Episode 1730. You can’t not lose it. (10)
Squeak.
The empty teacup was filled with tea.
Hyeonjong looked at the filled cup in silence. The feeling I had looking down at the tea was quite different from usual.
“Please eat.”
Hyeonjong, who was silent for a moment, politely held out his teacup to Jongli Gok across from him. He accepted the teacup with courtesy.
“Thank you, Taesang Jangmunin.”
However, he also just quietly placed the glass in front of him and did not raise it to his mouth. Steam rose up in vain between the two people who kept their mouths shut.
Hyeonjong opened his mouth heavily.
“First of all, I don’t know if it would be rude, but I wonder if what you said is actually true… … .”
“There’s nothing to be rude about, Taesangjangmunin.”
Zhongligok shook his head.
“I can’t say it’s serious, but it is a sensitive issue. “Of course it’s something we need to check.”
“if… … .”
Zhongligok nodded.
“yes. it’s possible.”
“… … .”
“I wouldn’t dare say the word ‘perfectly,’ but… … We will be able to make it possible for that child to pick up the sword again and walk his own path. “With the potential to paint.”
“To paint…” … .”
Hyeonjong’s eyelids trembled slightly. At that level, the possibility is not small.
“How is that possible? Even the head of the party said there was no possibility… … .”
A bitter smile appeared on Zhongligok’s lips.
“What do you think will happen to Kangho in the future, Taesangjangmunin?”
“yes?”
It’s an absurd story to bring up in this situation.
Is it possible that he blames himself for holding on to one of his disciples and groaning during this urgent time? Or do you really want to discuss the situation?
Just as Hyeonjong was trying to gauge his true intentions, Jongligok said something unexpected again.
“I think Gangho will disappear at some point.”
“… … “What do you mean by that?”
“It’s because I can’t move forward. Instead of progressing, martial arts actually regressed. “Don’t you know that, too?”
Hyeonjong’s eyes slowly narrowed. It was because it was difficult to understand why Zongligok said this.
“The martial arts of each mun are already piled up in the martial arts that our ancestors mastered, but Tang Geum’s disciples are finding it difficult to even follow in their ancestors’ footsteps. “If things like this continue, martial arts will eventually be eliminated from the world.”
“Jang Moon-in, that’s… … .”
Hyeonjong, unable to bear the discomfort, was about to intervene, but Jongligok continued.
“I would like to tell you that medicine is no different. Many people around the world discuss medical techniques, but they are still unable to return to the level of painting and editing of the past. In the end, the medical arts of the central plains will also be eliminated at some point and replaced by something completely different. “That is the way the world works.”
Only then did Hyeonjong understand what Zong Ligok was trying to say.
“You’re saying that medical technology in the past was much better than it is now.”
“That’s right.”
It was not particularly important to King Hyeonjong whether Zongligok’s words were right or not.
Anyway, the reason I brought that up was because it meant that Zhongligok now has the means to fix Baekcheon. Made much earlier than now.
“It is also considered a precious item in Jongnam. However, because of that, it was never put to good use.”
“I guess so… … .”
It would have been difficult to write a treasure of that magnitude to ordinary disciples. At least Jang Mun-in or someone equivalent must be injured to be able to use it.
But how common is it for people in that position to end up completely injured instead of dying?
“Are you saying you will give that treasure to Baekcheon?”
“That’s right.”
Hyeonjong bit the inside of his mouth without saying a word. Jongligok, who was looking at him intently, spoke with a short sigh.
“Baekcheon, that is, Jin Dong-ryong, was born in the Jin family, which is the backbone of Jong-nam, and is the younger brother of Jin Geum-ryong, who will always be Jong-nam’s chief scholar. He is also personally the representative of Hwasan Jangmun, famous throughout the world, and the head of the famous Five Swords of Hwasan.”
“… … .”
“Is that all? He is an indispensable friend of the Hwasan Sword Association, who is sure to become the best in the world in the future, and also has a close relationship with the successors of each family that will become the backbone of the powerhouse. “If we strip away the pretense of his title, Jin Dong-ryong’s influence surpasses even that of me, Jongnam’s long-time scholar.”
Zhongligok’s voice was extremely calm. It seems as if there is no selfishness in the evaluation he is making now.
“so… … Jongnam’s ancestors would not be greatly criticized for giving away valuables to someone of that caliber. but.”
Zhong Ligoo sighed again.
“As it is Jongnam’s precious treasure, its use is permitted only to Jongnam’s disciples.”
Hyeonjong closed his eyes. Jongligok also let out a faint sound of pain.
If it were in the past, I would have said this with quite a bit of joy. But not now. At least now his feelings for Hyeonjong and Hwasan are no longer lies.
Unfortunately, Jongnam’s position as a scholar and Jongli-gok’s personal position are not necessarily the same. So, even though I was doing what I had to do, I felt uneasy.
So instead, I decided to reveal everything openly.
“I don’t know the original name of the treasure. However, within Jongnam, it is simply called Sangcheon Herbal Water.”
“Sangcheon Mineral Water… … .”
It was a name that made people mad.
“As far as I know, this medicinal liquid was delivered to Jongnam at least before the herbal medicine. Personally, I think it might be Daera Seongsu (大羅聖水) from the Seongsui family, which was famous in the past. … .”
“If it’s Daeraseongsu from Seongsujang… … !”
Hyeonjong opened his eyes wide. I’ve heard of that too.
Seongsujang, or Seongsuui.
It is a medical family that was famous in Gangho hundreds of years ago. It is said that his medical skills have reached a level where he can reattach severed limbs and even bring the dead back to life.
Even in such a seongsujang, Daeraseongsu is an elixir that is worshiped like a shrine. I heard that it disappeared along with Seongsujang.
“… … Are you sure?”
“I do not know.”
Zhongligok shook his head.
“Now, there is no way there will be anyone left who can recognize the true nature of Daera Seongsu.”
“… … “I guess so.”
“However, Jongnam has already confirmed that the medicinal efficacy of this elixir is not that different from the legendary Daera Seongsu. “It has been used twice so far, and each time it has been said to have saved the life of someone who was about to die.”
Hyeonjong sighed heavily.
‘Daera Seongsu… … .’
If everything Zhongligok said was true, then Baekcheon’s body might really be healed.
Seongsujang’s Daera Seongsu is different from Yeongdan, which aims to improve internal energy. It is literally a synovial fluid whose purpose is to save people’s lives and treat injuries.
Perhaps even Baekcheon’s shattered and cracked body can be put back together. We may be able to see again the image of the devoted young swordsman who exists in everyone’s memories.
Instead of looking tattered like now, desperately fighting against illness. but… … .
A moan-like voice leaked from Hyeonjong’s mouth. Hope and despair mixed together and scratched Hyeonjong’s neck.
“Jongnam’s… … “Would you like to become a disciple?”
Zhongligok did not answer. Because there is no need for an answer.
“How… … .”
Hyeonjong’s face showed complex emotions that could not be expressed in words.
Know.
It is said that there was a condition to becoming Jongnam’s disciple, but giving Baekcheon that precious treasure would be the best favor that Jongligok could do. Hyeonjong, who was in the same long position, could tell.
But how can that favor be so sweet and yet so bitter?
“This… … This… … .”
Hyeonjong bit his lower lip without realizing it. Then, Jongli Gok resolved Hyeonjong’s concerns.
“I’m sorry, Taesangjangmunin.”
“yes?”
“I made a mistake and this matter has already been reported to Manager Jang Moon.”
Hyeonjong’s eyes widened in an instant.
“Are you talking about Baekcheon?”
“yes. That kid’s older brother… … “It looks like he couldn’t control his impatience.”
Hyeonjong’s shoulders trembled. I got scared. His mouth never dropped. Nevertheless, he forced himself to speak. It has to be that way.
“That child… … “What are you going to do?”
Zhongligok shook his head heavily and fiddled with his teacup.
“I haven’t heard the answer for sure, but perhaps Jangmun… … “It seems he refused to become Jongnam’s disciple.”
“… … .”
“Even if he can’t regain martial arts, he seems to just want to live as a disciple of Hwasan. that… … Even in terms of status.”
Hyeonjong thought of Baekcheon, whom he had met a little while ago. The way he was trying his best to remain calm.
I expected it. There must be deep agony inside.
However, I could never have imagined that he would even throw away this opportunity and try to remain as Hwasan’s disciple.
‘Baekcheon… … . ‘You guy.’
Hyeonjong’s eyes became blurry.
What is a volcano? And… … .
Hyeonjong looked at Jongligok and asked again.
“It’s already been done, so why did you bother to tell me?”
Zhongligok sighed briefly.
“Because it’s something you just need to know.”
“… … .”
“Whether it was a mistake or not, our mistake caused great confusion to Manager Jang Moon. So, I thought it was something that I should inform you of and apologize for.”
Zhong Ligu, who seemed to hesitate for a moment and opened his mouth, spoke.
“And Jin Jin-ryong. “I won’t say that I didn’t have any hope that the outstanding figure named Baekcheon would not die like this.”
“… … .”
“If you only understand Hwasan, we can avoid losing the young swordsman named Baekcheon. he is… … .”
Jongligok spoke like a sigh.
“Isn’t this person such a waste to lose the light like this?”
Hyeonjong made no reply. Zongligok also did not expect an answer.
“I just wanted to say this, and I will leave all decisions to Taesangjangmunin.”
Zhongligok got up from his seat.
“I apologize for making your heart heavy. I’ll just leave now. then.”
Zhong Ligoo politely waved his arms and turned around. Hyeonjong did not catch him. He didn’t even have the words of greeting he should have said.
I just stared in confusion. A teacup full of completely cooled tea.
‘Baekcheon… … .’
I grabbed the teacup on the table with slightly trembling hands.
Baekcheon can’t do this simple thing alone now. He may never be able to enjoy even a cup of tea with his hands in his lifetime.
As long as he remains a disciple of the volcano, forever.
Hyeonjong quietly closed his eyes.
Baekcheon’s young face was still vivid before my eyes when he first climbed the volcano. Unlike now, he was a boy full of hope and confidence. It was so shiny.
As dazzling as that memory was, Hyeonjong’s heart became even more bitter. A pain that wouldn’t go away no matter how much he rubbed was engulfing him.
* * *
Beyond the wall that King Hyeonjong’s faint sighs could not reach. A man was sitting down under the window. His face was extremely stiff.
It was a white shark.
“uh… … .”
He let out his voice without realizing it and covered his mouth to prevent Hyunjong from hearing it. Of course he was still dazed.
‘What did I just hear?’
After staring blankly into space for a moment, he crawled out from under the window. He carefully took a few steps and then started running frantically.
‘The death penalty… … ‘The death penalty can be better?’
I have to go to Baekcheon.
No, no. Baekcheon will not meet him.
So what should we do?
‘Who should I tell?’
I can’t handle this myself. So, you must tell this fact to anyone.
He ran, clutching his chest that felt like it was going to explode at any moment.
And Jongligok, who had been watching the white statue from afar, turned around with a short sigh.
It’s going to be a long night.
