Ten Paths of the Master - Chapter 42

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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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Episode 42. Would you like to have a drink instead?
Dan Yeop answered Baek Chogong’s proposal: become Deputy Leader of Jeommun.
“I shall do so.”
He did not refuse.
A position of that rank fell well within his expectations.
He could not remain working at the fabric shop indefinitely—not with his martial ability eclipsing the Unit Leaders.
There was no sense in that, not unless he was a fool.
Besides, if he was ever to meet Baek Yuhwa again, he needed to move in deeper waters.
The moment Dan Yeop assented, the corners of Baek Chogong’s mouth lifted.
There is a saying: favorable circumstances.
Haowen, even within the province, had not abandoned its dream of unifying all ten divisions under a single banner.
Until now, Ha Soran had led the sixth division.
Her martial ability was known to be considerable.
The Unit Leaders of the fifth division had accepted her command without ever crossing blades with her.
Because they had not fought, they had not fully submitted either.
Hong Soguang in particular seized every chance to pick quarrels with her.
Then, just when Ha Soran was recruiting a wandering instructor, Hong Soguang had made a grave blunder.
Did Baek Chogong harbor no ambitions of his own?
He meant to put Dan Yeop forward as a rival, to raise his voice and make himself heard.
As if to say: I am here too.
“I shall have the Iron Credential made within several days. On the day it arrives, I will formally introduce you to the faction.”
In that instant, the eyes of Vice Leader Mok Unsueng and the Unit Leaders flickered.
Haowen issued five grades of credential badges.
The divisional leaders held the Silver Badge, the Vice Leader held the Iron Credential, Unit Leaders held the Bronze Badge, Regional Leaders the Wood Badge, and common members the Bamboo Badge.
An eighteen-year-old youth had become second-in-command of Jeommun.
Yet Vice Leader Mok Unsueng and the Unit Leaders raised no objection.
The martial ability they had witnessed from Dan Yeop moments before had exceeded their expectations.
After the conversation ended, Dan Yeop left Simhyanggak alone.
Moments after Dan Yeop’s departure, Baek Chogong turned to Vice Leader Mok Unsueng.
“Did you hear? Make haste with the Iron Credential. It must be finished within four days at the latest.”
“Lord Faction Leader, I confess there is one matter that troubles me.”
“What is it?”
“Dan Yeop left Byeongma Chong four months ago. He has only trained there.”
“And?”
“Those who came from Byeongma Chong have faced life and death countless times on Hadongdo. I worry whether they will truly follow someone with no real combat experience.”
“So that is what troubles you, Vice Leader.”
“I cannot in good conscience say it troubles me not. What do you think, Leader So and Leader Wi?”
“I confess I am somewhat concerned as well. The blade of one who has seen real combat and the blade of one who has only trained are different things.”
“I share the same thought.”
“If you men, seasoned as you are in real combat, were to cross blades with Dan Yeop—do you think you could defeat him?”
Vice Leader Mok Unsueng answered with a hint of curtness.
“One cannot know the length of things until the measure is taken.”
“Perhaps so. In any case, we must leave that matter to Dan Yeop himself. If he cannot overcome even that, he will be swallowed by Ha Soran.”
Thinking suddenly of Ha Soran, Baek Chogong exhaled a long breath.
‘Damn it, those free nights at Chwisualleu are finished.’
Whenever he tried to pay, Manager Im Soseun would wave him off, saying there was no need for such formality among family.
Though that was not the only reason he had followed Ha Soran, still, it seemed he would hear such words no longer.
‘Perhaps I should visit one last time today…….’
***
Having left Simhyanggak, Dan Yeop crossed the garden slowly.
On his way to the main building of Jipdanghyang, he glanced at Ansickheon but did not venture inside.
‘Is Baek Yuhwa in there?’
Ever since catching sight of that familiar face, his anticipation had only grown.
Yet he lacked the courage to enter Ansickheon and search for her.
In the end, he shuffled inside through the rear entrance of the main building, shoulders sagging.
The moment he stepped through the threshold, he nearly gasped for breath in shock.
Baek Yuhwa stood just a few paces before him.
As he gazed at her, half-dazed, Baek Yuhwa felt his stare and turned her head.
“Oh?”
A brief exclamation escaped her lips—she too was surprised.
But Baek Yuhwa, realizing her mistake at once, quickly turned her head away.
She couldn’t afford to acknowledge seeing the Haowen member at Jeommun’s headquarters, which was disguised as an incense shop.
Dan Yeop wasn’t a fool either.
He carefully controlled his expression and brushed past her without incident.
Leaving Jipdanghyang, Dan Yeop walked aimlessly through the streets.
Thanks to the warm midday sun, there were still plenty of people about, even in the depths of winter.
As he made his way through the crowds, his thoughts drifted to Baek Yuhwa, whom he’d just glimpsed.
She seemed different from how he remembered her during his days at Byeongma Chong.
Perhaps it was because she wore bright silks now; he couldn’t be certain.
At Byeongma Chong, both men and women dressed in rough linen.
The woman he’d encountered at Jipdanghyang resembled Na Geumnyeong.
‘No, far more than Na Geumnyeong actually…’
As Dan Yeop continued his private musings, someone tapped his shoulder.
He turned around without thinking, and his eyes widened.
Baek Yuhwa stood before him.
“Senior Dan, have you been well?”
“Huh? I… yes…”
Dan Yeop’s mind went blank; he could only blink.
Baek Yuhwa, watching his bewildered state, spoke up.
“Would you like to have some tea?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s go. A little further on, there’s a tea house I visit often.”
“A tea house?”
“A place that sells tea along with jewelry and ornaments. These days, more customers come for the tea.”
Dan Yeop followed her without hesitation, wherever she led.
Prison or paradise—he didn’t care which anymore.
At the entrance to an alley lined with bookshops, Baek Yuhwa stopped and pointed to the sign above the establishment.
It read: Cheonghyang Dasa.
Inside, quite a few patrons were enjoying their tea.
Dan Yeop and Baek Yuhwa found an empty table and sat facing each other.
Shortly after ordering, she spoke in a hushed voice.
“Oh no, I think I chose poorly.”
“Why?”
Her voice dropped even lower.
“There are too many people…”
Now Dan Yeop understood what concerned her.
There were far too many ears for the words they needed to share.
Baek Yuhwa, however, adeptly opened the conversation.
“What are you doing these days, senior?”
The unexpected use of that familiar address made Dan Yeop’s heart race uncontrollably.
“I work at a cloth merchant’s shop.”
“Is it satisfactory?”
“Fair enough.”
Then a server arrived with the tea implements.
Baek Yuhwa carefully crumbled a Compressed Tea Cake and placed it in the pot.
She then added ginger slices and smiled as she spoke.
“Ginger makes it even better in winter.”
Dan Yeop thought the ginger and tea scents complemented each other perfectly.
After pouring the tea, they both fell nearly silent.
Only scattered, fragmented remarks passed between them.
“The thin noodles I had in Jinyang seemed like the best I’ve ever tasted.”
“Is that so? I thought the thick noodles at Xiangman Tower were better. I even licked the bowl clean.”
Around the time their tea was finished, Dan Yeop asked abruptly.
“Do you have any news of my older brothers?”
“Your brothers?”
“Dan Geum and Dan Jae.”
“Ah…”
Baek Yuhwa only then recalled Dan Yeop’s unusual family structure.
“So Dan Jae is your second brother?”
“Yes.”
“I think I heard he died at the Yellow River last year.”
“…….”
After a long silence, Dan Yeop spoke again.
“What about Dan Geum?”
“I’m not sure about that either…….”
Baek Yuhwa shook her head.
She knew of Dan Jae’s death because he had been in the Jeommun.
But Dan Geum’s whereabouts were unknown to her, so she didn’t even know if he was alive or dead.
“I see. In any case, thank you for telling me about my second brother.”
After a brief moment, the two of them, having nothing more to say, rose from their seats.
In a place where few people passed, Baek Yuhwa asked a question.
“Dan, why did you come to Jipdanghyang?”
“The Unit Leader called me here about my foster father.”
“Ah, I see.”
She asked nothing further.
She assumed it had to do with the Unit Leader of the Danbulwi faction.
When they reached a fork in the road, Baek Yuhwa spoke.
“If you’re with the Jeommun, we’ll see each other often. I should get going now. We can meet again another time if the opportunity comes.”
“Yes, go well.”
Dan Yeop waved his hand with a meaningful smile.
***
Early evening (7 p.m.)
Pyeonggang District in Jwaseong, the eastern sector.
Chwisualleu.
Unit Leader Baek Chogong entered Chwisualleu with Deputy Leader Mok Unsueng and Deputy Unit Leader Wi Jicheon.
Im Soseun, the proprietress of Chwisualleu, came out to greet them with her courtesans, making a fuss of welcome.
“Oh my goodness! Gentlemen! It’s been far too long. Why have you been so scarce lately? I keep telling you to treat this place like your own home and visit often.”
Deputy Unit Leader Wi Jicheon responded with a smooth grin.
“If my own home had beauties like these, I wouldn’t come here.”
“Sir, if any of these girls catches your fancy, just say the word. I’ll have her removed from the Entertainment Register right away. Take her home and marry her. I’m not joking.”
“Ha-ha-ha! This is exactly why I can’t go anywhere else! My friends, did you hear that? Maybe I should set up a household with her this time!”
In the pleasure house, these three were on terms of mutual respect, so calling each other “my friend” felt natural.
Deputy Leader Mok Unsueng pushed Wi Jicheon’s back and spoke.
“Stop your tactless talk and get inside.”
The three took their usual seats in the inner chamber.
Attendants hurried back and forth, arranging wine and dishes on the table.
Presently, a courtesan entered carrying a Pipa.
Just as she was about to pluck the strings with the Plectrum in her hand—
Suddenly someone flung open the door and entered.
It was Ha Soran, the Unit Leader of the Amun.
At her gesture, all the courtesans in the chamber withdrew like a receding tide.
Unit Leader Baek Chogong, Deputy Leader Mok Unsueng, and Deputy Unit Leader Wi Jicheon were so overwhelmed by Ha Soran’s commanding presence that they could only blink.
Ha Soran studied the three men with an expressionless face and opened her mouth.
“Unit Leader Hong of the Amun has been causing trouble, and you were aware of it, weren’t you, Unit Leader Baek?”
“Ah, if it’s about the Danbulwi faction…….”
Ha Soran cut off Unit Leader Baek Chogong’s words.
“So you did know. A Chief Deputy Leader, you say? With whose consent? A simple Deputy Leader is already questionable, but a Chief Deputy Leader? Unit Leader Hong went ahead on his own authority, ignoring the consensus of all six factions, yet you simply allowed it?”
“Well, it’s also a matter of the Amun…….”
“I am, albeit temporarily, serving as the Chief Leader. Yet an appointment of Chief Deputy Leader was made without so much as consulting me. Do you truly think that reasonable?”
“Tsk…….”
In that moment, Unit Leader Baek Chogong cursed his own craven nature.
‘I’m a fool. I knew Ha Soran would blow her top, and here I came crawling into her path anyway…….’
Ha Soran’s voice grew steadily louder.
“When I brought Woon Junggaek, Han Weol Geom, and Go Geom Haeng, I gave them nothing but Instructor rank. Why? Because Deputy Leader positions must be appointed only after consultation with other Unit Leaders. Woon Junggaek, Han Weol Geom, and Go Geom Haeng are Instructors, yet Dan Yeop is made Chief Deputy Leader? Are you making a mockery of this?”
If Instructor is a private rank, Deputy Leader is a public one.
For instance, in the martial factions and regional forces, Instructor rank was used, but in the Imperial Palace Guard and the Chang’an Defense Force, Deputy Leader positions were established.
Thus Deputy Leader naturally stood above Instructor.
Woon Junggaek, Han Weol Geom, and Go Geom Haeng were all renowned masters of the martial world.
In terms of martial prowess and reputation, Dan Yeop could not match them.
Yet the moment Ha Soran brought in Instructors, the Amun defiantly appointed Dan Yeop as Chief Deputy Leader.
It was only natural that Ha Soran, who had served as the Chief Faction Leader until now, erupted.
Baek Chogong had much he wanted to say, but he held his tongue.
Whether explanation or defense, it had to come from Hong Soguang.
Why should he redden his face before Ha Soran over a decision Hong Soguang had made alone?
Yet Ha Soran had no intention of letting Baek Chogong off so easily.
“Please tell me what stance Jeommun intends to take.”

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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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