Episode 281: The Six Masters’ Return

After a long trek along the ridges of Mount Gireon, Dang Mujin and his companions finally reunited with the herbalist and the Yalu siblings.

The herbalist, with a hint of tension in his voice, asked, “So… did everything go well?”

“It’s been taken care of, more or less. Some managed to escape, but they won’t dare set foot on Mount Gireon again.”

The herbalist let out a sigh of relief. If Dang Mujin’s group had been defeated, the rogue martial artists would have returned to wreak havoc on the mountain. Both the herbalist and the Yalu siblings were lucky to have survived. They couldn’t count on fortune smiling on them twice.

The group returned to the village where the battle had taken place to tend to the body of an old woman whose name they never learned. Even with the herbalist present, they could only refer to her as such because he, despite claiming to be her disciple, didn’t know her real name.

Leaving with just her body felt inadequate, so Dang Mujin searched her dwelling and took a few mysterious pills.

“Better I take them than leave them behind. It’s not like anyone else will benefit from them.”

He felt no guilt. Having avenged the old woman by defeating the Twin Blood Fiend, he believed he had earned the right to the pills. Although it was Hong Geolgae who delivered the final blow, that detail seemed insignificant.

Dang Mujin turned to the herbalist. “What will you do now?”

“I plan to stay on Mount Gireon,” the herbalist replied without hesitation.

“Not many people remain there. Are you sure?”

“There were never many people to begin with. Besides, you mentioned there might be chaos in the outside world with the upcoming wars between the righteous and the demonic sects?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Then it’s all the more reason to stay. This time, the situation was unusual, drawing martial artists here, but normally, outsiders rarely venture into Mount Gireon. It’s the safest place.”

He intended to stay hidden in the mountains to avoid the chaos. Normally, one might argue that such conflicts don’t affect ordinary lives, but the herbalist had already experienced turmoil firsthand.

“Understood. Take care of yourself.”

“I owe you all a great debt. Please visit anytime.”

Leaving the herbalist behind, Dang Mujin and his group, along with the Yalu siblings, headed out of Mount Gireon.

As expected, the village where the Twin Blood Fiend and the Ghost King had been was not the last stronghold of the rogue martial artists. Dang Mujin’s group had to fight two more skirmishes to escape Mount Gireon.

However, what troubled them most wasn’t the battles with the rogue martial artists. It was Hong Geolgae’s attitude that was the most vexing.

Hong Geolgae strutted around, boasting at every opportunity.

“A true master must eat like one. After all, what you consume shapes you, and there’s wisdom to be found even in a meal.”

“Rest is part of training too. Perhaps I should meditate while I nap, like a true master.”

To Hong Geolgae, a “master” meant an ultimate grandmaster. By his standards, even a top-tier master was hardly worth the title.

Dang Mujin sighed silently. ‘So, Hong Geolgae has finally lost it.’

Unlike the flawed Hyeon Gong or Namgung Myeong, Hong Geolgae had seemed relatively normal. But now, it was clear he wasn’t.

‘Neither Namgung Myeong nor I ever boasted this much.’

Dang Mujin and Namgung Myeong would tease Hong Geolgae when the chance arose, but Hong Geolgae seemed to create opportunities just to boast.

‘Was he never humble, just waiting for a chance to show off?’

Whether it was his nature or the result of his friends’ long-standing teasing, the outcome was the same.

Dang Mujin steeled himself, shielding the Yalu siblings from Hong Geolgae’s antics. ‘I’m the only sane one left. I have to keep it together.’

It took two days after the final battle for Dang Mujin’s group to emerge from Mount Gireon.

Outside, three martial artists from the Wudang Sect and others from various sects awaited them.

There were fewer people than when they entered, indicating some had been lost.

As Dang Mujin’s group appeared, Seon Wooja from the Huashan Sect greeted them warmly.

“Just in time. We were about to come in after you.”

Though weary, Dang Mujin maintained his manners, bowing slightly. “Glad we made it out in time.”

“Let’s see… It seems no one lost their life. I was worried you might have encountered the Ghost King or the Twin Blood Fiend.”

“We did.”

“What?”

“We encountered both the Ghost King and the Twin Blood Fiend.”

Seon Wooja’s face showed disbelief. Dang Mujin’s group looked a bit ragged, but none were seriously injured.

If they had faced the Ghost King and the Twin Blood Fiend, they shouldn’t have emerged unscathed.

Seon Wooja pondered the situation, glancing around.

“How is this possible…?”

Then he noticed Hong Geolgae, who was subtly puffing out his chest, and his eyes widened. There was something different about Hong Geolgae’s aura.

He didn’t have the complete mastery of someone like Yeong Heoja or Yeong Bojin, but he was clearly beyond an ordinary top-tier master.

“Geolgae, have you… achieved something?”

Seon Wooja’s voice trembled.

He hadn’t expected Hong Geolgae, who had seemed less prominent, to reach the pinnacle first.

Hong Geolgae, still with his chest out, bowed slightly. “I’ve merely grasped the basics of martial arts.”

To the untrained ear, it sounded humble, but Dang Mujin’s group caught the underlying message.

‘Only by reaching the pinnacle can one grasp the basics, so you mere top-tier masters…’

When someone of considerable skill humbles themselves, it’s modesty. But when someone far beyond the norm does so excessively, it becomes deceit.

Hong Geolgae was subtly mocking almost everyone present.

The only exception was Yoo Jin-gwang.

However, the other martial artists, including Seon Wooja, didn’t catch on.

They simply saw a young man who, despite his great achievements, remained consistently humble.

The Zhongnan and Qingcheng sects lost their leaders in this conflict, and their overall losses were significant. They hadn’t even managed to kill the Ghost King. It wasn’t a perfect victory.

But they inflicted greater losses on the rogue martial artists and defeated the Twin Blood Fiend, so overall, it was closer to a win than a loss.

The martial sects of the northwest had played their part in this conflict. Those who distinguished themselves would become well-known throughout the land.

“Until we meet again.”

With the situation resolved, Yoo Jin-gwang and the three Wudang martial artists returned to their sect without fanfare.

The Qingcheng Daoists also headed back to their sect.

Jin Hae expressed his intention to take the Yalu siblings to the Qingcheng Sect, and the Daoists respected his decision.

This was a satisfying outcome for Dang Mujin. He’d grown fond of the two children and would be able to see them in Sichuan.

The two children waved goodbye, surrounded by the Qingcheng Daoists. Dang Mujin waved back.

Now, only the Zhongnan, Huashan, and Wudang sects remained.

Dang Mujin had hoped to travel to Sichuan with the Qingcheng Daoists.

But Hyeon Gong’s strong desire to return to Wudang and report their achievements to Yeong Bojin altered their course.

‘He wants to boast about his role in the conflict.’

Dang Mujin could understand that. It would add a few days to their journey, but it was manageable.

On their way to Wudang, after passing through the Zhongnan and Huashan sects, Hyeon Gong approached Hong Geolgae, speaking in a low voice.

“Brother Hong.”

“Brother? That’s… ahem!”

Since the moment the Twin Blood Fiend fell, Hyeon Gong had been exceedingly respectful to Hong Geolgae, even changing his address to “Brother Hong.”

Though Hong Geolgae was two years younger, age didn’t matter to Hyeon Gong.

A young king could rule over older ministers, and a young master could lead a sect. Similarly, a younger person with ability could be respected as an elder.

Hong Geolgae waved his hand awkwardly. “Don’t call me brother. It feels strange. And your formal tone lately is a bit unsettling.”

“Alright, let’s drop the formalities. If calling you ‘Brother Hong’ feels awkward, how about I just call you ‘Leader Hong’?”

Hong Geolgae was taken aback. “Leader? What do you mean by that?”

Hyun Gong, maintaining a calm demeanor, explained, “Although Leader Geolseon hasn’t officially named a successor, he’s getting on in years. It’s only a matter of time before he steps down. And it’s unlikely he’ll choose anyone else as his successor. You’re the next in line.”

“Well, that’s true, but being called ‘Leader’ already feels a bit premature…”

“You’re one of the Seven Masters now. You should have that kind of confidence. Just keep it to yourself when you’re around others.”

“Hmm.”

The history of the Six Masters is a delicate one. As far as Tang Mujin knew, the number of top martial artists had remained stable for quite some time, despite the rise and fall of many great masters.

When Mu Liangzi of the Gongdong Sect passed away, Yoo Jingwang ascended to the pinnacle, restoring the number to six. Man Leksung was on the verge of becoming the seventh, but with Young Heo’s death, the number reverted to six. Now, without any deaths, Hong Geolgae had reached the pinnacle, ushering in the era of the Seven Masters.

Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung stood a little apart, arms crossed, deep in thought. The whole situation felt surreal.

‘Is he really one of the Seven Masters? Could he actually become the leader of the Beggars’ Sect? Does that even make sense?’

Meanwhile, Hong Geolgae was intrigued by Hyun Gong’s words, imagining himself as the leader. It hadn’t even been ten years since he left Jueul Village with Tang Mujin and Gwai Yi. If he returned as the leader of the Beggars’ Sect, with its members following him like clouds, how would the villagers react?

He glanced at the rope tied around his waist. ‘A leader has nine knots, right?’ The thought of his three knots, which no one had acknowledged, possibly turning into nine real ones was tantalizing. He might not only reclaim his position as the head of the Chungkyung branch but also govern the entire sect.

Hong Geolgae pondered what fine liquor he could offer at the grave of Ma Jeon Gae.

Hyun Gong added seriously, “Leader Hong, when do you plan to visit Kaifeng?”

Kaifeng was the headquarters of the Beggars’ Sect, its very heart.

“Kaifeng, huh… There’s no rush.”

“You should hurry. If it were me, I’d go to Kaifeng right away and show Leader Geolseon the true form of your Dragon Eighteen Palms. If he gains insight from your technique, it could greatly help in overcoming the impending crisis.”

Tang Mujin shivered at Hyun Gong’s words, feeling that his flattery had transcended human limits. Unlike typical flatterers who speak sweetly while mocking internally, Hyun Gong’s praise carried genuine sincerity.

Hong Geolgae, unaccustomed to such flattery, felt his lips twitching into a smile. But he quickly regained his composure.

“No, it’s not like that. Leader Geolseon is always wandering around, so even if I go to Kaifeng, it’s unlikely I’d meet him. Besides, he’s the one who taught me the Dragon Eighteen Palms. It doesn’t make sense for him to gain insight from my technique.”

“There’s a reason they say the student surpasses the master.”

At the mention of those words, Namgung Myung, who was trying to maintain his calm beside Tang Mujin, also trembled.

Finally, the group arrived at Mount Wudang. The Wudang Sect members accompanying them seemed in high spirits.

‘The atmosphere feels different from before.’

Having visited Mount Wudang several times, Tang Mujin and his companions were familiar with its serene and quiet ambiance. But now, it was more bustling than usual.

To make matters worse, it wasn’t just the Wudang Sect members wandering around. There were unfamiliar faces, including beggars. Not just any beggars, but those trained in martial arts from the Beggars’ Sect.

Among them, Tang Mujin noticed a particularly distinguished member. Despite a large mole beside his nose, he had a long, impressive beard rivaling that of any master. However, his attire was even more ragged than that of the average sect member.

As Tang Mujin observed him, he noticed the rope around his waist. ‘One, two, three… seven knots?’

The highest-ranking Beggars’ Sect member Tang Mujin had seen, aside from Geolseon, was Daepunggae Paengcheon, who had six knots and was a Law Elder.

Tang Mujin whispered to Hong Geolgae, “What rank is someone with seven knots?”

“An Elder.”

With the position of the successor vacant, the Elders were effectively the second-in-command of the sect. If Hong Geolgae were to become the successor, he’d be the third-in-command.

Hyun Gong muttered in a dissatisfied tone, “Opportunists! They must have heard the next leader is coming and rushed to curry favor. Leader Hong, don’t let yourself be swayed by such sycophants in the future, alright?”

“Of course.”

Hong Geolgae’s pride soared sky-high. But Tang Mujin thought Hyun Gong’s words were nonsense.

The group had traveled from Mount Jiryeon to Mount Wudang without delay. Even with the detours through the Jongnam and Hwasan Sects, it had only taken two or three days. It was too soon for the Beggars’ Sect members to have heard rumors and gathered.

Tang Mujin approached the Beggars’ Sect Elder and asked, “Hello. May I, a junior in the martial world, ask you a question?”

The beggar looked at Tang Mujin and asked, “A junior, you say. Who might you be?”

“I’m Tang Mujin.”

“Tang Mujin… Ah! The head of the Tang family in Sichuan!”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The Elder stood up to meet Tang Mujin’s gaze, indicating he didn’t see him as a subordinate.

“It’s a rare treat to meet someone famous at Mount Wudang. I suppose I’m lucky. So, what did you want to ask?”

“May I ask why you’ve come to Mount Wudang? It doesn’t seem like a casual visit…”

“Because something significant has happened in the Beggars’ Sect.”

As soon as he heard that, Hong Geolgae’s pride swelled even more. How many things could be significant enough for an Elder of the Beggars’ Sect to call them such?

Tang Mujin nodded slightly. “The Beggars’ Sect is known for its swift news, but I didn’t expect it to be this fast.”

“It was something no one could ignore.”

Then the Elder shared something Tang Mujin hadn’t anticipated.

“Who could have imagined Leader Geolseon would be murdered?”