A Surprise Attack

The Emptiness Dhuta Sect party arrived near Gyejeong after a little less than a month and a half of travel. Having barely rested or eaten properly, everyone was exhausted.

“Let’s rest here for a day before we carry on.”

Hyeongjin looked over his worn-out juniors and pointed toward a shabby inn nearby. They could have gone straight on, as only one more ridge remained, but everyone looked far too battered to enter in such a state. For the Emptiness Dhuta Sect’s dignity, it would be better to tidy up first. No one objected—if anything, even Ju-un seemed relieved.

“Are you alright?”

Ju-un worriedly studied Yun-seon, who was sweating as if it were raining despite the cold. In truth, her reason for coming along was his health.

For nearly a month Yun-seon’s condition had worsened drastically. The Taiyi Divine Sect’s internal qi had prevented Fire Qi from spreading through his meridians but could not heal the organs already damaged. The True Qi that Uncle occasionally infused into him suppressed seizures and pain but was no cure—and lately, he hadn’t even had that, so the suffering had only worsened.

“The village is close—shall we cross the ridge now and find a physician?”

“It’s not that bad. I can endure it.”

Pain did not lessen simply because one grew used to it. But he couldn’t ask the group to move at his pace. Everyone was already tense, unsure of what dangers lay ahead—he didn’t want to burden them further.

“Alright.”

Knowing his stubbornness, Ju-un didn’t press him. Instead, she decided it would be best to fetch medicine for him herself.

“I have something to do, I’ll go on ahead.”

“Ju-un!”

Yun-seon realized her intention and tried to stop her, but her will was no weaker than his. Hyeongjin, knowing her character well, gave his consent.

“Sajeo, we’ll see you tomorrow at noon, in front of Dragon Gate Sect’s main gate.”

Ju-un gave Yun-seon a small nod, then left. He wished to go with her, but the pain was so intense he could barely take a step.

‘It seems my days are nearly at an end.’

Yun-seon sighed quietly to himself. His martial training made no progress; his body deteriorated daily. Uncle, who had promised revenge for him, was bound by the responsibilities of a martial alliance leader and could not help. Even with his usually positive nature, Yun-seon could find no hope.

When the disciples entered the inn, its interior was far shabbier than expected. Cobwebs draped everywhere, showing it hadn’t been cleaned in ages.

“Hey there!”

Do-pyeong called for the proprietor. After several shouts, an old man shuffled out from the kitchen.

“What sort of guests do we have here?”

Though his hair was white, his frame was surprisingly robust for his age. But he was irritable, and Hyeongjin found his manner oddly grating.

“Innkeeper, bring us some dumplings and noodles.”

Hyeongjin wanted to feed his tired juniors well, but as it was such a small inn, he ordered only the basics.

“No dumplings, only noodles. And even those aren’t ready—you’ll have to wait.”

The old man seemed unwilling to host them at all, his expression sour. Hyeongjin felt uneasy and no longer wanted to stay.

“Is there another inn nearby?”

“Do you think there would be?”

Hyeongjin glanced at his juniors and shrugged with a “what nonsense” look. He wanted to question the man’s behavior toward guests, but since the other was an elder, it wasn’t so simple.

“So, are you eating or not?”

“Ah, yes. Just bring it then.”

Though reluctant, Hyeongjin had no choice. The sun was already setting; leaving would mean sleeping outdoors.

The old man glanced at their reluctant faces, then shuffled into the kitchen. His hands were caked in grime, yet without washing he grabbed a fistful of vegetables.

“Hey! Shouldn’t you at least wash your hands?”

Unable to hold back, Do-pyeong shouted. He had been irritated since seeing the inn’s shabby exterior; only respect for his senior brother kept him in check until now. The old man’s filthy hygiene was the last straw.

“It’s all the same once it’s in your stomach.”

But the old man didn’t flinch, continuing his work, tossing random ingredients into the pot. It didn’t even look edible. The sight made the disciples’ anger flare.

“Eldest Sahyung, I’d rather sleep outside than eat here.”

“Same here. Stay longer and I might beat that old man to death.”

As complaints poured in, Hyeongjin was torn. He too wanted to leave, but they had already agreed to stay—it would be shameful to take it back.

“For Sahyung’s dignity, I’ll say it.”

Sensing Hyeongjin’s discomfort, Do-pyeong boldly strode up to the old man. The innkeeper, busy with the firewood, barely noticed him.

“Innkeeper, we’ll find another place. Stop cooking.”

“What?”

The old man lifted his head, glaring at Do-pyeong with undisguised annoyance.

“What nonsense—you think you can leave after I’ve already lit the fire and started cooking?”

Mindful of others watching, Do-pyeong lowered his head and whispered so only the old man could hear.

“Damn it, eat that garbage yourself.”

“Damn it, you rotten brats!”

The old man suddenly sprang up. Standing close, Do-pyeong had no time to dodge and his nose was smashed by the old man’s head.

“Argh!”

Do-pyeong reeled, vision spinning. Blood seeped thick between his fingers as he clutched his nose.

“Has this old bastard lost his mind? Do you know who we are?!”

Enraged by the nosebleed, Do-pyeong tore off his sword sheath, ready to strike. Old or not, he needed to be taught a lesson.

“Brother Kwak!”

Hyeongjin rushed in, blocking between them. Had he not, the old man would have been badly hurt.

“Ha! The world’s gone to ruin—kids beating up elders now.”

The old man suddenly sat down and bawled like a child. Hyeongjin was flustered, unsure what to do, just stamping his feet.

‘This is a disaster.’

Do-pyeong fumed—if not for his senior interfering, he would’ve killed the crafty old coot already.

“From the looks of you, noble-born brats perhaps—but you’ve no manners at all.”

A clear young voice rang from above. Light footsteps followed, and down came a thin girl, poorly dressed with a scarf on her head.

At first glance she looked like a boy, but as Yun-seon looked closer she seemed sixteen or so—a scrawny girl, likely the old man’s granddaughter. Her pale face and large eyes gave her a sickly air.

“Seol-a, I can manage alone. Go back inside.”

The old man waved her away, but the girl clearly had no intention of leaving.

“If you want to leave, pay both for the meal and a night’s lodging.”

“What?!”

Do-pyeong, furious, lunged again, but Hyeongjin blocked him, turning toward the girl.

“We’ll pay for the food we ordered, but not for lodging we haven’t taken.”

The girl slowly scanned each of their faces. All looked ready to kill her and the old man at the slightest chance. She bent forward and laughed mockingly.

“Will disciples of prestigious sects really kill a poor old man and girl? If you can’t pay, just stay here.”

“What did you say?!”

If not for Hyeongjin holding him back, Do-pyeong would’ve slapped her already. He panted with fury.

“Here’s the payment for the food.”

Ignoring her taunts, Hyeongjin placed coins on the old man’s ladle, motioned for his brothers to pack up, and bowed lightly. He wanted no more pointless quarrels.

“If you can’t pay enough, then leave something behind.”

The girl sneered, then came down the stairs and stood before Yun-seon.

“This one looks ready to die—leave him here.”

Yun-seon was bewildered. She could tell he looked sick—but why single him out?

“Brother, if you don’t get treatment tonight, you won’t live to see tomorrow’s sun.”

Unlike before, the girl now spoke softly, almost tenderly, her eyes full of pity.

“Are we done now?”

Hyeongjin’s patience snapped. He strode over, shoved twice the coins into her hand, then pulled Yun-seon away. Like the wind, he was out the door, the disciples following.

“What a pity—such a precious life thrown away.”

Watching them leave, the girl muttered with a bitter look.

“What the hell was up that crazy girl?”

Even after more than an hour, Do-pyeong fumed. He felt swindled, humiliated. His senior brother excelled in every way—except too soft. He still wanted to go back and thrash the two.

“Enough. Leave it. Just bad luck.”

Hyeongjin soothed Do-pyeong but also kept glancing at Yun-seon, who was breathing heavily. He couldn’t shake the girl’s last words—“He won’t live past tonight.” A country child knew nothing… but even he saw Yun-seon looked dire.

“Yun-seon, can you endure it? Once we cross this ridge, we’ll reach Gyejeong and find a physician.”

“Yes, Sahyung. I’m fine.”

Yun-seon wanted to collapse then and there, but he gritted his teeth—he wouldn’t burden his brothers. Maybe Ju-un would soon return with medicine. He just had to endure a little longer. Then,

Whiiiiistle!

A clear whistle split the mountain’s silence. Suddenly, dozens of black-clad figures in grotesque masks surrounded them.

“The Taiyi Divine Sect!”

The Emptiness Dhuta disciples panicked, forming a tight circle back-to-back. At night, the Taiyi Divine Sect’s masks looked more ghastly than ever.

기습 (奇襲), Surprise Attack:
To suddenly strike and attack the enemy.