“Take a break already. At this rate, you’re going to die.”
Those were the words Muyeon heard from the head of the escort squad before he even joined.
Muyeon swung his sword day and night in an effort to forget those memories. Ironically, despite all that effort, the memories remained.
Martial arts devoid of heart held by a martial artist was merely a series of movements.
Even the sword that Muyeon wielded was like that.
Nothing was infused into the sword.
He merely swung it. For that reason, even after swinging it a hundred or a thousand times, Muyeon’s martial prowess remained stagnant, just like his memories.
Talented as he was—without the exception of the prodigy Gu Jeolyub, the grandson of the First Elder—Muyeon was undoubtedly a genius when it came to talents.
Many people believed that if talent allowed, a peak martial artist would emerge as the youngest in the history of the Gu Clan.
Looking back now, it all felt trivial.
Why was he so obsessed with the title of a first-rate martial artist?
Muyeon still couldn’t make sense of himself.
Why did I come this far, for what reason?
What is left for me?
He still vividly remembered the swordsmen who begged for their lives, crying out for help.
What was my purpose in wielding a sword? A swordsman is meant to protect with their sword.
Yet, he had failed to protect them.
Then what does that make me?
He had no answers.
He continued to live like a half-recluse until he received the order from the leader.
“I can’t let a martial artist like you rot here, not in the current circumstances. This is the only place I can send you. So go there and get some rest.”
The place to which he was assigned was none other than the escort squad. A supposedly honorable position tasked with guarding the bloodline of the Gu Clan, but to Muyeon, it did not look that way.
“Report everything they do.”
That was the command he received the moment he joined the escort squad.
Who am I reporting to, and why? Is this truly protecting them?
To Muyeon, it felt more like a surveillance task than escort duty.
But he didn’t express his concerns. Did he even have the right to? Muyeon was unsure about that.
Shortly thereafter, Muyeon learned who he would be escorting.
The third child of the Gu lord, and the only son, Gu Yangcheon.
At first glance, he didn’t make the best impression. All the descendants of the Gu Clan had that characteristic; especially with his sharp eyes and smirk that made his mischief apparent.
He didn’t engage in much conversation, but it was clear that he had a spoiled temperament and, without a doubt, was rude.
“Pleased to meet you, Young Master.”
“Are you the escort?”
“Yes, my name is Muyeon.”
“Oh really, I asked for a woman. They really failed in their duties.”
“Pardon…?”
“Don’t bother me, you’re annoying. Go sit in a corner and don’t let me see you.”
…No wonder a senior swordsman handed me a yakgwa.
“What is this for?”
“If he starts throwing a fit, just act as if you’re listening and have this ready for the Young Master. Things will be a little smoother after that.”
I was grateful to the senior for such advice. It allowed me to deal with the Young Master a bit more easily.
I didn’t know if this was what the leader intended, but after a week with Gu Yangcheon, I found myself longing to return to the swordsmen squad.
Although physically it might be more comfortable, mentally it was a different kind of challenge.
Then one day, the Second Elder was looking for Gu Yangcheon.
Just as expected, Gu Yangcheon fled to the market as soon as he heard the news.
Should I catch him?
My thoughts were fleeting. To be frank, I was more afraid of Gu Yangcheon’s tantrum than the Second Elder’s scolding.
Thus, I quietly followed him to the market, observing him discreetly.
Gu Yangcheon did not seem to do much outside.
He merely watched people go about their lives.
‘…’
How strangely calm and motionless.
Sometimes, his expression mirrored that of a gazing child.
What was he thinking? Even with his grumpy demeanor, there were times when deeper emotions surfaced.
At that moment, emotions like immense regret and splendid sorrow flickered across his face.
But, alongside that, there seemed to be a calm resignation.
The single word I could associate with the look on his face was surrender.
Why had the Young Master, destined to be the lord, given up?
I couldn’t fathom the pain that boy felt.
Nor did I wish to pry further, as I neither deserved nor was in the position to.
Then, in that fleeting moment,
The air encircling Gu Yangcheon shifted.
How do I describe this?
Before I knew it, my hand had instinctively reached for the hilt of my sword. I had often been told I had good instincts.
I quickly scanned the area around us but found no sense of danger.
What is happening?
Why was this strange, tingling sensation creeping over me? It was unsettling enough to warrant a chill down my spine.
However, it didn’t last long.
“Want a potato?”
Although I couldn’t clearly see her face, a child appeared before Gu Yangcheon, carrying a basket brimming with potatoes.
In an instant, the prickling sensation evaporated. Could it be that girl was the source of that ominous feeling?
It seemed unlikely, but better safe than sorry. I approached Gu Yangcheon, prepared to unsheathe my sword at any moment.
“Young Master…?”
To my astonishment, Gu Yangcheon was eating the potato the child had handed to him. This was the same Gu Yangcheon who would flip the table if his food didn’t suit his liking, yet here he was consuming a potato.
The child’s appearance was even more troubling. Her clothes were tattered and in poor condition.
Gu Yangcheon, who would usually get worked up over clothing worn once, might react explosively upon seeing that.
I needed to send the child away immediately.
“How dare you—”
“Got any yakgwas?”
“Huh?”
“Do you have any yakgwas?”
Why was he suddenly asking for yakgwa? I thought about reminding him that he had devoured all of them on our way here, but I didn’t voice it.
Fortunately, while rummaging through my belongings, I found one yakgwa left.
Hahh… Was this really the purpose for which I had learned martial arts, to fetch yakgwas as an escort?
Gu Yangcheon accepted the yakgwa from me.
I assumed he’d eat it to cleanse his palate of potatoes.
“You want to try this?”
He handed it to the child instead.
…Huh?
I had assumed he would scold the child after finishing the yakgwa.
That was the Gu Yangcheon I had always known.
Yet he had changed.
He was even apologizing, saying that he would give her more if he had any left. It was simply unfathomable to me.
I need to check where the sun rises tomorrow.
I had to verify whether it was west, east, or south.
Moments later, the child who had happily received the yakgwa vanished with an old man.
The bizarre thing is that only a few days later, that girl and the old man I had seen in the market ended up working at Gu Yangcheon’s residence.
That day certainly marked the beginning of Gu Yangcheon’s transformation.
Gu Yangcheon began to train. As shocking as it was that he started training, he was allegedly training at a significant intensity too.
I had witnessed it multiple times.
His attitude towards the servants also shifted. Not that he became kind to them, he simply became indifferent.
Whether they worked hard or made mistakes, he seemed to take no notice. The servants rejoiced, feeling it was akin to heaven.
So many things have changed.
Did he really change…?
I often thought about the expression on Gu Yangcheon’s face. That gaze constantly nagged at me.
He appeared to be living while concealing something. After all, what could a mere child in their mid-teens possibly have to hide?
Perhaps he hasn’t changed, but rather this is his true self.
For what purpose?
I couldn’t determine that.
The day I ventured back to the market with Gu Yangcheon, he sought out the Hao Clan through the shadows of alleys.
Why would someone from the Orthodox Factions engage with an Unorthodox Faction? How did he even know where this place was?
I couldn’t grasp any of it.
Gu Yangcheon even rattled on about the Lord of the Hao Clan.
The shocking revelation made me almost unsheathe my sword too late.
The swords of the Hao Clan guards came at us faster than I had anticipated.
But Gu Yangcheon stood resolute, not flinching as swords were drawn upon him.
How could he remain so calm?
Suddenly, I recalled something the leader would mention whenever he indulged in drink.
“You know, the Gu clan isn’t all that bright and sunny—the truth can be more than you bargained for, so don’t dig too deep.”
That thought swirled through my mind, leaving it in a jumble.
After stepping out of the Hao Clan, Gu Yangcheon bought a mountain of yakgwas as if nothing had happened.
Even paying with my money… that remains unpaid to this day.
Upon returning to the clan, Gu Yangcheon requested I keep everything confidential since it was solely his matter. I responded affirmatively.
However, I ultimately had to report all that transpired.
While writing my report, I found myself frozen, unable to fathom my own thoughts.
It was simple enough; all I had to do was write it down. That was my job. Why couldn’t I get it out?
The answer lay with my instincts. My gut told me that it was best not to document this.
But what was the reason? Where lay the problem? It was a convoluted mess in my mind.
Ultimately, I only wrote about my visit to the Hao Clan but omitted any mention of the Lord.
It was a maddening night, knowing that a lack of self-understanding could render one so frantic.
In that moment, I had a sudden urge to swing my sword. So, I stepped outside, gripping my weapon.
How long has it been since I’ve felt this urge to swing a sword? It felt distinct from the aimless swings I had made to suppress other thoughts.
Who am I?
Who is Gu Yangcheon?
What is the Gu Clan?
I posed all these questions to my sword and, much to my surprise, it started to answer.
That day, I finally achieved a breakthrough in my martial arts after months of frustration.
In childlike joy, I even jubilantly told the old man sweeping Gu Yangcheon’s residence about my achievement.
For the first time in months, my mind felt clear.
“…I think I can return now.”
With this newfound clarity, I felt ready to rejoin the swordsmen. In a sense, this could also be attributed to Gu Yangcheon.
I felt grateful that Gu Yangcheon, despite noticing my turmoil, had never inquired about it.
That’s why I felt unable to address Gu Yangcheon’s issues either.
Why had he donned the guise of a scoundrel only to shed it now? What secrets did the Gu Clan harbor? I dared not dwell on those thoughts.
So, as I prepared to request my return to the swordsmen, I found myself told to go to Sichuan.
…Why?
“Are you talking about the Tang Clan’s Military Exhibition?”
A full day had passed since the Second Elder had absurdly suggested I run away.
When I protested that escaping was nonsense, the Second Elder sighed and said he would find a way to send me to Sichuan.
What he brought up next was the Tang Clan’s Military Exhibition.
“We receive an invitation every year, but I never intended to go.”
The Military Exhibition was one of the events hosted by the Tang Clan, showcasing their military weapons, manufactured by the finest artisans.
“Does it really start around this time…?”
Once, I attended it whilst having the title of a Young Lord, not too long ago.
I still remember those splendid weapon displays adorning the venue.
“It’s set to start in about fifteen days, so if we leave now, we will arrive just in time.”
Considering the distance, it would be a narrow race against time. Would I really be able to find the Secret Vault of the Golden Nature Clan within that short timeframe?
“But how did you gain permission?”
The reason I attended before was primarily to establish my presence among the Tang Clan.
I found it strange for them to grant me nearly a month of leave, as it wasn’t easy for a descendant of the Gu Clan.
It was feasible back then largely because I was the Young Lord.
The Second Elder chuckled heartily.
“I simply agreed to do a small favor for the Gu Clan.”
“You went that far?”
What request could be significant enough for him to bring all of this about?
Honestly, I never considered him simply slipping me into a carriage heading toward Sichuan.
After all, it was still better than running away, or was it a form of running away?
Suddenly, I got chills that I had been thinking along the same lines as the Second Elder.
I can at least say I’m not as clueless as that old coot…
Yes! Exactly!
“Well, a promise was made, and Yangcheon,”
“Yes?”
“I don’t know what is compelling you to set foot in Sichuan, but you are explicitly of the Gu Clan’s blood. Always keep that in mind and act accordingly.”
“…”
In simpler terms, he was saying not to stir up any trouble.
I couldn’t help but grimace a little at his words. If someone else had said that, I would have thought them grandiose or full of pride.
However, hearing that from the Second Elder left me feeling skeptical.
“What kind of face is that? I might have the urge to smack your head if you keep that up.”
“…It was so impressive that I momentarily lost my words.”
In any case, things were progressing smoothly. Even if I failed to locate the Secret Vault of the Golden Nature Clan.
If that were to happen, I would use every means possible to ensure the Gaecheon Clan wouldn’t lay their hands on it.
“So, when should I leave?”
“What do you mean when? You should head out now.”
“Pardon…?”
What is this man talking about?
How can I depart when I’m not prepared at all…
“I asked a servant to get everything ready, so you’re free to leave now.”
He certainly was quick with the preparations…
“What about my input?”
“You seemed eager to leave, so this old man made swift arrangements.”
“Isn’t ‘swift’ a tad too quick…?”
“Consider how long the trip will take; wouldn’t it be wiser to leave and return early?”
He had a point, but it still felt undeniably odd.
From afar, I noticed Muyeon dully approaching. He looked as though his soul had escaped his body.
What on earth is wrong with him now?
It appeared as if he was pushed toward the carriage by the Second Elder’s pressure.
Those going with me included Muyeon and a few other servants. Yet, Wi Seol-Ah was nowhere to be found.
I hoped she might be here but thankfully, she wasn’t.
But should I really leave without saying goodbye? She might feel sad about that.
I was leaving for almost a month. Sure, it was comforting to leave her behind, but I wouldn’t be able to see her for quite some time.
“But can I truly leave like this? Shouldn’t I at least inform—”
“Go! This old man has taken care of everything. Time to depart!”
He practically shoved me into the carriage and shut the door without a second thought.
“What kind of departure is this…!”
I couldn’t even finish my sentence. The carriage was already in motion.
And just like that, we set off, leaving the clan behind.
After the carriage had left, the Second Elder dropped his hands from behind, stretching out a bit. He turned and walked toward Gu Yangcheon’s dwelling.
“Let’s talk now, Senior.”
Though it first appeared empty, the Sword Emperor was silently waiting in Gu Yangcheon’s quarters.
The gentle smile that always adorned his face had vanished, leaving only chilling eyes in its place.
“What about?”
“About why the Lord requested me to do such a task.”
The Second Elder took a seat across from the Sword Emperor. The stark size difference between the two was painfully obvious.
In a way, it seemed the Second Elder could easily overpower the Sword Emperor through sheer weight, but he was aware.
Judging a book by its cover is a grave mistake.
Hidden within that small body was the strength of the heavens. Despite his title, the Sword Emperor was at a stage where he no longer needed a sword.
“Why are you desperately searching for the Immortal Healer? I wish to know.”
The Sword Emperor remained silent, only staring. So, the Second Elder let out a long sigh.
He knew the Sword Emperor wouldn’t answer his inquiry.
“In that case, I’ll change the question.”
The Second Elder briefly quenched his thirst with tea, savoring each drop before speaking again.
“Your granddaughter, what is she?”
The cold gaze of the Sword Emperor met the Second Elder’s eyes.
That child.
Their gazes clashed.
Is she even human?
At the Second Elder’s words, the Qi of the Sword Emperor flooded the room, like the onset of a tremendous storm.
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