Chapter 47 City of Indulgence (1) - Martial Arts Masochist

Though Han Seo Jin managed to gloss over the issue with Tang So Ran, the Ajusshi continued to harp on it. As they headed towards Chengdu, they stopped at inns in every small town to satisfy their hunger, yet the Ajusshi remained perpetually annoyed. At one inn, he grumbled, “I could have cooked something cheaper and tastier at home. What is this? And why are the dumplings like this?” “It’s not home, is it? Just eat, since it's my money,” Han Seo Jin replied. At another, the Ajusshi admonished, “Are you seriously paying for this? Ever since you opened that leather shop, your spending’s gotten quite loose. This isn’t how I raised you.” “Should we starve, then? Who knows when we’ll see another town, and you said you were hungry.” The next day, he remarked, “Back in my day, we just ate whatever bugs we found along the way. You won't die from skipping meals for a day or two. Really…” Han Seo Jin remained silent, even when on the following day, the Ajusshi spat out his drink, “Pft! Is this supposed to be alcohol? It tastes like piss. You finish it.” These remarks made a vein throb on Han Seo Jin’s forehead. The thought, "Why is this beggar so picky?" surfaced but he managed not to voice it. He understood why the Ajusshi was behaving this way: having crossed Cheongwol and Tang So Ran, Han Seo Jin was bound to seem annoying to him. Underneath it all, there was genuine affection. Despite knowing this, Han Seo Jin dropped his spoon with a loud clatter when he finally lost patience. The Ajusshi flinched, catching on. “Jeez, if this is how it’s going to be, let's go our separate ways. I've been trying to appease you for days, but nothing works. Enough! I’ve had my fill.” “Hey, Han Seo Jin,” the Ajusshi called. “No, I’m done! Alone is better. I’ll save money and no one will criticize me. What, did you think I couldn’t manage without you?” "...You might run into some Green Forest folks." ...Really? That I’d rather avoid. Caught in the moment, as pride kept Han Seo Jin from backing down, he tried to brush past the Ajusshi when—thud!—the Ajusshi exhaled and nudged the back of his leg. Han Seo Jin tripped and fell flat on the inn's wooden floor. “Ow!” His spill drew a hearty laugh from someone nearby. “Ahahahaha!” Embarrassed and irritated, Han Seo Jin frowned and rose up, glaring first at the man who laughed at him instead of the Ajusshi. His forehead was numb from the impact. “What’s so funny?” he shot at the man. The man appeared older than Han Seo Jin but younger than the Ajusshi, perhaps in his early or mid-thirties. More notable was his attire—fine fabric, impeccably clean, adorned with a necklace and rings, indicating wealth, possibly a merchant. Even the food on his table was lavish for the modest inn. There was even chicken. Suppressing his laughter, he cleared his throat. “Ah, pardon me. Laughter just came out reflexively. Why don’t you tidy up, you seem pretty disheveled.” Scowling as he adjusted his clothes, Han Seo Jin felt the atmosphere was not bending to his will. While he was collecting himself, the middle-aged man spoke quietly. “Not sure what the situation is, but it’d be better to tolerate. Do you really wish to be angry at the elder?” His polite formality suggested he felt guilty for laughing. He continued, “Besides, what’s the point of getting mad? It's not like you can win against the elder.” ...Nope, just teasing me because Ajusshi is from the Open Clan. The Ajusshi smirked mischievously to the side. “Sit down, Seo Jin. You weren’t really planning on leaving, were you?” he coaxed. “If you keep this up, I’ll really go alone.” “I get it already. Just sit.” Han Seo Jin grumbled but took his seat. Then the middle-aged man next to them approached, holding a glass of liquor. “Pardon my laughter; let me offer a drink. Your name is...?” “…Han Seo Jin.” “Ah, Mr. Han. Please accept a drink.” “What’s with the ‘Mr.’? We’ve just met.” “Then shall I call you Seo Jin?” “...No, that’s not it…” Still sulking over the laughter, Han Seo Jin couldn’t help feeling a bit childish. But the man remained unconcerned, maintaining a gentle smile. “This is how connections begin, after all. My name is Ju Hyul.” He poured a high-quality liquor, its aroma strong and texture thick. After a day of endless walking, refusing such a drink wasn’t as easy as it seemed. Truth be told, the moment the thick liquor filled the cup, Han Seo Jin’s anger dissipated. This was definitely high-proof. While staring blankly at the filled cup, he cleared his throat. “...Sir Ju, I’m sorry for overreacting.” “Oh, no worries. I’m the one at fault. Besides, Mr. Han, I like your demeanor. Holding onto grudges serves little purpose; let's clear any ill will over a drink!” Ju Hyul topped up the Ajusshi's glass, proposing a toast. Naturally, the three clinked glasses. The Ajusshi widened his eyes at the first sip. “Wow… this drink… Is it really okay to share such a fine brew, Master?” Han Seo Jin exhaled a long, hot breath, feeling warmed from within. This drink was truly rare and precious, just as the Ajusshi said. It was a taste he hadn’t savored in a long time. “Drinks are best enjoyed together. Even the finest spirits become mere piss when drunk alone. I offer it selfishly, to enhance my enjoyment. The elder's earlier reaction was the best appetizer.” “…But calling him ‘elder,’ there doesn’t seem to be much age difference.” “The name?” “Gwak Doo.” “I’ll call you Brother Gwak then. Not so difficult, is it?” **** "Stop!" Tang Jiwoon raised his hand, halting the Tang family's procession. Dok Wang, Tang Jeokcheon, leisurely rode out, casting an eye on the audacious figure that dared to impede the great Sichuan Tang Clan's advance. "Hmm?" She was a female martial artist wearing a conical hat, her face concealed with a veil. Was she an outlaw, or did she simply wish to keep her identity hidden? Draped in a black martial arts uniform of unknown affiliation, the figure stood with an enigmatic aura. "State your name," the Dok Wang calmly intoned. In response, the distant figure removed their hat with caution and saluted with a fist and palm. "...Millennium Flower." Standing before him was a presence Dok Wang never anticipated encountering, leaving him unsure of how to react. "Have you changed your mind? I thought you had decided not to come," he said. Cheong Wol approached cautiously, nodding, "Yes. However... I must ask for your understanding, as I have temporarily stopped your procession for another matter." With a nod from Dok Wang, Cheong Wol began to weave through the Tang family’s procession. Tang Jeokcheon and Tang Jiwoon watched her every move blankly. They could not comprehend her intentions. It was clear she did not seek material gain—being a monastic wanderer, she had no interest in worldly possessions. "Moon?" Tang So Ran peeked her head out of a carriage upon seeing Cheong Wol. "..." Cheong Wol also peeked into Tang So Ran's carriage, only to move away, scanning the surroundings before her. "Why? What's happening?" Tang So Ran inquired. "..." Cheong Wol remained wordless, systematically scanning each face of the Tang family attendants before returning to Dok Wang with a bow. "...I apologize for the intrusion. I have urgent business to attend to in Chengdu and will greet you again there," she stated before swiftly departing. Tang Jeokcheon observed Cheong Wol as she disappeared into the distance and pondered, "...Is it really a demonic influence?" **** Wi Chang came across him by complete chance. On the secluded path between Chengdu and Emei Mountain, any passersby would certainly draw attention. Yet recognizing that the breathlessly trudging man was the same as the soft-spoken leather shop owner Cheong Wol visited required diligent observation. No matter how much he retraced his steps or examined closely, it was undoubtedly the same man. He had unremarkable features and a somewhat larger build, and despite feigning association with the Emei mountain, approaching there might reveal an empty leather shop instead. ...But why... '...A beggar from the Beggars' Sect?' To see him mingling companionably with a beggar from the Beggars' Sect? The Beggars' Sect beggar seemed irritated, continually reprimanding the man, who appeared to cling to the beggar. Wi Chang felt his insides churn. ...Could the Beggars' Sect have reached him before the Hao Moon? Or perhaps the rumor of a demonic physician was a trap orchestrated by the Beggars' Sect? Why did it have to be them? Everyone knew about the long-standing rivalry between the Beggars' Sect and the Hao Moon. Wi Chang ceased his deliberation soon enough. Brooding alone would change nothing. Facing it head-on was the only course of action. "In this fashion, bonds are formed. My name is... Ju Hyul," Ju Hyul introduced, casually pouring expensive liquor into Han Seo Jin's cup, his strategy meticulous. In that instant, Han Seo Jin, eyes gleaming, swallowed hard and shifted his demeanor. '...Great.' Wi Chang realized immediately. Getting close would not be difficult. He likely had some degree of worldly desire. ...So why live in obscurity? With even a modicum of his knowledge... ...Never mind. Don’t overthink it. Or I'll end up like that fool Hur Ho. The reason doesn’t matter. What matters is whether he can mediate demonic influence. "How does it taste, Mr. Seo Jin?" Ju Hyul inquired. "This... is incredible," Han Seo Jin responded, awestruck. "Ahaha, I’m pleased to hear that. Why not have another round?" Ju Hyul suggested, smiling. Though he initially intended to head back towards Emei Mountain to find him again, now Chengdu seemed a more fitting destination, especially since Han Seo Jin was headed there. Chengdu, after all, is Wi Chang's playground with all its debauchery—gambling, alcohol, indulgence, women... anything imaginable. Wi Chang felt confident he could captivate Han Seo Jin’s mind fully. The initially awkward drinking session eased with the high-quality liquor. Questions emerged about their relationship and why they were heading to Chengdu, but private queries were interspersed. Despite extracting some superficial details, neither party divulged anything too personal. "So, what’s the relationship between you two?" a question came forth. "Ugh, it’s a confounded relationship. My heart races thinking about this guy..." "I already apologized, didn’t I? I wouldn’t have chosen this if I could." "What stories..." "It’s nothing, Master." "No, Sir Ju." "Why travel to Chengdu?" "Weren't the martial contests held recently at Emei Mountain? As a direct witness, I’m going to report it to the Sichuan branch manager." "Ah, I heard they were spectacular martial contests." "Indeed. Few things in my life were as thrilling." "And Mr. Seo Jin, you’re also heading to Chengdu because of..." "Ugh." "Ugh." "...Why..." "It's nothing." "There's always something, Sir Ju." "What are your living arrangements?" "I'll probably sleep on the ground. But this gentleman here... not sure—he might need an inn just to sleep." "I can sleep on the ground too, Ajusshi." "We'll see about that. Given your spending habits, I doubt it." "Don't start again. I said I’ll leave if you keep nagging?" "I got it, I’m sorry. Please, sit down again." There was an odd sense of uncovering a story, yet he only grasped useless chatter. Fortunately, things seemed to smooth out. Wi Chang introduced himself as a merchant, claiming that he originally planned to head to Emei Mountain from Chengdu but backtracked after hearing that Tang Gajoo was gathering post-genius children there—a fabricated tale. Both believed him, allowing for continued companionship. “Wow. So this is why carriages are great,” Han Seo Jin remarked, massaging his legs while seated in the driver’s seat. They had been traveling together for two days now. In the far distance, the sprawling outline of a large city was gradually forming against the horizon. “Look there. That's Chengdu,” Gwak Doo informed Han Seo Jin. Quietly, Han Seo Jin absorbed the view of the vast city for the first time. After observing Han Seo Jin over the past few days, Wi Chang concluded that he was merely an ordinary person. Just like any man of his age, Han Seo Jin had things he liked and disliked. No one would ever suspect him of being the rumored demonic physician—he was that ordinary. Yet, Wi Chang was increasingly convinced of his special nature. Even now, many opportunities had arisen for Han Seo Jin to share stories, but not once did he mention Cheong Wol or Tang So Ran. An ordinary man might boast about such associations, itching to tell. 'There's something there, definitely something,' Wi Chang mused. But it did not concern him. He just had to extract it somehow. "Will we arrive tomorrow, Brother Ju?" Han Seo Jin asked. "Yes. We should be there by tomorrow." "Finally, it’s over. That was quite a distance." ...Let’s find out your preferences or your tendencies. Wi Chang seized the moment, feigning nonchalance as he cleared his throat and asked a seemingly random question to ward off boredom. "Ah, Seo Jin." "Yeah?" "But do you have a girlfriend?" "...A girlfriend?" "Indeed." In a complicated tone, Han Seo Jin muttered, "I don’t." "Broke up?" "No. Never had one." "Ah, you did have one?" "No, I haven’t. Never had one." Gwak Doo chuckled, and Han Seo Jin bit his lip, embarrassed. Wi Chang thought, 'Good.' "Why wouldn’t you have one? A diligent and good-natured guy like you. Don’t you think, Brother Gwak? He’s more than capable of having a girlfriend." "Master Ju, maybe don't pry too much. Seo Jin might have a secret girlfriend hidden away." "No, I don’t," Han Seo Jin insisted. Wi Chang continued, offering reassurance, “Huh? A guy heading to Chengdu with nothing to sell lacks a girlfriend?” “Because I’m poor, that’s why. I’m not strikingly handsome either. Plus, I have no family, being an orphan. Who would approach me? Maybe if I owned a couple of oxen. Indeed... a man needs to have capabilities.” ‘He does have capabilities,’ Wi Chang thought privately. Capabilities that could shake the martial world. But if he wishes to keep them hidden, I’ll let him be for now. Moving slowly is fine. As they say, the easiest way to manipulate a man is through women. “...So, no experience?” “Pardon?” To clarify, Wi Chang made an exaggerated gesture, forming a circle with one hand and moving his forefinger in and out, making Gwak Doo shake his head and look away. “...Why?” Han Seo Jin, catching Gwak Doo's glance, lowered his voice in a whisper, his eyes revealing a mix of faint anticipation and nervousness. Natural for a man. ...But, having seen Cheong Wol and Tang So Ran up close, would courtesans even catch his eye? Wi Chang grinned with a 'big-brother-knows-best' smile and said, “Chengdu is a city of indulgence, after all. Once we arrive, maybe we could unwind and have some fun. Interested?” “...” “As a man of prowess, having no experience with women might seem out of place.”