53 - Travelling Relationship (3) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

Two men returned to the procession. One was Mok Riwon, and the other was Gwak Chil. Gwak Chil avoided Mok Riwon's gaze as he headed towards where his group was sitting. “Hm? Gwak, why is your face so pale?” “Oh, it's nothing. Just a bit constipated.” “Oh, you must be suffering from constipation.” Gwak Chil tried to calm his pounding heart. He deliberately turned away from Mok Riwon's gaze which he could still feel. ‘There's someone who remembers.’ There was someone who remembered his novel. That fact was what shackled Gwak Chil. Actually, it would be more correct to say there were fewer people who didn't remember his novel, but despite that, he trembled with dismay. For him, [Adventures of the Martial World] was akin to a thorn in his side. It was a folly of his youth that had sunk his life into the abyss. Gwak Chil wanted to turn away. ‘Don't talk to me...!’ He wanted to turn away from everyone who brought up that novel and the past that came along with it. * Mok Riwon looked back at Gwak Chil's retreating figure, his eyes full of regret. Dang Hwa-Seo tilted her head at this. “Mok Soseob, what's wrong?” Mok Riwon's head whipped around. He began speaking, his face shifting uncomfortably as if he had been waiting for her to ask. “You see, Miss! While I was in the midst of training, I happened to meet that courier over there!” “Did that man steal a look at your training?” Dang Hwa-Seo's gaze sharpened. Mok Riwon, startled, shook his head vehemently, quickly continuing. "No, it wasn’t that! We happened to meet and exchanged greetings, and that courier’s name is Gwak Chil! Doesn’t it sound similar to Gwak Chilpyo, the author of Adventures of the Martial World? So, in my joy, I talked about the Adventures of the Martial World, but…!” Though Mok Riwon spoke with frustration, Dang Hwa-Seo couldn't empathize. She couldn’t understand why linking “Gwak Chil” and “Gwak Chilpyo” to Adventures of the Martial World, trying to strike up a conversation about it, and feeling heartbroken when the other party didn’t engage were feelings worthy of sympathy. Thus, her response was simple. “I see.” Dang Hwa-Seo provided unconditional support. It was a skillful way to keep the conversation flowing gently even when not particularly interested in the other party’s words. Mok Riwon's tale went on for a while, and Dang Hwa-Seo's “I see” continued as well. Though the interaction was more of a one-sided complaint than a conversation, it benefitted them both. After all, Mok Riwon had found someone to vent to, and Dang Hwa-Seo had pleasant background noise while spending her time. Of course, a third party would see it differently. ‘What kind of conversation is this?’ Even Jegal San, known as an eccentric wherever he went, found the scene beyond comprehension. After all, consider the fact that before arriving in Anhui, whenever Mok Riwon would start acting out, Dang Hwa-Seo had always curtly nipped his quirks in the bud. Yet now, she was indulging him, leaving Jegal San utterly baffled. Jegal San felt his understanding of the world crumbling. In his mind, his respect for Dang Hwa-Seo, the imperious lady, plummeted. He couldn’t bear to listen to their conversation any longer. “…How about we go over there and have a drink?” Mok Riwon’s head turned towards Jegal San. Continuing on, Jegal San added, “Aren’t you eager to talk with that courier named Gwak Chil? He seems to be drinking, so why don't we join him for a drink and have a chat?” “Ah…! That’s a brilliant idea!” “Right, while we’re at it, let’s also mention that we’ll be setting up our own tents from now on. How about it, sister?” Dang Hwa-Seo blinked and then gave her approval. “Well, do as you please.” “Aren’t you coming with us?” “What would I do there? I don’t particularly enjoy noise, so go ahead without me.” Dang Hwa-Seo waved her hands. Naturally not fond of boisterous activities, she planned to meditate in the meantime. “Understood! Then, I shall be off!” Mok Riwon happily headed towards where Gwak Chil was. * “Would it be too much of an imposition to join you?” Jegal San, with his characteristic weasel-like smile, said this while nonchalantly draping an arm over Mok Riwon’s shoulder. The couriers present were taken aback by their sudden appearance, their eyes widening, but soon they beamed and cheered them on. “Ah, by all means, join us. Just a moment! Let’s make some space here.” “Hey man! Scoot over a bit!” For the couriers, it was a welcome situation. After all, they were being joined by figures renowned as dragons among men, hoping to share drinks. This alone was worth boasting about, but there was more to it. Since it was a gathering with experts, they harbored hopes of getting advice on their training. “Thank you. I hope we’re not intruding.” “Nonsense! Not at all!” Amidst attempting humility, Jegal San lightened the mood. But amid them, there were two men with quite different expressions. One was Mok Riwon, whose eyes sparkled as he looked at Gwak Chil, and the other was Gwak Chil, burdened by that gaze. Coincidentally, Mok Riwon was seated right next to Gwak Chil. “We meet again!” “P-pleased to….” Gwak Chil responded to Mok Riwon with an awkward smile, his gaze fixated on the ground, feeling a sense of unease. However, Mok Riwon was not one to back down easily. “I regret that we couldn't talk much earlier! If it's not too much trouble, may we continue our conversation?” There was a hint of desperation in his voice. Gwak Chil, after clenching his eyes shut and releasing a sigh of desolation, eventually nodded. “Why would it be a bother to….” “Ah, what a relief! You see, I have always been particularly fond of this book, Adventures of the Martial World, but I’ve never really had anyone to discuss it with!” It was a compliment. Yet, Gwak Chil felt even more discomfort at this praise. The words that emerged were an attempt to bury those feelings a bit. “…It's nothing but lousy scribbling. It even got criticized by the martial world for incorporating useless ideologies.” “Hmm? What kind of ideologies are you talking about?” “…” Gwak Chil hesitated, the words swirling in his mouth not easy to spill out, finally began to flow with a tinge of irritation. “…The last chapter I mean. The story of the Demon Marshal. The young might not be aware, but that story nearly made Gwak Chilpyo a public enemy in the martial world.” Mok Riwon's face went blank. Seeing this, Gwak Chil laughed hollowly, thinking ‘So he really didn't know,’ and continued. “That’s right. A demon acting as a marshal, how ridiculous could it be. The martial world must have felt the same. That narrative somewhat defended the demons, making people skeptical of the author’s ideology….” “That’s not true!” Mok Riwon cried out so loudly that everyone's gaze instantly turned towards him. Yet, he continued, oblivious to their stares. “That wasn't about defending demons! It was a beautiful narrative proclaiming that the spirit of a marshal exists in everyone's heart!” Gwak Chil’s expression turned blank. Mok Riwon, even in his slightly angered state, continued. "The story of the Demon Marshal conveyed that anyone could become a marshal! I know that! Naturally! Since it’s my favorite story!” From Mok Riwon’s perspective, that was the case. He had been looking forward to discussing the masterpiece, Adventures of the Martial World, and felt unjustly wronged by the unexpected criticism of the novel. “In my youth, I was deeply moved by that story. The tale of the Demon Marshal was among the greatest, stating that regardless of the form of the sword wielded, if the intention was just, one could be called a marshal!” “Mok, calm down….” “Ah! How can I calm down right now?!” Mok Riwon stood up abruptly. He snorted with disdain and continued. “Gwak, proclaim it! Regardless of what the martial world says, the chapter on the Demon Marshal is a masterpiece among masterpieces!” Mok Riwon clenched his fist tightly. Gwak Chil felt his mind go numb at these words. Though he felt a sudden tightness in his chest, he couldn’t fully indulge in these sentiments. “…Mok, you might be distressing Gwak. It was merely stated how the world views it, pressing the matter could upset him.” “Ah…!” It was then Mok Riwon realized something he had forgotten, overwhelmed by his own passion. “My apologies. I got too excited… now that I think about it.” Mok Riwon’s face turned red with shame. Gwak Chil, taken aback, shook his head. “No, it's not that. I also share similar thoughts as you Mok!” After saying this, Gwak Chil had a moment of realization. Naturally, his gaze wandered around. This was an instinctive behavior stemming from his longstanding anxiety. And Gwak Chil was surprised. ‘…No one really cares.’ He had just made a statement unbecoming of a martial artist, yet not a single person displayed a hostile glance. All they showed was an amused smile at Mok Riwon’s abashed expression. "It seems Mok truly cherishes that story. Just like my ten-year-old boy." “Is that so….” “It's a compliment. To be so passionate about understanding the essence of a marshal. Today has been enlightening for me. I reminisced about something I hadn’t thought of as I aged. Why I wanted to become a martial artist.” “Right, me too. When I was young, the sight of White Blade visiting our village looked so cool that it inspired me to become a martial artist.” Warm smiles blossomed across the place. Everyone, immersed in nostalgia, unraveled their tales. Gwak Chil felt bewildered. ‘Why does no one….’ Why is no one criticizing the story of the Demon Marshal? Why isn’t anyone throwing stones? It was beyond Gwak Chil's comprehension. It had to be; the story had received intense criticism at the time. Accused of advocating for demons, there were even calls for the punishment of Gwak Chilpyo. Gwak Chil revisited the past twenty years. He had struggled to keep his identity as the author of that book hidden. The thought that picking up the brush again might lead to being pursued had led him to break it. Thus, he lived quietly, unable to harbor any more enthusiasm. Such were those years. Silently, tears streamed down Gwak Chil's face. Realizing that all his fears were just baseless illusions gave rise to tears mixed with relief and a sense of being overwhelmed. Of course, to Mok Riwon, who was unaware of the truth, these tears seemed to indicate that he had caused Gwak Chil to cry. “I'm so, so sorry-!” Mok Riwon exclaimed, panic-stricken as he kneeled down.