Chapter 70

The Hwang Mountain Sect gladly opened its doors for the allies of the White Path Martial World. However, less than half of the people could be accommodated within the sect’s grounds.

There were over a hundred people. The Hwang Mountain Sect, being a Taoist temple, didn’t have enough space to house all of them. Many of the guest rooms were already occupied by other visitors.

Thus, the Hwang Mountain Sect arranged accommodations for them in Yixian, located right below Hwang Mountain. Yixian, named after the old name of Hwang Mountain, Yishan, was so close to Hwang Mountain that they were practically one and the same.

Those staying in Yixian could still enjoy the scenery of Hwang Mountain with the sect’s active cooperation, so there was no reason for complaints.

In this situation, Namgung Woo, who was implicitly regarded as the leader of the White Path Martial World, was among the few accommodated within the sect’s grounds.

That’s why.

The reason Namgung Woo met the sect leader of the Hwang Mountain Sect.

“Welcome, Namgung Do-woo.”

“Nice to meet you, Sect Leader.”

The sect leader of the Hwang Mountain Sect was a man named Jeong Geon, who used the same generation name as Jeong Gwang. Remembering that Jeong Gwang was an elder of the Hwang Mountain Sect, Namgung Woo recalled the name.

“Do you like tea?”

“I don’t dislike it.”

Jeong Geon personally prepared tea and placed it in front of Namgung Woo.

“This is Hwang Mountain Maofeng tea. While our Hwang Mountain is famous for its four seasons, this Hwang Mountain Maofeng is truly one of its five treasures.”

“Is that so? I’ll enjoy it gratefully.”

Namgung Woo wasn’t particularly skilled in tea ceremonies, but just by taking a sip, he could tell that Hwang Mountain Maofeng was different from ordinary tea.

A refreshing sensation with a subtle sweetness gently caressed his tongue. The smoothness of the tea was so delightful that it reminded him of the phrase “the tea flows like water.”

“This is good tea.”

“Haha, you have a taste for it. Take some with you when you leave Hwang Mountain.”

“Is that really okay?”

“I’ve already heard about your heroic deeds from my junior, Jeong Gwang. Thanks to you, our Hwang Mountain Sect’s disciples remained unharmed. How could I begrudge you such a small gift of tea?”

The words carried the unmistakable air of a Taoist sect, which rejected material desires even before martial arts.

“I called you here not just out of this old man’s personal desire to meet you, but more importantly, to convey one thing.”

Jeong Geon’s lips moved.

Namgung Woo listened quietly until Jeong Geon finished speaking, then closed his eyes.

The answer had come.

§

“Welcome back.”

“Yes. I brought some tea. It’s called Hwang Mountain Maofeng.”

“Hwang Mountain Maofeng? That’s quite precious….”

Paeng Ha-ryeong naturally accepted the tea Namgung Woo handed her.

The two looked like a husband returning home with something for his wife after work. At least, that’s how it seemed to Jegal Seon-a, who was watching them.

“Miss Jegal, you’re here too.”

“Ah, yes, yes, Great Hero. And, um, you can speak comfortably….”

“It’s fine. I’m still more comfortable this way.”

“Ah, if you say so….”

Jegal Seon-a felt overwhelmed by the intimate atmosphere between Namgung Woo and Paeng Ha-ryeong and shrunk back.

“Let’s go inside first. The seniors will be here soon.”

“Alright. Let’s do that.”

“And, um, Seon-a, you too….”

“Yes. Miss Jegal, please come with us. I have something to discuss.”

“Ah, yes!”

Jegal Seon-a followed them with stiff steps.

‘What does he want to talk to me about…? What could it be?’

Even though she knew it was unlikely, Jegal Seon-a’s heart raced.

‘But we fought together against the attackers… like comrades….’

Jegal Seon-a suddenly realized she was harboring some kind of expectation and shook her head vigorously.

‘No! Jegal Seon-a! You’re a member of the Jegal Family! Don’t forget the burning sense of justice in your heart, but always maintain a cool rationality. Remember the family teachings, Jegal Seon-a! Deep breaths, deep breaths. Think of the Muwangsimgyeol, the Muwangsimgyeol’s mantra….’

“Huuu… haaa….”

There’s something called the shaky bridge effect.

It’s when the excitement felt in a moment of danger is mistaken for another cause, typically love. The Jegal Family, with their deep understanding of human psychology, didn’t know the exact mechanism but understood that a similar phenomenon existed.

‘That must be it. That’s how it is….’

As she walked alongside Namgung Woo and Paeng Ha-ryeong, who was smiling brightly, Jegal Seon-a struggled to compose her emotions.

“Seon-a? What are you doing? Come in.”

“Ah, yes. I’ll do that.”

Still not fully in control of her emotions, Jegal Seon-a awkwardly sat across from Namgung Woo. She then recalled the reason she had followed Paeng Ha-ryeong here.

‘I already told Biun Unit Leader Jegal Pan I’d do it.’

Biun Unit Leader Jegal Pan was busy. He had to express gratitude to those who helped, including the Hwang Mountain Sect, while also requesting further assistance despite the awkwardness.

So, it was up to Jegal Seon-a to handle this.

Summoning every ounce of courage, Jegal Seon-a lifted her head.

“Um, Great Hero Namgung…!”

Thud!

“Boss, we’re late.”

“You called us urgently.”

“Ah, sit down.”

As the Yang Brothers sat to the left of Namgung Woo, opposite Paeng Ha-ryeong, Namgung Woo spoke to Jegal Seon-a.

“I’m sorry for interrupting, but may I speak first?”

“Ah, of course! Please, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

After seeking Jegal Seon-a’s understanding, Namgung Woo glanced around the room and began.

“First, I have something to share.”

The meeting with Jeong Geon earlier that morning.

As expected of the Hwang Mountain Sect’s leader, Jeong Geon’s information network was far superior to that of ordinary people.

“According to news from the Mosan Sect, the subjugation of the Seekers in the Mist isn’t going smoothly.”

“Eh? Then, could it be….”

“The Imperial Family is serious. The outcome of the subjugation will likely be as everyone expects. However, it might not be resolved in a short time.”

Namgung Woo recalled the conversations he’d had over the past few days.

Jeong Gwang, who tried to recruit him… the Yang Brothers, who shared their thoughts while confiding their worries… the private conversation with Paeng Ha-ryeong afterward… and finally, Jeong Geon’s story today.

“So, we need to grow our strength.”

It might have seemed like a leap with many steps skipped, but everyone present understood the meaning. Whether through exceptional insight or prior knowledge, each interpreted Namgung Woo’s declaration in their own way.

‘Has the Great Hero decided to reveal himself to the world?’

‘Even a master like the Great Hero considers this turmoil dangerous….’

Paeng Ha-ryeong and Jegal Seon-a’s judgments were mostly accurate, but the Yang Brothers’ understanding was different.

‘Yes. This is it. This is what it’s about. The boss isn’t someone who’ll stop at being a mere wanderer.’

‘So… that’s it. He’s laying the foundation for rebuilding the family.’

The Yang Brothers’ eyes sparkled with respect and anticipation. Feeling the pressure, Namgung Woo subtly avoided their gaze.

“This turmoil will bring great changes to the martial world. It will start right next to us, in Huguang. We’ve already taken a step into Huguang’s affairs.”

Someone once said.

I may not be interested in war, but war is interested in me.

Namgung Woo had already stepped into the martial world.

Fighting the Bokmang Association, winning the Four Seasons Brew from the Guyajang owner, rescuing the Jegal Family from the Banunbang.

Grudges and debts had been etched, and they wouldn’t disappear even if Namgung Woo turned away.

So, he would accept them. And prepare. To bear the weight of those grudges and debts.

“As we discussed earlier, we’ll start by strengthening the Changcheon Pavilion.”

“Actually, many have been inspired by you and want to join the Changcheon Pavilion.”

“But most of them are weaker than me, so I’m not sure how much help they’ll be….”

“Just increasing our numbers will give us strength. Especially for a wanderer group, right?”

“Hey, Junior Paeng, we have the pride of the Changcheon Pavilion to consider. With a peak master like Yang Kwae here, where’s the room for second-rate nobodies….”

“Sorry for being a second-rate nobody.”

Before the Yang Brothers could start their usual bickering, Namgung Woo intervened and quickly wrapped things up.

“Everyone has a point, but Yang Kwae is right this time. I don’t plan to take in just anyone. Yang Jeong is also on the verge of reaching the peak. It’s better to recruit those who can immediately contribute.”

Namgung Woo had no intention of opening the Changcheon Pavilion’s doors to just anyone.

Even if they did recruit more, it would only be one or two people. The time for full-scale expansion would come later.

“At this point, I’d like to hear from Miss Jegal first.”

“Me? Me?”

“I heard from Ha-ryeong. You have something to ask of me.”

“Well, yes….”

Seeing that they were discussing expanding the Changcheon Pavilion, Jegal Seon-a felt hesitant. Would it be okay to ask for help when they were so busy?

What if she was rejected? It would hurt too much….

‘But I have to do it!’

Gulp.

Jegal Seon-a’s slender throat quivered.

“…If the Imperial Family’s subjugation is in such a state… the Banunbang will soon launch a full-scale attack on our Jegal Family. At that time… I’d like to ask for your help. Of course, we’ll provide appropriate compensation.”

“Is this a request?”

Namgung Woo’s voice, which had been gentle with Jegal Seon-a until now, turned serious and firm.

Jegal Seon-a’s mind split in two. How should she answer?

Yes? No?

‘What’s the right answer…?’

She had no idea.

Just as she was about to close her eyes and leave it to fate, Jegal Seon-a noticed Paeng Ha-ryeong slightly nodding her head. She quickly stopped herself from saying “no” and changed direction.

“Ah, yes! Yes! I’ll formally request it from the Changcheon Pavilion.”

Was that the right answer?

In her nervousness, Jegal Seon-a saw the corner of Namgung Woo’s mouth curl up slightly.

“Request accepted. Let’s fight this war together.”

Through this war, the world will come to know of the Changcheon Pavilion.

This is the beginning.

With fame as a growth catalyst, the Changcheon Pavilion will grow.

‘And perhaps… it might become something akin to a great family.’