Book 5 Chapter 9

Eye Appraisal Meeting

Amidst the boisterous clamor, the troublemaker of Cheonmu Academy,

the walking disaster, the burning powder keg, or

called the enemy of women, Cheonmusanguiyeoung, Dang Cheolgi and Cheon Sonae,

were moving frantically enough to make their eyes roll.

Beneath the stands they had set up, countless spectators were shouting and reaching out towards them.

With a desperate struggle reminiscent of the hungry ghosts of hell, the two were busy handing out slips of paper they held in bunches to the people reaching out towards them.

The white slips of paper being handed out by the two Cheonmusanguiyeoung were essentially dividend slips.

Dividend slips! The same kind you get as proof of money wagered when betting or gambling. If you were to ask, "Does this mean this is some kind of gambling den?" everyone would answer like this:

"No! This is the Eye Appraisal Meeting hall."

That's right. According to their claims, this was a special place where one could test their own discernment and luck in determining the winner.

This was the Eye Appraisal Meeting hall, a place that inevitably appears around this time of year, known to those who know.

So, what is an Eye Appraisal Meeting?

This elegant and seemingly dignified name, when peeled back, is just another name for a gambling den. However, even though a lot of money changes hands based on victory or defeat, and sides are divided into those who cry and those who laugh, no one calls this place a gambling den.

The term "gambling den" is considered too vulgar, and the name itself reeks of illegality.

Therefore, everyone at Cheonmu Academy, as if by agreement, calls it an Eye Appraisal Meeting. It meant testing one's own discernment in assessing the opponent's skill level. And then they would say, "We never gambled! We merely tested our discernment, with a small tuition fee attached…"

With pride and honor, this was the firm will of Baegdo Munmun to not call it a gambling den! Of course, when you open the lid, the actions are so identical to a gambling den that finding a difference is almost impossible. This is what they call "covering one's eyes and roaring like a cat."

Of course, it is quite surprising that such a thing happens openly and officially within the renowned Cheonmu Academy. However, one must not overlook that these are spirited young people in their twenties. They possessed the curiosity and ability to attempt anything.

Furthermore, it is currently the passionate period of the Samseong Mujae. Originally, martial arts competitions are ten times more fun when stakes are involved. The difference in feeling when watching a match you're supporting versus one you're not is worlds apart.

Those who lack skill and unfortunately cannot participate directly are trying to cool their boiling passion through gambling. A form of vicarious satisfaction, perhaps!

It seems the academy is also tacitly allowing it. They likely believed that an open system would have fewer side effects than a clandestine one. Unless it's a place where only enlightened immortals reside, gambling is bound to occur, whether by individuals or groups. If they continue to crack down, it will become more clandestine, seep deeper, and eventually rot from the inside.

The academy's judgment was correct. The students knew their limits and knew how to exercise restraint. As it became more public, they inevitably became conscious of the surrounding gaze, exercising self-censorship and self-purification. The students harmonized and regulated each other through their own rules. This has now solidified into a tradition.

Looking back, there must have been rebels who enjoyed strange and unique things from the first competition. In reality, hoping that everyone gathered here is a model disciple is an impossible dream. Following the attempts of a single innovative (?) rebel (or wayward student!), it seems the Eye Appraisal Meeting has become something of a tradition at Cheonmu Academy, passed down through generations. There are always those who step forward without being asked. They have kept this Eye Appraisal Meeting going for nearly 100 years. They have managed it well on their own, even when left alone.

Cheonmusanguiyeoung would not miss this golden opportunity. For various reasons, Cheonmusanguiyeoung took charge of the progress and operation of this Eye Appraisal Meeting.

A slightly overweight young man in a purple silk martial arts uniform entered the place, which had become an open secret. He was Geum Yeongho, the successor of Geumho Sanghoe, the greatest merchant in the Jianghu, and a member of the Suzaku Clan.

The reason Geum Yeongho was entrusted with all the money of the entire Suzaku Clan was simple. He had an outstanding talent in this area. Given his family background, he had been educated with excellent financial acumen from a young age. Therefore, his friends, trusting his ability and judgment, delegated everything to him. Of course, concentrating investment in one place is extremely risky and adventurous. However, adventure is an indispensable element for achieving something greater.

They decided to test their luck. Although their senior disciple was somewhat unreliable, they decided to take the plunge and venture. Geum Yeongho, eager to quickly finish the responsibility conveyed by the heavy leather pouch in his hand and put his mind at ease, had to wait a long time for his turn due to the sheer number of people. It was only after waiting for about one jakeong (about 15 minutes) that Geum Yeongho's turn finally came.

"Oh my? Who is this? Isn't this Yeongho!"

Even amidst his busyness, the first person to greet him was Cheon Sonae, one of the Cheonmusanguiyeoung. His belief was to befriend sons of wealthy families, so he greeted him even while his feet were hands and his eyes were spinning. Unlike the reputation of being the top troublemaker in Cheongwan, he always appeared neat, but now his attire was slightly disheveled due to the busyness. However, seeing his still immaculate face, he looked like a typical disciple from a prestigious sect, not a troublemaker.

"Good work. It's still thriving. There must be a considerable profit!"

As expected of a merchant's descendant, Geum Yeongho focused on profit. The crowd of people, jostling in a limited space, made the complexity comparable to a marketplace. In his eyes, the movements of all these people were flows of money.

"Hahaha! I feel like I need even a baby's hand! So, who are you betting on? Is it still Cheong Heun of the Three Section Sword?"

"It seems Cheong Heun of the Three Section Sword is indeed the top favorite."

As expected.

"Of course. Who can block his sharp sword energy?"

"But as the win rate is the highest, the odds are low!"

Naturally, the higher the win rate and the more people bet on a particular side, the lower the payout when they win. Conversely, if the win rate decreases, the payout increases. However, the risk is also greater.

"Hoho! You're planning to bet elsewhere. I wonder where you caught the scent of money! Then who will you bet on? Tell me where your keen sense desires. Is it Mo Yonghui of the Seven Section Divine Sword, the greatest variable called the best prodigy? Many have placed their hopes on him as well. They must be expecting a new trend."

As he said, the current situation was divided between Cheong Heun and Mo Yonghui. The name of Sword Saint had a great power to make people turn away from Cheong Heun. Still, Cheong Heun of the Three Section Sword remained the undisputed number one. Cheon Sonae was also interested in Geum Yeongho's judgment.

Although it was a secret to others, Cheonmusanguiyeoung and Geum Yeongho had secretly slipped out of the academy and developed a unique friendship by shaking dice at an in-city gambling den. Sometimes as enemies, sometimes as comrades… In the gambling den held under the night sky, Geum Yeongho, befitting the successor of Geumho Sanghoe, the top merchant guild in the Jianghu, showed not only a financial sense but also an unusual talent for gambling. His exceptional senses were inwardly acknowledged by Cheon Sonae and Dang Cheolgi. This ability was also the reason why the Suzaku Clan delegated all decisions to him.

"Hurry and decide. As you can see, I'm a busy man right now…"

Even while talking to Geum Yeongho, Cheon Sonae was constantly moving. It was amazing how he could perform tasks smoothly without any hindrance to his actions, even with his attention divided.

"No! I will bet on Bilu Yeon. Bet all the money here on him."

He said resolutely and cautiously thrust out the pouch he was holding. Cheon Sonae's eyes widened as he received the pouch. Dang Cheolgi, upon hearing the name Bilu Yeon, also turned his gaze this way. And they exclaimed in unison:

"Bilu Yeon! On our junior disciple?"

Geum Yeongho nodded. It was widely known within the academy that Bilu Yeon had joined the Aesojeo Hoe, and even brought Mo Yonghui with him.

"Won't you regret it? So far, only three people have bet on our junior disciple. And it was for a negligible amount. Moreover, I know those people, and it's highly likely they bet due to their friendly relationship. They are all friends of our junior disciple."

"Three people! So there are people who bet. I thought there would be none. It's more surprising that there are!"

As expected, only they should have bet on Bilu Yeon. Naturally. Who would bet their hard-earned money on an unproven first-year brat? The Suzaku Clan and Geum Yeongho were taking a gamble with the intention of sweeping the betting pool if they won.

They expected an empty field. But, there were people. Not just one, but three… And as the overall winner. Whoever they were, they must have been treated like crazy people by those around them when they placed their bets. Many must have tried to dissuade them, telling them to stop their madness.

He himself was now betting on Bilu Yeon, or rather, their senior disciple, despite the risk of being treated like a madman. It seemed only a few days remained before rumors would spread that the Suzaku Clan had gone mad preparing for the showdown with the Azure Dragon Clan. He could foresee the rumors spreading like wildfire. He was already prepared.

Still, they possessed top-secret information that others did not know. Information that could be a significant variable in the outcome of the bets. Their situation was different from others. But what were they relying on to bet here, on Bilu Yeon? If they had seen through their senior disciple's skill (though he didn't look like a master at all), they would be geniuses. Their discernment, which was beyond comparison, would be the best in the world. Or, they were simply fools…

Geum Yeongho wished they were fools. Otherwise, they might become formidable opponents.

"Won't you regret it?"

Cheon Sonae asked one last time, receiving the pouch containing a month's living and operating expenses of the Suzaku Clan. The meaning was clear: it was not too late to change it.

"I won't regret it. My choice is unwavering."

Geum Yeongho's gaze was resolute. The piercingly intense gaze conveyed that he was not joking around. Cheon Sonae no longer had anything to add or object to.

"Alright. It's a dangerous gamble of all or nothing. May luck be with your judgment. If you win, turning it into 200 times isn't a dream. If you win, that is…"

With a meaningful remark, Cheon Sonae checked the money in the bag and distributed the dividend slips. Geum Yeongho, upon receiving the dividend slips, carefully checked the amounts and names written on them before cautiously putting them in his inner pocket. His task was done. The rest was up to heaven. After finishing his task, Geum Yeongho slipped out of the bustling crowd.

Just then.

"Yo? Who is this? Isn't this Geum Yeongho, the only son of Geumho Sanghoe, who only has money?"

An unpleasant voice! Geum Yeongho slowly turned his head back.

'Speckled. Damn, how unlucky…'

The one who called him to a halt in a sarcastic tone was Do Gwangseo, the Ki-hwan Sword Speed of the Azure Dragon Clan, whom he really didn't want to meet and found unpleasant to talk to. Looking at his epithet, Huan (Illusion) and Gwae (Speed), people would imagine a scrawny body with long arms and a nimble physique. However, anyone who saw him in person would realize how mistaken they were. He possessed a heavy physique that was unthinkable for someone who used a fast sword.

It was a mystery how such Huan (Illusion) and Gwae (Speed) could emerge from a protruding lower abdomen as large as Mount Tai and flesh that cried for mercy. Although they were in the same year, he was the disciple of Baek Mu-yeong, the Earth Dragon of Hyungsan Sect, and obeyed him absolutely.

He also harbored some inferiority complex, but he kept it deeply hidden. He was a typical person who believed the Nine Great Sects were the best, and often acted cocky, relying on Baek Mu-yeong's authority, which made him disliked by others and earned him accusations of being a bully.

One of his distinguishing features was a large mole smack in the middle of his right cheek, which led people to call him 'Speckled'. Geum Yeongho was genuinely surprised to meet him here. He already disliked the Azure Dragon Clan members, and the one in front of him was the one he disliked the most. How could he be in a good mood?

"Are you an idiot?"

The first words that came out were of a low quality that could not find the whereabouts of manners. Geum Yeongho's face immediately flushed with anger.

Do Gwangseo had also witnessed Geum Yeongho betting his entire fortune on Bilu Yeon.

"On what grounds are you spouting such nonsense?"

Lately, the relationship between the Azure Dragon Clan and the Suzaku Clan had been deteriorating like that between a supervising master and his disciples. Perhaps that's why they always got into fights over trivial matters. It seemed the emotions of the supervising masters had spread to them.

"It seems the Suzaku Clan has finally lost their minds. Have you all gone mad collectively? Or are your eyes messed up?"

"Disrespectful speech and behavior! Vulgar tongue! It's extremely unpleasant to hear!"

"On what basis are you betting on such a brat?"

"I don't know about anything else, but he looks ten times stronger than the likes of you, so I picked him. What? Any complaints?"

Geum Yeongho retorted, his face reddening, not backing down even as the heir of Geumhosan Station.

Moreover, the person they were mocking was their own (regardless of lineage) senior disciple. While they could insult him, they couldn't let others insult him. This was a matter of pride. It felt somehow dirty, as if the insults directed at Bilu Yeon, their senior disciple, were also directed at all of them in a chain reaction.

"Even if your eyes are rotten, you should bet on something that has a chance! I'm worried people will call your judgment foolish!"

Do Gwangseo used the plural "you all" instead of the singular "you." He intended to challenge not only Geum Yeongho's personal judgment but also the judgment of the entire Suzaku Clan.

'Indeed, the viper of the Azure Dragon Clan! It's a ghost strategy to leave no opening!'

To Geum Yeongho, the Speckled one's words seemed to imply that if the current situation didn't spread as a rumor within Cheonmu Academy, he would personally step forward to become the source of the rumor, even if it was tiring and troublesome. And as it turned out, that was indeed the case later.

"We are not desperate enough to need your concerns. We'll know whose judgment is superior only after the competition ends. If your boasts go awry, how will you be able to show your face?"

Geum Yeongho's words were laced with thorns.

"Hahahaha! Your esteemed judgment! Take a good look! Don't regret it later, beating your chest!"

Although anger had reached its peak, Geum Yeongho barely managed to calm himself.

"It's pathetic that you still don't know that your judgment is worthless. I can only sigh in dismay."

Geum Yeongho shot back in a mocking tone. If they were going to be like that, they couldn't afford to lose.

"Let's hear the reason."

Do Gwangseo said with an arrogant expression, folding his arms.

"After all, your judgment is nothing more than following what others do, nothing grand about it. Cheong Heun of the Three Section Sword! Look around, that's where most people are betting. Probably most people here will bet on him. What's the difference between you and them, acting all proud?"

Logical reasoning was no longer necessary. It was enough to retort to the opponent, even if it didn't make sense.

"Hmph! Besides the esteemed young master Cheong Heun of the Three Section Sword, who else could win the Cheonmu Samseong Mujae? Your eyes and ears seem to be poorly attached, and you've been carrying them around uselessly for so long. I want to applaud your patience."

The verbal sparring between the two was increasingly turning into an emotional fight.

"There's also Mo Yonghui of the Seven Section Divine Sword! He shouldn't be underestimated either!"

The sensation of this tournament was undoubtedly the progress of Mo Yonghui of the Seven Section Divine Sword. Especially after the first martial arts competition, where he publicly displayed his rumored splendid martial arts, the number of people betting on him significantly increased. In any case, too many people were gathered around Cheong Heun. A spirit of adventure and the shadow of the name "Sword Saint" were driving bets towards Mo Yonghui.

"Then why aren't you betting on Mo Yonghui and betting on an unknown, nameless brat instead?"

'This guy again!'

Geum Yeongho's expression crumpled terribly. He vowed to cut this guy down someday. Geum Yeongho made a firm decision.

"Well, it's because we have a discernment that is three steps superior to others, especially you all, and exceptional insight. Of course, your lack of discernment and insight has been a great help."

Geum Yeongho said with all his might, with heavy sarcasm. Do Gwangseo did not back down either.

"I've seen your absurd confidence well. I'm very curious how long that smile will last. I worry about your sleep. If you're so confident, are you willing to bet with me? I won't chase you even if you run away like a thousand tails."

No one would run away after hearing such words. Geum Yeongho wanted this too.

"You're the one who shouldn't run away! You dug your own grave, so I'll acknowledge your commendable spirit and personally cover it with dirt for you."

Sparks flew between Geum Yeongho and Do Gwangseo. The two stared at each other with burning eyes, never yielding their stance.

"What are the conditions?"

Geum Yeongho asked.

"The loser will admit their low discernment to the winner, perform three bows and nine kowtows, and then buy the most lavish dinner at Namchang Jeil-ru!"

Three bows and nine kowtows meant bowing nine times with the forehead touching the ground, the highest form of respect for a master. However, when it came to peers, it was also the greatest humiliation. Honor was at stake in the bet. It was a match that could not be conceded, as honor, more precious than life, was on the line.

Only after the bet was set did the two finally finish their insults. However, Geum Yeongho's ordeal was not yet over.

"Why are two fat guys making so much noise? Do you think this is an animal farm?"

The moment he heard the rough and booming voice from behind, Geum Yeongho almost died of a heart attack.

His vision went dark. He didn't want to die without even getting kowtows from the Speckled guy.

'N-no way…'

Sweating profusely, Geum Yeongho slowly turned his head back.

'A-as expected!'

His vision went dark. He had a bad feeling, and it was right. He was unlucky enough to see Yeomdo Nosya standing there. With a burning radiance in his eyes… No matter how brave he was, he couldn't help but be intimidated.

"Didn't I ask what's going on, Geum Let-don-ho?"

Do Gwangseo also seemed quite flustered upon realizing that the owner of the voice was Yeomdo. But no matter how flustered he was, it couldn't compare to Geum Yeongho.

The owner of the voice was the master Yeomdo, a figure of terror who had plunged the Suzaku Clan into nightmares for the past half a year.

He shouldn't have been here according to calculations, yet here he was, standing boldly.

'I'm dead!'

'…I am dead. My friends, carve on my tombstone that Geum Yeongho of the Suzaku Clan died tragically! It's a pity I won't be able to see you again! Ah…'

Geum Yeongho's complexion, which had been full of vitality just moments ago, turned ashen like a corpse. His mind was in a state of runaway, with all sorts of thoughts swirling at once.

Gasp! To meet Yeomdo Nosya in such a place. It felt like visiting hell and meeting King Yama. The contorted expression on Yeomdo's face, even without him speaking yet, was terrifying to even glimpse. He could already hear Yeomdo's impending roar: "You fool! You have so much training to do, and you're skipping it for this betting and gambling! You still haven't learned your lesson. Shall I teach you a lesson to wake you up? Do you want to die?" He seemed ready to unleash a thunderous roar and a savage fist. He could even feel a killing intent piercing his entire body. He regretted not having written a will in advance.

Geum Yeongho knew well. Yeomdo (Flame Blade) was the type of person with whom logic and reason were completely useless. Such a person could never be reasoned with. (His half a year of training under Yeomdo had taught him this for sure.) And he would never back down from his claims, even if they were wrong. (Therefore, he could not be persuaded or convinced by logic or reason.) As a merchant and as a human, he was the most troublesome type of being to deal with.

If logic worked and reason was understood, then one could proceed with any conversation or engagement. Since he acted on his own impulses and never yielded his claims, his behavior was unpredictable. In other words, Geum Yeongho's life now depended on Yeomdo's mood. If he survived, he vowed never to raise his child like that. If he survived… but the probability of survival was too slim.

An instant, which felt like eons, passed. Geum Yeongho, with his eyes tightly shut, awaited his impending fate.

Huh? But something felt strange. He noticed the strangeness after the eternity-like moment had passed. With his eyes shut and teeth clenched, he was waiting for something to fly at him, but it wasn't coming. After an eon-like silence, Geumho, unable to bear it any longer, peeked at Yeomdo with narrowed eyes. He hadn't drawn his sword yet. So, he might be planning to resolve it violently with his fists.

Ugh… It would be better to finish it cleanly in one blow. He didn't want multiple blows.

"Nosya! You're here!"

Geum Yeongho quickly performed a fist-and-palm salute, bowed deeply, and greeted him. Yeomdo's expression worsened upon receiving his disciple's greeting. And then a roar erupted.

"Who told you to greet me now? Didn't I ask you what was going on? Are your ears deaf? Shall I drill them for you?"

The roar indicated that the fire that had ignited in the scoundrel had not yet been extinguished.

"Uh… Sir, well…"

No matter how bold he was, Geum Yeongho had to be extremely cautious. There was hope in the fact that he hadn't been sent to the other world without any explanation. Even if it was as small as a sliver of a fingernail…

"Sir, this friend and I had a disagreement about who would win this match, so there was a slight clash of opinions."

Geum Yeongho explained, sweating profusely. He felt like he could barely breathe. He was worried that a fierce reprimand would fall upon him for what he was doing instead of training. Wasn't it Yeomdo Nosya who prevented him from participating in the Samseong Mujae, telling him to fight fiercely and win against the Azure Dragon Clan? He wouldn't let this slide.

"So, who did you bet on?"

"Huh?"

Geum Yeongho's face turned black. Yeomdo knew everything. Now, all that remained was the impending storm. Ten out of ten times, it would be a storm accompanied by fists. Yeomdo's storms and flying fists were always inseparable. Now Geum Yeongho had to ponder. Should he take all the blame himself, or should he distribute the joint responsibility? Ugh! The choice was not easy.

"Uh… Bilu Yeon's… Senior…"

He couldn't bring himself to say "senior disciple" in front of the Azure Dragon Clan member (let them infer whether he was a senior or junior disciple), so he mumbled vaguely.

"And the Azure Dragon Clan guy?"

Yeomdo seemed to recognize Do Gwangseo as an Azure Dragon Clan member. He probably recognized the Azure Dragon embroidery on Do Gwangseo's sleeve. Facing Yeomdo's displeased, even terrifying gaze, Do Gwangseo flinched and shrank back.

"That Azure Dragon Clan guy bet on Cheong Heun of the Three Section Sword."

Yeomdo's gaze, like the burning flames of hell, turned towards Geum Yeongho. He could only pray fervently. If he failed… The thought alone was terrifying.

'Kneeeeee!'

Yeomdo's gaze was so intense and hot that it felt like it could burn his body to ashes. He felt a terrible sensation as if his entire body was being dissected and incinerated under his gaze. To live or die? The decision of life and death rested entirely in Yeomdo's hands, and Geum Yeongho was simply waiting for the verdict.

"Thud!"

As Geum Yeongho pondered where he would go if he died, and thought about what excuses to give at the King of Hell's court, a pouch fell in front of him. By the sound, it was clearly silver. His ears, which couldn't distinguish the sound of money, were not useless.

"Bet all of mine on Bilu Yeon too! And, whether it's a bet, a martial arts match, or a brawl, you must do better than those ice-cold disciples and you must win! Understand?"

"Y-yes! Master!"

Then he quickly turned and disappeared. Geum Yeongho stood there, eyes wide open, staring blankly until Yeomdo's figure vanished from his sight.

"Whew! 10 years, no, it felt like at least 30 years…"

As soon as Yeomdo's figure completely disappeared from his sight, Geum Yeongho was finally able to let out a sigh he had been holding back. All the strength drained from his body. He really thought he was going to see the other world today. He had almost met his end. He felt a sense of accomplishment, as if he had gained an extra life. A surging joy welled up from the depths of his heart.

He turned his head and saw Do Gwangseo, the Speckled guy, also staring blankly at Yeomdo's retreating back. He must have been surprised. If he was this surprised, how could the other guy not be? Especially Yeomdo's final gaze, which had been so menacing towards Do Gwangseo, must have been quite intimidating. Moreover, who would have imagined that the famous Yeomdo Nosya would bet on Bilu Yeon? Seeing his dazed expression, Geum Yeongho felt a sense of secret satisfaction.

Yeomdo had also cast a vote for Bilu Yeon. Geumho felt even more reassured. And he was confident that he wouldn't regret it. At least, not yet.