Episode 123: The Master of the Golden Pavilion

Namgung Myung’s execution of the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms was far from perfect, lacking the finesse and power of Geol Seon’s demonstration. Yet, much like a tiger cub is still a tiger, Namgung Myung’s display was unmistakably the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms. With time and practice, it could grow into something truly formidable.

Even now, his performance was competent enough to be studied and learned from without issue.

“His direction might be a bit off, but the talent is undeniable.”

Tang Mujin was impressed, though not entirely surprised. After all, hadn’t Namgung Myung mastered the Imperial Sword Form without formal training? If he could steal that technique, there was no reason he couldn’t do the same with the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.

However, Hong Geolgae, Yoo Jin-gwang, and Wi Hwan were taken aback.

Such advanced martial arts techniques weren’t meant to be learned by mere observation, nor could they be. Mastery required days, months, or even years of dedicated practice.

A thought suddenly crossed Yoo Jin-gwang’s mind.

”…Namgung Myung must have seen the Four Sword Techniques and the Thirty-Six Splitting Swords when he fought the Three-Eyed Buddha, right?”

But he kept this thought to himself.

The group moved slowly, partly due to their small numbers and the presence of the injured, and partly to allow Hong Geolgae to learn the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms from Namgung Myung. Opportunities like this were rare and had to be seized when they appeared.

The martial artists from the Mount Chang sect occasionally glanced at the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, but none could replicate it like Namgung Myung. They were too grounded in both character and talent to attempt such a feat.

After three days, a vast city loomed before them. It was a familiar sight to Tang Mujin and Dan Seol-young.

Gui Song Clinic, home to numerous martial arts sects and clans, and the headquarters of the Martial Alliance.

And, of course, the location of the Golden Pavilion and its master. Luoyang.

They arrived in Luoyang just past noon, a time too late to immediately visit the Golden Pavilion and too early to settle into an inn for the night.

Tang Mujin turned to Yoo Jin-gwang.

“When do you plan to visit the Golden Pavilion? Today or tomorrow?”

“I think we should go now. I’d like to enjoy a drink in peace this evening.”

Yoo Jin-gwang’s sentiment was shared by the others from the Mount Chang sect. They were eager to free themselves from the burden of debt. Tang Mujin nodded in agreement.

“Understood. Though I’m not sure if we’ll be able to meet the master today.”

“I know the way! Follow me!”

Dan Seol-young confidently took the lead.

Unlike Tang Mujin, who had been cooped up in the Gui Song Clinic during his stay in Luoyang, Dan Seol-young had explored the city while learning carpentry. Naturally, she knew where the Golden Pavilion was located.

Soon, they saw a high, sturdy wall.

“That must be the Golden Pavilion. You can tell just by looking over the wall.”

The buildings inside were tall and pristine, with not a single tile out of place.

The estate was so large it seemed more like a government office than a private residence.

Having completed her guidance, Dan Seol-young stepped back beside Tang Mujin.

“I always thought there were more people here than in the city center.”

“Of course. This is where the most money changes hands.”

With such a scale, even a reclusive martial arts sect would have a significant number of people coming and going.

And the Golden Pavilion was a merchant’s estate. The number of people with business there was bound to be greater than that of similarly sized sects. As a result, the area felt crowded even before they entered.

In the distance, they could see the grand gate leading into the Golden Pavilion. Unlike the gates of other sects or clans, this one was large enough for two carriages to pass through side by side.

As they approached the gate, the sound of hooves clattered behind them.

A large caravan, led by two sturdy horses and followed by over twenty donkeys and mules, was leaving the Golden Pavilion and heading towards them.

“Make way!”

The people of Luoyang moved aside naturally, creating a path for the caravan. But Tang Mujin’s group found themselves with nowhere to go. Dan Seol-young was flustered.

“Where do we move to?”

Tang Mujin gently pulled Dan Seol-young to a safe spot, and the caravan narrowly passed by them. If they hadn’t moved quickly, Hong Geolgae might have been hit by a cart.

The merchant sitting at the front of the lead cart scowled and spat on the ground.

“Country bumpkins. Move faster, will you?”

His tone and demeanor were dripping with confidence and arrogance.

It was the confidence of a merchant affiliated with the prestigious Golden Pavilion, the confidence of being right at its gates, and most importantly, the confidence from the number and skill of the guards in his caravan.

The martial prowess of his caravan was unmatched by ordinary standards.

A typical caravan might have numerous third-rate guards and a couple of second-rate martial artists posing as leaders.

But this caravan had several second-rate martial artists, and the leader sitting next to the merchant seemed to be at least first-rate.

The difference in value between a second-rate and a first-rate martial artist was significant, often five to ten times. Spending such an amount on caravan protection was a testament to the Golden Pavilion’s resources.

Perhaps because of the merchant’s overbearing attitude, the second-rate guards also cast annoyed glances at Tang Mujin’s group.

The only one who turned pale was the first-rate martial artist leading the guards. Unlike the merchant or the less discerning guards, he could gauge the martial prowess of Tang Mujin’s group and the Mount Chang sect members.

Despite their ragged appearance, there were three peak experts and five first-rate martial artists among them.

While Tang Mujin’s group seemed unfazed, such a force could easily annihilate a mid-sized sect. They were beyond what a mere merchant and his guards could handle.

The leader of the guards, looking as if he might faint, clamped his hands over the merchant’s mouth.

“Please, don’t say anything!”

“Why? What’s wrong? Those guys?”

“Please, I’m begging you!”

The guard leader desperately covered the merchant’s mouth, pleading with his eyes for forgiveness.

It was a curious skill, to beg with one’s eyes. Yet everyone who saw the guard leader’s face believed he was indeed pleading. It was quite a remarkable talent.

However, Tang Mujin’s group remained indifferent to the spectacle.

They weren’t the type to react to every slight, and the Mount Chang sect members couldn’t care less. Today was too important for petty squabbles.

Yoo Jin-gwang thought to himself.

“Perhaps showing magnanimity in the face of such rudeness will bring us greater fortune…”

As they reached the gate of the Golden Pavilion, a guard stepped forward to block their path.

“You don’t seem like merchants. What brings you to the Golden Pavilion?”

“We’re here to see the master.”

The guard gave them a once-over.

Judging by their shabby appearance, the chances of them meeting the master seemed slim. The master rarely involved himself in day-to-day affairs. Only a handful of outsiders met him each year.

But the guard held his tongue. Unlike merchants who could delegate trouble to subordinates, he would have to deal with any issues himself.

“Meeting the master won’t be easy, but… I’ll pass on your message. How should I introduce you?”

“Tell them the son of Yoo Gwan-il from Yunnan Province is here.”

“Understood. Please wait a moment.”

The guard disappeared inside and took quite some time to return.

Just as they were considering asking another guard, the first guard reappeared with a well-dressed middle-aged man.

The guard was visibly tense. The man beside him rarely greeted guests personally.

The middle-aged man introduced himself calmly.

“I am Seo, the chief steward of the Golden Pavilion. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Please call me Yoo Jin-gwang.”

“You’re quite humble. Most martial artists of your caliber would announce their sect and skills first.”

“Everyone has their immature moments.”

Namgung Myung nudged Tang Mujin with his elbow. Namgung Myung never missed an opportunity, no matter how small.

Seo, the chief steward, asked Yoo Jin-gwang.

“May I ask why you wish to meet the master?”

Seo seemed somewhat anxious. He was aware of the significant debt the Mount Chang sect owed the Golden Pavilion.

These were the Mount Chang sect members, known for their disregard for consequences. He feared they might cause a scene, demanding their debt be forgiven.

“Tell him I’m here for the same reason as my father.”

“Understood. Please, follow me.”

Seo led the group to the reception hall.

It was just a reception hall, yet its interior was so pristine and luxurious that even the Tang family clinic and the Yu Escort Agency couldn’t boast of anything better.

As the group wandered around the hall, taking in the sights, Chief Seo returned.

“Master Yu, please follow me.”

At his words, not only Yu Jingwang but everyone in the reception hall stood up simultaneously.

The martial artists from the Jeomchang Sect wanted to witness the moment their debts vanished and their freedom was restored, while Tang Mujin’s group was eager to see the high-stakes gamble unfold. Even Chu Sam, who usually maintained a dignified demeanor, seemed unwilling to miss the spectacle and subtly joined in.

However, Chief Seo shook his head.

“Everyone else, please remain here.”

With disappointed expressions, the crowd sat back down, leaving only Yu Jingwang and Hong Geolge standing.

Then Chief Seo spoke again.

“You too, Young Master Hong, please wait here.”

This was a hard pill to swallow, especially for Yu Jingwang. After all, it was Hong Geolge who was supposed to face the challenge today, not him.

“If only one of us can go, take Young Master Hong instead. I’ll stay here.”

“No, the Master specifically requested you, Master Yu. He wants you to come alone.”

Yu Jingwang’s face was filled with bewilderment. It was supposed to be Hong Geolge’s turn to roll the dice, not his own unlucky self.

But there was no avoiding it. Yu Jingwang glanced at Chief Seo, then clasped Hong Geolge’s hands tightly.

“Wish me luck, Young Master Hong…”

“Ah, yes, of course.”

Taking a deep breath, Yu Jingwang followed Chief Seo with the solemnity of a general heading into battle, making his way to the room of the Master of the Golden Pavilion.

Contrary to Yu Jingwang’s expectations that the Master’s room would be the largest in the pavilion, it was actually much smaller than the others.

The interior was simple, with only a few essential tables and chairs, more reminiscent of a frugal official’s quarters than the room of the wealthiest man in the land.

An old man with a kind face and snow-white hair sat waiting for Yu Jingwang and Chief Seo. Despite their movements, his eyes remained still, revealing his blindness.

Yu Jingwang was taken aback, prompting the Master to chuckle.

“Surprised, aren’t you? Everyone is when they first meet me.”

“Ah… It’s unexpected. Did you lose your sight recently?”

“No, it’s been quite a while. Over thirty years, in fact.”

“I had no idea.”

“Well, it’s not something I go around boasting about. Chief Seo, please wait outside.”

With a respectful bow, Chief Seo exited the room.

“You’re Yu Jingwang, correct? Will you face the challenge as your father did?”

“Yes.”

Upon Yu Jingwang’s affirmation, the Master stood and retrieved a thumb-sized die from a nearby table.

His movements were confident, showing his familiarity with the space.

“How much gold have you brought?”

Yu Jingwang placed a sack filled with gold on the table with a heavy thud.

Since the gold wasn’t in uniform pieces, Chief Seo would need to assess the exact amount later.

Yet, the Master seemed to gauge the value just from the sound of the sack hitting the table.

“Hmm. Your debt is more than three times this amount but less than four. You’ll need to win twice in a row to clear it all. Are you ready?”

“I am.”

“Then I’ll go first.”

The Master rolled the die, and it landed showing three dots—a manageable number to beat.

Yu Jingwang couldn’t help but wonder how the blind Master would verify the die’s result.

The Master chose a straightforward method: he asked Yu Jingwang directly.

“What does my die show?”

”…Three.”

“A modest start. Now, your turn.”

Yu Jingwang took a deep breath and rolled the die. It landed on five. He clenched his fist, feeling a joy he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

“What does yours show?”

“Five.”

“Excellent.”

The Master chuckled, his voice free of any doubt.

“Good. Let’s roll again. It’s quite nerve-wracking to think I might lose a fortune over a game.”

Without hesitation, the Master rolled the die again. It showed five. Yu Jingwang’s heart sank.

“What does it show?”

“Five.”

“Seems my luck is turning. If I’d known, I might have made this a longer game.”

Listening to the Master’s lighthearted banter, Yu Jingwang rolled the die once more.

It landed on two. His heart felt like it stopped. He was on the brink of losing everything, his luck seemingly evaporating.

“What is the result?”

The Master’s eyes remained fixed on the void, not the die.

Yu Jingwang was about to answer truthfully but found himself in the deepest moral quandary of his life.

His conscience urged him to admit defeat honorably, to accept the loss like a man.

But his mind whispered otherwise.

Think practically. Just this once, turn a blind eye.

It’s not for me. I survived three years in Jiangxi and could endure seven more. It’s not that I can’t bear it.

My role ends here. After ten years, like everyone else, it’s no longer my responsibility.

But what about the others? My son? My future grandchildren?

My father’s honor?

The men who must leave their families behind? The women and children who must see their husbands and fathers depart?

Did my brothers who died on the journey from Kaifeng die for nothing? Just for the result of a lost gamble?

Sure, telling the truth would ease my conscience.

But it’s selfish. It would betray everyone in the sect for my own peace of mind.

And what about the Master? To him, this is just a game. He has wealth hundreds of times greater than our debt. Look, he doesn’t even seem concerned.

Jingwang, don’t be selfish. Just close your eyes and say it.

For everyone.

Yu Jingwang’s internal struggle was long, but the Master waited patiently without pressing him.

Finally, Yu Jingwang took a deep breath and spoke.

”…Six. I won.”

“Is that so? Congratulations. As of this moment, all of Jeomchang Sect’s debts are erased. I’ll have Chief Seo handle the remaining balance.”

At that moment, Yu Jingwang was overwhelmed with a sense of self-loathing.

This can’t be. How could someone who serves the descendants of the divine bow to such deceit, having sworn to walk the straightest path?

Suddenly, he thought of his father. When his father faced the Master, the Master was already blind.

And the fact that his father lost meant he hadn’t lied, even in a situation like this.

Why?

It’s simple. It’s the path a martial artist of Jeomchang Sect must choose. An arrow may break upon impact, but it must never waver or retreat. It must not bend or curve.

Yu Jingwang’s breathing quickened.

“No, Master. The truth is—”

“No.”

The Master interrupted Yu Jingwang.

“You won. I rolled a five, and you rolled a six.”

Yu Jingwang breathed heavily, like a madman, unable to utter another word.

The Master placed the die in Yu Jingwang’s hand. His expression showed no anger, annoyance, or disdain—only kindness and generosity.

“Treasure it. It’s the die that saved Jeomchang Sect with its six eyes. It will be of great help to you someday.”

Yu Jingwang looked down at the die. Its two dots seemed to stare back at him like eyes.

His heart raced wildly, as if it might collapse at any moment.

“It was a pleasure. I hope we meet again.”

With those words, Chief Seo re-entered the room.

“Chief Seo, Master Yu has won. Clear all the debts and settle the accounts.”

“Understood.”

Led by Chief Seo, Yu Jingwang stepped outside. The crisp, dry winter air greeted him.

The others hadn’t waited in the reception hall but had come out to meet him. They surrounded Yu Jingwang, and Wi Hwan asked.

”…How did it go?”

When Yu Jingwang didn’t answer, Chief Seo spoke for him.

“Master Yu has won. All of Jeomchang Sect’s debts are gone.”

“Wow!”

The remaining martial artists of Jeomchang Sect and Tang Mujin’s group erupted in cheers.

Hearing the commotion, people inside the Golden Pavilion turned to look, but the martial artists paid no mind to the attention.

Yu Jingwang stared into the void, then let out a hollow laugh.

He felt as if he had crossed a bridge he could never return from.