Chapter 7: Volcano Rest)
Chapter 7: Volcano Rest)
Shaanxi, volcanic wave.
A wind as sharp as a knife blows.
The rain that had been falling until recently turned into snow..
Dazzlingly white snow piled up on the ground..
When I set foot on the land I missed, the plum tree greeted me first..
Looking along the branches, I saw snow plum blossoms blooming..
I went out at the beginning of the season and came back at the end..
“execution!”
I raised my head and saw a happy face..
Even the volcanic scenery of Seoak subsided in front of the best volcanoes..
‘Ugh, it’s dazzlingly pretty..’
Dang-hye was Dang-hye, but she was also Nak So-wol..
I don't know if it's because I haven't seen her in a while, or if she's gotten prettier since I haven't seen her, but my heart is pounding..
‘Compared to that, my face is nothing..’
It's pretty decent, but I don't think that much about the person in charge..
It was because he was compared because he was handsome like the Zhuge brothers..
‘are you okay. I have martial arts skills and connections..’
It was Joo Seo-cheon who masturbated by showing off his abilities for no reason..
“A long time.”
“I couldn't keep my promise. Hehehe.”
Luo Sowol laughed, wondering what made him feel so good..
“ah.”
When winter passes and spring comes again, Naksowol also leaves for Suseon..
I was planning to go straight to the death penalty next year..
But before that, Joo Seocheon came back..
‘You really don't know anything about people..’
According to the original history, Luo Xiaoyue was unable to go to Suseon due to the war between political parties after the Seven Swords War..
When I left, I expressed regret to Nak So-wol that something like that might not happen, but it was a hasty judgment..
“Sorry.”
“……? What?”
“No, for some reason I feel like I couldn't keep my promise.?”
“Hehehe. What is it?.”
Nak So-wol laughed at Joo Seo-cheon’s noise..
It's so pretty that you'll seriously worry about getting crushed by the volcanic waves..
I wondered how on earth you could be so pretty..
“Do you know where Master is??”
However, even her beauty ranked lower than her teacher's security..
“Yes, of course.”
Nak So-wol smiled as if he had expected it..
When I opened the door, the usual scenery came in..
Memories of the past and present intersected.
Whether it was spring or summer, the air was always cold..
There was no sign of anyone, except for the bed, where dust piled up like snow..
When Gangho came out of the volcano, there was no one to welcome him..
I just lay down in bed and tried to sleep..
But now, it is definitely different from the past..
Instead of the dust that had accumulated like snow, neatly organized items were placed, and the icy ground was only warm..
“Master, have you been well?.”
Joo Seocheon bowed with sincerity one by one to the teacher he respected and loved more than anyone else..
“I'm doing well. You must have been tired from coming, but there is no need to bow so hard..”
“no. I am in front of the face of Master, whom I haven't seen in a year, so why should I care less? No matter how poor this disciple was, he was not that corrupted..”
It was a sight that would make people who knew about him doubt their eyes..
In fact, Joo Seo-cheon had never shown such a hospitable attitude to anyone other than Yu Jeong-mok..
He didn't even treat the Ten Chairs of Heaven and the Murim Lord like this..
“If you show courtesy like that, this ugly teacher will become even more uncomfortable, so won't you please take care of it?.”
Yoo Jeong-mok smiled bitterly as if he couldn't stop him..
“All right.”
Only then did my heavily tense shoulders relax slightly..
“I heard about your performance too. I was proud of that, so I puffed out my chest around people..”
Yu Jeong-mok looked at his student proudly and smiled with satisfaction..
As soon as I saw that smile, my heart swelled..
I thought it was fortunate that he played an active role in the Seven Swords War without hiding himself..
“Although your activities have become known to Hwasan's other disciples, I still want to hear about them in detail. I'm sorry to those of you who just came, but can you tell me??”
Yoo Jeong-mok asked cautiously, as if feeling sorry..
There may be no need to treat a student like this, but I liked his kindness and consideration for each and every detail..
Joo Seo-cheon, who was about to cry because he was so depressed, swallowed it inside because he didn't want to worry Yoo Jeong-mok..
“Yes, Master!”
Joo Seo-cheon explained to Yoo Jeong-mok what had happened..
Eliminate unnecessary parts and select only the main points.
“He was extremely retarded?”
“Yes that's right.”
“Even though I was next to you, I didn't even know it until now.……”
“I guess there isn't much to get addicted to here, right?.”
I was very worried when I heard about the visit to Dokhyeolgok, but I was relieved to hear that there were no injuries, let alone poisoning..
I didn't tell you that I went out to the village and met the lama, but I didn't want to cause unnecessary worry by saying that I went out to the countryside..
My conscience was pricked a little for not telling me, but if you think about it, I didn't lie, so it was still less..
I didn't mention anything about the Pokseom-do interrogation or the Myoga interrogation..
I hid what needed to be hidden and told everything else..
“You are truly amazing, and you are a great person. Good job.”
Yoo Jeong-mok gently stroked Joo Seo-cheon's head..
Even though I am no longer a child, that touch is still the same..
Joo Seocheon accepted the hand without any complaints..
Because I've longed for this warm touch all my life.
Even if I become middle-aged, I will not reject this touch and will always accept it..
“Come to think of it, I've grown a lot in just one year..”
Yu Jeong-mok was amazed as he recalled what he looked like before his transformation..
“It's a growth period, Master..”
A smile appeared on Joo Seocheon’s lips..
* * *
In the Gangho world, Joo Seo-cheon is known as a top-notch expert..
But some noticed his true inaction..
Mugok was the first, and the second was Namgungwimu..
And the third was Geomseon, the long face of Hwasan..
“Huh……”
Woo Il-moon couldn't keep his mouth shut..
“What's going on, Jang Moon-in??”
Elder Hwasan Oh and Jigeomong Haksong asked curiously..
“Is there some difference between what I heard from Gangho and what this guy told me??”
Dan Pharmacist and Young Jin also tilted their heads and asked..
In addition, the elders, including Cheolhyeolmaegeom Shim Ok-ryeon, Myeongsuak Jo Mu-yang, and Maehwageomgeom Wi Ji-gyeol, all looked puzzled..
The Seven Swords War was the biggest concern until not long ago..
Of course, we were also keeping an eye on the volcanic waves..
In addition to public rumors, I conducted a separate investigation and heard about the situation in real time..
However, there was no need to look into details beyond that as there was the most reliable source of information..
So, I called in Ju Seo-cheon, who was on a trip to Suseon, and asked him:.
Hwasanpa was also very surprised when he first heard of his performance..
“No, was that kid really that strong??”
The name of one of the world's greatest masters is by no means light..
It's not for nothing that the perspective has changed and a new nickname has been added..
In particular, Hwasan Iljang was a master trusted by Sado Heavenly Lord..
Of course, there's the premise that he was exhausted, but even taking that into account, it's impressive enough..
“It should be considered a plum blossom inspection..”
Even Wi Ji-gyeol, who was not interested in anything other than training or missions, showed considerable interest in Joo Seo-cheon..
The reason it was called Hwasan was also to make it a plum blossom sword..
Joo Seocheon already has sufficient qualifications..
Didn't he go out on the river and cause an accident, and on the contrary, didn't he help people?.
There is no problem with martial arts, character, etc..
“They say he mastered the Fourteen Beasts Plum Blossom Sword Technique..”
“How was it possible to grow so much in one year?.”
“It's impossible to grow like that. Maybe it was hidden all this time or not revealed at all..”
The two and three great disciples unanimously praised him..
Even considering Kangho's unique exaggerated rumors, I couldn't help but acknowledge his talent and martial arts..
The important thing is that the terms have not been signed yet..
When I reach middle age, I may be able to ascend to the Ten Places of Heaven..
“no. Even though he is still young, his martial arts skills are so strong that I was just amazed..”
“iced coffee.”
Then the elders nodded in agreement..
The court meeting continued after sending Joo Seo-cheon away..
Now that we have received the report, it was time to discuss the situation..
A few days later, after the meeting, I was called back..
This time I headed to the royal palace again..
However, unlike when I reported a while ago, there were no elders, and only Jang Mun-in was sitting alone and waiting..
“Meet Jang Moon-in.”
“I didn't call you to interrogate you, so there's no need to be so stiff..”
Woo Il-moon spoke as softly as possible so as not to make Joo Seo-cheon nervous..
“It's been unusual since you were a child, but I never thought it would be this bad. I've seen the best talent and genius in Moorim in my life, but I've never seen a kid like you..”
It was half surprising, half curious..
“You're on the verge of death without even agreeing to an agreement. When I saw you not long ago, my mouth opened and I couldn't close it..”
‘Phew!’
I couldn't help but sigh internally..
I knew you would notice the situation.
What I was really worried about was that I thought I may have done something to myself..
However, should we say that it was God's hidden ability? His ability, which was not revealed before awakening, was better than expected..
They even covered the eyes of a long-time scholar who practiced Jashin Gong..
“When did you come to Hwagyeong??”
“Half a year ago, while on a meditation retreat, I was fortunate enough to attain enlightenment and climb up the mountain..”
“It really is a stroke of luck. I wonder if such luck happens once in a lifetime.……”
After taking the elixir and roughly measuring it, I rose..
“What kind of path have you realized??”
Joo Seocheon trembled and thought about it..
‘I just took the elixir and climbed up..’
Even though my mouth was tearing, I couldn't give an honest answer, so I tried to think back on my memories from my past life and give a plausible answer..
“I felt longing in life and death, and when I missed everything, I saw a sword among the falling plum blossoms..”
“Yes, there are plum blossoms and swords in volcanoes. In any situation, don't forget these two things: the sword and the plum blossom..”
Woo Il-moon smiled in satisfaction and spoke meaningfully..
Joo Seocheon kept those words in his head..
The teachings of the Ten Places in Heaven cannot be obtained even by paying a thousand dollars..
“Since I went to Hefei, the Murim Lord must have noticed..”
“That's right.”
“He didn't say anything strange about taking you with him.?”
“I heard all kinds of things, including that he would introduce me to his granddaughter. He asked me about Namgung Seocheon instead of Ju Seocheon..”
“Hehehe!”
Woo Il-moon laughed heartily as if he had expected it..
“That sounds like a no-brainer. How could someone who would become the master of volcanology get married??”
“yes?”
Joo Seocheon couldn't believe his ears for a moment..
“There is only one master for me.”
“The position of Jang Mun-in is not necessarily limited to being Jang Mun-in's former disciple..”
It was a fact that Joo Seocheon also knew..
It's not common, but there are precedents..
“Indeed, sometimes there are children like you who show their genius late. If you are recognized as a candidate for a scholar, you will receive the exception of your own merits, even if you have a teacher..”
If this candidate is recognized, he will be confirmed as the next Jang Moon-in..
Then, there was no problem as I would have fulfilled the condition of being a ‘Jangmun-in or the next Jangmun-in’ according to Jahashingong..
‘I am grateful that Mr. Jang Moon-in thinks so highly of me, but I will decline..”
I refused without any hesitation..
“Can’t you worry about it a little bit??”
“To be honest, it's not that I don't have greed, but I still have a good grasp of my subject..”
A long writer. That's also the volcanic wave of the old file room..
It's a lie if I say I'm not greedy.
It's a place everyone has dreamed of at least once..
But of course, there were only a very few people who could sit in that seat, and I was not included in it..
‘Someone like me is not equipped to become a long-time writer..’
The reason you seem superior to others is because of the foul rule of second life. Other than that, there is nothing else..
In my previous life, I rose to the rank of Fisherman because I had no talent, not because I had any ability..
After returning, I reminded myself of that fact several times so as not to forget it..
I kept in mind that I was never proud..
Even if you start out in a better position than others, if you become overconfident, you will quickly fall behind and fall behind..
I had to be careful and careful about this fact.
‘It's harder than anything!’
The pressure of responsibility.
And I hated having my freedom limited..
I wanted to live freely and the way I wanted..
“And I think there's someone better suited than me.”
“Grump! Do you have no dreams, or do you have little greed?……”
Woo Il-moon sighed regretfully..
There was a lingering feeling in my eyes, but Joo Seocheon was so firm that I gave up..
“Follow me. Still, since Hwasan's fortune has come out, can we just leave it alone? I'm in a good mood so I'll show you the sword.”
“Before I came, I was also bullied by Lord Maeng. Please take a look.”
“Don't worry, I'm just teaching you twenty-four numbers. You managed to reach Hwagyeong with just fourteen moves..”
Actually, they were all great, but they kept it a secret..
‘It was good!’
Now you can legally(?) practice the Twenty Four Plum Sword Technique..
I was planning to learn by acting roughly..
* * *
Afterwards, whenever Woo Il-moon had time, he taught me the Twenty-Four Plum Sword Techniques..
At first, Joo Seo-cheon only wanted to act, but when Woo Il-moon taught him seriously, he accepted it, referring to it one by one..
No matter how advanced you are in all sword techniques, there is a difference in the swords taught by Sangcheon Tenjwa..
For your information, I didn't keep it a secret that I was being taught..
Rumors spread immediately, but it was properly explained that the name of the recluse would be honored for meritorious merit..
There were no strange speculations as it was an occasional occurrence for Jang Mun-in to teach swordsmanship to students he liked..
And about fifteen days later.
“Did you say it was a cessation of repairs??”
“okay.”
Youngjin answered while pressing various parts of his body..
Ever since I came to Hwasanpa, Yeongjin had been forcing me to take a look at Cheondokjiche, so I could check his veins like this..
“There are probably more than one person with a grudge against you for incinerating the blood root system..”
In fact, there were quite a few crazy madmen who burned their own things on the outside of the volcano..
“And even though it ended in one day, wasn't there a war that shattered the peace? They say that was the starting point and everything that had been controlled was gradually falling apart..”
Anything is difficult once, but easy twice..
The balance maintained by the three, the Jeongdo, the Apostle, and the Mage, collapsed for the first time..
‘okay. There is no way the Amcheonhoe will leave this alone..’
Amcheonhoe does not despair after failure, but prepares the next best solution..
There was no doubt that by now they were constantly moving their informants and igniting them to fight..
“Not only you, but also the disciples who were away in Gangho will be returning. Because it's not usually noisy outside.”
“So what happens in the future??”
“The meeting is not over yet, but the conclusion will probably be that we will be training for about half a year to about a year. Isn’t it impossible for it to never come out?.”
“indeed.”
It was a blessing in disguise.
Aside from being frustrating, there is still something left to do to deal with Amcheonhoe..
I can tolerate it for about half a year to a year..
If it goes beyond that, we will get out somehow, but until then, even if we are in the volcano, there are things we can prepare for..
And isn't there also the teachings of Jangmun-in and Geomseon?.
It wasn't all that bad.
“than that……”
Youngjin’s eyes narrowed..
“You took the elixir again while you were out on the river.?”
“Did you get caught??”
“I have grasped the pulse more than your master. Not only has my internal strength increased, but there has also been a change in my energy, so it seems that I didn't just increase my internal strength with the elixir..”
“You are sharp.”
“My nickname is Danyaksa. Do you shamelessly eat alone? Leave some of this old man's things behind.!”
“I was just lucky enough to pick up a few and eat them. And where can you easily get the elixir??”
“Well, that's the point..”
“Oh, I also want to get the elixir easily.!”
Joo Seocheon was shameless..
* * *
I stretched out under the plum tree and closed my eyes..
I can't think of anything right now.
There was no worry about the future or organizing memories from the past..
The wind blowing past my head was full of chills, but I didn't feel any cold thanks to the fact that I don't sleep in the cold..
The sun shining in the middle of the sky reminded me of a warm feeling and brought me sleepiness, embracing my body..
Not only did I hear the constant sound of swords swinging, but I couldn't even hear people's whispers..
I took a break by not thinking about anything and feeling the silence around me..
“execution.”
Just as I was about to take a nap, a disturbance appeared..
When I open my right eye slightly, I see a familiar face..
Nak So-wol drops the letter in his hand onto his head..
Letters danced like fallen leaves and fell, blocking my view..
“Are you dissatisfied with this executioner??”
“Have you become lazy these days??”
“I can confidently say that I am more sincere and diligent than anyone else I have ever been. Sometimes I take a break like this.”
I left my lower body alone, raised my upper body, and checked the correspondence I was randomly holding in my hand..
Half were Geumui Sangdan and half were Murim Leaguers..
‘Did the Sword Demon father and daughter settle down safely?.’
According to the letter sent by Mugok, it appears that Lee Uichae welcomed him warmly as soon as he arrived in Shandong..
In addition to a splendid manor, he was given a guard and a famous doctor to ensure his health..
I received the best treatment in many ways, so there was a note saying thank you for taking such care..
It was also added that if there is anything I can help with, just let me know at any time..
‘and… … As expected, the government office approached me..’
It seems that the military department showed interest in the multi-flower exhibition and even sent someone to take one of the finished products..
I roughly expected it.
It was expected to be used in the fight against Mongolia, who regularly targets midfield in the north..
Since the official was not going to attack the Murim Alliance with multiple firefights, there was no need to go against his will and refuse..
On the contrary, the creator, Zhuge Seung-gye, welcomed the fact that others recognized and needed what he had created..
They said it wouldn't matter as long as I left my name and passed it on..
In addition, it is said that they are constantly paying attention to strengthening the military power of Geumuigeommun, from the first army to the three armies..
‘And in the Murim Alliance……’
The gold top was roughly expected, but it was not the Murim League..
I was curious what the content would be.
“It's not because she's my granddaughter, she's a really good kid.……”
“This old man is really the master book..”
It came not from the Murim League, but from the Murim Lord..
“Why are you looking so tired??”
“It's nothing special. I guess they're planning to introduce all of the Namgung family's relatives..”
Joo Seocheon shook his head left and right..
“……”
Nak So-wol trembled at the word confrontation..
The face that was bright just now has become a little dark..
Joo Seo-cheon, who had been muttering without thinking, looked worried when he saw Nak So-wol's reaction..
“I wonder if you're anxious because you're afraid of me being taken away.?”
‘You don't look good. What's wrong??’
silence.
‘Oops!’
I said the opposite between the outside and the inside..
There was silence for a moment, and Naksowol reacted belatedly..
“Well, it's not like that.!”
Nak So-wol's face, as well as the nape of her neck and ears, became sore that she stuttered..
It was cute how desperately he tried to cover his face with his sleeves, probably because he felt the heat rising..
“I sincerely advise you, don't look like that. Not only men but also women go crazy when they see that..”
“Please don't say anything weird.”
Naksowol fanned his hands as if it was hot..
His face was still red, but he turned it to the side as if he didn't want to show it..
My heart is pounding.
My heart, which had not been moving well before hitting the coriander, began to beat violently as if I was excited..
It’s a feeling I don’t hate..
I tried to maintain my composure in response to the whirlwind of raging emotions, but I didn't want to..
I know what this is like..
But I couldn't describe it because I wasn't used to it..
Above all, the memory of what I felt before is too old..
My mind is hazy like there is fog..
Memories from decades ago.
How did it end then?.
I don't remember the details, but at least I didn't achieve what I wanted..
Instead of warmth, only loneliness remained.
If it had ended in a good way, I would have remembered your face before I died in my past life..
Was it really love?.
Or was it a favor that was mistaken for love?.
I don't know the exact answer.
“Death penalty... … If you look at me like that... … I am……”
“I want to dance.”
“is it so. Mixing… … huh?”
Joo Seo-cheon and Nak So-wol blinked and then looked to the side..
“Wow!!”
Shim Ok-ryeon was standing there..
“I am not a ghost. Joo Seocheon.”
Shim Ok-ryeon frowned and glared at Joo Seo-cheon..
“Death penalty, calm down. This is our Sajo..”
Luo Sowol patted her back as if to calm her down..
“Wow, sorry. Elder. I committed rudeness.”
Joo Seocheon came to his senses and quickly apologized..
“We only saw each other briefly at the palace, so it's been a while since we last met in a private setting like this..”
‘Since it's a private situation, does that mean I'm going to kill you??’
Joo Seocheon explained the inner meaning in his own way..
“I'm not going to eat you, so there's nothing to worry about..”
Shim Ok-ryeon spoke in an indifferent voice without any change in expression..
“What happens if you come here?……?”
“As you know, don't you know that your child is not of ordinary talent?.”
Shim Ok-ryun started bragging without even changing her expression..
“Sa, Sajo!”
Nak So-wol seemed embarrassed and didn’t know what to do..
The complexion that had calmed down just now turned red again..
The blush on his cheeks stood out..
“Even when I crossed swords with the candidates for the plum blossom inspection, most of them failed to last more than 100 seconds and were defeated..”
“The Four Sisters are a bit strong..”
Nak So-wol is not a fake like himself, but a real genius..
He was a monster who had talent but also worked hard..
“Among his peers, there is no one he can even properly clash swords with, let alone beat him..”
“If you come here ……”
“I'd like you to deal with Aga while you're at the volcano..”
“It doesn't matter to me, but would you be okay with me??”
“……”
Shim Ok-ryeon closed her mouth..
Nak So-wol, who was nearby, looked dumbfounded..
“my eyes are not knotholes.”
‘If you can't recognize it as a flower garden, it's probably a knothole.?’
I was about to retort, but I held back..
“Then I understand you accepted it..”
“just trust me.”
I liked it, but I didn't hate it..
‘Well, since it's like this, I guess I'll have to deal with it a bit and teach it a bit about the sword..’
I didn’t think I would be bored while I was at Hwasanpa..
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