—————————————
[Murim Competition (3) – Lose moderately]
“ you. “Did you hear that rumor?”
“I came here because I heard strange rumors somewhere because I thought it was not open to anyone. During that time, you can practice eating one more time. “I have to pass the preliminaries so I can at least snoop around when I fight the Demon Cult.”
Gyeong-gae-do, who spoke for the first time after hearing his friend’s scolding, rolled his eyes as if he were annoyed.
“Damn it. As soon as I heard that it was my friend, I came to tell you… but if you don’t want to hear it, don’t say it! “I’m going to go practice eating herbivorously!”
“But where else do you go? Sit down here. “Have a drink and recite that great rumor.”
“Oh, that’s it!”
“Wow. “Maybe I can buy you a drink.”
“Jumsoy! Here’s a bottle of plum wine!”
“This guy like a day robber…! “Just make it a trivial story.”
Gaekedo poured plum wine into the dirty bowl he usually carried around and drank it down in one go.
“Ugh! Just killing me. “Can I order one more bottle?”
“If no great rumors come out of his mouth right away, I will understand that you have asked me for life or death today.”
Open Island grinned, revealing its yellow teeth. And he lowered his voice.
“It seems like something happened in Xinjiang.”
Then the expression of the man sitting across from me changed to serious.
“Isn’t Xinjiang where the Demon Cult’s headquarters is? “What’s going on?”
“A huge beacon lit up a few days ago.”
“…Beacon fire?”
“You know these days, Meng warriors are watching over there day and night, right? Oh well, a huge fire rose up into the sky during the night and turned into the shape of a huge strange bird.”
“A monster bird?”
They were conversing with their voices lowered, but the people who were present in the opening now were martial people and masters.
All the surrounding ears were eavesdropping on the two people’s conversation. There was no martial arts person who would not be interested in the recent movements of the Demonic Cult.
Open-do, whose face was red from alcohol, used hand gestures to describe the strange beast.
“It is said that it was a monster made of flames, the size of a hundred pieces. They say it had a jagged crest on its head, a sharp beak, a thick body like a pig’s rather than a bird’s, and short wings. With such a strange appearance, it really is a strange bird!”
“Indeed…”
Open Island expressed the rumor he had heard in the most terrifying way possible. The martial people who heard the story also nodded seriously.
Somewhere a timid claim like, “Could it be a chicken…” was made, but it was quickly buried in the serious atmosphere surrounding it.
“Moreover, it is said that what appears to be a text appeared above the monster’s head.”
“Text? “Did the Demon Cult declare war?”
“That’s not it… It’s a text that no one can read.”
Gae Gae-do picked up a tree branch that had fallen on the ground and drew a picture on the dirt floor.
“They say it looks like this.”
ㅇ ㅏ ㅈㅓ ㅅㅅㅣ !
“We are suspecting that this is a phrase from the scriptures of the demonic cultists. “It could have been written in secret.”
“Hmm….”
Before we knew it, the martial arts people had gathered around the two people.
They had a serious discussion while looking at the crookedly written ‘ㅇ ㅏ ㅈㅓ ㅅㅅㅣ!’
“This is truly a strange text….”
“Is there anyone who can read it?”
“I think my friend has learned how to write well and knows how to write.”
“Then hurry up and bring him!”
“The magicians are definitely up to something!”
“I have seen their scriptures while fighting against demon cultists in the past… but this is a signal to the demon cultists hiding in various places.”
Murmur.
More than a dozen martial artists gathered and chatted noisily. All kinds of speculations and rumors of suspicion arose.
‘Oh my…’
I slightly regretted my openness, but anyway, there were so many people in Xinjiang who saw the strange bird that it was sure to become a rumor in a few days.
‘I already know about the Murim Alliance headquarters and the major factions.’
It’s a rumor that will become known anyway. Would anything happen if it spread a little faster?
Jubal, like a beggar, decided to be optimistic.
“Jumsoy! “Bring me another bottle of plum wine!”
At that time, the great man was heading towards Namgung House without knowing anything.
***
The atmosphere of the group heading to Namgung House was strangely cold.
The reason was Namgunghyeon and Old Man Jin, who were radiating cold air on either side of Daein.
‘After all, it’s the Namgung family.’
Five generations.
Among them, the probability that the Namgung family and the Moyong family were directly involved in the Geomhwangmun blood death 15 years ago was very high.
In other words, to these two people, they are like enemies of Cheolcheon.
‘So I was going to refuse…’
In the end, there was a reason why they followed the middle-aged woman to Namgung House.
[song. Namgung-se.]
Because Namgung-hyeon, not anyone else, insisted that he go.
Daein, in doubt, asked Namgunghyeon in full voice.
[You don’t mean to attack the Namgung family, do you?]
Now, if you go on a rampage to avenge your parents, your position will be very difficult.
Fortunately, that wasn’t the case.
[Brother. I’m not a child who doesn’t know what to think.]
‘I’m young enough?’
The great man did not put his thoughts into words. Instead, as I looked at him gently, Namgoong-hyeon added more.
[If you want to participate in the martial arts competition, you have to get a letter of recommendation anyway. The lady who was indebted to us might be friendly with the head of the family or the elder, as she sees King Namgung being escorted by warriors. I can’t miss this opportunity because of my feelings.]
[Is that all?]
Namgoonghyun hesitated for a moment and answered honestly.
[I want to see it sometime. I wonder where the Geomwang was born and what kind of people my enemies are.]
Namgung Hyeon’s feelings toward the Namgung family must be quite complicated.
‘The Geomwang was born as the illegitimate son of the Namgung family.’
He was not even the son of the head of the family, but the son of a concubine taken by one of the common warriors.
However, he showed a genius talent for martial arts from an early age, which aroused envy and jealousy in his direct descendants of the same age.
The great man recalled a phrase written in Geomhwangbirok.
“They discriminated against me and beat me in places I couldn’t see. They even gave me a poisonous plant, saying it was an elixir. “If the principal had not run away and had continued to hold on to the Sega, he would have been removed before he was 20 years old.”
After his mother passed away, the Geomwang ran away from the Sega without any regrets, and later, as the number one person in the world, he returned and established the Geomhwangmun Gate.
It’s right across from Namgungse.
From then on, the relationship between the Namgung family and the Geomwangmun could not be good. Until that day 15 years ago.
[I promise. Brother. I won’t do anything that will cause trouble…]
[I understand. Anyway, if you want to get a letter of recommendation, you have to go somewhere.]
So, the three people followed the middle-aged woman to Namgung House.
On the way, Daein witnessed a disturbing scene.
Dozens of martial arts people were sitting around a table outside the guest house, looking at the ground and chatting as if it were a market place.
“Magic religion.” “Beacon fire.” “A monster.” The same words were heard often.
The middle-aged woman looked back at Daein with a worried face.
“Daehyup. “I guess something happened.”
The Daein smiled righteously, ‘befitting the Daehyup’. Since I had to get a letter of recommendation, I needed to look good.
“Come next to me. Since the martial arts people are gathered together, a fight may break out. But there’s nothing to worry about. “I will protect you…”
I thought it was a bit excessive, but the middle-aged woman looked like she couldn’t control her emotions.
“He is also kind…. He is worthy of the nickname ‘Chivalry Sword.’”
“…Hmm. yes. thank you “It passes quickly.”
Daein paid no attention to the gathered martial artists.
No matter what happened to the Demon Cult, I had no intention of participating in the Demonic War.
After a while, they arrived at the main gate of Namgung Family House.
“Wow….”
“Hmph. “It’s still superficial.”
Nam Gung-hyeon sighed and admired the palace-like appearance of the family, while Old Man Jin frowned as if displeased.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t come in or out of here. “Would you like to come this way?”
The middle-aged woman led the group to a small door where Sega workers entered and exited.
It was large enough by the standards of a typical house. The middle-aged woman guided the group to her residence.
From the moment Se entered, Old Man Jin, who was very nervous, sent a message to Daein.
[The guards that were following behind have fallen. It looks like he went to the main building.]
[He probably went to report to his superiors that we had arrived. But old man. Isn’t there anyone in the Namgung family who recognizes you?]
[…You’re asking so quickly. I changed my face little by little by using the axial bone ball for a long time. No one will recognize my face now.]
After a while, they were led to the annex.
As soon as the message was placed inside, the woman’s two daughters hurriedly came out to greet the great man.
“Daehyeop!”
“How can my benefactor be here?”
They welcomed Daein just as much as their mother.
If Daein hadn’t saved him from the bandits, he would have suffered a terrible fate.
Since it was lunch time, the group ate and drank tea with the three mothers and daughters. The hospitality was so great that it felt burdensome.
While drinking tea, Daein carefully asked what he was curious about.
“But, since your wife has some kind of connection to the Namgung family…”
the woman said with a sweet smile.
“I used to be the nanny of this lady and you. “My wife passed away early, so I raised them like my own children.”
It is said that she was the nanny who raised the children of Namgung Jeongcheon, the current head of the Namgung family, in place of their mother.
When the children grew to the point where they no longer needed a nanny, Namgung Jeongcheon gave her and his wife a small amount of money and sent them away.
“But I came back in such an ugly way and ended up being indebted to you again… I’m just sorry and thankful.”
“No one would think that.”
The great man answered like that and exchanged messages with his companions.
[Seeing as he lives in a separate building like this with his daughters, he seems to be highly trusted by the head of the family.]
[Couldn’t you ask him to write a letter of recommendation?]
Daein agreed with the two people’s opinions.
When the tea in the teacup was reduced to half, Daein carefully got to the point.
“Actually, we ran into a bit of a difficult situation today while trying to participate in the Yongbongbimu.”
“yes? “If you’re in a difficult situation…”
Daein said, smiling awkwardly.
“I heard that to participate in Yongbongbimu, you need a letter of recommendation. Why did you come this far without even knowing that? “I know how to subdue bandits, but I’m in the dark about the world…”
Daein subtly brought up the story of ‘subjugating bandits.’ Of course, he didn’t say it outright to repay the favor.
“I didn’t know that you couldn’t even participate in competitions if you didn’t have connections. So, I was wondering if I should return to my hometown like this.”
“Well… someone like Daehyeop should definitely go out…”
Now, give a bitter smile and say,
“Someone will write a letter of recommendation for an unknown small-time graduate like me. If I had known that Kangho is a place where reputation over chivalry and connections over skills take precedence, I would not have come down…” “
Ah…”
There was a look of concern in the woman’s eyes. I realized the meaning of what the great man said.
The great man quietly took another sip of tea and continued speaking.
“I’ll be honest with you. Could you please allow me to meet the head of the family or the elder? If you feel uncomfortable, you can refuse. “I don’t intend to cause any inconvenience…”
“Inconvenience! “Daehyup saved our lives, so of course we have to repay the favor.”
The woman looked determined and stood up.
“Please wait here for a moment.”
***
As a result, Daein and his party were unable to meet Namgung Jeongcheon, the head of the Namgung family. After all, he was out on the road.
Instead, I was able to meet the children of Namgung Sega.
“This is Namgung Yerin.”
She was a beauty with an elegant appearance.
Byeol-ho
was the eldest daughter of Namgung Jang-cheon, the head of Haeeohwa (解語花), and was famous as a talented woman with outstanding martial arts skills and beauty.
“Namgoonghwi.”
The handsome boy next to him was Namgung Hwi, the only son of Namgung Jeongcheon and the head of the So family.
However, unlike his sister, the boy’s expression looked somewhat disapproving.
Daein and his party also greeted them and introduced themselves to each other.
“I am the landlord.”
“Is it true?”
“I’m…Hyeon.”
Namgoong-hyeon introduced himself by lying about his last name.
I couldn’t say my real name when I came to Namgung House.
Moreover, it was also because Daein introduced her as his ‘younger sister’ first.
Five people sat across from each other. Namgung Yerin said with a soft smile.
“I heard that you are the benefactors who saved the nanny. “I should have visited you first, but I was very late in greeting you.”
Namgung Ye-rin had an upright posture throughout her speech, her voice was calm, but her pronunciation was clear.
‘He has the image of a perfect model student.’
Thinking this, Daein smiled ‘coolly’.
“no. “Thank you for meeting me here.”
“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but my nanny is the person who raised me like her own daughter. Also, my sisters and I have been like real sisters since we were young. “I was so surprised when I heard that something had almost happened on the way… I am deeply grateful.”
“I just did my duty as a military officer.”
The great man desperately suppressed the flesh on his forearms and continued his strange conversation, befitting a charlatan.
‘Let’s hold on just a little longer. ‘Just until I write that damn letter of recommendation.’
Namgung Yerin was kind to those who saved the nanny. You could tell that just by looking at their eyes.
“I heard it from my nanny. “You’re participating in the dragon and baton competition?”
“yes. “But I’m in a difficult situation because I’ve only just found out that I need a letter of recommendation.”
“I see. “I will write it.”
“…yes?”
The answer that came out so quickly made not only Daein but also others widen their eyes.
Namgung Yerin said with a grin, as if she was happy that everyone’s expectations were wrong.
“You saved my family, but is a letter of recommendation all that much? Fortunately, I have the authority of an elder. “I will write you a letter of recommendation in my name.”
It seemed like things would be resolved easier than I thought.
“sister.”
If it weren’t for Namgoong Ye-rin’s younger brother, who had yet to shed his boyish appearance, making a disapproving expression next to her.
“How can you trust these people and write them a letter of recommendation?”
“Hwiya.”
Namgung Yerin warned with stern eyes. This meant that you should watch your mouth in front of guests.
However, Namgoonghwi had no intention of being careful.
“Was I wrong?”
“These are the people who saved the nanny and the sisters. “It is right to repay the favor.”
“Then I’d rather just give you some money.”
“Hwiya!”
Namgung Yerin glared at her younger brother at his rude attitude. Namgung-hwi flinched but did not back down.
“A letter of recommendation is the same as lending Sega’s name. “It is not an easy decision, no matter how much you do it.”
The justification was flashy, but Nam Gung-hwi’s inner thoughts were actually a little different from that.
‘How can you send such shabby people to Yongbongbimu in the name of the Sega?’
Namgung-hwi glanced at Daein’s group.
The military uniform he was wearing was of poor quality and the iron sword he was carrying was cheap.
At least the girl was dressed properly, but her face was smooth and her prayers were minimal.
‘Those third-rate people are going out by borrowing the name of the Namgung family? A competition I can’t even participate in!’
Namgoong Hwi turned sixteen this year. I couldn’t go to Yongbongbimu because of the age limit.
So, in a word, I felt sick to my stomach.
They say they saved him a nanny, but he didn’t have as much affection for his nanny as he did for his sister.
Once I started looking at it, I actually started to have doubts.
“sister. These may be spies of the Demonic Cult.”
Even if I had that suspicion, it wasn’t something I would say to the guests’ faces.
This meant that Namgoonghwi was looking down on Daein and his group.
“…I don’t know how long I have to scold you. Hwiya. Would an agent of the Demonic Cult carry out work so sloppily? Only three days left before the competition? “They may have already attended the convention with forged letters of recommendation.”
“Even if he is not a spy…”
Nam Gung-hwi somehow came up with a reason to oppose. It wasn’t difficult.
“It’s obvious that you will only be embarrassed because your skills are poor. Imagine being eliminated from the preliminaries with the name of the Namgung family on the line. “What will people think of us?”
“At least you won’t think of me as a ungrateful beast.”
“…Still, I am against it. If you would like to write a letter of recommendation, I will send a letter to the Murim Alliance. “Don’t let them participate.”
“Hwiya! Why on earth are you being so…”
Namgung Yerin couldn’t understand her stubborn younger sister.
However, he could not ignore Namgoonghwi’s opposition. Even if she was his older sister, So Gaju was ultimately Nam Gung-hwi’s son.
Namgoonghwi also knew that fact, so he curled up the corner of his mouth with confidence.
“Only qualified military personnel can receive a letter of recommendation from the Namgung family. So, please give me some money and send it to me.”
‘He’s my little brother, but as he grows older, he’s becoming more and more like a stranger…’
That was back then. A sharp voice came between the two.
“What if we prove our skills?”
The siblings’ heads turned at the same time. Namgung-hyeon was glaring at Namgung-hwi fiercely.
“Confucius is worried that our poor skills will tarnish the name of the Nangung family?”
“…To be honest, yes.”
“Does Confucius, who speaks like that, have the skills to go to Yongbongbimu?”
Nam Gung-hwi snorted and said.
“Although I cannot participate in this competition due to age restrictions, I am confident that I will be in the top eight if I attend.”
“Hoo. Please?”
This time, a sneer appeared on Namgoonghyeon’s lips. Namgoonghwi’s eyebrows twitched.
‘That girl?’
The two people were of similar age. Because of this, sparks flew with each word.
“So, if you beat Confucius, you are qualified to participate in the competition?”
“Foot. Sojeo’s brother?”
Of course Namgung Hwi thought so and looked at Daein.
At best, it seemed second-rate. He was not his opponent who had mastered the Namgung family’s new techniques.
But Namgoonghyeon snorted.
“It can’t be. “There’s no need for you to step forward.”
“what?”
Cheaeng!
Namgung-hyeon drew his sword and taunted Namgung-hwi by flicking the tip.
“Follow me outside. “I’ll make you roll on the floor.”
“what?”
“If you’re scared, are you there?”
And then he went outside.
“…ha good! “Don’t regret it!”
Namgung-hwi followed Namgung-hyeon like a wild boar with its tail on fire.
“Hyuna!”
“Hwiya!”
Lately, Old Man Jin and Namgung Yerin followed them. But the dancing had already started.
Chachaechaechaeng!
The tips of the swords clashed violently, unusual for someone at such a young age. Namgung Ye-rin stood in place and stamped her feet because she thought one of them would get hurt if she intervened.
She spoke to the man who strolled out a moment later.
“Great! Stop your brother. If you get hurt like that…”
“It’s okay. “I came forward because I wanted to.”
And Daein said let’s make one thing clear.
“If my younger brother wins the competition, please give me a letter of recommendation as well.”
“…yes?”
‘There’s no need for me to fight too.’
Leaving Namgung Yerin’s bewildered face behind, Daein sent a message to Namgunghyeon.
[Don’t beat him too hard, just hit him moderately.]
Instead of answering, Namgung-hyeon thrust his sword in boldly.
‘Okay. Then I…’
While people’s attention was focused on the two, Daein had something else to do.
[Murim Competition (3) – Lose moderately] End
ⓒ Ganjjajang
