Ten Paths of the Master - Chapter 43

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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 43. Do you happen to have strong nerves?
When Ha So-ran, the Munju, asked Baek Cho-gong, also a Munju, to state Jeomun’s position on the Chonggyo-du, Baek Cho-gong found himself unable to answer readily.
‘Damn it all, if Ha So-ran finds out I appointed Dan Yeop as Chonggyo-du, all hell will break loose.’
It would make Ha So-ran and the freelance masters look like fools.
Baek Cho-gong, wrestling with the dilemma, decided to contain the situation before the backlash landed on him and slip away from this place.
“Ha Munju, perhaps we should all calm down. What you say has merit. However, Hong Munju’s decision was made because…….”
He laid out the essentials of what had happened at Akmun.
“……The Jinsandaedobeop created by Dan Bul-wi proved so formidable that he was appointed Chonggyo-du on that account. If what Hong Munju says is true, there’s nothing wrong with it, is there?”
“Hah! You expect me to believe such a preposterous excuse? Hong Munju’s words are obviously false, but even if they were true, ignoring procedure is a grave error. I invited renowned freelance masters as my instructors precisely for the sake of proper process. If I, as interim Chonggyo-du, observe it, how could Hong Munju appoint a Chonggyo-du at his whim? I’m disappointed in you, Baek Munju. You say there’s nothing wrong if Hong Munju’s words are true? What of the six Yukmun, each going their separate way? And what of unifying the Haomun across the Sipdo? Doesn’t that strike you as absurd?”
“Sigh…….”
Baek Cho-gong released a sigh so deep it seemed to hollow out the floor beneath him.
Hong Munju had caused the trouble, yet Baek Cho-gong was the one bearing the brunt of the reproach.
‘This is exactly why I wanted to stay out of the middle.’
Baek Cho-gong glanced toward Mok Un-saeng, the Bumunju, as if seeking help.
At that moment, Mok Un-saeng abruptly rose to his feet and spoke.
“Oh, that’s right—today is the anniversary of my father’s death. I should pay my respects. Brother, if you’ll excuse me…….”
“Sit down.”
“Yes, sir.”
An awkward silence fell over the room.
It was a moment that could have ended well enough, but Ha So-ran fixed Baek Cho-gong with an intense stare.
Baek Cho-gong, worn smooth by years in the Jianghu, understood at once that Ha So-ran wanted something from him.
‘Does he want me to take his side?’
Nothing else could explain such relentless pressure.
“Sigh! To speak plainly, I too dislike what Hong Munju did. I think it was wrong. There—satisfied?”
And he meant it.
Baek Cho-gong genuinely believed Hong So-gwang’s appointment of Dan Bul-wi as Chonggyo-du was a mistake.
‘Too aggressive. He should have made him Kyodu like I did.’
Unaware of Baek Cho-gong’s true thoughts, Ha So-ran’s expression softened at once.
“I knew you were an honorable man, Baek Munju. At the gathering of the six Yukmun Munjus, I will bring Hong Munju’s overreach to light. I trust you’ll speak as you have today? You will do that, won’t you?”
“Of course. It’s not as though it’s difficult.”
Only then did a satisfied smile bloom across Ha So-ran’s face.
“I’ve kept you three from your leisure. I’ll have the attendants return. Forgive my intrusion.”
Ha So-ran made a light bow and turned to leave.
The moment the door closed, Baek Cho-gong sprang to his feet.
His conscience would not allow him to remain seated any longer.
Mok Un-saeng stared at him in surprise and asked.
“Elder brother?”
“Let’s go. The drink has lost its taste.”
At his words, both Mok Un-saeng and Wi Ji-cheon rose as well.
Baek Cho-gong’s party slipped out of the room before the courtesans returned.
***
The next day.
Jwaseong, the eastern district. Pyeonggang-bang.
Pungyeolru.
Most of the first generation who survived the Haomun Great Hall had become security guards.
Compared to ordinary disciples working as clerks, that was a fairly successful life.
Jin Mu and No Sim, who had returned from Hadong-do, were also among Pungyeolru’s guards.
Around noon, Jin Mu spoke while taking a meal with No Sim.
“I found out who Dan Yeop’s backing is.”
“Who?”
“Dan Bul-wi, the Hyangju of Akmun.”
“Really?”
No Sim’s eyes widened at the incongruous name.
“Dan Yeop is Dan Bul-wi’s adopted son, apparently.”
“What? That was just something we said as a joke, wasn’t it?”
“From what the junior disciples say, ever since we graduated, Dan Bul-wi has been taking exceptional care of him.”
“Must’ve felt sorry for him and ended up getting attached.”
“Probably so.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?”
“What else? If he crawls up, we stomp him back down. We can’t give a fellow who came up with the fourth generation the same treatment as first generation.”
“But why’d he go to Jeomun instead of Haomun?”
“With his skills? He’d never survive Haomun—it’s too brutal. Heard he’s working at a fabric store in Seosi.”
“A fabric store? He got backing from Dan Bul-wi the Hyangju just to end up at a fabric store?”
The most lucrative places in Jeomun were the brothels, followed by the inns.
If you kept the clientele happy, they’d slip you extra money on the side.
The fabric store had none of that, so it ranked low even within Jeomun.
“Still, considering that blockhead, I’d say he’s lucky.”
“So why’d he show up at Simhyangkak?”
“The Munju likes to meet with kids who have backing, asks if there’s anything they need.”
“Tsk…….”
No Sim, an orphan, clicked his tongue.
A sudden wave of loneliness washed over him—the weight of having no one to lean on.
“You shouldn’t worry about it. Working at a shop won’t get you to Munwi. But we can make it there in a few years, can’t we?”
“If we live long enough.”
“That’s a risk we have to take. You want to be a lackey at fifty? Or a Munwi at twenty?”
“Munwi, obviously.”
“Exactly. He and us, we’re on different paths. No matter how much backing he’s got, some things just won’t happen.”
“But hell, what if Dan Yeop becomes Munwi before we do?”
At No Sim’s words, Jin Mu set down his chopsticks roughly.
“Damn it! Why’re you saying such unlucky things? Even if Haomun is a shithole, something like that shouldn’t happen.”
“I know it shouldn’t, but with Haomun… I’ve got this feeling it might actually happen.”
…….
Jin Mu had no rebuttal.
A Munwi—the lowest administrative post—could be secured through connections alone.
Plenty of the current Munwi held their positions that way.
When he thought about it, if Dan Bul-wi became even a Dangju, Jeomun would probably place Dan Yeop as a Munwi just to keep relations with Haomun smooth.
As the mood darkened, No Sim deliberately brightened his tone.
“I’m just saying hypothetically. Would something like that actually happen? To put an airhead like Dan Yeop in as Munwi, Dan Bul-wi would need to be at least a Bumunju. A Hyangju? That’s nowhere near enough.”
Jin Mu’s expression eased somewhat.
The two pushed aside their unease and focused on their meal.
***
At that same moment, Dan Yeop was walking down a main street in Seonpyeong-bang with Yang Hoe, the Munwi.
Their purpose was to find a new place to live.
Jipdan-hyang was located in Seonpyeong-bang, but the current residence—an old house—stood a short distance away from the neighborhood.
Once Dan Yeop became Chonggyo-du of Jeomun, he’d be frequenting Jipdan-hyang often, so he was planning to relocate to Seonpyeong-bang altogether.
Yang Hoe pointed with his finger toward Cheongun Guesthouse and spoke.
“We’ve arranged to meet No Bang there. No Bang is the best broker in Seonpyeong-bang—good to know his name.”
Since Dan Yeop’s business was still secret, Yang Hoe spoke casually, without formality.
“A broker?”
“Someone who arranges deals for goods, land, houses—that sort of thing. We call them Ain.”
“Ah…….”
“If you’re going to do this kind of work long-term, you need to maintain good relations. Conduct yourself with courtesy.”
Of course, “this kind of work” meant Haomun.
“Yes, sir.”
Moments later, the two entered Cheongun Guesthouse.
Beyond the gate lay a spacious courtyard where a considerable number of people were gathered, soaking up the winter sun.
An elderly man among them approached Yang Hoe and greeted him cordially.
“Scholar Yang, it’s been a while.”
“Elder No, thank you for stepping out despite being busy. This is Dan Yeop, a distant cousin on my wife’s side. Yeop, pay your respects—this is the Elder No I mentioned.”
Dan Yeop clasped his hands politely and bowed.
“I am Dan Yeop.”
No Bang smiled warmly in return.
“What a handsome young man. The young ladies of Seonpyeong-bang will lose sleep over this one. So, you’re looking for a place to live?”
No Bang, eager to finish quickly, asked Dan Yeop directly.
Even with the sun, deep winter cold cut through everything.
“Yes, sir.”
No Bang, who’d been nodding, turned his gaze toward Yang Hoe.
“I’ll find a house for your cousin. You can go on your way now, Scholar.”
“Then I’m in your debt. Yeop, I’m heading out first—show Elder No proper courtesy as you make your rounds.”
“Yes, sir.”
After the Pyeonggang-bang Munwi left, No Bang asked a question.
“You’re thinking of around a hundred monetary units a month for rent?”
“Yes.”
Dan Yeop, who had suffered in this old man’s cramped room, was considering finding a place where he could afford a higher rent.
“In that case, I know just the place. Come along.”
No Bang finished speaking and led Dan Yeop outside.
As No Bang entered an area lined with fine residences, Dan Yeop felt a twinge of worry.
“Sir, these houses look quite nice—are you sure the rent is only a hundred units?”
“Don’t worry. Exactly a hundred, no more, no less.”
“Ah, yes.”
Only then did Dan Yeop’s mind ease.
Soon after, No Bang stopped before a large gate.
A nameplate reading Sontaek hung above the lofty lintel.
“Tell me—do you have nerves of steel?”
“Nerves of steel?”
“Yes, nerves. Or are you easily frightened?”
“Not particularly, but why do you ask?”
“So you’re saying you’re brave?”
As No Bang pressed the question insistently, Dan Yeop began to feel uneasy.
A house this fine for a hundred units was suspicious enough—there was something off about the whole affair.
“Why are you asking me that?”
“The fellow who lived here before hanged himself, and ever since, something seems to wander about at night. That’s why everyone avoids it, even though the rent is cheap. The house itself is fine—really fine.”
……
In an instant, Dan Yeop’s mind grew turbulent.
The person who’d used this old man’s room had also died, and he couldn’t understand why death followed him wherever he went.
As he hesitated, No Bang rapped forcefully on the gate.
Thud. Thud. Thud—
“Sir, I’m afraid that I—”
Before he could express his refusal, the gate opened.
“Ah, goodness! No Bang! Welcome, welcome, do come in!”
An elderly gatekeeper, speaking with the exaggerated enthusiasm of a house broker, ushered No Bang and Dan Yeop inside.
Somewhat taken aback, Dan Yeop followed No Bang into Sontaek.
Contrary to his worries, the interior of the residence was immaculate, with no oppressive atmosphere whatsoever.
The gatekeeper went ahead toward the inner quarters and called out loudly.
“Master! No Bang the Ain has arrived with a guest!”
Immediately an elderly man with a pale beard emerged from the inner quarters onto the main veranda.
No Bang bowed respectfully, pressing his palms together.
“Master Son, I hope you have been well. An acquaintance mentioned that his nephew was seeking lodgings, so I brought him along.”
“Good of you to come. I’ve been waiting so long my neck was ready to snap off. Is this the young man beside you?”
“Yes. Please pay your respects to Master Son.”
At No Bang’s words, Dan Yeop pressed his palms together and bowed deeply.
“My name is Dan Yeop.”
“Welcome. You’ll be staying in that separate quarter there.”
Son Yu-baek pointed with his finger to a neat pavilion on the left.
Dan Yeop glanced at No Bang without thinking.
Could it be that he was being offered not just a room, but the entire separate building?
As if reading his thoughts, No Bang spoke.
“It’s a lease for the entire separate quarter.”
“The entire building?”
“That’s what I’m telling you. How does that sound?”
“I’ll take it.”
Dan Yeop would have lived here even if a ghostly grandfather came calling.

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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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