AD Chapter 11

“Don’t push the child too hard.”

At Madam Ahn’s calm words, Jeong Lee-chu could give no answer.

As the Sword Sect’s main lady, Madam Ahn typically never involved herself in outside affairs. She was very calm and wise by nature.

The eldest daughter of an ordinary merchant family, she fully embodied her roles first as a martial family’s daughter-in-law and now as its mistress. Not just the sect’s martial artists, but servants, maids, and even nearby residents deeply respected and loved her.

Though she normally never involved herself in outside affairs, this case was different.

It directly concerned her daughter’s wellbeing.

“Cha-ryeon is still young.”

“Eighteen is grown.”

“Do you really think so?”

Of course Jeong Lee-chu didn’t think so. Even at twenty-eight, not eighteen, he would still worry.

Among their three daughters, Cha-ryeon was most clear in expressing her emotions. Though every finger hurts when bitten, she was special among them.

“She has strong pride.”

“I know.”

Madam Ahn knew well how much her husband loved their daughters.

But Jeong Lee-chu was also soft-hearted.

He was truly someone ill-suited for the martial world – so kind and generous that reaching even this position seemed more luck than anything. This worried Madam Ahn.

“Even I, who only tends the household, hear things. Young Master Jang’s reputation isn’t good.”

“The Palm Essence Union’s heir naturally attracts baseless rumors.”

“Not rumors – scandals.”

Jeong Lee-chu closed his eyes firmly.

He knew what Madam Ahn meant. How could he not have heard rumors about Jang In-geol? Though Hwa-ryeon had entrusted him with this matter, it worried him greatly in various ways.

Knowing how much Jeong Lee-chu cherished his daughter, Madam Ahn thought this much was enough.

“You look unwell lately.”

She massaged his arm as she spoke.

Jeong Lee-chu turned to her with a grateful smile.

“It’s not easy.”

An honest expression of his feelings.

“I’m sure it isn’t.”

Madam Ahn comforted her husband with eyes showing she still believed in him.

At times like this, if only they had a reliable son. Though she tried not to think that way, Madam Ahn wished someone could support Jeong Lee-chu.

Their good-natured first son-in-law was especially missed at times like this. But where could you find such a kind son-in-law these days?

Just then the door opened and Hwa-ryeon entered. Her urgent expression changed to a smile seeing Madam Ahn.

“Am I interrupting? Should I come back later?”

Madam Ahn rose from her seat.

“No, I should go. Take care of business, dear.”

She left a warm word for Hwa-ryeon too:

“Don’t push yourself too hard either. Why do both father and daughter look so haggard? People will say this mother only fed you gruel.”

“I’ll take better care of myself.”

Madam Ahn left the room.

Hwa-ryeon studied her father’s mood.

She knew better than anyone how uncomfortable this matter made him.

“So, what is it?”

Having to bring up more unpleasant news weighed heavily on her mind.

But it had to be said.

“Four more Blue Gate^[1] martial artists have expressed intent to leave.”

Jeong Lee-chu frowned and sighed.

Blue Gate martial artists had been leaving increasingly lately. Due to one rumor – that a major clash between the Palm Essence Union and Righteous Sword Sect was imminent.

The Palm Essence Union had clearly spread the malicious rumor. Over twenty martial artists had already left swayed by this rumor in recent months.

Blue Gate martial artists were the Righteous Sword Sect’s entering disciples. In exchange for food, lodging and martial arts instruction, they handled the sect’s menial tasks. In short, they were the sect’s foundation.

Blue Gate martial artists could leave anytime. Indeed, three or four would quit yearly, unable to endure the training. Of course, once out, they could never re-enter.

After five years as a Blue Gate entrant, they took a test – passing meant promotion to Red Gate martial artist. Most passed without trouble unless particularly lazy.

Red Gate^[2] martial artists couldn’t freely leave. They became official sect martial artists at last. Red Gate martial artists even received a small monthly stipend. In short, from then on the Righteous Sword Sect became their lifelong workplace.

After another five years as Red Gate, they could test for White Gate^[3] martial artist. White Gate martial artists served as instructors for Blue Gate entrants and handled the sect’s various affairs. They were truly the sect’s elite.

Currently the Righteous Sword Sect had seven White Gate martial artists, thirty Red Gate, and two hundred Blue Gate martial artists.

Compared to their glory days, the elite had decreased while entrants increased. Even those Blue Gate numbers came from Hwa-ryeon steadily building them since taking charge of finances. Just a few years ago, Blue Gate martial artists numbered less than a hundred.

Anyway, decreasing Blue Gate martial artists meant the sect’s foundation was shaking.

“Those bastards!”

Jeong Lee-chu struck his chair’s armrest.

He wanted to challenge the Palm Essence Union Leader to a duel.

But Jeong Lee-chu lacked confidence.

If only I’d mastered the Crimson Thread Sword Arts.

Jeong Lee-chu lamented inwardly. After reaching the ninth level, his progress stopped upon entering his forties.

The gap between ninth and tenth level exceeded the combined development from first through ninth levels. He regretted not shedding more blood and sweat in his youth while his father lived, but that was crying over spilled milk.

“If we refuse this request too, their tyranny will only worsen.”

“But I don’t want to force this on your sister.”

“Leave that to me and just pretend not to know, Father.”

“I can’t do that.”

Jeong Lee-chu couldn’t shake his misgivings.

“It’s not such an impossible thing. Just entering the Dragon Phoenix Banquet with Young Master Jang. Not marrying him. She can do that much for the family.”

“I’ve heard Young Master Jang’s reputation isn’t good.”

“Just rumors.”

“Still doesn’t sit right with me.”

“It could be good for Ryeon too. Living absorbed only in martial arts like this, she might miss her chance to marry. This opportunity to meet young heroes of the martial world could be helpful.”

That slightly shook Jeong Lee-chu’s heart.

Hwa-ryeon spoke calmly:

“Father, we have no choice. When our main gate gains power someday, we’ll pay them back then.”

Just then Lim Mu-yeol^[4] rushed in urgently. One of the White Gate martial artists, he was their most skilled and had loyally served the Righteous Sword Sect long. The three daughters called him Uncle Lim and followed him like family.

“Sect Leader, have you heard?”

“What is it?”

“They say Cha-ryeon flatly refused Young Master Jang’s request to enter the Dragon Phoenix Banquet together.”

“What?”

Jeong Lee-chu and Hwa-ryeon were startled.

Hwa-ryeon asked urgently:

“Uncle Lim, where did you hear this?”

“Young Master Jang is drunk and causing trouble at a pleasure house over it. A close acquaintance who works there as a bouncer informed me.”

Hwa-ryeon shook her head.

“That can’t be. It must be a mistaken rumor.”

Cha-ryeon couldn’t have done something so rash. No, she wanted to believe that.

“I’ll go find out more.”

“Please do.”

Lim Mu-yeol rushed out again with a grave face.

“If the rumor is true, this is a serious problem.”

Jeong Lee-chu struck his chair’s armrest again.

“Perhaps it’s better this way.”

“Father!”

“Tell all disciples – if they want to leave, leave now.”

“Father, this isn’t something to handle by mood. We need to verify the rumor’s truth first.”

Just then, someone spoke from behind:

“No need, since it’s true.”

Cha-ryeon was entering.

An enraged Hwa-ryeon shouted first:

“Are you in your right mind?”

“Sorry.”

“This isn’t something ‘sorry’ can fix!”

Then Hwa-ryeon spotted Jeok Lee-geon following behind.

Jeok Lee-geon entered while looking around like a country bumpkin viewing drawings.

“Who might you be…?”

At Hwa-ryeon’s question, Cha-ryeon hesitated before answering:

“…He’s entering the Dragon Phoenix Banquet with me.”

“What?”

“What?”

Jeong Lee-chu and Hwa-ryeon were shocked. Their eyes met in perfect circles.

“You!”

While calming the sword-sharp Hwa-ryeon, Jeong Lee-chu spoke composedly:

“First, invite him in.”

Jeok Lee-geon strode forward and cupped his hands.

“I’m Jeok Lee-geon.”

If only he’d maintain just that appearance.

“I’m Jeong Lee-chu, Cha-ryeon’s father. The martial brothers kindly call me by the excessive name Wuhan’s Emotional Hero^[5].”

“Wow– you’ve decorated the house splendidly!”

Ah, here we go.

“Hehehe.”

Jeong Lee-chu was flustered. Normally wouldn’t one say it’s an honor to meet you, or they’ve long heard his reputation, or such greetings? Even if just empty words.

Hwa-ryeon shot Cha-ryeon an intense look of ‘what is he?’

It’s no use. I don’t know either.

Jeok Lee-geon scurried to one side. Ah, truly can’t stay still for a moment.

“Wow! This is a piece from Zhejiang!”

The sculpture Jeok Lee-geon admired was indeed made by a famous craftsman from Zhejiang Province known for woodwork. Few recognized it, so Jeong Lee-chu was somewhat surprised when Jeok Lee-geon spotted it at a glance.

“You have a good eye.”

“And it’s by quite a skilled artisan too. The balance is amazing. Ah, and please speak casually to me.”

“Alright, I will.”

“Wow! This is pottery from Fujian? Really exquisite. How much did you pay? A hundred and twenty taels?”

“A hu-hundred and fifty taels.”

“What a waste. If I’d been there, could’ve gotten it for hundred twenty.”

“Hehehe.”

“My knowledge is impressive, right? I’ve wandered around quite a bit. Though this is my first time in Wuhan.”

Jeong Lee-chu quietly asked Cha-ryeon:

“So, how did you meet Young Master Jeok?”

“Well…”

As Cha-ryeon hesitated, Jeok Lee-geon, admiring wall paintings, quickly said:

“Met at a tavern.”

“What? Tavern?”

Seeing Jeong Lee-chu’s shock, Cha-ryeon hurriedly explained:

“That’s not it… I was hungry and happened to go to an inn…”

Ah, this guy really has a talent for exhausting people.

He could have just said they met by chance. Why mention taverns instead of inns?

“You went drinking alone?”

“…Yes.”

The fact his daughter went drinking alone left Jeong Lee-chu with complex feelings. She must have been truly troubled to do so.

Meanwhile, Hwa-ryeon’s main concern wasn’t that she went to a tavern.

“Did you meet Young Master Jang there?”

“Yes.”

“And you refused his offer to enter the Dragon Phoenix Banquet as rumored?”

After nodding shamefacedly, Cha-ryeon ground her teeth.

“That bastard, his mouth sure is fast.”

Hwa-ryeon’s expression completely hardened. Her true anger was palpable. Cha-ryeon argued defensively:

“I’ll enter. I said I would. But absolutely not with that bastard. Won’t do it.”

Hwa-ryeon was silent. Even their father Jeong Lee-chu looked troubled.

“If I win the Dragon Phoenix Banquet, won’t the Palm Essence Union stop treating us carelessly?”

“True.”

That was certain. The Dragon Phoenix Banquet was a martial world festival the entire Central Plains watched.

If the Righteous Sword Sect produced a Dragon Phoenix Banquet winner, young martial artists would flood to them. Growing the sect several times over would be no problem.

“But how?”

Hwa-ryeon’s gaze asked if she really thought she could win entering with this strange fellow.

Actually, Hwa-ryeon hadn’t thought Cha-ryeon would win even entering with Jang In-geol. The Dragon Phoenix Banquet’s favorites were young dragons who could easily handle mediocre masters from the Heavenly Dragon Tournament.

“……..”

Cha-ryeon could give no answer.

Hwa-ryeon asked Jeok Lee-geon:

“Young Master Jeok, what about your sect?”

Though expecting he had no proper sect, the answer was far more surprising and absurd.

“No sect as such… my parents sell fruit near Jade Gate Pass^[6].”

“What?”

Not just Jeong Lee-chu and Hwa-ryeon, but even Cha-ryeon looked at him in surprise this time.

Jeok Lee-geon narrowed his eyes and looked between the three.

“Do you perhaps hold prejudices against fruit merchants?”

“Ah, n-no. Not at all.”

A flustered Jeong Lee-chu waved his hands.

Jeok Lee-geon volunteered information no one asked for:

“The shop’s name is Flowing Clouds Flowing Water^[7]. Really doesn’t suit a fruit shop, right? ‘Hey kid, go buy five apples at Flowing Clouds Flowing Water.’ Isn’t that funny? Father named it. Something about living naturally like flowing clouds and water? That’s fine. Live that way. But did the shop name have to… There are plenty of normal names right? Jade Gate’s Best Fruits, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables… Is there need to contemplate life philosophy looking up at the sign every day, that’s what I mean.”

Then Jeok Lee-geon covered his face.

“Ah, I’m really embarrassed just talking about it.”

No one expected such a detailed answer!

Not just Cha-ryeon but Jeong Lee-chu and Hwa-ryeon were momentarily dumbfounded.

Jeok Lee-geon uncovered his face and narrowed his eyes.

“But don’t think my parents lack willpower. They’re very admirable people.”

“O-of course.”

Still flustered, Jeong Lee-chu asked:

“Then what about the blade and sword on your back? Did you learn both blade and sword techniques?”

“Yes, learned both.”

“Wasn’t it difficult?”

Learning both blade and sword techniques was typically something only third-rate ruffians did. Still, trusting Cha-ryeon, Jeong Lee-chu asked with maximum courtesy.

“It’s difficult. Really difficult. But I’m somewhat gifted in various ways. Actually had to be, since I inherited quite the bloodline.”

Hwa-ryeon’s sigh grew louder, and Cha-ryeon’s head bowed lower.

“Could you demonstrate?”

“Should I? Won’t need to draw sword or blade. These two fists are enough for most guys.”

Crack crack.

Jeok Lee-geon cracked his finger joints.

Just then.

Thunk.

His elbow bumped the pottery beside him.

“Oh, oh no! Don’t!”

His flailing attempt to catch it looked like dancing. Moreover, despite all that commotion he still failed to catch it.

Crash.

Looking at the shattered pottery, Jeok Lee-geon shouted:

“Fortunately it was a fake!”

“…But earlier you called it exquisite.”

“No way.”

“Anyway, never mind that. Let me ask one more thing. Might I know your master’s name?”

“I told you earlier.”

“When?”

“When you asked about my sect? I said my parents sell fruit.”

“Surely you didn’t learn martial arts… from your fruit-selling parents?”

“Yes. You don’t listen well do you? That’s not a good habit.”

Jeok Lee-geon said nonchalantly while rubbing his belly:

“By the way, aren’t we eating? At our house we serve food first when guests come, guess not here?”

Listening Hwa-ryeon quietly approached Cha-ryeon’s side.

Then whispered in her ear:

“Apologize to Young Master Jang first thing tomorrow.”

Head bowed, Cha-ryeon could give no answer.

***