Chapter 50
The Bodyguard of Wang Zhijing
Wang Zhijing’s mansion, reminiscent of a modest palace, sprawled across a vast area.
At the deepest part of the estate was Wang Zhijing’s residence, guarded by warriors who maintained an impenetrable defense.
It was a sight few would normally witness.
The warriors’ expressions were solemn, some even appearing grim.
News of the death of Heukbaekigeom had been delivered by Wang Zhijing, who had abandoned his schedule and returned.
At that moment, Wang Zhijing was drinking in his residence, trying to calm his racing heart.
A close aide poured him a drink and spoke gravely.
“Who on earth would do such a thing… In any case, it is a relief that you are safe, sir.”
“Have the guards been sent?”
“Yes. They will retrieve the body shortly.”
Wang Zhijing emptied his cup and clenched his teeth. His mind was consumed by the image of Ihwan charging at him.
‘Is there really a demon more vicious than that?’
The blood-red eyes of Ihwan had been the most terrifying sight of his life.
“It would be best to cancel all schedules until we can reinforce the security. If you permit, I will send someone to explain the situation and request understanding.”
“Do so.”
Clatter.
Thwack!
“Damn it! I thought that with Heukbaekigeom here, no one in the world could be a threat.”
“Even if it takes time, we must bring a master stronger than them. I will go to Sangchun Inn and give strict instructions.”
“Tell him to bring warriors stronger than Heukbaekigeom at any cost. Money will be no issue.”
“Yes, sir.”
As the aide was about to leave:
“Sir, someone has come from Sangchun Inn.”
“Bring them in!”
A short while later, the door opened to reveal the innkeeper of Sangchun Inn.
His face was stiff with tension; he had just learned of Heukbaekigeom’s death through the guards.
“What on earth happened? Heukbaekigeom is dead?!”
“They were as terrifying as demons. Heukbaekigeom and the guards were no match for them. If they had not fled from exhaustion, I too would have died on the spot.”
“How many assailants were there?”
“Two.”
“…Excuse me?”
The innkeeper’s eyes widened. He couldn’t believe his ears. Only two had killed Heukbaekigeom, and there were still other guards present!
“We must bring in stronger warriors. Money is no object; find them as quickly as possible.”
“Actually, that’s why I’m here. Extraordinary individuals have appeared. After testing them, it seems they are stronger than Heukbaekigeom, not weaker.”
A spark lit in Wang Zhijing’s eyes.
“Stronger masters have arrived?”
“Yes. They are waiting at the inn now.”
“Bring them immediately!”
At that moment, an aide interjected:
“We should be cautious. First, we need to verify their identities properly.”
“That’s true, but it seems they have already been approached elsewhere. They were offered 8,000 silver coins per month, but said they would go anywhere that offered 10,000.”
“Ten thousand a month?!”
The aide was shocked. Ten thousand a month was exactly double Heukbaekigeom’s pay.
“Where were they approached?” Wang Zhijing asked.
“The Crown Prince’s palace.”
“…!”
Even Wang Zhijing was taken aback.
The aide could hardly believe it. “Did they lie to inflate their price? Would they even bother looking elsewhere after being contacted by the Crown Prince’s palace?”
“It seems true. I asked them several questions out of suspicion, and they even knew the emblem carved on the main gate. Surely, that means they’ve been there.”
“Hmm.”
“They are certainly skilled, and the fact that the Crown Prince sought to recruit them proves their status.”
“That makes sense.”
Nowadays, highly skilled martial artists were recruited by the imperial family for massive sums. Though the value of martial artists had declined, exceptional masters were still well-compensated.
There was even a saying in circulation: Golden Martial Arts — a term people didn’t quite find amusing.
“Bring them in.”
“Understood.”
“Are you sure, sir?”
“No worries. Do you think the Crown Prince would recruit people recklessly?”
Meanwhile, Ihwan leisurely drank his tea.
Cheol Muok, wearing a slightly concerned expression, said,
“I wonder if dealing with the Crown Prince’s palace will complicate things.”
“One would not be called the Dark Emperor without courage. Wait and see.”
Ihwan glanced sideways. Two men in blue and black robes knelt on the floor with bowed heads.
Their faces were a mess, punished harshly by Cheol Muok for provoking him. Ihwan hadn’t intervened.
The bystanders had seen it clearly: Cheol Muok alone had beaten those two like dogs.
“Shall we send them off?” Ihwan asked, staring at the two quietly watching.
“Hey, you two.”
“Yes!”
“Tough?”
“It’s fine!”
“I said it’s fine.”
“….”
At that moment, the innkeeper entered. Ihwan calmly met his gaze.
“The master wishes to see you.”
“Did you state our conditions?”
“Yes. Ten thousand silver coins per month exactly.”
“And you didn’t leave out the ‘minimum’?”
“No… I relayed it as is.”
“Wait. Finish your tea first.”
Ihwan slowly finished his tea and stood.
“Off you go.”
The two fled the inn like mice with tails on fire.
As Ihwan descended to the lower floor, he asked softly,
“Is Lord Wang trustworthy?”
“Who else could you trust in the world? Rest assured. Once he makes a promise, he keeps it.”
“Are you certain?”
“Of course. In all our dealings, he has never broken a promise.”
“That’s a relief. By the way, I heard there were warriors like Heukbaekigeom there. If we enter, they should be beneath us.”
“Well… Heukbaekigeom died yesterday fighting assassins who targeted Lord Wang.”
Ihwan feigned surprise.
“Is that true?”
“Yes. I hardly believe it myself, but it is true.”
“So many are targeting Lord Wang. And to have killed Heukbaekigeom, they must be formidable. Shouldn’t we demand higher pay?”
Cheol Muok agreed.
“Of course. They deserve hazard pay.”
The innkeeper inwardly clicked his tongue. ‘Money-grubbers, the lot of them.’
At Wang Zhijing’s mansion, Ihwan could not hide his amazement.
‘Incredible. This is grander than most imperial estates.’
The innkeeper’s voice called:
“Please, enter.”
“Let’s go.”
Crossing the main gate, Ihwan entered. The space leading to the main residence was as vast as a training ground, with warriors practicing everywhere.
[Even among martial clans, this is remarkable.] Cheol Muok muttered.
Ihwan smiled faintly.
‘This is the kind of place to feel alive.’
Soon, Ihwan and Cheol Muok arrived at Wang Zhijing’s residence, deep within the mansion.
From hidden corners to corridors, warriors maintained an ironclad guard.
“Was it always this strict?”
“No. Yesterday’s incident left Lord Wang quite shaken.”
They stopped before an opulent door.
“No weapons allowed inside.”
Ihwan silently handed over his sword.
Clatter.
“Sir, the martial artists have arrived.”
“Let them in.”
Ihwan faced Wang Zhijing, seated in a chair lined with leopard fur.
The darkness under his eyes made him look decades older in a single day.
“Welcome.”
Wang Zhijing spoke with respect — the rumor of his deference to skilled masters was true.
‘Clearly, he’s genuinely scared,’ Ihwan thought, smirking.
“Please sit.”
Ihwan and Cheol Muok took seats opposite Wang Zhijing.
“Wang Zhijing.”
“I will not reveal my name, but by my martial title, I am Shingeom, and this is my younger brother, Hyeolgeom.”
“Show proper respect! Even in front of him…”
“Step back.”
Wang Zhijing’s aide fell silent.
“Apparently, you received a recruitment offer from the Crown Prince’s palace. Is that true?”
“Yes.”
“Then why visit Sangchun Inn?”
“The pay was meager, and above all, I dislike working at the imperial palace. There, all you do is grovel all day.”
Wang Zhijing nodded. He understood the pride of martial artists, who he employed in large numbers.
“Good! Let’s discuss terms. What do you require?”
“Ten thousand silver coins per month each, plus two thousand hazard pay, free accommodation and meals, including alcohol. These are our conditions.”
The aide glared at the innkeeper.
“Is that correct?”
“Well…”
Ihwan interjected:
“I heard Heukbaekigeom is dead. Masters capable of killing him deserve hazard pay, correct?”
The aide attempted to speak, but Wang Zhijing asked,
“Are you stronger than Heukbaekigeom?”
“Of course. Otherwise, why risk coming here knowing they are dead?”
Ihwan gestured to Cheol Muok.
Thwack!
Amazingly, smoke rose from where Cheol Muok’s palm touched the table, burning a perfect hand-shaped hole.
“Ho!”
The aide and innkeeper gasped. Wang Zhijing looked satisfied.
“Excellent! I will pay ten thousand silver coins and raise hazard pay to three thousand! Minimum contract is one year, renewable annually.”
“One year?” Ihwan tilted his head.
Cheol Muok added,
“I thought six months, brother?”
The innkeeper, anticipating a hefty commission, interjected:
“Most places contract yearly.”
“The Crown Prince’s palace offered six months.”
“…I see.”
Ihwan continued,
“Agreed. Yearly contracts. But if Lord Wang is unharmed by year-end, provide a bonus. If he is injured, no payment.”
“Hahaha!”
Wang Zhijing burst into laughter.
“Fine! Protect me well, and the bonus will be generous enough to amaze everyone! Prepare the documents!”
“Yes, sir.”
He laughed repeatedly.
Ihwan didn’t stop there.
“Your food and drink are excellent. Will it be free whenever we visit?”
“How many times a month…?”
“Five times.”
“…Understood. Specially for you two.”
“Hahaha!” Wang Zhijing laughed again.
Yet, the grief and fear over Heukbaekigeom’s death were nowhere to be seen.
Cheol Muok inwardly smiled.
‘He’s rejoicing without realizing he’s summoned the Grim Reaper.’
