278. Affection (2)
Yunnan, formerly known as Nannan, is located in the southwestern part of the continent. Historically regarded as a frontier and the land of ethnic minorities, it boasts a spectacular landscape where the hot southern jungles meet the snowy mountains of the north.
Among these, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龍雪山) was revered by some indigenous people as a sacred mountain, believed to be the dwelling place of the Jade Dragon.
A mysterious being possessing godlike power to its followers, and wielding a cursed power of blood against its adversaries.
The Jade Dragon stood at the pinnacle of that indigenous faith.
“So.”
The Jade Dragon, appearing quite young, sat on a large, ornate throne with a frown. Rather than sitting properly, he leaned back, resting one hand on the armrest, and spoke in a displeased voice.
“What has arrived?”
Hanwol, clad in the black and red uniform of the Blood Dragon Gate, knelt on one knee before the young Jade Dragon and bowed his head.
Hanwol is the only subordinate the young Jade Dragon truly trusts. He accompanied him when he met Son Bin at the Blood Peak Union some time ago and risked his life to appease Sa Soo-yeon’s anger, ultimately saving the young Jade Dragon. He is also a master of considerable skill.
“The imperial envoy has arrived with a secret letter.”
*Swish.*
The Jade Dragon stretched out a hand without a word. Such a gesture would normally infuriate an envoy from the imperial family, who would deem it disrespectful.
However, the imperial envoy was not present at that moment. He was in another room, lost in a dream induced by Monghon drug [a fictional narcotic].
Hanwol held up a scroll to the young Jade Dragon. The envoy had insisted that he could only hand it over in person, hence Hanwol’s direct delivery.
Of course, the envoy would later be horrified and enraged upon regaining his senses, but it would suffice to claim, ‘You were drunk and handed it over willingly.’
The imperial envoy would not want to lose his head, so the matter would be discreetly buried.
*Crack.*
The seal of the secret letter was broken, and the gorgeously gilded scroll unfurled.
One end of the long scroll trailed on the floor, but the young Jade Dragon quickly scanned the contents and chuckled.
“Hmph.”
He lightly tossed the scroll to Hanwol.
*Flutter.*
The ornate scroll flew through the air, and Hanwol caught it.
*Tak.*
“What a ridiculous thing to write. Since when has the imperial family shown such concern for this place?”
The young Jade Dragon’s languid voice echoed. However, his eyes shone sharply as he spoke.
“It’s not even worth considering. Tell Lady Gyeonghi that the offer is rejected.”
As if his task was complete, the young Jade Dragon rose from his seat.
“But it is a proposal directly from the imperial family’s lady,” Hanwol said.
Hanwol’s voice made the young Jade Dragon pause.
“Moreover, the envoy who brought this is a high-ranking official from the central government. The imperial family has never shown us such courtesy before.”
“So, are you suggesting we should consider it this time simply because they are being so forthcoming?”
“That’s not it…”
This proposal, sent by a lady of the imperial family, warrants careful review, even if it is ultimately rejected. In fact, it demands thorough scrutiny.
Hanwol’s reasoning was sound, but the young Jade Dragon did not share it.
“If the content they bring is insulting, even the other party’s humility is merely a mockery towards us.”
The young Jade Dragon’s eyes were cold as he looked down at the scroll in Hanwol’s hand.
“Discuss the world with me? What right does a mere lady have to utter such words? There is only one person in the world qualified to do that with me.”
It was an extremely arrogant statement. Yet, neither Hanwol, nor anyone in the Blood Dragon Gate, nor anyone who worshipped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain would object.
Because to them, the one who inherited the power of God, the young Jade Dragon with the power of blood, was a being above all humans.
“I will return to the training cave.”
The young Jade Dragon said, turning away.
The training cave, located deep within Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, was where the previous Jade Dragon left everything behind. It is also where the current young Jade Dragon spends most of his time.
“And tell the elders not to summon me for trivial matters. If they do it again, I will go into ten years of secluded training.”
Secluded training meant he would not emerge at all. Even now, the young Jade Dragon rarely involved himself in the affairs of the Blood Dragon Gate. The elders would undoubtedly protest vehemently to Hanwol.
However, even that was preferable to him abandoning his duties for ten years. The elders would likely turn pale upon hearing this.
“What about the affairs of the Gangnam Murim [martial arts world]?”
“It is sufficient to leave that to Blood Peak. Anyway, once I inherit everything from my predecessors…”
*Clench.*
The young Jade Dragon clenched his fist.
“Whether it’s the Gangnam Murim or the imperial family, it won’t be a problem anymore.”
As if he had no regrets, the young Jade Dragon turned around. Hanwol bowed deeply to receive his lord’s command.
*Step, step.*
The young Jade Dragon muttered as he walked.
“Hmph, the secrets of the Heavenly Outer Four Sages [legendary figures in the martial arts world]?”
Beautifully dressed maids bowed to him from all along the corridor. But on the lips of the handsome young man, the young Jade Dragon, was a deep sneer.
“What meaning does that have when there is Young Master Son? And even if you possess the secrets of the Heavenly Outer Four Sages…”
The young Jade Dragon gritted his teeth. He could not bring himself to utter the rest of the words.
‘Anyway, I’ll just despair in front of him.’
It is not a realm that can be reached simply through knowledge. There is a reason why the Heavenly Outer Four Sages are considered heavenly even in the Outer World [a higher realm of martial arts]. They were beings that even the masters of the Outer World could not approach.
But he is different. He will surely prove that the power of blood is not his only value, and that he can surpass his predecessors through his own ability.
‘If he did it, I can do it too.’
The wall of despair that blocked the young Jade Dragon.
In the past and present, the ‘previous Jade Dragon’ stands before him.
Only when he overcomes that wall can he call himself ‘a lifelong rival’ in front of Son Bin.
To believe that he can face Son Bin without doing so, in the young Jade Dragon’s view, is simply delusional.
They will not even be able to surpass Sa Soo-yeon, who stands next to him, let alone reach Son Bin. Just like he used to be.
‘Wait.’
The young Jade Dragon gritted his teeth and quickened his pace.
‘It won’t be long.’
*Step, step.*
His footsteps towards the training cave were lonely and heavy, but he never hesitated or stopped.
*
*
*
Master Cheonghye of the Jahye Gate in Beijing was enjoying a pleasant time with her disciples.
“Hohhoho. As expected, Master is amazing.”
A female disciple said with a smile. Master Cheonghye smiled as she held her teacup.
Master Cheonghye was dressed in simple attire, wearing a thin robe over the black and white martial uniform worn by the female monks of the Emei Sect [a famous martial arts sect]. Yet, she could not conceal her outstanding beauty and shining eyes.
“There’s nothing amazing about it. I simply resolved to do what is right.”
Most of those sitting around her were female disciples, but there were also quite a few male disciples who had been accepted recently. Almost all of them were descendants of prestigious martial families.
To them, the Jahye Gate was an object of envy. This was because the imperial family’s lady was the head of the gate, and Cheongranggeom Wi Gajin, an imperial guard, was the master.
In addition, Master Cheonghye, although a monk, was a beautiful and fair female knight.
Kind yet sometimes as firm as steel, she was already known in Beijing as the Iron-Blooded Lotus, ‘Cheolhyeollyeonhwa’.
Externally, she is known as a master of sword energy manifestation, but the disciples here already guessed that her martial arts surpassed Cheongranggeom Wi Gajin.
“But aren’t you going with us, Master?”
“Where to?”
“Oh, come on. Mt. Hwang, Mt. Hwang.”
Master Cheonghye’s expression hardened at the female disciple’s words.
“As a disciple of Buddhism, you must not be swayed by such rumors. A martial artist who walks the right path must also act accordingly. So, do not listen to such unfounded rumors.”
She spoke in a firm tone, but she could not hide her warm gaze towards her disciples.
Master Cheonghye already knew about the news that there was a treasure of the Heavenly Outer Four Sages on Mt. Hwang. People would treat it as an interesting rumor with half-doubt, but to Master Cheonghye, who knew the Outer World, it was truly a heart-shaking word.
However, she must assist Lady Gyeonghi and lead the Jahye Gate here in Beijing. Moreover, if it is a matter of the Outer World, there is also her teacher, Beopheo Shinni. Unless there is separate word from the sect, there is no reason for her to go all the way to Mt. Hwang.
Master Cheonghye controlled her mind, chanting Buddha’s name inwardly. The words she said to the female disciple a little while ago were also words to herself.
“But Master Wi Gajin will be leaving for Mt. Hwang soon. And I heard that the head of the gate is going with him.”
A male disciple who was a little further away said.
“The head of the gate?”
Master Cheonghye asked back. The head of the Jahye Gate is Lady Gyeonghi. She is a junior sister to Master Cheonghye, but she was using honorifics as the head of the gate externally.
“Yes. After all, Master Wi Gajin is a formal Murim Alliance inspector, and the head of the gate is not unrelated to the Murim Alliance’s affairs.”
“Hmm.”
This is something Master Cheonghye was hearing for the first time. Another male disciple said to her, who was making a low groan.
“And we are going too.”
“You too?”
Master Cheonghye was surprised, but another female disciple nodded as if it were natural.
“Yes, we are also disciples of the Jahye Gate. We cannot sit idly by and watch this chaos in the Gangho Murim. In fact, everyone wanted to go, but we were specially selected.”
Those who were allowed to accompany this time were selected only from those with particularly outstanding martial arts among the disciples, in other words, a small elite.
The eyes of the female disciple who was speaking were shining with strong pride and passion.
“But you are still…”
“It’s okay. We are also descendants of martial families. And it may be a little dangerous, but Master Wi is also… with us.”
The cheeks of the female disciple who was speaking turned slightly red. Young and handsome, and a master who is making a name for himself as a Murim Alliance inspector, Cheongranggeom Wi Gajin is the object of envy for all the young ladies in Beijing.
It is not unreasonable for young ladies to be subtly excited and have their hearts racing at the thought of accompanying him for several days.
‘Heo-eo [a sigh of exasperation].’
Master Cheonghye sighed inwardly and chanted Buddha’s name. The Gangho Murim is not a place that can be handled with excited expectations.
Of course, she herself does not have much experience. Leading the Jahye Gate in Beijing alone was a very new thing for her.
But going to Mt. Hwang, where a conflict is sure to arise, is a completely different matter. And Master Cheonghye had a very deep affection for the young disciples who followed her.
“Let’s go together, Master, okay?”
A young female disciple who doesn’t know the world is urging her. Thinking about the danger that these innocent disciples might face, Master Cheonghye couldn’t refuse.
Master Cheonghye closed her eyes and remained silent. But perhaps the answer was already decided.
“I’ll talk to the head of the gate…”
“Wow!”
“Thank you, Master.”
The female disciples rejoiced, holding hands, and the male disciples also thanked her. But Master Cheonghye’s heart, who was chanting Buddha’s name, was only complicated.
*
*
*
The afternoon at the Seowon [a traditional Korean private academy] was always similar. But perhaps that’s why the children would play, joke, or play pranks in groups of three or five without any worries.
“Huh?”
Cheonga, who was playing with the children on the dirt floor, raised his head sharply. At the same time, some of the children blinked their eyes.
“This is…”
Before Cheonga with the blue hair could finish speaking, the sound of horses’ hooves began to be heard from outside. The sound approached the Seowon without hesitation and stopped roughly in front of the gate.
*Tak.*
The person who got off the horse lightly patted the horse’s neck a few times and went straight into the Seowon.
“Teacher!”
“Wow! It’s the teacher.”
The children who were playing were delighted, but Son Bin, who entered the Seowon, quickly turned his gaze to find someone with a stiff expression without answering.
“Young Master Son?”
Hyeokryeon Sehwa, who was sitting in the garden, stood up with a puzzled expression. She was sewing children’s clothes with the old woman, Dang Un-yeong.
Dang Wora, wearing a veil, was sitting quietly as usual across from the old woman, and her eyes lit up when she saw Son Bin.
It was an afternoon scene at the Seowon that Son Bin was also familiar with, but his expression did not ease. Because the person Son Bin was looking for was not among them.
In the meantime, another horse stopped in front of the Seowon, and No-gun came inside.
“Grandpa Teacher!”
The children were immediately delighted.
“Okay.”
No-gun replied. But his expression was also unusual.
“Is she here?”
No-gun asked Son Bin. But Son Bin didn’t even look at him and asked Hyeokryeon Sehwa.
“Where is Sojeo [a respectful title for a young lady] Soo-yeon?”
“Yes? Sojeo Soo-yeon is…”
“Teacher is not here now!”
Always active Hodu jumped up and answered. Son Bin’s heart sank at those words.
‘No way.’
But neither Hyeokryeon Sehwa, Dang Un-yeong, nor Dang Wora denied Hodu’s words. They just looked at Son Bin with bewildered eyes.
Son Bin looked at Hyeokryeon Sehwa and asked with a stiff expression.
“When did Sojeo Soo-yeon leave?”
“Yes? When would that be…”
It was the moment when Hyeokryeon Sehwa with a puzzled expression said that.
“This is delicious!”
“Yes, it’s really delicious. I’m glad I bought a lot.”
Along with the chattering voices of the girls, a soft woman’s voice was heard in Son Bin’s ears.
Son Bin turned his head.
Sa Soo-yeon was walking there. Holding the hands of Soso and Aeng-aeng, she was smiling brightly and talking to the children. She was chewing on something like the children, and something like a stick was sticking out.
“Ah!”
Sa Soo-yeon, who was coming in, also found Son Bin. She had a surprised expression, then quickly let go of the children’s hands and took out what she was chewing on. What was attached to the end of the stick was a small candy.
Sa Soo-yeon quickly hid the candy with the stick behind her back. She was embarrassed to show that she was chewing on something.
“Ah, this, well, they gave it to me because it’s a new one…”
Sa Soo-yeon, blushing, hid her hands behind her back and said as an excuse, avoiding Son Bin’s gaze. Son Bin walked towards her.
*Step, step.*
Sa Soo-yeon, who was avoiding his gaze, raised her head.
“Oh, right, the work you went to was good…”
But Sa Soo-yeon’s words did not continue. Because Son Bin hugged her tightly.
Surprised Sa Soo-yeon’s eyes widened. She was about to hug him as she had both hands behind her back.
“Th, there…”
Sa Soo-yeon, who was blushing and didn’t know what to do, was flustered, but suddenly Son Bin’s voice tickled her ears.
“I’m glad.”
“Yes, yes?”
“I’m glad you didn’t go anywhere.”
Tightly.
Son Bin’s arms, hugging Sa Soo-yeon, tightened as if she would disappear. Son Bin’s rough breathing on her neck tickled Sa Soo-yeon’s ears.
“Really, I’m glad.”
Surprise and embarrassment disappeared. Sa Soo-yeon quietly raised one arm and wrapped it around Son Bin’s back.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
Son Bin, who had been running without rest for a long time, smelled of sweat. But his flushed body temperature and rough breathing are now just cozy and sweet.
“I am…”
Sa Soo-yeon closed her eyes, leaning her face on Son Bin’s shoulder. The words lingering in her mouth were too embarrassing to say.
‘Because I’m your Soo-yeon.’
Just thinking about it made her cheeks flush. But now, just because he hugged her, Sa Soo-yeon was happier than ever.