Tangmunjeon - Chapter 267



Only Noblemtl

Episode 267: Overlapping Sprouts

When Dang Mu-jin and his party told the story they had seen and heard, some of the Taoists were impressed by parts of the story that were not related to its content.

“I thought it was strangely late, but you didn’t stop at Pyeongnyang-hyeon and went all the way to Gongdong-pa?”

“You are very brave. You are a role model for young martial artists.”

At first, they told him not to take risks and just to observe the situation, but the Taoists quickly changed their attitude and praised the actions of Dang Mu-jin and his group.

It felt like I was secretly expecting this kind of situation.

‘Well, I guess I should be happy since you asked me for such important information.”

The other Qingchengpa masters and the first lineage became very serious.

“Ghost King? I’ve heard of his nickname. He’s said to be one of the six greatest masters of the Demonic Cult… Are you sure that the man who was there was the Ghost King?”

“I’ve seen you before, so there’s no way I can get you mixed up. And you’re not the only one who knows that face.”

As Dang Mu-jin answered, Hong Geol-gae and Namgung Myeong intervened and added a word.

“We also encountered it a few years ago. The martial arts we saw were also far beyond the ordinary, so it is definitely the Demon King.”

“I see. The situation is not easy.”

The Taoists are all lost in their own thoughts. No one speaks.

Since it was an atmosphere where one would have to stay up all night, the Taoist of Cheongseongpa, Gongryeongja, stepped forward.

Since the prince was close to the prince of Seongdo, Dangmujin had also encountered him a couple of times.

“There are two possible situations. Either the Demonic Cult is behind the Sect and leading this situation, or the Ghost King has broken away from the Demonic Cult and become a Sect warrior. Both seem possible.”

The majority of Demonic Cult members are people who have committed a crime somewhere and run away.

When their skills are lacking and it is difficult to survive, they often join the Demonic Cult, but when their martial arts skills increase and they are able to save their lives, they often leave the Demonic Cult and settle down in the Sapa martial arts world.

Because the atmosphere of the Demonic Cult was extremely ascetic and quiet, the hot-blooded martial artists often found that atmosphere burdensome.

However, when they reached the peak of their power, there were quite a few people who secretly turned their backs on the Demonic Cult and ran away.

At that level, you can make a name for yourself in the Sapa martial arts world. Furthermore, if you become a top-notch master like the Ghost King, it wouldn’t be difficult for you to enjoy the pleasures of the Sapa martial arts world. Moreover, the Ghost King was notorious for being a womanizer.

The conversation was still not continuing properly as everyone was thinking about their own things. Eventually, Dang Mu-jin stepped in to sort out the situation.

“It doesn’t matter either way.”

“hmm?”

“There is currently no way to know for sure which side is correct, and regardless of which side the Ghost King is in, the response of the Jeongpa Murim will not change. They probably didn’t occupy the Gongdongpa for good reasons.”

Dang Mu-jin looked around. People were nodding slightly and looking at Dang Mu-jin.

Dang Mu-jin continued the story.

“You don’t intend to let the Ghost King and the Sapa warriors occupy the Gongdongpa. In that case, there is only one thing to do. First, return to the Jongnampa and gather the men, and then retake the Gongdongpa. Isn’t that right?”

“That’s right.”

The atmosphere finally dissolved after Dang Mu-jin’s explanation and Yeong Heo-ja’s nod.

People sat or lay down with their eyes closed.

*

It took two full days for the party to arrive at Jongnampa.

It was a speed so fast that it was difficult to understand with common sense, but among the martial artists present, there was no one whose martial arts skills were so lacking that they could not endure the forced march.

“Wow, that’s cool.”

The party of Dang Mu-jin looked out at the vicinity of Jongnam Mountain and exclaimed in admiration.

The mountain was not particularly rugged or rough, but the scenery was as beautiful as any other famous mountain.

On top of that, the lively atmosphere unique to spring made me feel like I could spend the whole day just looking at the mountains.

“Let’s go.”

However, the leader of the front line did not have the leisure to lead the people to Jongnampa without any hesitation.

The buildings of Jongnampa were rather old than beautiful, and their form retained the charm of old buildings.

Hyun-gong looked at the old buildings of Jongnampa and the stone lanterns covered with green moss with a little envy.

However, unlike the quiet atmosphere of the building itself, Jongnam-pa was so crowded that expressions like a market place or a bustling street came to mind.

This is because the masters of the three neighboring sects gathered in Jongnampa. The masters of Jongnampa, Hwasanpa, and even the Mudangpa.

However, the bustling grounds of Jongnampa became quiet with the appearance of Ilseonja, Cheongseongpa Taoists, and Dangmujin and his party.

As one of the Jongnampa’s Taoist monks approached Ilseonja, Ilseonja gave instructions in a powerful voice.

“Gather the people to the inspection hall.”

The Taoist monk who had received the instructions disappeared somewhere, and soon after, a soft and majestic bell sound was heard.

Dang Mu-jin whispered to Hyun-gong.

“What does the Inspector General do?”

“Is that the building where the Jongnam faction’s head office is located? I’ve never been there, so I don’t know for sure.”

Most of the disciples of the Cheongseong faction were guided to other places by the disciples of the Jongnam faction.

In the end, the only people heading to the inspection party right away were the first-line soldiers, a few top-level warriors, and the party’s Mujin group. And the person standing at the front of the group was Namgung Myeong.

A frontliner walking a little behind asked Namgung Myeong.

“Namgung Daehyeop. Have you ever been to Jongnampa before?”

Namgung Myung mumbled and muddled the story.

“That’s not true. Why is that?”

“I asked because I was curious, since he walked without hesitation, as if he knew where the inspection hall was.”

Namgung Myung came to Jongnampa only once. It was when he sneaked into Jongnampa and stole Geomseon Yeo Dongbin’s sword.

Since it was something he couldn’t honestly say, Namgung Myung just beat around the bush.

“It’s a gut feeling. I have a feeling that the Inspector General will be here.”

It’s an excuse that’s not enough to dispel doubts.

Before the faint suspicion of the frontliner could take shape, Hyun-gong intervened and spoke.

“You can guess which way to go by looking at the direction people’s eyes are looking and the direction their feet are pointing. Also, even if by any chance a foolish junior student goes down the wrong path, the great seniors of the martial arts world who are watching from behind will surely correct them. So why should you hesitate to take steps out of fear?”

The most extraordinary thing about Hyun-gong is that such a flashy story comes out without a moment’s hesitation.

The story sounded reasonable and cleverly mixed with flattery.

The first-class man praised Namgung Myung and Hyeon Gong, completely forgetting that there had been any doubts rising in his heart.

“With such wise and courageous disciples, the future of Namgung Se-ga and the Mudang faction will be very bright. Aren’t people the greatest asset?”

“You are too kind.”

While they were talking, the group arrived at the inspection hall.

The sword room was a fairly spacious space where more than fifteen people could sit, and in the innermost room hung an old sword. It was the sword of Sword Master Yeo Dong-bin.

While we were waiting, chatting away, people who had heard the bell began to appear.

The masters of the Hwasan faction, the masters of the Shaman faction, and even the masters of the Gongdong faction, the Shang Gwal faction.

Of course, the non-partisan Youngbo Jinin was not present, but there was one unexpected guest.

A fat beggar. Honggeolgae’s teacher, Daepunggae Pangcheon.

Daepunggae looked at Honggeolgae and smiled faintly.

When everyone gathered, the leader sat cross-legged and began to speak.

“Let’s start the meeting. There is only one agenda: recapture the common faction and punish the evil faction.”

*

The meeting ended with a sober conclusion.

The unmanned people gathered at Jongnampa will not hesitate and will move tomorrow to attack the Sapha unmanned people occupying the Gongdongpa. The situation will be discussed later.

As the people dispersed, Daepunggae Pangcheon approached Honggeolgae.

“It’s been a while.”

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Master.”

“I read the weather forecast that there would be a happy relationship, but I wasn’t sure, so I came here hesitantly. Even if I hadn’t read the weather forecast, I guess I came because I had something important to say…”

Daepunggae was not here to help in the fight, but to deliver important news.

Just as the northwestern Gongdongpa was occupied by the Sapha warriors, there is news that the Habuk Pengga in the northeast was also occupied by the Sapha warriors.

This was a great evidence that the Sapha warriors were moving in an organized manner.

And this situation also gave rise to a faint sense of anxiety among the party and the Cheongseongpa Taoists. A sense of anxiety that the southern Sapa warriors might move.

To the southwest of Jungwon is Sacheon Castle, and to the southeast is Namgung Se-ga.

In other words, if the Southern Safa warriors also move, the Cheongseongpa, the Tang family, and even the Namgung family could be in danger.

The fact that the Taoists, including Ilseonja, decided to engage in a decisive battle tomorrow was out of consideration for the situation of Dangmujin and his party and the Taoists of Cheongseongpa, but it was also for their own benefit.

If the party of Dang Mu-jin and the members of Cheongseongpa turn back because they are unable to overcome their anxiety while leisurely procrastinating, the Jongnampa will have to fight even harder.

Daepunggae said, placing his thick right arm on Honggeolgae’s shoulder.

“Have you had a lot of experience so far?”

Hong Geol-gae thought that his teacher looked much older than before. He even had more white hair now.

Hong Geol-gae said confidently.

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I was there whenever something important happened. I was there when Neunggwanggeom reached his peak, and when Wanli Seung surpassed the wall of his peak.”

“What are your accomplishments?”

“My achievements were not bad, but I feel like they were a little behind my friends’ achievements. All three of my friends seem to have found the clue to move on to the next level.”

Hong Geol-gae thought that Dae-pung-gae would say something along the lines of, “It’s your turn next, so don’t be impatient,” but Dae-pung-gae’s expression was not bright.

“That’s not good.”

“Why are you doing that?”

“Two new, super-skilled unmanned beings. This may be possible up to this point. But the fact that three of your friends have already found a clue to advancing to the next level is too soon.”

Hong Geol-gae laughed.

“Don’t worry. I’ve heard that you shouldn’t go down the wrong path. These guys won’t be impatient and will find their way.”

But Daepunggae’s expression became even darker.

“No, no. That’s not the story.”

“What on earth are you worried about?”

“I am not talking about the achievements of ignorance, but about the ways of heaven and the world. Jusan-ah, have you ever seen a new leaf grow on a green tree branch and push out the previous one?”

Hong Geol-gae wasn’t the type to examine trees closely, but he knew that it was a bit of a strange story.

“I guess there are trees like that… Usually, the leaves in the front turn yellow and dry up and fall off before new leaves grow in the spring of the following year.”

“Yes. The leaves that have grown first have to make room for the new leaves to fill the space.”

Since it was an obvious story, Hong Geol-gae nodded silently.

Daepunggae continued the story.

“But people are different. People don’t know when to step back and fall like leaves. People try to hold on to the branches and hold on until the end. But time passes, and new leaves have to grow someday. Do you know what happens when there are too many leaves that hold on like that?”

Hong Geol-gae thought for a moment and then shook his head.

“···I don’t know.”

The story of the Great Wind is not difficult, but it is sometimes difficult to understand because it is full of metaphors and analogies.

Daepunggae also knew that fact, so he did not say that his disciple was foolish.

“A strong, rough wind blows, and the old leaves fall. Then, new buds can grow, and the newly grown leaves can become green. That’s how trees grow, and that’s how generations change. At the same time, it’s also the flow of the world.”

Now Hong Geol-gae could guess the content of the story.

“By any chance, if it’s a strong wind…”

“It could be the upcoming war, or it could be the fight against the Demonic Cult that will follow. But it will definitely be a difficult time. Enough to shed the leaves of the past.”

Because the atmosphere seemed to be getting too dark, Daepunggae pretended to smile cheerfully and ended the story.

“But it’s not all bad. After sprouting while being exposed to the cold wind, the leaves will become greener than before.”

But the atmosphere was still strange.

At times like this, Daepunggae, Honggeolgae, and Saje would somehow manage to get some alcohol to quench their thirst.

Fortunately, there was no need to go far to get alcohol now, because the sound of alcohol sloshing around Hong Geol-gae’s waist could be heard.

When Honggeolgae lifted the bottle of liquor, Daepunggae waved his hand.

“No. If you drink among the Taoists, you will be so self-conscious that you won’t even be able to taste the alcohol. Let’s just get out.”

The two went out of Jongnampa and sat down under a nearby tree.

This time, Daepunggae spoke.

“It’s been a while since we last met, and yet I’ve been talking about so many things I wanted to say. Tell me what’s been going on.”

Hong Geol-gae began to tell the story slowly.

The story of going north, going to Sima Family, meeting the infamous bloodthirsty traveler, and returning to Tang Family.

Hong Geol-gae’s tone was very bright.

But Daepunggae realized that there was an unfamiliar name among the stories.

In the story of Hong Geol-gae, a name that is mentioned as often as the names of the three friends. Wang Jin-cheong.

“Wang Jin-cheong. Who on earth is that?”

“Oh, by the way, I seem to have skipped over the explanation. He was a child held captive by the Samasega, and almost died at a young age.”

Daepunggae washed his face dry without realizing it. However, Honggeolgae was secretly drunk and did not notice his teacher’s actions.

“Tell me more.”

“He is a child who almost died in the Samasega War, but was cured of his pulse and built up great internal energy at a young age. He is handsome and strong-willed. He is also quite smart for a beggar. Although he is young, he is better than me in many ways.”

Pengcheon’s breathing became slightly faster.

Isn’t that the tone of a teacher bragging about his student?

“You took in a disciple?”

“They’re similar. But he’s more like a younger brother than a disciple. He’s a bit older than me, though. If the age difference was just a little bit bigger, I might’ve felt like he was my son.”

Honggeolgae said no, but Daepunggae thought his voice sounded like he was making excuses.

This probably means that Hong Geol-gae also felt the anxiety contained in Dae-pung-gae’s question.

Daepunggae muttered in a dejected voice.

“Jusan-ah. It’s a double sprout. It’s a double sprout···”

Compound bud. That is, compound bud.

Two buds sprouted at once.

It is not known what type of bud it is.

Both shoots may grow well, or the later-growing shoot may wither and die under the earlier-growing shoot.

But conversely, because the shoots that grew first withstood the storm, only the shoots that grew later may survive.

Daepunggae’s mind became anxious.

“Jusan-ah. A child named Wang Jin-cheong-”

But Hong Geol-gae interrupted Dae-pung-gae’s story.

“No, it’s okay.”

Daepunggae looked at Honggeolgae. Honggeolgae was smiling faintly.

“Master, we will be parting ways again tomorrow. For now, why don’t you have a drink? It’s not a very good drink, but…”

Daepunggae looked up at the sky. It was still a little early to drink alcohol.

But that’s why it was even better. If we went down the mountain and had a drink, it would probably be about the right time.

Daepunggae said as if he was dissatisfied.

“Come to think of it, did you offer the cheapest drink to your teacher whom you haven’t seen in a long time?”

“You’ve been enjoying it so far. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to.”

“Let’s go down. I’ll buy you a drink today.”

“What kind of money does the teacher have?”

Daepunggae searched through his pockets and took out a piece of silver the size of a baby’s fingernail. It was a small amount of money compared to Daepunggae’s abilities, but it was a lot of money for a beggar.

“It’s not a lot of money, but it’s enough to buy better drinks than this.”

Hong Geol-gae smiled faintly and got up from his seat.

As always, Daepunggae placed his thick right arm on Honggeolgae’s shoulder.

“let’s go!”

The two teachers walked side by side.