and stepped into the center, and the Sword Saint followed me there. Notably looking happy, I asked her with a smile.
“You won’t suppress me in one hit, right?”
“Of course not… Now, pay attention.”
Until breakfast preparations were done, the Sword Saint faced me while teaching Hyunhwi. It seemed she must have gained something from it. While she seriously nodded, I spoke to Chaejin.
“Then I’ll head inside…”
“Oh, you’re preparing for breakfast. Do they serve alcohol? I’m thirsty after the long trip; I need a drink right away.”
A familiar rough voice reached my ears, and I turned my head.
No, it wasn’t just me.
Chaejin, Hyunhwi, and even the Sword Saint.
Everyone’s gaze was drawn by a single phrase.
“Haha! Yu Seonsaeng! Seeing your face, it looks like you’ve been doing well! Since it’s been a while, we should have a drink right away, shouldn’t we?”
A large middle-aged man casually raised his hand in greeting.
He was the leader of Moonjeong and one of the Ten Greats of the World, the Doje who became my drinking buddy.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
