Chapter 93

Chapter 93: The World Is Wide, But Those Who Must Meet Will Meet (3)

The boat arrived at the dock. Many people hurried off the boat, and among them were Dam Ho and the Black Ghost.

By the time Dam Ho reached his destination, Cho Yeon-woon and Paeng Man-yeong had still not returned. Perhaps it had been decided from the moment they chose the open ground by the river as their sparring field.

Who won and who lost, no one knew. Nor did they care. Hwangbo Yeong-cheon still lay sprawled on one corner of the deck, unconscious.

Dam Ho hurried toward the Seopung Inn.

"Hyung!"

As he entered the room, Bang Jin-bo greeted him with open arms. His eyes were even brimming with tears.

"Have you been well?"

"As you can see, unharmed. Did your business go well, Hyung?"

"It went well."

"That's a relief. Hehe!"

Bang Jin-bo forced a smile.

Dam Ho furrowed his brow slightly.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Tell me."

They had not known each other for just a day or two. Dam Ho could read Bang Jin-bo's thoughts from his expression alone.

Under Dam Ho's intense gaze, Bang Jin-bo reluctantly opened his mouth.

"The truth is…"

He recounted everything—Do Hak-gyeong's proposal and what Eun So-cheong had said, holding nothing back.

As Dam Ho listened to Bang Jin-bo's account, his gaze deepened.

Do Hak-gyeong's proposal was not the important matter. As Eun So-cheong had said, those who came seeking Bang Jin-bo would only increase. Perhaps more would come with ill intentions than good.

It was time to think about Bang Jin-bo's future.

"What are your thoughts?"

"I…"

"Your thoughts are the most important. Your future will change depending on what choice you make."

At Dam Ho's words, Bang Jin-bo bit his lip.

While Dam Ho was away, Bang Jin-bo had done much thinking. Do Hak-gyeong's visit had only amplified his worries.

After hesitating for some time, Bang Jin-bo raised his head and looked at Dam Ho.

"Just…"

"…"

"Can I not just follow you around? I want to keep following you around."

"As you can see, being by my side is dangerous. Are you still willing?"

"It does not matter. I just want to follow you around and learn to cook. That is the only thing I want."

Dam Ho gazed at Bang Jin-bo in silence.

Bang Jin-bo did not avert his eyes from Dam Ho's gaze, which even martial artists of great skill dared not meet.

From Bang Jin-bo's earnest eyes, Dam Ho saw firm resolve and an unshakable will.

"You may come to regret it."

"I won't. Never… Just let me follow you around. I will behave so as not to be a bother. Please!"

"Very well. Let us go together."

"Really?"

"Yes."

The moment Dam Ho's answer came, a smile gradually bloomed on Bang Jin-bo's previously anxious face.

He knew better than anyone that Dam Ho was not one to go back on his word. Once Dam Ho spoke, he would keep his promise even if the heavens split in two.

"Thank you, Hyung."

Dam Ho silently rubbed Bang Jin-bo's head. At that, Bang Jin-bo's smile spread into a grin.

"By the way, Hyung, aren't you hungry?"

"A little…"

"Hehe! That's good, then. I was just about to prepare to cook in the annex."

"Annex?"

"So-cheong said the food here tastes bland, so she kept asking me to cook…"

Bang Jin-bo blushed shyly and led the way. Dam Ho followed quietly behind.

When they entered the annex, Eun So-cheong greeted them.

"You're late! I'm starving… Ah, Mister!"

Eun So-cheong belatedly noticed Dam Ho following behind Bang Jin-bo and looked surprised.

"When did you return?"

"Just now!"

"That's good. Even without that, Jin-bo was anxious that you might not return. It's very tense around here lately."

"Why is that?"

"Lately, there's been a noticeable increase in martial artists coming through. Among them are quite a few prominent figures. That's why the Hunan martial artists are on edge."

"Prominent figures?"

"If it's the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families, wouldn't that qualify as prominent enough?"

Dam Ho nodded.

The Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families were the apex of all sects in the current Murim world. If such massive sects had sent martial artists, it was understandable that the Hunan martial artists would be anxious.

"Is the entire Nine Great Sects coming?"

"The Namgung Family has already arrived, so it's only a matter of time before the others follow."

Dam Ho closed his eyes for a moment.

Though he did not know the reason, if the entire Nine Great Sects was coming, the martial artists of the Mount Hua Sect would surely be among them.

The Mount Hua Sect.

It had become a name that stirred no emotion in him. But if Sage Hyeon-so was added to the name Mount Hua Sect, the story changed.

Dam Ho decided to stay here a while longer. Finding his sister's whereabouts was important, but there was also the possibility that he might encounter Sage Hyeon-so.

Meanwhile, Eun So-cheong looked at Dam Ho with curious eyes.

Dam Ho himself might not be aware of it, but at this moment in Hunan Province, there was no one more famous than he.

The Fist Demon, or the Sin-gang Blood Star.

Regardless of what his true martial strength was, his cruel methods had already made him a figure to be wary of in the Murim world.

Though young, Eun So-cheong had seen many martial artists in the Eun-ga Pavilion. Among them, not a single one had been as powerful as Dam Ho.

Naturally, Eun So-cheong's eyes could not help but fill with curiosity when she looked at Dam Ho.

Just then, Bang Jin-bo spoke in a booming voice.

"Hyung, wait a moment. I'll make something delicious for you right away."

Bang Jin-bo began moving busily.

He stoked the fire in the hearth and began preparing the ingredients.

All the ingredients had been provided by Eun So-cheong. With ample supplies, Bang Jin-bo cooked with enthusiasm.

Here, he could cook whatever he wished. That alone made Bang Jin-bo happy.

Dam Ho silently watched Bang Jin-bo cook.

A person doing what they love radiated light. And right now, Bang Jin-bo was radiant.

Even if the only person who could see that was himself.

***

Namgung Chang, Namgung Su, and Hae So-wol were walking through the streets of Akyang.

Though they appeared to be only three people walking, over thirty martial artists shadowed them in secret. All were elite members of the Namgung Family, assigned to protect Namgung Chang.

Namgung Chang looked around and nodded.

"A fine place."

"Is that so?"

"When undertaking great works, manpower and material support are important, but location is equally vital. In that regard, this place is quite perfect."

Namgung Chang pointed toward Dongting Lake.

"First, the waterway provides support, and the land routes are not lacking either. If a fortress were built here, a hundred could hold off a thousand—it would be a natural stronghold. This is exactly the kind of place we have been seeking."

"That is fortunate."

A look of doubt appeared on Hae So-wol's face.

She could not understand what Namgung Chang and Namgung Su were talking about.

So she asked.

"A fortress? What do you mean?"

"Ah, that is something you need not worry about for now."

"Pardon?"

"When your martial uncle arrives, you will learn naturally. Do not be impatient."

At Namgung Chang's answer, Hae So-wol bit her lip.

She knew only that a gathering of the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families was to be held, but she did not know the reason for the gathering.

She was frustrated and angry, but there was nothing she could do at present. She had no choice but to silently follow her uncle and granduncle.

The place they arrived at was the dock.

Namgung Chang looked around the dock and spoke.

"That spot over there seems suitable."

He pointed with his finger to a nearby hill. From there, one could survey all of Dongting Lake, and it was an area where many inns had established themselves.

"It does seem like it would produce a fine picture."

Namgung Su nodded. At that, Namgung Chang smiled.

"You seem to have developed an eye for judging things as well."

"It is all thanks to Uncle."

"You are aware that the family has great expectations for you?"

"I will never disappoint you."

"Good!"

While the two conversed, a massive transport ship arrived at the dock.

Boom!

With a heavy sound, the ship moored and the gangplank was lowered. Many people streamed out.

"So this is Dongting Lake at last."

"Hah! It feels good to be on land."

The disembarking people cheered at the feel of solid ground beneath their feet after so long.

As Hae So-wol checked each face, a flash of delight appeared on hers.

"Martial Uncle!"

She ran toward a middle-aged swordsman who was just disembarking.

The middle-aged swordsman, whose face was entirely obscured by a black beard, recognized Hae So-wol and smiled.

"Well, who is this? If it isn't So-wol."

"Martial Uncle!"

"Haha! It is good to see you, So-wol."

The middle-aged swordsman greeted Hae So-wol warmly.

His name was Oh Gun-ui, and his epithet was the White Whale Swordsman.

The greatest martial artist of the Hainan Sect was, of course, the Sect Leader Neung Cheon-wol. Oh Gun-ui was Neung Cheon-wol's junior martial brother and an elder of the Hainan Sect.

Neung Cheon-wol was so occupied with managing the Hainan Sect that he rarely appeared outside. Oh Gun-ui handled matters that arose on Hainan Island in his stead.

Because of this, the people of Hainan Island feared Oh Gun-ui even more than Neung Cheon-wol.

Though all of Hainan Island feared Oh Gun-ui, to Hae So-wol he was nothing but a kind martial uncle.

"You've traveled the Central Plains and become even more beautiful. Haha!"

"Martial Uncle, please…"

"Indeed! Have you gained much experience? Well, you are one of the Four Dragons, so of course you have. What a foolish thing to ask. You have worked hard."

As Oh Gun-ui patted Hae So-wol on the back, familiar voices called out from behind him.

"Haha! Martial Sister, we are here as well."

"It has been too long, Martial Sister."

Hae So-wol turned to see familiar faces. About twenty disciples of the Hainan Sect were looking at her.

They were the second-generation disciples of the Hainan Sect.

Oh Gun-ui smiled gently.

"I brought them along to give them experience in the martial world. You will lead them well."

"Yes! Martial Uncle!"

After the reunion between Oh Gun-ui and Hae So-wol concluded, Namgung Chang stepped forward.

"It has been too long, Gun-ui."

"Well, if it isn't you. To think you would come personally to greet me. I am honored."

"When it is you coming, of course I must come myself. Besides, you might lose your way again."

"Tch! How long are you going to keep bringing that up? That time, anyone would have lost their way in that situation."

"Because you lost your way, we nearly died. Naturally, I must keep bringing it up for as long as I can."

"Good grief!"

Oh Gun-ui scratched his head with a sheepish expression.

Namgung Chang gestured to Namgung Su, who stood at a distance. Namgung Su approached with a smile and offered a cupped-fist salute.

"I am Namgung Su, nephew of my uncle. It is my first time meeting you, Great Hero Oh."

"Oh! A pleasure to meet you. Your uncle has spoken much about you already. He says you are the talent who will lead the Namgung Family in the future."

"You flatter me."

"That man would not easily praise his own nephew. He is far too strict for that."

At Oh Gun-ui's words, Namgung Chang wrinkled his nose. But it was not a displeased expression.

Namgung Chang spoke.

"Let us be on our way. There is much work ahead."

"Indeed! To form an alliance, we must be swift."

"My friend, watch your words."

"Oh! My apologies. My enthusiasm got the better of me."

"At a time like this, we must be especially careful."

"I will remember that."

At Oh Gun-ui's response, Namgung Chang clapped him on the shoulder a few times.

Their voices were very low, but Hae So-wol had already heard everything.

'An alliance?'

If it was an alliance formed with the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families at its core, there was only one possibility.

The Murim Alliance.