Chapter 018
On the road leaving Xuchang.
Though his traveling party had grown to four, Baek Sugyeong was lost in deep contemplation, gazing out the window in thought.
If his opponent had truly intended to kill him, he might have lost his life.
The same was true for Kang Yupyeong.
What impact was his existence having on the Central Plains?
Such thoughts weighed heavily on him, and a hint of melancholy shadowed Baek Sugyeong's face. Perhaps because of this, the atmosphere inside the rattling carriage traveling along the official road felt heavy.
The carriage followed the Henan highway, heading toward Shaolin Temple on Mount Song.
"Teacher."
At Namgung Somin's call, Baek Sugyeong turned to look at her.
"Weren't you planning to return directly to Wuhan?"
"That was my original intention…"
Baek Sugyeong gave a bitter smile.
"It seems I've made the atmosphere too heavy. Enough that Lady Namgung had to speak up first."
Namgung Somin neither confirmed nor denied it.
Silence was confirmation.
Seeing her wordless response, Baek Sugyeong continued.
"It's not strange for you to find it odd. A man who's already been attacked once in Xuchang is now heading toward Shaolin instead of hiding away in Wuhan."
"That's…"
"I received a request from Monk Beopsang. He asked me to stop by Mount Song on my way back. I hadn't planned on it, but…"
After mentioning Shaolin in front of Jang Hyoun, people had essentially confirmed that his next work would be about Shaolin.
It would be natural to feel frustrated about accidentally determining the setting of his next work with a careless comment, but Baek Sugyeong had decided to take it in stride.
"Actually, the setting for my next work has already been decided."
"Then… it's Shaolin?"
"You're quite perceptive, Lady Namgung."
"Please speak comfortably with me."
Namgung Somin covered her mouth as she smiled shyly.
For Jonghwa, the escort, and Jinmyeong, this was a completely new sight. The woman who had always been cold as ice now looked no different from a girl in love.
Jinmyeong, however, was not foolish enough to say anything inappropriate to a direct member of the Namgung Clan. Jonghwa felt the same.
'…That ice-cold lady…'
'…If the Young Master saw this, he'd be shocked.'
Whether or not she noticed their thoughts, Namgung Somin continued smiling.
She had won the right to be Baek Sugyeong's escort over all others, after all.
Baek Sugyeong asked in surprise.
"Is that really all right?"
"You're a bit older than me, Teacher. Please feel comfortable with me."
"Hmm. Being reminded of my age doesn't sound particularly pleasant."
Clearing his throat, Baek Sugyeong continued.
"Well, anyway. I received a request from Monk Beopsang to visit Shaolin. Since I've never been there, it's also a research trip. And most importantly, I have Lady Namgung with me."
"…Ah."
"Of course, I also trust Master Jinmyeong's skills. With both of you here, I believe there won't be any issues protecting just one person like me."
Baek Sugyeong put away his bitter smile.
"Though that doesn't mean I want to be a burden. I've recently realized that this insignificant body of mine seems to have a higher price tag than I thought."
"Don't worry, Teacher."
Namgung Somin straightened her posture.
Her ebony hair flowing over her shoulders harmonized beautifully with her golden eyes.
"I swear on my sword that I will protect you."
Baek Sugyeong smiled faintly at her bold declaration.
Beyond the carriage window, the beautiful scenery of Henan passed by.
...
It didn't take long to reach Dengfeng County at the foot of Mount Song from Xuchang.
Thanks to the well-maintained official roads, they encountered no bandits. And even if they had, their teeth would have been shattered by Namgung Somin's scabbard.
Because of her presence, Baek Sugyeong felt somewhat liberated from those who might target him.
They stayed in a small village before reaching Dengfeng County.
"The stars are exceptionally numerous tonight."
Baek Sugyeong looked up at the sky alone, not straying too far from Namgung Somin, Jinmyeong, and Jonghwa. He had realized that he had become someone who could be attacked at any time.
No matter how much he denied it, some things could no longer be changed.
"Shaolin…"
He gazed at the stars, lost in thought.
The foremost institution of Murim.
Wudang was called the North Star, and Shaolin the Great Mountain—together known as the Twin Pillars.
Yet the Shaolin martial artists he had seen while working at the Dragon Gate Escort Agency differed from what he remembered.
'…They were like gangsters, weren't they?'
Many had muscular builds and did not mind scars, giving them a fierce impression unbefitting Buddhist practitioners.
The ones he encountered shortly after arriving in the Central Plains overturned inns when displeased with food or destroyed buildings when denied meat.
It would have been strange not to develop distrust.
"At least Monk Beopsang was somewhat similar to what I remember."
With his hands behind his back, Baek Sugyeong walked under the stars.
"Come to think of it… Luoyang is past Mount Song, isn't it?"
From Dengfeng County, heading northwest through Yanshi would lead directly to Luoyang.
And in Luoyang stood the Dragon Gate Escort Agency.
Since his return was already delayed, it might be good to visit Ji Wisang.
"I should discuss this with Lady Namgung. And send word to Guild Leader So."
So Ssanga might be worried.
Though rumors traveled faster than legs, sometimes they moved slower than anything else.
He hoped So Ssanga wouldn't cause trouble.
"Teacher Sugyeong!"
Turning, Baek Sugyeong saw Jonghwa peeking out.
"Someone wants to see you. What should I do?"
"Someone looking for me?"
In a small village near Mount Song?
Calming his surprise, Baek Sugyeong replied.
"I'll be right there."
"Yes! I'll tell them!"
Watching her retreat, Baek Sugyeong smiled faintly.
Curiosity mixed with faint unease.
He began walking.
...
The place they stayed was close to Dengfeng County, within Shaolin's sphere of influence.
Wandering Murim masters often passed through such places.
One such person was the Thousand Sword Heroine, Bang Soran.
'…Senior Bang Soran? Why is she here?'
Namgung Somin watched her with guarded eyes.
Bang Soran sat calmly, her expression thoroughly concealed.
Namgung Somin remained vigilant.
Bang Soran spoke.
"You don't need to be so cautious, junior."
"Senior Bang."
"I didn't come to put Teacher Sugyeong in danger. I only have a personal favor."
"You could have told me."
Bang Soran smiled bitterly.
"I have a disciple. I want to bring Teacher Sugyeong's book to that child."
"You could find it in the marketplace."
"I've accepted a request."
Namgung Somin recalled Bang Soran's reputation as a mercenary.
Bang Soran nodded.
"That's right."
"But that alone isn't sufficient, Senior."
As Bang Soran was about to answer, a man's voice interrupted.
"Please don't be so harsh, Lady Namgung."
"Teacher."
Baek Sugyeong entered.
"Murim practitioners have their own circumstances."
Bang Soran smiled faintly.
Sitting across from her, Baek Sugyeong spoke.
"You wish to bring my book to your disciple?"
"I want to ask you for something, Teacher Sugyeong."
"What is it?"
"Could you write just one book for my disciple?"
"A single book?"
"Not Wudang Sword Hero. Just one."
Baek Sugyeong rested his chin on his hand.
'…One book only?'
"You have circumstances."
"I'm leaving for the Northern Sea."
She continued.
"I gather orphans in Xixia County, near Mount Funiu."
"You want me to teach them temporarily?"
"Yes… but it would be unreasonable."
Baek Sugyeong nodded.
"…Very well. One book, you said?"
Bang Soran looked at him.
"I'll write it. Right here."