Episode 80: Chongqing

At first, curious onlookers and drunken revelers handed over a couple of silver coins each to take a piece of the sculpture. But as time passed, merchants began to gather.

When the merchants arrived, Tang Mujin was wary. He assumed they would try to haggle down the price, as merchants often do.

However, the merchants of Wuchang were different from the small-time peddlers who roamed the villages with their packs.

These merchants had extensive networks and were confident they could sell the goods at a high price. Securing the items, even at a premium, was their top priority.

Without Tang Mujin needing to stir the pot, the merchants initiated an auction on their own.

Unlike the casual onlookers, they didn’t price the pieces based on the number of completed sculptures.

“Twenty silver coins for half a shichen.”

“Twenty-five.”

“Thirty. Any more bids?”

The merchants quickly realized that Tang Mujin’s time was the true currency of the transaction.

The price climbed steadily until it capped at eighty silver coins per shichen. By the end of the night, Tang Mujin had earned two gold coins in surplus, even after deducting the fare.

Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung headed to the harbor, having stayed up all night.

There were no ships departing late in the evening or at night, so the vessels they had seen the previous evening were still docked.

Tang Mujin approached the ship he had scouted the day before. With departure imminent, there were no merchants loading cargo, only a few passengers preparing to board.

A familiar sailor recognized Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung.

“Just so you know, I can’t give you a discount on the fare.”

“I’m not looking for one.”

Tang Mujin handed over a small pouch. The sailor opened it and counted the silver coins. Exactly eighty.

“What’s this? Yesterday you said you were short on money.”

“Money can be earned, can’t it?”

“If it were just a few coins, sure. But it seemed like you were short by more than that.”

“There are ways.”

The sailor seemed curious about how Tang Mujin had managed to earn the money.

“Care to share this method with me?”

“I can tell you, but it’s not something just anyone can do.”

“Who said I wanted to try? I’m just curious. Tell me about it later.”

“Sure, we have plenty of time.”

The sailor grinned, allowing Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung to board before pulling up the gangplank.

Life aboard the ship was comfortable.

During the day, they chatted with other passengers, and at night, they practiced martial arts away from prying eyes.

When they first boarded, the monotony was unbearable, but now Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung enjoyed the leisurely pace. They had been through exhausting and hectic months recently.

As the days passed, the ship finally reached Chongqing in the afternoon. Namgung Myung, leaning against the bow, suddenly straightened up.

“What kind of ship is that?”

Tang Mujin looked ahead. A small boat carrying five people was slowly approaching, blocking their ship’s path.

Tang Mujin glanced back at the riverbank where they had departed.

He recognized the place. It was the same spot he and Hong Geolgae had stormed last year, toppling the Zhangshangchai.

“Pirates.”

“They’re approaching rather calmly for pirates.”

“If we don’t hand over the money quietly, they’ll get more aggressive.”

During their time on the ship, the formality in Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung’s conversations had faded.

Though their circumstances differed, they were men of similar age, after all.

At that moment, the captain emerged and tossed a pouch toward the small boat.

The pirates opened the pouch to inspect its contents. Among the silver coins, a glimpse of gold was visible. Satisfied with the amount, the pirates turned their boat back toward the riverbank without a word.

‘I thought I was making easy money, but those guys have it even easier.’

Tang Mujin discreetly asked the sailor beside him.

“What are those pirates called?”

“Those guys? They’re known as Zhangshangchai, named after their base upstream on the Yangtze.”

Tang Mujin’s eyebrow twitched.

Those guys hadn’t even bothered to change their name after their leader was killed.

Feigning ignorance, Tang Mujin continued the conversation.

“I heard that last year, the leader of Zhangshangchai died, and the remaining pirates scattered.”

“Ah, yes. That was around last summer, wasn’t it? But they reformed quickly.”

“They reformed quickly?”

“Yes, by autumn they were back. Our captain was quite pleased to have saved on the round-trip toll. The merchants who traveled with us then must have made a decent profit too.”

Tang Mujin felt a bit deflated. The thought that risking his life to take down the leader of Zhangshangchai last summer might have been in vain crossed his mind.

‘No, it wasn’t meaningless. We saved those kids.’

Tang Mujin turned away from Zhangshangchai, still feeling uneasy.

The ship continued for another couple of shichen before finally docking in Chongqing by evening.

The evening scene in Chongqing hadn’t changed much since last summer.

Along the riverbank, taverns run by the Beggars’ Sect lined the streets, while beggars who hadn’t made it into the sect loitered on the lower banks. The ordinary people of Chongqing wandered somewhere between the taverns and the riverbank.

Tang Mujin showed little interest in the scenery, but Namgung Myung’s gaze was fixed on the row of tavern buildings.

The taverns, ranging from two to three stories high, were adorned with colorful lanterns to attract customers. Normally, Namgung Myung would have looked away, but today his eyes remained glued to the taverns.

Tang Mujin recalled when he first met Namgung Myung.

Though their sparring and sword theft were memorable, Namgung Myung was generally a young martial artist who appreciated the finer things in life.

He had often seen Namgung Myung sitting at the stern of the ship late at night, sipping wine from who knows where.

Tang Mujin asked, “Come to think of it, it’s been a while since you’ve been to a tavern, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, it has.”

“We have plenty of money now. How about we visit a tavern tonight?”

“No, it’s fine. No need to waste money.”

Hearing such words from Namgung Myung was surprising. He really had matured.

Yet, Namgung Myung’s gaze kept drifting back to the tavern alley, as if he couldn’t quite let go of the idea.

Tang Mujin didn’t particularly enjoy taverns, but the ones in Chongqing were different. They held memories and connections.

“Don’t worry about the money. There are a few taverns where we can get a free meal. Let’s go tonight. We’ll be busy walking from tomorrow.”

Namgung Myung looked puzzled, as if he’d heard something strange.

“Free meals at a tavern?”

“Yes.”

“Is that even possible?”

Tang Mujin chuckled.

“Do I look like I’m lying? Come on, follow me.”

Tang Mujin led Namgung Myung into the tavern alley.

The slow strumming of string instruments and the lively chatter of drunken patrons filled the air. It was the same atmosphere as when he had visited with Hong Geolgae.

As they approached, several people who had been trying to attract customers into the taverns darted inside upon seeing Tang Mujin.

When they reemerged, they were accompanied by well-dressed tavern owners.

The owners approached Tang Mujin with enthusiasm.

“It’s been a while, Tang Sohyeop. We’d like to host you for dinner at Songhwa Tavern. Would that be alright?”

“Tang Sohyeop, you promised to visit Cheongwol Tavern last time. Please, come this way.”

From gentle coaxing to outright pulling on his sleeve, the tavern owners, who would normally never cross paths with him, were eager to have Tang Mujin as their guest.

Tang Mujin waved them off with a light gesture.

“I have somewhere to be right now. I’ll visit next time if I get the chance.”

Tang Mujin led Namgung Myung to the tavern he was most familiar with, Deungseon Tavern.

Namgung Myung looked bewildered, struggling to comprehend the situation. Though he was treated well back home, this was a different kind of attention.

“What is going on here?”

“Last summer in Chongqing, I made quite a splash.”

“A splash?”

Tang Mujin pointed to the intricate carving of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin on the first-floor wall as they entered Deungseon Tavern.

“I had that carved for a night’s worth of drinks.”

“Wow…”

Even Namgung Myung was impressed by the exquisite carving of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin.

Commissioning such a piece would cost more than a few gold coins, and the business would have to close for a while. Paying such a price for a night’s drinks would certainly catch the tavern owners’ attention.

At that moment, the owner of Deungseon Tavern appeared, bowing slightly in greeting.

“It’s a pleasure to have you back. Would you like to be seated on the third floor, or would you prefer the first floor?”

Though Deungseon Tavern now had a prestigious seating area on the first floor, the upper floors were typically reserved for honored guests.

“The first floor is crowded, so I’d like to go upstairs. Is that alright?”

“Of course. I’ll have your favorite dishes and drinks brought up.”

As Tang Mujin confidently headed upstairs, the tavern owner stopped him with another question.

“By the way, there’s someone who’s been eager to meet you. Would it be alright to invite them to join you?”

“Who might that be?”

“I’m afraid I can’t say. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I won’t contact them.”

Tang Mujin hesitated for a moment.

Was there anyone in Chongqing who could be considered a nemesis?

The people he met in the alleyways, the blacksmiths in the city, even the beggars under the bridge—none of them had any reason to think ill of Tang Mujin.

Well, there was one person, a single bad connection he made in Chongqing: the former leader of the Zhang Clan. But since Tang Mujin had already taken care of him, there was no need to worry.

“I don’t mind.”

“Understood. Seolran, please escort these gentlemen upstairs.”

A courtesan from the tavern led Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung to the third floor.

At the far end of the third floor, there was a secluded room with a perfect view of the Yangtze River. It was undoubtedly the best spot in the entire establishment.

After showing them in, the courtesan retreated with a polite bow.

They had barely settled into their seats when the table began to fill with drinks and appetizers.

“Please enjoy these while we prepare the main course.”

Judging by the speed at which the food arrived, it seemed they were serving dishes meant for other guests to Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung.

Namgung Myung, clearly unaccustomed to such treatment, looked around wide-eyed. Tang Mujin couldn’t help but chuckle at his friend’s expression.

“Be honest. Did you stash some money here before?”

“I told you, I didn’t.”

“Not satisfied with the Thousand-Handed Guanyin, are you planning to have them carve something on the tavern’s walls too? Maybe the Three Buddhas or the Seven Past Buddhas?”

“Who knows, I might be hoping for that.”

They laughed and began their meal. The food and drink were impeccable.

Before long, they sensed someone approaching from outside.

“Looks like the person we were expecting has arrived.”

The door slid open, and a burly man entered. He had a rugged face and piercing eyes, clearly someone who had trained in martial arts. The problem was, Tang Mujin didn’t recognize him.

“Are you Tang Mujin?”

“Yes, and you are?”

“I’m the current leader of the Zhang Clan.”

Tang Mujin’s eyes widened.

This was an unexpected guest, and he couldn’t fathom the reason for the visit. Was it to thank him for eliminating the previous leader, or was it for revenge?

Yet, he wasn’t too worried. Even if a fight broke out, he felt confident he could handle it.

However, the new leader didn’t seem inclined to fight. Instead, he went outside and returned with three chairs.

There were already five chairs in the room. The leader sat in the left corner, leaving two empty seats.

“Is someone else coming?”

“Yes.”

“Who could it be…?”

“One of them is here.”

The door opened again, and an elderly man entered.

His face was flushed red, and he sported a long beard. His attire was quite luxurious.

But appearances weren’t what mattered. His martial aura was overwhelming.

The old man was a master who had surpassed the pinnacle of martial arts.

“And who might you be, sir?”

“Me? People call me the Red-Faced Old Beggar.”

The Red-Faced Old Beggar. Tang Mujin had heard that name somewhere before.

He racked his brain and finally remembered. The Red-Faced Old Beggar was the deputy leader of the Central Beggar Clan, who had ousted Hong Geolgae’s father to take the position.

Tang Mujin noticed the rope with five knots hanging from the old man’s waist.

His mind was in turmoil. How could a righteous martial artist like the Red-Faced Old Beggar be in cahoots with a dark figure like the Zhang Clan leader?

His thoughts spiraled into darker territory. Could the enmity between the Red-Faced Old Beggar and Hong Geolgae somehow involve him?

But what was even more unsettling was the fact that there was still an empty seat.

And it was the seat of honor. The Zhang Clan leader had brought in three chairs, sat on the left, and the Red-Faced Old Beggar sat on the right.

As Tang Mujin considered whether he should make a run for it, the Red-Faced Old Beggar murmured.

“She’s here.”

Both the Red-Faced Old Beggar and the Zhang Clan leader stood and looked toward the door.

A formidable presence loomed beyond it.

The door slid open, and a girl who looked about twelve or thirteen entered.

She had pale skin and a pretty, youthful face. But her hair was stark white, like that of an old woman, creating a striking yet unnatural contrast.

Tang Mujin and Namgung Myung had felt a similar presence before.

It was akin to the aura of Namgung Jinchun, a master who had transcended the pinnacle of martial arts.

Their knees trembled.

The girl naturally took the seat of honor and asked,

“Are you the Tang family member who took the head of the former Zhang Clan leader?”