Swish.
The empty teacup was filled with tea.
Hyun Jong gazed silently at the filled cup. His thoughts as he looked at the tea were markedly different from usual.
"Please drink."
After a moment of silence, Hyun Jong politely offered the teacup to Jong Rigok. Jong Rigok received the cup with the utmost respect.
"Thank you, Great Sect Leader."
However, Jong Rigok also only set the cup down before him, not bringing it to his lips. The steam rising from the cup seemed to dissipate futilely between the two men, who kept their mouths firmly shut.
Hyun Jong finally spoke heavily.
"First, I'm not sure if it might be rude, but is what you said truly the case…?"
"No need to worry about rudeness, Great Sect Leader."
Jong Rigok shook his head.
"It might not be grave, but it is indeed a sensitive matter. It is only natural that it should be confirmed."
"So…."
Jong Rigok nodded.
"Yes. It is possible."
"…."
"I wouldn't dare say 'perfectly,' but it should be possible to allow that child to take up the sword again and follow his path. With a likelihood of seven out of ten."
"Seven out of ten…."
Hyun Jong's eyelids trembled slightly. That level of probability was not insignificant.
"How could such a thing be possible? Even the Tang Family Head said there was no possibility…"
A bitter smile appeared on Jong Rigok's lips.
"What do you foresee for the future of Kangho, Sect Leader?"
"Yes?"
It seemed like an out-of-place topic in the current urgent situation.
Was he perhaps blaming himself for clinging to a disciple during this critical time? Or was he genuinely attempting to discuss the current state of affairs?
As Hyun Jong tried to gauge his true intention, Jong Rigok spoke again with unexpected words.
"I believe that Kangho will eventually disappear."
"…What do you mean by that?"
"Because it is not progressing. Martial arts have not progressed but rather regressed. You know this yourself, don't you, Great Sect Leader?"
Hyun Jong's eyes narrowed slightly. He found it difficult to understand why Jong Rigok would say such things.
"Even though the martial arts skills accumulated by our ancestors are recorded, today's disciples struggle to follow in their footsteps. If such things continue, eventually, martial arts will become obsolete."
"Sect Leader, that…."
Unable to endure his frustration, Hyun Jong tried to interject, but Jong Rigok continued.
"I am trying to say that medicine is no different. Although many in the world discuss medicine, we still have not reached the level of the ancient Hua Tuo or Bian Que. Eventually, the medicine of the Central Plains will also be replaced by something entirely different. Such is the nature of the world."
Only then did Hyun Jong understand the point Jong Rigok was making.
"So you are saying that past medicine was far superior to the present?"
"That is correct."
Whether Jong Rigok's statement was accurate was not particularly important to Hyun Jong.
After all, the point of bringing it up was to imply that Jong Rigok had the means to heal Baek Cheon. A method that had been created long before the present.
"It is also referred to as a treasured item in the Southern Edge. However, because of its nature, it has rarely been used."
"That makes sense…."
Such a precious item would be difficult to use on ordinary disciples. It would likely only be used if someone in a position of authority, such as the Sect Leader, were severely injured.
But how often do such individuals end up severely injured without dying?
"Are you saying you will give this treasured item to Baek Cheon?"
"Yes."
Hyun Jong bit his lip silently. Jong Rigok, who was watching him intently, sighed softly.
"If Baek Cheon, that is, Jin Dong Ryong, the younger brother of Jin Geum Ryong, who is a central figure in the Southern Edge and is destined to become the Sect Leader of the Southern Edge, it is only right for him to receive the treasured item. He is also the acting leader of the renowned Mount Hua's Five Swords and a close friend of the future greatest martial artist in the world. His influence surpasses even mine as the Southern Edge's Sect Leader."
Jong Rigok's voice was remarkably calm. It was as if there was no personal interest in the evaluation he was giving.
"Thus… giving a treasured item to someone of his stature would not be something the ancestors of the Southern Edge would criticize. However…"
Jong Rigok sighed once more.
"Being a Southern Edge treasured item, its use is permitted only to the disciples of the Southern Edge."
Hyun Jong closed his eyes. Jong Rigok also let out a faint sigh.
Had it been in the past, he would have delivered this message with a sense of joy. But not now. At least, his concern for Hyun Jong and Mount Hua was sincere.
Unfortunately, the position of the Southern Edge Sect Leader and Jong Rigok's personal stance could not always align perfectly. Thus, he felt uneasy despite fulfilling his duty.
So, he decided to lay everything bare without concealment.
"I do not know the original name of the treasured item. However, within the Southern Edge, it is simply referred to as the 'Heavenly Elixir.'"
"Heavenly Elixir…."
It was a name almost exaggerated in its grandeur.
"I understand that this elixir was passed down in the Southern Edge even before the age of medicine. Personally, I believe it might be the Great Elixir of the Sage Master, which once held great renown in the martial world…."
"The Great Elixir of the Sage Master…!"
Hyun Jong's eyes widened in surprise. He had heard of it before.
The Sage Master or the Sage Physician.
He was a renowned physician in the martial world centuries ago. It was said that his medical skills could even reattach severed limbs and bring the dead back to life.
The Great Elixir of the Sage Master was reputed to be a miraculous elixir that was revered like a sacred relic. It was said to have disappeared along with the fall of the Sage Master's clan.
"…Are you certain?"
"I am not sure."
Jong Rigok shook his head.
"Now, it's unlikely that anyone is left who can identify the genuine Heavenly Elixir."
"…I suppose that's true."
"However, we have already confirmed in the Southern Edge Sect that the effects of this elixir are not significantly different from the legendary elixir. It has been used twice so far, and each time, it has revived someone who was on the brink of death."
Hyun Jong sighed heavily.
'Heavenly Elixir…'
If everything Jong Rigok said was true, there might be a chance to heal Baek Cheon's body.
The Heavenly Elixir is different from the elixirs aimed at enhancing internal energy. It is a vital fluid that literally saves lives and heals injuries.
Perhaps it could even piece together Baek Cheon's shattered and fractured body. There might be a chance to see the once young and vibrant swordsman again.
Not the tattered figure now desperately battling illness. But…
A groan-like voice escaped Hyun Jong's lips. Hope and despair tangled together, scratching at his throat.
"If a disciple of the Southern Edge Sect… were to become one."
Jong Rigok did not answer. There was no need for an answer in this situation.
"How…"
A complex emotion etched Hyun Jong's face, one that words could not express.
He knew.
Even though there was a condition attached to becoming a disciple of the Southern Edge Sect, giving such a precious item to Baek Cheon would be Jong Rigok's greatest kindness. Hyun Jong, who was also a Sect Leader, understood.
Yet how could this kindness be so sweet and bitter?
"This matter… this is…"
Hyun Jong bit his lower lip unconsciously. Jong Rigok then addressed Hyun Jong's turmoil.
"I'm sorry, Great Sect Leader."
"Yes?"
"I made a mistake, and this matter has already been conveyed to the Acting Sect Leader."
Hyun Jong's eyes widened in an instant.
"To Baek Cheon?"
"Yes. It seems his older brother… couldn't contain his impatience."
Hyun Jong's shoulders trembled. Fear gripped him. He couldn't bring himself to speak. Nevertheless, he forced himself to open his mouth. He had to.
"What will become of him…?"
Jong Rigok shook his head gravely and fiddled with his teacup.
"I haven't received a definitive answer, but it seems the Acting Sect Leader… has rejected the idea of becoming a disciple of the Southern Edge Sect."
"…"
"Even if he cannot regain his martial arts, it seems he simply wishes to remain a disciple of Mount Hua. In such… a state."
Hyun Jong recalled Baek Cheon from earlier. The effort he put into maintaining composure.
He had anticipated it. The deep agony that must have been weighing on him.
But he never imagined that Baek Cheon would refuse even this chance and choose to remain as a disciple of Mount Hua.
'Baek Cheon…'
Hyun Jong's vision blurred before him.
What is Mount Hua, that it should be so…
Hyun Jong looked at Jong Rigok again and asked.
"Then why did you still choose to inform me of this, even though it is already a concluded matter?"
Jong Rigok sighed briefly.
"It's simply because you needed to know."
"…"
"Whether it was a mistake or anything else, our error has caused significant confusion for the Acting Sect Leader. Therefore, I thought it appropriate to inform you and offer our apologies."
Jong Rigok hesitated momentarily, then spoke.
"And, Jin Dong Ryong. I won't say that I didn't have any desire for such a remarkable person as Baek Cheon to fade away like this."
"…"
"If Mount Hua would only be understanding, we would not have to lose such a young swordsman as Baek Cheon. He is…"
Jong Rigok said with a sigh.
"Too precious to lose his light like this, isn't he?"
Hyun Jong offered no response. Jong Rigok did not expect one either.
"I merely wished to convey this. I leave all decisions to the Great Sect Leader."
Jong Rigok stood up.
"I apologize for the weight this matter has placed on you. I will take my leave now. Farewell."
Jong Rigok bowed politely and turned away. Hyun Jong did not stop him. There were no words of proper farewell.
He merely stared blankly at the teacup filled with cold tea.
'Baek Cheon…'
He gripped the teacup on the table with trembling hands.
Even this simple act, Baek Cheon cannot do alone now. He may never be able to enjoy a cup of tea with his own hands again.
As long as he remains a disciple of Mount Hua, forever.
Hyun Jong closed his eyes gently.
The youthful face of Baek Cheon when he first ascended Mount Hua remained vivid before him. Unlike now, he was a boy filled with hope and confidence. The way he shone so brightly.
The more dazzling the memory, the more painful Hyun Jong's heart felt. The pain that would not fade no matter how much he rubbed at it gripped him sharply.
Beyond the wall where Hyun Jong's faint sighs could not reach, a man sat slumped below the window. His face was rigid.
It was Baek Sang.
"Ah…"
He accidentally let out a voice, then quickly covered his mouth, afraid that Hyun Jong might hear. He was still dazed.
'What did I just hear?'
He stared blankly into the void for a moment before hurrying out from below the window. After taking a few cautious steps, he began to run frantically.
'Sahyung… could be healed?'
He needed to see Baek Cheon.
No, that's not right. Baek Cheon wouldn't meet him.
What should he do then?
'Who should I tell?'
He could not handle this alone. Therefore, he needed to tell someone, this fact.
Gripping his chest as if it were about to burst, he ran.
And from afar, Jong Rigok, who had been observing Baek Sang, turned away with a short sigh.
It would be a long night.