Chapter 82
“Miss, thank you so much.”
“Huh? Bang Musa, what’s that all of a sudden?”
While resting after training in the indoor martial hall of Subokgak, Bang Gijin suddenly spoke. Not understanding what he meant, Unyeong simply blinked.
“Haha. I meant this Subokgak.”
Bang Gijin rubbed the back of his head as he continued.
“Thank you for letting me train here.”
“Oh, that’s nothing difficult. The hall is big anyway, so of course we can share it.”
Unyeong waved her hand as if it were no big deal.
“After training outside yesterday, I realized this place is heaven. When I used to train under the blazing sun, it was really tough…”
“Ah, that’s it. I used to think an indoor hall was unnecessary, but you’re right—it’s great.”
When Seolja-dan had built the indoor martial hall in Subokgak, it had seemed like an extravagance. But just being shielded from the scorching summer sun made training much easier.
“I’m enjoying it thanks to you, too, young miss.”
Standing beside them, Geum Cheongsan added with a smile.
“Master, not you too. You’re making me embarrassed.”
“Well, gratitude is gratitude.”
A warm smile spread over Geum Cheongsan’s face.
“Ah! I should tell Father. We should build more indoor training halls for the Hoga Unit too.”
Unyeong clapped her hands as she stood up.
“Huh? An indoor hall for the Hoga Unit?”
Geum Cheongsan blinked, surprised.
“Of course! It’s been ages since the Seol family started recruiting for the Hoga Unit, and you said there aren’t enough applicants, right? If we had indoor training halls, more people might come!”
“Hahahahaha… well, maybe you’re right.”
Geum Cheongsan replied with an awkward smile.
“But if someone joins just because of an indoor hall… wouldn’t their training spirit be questionable?”
Bang Gijin carefully voiced his doubt.
“Hmm, that might be true too… but still, no harm in suggesting it, right?”
Unyeong drained her tea and got up.
She muttered under her breath, “I wish Elder Deung would hurry up and come already.”
“Young miss, you should rest a bit longer. Balancing rest and training in this heat is very important,” said Geum Cheongsan in a firm tone as she reached for her sword.
“Yes, Master.”
Since Geum Cheongsan was strict about rest, Unyeong obediently sat back down.
“Young miss! Young miss!”
A voice called from outside—it was Hyanga. Unyeong stood and turned to Geum Cheongsan.
“Master, I’ll step out for a moment.”
“Yes, young miss.”
Unyeong quickly grabbed her wooden sword and ran toward the direction of the voice. If Hyanga’s reason for calling wasn’t urgent, she planned to return immediately to resume practice.
“Y-young miss!”
“Oh, there you are. What’s wrong?”
Panting and drenched in sweat, Hyanga stopped before her.
“Huff… huff… there’s a guest, young miss!”
“A guest?”
Unyeong tilted her head, trying to think who might visit her, but no one came to mind.
“Yes… huff… whew.”
“Oh goodness, you could’ve just walked! Why run in this heat?”
Unyeong fanned her with her hand and waited patiently.
“I’m okay now. The guest is here—a new martial arts teacher candidate!”
“Oh, really?”
“They said they’d wait in the reception hall.”
“Then I’d better go see them.”
Unyeong set down her wooden sword and called out toward Geum Cheongsan.
“Master, I’ll head to the reception hall. I’ll continue my training after.”
“Very well, young miss.”
As soon as she heard his voice from behind, Unyeong dashed off.
“Young miss, wait for me!” Hyanga called, chasing after her.
“Young miss, you’re here. We’ve been waiting.”
At the reception hall, Chief Wi greeted her.
“Yes, I heard there’s a guest?”
“Yes, young miss. The martial arts instructor candidate has arrived. I’ll guide you right in.”
“Thank you, Chief Wi.”
As she followed him, Unyeong glanced down at her training clothes. She was still in her martial uniform, but since this was a meeting with an instructor, it didn’t seem inappropriate. Still, she brushed off some dust and straightened her hair.
“Master Deung, it’s Chief Wi. I’ve brought the young miss. We’ll come in.”
When Chief Wi referred to the guest as Master Deung, Unyeong’s lips curved upward.
“Finally, that old man is here. Ugh, I thought my neck would break waiting.”
As Chief Wi opened the door, Unyeong stepped into the reception hall.
Three people were standing inside. Her eyes widened slightly, and her mouth fell open.
Standing beside Elder Deung was someone she hadn’t expected to see at all.
‘Ye Haesin… why is she here?’
Unyeong quickly composed herself and bowed politely.
“Greetings, Master. I’m Unyeong of the Seol household.”
“Haha, nice to meet you. I’m Deung Sochan. And this here is…”
“It’s my first time… meeting you. I’m his disciple, Ye Haesin.”
Grinding her teeth, Ye Haesin bowed stiffly.
“I’m Deung Jinryang.”
When Unyeong gave him a puzzled look, Elder Deung explained,
“My grandson. He used to just read scriptures, but lately he’s been restless, so I brought him along. Is that a problem?”
Unyeong’s eyes widened even more as she realized who he was.
“No, not at all! It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Unyeong.”
Forgetting her manners, she waved both hands energetically. Her gaze lingered on Deung Jinryang.
‘You saved your grandson… thank goodness, truly thank goodness.’
Tears welled up in her eyes.
She knew how deeply Elder Deung had once grieved over Geum Jinryang. And now that Jinryang—no, Deung Jinryang—stood before her, it was both proof and hope.
Even after all she had done to protect the Seol family, there was always a small fear that nothing she did could truly change fate.
But the fact that Deung Jinryang was alive—standing here—was proof that her actions did make a difference.
“Our young miss must be very happy that the master came. Haha.”
Chief Wi gave an awkward smile, trying to smooth over her teary expression.
“Ha ha, that’s quite all right. Come, let’s sit and talk.”
Elder Deung smiled knowingly and gestured for them to sit.
“Yes, Master. Chief Wi, I’d like to hear the master’s words. Could you bring some tea?”
Unyeong’s polite tone was a gentle dismissal.
“Of course, young miss.”
Chief Wi bowed gracefully and left the room. As soon as the door closed, Unyeong spoke.
“Elder, could you seal the room with your energy?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.”
Once the sound barrier was raised, Unyeong’s gaze flicked to Ye Haesin.
“Click.”
She clicked her tongue softly, then looked between Deung Sochan and Deung Jinryang.
“It seems things have been resolved.”
As she smiled faintly, Ye Haesin’s lips twitched in irritation, as if she’d just witnessed something she couldn’t stand.
“Thanks to you, yes,” Elder Deung said.
“Then, I assume you’ve come to settle the score.”
“Haha, isn’t my being here enough?”
“That wouldn’t be proper, would it? I need clarity before making any decisions.”
“Decisions about what?”
“Well, aside from you, there’s another candidate for martial instructor at the Seol household.”
“Haha…”
Unyeong smiled leisurely, and Elder Deung chuckled in amusement.
“Master! Don’t be fooled! She’s a spy!”
Ye Haesin suddenly pointed at Unyeong and shouted. Her glare turned cold as ice.
“Why is the Elder your master, anyway?”
“Because he is my master. Hmph.”
Ye Haesin stuck her tongue out and snorted. Unyeong’s expression hardened.
“…Elder, could you please explain this?”
“Hahahaha, I see how it happened.”
Elder Deung just laughed, clearly entertained by their bickering.
“By the way, I’m your senior brother, and you’re my junior sister.”
“What? How does that make sense?”
Crossing her arms smugly, Ye Haesin smirked. Unyeong shot to her feet and slammed the table.
“Ah, our dear young lady must not know how martial siblings are determined! It’s based on who becomes a disciple first! I’m Master Deung’s first disciple, you’re second. So I’m senior brother, you’re junior sister. Got it, miss?”
Ye Haesin pointed back and forth between them mockingly.
“Your master is the head of Hao Sect!”
“No, no. Not here. In the Seol household, it goes by my rules. You called me here, so this counts.”
Unyeong was utterly indignant.
In the past, she’d regretted never being able to call Elder Deung “Master.”
And now suddenly she had a “senior brother”?
Not his only disciple anymore?
And this petty little Ye Haesin was her martial sibling? Unbelievable.
The two glared at each other, locked in a silent staring contest, while Elder Deung watched them with a fond, amused expression.
“Pfft… hahaha!”
Finally, Deung Jinryang couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing.
