"Did you say you wanted to know about Wi Yeon-ho?"
The gaze of Master Musan was deep and clear.
Only after meeting those profound eyes did the man understand why Musan was called a living Buddha.
There was a mysterious power in those clear eyes that made one reflect on themselves just by being looked at.
A great monk.
Even those with little reverence for Buddhism would feel deep respect upon witnessing Master Musan.
A level of spiritual cultivation where the heart naturally radiates outward.
Before that majestic presence, the man could only admire in silence.
"Wi Yeon-ho…"
As Musan quietly repeated the name, a distant, nostalgic look washed over his eyes.
"I believe he was someone the Buddha sent to save the world."
A faint smile touched Master Musan's lips.
That gentle smile, framed by his long white beard, immediately put the man at ease.
A person who could bring a smile to such an enlightened monk — it wasn't hard to imagine what kind of man he was.
And as expected, Master Musan began speaking words that matched the man's expectations.
"He was righteous, and also compassionate. He knew how to care for the weak, stood firm against the strong, and was more diligent than anyone…"
But then something strange happened.
Master Musan, who had been praising Wi Yeon-ho, suddenly trembled slightly.
His voice began to falter, as if the words were difficult to speak.
"And he… conducted himself… with…"
Master Musan's face twitched.
"Master?"
The man looked at him with concern.
Why was this unshakable figure — one who seemed unmoved even if the mountains fell or the sky collapsed — now struggling so visibly?
The calm aura that once surrounded him had completely vanished.
"Ahem! Hrrm! Amitabha…"
Master Musan cleared his throat and forced a smile.
"Forgive me. I'm not feeling well today."
"No, it's quite alright."
"Where was I? Ah, yes. No one can deny the achievements of Wi Yeon-ho. He saved the world. But the real reason people should revere him is because he was a noble man and a model for…"
He stopped talking.
His face looked slightly flushed.
His breathing became shallow, and his long beard trembled.
"…Master?"
The man called out in confusion.
Just moments ago, this monk embodied the image of a living Buddha. But now, he looked like an old drunk who had downed a few bottles in secret — trembling and red-faced.
Then, Musan muttered softly under his breath:
"…This is driving me crazy."
"Pardon?"
Musan let out a loud cough and waved his hand.
"Amitabha! Amitabha!"
"Umm…"
Musan took a deep breath several times, then sighed as if the earth were collapsing.
"Forgive me. I'm not well. Please… come back another time."
"…Yes, I will do that."
"Well then, I'll take my leave."
He stood up abruptly and walked away without looking back.
The man watched him leave in a daze.
What had just happened to that venerable monk?
The dignified master, once full of serene majesty, now hurried away with his back hunched, looking as though he'd seen a ghost.
And then, the man heard Musan mutter again under his breath:
"Damn it…"
The man's expression twisted.
Did that monk just curse?
'No, surely I misheard… surely.'
Wiping the sweat from his brow, the man watched the retreating figure of Master Musan — the former head monk of Shaolin, a living Buddha, and one of Wi Yeon-ho's old friends who had helped save the world.
---
"Welcome."
The man couldn't help but be awed.
This was Peng Doge!
The legendary swordsman once hailed as the Greatest Blade Under Heaven, whose name was known throughout the land!
A living legend whom every sword-wielder dreamed of seeing, even in their dreams.
And now this very man had come out to greet him at the gates of the Peng Family of Hebei!
Someone of the man's status had no right to expect such treatment. In fact, it wouldn't have been strange to be turned away at the door.
But instead, Peng Doge came out himself to welcome him.
He had heard Peng Doge was a great hero who treated everyone equally, regardless of rank or age — but this level of warmth was unexpected.
"Thank you for your kindness, Master Peng."
Peng Doge let out a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! No need for thanks just for greeting a guest."
"How could I not be grateful? The famed Peng Doge meeting with someone as insignificant as me…"
"I only have a name. In the end, we're all people. Why build walls between us?"
Such wise words.
The man nodded in deep agreement.
The tales of Peng Doge's integrity were not exaggerated.
This man was truly a great and honorable warrior.
"Shall we head inside?"
"I wouldn't dare ask for such luxury."
"If I leave you out here, the world will curse me."
"In that case, may I ask something before we go in?"
Peng Doge smiled.
"Of course. What do you wish to know?"
"I want to know about Wi Yeon-ho."
A gentle smile spread across Peng Doge's face.
"Wi Yeon-ho, you say?"
"Yes!"
BANG!
The gates slammed shut with a thunderous noise.
Rumble…
The impact was so powerful that dust flew everywhere and the roof tiles shook.
The man stared at the closed gate in disbelief.
Through the sealed gate, he could hear Peng Doge's voice:
"Someone there?"
"Yes, Patriarch!"
"Salt!"
"Pardon?"
"You didn't hear me? SALT! Bring a bucket — no, a whole sack of salt and pour it at the gate!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Damn it. I knew today was cursed. What kind of filthy bastard shows up this early in the morning? Great, that's three months of bad luck right there…"
The man's jaw dropped.
Was the Greatest Swordsman in the world… cursing?
"Get a nearby temple to perform an exorcism! No — wait! Not even Master Musan could handle this evil spirit, what could any other monks possibly do? Just dump all the salt we have on the gate!"
Wiping away cold sweat, the man stood outside as the furious voice of Peng Doge echoed.
That was the last time the man ever saw Peng Doge — the famous swordsman and Wi Yeon-ho's old friend.
---
"A historian?"
"Yes, that's right."
Gwanggu Singae, the Grand Elder of the Beggar's Sect, tilted his head.
"What's that?"
"Someone who records history."
"History?"
Gwanggu yawned and stared at the man.
"Why would a beggar care about history?"
"I want to learn about Wi Yeon-ho."
"Wi Yeon-ho?"
"Yes!"
"Glorious Martial Saint, Wi Yeon-ho?"
"That's him."
Gwanggu turned away indifferently.
"Who doesn't know about him?"
The man nodded.
"Everyone does."
"Exactly."
"Yes. Glorious Martial Saint Wi Yeon-ho! A legendary hero who ended the great chaos. A noble gentleman, a true hero — some call him the greatest of all time."
"You know a lot. So what's the question?"
The man's eyes lit up.
"In my research, I found something strange."
"Strange?"
"Everyone praises Wi Yeon-ho's achievements, but there's very little information on his actual life."
"Hmm…"
Gwanggu grinned mischievously.
"That is strange. He's the most famous person in the land, but we don't really know what he did. And he lived only a hundred years ago."
"Exactly."
"So you came to me, huh?"
"Yes! Because you were said to have roamed the world with him."
"And you came… looking like that?"
"..."
Indeed, the man looked as ragged as Gwanggu himself.
"I thought you were trying to join the Beggar's Sect."
The man blushed.
"I chased you for half a year because you're always on the move."
"I heard."
"But I had nowhere else to go. Master Musan was unwell, and Peng Doge turned me away."
"Haha! Those guys?"
Gwanggu burst into laughter.
"Tell me, what happened in the past?"
Gwanggu waved his hand.
"No need. You're better off not knowing."
"But I want to know."
"It's better this way."
"I've been chasing his story for five years! As a historian, I must pass down the truth to future generations!"
"Sometimes not telling history is better."
The man bowed deeply.
"Please. If you don't tell me, no one will."
"Isn't it all common knowledge?"
"No! My gut tells me there's more! You're my only hope!"
Moved by the man's passion, Gwanggu smiled.
But it was a mischievous smile.
"You really want the truth?"
"Yes!"
"Truly?"
"Yes!"
"Alright, I'll tell you… but don't thank me."
"Why?"
"Because ignorance is bliss."
"..."
Gwanggu spoke.
"Wi Yeon-ho… Everything said about him is true. Except for one thing."
"What part?"
He casually cleaned his ear and blew the wax away.
Then said flatly:
"His character. That guy was a complete scumbag."