Chapter 1228

I don’t know. (3)

«Are you not standing properly?»

«…»

«I told you to stand up straight!»

Hyeong Wook’s expression was simply bewildered. Doesn’t everyone have their own common sense? Anyone would be taken aback when faced with something beyond that. Of course, if you broaden your mind, you might somehow understand it.

Those fearsome warriors, who had mercilessly defeated Sapaeryeon’s thugs with a single swing of a sword, are suddenly beating their comrades as if they were catching rats. Even the fact that the one rampaging appeared to be the youngest among them… could somehow be understood. However…

‘Isn’t this a bit too much?’

It was no longer surprising that the one who seemed the youngest was now relentlessly beating another in front of him.

Except for the fact that the object of his rage, now dejected, was not a person but an animal.

«If you stray off the path midway, you’ll fall behind.»

«…»

«If you think you can rest for a bit and run, I’ll think about getting a suitable scarf. Do you understand what I mean? Even if we live, we must die together, and if we die, we must die together!»

«Chung Myung-ah. We live together, we die together.»

«That’s right!»

«It’s very different…»

«Anyway!»

Chung Myung stared at Baek Ah as if he would devour him, then pulled something out from his sleeve and shook it in front of his black nose.

«This is Manrijeong* given by that Beast Palace uncle… or Manriju*… Anyway, something like that. Since he said you could smell this scent from thousands li away, if you’re even a little late, you won’t really fall behind then. Got it?»

«…»

«Do you understand!»

Baek Ah, with a small bag tied around his neck, nodded with a dejected face.

«Tsk!»

Chung Myung clicked his tongue and looked at Baek Ah with distrust.

«Anyway, you have to trust me!»

Even in the face of such an incomprehensible scene, those around remained indifferent.

«Well… there’s nothing we can do. Let’s go.»

Swoosh!

Baek Ah turned his body sharply.

«I’m really asking you, stand… Hey! I’m not done talking yet! Hey!»

Baek Ah dashed away at full speed without even looking back, disappearing in front of Chung Myung.

«Wow, look at that speed.»

«He’s really fast.»

«He’ll probably go there and come back in almost a day, right? What’s the rush?»

«…Rather than listening to this nagging, he probably just wants to run and get it over with. I would do the same if I were him.»

«I can relate.»

As everyone watched Chung Myung, who was still looking in the direction Baek Ah ran to, swinging his fist and shouting, they all shook their heads.

Feeling regretful for losing his prey to torment, Chung Myung suddenly turned his head and looked at Im Sobyeong. Im Sobyeong, startled, quickly rubbed his bruised eyes.

Chung Myung spoke up.

«You too! Maybe…»

«You’re saying that if we don’t properly rescue the people, we’ll be doomed, right?»

«Um…»

«And if those rotten Sapa bastards dare to mistreat people, you’ll strip off their skin, right?»

«Y-yes…»

«Did you also want to make sure the letter said to take a different path, since the cliff we passed through would be difficult for ordinary civilians to traverse? Is that what you’re saying?»

«…»

Chung Myung was speechless. Im Sobyeong smiled confidently and unfolded his fan.

«Hahaha! Who am I! I am Im Sobyeong, Nokrim King, the right hand man of Hwasan Geomhyeop, performing orders perfectly… Ouch!»

Im Sobyeong, struck on the forehead by a flying scabbard, tumbled to the ground.

«Who’s the right hand man, huh? Who! You Sapa trash! Which evil bastard dares to defile the sacred body of a righteous taoist! I’m telling you, I used to not even drink water within a radius of five li from those Sapa scum!»

Watching Chung Myung catching Im Sobyeong once again, Baek Cheon sighed. Then, turning away completely, he said to Hyeong Wook,

«Don’t worry about it.»

«…Yes.»

«More importantly…»

After composing himself, he said,

«Even if it’s late, the ones who will escort you will arrive within four days, so just wait until then.»

Hyeong Wook looked at Baek Cheon with a puzzled expression, unsure of what to do next.

«Sir… I’m truly… truly sorry. I didn’t mean to say it that way.»

«I understand.»

But Baek Cheon calmly shook his head.

«I didn’t take action because I was to blame, but out of necessity. I corrected myself because I’ve learned something new.»

«How can we repay this kindness…»

Hyeong Wook couldn’t even finish his sentence, overwhelmed with gratitude and embarrassment. Baek Cheon smiled silently.

«If you truly appreciate it, please tell us the same story when you go to Gangbuk. If those there ask for details, just tell them everything as it is, without adding or subtracting anything.»

For a moment, Hyeong Wook’s complexion dimmed slightly. It was because he could imagine the kind of gaze he would receive from the comrades of these warriors once they learned about their reckless actions.

However, Baek Cheon seemed to anticipate such concerns and nodded reassuringly.

«They are not those kind of people.»

«…»

«I’m making this request because they need to know what hardships the people in Gangnam are facing and what sentiments they are living with.»

«Sir…»

«We’re not as great as you might think. We’re just a bit better at wielding swords than others. You might think we knowingly turn a blind eye, but the truth is, there are many things we can’t do because we don’t know.»

«Oh…»

Hyeong Wook nodded with an understanding expression.

«So please, tell the story exactly as it is, without any embellishments. That’s enough for us as repayment.»

With a determined expression, Hyeong Wook nodded. It seemed like he would keep his word no matter what, even if it meant facing criticism.

Seeing his resolute face, Baek Cheon smiled.

«Well then, we’ll be on our way since we have a lot to do.»

«I may be ignorant and uneducated, but I know better than to detain those who offer courteous farewells. So I sincerely wish you all the best.»

«Yes.»

Those who had been observing their conversation from behind turned towards Hyeong Wook and smiled before turning away.

«Take care!»

Tang Soso waved cheerfully as they departed. Although those who had received food from her watched the departure of Cheonumaeng’s group until they reached the entrance to the village, they still couldn’t bring themselves to respond or bid farewell. They simply stood there, unsure of what to do.

However, Tang Soso nodded without any trace of hesitation and turned away. She knew that continuing to watch them would only increase their burden.

«Let’s go!»

«Right.»

The group quickly disappeared.

Those who had been staring blankly at the scene alternated between looking at the path they had taken and the grain piled up in the center of the village.

In silence, their faces displayed indescribable complex emotions.

«Hyeong Wook, you…»

«Please don’t say anything.»

Hyeong Wook sighed deeply.

«I cursed those Sapa bastards, calling them beasts… But when it came down to it, I’m no better than an animal myself.»

«…»

«Ugh…»

With his shoulders slumped, Hyeong Wook headed towards his father’s house where he lay in bed. The villagers watched his retreating figure with mixed expressions on their faces.

Paat!

With Im Sobyeong in the lead, the others rushed out like the wind.

They had unexpectedly wasted time on unforeseen events. To make up for it, they needed to increase their speed, even if it meant taking on a bit more risk.

Baek Cheon, who had been running silently for a while, glanced sideways at Chung Myung running beside him. Chung Myung’s face was expressionless. He was keeping his gaze fixed ahead.

Baek Cheon sighed briefly and turned his attention back to the path ahead. There was no denying that this mistake was entirely his fault. Due to his narrow mindedness, he hadn’t even considered utilizing the resources available to him. As the leader of the group and even as the Vice Sect Leader of Hwasan, he was unfit for his role.

But what truly complicated Baek Cheon’s mind was something else altogether. This time, they had Nokrim King present, so they could somehow find a solution. But what if they had been in the same situation without him by their side? Would there have been a solution at all?

«You seem to have a lot on your mind.»

At that moment, a harsh voice penetrated Baek Cheon’s ears. Baek Cheon sighed involuntarily. Anyway… this guy doesn’t miss a single thing.

Chung Myung spoke up.

«There’s no need to overthink things.»

«…»

«The world is never as straightforward as we’d like it to be. There’s never a perfect solution that satisfies everyone.»

«…»

«But the leader still has to come up with an answer even in such situations. That’s why it’s difficult.»

Baek Cheon nodded.

«You’re wondering what you would have done if Nokrim King wasn’t here, aren’t you?»

«…How did you know?»

«Tsk tsk. Dong Ryong, Dong Ryong. Why do you always overestimate yourself?»

«…»

«There’s no one else whose thoughts are written all over their face like you, yet you think you’re some deeply serious person who hides their true feelings.»

«Mm.»

Chung Myung chuckled and shrugged.

«What kind of answer could there possibly be?»

«…»

«It’s foolish to try to find an answer to a problem that has none.»

«Then…»

«The important thing isn’t finding a nonexistent answer. It’s not creating such problems in the first place.»

«Huh?»

Baek Cheon looked puzzled as he asked, and Chung Myung let out a long sigh.

«That’s why we have Hwasan and Cheonumaeng.»

«…»

«Being appointed as Vice Sect Leader doesn’t mean you have to shoulder everything and make the right decisions alone. It’s not because of a lack of ability. No one has ever achieved such a feat throughout history.»

Baek Cheon tightly shut his mouth.

«The founder and our ancestors knew it was difficult, which is why they established a sect and gathered people. And even then, they found it insufficient, so they allied with other sects and pooled their strength to gather opinions. With each additional person, more could be accomplished.»

Baek Cheon’s eyes widened slightly as he listened. It was something he already knew. No, he knew it too well.

Yet, he had completely forgotten about it.

«It wasn’t just because of Nokrim King that these things were accomplished. It was because there was only Nokrim King that only that much could be done. If the Ghost Gate had come along, things would have been faster, and if one more of the Great Sects had joined, Sapaeryeon wouldn’t have been able to cause such chaos in the first place.»

«…I see.»

«The answers that the predecessors were seeking are where we are going now. It’s not just about righteousness. If more people believe in and implement the righteousness Sasuk believes in, then there won’t be problems without solutions in the first place.»

Chung Myung, who had been speaking quietly, suddenly clicked his tongue with a bitter expression.

«So stop wasting time with useless thoughts and focus on what’s ahead. Keep running, and one day you’ll find that solution.»

«…Isn’t it typical for kids to spout nonsense.»

«True.»

«Arrogantly talking back to the Vice Sect Leader!»

«That brat needs to be taught a lesson!»

«What?»

Playful voices poured out from behind. Baek Cheon smiled softly. He seemed to understand the meaning behind Chung Myung’s words.

‘It’s not wrong to worry.’

What’s important is not to avoid worrying, but to persist firmly on one’s chosen path despite that. If following the righteous path were so easy, why would the concept of ‘righteousness’ gradually disappear from the world?

It’s his chosen path, the path he believes in. So he must push forward with more conviction.

The people running behind him now, and those watching from afar, will help him.

«…It’s not the time to waste with useless chatter. Let’s hurry up for now!»

«Yes!»

Baek Cheon shoot forward first, followed closely by the disciples of Hwasan and the lords of other factions.

Watching the backs of those who ran ahead, Chung Myung couldn’t help but smile.

«They’re really eager ones.»

With a swift movement, he too ran after the group.

Their destination lay to the south.

The furthest point from the Central Plains, Haenam.

________

* 만리정 — manrijeong — the author didn’t provide hanja, so I can guess it’s something like Thousand Li Pill, Thousand Li Capsule, something containing something inside (if it makes sense); 만리추 — manriju — I have no idea, since there is no hanja too, so it can mean anything -_-