episode_0082

In the martial world, death is nothing out of the ordinary.

Even now, somewhere in the martial world, nameless individuals were likely dying without anyone remembering them.

If even the known individuals were counted, the number would only increase.

However.

Of course, there were special deaths as well.

The death of Akbulbeom was one such case.

Known as the Ghost of Revenge, a monster who had never failed in a thousand assassination requests.

Because of that, how many in the martial world had gained benefits or held grudges against him.

The sudden death of such a giant figure was shocking news regardless of one’s stance.

The known cause of death was a severe internal injury.

However, rumors were rife about who inflicted such a serious injury.

Starting as one of the top ten experts in the martial world, to the senior monks of Solim Temple, the grandmaster of Magyo, and even the name of the former leader of the Jeondae clan were mentioned.

But no one knew the answer to that mystery.

The only one who knew, Bang So-un’s widow, Hwaseon Yang Yeon-hwi, remained silent, so it was inevitable.

“Hwaseon seems determined not to speak until the end. Do you happen to know the answer?”

The question was posed by a sharp middle-aged man with only two fingers on his left hand.

The current Haomunju, Chiljido-gwang, No Deok-cheon.

In front of him stood a young woman.

Mysteriously shining red eyes.

And white silver hair.

Just those features alone made it easy to guess the woman’s identity.

If a woman with those characteristics was a beauty beyond compare, then even more so.

Jeokanyoho Eun Hwa-yeong.

That was her.

“How could you possibly know it’s me?”

“Then what’s your guess?”

“It’s better not to make low-probability guesses.”

“Well, that’s true.”

No Deok-cheon nodded.

It seemed like his question wasn’t meant to be taken seriously.

“I heard the funeral was very modest.”

“When a dog dies, the neighbors make a fuss, but when the master dies, the house is quiet.”

A cold response.

Even if the Ghost of Revenge held a significant position, in the end, he was alone.

The final moments of a master without power were usually like that.

Moreover, with so many enemies harboring grudges against him, there was no need to say more.

“Well, there were two well-known figures in attendance. Probably the Golden Dragon and the King of Geum?”

As No Deok-cheon mentioned the King of Geum, a subtle change flickered in his eyes.

Eun Hwa-yeong noticed it but didn’t show any signs of wavering.

“Yes.”

“Do you know the reason?”

“The Ghost received treatment from the Geum at the Unjungak and died. The widow, Hwaseon, decided to bury him at the Unjungak in Heukmyo Mountain. The doctor who treated the Ghost until his death was there, so there was nothing unusual about the Geum attending the funeral.”

“And the King of Geum?”

“The King of Geum happened to be staying at the Unjungak as a guest at the time. As fellow martial artists, it wouldn’t look good to ignore the funeral.”

“Hmm.”

Tap, tap.

No Deok-cheon tapped the table with his two remaining fingers.

“But one thing is truly strange. The Geum, known for never accepting disciples, how could he have taken in two martial artists at once?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“No. Even if the Geum were to speak, it’s unlikely we would find out.”

“Well, is there no other way?”

“What exactly are you trying to say?”

Eun Hwa-yeong narrowed her eyes and stared at No Deok-cheon.

“If you were to ask the King of Geum, wouldn’t you find out? You would surely be able to do it.”

Finally, No Deok-cheon brought up the hidden card in his mind.

The relationship between the King of Geum and Jeokanyoho.

Their relationship was so famous that there was hardly anyone in Hangju who didn’t know about it.

No, beyond Hangju, their relationship was famous throughout Gangnam.

The man who received the first night gift from the top girl in Hangju.

Moreover, he was a married man with a wife from Gangnam’s top beauty, so how could he not be the talk of the town?

No matter what rumors were circulating, one thing was certain.

Jeok Anyo-ho had given his body and heart to Geumryongjangju.

No Deokcheon didn’t like that.

It wasn’t unusual for a man to be interested in a girl.

But it had to be a strictly business or utilitarian relationship.

Especially if it was a girl from Haomun.

But Eun Hwayoung didn’t seem like that.

“If it were me, of course it would be possible, right? What do you think of the relationship between Geumryongjangju and me that you would say such a thing?”

A cold, stern expression.

‘Ha, look at this?’

No Deokcheon tilted his head slightly.

He did the right thing by calling Eun Hwayoung as soon as he heard that it was related to Geumryongjangju.

It was necessary to know for sure.

Had the proud and haughty red-eyed fox turned into a dog tamed by a man?

“What kind of relationship. A husband and concubine.”

“Hmm.”

Eun Hwayoung let out a cold sigh.

As if barely holding back her sense of humiliation, she spoke in a restrained voice.

“A girl and a guest. That’s all.”

“Unbelievable. Is it just such a relationship that a man in the position of a son-in-law comes to see you?”

“How would I know? Do I have to know Geumryongjangju’s feelings as well?”

“….”

No Deokcheon’s eyes were lost in thought.

A confident attitude.

There was no particular unnaturalness.

“No, that’s not it. Anyway, it’s clear that the two have a special relationship, isn’t it? It should be easy to dig up information.”

“Easy, you say. I hope so.”

“Huh?”

No Deokcheon looked puzzled.

“I made a promise with Geumryongjangju. Not to pry into each other’s personal matters. He may like me as a woman, but at the same time, he must be cautious. Anyone who has set foot in the martial arts world knows that you have to be careful with a girl.”

“Hmm, he seems to be quite cautious for sure.”

“He’s from Pyoguk. In Pyoguk, if you’re not cautious, you can’t live long.”

“Well, that’s true.”

No Deokcheon nodded.

“Anyway, you should know by now. Geumryongjangju and I are just a guest and a girl, nothing more or less.”

“….”

No Deokcheon was a legendary gambler with a keen eye.

If there had been even a hint of something strange, he would have surely noticed.

But he didn’t sense any strangeness.

So he dismissed his suspicions about their relationship.

Although Eun Hwayoung, who was still a proud fox, didn’t like the fact that a night guest had appeared.

“Okay, I understand. Still, if you have the opportunity to gather information, bring it to me anytime. That’s your job.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“Huh, well, you’ll probably do well on your own.”

With a smirk, No Deokcheon turned towards the window.

“Then go out.”

***

Eun Hwayoung, who left the headquarters, didn’t turn her steps elsewhere and immediately got on the carriage waiting for her.

“Depart.”

“Yes, Lady Lujoo.”

The carriage started moving.

Inside the running carriage.

Eun Hwayoung couldn’t hold back the smile of joy.

The joy of being of help to her master.

It was a situation that could have caused trouble, but she neatly wrapped it up.

Of course, it was hard to suppress the laughter trying to come out.

Husband and concubine?

Guest and girl?

What kind of absurd relationship was that?

A slave girl in the eyes of her master.

There was no answer other than that.

Information?

Of course, she would provide all of it without missing a single detail.

That is because it is the master’s strict command.

As a slave girl, she simply obeys.

“By the way, you must be pleased.”

Since she perfectly achieved the goal of going to Unjungak.

Indeed, the master was a great person.

And she was proud that she could help with the achievement of that goal.

“Next time as well, for sure.”

Ma Bu naturally couldn’t understand the meaning of Eun Hwa Young’s muttering.

***

“Now the head of the village has also prepared quite convincingly.”

“Haha, that’s right, sir.”

Jang Il echoed Bang So Un’s words.

The formidable power that Geumryongjeonjang originally possessed.

Although it was lacking in resources, he managed to acquire several skilled female warriors to fill the gap.

By obtaining Eun Hwa Young from Haomun, he also gained overwhelming information power.

Acquiring Goeui was an unparalleled achievement.

His knowledge and skills in poisons were at a heavenly level.

The dream of a ‘real’ master had now become a reality.

Lastly, Hwaseon.

In terms of power, this side may not be very significant.

However, it was very important to Bang So Un and Jang Il.

Above all, she was the chosen one to depict the precious slave Munbu’s nudity.

The passionate memories with the slave girls could be left as an endless springtime.

What could be more important than a woman who could provide such special pleasure?

“I humbly obey, master.”

Unjung Sun also spoke with a smiling face.

They were still in Unjungak.

Because the work was not completely finished yet.

Bang So Un planned to finish it right here.

“Disciple.”

“Yes, master.”

“As I said, I will get all the necessary materials. I will diligently prepare the things you asked for.”

“Wait…? Wasn’t the disciple supposed to follow the master?”

Unjung Sun’s eyes wavered.

“No. If you suddenly follow me, the villagers will suspect our relationship. Are you trying to reveal my identity as your master?”

Goeui was eccentric and stubborn, a character who could rival anyone.

Would such a Goeui suddenly become a person of Geumryongjeonjang?

It was an event that anyone could see was strange.

Bang So Un, who prided himself on being smart, would not give such an excuse.

“…Ah, no. The disciple’s thoughts were short. I will gladly follow the master’s words.”

Unjung Sun bowed deeply.

A disappointed expression could be seen.

But emotions were emotions, and she faithfully followed Bang So Un’s words.

Because he was a master as vast as the sky.

“Yes, please. And don’t be too upset. We can have secret meetings from time to time.”

“Ah… Yes, master!”

Finally, a smile returned to Unjung Sun’s lips.

Bang So Un’s gaze shifted to the next person.

A woman kneeling completely naked.

She was now the widow Hwaseon Yang Yeon Hwi.

“Milk-sucking wench.”

“Yes, master.”

Yang Yeon Hwi politely responded to the crude and unparalleled call.

It clearly revealed the relationship between Bang So Un and her.

“Of course, this woman will go with us.”

“Milk-sucking wench will obey the command, master.”

Having lost her husband, Yang Yeon Hwi now had no status.

Even if she relied on Geumryongjeonjang, it was not strange.

If a good offer was made and Yang Yeon Hwi accepted, that was it.

“Haha, good. Come closer. I want to taste the valley lord with your body.”

“Yes, master.”

Yang Yeon Hwi crawled closer.

Her swaying hips.

Looking at that, Bang So Un smiled.

It was a smile that contained various meanings.

‘With this, one more step.’

Bang So Un’s gaze was already looking ahead.