Jin Musik's Letter
For reasons he could not fully grasp, he had never employed men of the martial world.
It would even be difficult to classify Lee Hui as a true man of the jianghu, yet that was the most generous concession he had ever made.
He hurriedly reassigned rooms.
He moved the guest to a better chamber and immediately sent word to his younger brother.
He could not fathom how the rumor had spread, nor how such a figure had come to their gates.
The martial world's interest had not erupted all at once.
It began with the testimony of soldiers who had fled the battlefield.
They spoke of a leap into the air and a single stroke that felled dozens, of a streak of light like a bolt flashing past.
Then came the tale of Jang Sigi's execution.
Word spread that his head had fallen before the blade even touched him.
Terms such as formless sword and manifestation of sword qi began circulating.
That display of prowess fused with the image of a "boy general."
Interwoven with the myth of great victories against the barbarians, the stories took on ever more vivid shapes.
Through inns, markets, military outposts, and escort agencies, the rumors gathered embellishment.
Those who debated realms of mastery added their interpretations, while others followed with the intent to verify or to challenge.
Curiosity hardened into rivalry, and rivalry swelled into collective fervor.
The attention of the martial world naturally converged upon Jingajang.
"So, you claim to be a master of the Realm of Transformation? Then let us test it."
That was the spirit behind it.
The martial world's focus settled on the authenticity and level of the martial art.
They wished to determine whether such a realm truly existed and how far it reached.
If possible, they wanted to cross blades themselves.
Some wished to break him.
Others hoped to learn from him.
A steady procession of notable figures made their way to Jingajang.
After several days of unbroken visits, Jin Musik finally wrote to So-un.
The flow of guests did not diminish, and the atmosphere within the estate grew heavier by the day.
To Young Master Yu,
I trust you have been well.
Thanks to you, Jingajang has been restored and stands in renewed order.
All within the household remain at peace.
General Jin's injuries have entered a stage of recovery under the care of the Divine Physician, and my sister-in-law's heart has found some measure of calm.
The reason for this letter is that a number of martial artists, having heard of your prowess, have come to our ancestral home seeking an audience.
They present themselves as guests and insist upon meeting you.
As a house closer to the military and official circles, we are not positioned to involve ourselves in the affairs of the jianghu, nor is it easy for us to deal with its people.
They declare they will remain here until your return.
It seems their motives are entangled—some wish to test your realm, some to confirm it out of competitive pride, and some, perhaps, to learn from you if fortune allows.
I understand well that your circumstances are complex and demanding.
Nevertheless, I earnestly hope you might find time to return to the ancestral home.
My sister-in-law speaks of you daily and wipes away her tears in longing.
If there has been fault in my inability to manage this matter smoothly, I will bear it separately.
I humbly ask that you come at your earliest convenience.
— Jin Musik, Head of Jingajang —
Jin Musik was so stifled by frustration that he mentioned the sister-in-law he cherished three separate times, urging So-un to come home.