Time of Rewards (3)
In response to my question, the old servant said,
"It was about ten years ago. During the funeral of my former master's younger sister, Song Jangju gave it to him, but my former master threw it away on the way back. I was accompanying him at the time, so I secretly picked it up and kept it."
Whoa...
I trembled with anger once more at Haechul's shamelessness.
How could a person be so wicked?
On the other hand, the servant before me seemed incredibly admirable. Keeping it for ten whole years...
"Thank you. Master Jisang will be overjoyed."
......
I returned to the Shaolin Temple and requested an audience with Master Janggyeonggakju.
The ideal would be to meet the Abbot himself, but one couldn't just see him whenever they wanted.
So, as an alternative, I sought out Master Janggyeonggakju, who oversaw the Sutra Repository where Jisang belonged.
Palgap had told me he was a man of considerable prestige.
A short while later, Monk Jong-o came to relay that Master Janggyeonggakju had granted my request.
I followed him to the Sutra Repository.
An elderly monk stood waiting in front of the building. Upon seeing him, Jong-o hurriedly bowed.
"Greetings, Master Janggyeonggakju."
Ah, so this is Master Janggyeonggakju!
I hadn't expected him to wait outside rather than in a reception room. It felt overly gracious.
"I am Eun Seo-ho, vice-leader of the Eunhae Merchant Group."
"Amitabha! I am Muyeon, in charge of the Sutra Repository."
He's of the same generation as the Abbot.
A true elder, then.
"Please, speak casually to me. I'm a junior in the martial world by far."
"Very well, then."
He nodded readily and continued.
"I wanted to meet you anyway. Care for some tea?"
"I'd be honored."
I followed him inside the Sutra Repository.
He led me to a pavilion by a pond adjacent to it.
Books made up a large portion of the repository's holdings.
Water nearby wasn't ideal, but it was necessary for fire prevention.
The pond seemed artificial but surprisingly spacious.
Given the scale of the Sutra Repository, it made sense.
Master Janggyeonggakju personally brewed tea for me across the table.
"Here."
"Thank you. I'll partake."
I lifted the cup and took a sip.
This master knows his tea.
"My thanks."
"Pardon?"
"For Jisang's matter."
Ah...
"Jisang is the disciple of my disciple. And a child I held particularly dear."
As far as I knew, to become a martial monk at Shaolin, one had to become a formal disciple of a monk listed in the Hall of Heroes within seven years of entry.
Then, after three more years of training and gaining recognition, they could become a full martial monk.
So, Master Janggyeonggakju was Jisang's grandmaster?
"My disciple grieved deeply over Jisang. He'll be thrilled to hear of this."
"Is he away?"
"He's out on a mission at the request of the Central Plains."
"I see."
"So, why did you wish to see me?"
"For this."
I pulled the letter from my bosom.
It was sealed, but I'd stealthily peeked inside and resealed it.
I had to confirm it was truly meant for Jisang.
And ensure it posed no harm.
Upon checking, it was undoubtedly a letter that must reach him.
"Please deliver this letter to Master Jisang."
"It looks quite old and worn."
"There's a story behind it."
I explained the letter's history to the master.
Listening, he nodded deeply.
"So, this letter is the only memento left by Jisang's mother."
"Yes."
I nodded.
"Even after entering the Buddhist path and severing worldly ties, how can one deny heavenly principles? I believe this letter will resolve the last lingering regret for Master Jisang."
"If you say so, then it must be. Moreover, for it to be preserved for ten years means it's heaven's will that it reach Jisang. Understood. I will ensure he receives it."
"Thank you."
After taking my leave from the Sutra Repository, I immediately instructed Palgap to pack our things.
It was time to leave Shaolin.
I bid farewell to everyone except Jisang, who was still in the Penance Cave, and headed with my group to the manor in Dali County.
Upon arrival, it was fully restored and tidied.
Now for a perfect finish.
I summoned Jin Yu Warrior and Yeo Eung-am Warrior.
"You called?"
"Go to Kaifeng briefly. Check on Hae Jangju's status."
"Understood."
I sent Yeo Eung-am along to help him adapt to his recent breakthrough to Super First-rate.
Using full-speed lightness skill would accelerate adjustment.
At my command, the two warriors departed immediately.
I sent my guards instead of requesting from the Beggars' Sect due to the Martial Alliance.
Commissioning info on Haechul from them could raise suspicions.
One of my iron rules for cleanup: no loose ends or doubts.
The two returned in two days.
"Good work. Was Hae Jangju faring well?"
But Jin Yu Warrior's response was unexpected.
"He's dead."
"What? Dead?"
"Yes. A charred corpse was found in a nearby forest. Multiple stab wounds, but no culprit identified."
Judging by the brutality, it screamed grudge killing.
Grudge, huh...
Come to think of it, he'd beaten several servants and maids to death himself.
Of course he'd have many enemies.
Tsk tsk, should have watched his step at night.
Heaven must have been seriously pissed.
No pity for his death. Just deserts.
Now, no one left to bother Jisang.
Haechul's wife and son might come, but by then, Jisang would be untouchable.
Inside Shaolin's Penance Cave.
Jisang was meditating there.
Learning of his mother's passing had devastated him.
But not anymore.
He was grateful he could pray for her rebirth in paradise. Without Eun Seo-ho, even that would have been impossible.
And he'd promised further help.
Why it rang so trustworthy, he couldn't say.
But one thing was clear: Eun Seo-ho was his lifeline.
"Jisang, you there?"
A voice called.
It was Master Ilshim, a high monk residing in the cave to guard his mind and actions after reaching the Transcendent Realm.
When Jisang entered, the master took interest, visited, and shared wisdom.
Finding him to his liking, he continued visiting with teachings.
Jisang rose quickly and stepped out.
"You called?"
He was puzzled. It was still predawn.
"Come inside."
Master Ilshim entered Jisang's cave, and he followed.
The master said,
"Sit in lotus position."
"Yes."
At the unusually stern demeanor, Jisang obeyed.
"Open your mouth."
"Pardon?"
"Hurry!"
Jisang opened, and Master Ilshim placed something inside.
"Mmph!"
"Chew and swallow. It's precious."
Confused, Jisang chewed vigorously.
But it melted after a few bites and slid down.
A hot energy surged from his stomach.
"Now, I'll assist your inner energy circulation! Stay focused! No talking! Endure the pain!"
Dazed, Jisang began guiding qi with the master's aid.
The energy was overwhelmingly vast for him alone.
But with help, he managed.
Finally, a full circuit—taking several times longer than usual.
Exhausted, he heard,
"Now, circulate on your own."
Starting, Jisang was stunned.
His inner energy had surged dramatically.
He calmly finished and opened his eyes.
"Any results?"
"H-how? My inner energy has grown tremendously."
"By how much?"
"A full jam... no, more. What happened?"
"What you ate was the elixir Nine-Leaved Ginseng. Don't misunderstand—it wasn't from me, but your mother."
"Pardon?"
Jisang was utterly lost.
Master Ilshim gruffly explained.
"I don't know details. That bold Eun Seo-ho asked me to deliver it. Even requested inner energy assistance from the Abbot. Since you're here, the Abbot delegated to me."
"......"
"He said to tell you: 'This elixir embodies your mother's sacrifice.'"
But questions lingered.
Curious about outside events, yet bound by the one-month term.
Anyway, Jisang had reached Super First-rate.
Qualified for the Hall of Heroes.
Though the month wasn't up, he continued training and meditation.
Then, a visitor.
"Grandmaster!"
It was Master Muyeon, his grandmaster from Janggyeonggak.
"Heard the news. Breakthrough to Super First-rate? I'm proud. Your master will be delighted."
"Thanks to many helpers."
"Knew you'd say that."
Smiling softly, Master Muyeon handed him a worn letter.
"Take this. From your mother."
"Pardon?"
"Vice-Leader Eun Seo-ho asked me to deliver it."
He explained how Eun Seo-ho acquired it.
"Enduring over ten years to reach you—your mother's longing was that deep."
Master Muyeon smiled.
"The Abbot specially permitted you to keep this one. Hey! What are you waiting for?"
"Ah, yes."
Trembling, Jisang took it.
"I'll be off. Looking forward to your emergence. Heh heh."
Alone, Jisang examined the envelope.
Worn and soiled.
Clearly written: To my son, Baek A-seong.
Baek A-seong.
His secular name.
Biting his lip, he stared long, then tore it open.
My dear son, are you well?
I've heard you entered Shaolin. It must be so hard, but I held back from worrying—yet here I am, writing anyway.
My son, how tall have you grown? How big are your hands? You must tower over your mother now. Your father was quite tall, you know.
'Yes, Mother. I've grown very tall.'
Son, please don't resent Lord Song. He treated me better than I deserved. He even ensured my brother lived comfortably—what more could I ask?
'I don't resent Lord Song.'
Son, since you've chosen to become a Shaolin martial monk, strive harder toward your goal.
'I... I became a martial monk.'
And grow strong. Not just in body, but in spirit—a man unbreakable.
'Yes, Mother. I'll grow strong.'
I don't know when I can send another. But this mother will always pray for your safety.
It felt like her prayers had made him a martial monk unscathed.
Stay healthy.
Tears fell: plip, plop.
Though brief, it captured his mother's heart, transcending ten years to reach him.
Jisang resolved: someday, he would repay Eun Seo-ho's grace.
Clop, clop.
I was en route to Beijing.
Having wrapped up Shaolin affairs and the new manor, back to the capital.
I recalled peeking at Jisang's mother's letter.
No mention of her brother—not a single line.
She knew his deeds. That's why no plea for forgiveness.
Hmm, Beijing soon.
Rest first, then handle business.
That was when—
Hm? This aura feels familiar...
Seeing them approach, I decided.
Time to run.