“Did you say Kang Yoon-ho got ambushed on his way home last night?!”
The fact that Kang Yoon-ho faced an assassination attempt had reached Man Geum-jeon’s ears as well.
“You faced a great crisis, but thankfully, you weren’t injured.”
To ease Man Geum-jeon’s worries, the Head of Guards quickly got to the point.
“What on earth were the guards doing?!”
Man Geum-jeon’s anger burst forth.
“Two guards and the coachman who were accompanying him died in the ambush. It seems it was a meticulously planned assassination.”
“A meticulously planned assassination?”
“Evidence of tampering was found on the carriage that Master Kang was riding. It seems the plan was to disable the carriage on the way home, creating an opening for an ambush.”
Assassination? Why on earth? There’s no need to ponder deeply. Man Geum-jeon’s eyes grew heavy with worry.
“Who do you suspect?”
The perpetrator who attacked Kang Yoon-ho. If it was indeed a thoroughly planned assassination, there had to be a client behind it.
“I can’t judge who it might be… but anyone who thought the situation was already settled might act in ways that align with that thinking.”
Both Man Geum-jeon and the Head of Guards already knew the answer. It was a story too painful to be uttered.
The Head of Guards could only lower his head, unable to meet Man Geum-jeon’s gaze filled with despair.
“There are family ties that bind us…”
“Isn’t it human greed that can even cut family ties? Besides, some people might think that outsiders are not included in those ties.”
The Black-haired Barbarian. Kang Yoon-ho.
How could a black-haired barbarian become our family? How could a barbarian dare to try and steal my things?
Man Geum-jeon had presented him as a legitimate successor, but a greedy person could easily rationalize everything.
“Didn’t we teach that when judging a person, it’s not their appearance that matters, but what is inside them? Is that child really alright?”
Man Geum-jeon asked with eyes wrinkled with greater concern.
“Fortunately, the Three-Eyed Sword Cho Cheol saved him and said he was safe.”
“The Three-Eyed Sword?”
“He guarded him all night. It’s astonishing that someone who was nearly killed could manage that. I heard the circumstances, but it’s hard to believe.”
Even the Head of Guards, who had served in Man Geum-jeon for decades, was stunned by Kang Yoon-ho’s deeds.
“…That child’s conviction, of wanting to leave a legacy, saved him.”
Man Geum-jeon recalled the youth who spoke the same words as his deceased friend with a hard gaze.
“I will leave a legacy as a merchant.”
That might seem naive, but it was a declaration different from his own life, one that had chased profit all his life.
And then…
‘Did he prove that even in these dire times?’
Only one person made Man Geum-jeon’s deepened wrinkles smile.
“You are truly remarkable, young lord.”
Jang Noya didn’t deny it.
“Increase the guards at that child’s mansion. Not a hair on him should be harmed.”
No such event could happen again. Man Geum-jeon earnestly instructed the Head of Guards.
“Rather, what if we end the test now?”
If greed for the position is the problem, simply placing someone in that position might resolve it. The Head of Guards cautiously suggested.
“That won’t do.”
Man Geum-jeon shook his head firmly.
“Lord Jeon.”
“Do you think ending the test now will solve everything?”
“I don’t think so. But there’s no reason to continue with the third test, is there?”
Man Geum-jeon’s heart was already leaning towards one conclusion.
Even the other candidates undergoing the tests knew that there was only one way to overturn the results.
Was a third test really necessary?
“The first test was about qualification, the second was about achievements. And the final test is about justification.”
Man Geum-jeon calmly responded to the Head of Guards’ inquiry.
“What do you mean by justification?”
“It’s about having a justification that no one can refute regarding that child’s position. Instead of saying it was a tremendous achievement by coincidence, it’s having the justification that no one can do better than that child in any test.”
“…”
“I can’t change that child’s hair color. I can’t change the minds of those who despise people based solely on appearances. But when they look at that child’s appearance, I can ensure they simultaneously see that he is sitting confidently in an unshakeable position.”
For Man Geum-jeon, the last test was neither for the qualifications of a successor nor for education.
It was preparation for the future.
Not just for the family. It was to ensure that when someone spoke about Kang Yoon-ho in the future, no doubts would ever be raised about his rightful position.
When everyone looks at that child, it must be made clear about the background that raised him.
“I hadn’t thought that far.”
“Strengthen the guards even more. Find out who dared to commit such an act. There must be no obstacles on the path to a new future for Man Geum-jeon.”
This incident would not be overlooked, even if it involved family. Obstacles for the future would not be tolerated.
Man Geum-jeon’s voice was filled with unyielding resolve.
*
“Did you say you want me to teach you Martial Arts?”
In the mansion’s garden and training area, I was taken aback by Cho Cheol’s unexpected suggestion.
“I’m not saying I’ll pass down my martial arts. What would be so great about martial arts learned from sharing meat and alcohol with a decrepit old man?”
Brother Cheol smiled, as if to clear up any misunderstandings.
“I’ve heard that the same sword can become a butcher’s knife or a general’s sword, depending on who wields it.”
It’s a great martial art when wielded by a renowned master. But does it really matter which martial arts are “good”?
“I appreciate the compliment, but in the end, it’s merely the martial arts of one who couldn’t break through the wall. What I’ve learned isn’t something so spectacular that I’d have to give it up.”
Perhaps it was because of his retirement. A feeling of regret regarding something he never resolved flickered across Brother Cheol’s face.
“Then what do you mean by teaching me martial arts?”
“Because I find a kinship with you.”
“A kinship?”
“It was through watching you run yesterday and your martial arts now. I don’t believe your skills come from a single instructor.”
“How could you tell?”
“Though you learned various martial arts, you didn’t study them long enough for them to run deep and you only utilize the parts that are convenient.”
“That’s… true.”
“Don’t find it strange. Most ronins are like that.”
Brother Cheol nodded knowingly.
“Ronins?”
“People who drift around without any affiliations, what kind of great masters would they have learned from? They grasp whatever seems good here and there without discretion.”
“Haha. That sounds a bit ragged.”
So, it was my haphazard mix that left an impression on him. Yeah, I did learn from multiple sources.
“I’ll take a look at that.”
Once I agreed, Brother Cheol got straight to the point.
“I’m embarrassed to say, but I’ve tried everything to break through the wall. Among them, I’ve advised other ronins. I’ve done this countless times over many years, and yet I never broke through, but still received many respects.”
“Whoa.”
Was Brother Cheol secretly the top instructor in the ronin community?
“Whenever I have time, I’ll check your martial arts. How does that sound?”
“That’s quite an opportunity. I’ve heard that it’s usually hard to receive teachings from the masters of the Martial Arts World. Is it okay for me to have such an opportunity?”
It’s an incredible opportunity. Instead of accepting it straight away, I’ll express shock and gratitude, hoping to coax another invitation.
“If you can’t manage it, you should maintain your position at the center of Wuhan for ten years, so my old age can be comfortable! If you die early, I’ll be in a lot of trouble!”
The Three-Eyed Sword just laughed as if it were no big deal.
“Brother Cheol…”
“If you’re grateful, at least reduce my monthly membership fee a bit.”
Well, I’ll be offering it at no charge for a while. I nodded readily.
——
“What should I do? Should I explain about the martial arts I’ve learned?”
The first day, I guess we should start with an orientation.
“Must the martial artist go through such troubles? Come here. I’ve seen Stealth Techniques, but I want to understand other things too.”
Brother Cheol walked into the training area and gestured for me to follow.
Wow. Sparring with a master. The idea of exchanging swords and receiving guidance is a fantastic opportunity.
But there was a problem.
“Haha… the thing is, I have no weapon skills besides stealth…”
What you just saw is all I have. I can’t use that sword.
“That can’t be true? Did you at least learn some hand techniques?”
“I’ve learned some Self-Defense Techniques.”
Yeah, I learned some Self-Defense Techniques from So-hee. They’re usable in emergencies.
“Ha ha. Haven’t you learned any basic martial arts? I thought you’d pick up at least a few of the Bobo Techniques.”
“I was born in Joseon and learned Taekwondo to reach my level, and I learned a martial art called Feng Shui that moves faster than the wind by mastering inner energy, but I only scratched the surface, so it’s worse than not knowing it at all.”
That’s all I have—a vacation certification.
“Is that so? Well, anything is fine. I need to see everything you’ve got, so give it your all.”
“Yes. Then I’ll show you my full strength.”
I answered confidently. I hadn’t wasted my training until now. I’ve made it this far through numerous challenges.
Kang Yoon-ho’s full strength. Let’s just show it.
———
“Again.”
“Yes!”
“Again.”
“Cough!”
“Again.”
“Ah!”
“This time, I’ll take it.”
“Someone save me!!!”
“…”
I was completely trounced.
“Ugh.”
I felt like a boxer facing a gigantic grizzly bear. I attacked with all my strength, but it seemed like a mere warm-up for the Three-Eyed Sword.
“Hmm.”
As I sat down to catch my breath, Brother Cheol looked at me with a puzzled frown.
“Is there something wrong?”
“You have an interesting physique, little brother.”
“An interesting physique?”
“Bobo Technique. Although I’ve traversed many martial schools and wealthy households, it’s the only external martial art I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Bobo Technique? What could that mean?
Oh!
“I happened to have a chance to learn the Jade Face Protective Technique.”
It took me a moment to recall what the long-forgotten name referred to. It was the nickname of the external martial art I learned, which decorates treasures with treasures.
“A chance, huh? If what I predict is correct… does it mean that all the martial arts you possess come from women?”
Unexpectedly, a question was directed at me.
“What?”
“If I’m right, I can understand your issue. No, it’s natural for such issues to arise.”
“What do you mean?”
Brother Cheol propped his chin up, peering at me with astonished eyes.
What could he possibly mean?
What issue could there be with my martial arts?
Brother Cheol stared into my eyes for what felt like forever, then finally nodded and threw a sharp question at me.
“Is it that all the people who taught you martial arts were female?”
