Episode 187: The Three Sages
The three remaining in the inn were each lost in their own thoughts.
Namgung Myung worried that the owner of the Golden Pavilion might send people to recover his lost money, while Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong were dreaming up ways to spend their newfound fortune.
In Tang Mujin’s mind, the Tang family clinic had already become the most prestigious in the region, and Hyun Gong imagined three grand branches of the Wudang sect.
Their happy daydreams were interrupted when Hong Geolgae and Daepunggae returned.
However, Daepunggae stopped at the entrance and spoke to Hong Geolgae.
“Jusan, I’m heading back. Next time, you come find me.”
“Leaving already?”
“I only stayed at the Golden Pavilion because I knew you’d come. Seeing you’re doing well is enough for me.”
Daepunggae embraced Hong Geolgae like a father would his son, then cast a disapproving glance at Tang Mujin. Tang Mujin felt the need to clear up any misunderstandings.
“Master Daepunggae, it wasn’t me who ambushed you in the dark.”
“I know. Do you think I wouldn’t remember something like that?”
Daepunggae looked at Tang Mujin with dissatisfaction, then sighed deeply and approached him.
“You said your name was Tang, right? Give me your hand.”
When Tang Mujin extended his palm, Daepunggae placed something in it—a small wooden die, about the size of a thumb joint. It looked like it was made from ordinary paulownia wood, and its edges were rounded from age.
Tang Mujin was a bit disappointed by the seemingly meaningless gift, but Hong Geolgae seemed surprised.
“Master, are you sure it’s okay to just give that away?”
“It’s necessary.”
Tang Mujin asked Daepunggae, “Is this die special?”
“When you’re faced with a decision that’s too hard to make, and there’s no one to ask or lean on, this die might help. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s better than nothing.”
Tang Mujin quickly pocketed the die. What he thought was a trivial trinket turned out to have some mysterious power.
If it were a merchant’s tale, it would likely be a lie, but coming from a sage who mastered the true arts, it must be genuine.
Daepunggae, arms crossed, gave Tang Mujin a piece of advice.
“Don’t rely on your luck, Tang. Don’t rush into dangerous situations. Understand?”
“Yes.”
With Tang Mujin’s prompt response, Daepunggae patted his shoulder encouragingly and departed.
After Daepunggae’s figure disappeared, Hong Geolgae returned and asked Tang Mujin, “Tang Mujin.”
“Yeah?”
“Can we stay in Luoyang a bit longer before we leave?”
“Why? We’ve finished our business here.”
“My master said that Geolseon would be coming this way soon. I want to learn more of the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms from him.”
Last time, when Geolseon appeared with Namgung Jincheon to defeat the Three-Eyed Buddha, he taught Hong Geolgae one move from the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms and promised to teach more.
Considering how effectively Hong Geolgae used the single move he learned, it’s no wonder he was eager for more of Geolseon’s teachings.
‘Is it really that urgent? If I were Hong Geolgae, I wouldn’t stay in Sichuan but would seek out Geolseon.’
Though unsure of the urgency, Tang Mujin had no intention of refusing Hong Geolgae’s rare request.
“Sure, we can do that. But if the Golden Pavilion owner starts looking for us, we might have to leave early.”
“I understand.”
“By the way, did Master Daepunggae use some kind of magic to know Geolseon is coming here?”
“No, my master has six knots. He’s high-ranking in the Beggar Sect, so he learned through other members.”
Tang Mujin shrugged.
“Even with six knots, I don’t really know what that means.”
“Nine knots is the leader, and eight is the deputy, which is currently vacant. Above my master are only a few elders with seven knots and the leader.”
Daepunggae was even more important than Tang Mujin had anticipated, and he was impressed.
“Why is Geolseon coming to Luoyang?”
“There’s a regular meeting of the Martial Alliance.”
“The Martial Alliance, huh.”
Tang Mujin had heard about the Martial Alliance from Gwai.
The Martial Alliance is a group formed by several influential sects near Henan. It’s similar to the Jeongcheon Alliance, which includes the Wudang Sect and the Taiyi Sword Sect, or other martial arts groups in different regions.
However, the Martial Alliance differs in one key aspect.
Unlike other groups where one large sect dominates smaller ones, the Martial Alliance has considerable influence.
The Martial Alliance includes the Shaolin Temple and the Beggar Sect, the most prestigious orthodox martial arts sects, and the Sima family, known for their archery skills, is also a member.
Hyun Gong showed interest in Hong Geolgae’s story.
“So, are you going to the Martial Alliance to meet Geolseon?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll go with you.”
Hong Geolgae scratched his head.
“Can you do that? The Wudang Sect has no ties to the Martial Alliance.”
“Regular meetings aren’t a big deal. They’re just a chance to strengthen bonds and see familiar faces.”
“How do you know?”
“I’ve tagged along to a few regular meetings of the Jeongcheon Alliance. The Martial Alliance’s meetings shouldn’t be much different.”
Hyun Gong figured there was no reason for the Martial Alliance to dislike him.
The authority of such groups depends on how much outsiders recognize them.
Conversely, the Jeongcheon Alliance might not like Hyun Gong snooping around the Martial Alliance’s regular meeting. But if he claimed he was just broadening his horizons as a young martial artist, it shouldn’t be a problem.
‘Even if a minor issue arises, it’s worth it if I can make connections with Geolseon or the Sima family’s Red Flame Army.’
Hyun Gong quickly calculated and asked Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung, “Do you want to come too?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Neither do I.”
Namgung Myung had no intention of being active in Luoyang.
Unlike previous covert missions, the recent break-in at the Golden Pavilion hadn’t ended cleanly. He was worried about being caught.
On the other hand, Tang Mujin planned to visit acquaintances in Luoyang.
He wanted to see the people from the Gui Song Clinic he used to stay with and the carpenter who made Namgung Myung’s prosthetic hand. Especially since the carpenter had come all the way to Sichuan to celebrate his wedding.
“Well, whoever wants to go can go. Got it.”
Hyun Gong didn’t insist on Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung joining him.
The group lingered at the inn for five days.
Rumors spread about a theft at the Golden Pavilion, but there was no word of the owner seeking the stolen goods or the thief. Surprisingly, the owner seemed to have let go of the money.
Tang Mujin glanced at Namgung Myung.
‘Was Namgung Myung’s wild guess actually right?’
Perhaps for the wealthiest man in the world, such an amount was easy to forget. In any case, it was a relief.
On the sixth day, the day of the Martial Alliance’s regular meeting, Hyun Gong and Hong Geolgae headed to the Martial Alliance’s headquarters.
A guard with a stern expression stood by the gate. The lack of tension on his face was understandable.
There was no reason for anyone with ill intentions to visit the Martial Alliance, and few masters in the world could threaten those attending today.
The guard asked Hyun Gong in a calm voice, “Where are you from, young heroes?”
“I’m from Wudang Mountain.”
Hearing this, the guard’s face lit up with interest.
“Wudang Mountain? Are you a Taoist from the Wudang Sect? May I ask your Taoist name?”
“Yes, I’m Hyun Gong.”
“Are you the Rising Dragon Sword, Hyun Gong?”
Hyun Gong responded with a modest smile instead of words.
Though it seemed humble, he was quite pleased that his nickname had reached Luoyang.
“And who is the Beggar Sect member with you?”
Not expecting to be recognized, Hong Geolgae answered indifferently.
“I’m Hong Geolgae, from near Chongqing.”
Unexpectedly, the guard seemed to recognize something.
“Hong Geolgae? Are you the Shouting Beggar, Hong Geolgae?”
Hong Geolgae was taken aback. Even in Chongqing, few recognized him, so how did this guard in Luoyang know him?
But more than that, the unfamiliar nickname bothered him greatly.
“Shouting Beggar?”
“I heard there’s a young Beggar Sect member with great skills who shouts the names of his techniques during fights. Is that not you?”
Hong Geolgae closed his eyes and cursed the heavens.
He knew nicknames often stuck regardless of the person’s wishes.
But he could confidently say that of all the nicknames he’d heard, none was as ridiculous as “Shouting Beggar.”
“Why is it that some people get to be the Dragon Sword or the Righteous Dragon, and I’m stuck being the ‘Dog of the Streets’?”
Hong Geolgae’s hands trembled as he spoke.
“Must be someone else. There are plenty of Hong beggars in the world, after all…”
“Ah, I see.”
Of course, the guard didn’t seem convinced by Hong Geolgae’s explanation.
Sure, there are many beggars with the surname Hong, but few have achieved what Hong Geolgae has at such a young age. Especially since he was accompanied by the renowned Hyeon Gong.
“Alright then, go on in.”
The guard, sensing there was no point in pressing further, stepped aside to let them pass.
The main compound of the Martial Alliance was vast, yet there were surprisingly few buildings and even fewer people around.
Hyeon Gong whispered to Hong Geolgae, “Do you know where the regular meeting is being held, Master Hong?”
“I’ll let it slide this time, but if you call me ‘Dog of the Streets’ in front of Dan Mu-jin or Namgung Myung, you’ll regret it.”
Hong Geolgae’s voice simmered with an uncharacteristic anger. The strange nickname had clearly struck a nerve.
Regardless of one’s martial prowess, making enemies is never wise. Hyeon Gong decided to hold his tongue.
The two wandered around, asking for directions until they found the building where the meeting was to take place. They settled into a corner seat.
“We won’t get in trouble for being here, will we?”
“If there was an issue, the guard would have warned us at the gate. Besides, look at the seating arrangement. It’s clearly set up to accommodate spectators. We’ll be fine.”
In the center of the meeting hall was a large, square table surrounded by chairs. Hong Geolgae and Hyeon Gong’s seats were positioned to give them a clear view of the proceedings. Hong Geolgae relaxed.
“If there’s a problem, they’ll just ask us to leave before the meeting starts.”
Soon, a few more spectators trickled in. They seemed to be from various sects with branches in Luoyang. There was even someone who looked like a Taoist from the Mount Hua Sect and another from the Zhongnan Sect.
Feeling a strange sense of camaraderie, Hong Geolgae and Hyeon Gong exchanged awkward smiles with them.
Then, a series of formidable figures entered the room.
First was a monk with snow-white eyebrows and beard. Even at first glance, it was clear he was the abbot of the Shaolin Temple.
Next came a middle-aged man with fiery red hair and eyebrows.
“That’s the head of the Sama family, the Red Flame Lord, Sama Jeung,” Hyeon Gong whispered, and Hong Geolgae nodded.
“Looks like it. They say the Sama family has red hair and eyebrows. Guess it’s true.”
Five more middle-aged men followed, likely heads of lesser sects ranked below the Sama family.
Hyeon Gong assessed their martial prowess. None seemed weaker than the former head of the Taeui Sword Sect.
“It seems the Martial Alliance is indeed superior to the Jeongcheon Alliance. But where is Geolseon?”
While Hyeon Gong pondered whom to approach, the meeting began with the monk’s opening remarks.
“Let’s begin the meeting. Geolseon will be arriving a bit late, so no need to worry about that old man.”
Laughter rippled through the room as the conversation started.
However, it was more of a casual chat than a formal meeting. People sipped tea and exchanged light banter, with no heated debates or disagreements. It was a gathering for camaraderie.
Yet one person seemed restless—Red Flame Lord Sama Jeung.
As the conversation flowed, Sama Jeung clapped his hands to draw attention.
“Has anyone made progress on the request I made last time?”
“You mean finding the Monster or the Righteous Dragon?”
“Yes.”
Hong Geolgae and Hyeon Gong perked up at the mention of familiar names.
But the other sect leaders merely shrugged. One man offered a more detailed explanation.
“The Monster is elusive, and we sent messengers and people to Sichuan to find the Righteous Dragon. But it seems he’s been away from home for some time.”
“Was there any word on when he’d return?”
“No, we left a message asking him to come to Luoyang if he gets it, but we can’t say when that will be.”
Sama Jeung’s face fell, as if the sky had collapsed. It seemed he urgently needed a healer’s help.
Slumping back in his chair, Sama Jeung pleaded, “Please, find a way. If you can bring either of them to Luoyang, I’ll reward you handsomely.”
At the mention of a reward, Hyeon Gong’s hand shot up.
Most ignored the spectator, but Sama Jeung looked at him with a glimmer of hope.
“Do you have something to say?”
Hyeon Gong’s eyes sparkled as he replied, “There is a way to contact the Righteous Dragon, though it is quite costly. How much are you willing to spend?”
Sama Jeung interrupted, “How long will it take?”
“That depends on the cost. At most ten days, but possibly as soon as seven. If he’s near Luoyang, you might meet the Righteous Dragon in five days.”
Sama Jeung’s eyes lit up with joy.
“Don’t worry about the cost!”
“Understood.”
Hyeon Gong had found his mark.