Despite beating up the sect leader, the Cheongha Sect didn’t treat their guest poorly.

Even though Seo-jun didn’t plan on staying overnight, they offered him a room and even provided a meal. That was more than enough hospitality.

"But seriously, why is it just a plate full of greens?"

Not that he could complain much, since the dishes were clearly time-consuming to prepare. Making namul (seasoned vegetable dishes) isn’t exactly easy.

And surprisingly, it tasted pretty good. The cook must be skilled.

“Can’t you tell just by looking? This is a Taoist sect.”

“Taoist? Like the Wudang Sect?”

Of course, any martial artist would know about the Wudang Sect. When Seo-jun asked, Chun-bong nodded.

“Yeah. And honestly, this is pretty decent.”

Chun-bong pointed at the only meat dish on the table with her chopsticks.

“They even have some meat, and we’re eating rice. Some sects are so extreme they avoid fire altogether and eat raw rice.”

“That’s just insane.”

Seo-jun chuckled, but Chun-bong, her cheeks puffed out as she stuffed herself with meat, continued speaking.

“Mmm… most martial artists are crazy anyway.”

There are those who bathe in virgin blood, those who perform human sacrifices, those who defile corpses, and those who mutilate their own hands with hot sand.

Martial artists are, by nature, people who won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to master their techniques.

Among them, the righteous sects at least pretend to know where to draw the line, while the demonic sects are more like, ‘screw it, let’s just focus on martial arts.’

“What?”

“Look at yourself. You’re basically crazy too.”

“Hey, Geum Chun-bong! How dare you talk to your heavenly older brother like that?”

“Shut up.”

“What…?”

“See?”

After emptying her bowl, Chun-bong set down her chopsticks with a snap.

“And you, that Merged Origin Divine Art of yours.”

“Oh, right! You saw it too, didn’t you? Isn’t it awesome? Didn’t I look super cool?”

“If you’re not careful, you’re going to screw yourself over.”

“Here we go again. You always say that.”

Seo-jun grumbled as he shoveled the last of his rice into his mouth. With all the meat gone, it was just plain rice.

As for the namul? Sorry, but two bites per bowl of rice is my limit.

“Do you even know why different martial arts schools have different internal energy techniques? There’s a specific type of internal energy that suits each martial art. Do you think you could use Wudang’s techniques with internal energy built up through the Golden Cloud Divine Art?”

“Why not?”

“Hmph…”

Chun-bong started to say something but then closed her mouth. Somehow, with this guy, it might actually be possible.

“Anyway, just be careful. It’s already amazing that you’ve managed it, but pushing the limits like that often leads to accidents.”

“So basically, you’re worried about me? Wow, our Chun-bong has grown up! So mature now!”

“…I don’t even know what to say anymore. Just do whatever you want.”

This brat… pretending to be annoyed because she’s embarrassed.

•  

After finishing the meal, they decided to take advantage of their status as guests and tour the sect.

“The sect leader said it would be fine for you to observe today’s group training.”

Nice. The sect leader has learned his manners well.

Satisfied, Seo-jun nodded and laughed.

“Let’s go, Geum Chun-bong!”

“This should be interesting.”

To sum it up, the training wasn’t bad at all. Even if the individual skill levels weren’t high, the way they moved in perfect unison showed why people live and train in groups.

It’s commonly known as a formation, and if the Cheongha Sect could do this, it made Seo-jun curious about the famed 108 Arhat Formation of the Shaolin Temple.

Is it even still around?

“The 108 Arhat Formation? It’s famous. I’ve heard it can even handle a master at the pinnacle level.”

“What about someone at the divine stage?”

“Not a chance. It might buy some time, though.”

That’s disappointing. It seems that someone at the divine stage can just tear through any formation.

After wandering around the sect, they finally completed their tour of the Cheongha Sect.

Of course, they couldn’t enter the deeper parts of the sect, only the areas open to outsiders. By the time they were done, the sky had grown dark.

“Shall we head back?”

“Yeah. I’m tired.”

Yawn… Chun-bong let out a small yawn.

Seo-jun noticed her fatigue and his expression subtly darkened.

This wasn’t an itinerary that should tire out someone at the first-class level, which meant her body still hadn’t fully recovered.

Feeling a bit concerned, Seo-jun playfully tugged at Chun-bong’s cheeks a few times before heading to the sect leader’s hall before leaving.

“So, did you have a good rest?”

“Yes, I did. By the way, I have a favor to ask.”

“Let’s hear it.”

After listening to Seo-jun’s request, the sect leader raised his eyebrows.

“It’s not a difficult request, but… is it really necessary?”

“Old man, you lost the duel, remember?”

“…I was going to agree anyway.”

The sect leader sighed and gestured to Cheong-woon to see them off. Seo-jun couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for him.

Everything seems to fall on that guy.

“Safe travels.”

“Try not to come back?”

“…I didn’t say that.”

“Your face says it all.”

Seo-jun laughed as he casually said,

“Your shoulders are way too tense.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re too stiff. Relax and let your energy flow naturally, and you might achieve something.”

Cheong-woon’s eyes widened in surprise.

For a moment, he looked skeptical, but then something seemed to change in his mind, and he nodded lightly.

“…Thank you. I’ll take that to heart.”

As he bowed, Seo-jun waved a hand in farewell.

As the gates of the Cheongha Sect faded into the distance, Seo-jun smiled.

“That was intense. I just sounded like a martial arts master, didn’t I?”

“If only you hadn’t said that last part.”

“What?”

Anyway, that means I looked like a master, right?

Success, Lee Seo-jun.

“Now, let’s walk the path of flowers!”

“As if that’s going to happen.”

“You’re mean.”

•  

Once they arrived home, Seo-jun immediately laid Chun-bong down.

“What are you doing…?”

“Let’s get some sleep.”

“What are you even talking about?”

“Shh, be good. Time for bed.”

“You’re crazy…”

Chun-bong stiffened in surprise, but after a few pats on the belly, she quickly fell asleep.

It seemed they couldn’t stay here much longer.

Given Chun-bong’s condition, she probably needed more elixirs, but there didn’t seem to be any around here.

‘Maybe I should ask the Cheongha Sect.’

They likely have something. Even the pathetic Black Tiger Sect had a few, so surely a proper sect like that would have at least one or two elixirs.

I’ll figure out the payment later.

After confirming that Chun-bong was fully asleep, Seo-jun left the house. His steps led him toward the red-light district.

No matter when he visited, this street always gave him an unpleasant feeling. He made his way to the same brothel he had visited last time.

‘It’s called Hongwolru.’

Now that I look at it, the name is really generic.

A brothel where courtesans sell their bodies, with the usual character for ‘moon’ (月) tacked on to make it sound fancy.

“Tsk.”

Clicking his tongue, Seo-jun looked around the area near Hongwolru.

Since it hadn’t been long since he had trashed the Black Tiger Sect, no one seemed to be causing trouble.

“Excuse me.”

As soon as he entered Hongwolru, the sweet smell of incense and the warm glow of lanterns enveloped him.

“Welcome.”

Maewol greeted him with a smile, her eyes curving into crescents. Two large men stood by her side.

Hongwolru was definitely part of the Black Tiger Sect’s territory, so where did she get these bodyguards from?

It was curious, but Seo-jun didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he addressed Maewol.

“I have a request.”

“A request? Didn’t you defeat the Black Tiger Sect and become the master of this brothel? If you have any orders, please feel free to give them.”

“How long would it take to gather all the courtesans in this district?”

Maewol’s right eyebrow lifted slightly. After a moment of thought, she responded.

“A day… two at most. It shouldn’t be difficult.”

“Even the brothels that weren’t part of the Black Tiger Sect?”

“Hmm… that might take a bit longer.”

This time, her hesitation was more noticeable. Seo-jun took the opportunity to glance around Hongwolru.

For a brothel in such a seedy area, the building was surprisingly well-maintained. The Black Tiger Sect must have had plenty of money, though how they earned it wasn’t clear.

Just then, as if by chance, he locked eyes with a familiar woman—the same one he had met on his first day in the martial world.

Now that he saw her again, it seemed the swelling on her face had gone down a bit. Maybe she was being treated better now that the Black Tiger Sect was gone.

Tsk—

The woman clicked her tongue and glared at him before disappearing.

She’s really got an attitude problem.

Seo-jun chuckled and turned back to Maewol, who was still lost in thought.

“I’ll need them in a week. I’ll inform the other brothels myself, so just be ready.”

“There’s no need for you to trouble yourself with that…”

“It’s fine. It’s not a big deal.”

Seo-jun waved dismissively and began to leave Hongwolru, but Maewol stopped him.

“You seem to be alone today… would you care to spend the night here?”

Maewol’s voice was laced with sultry charm. Seo-jun wasn’t dense; he understood the implication.

But instead of indulging her, Seo-jun pushed her away with the hilt of his sword.

“No.”

Even with minimal force, Maewol stepped back immediately.

She smiled wistfully, bowing her head slightly.

“Then I’ll look forward to another time.”

As Seo-jun turned to leave, he briefly looked her over before stopping in his tracks. Maewol’s smile deepened.

“Have you changed your mind?”

“Where did you learn your martial arts?”

At Seo-jun’s sudden question, Maewol’s expression froze for a moment. But she quickly recovered, forcing an awkward smile.

“That’s…”

“Never mind.”

Seo-jun brushed it off and left Hongwolru, dragging his feet on the dirt road.

“Sigh.”

The moon in the night sky was bright. Frustration suddenly welled up within him, making him quicken his pace.

Mixing in the footwork of Yellow Dragon Crossing the River, Seo-jun returned home and immediately jumped onto Chun-bong.

“Oppa’s back, Chun-bong!”

“Gyaaah…!”

Chun-bong, half-asleep and barely able to open her eyes, pushed Seo-jun’s face away.

“What are you doing…! Why are you waking me up?!”

“Hehe, sorry.”

“Seriously, you’re insane… what’s that smell?”

Chun-bong, who had been dozing off, suddenly opened her eyes wide. They were practically glowing, and honestly, it was a little scary.

“W-what’s wrong?”

“Come here.”

“…I’m already here?”

“No, seriously, what’s that smell?”

“Huh…?”

Seo-jun shivered. Chun-bong furrowed her brow.

“Don’t mess with me.”

“Okay.”

Seo-jun stopped trembling. Chun-bong stared at him intently before speaking.

“…You went to a brothel, didn’t you?”

Oh, shit. How did she know?

But I didn’t spend a single penny. I have nothing to be ashamed of.