Chapter 83 – What was her name… (1)

Those who call themselves the great masters of the martial arts world usually avoid getting involved in such trivial matters.

They are people who are stronger than anyone else, yet feel ashamed to use their strength like common laborers.

Those who have mastered the internal energy of the orthodox Do-mun are even more inclined to this tendency.

There was also a good excuse. “It is against the law for a martial artist to get involved in the affairs of a swindler.”

“Find out more about that man.”

“Yes?”

“Well, there’s probably nothing to find out. Did he say he was going to participate in the Guryong Jaengpa?”

“Soma… Madam!”

Suha exclaimed in amazement.

To enter the Sollim, and even to the place where the core members of each faction were gathered.

Just coming here was dangerous enough.

“Stay calm.”

“No, if the head of the sect finds out about this, she will surely oppose it.”

“She doesn’t know.”

Yeongho Gyeong’s sophistry reminded Suha of the warning she had received from Iljang-ro.

If she didn’t make a promise, she would have to kill him, that’s what Iljang-ro said.

Suha couldn’t shake off that suspicion.

But soon she realized that even such worries were a luxury.

“And, did you bring something this time? If possible, see if there’s a place to connect it.”

“…What? You mean you’re going to use it here?”

“Then, should we spread it to a suitable small faction? Even those who come from prestigious factions are often thirsty for power.”

“…”

“Don’t worry. If things get complicated, we can just run away, can’t we?”

Suha felt her stomach churn as the usually obedient head of the small faction began to loosen her reins.

The five absolute masters of the Do-jol are called the Ojeol.

Kwonjol (fist), Geomjol (sword), Dojol (knife), Unjol (cloud), and Hwajol (flower).

Something seems strange, doesn’t it? The first three are obviously related to martial arts, but the last two, I’m not sure.

In the case of Unjol, it is understandable because he is a master of the Gonryun faction and recognizes the divine law. If the divine law is like a cloud, it makes sense.

But why Hwajol? Because Paeng Yeon-hwa is a woman? What does a flower have to do with Paeng Yeon-hwa?

Is Dojol stronger than Paeng Yeon-hwa or a senior martial artist?

There could be many reasons, but the biggest one was that Dojol was from the Paengga.

“Nice to meet you. I heard from Maeso-hyang and it’s okay. It’s better than I thought.”

Dojol Paeng Mudoh, the head of the Paengga and a master of the knife technique. He was also the older brother of Paeng Yeon-hwa.

He was the first customer who came looking for me.

“Long time no see, Paeng Gaju.”

“You’re still carrying around work. Why don’t you leave it to your subordinates?”

Despite being slightly smaller in size compared to his relatively larger father, Paeng Mudoh’s presence was much greater. Perhaps it was because of his cheerful and lively impression.

“By the way, is this guy really suitable for the job? Why do I feel like I’ve seen your face somewhere before?”

“That’s why I used a chair as a disguise.”

Unlike when dealing with the head of the Tang faction, Paeng Mudoh responded with a smile, indicating that he was pleased with Paeng Gaju.

“Anyway, it’s good to see you. I heard there’s a young man who learned a thing or two from Yeon-hwa, and I came to see for myself. He’s excellent. Beyond my expectations.”

Paeng Gaju shrugged her shoulders at the comment that such skill at this age is rare.

“My son, Wol, is also participating this time. If the two of you happen to compete against each other, make sure it doesn’t get too intense and no one gets hurt.”

“Understood.”

After a friendly conversation, Paeng Mudoh left my lodging.

Even after that, famous people from various factions occasionally visited our lodging. Most of them were looking for my mother, and there were few who came to see me directly like Paeng Mudoh.

As a result, I felt a certain wall in the way they treated me.

Although Odaese-ga was relatively friendly, there were times when the wind was so cold in the Gupa faction that I wondered why they came.

“It’s not your fault.”

Traditionally, the Odaese-ga had a strong influence in the secular world. On the other hand, the Gupa faction was one step ahead of the martial artists.

However, recently, the ratio of absolute masters was similar, and among them, the strongest, Geomsung, was also from the Hwangbo-ga.

As a result, the Gupa faction, whose pride was hurt, is reaching out more to the secular world through their disciples.

For example, receiving “protection fees” in a specific area to prevent accidents in that area.

“What a useless problem.”

“That’s what I’m saying. It’s tiring to get involved in the pride games and power games of the prestigious factions.”

Father played the instrument. As someone who went from an unknown talented martial artist to a son-in-law of Jegal-se-ga, he probably felt it more acutely.

Especially when Maeso-hyang had already greeted him, it was impressive that he came again to greet him with his son.

Seeing him come to where others were resting and showing off his son’s martial arts skills, it seemed like he had accumulated a considerable amount of resentment.

“What was his name… Nungpyeongun?”

“…His name is Nungpungyeon, son.”

He resembled his mother a lot, a parasite who was always looking for a chance to destroy anything that didn’t please him. Dealing with these people who came looking for me, practicing new martial arts techniques when I had the time, and helping my father when I had even more free time.

Finally, the day of the competition was announced.