Chapter: 553
I had to frown after hearing Yeongpung’s words.
“Who…?”
It was because I didn’t fully understand what he’d just said.
Whose successor?
‘Did I hear that correctly just now?’
No matter how much I thought about it, it seemed like I must have misheard him.
Then, Yeongpung, looking slightly flustered, spoke up again.
“Uh, do you not know who the Volcano Sword is?”
“No… Well, could you explain first?”
I was pretty sure I had heard the nickname correctly.
At the very least, I needed to find out if the Volcano Sword that Yeongpung was referring to was the same as the one I knew.
“The Honorable Volcano Sword is the eighth great leader of the Hwasan Sect.”
… Oh my.
“In the past, he was one of the five heroes who stopped the Blood Demon’s bloody calamity during the Blood Demon War.”
Oh man…
“And even today, if you’re to pick the greatest swordsman of all time, without fail, the most revered figures of the Hwasan sect would all include him… Young Master Gu?”
“…”
Yeongpung looked at my face and cautiously called out to me.
The more I listened to the explanation, the more my face contorted in disbelief.
‘I think this is right.’
No matter how I saw it, the Volcano Sword that Yeongpung knew and the senile old man I knew seemed to be the same person.
Then.
‘But what does that even mean?’
What does Yeongpung mean by calling him a successor?
‘Huin?’
Suddenly, Yeongpung is saying he’s the successor of the Volcano Sword.
I was in a state of confusion, not grasping what Yeongpung was saying.
Why was he calling himself a successor?
‘No, that can’t be right…’
Truth be told, it wasn’t that strange at all.
‘He’s definitely more qualified than I am.’
It was true that Yeongpung, who was famous as the most brilliant warrior of the Hwasan Sect, would be the rightful successor rather than someone like me, who had no foundational recognition.
His sword technique and approach were the same as mine.
The only difference being that the old man had a temperament that was, well, ugh.
Yeongpung didn’t seem to have that issue.
One.
‘I’m the successor.’
I could decisively say that.
I was the one who had become the successor of that old man.
‘If not me, then who?’
In the past, the burdens of Shin Noya, which I had desperately tried to escape from, were now closer to the path I wanted to take.
I inherited Noya’s will.
And I would also block the Blood Demon for that path.
As I considered this, I had to grasp the deeper meaning of what Yeongpung was trying to say.
“…What made you suddenly come to that conclusion?”
Cautiously, I asked.
Yeongpung coughed a few times before continuing.
“There was a coincidence.”
“Yes.”
I see.
Anyone looking at the current Yeongpung would think so. What really mattered was the connection behind that coincidence.
“Old Master Gu, are you aware of any rumors that have been circulating recently?”
“Recently?”
“There’s news that accidents are occurring at the branches of the Murim Alliance across various regions. Just a few days ago, something happened in Guangdong.”
“…Ah, um. Yes.”
That was something I was well aware of.
There was no way I wouldn’t be.
“It’s been about half a year since the news first broke… Around the same time that the rumors spread, there were movements in the Shaanxi region as well.”
“Movements?”
“Yes. Apparently there was a support request from the alliance.”
Originally, the Hwasan Sect was present in Shaanxi, so there wasn’t necessarily a need for a Murim Alliance branch there.
And the same applied to the old Black Palace events.
Since the Mudang Sword Master had become the leader, regional affiliations were now in place, which meant that this was the first time a branch of the Murim Alliance was established in Shaanxi.
“…So they requested support there, huh?”
“Correct. Just to cover their bases, they requested help with reconnaissance and patrol duties, just in case something unforeseen happened.”
“And then?”
“Since it was the alliance’s request, at that time, several Plum Blossom Inspectors were dispatched.”
Although the Hwasan Sect wasn’t on friendly terms with the Murim Alliance, it was a legitimate faction. Thus, they had to comply with the request of the alliance.
So it seemed that several Plum Blossom Inspectors had indeed been sent out for reconnaissance.
“Then… could it be possible that at that time…?”
“…You’re right.”
As I made an assumption, Yeongpung nodded in agreement.
“…At that time, I was outside the volcano on a scouting mission. While scouting, I happened to discover a cave.”
“A cave?”
“Yes, it was a place I had never seen before. I entered to assess the situation… and that’s where I found it.”
“What did you find?”
“Traces of him.”
Here, when Yeongpung referred to ‘him,’ he was undoubtedly talking about Shincheol, the Hwasan Sword.
What this implies is…
Did Yeongpung come across Shin Noya’s hidden note during his reconnaissance?
‘A hidden note…’
At this moment, I needed clarity on that point.
“Are you saying you haven’t found a note until now?”
If it was a note to be discovered during reconnaissance, it should have been found long ago and the Hwasan Sect would have safeguarded it.
That they only found it now felt quite suspicious.
In response to my question, Yeongpung explained,
“It was somewhat isolated island territory, but quite far from there.”
“…So you created a note in a remote area?”
It wasn’t even near the Hwasan Sect, but way off in Shaanxi?
When I raised my doubts, Yeongpung tilted his head as if questioning my opinion.
“Isn’t it strange?”
“No, well, not really…”
There was genuinely no need to create a note within the Hwasan faction itself, so technically, Yeongpung’s reasoning was correct.
However…
‘Given that old man’s personality, I wouldn’t expect him to have left anything behind.’
Just based on Shin Noya’s usual words and demeanor.
It didn’t seem like he would leave something for the future, and if he did, it wouldn’t likely be situated far from the volcano.
Of course, this was only how I viewed it; it was not in alignment with Yeongpung’s thoughts.
On this topic, Yeongpung remarked,
“I’m sure the previous leader was a wise man, so there must’ve been some reason.”
“…”
Yeongpung’s eyes sparkled with absolute belief as he said this, leaving me speechless.
I couldn’t just say in return that their elder was not quite what he was cracked up to be!
So I stifled my rebuttal and tried to ask something else.
“…Well, in any case, this connects your current body state and the note, right?”
“Oh.”
At that, Yeongpung looked like he had just remembered something.
“When I entered there, I found the medicinal herbs left by the previous sect leader along with a letter…”
“A letter?”
“Yes? Oh, yes.”
As I interjected, Youngpoong wore a rather surprised expression.
“Uh, what was written in it?”
“…That.”
Yeongpung’s expression grew conflicted at the question.
Seeing that, I also felt like I should remain silent.
‘Is this too much to ask?’
After all, this was the letter of the Volcano Sword.
It was utterly absurd to hastily disclose the words left behind by such a legendary hero of the Hwasan sect.
“I apologize. I overstepped.”
Understanding this, I reflexively offered my apology.
“No, it’s understandable that you’d be curious.”
Yeongpung brushed it off as if it was no big deal.
Sure enough, he was quite unlike that foul-tempered old man.
“Then, to confirm, that sensation you experienced came from the cave?”
As I spoke, the events from earlier replayed in my mind.
‘Since I said the energy felt oddly familiar…’
I had been pondering why I kept getting a sense of familiarity from Yeongpung.
That energy felt akin to something from the Hwasan Sect’s precious artifacts and how it echoed within my own body threw me for a loop.
It wasn’t an exact match but certainly close.
‘Given that, does this mean I really did receive Shin Noya’s energy?’
It was undeniable that I had gained something.
Just.
‘It is one thing to acquire that power through fortune, but it’s rather peculiar for someone to self-proclaim as a successor.’
It was one thing to gain energy and undergo physical transformation, but for Yeongpung to tout himself as the Volcano Sword’s successor was something else entirely.
In other words,
‘Something must have occurred.’
It meant there was something that led Yeongpung to think this way.
Unquestionably, there were several other queries buzzing in my mind as well.
While I didn’t know Yeongpung’s personality in detail, I felt I could take a guess.
If he said he discovered luck in a cave,
‘I would assume he would have taken it back to the Hwasan Sect.’
And yet he hadn’t.
‘And somehow, he didn’t end up at the Hwasan Sect afterwards.’
From Yeongpung’s current state, it was evident he hadn’t gone to the Hwasan faction immediately after acquiring this coincidence.
What in the world happened?
As I questioned this, Yeongpung added,
“I sent a separate letter to the head sect master.”
Yeongpung mentioned that he had written about his situation and sent it to the Hwasan faction.
“And is it true that you brought me the reply?”
I turned to the owl and asked, and she nodded in confirmation.
“Since our paths happened to cross, the head sect master asked me to handle it.”
“Why are you, a shaman, embarking on this journey?”
After hearing my inquiry, Gu Ryeong-hwa hesitated briefly before offering her response.
“…I’m on the way to meet my mentor.”
If we are discussing Gu Ryeong-hwa’s mentor,
‘It must be the Queen of Swords?’
Referring to the woman currying favor under the title of Sword Master, So-i.
‘Does this mean the Sword Master is currently with the Wudang Sect?’
Regardless of why she was there,
I had much on my mind after hearing that.
‘Something seems overly peculiar.’
Even though the narrative appeared somewhat consistent, many unsettling aspects lurked underneath.
If we get technical, the most troubling detail was Shin Noya’s letter, but producing justification to criticize it was lacking entirely.
‘It would be a bit of a stretch to flat out declare that I am indeed the rightful successor of the Volcano Sword and you’re a sham…’
Then how should I approach this?
‘Realistically, the easiest route is to just ask.’
Unfortunately, as of now, I was in no position to pose questions to the evil spirit of the volcano.
What now?
What method should I employ?
Contemplation raced through my mind.
Under normal circumstances, since it was related to Gu Ryeong-hwa, I would have just wanted to unravel the issues and move on.
‘But when it comes to Shin Noya’s affairs, things are different.’
Given the nature of this situation, I needed to dig a bit deeper.
‘Wudang…’
That chapter wasn’t my concern yet.
Going to the Wudang was part of my strategy.
‘Initially, I had finalized plans to visit after returning from Hanam.’
At the very least, I had put a soft timeline of summer or fall for that visit.
Now, things had to be repositioned.
‘Changing the order isn’t a problem.’
It wouldn’t cause any major issues; it’d just be a bit bothersome.
Then.
“You said you were going to the Wudang.”
“Yes? Oh, that’s right.”
Right after I sorted out my thoughts, I spoke to Yeongpung.
“Could I accompany you?”
“Pardon?”
Yeongpung’s eyes widened in surprise at my question.
“Are you saying you want to go with me?”
“Yes, I have some matters to attend to at the Wudang, so it would be better if we went together.”
That wasn’t a lie; it was true that I had some business with the Wudang.
It just wasn’t urgent, but that could be adjusted.
“Brother, aren’t you coming back?”
When I mentioned going to the Wudang, Gu Ryeong-hwa looked on with a hint of concern.
“Wouldn’t the Master be angry?”
Seemingly, she was worried her father would be upset.
I chuckled at the sight of her worry.
“It’ll be fine. I doubt Dad will scold you either.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Ryeong-hwa’s eyes lit up like lanterns.
It must have been the title that had slipped from my mouth.
I ruffled Gu Ryeong-hwa’s hair while observing her face.
“Eek! Where are you touching?!”
She yelped, seeming offended, but amusingly, she didn’t actually swat my hand away.
Still fiddling with her hair, I turned back to Yeongpung.
“Is this alright?”
“If it means you’ll accompany me, I’m perfectly fine with it.”
Yeongpung expressed delight at my response.
Seeing that, I nodded my head in agreement.
As I was about to shift from the Shanxi route to the Wudang route, a question I hadn’t asked before popped into my mind.
“Oh, right. But why are you going to the Wudang in the first place?”
Beyond Yeongpung getting circumstances relating to luck, I didn’t yet know why he was heading towards Wudang.
“Oh, that…”
Upon hearing my query, Yeongpung’s face flushed a little in embarrassment.
“To retrieve a treasure.”
“A treasure?”
He meant to reclaim a treasure?
I looked at Yeongpung with curiosity, wondering what this all meant.
“The Wudang is currently in possession of an item that belongs to the Hwasan.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes, there was an incident from the past… now, we’ve reached a point where it needs to be returned…”
So that means he needs to retrieve it given these circumstances?
“It seems to be something significant, but is it really something only you need to deal with…?”
As I was articulating my thoughts, I suddenly recalled what Gu Ryeong-hwa had mentioned earlier.
I thought it was quite peculiar that the request to reclaim the treasure would only involve the second and third disciples.
‘Oh, and they mentioned the Wudang having the Queen of Swords.’
Given the presence of an elder from the sect, that detail checks out.
Thinking through the idea, I kept my mouth zipped, but Yeongpung must have caught onto my existing thoughts because he answered anyway.
“This is an affair I must resolve in person.”
Yeongpung asserted gravely.
‘I must go directly, huh?’
The underlying emotion in his words felt a bit off.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have asked about this.
Nevertheless, I felt like I ought to pose the question, so I did.
“What exactly will you be retrieving?”
What exactly did the Wudang hold that would prompt Yeongpung to forgo a visit to Hwasan altogether?
Yeongpung, upon hearing my inquiry, replied,
“The treasure retained by the Wudang is… the beloved sword held by the Hwasan Swordmaster.”
…Huh?
As the dialogue sunk in, something didn’t quite feel right.
‘If it’s that old man’s cherished sword…’
Uhhh, that’s definitely…
“It’s quite likely something that you, Old Master Gu, might not be familiar with. It’s not quite a well-known artifact.”
Yeongpung looked at my form and seemed to misunderstand my expression, but he kindly reassured me.
From my standpoint, I was mulling entirely different thoughts.
I asked Yeongpung with deliberate hesitation in my voice.
“Uh, what’s the name of that treasure?”
The name of the artifact currently with Wudang and why Yeongpung was on this mission to retrieve it.
When I asked, Yeongpung tilted his head, perplexed.
He appeared to wonder why I was asking, yet he obliged, as though it was okay to share.
“It’s called Guijeong (晷正).”
“…”
“Do you perhaps recognize that artifact?”
Upon hearing the name, I found myself utterly speechless.
Did I recognize it?
…I knew it very well. I knew it all too well, and that was the problem.
After learning that name, I covertly wrapped my left arm.
Indeed, it was the arm wrapped in bandages that had turned blue as my energy seeped into it.
‘…What the hell is happening?’
I couldn’t tell from where it all began, but the one thing I knew for certain was that something had gone far off-course.
And then.
As I put those thoughts together, it struck me that I should have reacted more swiftly.
Things appeared to be going smoothly, and so I momentarily let my guard down.
“Subdue those authors immediately!”
“Haha, absolutely ridiculous.”
The truth is, I was a person who, by nature, was inherently unlucky.
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