Chapter 14

Yang Kwae, hearing Namgung Woo’s muttering, asked with a suspicious tone.

“Hanbok? Are you talking about Central Plains attire?”

Whether it was Hanbok (Korean attire) or Hanbok (Chinese attire), the pronunciation was the same, so it was natural for Yang Kwae to interpret it that way.

Before Yang Kwae could speak, Yang Jeong added.

“Little brother, that’s called Goryeoyang. It’s the attire from Haedong beyond Liaodong.”

At least, the Hanbok that Namgung Woo had in mind was correct.

Although the Hanbok from the modern era Namgung Woo lived in was likely the most familiar, it was somewhat different from the Hanbok commonly referred to in the early Joseon period.

Others might have just brushed it off as slightly different from what they knew, but Namgung Woo was aware of those subtle differences.

‘Brother Pung used to customize only Hanbok.’

Among the trio who had journeyed through Chasing Deer Murim, Namgung Pung had an exceptional love for Hanbok. As the saying goes, even a dog can recite poetry after three years, so naturally, Namgung Woo’s knowledge of Hanbok had also deepened.

“No, what I mean is, why are they wearing that attire in the Central Plains?”

At Namgung Woo’s words, Yang Kwae, with a puzzled expression, explained something that seemed obvious.

“Hey, little brother, isn’t it common knowledge that Haedong’s attire is stylish and beautiful? Look, unlike Central Plains attire that ends with one piece, that Mamigun skirt is more beautiful than a fairy’s dress. But indeed, it’s the Hapbuk Paeng Family. In the Central Plains, you can’t find such well-made Mamigun.”

“It must have been directly obtained from Haedong. Just look at that dark blue silk.”

Is this a cultural victory?

Namgung Woo felt a strange sensation. Praising the beauty of Hanbok and saying that Made in Haedong is the best made him wonder if this was indeed a parallel world following a similar history.

‘I think I heard it from Brother Pung.’

Well, good is good.

Namgung Woo decided not to think too deeply about it. Instead, he made a mental note to try obtaining a Hanbok later.

“But… I didn’t expect the Sword Princess to come personally…”

“There’s also the One Blade Severing Soul, Paeng Mu-ho.”

Sword Princess and One Blade Severing Soul.

Although they were titles and names he was hearing for the first time, Namgung Woo could guess who they were referring to.

The first mentioned, Sword Princess, was naturally the leading woman of the group. She must have been the one who was surprised to see Namgung Woo wearing Hanbok.

And the other Paeng mentioned was undoubtedly the strongest in the group. It was clear that the middle-aged man standing to the right of the woman called Sword Princess was him.

“Are they very famous people?”

“Well… don’t you know?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm, if you only operate in Shanxi, that might be the case.”

There was a sense of misunderstanding building up, but Namgung Woo deliberately let it slide.

Instead, he observed the atmosphere around him. It wasn’t just Namgung Woo and the Yang Brothers who were whispering about the Paeng Family. Everyone gathered at the Iga Clan was doing the same.

Perhaps it was a familiar reaction. The Paeng Family members didn’t show any particular response and simply walked forward to greet the Iga Clan’s leader.

“I am Paeng Ha-ryeong from the Paeng Family.”

“Oh… welcome. Seeing the famous Sword Princess of the Paeng Family, I, Lee So-and-so, feel greatly enlightened.”

The Iga Clan leader poured out praises that bordered on flattery.

But no one found it strange. Even Namgung Woo himself thought it was natural.

Because she was beautiful.

‘Chae-ji was also pretty, but… is it the difference between dressing up or not?’

The Hangsan Faction, once counted among the Nine Sects, neither wore makeup nor dressed in fancy clothes.

In contrast, Paeng Ha-ryeong, despite being a martial artist, wore a splendid Goryeoyang Hanbok made of dark blue silk and even wore makeup, enhancing her beauty.

Yet, she still retained the appearance of a martial artist by shortening her sleeves and wearing only one hairpin, making her a perfect example of restrained beauty.

“Truly the number one beauty of Hapbuk…”

Someone’s muttering reached Namgung Woo’s ears. Though it was a small voice, peak masters with highly developed senses would have all heard it.

Of course, Paeng Ha-ryeong was included. But her expression remained unshaken. Her calm demeanor seemed to prove that even the grand title of “Number One Beauty of Hapbuk” was familiar to her.

“Heroes of the Paeng Family, thank you for coming to this humble place. Please, come this way. Although we couldn’t prepare alcohol due to the upcoming battle, we have prepared a modest welcome feast.”

“No, thank you for your kindness, but it would be better to share the feast with the anxious people of Muan County. Since we don’t know when the Ghost Gate will open, we should establish a plan as quickly as possible.”

“Ah… truly, the direct descendants of the Seven Great Families are magnanimous. We will do so. But since you’ve come a long way, how about having a quick meal first?”

Namgung Woo saw right through the Iga Clan leader’s intentions.

The two young men standing next to the leader were likely his sons or close relatives. It was a blatant attempt to arrange a meal between them and Paeng Ha-ryeong, a direct descendant of the Paeng Family.

Considering the Iga Clan leader’s prestige, Paeng Ha-ryeong didn’t refuse.

“Then I will observe the others here until the preparations are ready.”

“Hmm, perhaps you should rest in your room…”

“We didn’t walk far, so it’s fine.”

Paeng Ha-ryeong was firm.

The Iga Clan leader, realizing Paeng Ha-ryeong had no intention of backing down, quickly excused himself to make preparations.

Thus, a strange tension settled between the Paeng Family members and the martial artists already at the Iga Clan.

The Paeng Family was the first to pull the tension’s string.

The Paeng martial artists pointed out or glanced at a few people they knew, whispering into Paeng Ha-ryeong’s ear.

Perhaps they didn’t need to use Whispering Transmission. Or maybe they thought no one could overhear even if they spoke softly.

Namgung Woo thought it might be both, but it was more like they didn’t mind being overheard.

They weren’t badmouthing anyone, just objectively evaluating the martial artists’ skills and techniques.

As Paeng Ha-ryeong listened to the explanations, her gaze turned toward Namgung Woo’s group. The title “Twin Waves Double Blades” was mentioned by Paeng Mu-ho.

And Namgung Woo’s eyes met Paeng Ha-ryeong’s.

Seeing Namgung Woo’s faintly blue eyes, Paeng Ha-ryeong’s pupils momentarily dilated and shook.

They quickly returned to normal, but Namgung Woo’s Azure Tranquility Eyes thoroughly read not only her pupils but also the emotions that had stirred.

‘Shock? Did she notice my level?’

No matter how you looked at it, he was a peak master. Even Paeng Mu-ho seemed to be at the edge of peak, barely reaching transcendent peak, but it was still difficult for him.

If the two had learned any special eye techniques, Namgung Woo’s Azure Tranquility Eyes would have dissected them thoroughly.

Before Namgung Woo’s doubts could be answered, they moved.

This time, Paeng Ha-ryeong stepped back, and Paeng Mu-ho stepped forward.

“So you’re here too, Twin Waves Double Blades.”

The nickname, meaning twin wanderers, seemed to refer to the Yang Brothers simultaneously.

It seemed Paeng Mu-ho was familiar with the Yang Brothers, as his approach was quite natural.

“It’s been a while, One Blade Severing Soul, Great Hero.”

“How have you been?”

“Haha, still the same. Flying Blade Gentleman, you must have had a tough time.”

“Not at all.”

“Hmm, I don’t quite understand what the Great Hero is saying.”

Paeng Mu-ho chuckled and asked.

“Have you thought about my proposal from last time?”

“Sorry, but I still don’t want to settle down anywhere yet.”

“Is that so? That’s a shame. Let’s work well together this time too.”

“Of course. With the Paeng Family seniors here, this Ghost Gate Sealing Battle should be easier.”

“Don’t get careless, Fast Falling Blade.”

“Just call me by my name. It’s not like we’ve only met once or twice.”

“I prefer this. But who’s the young man next to you?”

With Paeng Mu-ho’s words, the Paeng Family’s gazes turned to Namgung Woo.

For some reason, Namgung Woo felt that their target wasn’t the Yang Brothers but himself.

So, he heightened his Azure Tranquility Eyes and observed them closely.

“My name is Nam Woo.”

§

When they returned to the room provided by the Iga Clan after the meal, Paeng Ha-ryeong immediately spoke.

“Uncle, you felt it, right?”

Even during the meal, Paeng Ha-ryeong had been thinking only about that. Forgetting even the Ghost Gate and the Ghost Gate Sealing Battle, she had been constantly pondering one person.

“That young man named Nam Woo next to the Twin Waves Double Blades?”

“Yes. That person… was strange.”

Strange.

It was the only word Paeng Ha-ryeong could find to express it.

“Yes. His energy flow was too stable.”

Normally, energy flow is not constant.

Internal energy doesn’t work like involuntary muscles; it responds to the practitioner’s will.

Naturally, the energy flow fluctuates slightly, and its strength varies depending on the development of the energy meridians.

Especially if the Governing and Conception Vessels aren’t fully opened.

Without utilizing all the acupoints, weak spots in the energy flow are inevitable. Specifically, the head area.

Moreover, the Upper Dantian, located in the head, is something only a few martial artists train, unlike the Lower Dantian, which all martial artists cultivate, and the Middle Dantian, which naturally opens with deeper internal energy. Unless one intentionally activates protective energy, the energy flow in the head area is bound to be weak.

But Nam Woo’s energy flow was different.

“It was… the first time I’ve seen something like that. It was like looking at a calm lake… so peaceful.”

Paeng Ha-ryeong was shocked when she saw Nam Woo, almost screaming.

If she hadn’t had the experience of visiting the Imperial Family as a direct descendant of the Paeng Family, she might have jumped to observe him more closely.

“How is that possible? Even my father wasn’t at that level…”

If one tried to force it, even Paeng Ha-ryeong’s father, the Paeng Family head, might not be able to achieve it, but Nam Woo maintained it so naturally that it was shocking to Paeng Ha-ryeong.

“Well, I’m not sure either. Perhaps he has mastered a technique that simultaneously cultivates the Upper, Middle, and Lower Dantians. His energy flow wasn’t large, so it might be possible with a highly cultivated orthodox martial art.”

“…Could it help Ye-ryeong?”

All of Paeng Ha-ryeong’s worries always led back to that name.

This time was no different. Paeng Mu-ho looked at her with pity and muttered bitterly.

“That’s… hard to say. But it’s worth observing.”

“…I see. It would be good to move around him during this Ghost Gate Sealing Battle.”

“Let me warn you.”

Paeng Ha-ryeong recalled Nam Woo’s face she had briefly seen.

I’ll watch over you. To see what kind of person you are.

And if you truly can be our hope… then…

‘I’ll have to take you with me somehow.’