Between Peace and Chaos (4)
“Dae-sa.”
“Hehe, with all your pressing official duties, I hope I’m not intruding by coming unannounced.”
“Not in the least. Please, sit down.”
“Then I shall impose upon you.”
A short while later, Gong Gong Dae-sa and Jegal Mun-ho sat facing each other across a low table.
Gong Gong Dae-sa spoke more directly than usual.
“How is the situation in Guangdong at present?”
“From the reports I’ve received so far, it is difficult to call it favorable.”
Jegal Mun-ho’s face remained cool and rational as he scanned several documents.
“I will summarize the reports that have come in. First…”
Jegal Mun-ho relayed the situation exactly as it had been organized, carefully excluding any personal opinion.
Gong Gong Dae-sa’s gaze deepened.
“I see.”
“The one silver lining is that we have captured a high-ranking expert from the Saeum Sect. That alone can be considered a significant achievement. The Shinwha Sect’s Tiger Martial General currently imprisoned in the Martial Alliance’s dungeon is barely sane. Capturing a high-ranking figure under these circumstances is a truly remarkable feat.”
“The problem is that if the situation over there collapses, even that impressive achievement loses all meaning.”
“Exactly.”
Jegal Mun-ho’s eyes gleamed.
“Another fortunate point is that the intelligence advisor personally participated in this operation, allowing us to quickly identify the locations of Guangdong’s high officials.”
“I see.”
“If the reports are accurate, the one who will reveal a clear kill-at-all-costs intent is none other than Yayul Jeok—the current Shadow God and the Saeum Sect’s hunting dog. The target will likely be the Seungseon-pojeongsasa government office.”
“I agree. If the administrative system of the Seungseon-pojeongsasa collapses, Guangdong Province will descend into chaos in an instant. Given the region’s unique characteristics, restoring public sentiment and reorganizing the system after such a collapse will take several times longer than in other provinces.”
A look of genuine surprise crossed Jegal Mun-ho’s face.
“You are truly impressive. It seems you are well-informed about the current state of Guangdong Province as well.”
He was not belittling Gong Gong Dae-sa. While it might be different for other regions, Guangdong was the southernmost tip of the Central Plains. Though it bordered the sea and conducted active trade, it did not exert strong influence on the Central Plains economy and had developed independently. Even experienced old masters of the jianghu found it difficult to grasp the true present condition of Guangdong.
Gong Gong Dae-sa smiled gently.
“I have many acquaintances in that direction. I cannot match the Military Counselor’s depth of knowledge, but I do know a certain amount.”
“That is remarkable.”
Jegal Mun-ho’s eyes shone with renewed light.
“So that was why.”
“Hm?”
“That was why you ordered the sect leader of the Diamond Fist Gate to head to Foshan.”
Gong Gong Dae-sa smiled bitterly.
“So you already knew.”
“Ah, I say this only to prevent any misunderstanding—I am not the least bit displeased. Since it was something you decided, Dae-sa, I assumed there must have been a good reason.”
“Of course there was a reason. However, I was so preoccupied with my own concerns that I overlooked a most basic procedure.”
Jegal Mun-ho did not deny it. Regardless of intent, failing to inform the Military Counselor—the person responsible for the operation—and sending allies separately was a mistake.
The reporting system had not been created for nothing. Even if Gong Gong Dae-sa were the Alliance Leader, this was still wrong.
Gong Gong Dae-sa quietly chanted a Buddhist invocation.
“I came today precisely to speak about this matter, even at this late hour. But since you already knew, this old monk feels truly ashamed.”
“Haha, it’s quite all right. Please be sure to inform me in advance next time.”
“I will certainly do so. In fact, such a thing will not happen again from the start.”
“By the way, why Foshan?”
Gong Gong Dae-sa’s eyes deepened with profound meaning.
“I have already spoken with the Wudang sect’s sect leader as well. That place houses great elders of the Central Plains’ Buddhist order.”
Upon hearing the concise explanation, surprise bloomed across Jegal Mun-ho’s face.
“But why would the eminent monks from various regions be there…?”
“I am sorry. This concerns the entire Central Plains Buddhist order. No matter how much of a Military Counselor you are, it is difficult for me to speak of it directly.”
“I understand.”
“At the same time, because you are the Wudang sect leader and the Military Counselor, I have told you this much. I believe that the two of you would never carelessly disturb that place.”
Jegal Mun-ho smiled.
“Of course not. This involves Shaolin, the greatest power in the Central Plains’ martial world. Even the most curious person under heaven would shake their head and step back.”
These were Jegal Mun-ho’s true feelings.
The Nine Great Schools and the Six Great Clans all possessed secret corners they did not reveal to the outside world. Such secrets might be humanitarian in nature, matters concerning the life and death of the sect, or—though one would hope otherwise—extremely vicious secrets.
Had it been a private matter for Shaolin alone, Gong Gong Dae-sa would have concealed it completely. But if it concerned the entire Central Plains Buddhist order, even Jegal Mun-ho would naturally hesitate to investigate.
“Still, the fact itself is truly astonishing. To think that the legendary high monks who perfected Buddhist martial arts are gathered there…”
“To be precise, there are far more scholar-monks than warrior-monks.”
“I see.”
“They are those who abandoned the path of enlightenment and chose instead to burn the remainder of their lives for the sake of the Buddhist order. My own heart is complicated, asking such people for a favor. But what can I do? If we make even the slightest mistake, the lives of the common people will be destroyed by the invasion of foreign sects.”
“Your words fill me with gratitude. However, I am curious—if you were going to tell me directly like this, could we not have considered it together when planning the operation?”
Gong Gong Dae-sa let out a soft sigh.
“That is precisely the reason.”
“What do you mean?”
“Those people will not move easily even at my request. They have already half-left the Buddhist path and are people who burn their entire lives for a single purpose.”
“…!”
“I did not wish to influence the operation with something whose success I could not guarantee. Even if they prove helpful, is this not ultimately the Martial Alliance’s responsibility? I would be grateful if they helped, but I do not believe we should reproach them if they choose not to.”
Jegal Mun-ho nodded.
“I understand what you mean.”
Even while speaking of how the lives of the common people could be ruined, he ultimately drew a clear line that this was the Martial Alliance’s affair.
At first glance the words might seem inconsistent, yet they proved just how excellent Gong Gong Dae-sa was at distinguishing between public and private matters.
One could not stand by and watch the lives of the common people be destroyed. However, a clear distinction had to be made between those who bore responsibility and stepped forward, and those who did not.
Although he had not informed Jegal Mun-ho—the Military Counselor—in advance, that very aspect of Gong Gong Dae-sa was what made him worthy of leading the colossal organization known as Shaolin.
“If those esteemed elders decide to move, it will be an enormous help.”
“One can only hope.”
Gong Gong Dae-sa clicked his tongue lightly.
“Since they are well-versed in the movements of the government, it would be good if they could block even one of the Shadow God’s schemes.”
“Pardon? Well-versed in the movements of the government? Those people?”
“Indeed. Foshan was a mountain under especially strong governmental control.”
“…!”
“If they had not built a certain relationship with the government, it would have been absolutely impossible for them to carry out ‘that work’ in Foshan.”
“I see…”
Jegal Mun-ho realized that the secret matter taking place in Foshan was far greater than his vague assumptions had suggested.
Gong Gong Dae-sa continued.
“In any case, it is truly regrettable that the situation has come to this. I trust that Captain Yeon will handle things well, but…”
“Captain Yeon will do well. As he always does. But since he is human, he may make mistakes or face failure. His personal capability is beyond doubt, yet he must also manage people while potentially intervening in Guangdong’s political situation.”
“Mm.”
Jegal Mun-ho shook his head.
“Whether it works or not, all we can do now is trust and wait.”
“Hehe, at times like these I truly reflect on our own attitude—using age as an excuse to hide away in the Alliance’s inner rooms, merely watching the drifting clouds.”
“Please do not think that way. In any organization, high-ranking officials must not move recklessly. I am certain you understand this well, Dae-sa.”
Gong Gong Dae-sa drank his tea in silence, trying to wash away his frustration with a single sip.
Jegal Mun-ho, who had been quietly watching him, suddenly let out a sound of realization.
“Ah, and I was planning to announce this matter at the next Elders’ Council meeting.”
“Hm?”
Jegal Mun-ho’s eyes sparkled.
“Since the topic of the Buddhist order has come up, do you happen to have connections with Botam as well?”
“You mean the Botam of the Sword Queen legend?”
“Yes.”
“Of course. We exchange letters every year.”
“Hmm…”
“What is it?”
“The movements within Botam have become rather unsettling.”
Gong Gong Dae-sa’s expression hardened.
“Unsettling? What do you mean?”
“We have received reports that the factional struggles inside Botam have grown quite chaotic. However, since nothing had been clearly confirmed, we left the matter alone.”
“…?!”
“Recently, we received intelligence that a high-ranking figure from Botam has entered Hunan Province. After deducing the destination this person is heading toward…”
Jegal Mun-ho cleared his throat.
“The conclusion we reached was the Black Dragon Department.”
“…!!”
Drip. Drip.
The sweat falling from Lee Cheol-gyeong’s forehead soaked the cave floor.
“Hmmm.”
The oppressive weight carried by the low voice was truly immense.
“So that’s how it is.”
“…Yes, it is.”
“It seems the current abbot was quite desperate. Ah, is the present abbot Gong Gong?”
“Yes.”
“Gong Gong… From a young age, Gong Gong has always been known for his outstanding ability. He received praise for possessing talent in many fields, enough to lead Shaolin without any shortcomings.”
“…”
“But my thoughts differed. While Gong Gong’s eyes when viewing the world were always clear and deep, his greatest talent was actually his martial talent. If he had staked his life on that talent and thrown himself into the martial path, he would likely have surpassed the Realm of Wuji by now and, as a Bright King, engraved the prestige of the Buddhist order upon the entire world.”
As he listened to the old man click his tongue softly, cold sweat continued to pour down Lee Cheol-gyeong’s forehead.
Just how old was Gong Gong Dae-sa? Moreover, he was the current abbot of Shaolin. Both in age and in seniority, he was a giant recognized throughout the Central Plains.
Yet the old man spoke of him as if he were a child. It was difficult to even guess the old man’s age and generation.
“You said you were the blood relative of Brother Lee?”
“That is correct.”
“How unfortunate. Your great-grandfather will be unable to move for the time being.”
“Could it be… that his health is poor…?”
“Puhaha! Poor health? At that age, he is the most energetic among us. He looks like he could live another twenty years.”
“Ah! That is a relief.”
“In any case, the situation is flowing in that direction, yes?”
“It is.”
“Hmmm. Still, if it is the abbot of Shaolin, he should know how unreasonable this request is…”
“…”
“Hah! There is no helping it. To dig up this place, the power of the officials is essential.”
“Then… you will help us?”
“We are people who have taken one step away from the Buddhist order. In other words, we do not belong to the secular world.”
“…!”
“The chaos of this era must be borne by those still active in the world. However, since the situation is like this, I suppose I should at least serve as a shield for a little while.”
“Th-thank you!”
“There is no need for thanks. By the way, where is that child from the Beggars’ Sect who came with you? I must hear the full story before I can move.”
“I will bring him right away!”
“Do so.”
Lee Cheol-gyeong left the cave.
The old man sitting inside clicked his tongue and slowly rose to his feet.
“The trees wish to be still, yet the wind will not cease. Truly, these are troublesome later years.”