65 - Martial Might, Foundation (8) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

It was as if he was trying to dissolve the tense atmosphere. Sabakwoon, with a gentle smile that ill-suited his fierce appearance, initiated conversation with Namgung Jincheon. "Is the Sword King doing well? It's been quite a while since I've paid him a visit." "Yes." Namgung Jincheon replied thus before lifting his drink, indicating no intention of continuing the discussion. Just as he was about to take a sip, fury sparked in Dang Hwa-Seo's eyes. 'Make your answer longer.' Namgung Jincheon's shoulders twitched at the warning glare in her eyes. After a moment, with a grim face, he put down his cup and added, "Before coming here, I heard that you plan to tour the martial world." "Oh! Truly a Sword King! It reminds me of old times. The Sword King enjoyed martial contests even amidst chaos." Sabakwoon's smile made Dang Hwa-Seo breathe a sigh of relief. They had dodged a crisis. If they could continue to maintain a gentle atmosphere like this, all would be well. "Ah, by the way, how is Grandmaster Wonmyeong faring?" Ilwoon was next. With a smile identical to Sabakwoon's, he continued the conversation. After Ilwoon, it was finally Dang Hwa-Seo's turn after Hyewoon and Jegal San's turns ended. "The Venomous Phoenix..." Sabakwoon's demeanor became cautious. Despite being an outsider unrelated to the Dang family, he knew the situation well enough to understand the implications of asking her about her clan. Dang Hwa-Seo responded with a bitter smile. "I am honored to be able to contribute to the alliance." "Is that so? My schedule is rather packed, but know that you have my support." Sabakwoon concluded, but his tone carried a sincerity that went beyond mere politeness. It was a gesture that lightly moved Dang Hwa-Seo. Next, Sabakwoon's gaze wandered to where Mok Riwon was seated, instantly shifting his expression. A more profound friendliness adorned his face compared to his interactions with the others. "It's my first time meeting you. You must be the Black Dragon who turned Anhwi upside down? It's a pleasure to meet you." Mok Riwon's fingertips twitched. The guilt of deceiving him surged up, considering his kindness. However, he couldn't show it. Mok Riwon responded with the brightest smile he could muster. "You flatter me. It's an honor to meet the leader of the alliance." It was an uncharacteristically grave response from Mok Riwon, surprising to the other members. After all, it was curious to see him, who normally revelled in bombast, displaying a calm demeanor even in the presence of the martial world's leader. Their conversation continued, predominantly driven by Sabakwoon's curiosity towards Mok Riwon. "I hear your martial prowess is exceptional. As for your sect... Ah, my apologies. There must be a reason it hasn't been disclosed. Please understand. It's just that I find it hard to contain my excitement when people like you emerge in the martial world." Sabakwoon's approach was almost expected. Being an exceptional master from a small or unknown sect, rather than from an esteemed lineage, was indeed out of the ordinary within the prevailing norms. From a perspective considering the overall improvement of the righteous martial world, Mok Riwon was indeed a precious treasure. As such, Sabakwoon's inquiries were extensive, making Mok Riwon grow increasingly cautious. Amidst this strange atmosphere, an old woman who had been silent spoke up. "Leader, shouldn't you introduce me as well at some point?" "Ah, how could I forget? My apologies." Sabakwoon chuckled sheepishly, drawing everyone's attention to the old woman. "I brought her for an introduction, but it slipped my mind. Sorry, must be my age talking." Everyone sensed it. If Sabakwoon referred to her as 'this person,' she was no ordinary individual. "It's the great hero Gang Soso. The grand master who stood at the forefront of the battlefield on the day of the Blood Saber." "Ah...!" An exclamation escaped Dang Hwa-Seo as if she had just realized. "Is she the advisor supposed to join our group?" "Please, take good care of me." The person using the pseudonym Gang Soso, actually Yeom Soso, smiled. Dang Hwa-Seo belatedly explained to the members that she was brought in as an external advisor for their newly formed group, specifically to provide various trainings, and that she was the old woman referred to as Gang Soso. The reactions varied, but none appeared negative. Despite being introduced as a past great master, the absence of any noticeable aura hinted at her transcendent mastery. Receiving training from such a transcendent figure was an opportunity not easily afforded even by the famous sects. Meanwhile, Yeom Soso’s gaze fell on Mok Riwon. She offered him a knowing smile and quietly mouthing words. It was the art of Secret Sound Transmission, a skill used by warriors to converse covertly. -Meet me behind the pavilion after the gathering. Mok Riwon's eyes widened in surprise. He looked at Yeom Soso in shock, but her gaze had already moved on. What followed was an explanation from Sabakwoon. "I'm not sure if you've heard, but the mission you'll be charged with in the future will involve espionage and stealth. This person has expertise in that area, so I hope it will serve as a valuable learning experience for you." Although many conversations followed, Mok Riwon couldn’t tear his gaze away from Yeom Soso. Yet, Yeom Soso did not look back at him again. '...Who exactly.' The question of why she would communicate using secret sound transmission lingered in Mok Riwon’s mind. * "I shall return shortly after attending to some matters!" After the banquet, Mok Riwon, having declared so, made his way to the back courtyard of the pavilion. There, Yeom Soso was already sitting, gazing at the wildflowers. "Have you arrived?" Her gaze shifted to Mok Riwon, her face adorned with a warm, affectionate smile. Swallowing hard, Mok Riwon performed a formal salute. "...I greet you, senior." "What's this 'senior' talk?" Yeom Soso chuckled and waved her hand dismissively before approaching him. Despite her modest appearance and small stature, barely reaching Mok Riwon’s chest, her intrinsic aura made her seem immense. A surge of tension filled Mok Riwon. A grandmaster from a previous era, unknown to him within the martial world, yet someone who knew him. The thought that she might be an acquaintance of his master, Mok Seonwo, occurred to him. His guess wasn't wrong. "So, how is the lad from Mok clan doing?" Mok Riwon gasped for air. '...She knows him.' About Mok Seonwo, about his relationship with Mok Seonwo, and about the Heaven-Defying Star. She must be someone who, like the Sword King Namgung Hyuk, already knew everything. Realizing this, Mok Riwon came to a certain conclusion. "...May I ask for your name?" If she was a grandmaster related to Mok Seonwo, Ma Ilseok would definitely have mentioned her. However, the name Gang Soso was completely unfamiliar to him. There could only be one answer. The name ‘Gang Soso’ that this elderly woman was using must be an alias. "Ha, you are quite perceptive." Yeom Soso laughed heartily. "So, how did that beggar describe me? As a killer? A widowed lady? Or perhaps, a bandit?" "...Ah!" Realization dawned in Mok Riwon's eyes. A killer, a widowed lady, a bandit. Ma Ilseok had mentioned a woman associated with all these characteristics. "The Assassin...!" "Oh, calling it right, are you?" Mok Riwon's expression brightened, or rather, it blossomed into a smile. The Assassin Yeom Soso. He was well aware of who she was. -'Though I may not like it… yes, if not for her, you wouldn’t have survived to make it this far west. She was one of the four who agreed to save you on that day. That damned bandit was among them.' She was one of the four who had voted in favor, among two who were neutral and four who opposed, making her one of the decisive votes in his fate. "I am in your debt!" Yeom Soso was Mok Riwon’s benefactor. He clumsily bowed his head. There had been so much he wanted to thank her for if he ever met her, that being suddenly faced with the opportunity left him scrambling. Yeom Soso smiled warmly at his gesture. "You turned out quite well. You're completely different from how Mok clan lad was in his youth." "Are you speaking of my master?" "Yes, didn’t that beggar tell you? Back when Mok clan lad was young, he was so unsightly he even had a nickname, 'Ugly Dragon'." Mok Riwon blinked dumbly, then shook his head vigorously. "That must be a lie! Despite being elderly now, my master has an appearance filled with a vigorous charm! In his youth, he surely must have…" His voice trailed off, lost for words. Of course, between Yeom Soso, who had actually seen Mok Seonwo in his youth, and his own claim based solely on the aged face he knew, it was clear which account was more credible. Yeom Soso chuckled at Mok Riwon's speechlessness and playfully asked, "So, when will you answer my question about how Mok clan lad is doing?" "Ah, he is well! Before I left, he had taken up a small garden as a hobby!" "That’s quite the mismatched pastime." Mok Riwon was still flustered. Caught off guard by the sudden meeting with his benefactor and her playful attitude, he was unsure how to react. After a moment, he finally managed to say, "...May I first express my gratitude?" "What thanks?" "When the Beggar King spoke of you, I promised myself one thing." "Uh-huh?" "That I wanted to personally express my deepest thanks to you for granting me life." Mok Riwon still held his fists respectfully. His head bowed deeply. "If not for you, I would have lost my life on the day the Blood Saber affair concluded. I would have ended my days without knowing what brotherhood is or how vast the world is. What a grievance that would have been." Following that, Mok Riwon hesitated briefly before adding one more line. "Thank you. Thanks to you, senior, I've been able to face this vast world." One who does not recognize grace is no better than a beast, one who does not understand brotherhood is no different from an outlaw. Carrying such teachings deep in his bones, Mok Riwon was finally able to express the gratitude he had harbored in his heart to one of his benefactors. This made Yeom Soso's eyes widen, but then they softened. "Why offer thanks for that?" "It's only right to do so." "It was simply something I felt compelled to do." Saying that, Yeom Soso placed a hand on Mok Riwon's shoulder and gently lifted his upper body. "But to think you live as though being saved was not worth it, given how thankful you say you are." "What do you mean?" Confusion crossed Mok Riwon's face as Yeom Soso chuckled. "I mean the banquet just now. Why did you seem so dispirited?" Mok Riwon's body tensed. "That was because..." "Were you afraid that Sabakwoon would dislike you?" "..." A look of unease passed over Mok Riwon's face. Indeed, he felt ashamed for having been overly cautious around Sabakwoon, who had spent his life working for righteousness. Yeom Soso felt a twinge of pity at the sight. "Inseok." "Yes?" "Why do you let yourself be so disheartened? Aren't you the son of Mok? Aren't you aiming to be a warrior?" Reassured by Mok Riwon's careful demeanor, Yeom Soso made up her mind. 'I hadn't planned to reveal my identity originally.' Seemingly, merely observing was not enough. "Mok clan lad always says, doesn’t he? Those who haven't committed crimes have no need to run." Mok Riwon had not committed any crime. Furthermore, he was a child trying to build a life of righteousness, not wrongdoing. How painful it must be to worry about being hated due to his nature. What a heartbreaking thing that is. "So what if you are an assassin? If your sword targets those who deserve it, that too is a form of brotherhood." Yeom Soso did not want to see the disciple of the person who had given her hope live so despondently. "Do you know?" "What are you referring to?" "On the day of your fate's decision, I said I would observe what kind of person you'd grow into and then make my decision. If you turned out to be a murderous devil, I swore I would personally end you." And that answer had already been determined. "And I have acknowledged you. You have grown well, not as a murderous devil but as a commendable warrior. So, do not be prematurely fearful." With those words, Yeom Soso smiled broadly. "Sabakwoon is a coward. But he understands brotherhood. So stand tall and prove yourself. Your nature has not defined you. You have become a true warrior." Mok Riwon's eyes widened at her words. Yeom Soso added one more thing, "I will help you with that." Grace is repaid with grace. Though it might be a saying more commonly heralded by the Heavenly Demon Sect, it also perfectly illustrated the ethos of the martial world. Yeom Soso was merely following that principle. "A debt? There's no need to repay me. Just, if someday someone who contemplates brotherhood as you have comes along, help that junior a little. That would be enough for me." It took decades for a longstanding debt of gratitude to be repaid, and only now, as Mok Seonwo's disciple emerged into the martial world, did Yeom Soso find the opportunity to finally return the favor.