Book 28 Chapter 4

The Enraged Hyoryong

― Broken Twin Swords

Clang!

The two swords, brought down on the rock, shattered with a deafening crack.

Even as the broken sword edges grazed his cheek, drawing blood, the young man with the green headband did not budge.

"Hah! Hah! Hah!"

It wasn't the first or second time he'd struck, as countless sword marks crisscrossed the massive rock like a spiderweb.

Traces of persistent blows. It looked like random hacking, with no discernible pattern in the sword marks. Only the eruption of explosive emotions was present.

Simply striking with all his might, with his rage bursting forth, he had swung his swords at anything he could grasp, without any technique.

It wasn't swordsmanship, but mere venting of anger.

He gazed blankly at his hands, still holding the two broken swords. He was the young man who tied a green band across his forehead, Hyoryong.

His shoulders heaved. Was it due to shortness of breath, or…?

Hyoryong's eyes, staring at the broken swords, became blurry.

The death of his respected older brother. And then… the death of his father.

This time too, he could do nothing. This time, he couldn't even witness their final moments. How long would his fate and his family be trampled upon by destiny?

'Until when?'

Why did that person have to die such an unjust death?

'Why!'

This cannot continue. Neither his brother's revenge nor his father's revenge.

He was utterly powerless now. He needed new strength. Strength that could surpass his current self.

He realized he could no longer fight with two swords. That's why he broke them. Because he could no longer be his fake self.

He had to put an end to this matter definitively. And if Jeongcheon Alliance Leader Na Baekcheon, even under duress, had truly assassinated his father…

"No matter how much of a leader he is of the Jeongcheon Alliance, or the father of a friend's lover, I will never forgive him."

A voice responded to Hyoryong's muttered words.

"Is that so?"

Hyoryong flinched and slowly turned around. Not far away stood an old man, reminiscent of a silent, colossal Mount Tai. He was usually called the Revolving Old Man, Gal Jungheok, the God of War.

"Grandfather…"

Hyoryong tried to say something, but his throat felt choked, and he couldn't continue.

The Revolving Old Man looked up with deep, profound eyes and gazed into his grandson's eyes. His grandson's eyes were burning more fiercely than ever with hatred and rage.

"Were you sad?"

Seeing the eyes burning with rage, the Revolving Old Man asked in a quiet voice.

"Yes."

Then the old man said,

"I am sad too."

It was a remarkably calm voice. But every word pressed down on Hyoryong's heart. The old man added,

"But I have no tears left to shed."

Though he appeared calm, a deep melancholy lay beneath the surface.

"This old man can no longer cry, even if he wanted to."

He had suffered too many sacrifices. He had seen too many deaths. Just when he thought he had nothing more to lose, he lost his beloved grandson, the grandson he had mentally chosen as his successor. And now he had lost his son, the eldest son who carried on the family line.

But was he like an old, dried-out tree? No tears came from the old man's eyes. Even if he wanted to cry, no tears would come. For the God of War never shed tears carelessly.

However, it didn't mean he wasn't angry. Though his tears had dried up, his rage remained. The rage of a giant was silent, but heavier than anything else.

"Take this."

Swish.

The Revolving Old Man held out something wrapped in cloth to Hyoryong. Hyoryong respectfully accepted it.

Instantly, an immense weight pulled downward, and Hyoryong almost lost his balance.

"Wh-what is this, Grandfather?"

Hyoryong's 반문 (question) was filled with bewilderment.

"Unwrap it."

Hyoryong carefully unwrapped it and checked inside.

"…!"

Hyoryong's eyes widened.

"Th-this is…"

His heart clenched.

Inside were two swords. One sword was engraved with 'Cheon' (天), and the other with 'Jung' (重).

"Take them. The name of these swords is Ssangbungdo Jungcheon (雙崩刀 重天). They will be your arms from now on."

"…!"

Hearing the name Ssangbungdo Jungcheon, Hyoryong was startled.

"If you say 'Jungcheon'…"

It was a sword with the same pronunciation as his father, Gal Jungcheon's name. But before that… Hyoryong knew that this pair of swords had a different origin.

The Revolving Old Man nodded.

"Yes, these were the twin swords this old man used in his youth."

Hyoryong spoke with a startled voice. His voice trembled so much he could barely speak.

"I, I couldn't possibly accept such a thing…"

How could he, as a grandson, presumptuously accept the twin swords of the God of War? As Hyoryong was about to refuse, thinking he couldn't accept them, the Revolving Old Man stopped him. Then he asked,

"Why did you break your twin swords?"

"Because I can no longer fight with just twin swords."

Hyoryong's answer was without hesitation. The old man nodded at his reply.

"Didn't you break them because you knew? The Eulgijin Musanggeom (을진무쌍검) were a simplified style created for daughters who couldn't handle heavy swords. They don't possess the true power of the Twelve Swords."

Because of this, it was a sword technique almost unknown to the world. With just that sword technique, Hyoryong had held on for years, but now he could no longer get by with just that technique.

"I originally intended to pass them down to your brother. But as you know, your brother is no longer in this world. You have no choice but to inherit them."

Then, the giant's words fell.

"Ryong-ah, attain the Cheonoeildo!"

—Cheonoeildo (天外一刀)!

Hyoryong's body trembled at the meaning and weight of those words.

The unparalleled sword technique called Gwaengcheon Sibi Do (굉천십이도), the thirteenth stance beyond the twelve stances. It was a stance that was not a stance. It was also a symbol of a certain level of mastery.

"From now on, the battles will be completely different from anything before. If you don't attain the Cheonoeildo, you might die."

The Revolving Old Man knew his son's abilities better than anyone. If he hadn't had talent, he wouldn't have passed on the heavy responsibility of the Black Heaven Alliance Leader simply because he was his son. He had thought he had the ability and the capacity, and only then did he pass the position to his eldest son, Gal Jungcheon. That's why he could roam the martial world with peace of mind. He was grateful to his son for relieving him of a burden on his shoulders.

But even that son was murdered.

He knew who the invisible hand was. Even if he didn't know how much Na Baekcheon was manipulated by that hand.

'I was complacent!'

Only then did the old man realize that the Cheongonnyeong (천겁령) had been crouching in the darkness, growing far stronger than imagined. But it was a realization too late. He had underestimated their potential simply because they were not visible.

"I don't have time to hold onto you and teach you for long."

This implied that it would be a short but arduous training.

"I am prepared."

Receiving tutelage directly from a legend could not be compared to ordinary teaching. A day with his grandfather was equivalent to ten years with others.

"Your brother was a genius. But it's time for you to step out from his shadow. I never see you as inferior to your brother. Show me how far you've come, and how far you can ascend."

"Grandfather…"

With teary eyes, Hyoryong looked at his grandfather, desperately holding back tears that threatened to fall.

"I have lost so many people since the last war. Comrades, and women, and the only friend I ever acknowledged. Now, this old man has no more tears to shed. I haven't cried even after losing my son."

His tear ducts had already dried up.

"So… weep in my stead."

At those words, the dam that had held back broke. Hyoryong lowered his head and wailed.

"Yes, there's no need to hold back. There are those who cannot cry even if they want to. Pour it all out. But do not forget. Today's sorrow, today's rage. They will be the fire and hammer that temper you."

Hyoryong's pent-up tears poured down. The old man embraced his grandson with one arm. In his grandfather's embrace, which he felt for almost the first time, Hyoryong wailed and wailed.

"Do not forgive, ever. You will become strong. You will become so."

His grandfather, who had felt so distant, felt incredibly close today. They had lost their kin together.

But… Hyoryong was only confused.

Towards whom should he point his sword now? To whom should he first assign blame?

Hyeokjung patted his grandson's shoulder once, then quietly turned and left.

The face of the departing Revolving Old Man was hardened. It felt like looking at a colossal rock, infinitely cold. Someone hidden in the distance watched him; it was Yecheong.

What emotions were swirling in that giant's heart?

Yecheong couldn't even begin to guess.

"Grandfather…"

But the words only echoed within Yecheong's mouth, and she couldn't bring herself to approach the Revolving Old Man. She had no idea what to say.

And she was afraid.

Even though Yecheong, a formidable woman of her time who feared nothing in the world, couldn't stand up to the Jeongcheon Alliance Leader, she couldn't approach Hyeokjung, who was enveloped in a heavy silence.

Frankly, she was scared and afraid.

If Hyeokjung had cried out in grief or sobbed uncontrollably out of sorrow, she wouldn't have been this afraid.

But the silent Hyeokjung now was so terrifying that her heart trembled just being near him.

The giant's rage was extremely quiet, but infinitely heavy.

It felt suffocating just to be nearby.

She felt like she was suffocating under the weight of that silent rage.

But she was not in a position to offer words of comfort. It was doubtful if he would even listen. For now, all she could do was remain silent and wait for further news, but she couldn't stand it.

'I have to take some action.'

Given her position, she couldn't possibly ask the Revolving Old Man for help. If there was even a non-zero possibility that her husband had killed his son, it was fortunate that he wasn't going to kill Na Baekcheon in a fit of rage.

Self-restraint was the greatest help. She couldn't ask for more.

'It seems that's the only way…'

Even if the possibility was one in a hundred, or even one in a thousand, she had to take that chance now.

'I won't let him die like this! Never!'

She finally made a decision.

To move first.

She couldn't just wait for news like this.

Waiting for Na Baekcheon to break through the encirclement and escape his pursuers to return to her side was not an option.

She was currently the closest to the Black Heaven Alliance. Therefore, she had to do something.

'But through whom?'

If she could, she would have rushed out to save her husband herself. But she couldn't leave the Jeongcheon Alliance unattended.

If her husband was absent, she had to maintain stability for now.

She needed to properly curb the Vice Leader's rash decisions. As long as Na Baekcheon was alive, she was not a mere figurehead.

As the saying goes, you can know the depths of the ocean, but not the hearts of men.

If there were any ominous movements, any signs of an illegal takeover of the leadership, she had to step in. She had to fill the void he left behind. So that when her husband returned, everything would be as it was. So that he could be at ease upon his return, just as he was when he left. That was the duty of a mistress.

Therefore, someone else had to be sent to the Black Heaven Alliance. She needed people who could leave immediately. And among them, she needed someone with a certain potential.

'Whom should I send?'

At that moment, a young man's face flashed in her mind.

"Perhaps if it's him…"

A young man who seemed frivolous but whose depths were impossible to fathom. Hadn't he rescued Na Yerinn, a rescue thought impossible? Just as he had boasted, he protected what he held dear.

With his own hands.

In her eyes, it was an almost miraculous feat.

She, the intelligent Yecheong, had never imagined that he would rescue their daughter Na Yerinn in such a short time.

'This is exactly the person I need right now.'

Someone who would surpass her predictions and imagination. She prayed that the young man she was going to meet now would be that person.

Sincerely.

Rustle, rustle.

Bilyeon was drawing various spiral patterns on the floor. Spirals starting from four directions, forming swirling circles and converging at one center.

Then he started writing and erasing something beneath it. After erasing everything, he again drew three dots from above and wrote Cheon (天), In (人), and Ji (地) in order.

The order was different from Cheon (天), Ji (地), In (人).

After contemplating for a long time, he wrote Dae (大) above the upper Cheon (天) and So (小) on the Ji (地) side.

Then he drew a circle connecting Cheon (天) and Dae (大), and another circle connecting Ji (地) and So (小). He then connected the center of the upper circle and the center of the lower circle with a straight line. Occasionally, he would smile or chuckle. It was as if he were playing a funny prank.

"Why are you smiling right now?"

A question suddenly came from behind. Judging by the voice, it was a woman. It was Yecheong.

"Because it's fun."

Without turning his head, Bilyeon replied, whistling a happy tune. It was a natural answer, of course.

"What was so funny?"

From her perspective, what Bilyeon was doing didn't seem very funny.

"I was contemplating the profound principles. Well, it's just for fun."

Bilyeon said nonchalantly, still not taking his eyes off the drawing on the ground.

"What were you contemplating?"

"About how to make the world turn."

"Make what turn?"

Yecheong thought she had misheard. But it seemed not.

"The world."

The repeated answer confirmed her hearing was normal.

"I got a little something last time."

Bilyeon said with a smirk.

"Is that fun?"

"Of course. This is so much fun. It's like solving a riddle. The only difference is that the opponent who posed the problem is nature."

"…So, did you find the answer?"

"A little bit."

"That's a very uncertain answer. So, what do you need to do? To make the world turn."

Yecheong's question lacked enthusiasm. It was because she had little interest in it. If she had no questions herself, any answer would be met with indifference.

"It's simple. I have to become the center of the world."

It didn't sound simple at all.

"So, what business do you have?"

"I have a problem I'd like you to solve."

"Oh, then you've come to the right place. Solving problems is my hobby and specialty. But what is the problem?"

Bilyeon's question was more of a confirmation than asking something he didn't know.

"It's what you're guessing. I want to borrow your strength for the rescue of the martial alliance leader. Please save my husband."

Yecheong's voice, usually proud and dignified, was filled with desperation. Even for someone as strong-willed as her, maintaining composure in such a situation was extremely difficult.

"I'll do it."

Without any hesitation, Bilyeon answered immediately.

"Hmm, it would be best to leave right now, but this is a rather difficult problem, so I'll need to make some preparations. Oh, please assign me a guide. I'm not bad at directions, but I'm not familiar with the local geography."

"…And?"

Yecheong asked, nodding. Bilyeon shrugged and countered.

"And what?"

"Is that all? Is there nothing else you want?"

"Of course not. I want many things."

Again, an immediate answer.

"…Tell me."

"What?"

"You're asking even though you know. Your desires, like a bonus when you solve the problem. He is the Jeongcheon Alliance Leader and my husband. Surely you won't ask for such a favor without any demands?"

Then Bilyeon laughed.

"You can't demand a price for something invaluable. Weren't you asking knowing that?"

This time, Bilyeon countered. Aren't you the one pretending not to know what you know?

"……."

Was it caught off guard, or was it hitting the nail on the head? Yecheong said nothing.

"It's about saving Yerinn's father, of all people. I can't demand a price for that, can I? Then if I demand it and it's refused… do I have to refuse this job?"

That, in itself, was nonsensical.

"I don't move for free. But the fact that he is Yerinn's father is a sufficient reason that more than covers the cost. Is that answer enough?"

Yecheong, who had expected Bilyeon to demand something using this matter as leverage, had to admit that her assumption was wrong.

"The answer is sufficient. I'm sorry."

Yecheong apologized. It was an apology for having judged him carelessly. She admitted that she had misjudged him, that she had judged him too lightly, or rather, frankly, underestimated him.

"It's okay. And sometimes, the value is in solving the difficult problem itself."

"I will be praying that you can solve this difficult problem."

"Then I'll be going to prepare now."

He was heading into a death trap, yet he acted as if he were going out for a stroll. Yecheong began to wonder if he was bold or ignorant.

"Wait a moment."

Yecheong stopped Bilyeon, who was walking away.

"……?"

Bilyeon turned around. Yecheong's face showed no particular expression. In this aspect, mother and daughter were quite alike. Though Bilyeon personally felt his mother's side had more expressive features, it was because he resembled Na Yerinn so much that he couldn't dislike Yecheong more.

"If you successfully rescue Yerinn's father this time, I will consider officially approving your relationship."

Originally, this was a task that the Jeongcheon Alliance should have undertaken. In fact, strictly speaking, Bilyeon and the Cheonmu Hakwon (천무학관) delegation had no obligation to do so. This was, after all, an 'adult's' matter. Especially if they had only recently returned from the brink of life and death.

So he couldn't ask casually. Such brazenness was against Yecheong's principles. So she said,

― If you rescue him, I will legitimize your relationship.

Of course, Na Baekcheon would leap in protest, forgetting even the fact that he was rescued. But that didn't matter.

One had to be alive to protest.

"Ah, that's an unexpected bonus! Then I'll have to try even harder. Although I'll do my best anyway. I can't make Yerinn sad, can I? Right?"

His feelings for Na Yerinn were, in a way, his greatest weakness. He couldn't help but be weak in front of that weakness. But Bilyeon thought having such a weakness wasn't bad; rather, it made him more complete.

His view was that trembling over such precious things as weaknesses was something only cowards did.

"Well then, I'll need to gather people. I wonder how many will follow."

This selection would be different from before, so even he couldn't estimate the number of people for the rescue party. He had decided to entrust this matter entirely to individual will.

"Ah, you cannot take Yerinn with you. Keep that in mind."

Yecheong stated firmly.

"I would like to say that, but isn't that something Yerinn herself should decide?"

In fact, after suffering unspeakable hardship due to this kidnapping incident, Yerinn might need some rest. But if Na Yerinn herself decided to go, he had no intention of forcibly breaking her will due to his worries or considerations. In that case, he believed his role was not to lock Yerinn in a safe place, but to stay by her side, protect her, and help her achieve her goals.

"No, this is a decision I must make as a parent and as the mistress of the Martial Alliance. This matter is too dangerous, and if he knew that child was involved, it would affect 'him' and potentially ruin the mission."

'He' was, of course, Na Baekcheon, the father who doted on his daughter. As soon as Bilyeon heard that, he nodded.

"That's true. Then, I'll do as you say."

Na Baekcheon, who normally wouldn't hesitate to go through fire and water for his daughter, would act unpredictably if he knew in this critical situation that his daughter was coming to rescue him, especially if the rescue party was in danger. No one knew what would happen.

"When can you depart?"

Yecheong's question carried a sense of urgency.

"Tomorrow. I have things to do today."

"Tomorrow is not 'today', but I will believe it's for appropriate preparations."

The word 'today' could only be used for 'today'.

"Of course. First, I need to decide who will go with me. For that, I need to organize things a bit."