Chapter 166
Chapter 166
- Monopoly
The porridge cooking, which I thought would end after a couple of times, soon became a daily routine at the hideout.
"Should I add some chunks today? I think the kids can digest vegetables now."
"It's too early for chunks. Let's just give them a little meat broth. Oh, Brother. You need to take the Medicinal pill I made too. Feed them porridge and then two pills each."
"Okay, okay. Two pills. I won't forget."
This was because Yeon-ryang enjoyed taking care of the children's meals.
He was so happy when the scabs on the children's faces faded and their pale, chapped lips regained their color.
Seeing Yeon-ryang preparing meals with such a vibrant face, I couldn't bring myself to stop him, even as a formality.
I just thought to myself that this man would have been happier living a life without a sword.
The children also liked Yeon-ryang. The kids, who were scared of Yeon-ryang's size and wouldn't even come near the pot, started grabbing his pants and playing with him after about seven days.
"Mister. Why do you have a scar on your face? Are you a Martial Artist?"
"Do Martial artists really fly in the sky and jump over mountains?"
"I am a Martial artist, but I can't fly in the sky."
"Aww, then you're not a Martial artist!"
Yeon-ryang, who had been playing with the children with a friendly smile, changed his expression in an instant.
He flinched and quickly turned his head, frowning as he stared at something.
"Tsk."
Yeon-ryang clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction and rubbed his forehead. Wondering what was wrong, I raised my Qi and blinked in surprise.
A Martial Artist with a familiar Qi was climbing the mountain.
It looks like a Jinseong disciple? We don't have anything to do with the Alliance anymore, so why are they here?
Puzzled, I got up. There was no point in creating a situation where two people with bad compatibility would meet.
"Brother. I'll be back. Stay here."
Then, without waiting for Yeon-ryang's reply, I walked in the direction where I felt the presence.
A little further down, I saw a Jin-sung disciple leisurely climbing the mountain path as if walking on flat ground.
Jin-sung stopped when he saw me and respectfully clasped his hands.
"It's been a while, Dang Sojeo."
"Yes, have you been well? But how did you find out about this place?"
"My master told me."
"Your master from the Sect is..."
Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk, Taeheo Jin-in? How does he know me?
Rolling my eyes at the incomprehensible words, I was about to scream when a thought suddenly struck me.
N-No way, that scruffy old man was the Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk? He said he had nothing to do with Wudang!
"Jinseong disciple. Does your master happen to like alcohol?"
"He likes it very much."
"Does he also like to joke around?"
"He tends to be like that."
"Is he also good at lying?"
Then, Jin-sung hesitated and opened his mouth with difficulty.
"...I cannot speak ill of my master."
That means he's good at it enough that he can't deny it.
As I gaped, Jin-sung swallowed hard as if choosing his words, then subtly changed the subject.
"My master was wondering if you liked the Golden needle."
"Yes. I like it. It's a good item. Please tell him I said thank you."
"I will pass it on. Also, he said that the Hibiscus Golden Needle is a weapon only given to the elders of Wudang, so be careful not to lose it."
"What? A weapon only given to the elders of Wudang?"
"Yes."
In that instant, my mind went blank and the face of the old man laughing boisterously came to mind.
'Once you receive it, you can't return it.'
No wonder he said I couldn't return it! No, who gives away their Sect's weapon! Is he crazy!
Cold sweat started to run down my back. I hurriedly took out the Golden needle and handed it to Jin-sung.
"W-Wait a minute. Disciple. I-I'll give this back to you. I used it a bit roughly, so it needs to be repaired...! No, I'll repair it for you. I have a wooden case at home, okay? I'll bring the wooden case soon too."
"It's alright. My master gave it to you directly, so it is Dang Sojeo's item. Please don't mind it."
"N-No! I'll give it back! I can't use this!"
How can I use someone else's Faction's item!
Unlike me, who had turned pale, Jin-sung was calm.
"It's really alright. My master has allowed it, so it is not right for me to take it back."
"...Then I'll return it to Supreme Sword Master myself."
"Yes. I understand."
Jin-sung nodded as if he thought it was not his place to interfere.
Hesitantly putting the Golden needle back in, I scratched my head and asked.
"Anyway, what's going on? I didn't do anything wrong."
"...I am not a constable, Dang Sojeo."
Jin-sung timidly protested and turned his gaze towards Yeon-ryang before getting to the main point.
"My master has invited both of you to Wudang."
"Us? Why?"
"I would like to tell you both in a place where you are together."
Jin-sung replied calmly and looked at me. I narrowed my eyes. Taking Yeon-ryang to an Orthodox Faction den full of Taoist priests was absolutely out of the question.
"What if I refuse?"
"If you refuse, I will quietly return."
Is he telling the truth? I don't believe it.
Seeing that my expression didn't soften, Jin-sung, who had been watching me, defended himself.
"I fully understand that Dang Sojeo does not trust me, but I have no intention of making things difficult for you. Please allow me to convey my master's message to your... companion."
"Hmm. Okay. But you have to help me with something first. Can you come this way?"
I gestured and strode up the mountain, and Jin-sung followed, matching my pace.
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
"There's a lot. Please line up the kids. They need to take their Medicinal pill."
"......Yes?"
"Brother. Where's the jar with the Medicinal pill?"
"It's here."
"Give it to me. Okay, Jinseong disciple. Take this. Give two pills to each of the kids. Kids! See the handsome brother over here? He's going to give you Medicinal pill, so line up!"
I shouted and handed the small jar to Jin-sung.
Jin-sung, who was blinking with an unfamiliar expression, grabbed the jar, at a loss for what to do as the children swarmed towards him.
\ \ *
After handing out the Medicinal pill and sending the children back, Jin-sung, who had even washed the pot, had a dumbfounded expression.
He sat blankly for a long time with an exhausted face, then asked as if it was strange.
"Why are you providing relief?"
"Yes?"
"This is not Sichuan. It is not a situation where the Tang Clan needs to buy the favor of the local people, and I do not understand why you are spending time on something that no one will recognize."
"Jinseong disciple, what are you talking about? You should be taking the lead in providing relief."
As I scolded him, Jin-sung stammered in embarrassment.
"N-No, I don't mean that it's wrong. I just..."
"You're saying that the children's situation won't change much with just a little help, right?"
"Yes."
"I know that too. It's just a paltry act to make myself feel better."
I chuckled and stretched, replying.
"Still. I can't just pass by if I've seen it. I can't turn a blind eye when someone is dying in front of me, can I? I'm human."
"But... it's like pouring water into a bottomless pit. Every time your efforts come to nothing, only your heart will be hurt."
"Disciple, you haven't gone hungry, have you?"
"Yes? Yes, that's right."
"That's why. You'll understand if you starve until you think you're going to die."
At my answer, Jin-sung stared at me with eyes that I couldn't understand.
"Dang Sojeo is a strange person."
"Not as much as Jinseong disciple."
"......"
He quietly met my gaze, clenched his fist, and slowly opened his mouth.
"My master... always said that only those who have been hurt can care for the wounds of others."
"I-Is that so."
"I didn't really understand what it meant, but I think I understand a little today."
His charcoal gray eyes, speaking like someone who had gained enlightenment, lowered.
...I don't have any great intentions like that. I'm doing it because Yeon-ryang likes it.
I clicked my tongue and called out to Yeon-ryang, who was holed up in the kitchen, feigning ignorance.
"Brother. Stop pretending and come here."
"Now?"
"Yeah. Now."
Yeon-ryang, who reluctantly came out at my call, sighed as if to be heard as soon as he saw Jin-sung.
"We meet again."
"I don't think the young disciple and I are on terms to exchange greetings."
Despite Yeon-ryang's blunt reaction, Jin-sung said what he had to say without being intimidated.
"My master told me to tell you, 'I will protect you instead.'"
Then Yeon-ryang made a blank face as if he was surprised. Yeon-ryang, who was stroking his chin as if lost in thought, asked.
"...Can I go to Wudang?"
"I will guide you to my master's Secret cave."
"I understand."
I couldn't help but frown at the incomprehensible conversation.
"Huh? What are you talking about, Brother? Have you met Jinseong disciple's master separately?"
"It's nothing."
"Jinseong disciple. What does this mean?"
As I questioned him and looked at Jin-sung, Jin-sung turned his gaze to me.
"My master said he would help you control the Demonic Arts."
Damn it, he recognized it at first sight. No wonder he was saying such terrible things like Heavenly Star of Massacre and Murderous demon.
As my expression hardened, Jin-sung poured out excuses that were unlike him.
"It's not to harm you. You won't even run into other Wudang Taoist priests. Even I can't enter my master's Secret cave. The things you're worried about won't happen."
"How can you guarantee that? That's like telling me to put my head in a tiger's mouth. And why would your master even help us? There's no reason for him to do that."
"He said that your desire to protect is beautiful."
At Jin-sung's answer, I frowned and glared at Yeon-ryang.
There was no situation in the last meeting where such words could have come out.
There must have been a conversation between the Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk and Yeon-ryang that I didn't know about.
"Brother. There's something you haven't told me, is there?"
As I looked at Yeon-ryang with a suspicious face, he smiled awkwardly.
"Ahaha."
"Tell me quickly. What is it?"
"Well, that's..."
"I told you to tell me quickly. What's the problem?"
As I persistently pressed him, Yeon-ryang scratched his cheek and awkwardly opened his mouth.
"So-hye. Actually, Brother..."
