“Mister! Look over there! They seem to be preparing for some big event!”
I followed the finger of Hye-ryeong, who was excited like a child, moving my gaze along its direction.
I saw burly men busily preparing for something. Seeing the lanterns and decorations set up around the city, it seemed like they might be organizing a festival.
With the city buzzing with excitement, we strolled around in search of a suitable inn to rest at.
Unfortunately, Elder Baek didn’t know of any inns this time, so after wandering around a bit, we headed toward an inn on the outskirts.
The bustling inns in the downtown area were already packed with numerous people.
“Hey there, waiter! Are there two rooms available?”
“Yes! We have exactly two rooms left!”
“Give us the two rooms. And bring us some light snacks as well.”
“Sure thing!”
As the waiter hurried off after taking our order, I glanced around the room, casually scanning the area.
The inn was crowded with people, and I thought we had been quite lucky to snag the last remaining rooms. What were they gathering for, creating such a buzz? My curiosity piqued, I subtly slipped away from the table conversations and listened in on a nearby group outside.
“Have you heard? The barbarians are at it again. This time, apparently they’re being especially troublesome both to the north and south. It’s causing quite a headache.”
“Again? With the way those guys caused chaos last year and got the martial realm involved, there’s a chance we’ll actually get dragged into this.”
“Will His Majesty really take the martial artists to war? At most, they’ll select a few righteous sect disciples to serve as auxiliary forces. After all, martial artists aren’t all that useful on the battlefield.”
Barbarians. Could they be referring to pirates or nomadic tribes?
I didn’t know the exact details because of my lack of historical knowledge, but it seemed like avoiding the north would be a good idea if I wanted to steer clear of a war.
Isn’t there anything more cheerful to talk about besides these ominous rumors?
I continued eavesdropping as the men bickered about the state of the nation. Hye-ryeong gave me a strange look, but once she realized what I was doing, she turned her gaze away and started chatting with her companions again.
“This night market should be quite exciting.”
“Has the Elder ever disappointed us? This time, they’re surely unveiling some incredible treasure.”
“Who do you think will become the owner of this treasure? I’m quite curious.”
“Well, not only that, but the courtesan houses are also preparing special performances, so we should definitely check those out.”
“You might get so drunk in the festivities that you miss the treasure altogether. The items on display at this night market are all rare and precious, so don’t get carried away.”
Hearing the excited voices sharing snippets of information, I couldn’t help but perk my ears at the mention of “treasure.”
Treasure.
What kind of treasure are they going to unveil at this night market? Initially, I had planned to stay for the night and then move on, but exploring the night market seemed like a good idea now.
I had already delivered all necessary communications to the Martial Alliance’s Tungcheon branch, and the gathering of acknowledged young talents of the righteous sect wasn’t due to start for another month, so I was in no rush.
“So, what is this treasure we’re talking about?”
“Ah, my throat’s so dry, it’s hard to speak…”
“Hey waiter! Bring us a pot of liquor here!”
“Sure thing!”
Ugh, this guy’s just teasing me.
And yet, I couldn’t outright ask without seeming rude.
“Mister, let’s eat.”
“Alright, stop nagging.”
“Hmmph…”
Hye-ryeong stifled a giggle, obviously fighting the urge to sock me one, as she picked up her chopsticks. I followed suit and tried to grab some food before it all disappeared.
“Oh, I accidentally overheard this, but the treasure this time is…”
Why couldn’t he just speak up a little louder? His voice was way too soft.
And asking directly might make him clam up.
“Great Hero Wi, are you that curious?”
“A treasure naturally grabs one’s interest.”
“If it’s a famous treasure, you might be able to see it while exploring the night market.”
Ha-jin was right.
Since the items being revealed at the night market could be seen during a stroll, perhaps I could find the treasure there. And the mention of the night market reminded me of one more thing I wanted to look for.
A light-footed technique manual.
It’s not like I’m after some high-grade manual everyone envies. Something practical and usable would be enough.
It might be a good idea to learn a decent form of light-footed technique for the path ahead.
Sure, I could ride a horse to travel, but the upkeep for horses is costly. So, even learning a third-rate light-footed technique manual would be a cost-effective option.
So, I planned to check if there was a manual I could learn without needing any specific internal cultivation techniques.
“I wonder if they sell manuals at the night market.”
“In such a grand city, if luck is on our side, there might be manuals that can be used reasonably well. Most of them will likely be quite basic, though…”
Hearing my muttered thoughts, Ha-jin, who had been quietly eating, added her agreement.
“Why do you want a manual, Mister?”
“I’m planning on learning a light-footed technique.”
“Light-footed… you didn’t get to train in the Yuan Yang Gong technique, did you?”
Hye-ryeong caught herself mid-sentence, realizing belatedly that I hadn’t learned the internal cultivation method of the Southern Sea Sect. She gave me an apologetic look.
“Great Hero Wi, light-footed techniques aren’t difficult to train, so if you manage to get the manual, I can assist you.”
“Feel free to ask me if you don’t understand something!”
Hye-ryeong, there’s already an experienced Elder present, so what’s the point of asking you? Yet, I’ll still prepare some questions to keep you happy since you’re looking forward to it so much.
“Alright, focus on eating.”
“Haha.”
Is it really that exciting for her?
Watching Hye-ryeong happily eating with her chopsticks, I couldn’t help but smile.
It must feel something like what it would be like to have a younger sister.
“Well, let’s go explore the night market after we finish eating and rest a bit.”
“Alright, let’s eat and then go.”
The steamed buns are getting cold.
I took a warm steamed bun and placed it in my mouth.
Ugh, I crave kimchi. Kimchi is practically a mandatory side dish for steamed buns. But in this place, it’s a dream to even think about it unless I make it myself, which isn’t feasible without chili peppers.
Come to think of it, I don’t even know if chili peppers exist in this era. To my knowledge, they arrived quite late. Even if they do exist here, it’s unlikely they’re the same kind as in the 21st century I know.
So, the only option left was to imagine the fading taste of kimchi while chewing on the steamed bun.
After filling my stomach, I put down my chopsticks and poured the rice wine the waiter had brought along with the meal, drinking it at once.
The taste might not be amazing, but it’s a bit better than nothing.
“I’ll rest for a while in my room.”
“You should.”
“Do go ahead.”
“Rest well, Great Hero.”
Since it’s still daytime, it’s good to take a short nap. I got up, double-checked the room’s location with the waiter, and ascended the stairs.
—
“Mister?”
“Ah, it’s already evening?”
I turned my head to look out the window.
The darkened sky and the red glow from below were somewhat irritating to my eyes. Were they all lanterns? I stretched and stood up.
After a few hours of sleep, my body felt reasonably good.
Although meditation wouldn’t have been a bad idea, I had done enough on the way here. Skipping it for one day wouldn’t hurt.
“So, where have the others gone?”
“Elder Baek and Muguang have gone to the martial alliance branch. The senior brothers went drinking with Geumsam.”
“Then we’ll go to the night market.”
“Haha.”
A wide smile stretched across Hye-ryeong’s face. Clearly, she was brimming with excitement.
It must be that enjoyable to go to the night market together, right? Though I’m also looking forward to it.
Despite all the challenges and the differences from reality, I had over four years of military experience after all—combining this world and my past life.
“Is the night market already open?”
“It opens in about two hours!”
“Then let me wash up and we’ll head out.”
I grabbed a towel and left my room. Hye-ryeong, like a baby penguin, waddled after me, and we arrived at the well together.
“Hye-ryeong, why are you following me?”
“Uh… just because?”
She responded with a meaningful smile. I watched her narrow-eyed grin and drew water from the well.
The cool water shimmered invitingly in the bucket.
I only needed to wash my face for now. Washing my hair… that might be a bit troublesome.
It would be great if there were soap here.
Left with little choice, I washed my face and hair with just water, dried myself with the towel, and turned to Hye-ryeong who had been waiting beside the building wall.
“Let’s just put the towel back and go.”
“The towel basket is over here!”
“Ah, that’s convenient.”
I tossed the towel into the basket Hye-ryeong pointed to and straightened out my clothes.
Now, let’s get going.
It seemed Hye-ryeong sensed we were about to leave, standing next to me and extending her hand.
“It could get crowded at the night market, so please hold my hand. We might get separated otherwise!”
“Of course.”
I gently took her hand. Although it had some calluses, the softness of her palm brushed playfully against my fingers. When I looked at Hye-ryeong, her face was tinged with a blush as she looked up at me.
“Let’s go exploring now!”
Thus began my night market adventure with Hye-ryeong.
