The Future Carried by the Sword (4)
This manor belonged to Baek Ji-sin-ui, the physician who had tended to Ok Cheong’s austere constitution. Baek Ji-sin-ui maintained such estates in various corners of the Central Plains. No one knew where his wealth came from, but he used them whenever he traveled to treat patients.
At Yeon Hojeong’s request, Baek Ji-sin-ui had readily lent him the manor. For various reasons, the physician held Yeon Hojeong in high regard.
“I wasn’t sure what kind of tea you preferred, so I prepared whatever was on hand.”
Yeon Hojeong poured the tea himself.
Brewing tea was not difficult in itself. The real challenge lay in steeping the leaves with delicate care.
Naturally, Yeon Hojeong had no skill for such refinement. He simply measured the leaves by feel and poured the water.
Hwa-un spoke.
“The aroma is quite pleasant.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
Regardless, a high-ranking figure of the Martial Alliance had personally served them tea. Though their first meeting had involved a fierce sparring match, at least he was mindful of courtesy. What an unpredictable man. That was Hwa-un’s first impression of Yeon Hojeong. He was rude at first, yet in this regard…
In truth, she herself had only recently begun to understand the world.
Still, she knew how many hypocrites roamed this dusty river-and-lake world, and how many absurdly wicked people existed within it.
At the very least, the people she had encountered so far were easy to read. Their arrogance or cowardice showed plainly on their faces, and most of them were weak before the strong while cruel to the weak.
Such people were simple. Their emotions surfaced directly in their expressions.
The truly difficult villains to deal with were those who knew how to conceal themselves—people who smiled while hiding blades in their hearts, those who probed for weaknesses and ruthlessly extracted every advantage.
In just a few short years, Hwa-un had met countless such individuals. At least this man is not of that sort.
Yeon Hojeong was unique.
He seemed arrogant, yet it was different from a villain’s arrogance. He observed a certain etiquette without lowering himself. His martial arts were formidable enough to overwhelm Jeong-an with ease, yet he did not appear to flaunt his superiority. No emotion showed clearly on his face.
Hwa-un sensed it instinctively: today’s meeting could not proceed lightly.
Though young, her counterpart was more difficult to handle than anyone she had ever met.
“You are known by the title Wall Mountain Tiger, are you not?”
“I am.”
“I’ve heard you are called the foremost rising star of the current martial world.”
Hwa-un’s tone was exceedingly polite—far more respectful than her age or standing would normally permit.
Beyond her natural disposition, it was clear this manner of speech had been ingrained through lifelong habit. Even if a thick veil of desire had fallen over her gentle heart, she had not forgotten the education she had received.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“It is merely an empty title. There are many experts in this world. Even this young lady here possesses martial arts worthy of universal praise should she step into the jianghu, does she not?”
It was an honest assessment. In Yeon Hojeong’s eyes, Jeong-an’s level of skill was comparable to Muk Bi’s. Their specialties differed, but their abilities were too close to rank one above the other.
Hwa-un smiled.
“I am grateful that you hold our branch’s successor in such high regard. It may sound like boasting, but we truly have great expectations for this child.”
“I understand. However, though it may be overstepping, I find myself more drawn to her character than to her martial arts.”
“Pardon?”
Yeon Hojeong looked at Jeong-an.
Jeong-an met his gaze in silence. Despite suffering a decisive defeat in a spar against someone her own age, her eyes remained clear.
“After crossing hands with her, I could see how fiercely she has trained. No matter how great one’s talent, it is difficult to reach this level without blood-soaked practice and relentless study.”
“Ah, indeed.”
“She possesses both competitive spirit and ambition. What pleases me is that these feelings are directed purely toward martial arts, without any corruption.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
It was a remarkably rare smile. Though he often joked with acquaintances when at ease, such a gentle expression was seldom seen on his face.
“I have not taken refuge in the Dharma, so I am quite ignorant in that regard, but at least I sensed that this young lady’s heart is as pure as any. Her learning is outstanding and her convictions are clear. That alone means she has already established her own school of thought, has she not?”
Jeong-an lowered her head.
“You flatter me excessively.”
“I am someone who speaks what I feel. Cultivating one’s own heart is far more difficult than advancing in martial arts. I hope no shadow of damp desire falls upon your heart.”
Anyone could tell this was no empty praise.
Sincerity always reaches its mark. Jeong-an accepted Yeon Hojeong’s evaluation and advice deep within her heart.
Yeon Hojeong turned his gaze back to Hwa-un.
“Well then, I already heard the gist from the Martial Alliance’s intelligence advisor, but it would be best to hear it directly from the person involved. For what purpose have you come to see me?”
It was different.
There was a considerable gap between how Yeon Hojeong usually treated people and how he was behaving now.
The other party mattered, of course, but the Botam side had come regarding him as a representative of the Martial Alliance. No matter how much Yeon Hojeong disliked empty formalities, he could not neglect the minimum courtesy.
In other words, he was aware of it himself—how the world viewed him.
He was merciless toward enemies, but there was no need to be ruthless toward those who had not yet caused any problems. Yeon Hojeong was striving to establish his own middle path.
Hwa-un nodded.
“Since you’ve already heard the story, our conversation can proceed quickly. In that case, I will speak directly.”
“I’m listening.”
“Our temple has remained apart from the world until now. Explaining the reasons and history would be somewhat unnecessary for today’s discussion, so I will refrain.”
“Please continue.”
“However, our temple has had its own circumstances and the realizations of many. Thus, Botam has decided to break with hundreds of years of tradition and step out into the world.”
“I see.”
“That is correct. Even a temple ignorant of worldly affairs knows that the jianghu is a harsh place. We also understand, to some extent, how the martial world views our temple.”
Hwa-un’s eyes gleamed.
This was the moment when a disciple of an enlightened one—who had chosen the sword as a tool of realization rather than slaughter and sought the Dharma through the self carried within that sword—fell into the secular world.
“Botam has traditionally used the Sword Queen as its symbol.”
The word “temple” had, at some point, changed to “sect.”
“And for a sect, power is essential to establish its justice and future.”
“Indeed.”
“Moreover, Botam has been led by three branches. Though they are called branches, they are ultimately one family. Each branch has produced Sword Queens across generations, but that was merely a symbol of the sect. It never functioned as actual power.”
“But now the situation has changed. Is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes. If Botam seeks change for the sake of its future, then the very meaning of the Sword Queen must also change. At the same time, Botam’s organizational structure must be reformed as well.”
“So what is it you want to say?”
“We hope the Martial Alliance will support our branch. To be more honest, we are asking for your help.”
“……”
Yeon Hojeong regarded Hwa-un in silence.
Perhaps the weight of his gaze was burdensome. Hwa-un drew a small breath and continued.
“I imagine my sudden statement has surprised you. However, this is not a matter that would bring loss to your side either. Although our branch may not be the strongest in terms of actual power, if we combine this child’s potential with the strength of our elders, we can certainly become a force for the Alliance as well.”
“Become a force…”
“Yes. The experts of Botam have all received equal education since childhood. They train while holding swords and simultaneously study the Dharma.”
“……”
“However, the Buddhist Sword is the Sword of Wisdom, and the Sword of Wisdom is realization itself. I dare to say that, though our numbers are few, when it comes to the elders’ realization, our branch stands at the pinnacle.”
“In other words, you are an elite few.”
“You see it precisely. If the Alliance helps our branch in establishing this child as Sword Queen, our branch can form friendly relations with the Martial Alliance. It also means we can handle matters that would be difficult for the Alliance to address directly.”
The longer the conversation continued, the deeper Yeon Hojeong’s eyes became. At the same time, Jeong-an’s face visibly darkened.
Unfortunately, Hwa-un remained unaware of this. Her eyes, intoxicated by her own words, could see nothing but a rosy future.
“It is embarrassing to say this myself, but I know the jianghu holds Botam in considerable esteem. There are even many among the common people who regard Botam as sacred.”
“……”
“The Martial Alliance could share in the people’s favor simply by joining hands with us. That might even become a greater power than actual military strength.”
“I see.”
“Yes. Of course, from your perspective, Wall Mountain Tiger, you may question whether there is any need to join hands with our branch.”
Hwa-un placed her hand on Jeong-an’s shoulder.
Jeong-an flinched involuntarily. The hand resting on her shoulder was far too hot.
That heat was not body temperature—it was desire. It was also a madness that had begun to slowly take root.
“I will speak honestly. Among the other two branches, there is a candidate who has reached a higher realm than this child. That candidate’s martial prowess already surpasses our elders.”
“……”
“However, that candidate’s heart is exceedingly fragile and would struggle greatly to withstand the storms of the jianghu. If something goes wrong, that person could bring harm not only to our temple but to the Martial Alliance as well. But this child is different.”
Hwa-un spoke with confident conviction.
“Considering the age difference, this child is not inferior to that candidate either. In terms of purity and resolve, she surpasses everyone. If the Alliance supports this child, Botam will greet a new era and…”
“I apologize for interrupting, but may I ask one question?”
“Ah, of course.”
Yeon Hojeong asked with a serious expression.
“In your view, is Botam a temple or a sect?”
“Pardon?”
“What is Botam’s spirit? Does it pursue pure power? Or is its purpose realization through cultivation? Or perhaps, does it wish to benefit the world?”
Hwa-un answered with a smile.
“Would those who serve the Buddha pursue pure power? We merely wish to correct the world’s justice and save more common people from suffering.”
“And what is the method?”
“Pardon?”
“Correcting the world’s justice and saving more common people from suffering—these intentions are truly noble, but I am curious about what method your temple intends to use to achieve such a great purpose.”
Hwa-un was momentarily flustered. She had never expected such a question.
But Yeon Hojeong’s questions were only beginning.
“It seems difficult to answer. Since the topic has come up, I would like to ask a few more questions, even if they may be rude.”
“What kind of…?”
“Do you believe other righteous sects have failed to achieve peace because they lack power and their goals are impure?”
“……?!”
“Have the righteous sects that adorned hundreds of years of jianghu history disappeared into the annals of time because they were inferior to Botam?”
Hwa-un’s face hardened.