Book 3 Chapter 7

Please call me Uroemae.

Having safely completed their course registration with Jang Hong's help,

Bilyeon and his companions decided to return to their lodgings as nothing else seemed to be happening.

For Bilyeon, it was something he would decline to be thrust into the midst of those fiercely clashing over a problem he utterly couldn't comprehend (course registration for the Dyeing class). Perhaps Junho or Hyoryong might want to plunge into that competition, embracing the risk of suffocation, but Bilyeon certainly did not. Could one even imagine a master desperately trying to learn from a disciple?

As the four returned to their lodgings, they suddenly sensed a faint ripple in the air and looked up at the sky. It felt as if a sharp sword had sliced through the dense atmosphere. Along with it, a piercing cry echoed in their ears.

In their sight, three falcons were descending from the sky towards the ground at a terrifying speed. Three falcons, tamed by human hands, that they could bet their entire fortune on not being naturally born, were flying into a building located on the other side of a wall. However, the wall was high, so they could only guess at the general location, unable to ascertain the building's exact position. In fact, what they were more curious about than the building's location was the meaning of the falcons that had just landed.

"What is that?"

"Huh? You don't know?"

Hyoryong looked at Bilyeon with surprised eyes. He should have gotten used to it by now, yet he was often surprised by Bilyeon's astonishing ignorance.

"Yeah."

"Those are the famous messenger falcons (Jeonseo-eung) of Cheonmu Academy. They are special falcons specially trained to deliver letters, news, and information."

"Really? I've never heard of it before."

Despite encountering new information every day, Bilyeon persistently failed to shed his ignorance.

"Don't you usually use pigeons (Jeonseo-gu) for letters and information?"

In response to Yoon Junho's question, Jang Hong gave him a reproachful look. It was a look that said, "You're not much better, wake up."

"These days, the martial world is trending towards messenger falcons from messenger pigeons. Everyone prefers messenger falcons, which are much less dangerous and far safer than fragile messenger pigeons. So, these days, there are few renowned warriors who don't possess a messenger falcon."

"So, it's a kind of trend."

Yoon Junho's words were not entirely wrong.

"It should be considered almost universal now, beyond just a trend."

Messenger pigeons were now a relic of the past. Who would dare to send a messenger pigeon these days, enduring the mocking laughter of those around them? Those who valued honor and face would not dare to entertain such a risk.

"Moreover, when you're not delivering letters, you can also enjoy falconry, so it's a bonus. Falconry is a very 고급스러운 (high-class) hobby in the martial world."

Falconry, as the name suggests, refers to a very luxurious hunting method using falcons. And whatever is used for a luxurious hobby tends to be traded at a high price. The mere fact that falcons are used makes it easy to see that falconry is not an activity for survival. The cost of the falcons used for hunting alone was enough for five members of an ordinary family to live for three months.

"I want one of those too. How can I get one?"

Bilyeon said, like a child begging for a toy. His curiosity had been piqued again.

"You can buy one."

"Thanks a lot for explaining it so simply."

"I always enjoy getting to the heart of the matter."

Jang Hong continued, smiling.

"But don't talk to me like that. I'm afraid something might happen to me."

"Haha! That sounds like a crack in our precious friendship."

Bilyeon said with a laugh. Jang Hong deliberately ignored Bilyeon's words.

"Assuming there was a friendship that could crack, wouldn't it be?"

"It's a truly surprising discovery that a friendship that could crack existed between you and me."

"How fortunate that we know now. Otherwise, we might have never known of its existence."

Jang Hong smiled and began to explain about the messenger falcons.

"These days, there are increasing numbers of places in the martial world that specialize in training and selling messenger falcons. Thanks to that, the prices have also come down a lot. Should we say it has become popularized? Among them, the most famous is Cheon-eung-bang (Heavenly Falcon House), and their biggest source of income is this messenger falcon sales business. They are more famous for that business than for martial arts these days."

Cheon-eung-bang is a martial arts sect whose martial art is the claw technique known as Cheon-eung-paljo-gong (Eight Claw Techniques of the Heavenly Falcon). It was rapidly gaining prominence. Ten years ago, it was merely a small, minor sect, but as the messenger falcon craze swept through the martial world, it began to rise rapidly, and now it has built a colossal force comparable to major sects. It was a sect with a unique history, having achieved great success by transforming into an information brokerage organization by utilizing the rapid information exchange capabilities of messenger falcons along with their sales business.

"Operation?"

"Yes. Even messenger falcons can't deliver news throughout the entire Central Plains. How can they travel all over this vast land of the Central Plains? It's a difficult task even for winged falcons. It also takes a long time. So, they have prepared resting places for the falcons in various locations. Cheon-eung-bang operates 24 of the largest of these bases. If there's a need to deliver news in the vicinity of a specific region, they use those places."

"The training level of messenger falcons is indicated by the number of rings on their ankles. The more rings, the more thoroughly trained they are, making them top-quality."

"This falcon has 7 rings, so is it a high-grade item?"

Even from such a distance, the number of rings on the falcon's ankles seemed to be clearly visible to Bilyeon.

"Of course. That indicates it has been trained in 7 flight paths. 12 is the best, and messenger falcons choose their flight paths by signal sounds. They fly according to the signal sounds that indicate the direction to a specific location."

"So they don't take detours?"

"That's right. Why would you need to take a detour when you can go in a straight line? That's just a waste of time."

"I agree with that 'waste of time' sentiment."

"Hmm, I really want one…"

Bilyeon whined like a child. Hearing the explanation made his desire to own one grow even stronger.

"If you really want it, you can buy it."

"Really? How?"

"Perhaps there's a distribution branch named Cheon-eung-bang branch within Cheonmu Academy. They are quite kind. This place is like the center of the Baekdo martial world, so all famous sects have liaison offices or bases here. Especially Cheon-eung-bang's messenger falcons are essential items for life in the martial world, so they sell them along with training. That's Cheon-eung-bang's biggest business. And, to add, Cheon-eung-bang's messenger falcons are reputed to be very intelligent."

This was truly captivating information. Although parting with money was a painful affair, he really wanted it, so he urged Jang Hong to go to the Cheon-eung-bang branch. It was a large building located next to Bi-eung-gak (Vulture Pavilion). Right next to it was Bi-eung-gak, which manages the messenger falcons of students and officials.

Bi-eung-gak was a kind of dormitory for messenger falcons, and what Bilyeon found most touching about this place was that they took care of the falcons of the officials for free. Caring for a falcon individually was a very troublesome task. Therefore, there was no need to emphasize how essential and useful such a place was.

Inside the building, which was too humble to be called a branch—though not small, it was merely at the level of a large shop—there were numerous messenger falcons housed in many cages. Upon closer inspection, they all looked slightly different in appearance and shape. Bilyeon saw for the first time the diversity of colors and types of falcons there.

As Bilyeon slowly surveyed the branch, a messenger falcon caught his eye. It was a peculiar one whose feathers had a bluish sheen, and it sat majestically, its eyes glittering like a finely honed blade. Although confined in a small cage, it exuded the spirit of a king of the sky, undeterred by its circumstances. Bilyeon liked it from the moment he saw it. With 12 thin golden rings on each ankle, it was undoubtedly a top-quality falcon.

"Ah, customer. That one is too fierce, so no one has been able to tame it. It's too proud and arrogant, so everyone who tried to take it failed. It's a creature called Haedongcheong, brought from a country called Goryeo in the East, and it's too savage. And it doesn't follow anyone it hasn't recognized."

"Is that so?"

The shopkeeper stepped forward to warn Bilyeon, who was showing interest in a bird of prey that had sent away over 30 people with 4-5 scratches.

When Bilyeon, undeterred by his warning, refused to give up, the shopkeeper shook his head with a skeptical expression. Everyone started with good intentions, but the outcome was always dismal. They all boasted and challenged, but ended up pathetically ripping their clothes, clutching their wounds, and shaking their heads in defeat. The shopkeeper's opinion was that this time would be no different.

"C-customer!"

When the shopkeeper looked back at Bilyeon after glancing elsewhere for a moment, his eyes widened to the size of saucers.

"Why? It's very docile."

He didn't know what method Bilyeon used, but the Haedongcheong with the blue feathers was elegantly perched on Bilyeon's wrist. Even more surprising was the fact that he had opened the cage door and taken out the falcon without the owner's permission. If that ferocious falcon were to escape, how would he catch it if he so carelessly opened the cage door? A sensible person would never do such a thing.

Once his initial shock at the customer's unauthorized opening of the cage subsided, he decided he had to protest sternly. However, he noticed one peculiar fact. Strangely, even without a wrist guard, the falcon's claws did not penetrate Bilyeon's forearm. Of course, it was by no means that the Goryeo Haedongcheong had suddenly developed mercy and relaxed its grip. He could swear on the honor of the Goryeo Haedongcheong.

Seeing Bilyeon handle the blue-feathered Haedongcheong, which had driven everyone else to failure and disappointment, like a docile chick, filled his eyes with admiration.

"That's truly a strange thing. Such a fierce creature… it seems it has found its owner, customer."

"How much is it?"

"It's originally a very expensive breed, a genuine one, but since it couldn't find an owner and was wandering, I'll give you a discount as a celebration of it finding its owner."

The salesperson was quite a cheerful person. The offer of a discount further pleased Bilyeon.

"Thank you."

However, the price quoted next was enough to drag down his desire to purchase to the very bottom.

"Let's just say fifteen taels of silver."

As soon as he heard the amount, Bilyeon froze like a stone.

"I don't really like financial jokes like this."

Bilyeon said, forcing a smile. He had to exert immense willpower to maintain a smile on his contorted facial muscles after hearing the fifteen taels of silver. However, oblivious to Bilyeon's feelings, the middle-aged man spoke.

"Jokes? Customer. We pride ourselves on always trading at fair prices. The creditworthiness of our Cheon-eung-bang is the best in this business."

Of course, he couldn't believe all of it.

"I trust you won't expect me to believe that. Unless you take me for a fool."

"It's true, customer. Originally, even 30 taels wouldn't be enough for this one, but we're specially giving it to you at half price."

Of course, like any merchant, this 30 taels was a lie. A merchant always has a duty to maneuver so that the customer feels they have benefited. Whether that benefit is monetary or mental, or even an illusion… If one can provide assurance of benefit to the other party with just an illusion, they would be a person with the makings of a top merchant.

"10 taels. No more."

Even 10 taels of silver was a major financial drain that left him feeling lightheaded.

"Absolutely not."

The shopkeeper flatly refused. Then Bilyeon's sharp gaze landed directly on the man's eyes. However, although his current actions bordered on being a street vendor, the shopkeeper was, in name, a martial artist. He couldn't yield to such a threat. Protecting the room's profit and maximizing revenue was his mission.

"You can't look at me like that."

Then, a formless pressure began to emanate from Bilyeon's body, subtly pressing on the man. It was a silent protest, urging him not to risk his life over trivial matters. The determination in his eyes was truly terrifying.

"N-no."

Enduring the suffocating pressure, the man spoke. His keen merchant's spirit was burning brightly. However, this time he had picked the wrong opponent.

"There's no such thing as a no-haggle sale. Bargaining is the customer's privilege. I have absolutely no intention of giving up that privilege."

Bilyeon's will was as solid as diamond and as unshakeable as Mount Tai. Someone had to show the virtue of yielding. However, the problem was that both of them were reluctant to be that someone.

Bargaining for a set price requires time and passion. The reduced price, the increase in the rate of price reduction, is proportional to the time invested and persistent passion. And Bilyeon was a tenacious fellow in this regard, beyond compare. The owner, who didn't realize that fact, was making a mistake.

Bilyeon had no memory of buying anything without bargaining. Didn't he have a sense of money honed by constant training from his master? No matter who the opponent was, defeat was impossible. Therefore, the shopkeeper was bound to lose in a reckless head-on confrontation with Bilyeon.

The tension between the two, drawn taut like a bowstring, was now entering a long-term battle. They were holding their ground, refusing to yield an inch. When the situation reached this point, it was inevitable that the weaker of spirit would lose. Mental fortitude determined everything. However, Bilyeon was second to none in his abundance of spirit. Furthermore, wasn't his obsession with money unparalleled?

"14 taels!"

As the shopkeeper's mental strength weakened, the price also dropped a step.

"11 taels!"

"13 taels!"

"11 taels and 25 coins!"

Now the bargaining stage had moved from silver taels to coins. Truly excellent skill.

"Absolutely not."

"11 taels and 50 coins!"

Bilyeon gradually increased the intensity of his pressure. He exuded a sharp sense that would make the opponent flinch. As always, this method was highly effective. He had never experienced failure using this.

"11 taels and 75 coins!"

Finally, the shopkeeper gave up and agreed to bargain at the coin stage. The tide had already turned in their favor.

"11 taels and 50 coins and 50 funs!"

At this point, it was nothing short of daylight robbery.

"I lost. I'll sell it for 11 taels and 50 coins and 50 funs."

Unable to endure any further mental exertion, the shopkeeper finally surrendered and agreed to reduce the price. After thorough bargaining, it was settled at 11 taels and 50 coins and 50 funs. It was a saving of a whopping 3 taels and 49 coins and 50 funs.

Only then did a smile of victory spread across Bilyeon's face. He looked triumphant, as if he had won a war. Jang Hong, Hyoryong, and Junho, who had witnessed their confrontation, were utterly tired of his bargaining tactics.

It was not a virtue of a good merchant to cling to an already agreed-upon price. The shopkeeper said to Bilyeon with a beaming smile.

"You need to give it a name, right?"

"Oh, it doesn't have a name yet?"

"This is not a place so cruel as to take away the owner's privilege of naming."

The shopkeeper said with a serious expression. Naming a pet should be considered one of the owner's privileges.

"What should I name it?"

After a moment of thought, an idea for a brilliant name seemed to strike him. He clapped his hands together and lifted his head.

"Uroemae would be a good name."

He thought it was a name that suited its noble spirit, like a king of the sky, and its cold, blue feathers. And it had a good sound to it…

"Uro (宇雷)… That's a good name."

The shopkeeper also agreed with his opinion. Having finished their business, Bilyeon and his companions left with the falcon that had now become part of their group. As they walked out the door, the shopkeeper's voice was heard from behind them. As if not wanting to lose a potential customer, he remained kind until the end.

"It's also perfect for romance. Good luck."

The shopkeeper waved his hand as he bid them farewell.

As Bilyeon triumphantly emerged after leading the fierce price negotiation war and carrying Uro, a young man simultaneously entered and stood before the counter. A man in his twenties with a valiant appearance and sharp eyes, carrying two falcons on his shoulders. The young man had leather guards worn on the area around his shoulder blades, protecting his body from the falcons' claws. His waist was bare of a sword. Instead, seeing the hard steel armguards on his forearms, he appeared to be a master of fist fighting or claw techniques. Judging by his tanned, hardened fingers, he was likely a master of claw techniques.

Upon seeing him, the shopkeeper bowed respectfully. His formal greeting was by no means the attitude shown to ordinary customers.

"Third Young Master, you have arrived."

"Have you been well, Manager Ha?"

The young man, with a falcon embroidered in gold on his chest, acknowledged him.

He was Gui-eungjo Woo Seongchan, the third favorite disciple of Bi-eungwang (King of Vultures) Eung Seong-hyeon, the master of Cheon-eung-bang. That's why Manager Ha's attitude was so deferential.

"Who were those people who just left? I haven't seen their faces before."

"Yes, they are first-year students who entered this year. They probably came to buy a messenger falcon as an entrance commemoration. It happens every year."

Like an annual event, the Cheon-eung-bang branch was always crowded with customers buying messenger falcons around this time. It was nothing remarkable. However,

"By any chance, was that one the fellow the customer just took?"

Woo Seongchan's interest was not in the people but in the falcon they took. Since Woo Seongchan didn't yet know the Haedongcheong's new name, he referred to it as "that fellow." What he was referring to was undoubtedly Uro, which Bilyeon had purchased after fierce bargaining.

"Yes, that's right. That fellow finally met its match."

"Isn't that fellow a troublemaker that no one could handle except Master? I can't believe such a creature willingly followed a customer. And those first-year rookies, no less."

"Yes, I also found it hard to believe. That fellow never stayed still for anyone except the Master. However, this time, it sat meekly before that customer like a mouse before a cat. It was truly unexpected."

"Ho ho, that is indeed an interesting matter. Do you know the name of the customer who just left? Please tell me."

Since messenger falcons serve the function of exchanging letters, sellers would traditionally mark them with individual numbers and regional indicators. This was to prevent letters from being mixed up. Therefore, the Cheon-eung-bang branch naturally kept records of the owners of the messenger falcons.

Cheon-eung-bang's wealth was not solely from selling messenger falcons, but also from its extensive operations of messenger services, which accumulated immense riches. As messenger falcons dominated the skies of the martial world, displacing messenger pigeons, Cheon-eung-bang's power and wealth grew alongside them.

Manager Ha checked the ledger again.

"Here it is. His name is Bilyeon."

"Is that so? I've never heard of that name before. Was there anyone with such a name among the late rising figures in the martial world?"

The young man briefly browsed the roster of names in his mind but found no such name on his list. This meant there was a very high possibility he was an unknown.

"Well, I'll find out later. Someone who managed to calm down that fellow… I'm curious as to who it is, so don't worry too much about it. While that fellow has a wicked temper, his abilities are second to none. How else would Master have personally trained him?"

"That's right. By the way, what brings you here?"

"Ah, look at me. It's about my bird's collar. I want to change it to a new one."

Only then did the young man state his purpose. Chi-a was the name of the brown peregrine falcon perched on his left shoulder, one of the two birds he owned. Most falcons wore collars according to their owner's hobby. The collar bore the falcon's name and the owner's name, which not only served to identify the owner but was also frequently used for other purposes these days.

"No, what about the last collar?"

In response to Manager Ha's question, Woo Seongchan showed a slightly awkward expression and then rambled.

"Ah… that one… I lost it."

Suddenly, Manager Ha's face lit up.

"Congratulations, young master. You succeeded. But which young lady is it?"

So quick-witted… Woo Seongchan glanced at Manager Ha for a moment and changed the subject. He judged that there was no need to reveal everything.

"Hmm… You don't need to know all that. Just get me a new collar."

Oops, Manager Ha chided himself for his impulsiveness. He thought there was no need for a useless old man like himself to interfere in the romantic affairs of young people. It would only detract from his impression.

"Oh dear, my apologies. This old man got carried away. Then please leave it to me. I'll make sure it's ready by tomorrow."

"Then, I entrust it to you."