Chapter 320
Chapter 320
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 320
Chapter Title: I'm Worried About Shaolin (6)
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Master's words that it seemed to be in Great Grandmaster's handwriting.
I carefully grasped the book and examined its contents.
'Don't forget the stars' brightness while basking in the fire at your feet? This feels like a verse on the proper attitude toward enlightenment. And then there's a lone circle drawn without context on the next page... Does it mean to empty the mind? The middle pages seem to have worn away, so it's hard to tell.'
At my words, Master spoke up.
- For someone who says they have no idea, you've seen it quite clearly.
'I've seen it clearly?'
- Indeed. The first part is about attaining enlightenment without growing complacent—a discussion on gaining virtue. The solitary circle represents emptiness, forgetting all things. The missing pages likely contained words on forgetting even the stars to find one's true nature—a matter of abandoning delusions entirely.
'So, does that mean this book truly bears the traces of Great Grandmaster, the Manbak Mendicant Monk?'
- It seems so. The writings match what he told me in life. He was so impatient that he'd hold brushes in both hands and write from outside in simultaneously. Doesn't the text in this book show that?
Come to think of it, the book did indeed bear such traces.
I continued flipping through the pages.
Unlike the early pages filled with verses, the later ones contained all sorts of miscellaneous notes.
'Stories about how the Shaolin sweeper monks' chores waste a lot of effort, or trivial thoughts like how square dumpling wrappers might reduce waste.'
- That's how he was. With so many thoughts at once, he'd be sharing insights on martial arts with me one moment, then jotting down ways to improve the innkeeper's cooking who'd shared rice balls with him. In some village, he even pondered fair ways to divide irrigation channels.
Manbak Mendicant Monk.
I could see why he'd earned the moniker of the wandering monk who knew everything.
As those thoughts crossed my mind, Master spoke again.
- Beyond his temperament shining through, the way the words are inscribed and the handwriting... And look at the characters in the upper left—his childhood name, it seems.
I shifted my gaze to the top of the page, and sure enough, "Huang Wu" was written there.
'Ah. Did Great Grandmaster use the surname Huang?'
- He never mentioned whose family he came from.
'Then what about the childhood name?'
- I heard he was born the fifth son of a poor farming family, left at Shaolin, and teased for his sallow face.
As I nodded at Master's words,
I suddenly grew curious about where Woncheol had found it.
"By the way, Monk, where did you get this?"
When I asked, Woncheol scratched his forehead and replied.
"It was brief, but I did serve as a novice monk once. My teacher once said I'd never caused trouble. That's not entirely true. As a child, I was curious and poked around everywhere."
"And that's how you found it?"
"I discovered it in a deep crevice between the novices' quarters and the attached shed. At first, it was caked in dried mud—I thought it was a poorly fired roof tile."
"Hm. So no one knew about it before you found it?"
"Yes. I don't think anyone else discovered it. I've kept it ever since."
"You didn't even show it to the Grandmasters?"
"Yes. As you've seen, it mentions Shaolin's flaws, so I couldn't show it to anyone..."
"You've kept it hidden away all this time."
"Yes. Honestly, it's hardly 'keeping' it—I'd even forgotten about it until recently. Then at the Murim Alliance, hearing my teacher's words brought this book to mind. So here I am, showing it to you, Grotesque Dragon."
I nodded.
Woncheol then asked cautiously.
"Does this book... have ties to the Grotesque Dragon's martial heritage?"
There was no need to beat around the bush.
Woncheol knew my sect was the Heaven-Splitting Sword Sect.
And he'd been the first to find this book, so honesty—and taking it—seemed best.
I nodded.
"Yes. It seems so."
"Ah, thank goodness!"
Woncheol beamed at my answer.
But soon his shoulders slumped.
"No, it's not good at all. If I'd known, I should've taken better care of it..."
"I didn't even know it existed. I'm grateful you told me first."
"Hearing that eases my guilt a bit."
"Anyway. Can I take this book?"
"Yes. Of course."
With Woncheol's firm confirmation, Master and I pored over each page, committing it to memory.
Flip... Flip...
After some time,
as the final page turned, Master spoke in a voice laced with nostalgia.
- It's like seeing my teacher again after so long. It feels like I've studied anew. This gives me cause to ponder Heaven-Splitting martial arts further.
I pondered what to say to Master,
but nothing came to mind.
'The lost pages are unavoidable for such an old book, but I'll preserve it well from now on.'
So I promised to safeguard the book in my hand.
- No need. Burn it right here.
Unexpectedly, Master told me to burn it.
Not grasping the intent, I asked,
'...Pardon? I've memorized the contents, but isn't this Great Grandmaster's trace? I don't understand your meaning.'
- A few words I tossed at Ryeon-geum birthed the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
'...Ah. Are you worried later generations might misinterpret the book's contents?'
- Not just later generations—be wary yourself, Yong-un. When Teacher was at Shaolin, it was a time of lesser discernment. Even he might have scribbled without full intent.
'...True. I could misinterpret it too. I think I grasp your point.'
- Worshiping that book like a sacred relic won't bring Teacher back. No need for pointless attachment. Encountering his trace briefly and gaining insight—that's enough. And...
'And?'
- Since you came to Shaolin, attained achievement, and found this trace, burning it with your own hand to honor Great Grandmaster would mean much to me.
Hearing Master's thoughts, I nodded quietly,
then channeled inner energy into my left hand holding the book, igniting a flame.
Whoosh!
The worn book turned to a handful of ash and a wisp of smoke in the rising samadhi true fire.
Confirming the smoke reached the sky, I brushed off the remaining ash from my hand.
Then uncorked the wine bottle I'd brought.
Pop!
The first cup, poured into the air to honor Great Grandmaster.
Splash!
The second, for Master dwelling in Regret.
Gulp... Gulp... Gulp...
As I brought the third to my lips, I addressed the fidgeting Woncheol.
"Care for a drink?"
"Ah. Elder Uncle Gongryang said a cup of funeral wine is fine, but..."
"If you don't want it, don't drink."
"No, it's not that. I was wondering if a Shaolin disciple should accept funeral wine here. And burning the book—did I fail to keep it properly...?"
"So will you take it or not? My arm's getting tired."
"I'll take it!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After emptying a bottle with Master and Woncheol, I grabbed the doorknob to return to the banquet hall.
The atmosphere seemed completely changed from when I'd left—boisterous voices rang out.
"Heh heh. You really went that far?"
"Yes, I did."
"Each Heart Monk."
"Yes, Young Master Nangong."
"Your cup's empty. Another round?"
"If the Peerless Dragon Sword offers it, I'll take just one more."
"Your Dharma Thirteen Swords at the last Purification Tournament were truly impressive."
"Hahaha. Aren't the Nangong family's swords the pinnacle of the world? And Master Jeonghyeon is here too."
"Primeval Lord of Heaven. Such words embarrass me."
The hall buzzed with laughter.
Woncheol smiled at me.
"While we were out, the mood's turned warm and friendly."
"Yeah? Feels like they've bonded over something..."
As I replied, listening to the conversation inside,
"Amitabha. Back to the original topic... How was life under the Grotesque Dragon?"
"This poor monk agrees. And that 'Grotesque Dragon' moniker—I think it should be something like 'Crimson-Haired Devil' or 'Vicious Breed.' Layman Yehaesu, put that side in your newsletter."
Shaolin disciples shuddered discussing my nickname, while Yin Ha-seong spoke proudly.
"Heh heh. You've only spent a few days with Brother Yong-un and you're talking big. Right, Sister Okgi?"
Dang Ok-gi's voice followed.
"Of course. Absolutely. What you monks went through is barely scratching Eon Yong-un's fingernail. And you're whining about that? Not sure if I should say this, but it's pathetic."
"Heh. If that's just the fingernail... There are worse tales beyond what you've shared?"
"Endless, if I told all. Anyway, we endure what you monks got as 'training' every day—plus his orders. Oh, there's Ha-yeon. Know her? Called Thousand Gold Smile."
"Thousand Gold Smile! Isn't she the Southern Jiang Merchant King's daughter?"
"Of course. She's called Little Sword Phoenix now, right? I saw her from afar at the Purification Tournament."
"Yeah, she's gorgeous, but under Eon Yong-un... Her eyes have these dark circles. Pandas—know them? Bears from Sichuan."
Thus, we learned what sparked the bonding between the Shaolin disciples and my junior brothers.
"Amitabha. Is this bonding? Well, it is bonding, but..."
"No need to sweat it. It's a meaningful day all around—I'll let it slide."
Master snorted at my words.
- Good grief. This guy who always says 'I won't forget this' over everything is going to let it slide?
'I'll let it slide. Won't forget. I'll see if they handle their own duties before such complaints.'
- Ruthless. Truly ruthless.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The night of bonding's first step between Righteous Martial Academy cadets and Shaolin disciples passed.
The next day, before dawn broke,
Grandmaster Gongryang visited me.
"Layman. Awake?"
"No. Just rising to start the day. But with your travel pack... You really meant to leave today?"
"Indeed. I've bid farewell to my seniors... But I had to see my life-saver's face once more before going."
"Life-saver?"
"It's the truth. My seniors all agree you could be trouble, so I'll hold back publicly. Heh heh. Anyway, just wanted one last look."
"Ah, then let me see you off."
"I heard from Abbot Senior you'll stay a few more days for final training with Shaolin disciples. Not busy?"
"I have time."
"No need, but if you insist... Just to the gate at mid-mountain."
On the way, Gongryang offered blessings.
"The world is chaotic, yet a promising sprout like Grotesque Dragon Layman blooms—reassuring indeed."
"You're too kind."
"Not sure if it fits one who bloomed like a lotus from the mud, but I expect health and diligence."
"Yes, sir."
"Hm. We're here. Let's part. This old monk loves wandering—bound to meet again, Shaolin or not. Stay well."
"You too, Grandmaster."
After seeing him off and returning to the quarters,
I saw Grandmaster Gongdeok sharing tea with my junior brothers.
'Checking if they're ready for Avici Hell.'
Smirking, I hung the whistle around my neck.
Then rang the Discipline Hall bell to summon the eagles.
Dong—
Dong—
Until departure,
duties must be done.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ While I spent four days conditioning the eagles to the end,
my juniors underwent questioning and sparring guidance from the two Grandmasters to assess Avici Hell readiness.
"By this monk and Abbot Senior's judgment, Jeonghyeon and Nangong Yun—the two have the skill and resolve to conquer Avici Hell's trials and temptations."
"Oh. Really?"
"Unlikely to match Grotesque Dragon Layman's achievements, but facing their walls... Overcome them, and growth awaits. Even if heart demons arise, they're prepared to shake them off."
Those who passed: Jeonghyeon and Nangong Yun.
Hearing from Gongdeok Grandmaster, I told them,
"I'll inform the academy. You two—experience Shaolin's teachings."
"Hm. The two eminent monks asked probing questions alternately. Related?"
"And your eyes have deepened, Yong-un?"
"Who knows? 'Who knows' is all I can say to your questions. Face it yourselves. Head to the academy first and wait."
Relaying Gongdeok Grandmaster's words to Jeonghyeon and Nangong Yun, I led the others out of Shaolin.
To see us off,
Grandmasters Gonghyo and Gongdeok led the Shaolin disciples.
"Grotesque Dragon. A letter from the Abbot. Deliver this resolve and Shaolin's intent well to Elder Sage Kyung Hye."
"Yes, Grandmaster."
After clasping hands at Gonghyo's words, Woncheol spoke.
"Gr-Grotesque Dragon!"
"What?"
"I-I'm sorry, in every way!"
Behind flustered Woncheol stood Shaolin's nameplate.
Shaolin.
The name still stirred many thoughts,
but past ties were tied, however small.
Now, forge new bonds for coming tribulations.
I smirked at Woncheol peering at my face.
"...Leaving Jeonghyeon and Nangong Yun behind. Take turns eating with them."
"Pardon? Ah! Yes! Yes!"
"See you."
"Yes!"