Chapter 1392
He’ll be waiting for us. (2)
His breath got caught in his throat.
“You are going to rescue him?”
Hwasan Gwomhyeop?
No, come to think of it, it’s not a surprising choice. If one considers who they are, it might seem all too natural. But…
“Vice Sect Leader.”
Gwak Hwanso forced himself to speak, calming his trembling voice.
“As you know… the rear is currently filled with Maninbang who are pursuing us. Going to rescue Chung Myung Dojang now is practically the same as saying you will break through them.”
Baek Cheon silently faced Gwak Hwanso.
“I know that Hwasan is strong. I’m aware that you are incomparable to us. But…”
Gwak Hwanso’s words trailed off. Everyone could anticipate what would follow.
This is nothing short of suicide.
They had done everything possible to escape the grasp of Maninbang until now. They had finally made it here, haunted by the fear that at any moment, Maninbang would leap behind them and plunge a blade into their backs.
And now, they were considering jumping into the arms of those they had been fleeing from? Just to save one person?
‘It’s madness.’
Can this truly be attributed to righteousness or courage?
If one truly had courage, they might risk their life to enter a burning house and save a crying child inside.
It could be considered courage to go in.
But can it still be called courage when someone who has lost an arm in the process leaps back into the flames to save another child? Even when the danger has multiplied several times over? That’s not courage.
Those capable of such deeds are nothing short of people in some ways broken.
Yet now, among the disciples of Hwasan who are discussing this insane act, not a single face showed hesitation or fear.
The faces of those speaking of such obvious things made Gwak Hwanso feel indescribable emotions.
“I apologize to the people of Haenam.”
“V-Vice Sect Leader.”
“But as I said, I believe Hwasan has upheld the promises we must have fulfed.”
Gwak Hwanso nodded involuntarily.
In truth, the notion of “upheld the promise” seemed inadequate. What Hwasan had provided was beyond measure, it was overflowing.
Even if they were abandoned and left behind in the middle of Gangnam, Gwak Hwanso wouldn’t have harbored resentment towards them.
“To expect more from Hwasan would be not just shameless, but beyond what any person could ask for. But, Vice Sect Leader… Are you truly alright?”
He already knew the answer.
From someone with such eyes, the response was obvious.
However, the response he heard began a little differently than expected.
“Well, I’m not sure. Actually, as Hwasan’s Vice Sect Leader, my duties end here.”
“Pardon?”
“What remains is not me, as Vice Sect Leader of Hwasan, but the great disciple Baek Cheon of Hwasan. So, I’ll just do what I want to do.”
“Oh, no, but what about the others…”
“They’ll figure it out on their own. I have no intention of forcing anything.”
Gwak Hwanso found himself speechless, his mouth open. There was something different about Baek Cheon’s demeanor compared to before.
A strange expression could be felt on that gentle face.
“Those who will follow, will follow, and those who remain, will remain. I don’t need to concern myself with that, do I?”
“Oh, no…”
At that moment, Jo Geol seemed annoyed as he spoke up.
“Why do you have so much to say? We don’t have time for this.”
As Gwak Hwanso turned to Jo Geol with a bewildered expression, Yoon Jong intervened and scolded Jo Geol.
“Doesn’t he have duties to fulfill as Vice Sect Leader?”
“Then do you want to wait?”
“No, let’s just leave it as it is.”
“Huh… I didn’t even think of that.”
As the conversation ended, Yu Iseol approached briskly and stood next to Yoon Jong.
“Arrogant.”
“Sago, that’s not what I meant…”
“I can’t, I’m in the lead.”
“…Yes.”
Tang Soso also stood beside Yu Iseol with a determined expression, and Hye Yeon, who had been silent, naturally stood next to Jo Geol.
It seemed they were going to Chung Myung not because of Baek Cheon’s orders, but for some other reason.
‘What’s going on…’
Amidst the absurd scene, Gwak Hwanso was speechless, but Baek Cheon, with a grim expression, spoke up.
“Look at them. They’re not even willing to listen to what I have to say. We should be grateful they’ve come this far in silence.”
“If it weren’t for Sasuk…”
“If it weren’t for Vice Sect Leader…”
“If it weren’t for Dong Ryong…”
“Who was that just now?”
When Baek Cheon frowned and turned around, everyone pretended not to hear and looked away.
A hollow laughter escaped Gwak Hwanso’s lips.
They were now heading to a hellish battlefield.
To a place where the likelihood of returning alive was several times lower than the likelihood of dying. Yet, they seemed neither burdened nor tense.
No, it’s inevitable to feel burdened and tense. But there’s something even more important.
‘Did they plan this from the beginning?’
Is that why they fought fiercely and hastened their pace? To lead them to the safest place possible and then turn back?
“If you’re done talking, let’s get going.”
Gwak Hwanso turned his head towards the direction of the voice.
Namgung’s Young Lord, Namgung Dowi. He too was already turning his body as if it was the obvious choice.
Together with Tang Pae, the Young Lord of the Tang clan.
As for the rest…
“I’ll say it clearly.”
Nokrim King, Im Sobyeong, spoke to them with a chilling tone.
“This goes against Chung Myung Dojang’s will.”
His words made everyone’s complexion slightly stiffen.
“Chung Myung Dojang doesn’t want you to do this reckless act. Even if a miracle happens and you break through hell and face him again, all you’ll hear will be curses. The probability of peacefully holding hands and facing death together is higher.”
“…”
“Still, will you go?”
Baek Cheon picked his ear at the question.
With a mischievous face, completely different from usual demeanor, he responded indifferently.
“What should I do?”
“…Yes?”
Nokrim King blinked. This response seemed truly unexpected, even to him.
“So what do you want me to do?”
“…”
“It seems Nokrim King doesn’t quite understand. Take note of this opportunity.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m Sasuk here, me!”
“…Yes?”
“But why should I listen to that punk? That bastard!”
“…”
“It’s not that I should listen to that punk, but that bastard should listen to me! Do you understand?”
“Right.”
“That’s right! I’m Sahyeong here!”
“I agree. Although I am Saje.”
Im Sobyeong’s lips trembled slightly.
“Do you all share the same thoughts?”
Namgung Dowi and Tang Pae shrugged in response to that gaze.
“I understand that it’s not practically feasible. If we think about the gains and losses, it’s better to give up cleanly.”
“Of course.”
“But isn’t friendship the type of relationship that doesn’t involve such things?”
Namgung Dowi spoke firmly.
“That’s why it’s Cheonumaeng. If we were going to discuss gains and losses, why would I be here? I should have died at Maehwado. Yet Chung Myung Dojang came to rescue Namgung. At that moment, we became friends. So now is the time for me to risk my life for him.”
“…”
“Is it the same for Young Lord Tang?”
“If I abandon Chung Myung Dojang and return, I will die at Father’s hands anyway.”
“…”
“This might be a less painful way to die.”
Several nodded at his words. They were afraid that the angry Tang Gunak will appear in their dreams.
“Madmen.”
“So, what will Nokrim King do?”
“Tsk tsk, what pitiful words.”
Im Sobyeong pulled out a fan from his robes.
Some whispered at the sight.
‘How many fans does he carry around, anyway?’
‘It seems like they each have their own purpose, doesn’t it?’
Im Sobyeong spread the fan wide, partially covering his face as he spoke.
“Once that person is dead, it’s obvious Nokrim will be left with cold rice gruel to eat, so it’s a good opportunity to clear off a debt or two.”
“…I understand why Nokrim is poor now.”
“You can’t do the math. That’s your problem.”
“Enough noise!”
At Im Sobyeong’s indignant reaction, Baek Cheon chuckled and turned towards Gwak Hwanso.
“Please understand.”
When Baek Cheon addressed him, Gwak Hwanso hesitated for a moment before speaking in a subdued voice.
“Vice Sect Leader, if that’s really your decision…”
“No.”
Baek Cheon cut him off as if anticipating what he was about to say.
“That’s not an option. Going there with Haenam would render everything we’ve done so far useless.”
“…”
“Quantity doesn’t guarantee success. So don’t worry, just leave. And make sure you survive. That way, everything we’ve done won’t be in vain.”
Im Sobyeong nodded silently.
“It would be more helpful for Haenam to head to the Yangtze River like this and draw their attention.”
“Look at this.”
Gwak Hwanso’s shoulders slumped.
Their words were true. True, but…
“In that case, even I could…”
Baek Cheon smiled and shook his head.
“That’s not an option either. Gwak Sohyeop must lead Haenam. You understand, don’t you?”
The difference between Haenam with Gwak Hwanso and without him would never be insignificant. So while Baek Cheon understood Gwak Hwanso’s sentiments, he couldn’t accompany them.
As Gwak Hwanso clenched his fists in frustration, Baek Cheon smiled and patted his shoulder.
“Don’t worry. When we meet again in Gangbuk, I’ll make sure to charge you with interest on top of it.”
In the end, Gwak Hwanso lowered his head.
These people were fools. Fools beyond redemption.
He couldn’t understand. Was it that only fools gathered around Chung Myung, or was he the one who turned those around him into fools?
But now Gwak Hwanso found himself wanting to be one of those fools too.
“Well then.”
Baek Cheon turned away from Haenam without a trace of regret.
His gaze didn’t fall on his comrades, but on the path they had to break through.
No, it was someone at the end of that path.
“Are you ready?”
“No need to ask.”
“Good.”
Baek Cheon chuckled, his words as resolute as ever.
Swish.
Drawing the sword from its sheath, Baek Cheon firmly gripped the plum blossom sword in his hand.
“We leave behind those who fall behind.”
“Don’t exhaust yourself, Sasuk.”
“Damn bastards.”
With determination etched in his eyes, Baek Cheon dashed forward without another word.
And by his side, comrades aflame with determination followed suit.
“Let’s go! To that damn bastard!”
“Yes!”
The fierce leaders of Cheonumaeng raced forward with all their might.
And Gwak Hwanso watched their retreating figures blankly.
He wanted to be there with them. But he couldn’t. He had people to protect.
So…
“Sahyeong, I’ll go.”
“Jayang?”
Lee Jayang blurted out with a sour expression.
“Haenam also has its pride, doesn’t it? At the very least, the story shouldn’t be about us returning alive at the expense of our benefactor.”
“…”
“Even if I die, it’s better for me to die than for Sahyeong to die. Then.”
“J-Jayang!”
Without waiting for Gwak Hwanso’s permission, Lee Jayang hurriedly chased after those who had gone ahead.
Gwak Hwanso, who had stretched out his hand towards Lee Jayang’s back, slowly lowered his fist that was awkwardly clenched the air.
“……..Damn it.”
A disheartened voice resonated with a deep sigh.
Comments