Chapter 402: The Path of the Chivalrous
The gamblers kept glancing nervously at the doorman guarding the entrance to the gambling den. Their eyes seemed to plead, urging him to fetch a master to handle the situation. Even to those untrained in martial arts, it was clear that Yoo Jin-gwang was no ordinary man.
Yet, the doorman remained rooted to his spot, casting hopeful glances at Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong, silently wishing they would step in and resolve the situation. However, Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong chose to observe, curious about how Yoo Jin-gwang would handle things.
With his face obscured by a black hat, Yoo Jin-gwang addressed the gamblers. “Of course, there are exceptions. Those who’ve lived honorably can take their winnings and leave.”
“What do you mean by ‘lived honorably’?” one gambler asked, skepticism lacing his voice.
“I have no intention of threatening decent people. If you’ve earned your money honestly and never harmed anyone, you’re free to go.”
Some gamblers tensed further, but the majority sighed in relief. A few even switched sides, cheering for Yoo Jin-gwang.
“Great! I guess I can just leave then.”
“Hey, you with the black hat! You’re a righteous hero, aren’t you? Teach those scoundrels a lesson!”
The gamblers, emboldened, began to make their way out. But Yoo Jin-gwang wasn’t finished.
“Of course, if you’ve neglected your family because of gambling, that’s not exactly honorable.”
The previously relieved gamblers erupted in protest.
“Come on, how can you say we shouldn’t get caught up in gambling at a gambling den?”
“Enjoying a bit of gambling is fine. If you’ve fed your family and are playing with spare money, I’ll let it slide.”
“But if we lose everything here, how do we feed our families? Your logic doesn’t add up!”
Yoo Jin-gwang deftly silenced their complaints. “Those who gamble away their family’s livelihood need a wake-up call. Going hungry for a day might be tough, but in the long run, it’s for the best. Your families will understand.”
His words, though seemingly reasonable at first, had a peculiar ring of nonsense upon closer inspection. It was galling to hear him speak as if he were different from the rest, despite being in the same gambling den.
Before long, the gamblers reached a similar conclusion. ’…Can’t I just walk out and pretend? How would he know if my wife is well-fed or not?’
Yet, no one wanted to be the first to test this theory. They eyed each other, waiting for someone else to make the first move.
Naturally, Yoo Jin-gwang saw through their hesitation. “Of course, I don’t know your daily conduct. So, I’ll make a special exception for anyone who helps me.”
“What kind of help?”
“Report three liars, and you can leave with your winnings.”
”…”
“Don’t dawdle. Line up.”
Hyun Gong, watching the scene unfold, murmured, “Yoo Jin-gwang… he’s gotten even more skilled.”
Tang Mujin shared the sentiment. Yoo Jin-gwang had masterfully captured attention, set standards, and turned people against each other. This was no beginner’s trick.
The gamblers, like cattle being led to slaughter, grew despondent. Ban Yong-gweol, desperate, turned to Tang Mujin. “Master!”
Finally, Tang Mujin decided to intervene. He raised his right hand and waved it gently. A faint, sour scent, reminiscent of plums, wafted from his fingertips.
Most didn’t notice the subtle fragrance, but Yoo Jin-gwang’s keen senses didn’t miss it. He turned to look at Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong. Though his expression was hidden by his hat, Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong sensed his movements had grown stiff.
Yoo Jin-gwang cleared his throat loudly. ”…Alright. I believe everyone has learned their lesson. Live honestly from now on. There won’t be a second chance.”
With that, Yoo Jin-gwang slowly backed away and disappeared from the gambling den. Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong felt an inexplicable sense of embarrassment.
“What just happened?”
“Let’s get out of here!”
Though bewildered by the sudden turn of events, the gamblers were too relieved at having kept their money to care. They hurriedly exited the den.
Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong waited until the gamblers had all left before stepping outside. Under the clear night sky, the bright moon illuminated their path.
They turned back to see Yoo Jin-gwang, still wearing his black hat, sitting atop the gambling den’s roof. Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong leaped up to join him, followed by Ban Yong-gweol, who clambered up with some effort.
Tang Mujin removed his hat and spoke. “Yoo Jin-gwang, I thought you’d given up on this sort of thing.”
”…I wanted to,” Yoo Jin-gwang replied, his voice tinged with bitterness.
“Was there an unavoidable reason?”
“A trivial one. The state of the Jeomchang Sect is precarious these days.”
“Business isn’t going well, I take it.”
“Yes. I didn’t realize it before, but as the sect leader, I can’t ignore these issues. Our funds are dwindling, and there’s nowhere to borrow from. Things aren’t improving; they’re getting worse.”
The conversation paused for a moment. After a while, Yoo Jin-gwang removed his hat and, uncharacteristically hesitant, asked, “Tang Mujin.”
“Yes?”
“Could you tell me how the Tang family makes money?”
It’s not easy for a martial artist to bring up money. Understanding Yoo Jin-gwang’s predicament, Tang Mujin answered as naturally as possible.
“Being a physician isn’t about making money. It’s more profitable to collect a portion of the sales from the blacksmiths who stay with us.”
The items crafted by the blacksmiths at the Tang family estate sold for a high price. It wasn’t because Tang Mujin made them, but because people trusted the skill of the blacksmiths residing there.
Many traveled from afar to acquire weapons from the Tang family. The estate took a thirty percent cut of the sales, which might seem steep, but the blacksmiths didn’t mind. Selling under the Tang family name meant they could charge two to three times more than at their own forges.
People believed the Tang family name guaranteed quality, and it did.
“We also do a bit of trading nearby. Recently, we’ve started a trading company, thanks to Director Wang’s help.”
Listening to Tang Mujin, Yoo Jin-gwang sighed deeply. “There’s nothing the Jeomchang Sect can emulate. Even starting a trading company would be difficult.”
“I’ve heard the Jeomchang Sect’s situation isn’t great.”
“Yang Seon-chun must have told you.”
“Yes.”
“I figured. After me, Yang Seon-chun worries the most about the sect’s finances.”
Tang Mujin recalled what Yang Seon-chun had told him. Yunnan had no notable specialties, and few merchants visited. The population was sparse, with no major cities, and the lands beyond Yunnan held little appeal for traders.
To make matters worse, the area around Jeomchang Mountain was impoverished even by Yunnan’s standards. Where there are few people, money doesn’t flow. The Jeomchang Sect was withering away.
“Have you considered setting up a branch… No, never mind.”
On second thought, the Jeomchang Sect already had a branch in Luoyang. But few sought to learn martial arts there.
Tang Mujin imagined his son, Tang Young, leaving to learn the Jeomchang Sect’s martial arts, wielding their sword with skill. The thought sent shivers down his spine. It seemed like he’d be throwing his life away with a sword in hand.
Tang Mujin couldn’t accept such a future, and he doubted other parents would feel differently.
Yoo Jin-gwang spoke. “Do you know why the Jeomchang Sect fights so fiercely in the Great Martial War?”
“Because you never back down.”
“That’s true. But it’s also to cut costs and earn money.”
Where there are no people, there’s no money. But where people die, blood and unclaimed wealth remain. The Jeomchang Sect desperately needed that unclaimed wealth.
“Everyone bravely steps up, understanding the sect’s plight. How can I, as the leader, stand idly by? To keep the Jeomchang Sect alive, I must lead by example.”
Yoo Jin-gwang lay back on the roof, reaching for the moon. It shone like a silver coin, bright and white.
“When I left Jeomchang Mountain, I thought I’d make a fortune, even if it meant using unsavory methods. Coming to Chengdu didn’t change my mind, and I even anticipated this situation. But when I saw you, I hesitated and backed down. All for the sake of pride.”
Yoo Jin-gwang sighed deeply, the weight of responsibility evident on his shoulders.
Tang Mujin realized this wasn’t just the Jeomchang Sect’s problem. Just as the Tang family clinic had once relied on the Cheongseong Sect, many around Jeomchang Mountain likely depended on the Jeomchang Sect for their livelihood.
Tang Mujin turned to Hyun Gong. “How’s the Wudang Sect?”
“The Wudang Sect isn’t particularly well-off either.”
Tang Mujin pondered the situation.
“Should we lend some money to the Jeomchang faction?”
“No, that would be like trying to put out a fire with a cup of water.”
Neither Tang Mujin nor Hyun Gong had any special solutions this time.
In the end, the four of them decided to change the mood by chatting about various topics, straying from the main issue. They shared stories of their lives, amusing incidents, and their hopes for the future.
For Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong, it was just another conversation, but for Ban Yonggweol, it was different. Sitting among renowned martial artists, he felt a strange thrill in his chest.
Finally, Ban Yonggweol gathered his courage.
“Um…”
He hesitantly spoke to Yoo Jin-gwang.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize your situation and caused trouble.”
Yoo Jin-gwang waved it off, indicating it was nothing.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s part of your job, isn’t it?”
“Still…”
“I said it’s fine. I wouldn’t want to hinder someone who’s trying to turn their life around.”
Ban Yonggweol was deeply moved by his kind words.
But he had another reason for speaking up.
“I want to repay you, Yoo Daehyeop.”
“There’s no need. I hear you’re not in a great situation yourself.”
“That’s not it. I have a good idea.”
“A good idea?”
“I heard you’ve raided two other gambling dens besides this one.”
“Let’s not talk about that.”
Yoo Jin-gwang tried to cut him off, but Ban Yonggweol pressed on.
“Actually, there’s a rival… I mean, another gambling den in Seongdo. Did you know?”
“That’s news to me.”
“I thought so. Our establishments are relatively decent, but theirs are notorious. They’re run by those who claim to be part of the underworld. While they might seem like small fry to you, they’re terrifying to people like me.”
“What do you mean by ‘notorious’?”
“They routinely cheat people into debt. They even sell off debtors or their families, and sometimes harm people as a warning. They’re the worst in Seongdo. The gamblers there are no better, often resorting to theft or violence just to join the games.”
Ban Yonggweol was clearly nervous, but he looked Yoo Jin-gwang straight in the eye as he explained the situation.
For Ban Yonggweol, this conversation was a gamble of a lifetime.
However, Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong frowned.
The situation at the gambling den was indeed dire, but Ban Yonggweol’s intentions were too transparent. A rival business? It seemed like a shallow ploy.
Tang Mujin expected Yoo Jin-gwang to get angry.
And sure enough, Yoo Jin-gwang erupted.
“Are you serious?”
Ban Yonggweol was startled and quickly bowed.
“I’m sorry! I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me just this once.”
“How can I forget what I’ve heard? Such heinous people exist… It’s unforgivable!”
Yet, his anger seemed slightly misplaced.
Yoo Jin-gwang even glanced at Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong as he fumed.
”…”
Yoo Jin-gwang was a bold warrior, never retreating when facing an enemy with his sword. He never hesitated or worried about his own safety.
But without his sword, he wasn’t quite as bold.
His voice grew stronger.
“If I hear about such despicable people and do nothing, I can’t call myself a righteous hero. We must end this tonight. Tell me where they are.”
Ban Yonggweol rubbed his hands together, eager to please.
“Heh. Shall I lead the way?”
“Indeed. If Seongdo becomes peaceful, it will benefit your business too. There might still be some who can be guided back to the right path.”
“Of course. Your insight is profound.”
“All of this is a virtuous deed, the path a true person should pursue.”
Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong watched silently as the two walked away.
Soon, Yoo Jin-gwang and Ban Yonggweol disappeared into the night streets of Seongdo.
After some time had passed, Tang Mujin spoke.
“Hyun Gong.”
“What?”
“Let’s not mention what happened tonight to anyone else.”
”…Let’s just forget it ever happened.”
Tang Mujin and Hyun Gong shivered with an inexplicable sense of embarrassment.