Chapter 3 - Muhan

The journey to Muhan was a straightforward one, following the Yangtze river. It offered no breathtaking scenery and posed no significant dangers.

As a result, the carriage passengers were beset by boredom from the very first day. However, as the next day dawned, they began to converse more freely.

Among them, a merchant who had been trading in Muhan for several years was the most enthusiastic.

"Muhan is truly a remarkable place. It has the Yellow Crane Tower, one of the top three famous buildings in Gangnam. The view from the Yellow Crane Tower is simply stunning."

The seven other passengers, all of whom had never been to Muhan, listened intently to the merchant.

"Also, don't forget to visit the wall with Li Bai's writing engraved on it. It's truly something." (TL Note: Li Bai = Famous Chinese General)

"Is it easy to conduct business in Muhan?" someone suddenly inquired. The merchant shook his head in response.

"Is there any place where doing business is easy these days? They're all challenging."

"But in Muhan, there are many people, and goods are plentiful…"

"True, but do you think the influential individuals will just sit idly as such profits pass them by? The major merchants have a firm grip on the lucrative areas, and there's also the Namgung family, one of the five great murim families in Muhan."

Son Bin, who had been listening absentmindedly, perked up at these words. Already entangled with the bizarre hermit, he was now intrigued by the mention of martial arts.

"The Namgung family and the major merchants have joined forces to control the Muhan market. Naturally, the officials in Muhan have also given their approval to the Namgung family. This is no secret."

Upon hearing this, Son Bin looked up attentively.

'I always believed martial artists focused solely on honing their skills, but…'

Son Bin felt somewhat disheartened to learn they had made deals with powerful merchants to dominate the market.

"Well, at least the Namgung family prevents some criminal activities from happening openly, so there's a silver lining. Oh, and if you visit Muhan, make sure to check out the Blue Magic Brothel. There's a new lady who just arrived…"

As the conversation shifted, Son Bin lost interest.

'A martial arts master…'

He thought of Sa Jahyuk's imposing figure, sharp eyes, and flamboyant demeanor. Sa Jahyuk embodied the idea of a martial artist within Son Bin, even more so than the prominent Namgung family, who reportedly controlled Muhan's commercial district.

"Well, it doesn't matter anymore."

Son Bin murmured absentmindedly, gazing at the passing landscape. After two days, he felt at ease, and the sensation of being pursued had faded.

As the swaying carriage gradually brought him closer to Muhan…

After several days of travel, they reached Muhan on the third evening, later than anticipated. Those who had journeyed together for days went their separate ways without a word, and Son Bin settled into a modest inn.

Riding in a carriage proved more exhausting than he had expected, so after a simple meal, Son Bin fell asleep immediately.

∴

Clatter.

An old, empty dish made a soft noise as it was placed on the table. Having finished breakfast, Son Bin pondered deeply while staring at the empty plate.

"The hermit must be coming to find me now…"

It was the fourth morning. Sa Jahyuk was not a person who would hesitate to take action, so he would have started pursuing Son Bin by now.

"I wonder if he'll come all the way to Muhan?"

It seemed impossible, but at the same time, it felt like he might actually make it to Muhan. "The best thing would be to go to another province along the Yangtze River… But that would cost a lot of money…"

It would be too much trouble. If he could continue the Yangtze River tour like this, it would be perfect, but the problem was that his available funds were barely sufficient.

"However, if I head straight home, he might follow me…"

Since that hermit knew that Son Bin intended to cross Mount Homun, the direction from Muhan to his hometown was roughly predetermined. If they met on the road, he wouldn't even have a chance to escape.

Suddenly, Son Bin remembered Sa Jahyuk's deep, intense gaze and the scene of him breaking a large rock with his bare fist. Son Bin shuddered.

"No… We can't do that. Anyway, for the time being, I have to be in a place with a lot of people."

Son Bin made a decision. "Okay. Let's stay at this inn for just three days and not move a muscle."

Even if Sa Jahyuk came to Muhan, how would he know about this small inn? Son Bin decided that staying here quietly would be the best option.

Son Bin rose from the table. After making a decision, he felt relieved.

"Well, come to think of it, it's not easy to get to Muhan."

With a light heart, Son Bin went to his room.

However, his plan to stay put for three days had to be altered due to an event that afternoon.

The city of Muhan was famous for its heat.

∴

"Phew."

Son Bin sighed in relief and fanned himself with his folding fan.

"Ah, it's so much better out here."

He rested for a moment under the shade of a tree. Despite the heat and humidity, the breeze made it pleasantly cool in the shade.

"That cheap guesthouse - hot, cramped, smelly, and noisy...ugh."

Son Bin had chosen to stay at a dreadful guesthouse for three days. The small, cramped space was filled with people seeking cheap alcohol, making it incredibly noisy.

The stifling heat combined with the pungent smell in the room was unbearable, forcing him to leave.

"Why would he come today of all days?"

This convincing thought entered his mind, and with that, Son Bin stepped out.

As he strolled through the shaded areas, he took in the sights of the city of Muhan, like a tourist.

"Wow, what a big city."

Beijing, where he took his exam, was much larger, but he hadn't been able to appreciate it due to pre-exam anxiety and post-exam disappointment.

Now at leisure, he could enjoy the charm of Muhan. As Son Bin watched the passing people, he suddenly recalled what the merchant had mentioned in the carriage.

"Come to think of it, shouldn't I visit the Yellow Crane Tower instead of just wandering around?"

The Yellow Crane Tower was the first thing people thought of when mentioning Muhan. It would be a great opportunity to see the writings of two hundred poets.

"It's also a good time to immerse myself in the fragrance of ancient times."

With a relaxed mind, Son Bin headed towards the Yellow Crane Tower. It was a late afternoon scene in Muhan as the strong sunlight began to wane.

The Yellow Crane Tower is one of the three famous pavilions of Gangnam. The majestic flow of the Yangtze River from afar was breathtaking, but the panoramic view of Muhan was truly unmissable.

Son Bin ascended the Yellow Crane Tower, relishing the wind that blew in from the Yangtze River.

"Ahhhh. This feels wonderful."

As the sun set, the sky turned a brilliant shade of red. Both the Yangtze River and the vast expanse of Muhan below were bathed in a warm crimson glow.

The breathtaking view eased the anxiety of the past few days and even softened the sting of his recent defeat.

Basking in the cool breeze, Son Bin began to recite a poem, almost involuntarily.

"The Immortal left riding on a yellow crane, and only the lonely tower remains on the land. If you visit once..."

(Note: This is a reference to a famous poem from the Tang Dynasty in China, where a poet describes riding on a yellow crane and leaving the mortal world behind, and the Yellow Crane Tower is often associated with the legend of the yellow crane.)

"Hey!"

An irritable voice interrupted his recitation. Son Bin turned to see who it was.

"Can you be quiet?"

Son Bin's brow furrowed. A displeased young man from a nearby group had addressed him.

Judging by their opulent attire, they appeared to be affluent youths.

The exhilaration Son Bin had felt moments ago vanished, replaced by irritation at the young man's condescending attitude. He didn't conceal his annoyance as he replied.

"I apologize if I've caused any inconvenience, but isn't it rather rude to interrupt someone like that?"

"What?"

The young man, who had been observing his group, now fixed his gaze on Son Bin.

"What did you just say?"

One of the young women in the group intervened.

"Stop it."

"Hold up, wait a minute." The young man held up his hand, silencing the woman, and turned back to Son Bin. "What did you just say?"

His insolent tone only served to further infuriate Son Bin.

"I said you were being rude."

"Huh, who does this worthless guy think he is…"

"Worthless guy?" From "hey" to "worthless guy," Son Bin's anger grew. "You appear to come from a wealthy family. How about learning some manners?"

Son Bin glared at the young man, who looked taken aback and smirked.

"Oh, I see. You're just a nobody..."

The young man crossed his arms over his chest, and it was then that Son Bin noticed the sword hanging from his waist.

The sword was adorned with intricate designs on both the scabbard and the hilt. The young man caught Son Bin's gaze on the sword, and his smirk widened.

"Oh, you've noticed, huh? Tsk, tsk. But you must take responsibility for your words, right?"

His expression radiated smug satisfaction, as though he had already secured victory. Just then, another lady in the group chimed in with a smile.

"Oh my, but isn't what that gentleman said correct?"

"Lady Gongson!" The young man frowned and turned to her. 

The elegantly dressed lady covered her mouth with her sleeve and said, "Although this gentleman's appearance is somewhat shabby.. He was able to beautifully recite an elegant poem."

She briefly glanced at Son Bin's outfit and smiled.

"Isn’t his advice worth listening to? This is a valuable opportunity for you to learn, right? Isn’t it true that Young Master Namgung isn’t as literate as most?”

The young man's face showed his displeasure, and Son Bin's expression mirrored it.

'Why is she doing this?'

Son Bin couldn't grasp the situation, but it seemed that the lady was trying to provoke a confrontation. She was using Son Bin to mock the young man.

And the fallout would undoubtedly affect Son Bin.

"Miss Gongson." The young man's voice was low, and his anger was palpable. "You will regret your words."

He turned his head and looked at Son Bin.

"And you. You must bear the consequences of your actions."

His gaze towards Son Bin was filled with malice. The sudden hostility made Son Bin flinch.

"Wh-what consequences?"

"If I let you go unpunished, what would people think of me? Even if it was unintentional, you must face the appropriate repercussions."

His voice was low, but his rage was simmering beneath the surface. It was an irrational anger directed at the wrong person.

"You insolently addressed a member of the Namgung Family, so I will cut off your tongue and arm."

Son Bin shuddered. He knew that the young man's words were far from being an empty threat.

"Young Master Namgung, stop this."

The other lady who had first intervened earlier spoke up.

"Don't take your anger out on a defenseless scholar. It's not befitting the name of the Namgung Family."

"I will decide what is fitting for the Namgung Family's name," the young man retorted. "I must absolutely cut off this man's tongue. So that I can demonstrate the consequences of speaking recklessly to a member of the Namgung Family."

The youth's sharp gaze was directed at the lady, who lowered her head in response.

With a swoosh, the young man turned and approached Son Bin. He slowly drew his sword.

Swish.

The gleaming sword shone with a silvery luster.

"W-what are you doing? A-aren't you afraid of the law?"

"The law?"

The young man smirked.

"The law will be on my side. Since you initiated the conflict and attacked me, isn't it only natural for me to draw my sword?"

"T-that's absurd…"

"It's not."

The youth stated.

"Everyone will agree with me."

Son Bin looked around urgently. The many people who had been there just moments ago were now nowhere to be seen.

Everyone had either left the scene or was watching from a distance.

The lady who had caused the commotion seemed to find it amusing, while the lady who had tried to stop them now looked at the man with a helpless expression.

No one was there to help or even sympathize with Son Bin.

"Oh my god."

In an instant, Son Bin felt as if he was left alone in the world, accompanied by a suffocating sense of oppression as if the world was closing in on him.

Thud, Thud.

The young man with the bloodthirsty sword approached slowly, and Son Bin couldn't even think for himself.

Feeling the sharp energy nearing his body, he stared at the approaching sword with a pale face.

"You'll regret your words. A reckless tongue always invites anger."

The young man's sword descended at an angle.

Just as it was about to land, a voice rang out.