Chapter 1381
Of course, such a thing would never happen. (1)
Jeok Ho’s face became oddly stiff.
‘Trust…’
He understood. There was no doubt about Jang Ilso’s words. However, the reason he couldn’t immediately nod in agreement was that Hwasan Geomhyeop he had in mind didn’t quite match what Jang Ilso was describing.
‘What kind of person was Hwasan Geomhyeop?’
In truth, he didn’t know much about Hwasan Geomhyeop. He hadn’t met him in person, let alone had a conversation. But even with just his reputation and rumors circulating in Gangho, it wasn’t difficult for him to guess what kind of person he was.
‘An absolute expert.’
He survived a battle with Jang Ilso and even joined hands with him to defeat the Bishop of the Demonic Cult.
Even if one were to underestimate Hwasan Geomhyeop, it would be difficult to deny that he was one of the top masters in the world. And at such a young age.
‘Moreover, he is the heart of Cheonumaeng.’
Even now, at an age just beyond adolescence, he confidently stands as one of the pillars in the arena where giants vie for supremacy over the world.
However, the true power of Hwasan Geomhyeop lies not in his martial arts prowess or influence.
‘The most important thing is undoubtedly his righteousness.’
Wherever the title of Hwasan Geomhyeop resounds, this word inevitably follows. It was the strongest force, capable of diminishing even the mightiest martial arts strength and influence he wielded.
That’s why Jang Ilso’s words were incomprehensible.
For Hwasan Geomhyeop, considered the incarnation of righteousness, to not trust people…
“Is it hard to believe?”
Jeok Ho shook his head slightly.
“It’s not that it’s hard to believe, but it’s difficult to understand. Achieving the righteousness he advocates would be challenging without trust.”
“Hmm.”
Jang Ilso let out a small chuckle. His eyes narrowed.
“No, that’s not it. You’ve completely misunderstood.”
“…What do you mean?”
“I told you. The most upright scholar may, in fact, be the most greedy.”
Jeok Ho nodded briefly.
“The case of Hwasan Geomhyeop is not so different.”
Jang Ilso glanced outside before asking.
“What exactly does it mean to help?”
“…What do you mean by that?”
“Think about it. What does it mean to help? Have you ever seen a poor man helping a rich man?”
Jeok Ho’s eyes were filled with confusion. It’s nonsense. Does a poor person need to help a wealthy one?
“I’ve never seen such a case. But isn’t it natural? Those with more helping those with less…”
Jeok Ho fell silent. It was only after uttering those words that he understood what Jang Ilso was trying to convey.
“Do you understand?”
Jang Ilso’s gaze shone like reflections of the jewels covering his entire body.
“To help is fundamentally to bestow upon those weaker than oneself. Of course, anyone can do that. Anyone. However…”
His low and soft voice echoed eerily.
“No one strives to help everyone in the world. No one strives to help everything within their reach. And I don’t consider it natural either.”
“…”
“What does that mean? It means he sees everyone in the world as weaker than himself. He might not even realize it.”
Jeok Ho’s expression became perplexed.
“But, Ryeonju, Hwasan Geomhyeop isn’t necessarily the only one who thinks like that.”
“That’s right. But he turns that thought into reality. Others just wish for it. It means he evaluates himself as exceptionally great.”
Jang Ilso chuckled briefly, as if finding it amusing. His red lips looked particularly chilly.
“Of course, he might not even realize it himself.”
Perhaps Jang Ilso’s words might be true after all.
Indeed, Hwasan Geomhyeop is peculiar. It’s difficult to describe him simply as remarkable. While what he has achieved is extraordinary, the actions he had taken to achieve it were by no means normal.
“Trust comes from acknowledging others. But he never acknowledges anyone. The only time he acknowledges someone is when they’re within his reach. That’s it.”
“That’s…”
“Yes.”
Jang Ilso nodded slowly.
“It’s like how adults look at newborns. They can praise a child who walks better than their peers or marvel at a child barely taking their first steps or reciting the Thousand Character Classic. However…”
There was a hint of mockery in Jang Ilso’s words.
“Can such emotions be called trust?”
Adults don’t trust children. It’s a separate issue from whether they can have positive feelings towards them. Adults can recognize a child’s potential and acknowledge their greatness, but ultimately, they can’t take their eyes off their immaturity.
In that case, he can only become a guardian.
If the world were filled with three-year-olds, even Jeok Ho, who might not be considered a saint but rather labeled as a villain, would become a guardian of those children because he couldn’t leave them alone within his reach.
Jang Ilso is essentially saying that the so-called righteousness of Hwasan Geomhyeop, which is bordering insanity, ultimately stems from distrust.
It’s completely contrary to public opinion. Would the world agree with this assessment?
No, even before that, if Hwasan Geomhyeop was to hear these words, what kind of reaction would he show?
He might not be pleased, that’s for sure.
“I understand the meaning of what you’ve said, Ryeonju…”
Jeok Ho, feeling slightly confused, looked up at Jang Ilso.
“…But what does that have to do with what you said earlier?”
“Tsk tsk. If I have said this much, you should understand, shouldn’t you?”
“I apologize.”
Jang Ilso took a sip of his liquor, swishing it around in his mouth. After discreetly wiping his lips with his thumb, he responded.
“I said it, didn’t I? People lie to themselves too. The key is that this kid believes firmly that he trusts everyone.”
“…”
“Then it’s simple. All I have to do is gauge what judgments his unaware true intentions would amount to. Do you understand what that means?”
“It’s difficult…”
Jang Ilso stared quietly at Jeok Ho. His bright-eyes seemed to weigh down on people without even a hint of emotion.
“What would you do if a child were by the water’s edge?”
“Well… I would observe first.”
“What if the child fell into the water?”
“…Depending on the situation, I might rush to help.”
“What if the child had no relation to you whatsoever?”
Jeok Ho furrowed his brow slightly.
“Of course… I can’t claim to be a good person, but isn’t that just human nature? It’s not like saving a single child would be a big burden.”
“Indeed. That’s right, depending on the circumstances.”
As if getting the desired answer, Jang Ilso nodded.
“Then let me ask you this, what would you do if many children by the water’s edge were fighting against each orher?”
“…”
“If, in the process, countless children could drown? If immature children, who can’t even walk properly, foolishly engaged in fights in dangerous places without fully understanding the consequences?”
Jeok Ho remained silent.
“You… Yes, what would you do?”
Of course, he would intervene. Anyone would give the same answer. As humans, they must intervene.
A resolute voice flowed from Jeok Ho’s lips.
“If they were children… I would have to rush over. Because they’re not adults, they’re children.”
“Yes. That’s right. Naturally, you would do that.”
“…”
“Do you understand?”
Jeok Ho nodded.
“It’s not that difficult to lure Hwasan Geomhyeop. You just have to create a big event. If you gather immature children who can’t even see ahead properly and set a big stage, he’ll come running somehow.”
“…”
“No need for unnecessary efforts.”
Certainly, Hwasan Geomhyeop would not agree with Jang Ilso’s words. He would undoubtedly come to a conclusion after countless considerations and calculations.
But right now, Jang Ilso is already stating that the decision has been made. It’s as if he’s saying that, through the unconscious workings of his true intentions, Hwasan Geomhyeop will inevitably be drawn into it.
‘Is this even possible?’
Is it within human capability to see through the choices of others and devise plans that suit them better than the individuals themselves? Jang Ilso might say it casually, but Jeok Ho couldn’t help but shiver hearing it.
After hearing this, he finally understood why Jang Ilso deemed conventional strategies meaningless. Standardized means would inevitably become meaningless in front of true intentions.
“So… you’re saying Hwasan Geomhyeop will come on his own?”
“Isn’t he already doing that?”
“…”
“All I’m doing is narrowing down the choices for that kid. Then, his decisions become obvious. And…”
Jang Ilso chuckled.
“That kid naturally attracts people. He might not realize it himself… but more people will gather because of his presence. Like firewood gathering on a vacant spot.”
“…”
“Isn’t that enough?”
Jeok Ho found himself dumbfounded, his mouth slightly open.
‘Did Ryeonju foresee such a situation since the inception of the plan and departure from the headquarters?’
Predicting all this just by revealing oneself and moving? Was that why there was such an extravagant giant carriage?
He felt speechless.
Suddenly, fear gripped him. The power, the persistence, and the malice.
It was understandable why people feared Jang Ilso, but now Jeok Ho felt he had found a genuine reason to fear him.
Who could possibly stand against someone like this?
A trembling voice escaped Jeok Ho’s lips.
“In the end… If everything you’ve said is true, Ryeonju, then no one in the world can stand against you. No one can fathom such depths.”
“Well, who knows.”
“Um… Yes?”
Jang Ilso’s lips twisted slightly.
“Judging others is easier than knowing oneself. Even for me.”
“…”
“If someone… Yes, if someone were to discover the me that even I don’t know. If there was someone who understood the truth hidden within me…”
Jang Ilso slowly stroked his white neck. His eyes flickered.
“That person would become the one to take my life.”
“…”
“Of course, such a thing would never happen. Hahaha.”
Jang Ilso laughed and drank his wine. Jeok Ho shuddered with a creeping sense of fear.
Jang Ilso was right.
Such a thing would never happen. No one in the world could understand this person. No one in the world could peer into this deep abyss.
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