Chapter 224: Leaving No Lingering Attachments (3)

Sage Hyeon-so's eyelids trembled slightly before opening. The rough ceiling was the first thing that came into view.

"…"

His mind felt foggy, as if shrouded in mist.

'I was surely meeting with Taishang Laojun*, but was it a dream?'

T/N- *Heavenly Lord of Dao and Virtue

Sage Hyeon-so blinked his eyes like a cow for a moment. Then his scattered memories began to return bit by bit.

"Are you awake?"

At that moment, someone's voice was heard.

Sage Hyeon-so turned his head towards the source of the voice. He saw a familiar-looking woman.

"I'm Jong Ri-yeon. Do you recognize me?"

Sage Hyeon-so nodded silently. He wanted to speak, but his throat felt parched and he couldn't open his mouth.

"Your bodily functions have greatly deteriorated from lying down for so long. Don't strain yourself and rest a bit longer. I'll call the others."

Sage Hyeon-so nodded once more at Jong Ri-yeon's words. Jong Ri-yeon smiled and then went outside.

Left alone, Sage Hyeon-so looked back at the ceiling. His memories were slowly returning, but he was still confused.

The memories during his unconsciousness were too vivid to simply dismiss as a dream.

'Did I dream of being a butterfly? Or did a butterfly dream of being me?'

He thought that if Zhuangzi*'s butterfly dream existed, it would be like his current state.

T/N- Zhuangzi was a famous philosopher during 3 BCE.

'What does it matter anyway?'

Just as Sage Hyeon-so was thinking this, the door opened and someone entered along with Jong Ri-yeon. Then a familiar voice was heard.

"Master."

"Ho… is that you?"

"Yes!"

With an seemingly indifferent response, the owner of the voice sat down next to Sage Hyeon-so. It was Dam Ho.

Sage Hyeon-so barely turned his head to confirm Dam Ho's face. Dam Ho still had an expressionless face. It was a face that showed no human emotion, but Sage Hyeon-so saw a hint of relief hidden within.

Sage Hyeon-so forcibly moistened his dry lips with saliva and continued speaking.

"How long… have I been lying down?"

"A month."

"That long?"

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes! I had a good long sleep. Haha!"

Sage Hyeon-so smiled. His throat still felt like it was tearing, but he didn't want to show weakness in front of his disciple.

Sage Hyeon-so extended his hand to Dam Ho.

"Help me up."

"You shouldn't move yet."

Jong Ri-yeon tried to stop him in surprise, but it was useless. Dam Ho was already supporting Sage Hyeon-so to sit up.

The muscles that had atrophied from lying down for so long cried out in pain, and his joints creaked. Just moving a little had already drenched his back in sweat.

Sage Hyeon-so leaned on Dam Ho and moved slowly, little by little. Each step was so painful he wanted to scream. Still, Sage Hyeon-so didn't say a word about the difficulty and kept taking small steps forward.

'Ha! Like master, like disciple.'

Jong Ri-yeon shook her head as she watched from behind.

If it weren't for Jong Ri-yeon, Sage Hyeon-so would have already become a wandering spirit. Thanks to her desperate treatment, most of the poison remaining in Sage Hyeon-so's body could be neutralized.

Though it was still not easy to move having just recovered, if he rehabilitated calmly, he would soon regain his former mobility.

When the door was opened wide, the outside scenery came into view.

The magnificent mountain landscape, deep green foliage, piercingly blue sky, and intense sunlight stimulated his eyes. Sage Hyeon-so squinted as if dazzled.

His eyes, which hadn't seen light for a month, had become very weak. Sage Hyeon-so closed his eyes for a moment, trying to get accustomed to the light.

After a while, when the pain in his eyes subsided a bit, Sage Hyeon-so gently opened them. Then the view of the mountain fortress, which had been obscured by the light, came into sight.

"Where is this?"

"It's the Mount Huang's Overlord Stronghold."

"Not Mount Hua?"

"Yes!"

"Why here? No, you must have had your reasons."

Sage Hyeon-so showed infinite trust in his disciple.

It was then.

"Grandpa."

"Wow! You're awake."

Suddenly, with boisterous voices, children came running.

"You little ones!"

A bright smile appeared on Sage Hyeon-so's face.

They were the children he had taken in. The children all hugged him without exception. As a result, Sage Hyeon-so's body swayed and it was painful, but he didn't show it.

The warmth of the children filled his heart.

Sage Hyeon-so raised his head to look at Dam Ho.

"Did you bring all these children too? Thank you."

"It was only natural."

"You rascal!"

Sage Hyeon-so smiled at Dam Ho's blunt answer.

"Grandpa, are you okay now?"

"Of course!"

"Grandpa, don't be sick. You can't be sick."

"Yes! I won't be sick, if only for our Hayoung's sake."

"Okay!"

Hayoung buried her face in Sage Hyeon-so's chest again. Sage Hyeon-so gently stroked Hayoung's head.

Dam Ho silently watched the scene. Jong Ri-yeon stood beside Dam Ho with a smile.

"It's nice to see, isn't it?"

When Dam Ho nodded, Jong Ri-yeon wrinkled her nose as if she had expected it.

Just seeing this scene felt like a reward for the fatigue and effort accumulated over the past month.

'This must be why people save others…'

Jong Ri-yeon stretched beside Dam Ho. A fresh smile appeared on her face. It was the kind of smile that made even the onlooker feel good.

"Hyung! Noona!"

At that moment, someone approached cautiously.

Even without turning his head, he could tell who the owner of the voice was.

"It's Jinbo."

"Hehe!"

It was Bang Jinbo.

Although it hadn't been long since he met Jong Ri-yeon, Bang Jinbo was already calling her noona with familiarity. The two quickly became close, and Jong Ri-yeon cared for Bang Jinbo like a real younger brother.

Sage Hyeon-so raised his head to look at Bang Jinbo. A warm smile formed on his face as he looked at Bang Jinbo.

"So you're Jinbo."

"You know me?"

Bang Jinbo's eyes widened.

"How could I not know? I've heard so much about you from Ho."

"Really?"

"Of course! Come here. If you're Ho's brother, you're like family to me too."

"Ah!"

Bang Jinbo's eyes wavered at Sage Hyeon-so's warm words. Sage Hyeon-so embraced Bang Jinbo warmly.

Bang Jinbo just blinked blankly. His eyes became misty with moisture. Tears were coming without him realizing it.

Bang Jinbo quickly wiped away his tears and pulled away from Sage Hyeon-so.

"Hehe! I just made some porridge, this is perfect. You must be hungry, right?"

"Yes! Lying down for so long, my stomach is practically stuck to my back."

"Let's go quickly then."

"Let's do that."

Sage Hyeon-so moved with Bang Jinbo's support. The children, Dam Ho, and Jong Ri-yeon followed behind.

Jong Ri-yeon whispered to Dam Ho.

"Jinbo has been making porridge every day for the past few days. He said Sage Hyeon-so would be weak when he wakes up. He's a kind child."

Dam Ho nodded silently.

While Jong Ri-yeon was taking care of Sage Hyeon-so, Bang Jinbo had been in and out of the room countless times. It was partly to bring meals to Jong Ri-yeon, but also because he wanted to prepare nourishing food when he saw that Hyeongum Jinin was about to wake up.

Jong Ri-yeon was surprised by Bang Jinbo's dedication, and doubly surprised by his cooking skills. Bang Jinbo's cooking skills in particular were remarkable.

It wasn't just delicious, but through the harmony of ingredients, it had the effect of boosting a person's vitality.

At first, she thought it was a coincidence, but as she continued to taste Bang Jinbo's food, she could clearly see this fact.

'That child will surely become one of the greatest chefs in the world.'

Jong Ri-yeon was convinced of this.

Bang Jinbo's quarters were a fairly spacious thatched house in the corner of Overlord's Stronghold. Although shabby, the house was filled with a large hearth for cooking and numerous kitchen utensils.

It was a place that Hwang Gyeong-mun, the owner of Overlord's Stronghold,had prepared for Bang Jinbo. Here, Bang Jinbo could research and create recipes to his heart's content.

On one side of the kitchen was a large table and chairs big enough for about twenty people to gather and eat with room to spare.

"Everyone, please sit down."

Bang Jinbo offered seats to the group.

Sage Hyeon-so sat in the most honored seat, with Dam Ho and Jong Ri-yeon sitting in the next seats. Then the children sat down in a rush.

"Brother, I'm hungry."

"I'm hungry!"

The children clamored.

During the period when Sage Hyeon-so was unconscious, Bang Jinbo and the children had become very close. The children especially loved the food Bang Jinbo made.

Bang Jinbo brought a pot as big as his own body to the front of the table. The pot was full of porridge.

"It's porridge made with deer meat caught yesterday."

The men of Overlord's Stronghold often go hunting. Although basic food, clothing, and shelter can be taken care of in the mountain fortress, they still want special dishes occasionally.

The game they bring back from hunting varies, including wild boars and deer. Many people gave some of the game they caught to Bang Jinbo. They knew about Bang Jinbo's passion for cooking.

Bang Jinbo made excellent nourishing food by adding various medicinal herbs picked from Huangshan to the deer meat.

"Please eat."

He served porridge to everyone in the house, starting with Sage Hyeon-so.

Just as Sage Hyeon-so smiled at the savory smell of the porridge, it happened.

"Haha! I hear Sage Hyeon-so has woken up."

With a booming voice, someone entered the thatched house. It was Hwang Gyeong-mun, the owner of Overlord's Stronghold, and Hwang Hye-ryeong.

"Ah! It's Grandpa Chief."

"Grandpa. Sister."

This time the children rushed to Hwang Gyeong-mun and Hwang Hyer-yeong.

"Chief."

Bang Jinbo and Jong Ri-yeon also stood up, and Sage Hyeon-so stopped eating porridge and got up. Dam Ho also stood up.

Sage Hyeon-so made a fist and palm salute to Hwang Gyeong-mun.

"I am Hyeon-so of Mount Hua. I am grateful for allowing me to stay here."

"Not at all, Sage Hyeon-so. Rather, I am sorry for hosting someone like you in such a humble place. I hope you will think of this as your own home and rest comfortably during your stay here."

"Thank you."

"I hope I haven't disturbed your meal."

"Not at all. We were just about to start."

"Then may I have a bowl too?"

Hwang Gyeong-mun said good-naturedly as he sat down.

"Of course."

Bang Jinbo quickly served porridge for Hwang Gyeong-mun and Hwang Hye-ryeong.

Hwang Gyeong-mun said to Sage Hyeon-so.

"You must be hungry, please eat. Jinbo's skills are really good. Thanks to him, I'm always looking forward to his invitations."

"I've heard a lot about him from Ho too. Well then…"

Sage Hyeon-so carefully scooped up some porridge and brought it to his mouth.

It was warm and soft. And savory. The moment the porridge went down his throat into his stomach, he felt at ease. Although the porridge entered his stomach, which had shrunk from not eating for a long time, it didn't feel burdensome at all.

"It's really delicious."

"Hehe!"

Bang Jinbo scratched his nose and laughed awkwardly at Sage Hyeon-so's praise.

Sage Hyeon-so and Hwang Gyeong-mun chatted while eating porridge, and the children were excited and noisy. A warm atmosphere filled the room.

"Brother!"

Tears welled up in Hwang Hye-ryeong's eyes.

Dam Ho's return and everyone gathering together felt like a dream. That's why she was crying.

"So you're Hye-ryeong."

Sage Hyeon-so also showed warm interest in Hwang Hye-ryeong.

"Yes!"

"You must have had a hard time being separated from Ho. You've grown up to be very pretty."

"Thanks to my father, I didn't have any hardships at all. Thank you so much for taking good care of my brother."

"No, rather, Ho took care of me and was my strength."

"How was my brother at Mount Hua?"

At Hwang Hyeryeong's words, Sage Hyeon-so briefly recalled his memories.

Everyone's eyes were on Sage Hyeon-so. They too were curious about Dam Ho's time at Mount Hua.

"Ho was…"

Finally, Sage Hyeon-so began to speak.

Not only Hwang Hye-ryeong, but also Bang Jinbo and the children were completely absorbed in Sage Hyeon-so's words. Because of this, no one noticed that Dam Ho had quietly gone outside.

"Hyung!"

Muk Il-gwang, who had been waiting outside, approached.

Dam Ho asked.

"How are things outside?"

Baek Li-jung spent an extremely long time alone in his room.

This had been the case ever since receiving Dan Ryeong-gyeong’s salted arm from Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol some time ago.

He hadn’t stepped even one foot outside his room.

Complete seclusion.

The only person who could meet Baek Li-jung was Sim Hak. All business was conducted through Sim Hak.

Sim Hak opened the door and entered Baek Li-jung’s room.

There was no need to knock on the door, clear his throat, or notify through a maid.

Baek Li-jung would have known Sim Hak was coming long before he arrived.

The current Baek Li-jung was more sensitive than ever. He was extremely on edge, to the point where he could vividly hear even the sound of breathing outside the door.

Sim Hak carefully walked on his tiptoes to the center of the room.

Baek Li-jung sat in meditation position with his back to the window, eyes closed.

The room was a mess. Furniture was shattered and scattered everywhere, and the walls and ceiling were full of torn marks as if a demon had clawed them with its nails.

However, Baek Li-jung hadn’t gotten drunk or engaged in self-harm and destructive behavior. Though he had skipped most meals, he hadn’t become a cripple either. Since going into seclusion, he had never once changed from that meditation posture and had been sitting like that the entire time.

Sim Hak carefully walked to avoid stepping on the broken or cracked floor and waited in the middle of the room.

Baek Li-jung had become much thinner than a month ago. His cheeks were hollow and his beard was unkempt. He looked similar to someone undergoing fasting meditation for a long time.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea passed, Baek Li-jung opened his eyes.

Instantly, eye-light blazed out madly and engulfed the entire room.

The eye-light disappeared quickly, but Sim Hak couldn’t easily calm his startled heart. His saliva had dried up completely, and even when he licked his lips with his tongue, they remained stiff.

The gaze was so sharp that just being in front of it was intimidating.

“Mang Ryo has come.”

Though no one had told Baek Li-jung, he already knew.

“Yes. He’s insisting on meeting you and waiting.”

“Meet with him. He’s probably brought some bait that would be appealing. Handle it yourself.”

“Oh my, how could I… I’ll come back to report and receive approval.”

“No.”

Baek Li-jung’s gaze became cold.

“The sword blade hasn’t settled yet. If I hear unpleasant talk, I won’t be able to control myself.”

Sim Hak smiled obsequiously.

“If it’s appealing talk, wouldn’t it not be unpleasant to hear?”

Unlike usual, Baek Li-jung neither smiled nor answered. He openly showed that he was extremely on edge.

“Then… how long should we wait? Since I’ve been handling the head’s affairs alone, my heart has been trembling…”

“Soon.”

It wasn’t a clear answer. But there was no way to refuse what Baek Li-jung ordered anyway. Sim Hak bowed and accepted Baek Li-jung’s command.

* * *

Mang Ryo spoke with Sim Hak in front of him.

“Soon, several Evil Sect members will visit Qingcheng Mountain.”

Sim Hak listened to Mang Ryo’s words with a dull expression.

“So what’s that supposed to mean? Since Shandong Enchantress is hiding there, naturally they’re going to rescue her.”

“That’s right. Evil Sect members also have loyalty.”

“Ah, I don’t want to hear unnecessary talk, so just tell me the conclusion. I’ve completely lost my taste for Advisor Mang since last time, so even talking in front of you is quite an ordeal.”

“Heh heh heh, then let me tell you one important secret.”

“What is that? Hurry up and speak.”

“I’m the one who used the Evil Sect’s communication network to call the Shandong Evil Sect to Qingcheng.”

“Ah, whoever calls them, what does that mat…”

Sim Hak’s eyes widened as he was listening halfheartedly.

“What, what?”

Sim Hak asked in disbelief.

“What meaning does that have? You incited them to attack Qingcheng?”

“Hey, how could those scraps attack Qingcheng? They’ll just demonstrate in front at most.”

Sim Hak asked again.

“If they’re just scraps, couldn’t Qingcheng just sweep them all away?”

“Normally that might be the case. But Qingcheng is also in the position of protecting the enchantress right now. It’s hard to use lethal force. Conversely, the Evil Sect bastards will risk their lives to rescue the enchantress.”

“I don’t really understand… So what benefit is there for us?”

“Whether voluntary or involuntary, in the end there’s only one method Qingcheng can take. Give up Shandong Enchantress. Or the enchantress might walk out on her own feet.”

“Whether they just give her up or Shandong Enchantress leaves, that would be fine.”

“But that won’t work. She can’t leave.”

Mang Ryo giggled and laughed.

“She needs treatment for the Tang family’s terrible poison. She can’t move for two weeks. The Evil Sect members demand her release, but Qingcheng can’t give her up. It becomes a desperate situation.”

“So what meaning does that have?”

“It has no meaning right now. But we can create meaning. Like Qingcheng colluded with Shandong Enchantress, or Qingcheng succumbed to Evil Sect demonstrations… something like that?”

“Hey, who would believe that even so? And what would change if they believed it?”

“Qingcheng’s prestige would fall.”

“Oh my, you did all this troublesome work just for that?”

“It was work done with just a few brush strokes, so it wasn’t difficult.”

“Looking at you sometimes, Advisor Mang really lacks practicality. No, why do such useless things?”

Sim Hak was dying to get away from Mang Ryo anyway. He was internally restless, worried he might do something wrong and get scolded by Baek Li-jung. But did he have to listen to such nonsensical talk?

Mang Ryo said with a smile.

“If the timing is right, we’ll have to devour Qingcheng.”

“Right. So you should have said the conclusion from the start that we’re devouring Qingcheng…”

Sim Hak thought he had heard something wrong. He tilted his head wondering if he had heard correctly or if there was another meaning, then only after a long while did he scream.

“What, what did you say!”

Sim Hak opened his eyes wide in surprise.

Mang Ryo beckoned with his finger for Sim Hak to come closer. Then he leaned close to Sim Hak’s ear and spoke in a small voice.

“Qingcheng is also a thorn in the Martial Alliance’s side, isn’t it? They haven’t even joined the Martial Alliance and have colluded with the Evil Sect, so it’s sufficient justification to devour them.”

“Qing, Qing, Qingcheng…”

Sim Hak’s hands trembled. He couldn’t handle the tremendous talk of attacking Qingcheng, one of the ten great sects of the martial world.

“It’s an opportunity to catch the Evil Sect bastards and Shandong Enchantress all at once while completely annihilating Qingcheng. How could we miss such an opportunity?”

Sim Hak drank tea gulp by gulp with trembling hands and said.

“But, but if the Martial Alliance mobilizes troops, won’t the other two of Sichuan’s Three Rivers stay still?”

“Well, Mount Emei has already finished talking with the nun, and the Tang family will actively step forward if only to clear up misunderstandings.”

“Wh-what’s that about? Misunderstandings?”

“Such a thing happened. They tried to take Poison Dragon as a son-in-law.”

Sim Hak’s mouth fell open.

“Poison Dragon as a son-in-law! The Tang family knows Poison Dragon is enemies with our head’s grand disciple, yet they would take an Evil Sect person as an adopted son-in-law?”

“Ah, don’t get too excited. That’s why I said they’ll step forward more to clear up misunderstandings. It’s not like Poison Dragon was originally Evil Sect either… For the Tang family, it was a big decision to settle past grudges with the Medicine Sect and move forward.”

Sim Hak took off his hat and scratched his head vigorously.

“Lady Dan might be one thing, but Qingcheng…”

Sim Hak, too shocked, didn’t even notice his slip of the tongue. The Lady Dan he mentioned would be referring to Jade Fairy, Shandong Enchantress Dan Ryeong-gyeong.

“Oh my.”

Sim Hak wiped his sweat and put his hat back on.

Then he shook his head back and forth.

“No matter how much it’s a sect not joined to our alliance… to attack a huge sect like Qingcheng requires the Alliance Leader’s permission. It’s not something that just happens because our head or I say so.”

“Then get permission. I came to consult about that matter anyway. The Martial Alliance Leader personally wanted to see me.”

“But actually, recently the relationship between our head and the Alliance Leader has become quite awkward…”

“Oh dear, that’s unfortunate. Our Military Advisor Sim must have suffered a lot in the middle.”

“I did suffer a bit.”

Mang Ryo went to sit beside Sim Hak and put his arm around his shoulder.

“Why, why are you doing this?”

“Military Advisor Sim. Come to think of it, we haven’t met in a long time but I’ve only talked about work. Let’s take a break and go to a scenic place to listen to cute children’s dancing and singing while having a drink.”

“Cute… children?”

Sim Hak, whose eyes had been spinning for a moment, became serious.

“Hey! This person is trying to trap me in some snare again! I’m currently acting as the head’s deputy, deputy!”

“A snare? That’s hurtful. From now on we need to have very important discussions, so let’s go to a quiet place to do it.”

Sim Hak swallowed his saliva.

“But I’m conducting official business as the head’s deputy, so if I leave my post…”

“The work day is over anyway, so put off the rest until tomorrow. If it was that urgent, they would have come yesterday.”

“Ah, is that so? Come to think of it, they don’t look for me after work hours…”

“I know well how you suffer daily under business while working under the head. On days like this you should receive comfort with a drink, when else would you get it?”

Sim Hak was half-won over by Mang Ryo’s subtle words. Mang Ryo grinned.

“I’ll attach three or four of the cutest children for you. I recently called in some kids from outside, and I hear their appearances are quite unique and their way of speaking is amusing. Also, these ones are so excellent at being charming that when you have them beside you, alcohol goes down naturally.”

“Heh heh, this is really something.”

“If you just keep the subordinates’ mouths shut, there shouldn’t be big worries. The head will also overlook it on a day like today.”

Come to think of it, hadn’t Baek Li-jung told Sim Hak to handle things himself without receiving re-reports?

Since there was justification, even if he got scolded, it didn’t seem like he’d be scolded too severely.

Sim Hak subtly grasped Mang Ryo’s hand.

“The advisor is really a person who’s hard to hate. Heh heh heh.”

* * *

Jin Ja-gang searched for a suitable place to spend the night.

Tang Ha-ran thought they should go up to caves where they could hide or hills where they could scout. There would definitely be pursuers or watchers following them, even if they wouldn’t cause immediate harm.

However, Jin Ja-gang casually suggested under a large tree on the mountainside again today.

He even lit a campfire.

Tang Ha-ran, who had endured for several days but couldn’t stand it anymore, asked.

“I know you have thick skin, but… isn’t this a bit too conspicuous? You’re openly advertising that we’re here. Thanks to this, our entire route is exposed.”

“That’s correct.”

“Correct?”

“There are three meanings. To prevent rash approaches, to provide reassurance, and finally to deceive at the crucial moment.”

Tang Ha-ran had to think for a moment to understand Jin Ja-gang’s words.

“Of course they can’t come close because the fire is bright.”

“They’ll think it’s a trap.”

“Just from lighting a campfire?”

“We’ve been lighting campfires for several days. When I put out the fire in the morning, I’ve been simply spreading Clear Blood Gland Snake poison.”

“When on earth?”

Tang Ha-ran hadn’t noticed at all. Even though she was a much higher master than Jin Ja-gang in terms of martial arts.

“I should reflect. I’ve been too lax.”

“It’s fine.”

“Anyway, after we left, they must have realized they were poisoned when checking the campfire…”

“Now they won’t be able to approach rashly when we have a fire lit.”

“Ah.”

It was truly a method that struck at the unexpected. He had done the complete opposite of what was commonly considered natural and penetrated through the gap.

And this was also a reflection of the life Jin Ja-gang had lived until now.