Chapter 040
Dreams. Dreams, huh. That was something far removed from Namgung Somin's life. Since childhood, from as far back as her memory allowed, she had been holding a sword. A life where she had picked up the sword following someone else's will rather than her own from an early age. Her martial arts skills grew higher, and with that, the number of people who looked up to her increased as well. But Namgung Somin had never seriously thought about something like dreams.
"Ι..."
"If you don't have a clear dream, it's good to have at least one. People say dreams are futile, but they become stronger driving forces than you might think. After achieving one goal, creating another can be helpful too."
Namgung Somin looked at Baek Sugyeong after hearing his words.
"What kind of dream do you have, Teacher?"
"Me?"
When Namgung Somin nodded, Baek Sugyeong gave an awkward smile.
"As I always say, my dream is to live an ordinary life."
...
"That's Jin Un the Master for you!"
"Who would have thought the Huai River Gang battle would end like that? It's somewhat disappointing."
"The Broken-Sword Venerable was truly strong! Worthy of being the vanguard commander of the Heavenly Pole True Cult."
"If such demonic arts really existed, it would be terrifying."
"But Master Jin Un would never lose!"
"Of course! The Invincible Sword never loses!"
Here and there, the topic frequently mentioned by people passing through the streets was the content of "Wudang Sword Hero" volume 7.
Baek Sugyeong, accompanied by Namgung Somin, was heading to the Luoyang branch of the Auspicious Cloud Trading Company. Now in early to mid-November, the Auspicious Cloud Trading Company had apparently grown beyond the scale of a trading company and was gradually becoming worthy of being called a trading corporation. He seemed to have heard such talk from So Ssanga.
"Looking at how the story is developing, it seems to be heading toward the finale..."
"They've only just defeated two of the Nine Demon Lords of the Heavenly Pole True Cult. To reach the Heavenly Demon, they need to defeat at least seven more."
One man's words were refuted by another.
"But isn't Jin Un the Master's martial prowess growing to the point where he treats the Heavenly Pole True Cult's minions as mere trifles? Besides, since the flow of time has changed from what Jin Un the Master knew before his return, he might start struggling soon."
"It's only volume 7. There should be at least 10 more volumes."
"Indeed, that's right. Shouldn't there be scenes of him confronting the remaining Seven Demon Lords? Now that the Broken-Sword Venerable and the Poison Demon Lord have been defeated, the other Demon Lords should start appearing in the Central Plains soon. I don't think the Heavenly Pole True Cult will give up on their Central Plains invasion so easily."
"Right, since the Heavenly Demon hasn't abandoned his ambition to invade the Central Plains, Jin Un the Master's hardships won't end yet."
Pretending not to hear such conversations, Namgung Somin followed behind Baek Sugyeong and chuckled.
"Everyone is so passionate about 'Wudang Sword Hero.'"
"Every time I hear such talk openly on the streets, I want to hide in a mouse hole."
"Hehe, you've become too famous for that."
"It's fortunate my face isn't known."
Baek Sugyeong shook his head, saying he didn't know what would happen if his face became known.
Namgung Somin smiled and added:
"Still, someday the people of the Central Plains will come to know your face."
"That's what scares me. It's already troublesome enough as it is."
As Namgung Somin and Baek Sugyeong walked through the streets, children passed in front of them, chattering noisily.
"Take this! 'Limitless Slash'!"
"Take the Demon King's Barrier of the Broken-Sword Venerable!"
"Where do you think you're going!"
The children, laughing and rushing somewhere, must have heard about "Wudang Sword Hero," or perhaps read it. They naturally spoke of Jin Un's signature technique from the Three Pure Ones Limitless Sword, and the defensive move of the Broken-Sword Venerable's Demon King's Barrier from his Heavenly Emperor Wheel Sword technique.
With crudely carved wooden swords in their hands, they played, swinging their swords in awkward stances.
When the child playing Jin Un fell down, pushed back by the sword of the child playing the Broken-Sword Venerable, the latter took a solemn stance, pointed his sword forward, and said:
"That was decent, but this is as far as you go, Sword Hero! With that level of martial arts, you dare to try to overthrow our cult... uh, what was the next line?"
"With that level of martial arts, you dare to even speak of overthrowing our cult? What a futile wish. I heard you were a genius born of Wudang, but are you just a flame destined to be extinguished here?"
The children turned their attention to the sudden voice that interrupted.
Baek Sugyeong walked among the children with a smile.
"Jin Un replied to the Broken-Sword Venerable's words."
After saying this, Baek Sugyeong turned his gaze to the child playing Jin Un.
"Even if this body breaks and shatters, returning to dust, I will never give up. Even if I have to repeat this life many times, I will cut off that ambition and take the Heavenly Demon's life!"
At those words, the child playing the Broken-Sword Venerable naturally continued:
"Ah, I remember now! Ridiculous! With that level of power, you dare to speak of defeating me? Do you truly believe you can defeat our cult master, the incarnation of the True Demon?"
"Of course!"
"That futile dream, I must crush it here! I will take your life!"
Baek Sugyeong's gaze naturally returned to the child playing Jin Un. The child, getting up, gripped the wooden sword with both hands and said:
"Let's settle who will fall and who will stand! Broken-Sword Venerable!"
The children looked at Baek Sugyeong with surprised faces.
"Wow!"
"There's someone who knows all the lines perfectly!"
"Who are you, mister?"
"Just a passing scholar. I heard something interesting while passing by."
Baek Sugyeong spoke to the children looking at him.
"Do you want to become martial artists?"
"Yes!"
The children answered loudly.
Baek Sugyeong asked again:
"If you become martial artists, what kind would you like to be?"
"Like Master Jin Un!"
"I want to be a strong martial artist like the Broken-Sword Venerable!"
"I'll become the most righteous martial artist!"
That too is a dream, I suppose.
Baek Sugyeong smiled.
"Whatever dream it may be, once you've embraced it, it's yours. Have dreams that no one can take away from you. 'Wudang Sword Hero,' Jin Un, the Broken-Sword Venerable—they will guide your dreams."
"But really, who are you, mister?"
Baek Sugyeong only smiled.
"...Have fun playing."
After saying just that, he walked away, with Namgung Somin quickly catching up behind him.
From behind him as he walked slowly, Namgung Somin said:
"You're very kind, Teacher."
"Dreams are like sprouts. No one knows whether they'll grow into great trees or flowers."
"You're speaking quite philosophically, Teacher."
"Not particularly. Children's dreams are precious. Among those children over there, who knows if a master who will make a name for himself in the martial world might emerge?"
Saying this, Baek Sugyeong smiled faintly.
"Though it's a bit embarrassing that 'Wudang Sword Hero' is so widely known even among children."
"You're timid in such strange ways, Teacher."
"What can I do? That's just the kind of person I am."
"I like you even with that trait."
"You're too forward, Lady Namgung."
Namgung Somin covered her mouth and laughed at Baek Sugyeong's reaction.
Behind the two as they walked, snowflakes gradually drifted down.
...
Snow fell without fail on the imperial palace in Beijing as well.
Amidst the majestic winter scenery created by the rooftops covered with snow, Ju Geumye was walking toward the center of the palace, guarded by imperial guards dressed in purple robes. The guards paid their respects upon seeing her approaching with her maids.
Passing by the guards, Ju Geumye's steps headed toward the deepest part of the hall.
As the door slowly opened and she entered, Emperor Myeongjeong, a man with a solemn face wearing an imperial crown, greeted her.
Ju Geumye bowed her head.
"Welcome. So, you met Baek Sugyeong?"
"Yes."
"How did it go?"
"I was rejected."
"Hmm. So he truly is a hermit of the martial world. That's unfortunate. With his influence, he would have been a great help in controlling the martial world."
"Judging by his negative response, recruitment seems difficult, Father."
At Ju Geumye's words, Emperor Myeongjeong stroked his beard.
"Nevertheless, there's no doubt he's a talent with tremendous influence in the martial world. What will you do?"
"I haven't given up yet, Father."
"You haven't given up?"
Emperor Myeongjeong's voice rose slightly.
"Is it because you see him as a talent, or..."
Ju Geumye slightly lowered her head.
"If he were to be your match, he would become the imperial son-in-law. No matter how much influence Baek Sugyeong has in the martial world, the court officials would vehemently oppose if they heard this."
"He, he is just a scholar of the martial world. Personal feelings..."
"You have a habit of slightly lowering your head whenever you try to hide your expression. Even if you try to hide from your father's eyes while saying such things, it has no meaning."
Emperor Myeongjeong laughed.
"If he's a man who has captured the heart of my daughter, who has coldly rejected countless marriage proposals, perhaps I should meet him myself."
"Ca-captured my heart? Such thoughts..."
Ju Geumye's face reddened.
Emperor Myeongjeong stroked his beard.
"The imperial palace is like a cage made of gold, and everything must have felt stifling. Perhaps that's why both you and I became so engrossed in 'Wudang Sword Hero.'"
"Father..."
"Do you miss the wind of the martial world?"
Ju Geumye lowered her head.
Emperor Myeongjeong said:
"Decide for yourself. If it's your wish, I will set you free."
"Father..."
Looking at his daughter, Emperor Myeongjeong smiled.
"I will hear your answer later. You may withdraw."
After paying her respects and bowing, Ju Geumye retreated.
Emperor Myeongjeong's gaze turned toward the slightly open window.
"It's winter."
After winter comes spring.
It seems spring will come to Ju Geumye's heart as well.
A smile spread across Emperor Myeongjeong's face.