"Ha!"

The martial artist guarding the front of Carpenter Ahn's house looked Cheonyeong up and down and then snorted.

"What? Move aside? Have a talk?"

He had seen all sorts of things in his life.

His physique seemed similar to his own, but his face was too young.

Is it because he has a baby face?

No way... at most, he's fifteen? Sixteen?

He seemed to be clearly of that age.

He was so dumbfounded that he didn't even feel any tension.

"Kid."

"..."

"Judging by the clothes you're wearing, you seem to be the son of a well-to-do family and have grown up well... but it's troublesome if you act up like this without knowing your place. This mister will pretend he didn't hear it, so will you please get lost?"

At the martial artist's words, Cheonyeong frowned.

I clearly said to move aside... Why is he talking about something else?

"Well... I said go."

Thump!

The martial artist uncrossed his arms and pushed Cheonyeong's chest.

One step.

He was pushed back because he didn't resist with force.

"I said go, you bastard. If you keep this up, it won't end with words."

At the classic threat, Cheonyeong's face contorted even more.

"Oh? Are you upset? Yeah, well, that can happen. It's like that at that age. Is it a storm and stress for no reason? This mister knows well."

"..."

"The world seems like shit, right? You think you're the best, and everything others do seems negative. I know, this mister knows well. But, it's a miscalculation. It's because you still don't know how scary the world is."

"..."

"If you still don't get it, this mister will make you understand. By any chance, do you live in Ganyang?"

As Cheonyeong nodded his head, the martial artist said as if he was relieved.

"Then you know well, right? Yin Hand Chamber."

"Yin Hand Chamber?"

"Yeah. You've probably heard of it. This mister is known to be quite a swordsman there."

"Ah! A martial artist?"

"Of course. The Silver Curtain of Yin Hand Chamber is this mister. So don't be stubborn and just go. Don't make your parents' guts twist."

Thump...

He pushed Cheonyeong again. No, he tried to push him lightly like before.

But the sound was different.

Thump.

"Huh?"

The martial artist was flustered.

What do you mean, huh?

Crack!

"Aaaaaaaargh!"

Yeah, that's more like it.

It sounds good, doesn't it?

Cheonyeong, who had neatly twisted the martial artist's wrist, smiled brightly and said.

"I told you. I just need to have a talk. Move aside."

"You bastard! You can't let go of this?"

"I can't."

"I'll kill you!"

"Hmm..."

He thought for a moment.

Kill me? Who's killing whom?

A guy who's screaming because his wrist is twisted is going to kill me... if he said he was going to die, maybe.

"But... it seems just moving aside won't be enough."

"What do you mean, what?"

"I have a feeling you'll get in the way."

"What?"

"Just... sleep."

"This damn kid! Of Yin Hand Chamber..."

Crack!

The martial artist's threat could not continue to the end.

Because Cheonyeong's clenched fist had hit the martial artist's head.

Thump.

Looking at the martial artist who had collapsed on the floor, Cheonyeong smiled wryly and tilted his head.

"He's nothing special. But this guy and that guy... they're all talking about Yin Hand Chamber. Are they that great?"

What does it matter?

At best, they are just guys who have some power in Ganyang.

Just by looking at the name, they are ten out of ten from an unorthodox sect.

"If they get in the way of Tang Family..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the eerie smile on Cheonyeong's lips was enough.

Yin Hand Chamber? The Beggars' Sect?

Righteous or unorthodox...

Only Tang Family should remain in Ganyang.

For now, that's the first goal.

Cheonyeong, who dusted off his hands, whipped his head around.

The kids from the vagrant gang, who had been watching from behind the wall after guiding him to Carpenter Ahn's house, were staring with wide eyes.

You guys...

You were worried?

As Cheonyeong smiled brightly and gestured, the children ran over with big smiles.

"Young master!"

"Yeah."

"You're really amazing!"

It was praise from kids... but it wasn't so bad.

"Hey guys."

"Yes."

"Will you do one more job for me?"

"A job?"

"Yeah. If you're watching from afar and people who look like martial artists appear, will you let me know?"

"Us?"

"Yeah."

"But..."

He was hesitant, worried that he might get into trouble.

"It's okay. Just... you just have to say one word loudly. 'Please give me a penny!'"

"Just that?"

"Yeah. If you just do that, I'll give you two more iron coins after the conversation is over."

"Yes!"

At Cheonyeong's words, the children answered with all their might.

Because two iron coins were a very large sum of money for them.

With this, he had prepared for any additional attacks that might occur.

Seeing the children run off, hide behind the wall, and poke their heads out, Cheonyeong entered Carpenter Ahn's house.

What's so special about a house made of planks?

One room.

A partition wall separated the kitchen and the bedroom.

"Cough, cough... who is it?"

Perhaps hearing the sound of the door opening, a haggard old man sat up from his bed and looked at him.

His voice was like the grinding of rusty iron, so he must have been coughing for a long time.

His illness is severe.

Damn it, Nosanggae.

At this rate, no matter how good his skills are, it won't be of any help.

How can he work with that body?

"Are you Carpenter Ahn?"

"...I am Ahn Chilgang... and you are?"

The old man sitting on the bed bent his body and looked at him.

He was tired, but full of vigilance.

Well, since he would have known that a martial artist was guarding outside, he must have been wondering who he was.

And he's probably younger than he thought.

But no matter how I look at it... it doesn't seem like it will be of any help.

But he had already come.

Also, since Carpenter Ahn didn't treat him carelessly even after knowing his young age, Cheonyeong approached the bed, thinking of at least conveying his purpose.

"I am Tang Cheonyeong from Tang Family. I came because I heard that you are the most skilled among the carpenters of Ganyang."

He didn't add the reason that he was the cheapest, in case his first impression was hurt.

"Is that so? Then you've come in vain. It's been a while since I've put down my carpentry work. And my body is not well these days."

"It seems so."

"But since you've come... have a cup of tea before you go."

The old man barely got up.

"No, I don't really need tea..."

"Ahem, don't refuse. I've never treated a guest who has come to my house badly in my life."

"..."

"And it's a rare guest."

Carpenter Ahn, who grabbed various parts of the room and barely moved, heated water with a familiar touch.

A rare guest.

That's right.

The guys at the abandoned lumberyard, and the guy guarding the gate...

Who would come to see him?

He was curious about the story, but he didn't ask.

What's the point of showing excessive interest in someone he's not likely to have a connection with?

"Here, it's ready."

Carpenter Ahn poured tea and held it out to Cheonyeong.

The aroma is good.

It's subtle, and it fits this old place very well...

"Cough, cough..."

Carpenter Ahn coughed repeatedly.

Cheonyeong, who was looking at the tea, blew on the hot steam and brought the cup to his mouth.

"Huh?"

The taste was as good as the aroma.

Is the tea leaf good? Or is it because of Carpenter Ahn's sincerity in thinking of his guest?

Just as he was wondering.

"Ugh..."

Thump.

...Thump?

Carpenter Ahn, who had been coughing, tilted and fell.

And he's not moving... at all?

"Damn it!"

Cheonyeong, who put down the teacup, hurriedly examined Carpenter Ahn's body.

A faint breath.

And... a high fever?

His body was like a ball of fire.

With a body like this... he was at home?

Without going to a doctor right away?

The surprised Cheonyeong put Carpenter Ahn on his back.

Is there any other way?

They say that even a cold wind is dangerous for the elderly.

If the illness is deep and has been going on for a long time... he doesn't know what will happen if he's left like this.

"Damn it, I drank the tea for no reason..."

The price of tea is ridiculously expensive.

Cheonyeong, who was carrying Carpenter Ahn, rushed out.

"Huh?"

The children, who were hiding and watching, were surprised and approached him because he came out earlier than expected and was even carrying Carpenter Ahn.

"Hey guys!"

"...Yes?"

"Where is the clinic!"

"Over there... at the end of the alley..."

Cheonyeong, who confirmed the direction the children's fingers were pointing, ran off.

"Later! Come find me at Tang Family! I'll settle the fee then!"

At the sight of Cheonyeong, who shouted that and disappeared like an arrow, the children blinked blankly.

"But where is... Tang Family?"

"I don't know. Was there a place like that in Ganyang?"

"It's the first time I've heard of it."

The children just tilted their heads.

Because it was a name they had never heard of while living in Ganyang...

But he said he'd give them money.

They have to find it somehow.

The children immediately began to ask around about Tang Family.

That's how creditors are.

* * *

How much time had passed?

When the doctor's hand had pulled out all the needles that had been stuck in for a long time.

"Ugh."

Carpenter Ahn woke up with a faint groan, and the doctor wiped the sweat from his forehead with a sigh of relief.

"Tsk tsk, you foolish person... I warned you not to neglect even a minor illness. How did you get into this state."

Perhaps because they had a close relationship, the doctor clicked his tongue as he looked at the awakened Carpenter Ahn.

"Will he be okay now?"

"He seems to have passed the crisis. It's because his energy was damaged by the long illness. There shouldn't be any particular problem. Thanks to that, this friend seems to have saved his life."

"You've worked hard."

"What do you mean, worked hard? It's all for money."

The doctor let out a small laugh and stood up from his seat.

As the doctor said, the money... was quite a lot.

Because he was in a hurry.

But still, five silver coins.

They seem to know each other, so couldn't he have done it for free?

"Then I'll go get the medicine I've brewed. Please watch him for a moment."

"Yes?"

"You can't leave a patient alone."

"..."

Since he had paid the money, he was going to leave as soon as he woke up.

Damn it, he's charging a high price and even making me work.

He's a damn doctor.

"...Who?"

Just as Cheonyeong was glaring at the doctor who had gone out, Carpenter Ahn, who had barely come to his senses, asked.

"The person who was served tea by the old man."

"Tea... ah!"

Carpenter Ahn, who exclaimed at Cheonyeong's words, opened his eyes and looked around.

"Where is this?"

"It's a pharmacy. The doctor seems to know you."

"...It seems to be Doctor Jang's pharmacy."

"Yes."

"You, no... my benefactor, did you move me here?"

"You suddenly collapsed."

"I'm grateful. I don't know how to repay this kindness."

"...The tea tasted good."

At Cheonyeong's smile, Carpenter Ahn smiled wryly.

"The tea tasted good."

"Yes."

Just as Cheonyeong was helping Carpenter Ahn up, Doctor Jang came in with a bowl of medicine.

"You're awake."

"...Ugh."

"Tsk, why didn't you just die? Then you wouldn't have to suffer from those damn guys from Yin Hand Chamber anymore..."

"..."

At Doctor Jang's words, a look of complexity appeared on Carpenter Ahn's face.

"You seem to have a deep connection with that place called Yin Hand Chamber."

"It's nothing. It's not something my benefactor should worry about."

At Cheonyeong's question, Carpenter Ahn shook his head.

"What do you mean, it's nothing! You lost everything you had because of those damn bastards! Who's to blame for you living like this!"

As Doctor Jang shouted, Carpenter Ahn's face contorted even more.

I'm curious.

What kind of ill-fated relationship is there...

"May I ask?"

"That's..."

As Carpenter Ahn couldn't easily open his mouth, Doctor Jang, who was next to him, spoke on his behalf as if he was about to burst with anger.

"Damn it! You just drink your medicine. I'll tell him instead."

"...?"

"Those damn bastards!"

Doctor Jang spoke with intense emotion, as if it were his own story.

A long, long story.

The conspiracy, the trickery... that had taken away everything Carpenter Ahn, who had lived his whole life as a carpenter, had achieved in one fell swoop.

He's good at talking for a doctor.

Isn't it quite fun to listen to?

This is why kids pester their grandfathers to tell them old stories.

He was listening intently.

"...That Yin Hand Chamber Leader, Lee Ilpyeong, that guy."

"...!"

In an instant, Cheonyeong's ears perked up, and his eyes widened.

His clenched fist was full of strength, and the internal energy in his body churned and boiled up at once.

"That guy... huh? Why are you... sir?"

Doctor Jang, who was excited about his story, looked at Cheonyeong and asked.

And his tone suddenly became formal.

It had to be...

Because a chillingly cold killing intent was flowing thickly from Cheonyeong's body, which was emitting a blue light, and filling the room.

And he asks Doctor Jang with eyes that seem to be possessed by a ghost.

"The Yin Hand Chamber Leader... who did you say he was?"

(End of Chapter)