Chapter 20: Wishing To Get Closer (1)

A few days later, Yi-gang requested to see his father.

Perhaps it was due to the early hour, as the place where Baek Ryu-san awaited him was not the grand Red Dragon Hall.

It was the west chamber of the back garden where the Clan Head stayed alone, a quiet room adorned with a small garden. There, Yi-gang knelt.

While waiting for the Clan Head’s response, he was lost in thought.

‘The scent of medicinal herbs.’

There was an itch-inducing aroma, it was the scent coming from the decoction set in front of him.

‘Forsythia, cinnamon… and even ephedra. Painkillers.’

Yi-gang frequently took these. They were medicinal herbs known for their pain-relieving properties and for dulling the senses. He was nearly a master when it came to herbs.

‘It seems his condition has worsened.’

It was not just Yi-gang whose health was deteriorating. Clan Head Baek Ryu-san was suffering from a lung disease, a disease that might one day make it impossible for him to wield a sword.

That was probably why he wanted to appoint Ha-jun as the Young Clan Head so soon. However, in front of others, the Clan Head never showed signs of ailment.

Yi-gang’s gaze shifted to the side.

On the wall behind the Clan Head, numerous swords were hung next to each other. All were swords taken by past Clan Heads after defeating their opponents in a sword seizing spar.

The term “sword seizing spar” referred to a martial art contest where the victor takes the opponent’s weapon. It was a rougher exchange than a typical spar, but less burdensome than a fight to the death.

However, being deprived of one’s sword was a humiliation for a martial artist. Thus, the collection of swords carried the weight of resentment held by the Baek clan.

Lost in such contemplation, Yi-gang was jolted back to reality when the Clan Head finally spoke.

“I forbid it.”

“Pardon?”

Yi-gang asked in surprise.

Baek Ryu-san squinted at Yi-gang with apparent annoyance.

“You wear a foolish expression. I said I forbid it.”

“Why is it not allowed? I said I’m going to fix my blocked meridians.”

Yi-gang had come with Jin Ri-yeon to make this request to the Clan Head.

Azure Forest offered assistance. The Forest Lord of Azure Forest promised to examine Yi-gang’s condition.

“Do you think it’s easy to cure the Great Yin Meridian Blockage? Numerous physicians have tried and failed. It’s not as simple as you think.”

“Do you think I’m unaware of that? I know my body. If I stay like this, I won’t even live past twenty.”

For the first time, Yi-gang confronted the Clan Head directly. Baek Ryu-san’s eyebrows twitched.

“Hah! Azure Forest is far away. Don’t waste your time and effort.”

It was not that Yi-gang could not understand the Clan Head’s perspective.

The enormous Baek Clan had put in all their efforts to cure Yi-gang’s Great Yin Meridian Blockage. Though it was not known to the public, they even secretly procured and administered the Ten Thousand Year Snow Ginseng, a rare elixir.

Yet, his condition remained unhealed.

Yi-gang signaled to Jin Ri-yeon with his eyes. She cautiously intervened on his behalf.

“If I may be so bold to suggest, our Forest Lord is profoundly skilled in Qi techniques. He can certainly assist Young Master Yi-gang.”

“Sigh.”

Jin Ri-yeon’s defense was to no avail.

“We’ve never had any interaction with Azure Forest. I appreciate the gesture, but I don’t see the reason.”

“That’s because, rightly as fellow martial artists following the Tao…”

“Tsk, enough with the clichéd lines. We’ve tried Qi techniques before with no success.”

“Our Forest Lord might be capable of succeeding.”

“You’re merely a second-flower disciple, not the Forest Lord himself. On what authority do you speak so confidently?”

His words were direct and without mercy. Jin Ri-yeon had no choice but to lower her head again.

Yi-gang refrained from mentioning the token.

“Enough with the useless chatter. Focus on recuperating. With your current state, you won’t withstand a challenging journey.”

The Clan Head closed his mouth, firmly ending the conversation.

Yi-gang also remained silent. It was not that he could not understand his father’s perspective.

‘It wasn’t long since I was ambushed, there’s no reason to trust the Azure Forest, and he’s already lost hope in my treatment.’

Those three reasons were probably it. Perhaps he was worried that Yi-gang would make the journey in vain and return. Or that the trip might further worsen his condition.

Yi-gang understood those concerns. But for that very reason, he could not just quietly comply.

So, he took a bold stand.

“I refuse. Whether you permit it or not, I’ll leave.”

He declared as he stood up from his seat.

“What did you…?”

“I’ve grown up. My life is mine to look after, so please don’t try to stop me.”

The Immortal Divine Sword made a remark from the side, 「heh, for someone the size of a chestnut to act so impudent.」

“This child…”

The Clan Head’s reaction grew even more intense.

“How dare you, someone who can’t even stand before me!”

And the atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

From the Clan Head’s body emanated an intense aura that made it hard to believe he was ill.

Whoosh—

Although there was no wind, his long coat fluttered fiercely. Ripples formed in the tea inside the cup.

“Ugh!”

Standing beside him, Jin Ri-yeon instinctively channeled her true Qi against the immense pressure. The clear energy of Pure Wisdom Mind protected her body, but the oppressive feeling did not dissipate.

“To kill with a gaze.” This phrase referred to the manifestation of such intent. Someone as frail as Yi-gang surely could not withstand it.

However, turning to look at Yi-gang, Jin Ri-yeon was astounded.

Yi-gang still stood firm, albeit with beads of sweat rolling down his neck. Like a small boat weathering a storm in the middle of the ocean, he looked precarious.

“…You.”

“I’m… leaving.”

He even retorted.

Of course, Yi-gang was in an incredibly difficult situation. He seemed like he might collapse at any moment, as if his legs could give way beneath him.

It might feel like this if you encountered a tiger in the dark of night.

「Ground yourself. The manifestation of intent is just an aura. It’s not a real sword, so why fear a sword of the mind?」

But beside Yi-gang was the Immortal Divine Sword.

Yi-gang recited the mantra of the Great Yin Flow inwardly, following the advice of the Immortal Divine Sword.

「Wrap your heart in armor. Even a sword of the mind will not pierce it.」

Reiterating that counsel to himself, Yi-gang persisted.

Eventually, the Clan Head retracted his aura and silently looked at Yi-gang. Before the Clan Head could speak, Yi-gang started,

“I understand why you’re worried.”

“…What do you mean?”

“You’ve tried everything already. You even had me consume that precious Ten Thousand Year Snow Ginseng.”

“…!”

The Clan Head’s eyes widened in shock. He had secretly given the Ten Thousand Year Snow Ginseng to Yi-gang.

“You had me take the Ten Thousand Year Snow Ginseng, which you obtained to cure your lung disease, in my stead, didn’t you?”

“How did you…”

“I heard it from the doctor. Please, don’t blame him. I just happened to overhear.”

Yi-gang had known all along. His father had given him the divine elixir, meant to cure his lung disease, in secret and without telling anyone.

Yet, it could not heal the Great Yin Meridian Blockage. That was why Baek Ryu-san was heartbroken.

“However, I won’t give up. I intend to survive.”

Brushing his sweat-soaked bangs back, Yi-gang spoke,

“I understand your concerns. But, I won’t just sit and wait for my death.”

He had said all he needed to.

He could not think of any more words to persuade his father.

“Not bad.”

Baek Ryu-san’s face seemed to age momentarily.

“You’ve grown.”

He turned away, as if avoiding showing his face.

“…Do as you wish.”

“Thank you!”

“However,”

The Clan Head set a condition.

“Before you go, train your body a bit more and build a rapport with the children.”

“Excuse me?”

The first condition made sense. Considering Yi-gang’s frailty, he would need to train harder before embarking on a journey. He was already eating more, and it was time to start learning swordsmanship in earnest.

“You’re saying I should get close with those young ones?”

But to build rapport with those kids…

“You were young yourself once. What’s with that tone?”

“Well, I mean, it’s possible.”

“This time, the children from the Moyong Clan have visited.”

“Ah…”

“The relationship between the Moyong Clan and our Baek Clan isn’t that great.”

It was something he already knew. Both clans were renowned for their swordsmanship, and in the past, there had been sword seizing spar between Baek Ryu-san and Moyong Jeong-cheon.

“We were young and in opposition back then, but now, both I and that friend, Gentleman Sword, have become clan heads. Our positions make reconciliation difficult.”

“Surely, Gentleman Sword wouldn’t still hold onto the grudges of the past. Even his title includes the word ‘gentleman.’”

“The Moyong Clan has always been that way. They’re narrow-minded and can’t let go of grudges.”

The Clan Head naturally expressed his distaste for the Moyong Clan.

“Still, a lot of time has passed. It would be good if you could form a good relationship with those children.”

“For the sake of Ha-jun, right?”

“Yes, and for your sake as well.”

“Are you referring to me?”

“Don’t you lack friends? It would be good if you could get along with them.”

“…Ah, understood.”

Jin Ri-yeon, who was listening, made a peculiar expression on her face.

Yi-gang pretended not to notice.

“I’ll take my leave then.”

“Go on.”

The Clan Head only showed his back till the end.

Yi-gang bowed his head to his father’s retreating figure and stepped back.

Two conditions – they should not be that hard.

「Worried about his friendless child, it seems. Hahaha.」

Yi-gang made an effort to ignore the Immortal Divine Sword’s teasing.

“…Who’s looking for me?”

The moment Yi-gang entered his residence, a dispute arose.

“Yes, young master. A man and a woman.”

Could there be anyone in Xi’an who would look for him? He could not think of anyone off the top of his head.

“Who dares summon me?”

“They claim to have an item they must deliver to you directly.”

“Then they should just hand it over.”

“The thing is… they insist on giving it to you in person.”

“Audacious ones. What could this item be?”

The maid hesitated briefly before replying.

“They said they left a hairpin adorned with jewels… The owner from a place called ‘Greatest Gold Tower’ came to retrieve it.”

Saying this, the maid lowered her head as if embarrassed.

Yi-gang immediately understood the situation.

“Let’s go.”

“I’ll lead you to the outer courtyard.”

If it was the owner from the Greatest Gold Tower, it must be someone related to the Low Down Sect.

And Yi-gang had not left behind any jewel-adorned hairpin. It was probably just an excuse to meet him directly.

What could be their reason for coming so suddenly?

Indeed, as he stepped into the outer courtyard, a familiar face greeted him,

“Ah, Young Master!”

Jeong Gu recognized Yi-gang and waved his hand. The guards around him tried to stop him.

“It’s been a while, Manager Jeong.”

However, Yi-gang acknowledged him, brushing off the guards.

“Ha ha ha! I’ve come personally to return the item you left behind.”

“Was there a need to come all the way here? I was actually thinking of visiting.”

“Hehe. Why sound so disappointed?”

The sight of him, at the tender age of sixteen, casually chatting with the manager of the restaurant, confirmed the preconceptions the guards held about Yi-gang.

“Everyone, step back and mind your duties. I have important matters to discuss with Manager Jeong.”

Yi-gang waved dismissively at the guards.

“That… won’t be possible.”

“Why not? You should obey when commanded.”

The guards hesitated, taken aback.

“Haven’t you searched him?”

“He had no weapons, but…”

“That settles it then. If anything, just keep some distance.”

Although Yi-gang spoke with a faint smile, the guards did not dare to defy him. They stepped back just far enough so they could not overhear the conversation.

When Yi-gang turned his gaze back to Jeong Gu, his expression had become cold.

“What brings you here?”

He knew he now had a relationship with the Low Down Sect, but he never expected he’d come all the way here.

Jeong Gu hurriedly lowered his head.

“I apologize. It was urgent…”

“There better be a good reason.”

At that moment, someone accompanying Jeong Gu intervened,

“Allow me to apologize on his behalf.”

It was the young woman who had introduced herself as the owner of the Greatest Gold Tower.

“I am Geumhwa, the head of the Xi’an Branch of the Low Down Sect.”

The lady, with red makeup around her eyes, bowed politely. Her manners were on par with those of a prestigious clan.

“Thanks to your graciousness, we’ve received many favors. I’ve wanted to express my gratitude for a while.”

“You called me here for just that?”

The woman named Geumhwa looked intently into Yi-gang’s eyes. Surprisingly, her eyes were clear and pure.

“There was a shortcoming in the task you entrusted to us last time, so we came urgently.”

“A shortcoming, you say?”

Yi-gang had conducted an investigation into the members of the Seven Stars Conference through Jeong Gu.

It was a hasty task to gauge their abilities, but the results were quite satisfactory.

“Yes, so we’ve supplemented the investigation and brought it back. We’ll return the fee you entrusted as a sign of our apology.”

Geumhwa said as such and handed over a silver coin pouch. Yi-gang sneered, but for some reason, he pocketed the pouch.

However, he left the small document untouched.

“I’ve already received everything I needed.”

The task Yi-gang gave was of trivial content. Even the fee for the task was low.

No matter how much Yi-gang had helped the Low Down Sect, it was surprising that the Branch Manager came in person just because the investigation was somewhat insufficient.

“I don’t recall you all being such justice-driven folks.”

Yi-gang was not naive enough to believe those words entirely.

“That’s why… you should see this for yourself.”

“…”

So, this was the reason they came all this way.

After a brief silence, Yi-gang reached for the document. However, Geumhwa did not let go of the document in her hand and added,

“Even if we’re considered a band of rogues, we do have principles.”

With that, the clear eyes she displayed earlier now shone with intensity.

“Firstly, we repay the silver we’ve received. And secondly, we prioritize the initial tasks given to us. That’s why we’ve come to see you, Young Master. So…”

Yi-gang, who was listening, had an exceedingly cold expression.

“…if the results are satisfactory, perhaps you could consider entrusting us with a follow-up task.”

Yi-gang forcibly snatched the document.

He then roughly untied the silk ribbon binding it and spread it open.

“You’re quite presumptuous. I’ll be the one to make the choice.”

Saying this, he closely examined the written contents.

Both Geumhwa and Jeong Gu swallowed nervously as they watched Yi-gang’s expression. However, Yi-gang’s face remained composed.

“Huh.”

Then, with a faint mocking smile, he said,

“It’s not about upholding trust and principles, but probably just a task you’re too scared to handle.”

“…”

Geumhwa could not deny it.

She had heard about it from her subordinate, Jeong Gu, earlier on, but the Yi-gang before her was by no means an easy young man to deal with.

In fact, he was harder to deal with than some of the renowned martial masters she had encountered from prestigious clans.

Tense, they both swallowed nervously, waiting for the silent Yi-gang.

Then, with a cold expression akin to wearing armor, Yi-gang thought to himself,

‘Making friends, as father said, does seem quite hard.’

「Didn’t I tell you before?」

The Immortal Divine Sword, having read the document with him, affirmed with a comment,

「The Moyong Clan are naturally like that.」

For once, even Yi-gang could not deny his comment disparaging the Moyong Clan.

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