"Excuse me…."
A powerless, or rather drained, voice slipped out softly.
"This is my room, but everyone…."
"Keep quiet."
"You're being disruptive."
"Amitabha. It would be best if you refrain from speaking, shiju."
"Uhmm, I apologize."
A look of bewildered sorrow filled Jo Gul's eyes.
'These cursed people.'
This place was clearly the quarters given to him by the Wudang Sect.
Moreover, the Wudang Sect, being a Taoist sect, values frugality as a virtue. So, it was natural that the room they provided was small and uncomfortable.
But why on earth were so many people packed into this tiny room?
The bed had been taken over by Yoo Iseol and Yoon Jong, while the remaining space was occupied by Hye Yeon and Namgung Dowi. Jo Gul, huddled near the door, grumbled incessantly in frustration.
"I mean, why here of all places…."
"Because there's nothing else to do?"
"If there's nothing to do, then train!"
"Training in someone else's sect is a bit…."
"True."
"Amitabha. That would be improper."
"Come to think of it, you sure have some nerve, Jo Gul Dojang."
"...."
Jo Gul gave up on the conversation and closed his eyes. Talking to these people was more frustrating than talking to the wall.
As Jo Gul clammed up, silence once again settled in the room. Normally, these people would chat endlessly whenever they gathered, but today, it seemed as if they had made a pact to stay silent, passing the time aimlessly.
The one to break the silence first was Hye Yeon.
"It's been two days since the Acting Sect Leader last came out of his room."
Everyone's gaze wandered aimlessly around the empty space. It was something they all knew but had been hesitant to bring up.
"Shouldn't someone at least go check on him?"
It was the right thing to do, and obvious as well. Baek Cheon, who had lost the use of both arms overnight, would find it difficult to even manage basic daily activities. Someone needed to take care of him.
However, despite knowing this, none of them dared to knock on Baek Cheon's door.
"I know it's hard… but how long…."
Unable to let Hye Yeon continue muttering to himself, Jo Gul sighed and spoke up.
"I know. But… it's not easy, monk."
"...Amitabha."
"Sahyung, maybe we should try sending someone else instead?"
"Who?"
"…Well, maybe the Beast Palace Lord?"
Yoon Jong immediately shook his head.
"Many people have died and been injured. The Evil Tyrant Alliance still has its forces camped nearby. We don't know when another battle might break out."
"But…."
"In such a situation, asking someone to check on an injured person's condition is excessive."
"Excessive? But Sasuk is…!"
"My heart is with you. But why should people from other sects care about Sasuk as much as we do?"
Jo Gul bit his lower lip hard. Yoon Jong sighed as he continued.
"And we are the same. Right now…."
He trailed off, hesitating to finish his sentence, causing Jo Gul's expression to darken.
"Why? Are you saying we shouldn't be worrying about Sasuk's injuries and should be preparing for the next battle instead?"
"...."
"How could you… Ahh!"
At that moment, Yoo Iseol extended her sheathed sword and struck Jo Gul on the head. His eyes widened in shock.
"Why, why did you hit me, Sago?"
"Don't take it out on others."
Yoo Iseol glared at him with icy eyes.
"You know better."
Jo Gul lowered his eyes in silence.
Sago was right. He knew that Yoon Jong's words didn't reflect his true feelings. If Yoon Jong really thought that way, he wouldn't be sitting in this cramped room with them.
Yoon Jong was simply saying what needed to be said from his position. Jo Gul mumbled under his breath.
"I'm just worried if Sasuk is eating properly…."
"There you go again."
"Alright, alright. I just…."
Jo Gul was fumbling for an apology for his earlier outburst when Namgung Dowi murmured to himself.
"A warrior who once cleaved mountains and leaped over rivers…."
Everyone turned their gaze toward him.
"…now cannot even feed himself."
A heavy silence fell over the room. It was a statement that could be considered rude. Normally, Mount Hua's disciples would have flared up in anger at such words.
But no one could muster the anger, for Namgung Dowi's words were filled with sorrow, bitterness, and grief.
"I cannot even begin to imagine how the Acting Sect Leader feels right now. If I were in his position…."
As if it was too difficult to continue, Namgung Dowi sighed deeply.
They suddenly realized something.
The life they had aspired to as warriors was full of light. Perhaps Baek Cheon's life had been the same. The path he had walked until now had shone so brightly that even Namgung Dowi couldn't help but envy it.
But the brighter the light, the darker the shadow. Baek Cheon was likely floundering in a deep, dark abyss.
Tap. Tap.
Only the sound of Jo Gul's fingers tapping the floor echoed in the room.
"Is there really nothing we can do? Anything at all, some way to help…."
"And if there is a way, what would you do?"
"Of course, I'd find it! Whatever it takes, wherever it is! Even if it's in the Demonic Sect's lair or the imperial palace!"
As Jo Gul's impassioned voice filled the room, Yoon Jong let out a sigh.
Would his heart be any different?
But not everything in the world has a solution. Even Tang Gunak, Chung Myung, and even the Elder of the Beggar's Union, who gathers all the information in the world, Pungyeong Shin Gae, had given up.
There was nothing they could do. Yet, Jo Gul, still unwilling to give up, asked desperately.
"Monk! Wouldn't the Shaolin's Great Rejuvenation Pill work?"
"Amitabha…."
Hye Yeon responded with a troubled expression.
"Since I've been excommunicated…."
"But… can't you ask Monk Hyebang for a favor?"
"Bringing it here might be possible… but the Great Rejuvenation Pill doesn't actually heal the body."
"What?"
"The Great Rejuvenation Pill was originally intended to strengthen the body. It's only known for its secondary effect of healing the body because of its significant impact."
"Ah..."
"Even with the pill, it would be impossible to treat the Acting Sect Leader's current condition."
"What? How can this be…"
Jo Gul was about to vent his frustration when a voice interrupted.
"That's correct."
"Aah!"
The door suddenly burst open, and Jo Gul, who had been leaning against it, was knocked down, hitting his head hard. The person who had opened the door didn't seem the least bit apologetic, instead furrowing his brows at the sight.
"Tsk tsk. How can you call yourself a warrior if you can't even avoid something like this?"
"Is it normal to barge into someone's room like that? Seriously?"
"Doors are meant to be opened, and warriors are supposed to avoid such things."
"You insolent bandit! You think you can get away with this?"
Jo Gul glared, but Im Sobyeong, calmly fanning himself, walked in as if nothing had happened.
"The monk is right. These renowned pills and elixirs are known in the Kangho as a rare items, almost like a panacea, but it wasn't originally made to heal injuries. It was created to enhance internal energy, and the healing effect is just a byproduct."
"Then… does that mean there's really no way?"
Yoon Jong cautiously asked, and Im Sobyeong narrowed his eyes meaningfully.
"No one knows for sure."
"Hmm?"
"Just as the Kangho warriors are obsessed with cultivation pills, those in power are obsessed with tonics. Their obsession might be even greater than the warriors' desire for renowned cultivation pills and elixirs."
"…"
"I've heard that there are a few rare items in the world, legendary medicines that can miraculously heal any patient."
"Where can we find those?"
"If I knew, I'd have already gotten them for myself, wouldn't I? It's just a legend. I keep telling you, you lack understanding."
"You...!"
Jo Gul was about to rise in anger when Yoon Jong lightly tapped him with his foot, making him fall back down.
"Is there no place where we can get information about this?"
"If there were, the Beggar's Union would have already informed us."
Im Sobyeong poked his cheek with the fan, as if his own mind was also troubled by the situation.
"As you know, such items don't appear just because you search the world for them. We can only hope for fate to bring them to us."
...Fate.
Yoon Jong muttered the word and then let out a small, ironic laugh.
Sometimes, it's better not to hear such stories at all. Hoping for something that will never come is more painful than despair itself.
"Damn it. Are you here just to spout obvious nonsense? You must be pretty idle, huh?"
"Oh."
Im Sobyeong opened his fan fully and waved it gently towards his face.
"Oh, right. I almost forgot why I came here. This is why one needs to keep their wits about them."
A look of curiosity crossed everyone's face. Im Sobyeong looked around at everyone in the room and spoke.
"The Maengju-nim has arrived."
"What…"
The Mount Hua disciples jumped to their feet as if propelled by springs. However, they couldn't bring themselves to be as joyful as they might usually be. Their faces quickly darkened.
"Great Sect Leader!"
"You've arrived?"
When they ran outside, they saw Hyun Jong surrounded by people. Despite the fatigue that had settled on his face from the long journey, he looked much like the Hyun Jong everyone knew.
"That…!"
But as the Five Swords ran towards Hyun Jong, they suddenly hesitated, unable to take another step. The people surrounding Hyun Jong were so formidable that they didn't dare to approach.
"Sahyung."
"Let's wait…"
"Yes."
They couldn't help but be reminded that Hyun Jong was not only the Great Sect Leader of Mount Hua, but also the Maengju of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
Having just been through a major battle, there were undoubtedly important duties for him to fulfill as Maengju. They couldn't afford to be selfish here…
At that moment.
Hyun Jong turned his head, and their eyes met by chance. Jo Gul, who was trying to slip away, suddenly froze when Hyun Jong spoke firmly to those around him.
"Excuse me. There is something I must do first, so I ask for your understanding."
Though his words were gentle, they were firm, and everyone around him nodded and stepped back.
Without hesitation, Hyun Jong took long strides towards Yoon Jong, Jo Gul, and Yoo Iseol.
With each step he took, the faces of the three grew more tense.
But before they could even process the discomfort rising in their chests, Hyun Jong was already there, gently patting their shoulders. His touch was soft.
"You've really… been through a lot."
"…"
"You've worked hard."
In that instant, Jo Gul's head dropped. A sudden wave of emotion surged within him. Emotions he hadn't been consciously aware of now flooded out like a breached dam as he stood before Hyun Jong.
"Sect Leader…"
As if understanding, Hyun Jong quietly patted all their shoulders.
Just then, someone approached them and spoke.
"You've all done so much, Sahyungs."
"Soso…"
Tang Soso's face was gaunt beyond words. While the toll of the intense work was evident, Yoon Jong instinctively knew that wasn't the only reason.
Tang Soso, who was normally bright and full of energy, now wore an expression so dark…
'She knows.'
She must have already heard about Baek Cheon's condition.
Tang Soso's burden might be even heavier than theirs. Not just because she was a healer, but because she had repeatedly warned the Mount Hua disciples of this very possibility, and constantly worried about it.
The deep guilt in her large eyes was likely because of this.
Logically, Tang Soso had no reason to feel guilty. She had always done her best. It was Baek Cheon, and the rest of them, who hadn't listened to her.
But no matter how much they tried to console her, Tang Soso would not be able to free herself from the guilt.
There were so many things they wanted to say, so many things they needed to say, but the words wouldn't come. And the reason was clear. If Tang Soso already knew, then…
"Then, where is he?"
Hyun Jong lowered the hand that had been comforting his disciples and asked.
"Where is Baek Cheon?"
The air suddenly grew heavy, and the shoulders of the three people standing before him slumped.