Chapter 51
The head of the Golden Taesan Sect, Ho Gadaeju, tilted back in disbelief, a sigh escaping his lips.
“…Well, well.”
He couldn’t take his eyes off Wonyoung, who was in a horse stance. His eyebrows rose unconsciously.
“…Is this even possible?”
It was astonishing. Truly astonishing. But was it something that could be dismissed as mere surprise?
Until recently, Wonyoung had struggled even to run around the courtyard. Understandably so—she had been a weak child who rarely went outside.
But now, she was enduring rather harsh training.
In other words, her stamina was improving, her strength increasing. No one could have imagined such progress in such a short time.
From the day Wonyoung began martial arts, it had been a series of surprises. She had even created a dantian when she was just asked to feel the external energy.
Golden Taesan could only marvel at Wonyoung’s talent. He concluded that she needed a proper teacher who could train her well.
“Master. The young lady’s talent is extraordinary. I fear I cannot handle it. Please, revoke the order for me to be her teacher.”
It was a difficult admission to make. Even he envied Wonyoung’s abilities.
How could he not?
To take on a disciple with such potential and nurture them into an exceptional martial artist—wasn’t that the dream of every martial master?
Even when he had taken Bang Gijin as a disciple, he had thought that talent was remarkable.
But Wonyoung’s talent was beyond his capacity. Such extraordinary ability was what one called “of a different dimension.”
“Gadaeju. I, too, have seen it. But we cannot avoid this for now. You’ll have to endure a little longer. I will soon find a worthy teacher for her.”
Seol Jadan, who spoke thus, also looked weary. It was only natural; he, too, was astonished at Wonyoung’s talent.
Who knows a child better than the parent? Or, who knows less than the parent?
It was the same with the Seol family—they had not fully recognized Wonyoung’s potential until now.
Seol Jadan blamed himself for this. And it was understandable.
“This is a talent beyond what I can handle…”
Golden Taesan brushed his face with his hand, clearing his thoughts.
A loud cough drew attention.
“That’s enough for today, young lady.”
Wonyoung’s gaze turned to Golden Taesan. She wiped the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve and smiled brightly.
“Really? I feel like I could do a bit more…”
“No, young lady. That’s enough. If we go further now, you’ll be exhausted tomorrow.”
Golden Taesan’s tone was firm. If left unchecked, Wonyoung would train endlessly, so it was important to stop at the right moment. The most important thing now was to ensure she did not overexert herself.
“Yes, Master. I understand.”
“Now, let’s slowly finish up.”
“Yes, Master.”
Quick to respond, Wonyoung brought her arms forward across her chest and assumed a stance.
Golden Taesan, satisfied, mirrored her stance and moved his arms slowly.
“After exercising, you must gently stretch the muscles and skeleton you’ve used.”
Though she had heard this many times, Wonyoung focused intently, moving her body carefully.
The martial arts Golden Taesan taught softened and loosened the body, strained by training.
The flowing movements, blending the subtlety of softness, looked almost like a dance.
“Training is naturally tiring and strenuous. But by moving your body this way, tomorrow’s training will be easier.”
Golden Taesan’s words sank deep into her mind.
‘It seems this technique originated from a shaman’s household… Perfect for a young body that isn’t yet strong.’
Wonyoung had read countless martial arts manuals and experienced various techniques firsthand on the battlefield.
She loved studying martial arts itself and often reviewed her opponents’ moves. Her mind remained filled with martial techniques and theories.
‘There are still countless martial arts in the world I haven’t encountered. I want to see more.’
Golden Taesan might not know where she had learned this technique, but he must have pondered deeply when taking Bang Gijin as a disciple.
He would have sought the right method for the child, hoping she would take a better path.
And now, Wonyoung was learning and finding her own path.
There were still many martial arts she hadn’t yet experienced. Her cheeks flushed, a smile naturally forming.
‘There’s no shortcut in training. Even the greatest warrior doesn’t awaken fully in one day…’
“Accumulating soil to form a mountain,” she thought. Small movements, one by one, build incredible results.
‘There doesn’t need to be just one teacher. I’ll seek guidance from many more.’
Her beginning was already different. Her path must also differ.
To go further, higher, to see the unseen end, it was good to view martial arts from various perspectives.
“You’ve worked hard, Master.”
When she brought her hands together in the center, all movements concluded. Wonyoung bowed in utmost respect.
“You’ve worked hard too, young lady. See you tomorrow.”
Golden Taesan returned the salute with a cheerful smile.
“Here, young lady.”
“Thank you, Sogyo.”
Sogyo, who had been waiting, handed her a towel. Wonyoung wiped the sweat from her face.
After such movement, her distractions vanished. This had always been the case; when her mind was troubled, moving her body cleared it.
Her thoughts of Sejak faded, leaving her refreshed.
The future could still be shaped. She would make it so.
“The laborers you mentioned are in the reception hall.”
Sogyo whispered quietly while taking the towel.
“They didn’t run away?”
“No. They came obediently when you wanted to see them.”
“Is that so? Makes sense.”
Wonyoung answered indifferently, thinking it reasonable. A child asking to meet someone, and they didn’t flee—it wasn’t strange.
“But that child… about them…”
“What? Was there something strange?”
“It might be my mistake, but they looked like Jeomsoi from Huayeong Inn.”
Sogyo bit her lips and continued.
“From afar, I couldn’t tell. But up close, the face seemed familiar.”
“Hmm. Really?”
“May I ask why you were looking for that child?”
“Ah? Oh, nothing. I just thought the child had a hard time, that’s all.”
Wonyoung knew what Sogyo was implying but avoided answering.
So that’s why they came to the Seol residence.
She could roughly picture the situation. The child must have seen Jegal Dam visiting Sogyo.
News of construction at Seol’s estate reaching the Hao Gate was natural.
‘So they didn’t change their face. Even if Sogyo recognized them, there’s an explanation. Hm, still an inexperienced Soul-Stealer… interesting.’
A Soul-Stealer was once the nickname of Yeo Haesin of Hao Gate, someone skilled enough to snatch souls.
But this Soul-Stealer was still a child without even a nickname. A new encounter with an old connection awaited.
“Shall we bring them to the reception hall now?”
“No. Let’s eat dinner and rest a bit first.”
“I will prepare it.”
It was better to make them wait a little. Wonyoung wondered what the child would be thinking.
She muttered to herself and headed to the inner hall.
“Here. Please sit here for now.”
“Oh, what’s this? Thank you, I’ll enjoy it.”
Hyangah entered Yeonhongwon’s reception hall and served tea and light snacks to Yeo Haesin, distributed by Wang Sam.
Hyangah looked displeased and asked,
“Um, it’s unlikely… but do you know the young lady?”
Startled by the sudden question, Yeo Haesin put down her teacup and waved her hand dramatically.
“Oh, how could that be? I only learned of the Seol estate this time.”
“Really? Then how did you come here?”
“Well… they said the meals are good here and the pay is decent. The competition was fierce, but heh… I managed to get in.”
“Hmm. Is that so? Strange.”
Hyangah tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with doubt.
“Eh, what do you mean?”
“Oh, I was just wondering why the young lady sought you out.”
Until a few days ago, the sons of the Odae household had stayed at Yeonhongwon. But now, the guest requesting snacks was a scruffy boy. Hyangah’s suspicion was natural.
“I… was wondering that too. Why exactly are you looking for me…?”
Yeo Haesin, watching Hyangah’s expression, spoke cautiously. To learn more, she had to continue the conversation.
She was already flustered. Why did the young lady of the Seol estate single her out?
“Hmph. How would I know that?”
“Wait…!”
Hyangah snorted and turned to leave, moving so quickly Yeo Haesin couldn’t even attempt to stop her.
“What? That child’s perceptive as a ghost.”
Yeo Haesin picked up her teacup from the table, tasting the disappointment on her tongue.
