When Wi Pungso and Ogyo left the pleasure house, the two of them were dazed for entirely different reasons.
That woman named Mukran truly had an exceptional talent for bewitching people. She had not acted excessively coquettish to seduce men in particular; her manner of speech was simply soft and gentle, and before he knew it, he had been listening endlessly to her stories.
Ogyo, for her part, had spent the whole time being cared for by the courtesans, and somehow felt as satisfied as if she had just stepped out of a bath.
Dan Gohyeong, Yang Uisin, and even Yohwa.
He did not know why, but this stray dog seemed to possess some quality that made women want to take care of her.
The courtesans had carefully combed Ogyo’s disheveled hair and even gifted her treasured hairpins and jade ornaments.
On top of that, when they left, they had packed her plenty of all sorts of snacks, so Ogyo was now holding the gifts she had received from the courtesans in both arms.
Even though she had been eating sweets the entire time inside the pleasure house, the moment they stepped out onto the street, Ogyo put another snack into her mouth.
“Is it good? Give me one too.”
“No. Get lost.”
“How cold.”
Wi Pungso gave a bitter smile.
It seemed it would be difficult to get any closer to this girl than this.
—A wedding ceremony?
The conversation he had just had with Mukran in the pleasure house surfaced in his mind once more.
—Tomorrow, at Jeokha Sect?
—Yes, that is correct.
Mukran had told him the story, saying it was an incident that had recently caused a stir in the area.
—The bride is a woman named Song Cheongdam, and she is the wife of Im Taeun, the Great Evil Sword whom Young Hero Wi mentioned.
—So he had married.
—They say the wedding was held in haste just before Im Taeun departed for the battlefield.
Wi Pungso, who had been nodding readily, belatedly noticed something strange.
—Wait. If the bride of tomorrow’s wedding is Im Taeun’s wife… Surely you don’t mean bigamy?
—That is what it amounts to.
—…What happened?
Mukran drank a cup of wine as if to wet her throat, then began her tale.
To look far back, this matter went all the way back twelve years.
There was a sect called Bichwigak that operated around Shanxi Province.
Bichwigak had originally been a merchant company engaged in long-distance trade with the West, but it became a martial force when its merchants began learning martial arts for self-protection.
The current pavilion master was a man named Song Geumseong, and Song Cheongdam was his only daughter.
Cheongdam had been frail from birth and suffered from a rare disease.
This strange affliction, called the Hollow Spirit Wind Meridians, was an illness in which the energy inside the body boiled over excessively, gnawing away at the blood vessels and internal organs.
When one contracted the Hollow Spirit Wind Meridians, the body filled with energy, and that energy circulated rapidly along the blood vessels; yet there was no way to stop that circulation.
Even without circulating her qi intentionally, energy revolved through her body all year round, constantly accumulating internal force in her dantian. As if that were not enough, it damaged her blood vessels and organs, and even shaved away at her bones.
It was as though a typhoon were raging inside a person’s body.
Because the bones were gradually worn away, those who suffered from this illness were always in pain, and their bodies were as light as down.
Some said that the body made light by the Hollow Spirit Wind Meridians was one processed to the utmost limit, perfectly suited to learning superior movement arts, but that was unrealistic.
In truth, those afflicted by this disease had damaged organs and weakened vessels, leaving them so feeble they could not even learn basic external arts, let alone superior martial arts.
Because this excessive rotation of energy gnawed away at their insides for their entire lives, everyone afflicted by this strange disease died young. There had also never been a case of it being cured.
Most died as soon as they were born or before they were even ten years old, though there were occasionally cases where, with good care, someone grew into adulthood while still carrying the illness.
Of course, that did not mean their fate of dying young changed.
However, if someone survived for a long time while afflicted by the Hollow Spirit Wind Meridians, profound internal force would accumulate in their dantian, and when the time came for them to die, that internal force would be expelled from the body in the form of an inner core.
This inner core was called the Clear Wind Core, and it was a pricelessly rare treasure.
In other words, without exception, everyone who suffered from this illness died, but those who somehow survived into adulthood would die after spitting out a precious treasure.
Song Cheongdam was precisely such an example.
She suffered from the Hollow Spirit Wind Meridians, but this year she was already eighteen years old.
It would not be strange if she died at any time, and when her death came, she would likely spit out a Clear Wind Core.
When the Bichwigak Pavilion Master, Song Geumseong, first learned that his daughter suffered from the Hollow Spirit Wind Meridians, he rejoiced, thinking he had obtained a treasure. Soon, however, that joy turned to disappointment.
To obtain the Clear Wind Core, he would have to feed his daughter precious spirit medicines and care for her devotedly until she reached adulthood, but at the time, Bichwigak’s circumstances were poor, and he could not afford to do so.
Thus Song Geumseong had no choice but to seek help from Jeokha Sect, with whom he usually had friendly relations.
By agreement between the two sect leaders, Song Cheongdam was betrothed to Jeokha Sect’s eldest disciple, Im Taeun, and at the age of six, she was entrusted to Jeokha Sect. That had been twelve years ago.
Afterward, Jeokha Sect spared no expense in caring for Cheongdam in order to obtain the Clear Wind Core, and she safely reached adulthood.
Though she was fated to die soon, the fact remained that the two families had arranged a marriage, so as planned, she also held a wedding ceremony with Im Taeun.
That was precisely the problem.
Right after holding the wedding with Cheongdam, Im Taeun left for the battlefield without even consummating the marriage, and all news of him was cut off. In effect, he had to be considered dead.
At that, Bichwigak demanded that Jeokha Sect return their daughter, claiming that since her husband had died before the bond of husband and wife had even been properly formed, the marriage was invalid.
Of course, this was unreasonable. The wedding ceremony had already been held, so she could be said to have left her family and become an outsider; to now demand the return of a daughter who had become part of another household was absurd.
Song Geumseong had coveted the Clear Wind Core when his daughter’s death drew near, and was trying to take back the daughter-in-law Jeokha Sect had painstakingly raised.
Naturally, Jeokha Sect refused, and the two sects began to quarrel without either side backing down.
When Song Geumseong threatened that he would retrieve his daughter even if he had to use force, Jeokha Sect Leader Im Cheonak made a drastic move.
He decided to marry Cheongdam to Im Saun, the second young master of the sect and Im Taeun’s younger brother.
Unlike his elder brother Im Taeun, who had shown promise from a young age and was loved and respected by all, Im Saun was something of a stain upon the sect.
He was small in build, timid in personality, and even had a tendency to stutter.
Im Cheonak looked down on this disappointing second son, and the world called Im Saun by the derogatory nickname “Shadow Cloud,” because of the character un, meaning cloud, in his name.
No matter how improper Bichwigak’s demand had been, to forcibly marry a woman who already had a husband to that husband’s younger brother was conduct that could hardly be viewed favorably on Jeokha Sect’s part either.
In the end, neither family had any intention of truly cherishing Cheongdam; blinded solely by the precious inner core, they were bickering with one another over her.
A wedding was, by nature, a ceremony in which two families formed a bond.
This time, Jeokha Sect had pushed forward with the wedding ceremony unilaterally on its own, so Bichwigak would certainly not sit by and watch.
Mukran finally finished her long story, saying that perhaps a great commotion might break out at tomorrow’s wedding.
‘Good grief.’
The more he mulled it over, the more vulgar and unsightly a story it was. What was a mere inner core, that men who were sect leaders would become beasts in human skin and toy as they pleased with a woman’s life?
Only that woman named Cheongdam, caught in the middle, was pitiful.
As one who practiced chivalry, he could not simply look away from such injustice before his eyes. Then should he step forward and save the woman himself?
Yet interfering in another family’s affairs was rash. If things went wrong, it could leave a great blemish on his sect’s reputation.
‘I suppose I’ll go and take a look for now.’
Having reached that conclusion, Wi Pungso asked Ogyo beside him.
“Do you want to go too?”
“Where?”
“The wedding ceremony. Weren’t you listening to what the madam said?”
Ogyo blinked as if she had no idea whatsoever.
Even if he explained the story to this stray dog now, she would not understand it, and she probably had no interest either.
“There’s supposed to be a celebration tomorrow. If we go, you can get free banquet food.”
“Really? I’ll go too.”
Seeing the girl’s attitude flip as easily as turning over a palm, Wi Pungso gave a hollow laugh.
*
Early the next day, the two left the city and headed toward Jeogam Peak of Yongu Mountain. Along the mountain path, a long stream of people had already formed.
Some had brought wedding gifts, while others had come empty-handed.
Among them were many beggars in shabby appearances who, at a glance, seemed to have come with the intention of getting a meal.
The beggars of the Beggars’ Sect would not have come all the way to such a remote place without any assurance, so Jeokha Sect had probably announced in advance that they would provide food to those who came today.
Judging by the circumstances, it was not a particularly auspicious wedding, and yet they had invited so many people.
Jeokha Sect likely intended to act all the more confidently and firmly establish that Cheongdam was a woman of their sect.
Ogyo was excited at the thought of eating a free meal.
But an unexpected incident occurred in front of the sect gate.
“Young Hero Wi may enter, but the young lady over there may not.”
The gatekeeper had stepped forward and blocked the two of them with an overbearing attitude.
“Why is that?”
“The sect master has given strict orders not to allow anyone whose identity has not been confirmed into the sect.”
“This child is my companion.”
“My apologies, Young Hero Wi. It is a precaution to prevent any disturbance, so please understand.”
As expected, Jeokha Sect seemed to be on guard in case Bichwigak disrupted the wedding ceremony.
If that was the reason, no amount of persuasion would make them listen.
“The food…?”
Ogyo looked as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
“There are several cauldrons set up outside as well. The guests remaining outside will be served the same meal, so we ask that you please remain there and offer your congratulations.”
“Ooh!”
At the gatekeeper’s words, Ogyo’s face brightened once more.
She had no interest in the wedding ceremony anyway, so whether it was inside or outside made no difference.
“Then I’ll go in by myself. I’ll see you after it’s over.”
Wi Pungso said so, but Ogyo left without even answering.
‘Good grief. Just when I thought we had gotten a little closer.’
They had somehow formed a connection and were traveling together for the time being, but in truth, the two of them had no relationship at all.
In fact, since the other party found Wi Pungso annoying, one could even say their relationship was poor.
‘Once I receive the list from Haomun stating the locations of the poisons, I’d better start withdrawing.’
It did not seem that continuing to travel together would benefit either of them.
He had things he had to do as well.
If Im Taeun was no longer of this world, there was no need to remain in Hexi any longer.
Wi Pungso crossed through the main gate alone.
The place that had originally been a training ground was hung everywhere with red drapes, and tables and chairs had been prepared.
While the outside was bustling with the gathered crowd, the inside was quiet.
It seemed they had been rather strict in selecting who was allowed in.
The reason Wi Pungso, who had never received any separate invitation, was able to enter was, as expected, thanks to his fame.
In other words, the other side had given Wi Pungso face.
‘That makes it even harder to step forward. Well, I never intended to interfere in the first place.’
After thinking it over for a day, he had concluded that while the circumstances of the woman named Cheongdam were deeply pitiful, interfering in another family’s affairs was still not something he should do.
Even so, the reason he had gone out of his way to come here was that he thought he might at least see the bride’s face once.
‘Im Taeun’s wife.’
In the end, he had not been able to defeat him in this life. Since Wi Pungso had inwardly regarded him as a worthy rival, he could not help but feel regret.
After sitting and waiting for a while, the palanquin carrying the bride soon appeared in the training ground.
The groom was walking in front of the palanquin.
“Is that the Second Young Master?”
Im Sa-un certainly looked nothing like his older brother, Im Tae-un, exactly as the rumors had claimed.
He had a small build and a delicate face for a man. Had he belonged to any other sect, he would not have stood out so much, but standing shoulder to shoulder with the disciples of the Jeokha Sect, each of whom boasted a robust build, the contrast was considerable.
Moreover, whether because he was extremely nervous, Im Sa-un’s complexion was deathly pale, and he trembled so violently that it was obvious at a glance even from afar.
Before long, the bride descended from the palanquin.
The murmuring subsided in an instant, and everyone present held their breath.
The bride possessed extraordinary beauty.
Im Tae-un was also a man of handsome features, so had those two stood side by side, they would have made a truly picture-perfect couple.
Cheongdam wore a composed expression, unlike the nervous Sa-un.
It was customary for a bride to wear red at a wedding ceremony, but she was dressed in white.
Could it mean she intended to honor her dead husband?
Even so, to deliberately break with etiquette at a gathering with so many people—perhaps she was a woman of stronger will than her gentle appearance suggested.
The bride and groom bowed three times according to the rites. Then, just as they were about to perform the wine-sharing ceremony, a loud voice suddenly rang out.
“Halt! You are a group blinded by greed, having forgotten the righteous path. How dare you take my daughter into your family as you please without this father’s permission!”
Everyone turned to see an elderly man standing on the roof of the building beyond the training ground, clad in deep green.
Soon after, numerous martial artists wearing matching uniforms appeared in ranks, dyeing every rooftop green.
“I am Song Geum-seong, Pavilion Master of the Bichwi Pavilion! I have come to reclaim my daughter standing there, so stop this absurd farce at once!”
At this, an old man with an unusually large frame and rugged appearance who had been inside the training ground rose as if to confront him. He was none other than Im Cheon-ak, Sect Leader of the Jeokha Sect.
“Song Geum-seong, you sly thief. You’ve finally crawled all the way here to make trouble.”
“You stole another man’s daughter, yet you dare call me a thief?”
“Hmph, stole her? The full circumstances of why that child was entrusted to our Jeokha Sect have already been thoroughly laid bare and widely circulated throughout the Gangho! Yet you still spew such stubborn nonsense—that child has been a daughter of our Jeokha Sect for twelve years!”
“Nonsense! She was sent because of a betrothal, and now that her husband is dead, there is no longer any connection between that child and you! She is my daughter!”
The two old men glared at each other without yielding an inch, raising their voices.
“As expected of one who used to peddle wares in the marketplace, you are utterly shameless. This is what happens when those without roots are accepted into the ranks of the orthodox Murim.”
“You, a barbarian from the frontier, dare to speak of the righteous path? Know your place.”
“You bastard…”
Im Cheon-ak drew his blade at last, his face brimming with killing intent.
“Well spoken. Now receive this barbarian’s blade!”
“Very well, just as I wished!”
The two leaders shouted, and at the same moment, both factions drew their blades and charged at each other. In an instant, the surroundings turned into a scene of carnage.
‘What in the world…’
Wi Pung-so was aghast.
Meanwhile, the groom’s side was equally flustered.
“S-Sister-in-law! T-This way… I will protect you!”
Im Sa-un quickly snatched up his sword and stood before Cheongdam, but Cheongdam was calm.
“No, Young Master. You must help the Sect Leader and put an end to this disturbance. I will find shelter on my own.”
“B-But…”
“With your husband gone, you are now the sole successor of the sect, Young Master. If you do not protect the sect, then who will?”
Sa-un could find no words to reply and bit his lip hard.
With an anxious face, he hesitated before finally turning and dashing toward the center of the training ground.
After watching him leave, Cheongdam quickly surveyed her surroundings.
It was utter pandemonium. While the disciples of the Jeokha Sect and the Bichwi Pavilion crossed blades with one another, the guests who had come to celebrate the wedding were busy screaming and fleeing in every direction.
‘Now is the time…’
Realizing that no one was paying her any mind, Cheongdam gathered the hem of her skirt and quickly slipped out of the training ground.