Chapter 31: Soryu, Sohwa
The methods by which the Murim Sects expanded their power were generally similar. They accepted disciples.
Most often, they initiated young children and passed down the sect’s martial arts, but they also taught martial arts to wealthy outsiders as outer disciples.
The Demon Cult accepted followers, and the beggars were drawn into the Beggars’ Gang. The Shaolin Temple raised monks, so their manpower was typically sourced externally.
Then what about the Baek Noble Clan and the other Seven Great Clans? Naturally, they were different from ordinary sects.
A strict family-run system. The clan was composed of family members with the same surname. However, the core members of the clan, the Baeks, numbered no more than a hundred.
Even though they all possessed formidable martial arts, that alone was not enough to exert authority in Jianghu.
Thus, they employed guests from outside. They are those gathered under the name of the Clan Head or the Baek family’s martial artists.
Depending on their loyalty and level of martial arts, they were placed in important positions to serve; Neung Ji-pyeong of the Biyeon Squad was an example.
However, that approach alone was insufficient, so they also took in young children.
Children from affluent families who wanted to forge ties with the Baek Noble Clan or, conversely, orphans with nowhere else to go in this world.
Sohwa and Soryu were orphans who entered the clan.
“I am eighteen years old. My sister was the same age.”
“How did Sohwa become your sister? You’re the same age.”
“She has been taking care of me since we were orphans.”
Among the orphans, ordinary children often ended up becoming personal maids, like Sohwa, or servants. Those among them with martial arts talent were separately taught martial arts.
“Life in the Red Dragon Corps must not be easy.”
“I receive much guidance from the commander.”
Soryu was an exceptional case among them. Originally, even if orphans learned martial arts, they typically lived as low-ranking warriors.
However, her fate changed when Uncle Baek Jin-tae recognized Soryu’s talent.
It was not a typical master-disciple relationship, but he taught Soryu as much martial arts as he could. She did not learn the Immortal Divine Art, which was exclusive to the Baek family, yet she became a member of the Red Dragon Corps in her late teens.
It was said that Baek Jin-tae regretted several times, thinking Soryu was better than his child, Baek Young-il.
“…Yes. You are worthy of receiving Sohwa’s legacy.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
What Soryu asked Yi-gang for was to recover the legacy left by Sohwa.
Sohwa did not leave much behind in the world, but her legacy was kept at Yi-gang’s residence.
Yi-gang walked side by side with Soryu.
She may not have learned the secret art of light footwork, yet she made no sound while walking.
Silence ensued for a long time.
Yi-gang and Soryu had hardly ever had a conversation. The journey to the residence felt unusually long.
「Talk if you feel awkward; I’m all ears.」
The atmosphere felt awkward, even for the Immortal Divine Sword.
‘What is there to talk about?’
「If she’s a martial artist, she must like discussing martial arts. She seems quite talented, even though she’s young.」
‘Martial arts…’
Yi-gang broke the silence.
“What kind of martial arts did you learn from Uncle?”
“I primarily learned the Lesser Yang Cultivation Technique, along with Vast Sword and Moon Shadow Step. I was taught martial arts focused on escort and stealth missions.”
“Hmm?”
These were martial arts that diverged from the duties of the Red Dragon Corps.
“Isn’t that what’s usually taught in the Biyeon Squad?”
“I requested it from the commander. I wanted to travel around Jianghu with my sister Sohwa. I learned martial arts to protect my sister.”
“…”
Yi-gang lost his words.
The atmosphere became even more awkward.
「How about asking about the scar on her face?」
‘Are you kidding?’
「Seems a bit much, right?」
The Immortal Divine Sword seemed to lose his taste, too, as if embarrassed.
Then, as if to save Yi-gang, familiar faces appeared.
“Brother!”
The one who called out and ran from a distance was none other than Moyong Jin. Ha-jun was with him.
“We’ve been looking for you.”
Yi-gang showed Moyong Jin a soft smile, one he had never shown before.
“Hmm. What is it?”
“Why are you smiling so creepily… Anyway.”
Moyong Jin flinched for a moment before continuing.
“You’re going to the Azure Forest with Miss Jin this time?”
“Ah, yes.”
The fact that Yi-gang would be visiting the Azure Forest was also known to Moyong Jin and Baek Ha-jun.
“Ha-jun and I decided to go play goblin catching. He keeps saying I’ll never beat him.”
“You won’t even be able to land a single hit on me.”
“Huh, you were this arrogant even before the spar.”
Children at this age were usually like this, but Moyong Jin and Baek Ha-jun became close quickly.
Especially after Moyong Tak returned to the Moyong clan, they seemed to get along quite well. Baek Ha-jun was still blunt, but Moyong Jin was the type to stick around annoyingly.
“What? That’s because your sword was much better…!”
“So, let’s try goblin catching without swords.”
Moyong Jin winning the spar at the Greatest Gold Tower seemed to be a shock to Ha-jun. Because of that, Ha-jun rarely showed a grumbling appearance.
Yi-gang stopped the two who were bickering.
“Enough, what does that have to do with me?”
“Please be our judge, brother. And the winner gets to fight you!”
It seemed like they wanted to ask this of Yi-gang before he left. Yi-gang also seemed interested.
But at that moment, he felt a chilly sensation on the back of his head.
Turning around, he saw Soryu quietly lowering her eyelashes and bowing her head.
“It’s fine by me, but not now. Let’s do it tomorrow.”
“Then it’s a promise! We’ll have to practice in the meantime.”
Moyong Jin and Baek Ha-jun said so and then ran off again.
Yi-gang smiled and muttered, “They’re full of energy.”
“You seem to be enjoying it.”
“What? Oh… Yes.”
As he looked back at Soryu, she was still avoiding his gaze.
Yi-gang continued to walk, feeling uneasy.
As if it were some sort of special day, another person appeared before Yi-gang.
“Gang!”
There was only one person who called him Gang, an affectionate diminutive, rather than Yi-gang.
Peng Mu-ah forgot her manners and leaped over the wall to block Yi-gang. Right behind her, Jin Ri-yeon appeared, chasing Peng Mu-ah with a bewildered look.
“What is it?”
Yi-gang asked irritably, but Peng Mu-ah approached him and grabbed his hand.
“Take me with you!”
Yi-gang could not help but slap his forehead.
When he said he would head to the Azure Forest first with Jin Ri-yeon, Peng Mu-ah had shown a vehement reaction.
She was most loyal to Jin Ri-yeon and most obsessed with Yi-gang. Knowing that both were leaving at once, she was greatly displeased.
He knew she would be disappointed, but he never expected her to insist on following them.
“I already told you nicely before. It seems difficult, remember? You are here to visit our clan for the next Seven Stars Conference, right? But if you suddenly leave, how disappointed will the Peng Clan Head be?”
Yi-gang explained kindly with a forced smile. Although it was a bit bothersome, Peng Mu-ah was a good kid. She was acting this way because she liked Yi-gang, and she even gifted him precious elixirs.
However, Yi-gang’s efforts were in vain.
“No! I’m going to go too!”
“Haha.”
Yi-gang let out a hollow laugh, preparing to flee.
Seeing no other choice, Jin Ri-yeon lifted Peng Mu-ah from behind.
As Jin Ri-yeon was taller than average and Peng Mu-ah was shorter, she was helplessly restrained by Jin Ri-yeon.
“Run away quickly! Mu-ah, stay still!”
“Please take care of her, Miss Jin. Let’s go, Soryu.”
“Gang, how could you do this to me! And who is that person next to you!”
Yi-gang, taking Soryu with him, quickly stepped away.
“Hng, take me with you.”
From behind, the sound of Peng Mu-ah whining could be heard, but Yi-gang deliberately ignored it.
And finally, they arrived in front of Yi-gang’s residence.
Soryu, who had been quiet until now, spoke,
“You are loved.”
“Loved, you say. Don’t you know my situation in the clan?”
Soryu remained silent.
There was a strange emotion felt in that silence.
Perhaps an ordinary child would not have noticed, but Yi-gang was no ordinary person.
Yi-gang glanced at Soryu for a moment before speaking,
“Wait here, I will bring Sohwa’s belongings.”
“I will wait.”
Leaving Soryu behind, Yi-gang entered the room.
Finding the belongings was not difficult. Sohwa had very few possessions, so Yi-gang had stored them all in a small wooden box.
It was when Yi-gang was holding the wooden box—
「She’s not a good-feeling child. Somewhat gloomy, too.」
‘Are you talking about Soryu.’
「Yes. And she’s learning martial arts other than what I’ve told you. The way she looks at you isn’t kind, either.」
Yi-gang did not argue.
‘Would I appear kind to her, then?’
And it was inevitable. Though hiding her emotions, there was resentment in Soryu’s eyes when she looked at Yi-gang.
She must have had only her sister to rely on in the world.
Having been separated from such a sister and learning martial arts, she probably received shocking news out of the blue one day.
The sister died miserably while protecting the notorious terminally ill and pathetic Baek Yi-gang.
It was already a considerable feat that Soryu did not show her hostility towards Yi-gang.
‘She’s Sohwa’s only sister. I should understand. It’s her duty to take care of her.’
「Heh, she’s already busy taking care of you, what are you saying? So, is it fine if that child continues to resent you, descendant?」
‘If it eases her heart, isn’t it okay? I’m leaving for the Azure Forest anyway.’
He thought it would not matter if he were resented by someone, especially Sohwa’s sister. He was used to being despised and called pathetic. As long as Yi-gang could uphold his dignity, it did not matter.
That was what he believed.
However, the Immortal Divine Sword silently stared at him in response to his words.
「Yi-gang.」
The Immortal Divine Sword rarely called Yi-gang by his name.
Yi-gang lifted his head.
‘Yes.’
「You are wrong.」
‘…What do you mean?’
「Hiding oneself is fine. Not caring about others’ views is fine too. However, you mustn’t tarnish the wishes of the child who sacrificed her life for you.」
‘Are you saying I’ve tarnished Sohwa’s wishes?’
Yi-gang’s retort became unconsciously sharp.
「If the person who someone gave her life to protect is a pathetic person, there could be nothing more miserable. The child named Soryu, of course, must know that the Yi-gang her sister saved is a pathetic person.」
‘…’
「Is that what you want to say to her, the only remaining sibling? That your sister saved me, but I am not worth it. That I am a fool who forgets everything and lives laughing, hahaha.」
‘There’s no way…’
「Do not deceive yourself just to feel at ease.」
The eyes of the Immortal Divine Sword were clear.
Thinking so, Yi-gang sighed deeply.
“Whew.”
Then, he returned to Soryu with the box containing Sohwa’s belongings.
Soryu still accepted the box with an impassive yet rigid attitude.
“There’s not much. A comb that Sohwa often used, some hairpins, a necklace, and a pair of flower shoes.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you resent me?”
“…Pardon?”
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Soryu lifted her eyelashes.
“I’m asking if you resent me because it seems like I’m the one who caused your sister’s death.”
“That’s not…”
“Do you resent me because it seems like I’m living joyfully, forgetting Sohwa’s sacrifice, even though I survived because of her?”
Yi-gang’s voice was soft, but his words were straightforward and unembellished.
Soryu could not answer, her mouth tightly shut.
“I asked if you resent me.”
“…Yes.”
Then Soryu confessed.
Her voice was shallow and trembling.
“I do resent you.”
Yi-gang immediately tried to respond, then caught his breath for a moment.
“Then, do you want me to live apologizing?”
“…”
“Repenting to the dead Sohwa every day, until the day I die a painful death. Wasting the precious time, at most six years, that she gave me.”
“That’s not… what I want.”
“Soryu.”
Soryu lifted her head to meet Yi-gang’s eyes.
“Sohwa may be dead, but I plan to eat well and live well.”
“…”
“We made a promise before she died. Not to give up. To cure my blocked meridians, to learn martial arts. To see the Dongting Lake in Hangzhou and to witness the vastness of the ocean with my own eyes. And though I didn’t tell Sohwa, there’s something else.”
In Soryu’s pupils, Yi-gang’s own eyes were reflected.
“I plan to find and kill the one responsible for her death.”
“Young Master.”
Yi-gang turned his head.
Indeed, he could not take this lightly.
“I just wanted to tell you. I, saved by Sohwa, am not just a pathetic person.”
Perhaps telling Soryu this was merely for his own satisfaction.
Facing Yi-gang’s back, Soryu spoke, “It’s true I resented you, Young Master, but I never thought you were pathetic.”
“I see.”
“It’s no lie. My sister… Sohwa talked about nothing but you, Young Master.”
Yi-gang turned to look at Soryu, who then took out a bundle of papers from her bosom and handed them over.
“What are these?”
“These are some of the letters my sister sent me.”
Sohwa often spent almost her entire salary from the clan on buying paper. She had been persistent in learning to write from Yi-gang and wrote letters.
“She never showed them to me, but she sent these letters to you.”
“Because my sister frequently sent letters, I had no choice but to study writing.”
A very faint smile brushed past Soryu’s lips.
“She told me this is how she lives, always talking about her times with Young Master.”
’People in the clan misunderstand Yi-gang.
’Young Master is really bad at running.
‘He’s young, but surprisingly mature.
‘He loves delicious food, and although people in the clan may not know, he’s good at cooking.
’He has a righteous heart.
‘He’s kind.’
“I’ve heard only such stories that could make me jealous. How could I ever consider Young Master pathetic?”
Soryu, speaking bitterly, seemed truly jealous of Yi-gang.
She seemed to shake off her hesitation and handed the bundle of letters to Yi-gang.
“Please take them.”
“Aren’t these important to you?”
“I have many more letters. Those are something you should see, Young Master.”
The letters, the correspondence left by Sohwa.
Yi-gang wanted to read them right away.
As he fumbled with the envelope, Yi-gang suddenly realized that one of them was bulky.
Feeling it, there was something hard inside. Yi-gang carefully opened the envelope and took out its contents.
“What’s this?”
It was a ring with an amber-colored gem embedded in it.
Yi-gang looked at Soryu as if asking for an explanation.
“It was enclosed with the letter.”
“Why on earth… No, never mind.”
He would understand once he read the letters.
And then, Yi-gang’s eyes quivered as he went through the letters.
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