Chapter 1741
Nowhere to be seen. (1)
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Morning had arrived.
Jo Geol, who had stayed up all night without closing his eyes, stared blankly at the sunlight pouring in through the window before finally getting up.
Those who had spent the silent night with him turned their gazes towards him.
“Geol-ah?”
Jo Geol scratched his head awkwardly.
“I think I need to go check. The early morning air was chilly, and I’m worried he might have caught a cold… And… well, I don’t want to burden the already busy Medical Hall with unnecessary work…”
It was an absurd excuse.
“Retired Sect Leader…”
Yoon Jong began, but then he stopped and shook his head. A sigh escaped him.
Hyun Jong had clearly ordered that no one show any kindness to the exiled disciple. But Jo Geol hadn’t forgotten that order.
Even if he ended up being severely punished for this, Yoon Jong knew he couldn’t stop Jo Geol once he had made up his mind to go.
“Geol-ah.”
“No, Sahyeong. I’ll just go for a little while. If I get scolded, so be it. Just say you fell asleep and didn’t notice…”
“I’ll go with you.”
“…What?”
Yoon Jong stood up.
“I should go too.”
Without waiting for Jo Geol, he headed for the door. The others who had been seated also stood up simultaneously, as if they had made an agreement beforehand.
“No, this isn’t…”
He hadn’t intended for things to escalate like this. Jo Geol sighed deeply, scratching his head in frustration.
“Is ignoring orders from the sect’s elders a fundamental rule of this sect or something?”
They were all blatantly disregarding the order issued just yesterday by the retired Sect Leader. Jo Geol watched those who were already ahead of him and eventually followed behind.
“Are you sure he is alright?”
“He’ll be fine.”
Even though Baek Cheon had weakened, he was still a warrior. Spending just one night exposed to the cold shouldn’t make him seriously ill. However, it wasn’t his physical health that concerned Jo Geol, but his mental state.
‘Being excommunicated from the sect…’
Yoon Jong tried to imagine how he would feel if he were in the same situation.
It was hard to fathom. He had never once considered living a life outside of Hwasan. Even when Hwasan’s downfall seemed inevitable, Yoon Jong had never thought of leaving.
Hwasan was his everything.
How could he possibly understand the feelings of someone forcibly separated from all they held dear? He couldn’t even offer any words of comfort.
“Health comes first. No matter what you do, you need to be in good health.”
Yoon Jong’s face hardened. He felt a surge of irritation towards Jo Geol, who was spouting nonsense even in this dire situation. He couldn’t help but…
“Sahyeong.”
“What?”
Yoon Jong’s voice turned cold as he responded.
“Are you sure that going to Jongnam will heal Sasuk’s body?”
Yoon Jong turned his head to look at Jo Geol.
“Will it?”
Instead of answering, a long sigh escaped from him.
‘Yes… For now, we have to cling to whatever hope we can.’
“We have to believe.”
“I’m sure everything will be fine. Sasuk’s family is wealthy, right? Once his body is healed, everything will work out. It will.”
Anyone could tell that Jo Geol wasn’t speaking from genuine belief or reassurance. Yet, he kept repeating the same thing, as if convincing himself that this might be a blessing in disguise.
“Yes. At least… it will be better than this.”
“But then, what if – just hypothetically – what if Sasuk recovers, and the excommunication is revoked…”
“Jo Geol.”
Yoon Jong’s voice cut through the air, cold and sharp, making Jo Geol flinch and shrink back.
“Think before you speak.”
“No, I just meant… it’s possible, isn’t it? I’m not saying it should happen, but…”
“Don’t talk nonsense. That would bring shame to Hwasan and to Sasuk. And above all, Sasuk would never accept such a thing.”
Jo Geol let out a long, frustrated sigh. He knew as well that what he was saying didn’t make sense. Even if it were possible, the idea of Baek Cheon choosing such a path was unimaginable.
“…I was just talking.”
“…”
Yoon Jong didn’t scold Jo Geol any further. Truthfully, he hadn’t been immune to similar thoughts himself.
But it was time to accept reality. Baek Cheon would become a person of Jongnam.
‘Jongnam…’
Although their relationship had improved drastically in recent times, it still had to be Jongnam, of all places.
Would the friendly relations with Jongnam continue? Or would they one day revert to their old ways, or even become worse, with both sides sharpening their swords for a clash?
If Baek Cheon were to lead Jongnam at that time, how should Yoon Jong regard him?
‘It’s complicated…’
Just as Yoon Jong was struggling to sort through his tangled emotions, Jo Geol spoke up again.
“Sahyeong, over there.”
At that moment, the last people they wanted to see came into view. They were walking in the same direction as Yoon Jong’s group.
Among them were Jongnam’s Sect Leader, Jongli Gok, Jin Geumryong, Lee Songbaek, and even Baek Cheon’s father, Jin Chobaek.
‘Are they going to pick up Sasuk?’
Yoon Jong unconsciously bit his lower lip. Rationally, he knew it was only natural, yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that his insides were being raked over with hot iron.
When their eyes met, Lee Songbaek gave a hesitant nod, looking somewhat uncomfortable. The others in their group also noticed Yoon Jong’s group at that moment and cast their gazes towards them.
Yoon Jong responded with a respectful bow.
Regardless of the turmoil inside, the person before him was the Sect Leader of another sect. Failing to show proper respect would be a disgrace to Hwasan.
Jongli Gok returned the greeting with a slight nod.
Since they were heading in the same direction, the distance between the two groups gradually closed. As they came within about a jang from each other, it became impossible not to be on edge.
Unexpectedly, it was Jin Geumryong who spoke first.
“Are you going to see him?”
“…Yes.”
While the distinction between sects was usually strictly observed, in terms of hierarchy, Jin Geumryong was one rank above Yoon Jong. Moreover, on a personal level, he was Baek Cheon’s elder brother. Thus, Yoon Jong made sure to be respectful.
However, the response he received was curt.
“Is that necessary?”
So much was conveyed in those few words. Enough to make Yoon Jong’s blood boil.
Yoon Jong clenched his teeth. If he opened his mouth now, harsh words would surely spill out. Causing a scene here would be detrimental to everyone.
At that moment, Jongli Gok began to speak.
“I’ve heard that retired Sect Leader has forbidden contact with the excommunicated disciple. Are you not aware that such actions could cause problems?”
“I’m aware.”
“And yet, you still intend to go?”
Though his tone was gentle, it was clear that he was suggesting they should step back. However, despite understanding the implication, Yoon Jong did not easily yield.
“Yes. I plan to accept any punishment.”
Jongli Gok narrowed his eyes slightly.
It seemed that Yoon Jong was not the only one unwilling to back down. Jo Geol was glaring as if facing an enemy, Yu Iseol’s gaze was sharp, Baek Sang and Hye Yeon were anxious but remained steadfast, and even Tang Soso and Namgung Dowi stood silently, their expressions unreadable.
These were the most renowned rising stars in Gangho, all defying orders and ready to face punishment, simply to reach Baek Cheon.
‘Is this charisma…?’
In the ability to attract and inspire others, Baek Cheon seemed unmatched by anyone in Jongnam. Jongnam had Jin Geumryong with his sharp intellect and Lee Songbaek with his steadfastness and honesty, but Baek Cheon possessed something neither of them had.
“Hmm.”
Jongli Gok let out a brief sound of contemplation.
He could force them to stop, but there was no real need to do so. By allowing them to accompany him to retrieve Baek Cheon, they might come to a harsh realization about the reality they faced.
“In that case, let us go together. After all, both sides are going to see the same person, aren’t they?”
“…We won’t necessarily go separately, but that doesn’t mean we can walk together.”
“Hmm?”
“We’re not going to send him off, after all.”
A flicker of curiosity crossed Jongli Gok’s eyes.
Even standing before Jongli Gok, Yoon Jong maintained a calm and composed demeanor. Despite being on his way to see an excommunicated disciple in defiance of the retired Sect Leader’s orders, and encountering the head of another sect, his expression remained steady.
Jongli Gok carefully observed the deep, tranquil gaze in Yoon Jong’s eyes, which resembled the stillness of a bottomless lake.
‘How does Hwasan keep producing talents like this?’
Though it would be shameless to admit it, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy.
“Very well, then.”
Jongli Gok gave a brief nod and resumed walking.
Regardless of the situation, the priority now was to bring Baek Cheon back to Jongnam as quickly as possible. The sooner they could diagnose and apply the necessary treatments, the better his condition would be.
Jongli Gok quickened his pace.
Following behind, Jin Geumryong shot a sharp look at Yoon Jong and Jo Geol.
A cold tension hung between the two groups, who now walked side by side with a measured distance between them. It was a chill that hadn’t been felt since they had last reconciled their respective positions.
Lee Songbaek secretly sighed to himself.
‘This is frustrating.’
He had barely managed to mend the relationship between the two sects, but now he had a foreboding sense that Baek Cheon’s situation might once again cool their relations.
Surely, this isn’t what Baek Cheon himself would have wanted.
Suppressing his unease, he turned the corner towards the hall where Baek Cheon was supposed to be.
Suddenly, both Jongli Gok and Yoon Jong stopped in their tracks at the same time.
A low groan escaped Jongli Gok’s lips.
“Baek Cheon… no, where is Jin Dongryong?”
“Pardon?”
Jongli Gok lightly rubbed his chin, his gaze darkening.
“I expected him to be here. Send someone to his quarters immediately.”
He had assumed that the shock from yesterday wouldn’t be easily overcome, and that Baek Cheon would be here. But it seemed he had already composed himself and returned to his room.
‘Is he stronger than I thought? If so, that would be a relief.’
Jongli Gok calmly waited for the person sent to Baek Cheon’s quarters to return.
However, the news they brought back was not what he expected.
“Sect Leader, there was no one in his quarters.”
“…Is that so? Then check the medical hall…”
A disciple, with a worried expression, hurriedly approached Jongli Gok.
“The, the medical hall is also empty.”
Jongli Gok’s face changed drastically at that moment.
“…Then where could he have gone, in his condition?”
“I… I don’t know…”
“Search the entire Wudang Sect’s grounds thoroughly! He was here until dawn, so he must still be within the premises!”
Searching another sect’s grounds without permission was an unthinkable act, but given the gravity of the situation, Jongli Gok had no choice but to commit this breach of etiquette.
With the Sect Leader’s command tinged with anger, the disciples of Jongnam scattered frantically throughout Wudang’s grounds.
A faint trace of unease flickered in Jongli Gok’s eyes.
‘Could he have gone to see Hyun Jong?’
It was possible. Perhaps Baek Cheon had gone to beg for mercy, to plead for his excommunication to be revoked. Jongli Gok would have done the same in his place.
‘This is no time to hesitate. I need to…’
But then, the situation took an unexpected turn.
“He’s not there, Sect Leader.”
“Nowhere to be seen.”
Those who had searched near Hyun Jong’s quarters, as well as those who had checked the guest quarters where Hwasan’s disciples were staying, all returned with the same report – Baek Cheon was nowhere to be found.
Even those who had scouted the entirety of Mount Wudang beyond the sect grounds returned with the same result.
“This is…”
Jongli Gok’s face grew increasingly pale. Hyun Jong, who had heard the news late, rushed over in a panic.
“Sect Leader.”
“Retired Sect Leader! Wasn’t Baek Cheon… no, Jin Dongryong with you?”
“I haven’t seen him since yesterday.”
“What…!”
Hyun Jong, shocked and dismayed, turned to the other disciples.
“Has none of you seen Baek Cheon?”
“…Retired Sect Leader forbade us from contacting the excommunicated disciple…”
“Truly, none of you? Has no one seen him today?”
There was no response. Hyun Jong, looking as though he had lost all hope, stared at the wide-open main gate of Wudang.
“This… this is…”
He had vanished.
In this dangerous land, still haunted by the flames of war, Baek Cheon had vanished like smoke.
“This can’t be happening…”
Hwasan had cast him out, hoping he would go to Jongnam.
But Baek Cheon did not head to Jongnam.
It was a situation no one had anticipated. The color drained from everyone’s faces.
“Baek Cheon-ah…”
Hyun Jong’s despondent voice echoed across the silent training grounds.
And on the roof of a nearby pavilion, just a short distance away from the commotion, Chung Myung silently observed the entire scene.
He let out a quiet sigh, the taste of the liquor lingering in his mouth was unusually bitter today.
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