Chapter 5
In front of the main gate of Saheon Pavilion.
Jang Sam was pacing nervously in front of the gate.
“First the young master, and now even the pavilion lord has been summoned to the family manor… What on earth is happening?”
A sigh escaped his lips.
It had already been a shock that the gentle young master had resorted to using his fists, but to be dragged to the family manor as well? And to make matters worse, the reckless brat who went with him had long returned from the manor, but Dokgo Myung still hadn’t come back.
“Why is the young master still not here?”
Just as Jang Sam was sighing deeply, he saw someone approaching from a distance.
“Young master!”
Jang Sam tossed aside the broom he had been holding and hurriedly ran over.
“Why are you so late?”
“What are you doing outside? Shouldn’t you be waiting inside?”
“How could I just sit inside in a time like this?”
Seeing the worried expression on Jang Sam’s face, Dokgo Myung smiled warmly.
‘Come to think of it, Jang hyung has always been like this.’
Jang Sam looked just the same as Dokgo Myung remembered him: a simple man with a face full of warmth, someone who could never stay still due to his anxious nature.
Dokgo Myung glanced at the spotless ground around him.
‘As always, this man is exactly the same as before.’
The area near the main gate of Saheon Pavilion was spotless, with not a speck of dust to be seen. It was clear that Jang Sam had spent his time sweeping non-stop, unable to sit still due to worry.
Knowing how kind and concerned Jang Sam was, today’s events must have been quite a shock for him.
“It feels nostalgic, seeing you like this.”
Dokgo Myung smiled at him with a fond expression. But then—
“Nostalgic? Young master, have you lost your mind or something?”
“….”
This man just ruined the emotional reunion.
Jang Sam sighed heavily.
“Haa, what on earth were you thinking?”
“What do you mean?”
“What did you say to the family head? It was shocking enough that you beat up the young master Ak, but a duel? What’s that all about?”
Dokgo Myung widened his eyes.
“Wait, how do you already know about that?”
It had only been about an hour since he left the family manor. How could Jang Sam already know about the duel?
“The whole household is talking about it.”
“Talking? What exactly?”
“The servants from Baegok Pavilion have been spreading the news everywhere! About what happened today and about the duel with young master Ak!”
“Baegok Pavilion?”
Dokgo Myung’s eyes twitched slightly.
Baegok Pavilion was where that brat’s father served as a pavilion lord, wasn’t it?
“Hmm… so that’s how it is?”
Dokgo Myung let out a small scoff.
‘As expected of that petty man. Already up to his tricks, huh?’
Since Dokgo Ak had left before him, it seemed they had already spread the rumors in the meantime.
Why would they spread news of the duel?
It was obvious. His son had been humiliated by an infamous fool, so they wanted to blow things up and restore his reputation.
“Why are you just smiling like that? And what is this duel about anyway?”
“It just happened.”
“It just happened? Ugh.”
Jang Sam stamped his feet in frustration.
“Young master Dokgo Ak is already known as a prodigy who has mastered the Gale Sword Technique. There are even rumors that he’s been permitted to practice higher martial arts starting this month. If you’re not careful, you could get seriously hurt!”
The Gale Sword Technique was one of the basic sword techniques of the Dokgo family.
Although it was considered basic, its principles were vast and profound, so much so that few could fully master it, even by the time they reached their twenties.
“But he’s still the same guy who got beaten up by me today.”
“That was because you caught him off guard after his training, when he was exhausted. If you fight him properly, you’ll lose every single time!”
“Am I really that bad?”
“Do you really think otherwise?”
Jang Sam looked at Dokgo Myung with a pitying expression.
“…”
“…”
Then, with a serious face, he continued.
“Anyway, young master, you don’t seem to understand just how big of a problem this is!”
Although Jang Sam didn’t say it out loud, he could already imagine what might happen after the duel.
Dokgo Myung was already halfway ostracized by the family. Even though he was still treated with some respect as a direct descendant, if he were to lose miserably in this official duel, he might lose his standing completely.
“Don’t think I’m unaware.”
“Excuse me?”
“I said, I know very well.”
At that moment, Dokgo Myung’s demeanor changed.
Jang Sam’s eyes widened in surprise.
‘Of course I know.’
Dokgo Myung scoffed inwardly.
‘And if I lose, I know exactly how this damned family will react.’
How ridiculous that the great Dokgo Hyun had to put up with such nonsense over a duel with some brat.
‘Yes, I know exactly what’s at stake.’
Dokgo Myung quietly looked down at his own hands.
They were not covered with scars or calluses; instead, they looked soft, almost delicate.
‘How could these hands belong to a martial artist?’
He fidgeted with his fingers before letting out a deep sigh.
‘But this could work out in my favor.’
The fact that he had no real training only meant there was more room to improve.
And if everyone thought the fight was a foregone conclusion, wouldn’t the shock be even greater when he won?
“What on earth are you thinking? Even if you go through with this duel, young master Dokgo Ak will surely be out to get you. I can’t bear to see you get hurt…”
Jang Sam’s voice trailed off as he grabbed Dokgo Myung’s sleeve, his eyes filled with concern.
“Just trust me this once. It will be different from now on.”
Dokgo Myung gently removed Jang Sam’s hand and spoke softly, causing Jang Sam to pause.
“Do you really have a plan?”
“Of course. Now show me the way. I need to prepare.”
“Prepare? Prepare for what?”
“I need to get ready to win, don’t I?”
“To win? Are you planning to train in martial arts?”
“Exactly.”
Jang Sam’s expression became complicated.
“Do you really think a month of training will close the gap?”
“A month?”
“Pardon?”
“Closing the gap in a month would be a waste of time.”
Dokgo Myung’s eyes gleamed.
If he was going to face off against Dokgo Ak, he wasn’t just aiming for a regular win.
He had to do this right.
Not as Dokgo Myung—but as Dokgo Hyun.
***
Just as Jang Sam said, the news of the duel between Dokgo Myung and Dokgo Ak spread quickly.
Naturally, the rumors reached the Martial Studies Hall, where the young disciples of the Dokgo family were trained.
“Ah, now that you mention it, deputy lord, have you heard about what happened at the family manor today?”
As a meeting was coming to an end in the deputy lord’s office, one of the instructors spoke in a casual tone.
“The family manor? Has something happened already?”
At the Martial Arts Division
Director of the Martial Arts Division, Samjeolgeom Na Cheonyang, shifted his gaze toward the instructor speaking.
“I heard that this morning, Young Master Dokgo Myung got into a big fight with Young Master Dokgo Ak.”
Na Cheonyang’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Those two? Explain in detail.”
The instructor cleared his throat before briefly explaining what had happened earlier that day.
“Huh… is that really true?”
“Yes, the rumor is already spreading all over the clan.”
Having heard the full story between the two young masters, Na Cheonyang let out a wry chuckle.
‘That Young Master Dokgo Myung not only fought… but now a duel as well.’
Na Cheonyang raised his teacup, thinking of Dokgo Myung.
He was once one of the many martial instructors who had passed through Dokgo Myung’s life.
Therefore, he knew better than anyone how utterly untalented Dokgo Myung was in martial arts, not to mention his timid personality.
“As for Young Master Dokgo Ak… well, everyone knows his reputation. Even a worm will turn if it’s stepped on. I suppose Young Master Myung must have snapped after holding back for so long.”
One of the instructors snickered cynically as he spoke.
“Young Master Myung was too hasty. Proposing a duel he can’t possibly win.”
“He’s known as the dullest blade under heaven. What would he know?”
“I never thought he’d be so thoughtless.”
Na Cheonyang clicked his tongue in disapproval.
Since the duel had already been brought up in front of the clan leader, this wasn’t just a simple matter between two direct descendants anymore.
Dokgo Myung’s father, Dokgo Wi-Hak, was bound to find himself in a difficult position.
After all, the matters of a child always reflect back on their parents, do they not?
With the clan’s eyes now fixated on this situation, Dokgo Myung had essentially dug his own grave, dragging his father’s dignity down with him.
“But… I can’t help but feel a little bitter about it.”
Just then, one of the usually quiet instructors muttered under his breath.
“What’s so bitter about it?”
“Isn’t it pitiful? A single rash mistake at a young age, and now he’s facing a major setback.”
“Pitiful, huh…?”
Na Cheonyang let out a low chuckle.
“The main family has never been a place for pity.”
A moment of silence fell.
Na Cheonyang placed his now empty teacup down.
“Enough idle chatter. It’s about time for classes to begin, so let’s all get going.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Yes, sir.”
The instructors all stood up and bowed deeply to Na Cheonyang.
Na Cheonyang smiled, seemingly satisfied by their respectful demeanor, and began to make his way toward the door.
As he opened the door to his office—
“Hm?”
—someone was standing right outside.
Na Cheonyang slowly lowered his gaze, while the person outside, in contrast, tilted their head up and gave a wide grin.
“…!”
Na Cheonyang’s breath caught in his throat.
“What an amusing conversation you all were having.”
The person standing at the door was none other than Dokgo Myung.
“We greet Young Master Dokgo Myung!”
“Young Master, it’s an honor!”
Na Cheonyang and the instructors hurriedly bowed their heads in respect.
‘Why is Young Master Myung here?’
He hadn’t shown up at the Martial Arts Division in years, so why would he suddenly appear now?
“Well, well, you all seem to be in good spirits today.”
Dokgo Myung grinned and gave a casual nod of acknowledgment before walking straight into the office without another word.
The instructors cast cautious glances at one another, unsure of how to react.
Screeek!
The sound of a chair being dragged across the floor was rather loud.
Dokgo Myung sat down in the seat of honor, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“What are you all doing?”
“Pardon?”
“Why are you all just standing there? Sit down. Take a seat.”
“Ah, y-yes, of course, Young Master…”
The instructors, after exchanging hesitant looks, slowly began to take their seats one by one.
“What was it you were all talking about so eagerly this morning?”
“Hehe, well, we often hold meetings here at the Martial Arts Division.”
“Is that so? I could’ve sworn I heard you all having a good laugh, maybe about some unlucky fool from the direct line?”
“…”
The instructors fell into silence.
A faint smile crept across Dokgo Myung’s lips.
Yet that smile didn’t look like a smile.
‘Did he hear us?’
Na Cheonyang scrutinized Dokgo Myung closely.
His expression was unreadable. His eyes, with their clear whites and sharp irises, were simply scanning the room.
‘…Something is different about him today. But if he had heard what we said, he wouldn’t be reacting this calmly, would he?’
After all, if he had overheard them, given Dokgo Myung’s usual nature, he would have just pretended he hadn’t.
Feeling reassured by this reasoning, Na Cheonyang regained his composure and smiled with confidence.
“Of course not. Isn’t that right, everyone?”
“Yes, Young Master. How could we ever dare…”
At that moment.
Dokgo Myung’s eyes darkened.
“You’re both clueless and fearless, aren’t you?”
His voice was low.
But it was more than loud enough for Na Cheonyang and the other instructors to hear.
Thud!
Dokgo Myung leaned back into his chair, scanning Na Cheonyang and the others.
“I’ll let it slide this time.”
At those words, Na Cheonyang’s expression faltered.
‘So, he did hear us.’
If so, how much had he heard?
But before that…
‘Is this really Young Master Dokgo Myung?’
He was acting entirely unlike the Dokgo Myung Na Cheonyang remembered.
The Dokgo Myung he knew was always a boy who grinned foolishly and stared blankly at the sky — not someone who would confront people head-on like this.
“Well, since I’m the one with a request today, I’ll let this slide. Truth be told, this situation is more Myung’s fault than anyone else’s.”
“…?”
“But enough beating around the bush. Let’s get straight to the point.”
Dokgo Myung glanced around at the gathered instructors.
“Let’s spar. Each of you, one at a time.”
………What?
Wasn’t that a bit too much of a shortcut to get to the point?
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