NOVEL NEXT It’s time to end the banquet now.
Naturally, the first ones I had to check on were the family from my maternal side.
“It’s time to part ways with Yu-ya…”
“Older Brother…”
Yu-gyeong, now withering like a nearly dead plant at the thought of separating from Hyeok Gi-rin.
“Your Majesty, marriage is another form of growth, is it not? Please congratulate the princess on her growth.”
“Lady Son…”
As the wedding ceremony proceeded, my mother-in-law comforted Yu-gyeong, who had grown accustomed to her clumsy behavior.
“Sniff sniff!”
Due to Yu-gyeong starting to cry tears like chicken droppings, I had no choice but to leave my mother-in-law and Hyeok Gi-rin with her and step away.
Well, I figured Hyeok Gi-rin would inform her that I was retiring.
Afterward, I met Master Cheongheo, Dokgo Yeongcheon, and Moyong Chang-cheon.
The three of them were quite surprised to hear the news of my retirement, but Cheongheo and Moyong Chang-cheon, who had been lost in thought, nodded in understanding.
“You’ve made a bold decision, I see… understood.”
“Infinite Life Buddha. The Jeomchang Faction will respect your wishes.”
As expected, Master Cheongheo and Moyong Chang-cheon quickly expressed their agreement. But what would Dokgo Yeongcheon’s reaction be?
He stared at me intensely before letting out a long sigh.
“Was even Dogwi part of your scheme?”
“Huh?”
“You lay everything out so obviously and still pretend it’s not your game? I’m tired of your tricks. From now on, I won’t be involved in whatever you have planned in that chest of yours. I want nothing from I-seol or you, so just leave me be.”
What is he on about? Why is Dogwi even mentioned here?
I looked at the perplexing words from Dokgo Yeongcheon with confusion, but all I got back was a look filled with disdain.
There was doubt about Dokgo Yeongcheon’s reaction, but anyway, his intention to withdraw from I-seol meant he wouldn’t oppose our opinions.
Let’s just pass over it with good graces.
Having checked on my maternal family, I moved to greet the guests one last time before the banquet concluded.
The first person to greet was Rano Sara, who had traveled the longest distance. Alongside Rye-ah and Seo Gong, there were still young men desperately waiting for a chance to speak with Sara.
In just a few years, she would truly be causing tears for many with her beauty.
“Magician! I really enjoyed the duel! To be good at magic, do you think I should learn gambling too?”
“Sister, maybe not…”
I begged her not to say that. Promising Yu-ya and the Black Cat that she would visit again when she reached the pinnacle of greatness as a transcendent, Sara was brightening the mood.
“Oh oh!”
As I watched the young men eavesdrop on that remark with excitement, I couldn’t help but shake my head. I had proclaimed my retirement, but they didn’t seem too surprised. It was like they had felt I should’ve done this long ago.
“You should live happily with your sisters!”
“I’ll come visit sometimes!”
After returning their cheerful reactions with a smile, I headed toward Sabok Seol and Moyong Mo.
“You little brat, I’ll acknowledge your gambling skills.”
“Ah, it was truly a close call! Older Brother!”
I still didn’t understand why they had clicked so well, but I figured Sabok Seol’s silence during my wedding must have been largely due to Moyong Mo. I thought Moyong Mo might have held him back for my ceremony, but I quickly shook my head.
Moyong Mo couldn’t be that perceptive.
So, his restraining of Sabok Seol’s antics must have been mere coincidence, but gratitude remained for that.
When I delivered the news of my retirement, Sabok Seol frowned like he had lost the taste for wine.
“What a boring guy you are. With that level of skill at your age, you should be out achieving greatness instead of retiring.”
“Haha! Older Brother! Please don’t be like that. My oath brother won’t abandon martial arts even if he retires from the martial world! Right?”
“Hmph. Is that a sort of retirement? Still, that method isn’t quite to my taste. Traditionally, martial arts arise from the sparks that fly when Dao and Dao collide!”
“Sounds like words from a bygone era. Is that your personal experience?”
“Yes! In my youth…”
At an age still recognized as a key figure in the martial world, Sabok Seol was throwing a ’back in my day’ fit, and Moyong Mo was entertaining him well.
After acknowledging Moyong Mo, who was functioning as a restraining force for Sabok Seol, I made my way to the next group: the youthful rascals Wi Seoryeon and Tang Do-gyeong, who were snickering together.
“Looks like the loser has shown up.”
Tang Do-gyeong’s complexion seemed happier than usual, possibly because he was quite pleased that I lost in gambling. Did his disciple’s defeat bring him such joy? Seeing him so genuinely amused made me want to give him a smack on the head.
“Hehe, my lady already knew Dogwi would win. It was obvious since I helped them!”
I was snapping my fingers mindlessly when Wi Seoryeon brought me back to reality. Wi Seoryeon helped Dogwi? What kind of turmoil did Dogwi go through to challenge me?
“Well, please share the story.”
Wi Seoryeon excitedly began to explain about his experience with Dogwi. Apparently, pressured by rumors, he approached Dokgo Yeongcheon looking for me, and Dogwi, in modeling myself, decided to stay in Yunnan while cleaning out Dokgo Yeongcheon’s pockets and sharpening his gambling skills.
“Tsk.”
Only now did I understand why Dokgo Yeongcheon was so apprehensive. He had previous experience of getting slapped hard for being greedy with me, so it seems he assumed all of this chaos was part of my master plan.
Oh well, I’m sure I’ll get a chance to clear up any misunderstanding later.
Since the Ho Cheon Mountain Villa and Dark Dragon Sect were somewhat close, a master like me wouldn’t take long to get between them if I focused on it.
I conveyed my retirement to the two of them.
“Ah, so you’ve decided to buckle down and hone your gambling skills after taking a defeat?”
“Yeah, now it’s time to stop causing trouble and sit tight.”
Completely unconcerned with any common sense about the central plains, these two lived freely, even finding pleasure in my so-called retirement news. For them, it meant little difference whether I was part of the martial world or not.
If that’s all they had to say, they could hurry up and leave.
“Ho Cheon-an! My ‘buddy’! Come have a drink!”
Shortly after that, an intoxicated Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang grabbed me. I was pulled into the gathering of the Sacheon Outcasts, and the first thing to catch my eye was a familiar tail.
Squeak!
How they acquired it remains a mystery, but Seo I-ryeong appeared content holding Seo Gong close, while Jo Yong-sang stuck to her like glue. Finally, two intoxicated buddies were boozy to the last drop, while Yu Sa-yeon playfully tugged on their ears.
I shared my retirement news with them.
“Hee-hee! To give it all up and retire!”
“The world is unfair!”
No Sachaon Outcasts seemed particularly surprised.
The Sacheon Outcasts had originally sought fame and riches by getting embroiled in infamy. Even if their treatment changed now, their core disposition wouldn’t have disappeared.
Since my actions had opened up many choices for them, they likely thought that if they had acquired sufficient wealth and skills, it would make sense to retire and leave behind fame.
“You’re the most renowned hero in the world; it’s unfortunate you’re stepping back.”
“If you wanted to build a martial clan, I would’ve liked to be accepted as a member, even as a foster child…”
Only Jo Yong-sang and Seo I-ryeong, who still hadn’t fully embraced the mindset of the Sacheon Outcasts, expressed their disappointment.
Upon hearing I would retire, Yu Sa-yeon chuckled softly.
“It’s been a while since I left the Sacheon Outcasts, and yet, your actions are still reminiscent of them.”
“Eh… is that so?”
Lacking any retort to Yu Sa-yeon’s remark, I merely scratched the back of my head.
“Live happily with that Black Cat and the others. It’s not far, so come visit later.”
“Right! I’ll send an invitation soon, so you must come!”
“I’ll be first!”
“Ignore these fools. They were yapping about freedom and how marriage is a grave, yet all of a sudden, they’re talking about getting hitched.”
“What?! Customer! Just because you’re single doesn’t mean others can’t marry… Ugh!”
Watching Jeong Sam and Yeo Jin-sang get torn apart by an infuriated Yu Sa-yeon was a sight to behold, and I took my leave.
Next, I encountered Samayeom and the trainees.
“Oh, welcome, Instructor.”
“I heard you have quite the knowledge of gambling, but it’s beyond my imagination.”
It seemed Jo Ga-ju had felt some things as he observed the martial artists, while Gwang Jae-ryeon had taken the initiative to provide weapons to various martial sects. The sums might seem small, but supplying weapons to famous sects naturally raised one’s name.
Jae Sang-hae seemed to detour to Sacheon to evade jealousy from the central region.
I delivered my retirement news to them as well.
“Do you have any intentions for a government position? If you’ve retired from the martial world…”
“Don’t even mention it.”
I responded sternly to Jae Sang-hae’s suggestion. Join Yu-gyeong? I’d rather die.
The trainees, who believed I didn’t want to engage in government matters, laughed as they thought it was just a joke, but those who were aware of my relationship with Yu-gyeong, Hyeok Gi-rin, and Samayeom wore bitter expressions.
“You made a wise choice. It’s better to avoid storms than to battle against them. Getting rained on leaves nothing behind.”
Wishing Hyeok Gi-rin happiness, Samayeom’s positive assessment of my retirement eased my mind.
Next, I headed toward Dogwi’s side.
To be more precise, I moved toward Tang Do-gyeong, Dokgo I-seol, and the couple Seo Mun-yeon, who were chatting.
“In the middle of a poker game, when you count two pairs to get 16…”
“That would be…”
As I approached, I found them in a heated discussion about gambling, centered around Dogwi. Tang Do-gyeong, Dokgo I-seol, and a few other guests wowed by my duel were attentively listening to Dogwi’s insights.
Strangely, the one most actively engaging with Dogwi was Jegal Seong-chan. It’s hard to describe how peculiar it felt to see a scholarly figure gleaming with excitement discussing gambling.
I caught the smile on Seo Mun-yeon’s face as she read my expression.
“Understand this; it seems Dogwi’s interference with luck piqued his interest.”
Can those who attain mastery in formations really perceive such things?
Either way, regardless of what the unknown plans might be, I must overcome this task in order to master the arrays. Now, I might be able to analyze my own ‘luck’ eventually.
That sounded like an interesting story.
“Seo Mun-yeon, do you lack interest?”
“Your maneuvers with the dice and your various pulls of luck were quite impressive, but it’s not something I’m particularly interested in.”
Is there a disparity even among those mastering formations? Seo Mun-yeon gazed at me with a calm yet steady look, contrasting with the fervor of Jegal Seong-chan as he soaked in Dogwi’s analysis. It was fair to say they were opposites, and yet they had reunited.
Perhaps such couples exist in this world.
“Ho Cheon-an Great Hero, why did you make that move back then?”
“That is…”
While I pondered those thoughts, the questions began to fly my way. After exasperatingly adding a few words to the conversation, I felt like I could easily get caught up in the confusion.
Before wrapping up the banquet, I wanted to greet some acquaintances separately and announce my retirement, but the vibe just didn’t seem to cool down.
Looking around, I spotted my wives with Tang Do-yeon, so I walked over to them.
“Have you greeted your acquaintances?”
“Is that you, senior?”
“You’ve arrived?”
As always, Tang Do-yeon welcomed me with a smile like the wind.
“Now that the ceremony has concluded, it feels surreal that a great hero like you just married.”
I empathized with Tang Do-yeon’s feelings; my own memories of traversing the world in the Bicheongmacha were still vivid. Those moments spent madly galloping through the realm, if only I could delete the memories that drove me crazy, the memories of riding the Bicheongmacha were heartwarming.
“I’m thinking of retiring from the martial world.”
Tang Do-yeon showed no surprise at my announcement. She simply gazed at me with earnest eyes before asking.
“What led to such a decision?”
“Because I had a small realization during the match with Dogwi.”
It was a true gambling match. Long-forgotten feelings, buried deep, were finally unearthed. Through my gambling bout with Dogwi, I had recognized that very feeling and accepted it.
And it resulted in my loss.
Honestly, I was filled with regrets over the gambling match with Dogwi.
Had I known he would challenge me, I could have improved my skills beforehand. Had I made that move when I was falling behind, I could have turned things around. Had I not made those blunders when I pressed, I wouldn’t have lost the flow.
If I hadn’t let go of gambling, perhaps luck would have smiled upon me when the dice rolled.
Those regrets still lingered in my mind even now. Yet, I felt relieved and could accept my loss with a smile.
Why was that?
The emotions that had been suppressed in my heart from the moment I focused on gambling until now had been bygone grudges, but why could I discard them so effortlessly?
Facing my wives and sharing laughter right after my defeat, I finally understood the answer.
Resolving the feelings piled up in my heart didn’t compare to the importance of this very moment.
My wives. And all the connections that gathered from everywhere to celebrate my marriage with them. Ending this time spent with them took precedence over the thrill of gambling, which is why I could accept my loss with a smile.
Those connections were ultimately something created by my past self, who had been attached to gambling.
“The best way to leave no regrets or remorses is to live each moment with the utmost effort.”
Realizing that, I made my decision.
I will retire from the martial world.
“By retiring, I will bring an end to the suspicions and doubts surrounding me: being a pawn of the Heavenly Demon Sect, a mere front for the invasion of the martial world, or a holy force that disrupts the martial order. I felt that is the best choice available to me.”
“Indeed.”
Did my answer please her? A smile bloomed on Tang Do-yeon’s face.
“To be honest, I was a bit worried. I thought perhaps after disembarking from the Bicheongmacha, the Ho Cheon-an Great Hero would become stagnant. It seems my worries were unfounded.”
Perhaps Tang Do-yeon could see through my hesitations that I had yet to grasp myself.
Her concern was endearing, and I clasped my hands together.
“I truly appreciate everything you’ve done.”
In response, Tang Do-yeon mirrored my gesture and expressed her sincerity.
“You, Ho Cheon-an Great Hero, were the finest passenger.”
Passenger. That line made me smile. Sure, I could be considered a VIP customer of the Bicheongmacha.
“Tang Do-yeon!”
Perhaps overwhelmed by emotions, Hyeok Gi-rin ran toward Tang Do-yeon with teary eyes. Seeing Hyeok Gi-rin cuddled in Tang Do-yeon’s arms, I noticed her cautiously patting Hyeok Gi-rin’s back as if trying to calm her.
The others, no, my wives didn’t express their feelings as intensely, but they approached Tang Do-yeon, holding her hands as they consoled her.
“Alright, it’s time to wrap up the after-party.”
“Ah… yes.”
When emotions calmed a bit, Hyeok Gi-rin, now blushing, took my hand. The look on Yu Sa-yeon, Black Cat, Dokgo I-seol, and Moyong Yeon-hwa was filled with fondness as they followed suit.
As we stepped onto the central platform of the banquet hall, the perceptive Seo Gong slipped out of Seo I-ryeong’s embrace and rushed across to me. The buzz of guests previously deep in discussion also shifted their focus, sensing the banquet’s conclusion.
[Before this banquet concludes, I, Ho Cheon-an, would like to announce something to my fellow martial artists.]
The guests displayed expressions indicating they were ready for the arrival of a significant announcement.
[I, Ho Cheon-an, am retiring from the martial world.]
Some eyes, particularly Tang Do-gyeong, Dokgo I-seol, and the Master of Poison, widened in surprise but other than a mild stir of murmurs, it didn’t cause any uproar. Fellow guests, including my wives, seemed to have already caught wind of my retirement news as I openly shared it.
[Thanks to all of you who lit up this wedding ceremony with your presence. Now, though it may be bittersweet, I’d like to conclude this joyous occasion.]
Before long, guests began making their departures. My wives and I moved to the main gate to see everyone off.
“Thank you for the generous hospitality.”
“Since you’re retiring from the martial world, it’ll be regretful not to encounter you again.”
Most guests had importantly come to scout my plans which led them to leave shortly after my declaration. Even those maintaining a sharp attitude still showed hints of suspicion in their eyes, but at least they kept up formalities outwardly.
“We’re going! Come visit again!”
“Instructor, I’ll take my leave now.”
Even acquaintances started to drift away among the crowd.
“It’s a pity you’re retiring at such a young age.”
“Sigh. So you finally made a choice. Guess I must send you plenty of good medicines to keep your bones intact.”
“Yes, it seems so.”
I had a late conversation with Tang Do-gyeong and the Master of Poison, who seemed absorbed in their discourse about gambling mechanics. Tang Do-gyeong appeared somewhat disappointed that I would be retiring early but seemed to reach some understanding finally.
“If your weapon breaks, let me know. I won’t mind replacing it, even if it’s a hassle.”
“Magician! Ladies! I’ll be exchanging letters for the Ho Cheon Record and returning to the inn! Once I’m back, I promise to write you!”
With Wi Seoryeon, Rano Sara, and Tang Do-yeon, along with the Tang Clan members heading out together, I waved them off. Now, only one remained.
Dogwi.
“With an uninvited guest receiving such warm treatment, I find myself a bit envious.”
Without saying much, I observed Dogwi’s calm demeanor as he prepared to leave, stirring my curiosity. Now that he had mastered gambling, I wondered how he would carry on.
“What’s your next move?”
In response, Dogwi flashed a bittersweet smile.
“Honestly, I hadn’t thought about what to do after defeating you. It seems my name might be roaming this world for a while; it will be difficult to pull anyone in on the gambling table again.”
He surveyed me and my wives once before adopting a wistful expression.
“I’m reminded of my impoverished beginnings, which I fled from with a desire to avoid poverty. Even if it’s just an empty shack, I can settle there and clear my mind.”
“Is that so?”
That was merely my instinct talking, but I felt like Dogwi would continue living as a gambler. Even amid the chaos of gaining acknowledgment and a name, his fervor for gambling shone through.
“Well, I must take my leave then.”
“Take care.”
All the guests had departed. My wives and I silently watched as the last guest, Dogwi, disappeared up the mountain lodge’s stairs.
The once bustling hall was now enveloped in quietude. We lingered for a moment, listening to the wind rustle past and the trees sway, letting the atmosphere settle around us.
It’s finally over.
The joyous banquet of marriage has concluded, and along with it, the era of the martial hero Ho Cheon-an also draws to a close.
So now, I must embrace life as a married man, Ho Cheon-an.
“Let’s head inside now.”
Seeing the slightly lonely expression on Black Cat, who is sensitive, and the reminiscing Yeo Il-ye, along with Hyeok Gi-rin, who was lost in thought, sparked a slight smile as I watched Dokgo I-seol and Moyong Yeon-hwa shifting their focus toward the sway of the trees.
Everyone nodded.
“Now we can enjoy some quality time together!”
Dokgo I-seol swiftly took my right arm. Hyeok Gi-rin, surprised, grabbed my left. Yeo Il-ye and Moyong Yeon-hwa smiled as if they’d never let it go, while Black Cat mischievously grinned and clung to my back.
“Hey, hey, don’t hang on me like that.”
“What’s wrong? There’s no one else here!”
With Black Cat bubbling with excitement, I couldn’t help but silently concede. Well, if it makes her happy, I’ll simply go along with it. As I remained silent in acquiescence, Black Cat joyfully began swinging me around.
Swish swish!
While I stumbled from her swinging, I heard some sound of digging and turned my head toward it. Seo Gong, who had been beside me just moments earlier, was now out of sight, digging furiously into the ground.
“Seo Gong!”
Hyeok Gi-rin reacted instantly.
Having already buried himself halfway, Seo Gong raised a dirt-covered face and perked up his ears, displaying an innocent expression that seemed to ask why he was being called.
Hyeok Gi-rin glared at him with fierce determination.
“Didn’t I tell you not to dig anywhere?”
Squeak squeak squeak!
Disputing, Seo Gong raised his little paws in protest. With his tail lifted high, he was defiantly declaring that he would dig anywhere he pleased since it was my house.
“There is no need for you to dig tunnels here!”
Squeak!
Seo Gong turned his back as if my words were of no value and resumed digging. Ultimately, Hyeok Gi-rin ran to intercept, and Seo Gong dashed away in haste.
As I watched Seo Gong vanish around the corner, along with Hyeok Gi-rin chasing after him, laughter burst forth from me.
Yes,
Much has changed and transformed, but some things must remain unchanged. Listening to the belligerent voice of Hyeok Gi-rin along with the boisterous cries of Seo Gong, I finally felt a return to normalcy.
“Let’s go, senior!”
“Right, let’s go.”
I moved ahead, still holding the squirming Black Cat, and began trotting in the direction of Hyeok Gi-rin’s voice.
To continue living an everyday life filled with familiar scents.