Chapter 40
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: Chapter 12. Ring of Fate (1)
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"……."
Flying Tiger's throat felt parched as he tried to say something to Ma Yeop, but instead, he simply rose to his feet and offered a deep bow.
It was nothing more than a gesture of respect.
Why wouldn't it be?
This was his master's heartfelt wish, after all. Not only had Flying Tiger taken it upon himself, but he was also pouring his heart into it.
In response, Flying Tiger returned a light clasp of hands, accepting the bow. Just as he finished his business and moved to stand, Ma Yeop stopped him. Even if Flying Tiger's part was done, Ma Yeop still had more to say.
"Here, take this."
Ma Yeop pulled a neatly folded paper packet from his bosom and handed it to Flying Tiger. Peering inside, Flying Tiger saw a single gold coin, polished to a gleaming shine. It was a hefty sum, but hardly something the two of them needed to exchange.
"What's this?"
"It's the road money you asked for before. Truth be told, that's part of why I called you here today."
"Me?"
As Flying Tiger looked puzzled, Ma Yeop chuckled and explained.
"In the underground chamber of the Yeonpyeong Younghwa Sect, right before you passed out, you asked me to handle a few things. Don't you remember?"
"Ah... what did I ask for......"
Flying Tiger flushed with embarrassment.
Back then, after clashing with the Fifth of the Sichuan Eight Villains, Deng An-gil, his qi and blood had surged chaotically, leaving his mind in a haze. In that moment, he'd thought, Is this how it ends? And as consciousness slipped away, he'd mumbled something to Ma Yeop like a babbling child.
But he'd completely forgotten about it. And now, trying to recall, the memory was foggy at best.
"You made two requests that day. The second one was to stuff a coin in my mouth for the road to the afterlife, right?"
"Ha. Ha. Ha."
Flying Tiger gave an awkward laugh.
Placing a coin in a corpse's mouth was an old custom—a bit of road money to ease the journey to the next world. In other words, he'd given up on life and basically said, I'm done for.
Complete with the flair of specifying a coin, no less. And yet, here he was, alive and well...
By now, sweat beaded on his brow as he dreaded what the first request might have been.
"Ahem, a single copper coin would've sufficed, but you went and gave me all this?"
"Wasn't it my little brother's request? I made a tidy profit from this event, so I put some extra care into it. No need to refuse—take it."
The gold coin gleamed invitingly in Flying Tiger's hand, clearly buffed with diligent effort. The gesture meant more than its yellow shine. He carefully refolded it in the paper and tucked it away.
"Thanks. I'll put it to good use."
"Good. As for the first request, it's too personal for me to handle. You'll have to do it yourself. After all, I went through the trouble of saving your life for that very reason."
"Ahem. Ahem."
***
When Flying Tiger thought he was dying, the only thing on his mind was Gong Won-yeong.
But he hadn't felt overwhelming sorrow. Just a heavy emptiness, and the realization that today was the day. For some time now, he'd been preparing for farewell.
He'd told Ma Yeop the inn where Gong Won-yeong was staying and asked him to deliver a bouquet on his behalf. Any wildflowers from the field would do, as long as he passed on the message: From Yul-i.
When Ma Yeop had asked, troubled, What if she asks about you—what should I say? Flying Tiger had given a grim smile.
"Heh heh heh, wouldn't that be a miracle? But don't worry. She won't give you any trouble. She's in a deep sleep right now."
"……!"
"Just leave the flowers by her side and tell her. Even if she can't see or hear, I wanted to say goodbye properly. So please."
***
Ma Yeop didn't need to rack his brains to recall that day—once he confirmed it involved Gong Won-yeong, he knew exactly what the request was.
Flying Tiger and Gong Won-yeong had made a promise.
Let's not get clingy. If one of us gets bored, we part without regrets. But no vanishing without a word—no needless worry.
Always give proper notice for goodbyes!
Flying Tiger had looked embarrassed, as if caught with his secrets spilled. But Ma Yeop wasn't teasing; he had no intention of delivering flowers himself, but there was something he could do instead.
"Little brother, if it's not too forward, could you tell me about that woman's condition?"
"……!"
Ma Yeop was well-versed in medicine. He'd cured Flying Tiger's qi deviation and managed his own mania. This was a genuine offer of help.
Flying Tiger flinched, then began describing Gong Won-yeong's state in a faintly trembling voice.
…….
By the time the story ended, a shadow had fallen over Ma Yeop's face, while Flying Tiger seemed strangely calm. He'd read the meaning in Ma Yeop's expression.
Even to his ears, it sounded too far gone.
Ma Yeop spoke heavily.
"I shouldn't have pried and stirred up your worries. My apologies. It's beyond my expertise."
"It's fine. I figured as much. It's been going on too long. Not like one or two doctors haven't seen her. Still, thanks for caring this much."
"Hmm. But that Physician Heo mentioned the Golden Jade Immortal? That's not a name that comes up lightly......"
To be precise, it was Hidden Moon who'd said it, not Physician Heo—but that wasn't the point now.
Flying Tiger's eyes lit up.
"You know the Golden Jade Immortal?"
"No personal friendship, mind you. Met once by chance, and heard some things from those around. But yes, if it's her, it might be possible. Her reputation in women's ailments is unrivaled."
Wait—he really knew the Golden Jade Immortal?
His heart raced.
Flying Tiger's breath quickened, his voice urgent.
"Even a passing acquaintance—could you make an introduction? Or just tell me where she stays."
"You may not know, but she's famously eccentric. My slight connection wouldn't move her."
"Ma hyung! Please. Anything, no matter how small."
"Calm down. Do you think I'd dangle empty hope? I can't, but I know someone who does have ties to her."
"Who?"
"Sorry, little brother—I can't reveal it. He prefers anonymity. Can't risk offending him when you're about to ask a favor."
"Ah......"
"But fate seems to align. He's not far from here, and I happen to know the place."
"……!"
"Give me five days? I'll go and send word back."
To Flying Tiger, it felt like spotting a faint light in the darkness. Dim as it was, it was a signpost amid his circling despair.
Looking back, Gong Won-yeong was everything to him.
So he lost his composure, pacing anxiously—Ma Yeop felt guilty for not leaving immediately.
Ma Yeop soothed him.
"Don't rush it. I have to meet Squad Leader Jin Ga-yong this evening, so not today. But I'll head out at dawn tomorrow."
"Hey... if it's okay, mind if I tag along?"
"What about Face Pursuit Unit Jeong duties?"
"I still have three days of official leave. I'll ask the squad leader for a few more."
Ma Yeop nodded, understanding fully.
"Very well. I'm glad for the company. We'll leave together tomorrow."
And so.
Flying Tiger and Ma Yeop agreed to journey together once more.
Reflecting on it, Ma Yeop's initial closed-off demeanor hadn't been inviting. If Flying Tiger had kept his distance, their bond might have faded like a passing breeze.
But Flying Tiger's bold actions and goodwill forged the connection, linking him anew to Gong Won-yeong.
And at the end of this ring lay more rings ahead—this was Flying Tiger's fate.
***
In the afternoon.
Flying Tiger left Ma Yeop's lodgings and sought out Jin Ga-yong. His injuries had mostly healed thanks to him, but he claimed needing more time for rehab training and requested another week off.
Jin Ga-yong readily agreed.
Flying Tiger also mentioned the evening spar with Jo Baek-bing.
Jin Ga-yong looked troubled, apologizing for his junior sister's rudeness and offering to cancel if unwanted.
Flying Tiger shook his head.
"It's fine. Time I got back to wielding a blade anyway."
"You sure?"
"Might as well loosen up. Actually, I owe you for this."
"In that case... much appreciated."
"Then let me ask: What's Junior Sister Jo's skill level?"
"Master treated her no differently from other disciples when it came to the sword, despite being his only daughter. She has decent talent and trained hard. Among her peers, she's quite skilled—at least, I think so. Her weakness is the absolute lack of sparring and real combat experience."
"Ho, properly trained in the Zhao Family Manor's sword arts? Better stay sharp or risk embarrassment."
Jin Ga-yong eyed him with a scolding look, as if wondering at the frivolous joke.
Objectively, Flying Tiger and Jo Baek-bing were near peers in age. He was a mere wandering warrior; she, direct disciple of a renowned righteous sect in Shaanxi. Predicting the spar—without brutal melee—it favored her.
But Jin Ga-yong wasn't fooled. He'd vouched for her, so she wasn't pushover. Still, he rated Flying Tiger several cuts above.
What does he see?
I thought I'd shown what to show and hidden the rest... but sometimes it feels like he sees right through me.
Flying Tiger felt uneasy but shrugged it off, bottling it away.
"Just earning my keep before leaving. So, squad leader—what's your advice for handling Junior Sister?"
***
Dusk fell over the secluded yard where Flying Tiger stayed.
The moon rose above the wall.
Soon, Jo Baek-bing arrived at the training ground, her white hair ribbon tied tightly, clad in form-fitting jade martial robes. An ancient sword hung at her waist, her face alight with anticipation.
Thud. Thud.
Flying Tiger had been lounging on the porch since early evening, greeting visitors one by one.
"Hey, you're here."
"Yeah. Ready?"
Flying Tiger grinned back.
"How shall we play? Wooden swords? Or real steel?"
"Real steel."
Jo Baek-bing answered crisply.
No sooner had she spoken than Flying Tiger sprang up, snatched his nearby blade, and lunged with a mighty swing before she could blink. He bellowed heartily.
"Here it comes!"