Chapter 1441
What should I do? (1)
“Sect Leader, are you really going to turn back like this?”
At the sudden question from Jin Chobaek, Jongli Gok furrowed his brow slightly before responding.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean Diancang.”
Jongli Gok fell silent. Jin Chobaek continued.
“Of course, it may have already been too late to head towards Diancang, as you said, but if you turn back like this, the world will point fingers at Jongnam, saying it lacks integrity.”
“What does that matter?”
Jongli Gok retorted coldly.
“The world has changed during our Bongmun. Now, saving face isn’t as important as it once was.”
“…That’s certainly…”
“We’ve already entered turbulent times. The way to survive in such an era is to hone your skills and seek opportunities.”
Jin Chobaek nodded heavily. Jongli Gok looked at him with a peculiar expression.
“Why? Does it bother you to leave your son behind?”
After a moment of silence, Jin Chobaek let out a short sigh.
“I assure you, that wasn’t my intention.”
“You only tried once. Your son must be very stubborn.”
Jongli Gok clicked his tongue, seemingly disappointed.
“We should have found a way to keep him in Jongnam.”
“…I apologize.”
“Why should you be sorry for that? Children don’t always follow their parents’ wishes. But… “
“Yes?”
Jongli Gok stared ahead silently for a moment before murmuring almost to himself.
“It seems like it’s not just one issue.”
Though it sounded random, Jin Chobaek immediately grasped the meaning behind Jongli Gok’s words. It wasn’t just Baek Cheon. Each disciple of Hwasan guarding behind him was exceptionally sharp.
It was unbelievable how those who were once trampled upon by Jongnam’s disciples at their yearly tournament had become so formidable.
“In just a few years…”
A bitter smile was inevitable on Jongli Gok’s lips.
While others in Gangho seemed to naturally accept this change, Jongnam’s perspective was different. Due to several years of separation at Bongmun, the magnitude of this change was keenly felt.
It was then that Jin Chobaek spoke up with a voice tinged with concern.
“Sect Leader, I’m a little worried.”
“What’s on your mind?”
“Right now… Well, honestly, I’m not overly concerned at the moment. No matter how much Hwasan spreads its wings, aren’t they ultimately a sect without a single proper elder?”
“Indeed.”
“They may appear strong now, elevated by their inflated reputation, but Hwasan’s power can’t hold a candle to Jongnam’s.”
Jongli Gok nodded. He shared the same sentiment.
“But what’s the worry?”
“However… Will it be the same ten or twenty years from now?”
“…”
“I’m concerned that when the time comes for Hwasan’s first generation disciples to become the elders of their sect, will Jongnam still be able to claim superiority over Hwasan?”
Jongli Gkok laughed.
“It seems like to you, the youngest son is more of a sore spot than the eldest.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I know. But… you shouldn’t worry too much.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
Jongli Gok’s gaze sunk.
“Do you know why it’s difficult to find a virtuous person in this world?”
“Isn’t it because it’s hard to practice virtue?”
“Tsk tsk. Listen. Someone who doesn’t practice virtue because it’s difficult isn’t a good person. That answer doesn’t quite hit the mark.”
“Then…?”
“The reason is simple.”
Jongli Gok let out a faint sneer.
“Because they’ve all died.”
Taken aback by the unexpected answer, Jin Chobaek momentarily stared at Jongli Gok. Seeing his expression, Jongli Gok let out a small laugh.
“What?”
“Sect Leader, why say that?”
He tried to ask what the strange words were, but Jongli Gok spoke faster.
“It’s just a joke.”
He chuckled as if to emphasize that it was indeed just a joke, but Jin Chobaek knew better. He understood that this remark was anything but a simple jest.
“Sect Leader. Perhaps, if Hwasan…”
“Is there a need for that?”
“Yes?”
Jongli Gok shrugged. Then he began to speak in a cryptic manner once more.
“You see, Chobaek.”
“Yes, Sect Leader?”
“What do you think makes a good father?”
Jin Chobaek’s face heated up slightly. He knew deep down that he wasn’t a proper parent himself. If he were truly a good father, his son wouldn’t be at Hwasan right now.
“Well, I…”
“You think a good father is someone who teaches their child the right things and guides them on the right path, don’t you? No, it’s more than that. A good parent is someone who protects their child, no matter what.”
Jin Chobaek glanced back momentarily. Jongli Gok looked in the same direction and continued.
“See? Soon, the land we tread upon will be dyed red. Not just here, but countless other places too.”
“…That will likely happen.”
“I have only one goal. Among the blood that will be shed upon this land, I aim to minimize the blood spilled by Jongnam. I’m willing to become whatever it takes, even if I’m seen as a coward or a villain. What about you? Would you point fingers at me for that?”
Jin Chobaek nodded.
“If I weren’t from Jongnam, I might have.”
“An interesting answer. Haha.”
As Jongli Gok laughed heartily, an image of Hyun Jong flashed in his mind once again. In the end, people’s fundamentals don’t change. No matter how much Hyun Jong changed, he was still Hyun Jong.
“Don’t be too late.”
“…What do you mean?”
“Your son, I’m talking about him.”
Jongli Gok chuckled.
“If you’re too late, you might regret it. Jongnam’s embrace is generous enough to welcome even a returning prodigal son, so don’t miss your chance.”
Jin Chobaek’s face stiffened.
“By the way, this isn’t a joke.”
“Sect Leader…”
“Let’s go.”
Jongli Gok quickened his pace, surpassing Jin Chobaek. It wasn’t because the road ahead was urgent. It was because he didn’t want Jin Chobaek to see the expression on his face right now.
‘Hwasan.’
The world was not as simple as it seemed.
The sect that once seemed to swallow the world with its fame, where is it now? Eventually, they couldn’t bear the weight of their deeds and collapsed. Just like the current Hwasan.
‘It should be that way. Of course, it has to be.’
But what if… What if Hwasan overcomes everything? What if they prove themselves capable of bearing all that weight?
Then, who in the world could stop them?
Jongli Gok’s eyes darkened.
‘It’s just a fantasy.’
Such things don’t happen. Never, such things will never happen.
❀ ❀ ❀
“My Lord, all the bodies have been recovered, but…”
Rather than pressing for the rest of the report, Tang Gunak tightly shut his eyes.
It’s obvious why the messenger is trailing off. Normally, the bodies recovered here would be respectfully moved to the ancestral tombs for the burial. It’s only fair to honor those who risked their lives to protect the clan.
But now, that’s not possible. The Tang estate has already been burnt down, and the land of Sichuan is under the control of Maninbang.
“Bury the bodies.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Tang Gunak had been about to add that they should ensure the graves are clearly marked for easy retrieval in the future, but he quickly abandoned the idea. It all seemed futile now.
And above all else… The people of Tangga, those who perished here, wouldn’t want that. Instead, they would urge Tang Gunak to lead the surviving members of the clan and strive for the clan’s revival.
“My Lord, now…”
Approaching with a question, Tang Pae halted momentarily upon seeing Tang Gunaak’s expression.
He had originally intended to ask, “What will we do now?” However, considering the circumstances, he felt that question would be too harsh for Tang Gunak.
“Young Lord.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Prepare for camping.”
“…You mean… Here?”
Tang Gunak nodded.
“Sunset approaches. It would be unwise to move tired people along the night road. We will rest here for the night.”
“I understand.”
Tang Gunak turned to Tang Pae and spoke.
“And… as soon as dawn breaks tomorrow, prepare everyone.”
“Where do you plan to go?”
Tang Gunak didn’t respond, but Tang Pae nodded.
“Yes, I will see to it.”
As Tang Pae turned to leave, Tang Gunak watched silently, his gaze drifting upwards to the darkening sky.
‘Well…’
The dark sky came into his view.
‘Where should I go?’
Dusk settled over the fields.
Without preparation, camping in the fields was not as easy as one might think. Especially for those who had not mastered martial arts.
However, thanks to the disciples of Hwasan, who were familiar with this type of work, they were able to prepare without much difficulty.
The women comforted and cared for the whining children, while the craftsmen skillfully erected tents to shield them from the wind.
Thud.
From the scattered bonfires, sparks of crimson flames leaped up. As the flames crackled, the faces of the Tang’s people silently watching them were quickly filled with deep contemplation.
Only after taking a breath did the realization truly sink in.
They had become wanderers, losing their homes.
And there was even the possibility that they might never return to Sichuan again.
The heavy air settled among the gathered in small groups.
“As you instructed, we have brought pots and grain. We will quickly prepare the food.”
Tang Gunak nodded and Tangga’s people hung pots on the bonfires here and there. As Tang Gunak stared blankly at the scene, a gentle voice reached his ears.
“Lord Tang.”
It was Hyun Jong, who had come closer without him noticing. He cautiously spoke, unable to offer words of comfort too hastily.
“Is there anything else we can help with?”
Tang Gunak faintly smiled and shook his head.
“We may be exhausted from coming this far, but they are not useless people. With the strength of the Tang clan, there is no need to worry.”
Hyun Jong looked at Tang Gunak with renewed admiration.
How could he be so resilient?
If Hyun Jong had faced the same situation… If Hwasan had been engulfed in flames by enemy attack and his disciples were lost, he wouldn’t have been able to keep his composure until now. Yet, amidst all that, Tang Gunak maintained his dignity as the head of the family.
“Lord.”
“If we dwell on the negative, there will be no end to it. We have lost much, but we have saved lives. Isn’t that enough for now?”
Hyun Jong closed his eyes. Listening to these words, he felt ashamed of how despondent he had been about the situation. Tang Gunak, who endured much more hardship, seemed so resolute.
At that moment, Tang Gunak bowed respectfully.
“More than that… Thank you.”
Flustered, Hyun Jong hastily tried to stop him.
“Why, why are you like this, Lord Tang?”
“If Alliance Leader hadn’t made the decision, we wouldn’t have been able to save them.”
“But that decision wasn’t mine to make. Please, lift your head. Please.”
Unintentionally, their voices grew louder.
Yoon Jong, who had been watching the scene from a distance, sighed.
“Lord Tang is truly remarkable, Sasuk.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Despite experiencing such events, he is no different from usual. I can’t even begin to imitate it.”
“That’s why he is the head of the family.”
Jo Geol furrowed his brows at the remark.
“What’s so difficult about that? Just do what you have to do.”
“Geol, we’re having a conversation here.”
“Yes? What’s wrong with that?”
“Well, there’s porridge over there, porridge.”
“But what about this bastard?”
Five Swords started bickering and fighting.
The heavy air, the calm conversations as if trying to ignore it, and the exaggerated jokes that seem to forcefully lighten the atmosphere.
In this place where so many things were mixed together, Chung Myung simply stared silently at Tang Gunak. At his back, that seemed strong and solid.
Comments