Episode 660: Return to the Martial Arts Hall
The Heavenly Martial Arts Hall was abuzz with excitement as it welcomed the Baekhwa Group with open arms.
The usually quiet hall was now lively, filled with the chatter and laughter of guests. Meng Gasuk, the head of the hall, had organized a grand feast for Sabi-ran and the Baekhwa Group, starting early in the evening.
Every table was laden with expensive wines and exquisite dishes, while musicians played sweet melodies from a stage in the corner. The only downside was that many of the masters, including Jeok Murin and Seo Laehyang, had taken the students on a training journey and were absent.
Meng Gasuk, with a gentle smile, refilled Sabi-ran’s glass. “It’s been ages since we last met. How have you been?”
“I’ve been well, as always. And you, Master Meng?”
“Don’t get me started. These days, the kids just don’t listen. Things happen now that we couldn’t even imagine in our youth.”
“Really? They all seem well-behaved to me.”
“Ha! If only you knew. They not only tease their masters but also bully each other. Unthinkable in our time.”
Sabi-ran chuckled, amused. “But from what my father tells me, most of you were quite the troublemakers yourselves.”
“Ahem, ahem! No need to dredge up the past. Let’s just drink.”
Meng Gasuk quickly raised his glass and downed his drink in one go. “Ah! That’s the stuff! I should drink up and die before I see any more nonsense.”
“You just told one of the three biggest lies in the world.”
“Ha, did I? Well, I suppose I’ll live until I’m old and gray.”
Sabi-ran smiled warmly. “Yes, live long and prosper. But maybe skip the gray part.”
“Alright, alright!” Meng Gasuk laughed heartily and took another sip.
“But where’s Master Churyang? I don’t see him around.”
“He’ll be back tomorrow. He had some business to attend to.”
“I see.”
As the two continued their friendly chat, the Baekhwa Group enjoyed the feast with a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Sabi-ran, glancing around, turned her head at the sound of a familiar voice.
“Ran!”
“Oh… Master Banggak!”
“Yes, Ran! How long has it been? Haha! It’s so good to see you. You were just a little girl, and now look at you, all grown up.”
“Good to see you too, Master.”
Banggak approached, shaking her hand enthusiastically. But instead of his usual twin swords, a long spear was strapped to his back.
Sabi-ran tilted her head in curiosity. “You’ve changed your weapon?”
“As you can see, our hall master is getting on in years. So, I’ve taken up teaching spear techniques in his stead. Turns out, it suits me quite well.”
“I see. Are you still single, Master?”
“Ah, hitting me where it hurts, are you? Yes, still single. Know any good women?”
“Well, I’ve been busy with missions lately…”
Sabi-ran laughed awkwardly, and Meng Gasuk clicked his tongue. “Really, a bachelor should find his own match! Why rely on others for introductions? That’s why you’re still single!”
“Tsk, always with the nagging, old man?”
“Watch your language! I told you to call me hall master in public!”
“Old habits die hard, you know.”
“Old habits? This hall’s been around for nearly thirty years, you rascal!”
“Yes, yes, hall master. I’ve committed a grave sin. I’ll be waiting with my neck washed.”
Banggak pouted, responding half-heartedly, while Meng Gasuk shook his head with a wry smile.
Watching their playful banter, Sabi-ran felt the essence of the Heavenly Martial Arts Hall come alive.
Banggak turned to her with a grin. “The other masters took the kids on a training trip, so you won’t see them. They would’ve been thrilled to see you.”
“It’s a shame, but I’m glad to hear they’re doing well.”
“Haha, don’t worry about us. Just take care of yourself.”
At that moment, another voice chimed in from behind.
“Ran, you’re here.”
Sabi-ran turned to see Jo Muntak smiling warmly.
“Master Jo!”
“Yes, have you been well?”
“Of course.”
Sabi-ran beamed, stepping forward, but paused as she noticed two children peeking from behind Jo Muntak’s legs. They looked just like him.
“Are those…?”
“Haha, my son and daughter. They look just like me, don’t they?”
“Twins, I see.”
She recalled hearing about Jo Muntak’s twin children long ago, a memory that had faded over time. Now, seeing them, she marveled at how alike they were, save for the length of their hair.
“I prayed every day for these little ones. Heaven must have been moved, gifting me twins as a late blessing.”
“They’re adorable.”
“My son is Birang, and my daughter is Biyeon. Kids, say hello.”
At Jo Muntak’s prompting, the twins shyly stepped forward and greeted her in unison.
“Hello, sister.”
“Hello, sister.”
“Hello,” Sabi-ran replied with a gentle smile, prompting Jo Birang to blush and speak up.
“Sister, you’re really pretty.”
“Thank you.”
“Sister, I heard you’re here on a mission?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Can I come with you, sister?”
Jo Birang interjected, “No! I’m going with her!”
“No way. You stay home and take care of mom.”
“Hey! Why are you calling me ‘you’?”
“We’re the same age, so why should I call you brother?”
“But I was born first!”
“Still, I’m taller. Call me sister.”
“Ugh, whatever.”
Watching the twins bicker, Sabi-ran couldn’t help but laugh. She wondered what it would have been like to have siblings of her own.
Suddenly, a shriek interrupted her thoughts, and everyone turned to see a maid, carrying a tray full of dishes, about to collide with someone.
In an instant, two gusts of wind swept through the room.
With a swift motion, Jo Birang and Jo Biyeon darted forward, each catching a falling plate with ease.
Sabi-ran’s eyes widened in amazement. “Incredible. They’re so young. Did you teach them yourself?”
“I’ve taught them a bit, but like the hall master, I’m not their official teacher. Didn’t want to complicate the family tree.”
“Seems like talent runs in the family. If they keep this up, they’ll be the best in the martial world someday.”
“Haha, if they grow up like that, I couldn’t ask for more.”
Jo Muntak laughed heartily.
Meanwhile, a man adorned in flamboyant attire helped the fallen maid to her feet.
“Are you alright?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. This gentleman appeared out of nowhere…”
The person she pointed to was none other than Deung Jakyung, the father of the flamboyantly dressed man.
Deung Jakyung sighed. “I was standing here first, but you didn’t see me and bumped into me.”
“Oh, really? How could I have missed you? I’m so sorry, so sorry!”
The maid bowed repeatedly, and Deung Jakyung waved her off. “It’s nothing new. Go on your way.”
As the maid left, Deung Jakyung turned to his son, Deung Deungdeung. “Did you see that? This is why I dress you so extravagantly. So you never have to feel this kind of humiliation.”
‘Father… I’m feeling a different kind of humiliation right now.’
Knowing it was futile to argue, Deung Deungdeung sighed deeply and pleaded once more. “Father, can’t I dress normally for the feast?”
“Absolutely not! The more people, the more splendid you must look!”
“Alright… fine…”
Just then, Banggak approached with open arms. “Ah, my prized student! Come here. You’re as dazzling as ever. You two have met before, right?”
At Banggak’s words, Sabi-ran nodded slightly.
Banggak turned to Meng Gasuk with a boastful grin. “Old man, at least I’ve trained one good student, haven’t I? I’ve even studied spear techniques for your sake!”
“Hmph, still a long way to go. If I’d trained him, he’d have reached enlightenment by now.”
“Enlightenment? You mean shoes?”
“What did you say?”
Meng Gasuk shouted, and Banggak laughed, changing the subject. “Well, whatever. Since we’re all in high spirits, how about we enjoy a spear performance from my student? What do you all think?”
The crowd erupted in cheers, with Deung Jakyung eagerly agreeing.
If it meant his son could be the center of attention, he would support any idea.
“That’s an excellent idea, Master Bang! This young man’s spear skills are truly top-notch, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Indeed, you seem to know your stuff. But… who might you be? How do you know so much about Deung-ah?”
Finally, Deung Jakyung couldn’t hold back any longer and shouted, “I’m his father!”
“What? Really? Deung-ah, why didn’t you ever mention you had a father?”
“I’ve always told you…”
“Really? When did your mother remarry?”
At that moment, Baek Miryeong approached from behind with a clear, ringing voice. “It’s not a remarriage, but it always feels like one. That’s his charm.”
“Oh…”
By now, Deung Jakyung couldn’t contain himself any longer and yelled, “You and I are from the same rookie squad, you fool!”
”…!”
Bang Gak flinched, clearly taken aback, and looked at Deung Jakyung.
A brief silence followed.
“Alright then, let’s enjoy a performance from my prized student. Everyone, give a round of applause!” Bang Gak called out to the crowd.
‘What… Was I just ignored?’ Deung Jakyung felt deflated, staring blankly at Deung Deung Deung.
Deung Deung Deung seemed reluctant to step forward but reluctantly made his way to the center of the banquet hall.
‘Well, as long as my son gets some recognition, that’s enough for me.’ Deung Jakyung bit his lip and watched his son.
Deung Deung Deung gave a simple bow and began his spear dance in time with the music. His movements were elegant, enhanced by his dazzling attire and the brilliant spear.
As Sabiran watched the performance, Dan Rihyuk approached her.
“Are you really planning to take him with us?”
“I have to. He’s on the draft list.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course.”
“Even if he’s on the list, this is a bit much. He’s too flashy. We don’t know how our mission will unfold, but that flamboyant outfit is bound to be a hindrance. He seems too meek to defy his father.”
“Maybe his flair will help him succeed.”
“Unlikely. An empty cart makes the most noise.”
“Or it could be a cart full to the brim.”
“Hmm… Alright, I’ll test him myself.”
Sabiran glanced at Dan Rihyuk, a playful glint in her eyes.
“What are you planning?”
“Just a little test to see if he has the basics!”
With that, Dan Rihyuk vaulted over a table and strode to the center of the hall.
He looked at Deung Deung Deung, who was performing his spear dance, and said, “That flashy spear dance looks a bit lonely on its own. How about I join you?”