…Red Cliff comes to mind.
The evening’s end, with the sunset slowly fading. As I stood looking out over the bustling streets with Hye-ryeong and Mok-kyeong, that was my first thought.
People were walking around in clearly expensive silk clothing.
Stores boasting impressive facades.
Bright smiles on everyone’s faces.
“…Should I have bought some new clothes?”
Everyone was dressed up, and here I was in my martial uniform. It felt odd. And no makeup either. Though to be fair, it is a bit funny to think about a man putting on makeup in this era.
“Sir, you look the coolest in your martial uniform!”
“…Isn’t it true that a martial artist looks best in the attire fitting for a martial artist?”
Though they both tried to make me feel better, truth be told, Mok-kyeong was also wearing a plain, dark blue martial uniform—not so different from mine.
“Of course.”
Looking back, even the knights’ banquets back when I was with the order were mostly attended by people in armor. Given that it was meant to boost morale, and everyone was military personnel, that made sense.
“Hehe, Sir, I’m kind of nervous.”
“Don’t get your hopes up—it’s not that impressive.”
“Still, this is my first time in such an upscale place. It’s nerve-wracking. What if I mess up?”
Looking at Hye-ryeong’s face as she said this, she was slightly downcast compared to her usual self, her gaze directed at the floor. Even if she doesn’t have to be so worried, I should still try to reassure her.
“Don’t overthink it. The setting might be fancy, but it’s just a chance for everyone to drink and chat.”
With our martial arts setting, no matter how much alcohol you drink to the point your liver could inflame, you can break down the alcohol with inner energy, so you don’t even get drunk. Why not enjoy it?
Of course, getting drunk and ruining the mood can happen, so moderation is still best. I have no idea how Hye-ryeong holds her liquor, so I’ll need to keep an eye on her.
In the original story, she didn’t even touch alcohol.
Thinking about it now, the original plot is already more than halfway ruined.
I recalled how the two people who were supposed to feel akin due to their shared desire for vengeance had ended up so far apart.
Hye-ryeong, who vowed revenge on the Demonic Sect after losing her school on her birthday.
And the successor of the Yunnan Dang family, who fell to some plot in a single night.
Still, I have no regrets—even if my trials have brought me from the Western Regions to the Central Plains. For the peace of all, I fight. As a knight, I swore my loyalty to that.
The real world might differ from the ideal, but aiming for the ideal isn’t wrong.
“Sir, why are you smiling?”
“Just feeling happy in this moment.”
“Hehe, me too.”
…
Amid a warm and friendly atmosphere, we arrived at the Yue Xiang Tower.
…
“Sir, look at that. Doesn’t that porcelain look incredibly expensive?”
“That one could make enough money for us to do nothing for a year.”
The entrance of Yue Xiang Tower, one of the most prestigious taverns in Wuhuan, was filled with art pieces flaunting their immense value.
It was as if touching any one of them might be enough to shorten your life.
Thinking about it, this was also evidence of just how good the public order was in Wuhuan. If the area had poor law enforcement, it would be hard to leave such expensive goods on display without unruly types vandalizing them or clumsy thieves attempting to steal them at night.
Though given that it operates 24 hours, the chances are lower.
“Are you the Blue-Eyed Lion?”
“…Yes.”
Who’s this? Just barely managing not to wrinkle my nose at the strange perfume, I turned my eyes to the courtesan who stood before me. She was wearing a revealing top and was eyeing me subtly. She continued speaking.
“Welcome to Yue Xiang Tower. My name is Seonyeong. I was asked to guide guests here when they arrived.”
Perhaps sent by the host, Namgung Hwi.
I nodded and followed Seonyeong to the area where the invitees to the Yong Feng Assembly had gathered.
“Everyone’s looking at you, Sir.”
“Yourself too, you’re getting looks.”
“Hehe.”
Embarrassingly, Hye-ryeong giggled and reached for my hand.
“I’ll hold your hand since I might get lost.”
“What could possibly make you get lost here?”
“It might happen.”
“Alright, do as you wish.”
It’s clear she wasn’t going to listen no matter what I said anyway. Let her do as she pleases. I turned my head to look at Mok-kyeong, who, like a lone wanderer, was slightly at the back. I had to turn my head all the way to see her. Mok-kyeong was walking awkwardly, likely feeling out of place in such an upscale establishment.
“Mok-kyeong. Come stand next to me so you don’t get lost.”
“I’m fine.”
“It’ll be a headache if you do get lost, so just come.”
“…Yes.”
Mok-kyeong finally came to stand beside me.
Because of this, we were slightly obstructing the way, but given the corridor’s width could accommodate twenty walking side-by-side, it wasn’t a serious issue.
For some reason, Hye-ryeong was gripping my hand tightly.
“Do you have something to say?”
“No, I don’t.”
Is she pouting because I’m taking care of Mok-kyeong when she wants to spend time alone with me? I smiled faintly at her childish behavior.
“You look nice when you’re dressed up, so don’t put on that face.”
“Am I pretty?”
“Of course.”
“Hehe…”
…Too easy.
It’s so easy it’s even making me wary she might follow some weirdo.
“You two sure have a good relationship.”
“Ho ho… We’ve shared a lot over the last few months, so it’s natural.”
“True. Hehe…”
With those answers, Seonyeong smiled and stopped in front of a large door, gripping it and speaking.
“This is the room where the guests for the Yong Feng Assembly have gathered. I wish you a good time.”
The door opened. My eyes naturally caught the vast scenery revealed through the opened door.
“It’s spacious.”
“These gatherings are usually held at our Yue Xiang Tower, so we specially built this room for such occasions. I dare say it’s the largest banquet in Wuhuan.”
Not so much a room—it feels more like a hall.
It was incredibly spacious. Enough to hold a martial arts competition.
And the number of people—it feels like there are hundreds, chatting with one another in clusters. Are all these people famous individuals?
How could there be so many?
Well, no, with China’s population, this might actually be a small number. But all those here represent respected sects or families in the righteous alliance.
“Sir, we’re in, but what do we do now?”
“Hmm.”
First, I’ll greet the host and then maybe grab some food. After all, it’s not polite to not sample the delicacies on the table.
Of course, I intended to try—not finish, but taste—all the sumptuous food laid out on the table. There won’t be another chance like this to try such luxurious food.
I’m not poor, but I don’t have much in the way of regular income either.
“Hye-ryeong, let’s go meet Namgung Hwi first.”
“Okay.”
“Mok-kyeong, come along.”
“Yes.”
I took care of Mok-kyeong, whose nervousness was growing, and approached Namgung Hwi, who was conversing with others in the middle of the room. Namgung Hwi saw us, greeted us with a hearty smile, and immediately performed a respectful bow.
“Welcome, Master Wi!”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“Haha, we can be more casual. I’m not the type to appreciate excessive courtesy.”
You’re older than me, you brat.
But I wouldn’t call you ‘brother,’ so I’ll let it slide for now. I returned the bow with a suitable smile on my face.
“Understood.”
Namgung Hwi looked at me and Hye-ryeong with a very friendly expression, but when his gaze turned to Mok-kyeong, who quietly stood there, his expression stiffened for a moment before he smiled sheepishly and spoke.
“Master Tan, it’s been a while.”
“It has been a while. Master Namgung.”
That’s awkward.
Perhaps because she previously handed him a loss, but overall the atmosphere is friendly, and Mok-kyeong doesn’t seem overly burdened by it.
After all, nothing is as ugly as holding a grudge over defeat.
“So, enjoy the festivities. Discussing matters with the attendees might prove to be a valuable experience.”
Following Namgung Hwi’s suggestion, I should do as told and enjoy the festivity. As I took my eyes off the busy Namgung Hwi, I looked toward the banquet table filled with delicacies.
Oh, paradise awaits over there.
Right at this moment—
“Hahaha! It’s been a while, Brother Wi!”
“…It has been a while, Master Peng.”
“We don’t need to be so formal between friends, do we?”
What sort of friends are we?
And stop shouting.
“What’s so urgent to find me for?”
“Heroes form bonds through combat. I just came to greet you as a friend!”
“After the greeting, see you later. I have things to do…”
With the delicacies waiting right there, I don’t have time for idle chitchat.
Peng Jieshan must have noticed my cold stare, or perhaps his interest just shifted elsewhere, and he suddenly turned his head and looked back, shouting,
“Haha! I also have business, so I’ll take my leave! Have a great time!”
“Safe travels.”
As I watched Peng Jieshan appear like a storm and disappear like a typhoon, I pressed my forehead.
Now that the noisy guy has left, let’s…
“Hello there, Master Wi…”
Why do so many people keep coming to me?
No sooner had Peng Jieshan left than unnamed individuals started approaching me.
Though most looked friendly, others carried calculating and overtly ambitious gazes under a pretense of mere greetings.
Perhaps this will become a more exhausting event than expected.
Because my main purpose—enjoying the sumptuous food—has now been derailed.
