Chapter 83
“Whew, Sir. I don’t think this is the place.”
“There is a hot spring, yes, but there are no fish.”
“So, another dead end.”
Evening was falling.
The group, who had only arrived in Haenam-do less than a day ago and already searched three mountains, all looked exhausted.
They were members of the Changryong Unit, dispatched by the Murim Alliance’s Patrol Division.
The Patrol Division monitored movements in the martial world and investigated incidents across the land.
Among its subunits, the Changryong Unit was the most elite combat force, and nearly 80% of its members came from the Namgung clan.
Naturally, the leader of the unit was Namgung Gyeong, the second son of the Namgung clan.
As a direct descendant of the Namgung line, he had a dignified and commanding presence, along with refined looks that made him popular with people of all ages.
Despite being the second son, his influence was so great that he became leader of the Changryong Unit at the young age of twenty-three.
Currently, they were busy all day verifying the truth behind the rumors spreading throughout Haenam-do.
“Brother! I’m telling you, the Mannyeonhwa-ri must be there! Let’s climb Yeomobong tomorrow!”
A young voice rang out—one that didn’t quite fit the atmosphere of the Changryong Unit.
While everyone else lay on the ground, covered in dirt and sweat, trying to rest, a boy with an unusually neat appearance and boundless energy approached Namgung Gyeong.
Namgung Gyeong looked down at the boy who looked exactly like him.
“Un, Yeomobong is within Haenampa‘s territory. I allowed you to accompany us to Haenam-do, but that’s as far as it goes. Don’t follow us tomorrow. Stay quietly at the inn.”
The boy pouted.
“I already discovered two hot springs! And I didn’t even complain about being tired! I’m not a burden—I’m helpful! I want to help find Mannyeonhwa-ri tomorrow too!”
“No. This isn’t a game.”
“But I’m also a part of the Namgung clan! I want to help you, Brother!”
Namgung Gyeong placed a troubled hand on his forehead and looked at the boy, who barely reached his waist.
He was Namgung Gyeong’s younger brother, the youngest son of the Namgung clan: Namgung Un.
Normally, he shouldn’t have brought his younger brother on a mission. But when Namgung Un heard about his trip to Haenam-do, he begged and begged to come along.
He had made a promise and, in the end, reluctantly agreed to take him.
‘We spoiled the youngest too much.’
He was adorable when he was little, but now that he was getting older, he was becoming uncontrollable.
He constantly tried to copy the adults, and Namgung Gyeong was worried he might cause a serious accident someday.
“Sir, the young master isn’t wrong. We’ve checked everywhere else, and Yeomobong is the only place left.”
One of the subordinates backed up Namgung Un’s argument. Namgung Gyeong pressed his lips together, deep in thought.
“I know. But… it’s a bit awkward for us to approach Haenampa directly…”
“Is it because of what happened early this morning?”
Namgung Gyeong nodded bitterly.
As soon as they arrived in Haenam-do, they disembarked from the ship to begin their search for Mannyeonhwa-ri.
But to their surprise, the harbor was crowded with Haenampa disciples.
They feared their intentions had been discovered and that Haenampa was trying to intercept them.
But it turned out one of Haenampa’s third-generation disciples had gone missing at sea.
They had asked for help searching, but…
‘We rushed off, afraid they’d realize we were here for Mannyeonhwa-ri.’
Normally, he would have accepted the request. As a member of the central martial family, the Namgung clan, he was expected to set an example.
But right now, he didn’t have the mental bandwidth to do so.
Still feeling guilty for ignoring them, he had sent some men back to the harbor. And they returned with surprising news:
“They found the missing third-generation disciple.”
“Apparently, the disciple was rescued at sea by none other than the Hwarang King’s group, who had just arrived at Haenam-do.”
“However… Haenampa made it very clear they won’t forget our refusal to help. What shall we do, Sir?”
Not only had someone else saved the disciple, but the Hwarang King was now on Haenam-do as well.
His earlier decision to ignore Haenampa had brought about the worst possible outcome.
“…I don’t know if they’ll let us onto Yeomobong now.”
Namgung Gyeong rubbed his aching forehead and sighed.
“But why do we need Haenampa’s permission just to climb a mountain?” Namgung Un asked, tilting his head.
“Well, because they’re stationed on Yeomobong…”
“Exactly. They’re just on the mountain; they don’t own it. I heard lots of travelers go up Yeomobong.”
“Well, that’s…”
“And why would Haenampa want to chase away the Namgung clan? They’re not looking to make enemies, right?”
“Un, we’re here on official business for the Alliance, not just the clan.”
“Whether we’re from the Namgung clan or the Alliance, Haenampa can’t just push us around.”
Namgung Gyeong was at a loss for words.
This was his youngest brother, pampered and adored by everyone in the family.
Always confident, always energetic—and sometimes, a little arrogant.
As his older brother, he knew he should scold him for his attitude, but…
‘He’s not wrong.’
What was done was done.
They had made a mistake, yes, but returning empty-handed wasn’t an option.
‘And we’re not the only ones after the Mannyeonhwa-ri.’
Namgung Gyeong narrowed his eyes and stared into the darkness of the forest, now completely hidden by nightfall.
“Brother, we’re going to Yeomobong, right?”
At his brother’s question, Namgung Gyeong finally tore his gaze away from the shadows and nodded.
“Yes, we have no choice. It’s too late today, so let’s head back down. Tomorrow, we go to Yeomobong!”
“Yes, Sir!”
Those who had been lying down in exhaustion snapped to attention and responded with vigor.
Namgung Un watched his commanding older brother with sparkling eyes.
Meanwhile, at the same time, halfway up Yeomobong—Haenampa
At Haenampa, Eun Sowol was staggering, rubbing her flushed, peach-pink cheeks.
Steam was rising from her small head.
“A hot spring halfway up a mountain? This is the best…”
PSSSSHHH!
She had been treated with the utmost hospitality: a hearty dinner, and now a soak in a small hot spring inside Haenampa, alongside the Dam sisters—Dam Suyeon and Dam Hwiyun.
Relaxed to the bone, she returned to the guest room prepared for her.
“Oh? Uncle!”
Inside were Dokgo Ryong and Dang Jinak, whom she hadn’t seen at dinner.
The two men were sitting on the wooden floor, drinking.
Whether from the heat or the alcohol, both had their robes disheveled, revealing their chests.
Eun Sowol hurried over and straightened Dokgo Ryong’s collar.
“You’ll catch a cold like that, Uncle.”
His cheeks were just as red as hers.
He quietly watched her fuss over his clothes, then—
Poke-poke
—with glazed eyes, he poked her cheek.
“So soft… like rice cake. Why are your cheeks extra squishy today?”
He’s drunk.
“I took a bath with the sisters. There’s a hot spring here!”
“A hot spring?”
“Yeah! You guys should try it… just not right now!”
As Dang Jinak jumped up, Sowol panicked and stopped him.
“You can’t go in drunk!”
“Oh? Is our little Sowol worrying about her uncles? How cute!”
Dang Jinak, even more drunk than Dokgo Ryong, stumbled back to the floor and started squishing her cheek.
Trying to escape the stench of alcohol, she pulled away—only to be suddenly pulled into someone’s arms from behind.
“Stop touching her.”
It was Dokgo Ryong. He sat her on his lap and glared at Dang Jinak.
“What? It’s not like she’s going to wear out.”
“She will. And she’ll get dirty. Not you.”
“Tch. That’s just your opinion. Sowol likes me best, right?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Why would she like you? She’d like me first.”
“Pfft. She totally doesn’t like you at all!”
They suddenly began arguing over who Sowol liked more.
Then, glaring at each other, they both turned to her.
“Hey, kiddo, who do you like best?”
“Obviously me, right, Sowol?”
Eun Sowol stared coldly at the two drunk men, completely out of their minds.
“…I don’t like either of you.”
Both men froze, shoulders slumping in shock.
Honestly… these dumb uncles.
