Moorim Pochang - Chapter 14

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 14. The Song Ok of the Village.

Kang Jo and Yang Jung stumbled out of the room with hollow eyes.
They made their way to the rear yard.
When they arrived, the stallion and mare lay side by side on the ground, sleeping peacefully.
Kang Jo glared at the stallion with eyes blazing.
“All night that beast carried on like a madman, and now it finally decides to sleep.”
Yang Jung seethed with equal fury.
“You’re right, brother. I think we need to take drastic measures. Shall we catch it and sell it for horsemeat?”
Perhaps sensing their rage, the stallion lifted its head slightly.
But it immediately sprawled back onto the dirt.
A groan escaped its lips.
Kang Jo and Yang Jung exhaled sighs heavy with frustration.
“After breakfast, go into the village and buy a horse saddle.”
“A saddle? For what?”
“If we tire it out, maybe it’ll stop this nonsense and think of something else.”
“Ah… that’s a fine idea, brother. I suppose I’ll need to ride that creature through the forest all day.”
Kang Jo crossed the rear yard and headed toward the broad courtyard in front of the dilapidated mansion.
Yang Jung followed alongside and asked a question.
“What did you do with the Spirit Herb and Blue Stone Oil you brought yesterday?”
“Steeped them in liquor.”
“Ah… I was hoping we could steep them together. How much liquor is left, brother?”
Kang Jo fixed him with a glare.
“Why? Planning to steal another drink?”
“Not that at all. The weather’s getting hotter, and I thought it might be nice if we shared a cup together to beat the heat…”
“Even if I scraped the bottom of the barrel, there’d be barely six cups left, so don’t get your hopes up.”
Yang Jung smacked his lips in disappointment.
He seemed crestfallen at the prospect.
Once Kang Jo took his seat, Yang Jung also settled into a proper meditation posture.
A deep breath escaped them both.
The moment the two began their Qi Breathing Cultivation, vital essence from their surroundings swirled in a vortex and rushed toward them.

*

“To think this old man has been so thoroughly outwitted by such a talented youngster.”
Shin Pung Gae trudged forward leaning on a wooden Stone Staff, heading toward the Murim Alliance.
He’d chased that handsome young bastard and gotten lost in the mountains, only managing to escape at dawn.
His belly roared with hunger as a result, and his legs trembled beneath him.
‘The man said he was the successor of the Kaebang. Where could that fool possibly run to?’
Despite his gnawing hunger and weakened legs, Shin Pung Gae’s spirits soared at having found the Kaebang’s heir.
As he walked slowly along, he caught sight of Kang Jo sitting by the riverside, washing dishes.
He then surveyed the forest behind.
He let out a scoff.
“People living in a cursed place like this? This is no dwelling for humans—only ghosts would haunt such a ruin.”
Hearing this, Kang Jo paused mid-wash and looked up, staring hard at the old man.
‘This decrepit beggar is fanning flames on a burning house.’
His mood was sour, but since the old man spoke out of concern, there was little point in taking him to task.
Shin Pung Gae spotted the pale flag hanging from the roof and let out a hollow laugh.
A long, dry chuckle.
“What guests would ever come to a place like that? Truly a fool’s thinking.”
From long experience, he’d already deduced that the young man washing dishes by the river was the innkeeper.
‘A fool?’
At those words, Kang Jo—who had been quietly washing—felt anger flare hot within his chest.
“Old man, you’ve lived long enough—why do you insult someone else’s home? Save your worthless talk and be on your way.”
At Kang Jo’s blunt reply, Shin Pung Gae’s eyes brightened.
How fortunate—he’d been bored anyway, and here someone was offering him a quarrel.
He turned his steps toward the Riverside, speaking as he went.
“Linger long in a cursed place, and sickness will settle in your bones. Worse still, misfortune will dog your steps without mercy. Better to leave now, while you still can.”
Kang Jo, finished with the washing, shot to his feet.
“Sickness? Look at me—do I look afflicted to you? I have no intention of leaving this place, so why don’t you be on your way, old man?”
Hehehehe……………….
Shin Pung Gae broke into hearty laughter.
In all his years in the Gangho, few had dared show him such disrespect.
He deliberately exposed the knots at his waist.
Once the young fool saw all nine of them, his attitude would change soon enough.
But contrary to his expectations, Kang Jo merely snorted.
Hmph…
“I beg you—bathe occasionally. With all that grime caked on your waist, even a crow would call you its elder.”
Shin Pung Gae’s face twisted into something hideous.
But it lasted only a moment.
“Do you have any guests?”
At his question, Kang Jo turned his body sharply, sending a chill through the air.
“None. And I wouldn’t take a beggar as a guest even if I did. Now, off with you.”
“Have you not heard? Beggars possess the finest information network under heaven. Let me spread word of your inn in exchange for a meal—what say you?”
Kang Jo, mid-stride, turned his head and fixed Shin Pung Gae with a hard stare.
“Spare me your nonsense. A beggar spreads word, and all you’ll attract is more beggars.”
Hehehehe….
Shin Pung Gae laughed again, deep and warm.
To call the Master of Kaebang a fraud? To suggest his words were mere trickery?
It was absurd enough to laugh about.
“I should at least learn your name.”
“Kang Jo.”
Shin Pung Gae nodded and turned toward the Murim Alliance.
“To kick away good fortune that stumbles into your lap. This old man will find no meal at that inn.”
Kang Jo raised his voice as he finished the washing.
“And I’ll take no beggar as a guest!”

*

Once Kang Jo finished the washing and stepped back into the inn, Yang Jung emerged from his room.
His hair hung in perfect order, not a strand out of place, as though he’d just combed it inside.
“Why don’t you come into the village with me, brother? It would do you good.”
“Why should I?”
“Your clothes are too worn. Let me find you some decent robes while we’re there.”
Hearing this, Kang Jo found it reasonable enough and hurried to prepare.
‘Where did I leave my sword?’
Kang Jo found the blade lying on the floor and fastened it at his waist.
He would have preferred to go unarmed, but the sword was a gift from his master, so he could not leave it behind.
“We don’t know when guests might arrive, so let’s be quick about it.”
“What about the alcohol, brother? What did you do with it?”
Yang Jung’s only concern was the wine.
“You worry more about liquor than horse thieves? I’ve hidden it well—don’t fret.”
Whoosh……..
Kang Jo deployed his Light Qinggong first and crossed the Stone Bridge.
Whoosh……..
Yang Jung followed, unfolding his own Light Qinggong.
The two men ran toward the village side by side, their shoulders level.
As the village drew near, they spotted several martial artists heading toward the Murim Alliance.
Kang Jo and Yang Jung quickly ceased their Light Qinggong and walked at a leisurely pace.
“What if those people find their way to the inn?”
Hahahaha……..
At Kang Jo’s worry, Yang Jung burst into laughter.
“You fret over nothing, brother.”
“You little…
As they drew closer to the street, surprise flickered across the faces of the approaching martial artists.
Their eyes could not leave Yang Jung’s face.
Even after Kang Jo and Yang Jung passed by, the Gangho masters remained motionless, their eyes following the figure of Yang Jung as he receded into the distance.
“Remarkably handsome. I don’t know which family he hails from, but I’d have gladly taken him as a son-in-law.”
“I share the same sentiment.”

*

The moment Kang Jo and Yang Jung entered the village, every eye turned toward Yang Jung.
“Lucky bastard, being that handsome.”
Unlike the reply, Yang Jung wore a faint smile at the corner of his mouth as he made his way toward the Fabric Shop.
“We’ve come to procure Martial Robes. Show us something of quality, if you would.”
Yang Jung spoke first upon arriving at the Fabric Shop.
“Welcome, welcome. The finest Martial Robes are kept inside—please, do step in and browse.”
The shop owner greeted them with genuine enthusiasm, welcoming both men warmly.
The two entered the back room and each selected a Martial Robe to their liking.
Kang Jo chose one of deep black, while Yang Jung selected one in a rich blue.
“Brother, people look more vibrant when dressed in brighter colors, don’t you think?”
“Enough of that, you rascal.”
By the time the two men had gathered several Martial Robes and stepped back outside, women had begun to crowd before the shop.
“How much is this one?”
“Don’t you have anything more elegant?”
The women pretended to examine the wares while stealing constant glances at Yang Jung’s face.
Sigh…
Kang Jo even exhaled audibly as he asked the question.
“Does this happen every time you venture out into the village?”
“Yes. I confess it exhausts me terribly. If only I could tear my face clean off, I’d gladly trade it for yours.”
Though Yang Jung spoke of his exasperation, a gentle smile played subtly at his lips.
“Shall I tear it off for you right now?”
“Oh, brother, spare me. You can’t be serious about such things.”
After settling the bill, the two men left the Fabric Shop in search of the Blacksmith Shop.
The women who had crowded outside the shop began to follow, one by one.
It was not only the young women who pursued Yang Jung.
Older women too gazed after him, their cheeks flushed with color.
“No matter how many times I see him, he’s handsome.”
“He’s the reincarnation of Song Ok himself, I swear it.”
Kang Jo shook his head as he heard the women’s murmurs.
“I’d like to see some Horse Saddles, if you please.”
Upon arriving at the Blacksmith Shop, Yang Jung made his request to the proprietor.
“I’ll show them to you right away, young master.”
But one of the women who had followed them suddenly stepped forward and intercepted his words.
She disappeared inside and returned bearing what appeared to be an exceptionally fine Horse Saddle.
“How do you find this one, young master?”
She appeared to be the blacksmith’s daughter.
Ha ha ha…
“Your eye for quality is truly remarkable, miss. What is the price? Tell me.”
Yang Jung broke into a clear, ringing laugh as he inquired about the cost.
“Just one Silver Coin, young master.”
The moment she named her price, the blacksmith himself suddenly emerged, erupting in anger.
“This girl will be the ruin of my shop! How can that be worth merely one Silver Coin? It ought to fetch at least two Silver Coins!”
“Father. I’m offering him a discount.”
The woman flushed as she spoke back to her father.
‘They certainly know how to play their parts.’
Kang Jo, observing the exchange, let slip a wry smile.
Ha ha ha…
“It would be proper to honor your father’s words, miss. Here—two Silver Coins.”
Yang Jung laughed again, that same clear, crystalline laugh, and extended two Silver Coins.
“Thank you, young master.”
The woman quickly clasped her hands and accepted the two Silver Coins.
The moment Yang Jung had paid, Kang Jo opened his mouth.
“Let’s be on our way, Samryong.”

Gasp… gasp…
“I… brother. My name isn’t Samryong. It’s Yang Jung.”
Flustered, Yang Jung laughed awkwardly and hurried to correct himself.
“What’s wrong with Samryong? Come on, unless you want to die here.”

*

Shin Pung Gae was not a little startled when he came face to face with the leader of the Murim Alliance.
His face looked gaunt, yet somehow he appeared younger than before.
Chuckle, chuckle, chuckle…
“It seems you’ve been keeping all the good things to yourself.”
When he inquired indirectly about the reason, Baek Mun Do offered a faint smile.
“I’ve simply been eating my meals on time.”
As Baek Mun Do smiled, Shin Pung Gae let a hint of annoyance show through.
“Is that truly all? Leader. What on earth have you been eating that your face has improved so much?”
Baek Mun Do, wiping the amusement from his expression, opened his mouth to speak.
He knew that, unlike others, Shin Pung Gae would persist with his questions until he received an answer.
“An Inn has appeared roughly halfway between the Village and the Murim Alliance. Do you happen to know anything about it?”
Shin Pung Gae recalled the sight of that ill-mannered young man washing dishes by the Riverside.
“This old man saw it too on his way to the Murim Alliance. But why ask about that Inn?”
“The food at that Inn is nothing short of divine. It was so exquisite that the Murim Alliance’s cooking felt like chewing sand in comparison.”
The leader’s words caught him by surprise, and he pressed further.
“You’re saying you regained your youth after dining there?”
“Yes. A young man runs the Inn as its proprietor, and his cooking is incomparably different from anywhere else.”
Baek Mun Do concealed the fact that it was the medicinal wine that had restored his youth.
Had he revealed that, the Inn would have been ransacked immediately, and crowds of aged Gangho masters would have descended upon it.
Such secrets were best kept close to the chest.
“Oh, blast it all…”
Shin Pung Gae’s face darkened with chagrin.
He never imagined that rude young fellow possessed such extraordinary culinary skills.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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