Chapter 1532
What do you know? (2)
Baek Cheon leaned back comfortably against his chair, as if to ask, “What? Did I say something wrong?” Considering that the leaders of each sect represented in Cheonumaeng were gathered, such a posture was unthinkable.
But no one paid any attention to it. Rather, they couldn’t. Their gazes were fixed elsewhere.
The reason was simple… Tang Gunak’s mouth was wide open.
The usually stern and firmly closed mouth of Tang Gunak was hanging open like that of a fool, as if he had witnessed a meteor falling on his head while he slept.
Such an expression on Tang Gunak’s face?
It’s certain that neither his daughter Tang Soso nor even Tang Gunak’s own parents had ever seen such a sight.
Witnessing this rare spectacle, fear began to surge in the hearts of those present.
Jo Geol, thinking that Tang Gunak might unleash a barrage of poison-coated hidden weapons from his sleeves at any moment, was the first to slowly back away, gripping his chair and distancing himself from Baek Cheon.
“Ah…”
Then he flinched, glancing sideways. He feared Yoon Jong might reprimand him.
But at that moment, Jo Geol saw Yoon Jong’s back already far away.
‘Sahyeong?’
Hadn’t he always emphasized the importance of loyalty between fellow disciples…?
Screech!
At that moment, the sound of a chair being dragged was heard from the other side. Everyone’s attention turned to see Yu Iseol, who had moved a good distance away from Baek Cheon, speaking with a blank expression.
“It’s hot.”
“…”
“Really.”
“…”
This wasn’t betrayal at all. When someone causes this much trouble, there’s no way to clean it up.
If Tang Gunak decided to beat Baek Cheon to death in front of Hyun Jong, Hyun Jong would probably say, “Ho ho. How could a needle possibly kill someone? Use my sword instead,” and hand over his plum blossom sword.
But even as everyone, including Tang Soso, desperately watched Tang Gunak for his reaction, Baek Cheon alone met Tang Gunak’s gaze with an expression that showed he couldn’t care less.
In the suffocatingly tense standoff, finally…
“So, you’re saying you understand better because you’ve experienced it?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm.”
Tang Gunak’s words, instead of a hidden weapon, cut through the tension.
“Haa…”
“Hoo…”
“Nggh…”
Simultaneously, sighs of relief echoed from all around.
“Amitabha. Amitabha. Amitabha.”
Hye Yeon continuously chanted in genuine gratitude that hell had not unfolded on earth. To him, Tang Gunak might have seemed like Avalokiteshvara. And Baek Cheon, who likely appeared as Asura to him, spoke up.
“I am not belittling Sichuan Tang Clan. I assure you, Lord Tang, the place that acknowledges the Tang clan the most in the world is Hwasan.”
“That’s…”
Before Tang Gunak could finish his sentence, Hyun Jong quickly interjected in a low voice.
“All statements made by Vice Sect Leader are personal opinions and may not reflect the official stance of Hwasan Sect.”
Tang Gunak, momentarily at a loss for words, stared blankly at Hyun Jong. Hyun Jong, seemingly unable to meet his gaze, continued to look out the distant window.
“…Yes. I suppose… that could be the case, Vice Sect Leader.”
Tang Gunak thought to himself that if Hwasan were to burn again one day, it might not be due to Demonic Cult but rather to someone like Baek Cheon.
Baek Cheon continued.
“It is not I who underestimate the Tang clan’s abilities, but rather you, Lord Tang.”
“…Me?”
A look of confusion crossed Tang Gunak’s face. Baek Cheon responded firmly, meeting his gaze.
“Yes. Soso is not wrong. The Tang clan can exert great power even with a few members, and when they stand behind us, we can fight twice as hard.”
“Hmm…”
“If Soso’s proposal doesn’t align with the Tang clan’s methods, it’s understandable to reject it. But to say we can’t accept it because Soso is wrong is something we find difficult to accept. That’s because…”
Baek Cheon’s gaze shifted to Tang Soso and Tang Pae.
“It would be an insult to those who protected our lives in that hellish place.”
Five Swords nodded in unison and fixed their gazes on Tang Gunak, a look that could be seen as slightly provocative.
In front of those eyes, Tang Gunak felt an unknown emotion welling up inside him. Pride? Admiration? No.
The emotion that momentarily engulfed Tang Gunak was none other than anger and resentment. A typical person might have erupted, unleashing that anger upon them. But fortunately, Tang Gunak was no ordinary person.
Instead of lashing out, he was momentarily baffled by the intense emotions that had swept over him. He questioned it.
Was it truly something to be this angry about? To the point of feeling murderous intent?
Soon enough, he identified the root of his feelings. It wasn’t because they ‘opposed’ him, but because ‘those people’ opposed him.
To put it simply…
‘They are no longer children.’
When a wolf cub bites the leg of an elder wolf, the elder either licks the cub or bites back lightly, ensuring not to hurt it while disciplining it.
But when a grown wolf bites the leg, it results in a fight where one must submit for it to end.
Humans are no different. In the past, he had often debated with them. But the reason his feelings were so markedly different this time was proof that he now saw them as equals.
“Vice Sect Leader.”
“Yes.”
“Are your words meant to commend the efforts of your Sajil? Or is it…”
“No.”
Baek Cheon shook his head before the words were fully spoken.
“I am not stepping forward as their senior. I am stepping forward as a warrior. Tang Soso, and Young Lord Tang, are warriors who naturally deserve my respect. Not because of their status, but because of their abilities.”
Five Swords, and even Chung Myung, nodded in agreement as if it were the most natural thing. Meanwhile, Tang Soso’s eyes grew red with emotion.
Tang Gunak quietly observed this scene, a slight twitch appeared at the corner of his mouth. Those whom he acknowledged as equals were now recognizing his daughter and son. This meant…
“One last question.”
“Yes.”
“As someone who has experienced the most battles within Cheonumaeng, who has overcome hardships from Hainan to here, and as the Vice Sect Leader of Hwasan, what do you think of their argument?”
“…”
“Do you see a reason for the Tang clan to choose that path?”
Baek Cheon’s gaze grew even clearer and more determined.
“It is not my place to discuss the affairs of the Tang clan.”
“…Is that so?”
Tang Gunak muttered. Baek Cheon added.
“But if I were the head of the Sichuan Tang Clan, I would not disregard the experiences and opinions of those who are to lead the Tang clan in the future.”
Though the question was directed with Tang Soso in mind, the answer came considering Tang Pae. But it didn’t matter. Both Tang Soso and Tang Pae had aligned their opinions.
Tang Gunak’s expression grew heavy. Everyone watched in silence, waiting for the decision he would make.
Tang Gunak’s gaze briefly turned to Chung Myung. Known for being talkative, loud, and always eager to step forward, he had not voiced a single opinion since the discussion began. He simply watched with his arms crossed, standing behind Five Swords.
Tang Gunak gave a slightly awkward smile.
“In that case, I…”
❀ ❀ ❀
“Argh!”
Jo Geol screamed and jumped up. Once again, a needle had pricked his fingertip. Without even glancing his way, Yoon Jong spoke.
“Stop whining. You didn’t even groan when a sword went through your stomach.”
“Ugh. This and that hurt in different ways!”
“…You’ll never beat Tang clan in your lifetime.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Nothing.”
Yoon Jong shook his head.
Tang Gunak eventually decided to accept Tang Soso’s suggestion. Although it came with the condition that it would be tested before the war and retracted if it proved unsuitable, it was practically an approval.
“Honestly, isn’t this absurd?”
Jo Geol said, looking at Yoon Jong in disbelief.
“Splitting a clan into small factions means the Lord’s orders can’t be directly issued. That puts the lives of the Tang clan in the hands of outsiders’ commands.”
“That’s right.”
“Could you make such a decision, Sahyeong?”
“What’s so great about it?”
“It’s a huge deal! Would you die following the orders of the Ice Palace Lord?”
“Lord Seol is a remarkable person. Of course, I’d follow their orders…”
“What about Elder Han?”
Yoon Jong fell silent. Instead, his eyebrows twitched.
“Not Elder Han, but what if it was one of the elders of the Ice Palace?”
“Ugh.”
Eventually, Yoon Jong sighed with a groan.
“Yeah, you’re right. Under the previous system, this would have been unimaginable.”
“Isn’t that so?”
“That’s why Lord Tang is so amazing, isn’t it? He accepted it without a second thought.”
“…Isn’t there still a chance it might be withdrawn?”
“You’re not just saying that because you don’t want to sew, are you?”
Jo Geol’s hesitant expression suggested he was right.
“Stop making excuses and get on with it.
Remember what Soso said about taking anyone who can’t do it properly to the Swift Medical Corps [신의단(迅醫團) – shinuidan?”
“…What did she grow up eating to become so ruthless?”
“She grew up eating poison.”
“Oh…”
The Swift Medical Corps. Based on the opinions of Tang Soso and Tang Pae, it was a temporary unit established under Cheonumaeng. Tang Soso was currently incredibly busy organizing and educating the Tang clan warriors and the women trained in medicine and acupuncture, excluding the elders.
Officially, the head of the Swift Medical Corps was Tang Pae, the Young Lord, while Tang Gunak was the actual head. However, Tang Soso, as she did in Hwasan, was effectively leading the corps.
Jo Geol still felt wronged.
“I mean, everything turned out as you said, so why are we stuck doing this?”
“Haven’t I told you ten times already? Even if there are doctors behind us, there’s a world of difference between a fighter who knows basic first aid and one who doesn’t. Just knowing that can save three out of ten people.”
“Ugh.”
Jo Geol scratched his head vigorously. He had no way to win with logic, so he had to do it another way, but it didn’t suit his temperament at all.
“Seriously! Sasuk, what do you find so fun about this?”
“…Once you get into it, it’s surprisingly addictive.”
“Great, another proper lady in the making!”
On the other hand, Baek Cheon was in his element, almost like a fish in water. Everyone around him was watching in admiration.
“Wow… Look at this. The spacing is flawless, not even a hair’s breadth of difference.”
“Look how dense it is. It could even filter rainwater.”
“Sasuk, can you do a plum blossom design, a plum blossom?”
“It’s not embroidery!”
Jo Geol grumbled, throwing his tattered cloth down in frustration.
“Why are we doing this anyway? We just need to be good with swords.”
“To be good with swords, you have to do this.”
“What?”
Yoon Jong laid down the fabric he was holding. His stitches were also as neat as Baek Cheon’s.
“I’ve noticed something about the ones who struggle and get angry because they can’t do this well.”
“…What common trait?”
“They’re impatient, aggressive, and prefer to swing their swords according to their own whims rather than following a set form.”
“Huh?”
“Yes, exactly. People like you.”
Yoon Jong clicked his tongue.
“This is a matter of patience more than skill. The same goes for the sword. A sword that cannot overcome and restrain the impulse to swing quickly and powerfully is nothing more than an evil sword.”
“…”
“If you want to become stronger, first learn how to restrain your sword.”
“He’s right.”
Even Baek Cheon supported Yoon Jong.
“How can those who cannot properly handle a needle handle a sword?”
“…”
“Whether it’s a sword or a needle, it must be perfect in the hands of Hwasan’s swordsman. So stop grumbling and do your best. That will save your lives and mine.”
“Yes!”
“We’ll remember that, Sasuk!”
Baek Cheon nodded and was about to return to his cloth when something caught his eye. He suddenly stood up and approached the nearby table. What caught his eye was a piece of fabric that was practically in tatters – completely ruined.
“Whose is this?”
“…Uh, well….”
“Speak up. Which one of you sewed this mess? Didn’t I clearly tell you to be as meticulous as when practicing swordsmanship? Who did this?”
“Sa-Sasukk, about that….”
“Speak clearly or I’ll…!”
“Th-that was Chung Myung, Sasuk.”
“…”
Baek Cheon looked down at the fabric, which seemed like a child’s playful scribbling, and silently returned to his seat. Then, he quietly resumed his sewing.
❀ ❀ ❀
“How is it?”
“Argh!”
Startled, Tang Gunak flinched and stepped back. He had merely asked how things were going, but his cute and pretty… yet sometimes exasperating daughter was having a fit.
“Why don’t they listen? Why?!”
“…”
“I mean, even if they know more about medicine, so what? Have they ever been on a battlefield? Have they ever treated someone while swords are flying around? Why can’t they keep their mouths shut instead of spouting nonsense all the time?”
Even though they were family, calling them names and insulting them seemed a bit much… Tang Gunak thought to himself.
“Is it difficult?”
“Of course, it’s difficult!”
Thud!
Tang Soso stomped the floor forcefully, then shouted with fiery determination in her eyes.
“But it has to be done!”
“…Hmm.”
“It’s not because it’s easy, but because it has to be done! I’d rather deal with this headache now than cry in front of a dying person later!”
Her words were firm and full of resolve. Watching his determined daughter, Tang Gunak smiled slightly.
“You are definitely my daughter.”
It was a statement from both the head of the family and a father.
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