Yap! Yap!
Young Tang Do-gyeong was diligently practicing the Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method. He was well aware of the basics of the Tang Clan’s Eight Techniques, followed by the Twelve Techniques of the Poison Snake, and lastly, the Seven Spirits method, which was only an imitation of his brother.
Tang Do-gyeong observed the young version of himself and looked around.
The same endless buildings stretched out around him. Members of the Tang Clan generally lived in identically structured houses—a treatment without discrimination. Amidst these identical buildings, he spotted a large academy in the distance.
At one moment, he caught sight of his father, Tang Moon-gi, also practicing martial arts alongside him.
“Father.”
Both Tang Moon-gi and the young Tang Do-gyeong wore bright smiles. Tang Do-gyeong laughed too.
Time passed.
Tang Do-gyeong continued his practice of the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method in the same spot. However, Tang Moon-gi was no longer training.
He merely stood still.
Tang Do-gyeong knew well why his father had given up martial arts after being defeated in a duel with the direct line—he did not want to incite conflict within the Tang Clan anymore. With no more rivals in Sacheon, the deadly techniques filled with killing skill had been replaced by the more universally applicable and easier-to-control Bat-Leaping Tiger Method, which became more useful for managing the clan’s territory.
He became aware that the clan, which had spent centuries developing and maintaining hidden techniques, had reached a point of potential transition.
Those who earned nicknames were those who practiced the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method, while those in the direct line who only trained in hidden techniques and poison techniques remained stuck in the Tang Clan, unable to make a name for themselves in the world.
It was because there were simply no competitors that the Tang Clan’s hidden techniques and poison techniques found no opportunity to shine. It wasn’t that the Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method was superior; rather, it was the environment that allowed the Bat-Leaping Tiger to excel that caused his father to gain great fame and success.
He understood.
His father had chosen to challenge the direct line to extinguish the rising discontent of the branch clan, to clarify what the clan’s main techniques were, and how strong those techniques truly were. At first, it was just an exercise. Having practiced the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method with his father, he was determined to prove that his father’s method was not wrong, even if his father was defeated.
As the child grew, the times changed. The Tang Clan was originally one family. While there was conflict between the direct and branch lines, it was not an irreparable conflict. The peace within the clan stabilized, and some branch clans became independent, with the money flowing in from the expanded territory enabling even the direct line to throw lavish banquets and gain recognition.
Resentment towards the Tang Clan probably blossomed from that point onward.
Tang Do-gyeong vividly recalled the memory of that day, yet everyone seemed to have forgotten and were just smiling. His father became a merchant under the independence of the branch clan, and the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method remained unchanged. The once-thriving Tang Clan soon began developing new hidden techniques day by day, laughing and busily training in these new arts.
“I’m going to create a technique that represents the Tang Clan.”
Having felt the limitations of the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method, it was then that young Tang Do-gyeong decided to throw off the outdated hidden techniques he had trained in for so long.
And so, the boy ventured into the Martial World.
As a young heir of the Tang Clan, his reckless activity stirred up chaos in Sacheon. Tang Do-gyeong received countless scoldings but didn’t care. The duels only sharpened Tang Do-gyeong’s martial skills. His choice to not be satisfied with the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method led him to create a new martial art through practical experience.
The young Tang Do-gyeong jumped at every chance to step out, growing taller and earning the nickname ‘Fighting Dog.’
“Poor weakling.”
Tang Do-gyeong pondered if he was really a weakling. No, that wasn’t true. He was strong enough—achieving peak stage at this age was an accomplishment that only a few from the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Clans could manage.
Indeed, was the Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method lacking?
No.
Objectively, the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method was powerful enough. It merely fell short when compared to the hidden techniques and poison techniques worthy of being called the best in the world.
“Haha, after all, my roots are in the Tang Clan.”
Even the Tiger Fist method was just a martial technique focused on offensive moves. The Tang Eight Techniques lacked subtle intricacies crucial for the realm of hidden techniques.
Young Tang Do-gyeong transitioned into his youth, stubbornly applying himself only to brute force techniques. Watching himself smile with satisfaction at the great power he unleashed, he felt everything else fading away.
Only the arrogantly smiling Tang Do-gyeong remained.
The people of the Tang Clan too. Those who had silently waited for him with worried gazes, including his father. Even Tang Do-gi, who scolded him while waiting. Tang Do-yeon, who cried for him. Tang Do-yul, who clenched his fists in silence. And his little sister, Tang Rye-ah, who always cheered for her brother.
As he blinked, Tang Do-gyeong suddenly found himself alone beside a withered, dying tree with rotten bark.
“Is this truly the scene I desired?”
No, it wasn’t.
Tang Do-gyeong envisioned the scene he truly wanted.
A young Tang Do-gyeong practicing martial arts emerged. His father was by his side. Tang Do-gyeong chuckled. It was an impossible sight, but still.
That was precisely what Tang Do-gyeong longed for.
Slowly, he began to move his body. The punch he threw into the air was no longer part of the Tang Eight Techniques nor the Tiger Fist method.
Family was precious.
However, the Tiger Fist, cultivated over a lifetime, was also invaluable. Born a member of the Tang Clan, he had stubbornly shed his connection to hidden techniques and practiced martial arts.
Yet that martial art, the Tiger Fist, embodied Tang Do-gyeong as a martial artist.
The Tang Clan’s Eight Techniques, his roots, and the Tiger Fist method, the trunk, began to intertwine.
Now, with the technique that could no longer be labeled, Tang Do-gyeong unveiled the martial art as the tree shed its rotten bark, filling the dried-out interior anew.
It began to grow into a great tree, bit by bit.
*
“Senior, senior! Wake up!”
The Black Cat burst into my room and shook me awake. My head throbbed, and my body ached—felt like I had pushed my drinking limits and then some. My entire body felt like it was swimming in toxins…
“Do-gyeong has achieved realization!”
“What?!”
I jolted upright from my spot. My legs were shaky, but I stumbled outside to see the outcasts surrounding Tang Do-gyeong.
In the center of the first floor, I was thrown into confusion staring at Tang Do-gyeong who was in a state of realization. How did he end up outside when he was locked away in his room? Had he sneaked out in the early morning to achieve realization?
This wasn’t right.
I had zero strength in my body, and my head throbbed, making it hard to think, but anyway… I had something to do.
I gathered my supplies and approached Tang Do-gyeong, but the outcasts standing guard stopped me.
“Step aside.”
“Senior Ho, you know that if you interrupt someone in the midst of achieving realization, it can be dangerous or break the state, right?”
“I know that. But this is necessary right now.”
The outcasts hesitated, then opened a path, trusting that I wouldn’t cause any harm.
I placed the table in front of me and laid out all the supplies.
Then I began to unfold my gambling techniques one by one.
*
“I was so small.”
As he established and expressed the martial art transformed into something nameless, Tang Do-gyeong lamented. Truly, he had ambitions as small as grains of sand. What on earth had he planned to achieve with a mindset that couldn’t even contain himself?
The senior members of the Tang Clan would surely fret over this. The young Do-gyeong, constantly poking at a carefully stitched wound, must have appeared to them as a child playing with fire in front of a powder keg.
Yes, that was right.
Tang Do-gyeong was much like a child.
If the child holding the torch in front of the powder keg wasn’t a mere child but rather someone seen as a great person or hero, what would the senior members have thought even if he still held that torch?
They would’ve wanted to suppress it and grab the torch away.
Following the path of martial arts in the Tang Clan would not be an easy task. But as a child, wasn’t it always easy to dive in headfirst? Did he really get the impression it would be an easy thing once he grew up and saw the true nature of the Tang Clan?
Young Tang Do-gyeong was indeed a great person.
The ambition of creating a martial technique to represent the Tang Clan—a dream once so radiant—had shrunk over the years, as the Tang Clan changed and Tang Do-gyeong grew.
He had merely become a petty soldier obsessed with creating a little technique, clinging for completion.
As the difficulties of reality tightened around him, his dreams had shrunk down to something pathetically small and vague.
Indeed, it was just a twisted tree with rotten bark on the outside and a dried-up interior.
A withered mound with a solitary ancient tree whose roots he had severed himself.
“I rejected the hidden techniques.”
Tang Do-gyeong understood. No, everyone surrounding him in the Tang Clan knew this.
Tang Do-gyeong possessed outstanding talent. His innate martial skills shone through in the martial arts, but being born into the Tang Clan had cultivated his talent more towards hidden techniques.
Like a child throwing hidden techniques to snatch cards out of someone’s hand. Even for a bloodline of the Tang Clan, that was extraordinary talent.
Martial arts were martial arts, and hidden techniques were hidden techniques. So, why did he reject the hidden techniques even though he had the skills learned from the Tang Clan? Why did he stop training in hidden techniques?
Because he had clearly envisioned a form of hidden techniques that would surpass Bat-Leaping Tiger Method.
Tang Do-gyeong had to be a master of the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method and create a technique to represent the Tang Clan.
The style of the young Tang Do-gyeong transformed once again. The notable change from before was that a belt densely filled with hidden skills had appeared at his waist.
“If I am to become a great tree, what reason do I have to discard it?”
Hidden techniques began to interweave through Tang Do-gyeong’s martial art.
Tang Do-gyeong observed himself and reflected. Was this not a compromise? Hadn’t he once proclaimed to rise tall using only the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method in his youth? Was it truly the correct choice to add hidden techniques here?
“I am Tang Do-gyeong.”
Both a member of the Tang Clan and simultaneously, Do-gyeong. That was the essence of Tang Do-gyeong, created through the bond between the Tang family and Do-gyeong.
Was there not more to the formation of Tang Do-gyeong than just his own efforts? While Tang Do-gyeong could justify his actions as not opposing the consensus, he knew the truth.
Although he never crossed a line as a righteous faction member, where was the courtesy in forcing duels? And what about the resentment born from victories and defeats? He must have earned many grudges, all of which were resolved by elders of the clan, including Tang Do-gi. Moreover, the money for dueling? The hundred-nyang placed up for a bet with Ho Cheon-an? All supported by the family.
He thought he was alone, yet Tang Do-gyeong was merely a single tree in the benefiting forest.
That forest shielded the boy Tang Do-gyeong from the storms outside, even as he grew into a teenager, still throwing himself into battles.
Within him, a forest grew. Countless trees sprawled in every direction.
Looking at that forest, Tang Do-gyeong chuckled. With so much to hold, how could this merely be a compromise?
He had simply grown. The Tang Do-gyeong who trained in hidden techniques was the one who learned hidden arts from his father after being shocked by his father’s defeat.
Now, Tang Do-gyeong, who unveiled martial skills blending the Eight Techniques of the Tang Clan with the Tiger Fist, remained Tang Do-gyeong.
A representative technique of the Tang Clan? Small.
He would create a martial art representing the Tang Clan.
As the son of Tang Moon-gi, he would stand tall. As a descendant of the Tang Clan, he would rise tall as well.
He would become Tang Do-gyeong of the Sacheon Tang Family, pridefully the son of Tang Moon-gi, without flaw.
With that thought and resolve, Tang Do-gyeong moved his body.
“Lacking.”
He felt a sense of regret. The young version of himself had grown abruptly still.
The newly formed Bat-Leaping Tiger Method combined with the Tang Eight Techniques had achieved satisfactory results. The blend of roots and trunk formed a sturdy martial art, creating a new technique.
About him, two sturdy pillars would make up the person known as Tang Do-gyeong.
A balanced martial art made by merging the Tang Clan’s configuration and his own.
Although it produced a solid form for the Bat-Leaping Tiger Method, the pillars necessary for mastering hidden techniques were still far too few.
Having learned only the weak hidden techniques from when he was a child.
“Thus, I am harvesting the consequences of neglecting hidden techniques in my pursuit of being Do-gyeong.”
Tang Do-gyeong chuckled bitterly. He had paid the price for disregarding hidden techniques in pursuit of martial arts.
At that moment.
Two hands appeared within Tang Do-gyeong.
“Ah.”
Recognizing the familiar hand movements, Tang Do-gyeong knew the owner. It was Ho Cheon-an whom he called Brother Ya.
“Brother Ya.”
Slowly, instinctively, Tang Do-gyeong began to mimic those hand motions.
Although gambling techniques and hidden techniques were entirely different, they shared common grounds.
Dexterity. Deception. And secrecy.
Little by little, Tang Do-gyeong internalized Ho Cheon-an’s skills. It could only be possible because they were solely for display.
How the dice in a cup had created confusion with those hand movements.
How what had looked like one set of cards split into two during the process.
How the spots on the dice changed through finger motions.
Tang Do-gyeong, who originally had extraordinary talents for hidden techniques, and Ho Cheon-an, who had reached a divine realm in gambling techniques, began to intertwine.
Of course, it was not grand comparing the hidden techniques with the basic skills Tang Do-gyeong had learned, but even the minor results drawn from gambling techniques proved significant.
For now, it was short and fragile, but it was yet another foundation that could support the large pillar of martial art.
“Hah.”
Tang Do-gyeong chuckled again. Looking at the larger hands filling in the gaps of his shortcomings, he felt joy.
“Did Brother Ya already know what I needed?”
Watching the two hands repeating their technique, Tang Do-gyeong felt delighted. Was this fate? Who would have known that a mad dog lost in combat would end up meeting an outcast like this?
He lowered his gaze.
There stood the now-grown tree known as Tang Do-gyeong. Beneath it, a beaming Tang Do-gyeong was throwing punches and hidden techniques.
He turned his gaze leftward.
Numerous trees were around him. Familiar figures stood below them. There was his father, Tang Moon-gi, and the ever-bustling Tang Do-gi, who had always helped him sort through his thoughts. There was Tang Do-yeon who had cried for him, and Tang Do-yul, who was always shouting at him.
There was also his childhood friend who had stolen his badge and the adorable little sister Tang Rye-ah, who would cause pain even just being looked at.
And many other members of the Sacheon Tang Family whom he had seen before.
They all were looking at Tang Do-gyeong. They nodded and laughed at the tinged expressions of young Tang Do-gyeong.
One punch.
All the trees, the whole Sacheon Tang Clan together, threw their punches in unison. Tang Do-gyeong thought about what to name this martial art—a combination of hidden techniques and martial arts.
Faster than any other, every tree of the Tang Clan threw hidden techniques at Tang Do-gyeong. He laughed heartily and followed along. Indeed, in hidden techniques, Tang Do-gyeong might fall short of any member of the Sacheon Tang Clan.
Three newly crafted hidden techniques unfolded from Tang Do-gyeong’s hands, just barely coming together.
It was a foundation of martial art still tilted, yet Tang Do-gyeong did not worry. Ahead, he would learn and experience, filling in the gaps.
“Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method.”
Perhaps it was a hasty and trivial name, but Tang Do-gyeong felt content.
“This is a martial art I made. As long as I am satisfied, that is enough.”
He opened his eyes.
His gaze fell upon Ho Cheon-an, with the outcasts standing vigil. The rest also held their breath, silently observing Tang Do-gyeong, while in the corner, the Black Cat was eating a snack.
Tang Do-gyeong appeared strong.
“I sincerely thank you all for your support.”
“Congratulations!”
“Congratulations, Great Hero Tang!”
Finally, realizing that his realization was fully encapsulated, the outcasts reciprocated with martial bows. Tang Do-gyeong’s gaze drifted past the Black Cat, landing on Ho Cheon-an.
Ho Cheon-an held up a Blood Jade Plaque and a one hundred nyang debt slip.
“Bet?”
“Sure.”
Ho Cheon-an calmly tossed the dice into the void. His hands flipped it over so everyone could see the cup’s interior. Tang Do-gyeong felt a smile beginning to form.
He focused on Ho Cheon-an’s hands, not on the cup or the dice.
Tang Do-gyeong picked up one of the cups.
Ho Cheon-an, grinning, knocked down the other cups.
“Oh..!”
“Finally!”
With the exclamations from the outcasts, inside Tang Do-gyeong’s cup lay a die showing the number one.
Ho Cheon-an placed the slip and Blood Jade Plaque upon Tang Do-gyeong’s hand.
“Brother Ya, what is this?”
“You’ll need it soon.”
Ho Cheon-an slumped into a nearby chair, utterly exhausted from showcasing gambling techniques for nearly two hours.
“Get going. There’s not much time left.”
“…Right.”
Tang Do-gyeong replied, sensing the gathering energy outside the window. His deepening inner strength and heightened senses picked up the presence of Tang Clan members approaching from outside the Outcast Inn.
[Keep it secret.]
At the urging of the Black Cat, Tang Do-gyeong nodded. Although she had used ruthless means against Ho Cheon-an, it seemed she wished to benefit him in some way…
Despite desperately wanting to give Ho Cheon-an the Gratitude Plaque, remembering the Black Cat’s words triggered Tang Do-gyeong’s patience, as he suppressed the impulse and bowed towards Ho Cheon-an.
“Really, truly… I am grateful for so much.”
“Go on.”
With a weak wave of his hand, Ho Cheon-an gestured for Tang Do-gyeong to leave.
Taking in his final image, Tang Do-gyeong turned to the outcasts gathered around him.
“Thank you, everyone. I shall never forget today’s events.”
“Take care, Great Hero!”
“Make sure to get along with your family!”
As the bustling farewells echoed behind him, Tang Do-gyeong stepped out of the Outcast Inn.
“Do-gyeong, older brother!”
“Do-gyeong!”
The two who seemed ready to dash at him were halted by Tang Do-gi’s intervention as he asked.
“Do-gyeong. Are you considering canceling the declaration of severance?”
Tang Do-gyeong was about to respond but merely smiled. Soon it would be necessary. Perhaps that was what he meant.
Swoosh!
Tang Do-gi’s eyes widened. Had Tang Do-gyeong just thrown a hidden technique? Surprised, he simultaneously moved his hands instinctively. Was that a gambling card thrown by him?
As he moved to catch it, the single card split into three.
No, it had been three from the start. It was cast in a way that made it seem like one.
Tap tap!
All three cards landed in Tang Do-gi’s hands, yet his eyes remained wide.
“Three-crowned Technique…? How could you possess such skills?”
“I’m sorry, uncle. And to all members of the Sacheon Tang Clan.”
Tang Do-gyeong knelt.
“I’ve spoken blasphemous words of severance, and I seek forgiveness. It is only now that I realize the Tang Clan is what allowed me to exist as Do-gyeong. Though I am still insufficient, I wish to strive as a member of the Sacheon Tang Clan.”
“Older Brother!”
“Do-gyeong!”
The two rushed towards Tang Do-gyeong and embraced him tightly. Tang Do-gyeong smiled bitterly. What had he done to receive such affection from these family members?
Tang Do-gi approached and placed a hand on Tang Do-gyeong’s shoulder.
“Are you planning to challenge hidden techniques again?”
“Yes. I’ve come to realize I’m not just Do-gyeong, but Tang Do-gyeong. I will no longer reject hidden techniques; however, I haven’t given up on martial arts either.”
“Haha…”
“It’s just that now, I’ve decided to create the supreme martial art from the Tang Clan’s Bat-Leaping Tiger Method.”
Tang Do-gi chuckled at Tang Do-gyeong’s absurd declaration. The two who had just embraced him held their wide eyes in astonishment.
“Very well. I shall keep a close watch on you.”
Tang Do-gi turned away.
“The road ahead is long. Already the Tang Clan must be in turmoil because of you. It won’t be an easy matter to resolve.”
“Older brother! Don’t worry! I’ll help you!”
“What are you doing? You need to arrive quickly to resolve this!”
Watching them hurry him along, Tang Do-gyeong grinned.
