Chapter 186
186th Episode
Ju-ryeong's serious voice made my mouth dry. His words sounded as if someone had noticed Yeon-ryang's existence.
As my tense expression hardened, he waved his hand as if to tell me not to worry.
"It's just that the atmosphere outside is unsettling. Traces of Demonic people have been found everywhere these days. Dang Sojeo should also be careful."
Was he telling me to be careful not to leave traces? Or was he telling me to be careful of the Demonic Sect's pursuit?
Either way, it was a story I couldn't ignore. I quietly nodded.
"And... Dang Sojeo's role will be important from now on."
"What can I do?"
At my question, Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk cleared his throat and stroked his beard, then unfolded a large Energy Barrier around us.
"Don't let that foolish fellow hold a sword. Of course, he shouldn't use Inner Energy. It would be best for him to leave the Jianghu and live as a commoner, but that won't be easy. A Martial Artist's pride cannot be easily bent."
My heart sank at the Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk's decree to make Yeon-ryang abandon the life of a Martial Artist.
To take a sword from a Swordmaster was no different from forcibly cutting off his limbs.
Some values cannot be exchanged even for life. Even if it wasn't a sword he wielded willingly, the sword was Yeon-ryang's entire life.
Knowing his path, I couldn't force him to leave the path he had walked his whole life.
As I hesitated to answer, Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk sighed.
"I thought so. I barely managed to correct the reversed flow. I've only suppressed it forcibly, so even the slightest shock will cause his True energy to flow backward. Dang Sojeo is a physician, so you know..."
He twisted his beard and hesitated, then muttered quietly.
"If his Energy Channels become twisted again, there won't be any time to do anything."
"...I'll keep an eye on him."
As I bit my lip and answered, Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk nodded with a complicated look.
He was also a Swordmaster, so he wouldn't have said it easily.
Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk, looking at my troubled face, added as if to comfort me.
"The Demonic influence has been driven out, and he only needs to let go, so don't worry too much. He has good bones, so if you take good care of him, he'll easily live past sixty."
"Yes, Grandfather. Thank you so much. I will engrave this grace deeply in my heart."
I bowed deeply with sincerity.
If it weren't for Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk, Yeon-ryang would have tried to hide his condition from me until the end.
I would have been anxious about why his body was getting worse without knowing that Yeon-ryang was being consumed by Demonic Energy.
I was relieved to have avoided a situation that was frightening just to imagine.
He was a benefactor who saved our siblings' lives.
Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk, receiving my greeting, waved his hand as if there was no need.
"There's no need for that. I was happy to have a companion to relieve my boredom."
"No, Grandfather. You have truly bestowed a great grace upon us. I will definitely repay you."
"Haha, if you're really worried, take good care of our disciple."
"Yes?"
"Jin-sung, I mean. You'll have many opportunities to see him in the future."
Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk, answering, pointed to the Jasogung where Jin-sung was resting and smiled mischievously. I blinked in confusion.
"Is Jinseong disciple being dispatched to the Murim Alliance again?"
"It's not like that. Both of you are promising Rising Stars. You'll meet again. The Jianghu is such a place."
How could I meet someone in Wudang Mountain? Was he planning to send out Pyo-ju?
If that was the case, I understood what he meant by taking good care of him. Having someone you know when wandering the world penniless is a great help.
I had received Jin-sung's help in many ways, so it was my duty to help him as well.
"I will. Then, should I start preparing to leave right away?"
"That would be good. Dang Sojeo should mix in with the Pilgrims and descend Wudang Mountain tomorrow at Shinshi. Do you remember the Guest quarters where you met me? I'll send him there at Chukshi."
"Yes, Grandfather."
"It would be best to leave Gyunhyeon as soon as Myoshi arrives. It's a time when many people leave for long journeys, so even if you leave early in the morning, you won't arouse suspicion."
"I will."
As I answered with my hands respectfully gathered, Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk smiled and slowly withdrew the Energy Barrier.
"Is Dang Elder still in seclusion?"
"Yes. I haven't heard any other news yet."
"Hmm. I wonder what kind of wall he's trying to overcome at that level. I'm curious too. Is he trying to reach the heavens?"
Chuckling and admiring, he told me stories of Grandfather's younger days and took me to the Guest quarters.
Supreme Sword Master of Taegeuk seemed to have a deep connection with Grandfather since he entered the Jianghu as a Rising Star.
Seeing that everyone who had been involved with or passed through the Murim Alliance knew Grandfather well, it seemed that Grandfather's seclusion in Sichuan was not that long ago.
Still, it was more than ten years ago, but considering Grandfather's age, I couldn't help but think that he had been overworked in the Alliance's affairs until his later years.
...I shouldn't do that. I won't even go near the Murim Alliance in the future.
Shaking my head, I entered the newly received room, and Ju-ryeong scurried over and climbed onto my shoulder.
A hollow laugh escaped at the sight of the plump cheeks of the fellow.
"Ju-ryeong. What did you get to eat again?"
"Kiee."
"You're the only sable that gets to eat meat at the Taoist temple."
After gently stroking Ju-ryeong, I laid out my belongings and began to organize them.
I didn't know what would happen after leaving Wudang Mountain, so it seemed wise to prepare thoroughly.
I took out a whetstone and sharpened the Hidden Weapons, oiled them, and polished them with a cotton cloth.
As I focused on maintaining the Hidden Weapons and pondered what to say to Yeon-ryang, Madam Ma, who had quietly approached, placed a plate of snacks.
"Thank you, Madam. But why aren't you asleep at this hour?"
Instead of answering, she asked bitterly.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes, Madam."
"I thought you would spend the winter before leaving."
Madam Ma, muttering, looked at me with a slightly disappointed look.
"I don't know if I'll be able to see you again in my old age."
"What are you saying? Of course, we'll see each other again. I'll come to greet you."
"There's no need for that. As they say, 'Meetings must be followed by partings, and those who leave must return.' Don't worry about the past ties, Young Miss. It's enough that I enjoyed your company."
"......Yes."
"Thank you for putting up with the temper of a lonely old woman."
"I'm the one who's been in your care. Thank you for everything, Madam."
As I rose and respectfully clasped my hands, Madam Ma, smiling with her wrinkled eyes, stroked my hand.
I also patted the back of Madam Ma's hand.
"Health is the most important thing. Wherever you go, sleep well and eat well."
"Yes, Madam."
"When you can't sleep, boil some soy milk or jujubes. Young Miss has too many thoughts, that's why you can't sleep."
"Ahaha, yes."
"Stop walking around with wet hair dripping water. And..."
Madam Ma, as if she couldn't easily let go, held me and gave me various pieces of advice. I couldn't help but smile at the affectionate advice.
As I nodded silently, Madam Ma, sighing, lowered her head and turned her back.
"Oh dear. An old woman has forcibly held onto someone who's going on a long journey. Get some rest, Young Miss."
She quickly left the Guest quarters before I could say anything. After gently stroking my cheek where Madam Ma's warmth remained, I continued to organize my belongings.
\ \ *
It was dawn, close to Myoshi, when I finished all the preparations.
Perhaps because of the Winter Solstice Festival, I didn't feel the presence of Martial Artists practicing at dawn. Instead, I felt the presence of many people busily going back and forth between the outer and inner courtyards.
It would be difficult to greet the Masters if they were so busy. Should I leave a letter?
As I pondered and looked at the brush and inkstone, I heard someone calling me.
"Dang Sojeo."
It was Jin-sung's voice.
As I quietly opened the door, I saw Jin-sung standing there, as neat as ever.
He bowed his head with a calm expression and opened his mouth calmly.
"I thought I wouldn't have time to greet you unless it was now, so I came to see you."
Jin-sung seemed to know that I was leaving today.
"I was wondering when I should greet you, but I'm relieved that Do-jang came to visit me like this. Thank you, Do-jang."
"It's nothing. Did you obtain what you wanted to obtain?"
After pondering for a moment at the incomprehensible words, I realized that he was asking about my achievement and smiled brightly.
"I didn't see it to the end, but I'm satisfied because I saw it. It's all thanks to Do-jang. I got a clue from the advice you gave to Songhwa Do-jang."
Jin-sung also gave a faint smile at my answer.
"I'm glad to hear that."
"More than that, what should I do since I'm leaving without properly greeting the others? I didn't know I would be leaving so suddenly."
"It's okay. They'll understand."
"Please give my regards to them on my behalf. Please be sure to tell Songhwa Do-jang that I'm really grateful. He took good care of me in many ways."
"I will convey that."
Jin-sung, answering, looked at the ground and moved his lips. He seemed to have something more to say.
I quietly stood and waited for him in the strange atmosphere.
Soon, dawn broke and the courtyard of the Guest quarters was dyed with the light of dawn.
As shadows fell under our feet, Jin-sung, who had been hesitating, looked straight at me. My figure, which was gradually showing signs of adulthood, was reflected in his mysterious eyes.
After hesitating for a long time, he opened his mouth with difficulty.
"Dang Sojeo..."
