Gatewalker: Remnant of the Tang Clan Chapter 23: Chapter 22 - The Truth That's Buried

Read chapter 23 of Gatewalker: Remnant of the Tang Clan by TheeRaven on NovelPedia.

That night as Blue walked down the street, Chengdu was alive. Colors of every sect flooded the street. Even the unorthodox sects that didnt participate lined the bars and food stalls. Wandering martial artists, storytellers and civilians alike crowded the streets. The city glowed under lanterns and laughter. Blue paid no mind, until he watched a little boy playing with his dad. The boy ran through the crowd, his dad not far behind. When he caught up he hoisted the boy on his shoulders. Blue slowed and his mind wandered to to him playing with Jinho after he'd come back from guarding merchants through the mountains. "Teach me martial arts dad." "No." Jinho replied firmly. "Why not." Young Jiung pouted. "Because, this world isn't kind to martial artists. And i need you around to help mom when I'm gone." "Fine." Jiung hung his head. Jinho laughed and ruffled his hair. His mind flashed again. Earth. A different world. A different father. David gave blue comic books, encouraging him to follow his heart and do what makes him happy. One night David brought Blue to the basement. Blue stopped, training dummies, mats, dumbells lined the floor. "Train down here son, it's cheaper than gyms, and better than the backyard." David patted Blue on the back. "Just be happy son, carve your own path and your mother and I will always support you." The sound of the boy's laughter brought Blue back. He smiled despite himself. Two homes. Two fathers. Yet, both now out of reach. Tonight though, wasn't about the past. He continued toward the brothel to meet Cheng and Yeol and their mysterious friend who wanted to meet him. The brothel's lanterns swayed in the wind as Blue approached. He stared at the rear entrance door. The scent of incense and cheap perfume hit him as soon as he walked in. He exhaled. "Dirty old men. Why a brothel?" The moment he stepped in a woman in a silk dressed glided toward him. "You must be the young one they spoke of." She looped her arm through Blue's and smiled. "Come now, they are waiting upstairs." Blue stiffened as her body pressed against his as she led him up the stairs. Finally, they reached the third floor. The woman stopped just short of a velvet curtain trimmed in gold. Blue could see the shadows behind it... five figures. "Don't be shy. They are all quite fond of you already." With a smile, a wink, and a kiss on the cheek she drew the curtain back for Blue then walked away. Inside a table sat in the middle of the room. The Sword Saint leaned against cushions with two women leaned against him on either side. His arms draped around both women, with a gourd of wine in one hand, smiling ear to ear. Across sat Wu Cheng and Tang Yeol. Both were nursing cups of tea, pure amusement written across their faces. Blue stared at the Sword Saint. Wu Cheng looked up. "Took you long enough." "Sorry, I... uh... got distracted outside." Blue sat down. The Sword Saint gave Blue a grin. "So this is the brat huh?" Blue looked between the three elders, frustration written across his face. "Why am I here?" "You have a trio don't you" Yeol chuckled. "Jinhu, Ilho, and yourself." Cheng smiled. "We thought we'd introduce you to our third." Cheng gestured toward the Sword Saint. "This is-" "The Sword Saint." Blue interrupted Cheng. "Namgung Gyeom... I'm well aware." Yeol slid Blue a cup of tea. "He noticed." "Noticed what?" Blue took a sip. "Your grandfathers footwork." Cheng responded. Blue spit his tea out. "You told him?" "He asked questions..." Yeol said. "... He's not the type to sit idle when curiosity strikes." "It haunted me that I could never master it." Gyeom took a sip of wine and dismissed the courtesans. He sat forward. "Yet, somehow... you... a nobody did." Gyeom sat the gourd down. "So of course I was curious." Cheng laughed. "It's better we told him. Rather than him burning down Murim searching for answers." "He's trustworthy." Yeol said as he moved out of the way so the courtesans could leave. "A little crazy... but trustworthy