Episode 1002. Once again. (2)
Cheongmyeong opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling blankly.
When I looked around, the early morning sunlight was streaming in outside the window.
Cheongmyeong, who was looking at the window with blank eyes, suddenly grabbed his left shoulder in pain.
Throbbing! Throbbing!
I briefly trembled in pain as if my arm had been torn off. Even though I knew it wasn’t true, I unzipped my clothes and checked my shoulders.
Know. There are no injuries. The engraved scars were only minor wounds, and there was certainly no wound that could cause this much pain.
“….”
Cheongmyeong looked at his arm for a long time in silence, as if looking at an unfamiliar object. Then, I slowly got up and walked to the window. As I opened the window to the left and right, the still chilly early morning air rushed into the room.
The sound of birds being heard.
The sound of a grass bug squeaking and crying somewhere.
The silence that settled in a wide yard with no people in sight.
From far away, a brief sound of cheers and clashing of weapons could be heard, as if someone had already started training.
‘It’s peaceful.’
okay. It’s infinitely peaceful.
Cheongmyeong slightly raised his head and looked up at the sky. White clouds were floating in the blue sky, which cannot even be described with the word clear. After staring at the scene for a long time, Cheongmyeong’s mouth slowly opened.
“…again.”
The world was still peaceful.
* * *
Namgungdan looked around with a shocked expression.
Except for those who had not yet fully recovered, all members of the Namgung family who could move their bodies were lined up here.
‘What is this doing?’
It all started with a word from Namgung Dowi.
– From today, we practice with volcanoes.
‘I don’t understand.’
Although he said it differently, the meaning behind his words was no different from saying that Hwasan was teaching the Namgung family. Otherwise, there is no reason to train with volcanoes.
It was only natural that the faces of those who heard those words hardened instantly.
What kind of place is Namgung House? It is a place where one can become the best in the world with just that sword.
The Namgung family was a place where there was something to teach about the sword but nothing to learn.
Of course, everyone knows that Namgoong’s situation is not easy right now. However, bowing down because of weakened power and asking for guidance from other factions are two different things.
‘What on earth is Sogaju thinking?’
Namgungdan glanced at Namgungdowi standing in front.
Still, the reason they showed their sincerity by coming out here and marching was because the person who said these words was none other than Namgung Dowi.
Because he is the head of Soga? Because he is going to be the head of the family?
no. This is because Namgung Dowi is the one who risked his life and returned to the hellish Maehwa Island on his own to save the people here.
‘I don’t know.’
I thought that Nangong Daowi, who was the head of the So family in public and his cousin in private, was too anxious right now.
‘If this incident became known to the outside world, it would definitely be ridiculed.’
It will certainly be said publicly that a young bastard who does not know anything about the world ascended to the position of head of the family, took away Namgung’s pride, and bowed his head to the volcano.
“Haa…”
An uncontrollable sigh escaped from my mouth.
‘I can’t help it. The only way to do this is to get along appropriately and then turn it into nothing.’
This is absolutely not for them to rebel against Nangong Daowi. Conversely, they have to do this because they understand Nangong Daowi’s position very well.
Right now, there is a very heavy burden on Nangong Daowi’s shoulders. It is quite possible for such a person to misjudge the situation.
From the position of Gasol, if the head of the household makes a wrong judgment, isn’t it natural to change that judgment to the right one?
Namgoong Dan exchanged glances with his colleagues around him. Everyone seemed to be thinking the same thing, so they nodded even though they didn’t say anything.
‘sorry. Lord Soga.’
And they apologized in their hearts and hoped that Nangong Dowi would not misunderstand their intentions.
At that time, a group appeared on one side of a yard so vast that it would be a little awkward to call it a training ground.
The moment he saw the person standing in the lead, Namgungdan swallowed his saliva without even realizing it.
‘Hwasan Swordsmen Association!’
My back suddenly tightened.
I felt an indescribable sense of intimidation from the sight of the Hwasan Swordsmen walking towards me with sharp eyes.
Hwasan Sword Association Cheongmyeong.
Who is there today in Gangho who does not know that name?
He has gone beyond being a symbol of a volcano and has become a symbol of heaven’s blindness. And that name was bound to be a little more special to the Namgung family.
Because I saw it clearly with my own two eyes.
The image of the Hwasan Sword Association cutting off the arm of the Black Dragon King and the image of them proudly standing up to Jang Il-so, the leader of the Sapaeryun, and Beopjeong, the leader of Shaolin.
‘That Hwasan Sword Association directly?’
Nangungdan’s heart was slightly shaken as he looked at Cheongmyeong and the Hwasan Five Swords walking from his left and right.
I don’t know if it’s anyone else, but if it’s the Hwasan Sword Association, there’s definitely something to learn. Because that’s what the master’s teachings are.
‘Oh, no.’
But he quickly gathered his shaking mind.
This is for the Namgung family, who are cornered by Baekcheok Gandu. No matter how much you desire the benefits, you shouldn’t go in the wrong direction.
Nangung Dan gritted his teeth and looked at the Hwasan Sword Association.
It was at that moment that he tensed the muscles of his entire body, recalling the image he showed in Maehwado.
The Hwasan Sword Association, who was walking from the front with cold eyes, spotted Namgung Dowi in the lead and suddenly a big smile appeared on his face.
“Oh my gosh!”
Then Dodo even jumped out, spreading his arms wide.
His appearance was like a brat… or rather, a vicious merchant greeting the son of a rich family who came to make a deal.
Cheongmyeong ran up to Namgung Dowi and grabbed both of Namgung Dowi’s hands.
“Did you sleep well last night?”
“Ha…ha… I slept well thanks to the master’s concern.”
“The manor is so shabby that I have no shame! “If you wait just a little longer, I will tell them to build a palace-like accommodation for you!”
“Oh no, you don’t have to do that.”
“What do you mean! “It’s so obvious!”
“I’m really fine.”
Nangung Do-wi was sweating profusely.
“Wow. “You also have a kind heart.”
Cheongmyeong held his hand tightly, as if he was moved. The inspectors of the Namgung family who were watching the scene all opened their mouths.
‘Isn’t it the Volcanic Swordsman Association…?’
‘That’s the guy we knew?’
It has to be that way.
Among them, there were only a few who saw with their own eyes the World’s Last World Index Secret Dance Competition held in Shaolin.
No, even if I had seen it with my own two eyes, the impression I saw afterwards was so strong that I could completely forget that impression.
The Hwasan Sword Association that fought against Jang Il-so at Black Dragon House three years ago, and the Hwasan Sword Association that cut off the arm of the Black Dragon King at Maehwa Island.
To those who remembered the cold and sharp swordsmanship, the sight of Cheongmyeong repeatedly bowing and laughing was a shock and horror itself.
‘Was that person’s personality like that originally?’
‘That can’t be possible?’
I clearly remember cutting off the Black Dragon King’s arm and cruelly punishing him without a moment of hesitation, but the clear light at that time and the clear light now did not overlap.
“Hehehehehe!”
With a shiny face, Cheongmyeong repeatedly held Nangung Dowi’s hand and shook it.
“stamp.”
Namgung Dowi bows his head and says.
“Please take care of me.”
As Nangung Dowi became somewhat serious, Cheongmyeong grinned.
“Sure, sure!”
“then.”
Namgung Dowi went back and stood in his original position. From now on, it is as if he is not the head of Namgung’s small family but a single swordsman. Seeing the scene, Cheongmyeong nodded slightly and turned his head to look at everyone.
‘….’
‘What do you mean?’
Under the gaze of Cheongmyeong, the Namgungse inspectors began to break into a cold sweat again. The lively appearance that had been so lively just a moment ago had suddenly disappeared. Now a clear look of annoyance was dripping from Cheongmyeong’s face.
“Tsk.”
No… is it okay for people to change like that from moment to moment?
At that time, Cheongmyeong clicked his tongue lightly and bent his neck from side to side.
“I am a person who is not really interested in other factions.”
“….”
“Still, people have to have mutual respect. I’ll give you as much as you eat, so just do as I tell you. Just do as you are told. Then there will be no problem. I understand?”
At that moment, the eyes of Namgung Se and inspectors slowly turned to Namgung Dan.
Namgungdan, who received the gaze, swallowed dry saliva.
Now here, excluding Nangong Daowi, he, the son of Nangong Myeong, has the highest distribution among his direct lineage. So it seemed like he felt he had to say something.
‘good.’
Namgungdan strengthened his will and opened his mouth.
“stamp. “Can I tell you something?”
“huh?”
Cheongmyeong glanced back at Namgungdan.
“Although we are in this situation and are asking the volcano to learn, I think a minimum level of respect is necessary.”
“Yes?”
Cheongmyeong tilted his head. Namgungdan gathered even more courage and continued speaking.
“We are not disciples of volcanoes. These are the people who use Namgung’s name. Please show respect and courtesy to others.”
“….”
“In addition, I think the teachings we ask for from Hwasan should be limited only to the posture of using a sword. Namgung does not need any more teachings than that. “Please consider this.”
It was indeed a confident tone.
Namgoongdan slightly clenches his fist.
I did everything I wanted to say without being nervous against the Hwasan Sword Association. It would not have been enough to show what Namgung’s spirit was.
Of course, he respects the Hwasan Sword Association. Besides, he is a young warrior, and who doesn’t admire him? However, establishing a relationship is absolutely necessary. Because the pride of the Namgung family hangs on their shoulders.
The others were also nodding their heads in support, as if they were satisfied with Namgungdan’s words.
But….
“Sasuk.”
“huh?”
“What is he saying?”
“You ask me to respect you?”
“So what does that mean?”
“Hmm.”
Cheongmyeong asked Baekcheon, who was standing next to him, again, as if he didn’t understand.
Baekcheon thought briefly. Find the most appropriate word to explain this problem to someone who has limited language skills.
“I’m asking for a treat. Because it’s the Namgung family.”
“Hospitality?”
“Yes, a treat.”
“Oh, what else can I say? That’s what you said. Hospitality.”
Cheongmyeong looked at Namgungdan and smiled.
“Wow. I can make sure of that again. So you want a treat?”
Cheongmyeong’s smile became increasingly bizarre.
“I tried to just give you as much as you ate, but since you want to be treated so passionately, I have no way not to try harder.”
“….”
“Now then, shall we check if you have the skills to be treated well?”
An even more evil smile appeared on Cheongmyeong’s lips.
