Book 26 Chapter 19

The responsibility to protect and the blood ties that bind.

—Wailing!

She, Yecheong, was lonely.

Her husband, the only person she could lean on, had no choice but to leave for the Black Heavenly Alliance, and was not by her side now. She had no other choice but to follow the letter.

'But an assassination of the Black Heavenly Alliance leader…'

Moreover, it was preposterous for the leader of the White Path, the leader of the Jang, to assassinate the leader of the Black Path. If such a thing were to happen, the thought alone would send chills down one's spine imagining what would follow.

"An all-out war between the Black Path and the White Path…"

It was as clear as day that the entire martial arts world would be dragged in, and it would spread like wildfire into a great war where tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, would shed blood. Therefore, as a martial artist, she had to stop her husband, Na Baekcheon. She could not put the entire martial arts world in danger for the sake of her daughter's life.

However, that was just the voice of reason. Yecheong ultimately could not stop Na Baekcheon. Perhaps her husband was now on a ship heading there, having the same 고민 as her.

If that child, Bi Ryuyeon, and his companions fail to rescue Na Yerin in time, and if she cannot contact Na Baekcheon in time with the carrier pigeon, her only means of communication, then Na Baekcheon will be faced with a difficult choice.

'The safety of the entire martial arts world, or the safety of my precious daughter…'

The peace of the entire martial arts world and the life of a little girl. There was no need to weigh which was heavier. Yet, she could not let go of it. Her husband was the same. In fact, she was postponing that choice, until the very last moment.

She wanted to save her husband from this terrible agony before he was put at that crossroads. But she was helpless now. The only thing she could do now was wait. And waiting was not Yecheong's forte. She was a woman who acted to obtain something, never the type to wait idly for something to happen.

Since she had no talent for waiting, the time she was left alone could only be more agonizing. Her own existence felt infinitely powerless. Still, she thought she couldn't lose, and that those who were now heading in different directions were undoubtedly facing even more agonizing situations than she was. But the more she thought about it, the more she blamed herself. This waiting time felt like an eternity.

'This won't do.'

She felt a strong sense of crisis. She felt like she would go mad just staring blankly at the horizon, waiting for the ship to return.

However, she had no talent for waiting, but she also had little talent for relying on others and complaining about weakness. Normally, even the high and mighty leader of the martial arts alliance would tremble like a mouse in front of a cat in her presence. Who could she possibly complain to in her weakness…

"Ah!"

Suddenly, a person's face flashed through her mind.

There was!

One of the few people she could lean on, who was revered by those around her and known as the Ice Moon Fairy, was here in Ganghoran Island. That person could be her mental support while she was anxiously suffering.

'…Grandfather.'

Tears suddenly welled up. It was extremely rare for her, who rarely shed tears, to do so. It was proof of how weak she had become.

Yecheong hurried to meet that person. She knew where she was going. She headed to the 'Black Shadow Clinic' located somewhere in Ganghoran Island.

***

The place where Elder Hyukjung was currently staying was a clinic, and because it was a place under his influence, it was more reassuring than other places. More precisely, it was the influence of Gu Cheonhak, the leader of the Iron Legged Horse Demon Division, who followed the elder devotedly. He had saved the life of the clinic's owner in the past.

"How is that kid's condition?"

"He shows no signs of waking up yet. However, according to Doctor Song, his life is no longer in danger. Fortunately, the treatment was prompt."

"That's a relief."

Gu Cheonhak was guarding Chil Sang Heun, who had not yet awakened from his poisoning, and who was once called Yi Byeokhan. Chil Sang Heun had not woken up, perhaps because he was attacked by the poisonous mist while his mind and body were weakened. The leader of the Iron Legged Horse Demon Division, who makes even crying children tremble, nursing a patient—those who knew him would never believe it.

Knock knock.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door from outside.

"The 'Clinic Closed' sign is clearly displayed, so who on earth…?"

Gu Cheonhak, who was nursing Yi Byeokhan, picked up one of his prized weapons, the Five Star Ink Dragon Spear, and moved like a gale, sticking to the wall next to the door. Then, he sensed the situation outside with all his senses. Fortunately, there was only one presence.

Once again, the door was flung open without a sound.

Swish!

Gu Cheonhak attacked the intruder with his signature skill, the Shadowless Spear (무영창).

Srrr!

However, the intruder's silhouette was already gone.

Thud!

With a heavy impact, his spear was deflected sideways. And from a completely unexpected blind spot, a chilling sword energy flew. It was a curved sword, like a crescent moon.

'A master!'

Gu Cheonhak, judging that it was too late to block, twisted the tip of his spear and thrust it at the enemy. He intended to stop the intruder by attempting a mutual destruction.

Just as the sword and spear were about to pierce their respective owners!

"Both of you, stop!"

A thunderous lion's roar erupted from Elder Hyukjung.

The sword and spear, which had been thrusting with murderous intent, stopped as if by magic. If they had gone a little further, they would have pierced each other's bodies without mercy.

"It's a child I know. Put away your spear."

Only then did Gu Cheonhak quickly retract his spear and step back. Only then could he see the intruder's face.

"Gasp!"

The intruder was a beautiful lady overflowing with elegance, surprisingly so. But what surprised Gu Cheonhak even more was that he knew her face too.

"Princess…"

She was none other than Yecheong, the Ice Moon Fairy.

"I wondered whose spear that was, whose shadow was barely visible, but it was the spear of Guild Leader Gu. Your spear skills seem to have deepened even further than before."

Despite being suddenly attacked, Yecheong's face showed no sign of emotional turmoil. Rather, Gu Cheonhak was the one who became flustered and restless.

"I… I'm sorry, Princess."

In fact, Gu Cheonhak and Yecheong were contemporaries at Machonggak. However, compared to Gu Cheonhak, who was then almost unknown, Yecheong was famous within the sect as one of the Seven Princesses. And she was also Gu Cheonhak's secret idol.

"Please stop calling me Princess, Guild Leader Gu. It was all when we were young and foolish. We are all old now."

"No. You are still beautiful."

Gu Cheonhak replied, maintaining a rigid posture. His nervousness was evident.

"Thank you for the compliment, Guild Leader Gu."

Of course, he almost shouted, "It's my absolute sincerity!", but Gu Cheonhak barely held it in.

"By the way, why are you here? You could have gotten hurt. And what about him?"

"Him" of course meant Na Baekcheon, the leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance.

"I had some business to attend to at the Black Heavenly Alliance, so I left."

"Business? What kind of business? You didn't mention anything last time we met, did you?"

A dark shadow fell over Yecheong's expression. Then, she slowly opened her mouth.

"It's the assassination of the Black Heavenly Alliance leader."

Even the two of them could not help but be astonished by her words. Gu Cheonhak, in particular, was almost out of his mind. He almost swung his spear at Yecheong again. However, Hyukjung, with his deep years of experience, handled the situation calmly.

"Something must have happened?"

He asked in a calm tone. Yecheong looked at Hyukjung with an icy expression.

"My daughter, Yerin, has been kidnapped."

Her voice was so dry and emotionless, as if all emotion had vanished.

"Kidnapped? Who on earth dares to do such a thing?"

Yecheong's eyes flickered slightly. She spat out the name as if she found it repulsive to even utter it.

"By Seo Cheon Myeolgeop, that very person."

"……!"

Elder Hyukjung's expression stiffened. He too knew who the current Seo Cheon was. Hyukjung craned his neck, wondering what was happening behind Yecheong, and gestured for Gu Cheonhak, who was standing there, to go outside for a moment.

Click!

Gu Cheonhak, with regret, left as the door closed.

"He said if I don't want my daughter, Yerin, to be torn to shreds, I have to bring the head of the Black Heavenly Alliance leader."

She spoke with a cold, expressionless face and an emotionless voice, like the ice of the Northern Sea.

"Is that so?"

Elder Hyukjung asked in a flat voice.

"He is the leader responsible for the White martial arts world. I am his wife."

Yecheong said in the same emotionless voice. Her tone was as if she were simply stating facts.

"I know."

"Those in high positions must bear the responsibilities befitting their positions."

"That's right."

"At times, one must be prepared to sacrifice one's kin for the greater good. And I once made that resolution. I would live as a dignified woman befitting the wife of the Jeongcheon Alliance leader."

"You are doing so."

Elder Hyukjung said.

"But… now… I have no confidence. I cannot give up being that child's mother."

Yecheong's previously emotionless voice began to tremble for the first time. Waves of emotion began to spread across Yecheong's face, which had been frozen cold and hard. The tremor started from her tightly clenched fists with her head bowed and spread throughout her body.

Elder Hyukjung furrowed his brow slightly, let out a small sigh, and walked towards Yecheong. He then embraced her trembling body. At that moment, the emotions that had been building up in her heart exploded.

"Grandfather!"

Yecheong burst into tears and hugged Hyukjung tightly. And she wept endlessly. In front of the person to whom she could show her weakness.

"It must have been difficult."

Hyukjung patted her back like a kind grandfather.

"Yerin… Yerin… Yerin…!!!"

She cried and cried and cried.

Hyukjung did not rush her. And after a long while, when she seemed to have calmed down somewhat, he finally spoke.

"Tell me the whole story."

Yecheong began to tell the story step by step, starting from the invitation delivered to Na Baekcheon, the leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance.

She spoke of accompanying him to Ganghoran Island and meeting her daughter and a child named Yeonbi. She spoke of her daughter being kidnapped when she went to the waiting room after the finals. She recounted the testimony of a child named Yunmi, the death of the informant Gu Noi, the wooden coffin sent to Na Baekcheon, and the letter inside, and its contents.

After hearing the entire story, Hyukjung clicked his tongue displeaselessly.

"Tsk tsk. The clash between the children of Machonggak and Cheonmu Academy is unavoidable. No, it must already be happening."

Estimating roughly from the time of departure, if they hadn't been wiped out at the beginning, they would be fighting intensely right now.

"Do you know why the Machong Thirteen Legions, despite being called the Thirteen Legions, only have twelve?"

Yecheong shook her head.

"No. Wasn't the invisible Thirteenth Legion just a legend?"

Stories related to the Thirteen Legions were almost like ghost stories at Machonggak. It was no wonder, as no one had seen it since the founding of Machonggak.

"The Thirteenth Legion exists."

Hyukjung declared in a firm voice.

"Is that true?"

"Why would I lie to you, old man?"

"Where are they? Are they a secret unit that you raised?"

Elder Hyukjung shook his head.

"No, I have never raised such a thing. In fact, the Thirteen Legions have always been by your side. You just haven't seen them."

"They have always existed, but we just didn't see them, is that what you mean?"

"Yes. Well, those who are unaware they are the Thirteenth Legion are also problematic. Tsk tsk tsk."

Elder Hyukjung clicked his tongue again, as if something was displeasing him.

"I don't grasp what you mean."

In fact, no one around her knew that secret.

"Think carefully. Then you will understand."

"Then aren't they still unrecognized after a hundred years? So please tell me."

"No. It's absolutely a secret!"

Elder Hyukjung said in an exaggeratedly solemn voice.

"…That's a lie!"

Then, with a smile all over his face, he stuck out his tongue. And he laughed heartily.

At that playful expression, which she never thought she'd see,

"Pfft!"

Yecheong couldn't help but burst into laughter. The unexpected action by an unexpected being was even more impactful.

"Now you're smiling a little."

Elder Hyukjung said with a satisfied smile. It was a mischievous smile that a seasoned elder occasionally showed.

"Grandfather…"

It seemed Elder Hyukjung brought up this story to cheer Yecheong up. Certainly, with the legendary figure of Elder Hyukjung by her side, Yecheong felt a little more stable. It was as if she had grasped something that gave her hope. To Yecheong, Elder Hyukjung was someone who could do anything impossible in this world.

"I will be extremely generous and tell only you. But you must not tell anyone else. Understand?"

"Yes, I promise."

Yecheong readily replied.

"You know about Yin Within Yang (음중양) and Yang Within Yin (양중음), don't you?"

"Of course. In the Taegeuk symbol, the small white circle within the black, and the small black circle within the white, those are them, right?"

In the Taegeuk symbol, the black side symbolizes 'Yin' and the white side symbolizes 'Yang'.

"Yes, they symbolize that when Yin becomes old, it becomes Yang, and when Yang becomes old, it becomes Yin. They also symbolize that Yin and Yang are not completely divided, but that Yang is contained within Yin, and Yin is contained within Yang."

"And they also symbolize the cycle of Yin and Yang."

"You know well."

"But what does that have to do with the Machong Thirteen Legions?"

"The Thirteen Legions are precisely 'Yin Within Yang'. They are the black within white."

Elder Hyukjung's words were shorter and more cryptic than expected.

"……"

Seeing that Yecheong was still bewildered, Elder Hyukjung blurted out a word.

"Then, did you think the 'Exchange Student' system existed for no reason all this time?"

"Exchange Student System… Black within White, White within Black… Could it be…!"

After thinking for a moment, Yecheong's eyes widened in surprise. She had a clue.

"Yes, those who temporarily use the Thirteenth Dormitory are the real Thirteen Legions."

"How can that be!"

The Machong Thirteen Legions were not actually a unit composed of Machonggak personnel. The emissaries from Cheonmu Academy, that is, the Cheonmu Academy envoys who came from 'White' Path to 'Black' Path, Machonggak, were the 'invisible Thirteen Legions'.

"It was a measure to enable the Black Path and the White Path to join forces against Cheongeomryeong. But now, instead of uniting, they are clashing with each other… Tsk tsk."

Yin becoming Yang and Yang becoming Yin. That cycle is natural. Yin Within Yang and Yang Within Yin are transitional stages and a kind of buffer device in between those changes. They are beings that facilitate the exchange of Yin and Yang.

So, he wanted them to realize that. There is no right without left, and no Yang without Yin. There was a need for balance and harmony.

He wanted them to realize that on their own.

It was meaningless if the absolute beings, Mushin and Mushinma, commanded them forcefully. Such things were not true harmony and balance.

So, he experimented and tested endlessly.

However, it seemed their attempts ended in failure.

"Tsk tsk, an unprecedented crisis is approaching, yet they are falling for the enemy's tricks and fighting amongst themselves…"

The grand plan that had taken a hundred years did not yield very good results, so Elder Hyukjung could not feel at ease. The will he had established with his friend had weathered over time and disappeared without a trace, leaving only the internecine struggles between people.

Mushin and Mushinma, who founded Cheonmu Academy and Machonggak, their will was not being conveyed to the present era. Over the past hundred years, in the flow of time, their spirit and voices have degenerated in the face of human desire and the passage of time, and now it seems that even their remnants are gone.

He had hoped their intentions and hearts would be passed down through the ages, but it seemed to have been a futile dream.

"We hoped our hearts would be conveyed to you through the ages, but it seems that was a futile dream."

It was truly a desolate matter. Yecheong could not lift her head in shame.

"It feels like a fierce storm is about to blow through the martial arts world."

Elder Hyukjung stroked his beard and muttered to himself in a quiet voice.

'If this half-world faces the approaching unprecedented crisis, what will happen?'

The old man did not want to know that terrible answer.

'Those guys have already started moving…'

The 'descendants of Cheongeom' who hid in the darkness of the martial arts world a hundred years ago. Although they had not surfaced, a silent battle had been ongoing in unseen places. However, their methods were so extraordinary that they failed to catch their tails. No, they caught their tails, but each time they cut them off and escaped. Those tails were called 'Cheongeom feathers' because they were feathers, not the body. But the ones moving now were different. It was clear that the body had finally started to move.

'That means the time for battle is approaching.'

There was no way to avoid it that he could think of now. It was no longer possible to prolong this superficial peace.

'But can those who have lived in comfortable peace for the past hundred years overcome the coming battle?'

Those who, having lived comfortably, only care about their own interests?

'How many true martial artists are left?'

Machonggak and Cheonmu Academy were created to prevent that. However, depending on the situation, Machonggak might have to be abandoned.

'It's my fault.'

The current situation was like a rock rolling down a mountain. It was too late to stop it.

'I should have sounded the alarm throughout the martial arts world earlier…'

They had waited for the children to come to their senses on their own, but it seemed they would only come to their senses after experiencing bitter and spicy flavors. But by then, it would be like closing the barn door after the horse had bolted.

"Haa…"

Elder Hyukjung let out a sigh, which he rarely did.

His heart felt heavy, as if thick dark clouds were gathering over the future of the martial arts world. However, he was not so weak as to be crushed by worry. Soon, Elder Hyukjung returned to his usual self. He then looked at Yecheong and spoke in a gentle voice.

"Yes, by the way… you seem to be doing a little better."

Yecheong was much more stable than before. It was because the existence of Hyukjung had become a great support.

"Yes, if something happens to that child… then he will learn the fear of a mother."

That was the decision and resolve she could make now.

"It's not time to think of the worst-case scenario yet. That child Bi Ryuyeon is more reliable than you think. Let's believe and wait for now."

Yecheong was surprised by the words, "Trust the child Bi Ryuyeon."

'Not anyone else, but Grandpa recognizes him as reliable… What is that child's true identity? Was he not just a common stray bone?'

Receiving Grandpa's trust was impossible unless one possessed considerable ability. As his martial power was legendary, his judgment of people was unimaginably sharp. While Yecheong was lost in thought, Elder Hyukjung shouted towards the door.

"You three outside, the same goes for you! Don't act rashly and stay put!"

There should only have been Gu Cheonhak outside the door, but how had there become three people?

"Especially the red-haired one, don't even dream of going to Machonggak alone."

Yeomdo, who had been pacing back and forth next to Gu Cheonhak without being able to enter, suddenly stopped his feet and was about to run towards the pier.

"The blue one, you too."

Binggeom, who was about to run somewhere like Yeomdo, had no choice but to stop his lifted foot.

These two had been sent on an errand by Elder Hyukjung to obtain medicine for detoxification. Sending the heavenly Yeomdo and Binggeom together on an errand was something only this elder and Bi Ryuyeon could likely do.

"Go in? I've never had such thoughts, Old Man."

A voice from outside the door was heard. It was Yeomdo's voice.

"Same here, Old Man. I'm not like this impatient guy."

The voice that followed was Binggeom's, whom Yecheong also knew well.

"Is that so? Then it's fine. In any case, no. Understand? Don't make the situation worse. By the way, did you bring all the medicinal herbs I asked for?"

"Yes, we brought them all."

Yeomdo and Binggeom answered simultaneously. Then they glared at each other and shouted, "Don't copy me!" They had sent both of them because if they were sent together, they would fight constantly, and their bickering would disturb the patient's rest.

"Do all three of you understand?"

He asked again, as if to confirm.

"…Yes."

A reluctant answer was heard from outside the door.

'Yerin, please, please be safe…'

All Yecheong could do now was pray and wait. It was a task that required immense patience.