<Chapter 19> Fate Before Mount Song
* * *
On the road leaving Heochang.
The number of passengers had increased to four, but Baek Su-Gyeong remained lost in thought, staring out the window with a troubled expression.
He could have been killed if his attacker had been serious.
The same applied to Gang-Yu-Pyeong.
What kind of impact did his existence have on Murim? The thought weighed heavily on him.
The atmosphere inside the carriage was heavy with unspoken tension.
They were heading towards Mount Song, the home of the Shaolin Temple.
“Master.”
Baek Su-Gyeong turned to Namgung So-Min, who had addressed him.
“Weren’t you planning to return to Hubei?”
“That was my original intention, but…”
Baek Su-Gyeong smiled wryly.
“I seem to have made things awkward. You wouldn’t have spoken up if I hadn’t.”
Namgung So-Min neither confirmed nor denied his statement.
Silence meant agreement.
Baek Su-Gyeong continued, “It’s understandable for you to be curious. I was almost abducted in Heochang, yet I’m heading towards the Shaolin Temple instead of returning to Hubei and hiding.”
“Well…”
“Elder Fa-Sang asked me to visit Mount Song on my way back. I wasn’t planning to, but…”
After mentioning the Shaolin Temple in front of Jang Hyo-Un, everyone now assumed that his next novel would be set there.
He could have been frustrated by the fact that a single careless remark had determined the setting of his next work, but…
He had decided to take it in stride.
“Actually, I’ve already decided on the setting for my next novel.”
“Then… it’s the Shaolin Temple?”
“You’re very perceptive, Lady Namgung.”
“Please, call me So-Min.”
Namgung So-Min smiled shyly, covering her mouth with her hand.
It was an expression that Jong-Hwa, her maid, and Jin-Myeong, her bodyguard, had never seen before.
Their usually icy mistress was now a blushing maiden, clearly smitten. However, Jin-Myeong wasn’t foolish enough to comment on the behavior of a direct descendant of the Namgung Family.
Jong-Hwa felt the same way.
‘My lady… is actually blushing?’
‘The Young Master would faint if he saw this.’
Namgung So-Min, oblivious to their thoughts, continued to smile.
She had successfully fended off all other candidates and secured the position of Baek Su-Gyeong’s bodyguard.
Baek Su-Gyeong, surprised by her sudden change in demeanor, asked, “Are you sure it’s alright?”
“You’re older than me, Master Su-Gyeong. Please, treat me casually.”
“Hmm, I’m not sure I like being called old.”
Baek Su-Gyeong cleared his throat and continued, “Well, in any case, Elder Fa-Sang asked me to visit Mount Song, and I’ve never been there before, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to do some research. And with you and Jin-Myeong by my side…”
“…Ah.”
“I trust Jin-Myeong’s skills as well. With both of you protecting me, I’m sure I’ll be safe.”
Baek Su-Gyeong’s smile faded.
“Of course, I don’t intend to burden you. I’ve recently realized that my life is more valuable than I thought.”
“Don’t worry, Master.”
Namgung So-Min puffed out her chest, her confidence evident.
Her ebony hair, cascading down her shoulders, framed her beautiful face, her golden eyes sparkling with determination.
“I swear on my sword that I will protect you.”
Baek Su-Gyeong smiled faintly at her vow.
The scenery outside the window, the picturesque landscapes of Henan, whizzed past.
***
It didn’t take long to reach Dengfeng, the city at the foot of Mount Song, from Heochang.
They traveled along well-maintained roads, avoiding any encounters with bandits. Any who dared to approach were quickly dealt with by Namgung So-Min’s sword.
Thanks to her presence, Baek Su-Gyeong felt a sense of relief, knowing that he was protected from potential threats.
They stopped at a small village before reaching Dengfeng.
“So many stars.”
Baek Su-Gyeong stood apart from Namgung So-Min, Jin-Myeong, and Jong-Hwa, gazing up at the night sky.
He kept a safe distance from them, aware that he was now a high-value target.
He couldn’t deny the reality of his situation, no matter how much he wished things were different.
“The Shaolin Temple… The Shaolin Temple…”
He stared at the stars, lost in thought.
The Shaolin Temple was one of the two pillars of Murim.
The Wudang sect was often referred to as the “Northern Dipper,” while the Shaolin Temple was known as “Mount Tai.” Together, they were known as the “Two Pillars.”
They were both incredibly prestigious and influential sects.
However, the Shaolin monks he had encountered during his time at the Dragon Trading Company were different from the image he had in his mind.
‘They were like gangsters…?’
Many of them were muscular and scarred, their fierce appearances a far cry from the serene monks he had imagined. And their behavior often matched their intimidating looks.
The Shaolin monks he had met at the trading company were relatively well-behaved.
But the ones he had encountered shortly after arriving in Murim were a different story. They had trashed a tavern because they didn’t like the food, and they had destroyed a building because they weren’t served meat.
It was hard to trust an organization whose members acted like thugs, especially when they were supposed to be the leaders of the righteous factions.
“Elder Fa-Sang was at least somewhat similar to the monks I had imagined.”
Baek Su-Gyeong clasped his hands behind his back, continuing his walk.
“Speaking of which, Luoyang is past Mount Song, right?”
Luoyang was located northwest of Dengfeng, a short distance west along the main road.
And the Dragon Trading Company was in Luoyang.
Since his return to Hubei was already delayed, he wondered if he should visit the Dragon Trading Company and see Ji Wi-Sang.
“I should discuss it with Lady Namgung. And I need to inform Merchant So as well.”
So Ssang-Ah might be worried about him.
News traveled fast in Murim, but sometimes, it was surprisingly slow.
He hoped she wasn’t causing any trouble.
“Master Su-Gyeong!”
Baek Su-Gyeong turned his head and saw Jong-Hwa approaching him.
“There’s someone who wishes to see you. What should I do?”
“Someone wants to see me?”
They were in a small village, not far from Mount Song.
Who would be looking for him here?
He suppressed his surprise and responded, “I’ll be there shortly.”
“Yes! I’ll let them know!”
Baek Su-Gyeong smiled faintly as he watched Jong-Hwa skip away.
Someone wanted to see him.
Who could it be?
He was curious, but also apprehensive.
He continued his walk.
***
Baek Su-Gyeong and his companions had settled in an inn near Dengfeng.
It was within the Shaolin Temple’s sphere of influence.
However, wandering martial artists occasionally passed through the area, and the villagers sometimes relied on their help when the Shaolin Temple was unavailable.
Bang So-Ran, the Heavenly Sword Maiden, who had come to see Baek Su-Gyeong after hearing of his arrival, was one such wandering martial artist.
‘Senior Bang… What is she doing here?’
Namgung So-Min observed Bang So-Ran with a hint of wariness.
She sat in a private room, waiting for Baek Su-Gyeong, her expression unreadable.
She had completely masked her emotions, making it impossible to discern her intentions.
Namgung So-Min’s duty was to protect Baek Su-Gyeong.
She couldn’t let her guard down, especially in the presence of another martial artist.
Bang So-Ran, sensing her vigilance, met her gaze.
“You don’t need to be so wary, Junior.”
“Senior Bang.”
“I’m not here to harm Master Su-Gyeong. I simply have a personal request.”
“Then you could have told me.”
Bang So-Ran smiled wryly at Namgung So-Min’s response.
“I have a disciple. I want to give her one of Master Su-Gyeong’s books.”
“You can easily purchase one in the city.”
“I’m on a mission.”
Namgung So-Min remembered that Bang So-Ran was a renowned mercenary.
It wasn’t unusual for skilled martial artists to take on jobs for a living, but Bang So-Ran was different.
She wasn’t affiliated with any particular sect. She traveled Jianghu, offering her services to those in need.
She had earned the title “Heavenly Sword Maiden” due to her elegant swordsmanship and her righteous deeds.
Bang So-Ran belonged to a side of Murim that Baek Su-Gyeong had never seen.
“You’re passing through, is that it?”
“That’s right.”
Bang So-Ran smiled, her expression sincere.
“That’s not a valid excuse, Senior. Surely someone of your caliber wouldn’t have trouble acquiring a book in the city.”
Namgung So-Min’s reaction was sharp and suspicious.
It was understandable.
She had heard about Baek Su-Gyeong’s near abduction.
Bang So-Ran was about to respond when a man’s voice interrupted her.
“Don’t be so harsh, Lady Namgung.”
“Master.”
Baek Su-Gyeong entered the room.
“Martial artists have their own reasons for doing things. Don’t you agree?”
Bang So-Ran smiled faintly at his words.
Baek Su-Gyeong sat down opposite her.
“I overheard your conversation with Lady Namgung. You said you wanted to give my book to your disciple.”
“Actually, I have a request for you, Master Su-Gyeong…”
“What is it?”
Bang So-Ran spoke.
“Could you write a book for my disciple? Just one book, for her.”
“Write a book?”
“I want a book that’s just for her, not The Wudang Sword Hero. I haven’t been a good teacher to her…”
“Hmm.”
Baek Su-Gyeong rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.
Novels were usually multi-volume works.
Why would she need a single-volume book?
“It seems there’s more to this story.”
“I’ve received a mission that will take me to the Northern Sea. I’ll be gone for a long time.”
The Northern Sea referred to the lands beyond the Great Wall.
Bang So-Ran continued, “I’ll be away for a while, so I wanted to ask you to write a book for her. That was my original intention…”
“But it seems you have something else in mind.”
“Hehe, you caught me.”
Bang So-Ran chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand.
Jin-Myeong channeled his internal energy, ready to strike at a moment’s notice, while Namgung So-Min rested her left hand on the hilt of her sword.
Baek Su-Gyeong, however, remained calm, his gaze fixed on Bang So-Ran.
“Are you familiar with Seohyeop County?”
“Are you referring to Seohyeop County in Nanyang, Henan? The one with Mount Bok-u?”
Bang So-Ran nodded.
“I’m gathering orphans there and teaching them literacy and martial arts. I’m taking on this mission to support them…”
“Your original request was for me to take care of the children and teach them?”
“Yes. But I suppose that’s too much to ask.”
Baek Su-Gyeong nodded slowly.
He had to finish The Wudang Sword Hero and then start working on his next novel, which would be set in the Shaolin Temple. He was planning to return to Hubei after his research trip to Mount Song, before So Ssang-Ah could cause any more trouble.
He had hired a courier to send an urgent letter to her on his way to Mount Song, but he couldn’t be sure if it would reach her in time.
He didn’t want a repeat of the Achasan incident.
“…Very well. You said you needed one book?”
Bang So-Ran looked at him, her eyes searching his face.
Baek Su-Gyeong smiled.
“I’ll write it for you. Right here, right now.”
Epic update