Chapter 47: Forest Lord Im Gi-hak (4)
The immense spiritual energy possessed by the Immortal Divine Sword. Perhaps it could be used to heal Yi-gang’s body. Was the hint right beside him from the start?
But what does that have to do with the personal cause of the Immortal Divine Sword?
And why was the Immortal Divine Sword so enraged?
“Hehehe.”
After filtering out the curses and conveying the message, Forest Lord laughed like that.
The candlelight was still flickering, and a tense aura swirled around, but he appeared calm.
“Well, if I were to explain it briefly.”
“…”
“There’s a reason why that person couldn’t attain Nirvana and lingered on the earth.”
Yi-gang momentarily furrowed his brows.
「Such absurdity in this world…!」
It was because the Immortal Divine Sword had shouted angrily.
But Forest Lord, who couldn’t hear the outburst, continued speaking.
“There must be a cause, a lingering attachment. In ordinary cases, they would’ve become earthbound spirits or lost souls. But given their high spiritual realm, they remained in the form of a spirit.”
Yi-gang remained silent. He had thought about this several times already. Why didn’t the Immortal Divine Sword attain Nirvana but instead remained bound to the earth for 100 years? Every time he asked, he would deflect the question.
“If the Immortal Divine Sword were to attain Nirvana, you might be able to utilize the spiritual energy he possesses. If so, there’s a chance to heal your body.”
Yi-gang neither responded nor nodded.
“However, I’m not qualified to speak about that cause. You’ll have to hear it directly.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Finally, Yi-gang expressed his gratitude. He didn’t pester the Azure Forest Lord with a barrage of questions.
Considering the Immortal Divine Sword was so reluctant to reveal it, to the point of anger, it was a matter of principle not to ask.
「Sigh…」
When Yi-gang chose not to ask anything and stayed silent, the Immortal Divine Sword let out such a sigh. Despite being a spirit, its face seemed flushed with anger, and its breathing was ragged.
If it could, it looked like it would’ve slashed at the Azure Forest Lord several times. It was a testament to its patience that it didn’t ask for Yi-gang’s possession.
The Azure Forest Lord quietly asked, “He must have a lot he wants to say to me directly?”
“It seems so.”
“Then, to relieve his frustration, I should help. I also have something I want to say.”
Was there a way to converse directly with the Immortal Divine Sword?
Forest Lord stood up from his seat and fetched something from the shelves behind. It wasn’t a book but an item resembling a drum.
However, only one side of the circular frame was covered with leather, and on the back, red threads were intricately woven.
Yi-gang, receiving it, tapped the leather part with his finger.
Thud-Thud-
A clear sound. The texture of the leather was remarkably soft.
“What kind of leather is this?”
“Human skin. It’s a resonance plate made from human skin.”
Yi-gang’s face turned rigid.
Soon after, Forest Lord burst into a mischievous laugh.
“Hahaha, do you really think so? The Azure Forest is neither the Evil Cult nor the Demon Cult. It’s made from donkey leather.”
“Really… quite an amusing joke.”
Despite his hermit-like appearance, the Azure Forest Lord was no ordinary person.
“Place your hand on the leather plate and concentrate.”
Silently, Yi-gang followed his instructions.
He didn’t think of it as a futile act.
The moment he placed his hand on the resonance plate, a peculiar energy flowed into him.
The Azure Forest Lord observed him with a peculiar gaze.
“It’s a Taoist artifact. To resonate with the soul plate so quickly… You indeed have talent.”
He wasn’t sure what it was, but it seemed that Yi-gang’s immediate use of this resonance plate was not an ordinary occurrence. All Yi-gang did was place his hand on it.
Soon, the purpose of the soul plate was revealed.
Vibrate-vibrate—
The leather plate vibrated, and for the first time, Yi-gang could hear the “voice” of the Immortal Divine Sword.
“Hey! You insolent, good-for-nothing brat!”
The voice boomed so loudly it felt like one’s ears might fall off. It probably resonated outside the building as well.
“You blabber without knowing the gist of things. Did your parents teach you to be like this? Never thought I’d be insulted by such a youngster in my life!”
Yi-gang internally held back from retorting, “But you’re already dead.” He seemed very angry.
It was amusing for Forest Lord, with his full white hair, to call him a “youngster,” but from the Immortal Divine Sword’s perspective, it was understandable.
The last time they met, the Azure Forest Lord was said to be a child of about ten years old.
“Hehe, first, calm down.”
However, the Azure Forest Lord, who was directly receiving that fury, appeared composed.
“Calm down? How absurd.”
“Am I wrong? If you’ve passed away, you should properly achieve Nirvana.”
“You, you…!”
“If you resolve any lingering attachments, it would be more comfortable for both the Immortal Divine Sword and Yi-gang, right?”
“You shouldn’t speak so carelessly!”
“Indeed. Hehe.”
The Azure Forest Lord was also one of the absolute martial masters in the world.
The Immortal Divine Sword might be the best in the world, but what did that matter? It’s already dead and in a soul state.
“Grrr…!”
A grumbling voice echoed from the soul plate, but there was nothing the Immortal Divine Sword could do about it.
“…So, what do you want? Do you think I’m staying in this world because I want to?”
“It must be so. Given that someone as powerful as the Immortal Divine Sword is bound to the earth.”
“I also want to heal the body of my descendant. It’s a pity for him to face an untimely death at such a young age.”
Yi-gang’s expression changed. Hearing the Immortal Divine Sword’s feelings through its voice felt strange.
“That’s right. I feel the same way.”
“You must have requested this conversation because you have something to say. I hope it’s not to insult me.”
“Of course not.”
The Azure Forest Lord, Im Gi-hak, paused for a moment.
And the words that came out of his mouth were something the Immortal Divine Sword could never have imagined.
“I want Yi-gang to join the Azure Forest.”
“What!”
The Immortal Divine Sword was greatly surprised.
Yi-gang silently looked at the Azure Forest Lord.
“I am a martial artist of the Baek Clan.”
“Yes, and you’re also the eldest son of the Clan Head, Iron-blooded Merciless Baek Ryu-san.”
“You know all this and yet you’re suggesting that I abandon my clan to join the Azure Forest? That’s an unreasonable request.”
“Who said anything about abandoning your clan? A clan is, after all, just a home. The Baek Clan isn’t a martial arts sect.”
At first glance, what he said seemed reasonable, but in reality, it was a far-fetched idea.
The Baek Noble Clan wasn’t just a prestigious clan.
In Jianghu, they were a powerful force boasting secret techniques known as the Immortal Divine Art and the Heaven’s Shadow Sword.
It’s unthinkable for Yi-gang, the heir to such a clan, to join the Azure Forest.
That was Yi-gang’s opinion, but Forest Lord continued calmly.
“It’s said that the golden child of the Tang Clan of Sichuan is within the Five Poison Sect in Yunnan.”
“The Five Poison Sect and Tang Clan of Sichuan have had a relationship for a long time. He didn’t enter as a disciple.”
“The Clan Head of the Jinju clan sent his child to the Putuo Temple of Southern Sea.”
“That daughter was notorious for causing trouble, so she was sent away.”
“Still, as a martial arts clan’s child, she took a master from another martial arts school.”
“…You seem to know a lot about worldly affairs.”
“Just because I live in the mountains doesn’t mean I’m unaware of the world.”
The Immortal Divine Sword also objected.
“Yi-gang is a martial artist of the Baek Clan! It’s preposterous to suggest he join the Azure Forest.”
“A letter arrived from the Baek Clan Head not long ago.”
The Azure Forest Lord carefully pulled out a folded letter from his pocket.
Yi-gang’s eyes widened. Recognizing the seal on the letter, it was indeed sent by his father.
“He earnestly wishes for Yi-gang to be healed. Moreover, he personally penned this letter, expressing his desire for a good relationship between the Azure Forest and the Baek Clan.”
When did his father send a letter to Forest Lord?
“If we cannot utilize the spiritual energy of the Immortal Divine Sword, we must seek other means to obtain such energy. Only then can we save Yi-gang. There are various methods.”
“…”
“There may be nothing to withhold from a disciple of our own sect, but there are things that can’t be freely shown to outsiders.”
In summary, that was the gist of it. If one wanted to heal, various methods could be utilized.
However, they couldn’t offer such assistance to someone who wasn’t a disciple of the Azure Forest.
“Even so, he’s from the renowned Baek Clan. Moreover, he’s my direct descendant.”
The Immortal Divine Sword, while saying this, looked hesitantly at Yi-gang.
Yi-gang nodded in response to the gaze from the Immortal Divine Sword, who then showed a relieved expression.
“To join the Azure Forest? I’m all for it.”
“Of course, as my descendant… Wait, what?!”
As soon as Yi-gang removed his hand from the resonance plate, the Immortal Divine Sword could no longer speak.
“In a body that cannot become the Young Clan Head, it would be an honor to be accepted by the Azure Forest.”
“Ah…”
Thinking about it, it made sense. Yi-gang had wanted his younger brother, Ha-jun, to become the Young Clan Head. But if his brother took that role, there would be no place left for him within the clan.
Becoming a disciple of the Azure Forest and leaving the clan would be like killing two birds with one stone.
The Immortal Divine Sword grumbled under its breath.
「You, how could you think of…」
‘I can’t just sit around waiting for my death. There’s a chance I could be healed, right?’
「Well, yes, but… Ah, how did it come to this?」
Surprisingly, the Immortal Divine Sword didn’t oppose the idea as vehemently as expected.
Probably because it understood that Yi-gang had no other options.
“It’s a wise choice. Hehehe.”
“Of course, I cannot give a definitive answer right now. I’ll need the approval of the elders in the clan.”
The elders who had insisted that Yi-gang become the Young Clan Head would not welcome this news.
“Indeed.”
However, if Yi-gang were to join the Azure Forest, the relationship between the Azure Forest and Baek Clan would become as close as a blood alliance, akin to in-laws.
More importantly, Yi-gang had unfinished business to attend to.
“Moreover, I have matters to resolve within the clan. Once those are settled, I will return.”
Yi-gang hadn’t forgotten the day he lost Sohwa.
Before returning to the Azure Forest, he intended to find and avenge the one responsible. He had a hunch that the identity of those assassins might be revealed by now.
“Hehehe, do as you wish.”
Forest Lord chuckled heartily.
What followed was casual chit-chat.
They discussed Yi-gang’s first impressions of the Azure Forest, the state of his health, and so forth for a while.
All the while, for some reason, the Immortal Divine Sword remained uncharacteristically silent.
Only when Yi-gang stood up to leave did it speak.
「Thank you.」
Yi-gang’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected gratitude.
‘What do you mean?’
「I’m saying thank you for not asking.」
‘Oh, that?’
For Yi-gang, it was a topic of natural curiosity.
The mysterious “cause” that had bound the Immortal Divine Sword to the earthly realm was said to be the key to healing Yi-gang’s body.
However, Yi-gang showed no signs of curiosity, as if he had no interest at all.
‘If you wish to tell me later, please do.’
「…Very well then.」
The Immortal Divine Sword merely nodded in response.
Outside the Top Mountain Hall, Jin Ri-yeon and Yu Su-rin waited for Yi-gang.
“Isn’t it the first time you’ve seen Forest Lord act like this?”
“Huh?”
“Inviting an outsider all the way to Top Mountain Hall, even coming out personally to greet him,” said Yu Su-rin, who was sitting on a rock, hugging one knee.
For some reason, she seemed to be gauging Jin Ri-yeon’s reaction.
“That’s true. He seemed quite fond of Yi-gang.”
Jin Ri-yeon, oblivious to Yu Su-rin’s thoughts, spoke up.
Deep down, she was pondering.
Wondering if Forest Lord might propose to Yi-gang to join the Azure Forest.
Yu Su-rin might not know, but the possibility was higher than she thought.
After all, it was Forest Lord’s strategy to bring Yi-gang from the Baek Clan in the first place.
“Does senior like him too?”
“Hmm… Maybe? Yi-gang is a decent guy.”
Yu Su-rin seemed somehow saddened.
“Senior has a keen eye after all.”
Thinking about the ominous aura she felt from Yi-gang through her Insight Eye, Yu Su-rin shuddered for a moment.
“I wonder what they’re discussing?”
“Well, the atmosphere seemed good.”
But contradicting Jin Ri-yeon’s words…
A thunderous roar echoed from the Top Mountain Hall.
You arrogant, worthless brat—!
It was the voice of an enraged old man.
Inside, there were only Forest Lord and Yi-gang. It was clear that Forest Lord was severely reprimanding Yi-gang.
Jin Ri-yeon and Yu Su-rin stood up abruptly, exchanging glances.
“Did… did Forest Lord just shout at someone?”
The voice seemed a bit different, but they never imagined it could be the voice of the ghost accompanying Yi-gang.
“It seems so. But why…”
They had never seen Forest Lord lose his temper before. And to be this angry with the young Yi-gang?
“ Forest Lord’s voice is really scary when he’s angry.“
“Why would Forest Lord be so upset?”
However, the shouting resumed.
“You, with no understanding… Is this how your parents raised you?! To think I’d be insulted by a mere child!”
It wasn’t a misinterpretation. Moreover, the words now were almost like a swear.
“What on earth did Yi-gang do…”
The mild-mannered Forest Lord even insulted someone’s parents?
The faces of Jin Ri-yeon and Yu Su-rin turned pale.
They waited anxiously for Yi-gang and Forest Lord.
And, after a while, when the doors of the Top Mountain Hall opened and they emerged,
“Heh heh! Such rare outstanding talent is hard to come by these days.”
“Hehehe, thanks to you, I received such praise. Thank you, Forest Lord.”
The two of them were laughing amiably together. They looked so close that, if their heights were similar, they might have been walking arm in arm.
“Su-rin, guide Yi-gang around the Azure Forest for me. Hehehe!”
“Me? I’m okay with that, but…”
Yu Su-rin cautiously observed their expressions.
It was hard to believe that just moments ago there had been such heated shouting, given the bright and cheerful faces they now wore.
“Then, Forest Lord, I’ll come to visit once more before I leave.”
“I’ll have a different tea prepared for then. Hehe.”
Both Yu Su-rin and Jin Ri-yeon felt as if they’d been spellbound or bewitched.
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