Episode 94. A Flame Somewhere in My Heart
Under the full command of Brother Deuk-su, the Hao Sect’s master chef, a great pork-bone feast began at Black Cat Hall.
I ordered every door wide open. Tables and mats were laid out all over the inner and outer courtyards, and the main hall turned into one giant banquet ground. Lady Son and her maids rushed about carrying dishes under Deuk-su’s direction.
Whether Namcheon-ryeon or Paegeomhoe decided to attack tonight—it didn’t matter.
For now, we ate and drank.
I shared cups with Nam Garak, with Cha Seong-tae, with Commander Byeok. I even handed one to Lady Son as she hurried by, and another to Ho Yeon-cheong, who had worked hard training his troublesome student.
Then I barged into the kitchen and made Brother Deuk-su drink one, too. I even caught the startled maids who tried to flee and made them sip a mouthful each. Before long, the Twelve Generals arrived, and I drank with my old disciples again for the first time in ages.
I’d already drunk well past my limit.
With my face flushed red, I wandered around until I noticed a few unfamiliar men kneeling in the corner of the main hall.
“Hm?”
Three bloodied men stared at me with startled eyes.
“…!”
I asked them mildly, “Who are you? Who beat you up?”
The hall fell quiet for a moment.
“…”
One of the bloodied men finally spoke. “Master, we are from Namcheon-ryeon.”
“Oh, really?”
Must’ve forgotten in my drunken haze. I waved it off and turned toward So Gun-pyeong as he passed by. “Gun-pyeong, have a drink!”
“Ah, no!” He ran for it, and I didn’t bother chasing him.
I stepped into the inner courtyard — it was another drinking scene there.
Commander Byeok was explaining what had happened earlier to the Twelve Generals and their disciples. I listened in, catching phrases like “letters,” “Namcheon-ryeon’s insolence,” and “Paegeomhoe won’t be spared.”
I nodded. “Right. The commander is right.”
Baek-in grinned at me. “You’ve had quite a bit today, haven’t you, elder brother?”
“You drink too.”
“Yes, sir.”
I handed him my cup, then drew the sword hanging from his waist. “Lend me this for a bit.”
“Yes, sir.”
Holding the sword, I walked to the plum tree, circled it a few times, then stopped and performed an impromptu sword salute before everyone.
“Brothers of the Hao Sect, I entrust myself to you. I am the Sect Master.”
The men drinking nearby all stood and returned the salute. “Greetings, Master.”
Drunken replies echoed here and there. “Master, we’re in your care!”
I gestured for space. The tables were dragged aside until the open yard looked like a stage.
I looked around, sword in hand. “Brothers of the Hao Sect, I am Lee Ja-ha.”
“…”
“I was born in Ilyang County. Since I could walk, I wiped tables in a tavern. But that tavern burned down — and from that fire, the Hao Sect was born. Maybe that fire moved into my heart, because even now a flame still burns somewhere inside me.”
“I am a petty man, a bad-tempered man, a fickle fool. But because I was once weak, the Hao Sect will always stand on the side of the weak.”
I raised the sword upright and continued.
“Anyone who does not harm the weak without cause is my brother. I don’t care if you come from the righteous clans, the noble houses, the dark sects, temples, brothels, or the streets. You’re my brothers.”
“But if anyone bullies the powerless — the defenseless, women, children, monks, beggars, traders, fishermen, or even drunkards — then whether they’re from the dark or the light, rich or poor, I’ll be the one to face them.”
I laughed at my followers, the liquor burning warmly inside me.
“I may not yet be strong enough to stand against the masters of the world, but I trained my energy yesterday, and the day before. I’ve built my strength with my brothers of Black Cat Hall, and even learned a few sword insights from a passing senior. Day by day, I grow stronger. I, Lee Ja-ha, Master of the Hao Sect, will now show you the sword technique I’ve been practicing lately.”
I tapped the plum tree lightly with my sword, then stepped into the scattering petals.
There, drunk and swaying, I moved with the blossoms — a messy, drunken dance that didn’t matter one bit. The sword flashed once — a cluster of petals split in half. Another strike — into four pieces. I thrust into the center, sending fragments whirling outward like sparks.
It was meaningless. Just a dance.
But as I watched the petals scatter, I channeled Flame Blossom Qi into the blade.
Fwoosh!
A faint red glow — the essence of pure yang — shimmered along the sword. I released it outward, then drew it back instantly using absorption technique. The fiery sword energy fragmented like plum petals, scattering through the air.
My own interpretation of the Lightning Sword Form — the Fragrance of Plum Blossoms.
I smiled as I watched it.
The fiery wind consumed the floating petals, turning them to ash in an instant. Luckily, I’d used little power — or half the courtyard might’ve burned.
My followers applauded wildly.
After finishing my impromptu introduction and sword dance, I saluted again. The disciples and brothers all stood and returned the gesture.
I tossed the sword back to Baek-in, then walked over to Cha Seong-tae and held out an empty cup. He poured without hesitation.
“That was impressive, Master.”
I gripped his shoulder. “Our Chief Cha of the Hao Sect.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Don’t die. If you want to live, train harder.”
He nodded firmly. We locked eyes — and drank.
The liquor hit hard. Commander Byeok hurried over. “Master, are you all right? You’ve drunk too much.”
I waved him off and sat beneath the plum tree.
Closing my eyes, I gathered a thread of inner energy and attached it to the alcohol swirling inside me. Concentrating it into my fingertips, I released it slowly — tiny drops of purified toxin fell from my fingers to the ground.
A detoxification trick — one I’d used on poison, now adapted for liquor.
Moments later, the drunken haze cleared. My face returned to normal as I looked up — everyone was staring blankly, astonished.
“I’ve sobered up,” I said calmly. “You all keep drinking. I’ll stand watch tonight.”
They fell silent, until Hong Simae spoke alone. “Understood, elder brother.”
Hands clasped behind my back, I walked to the main hall. The three Namcheon-ryeon envoys were still kneeling there.
“Why were you here again? Did you ever state your business?”
One answered, “By order of our Leader, we came to demand Black Cat Hall’s participation in battle.”
“Do you have a reason? A justification?”
Silence. Finally, one stammered, “We… didn’t dare ask our Leader that.”
I stared coldly. “I see. Then tell me — do I look weaker than your leader, Sa Doh-heng?”
“We lack the skill to judge, sir.”
“Is he even one of the top ten of the dark world?”
“No, sir.”
“Then carry this message to that arrogant bastard Sa Doh-heng.”
“Yes, sir.”
“If he acts without manners again, I’ll come myself — and then you’ll be electing a new leader. Now get up.”
They struggled to their feet, bodies bruised from being trampled earlier. I stepped between them, slung my arms over their shoulders. “Come on, let’s escape Black Cat Hall. I’ll see you out myself — my men are too busy drinking.”
“We’re fine, sir.”
“Shut up.”
Arm in arm like drunk friends, I guided them to the main gate. The three, pale with fear, turned and bowed deeply.
“Then we’ll take our leave, Master.”
“Thank you for sparing us.”
“We’ll deliver your words faithfully.”
One of them hesitated, then asked, “Should we report you as the Black Cat Hall Master, or the Hao Sect Master?”
“I am the Hao Sect Master.”
“Understood.”
I beckoned them closer. “Listen carefully. If you report things honestly, you’ll likely get killed for it.”
They stiffened. “We’re listening.”
“Tell them this: when you arrived, you found the Black Cat Hall Master already dead — killed by a mysterious master who also slew the Great Na-Chal, the Two-Dragon Elder, Teacher Su, the Black Line Lord, and Dong Bang-yeon the gambling cheat. Beat them, burned them, crushed them — all dead.”
“…”
“That master is me — the Hao Sect Master, Lee Ja-ha. Didn’t know, did you?”
“No, sir.”
“There’s a rumor that I kill leaders and absorb their followers. My army grows huge. You’ve heard it?”
“Yes, sir. Many times.”
“Then you should know how to behave when meeting me.”
One replied quickly, “With utmost respect, sir.”
“Correct. But you didn’t, which is why my men stomped you.”
“We apologize.”
“If you value your lives, report everything just like that. You couldn’t even taste the pork bones — that’s punishment enough.”
“Yes, Master. We’ll be going now.”
They walked a few steps, then one turned and cupped his hands. “I heard your words outside, Master. I’ll deliver them properly.”
I waved dismissively. “I was drunk — no need to take them seriously.”
“Yes, sir.”
“But I meant every word. Understand?”
Two of them stared blankly, but one smiled faintly through his bloodied face. “Understood. Farewell, Master.”
“Go well.”
I personally saw them off and closed the gate myself. Inside, my men were finally tasting the pork bones.
As I passed, I asked one, “How is it?”
“Master, it’s amazing!”
I pointed at him. “Don’t waste it. Suck the meat off the bone.”
“Hahaha, yes, sir!”
I looked around. “Anyone here who hasn’t eaten yet?”
Hands shot up all over. “I haven’t either,” I said. “Put your hands down.”
Laughter rippled through the hall.
Suddenly sober and hungry, I leapt up, clearing the courtyard in a single bound, and burst into the main hall.
“Where’s my pork bone?”
Greasy-mouthed officers pointed. “Right there, sir!”
On the head table sat a single small bowl with one glorious pork bone. I rubbed my hands together and sat down, gripping it firmly.
Seeing me, my men smiled. “Enjoy it, Master.”
I took a huge bite of the thick, tender meat. To sum it all up—
.
.
.
Today: Me. Pork bones. Perfect success.