The Last Words of Yi Gyeol, the Greatest Under Heaven
Yi Gyeol suddenly realized that the moment of his departure had arrived. He was in his mid-forties—an absurdly young age to leave the world. Any regrets? None. Not a shred of lingering attachment remained.
He had dashed into the jianghu armed with nothing but a single sword. Toppling renowned experts one by one, he had unwittingly become the greatest under heaven. When he settled by a scenic lakeside, that spot blossomed into Yi Gajang, the Yi family manor. Overflowing with treasures and delicacies, teeming with the ceaseless comings and goings of retainers and livestock... And yet, that abundance was precisely why he had sunk into profound boredom for so long. Nothing remained to challenge him.
Yes. He had achieved it all. So even if heaven summoned him now, he harbored no regrets. There was just one lamentable thing—
His young children, who took after him so strikingly. Stubborn souls who trusted no one's words lightly and could only find satisfaction in repaying every slight or favor in exact measure... Leaving those foolish ones behind gnawed at his heart. The entire world already revered their Yi Gajang—what more could they possibly lack?
"...So, you children!"
His voice boomed like thunder. It vaulted over Yi Gajang's walls, rippled across the surface of Dongjeong Lake, and carried far into the distance. Yi Gyeol had sat motionless in meditation atop the pavilion for days. Now, as he bellowed suddenly, the hundreds of retainers engrossed in spring cleaning froze, eyes wide, gazing up at him.
Looking down upon those shining eyes, the greatest under heaven proclaimed solemnly.
"Above all else, live by giving generously to others. This is my final testament."
Those were truly the last words uttered by Yi Gyeol's body.
*
...Back then, I had no idea. That my descendants would heed my words so faithfully.