Book 2 Chapter 13

The Ordeals of Na Dae-i, Leader of Sunpung Obstetrics and Gynecology

Gyeongsun-i (Lightly Obedient Ear), Na Jung-hae. Age 45. Occupation: Information Broker.

He holds the grand position of master of Sunpungdang (Windy Hall), the largest private information trading organization in the Namchang region.

Sunpungdang is known for its ironclad credibility and exceptional information network. It is an information trading organization that has firmly established itself in Namchangseong, a place where dragons and tigers fiercely clash, and its scale is said to be the largest in Namchangseong.

The person who comprehensively manages and operates Sunpungdang is the very individual before us, Gyeongsun-i (Lightly Obedient Ear) Na Jung-hae. People usually call him Sunpung Obstetrics and Gynecology (Wind-Sounding Ear) Na Dae-i (Big Ear).

Originally, "sunpung-i" refers to a person who overhears many rumors. This nickname was given to him because he seemed to have many such "sunpung-i" ears spread out in various places. His original nickname, Gyeongsun-i, was derived from an ancient story passed down through generations. It was not so much an citation as a distortion and manipulation of the story of Confucius reaching the state of "ear-following" (I-soon) at the age of fifty, where he could discern what others said.

However, fittingly for a nickname infused with artificial manipulation, his own state of being was also a distorted and crooked one. While he did discern what people said, Na Jung-hae separated conversations into those that were profitable and those that were not. Hence, the character for "light" (Gyeong) was added to the beginning.

Furthermore, as if fitting his nickname, his ears were exceptionally large. They were so large that from a distance, he looked like he was carrying two pouches on either side of his face, to the extent that even Liu Bei of the Three Kingdoms would have respected him as an elder brother. Some people, as a joke, called him Ssangnang-i (Double Pouch Ear). Of course, he hated the nickname Ssangnang-i, which meant "double pouch ears," and anyone who dared to speak of it faced the risk of severe injury.

Namchang is the very origin and front yard of Cheonmu Academy (Heavenly Martial Academy), the foremost power in the martial arts world. Therefore, individuals like Na Jung-hae, who led medium or small sects, were limited in their ability to expand their influence, overshadowed by the might of Cheonmu Academy. They were often reduced to being mere assistants to Cheonmu Academy.

Thus, even as the leader of an organization, it was difficult to break free from the limitations of being a small-scale information broker in Namchang. However, Na Jung-hae, with his innate intelligence and wit, not only achieved the reputation of being the top information organization in Namchang but was also a powerful figure with connections within Cheonmu Academy. As such, the amount of information he currently handled and controlled was immeasurable, far beyond public speculation.

Despite being a recognized figure within Namchang, Na Jung-hae was currently at the lower seat of his office, performing the utmost formal courtesies and prostrating himself five times. Sweat beaded on his long, thin face, which gave him an overall frail impression, and his long, broad, pouch-like ears hung limply.

The whiskers beneath his thin, pointed nose, resembling a mouse's tail, twitched as if caught in the rain, making him look pitifully tense. Seated at the head seat opposite him—the very seat where he normally conducted his business, organized information, settled accounts, and issued commands—was a middle-aged man with a menacing appearance, dressed entirely in red. His fierce and unyielding demeanor, with his red hair, red attire, and red eyebrows, coupled with a physique reminiscent of the imposing Five Peaks, exuded an overwhelming aura and presence that seemed to suffocate onlookers.

This middle-aged man, who seemed to have his identity explicitly emphasized at every turn, was someone Na Jung-hae, as an information broker, could not possibly fail to know. It was none other than Yeomdo, Gwak Yeong-hui. Indeed, anyone involved in the martial arts world of the Nine Provinces would have known this Yeomdo.

What was remarkable, however, was that beside Yeomdo, who preferred to act alone due to his poor social skills despite his immense and fearsome power, sat another person. This was a strange young man around twenty years old, with thick, long black hair that fell to his eyes, obscuring his facial features. The fact that a seemingly frail and dishevelled young man sat at the same level as the terrifyingly imposing Yeomdo was, to Na Jung-hae, whose mind was still sharp despite his kowtowing, unbelievable and incomprehensible.

To make matters worse, the strange young man sat in an incredibly arrogant posture, with one arm resting on his chin and his legs crossed, as if he had several lives to spare. This further amplified Gyeongsun-i Na Jung-hae's astonishment. To put it plainly, his eyes nearly popped out, his heart pounded like a drum, and his liver contracted and expanded so violently that he was utterly shocked.

"Did my heart grow hair, and my liver protrude from my body, begging to be eaten?"

The idea that someone could sit beside the great Yeomdo in such a disrespectful posture, with not even half a speck of courtesy, was something he could not have imagined even in his wildest dreams. Was it not the overwhelming pressure and formidable reputation of Yeomdo that caused him to be kneeling here, head bowed, trembling in fear? His secret nickname, "Burning Scoundrel," whispered secretly throughout the martial arts world, was not given without reason.

Yet, the existence of someone who could sit beside Yeomdo, known for his fiery temper, in such a manner and remain unharmed, alive, and with all limbs intact, sparked an uncontrollable curiosity within him. Perhaps one’s profession could not be entirely concealed. Hundreds, thousands of question marks flickered in the sea of his thoughts. His brain spun furiously, twisting and tangling, as fragmented thoughts slithered like snakes through his mind.

However, no matter how hard he racked his brain or sifted through information, he found no trace of such a strange young man. As he was thinking so intensely and passionately, the strange young man’s mouth opened, halting Na Jung-hae’s train of thought. In an instant, the question marks that had been swirling in his mind vanished as if by magic.

The strange young man was none other than the self-proclaimed master of Yeomdo, Bi Ryu-yeon. However, Bi Ryu-yeon appeared to be in a very bad mood, with numerous signs of displeasure hanging around his face.

“It’s over?”

This was his reaction to the answer Na Jung-hae had given to his earlier question. However, the reaction seemed unusually unsettling. Na Jung-hae felt a growing unease.

“Yes, just as I said.”

Cold sweat trickled down his back. Na Jung-hae answered respectfully. There was nothing to lose by being cautious and careful when dealing with an unknown individual, especially for one involved in the martial arts world, where prudence, caution, and discretion were paramount virtues.

“I distinctly heard that the test is tomorrow. Isn’t that why everyone is making such a fuss and being so noisy in preparation? So, it’s already over? Does that even make sense!”

Bi Ryu-yeon yelled, his voice resonating throughout the office, his face contorting with anger. This was a clear indication of his current mood. His mood, like his face, was likely crumpled and twisted. Unaware of his feelings, Na Jung-hae continued.

“Yes, I repeat, the date of the Ascension Martial Festival is indeed tomorrow, but the participant registration ended a month ago. The Ascension Martial Festival, the entry examination for Cheonmu Academy, known for its difficulty and strictness! As it is a test to select individuals for entry into Cheonmu Academy, which guarantees the finest martial arts training environment, status, honor, and reputation, the number of applicants is immense. It is practically impossible to test such a vast number of applicants individually. Therefore, after registration, a one-month period is set to weed out a portion of the less capable candidates. It’s like thinning out weeds in a field. As a result, many people are eliminated in this one-month document screening and cannot even participate in the preliminary rounds.”

Na Jung-hae mobilized all his knowledge and information to explain in detail, simplifying it so that even someone with a dull mind could understand. However, his efforts were in vain, as they did not resonate with Bi Ryu-yeon at all. He seemed to have no intention of listening or understanding from the outset. His relentless efforts were proven to be a complete waste. "What an infuriating personality," Na Jung-hae thought to himself, though he dared not show it outwardly.

At noon today, Gyeongsun-i Na Jung-hae was about to enjoy a meal with a joyful and grateful heart, facing a table laden with food. But what was this sudden misfortune, this outrage in broad daylight? Just as he lifted his chopsticks to take a bite, the door that had been standing perfectly well before him shattered into pieces, and two figures entered through the gaping entrance. One of them, from head to toe covered in blood as if a crimson demon, with a wild and terrifying aura like blazing flames, was undoubtedly the renowned Yeomdo Gwak Yeong-hui, whose reputation he had heard repeatedly.

The other uninvited guest, who entered with him, was a strange young man in his early twenties whom Na Jung-hae had never seen or heard of before. These two easily knocked down the eight guards protecting the exterior of Sunpungdang's main building, and not content with that, they rudely and savagely smashed the intact door, which they could have easily opened, and then entered. Their first words were,

“Hey, excuse me. How do I get into Cheonmu Academy?”

So, Na Jung-hae answered. Some might criticize him for not having the backbone to ask the two uninvited guests who had thrown his sect into chaos, but Na Jung-hae had simply replied, "Ah, it's like this." However, the identity and status of the uninvited guests were such that they could overwhelm and extinguish his resistance, so Na Jung-hae gave up resisting too easily. He had to maintain the lineage of his sect and survive. Na Jung-hae readily answered the question.

“You pass the exam and get accepted.”

With that single sentence, Na Jung-hae almost met his end that day. Perhaps a lack of situational awareness was the cause of his failure. Bi Ryu-yeon, rubbing his bruised eyes, asked again,

“You pass the exam and get accepted? I know that. What I want to know is more precise, detailed, and certain information about taking the exam. How does one participate in that ‘Ascension Martial Festival,’ and how does one get accepted? You said it’s tomorrow? What do I need to know to apply and take the test? So that I can get accepted and enter Cheonmu Academy!”

“Uh…”

Perhaps there was something difficult to answer, as Na Jung-hae hesitated at Bi Ryu-yeon’s question. He seemed to be avoiding Bi Ryu-yeon’s questions.

“Uh… what’s next? Don’t you know? Don’t dawdle, speak quickly.”

Unable to tolerate Na Jung-hae’s hesitation, Bi Ryu-yeon retorted. His temper was still impatient.

“Uh… well, to participate in the Ascension Martial Festival, you have to wait another year.”

“What, a year? Am I crazy? Do I look crazy? How can I wait another year? Why? Didn’t you say that ‘Ascension Martial Festival,’ or whatever it’s called, is definitely tomorrow?”

“I… I apologize for having to say this, but although the test is tomorrow, the participant registration ended a long time ago, a month ago.”

In that moment, Bi Ryu-yeon’s eyes widened like saucers, blinked twice blankly, and then shrank again. Then, his facial muscles contorted strangely, crumpling like discarded paper in a trash can. He assumed a posture that clearly conveyed, "I am in a very bad, unpleasant, and displeasing state," and remained silent for a moment.

This was the entire sequence of events that had just transpired. Then, after a moment of chilling silence, Bi Ryu-yeon forced his twisted facial muscles to relax and asked again in a low voice. Beside the now contorted and frowning Bi Ryu-yeon, Yeomdo, who had been silently sitting until then, spoke with a piercing gaze,

“So, you’re saying it’s impossible?”

“……”

Na Jung-hae could not answer his question. He fidgeted and hesitated.

“You can’t, can you?”

Bi Ryu-yeon’s angry, chilling expression suddenly turned into a suspiciously pleasant smile as he said,

“There’s no way?”

“……”

Bi Ryu-yeon’s fingers idly fiddled with a brush in an inkstone holder, a look of dissatisfaction on his face. At first glance, it seemed like nothing, but Na Jung-hae felt a premonition of something ominous in his demeanor. It was the sharp intuition of an information broker honed for over thirty years.

“The registration ended yesterday?”

“……”

Still no answer, Na Jung-hae still could not find words and sat dejectedly with his head bowed, like a mouse in front of a cat. He truly couldn't think of a solution. Therefore, he had nothing to say to Bi Ryu-yeon's question. He himself was on the verge of going mad with frustration. He began to doubt if he was truly the master of Sunpungdang, the number one private information trading organization in Namchang, or if it was a mistake. If things turned out this way, Sunpungdang might have to close its doors by the end of the day. This continued silence began to irritate Bi Ryu-yeon. And then, it happened.

"Screeeech!"

With a piercing sound that cut through the air, a chilling cold swept past Na Jung-hae's large ears. A few strands of his hair were severed by the resulting air pressure, fluttering in the air.