Chapter 13 - Maeng Cheon (2)

Jeok Un emptied his cup. He studied Maeng Cheon's face.

No hostility was apparent in his eyes. But neither did any discernible emotion surface.

The third cup of wine passed between them. Maeng Cheon finally spoke.

＂Why did you train in the Samjae Sword Technique for over ten years?＂

＂…Because I thought it was my path.＂

＂Did you truly wield it for that reason alone?＂

＂.......＂

Mix truth with falsehood.

That's how you deceive your opponent.

＂I thought the only way to provide for my family was to become a martial artist. It seemed better than holding a farming tool.＂

＂Money. Important indeed. So, what became of it?＂

＂As you can see, I haven’t achieved much. Even the Samjae Sword Technique… My talent isn’t suited for becoming a martial artist.＂

＂What did your father say?＂

＂…My father…＂

Jeok Un bit his lip slightly.

＂He didn't say anything.＂

＂Is that so.＂

Their cups clinked once more.

A faint intoxication began to rise.

＂I thought it was my duty anyway. It’s just a shame I couldn’t achieve it in the end.＂

＂Indeed. You matured early. How old are you?＂

＂I’m twenty-six this year.＂

＂When did you first pick up a sword?＂

＂…Fourteen.＂

He concealed his true age with a small lie.

Maeng Cheon muttered, holding his cup.

＂You… were quite diligent.＂

＂Diligent, but I have nothing to show for it.＂

＂How could that be your fault? It's the will of heaven. There's no need to feel guilty.＂

＂........?＂

There wasn’t any particular hostility. He didn't seem to be trying to pry information out of him either.

Then why did he bring me here?

Jeok Un looked into his cup. It didn’t seem to be poisoned. If Thousand Veils had detected anything, he would have already purged the poison.

The same went for the food. There was nothing wrong with any of the dishes on the table.

＂…I have a son.＂

Ah.

So the problem wasn't the table.

Jeok Un remained silent. Maeng Cheon drank alone. After emptying a cup, he immediately refilled it.

＂He's different from you. Very different. Perhaps because he's my firstborn, I spoiled him too much.＂

＂If I had a child, I would have acted the same way, Sect Leader.＂

＂Look at this natural consideration. This can only be seen in someone who’s experienced life’s hardships. My son lacks that. Danger, trials… he hasn’t experienced any of it.＂

Maeng Cheon chuckled.

＂The Black Heaven Squad. Our sect has historically honed the axe. I, and the disciples of our sect, all learned the axe. It may be crude, but it has advantages over other weapons. Give and take. Like the principles of life.＂

＂......＂

＂My son said he didn’t want to learn it. So, I hired a suitable martial arts instructor. But… he didn't want that either. He's always said he wouldn't touch anything unless it was truly remarkable martial arts.＂

＂You must be troubled.＂

＂Just troubled? So-hong. I originally had a second son. But he died. Do you know how he died?＂

Maeng Cheon fiddled with his cup.

＂It seems he was playing near the lake. By the time my firstborn shouted in surprise, it was already too late. I demolished all the lakes in the Manor afterward. But that didn't bring my second son back.＂

＂......＂

＂My wife hanged herself after seeing our second son die. Perhaps she thought her carelessness killed him, as she left no will.＂

＂…Sect Leader.＂

＂No need for forced comfort. I’m alright. Loneliness feels like it pierces you to the bone, but eventually, it becomes a part of you, doesn’t it? And I still have my firstborn. I swore before my wife's grave that I would raise this child well.＂

＂I'll pour you another drink.＂

＂It’s alright. I have hands.＂

Maeng Cheon filled his cup to the brim. He downed it once more.

＂But… my firstborn has no talent for anything. Not only that, but his temperament is violent, and he constantly abuses those beneath him. Several bodies of servants have been found in the Black Heaven Squad. Everyone knows who did it, implicitly.＂

＂........＂

＂Sometimes… I wonder what it would have been like if I had punished him in time. Such thoughts consume my days. Things haven't been the same since he changed. Sometimes my hands tremble. I can't hold an axe anymore.＂

Maeng Cheon muttered dejectedly.

＂The Sect Leader of the Black Heaven Squad can’t hold an axe and is falling prey to his Heart Demon… wouldn’t the world laugh at me? But I’ve decided to consider even this as my karma. It’s my fault for not raising my son well…＂

＂.......＂

He’d obtained the necessary information.

But at the same time, Jeok Un hesitated.

Maeng Cheon. He was weaker than he’d thought. He was less a martial artist and more a father.

Jeok Un picked up a piece of food and chewed. It caught in his throat, so he drank some wine.

Maeng Cheon filled the empty cup.

＂A depressing story, isn’t it, So-hong? This is why I called you here.＂

＂…Do you have something to ask of me?＂

＂Just like now. Listen to my story. You just need to listen. It’s been suffocating. I couldn't tell anyone. The Sect Leader is the pillar of the sect, isn't he? If the pillar shakes, the entire sect collapses. I can't show weakness to anyone close to me.＂

＂Why would you confide in a mere outsider like me…?＂

＂You trained in the Samjae Sword Technique for ten years, didn't you? The sword represents the person. Although your sword lacks talent, it’s steadfast. I can trust someone with such tenacity. Come here again tomorrow. I’ll compensate you well.＂

Maeng Cheon chuckled softly.

＂I apologize for burdening you with an old man’s worries, So-hong.＂

＂.......＂

Perhaps I can get more information.

It won’t harm me.

I only need to play along for five days.*

＂I understand, Sect Leader.＂

＂Thank you.＂

. . .

Jeok Un told 29th everything that happened.

29th stared at him.

＂To maintain your current identity, it’s best to maintain contact. That’s… definitely better.＂

＂So you think so too, 29th.＂

＂Are you alright?＂

＂Of course, I’m alright.＂

29th turned his head.

＂Keep telling yourself that. Don’t change your mind. Remember. We are the Blood Demon Corps. Not assassins.＂

＂…I know.＂

The next day, he met with Maeng Cheon. He laughed heartily and handed him a pouch of money.

＂I saved this separately from my personal expenses.＂

＂This is too much.＂

＂It’s not a small price for a drinking buddy. This is… friend money? Something like that, right? So-hong. What did you do today?＂

＂I searched the mountain. I was looking for game, but I couldn’t find any.＂

＂Diligent, aren't you? That diligence will surely help your future. I wish my son was the same. Tsk.＂

Most of what Maeng Cheon said were complaints and grievances about his son.

But it wasn't filled with only contempt.

＂There was a time… when my son brought me something. He was fidgeting, so I thought he’d caused trouble again—but behind his back was some wine!＂

＂Wine?＂

＂It wasn't anything precious. But he slipped it inside and left. He isn't entirely cruel. Thinking about it, there were times when he was decent.＂

＂He’s probably the same now.＂

＂No way, So-hong. My son has changed. For some reason… his appetite has increased. As his body grew larger, his original temperament became even more violent. Even the doctors couldn't figure it out.＂

＂Perhaps he ingested poison…?＂

＂So I called a doctor from further away. I heard he's a disciple of the Divine Healer. He’s coming from afar, so he should arrive soon. Until then, I’m trying my best to appease my son.＂

Maeng Cheon drank. He fiddled with his cup and then asked Jeok Un.

＂Even if you gain weight, you can lose it, can't you? Right?＂

＂Of course, Sect Leader.＂

＂His personality must have become stronger because he's ill. Once he recovers, everything will be resolved. Phew. I feel a bit better after talking about it. Well, it's not certain that it will happen…＂

＂.......＂

＂If I don't believe it, who will believe in my son?＂

Maeng Cheon was a father.

Undeniably, a father.

He was also quite a comical man.

＂Have you considered learning the axe?＂

＂Sect Leader. If I did that, everything you've told me would be for naught.＂

＂Khh. I’m joking. You’re so stiff.＂

＂I’m not that stiff.＂

＂Oh, a man must be stiff. You… know what I mean?＂

＂Sect Leader.＂

＂You've gotten even stiffer.＂

Jeok Un sighed at his blatant teasing.

＂You’re quite drunk.＂

＂Am I? I guess I am a bit drunk. This is… I’ve kept you, young friend, for too long. You should go. See you tomorrow.＂

＂Drinking every day isn’t good for your health.＂

＂Then let’s do something else tomorrow.＂

The next day, Maeng Cheon stood in the garden with an axe. He beckoned Jeok Un.

＂A man should enjoy other things besides alcohol. If you only enjoy alcohol, you’re bound to become a beggar, aren't you?＂

＂…I cannot dare to parry the Sect Leader's axe techniques.＂

＂I know that. Just watch. I should stop wallowing in despair, shouldn't I? I need rehabilitation exercises, so I'm just trying to move lightly.＂

＂Then there's no need for me to be here…＂

＂Watch me, So-hong.＂

Maeng Cheon’s axe moved. A domineering movement. Its edge promised to destroy everything in its path.

The air split with the downward swing. The burst of wind grazed Jeok Un’s hair.

＂What do you think?＂

＂…Magnificent.＂

＂Is that so? Magnificent. But my son said it was pathetic.＂

That's something you should never say. Jeok Un wanted to say it sincerely.

He could see it. The accumulated years. The sorrow contained within the axe's edge.

The spirit of a man who had to stand tall under the title of 'Sect Leader' even when on the verge of collapse.

＂It's a truly magnificent technique, Sect Leader.＂

＂Do you really think so?＂

＂You praised my Samjae Sword Technique, Sect Leader.＂

Jeok Un bowed with his fists clasped.

＂I believe that praise suits you the most.＂

＂It lacks talent?＂

＂…That's not what I meant!＂

＂My, my, what a booming voice. This is the first time I’ve heard you raise your voice like that.＂

Maeng Cheon chuckled.

＂How about we lightly cross blades?＂

＂…Is that alright?＂

＂Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you. It’s said that when martial artists exchange sword dances, they see into each other's souls.＂

Maeng Cheon handed him a sword.

＂How about we share a deeper conversation, So-hong?＂

＂Then…＂

Jeok Un grabbed the sword without hesitation. This was a chance to observe Maeng Cheon's axe techniques firsthand.

He did his best but ultimately lost. However, it wasn’t a complete loss.

＂Your sword is heavy. Very heavy indeed.＂

＂But it couldn’t withstand your axe, Sect Leader.＂

＂That’s how it is for now. But what if it were infused with countless stories? The sword is life itself. The time you’ve lived is embedded within it. Someday, your sword…＂

Maeng Cheon smiled.

＂…will weigh more than a thousand-斤 rock.＂

＂…I’m ashamed. But no matter how strong it becomes, it will never surpass your axe, Sect Leader. Your axe could easily shatter even a boulder.＂

＂Khh. Did you see into it?＂

＂Yes. It was weighty.＂

＂And inside?＂

＂........＂

He held back his words.

Maeng Cheon withdrew his axe.

＂It's shaking. And it’s breaking. My rehabilitation is far behind. By the time the Divine Healer's disciple arrives… I might not be able to wield my martial arts anymore.＂

＂Shouldn't you let the doctor examine you?＂

＂The Heart Demon is bigger than I thought. Even when I hold the axe, it doesn't feel like I’m holding it. I’m crumbling from within. Actually… I’ve been thinking about it all along. Do I even deserve to hold this axe?＂

Maeng Cheon stroked the head of his axe.

＂It's time to focus solely on my firstborn. My last hope isn’t martial arts. It’s him. It’s late, but… it's time to be a proper father.＂

＂…You can do it, Sect Leader.＂

＂Thank you, So-hong. You’ve been a great help. Will you come tomorrow?＂

＂…Tomorrow…＂

＂I’d like you to come.＂

＂I will.＂

＂Good.＂

Maeng Cheon sheathed his axe and turned his head.

＂So-hong.＂

＂Yes?＂

＂Go forth.＂

He smiled faintly.

＂Effort never betrays. The sword you’ve diligently wielded will help you. Surely.＂

＂.......＂

He returned to his quarters.

He told 29th what he learned. 29th breathed a sigh of relief.

＂A crumbling master. The assassination will be relatively easy. It might even end with a single strike.＂

＂.......＂

＂Your expression isn’t good, 30th.＂

＂I apologize.＂

＂Are you alright?＂

＂I’m alright.＂

I’m alright.

I really am.

The day before the last day, he visited Maeng Cheon again. He greeted Jeok Un with a smile.

＂So-hong! The Divine Healer's disciple is nearby! I heard he’ll arrive by today!＂

＂Really?＂

＂Once he arrives, my firstborn will return to normal. Thank goodness. Isn't this great news?＂

Maeng Cheon rummaged through his robes.

＂Thank you for your time. Thanks to you, I was able to honestly open up about my feelings.＂

＂It was my honor, Sect Leader.＂

＂I have something for you, So-hong.＂

Maeng Cheon handed him a pouch.

＂These are medicinal pills. Your Qi seems weak. Perhaps the root cause lies there? If you absorb these properly, you can increase your Inner Qi by ten years’ worth.＂

＂......＂

＂Don’t make that face, So-hong. They aren't that expensive. And aren't we friends already? I’m just giving what should be given. When I look at you…＂

Maeng Cheon grinned.

＂…I think that if my second son had lived, he would have grown up to be like you.＂

Jeok Un bit his lip.

＂…Sect Leader.＂

＂So accept them. Don't refuse. Here, put them away. I’ve put some money in there as well. Unfortunately, we can’t drink together today. But this isn't the end. Don't forget to be my conversational partner from time to time, So-hong.＂

Maeng Cheon patted his shoulder.

＂Thank you for listening to me. If I’m the pillar of the Black Heaven Squad, you were the one who supported me, even if only for a short while.＂

＂.......＂

＂I won’t go far. Come visit again. Not as an assassin, but as my friend.＂

Jeok Un turned and left the Black Heaven Squad. Only after taking a few steps did he realize.

I can’t kill Maeng Cheon.

From the moment he called him his son, even for a brief moment…

I realized I couldn't kill him.

＂30th.＂

＂…Yes.＂

＂Tomorrow is the day of execution. You know that, right?＂

＂I know.＂

He fiddled with his sword. He looked out at the night streets beyond his quarters.

He drew his sword. He saw himself reflected in the gleaming blade.

Jeok Un.

What will you do?

He stayed awake all night. And the next day, he visited the Black Heaven Squad early in the morning.

Not to reveal anything. He just wanted to talk to Maeng Cheon one more time.

That was all.

But…

＂…The Sect Leader has passed away.＂

He was dead.

Before they could even draw their swords.

＂He died in an accident. Please leave. We are not receiving guests today.＂

＂Please tell me the reason. Who…＂

＂An accident occurred while treating the Sect Leader's firstborn son, Maeng So-Un. The Divine Healer’s disciple confirmed it.＂

The Gatekeeper’s face was also contorted. As if lamenting his own helplessness in the face of this injustice.

＂Go back, So-hong. There's no one left here to welcome you…＂