Episode 6: The Human Sword, Taken Away.
Jang In-geom, who had said he would take one step closer, indeed became more proactive, and the members were glad for it.
They did not light another bonfire as they had that night a few days prior, yet the warmth of those small flames seemed to linger still.
Jin So-hyeon was still searching for her own cloud. If anything had changed over the past few days, it was that she had cast aside her impatience—a change that might seem very small, or perhaps the exact opposite.
Namgung In-hye had even stopped her mental visualization training. She simply watched the training of her beloved sisters and juniors with a joyful heart. She was reveling in the fact that being defined as the daughter of the Great Namgung Family head’s cousin, the foremost of the Five Great Families, was not her whole self, yet no one thought her lazy.
Jang In-geom felt apologetic toward Ju Cheong-cheong. On the night the bonfire was lit, while speaking of his own wish, he had unintentionally ended up revealing her embarrassing secret.
As far as his comrades knew, Ju Cheong-cheong had been born with a golden spoon in her mouth, living a blessed life of luxury. Her father was the master of the Hangzhou Geumran Merchant Group, a wealthy magnate who had earned vast fortunes through his business acumen. Thanks to her father, who had spared no expense to acquire secret manuals and buy elixirs, she had built up the highest internal energy among all the reserve members.
However, the story Ju Cheong-cheong revealed herself after Jang In-geom’s mention was somewhat different.
Ashamed of a merchant’s life where he had nothing but money, her father had wished to raise his daughter into a famous heroine. Half-baked experts who smelled money had then stepped forward offering to become her master. Seeking short-term achievements to earn rewards, they supplied expensive elixirs haphazardly without considering her constitution or level, and eventually, the miscellaneous energies she could not absorb deteriorated to the point of ruining her body. Fortunately, before joining the Martial Arts Alliance, an elder of the Taeguk Gate who had been difficult to entreat took pity on her and transmitted a suitable internal energy cultivation method, taking measures to slowly drive out the chaotic energies while she slept. This was Ju Cheong-cheong’s hidden shame, a confession about the fatherly love that had been all money and no wisdom.
Though Ju Cheong-cheong’s heart was lightened simply by revealing the secret she had been ashamed of, what Jang In-geom intended to do for her was not merely that. He needed to resolve her turbid, chaotic energies, but unfortunately, it had to be postponed for a few days. The date of Wang Su-ryeon’s martial arts duel was approaching.
Jang In-geom transmitted the 108-character Heart Formula to Wang Su-ryeon.
Until now, Wang Su-ryeon had trained in sensory swordsmanship relying on the five senses, but now she needed to open the sixth sense. The Heart Formula was simple, but Wang Su-ryeon possessed innate talent, so it should be able to stimulate her upper dantian. In fact, Jang In-geom had already opened his upper dantian and obtained the Sixth Sense, but he did not have innate talent like Wang Su-ryeon. It was a gift he had received while communing with nature under his Great Master’s teachings. Thus, the path Jang In-geom had already walked and the path Wang Su-ryeon would walk could not be the same. However, Jang In-geom’s experience would serve as a good reference, and the 108-character Heart Formula would act as the proper catalyst.
The night deepened.
The journey to find freedom, to find oneself, to find the senses, and to find purity continued. Because their destinations were different, the paths they walked were also different, but the hearts of those walking the path were the same.
And this, too, was training for Jang In-geom.
+++
In the afternoon, after lunch had finished and cleanup was complete.
About an hour of leisure had arrived. While boiling and savoring warm tea, Jang In-geom sensed someone approaching the dining hall.
‘One is Deputy Commander Wang… but who are the two martial artists?’
While Jang In-geom was feeling puzzled, the dining hall door opened, and leading with Deputy Commander Wang Il, two sturdy martial artists dressed in black martial uniforms with epaulets on their shoulders entered.
Wang Il wore quite a serious expression, and the black-clad martial artists wore expressions even more fearsome, but Jang In-geom greeted them calmly as usual.
“Deputy Commander Wang, how are you?”
“Hem-hem, actually, not very well. These people are law enforcement officers brought from the Guardian Hall… there should be no need to exchange greetings, I suppose.”
“Law enforcement officers, I see. Jang In-geom pays his respects.”
Seeing Jang In-geom insist on greeting politely despite being told there was no need, Wang Il made a displeased expression. He had felt a greater sense of betrayal because this was a young man he had liked, and seeing a likable action again made him feel ill at ease.
“This is not something to discuss here. You must come with me to the Inner Command Office right now.”
“Deputy Commander Wang. Would it not be better to escort him directly to the Guardian Hall?”
“The rights and wrongs have not yet been determined; it is merely suspicion, so it does not seem to be a matter for the Guardian Hall immediately. We will conduct a preliminary investigation at the Inner Command Office, and when the truth is revealed, you may take him into custody then.”
Listening to the conversation between the black-clad martial artist and Wang Il, Jang In-geom understood that he was being taken away for having done something wrong. He wondered what wrong he had committed, but he would find out when he got there.
“Deputy Commander Wang. I appear to be taken into custody… If this will take time, there will be a problem with the Phoenix Squad reserve members’ dinner. I would appreciate it if you could send a temporary cook or make an announcement so they can use another dining hall.”
While Alliance members with no wrongdoing would inevitably be intimidated upon seeing law enforcement officers, Wang Il let out a deep sigh seeing Jang In-geom worrying about the members’ meals even while being taken away. Wondering whether he was unaware of his wrongdoing or simply possessed a carefree personality, Wang Il urged him on.
“I will take measures so that the members’ meals are not a problem, so you worry about yourself. There is no time, so if you have important personal belongings, quickly pack them and come out. Ah! Bring that recommendation letter you brought as well.”
Jang In-geom went to the dining hall quarters and came out with a small bundle and the recommendation letter. From being told to bring the recommendation letter, he could roughly guess what the problem was.
When Jang In-geom returned with his belongings, one law enforcement officer untied the rope at his waist to bind Jang In-geom, but Wang Il stepped in to stop him.
“He does not seem to be a dangerous person, so there should be no need to bind and drag him. As I mentioned, the truth has not yet been determined. Besides, with you two tigers here, where would he dare think of escaping?”
“Hmm, since Deputy Commander Wang says so, let us do it that way.”
+++
Having been silently brought to the Inner Command Office under the supervision of the law enforcement officers, Jang In-geom sat facing Wang Il in a small room without windows.
Wang Il, who had been looking at Jang In-geom with cold eyes for a while, finally opened his mouth.
“From the first day, I looked upon you favorably, but I never imagined you would stab me in the back like this. What in the world were you thinking, pulling such a stunt? Of all places, to dare try to deceive the Martial Arts Alliance…”
“Deputy Commander Wang. I cannot understand what you are saying. If you tell me the circumstances, I will reveal everything without hiding anything.”
“Hoho, to think you would make excuses even after being dragged here? A written accusation arrived at the Inner Command Office today. It says that Jang In-geom of the Phoenix Squad reserve dining hall is not a cook sent from the Cheongsong Inn. A confirmation letter from the Cheongsong Inn proprietor was attached as well. Now, what do you have to say? You must answer carefully. If you are judged to be a spy sent by the Demonic forces, your head may fly off.”
“I… did not come from the Cheongsong Inn. However, it is true that the place where I was born and raised is called Cheongsong. When we first met, you asked if I came from Cheongsong, so…”
“Hmph, you expect me to believe that such a coincidence occurred? Because of you, I too am going to be reprimanded. I took out a loan from the Cheonhajeomjang to prepare a new house; if my salary is cut or I am demoted to a branch office… Hah, never mind. That is a problem I must take responsibility for.”
It was natural for Wang Il to worry. He had indeed made a mistake that normally could not happen. At least he did not have to worry about being expelled from the Alliance, because in Wang Il’s eyes, Jang In-geom did not seem like a spy sent by the Demonic Sect or the Demonic Cult.
“Enough. Give me that recommendation letter you brought. You must prove that you are not a spy sent by enemies to avoid the greater punishment.”
Wang Il opened the recommendation letter that Jang In-geom respectfully handed over and read the contents silently. It was written by someone he did not know, but from the content, it seemed true that the person had a close relationship with the Alliance Leader. If it was not a fake, that is.
“I will go out for a moment to verify the authenticity of this recommendation letter, so wait in this room without moving. As you saw when coming in, security officers are guarding outside the door, so do not even think about escaping.”
+++
In a serene pavilion in a garden belonging to the Alliance Leader Hall, deep within the Martial Arts Alliance, the current Martial Arts Alliance Leader, Harmonizing Sword Jin Chu-il, and Kongtong Sect Elder Gwang Han-ja were engaged in conversation.
“Hahaha, I am truly grateful that the Kongtong Sect is lending such strength to the Alliance. To think you would send Elder Gwang Han-ja, said to be the power behind the power of the Kongtong Sect, to the Alliance—I must send a letter of gratitude to your Sect Leader at once.”
“Hahaha, the power behind the power? That is difficult to bear. But it is true that our Sect Leader thinks especially highly of the Martial Arts Alliance. Who could deny that the peace of the current martial world is thanks to the Martial Arts Alliance and the Alliance Leader?”
“Those words are what is difficult to bear. What have I done? Everything is thanks to the efforts of my predecessors, the Nine Sects and One Alliance, and the support of the Five Great Families. In Gansu alone, the Kongtong Sect is firmly guarding it, so the Demonic forces cannot even set foot there, can they?”
“Hahaha, there is certainly some truth to that. We will manage Gansu so that the Martial Arts Alliance has nothing to worry about. By the way, now that Gansu has come up…”
“Is there something in particular you wish to say? Please speak comfortably. How could I not hear out Elder Gwang Han-ja?”
“Actually, there is a disciple named Kwak Ja-gi who came to the Alliance with me this time… He is quite intelligent and of outstanding character, a disciple I am fond of. He is the second son of the Kwak Family Head, which can be called a renowned family in Gansu.”
“The Kwak Family Head… I believe I have heard of him. He has been rising rapidly of late, and his financial power is especially formidable, I hear.”
“That is correct. The disciple has been assigned to the Divine Dragon Squad this time… and that is a place where all the promising late-generation talents who are arrogant and haughty gather, is it not? I worry that the disciple might be discouraged… If you could call him and offer some encouragement when you have time, he would be moved and his courage would multiply a hundredfold, and his loyalty to the Alliance would surely increase…”
Just as Alliance Leader Jin Chu-il was smiling and about to reply, someone approached the pavilion hurriedly across the garden. The one who ascended to the pavilion with quick steps was a man in his early forties, with an impression that was difficult to read—seemingly clear and pure, yet with a cold expression.
“Alliance Leader, and Elder Gwang Han-ja. I apologize for interrupting your conversation. There is something I must urgently report to the Alliance Leader.”
“Oh-ho, Military Advisor Jegal. Has the Demonic Cult invaded or something? I was having an important conversation with a representative of the Kongtong Sect.”
When the Alliance Leader pretended to be angry, Gwang Han-ja knew he should step aside. If Jegal In-seon, the Chief Military Advisor of the Alliance and head of the Inner Command Office, had come here in such a hurry, there must be something important. Though curious about the contents, Gwang Han-ja was also a seasoned politician, so he rose from his seat without hesitation.
“Alliance Leader. I will be at the Alliance for some time, so I have time to spare. It seems there is an urgent matter, so please speak with Military Advisor Jegal. I shall take my leave now.”
“Oh, I apologize for this… Then let us meet again soon. I shall give Military Advisor Jegal another stern scolding.”
After perfunctory courtesies were exchanged, the Alliance Leader silently watched Gwang Han-ja disappear from the pavilion, and only when he was completely out of sight did he finally open his mouth.
“As expected, I have no one but you. How grateful I am that you appeared and saved me… If you had not come, that old fox Gwang Han-ja would have sat here for several more hours. Now he is even trying to sell my name to his young disciple…”
“Alliance Leader, I too have much I wish to say regarding the Kongtong Sect and Gwang Han-ja, but there is no time, so I will report the urgent matter first.”
Though he was originally somewhat of an unsentimental man, the Alliance Leader became quite curious when Military Advisor Jegal, who would normally listen to his grumbling, cut him off. What on earth was this urgent matter?
“There is a Deputy Commander Wang Il in charge of personnel at the Inner Command Office. Normally, Deputy Commander Wang should report to the Yeongmok Pavilion Master according to the organizational chain of command, but fortunately the pavilion master is absent, so he came directly to report to me just now…”
As he listened to Military Advisor Jegal’s long explanation, the Alliance Leader’s expression changed from bored to amused, and then suddenly to serious when certain names were mentioned.
“So it was worth you rushing here to chase Gwang Han-ja away. Where is that recommendation letter?”
As Military Advisor Jegal took the recommendation letter from his sleeve, the Alliance Leader could not wait for him to hand it over and snatched it with lightning-quick hand movements.
The Alliance Leader’s expression was peculiar as he read down character by character with brilliant, spirited eyes. Various expressions appeared and disappeared from his face moment by moment—seeming glad, seeming angry, seeming longing, seeming annoyed.
“So… in your opinion, does this recommendation letter seem genuine?”
“How could I dare judge? Is that not why I brought it to the Alliance Leader?”
“Who knows of this content?”
“As I mentioned, fortunately the Yeongmok Pavilion Master is absent… so it is only myself and Deputy Commander Wang Il.”
“Is Deputy Commander Wang reliable?”
“Yes.”
The Alliance Leader, gazing absently at the scenery outside the pavilion while deep in thought, finally opened his mouth.
“The recommendation letter is genuine. The handwriting is as well… Our shared memories are imbued within it, so another could not imitate it. And who would dare think of forging a letter from the Mad Sword?”
“Understood. Then what shall we do with Jang In-geom… the one who brought the recommendation letter?”
“You too are confused about what to call him, are you not? I am the same. That is why this friend, the Mad Sword, is a mischievous fellow. If he wants to raise a disciple, he should raise him alone, but to make him a joint successor with the White Immortal… is that not an outrage that turns the martial world’s hierarchy upside down? Tsk tsk. Anyway, you said he is currently working as a cook?”
“Yes. He is working at the Phoenix Squad reserve members’ dining hall. According to Deputy Commander Wang’s report, he is skillfully performing his duties as a cook.”
The Alliance Leader’s eyes, which had been like a boisterous neighborhood grandfather, sank deeply. In an instant, an aura of profound wisdom even greater than the gaze of Military Advisor Jegal, renowned as the most intelligent in the martial world, seemed to emanate faintly from the Alliance Leader.
“In the current situation of the martial world that you and I deeply worry about, Jang In-geom has suddenly appeared in the Martial Arts Alliance. Moreover, coincidence upon coincidence has unfolded so that no one knows he has come. If so… should we not nurture one variable that others do not know about?”
“You believe Jang In-geom… can become a variable?”
“I do not know. Since even I do not know, that is precisely what can be called a variable. Unless he requests otherwise, leave him as he is to continue his work as a cook. You go meet him quietly.”
“Understood. But… should the Alliance Leader not meet him as well?”
“I want to run there right now and talk with him for three days and nights… but for now, I must endure.”