Chapter 1407
It’s time to wake up from this dream. (2)
His long eyelashes trembled slightly.
After a moment, the tremor subsided, and his eyes, which had been tightly shut, slowly opened.
They seemed hazy, as if unable to grasp anything, yet also resolute in rejecting whatever they saw. His strange eyes seemed to draw one in just by looking at them.
Those eyes were fixed on the ceiling.
They could see the extremely luxurious ceiling of the carriage with precious treasures that would be difficult to even catch a glimpse of in one’s lifetime.
The silk that draped across the ceiling like waves, was the finest Cheonjam silk*. It was a luxury that even gold could not overshadow.
The silk was adorned with precious jewels [보옥(寶玉)], each one carefully cut and placed, while the cat’s eye stones [묘안석(猫眼石)] interspersed throughout were so rare that just one could purchase a vast estate.
But that wasn’t all.
The small tea table within arm’s reach was crafted from the finest sandalwood fit for kings. Even the smallest cup placed atop it was a masterpiece, meticulously carved from a single piece of jade by skilled artisans.
Everywhere he looked, everything he touched or wore, nothing lacked in extravagance.
Yet, in the eyes of the man who held it all in his grasp, there was not a hint of desire or pride.
The eyes, looking at those infinitely precious and expensive things, were just bored and empty.
Do those things truly hold such worth? Or are they only valued as much as their price tag?
A small smirk formed on the man’s red lips.
“As if…”
Ridiculous.
Silk, at best, was nothing more than slightly denser and more presentable fabric. What difference was there between silk and the cheap fabric one would find between layers of padding?
As for those precious gems? They were no different from roadside pebbles, merely slightly shinier chunks of rock.
And as for the sandalwood, deemed too precious for anyone but an emperor or a king to use? It was nothing more than wood with a slightly different hue, hardly worthy of such caution.
Would beasts differentiate between jewels and pebbles? Would they bother to understand the difference between straw to line their nests and silk? Would they care that they are different colors as they climb the trees?
No, they wouldn’t.
Assigning value to such meaningless things, and blindly believing in the worth people themselves fabricate, is a trait unique to humans.
They attribute value to possessions, honor, virtue, faith, relationships, ideals… endlessly numerous, endlessly trivial things.
“Kuhuhu.”
A faint sound of laughter escaped.
In the end, value is merely something humans conveniently attach to things, something that can be discarded at any moment.
Yet humans forget that they themselves create that value and become attached to it, even wagering their most precious lives for it.
The man grasped the bottle placed on the table and slowly tilted it. The amber liquor flowed into the jade cup.
“How foolish… how stupid.”
He chuckled at the thought of moths blindly rushing into the flame, believing their act of sacrificing themselves for something worthless to be noble.
So how could one not laugh? When the world is such a grand comedy filled with absurd tragedies.
Raising the glass, he savored the rich aroma wafting through the air. His image faintly reflected on the surface of the amber liquid.
He bust out laughing as he watched himself clad in expensive metals, covered in excessive makeup, and wrapped in red and white silk.
Jang Ilso mocked everything, but most thoroughly, he mocked himself.
While countless others outside this carriage pursued what they believed to be their worth, Jang Ilso knew the meaninglessness of it all, yet he refused to let go of anything.
Without realizing the difference between cheap silk and fine silk, he enveloped his body in the most luxurious silk, knowing that whether it be cheap wine or expensive wine, once it flowed into the belly, it made no difference.
“Kuhuhuhu.”
Jang Ilso emptied the cup in one gulp.
If risking one’s life for worthless things and clinging to meaningless things were conditions for being human, then Jang Ilso would be the most perfect human of all.
His gaze shifted to the small, square window.
They gathered, each harboring their own ideals.
Some sought righteousness, some sought power, others sought loyalty, and still others sought peace.
People with different purposes were all converging in one place. Thick desires, each unique and suffocating, would swirl together until it felt hard to breathe.
Jang Ilso’s lips, as red as blood, moved.
“It’s about time… to prepare for what’s coming.”
There will be a whirlwind.
On the board he created. Shaolin, Gupailbang, Hwasan, Cheonumaeng, and even Sapaeryeon.
What will die in this vicious whirlwind is not just people or life. It’s the ideals harbored by someone. It’s the futile illusion they believed had been worth pursuing.
To those intoxicated by their ideals, the world will seem incredibly sweet. Like a moth unaware its wings are burning in the flames.
But now…
“It’s time to wake up from this dream.”
A bright smile graced Jang Ilso’s lips. Soon, the world would be painted in blood.
❀ ❀ ❀
“Huuuuh… Huuuuuh…”
No more sweat dripped. His pale complexion, devoid of any color, starkly indicated the current situation of Geum Yangbaek.
Yet his feet never stopped for a moment. He would keep running until his breath ceased.
Hyun Jong, stealing glances at Geum Yangbaek’s condition, subtly addressed Tang Gunak.
“Lord Tang… “
“It’s futile.”
But Tang Gunak, perhaps anticipating what Hyun Jong was about to say, shook his head mercilessly before Hyun Jong could utter a word.
“The dantian is shattered, and inner true strength has reversed its flow. There’s no way to save him even with Tang Clan’s techniques.”
“…Isn’t it the Tang Clan who had saved Chung Myung, even when he was almost dead?”
“Alliance Leader, I understand your sorrow deeply, but… we are not making miracles. There are things we can do, and things we cannot.”
“…Hmm.”
He listened, but understanding didn’t come readily.
Understandable, considering the visible wounds were far worse on Chung Myung’s side. Yet Chung Myung could be saved, while Geum Yangbaek seemed beyond help.
However, Hyun Jong didn’t say another word. When it came to medicine, he was no expert, and Tang Gunak was one of the most renowned figures in the world. Was it even appropriate to question him about medical matters?
Turning to Tang Soso with a hint of hope, Hyun Jong found her merely shaking his head.
As Hyun Jong sighed quietly to himself, Geum Yangbaek, who had been trailing behind them with great effort, suddenly staggered and vomited blood.
“Sect Leader!”
Startled disciples rushed to Geum Yangbaek, but he immediately waved them off and opened his eyes wide.
“Keep going! Don’t worry about me, just run, hurry!”
The faces of Haenam’s disciples turned pale. But defying the stern command of the Sect Leader was out of the question. Eventually, they gritted their teeth and resumed running.
At that moment, Gwak Hwanso approached Geum Yangbaek.
“Sect Leader, let me carry you!”
But Geum Yangbaek stubbornly shook his head and continued to run silently. Growing anxious, Gwak Hwanso caught up again and grabbed his arm.
“Then at least… the inner strength…”
“Don’t waste your efforts.”
Geum Yangbaek sternly pulled away Gwak Hwanso’s hand, which had grasped his arm.
“Sect Leader! This is not the time to be stubborn! If you keep this up, you might really…”
“Die?”
“…”
“Is that what you want to say?”
As Gwak Hwanso fell silent, Geum Yangbaek chuckled softly. It wasn’t mocking. Despite his firm and composed demeanor, the warmth in Geum Yangbaek’s eyes was clearly directed towards his disciples and Gwak Hwanso.
“I, too, know the value of life. If being carried could save me, I would have done so already.”
Geum Yangbaek spoke between gasps. Yet his voice remained steady, causing Gwak Hwanso to bite his lip.
“But if that’s not possible, there’s no need to strain yourself for me. We haven’t even reached Gangbuk yet.”
“Please don’t say such things! Why should Sect Leader die! While the disciples are still alive and well, shouldn’t Sect Leader live too! Shouldn’t he reclaim Haenam’s foothold from Gangbuk!”
Though Gwak Hwanso’s voice trembled with emotion, Geum Yangbaek simply smiled and didn’t respond.
Gwak Hwanso knew too well how futile his words were.
“Hwanso-ya.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
“I’m glad I have you.”
Gwak Hwanso’s shoulders shook slightly. Geum Yangbaek, coughing, turned to look at him. His complexion was so pale it verged on turning blue.
“If you weren’t here, I would have surely not been able to close my eyes even in death. But… with you here, death doesn’t seem so frightening. Haha.”
“Sect Leader…”
A twisted laughter escaped Geum Yangbaek’s lips.
It was a journey to death. In a situation where there was no way out, he considered that a final dance or swordplay might suffice. He viewed it as the last duty left to him as the Sect Leader of Haenam.
But they were still alive. And perhaps, they might even carry on Haenam’s name beyond that river.
So now, what reason was there to fear death?
Geum Yangbaek looked at Gwak Hwanso. Would it be strange if one said that Gwak Hwanso, who is trying hard to hold back tears that threaten to burst out at any moment, is trustworthy?
‘You have changed a lot.’
Gwak Hwanso no longer feels inadequate. Though still young to become the Sect Leader of Haenam, he will undoubtedly fulfill his duty. In fact, he might even excel at it.
So…
Yet Geum Yangbaek forcibly swallowed the blood rising in his throat.
‘But it’s not time yet.’
They hadn’t reached safety yet. There were still mountains to cross. The only reason he clung to this stubborn life was that even his severed life still had a purpose – for now.
If only he could send them to Gangbuk.
And so, if his disciples survived and could carry on the name of Haenam once more, he would be able to smile without regret even in the moment of his death.
‘Now I understand.’
He looked at the “three waves” [삼파랑(三波浪) – samparang] symbol engraved on his chest. Then, he kicked the ground with all his strength.
“Gather your last bit of strength! We just need to cross that river!”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
As he heard the tearful responses of his disciples, Geum Yangbaek smiled.
‘Some things are more important than life itself.’
And it was right beside him now. So firm and resolute.
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