70 - I Spent the Night with the Youngest Daughter of the Martial Arts Leader

As everyone in the central plains knows, attaching a nickname is not done lightly. Sometimes, there are those who, unaware of their own place, call themselves by grandiose nicknames, but that's merely the wishful thinking of unknown vagabonds. A nickname only holds meaning when others universally acknowledge it. To daringly carry the word 'Wang' (King) within one's name. That person is Nang In Wang, Du Heon Woo. His name is an epitaph for the path he's walked. Like many wandering ronin, no one knows of his origins. A formidable figure who appeared without announcement or whisper. Some claim he is a master expelled from the Imperial Guards. Others say he was ousted from the Shaolin Temple. Or perhaps, he fled from the Taoist Sect. The mysteries surrounding Nang In Wang. Countless conjectures thrown around without care have yet to find their answer. But there is one fact everyone can agree on: He is the mightiest of ronin. Martial artists typically look down on ronin. The background of their members was often messy. From those who were driven out after wielding some power in major sects to country folks roaming in search of a daily meal, they encompassed them all. Thus, compared to other martial forces that systematically teach martial arts, it was natural to feel they were inferior. The unique temperament of ronin also played a part. The omnipotence of wealth. A saying widely known in martial circles: If you're at odds with a ronin and in trouble, offer a coin of silver. And they'll even lick your shoes. An expression riddled with disdain for ronin. The problem was it pierced the heart of the matter, save for being exaggerated. Most ronin were ready to throw everything into 'one big score.' Du Heon Woo was the one who erased such harsh assessments. Twenty years ago, a time when ronin were considered mere meat shields to bear the brunt of swords. The forces of the Wudang Sect sought Fuzhou Province. The pretext was to eradicate the demonic sects active in Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces and use Fuzhou as a base. While the justification seemed plausible, the ulterior motive was to seize dominance over Hubei and Fuzhou and extend influence to Jiangxi, nestled between. But the ronin had no authority to refuse. The opponents were the elite presided over by Wudang Sect elder Cheong Heun. There wasn't a ronin unaware of the weight of the Wudang Sect in the martial world. They merely lamented losing their ground and prepared to seek out new shelters. At that moment, Du Heon Woo stood forth. All the ronin were astonished. A ronin always clad in rags, choosing to sleep in a shanty. A man whose pitiable state prompted even other ronin to give alms out of sympathy. "This is a city of ronin. While the guest room is vacant, alas, the main quarters are entirely occupied." He was the first to step forward to block the elite of Wudang. One by one, the ronin took courage by looking at him. The one most like a ronin. Nang In Wang, Du Heon Woo. It was the day he came to reign over the ronin's city, Fuzhou. * "Is this the abode of Nang In Wang...?" "Unbelievable as it might be, it is the truth." After leaving the ronin scattered on the ground in a nearby clinic. We ventured deeper into Fuzhou to find Nang In Wang. The ruggedness of Fuzhou's terrain was beyond belief. Je Gal Yeong persistently asked if anyone could endure in such a place. We followed the direction indicated by one conscious ronin. As we proceeded, Je Gal Yeong's expression curiously shifted. It was understandable. Opposite the grand buildings aligned, we were treading a path close to barren wilderness rich with overgrown shrubs. It was easy to doubt that Nang In Wang resided in such a place. "Ah, it seems we have guests after quite a while." It was then. A voice halted Je Gal Yeong in her tracks. From a makeshift hut barely holding the semblance of a house, Nang In Wang emerged. 'Even by just breathing, the aura radiates.' In the martial arts world, the more proficient one becomes in hiding their realm, the higher they are esteemed. For it means they can entirely control their internal energy. Yet, Nang In Wang, as if unable to contain the overflowing aura, exuded a presence fierce enough to have us on edge. A shaven bald head, a scar running from the left cheek across the nose to the right cheek, accentuated the formidable energy he exuded. "Nang In Wang, are you the senior Du Heon Woo? I am Je Gal Yeong from the White Lotus Sect." "Senior you say? Such doesn't exist for a ronin. The members of the Martial Union sure have their manners straight." Unlike the aura that had us instinctively tense, Nang In Wang greeted us with a kindly smile. "Who wouldn't uphold manners before Nang In Wang?" "This is rather overwhelming." "Too much humility can also be harmful. There's no need for Nang In Wang to lower himself." To smoothly start a conversation. Je Gal Yeong began recounting Nang In Wang's achievements, steering the dialogue. No one dislikes compliments. Though Nang In Wang listened quietly to Je Gal Yeong's words, he showed no intent to hide the smile creeping up his lips. "The Alliance Leader seems to be the same as always. Well, they were said to be good for at least 200 more years." "The Alliance Leader remembers Nang In Wang fondly too." "Me? Ha, that's quite an exaggeration. I'm lucky not to be considered as mere rubble underfoot." "The position of the Eight Kings isn't something you garner by gambling." Upon reflection, Je Gal Yeong did seem to possess outstanding talent as a tactician. She meticulously researched and selected words that her counterpart would favorably receive. Her expression seemed to lighten greatly. Nang In Wang greeted us warmly from the first encounter. Since the conversation was progressing smoothly, it made sense to assume things would go well. "So... what made you journey all the way to remote Fuzhou?" "Nang In Wang might be aware of it too. The Red Blood Sect that's been causing quite a stir down south." "I've heard the name before." "The item we've verified is laced with sinister sorcery. It causes one to lose their reason and gradually erode their body's meridian pathways..." "By verification, are you referring to the incident where your party beat up seven ronin?" Je Gal Yeong stiffened at those words from Nang In Wang, slightly caught off guard. It hadn't even been half a day, and yet word had already reached his ears? "It happened in the course of a dispute. Actually..." "Oh, I'm not here to judge right or wrong. Most likely they picked the fight first. That's just how they live." Nang In Wang laughed heartily, assuring them not to worry. Je Gal Yeong seemed perturbed, unable to grasp his genuine intent. "I understand that you're here to apprehend those spreading the Red Blood Sect's influence. Feel free to search all you want. You're welcome to roam all of Fuzhou as if it's your own home." "Is that really alright?" "Don't block those who come, and don't restrain those who leave. That's our unyielding principle." Allowing them to investigate Fuzhou, Nang In Wang had given his consent, prompting Je Gal Yeong to venture one step further. "In that case, may we request your cooperation?" "Cooperation?" "Yes. Rumors suggest this matter is linked to the Demonic Cult. The ruthless methods even remind us of them." "Hmm..." Stroking his beard as if in thought, Nang In Wang clicked his tongue and spoke. "That might be a bit difficult." "What?" "Do you know what ronin value the most?" Je Gal Yeong paused, contemplating her answer. It wasn't because she didn't know the answer, but she wondered if she should say it. "Isn't it money?" "That's half correct. But money is merely a means to an end." "?" "No need for me to explain. You can just ask your colleague." Confused, Je Gal Yeong looked at me as Nang In Wang's gaze landed on me. Even though I tried to remain quietly in the background, here we go. Before Je Gal Yeong could question me, I spoke up. "Nang In Wang, what do you mean?" "Nang In Wang? That's quite embarrassing. And why is your voice so lowered?" "I'm merely a humble soul, finding it difficult to comprehend the meaning behind the words of Nang In Wang." I emphasized the difficulty in understanding, articulating each word with precision. Adding a meaningful glance for good measure. With that, Nang In Wang sighed slightly, seemingly catching on. "I've mistaken you. Apologies. You're so much like someone I once knew." "And here I was wondering what you meant." "As one ages, one often falls prey to such misunderstandings. Anyway, Je Gal Yeong, was it? Let me give you the answer." Realizing the relentless passage of time, he muttered quietly before turning to Je Gal Yeong. "Freedom. Ronin are those who all desire to be free. They abandon everything that binds them for that freedom." That's why I rule but do not govern. Nang In Wang continued. "It's because money creates a free world that things turned out this way... At any rate, whether they choose to ruin their lives by taking the Red Blood Sect's product or live miserably without it, it's all their freedom. I have no intention of repressing it." "But...! If left unchecked, the ronin of Fuzhou will suffer ruin because of the Red Blood Sect." "That too would be their choice." I won't interfere. Nang In Wang declared. In truth, had we looked at the state of Fuzhou, we should have felt suspicion from the start. Even ronin with seemingly meager incomes were keeping the Red Blood Sect material hidden within their robes. It was a sign that the entire city was nearly overrun. If Nang In Wang hadn't accepted this, it wouldn't have been possible. "Is that the decision of all of Fuzhou?" "I don't represent the consensus of all ronin. I'll just say, I'm choosing not to intervene." "...I understand." Je Gal Yeong seemed to gauge something in Nang In Wang's eyes, perhaps reading his resolve. Without further insistence, she turned away. * After the failed conversation with Nang In Wang. Je Gal Yeong tirelessly roamed around to seek the cooperation of the ronin. Regardless of how fierce-looking or shabby they appeared. She endeavored to uncover any leads. "For free? Maybe if you give us a coin of silver." Yet the ronin were uniform in their response. Despite over two hours of toil, no progress was made. Gradually, Je Gal Yeong's patience reached its breaking point. "Truly. It's incomprehensible. Knowing they'll turn into husks yet still seeking out the Red Blood Sect, and the ronin king who stands by idly." "Senior, trying to understand will only tire you. That's just how they live." Trying to console Je Gal Yeong was Lee Se Woong. Her eyes turned to him. "Speaking of which. You... what's your relationship with Nang In Wang?" "You heard earlier, didn't you? He was mistaken." "Are you going to keep up this facade?" It was clear they'd communicated with a glance. It had been like this before. Facing deadly adversaries, expounding on ronin schemes. Lee Se Woong had been secretive, hiding something all along. Je Gal Yeong decided not to pry into that part unnecessarily. Thinking that he would eventually tell her. Because they were comrades. But until when? The question sprang forth from her heart. "Junior, I don't think that's what's important right now!" Then. Hwang Bo Se Yul intervened in the conversation between the two. "Won't he tell us when the time is right? If I had a connection with someone as skilled as Nang In Wang, I'd be boasting all over town. I believe if Junior is having a hard time, there must be a reason for it." "Well, I also." "Since getting cooperation from Nang In Wang seems tough, let's look for another way. I'll do my best to help!" Hwang Bo Se Yul cheerfully mediating with a bright smile. I too, intended to remain composed, but before I could add anything, Hwang Bo Se Yul put an end to the situation. 'Am I the only one cast as the villain again?' This was the tipping point that led to Je Gal Yeong's patience unraveling. Lee Se Woong and his growing secrets, the indifferent Nang In Wang, the uncooperative ronin. And even the peacemaking Hwang Bo Se Yul, like an intrusive relative. All of them. Dissatisfying. Fine, I'll do as I please then. "Right. I've been foolish." Her eyes carried a hint of resigned acceptance. At that moment, Je Gal Yeong seemed to let something go. "Nang In Wang kept parroting the word 'freedom.'" "Junior, your eyes seem a bit dangerous now." "In that case, can't I just buy that freedom with money?" "Junior?" Sensing something amiss, Hwang Bo Se Yul called out to her, but Je Gal Yeong didn't respond. She simply muttered to herself. "Plus, the budget's been doubled anyway..." "Senior?" "If it’s not enough, I'll supplement it with my own money." "Please calm down a bit." "Buying freedom with money is my freedom, isn't it?" Perhaps because of Nang In Wang. She seemed fixated on the word 'freedom.'