It's a Good Day (5)
Tap. Tap–tap.
Urgent, irritated footsteps echoed through the hall.
"S-Sect Leader—"
"Move aside!"
Those who recognized the footsteps hurriedly stepped back. Heo Do Jinin pushed through the cleared path without slowing, his steps rough and unrestrained. Passing through the inner gate, he arrived before an ancient Taoist hall steeped in time.
The Ancestral Hall.
Inside, a dozen Taoists were in the midst of a solemn rite, bowing before the memorial tablets of Wudang's ancestors.
"…This."
Heo Do Jinin nearly shouted—but bit down hard on his lip.
This was the place where every life that had been devoted to Wudang rested in spirit. The most sacred ground. No argument, no disturbance, no rage was permitted here.
Not even from him.
"You wretches…"
"First bow."
A calm, firm voice overrode his fury.
The disciples completed their bow toward the ancestral tablets, movements precise and reverent.
Heo Do Jinin clenched his fists.
They knew he had arrived. They knew exactly who stood behind them.
And yet they ignored him completely.
Nine bows.
The ritual—reserved only for masters and ancestors—was completed without the slightest flaw. Only then did the disciples straighten and turn.
Heo Do Jinin, who had endured it with teeth sunk into his lip, finally spoke. His voice was glacial.
"What is this nonsense?"
Every gaze in the hall turned toward him at once.
"I asked what you are doing."
"As you can see," one answered calmly, "we were paying respects to our ancestors."
"You know that is not what I mean!"
"Lower your voice, Sect Leader."
"…What?"
"The ancestors are watching."
Heo Do Jinin's gaze shifted instinctively to the tablets.
Luxurious memorial plaques, neatly arranged. Incense smoke drifting like mist.
"Heo Gong," he said, voice low. "Was this your doing?"
Heo Gong turned from the tablets and saluted.
"Greetings, Sect Leader—"
"Answer me!"
Heo Do Jinin cut him off sharply, his fury finally leaking through.
"Did you order this absurdity?"
"I do not understand what you mean."
"…You don't understand?"
"Yes."
Heo Gong remained calm—unnervingly so.
"Do I possess the authority to command Wudang's disciples?"
For a brief moment, Heo Do Jinin was speechless.
"Are Wudang's disciples the sort who move because someone told them to?"
"Then you're saying—"
"Yes."
Heo Gong nodded once.
"No one ordered this. No one could. This is simply the collective will of the disciples."
The calmness in his voice made Heo Do Jinin's chest feel ready to burst. He stared at Heo Gong, then turned to the others.
"Is that true?"
No one answered.
"Mu Jin."
"…Yes, Sect Leader."
"There was no coercion?"
"No. We shared the same intent."
"Jin Hyeon."
"Yes."
His answer came without hesitation.
"This was my decision."
Grit.
The sound of grinding teeth slipped through Heo Do Jinin's lips.
"What were you thinking?"
"Sect Leader."
"What are you trying to do, you foolish brats!"
"Our ancestors are watching."
"Heo Gong, you idiot!"
The hall shook as Heo Do Jinin's roar thundered outward.
"I say this because our ancestors are watching! Are you trying to end Wudang in your generation? What would they say if they saw you now!"
"They would praise us."
"…What?"
"They would nod and say it is admirable."
Heo Gong met his gaze steadily.
"That is why we came here."
"This… this madness…"
Heo Do Jinin's body trembled.
"You believe they would praise you for ending Wudang?"
"Yes."
"How can you say that!"
"Because it is right."
Silence followed.
"Wudang does not exist merely to continue," Heo Gong said quietly. "It exists to uphold righteousness. If righteousness leads to our end, is that not better than survival through disgrace?"
"You insolent—!"
"Do you understand what you're saying?"
"Yes. Perfectly."
Heo Gong's voice softened.
"Sect Leader… no. Sahyeong."
"…."
"We must not repeat an irreversible mistake."
"Heo Gong!"
"You know it too," he continued. "We should not have retreated."
"…."
"Spilled water cannot be gathered again. What was lost cannot be reclaimed. So how can we make the same choice twice?"
"That burden is mine!" Heo Do Jinin shouted. "I chose it! I carry it!"
"Why is it only yours?"
Jin Hyeon spoke—cold, unwavering.
"It is Wudang's burden."
"I made the decision."
"Yes. But that does not grant you the right to bear the sin alone."
"…What did you say?"
"It is arrogance."
Jin Hyeon met his eyes.
"We accepted your command then. We share that sin. And now you would have us hide behind obedience again?"
"…."
"I was taught there is no cowardice in Wudang."
"You brat—"
"If you truly are my teacher, do not tell me to beg for life under the guise of loyalty."
Heo Do Jinin's expression wavered.
"So… you choose death?"
"…"
"Knowing the enemy is overwhelming?"
"No one forced us."
Jin Hyeon's gaze shifted past him.
Heo Do Jinin turned.
Outside the gates stood countless disciples.
Every one of them.
Eyes alight with quiet resolve.
First generation. Second generation.
No ranks. No hesitation.
Heo Do Jinin's breath caught.
"Gong-ah…"
"Please say no more, Sahyeong."
"…."
"I know what you wish to do. You want to die alone and free us."
"Heo Gong…"
"But while that may deceive the world, it cannot deceive my heart."
Heo Do Jinin closed his eyes.
He understood.
"…Is that your answer?"
"Yes. It is Wudang's answer."
"…And mine?"
Heo Gong smiled faintly.
"If you were in our place, Sahyeong… you would do the same."
The world seemed to spin.
"This is what you taught us."
A long sigh escaped Heo Do Jinin.
He had believed isolation would deepen their wounds.
He had not realized it would deepen their resolve.
They were no longer disciples who followed blindly.
They were Taoists.
And their growth—everything he had wished for—would lead them to ruin.
Why… now…
Sorrow crashed over him like a tidal wave.
Primordial Lord… this is too cruel…
Heo Do Jinin shut his eyes tightly.
His trembling lids hid nothing.
Only regret.
And grief beyond measure.