Chapter 117 — Descending the Mountain
This does not simply mean going down from a mountain. It refers to one who has completed a period of study in the mountains and returns to the world. Even if the time was short, it signifies that what was needed has been learned.
"Do not waste your time."
"Yes, Master."
"Do not let your mind be taken by external things."
"Yes, Master."
"Time and space are not separate."
"…Yes?"
Young-woo first memorized the words and recited them, then slowly chewed over their meaning.
When he could repeat them without losing their sense, his master pointed toward the path down the mountain.
"Go."
"…Now?"
He suddenly realized that he did not want to leave.
He had thought he could not endure even a single hour in such an old-fashioned place.
"It is not yet your time to remain in the mountains."
"There is such a thing as fate for that?"
"For now, it is time for you to give your utmost."
"I understand. But… if I go down now, I might get beaten to death. Could I stay a few more days?"
Baek In-gyeom burst into laughter.
"You, beaten to death? That's quite a thing to say. Han Ji-un was worried about those who might suffer at your hands."
Young-woo swallowed.
Near the mountain peak, the sunset hung low.
The sun rested upon the shadowed ridge across from them and slowly sank.
"You won't even tell me to stay the night?"
"Go. You have much to do."
"I understand."
O-ryang, who had been sitting on the wooden floor, hopped down lightly.
Now that he thought about it, the boy had been there all day.
"I'll see you off."
"No, that's not necessary."
"You cannot go down alone."
"Ah… the formation."
"Hehe. I strengthened it while adjusting it. You might wander all night otherwise."
Young-woo mounted his horse and let O-ryang ride with him as they descended.
Before leaving, he bowed deeply to his master.
He was grateful for everything that had changed in his life because of him.
Han Ji-un was nowhere to be seen.
He seemed to have left once Baek In-gyeom began instructing.
As they descended, Young-woo asked O-ryang many questions.
"How old are you?"
"Twelve."
"How long have you studied the Dao?"
"Since I was three. Ten years."
Young-woo nearly fell off his horse in shock.
He had no memory of being three, yet the boy had begun his training then.
"What did Master say about me?"
"He said you are an excellent young man. That you will become a fine commander. That you learn martial arts quickly, understand formations well, and have strong loyalty—though that loyalty might one day cause trouble. He said many good things."
"He tells me the opposite."
"Perhaps he wants you to strive further."
"…Strive. I've been striving for over a decade. I suppose I can keep going."
"And you? How are you so capable at such a young age?"
"I don't receive praise either. He never says I'm doing well."
"Praise could be a better way to teach."
"He fears I might grow complacent. He says even a lifetime is not enough for this study."
Young-woo took a deep breath.
"Why do something that cannot be completed in a lifetime?"
O-ryang answered immediately.
"Because it is a dream. Even if you add one year at a time, it takes a lifetime. We study while dreaming of going beyond that."
Young-woo nodded.
"For me, it was survival."
"Then you had a desperate reason. Words like 'dream' might sound trivial to you."
"…No. I want that now."
"Then dream. Dream of breaking free from this suffocating world and soaring freely."
Young-woo wanted to support the boy's dream.
He himself could not live that way, but he wished the boy could.
Yet the boy told him to do the same.
Could he?
Now, at least, his life was no longer constantly under threat within the organization.
That alone was progress.
"If your circumstances have changed but your standards have not, growth will seem slow. If survival is no longer the center, then everything must be reset around it."
The boy's words struck him clearly.
"I see. Then I must dream as well."
"It is not easy. It may remain only a longing, or become a lifelong task. Still, it raises you beyond mere survival."
"…Your words reach me more clearly."
"Master has said this many times."
"To change, then?"
"Yes."
Young-woo knew that changing was the hardest thing for an adult.
To discard the way one had lived and rebuild life anew—it was nearly impossible.
"To change…"
"Yes."
"People speak of it too easily. Changing is difficult."
"It is. Martial arts itself is the act of changing oneself."
"…Is that so?"
"Yes."
"I almost want to take you with me."
"Haha. That chance may come soon."
"You mean descending the mountain?"
"The flames of war are growing. There is talk of aiding the Jurchens."
"They once said we should aid Goryeo."
"If that happens, many of us will head north. And you will stand at the center of it."
"…What will become of Goryeo?"
The boy's insight was sharp.
"It will remain stable. In diplomacy, it is very pragmatic. That is how it maintains its peace."
"I thought that peace existed because of me."
"That too plays a part. Ah, we've arrived."
"…Was this the way?"
Young-woo looked back.
He usually remembered terrain easily, yet this place felt unfamiliar.
Even his sense of direction faltered.
O-ryang gestured.
"That way."
"Ah."
As Young-woo moved, O-ryang opened and closed the formation behind them.
"I will visit you again soon."
"Yes. It was good to see you."
Young-woo headed home.
The men of the Fifth Unit were gathered there.
"Hey—what are you doing here?"
At his voice, So Cheol-ryong ran over.
"You made it back."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"We heard assassins were sent after you."
"You think I'd go down that easily?"
"Still… I heard you caused quite a scene."
Young-woo suddenly puffed up with pride.
"I had an audience with His Majesty."
"We know! We all know! You said everything in court."
"I was too angry to hold back."
"Well done. The military's in chaos now. Gyeong-taek said you might be in trouble."
Young-woo squared his shoulders.
"I'll be fine."
"If they come at you in numbers, even you—"
"I'm on leave."
So Cheol-ryong smiled.
"Better to spend leave together anyway."
"You should still take care of your family."
"I did. More than enough. They prefer it this way."
"…Why live like that?"
"I earned money and gave it all to them. That's enough."
Young-woo clicked his tongue.
"Anyway, I'll be here a few days. Do as you like."
"In a house like this…"
"My mother said she'll handle it."
Young-woo found no chance to say more.
His comrades had already settled throughout the decaying estate.
They had arranged themselves like soldiers in a camp.
It was reassuring.
And at the same time, it made him feel sorry.
"We'll watch over the place. Take care of your business."
"…So that's why you're here."
So Cheol-ryong spoke gruffly, but the meaning came through clearly.