The long carriage ride from Anhuic to the Taewon County Office presented a man staring intently at a letter that had just flown in by courier bird.
The man, who usually frowned upon receiving letters, had an even more furrowed brow today.
Thud.
“Haa… Bao Qingtian, of all people… the legendary Bao Qingtian…”
The man’s name was Bin Namgung. He was a man with a bit more knowledge than the average person.
“I didn’t expect my plans to falter so easily… How could this useless guy not even handle one measly official? Anyway…”
Bin Namgung muttered under his breath, his frustration palpable.
Of course, he knew that it wasn’t that Guan Zun hadn’t tried to stop it—it was that he couldn’t.
“Bao Qingtian… I only ever read about him, never met him in person. Though, I did see him in a series in a box.”
As Namgung Bin dredged up long-buried memories, the life story of a great man unfurled within.
“They say he was an idealistic figure, worshipped as a god after his death. Hmm…”
The three clear words written in the letter — Bao Qingtian — revealed the identity of the figure Namgung Bin thought of.
“A man so firm in his principles of law that he even dared to sentence the emperor of his time to a flogging… Ugh, this is madness.”
Namgung Bin enjoyed bribery.
To be precise, he preferred giving bribes to receiving them as it helped to achieve his goals more easily.
Though, he rarely received bribes himself out of fear of leaving unnecessary liabilities behind. Besides, money was something he did not lack.
Now, as he regretted not having accepted bribes before his funds dwindled due to his current circumstances,
“Even if I gave him a bribe… It would surely not work. Instead, I’d more likely be branded a criminal on the spot. That’s the sort of man Bao Qingtian is.”
Namgung Bin had hastily gathered around twenty witnesses. The sole purpose of this opportunity was to handle Namgung Cheolbin, leaving Namgung Bin’s entire fortune drained.
“Whatever the verdict may be, Cheolbin will accept it. He’s been relaxing and becoming less tense since three years ago. Just look at me; I’m still alive, aren’t I?”
For the past year, Namgung Bin had utilized every means to investigate why Namgung Cheolbin’s character had changed, but he could never find the reason. Giving up on the investigation, he concluded that ‘Namgung Cheolbin had simply relaxed.’
Whether this relaxation meant that he had become completely detached from life or had lost his purpose, leading to a sense of futility, was uncertain.
Regardless, it didn’t matter much. Even if Namgung Cheolbin was powerful, the nation that Namgung Bin had rallied behind him was unbeatable.
The only problem was the unforeseen appearance of Bao Qingtian, making it uncertain whether the ‘country’ would still support his side.
“It’s impossible to recruit Bao Qingtian. Although, he does render verdicts strictly according to the law, so there is still some hope. In fact, with the evidence and witnesses I have, it might even be advantageous.”
Namgung Bin’s role in this trial would be nothing more than that of an observer. He wasn’t the complainant or anything of the sort — just the defendant’s family.
“If only Guan Zun had been the judge as planned, everything would be simpler. But lamenting about past events won’t change anything, so let’s prepare even more thoroughly. And…”
In the cramped carriage, Namgung Bin recalled the face of a woman.
A very beautiful woman with her brown hair combed gracefully to one side.
“Miss Soeun Yu… She’s coming too. She firmly believes Namgung Cheolbin is trash, and though she doesn’t seem to like me, she’ll surely provide some beneficial testimony.”
Under the blazing summer sun, Namgung Bin was heading towards Taewon in Shanxi.
*
“Miss, I need to make a quick trip somewhere.”
“Huh? You, where to? Where are you going?”
As I presented what I had planned to say, Jin Gayoung reacted as I had expected, startled and bombarding me with questions, her eyes wide open.
“Why? Is something the matter? It’s not because of a woman, right? Could it be about the last discussion regarding the government office? Why would they call you there? Our family has plenty of money. Do you need it? You can use as much as you want. You are coming back though, right? No matter what happens, you must come back!”
…There are too many questions. I didn’t anticipate this much.
-Kyahaha! Truly worthy descendants of mine! The look on this son-in-law’s face is hilarious!
Jin Woo-yong’s frivolous laughter entered my ears. His laugh, devoid of any decorum or dignity, makes me frown every time I hear it.
“It is true that this is government business, but no additional support is necessary. I have already received immense kindness from you, Miss, and I, too, have a sense of propriety.”
“What? No, it’s not like that! You are practically one of our family members now, so feel free to use it…”
“One cannot simply abuse the wealth of a family. I will manage on my own, and you should focus on your duties.”
“Ah… Um… H, Hhing…”
Concerning her, I spoke these words but she only reacted with a pout. Apparently, my words shocked her deeply, as she began trembling, on the verge of tears.
“Nevertheless, I will definitely return.”
I slowly extended my hand to brush the corners of her eyes gently, wiping away the tears.
“…!”
“When you wait, have a little patience. I’ll return to you soon as your trusted guardian, the White Blade Wanderer.”
The name Namgung Cheolbin, a name I had abandoned more than a year ago, has now been called upon by the court to appear.
I should use this opportunity to definitively let that name go.
“Ah, sir!”
“What is it?”
“Is it possible to bring me along? I won’t be any trouble, I promise!”
“How can you say that? I would never see you as a burden.”
“Then please take me with you! During the trip, I’ll take full responsibility for your meals!”
“Miss, don’t you have duties at the Taewon Jin Family? What about all the piled-up work you have to handle?”
“That’s fine! Things have been running smoothly even without me so far! Who would have problems just because I’m gone for a few more days?”
There will definitely be many problems, but it seems pointless to tell this to Jin Gayoung right now.
-Laugh! From ancient times, our family has been known for its tenacity.
“Grandfather…”
-You’re doing well! Go on, Gayoung! This ancestor supports you! Though it’s a little disappointing that the guy you like is such a wandering son-in-law, love should aim for the highest goal! And even now, this old man considers you the most outstanding!
“Madness. What are you talking about when we haven’t even arranged the proper ceremonies?”
-Laugh, laugh, saying that while planning to seduce and abandon the girl without such ceremonies.
“…”
Talking to Jin Woo-yong, I feel like I’m getting dragged into his world. Using a straightforward and blunt approach, I can hardly match his slippery talk.
The only way to win against him is to ignore him completely—just pretending not to see or hear him, and Jin Woo-yong will eventually quiet down himself.
“Huh? Sir… I won’t be any trouble, I promise… Can you take me along?”
Jin Gayoung clings to me with a pitiful expression.
She wasn’t like this originally, but ever since we were separated for a few months during the Muctian Gok period, her obsession with me has grown significantly.
It’s not just mere obsession anymore; she refuses to leave my side. During her work, she insists that I stay nearby, and at night, she even tries to sleep in the same room as I do—of course, I firmly refused that.
“You like chicken thighs, right? I didn’t forget to dry them heavily… boneless, just the meat… I really wanted to feed them to you…”
“Hmm, since you’re earnestly asking this, I can’t help but say yes. Let’s go together.”
“Really, really? Did I hear that correctly?”
“I said let’s go together.”
As my permission fell, Jin Gayoung burst with joy and jumped around excitedly. It felt awkward to see her so over-the-top happy.
Chicken thighs… dried chicken thighs… and they’re boneless ones… just imagining them, the taste buds are excited. Especially since the weather’s hot and I’ve been losing my appetite, it seems Jin Gayoung has great foresight.
Of course, I agreed not because of the chicken thighs. It was because of her earnest request. I hope there’s no misunderstanding about that.
-Kuk, kuk kuk! If it wasn’t for the chicken thighs, you probably wouldn’t have survived this regression at all!
“…”
While I contemplated ignoring him yet again and thought how to refute Jin Woo-yong,
“Master, shall we go now?”
“Whoa, Hong Ryun! Are you planning to come too?”
“Naturally, as light leads, shadow follows. You, Master, are the light to my being, and my shadow follows you as it should.”
“H-Huh? Who said you’re the shadow? I’m the shadow of Master!”
“Ho ho! If so…”
Hearing Jin Gayoung’s shout, Hong Ryun smirked and disappeared into the ground—not metaphorically, but literally vanished beneath it.
Soon, Hong Ryun reappeared right behind Jin Gayoung. As if guarding her like an actual shadow. Jin Gayoung was startled and fell down. Hong Ryun, amused, burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! One must be able to do this at least to qualify as a shadow! You, without mastering the Dark Techniques, have no business talking about shadows!”
“Wha… What on earth are you… Ugh…”
Hong Ryun often shows her martial skills indirectly, but she seems especially showy when Jin Gayoung is around.
Jin Gayoung invariably gets disheartened each time it happens.
“Who exactly are you? Especially after that stunt you pulled during the incident with the Evil Sect…”
Both of them being martial artists, pride often manifests in displays of martial prowess. Of course, Hong Ryun always wins. Jin Gayoung loses every day.
“Such a pity…”
-Laugh! I support you, granddaughter! One day, you’ll chew up everything, including their pride!
“Cough, cough, whatever. But calling that earlier comment aloud, Grandfather, was somewhat inappropriate.”
-Hmm? If that’s the case, aim to strengthen up to Jade Flower’s level! Boldly abandon your weaknesses and emphasize your strengths. For example… the offer for an infinite supply of chicken thighs!
Jin Woo-yong’s problem is that his voice seeps in even if you cover your ears. A noisy old man.
“Bulak, are we ready to leave?”
“That’s correct. And Jade Flower, are you coming along?”
“Of course, I’m your bodyguard.”
“A world-renowned martial master acting as a bodyguard for a simple civilian? People who don’t know any better might be astonished.”
“These days, even heroes who saved the world are referred to as mere commoners. I wasn’t aware.”
Even though Ok Hwa is coming along, neither Jin Gayoung nor Hong Ryun paid much mind. They were locked in their never-ending rivalry.
“Alright, let’s stop and go. Our time is tight because the letter from the government office arrived late.”
“Nah, don’t worry. Anyone who interferes, I’ll just eliminate them.”
“Thinking of using light-footed agility? Then hop on my back. Even someone your size can be carried for a few miles…”
“Great! We should eat chicken thighs while we walk! I’m glad I dried them!”
Thus, with high spirits, I set out from the Taewon Jin Family compound with the three women in tow. At that point, I was in a fairly relaxed state.
I couldn’t have imagined.
I thought I’d never encounter the tyrant of the frontier in central China.
Who would have dared to imagine meeting him on the short journey to the government office?
“Master of the Evil Cult…?”
“Hoo? Sword Sage? It’s been a long time. How have you been doing these past few years?”
