Episode 86. Crossing, waiting, and consolation2014.06.28.
Shoot!
As the wind blows deep in the mountains, the green trees sway like waves.
In a place where it seemed as if a blue wind was blowing, an old monk was sitting with his eyes closed.
The atmosphere of being detached from everything in the world and his long white beard swaying in the wind were enough to create the illusion of seeing a immortal.
Sabak.
The old master opened his eyes at the low level of popularity.
“Cheongsu, is that you?”
“Yes, Sasuk.”
The person who appeared before him was an old Taoist. He had snowy white hair and was wearing quite fancy clothes, unlike the old monks who wore plain clothes.
“Why did you, Jangmun, come all the way here to Yuunjeong? “He must be busy taking care of the new shaman.”
The old monk’s words were not very gentle. The white-haired old man, the shaman with long writings, Cheongsu Jin-in, also frowns slightly as if he does not know this.
“Are you still upset with my decision?”
The deep eyes of the old master turned towards Cheongsu Jinin. And after a while, he let out a quiet sigh.
“What does this old thing’s intentions matter? “The shaman has already been left in your hands.”
“The world is changing, Sasuk.”
Shaman Jangmun Cheongsu Jinin spoke in an earnest tone.
“If we don’t change, we won’t survive.”
“However, there are some things that should not change.”
The old Taoist monk spoke quietly.
“If the world were to follow the flow, there would be no reason for us shamans to exist in the first place.”
Qingsu Jinyin closed his eyes and shook his head. Stubborn Sasuk’s will never changes. Any further debate is just meaningless.
“Not long ago, there was a Gangnam Yongbong branch.”
Qingsu Jinyin said. However, Mr. Noh just remains silent as if he is not interested.
“The peak expert of the Blood Dragon Gate broke into the banquet hall of Tengwang Pavilion, and someone whose name was unknown to the monks defeated him without even showing his sword energy. “It is said that some people call him ‘Jinryongdaehyup’ because he saved the lives of not only the later leaders of the Sega, but also the children of many influential noble families.”
There was still no response from the old master. Originally, rumors of the mighty martial arts team had no meaning to him. Cheongsu Jinin continued.
“When defeating the peak master wearing the sword flag, he mentioned the Tao of Taiji. And it is said that he had an incredibly beautiful sword.”
Taegeuk Tao and a beautiful sword. There was a strange look in Noh Taoist’s eyes.
“Who is he?”
“He just disappeared without revealing himself. “The five generations, especially the Namgung family, are reluctant to mention this matter itself.”
“Which disciple saw him in person?”
“doesn’t exist. Because a shaman’s disciple does not attend the banquet. It was like this after the master declined the banquet because it did not suit the conduct of a Buddhist monk. Although they attend Yongbong branch meetings, the shamans do not compete or laugh together. “She just struggles alone.”
Nodosa closed his eyes for a moment. And he spoke quietly.
“Are you saying my choice was wrong?”
“Wrong? no. That is what a respectable Taoist looks like. However, as a result of pursuing the appearance of a simple and noble Taoist, the shaman was reduced to nothing more than an ornament. “The Murim Alliance has long since degenerated into a venue for competing interests among the five generations.”
Shaman Jangmun Cheongsu Jinin said.
“The rampaging force of the five generations must be checked. And the times demand that shamans take on that role.”
“There are no demands of the times. All that exists is each person’s desires and fears, like a cloudy fog. “If you cannot see the truth beyond, how can you reach the true path?”
“No one will listen to Sasuk’s sermons anymore.”
Qingsu Jinin spoke in a low voice. Seeing that ice-like appearance, Taoist Master Noh realized that his feelings had not been conveyed at all.
“Huh.”
Master Noh let out a long sigh.
“So, what are you going to do?”
“That sword is clearly the ancestral sword of the Great Master of the previous dynasty, a white egret. “It belongs to a shaman, so of course it should be returned to the shaman’s arms.”
“Even if you don’t do that, the white heron will come back. Since the sword is not even the shaman’s long letter, why are you so impatient and trying to mess things up? “If you try to force something to happen, you will end up in trouble.”
Cheongsu Jinin let out a low laugh.
“Tuesday? You don’t look like a private guest. “Now you know how to use that kind of fear.”
“clear water!”
“Do not worry. It is said that the person who holds the good sword is neither a recluse nor a known name, so it will not be easy to find him. However, one day, when he appears, the white heron will return as a shaman. And when that happens, you too will know. “Who is truly responsible for recovering the relics of the previous Great Master and protecting the name of the shaman?”
“you… … .”
“And at that time, I will also take back the fire that that child holds, even if by force. “The relics of the previous Grand Master should never be entrusted to such a young child.”
The Buljin Hongjinmanri of the previous Great Preceptor, Hwanghak Jinin, is currently held by Seorin. He, who had guarded the last of the Hwanghak Jinin, was currently meeting no one in the depths of the shaman.
“That’s all I have to say.”
Shaman Jangmun and Cheongsu Jinin quietly bowed and turned around.
Sabak, Sabak.
Although the old Taoist was staring, Qingsu Jinyin left without even looking back. And Nodosa was left alone in Yuunjeong.
Shoot!
A blue wind blew deep in the mountains. A painful wind was passing through the heart of the old monk and Hyeonheo Jinin, who let out a low sigh.
* * *
“Yuseonggeom has returned from the Gangnam Yongbong branch.”
The subordinate held up the thin letter to Tang Hwa-ryeon.
The military Tang Hualian, who was in charge of the Tang Gate, opened the letter, glanced at it briefly, and then immediately put it aside.
The results of Yoo Seong-geom’s fight were as expected, and he also told me to avoid the Tengwang Pavilion banquet hall for good reasons, so there is nothing to expect from his report.
“What is the situation in Gangnam Moorim?”
“Stories about late Sapa leaders found dead are sweeping Gangnam Moorim.”
The subordinate held up another letter prepared in advance.
“Six sects, including Geumgeommun, Gwiju Pacheonmun, Georyeomun, and Jo Jajang, and ten sects who sympathized with him, swore bloody revenge on the Namgung family.”
Sarah.
While listening to his subordinate’s report, Danghwaryeon looked at the temple. Then, suddenly, I smiled at one part and read the text quietly.
“우리 젊은 후기지수들의 피가 남창을 붉게 물들였으니, 그들의 피 또한 흘러야 마땅하리라. 강남 용봉지회의 진정한 용봉은 바로 죽어 간 우리의 후기지수들이다. 이에 우리는 스스로 혈봉련이라 칭할 것이니, 혈봉의 날개가 남창을 덮을 때까지 우리의 분노는 쉬지 않을 것이다.”
당문 총괄군사, 설검 당화련은 웃었다.
“후후훗. 제법 운치가 있는걸? 여기 혈봉이란 파천문의 그 여아를 말하는 것인가? 살아서는 이름조차 알려지지 않더니 죽어서야 혈봉이라 칭해지는군. 전대 화중지봉으로서, 이런 건 인정할 수 없겠는데?”
바스락.
서찰을 치우며 당화련이 말했다.
“당연히 혈룡문이 후견을 자처했을 테지? 이깟 사파 열여섯이 모여 봤자 남궁세가나 혁련세가를 상대할 수는 없어. 그들이 매달릴 곳은 혈룡문뿐일 테니까.”
‘이깟 사파’라는 그녀의 말은 그리 정확하지 않았다. 그들은 애초에 정사중간을 표방하던 문파들이었으니까.
그러나 그들이 남궁세가나 혁련세가를 상대할 수 없다는 판단만은 정확했다.
“네, 그렇습니다. 혈룡문은 정식으로 혈봉련과 함께할 것을 선언했습니다. 허나 혈봉련에 가입하지는 않았습니다.”
“거리를 두려는 것인가? 아니면 어차피 혈봉련 정도는 자신의 손안에 든 것이라는 자신감의 표현인가? 마음에 들어.”
“이로써 강남의 귀주, 호남, 광서는 혈봉련의 영향력 아래 들게 되었습니다.”
“글쎄? 그건 혈봉련이 남궁세가의 분노를 막아 낸 다음의 일이겠지. 아직 아무것도 결정된 것은 없어.”
남궁세가야말로 복수를 벼르고 있다. 남궁세가의 분노를 막아 내지 못한다면 혈봉련은 삽시간에 와해될 것이다.
“혈봉련에 대해서는 어떻게 대처할까요?”
“혈봉련은 자신의 주적을 명확히 했어. 남창이란 곧 남궁세가를 뜻하는 것이니까. 그렇다면 굳이 우리까지 피를 흘릴 필요는 없지. 혈봉련 또한 적이 늘어나는 것을 바라지는 않을 테니, 적당히 협상하면 장강 인근의 상권은 상당 부분 우리 쪽으로 가져올 수 있을 거야. 아, 귀주 북부 지역 또한 빼놓지 말고.”
당화련은 말했다.
“혈봉련에 대한 대처는, 그렇게 해.”
수하는 고개를 숙여 그녀의 명을 받들었다.
“그리고 아가씨에 대해 보고할 것이 있습니다.”
수하가 ‘아가씨’라고만 호칭할 대상은 한 명뿐이다. 당화련의 눈빛이 생기를 띤다.
“뭐지?”
“등왕각 연회장에 아가씨께서 계셨던 것이 확인되었습니다. 혈룡문의 무사 상당수가 부상당했으며, 이로 인해 등왕각을 봉쇄하려던 혈룡문의 시도가 좌절되었습니다. 아가씨의 신분은, 다행히도 노출되지 않았습니다.”
“그랬어?”
당화련의 반응은 담담했다. 수하는 조금 의외였지만 계속 말을 이었다.
“이 일이 밝혀지면, 향후 혈봉련이나 혈룡문과의 협상에 장애가 되지 않을까요?”
“왜?”
수하는 대답하지 못했다. 그들의 일을 방해한 셈이 되었으니 당연한 일이 아닌가?
당화련은 차가운 눈빛으로 수하를 내려다보며 말했다.
“전쟁을 하는데 천둥벼락이 떨어졌다고 해서 패전이 하늘의 책임이라 할 자가 있나? 그 어떤 상황에서도 패전의 책임은 지휘관에게 있는 거야. 하늘을 원망하고 문책하는 사람은 없어.”
담담한, 그렇기에 더욱 싸늘한 목소리로 그녀는 말했다.
“월아는, 이미 사람들의 힘으론 어찌할 수 없는 자연재해야. 피하지 못했다면 피하지 못한 자들이 잘못이지. 그것이 강호 무림에서 당월아라는 존재가 가지는 의미야.”
당백호는 사천 무림의 지배자로 군림해 왔다. 그가 사천 무림을 넘어서지 못한 것은, 그의 무력이 모자라서가 아니라 당문의 역량이 거기까지였기 때문이다.
지배는, 그저 파괴와는 분명히 다른 것이니까.
그러나 당월아의 월아 독기공은 당백호의 그것을 넘어선다. 천하의 그 무엇도 당월아를 가로 막을 수 없다.
그러니 그녀 때문에 혈룡문의 일이 틀어졌다면, 애초에 그곳에 있었던 혈룡문의 잘못이다.
당화련은 진심으로 그렇게 생각했다.
“월아는 어디 있지?”
“청원으로 돌아오셨습니다. 은검대가 오성촌에 머무는 것은 허락하셨으나, 명령 없이 결코 움직이지 말 것을 명하셨습니다.”
“하아.”
난데없는 당화련의 한숨에 수하가 흠칫 놀라 고개를 들었다. 그녀는 고개를 살짝 기울이며 나지막이 중얼거렸다.
“대체 어떻게 지내고 있을까? 정말로 보고 싶어. 그 아이가 선택한 청원이라는 마을도 궁금하고. 찾아오지 말라는 이야긴 없었으니까, 언제 시간이라도 내서 한번 만나러 가 볼까?”
수하는 잠시 침묵하다가 조심스럽게 말했다.
“허나…….”
“알아. 내 마음대로 할 수는 없다는 걸.”
그녀에게 낼 수 있는 시간 같은 건 없다.
강남 무림뿐만 아니라 사천 무림, 그리고 곧 확보하게 될 지역에 대한 일까지 그녀가 결정해야 할 것들은 그야말로 산처럼 쌓여 있으니까.
“가지.”
당화련은 몸을 돌렸다. 이미 대의사청에서 당문의 주요 인물들이 그녀를 기다리고 있을 것이다.
사박, 사박.
그녀는 걸음을 옮겼다. 화려한 그녀의 옷자락이 물결치듯 일렁이고, 수하는 고개를 숙여 정중한 예를 표했다.
그녀, 당화련이 걷는 이 길이야말로 당문의 미래, 천하제일문을 향한 것이었기 때문이다.
* * *
“와, 예쁘다.”
대나무 돗자리 위에서 글을 읽던 손빈은 고개를 들었다.
온 집안을 뛰어다니며 놀고 있던 꼬마들이 한곳에 옹기종기 모여 있었다. 그리고 그 가운데에는, 예쁘게 머리를 땋은 소소와 사수연의 미소 짓는 모습이 있었다.
“아까 따 온 꽃 있지?”
“네.”
앵앵이는 자신이 들고 있던 분홍빛 꽃들 중 하나를 사수연에게 건넸다. 사수연은 그것을 솜씨 좋게 소소의 머리에 장식해주었다.
“예뻐요!”
앵앵이는 드물게 큰 소리로 감탄했다. 반면에 소소는, 그녀로서는 보기 드물게 입을 다물고 볼을 붉히고 있었다.
남자아이들은 딱히 아무런 말도 하지 않았지만 시선은 온통 소소에게 집중되어 있었다. 특히 계구는 얼굴까지 붉히고 소소를 보고 있었다.
“앵앵이도 해 줄게.”
“네!”
앵앵이는 기쁘게 사수연 앞에 탈박 주저앉았다. 사수연은 하얀 손으로 앵앵이의 머리카락을 부드럽게 쓰다듬기 시작했다.
“언니 선생님은 어떻게 이렇게 잘해요?”
행여 흐트러질까 조심스럽게 자신의 머리를 만져 보던 소소가 사수연에게 물었다. 사수연의 호칭은 어느새 ‘언니 선생님’으로 정해져 버린 듯했다.
“언니가 어렸을 때, 엄마가 이렇게 해 주셨거든.”
Sa Su-yeon said while touching the lovebird’s head. Her smile was soft and warm.
“Was your mom pretty, too?”
“Well, she was the prettiest and nicest person in the world.”
“and! I miss you too.”
A slight shadow appeared on Sa Su-yeon’s face.
“Sorry, that’s not possible. “He’s already passed away.”
“Has he passed away?”
“huh.”
Sa Soo-yeon answered with a sad smile when So-so asked with a surprised face.
“My mom passed away too… … .”
Soso said with a sullen expression.
“Did your teacher cry a lot too?”
“well… … “I’m not sure.”
Although she said it as if she couldn’t remember, she clearly remembered that moment.
She couldn’t believe what her father said. No, she couldn’t believe it.
I don’t know if I waited for several days, believing that my mother would return soon. There were many days when she collapsed from exhaustion from crying, and there were many days when she waited without eating anything.
As each day passed, her sadness dried up.
“Sobbing.”
Suddenly, Sa Su-yeon noticed that the lovebird’s head was shaking.
She was crying with tears streaming down her face. Tears were flowing from the lovebird’s big eyes, as if on behalf of Sa Su-yeon, who could not even shed her own tears anymore.
“are you okay. “It was already a long time ago.”
“B-but… … “Ugh, huh.”
Sa Su-yeon spoke soothingly, but the lovebird could not stop crying.
Before we knew it, Soso’s eyes were filled with tears, and the other little boys also had a solemn mood. The emotional Jang-ah is already sniffling and about to burst into tears.
Come on.
Sa Su-yeon hugged the lovebird from behind. The small, warm lovebird was snuggled into Sa Su-yeon’s chest.
“thank you. I am… … .”
Sa Su-yeon could not bear to say that she was okay. If I did that, I felt like I would burst into tears at any moment.
“greatness.”
Noh, who was watching, cleared his throat and slowly turned his head. Not only the old man, but also Sinuidu and Tang Yue’er silently shifted their gaze to a distant place.
Sonbin quietly turned his attention to the book. Letters flickered in his vision, which was starting to blur, but the sound of Soso and the lovebirds sniffling did not leave his ears for a long time.
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martial arts,
