Luoyang's Winter (3)
Dreams, dreams. It was a story far removed from Namgung Som-in's world. From the earliest memories she could recall, she'd gripped a sword. Her life had been one of wielding the blade not by her own will, but by someone else's. Her martial prowess had grown ever higher, and with it, the number of people who looked up to her in awe. But Namgung Som-in had never seriously pondered the notion of dreams.
"I..."
"If you don't have a clear dream, it's still good to nurture one or two. People say dreams are futile, but they can become a surprisingly powerful driving force. Achieving one goal and then setting the next can be quite helpful."
Namgung Som-in looked at Baek Su-gyeong as he spoke.
"What dream do you have, Teacher?"
"Me?"
She nodded, and Baek Su-gyeong gave an awkward smile.
"As I always say, my dream is to live an ordinary life."
"As expected of Great Hero Jin-un!"
"I never imagined the Huaha Hall showdown would end like that. A bit disappointing."
"Defeat Sword Venerable was strong as ever! A true vanguard of the Heavenly Pole Demonic Cult."
"If a demonic art like that really existed, it'd be horrifying."
"But Great Hero Jin-un would never lose."
"Of course not! The Invincible Sword never falls!"
In twos and threes, passersby on the street frequently brought up the contents of Wudang Sword Hero Volume 7. Baek Su-gyeong, with Namgung Som-in at his side, headed toward the Luoyang branch of the Gyeongun Merchant Group. Now into early mid-November, he'd heard from So Ssaang-a that the group had grown beyond a mere merchant caravan—now worthy of being called a full-fledged trading house.
"Watching the plot unfold, it feels like it's finally rushing toward the finale..."
"We've only just taken down two of the Heavenly Pole Demonic Cult's Nine Great Demon Venerables. To reach the Heavenly Demon, we'll need to beat at least seven more."
One man countered another's words.
"But Great Hero Jin-un's prowess has grown so mighty that he treats the cult's minions like insects. Plus, the flow of events has shifted from what Jin-un knew in his previous regression, so he might start struggling soon."
"It's only Volume 7. We need at least ten more volumes, right?"
"Absolutely. We have to see him clash with the remaining Seven Demon Venerables. With Defeat Sword Venerable and Poison Demon Venerable down, the others should start appearing in the Central Plains soon. No way the Heavenly Pole Demonic Cult gives up on invading so easily."
"Yeah, the Heavenly Demon hasn't abandoned his ambitions for the Central Plains, so Jin-un's trials are far from over."
Ignoring such chatter, Baek Su-gyeong walked on, with Namgung Som-in following and stifling giggles behind him.
"Everyone's so serious about Wudang Sword Hero."
"Every time I hear that stuff out in public, I want to crawl into a rat hole."
"Hehe, you're too famous for that now."
"At least my face isn't known. That's a blessing."
Baek Su-gyeong shook his head, imagining the chaos if his face got out. Of course, he'd already weathered that storm in Wuan, where he was known far and wide, so he knew fame across the Central Plains would bring nothing but headaches. Namgung Som-in added with a smile,
"Still, someday the people of the Central Plains will know your face, Teacher."
"That's what scares me. It's headache enough as is."
Children dashed past Baek Su-gyeong and Namgung Som-in, chattering noisily.
"Take this! Mu-geuk Cham!"
"Eat Defeat Sword Venerable's Flame Demon Wall!"
"Not on my watch!"
The kids, laughing uproariously as they scampered off somewhere, had clearly heard—or read—Wudang Sword Hero. They casually recited the ultimate technique of Jin-un's true signature art, the Three Purities Infinite Sword, and referenced the defensive stance Flame Demon Wall from Defeat Sword Venerable's Pae-cheon Hwang-ryun Sword, which had claimed his life in a brutal duel in the latest volume. Clutching crudely whittled wooden swords, they swung clumsily in play.
The boy playing Jin-un tumbled back as the Defeat Sword Venerable kid's sword pushed him. The "Venerable" struck a dignified pose, thrusting his sword forward.
"Not bad, but that's as far as you go. Sword Hero! You dare challenge our cult with such meager skills... Uh, what was the next line?"
"Dare you speak of toppling our cult with such meager skills? What a vain hope. They called you Wudang's genius, yet you flicker out here like a mere spark?"
The kids whipped around at the sudden voice. Baek Su-gyeong walked among them with a grin.
"To Defeat Sword Venerable's words, Jin-un replied."
He turned to the boy playing Jin-un.
"Even if this body crumbles to dust and returns to the earth, I shall never yield. A thousand lives repeated if need be—I will sever that ambition and claim the Heavenly Demon's head!"
The Defeat Sword Venerable kid seamlessly picked up the line.
"Ah, right! Ridiculous! You think that puny power can fell this venerable self? Do you truly believe you can defeat our lord, incarnation of the True Demon?!"
"Of course!"
"Then I must shatter that vain dream here! Your life ends now!"
Baek Su-gyeong's gaze naturally shifted back to the Jin-un kid, who sprang up, gripped his wooden sword two-handed, and declared to the "Venerable,"
"Let's settle who falls and who stands! Defeat Sword Venerable!"
It was the iconic dialogue between Jin-un and Defeat Sword Venerable from the Huaha Hall bloodbath, bridging Volumes 6 and 7. Baek Su-gyeong's words had smoothly connected the boys' improvisation. The children stared at him in awe.
"Whoa!"
"He knows every line perfectly!"
"Who are you, mister?"
"Just a passing scholar. Heard some fun chatter on my way by."
Baek Su-gyeong told the kids eyeing him.
"Do you want to become martial artists?"
"Yes!"
They shouted in unison. He asked again,
"What kind of martial artist do you want to be?"
"Like Great Hero Jin-un!"
"A strong one like Defeat Sword Venerable!"
"The most righteous one ever!"
Still young, their answers varied wildly—one wanted Defeat Sword Venerable's strength, another to emulate Jin-un, yet another to be paragons of justice. Dreams, each one. Baek Su-gyeong smiled at them.
"No matter the dream, once you hold it, make it yours. Dream a dream no one can steal. Wudang Sword Hero, Jin-un, even Defeat Sword Venerable—they'll guide your dreams."
"But really, who are you, mister?"
Baek Su-gyeong just smiled silently.
"...Have fun playing."
With that, he moved on, Namgung Som-in quickly catching up.
"You're so kind to children, Teacher."
"Dreams are sprouts. No one knows if they'll grow into mighty trees or bloom as flowers."
"That's awfully profound, Teacher."
"Not really. Children's dreams are precious. Who knows—one of those kids might become a famed master of the rivers and lakes?"
He grinned.
"Kinda embarrassing that even kids know Wudang Sword Hero so well, though."
"You're oddly shy about the weirdest things, Teacher."
"What can I do? It's how I'm wired."
"And I like you that way."
"You're too bold, Lady Namgung."
Namgung Som-in covered her mouth, laughing at his reaction. Snowflakes began to drift lightly behind the departing pair.
Snow fell steadily on the imperial palace in Bukgyeong as well. Amid the majestic winter scene of pavilions blanketed white, Ju Geum-ye strode toward the heart of the palace, guarded by imperial guards in purple robes. The guards bowed as she passed, attendants in tow. Her steps led to the innermost hall. The doors parted slowly, and a stern-faced man in a Pingcheon Crown—the Bright Purity Emperor—greeted her.
Ju Geum-ye bowed deeply.
"Come in. So, you met Baek Su-gyeong?"
"Yes."
"And?"
Going straight to results, the emperor prompted. She replied,
"He refused."
"Hmm. As expected of a hidden hermit of the rivers and lakes. Pity. His influence could have greatly aided in controlling the murim world."
"He seemed negative toward it, Father. Recruitment may be impossible."
The emperor stroked his beard regretfully at her words.
"Even so, his immense sway in the jianghu is undeniable. What now?"
"I have no intention of giving up, Father."
"No intention of giving up?"
His tone lifted slightly. The Nakbong Gunju, heir to the throne, declaring she wouldn't abandon one man. Amused, a smile lingered on the emperor's lips.
"Because you see him as talent, or...?"
At his teasing smile, Ju Geum-ye dipped her head slightly—hiding her expression, perhaps. The emperor knew her childhood habit of averting her gaze when caught out, so he didn't press.
"If he's your match, he'd become the imperial son-in-law. No matter his jianghu influence, the ministers would riot at the mere mention."
"H-He is merely a jianghu scholar. Any personal feelings..."
"You always dip your head to hide your face. Even trying to fool your father's eyes, it means nothing."
The emperor chuckled.
"You've turned down countless suitors coldly. If you've set your heart on this man, I should meet him myself."
"S-Set my heart? I haven't...!"
Ju Geum-ye flushed, flustered. It was the first time he'd seen his daughter so rattled. Stroking his beard, he said,
"The palace is a golden cage—stifling in every way. No wonder Wudang Sword Hero captivated me and you alike."
"Father..."
"Do you miss the winds of the jianghu?"
She bowed her head. Her brief jianghu journey had indeed stirred her heart with those winds, leaving her unable to reply. As the empress's blood—sole child of the late empress and emperor—she was the only heir. He'd taken no consorts since losing the empress in childbirth.
"Decide for yourself. If it's your will, I'll set you free."
"Father..."
Looking up at her, the emperor smiled—not as the empire's ruler, but as a doting father.
"I'll hear your answer later. Withdraw."
Ju Geum-ye bowed and retreated. Watching her go, the emperor's gaze drifted to the slightly open window.
"Winter has come."
Winter always yielded to spring. It seemed spring would come to Ju Geum-ye's heart as well. A smile spread across the emperor's face.