Episode 14. The first life or death decision2013.10.19.
Rattling.
Sonbin’s door opened and Sajahyuk entered. Sajahyeok turned around without saying a word when he saw Sonbin sitting with his clothes already refined and all preparations completed.
Sonbin quietly got up from his seat and took a booklet, a brush, and a small gourd used as an ink pen. And he followed Lion Hyuk outside.
When I came out of the guest house, a small carriage was waiting. As if it had been discussed in advance, Sajahyeok and Sonbin got on and the carriage immediately started moving.
Tap, tap.
Although it was the middle of the night, the lanterns hung here and there were brightly lighting up the streets of Seongdo at night. After passing through a city brightly lit with colorful lanterns, the carriage passed through Chengdu and ran through a wide field.
‘How far are we going?’
The carriage ran for a long time until it was boring and dropped the two people in front of a small temple.
It was a secluded and quiet temple with no lights visible, located in the middle of a rugged mountain range, contrasting with the bright appearance of downtown Chengdu, which was a wide plain.
Jerk, jerk.
Without saying a word, Sajahyeok began to climb the path toward the temple. As soon as the two people were put down, the carriage turned back. Sonbin followed Sajahyuk with a nervous expression.
Crispy, crunchy.
“Huh, huh.”
The trail quickly became rough. In addition, the surrounding trees and bamboo forests became more lush and dark, as if we were entering a deep mountain rather than a temple.
When Sonbin fell behind, Sajahyeok waited in front, but did not say anything. Sonbin also just walked diligently and said nothing.
How much did it take to do that? Suddenly, I felt like the surroundings were becoming brighter, and then the forest disappeared and a wide open space appeared.
Shoot!
The wind blew and cooled Sonbin’s sweat. And Sonbin was completely distracted by the scene unfolding before her eyes.
“Wow.”
Admiration flowed out without me knowing. This is because beyond the open space where the forest ended, the night view of Chengdu, a splendid city in Sichuan, was sparkling like a fantasy.
‘This place… … .’
Sonbin slowly looked around. The side facing the mountain was a forest with lush trees, but the other side was a cliff-like cliff.
The wind was blowing from the cliff, and Sichuan Province could be seen far below. Although we had driven for a long time, the night view of the huge city of Chengdu was still shining beautifully.
‘That’s amazing.’
While Sonbin was distracted by the night view of Seongdo, Sajahyeok remained quietly silent. And after a while, a low voice was heard. A voice that was neither Son Bin’s nor Sajahyuk’s.
“Are you here?”
Surprised, Sonbin quickly turned his head. On the other side of the forest path where Sonbin came from, someone was slowly emerging from among the bamboo forest.
“okay.”
Sajahyeok’s voice came from behind Sonbin. Was it Sonbin’s mistake to feel that there was a little laughter in that voice?
“I have come.”
Sajahyeok said.
“Just as I promised.”
The person to whom Sajahyeok’s shining eyes were directed was an old Taoist monk. An old monk with graying hair and a long beard was revealed under the moonlight.
The crown and attire he wore were simple, but the unusual pattern on his collar made it clear that his status was not low. A duster-like duster held in one hand indicated that he was a Taoist monk.
“I am.”
Master Lao said with an empty expression. It was a voice that seemed to be detached from everything.
“I was hoping you wouldn’t come.”
A smile appeared on Sajahyuk’s lips. It was outright ridicule.
“But I knew you would come again. “Because you are a person who always keeps his promises.”
The Taoist monk said, his white beard blowing in the wind.
“Even if it means losing your own life as a result.”
Sajahyeok did not answer. However, the sneer on his lips still did not disappear.
“Who is that child?”
Suddenly, the Taoist monk glanced at Son Bin and said.
“he is.”
Sajahyeok answered.
“He is the one who watches and records.”
The Taoist’s eyebrows slightly distorted.
“One who watches and records?”
Sajahyeok did not answer. The Taoist slowly stroked his beard.
“It seems like things have changed a bit in the meantime. Even for you, did you find Cheonhyangru a bit difficult?”
‘Cheonhyangru?’
Sonbin tilted his head. It seems like an important word, but I can’t guess its meaning. I wanted to take out a brush and a booklet right away and write, but the atmosphere was unusual, so I was cautious about moving.
Sonbin, who was watching, slowly put his hand into her arms. The Taoist master was not particularly alert, but was watching Sun Bin’s movements with interest.
As the booklet and brush came out of Sunbin’s arms, the Taoist smiled faintly.
“You really are someone who records things.”
Perhaps the Taoist monk understood Sajahyeok’s words differently. Anyway, thinking that he had obtained the other party’s understanding, Sonbin began to move his brush in earnest.
“Yes.”
Sajahyeok said.
“He is also the one watching. Unlike the person hiding behind you.”
Sajahyeok’s sharp gaze was directed towards the bamboo forest behind the Taoist temple.
“indeed.”
The Taoist smiled.
“I already knew that things like Cheonhyangru can’t do anything about you.”
“I am very glad to see that your sophistry is still intact.”
Sajahyeok said. It was a sharp accusatory tone, but the Taoist’s smile did not disappear.
“Don’t misunderstand. “He too is the one watching.”
The Taoist said in a low voice.
“Come out, child.”
With the Taoist’s words, someone carefully appeared behind him.
‘huh?’
Sonbin made a puzzled expression. The new person who appeared was a young man, or rather a young man, wearing attire similar to that of a monk.
He was neatly dressed, had a slim face, and his eyes were strong and clear, showing his intelligence. However, she was considerably younger and shorter than Sonbin, and the outline of her face looked as if she had just escaped from Haiti.
The young man, whose movements were cautious and wary of strangers, held a sword close to his chest.
“I am a disciple acquired in old age.”
There was warmth flowing in the old master’s eyes as he looked at the young man.
“He is Nobu’s friend. “Please show courtesy.”
The young man who had hesitated at the old master’s words was just about to bow his head.
“Heh.”
Sajahyuk laughed.
“Are you going to show respect to your enemy who killed your teacher?”
Wow.
At that moment, a spark flashed in the young man’s eyes.
“Uh huh.”
Whilick.
It was literally a moment when the old master held out the fire gun he was holding and stopped the young man. But in the meantime, the young man had already lowered his body.
If the Taoist master had not stopped him, he would have attacked Lion Hyeok. His intelligent-looking eyes were shining with murder, and one of his hands was already ready to pull out his sword.
It’s like looking at someone else.
“Didn’t I tell you to control your mind?”
Master Noh spoke with a stern expression as if he was reprimanding the young man.
“How can I control my mind if I lose my sense of calm with just one word?”
“Well, that’s not it. Master. Um, that person… … .”
The young man’s eyes trembled slightly. He said with nervous eyes.
“That person is dangerous.”
Even as he speaks, the young man’s eyes waver uneasily as he looks at Sa-hyuk.
“Seorin.”
The young man turned his head at the old master’s voice. Looking straight into his eyes, the old master spoke in a soft voice.
“Everything will go as it should, so there is nothing for you to worry about. Do you understand?”
The young man who was staring at the old monk blinked a few times. And at some point, the life disappeared from his eyes.
“Yes, Master.”
The young man surprisingly regained his composure. The eyes that had been shaking due to nervousness regained their intelligence, and the anxious expression disappeared.
The life that was blatantly flashy just moments ago seems like a lie.
“okay. “That’s how it should be.”
The old master smiled and nodded.
“What are you doing?”
Sajahyeok frowned and said. An unpleasant expression is evident on his face. When Sajahyeok’s eyes met, the young man was seen flinching and becoming nervous again.
“I apologize if I offended you.”
The old master said with a smile.
“But I definitely wanted to show this child your power.”
The old monk raised his hand and placed it on the young man’s head. Although he was treated like a child, the young man seemed to feel relieved.
“Hmm.”
Sajahyuk frowned and looked at the young man called Seorin. The young man maintained his composure, but his expression was still clearly wary of Sajahyeok.
After a while, Sajahyeok spoke as if throwing something.
“You dressed me in clothes that don’t suit you.”
“I’m just not used to it.”
The old monk answered.
“I won’t mind as long as I just watch.”
Sajahyeok said.
“However, nothing else is guaranteed. “Because the opponent of this dance is you.”
“It’s an honor to hear those words from you.”
Nodosa said.
“To Emperor Wu of Xuantian, who always had everything under his feet.”
“I already forgot that name. “I am Lion Hyeok.”
Sreung.
The black leader Powell appeared. Powell, the swordless sword, headed towards Nodo Temple.
“Let’s start dancing.”
“Bimura… … “That’s true of you.”
Master Lao smiled. He held out his hand towards the young man.
Okay.
The young man immediately lowered his head and handed the sword with both hands. Nodosa handed the Buljin he was holding into his hand and took the sword. The old master’s hand held the sword.
“You’re not going to say until the end that you came to take my life? So what are you going to do for revenge?”
Sonbin felt that his laughter was somehow empty.
“I don’t do things like revenge.”
Sajahyuk said with cool eyes.
“I swear, I will never be your equal.”
“Is that so?”
An old swordsman holding a sword said.
“Then I guess I have no choice but to say this.”
Sreung.
A simple sword without any decoration was revealed. The sharp blade of the sword, shining blue under the moonlight, was aimed at Sajahyeok.
“I swear, I will definitely break the knot of the past. “Right here today.”
Whoops.
A tremendous force emanated from the old master.
“Good.”
Sajahyuk spoke briefly.
“The sea I hope for.”
Wooooow.
Sajahyeok’s fierce momentum began to spread out, as if to counter the force of the old master.
∴
‘Wook.’
Sonbin flinched without realizing it. The momentum of the two people is clearly directed at the other person, but goosebumps quickly appear on their arms as they just watch.
As if we had seen some kind of great natural disaster, our instincts constantly tell us to avoid this place. I’m yelling at you to run away right now, somewhere where you can’t see this ridiculous sight.
‘What the hell is this…? … .’
Sonbin was astonished. I didn’t know it would be like this. She had thought that she had become somewhat accustomed to Lion Hyuk’s momentum. She was also impressed when she saw the dance with Wei Gajin.
But now, the dance between these two was on a completely different level.
‘How can a person have this kind of momentum…? … .’
Momentum is an invisible pressure. Most people feel intimidated and cower in front of someone with strong energy.
However, their momentum far exceeded that level. The stretching force can be felt through the skin.
Moreover, it starts to become more and more intense, and not only are the two people’s clothes fluttering as if they are standing in the wind, but even the trees around them are now shaking their branches as if they have been hit by a gust of wind.
Shoot ahhh.
‘Ugh.’
Sonbin gritted his teeth. Because I felt like I wouldn’t be able to withstand this momentum if I didn’t do that. Then, suddenly, the image of a young man across from Sonbin appeared in his field of vision.
The young man, who looked younger than Son Bin, was standing with Buljin tightly wrapped with both hands.
The young man, who was only looking at the Lao Taoist monk, seemed to have no sense of the fierce force swirling around him.
‘You look young, but you’re amazing.’
Sonbin was inwardly impressed. My first impression of her was that she seemed too soft, and she seemed careless when she suddenly showed off her rough side, but now that I look at her, isn’t she much more dignified than she is?
‘Ugh.’
I don’t want to lose to that young man who looks younger than me. Sonbin tried to straighten his back. Then she raised her head and turned her gaze towards Lion Hyuk. It was that moment.
hook.
The gust-like momentum subsided in an instant. And silence fell everywhere.
‘uh?’
Sonbin blinked his eyes in confusion. The pressure that made it difficult to even raise my head disappeared as if it were a lie. As if nothing like that had ever happened in the first place.
‘What is this… … .’
Sonbin raised his eyes and saw Sajahyuk. But Sajahyeok was not there. All Sonbin saw was a blue afterimage left behind by his great master Powell. At that moment, the first clash occurred.
∴
The Great Dao Powell, with his blue light flowing, literally burrowed into the arms of the old Taoist master in an instant. However, the old master slowly and leisurely moved his sword.
As if he was dancing a sword dance, he moved one foot and slowly raised his sword. Even though death was approaching right in front of him, the old master’s face was calm.
Huh.
I thought his sword and the long sword Powell were clashing, but before I knew it, Nodosa’s sword and the long sword were also touching Powell.
There was no force, no impact, no sound. The old master’s sword was also emitting a blue energy, which was very different from Wei Jiajin’s case where he was bursting into laughter.
We just touched each other. And Powell went astray, drawing a completely different trajectory from his original intention.
Jang!
Powell was thrown out with a sharp sound, like a mirror breaking. At the same time, the old sword that was in contact with Powell flew in the opposite direction with similar force.
“joy.”
Sajahyeok let out a low sneer and hit Daedo Powell down hard. An eerie blue light falls like a thunderbolt toward the top of the old monk’s head.
Buuuuk!
“hmm.”
A sound like tearing silk. The old master let out a light groan and looked straight at the Powell falling on the top of his head. And he turned his body gently, as if he were dancing.
Hiss.
His feet made a circle on the floor like a picture, and the dry leaves flew up, and his sword, spraying blue energy, suddenly rose from behind his back and came into contact with Powell.
Huh.
It was a simple movement with no strength, no momentum, no nothing.
It felt like something he just happened to do without any intention, but as his sword path and Powell’s trajectory became intertwined, Powell’s trajectory changed as if it was originally intended to be that way.
Jang.
The great sword Powell once again swept through the air and separated from the old master’s sword as if it were bouncing. And for a moment, the battle between the two stopped.
“It’s still the same.”
Sajahyuk spoke first.
“Are you the only one who can do it?”
The old monk answered.
“You are the only one in the world who can let my white heron lose his opponent so easily.”
A faint smile appeared on the corner of the old master’s lips. Unlike the empty smiles until now, it was a smile where I could feel human vitality for the first time.
“You really haven’t changed.”
────────────────────────────────────
martial arts,
