"Shaolin Temple?"
Hyeon Yucheon couldn't help blurting out in surprise at the mention of heading to Mount Song.
"That's right. To be precise, it's not the main Shaolin headquarters on Mount Song… but a place nearby where the lay disciples of Shaolin reside and gather. Next month marks the day when all the lay disciples come together, and our Gold Amount Escort Agency has agreed to supply various goods and food for the celebration."
Yeon Daecheon explained in detail.
As he said, the lay disciples from Shaolin would hold regular gatherings once or twice a year.
Known as the Buloe-dang, it was a meeting for those active in the secular world—a chance to exchange stories and express gratitude to Shaolin for passing down their martial arts.
'Hongbulgeom Jonghun!'
The words "lay disciples' gathering" immediately brought that name to Hyeon Yucheon's mind.
He had been dreaming of revenge against Jonghun anyway.
How could he pass up such an opportunity?
"Would it be all right if I joined that important escort mission?"
Hyeon Yucheon asked calmly, carefully masking the depth of his resolve.
"Of course. In fact, I'd be delighted. It's tied to Shaolin of all places, so we can't afford any mishaps."
That was exactly why.
Yeon Daecheon was putting extra care into this escort precisely because of its connection to Shaolin.
No accidents could be tolerated.
The route from Hebei to Henan wasn't far, but there were over three bandit strongholds in between.
"Then I'll join."
Hyeon Yucheon nodded in acceptance, and Yeon Daecheon and his daughter Yeon Jinjin exchanged delighted glances at his quicker-than-expected agreement.
"Oh, right—one thing I almost forgot."
As they basked in the joy, Yeon Daecheon beckoned to his subordinates.
To Hyeon Yucheon's astonishment, they handed over thirty gold taels.
"Why are you giving these to me…?"
Perplexed, Hyeon Yucheon looked at him, and Yeon Daecheon smiled faintly.
"Our Gold Amount Escort Agency has a rule: anyone who helps turn a failing escort into a success receives one part in ten of the cargo's value."
He was right.
It was an ironclad tradition of the agency.
"No, still…"
As Hyeon Yucheon tried to refuse, Yeon Daecheon chuckled.
"I heard the bounty on Iron Fist Ghost Ye Ilsang's head was twenty gold taels. This is just a bit more—take it."
"He's right, Young Hero Hyeon. You haven't even claimed the reward for joining as a temporary sword yet."
Even Ok Chuyun chimed in supportively, leaving Hyeon Yucheon no choice but to accept.
"…All right. Thank you. I'll take them."
He judged that refusing further would be impolite.
Besides, he needed the gold taels, and this couldn't have been better.
"The escort leaves in three days. See you then."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Give me all the pear blossoms you have."
With his pouch heavy of gold taels, Hyeon Yucheon's first stop was the flower shop.
He bought up every pear blossom in season.
The reason? His mother, Gi Sehui, had loved pear blossoms more than anything.
Gathering them, he headed straight for Haeha Guest House.
"Welcome… Huh? You're that beggar from before?"
Ajeong, the quick-witted errand boy at Haeha Guest House, recognized him instantly.
Working as a waiter required sharp eyes and good judgment—it was only natural.
"Hey, back for more beatings? Should I call the Beggars' Sect patrols again?"
Dismissing the boy's gruff warning as if he hadn't given up, Hyeon Yucheon casually pulled out the smallest gold tael from his pouch and flashed it.
Swoosh!
A brilliant golden gleam sparkled from his not-so-large palm.
"That settle it?"
Hyeon Yucheon's nonchalant display, gold tael extended, evoked the dashing air of his old Mangeum Gongja days.
"Gasp! H-Huh?!"
Ajeong nearly choked at the beggar-like figure producing a gold tael out of nowhere.
'How…?'
His first thought was disbelief at how a beggar had so much money, but it was fleeting.
Years of service work bent his back automatically.
"Right this way! Haeha Guest House, Hebei's finest spot for food and scenery!"
Ajeong bowed obsequiously, rubbing his hands as if the threats had never happened.
With that gold tael, a little good service might earn some scraps.
"The best seat overlooking Haeha River. Prepare braised pork belly and pheasant broth. And I'll be staying the night—any place to bathe?"
"Of course!"
"Good. I'll wash up first, so reserve that spot with the food I mentioned. And get me some spare clothes—something suitable."
"There's a clothier right nearby. Leave it to me."
Ajeong's face lit up.
One gold tael would cover everything Hyeon Yucheon asked for—and leave plenty left over.
The remainder would naturally be his.
"Not enough?"
"No, Young Hero. More than enough."
The man who'd looked like a beggar just days ago now seemed the pampered son of a top merchant.
That was when it hit.
"Oh? There's a silver tael here too."
Ajeong didn't know one thing.
True tycoons never wasted even a single silver tael, let alone gold.
Hyeon Yucheon, heir to Mangeum Clan and once called Mangeum Gongja, was no exception.
Spotting a silver tael in the cloth bundle, he pocketed the gold and handed over two silver taels instead.
It was the thoughtful gesture of the seasoned steward, Ok Chuyun.
"Here's two silver taels. Keep the change."
Teasingly retrieving the gold, Hyeon Yucheon gave the two silvers.
Ajeong's face fell, but he dared not protest.
Two silvers was still a windfall for him.
"Understood. Ahem."
Swallowing his frustration, Ajeong led him to the lodging.
"Oh, one more thing before you go. Could I meet the owner of the guest house?"
Hyeon Yucheon grabbed Ajeong as he turned to leave.
"You wouldn't know, but our owner's famous as a recluse. They call this place the Faceless Guest House for a reason. Even lowly errand boys like me have never laid eyes on her."
"Really?"
"Yep. The managers handle the day-to-day. The owner never shows her face."
Hyeon Yucheon nodded at Ajeong's words.
'Makes sense. A survivor of Mangeum Clan would have to hide her identity.'
Meeting her might be harder than expected, he thought, sending Ajeong off.
His worries deepened, but he decided to stay optimistic—effort might find a way.
Entering his room, Hyeon Yucheon bathed in the communal wooden tub.
"Ahhh."
The hot water drew a sigh of relief.
How long since a proper bath like this?
Not since his Mangeum Gongja days.
Washing away the grime, he emerged and returned to his room.
On the bed lay a sky-blue scholar's robe, left by the errand boy.
Ajeong had judged from his looks—not a martial artist, but a wealthy young scion—and chosen something ornate over plain martial garb.
"Not bad at all."
Hyeon Yucheon donned it without complaint.
It even resembled his father's old clothes, which made it all the better.
'I'm starving.'
Changed, he headed straight back to the guest house proper.
The bath felt great, but the worldly food scents were driving him mad.
Then something amazing happened.
Ooooh!
As Hyeon Yucheon stepped from the lodging annex into the main hall, gasps erupted from the crowd.
The reason? His refined aura, exuding nobility.
After repeated hwanggol taltae, his handsome features shone; in scholar's robes, he looked every inch a high official's son, radiating unmatched elegance.
"Hm?"
Oblivious to the stares, Hyeon Yucheon glanced back.
Ignoring the murmurs, he followed Ajeong to the promised third-floor seat with the best Haeha River view.
"Perfect."
Silver truly held power.
Even after paying, they'd seated him at the prime spot.
His childhood favorites—braised pork belly and pheasant broth—steamed ready.
Swoosh!
Finally, he pressed his palms together, praying for his parents' souls.
Though the hot food cooled, Hyeon Yucheon kept his eyes shut.
His poignant, sorrowful figure drew eyes, but he paid no mind.
Whoosh!
He scattered the prepared pear blossoms toward the endless Haeha River, offering one last tribute.
As he reached for the pork belly—
"We're warriors of the Hebei Pang Family. Apologies, but you'll all need to vacate."
A band of burly swordsmen stormed the third floor, booming at the guests.
"Sirs, please consider our situation. It's tricky. We have prior reservations… some have already paid."
Chaos erupted.
Quick-witted Ajeong approached the loud Pang warrior, bowing deeply in distress.
Hyeon Yucheon alone had paid in silver for food and seat—untouched.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Kicking us out suddenly?"
Even in Hebei, the Pang Family's might didn't justify thug-like behavior. Guests cried out in shock.
"Today's the Third Young Master of our house's birthday. Friends have gathered to celebrate—surely you understand."
Mention of the Pang Third Young Master stunned the room.
Pang Changho, wielder of the Cheonryeokdo—one of the famed Oryong Sambong, the righteous sects' top young prodigies.
His fame stemmed not just from skill, but as a notorious playboy fond of drink, women, and starting fights on whims.
'Tsk tsk, that spoiled third brat?'
'Strong martial arts, rotten personality.'
'Dragging friends for his birthday—showing off by taking over here.'
The guests pieced it together.
No spot near Hebei City rivaled Haeha Guest House's third floor for views and splendor.
"We'll cover all your meal costs. Please exit in an orderly fashion—we'd appreciate it."
His words dripped with the arrogance typical of the righteous factions.
Paying or not, it was bandit behavior—no one dared defy the Hebei Pang Family.
"Ugh."
Even Ajeong shrugged helplessly.
Rumble!
As guests grumbled and filed out, Cheonryeokdo Pang Changho ascended with a broad grin.
'See? That's the power of the Hebei Pang Family!'
Childish for his massive frame, but that was Pang Changho.
An immature fool, thrilled at forcing seats open before his friends.
One word from him created space where none existed—he craved the show.
"Huh?"
Then he spotted it.
As he and his crew sat and the room cleared for orders—what was this?
At the prime window seat sat a clueless young scholar, holding his ground.