Chapter 98

The lodging chosen by Changcheon Pavilion was a place called Changmu Inn, which bore a name similar to their own. Like most inns south of Luoshui, it prominently featured the character for “martial” (武), a symbol indicating that the inn had its own attached training ground.

Changcheon Pavilion rented out an entire annex of the large Changmu Inn, which was spacious enough to have its own training ground next to the inn.

The expensive lodging fee, which cost several taels of silver per night? Such a thing could no longer be an obstacle to Changcheon Pavilion’s progress.

Compared to the funds Moyong Hye had approved, it was like scooping a single ladle of water from a river.

When Namgung Woo arrived at the annex rented by Changcheon Pavilion, he saw a familiar face filled with frustration in both expression and demeanor.

“Miss Song. It really is you, Miss Song.”

It was Song Chaeji, the first connection Namgung Woo had made in this world.

Upon spotting Namgung Woo, Song Chaeji, who had been sulking, brightened up and shouted, “Young Master Nam!”

Namgung Woo, about to greet her with a smile, was interrupted as Song Chaeji, still brimming with resentment, turned her head sharply and began venting her frustrations to Yang Kwae.

“See! I told you! We’re close, aren’t we…?”

“Hmph… I get that you’re acquainted with the boss, but there have been plenty of scoundrels who approached us in a similar manner. And that guy seemed a bit more genuine, so we let him wait in the annex.”

“Don’t forget that I was the one who judged him as genuine. That’s my achievement.”

“Tsk, boss, look at this. Our Changcheon Pavilion’s discipline has become so lax. Even the esteemed jewel of the Paeng Family, Paeng Ha-ryeong, respectfully calls this Yang Kwae ‘senior,’ yet the newest member acts like this….”

Namgung Woo, trying to mediate between Yang Kwae, who was about to start an argument with Myorin, and Song Chaeji, quickly took control of the situation.

“Yang Kwae, Myorin, you’ve both worked hard. Has everyone eaten yet? Let’s talk over a meal. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Miss Song, so let’s have a meal and catch up. I hear the Luoyang Water Banquet is quite delicious.”

§

Faced with a table full of 24 dishes, Song Chaeji, instead of eating, began to pour out the thoughts she had been holding in.

“I was really shocked! I’ve been stuck in Hangsan for so long, and when I finally came out, I kept hearing familiar names everywhere… What on earth happened in the past year? The Young Master Nam I knew is gone….”

The Namgung Woo who knew nothing of the world and slept on the streets was nowhere to be seen. Instead, there was a man at the center of Luoyang’s buzz.

And his attire? The shabby clothes he used to wear were a distant memory. Now, he was dressed in a stylish Goryeo-style martial uniform and long robe, the kind worn by well-off families. His discerning eye, honed from living in a wealthy household, even recognized the extraordinary quality of the fabric.

She had always known he was talented and expected him to become famous, but seeing it in person was a whole different experience.

‘What have I even accomplished, stuck in Hangsan all this time…?’

She had also trained hard and reached the peak of her abilities, but boasting about it here felt pointless. Everyone around her seemed stronger than her. If she bragged about reaching the peak, what kind of reaction would she get?

‘They’d probably treat me like a kid…!’

Song Chaeji was 21 this year, even younger than Myorin, the youngest member of Changcheon Pavilion.

Being treated like a child was something she had endured enough of in Hangsan. Despite being a first-generation disciple, her young age had her being doted on even by second-generation disciples. She had only just escaped being the youngest when third-generation disciples joined, and she couldn’t bear to be treated like that again.

Hiding her inner turmoil, Song Chaeji spoke as maturely as she could.

“I always knew Young Master Nam was talented, so I expected something like this.”

Unable to hold back any longer, someone else chimed in.

“Miss Song, do you know Gaga well?”

At Paeng Ha-ryeong’s sudden question, Song Chaeji’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Huh? Gaga? Young Master Nam?”

“Yes. How long have you been close with Gaga? Were you childhood friends or…?”

“No, it’s not like that. Hmm… more like a lifesaver, I guess?”

Song Chaeji chuckled as she recalled the day she brought Namgung Woo in from the streets.

But that smile looked different to Paeng Ha-ryeong.

‘…Is she confident?’

Hearing that Song Chaeji was a core disciple of Hangsan Faction, Paeng Ha-ryeong’s wariness heightened again.

Hangsan Faction was officially a sect that straddled both Taoism and Buddhism. Unlike Taoist sects that occasionally allowed romance and marriage, Hangsan strictly prohibited relationships between men and women.

Paeng Ha-ryeong seized on that point.

“If you helped Gaga, then I must thank you as well. You truly embody the spirit of a Hangsan female warrior.”

“Uh… that was half a joke. Even if I hadn’t helped, Young Master Nam would’ve been fine. I also benefited from it. We helped each other. Isn’t that what ‘all under heaven are brothers’ means?”

Song Chaeji, however, was more stunned by Paeng Ha-ryeong’s use of “Gaga.”

She and Namgung Woo weren’t in any special relationship, but to think he had already found a lover in the year since they last met…

‘And with the daughter of the Hapbuk Paeng Family, no less!’

Song Chaeji couldn’t help but feel a sense of betrayal.

“That time was a big help, Miss Song. Thanks to you, I met the Yopyeong Escort Agency and even went to Beijing. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here today.”

“Ah… is that so?”

Namgung Woo’s words were meant to shield Song Chaeji. He was subtly telling Paeng Ha-ryeong that his ability to go to Hapbuk and meet the Paeng Family was partly thanks to Song Chaeji, so she shouldn’t be too harsh.

Paeng Ha-ryeong, who could read Namgung Woo’s mood from the slightest change in his demeanor, immediately understood and stepped back, picking up her chopsticks. She then began moving dishes from far away to in front of Namgung Woo.

“By the way, Miss Song, did you come alone?”

“Huh? No. I came with my master.”

“Peak Master Eulju Jinin?”

Namgung Woo recalled Song Chaeji’s introduction during the duel with the Black Bear Faction, where she mentioned being taught by Eulju Jinin.

Song Chaeji’s face lit up with a mix of joy and surprise, as if she had received an unexpected gift.

“Oh, you remember?”

“How is Sodang doing?”

“Of course. Sodang has been missing you a lot, Young Master Nam. Do you ever come to Shanxi? If you do, I’ll make sure to treat you properly this time.”

“I’d like to, but it’s difficult.”

“Must be busy with the Wanderer Corps and the Martial Alliance.”

Though Song Chaeji also knew Namgung Woo’s real name, he avoided bringing it up. Song Chaeji had her own life and affiliations. This distance between them felt just right.

“Miss Song, you must be busy too, coming all the way from Hangsan to Luoyang. Are you here to participate in the Martial Duel at the alliance meeting?”

“Not exactly. My master has business with the Martial Alliance, and since my family also wanted news of my uncle there, I tagged along.”

“Your uncle is in the Martial Alliance?”

“I’m not too sure. He’s kept his distance from the family for a long time.”

Song Chaeji admitted she had only met him a few times as a child and was worried about what to say if they met.

“But since I’m here, I plan to participate in the Martial Duel before leaving.”

Just as the conversation shifted to the Martial Duel, a knock was heard at the door, followed by a voice. The speaker had clearly infused their voice with energy to carry it from the door to where they were.

“Apologies for interrupting your rest. Has a girl named Song Chaeji arrived here by any chance?”

“Ah! It’s my master! She said she’d be late, but she’s already here….”

Having finished most of her meal while chatting, Song Chaeji quickly stood up.

“Don’t get up. I’ll have her come in.”

Namgung Woo, mimicking the visitor, infused his voice with energy to respond.

Once permission was given, a female Taoist in her 40s entered with a dignified demeanor.

The Taoist, with slight wrinkles on her face, frowned upon seeing her disciple sitting at a table full of Luoyang Water Banquet dishes.

“Amituofo… I thought you were just going to say hello, but why are you so late….”

Though Hangsan Faction encompassed both Taoism and Buddhism, Eulju Jinin seemed to lean more toward Buddhism. Or perhaps she felt her disciple needed more Buddhist compassion than Taoist detachment.

“Ah, Master, it’s not like that….”

“I invited her to have a meal since it’s been a while. I apologize for keeping her so late.”

“No, no. It’s my disciple who has inconvenienced you. I’m the one who should apologize for visiting during your meal.”

Eulju Jinin politely bowed even to the young Namgung Woo.

Unlike the somewhat dubious Myorin, Eulju Jinin was the epitome of a proper, orthodox female Taoist.

“It’s getting late, so may I take my disciple and leave? If you have more to discuss, please contact us at Rokmu Inn. We’ll be staying there for a while.”

“Understood.”

Eulju Jinin, about to scold Song Chaeji, softened her expression upon seeing her fidgeting hands.

She always ended up letting her off the hook, and it seemed this time would be no different.

Just once. Last year, Song Chaeji had gone off alone and even ended up in a duel with the Black Path’s Bangpa. Eulju Jinin had scolded her severely then. Today’s visit was partly out of worry that Song Chaeji might cause trouble again.

“Young Master Nam, I’ll be going now. You’ll be in Luoyang during the alliance meeting, right? Let’s meet again!”

Led by Eulju Jinin, Song Chaeji left Changmu Inn.

The members of Changcheon Pavilion had many questions about Song Chaeji, but after finishing their meal and cleaning up, there was no time for that.

Namgung Woo had begun speaking.

“The Martial Alliance offered us a bodyguard request, but I refused.”

Everyone present had the discernment to separate public and private matters. The moment Namgung Woo mentioned the request, they all adopted a serious demeanor and listened intently.

“First, I’d like to share my thoughts on this.”