Chapter 17

Chapter 17
Cheon-geuk (1)

Very early the following morning, Im Choong went over to Baek So-cheon’s home together with his family members.

“Baek mu-in, I express my deepest gratitude to you for preserving both my own life and the life of my son.”

Im Choong’s spouse, Ju-ssi, made a deep, respectful bow to convey her appreciation, and their young boy Chan imitated her movement with impressive composure.

“We shall never allow this act of kindness to leave our memories.”

Baek So-cheon answered their formal bows with a gentle and warm voice.

“I merely carried out the duties expected of anyone serving under the branch leader.”

The manner he displayed toward them stood completely opposite to his usual behavior with Im Choong—it was considerably more courteous. He offered an identical level of respect to Chan as well.

“The jianghu remains a place fraught with danger. You must never grow lazy in your daily martial practice.”

“Understood! When the time comes again, I will personally protect Mom.”

Baek So-cheon affectionately ruffled Chan’s hair.

After Ju-ssi and Chan took their leave, only Baek So-cheon and Im Choong remained in the area.

“There was no true necessity for you to bring your whole family to this spot merely to deliver thanks.”

“It was necessary. Words of gratitude ought to be presented in a proper manner, regardless of the circumstances.”

“Have you given careful consideration to the matter?”

“Indeed. To be completely honest, I was unable to close my eyes for even a single moment last night.”

If the situation had concerned only his individual survival, making a choice might have been far simpler. However, this circumstance involved both his beloved wife and his young son.

Right at that moment, Beon Saeng made his arrival.

“You two are out exceptionally early. Haha, a very good morning to you!”

Standing in total contrast to his sick and unstable condition from the previous day, Beon Saeng was overflowing with vitality and good humor.

“Are you feeling alright?”

Im Choong expressed his genuine worry, but Beon Saeng simply let out a broad grin.

“Why wouldn’t I be doing fine? I have already reached a firm conclusion. I am going to stand side by side with you to fight against Shin-hwa-bang, hyung-nim.”

Baek So-cheon shifted his upper body back just a bit, his facial expression hinting at a slight reluctance as he inquired further.

“Is it absolutely required that I take part in this battle as well?”

“Without a doubt! You cannot back out under any circumstances—not even within your dreams. I placed my total trust in you to travel all the way here.”

The determination held by Beon Saeng was completely unyielding. Turning his attention away, Baek So-cheon now focused his gaze on Im Choong.

Im Choong directed a question toward him, “If my desire is to step away from this conflict entirely, what paths are open to me?”

“You possess the option to hasten to Wang Gon right this instant and betray my position to him. You can inform him that you never possessed any desire to be swept up into this disaster, yet you are now prepared to assist in ending the life of Baek So-cheon if he chooses to forgive your past errors. He might genuinely accept such an offer.”

“Such an action will never occur.”

Im Choong declared his stance with absolute firmness. That thought was an idea he had briefly contemplated himself—and it was precisely the very first choice he had discarded.

“How can you hold such complete confidence after possessing an acquaintance with me for such a brief duration?”

“That is precisely the point. For that reason, I analyzed the matter in a cold and logical manner. Wang Gon would merely put on an act of acceptance, drain every bit of usefulness from you, and ultimately eliminate you when everything comes to a close. This conclusion was arrived at for my own personal benefit, not simply for yours.”

“That is not a bad line of reasoning.”

Baek So-cheon did not display even the slightest hint of offense. His reaction made it considerably easier to converse openly regarding such matters.

Im Choong continued his questioning. “Do I have any alternate choices available?”

“You could escape to a distant location and exist in complete concealment. Not as a warrior belonging to the Murim Alliance—instead, adopt a brand-new identity, a different name, and an entirely fresh life.”

Im Choong gave the idea serious thought. It truly was not a terrible path to take. With his physical body completely uninjured and his foundational skills in martial arts intact, he possessed the ability to provide for his family through various means of labor. It certainly offered far greater safety than entering into a battle against Shin-hwa-bang.

Yet even while his rational mind moved at rapid speed, his inner feelings stubbornly refused to yield.

That exact same emotion that had surged within him when he previously gave the order for the arrest of Wang Gon arose once again, completely overwhelming his logical thoughts.

“If I make the choice to enter this fight, will you extend your assistance to us, hyung-nim? My apologies—every individual ought to determine their own trajectory. I truly dislike dragging this decision out, constantly weighing one side against the other…”

“You ought to weigh the options with even greater care. Take days, weeks, or even several months if the situation calls for it. Human lives are directly hanging in the balance. I simply feel a sense of pity that you are forced to arrive at a choice so rapidly.”

“If I am to speak the absolute truth, my heart desires to fight. I want to inflict punishment upon Shin-hwa-bang for bringing harm to innocent individuals. However, I lack the capacity to accomplish it by my own power alone. I would require your direct assistance.”

This represented the final determination Im Choong had arrived at following an entire night devoid of sleep.

“I beg of you to assist us.”

Both Im Choong and Beon Saeng locked their earnest gazes directly onto Baek So-cheon.

Without experiencing a single moment of hesitation, he gave his response with total readiness.

“I shall assist you.”

His immediate and swift answer brought a wave of surprise over both of them.

“Is that truly your answer?”

“Without a doubt. This entire chaotic situation originated because of my actions in the first place.”

“I offer my sincere thanks.”

“Truly, you have my deepest gratitude.”

Im Choong and Beon Saeng bowed their heads repeatedly to express their profound appreciation.

With Baek So-cheon standing as their ally, they felt a surge of confidence that they could successfully confront Shin-hwa-bang. Even under the absolute worst possible set of circumstances, the situation would not conclude in some completely meaningless death.

“What is so remarkably impressive about dealing with a insignificant group like Shin-hwa-bang that you feel the need to offer me your thanks? The person I used to be would have extinguished their presence just like blowing out a small candle—they are nothing more than short-lived mayflies.”

“Haha, hyung-nim’s dramatic boasting simply becomes more charming the more frequently I am exposed to it.”

Even so, both Im Choong and Beon Saeng were placing their very lives on the line based on that exact boast. With Baek So-cheon at their side, they maintained full belief that they could achieve victory.

“What ought to be our subsequent course of action?”

“We must identify the party responsible for taking the lives of the family of Yang Chu and force them to confess that Shin-hwa-bang instructed them to commit the crime. A revelation of that magnitude will be more than sufficient to compel the headquarters of the Murim Alliance to intervene directly—and at that point, Shin-hwa-bang will be completely destroyed.”

The local branches and the main headquarters were distinct from their very inception, quite apart from the obvious difference in overall scale. The regional branches inevitably found themselves tangled up in local political matters, whereas the main headquarters maintained a position completely above such trivial concerns. That is, unless Shin-hwa-bang had managed to extend its influence deep into those higher ranks.

Beon Saeng immediately latched onto the clear strategy presented by Baek So-cheon.

“Whom did they hire for the task? Could it be Heuk Su?”

“It was not Heuk Su. When I directly questioned whether they were responsible for the slaughter of the family of Yang Chu, they flatly denied the charge—stating they were not dirty blades available for such work.”

“Dirty blades?”

“What manner of individuals do you imagine consider themselves far too refined for dishonorable tasks?”

Im Choong and Beon Saeng simultaneously shouted out the exact same term in perfect unison.

“Assassins!”

Im Choong was suddenly struck by a sudden realization.

“Ah! The coroner, Hwang ui-won, explicitly pointed it out: the killer launched their attack without the slightest hesitation, employing a completely ordinary weapon in order to leave zero traceable clues behind. Those are classic characteristics of a professional assassin.”

Beon Saeng promptly contributed to the thought, “That clearly explains why the estate belonging to Yang dae-hyeop yielded absolutely zero physical evidence, regardless of how thoroughly we conducted our search.”

Every piece of available evidence pointed directly toward a professional assassin being the killer.

Baek So-cheon put forth a question, “Are there any active assassin organizations operating within this regional vicinity that they would likely employ?”

Beon Saeng provided the answer, possessing far greater familiarity with the local underground elements than the newly transferred Im Choong.

“The most notorious group operating within Jeol-gang Province is Chil-geom-hoe. The organization is directed by seven master assassins, commands a membership exceeding one hundred individuals, and their martial abilities are far from a laughing matter.”

The expressions on the faces of both Im Choong and Beon Saeng instantly darkened. If Chil-geom-hoe was truly mixed up in this matter?

The situation was not even worth speaking of, to say nothing of attempting a direct investigation.

Shin-hwa-bang and Chil-geom-hoe were entirely different entities altogether, making it impossible to directly evaluate their relative power. Nevertheless, Chil-geom-hoe struck a far more terrifying chord in their hearts. They were killers who operated purely for financial gain, completely devoid of mercy.

“I shall personally manage the matter regarding the assassins.”

Beon Saeng was on the absolute verge of shouting out ‘As expected of hyung-nim!’ before managed to check his excitement.

“In what manner do you intend to do so?”

“By summoning an individual who belongs directly to their hidden world.”

“…Do you mean someone from Chil-geom-hoe?”

“No. Professional assassins never betray the identity of their paying clients.”

“If not them, then who?”

Baek So-cheon reached within his outer robes, pulled out a compact dagger, and presented it to Beon Saeng. The weapon appeared quite unadorned, yet the hilt was inscribed with a clearly carved ‘Cheon’ character.

“Carry out a simple task for me. Located right at the base of Gu-ryong Mountain sits Gu-ryong Inn. Deliver this item directly to the proprietor and state to him that the true master of this dagger has arrived.”

“I understand completely.”

“You may ease your mind for the present moment. Lacking the backing of Heuk Su, Wang Gon is far too preoccupied to initiate any sudden maneuvers.”

With even Im Choong feeling a sense of reassurance, Baek So-cheon walked toward the interior of the residence without waiting for a verbal response.

“Goodness, that man possesses far too kind a heart.”

“Yet he consistently executes precisely what must be accomplished, does he not?”

“Even the branch leader himself recognizes his true value at this point.”

The two men exchanged a shared laugh. For a brief moment, Im Choong gave thought to addressing Beon Saeng using the familiar term ‘dongsaeng’ as though they were actual brothers. It would certainly feel comfortable and relaxed—however, given their official standing as superior and subordinate, becoming overly intimate might give rise to complications.

‘Could it be that I am simply maintaining overly traditional views?’

Completely unconcerned with the quiet internal debate taking place within Im Choong, Beon Saeng concentrated his entire attention on Baek So-cheon.

“Are all the martial artists belonging to the main headquarters equipped with that level of sharp intellect?”

“Are you capable of imagining a grand facility packed full of individuals who possess abilities comparable to his?”

“I cannot.”

“I am equally unable to picture it. He undoubtedly made himself stand out even within that environment.”

“That is most likely true.”

“Travel with caution.”

“Understood.”

Beon Saeng carefully stowed the small dagger away inside his clothing and hurried out from the branch office premises.

Had he possessed prior knowledge regarding the true ownership of that dagger, his steps would not have been nearly so light and easy.

Later that evening, Im Choong paid a visit to the residence of Baek So-cheon while carrying a bundle wrapped neatly in cloth.

Despite the advanced hour, Baek So-cheon was actively engaged in rigorous training in the outdoor courtyard area.

Positioning his body upside down in a handstand balanced entirely on just three fingers, perspiration poured off him in heavy streams. Substantial iron weights were bound tightly around both his wrists and his ankles, rendering the exercise vastly more physically demanding than anything Beon Saeng had previously observed.

“Nngh…”

A quiet groan filled with exertion broke through Baek So-cheon’s lips.

Im Choong maintained his position at a distance, observing the scene in complete silence so as to avoid disrupting the physical effort.

At long last, having successfully endured the designated duration of time, Baek So-cheon collapsed onto the ground with a heavy thud.

“Are you uninjured?”

Im Choong hurried over to his side in immediate concern.

“I am far from alright. Quickly apply pressure and rub my shoulders and arms.”

“Understood, sir.”

The exact instant Im Choong made physical contact with Baek So-cheon’s shoulder—

“Whoa!”

He involuntarily jerked back. The surface of the body was radiating an intense, fire-like heat.

“What are you standing around waiting for? Begin immediately.”

“R-right away.”

Im Choong began kneading and massaging the shoulder and arm muscles of Baek So-cheon.

“Apply significantly more force!”

“Yes!”

“Ah, that hits the exact location. That is ideal.”

Observed from a distance, the scene had inspired simple wonder: ‘He is truly extraordinary.’ Yet standing right next to him, actively massaging that intensely hot body, a powerful sensation welled up within his own chest.

‘I possess a deep desire to train in such a manner as well!’

He had previously stated to Beon Saeng that his age made it far too late for such endeavors—yet that statement appeared to be untrue. Experiencing that extreme physical heat firsthand reignited the dormant fire within his own spirit.

“It truly is far too late in life for me to attempt this, is it not?”

The words slipped right out of his mouth, completely detached from any prior context.

Yet Baek So-cheon grasped the underlying meaning without difficulty.

“You are currently thirty-six years of age, correct?”

“That is correct.”

“I initiated my own journey anew when I was at your exact age.”

“What did you say?”

“I was incapable of even taking basic steps—my physical form was a complete and total wreck.”

Im Choong found himself entirely unable to process the statement. Merely three short years prior, he was unable to walk? How could he have possibly brought about the demise of Heuk Su under such circumstances?

Nevertheless, Baek So-cheon was clearly not offering a falsehood or making a lighthearted joke.

“That will suffice. You may cease.”

“Understood. Ah, please accept this item.”

“What does that contain?”

Im Choong stepped forward and handed over the wrapped bundle.

“It is nothing of great consequence. Simply a selection of side dishes my wife prepared specifically for your consumption. You may enjoy them alongside a quiet drink at home.”

“Nothing of great consequence? This represents truly valuable fare. I happen to possess a container of liquor indoors. Go inside and retrieve it.”

“Certainly.”

Im Choong returned carrying the liquor bottle along with a pair of drinking cups. In the interim, Baek So-cheon had unsealed the bundle right on the wooden porch, neatly arranging the various dishes.

The two men proceeded to share drinks together in that spot.

“This tastes exceptional.”

“My wife happens to be a highly skilled cook.”

“I was referring to the liquor.”

“Oh—uh, yes. The liquor is indeed of fine quality as well.”

Baek So-cheon let out a quiet chuckle at the visible fluster displayed by Im Choong.

“I was merely teasing you. Extend my sincere gratitude to your wife.”

“Ah! Yes, I shall.”

“You prove to be quite entertaining to poke fun at.”

“Even if that is so, to state it directly to my face?”

“If I were to speak it behind your back, it would amount to nothing more than cheap gossip.”

Im Choong found himself laughing aloud despite his conscious intentions.

They took turns pouring the liquid and draining their respective cups.

On certain occasions, Baek So-cheon appeared to belong to a completely separate realm entirely, yet that was not the case in this quiet moment. If he were to engage in playful banter in the manner of Beon Saeng, the atmosphere would prove even more pleasant. Im Choong experienced a brief pang of subtle regret.

“I offer my apologies for failing to host a proper welcoming gathering for you following your initial arrival.”

“This current occasion serves as that very event.”

“Squad Leader Beon will surely experience a wave of jealousy.”

“We shall organize another gathering involving all three of us on a future occasion.”

Im Choong formed a wide smile in response to the direct and unpretentious nature of Baek So-cheon, lifting his cup into the air.

“I extend my official welcome to you, hyung-nim.”

They clinked their cups together and promptly emptied the contents.

Placing his drained cup back down onto the surface, Baek So-cheon echoed the sentiment back to him.

“I extend my welcome to you as well.”

Im Choong was unable to fully comprehend what Baek So-cheon intended to convey through the word “welcome.” Was it a reference to stepping into this chaotic and unforgiving world of the jianghu? Or perhaps sharing a casual drink as true comrades? Or did it signify an entirely different concept altogether?

Though filled with curiosity, he refrained from asking for clarification.

Whatever the true meaning might be, he held full readiness to embrace it. He stood completely prepared to leap directly into whatever lay ahead.

“The culinary skills of your wife easily rival those of the master chefs who serve the alliance lord.”

“She will be absolutely delighted to hear such praise.”

Throughout that night, the two individuals continued their drinking deep into the late hours.