Episode 183: The Burial of the Flash Sword
The group carried the body of Yu Gwan-il as they headed south.
There was no need to rush. The warriors of the Gongdong Sect showed no signs of pursuit, and even if they did, it wouldn’t pose a problem now.
However, there was one concern: the condition of the Flash Sword’s body.
Though the weather was cool, a human body decomposes faster than one might think. In just a few more days, Yu Jin-gwang would be faced with a gruesome sight.
Before Tang Mu-jin’s anxiety could reach its peak, Yu Jin-gwang pointed to a nearby hill.
“That spot should do.”
“What do you mean?”
“What else? We need to bury my father.”
It seemed Yu Jin-gwang had no intention of carrying the body all the way back to the Jeomchang Sect.
He borrowed a shovel from a nearby forge and dug a grave on a sunlit hill, where he laid the Flash Sword’s body to rest alongside his rusted sword. He carefully arranged his father’s white hair and dressed him in fine clothes.
After forming a small mound over the grave, Yu Jin-gwang stepped back several paces and gazed at it intently.
It seemed as if he was trying to etch the scene into his memory, or perhaps he was reminiscing about his father.
Most people would be unable to hide their grief, but Yu Jin-gwang’s expression was not somber.
Tang Mu-jin spoke to him in a deliberately solemn tone.
“It’s unfortunate we couldn’t lay the Flash Sword to rest on Jeomchang Mountain.”
“No, that’s not important. Don’t worry about it.”
Yu Jin-gwang’s words sounded strange.
’…Most people want to be buried in their hometown, don’t they?’
Seeing the puzzled looks on Tang Mu-jin and the others, Yu Jin-gwang chuckled.
“Most of the Jeomchang Sect warriors don’t get buried on Jeomchang Mountain. They usually die wielding their swords far from home. My father was no different. And I expect the same for myself.”
“But you carried the Flash Sword’s body quite a distance south.”
“I was just looking for a good spot. I never intended to go all the way back to Yunnan.”
The group watched Yu Jin-gwang, realizing he wasn’t just making empty statements.
Stretching as if relieved, Yu Jin-gwang continued.
“It might sound odd for a son to say this after burying his father, but he had a good life.”
“Excuse me?”
“He achieved the martial prowess he dreamed of, died wielding his sword with joy, passed on his legacy to his son, and even repaid his lifelong debts. And now he’s buried in a good spot. It’s the best ending one could hope for. In fact, Jeomchang Sect warriors consider it fortunate just to be buried at all.”
For those who die by the sword, a proper burial is rare. Few warriors bother to collect the bodies of those they’ve slain.
Most are left in desolate places, their flesh devoured by wild animals, their remains left to rot.
“The Jeomchang Sect’s standards for a good death are quite low.”
“Setting high standards only leaves more regrets.”
The group took one last look at the unmarked grave of the Flash Sword, then left without hesitation.
Tang Mu-jin’s heart yearned for the southwest, for home.
Yet their path led southeast. Their journey wasn’t over. Yu Jin-gwang carried a fortune on his back.
“Will you be able to repay all the debts?” Hong Geol-gae asked.
Yu Jin-gwang replied confidently, “I’ll have some left over after repaying everything. It should be enough to keep the Jeomchang Sect running for quite a while.”
When they discovered the unclaimed fortune in the cave, Tang Mu-jin’s group and Yu Jin-gwang decided to split it five ways.
But upon learning it was the life savings of Yu Gwan-il, the others chose not to take their share.
Hyeon-gong was a bit disappointed, but no one strongly opposed the decision. After all, people have a sense of decency.
Thanks to the Flash Sword’s dedication and the group’s generosity, Yu Jin-gwang could settle the Jeomchang Sect’s debts.
After spending a night in a large village they found on their way southeast, the group waited at the village entrance for a passing merchant caravan.
When a caravan with space appeared, they approached the most authoritative-looking person.
“Excuse me, which trading company are you with?”
“The Hwan-oh Trading Company.”
“Where are you headed?”
“To Wuchang.”
“Will you be passing through Luoyang?”
“No, we’ll be going through Xi’an.”
“I see. Safe travels.”
After sending off three caravans, they finally received the answer they were hoping for from the fourth.
“Excuse me, which trading company are you with?”
“The Man-geum Trading Company.”
The merchant’s face was full of pride. The prestige of the Man-geum Trading Company among merchants was akin to that of the Shaolin Temple among martial artists.
Yu Jin-gwang asked the merchant, “Are you headed to Luoyang?”
“Indeed.”
“We’re also headed to Luoyang. Could we share some space in your cart? In return, we’ll lend a hand if you need swords.”
It wasn’t a difficult request for the merchant. They had already sold most of their goods and were returning to Man-geum with only a few small items.
There was enough room in the cart, and the guards had been told they could take turns resting in it.
The problem was that accepting strangers into the caravan wasn’t easy. What if the people they welcomed turned out to be thieves or bandits?
Moreover, Tang Mu-jin’s group didn’t seem particularly helpful. The guards of the Man-geum Trading Company were on a different level than those of other caravans.
Unlike other companies where second-rate martial artists could lead, the Man-geum Trading Company required first-rate skills for leadership.
This caravan had a first-rate leader and five second-rate guards, making it difficult for ordinary bandits to attack.
‘It’s better to send them away.’
As the merchant turned to dismiss them, he noticed the caravan leader trembling as if struck by a chill. It was more shock than fear.
A person can become a merchant without money, but not without intuition.
’…There’s something here.’
The merchant quickly made a decision and forced a smile.
“Of course. The world is vast, and we should help each other.”
“Thank you for your generosity. We appreciate it.”
The group settled into the rattling cart.
On the road to Luoyang.
Three groups of bandits eyed the merchant caravan, tempted by the promise of wealth. The cart was nearly empty, but that wasn’t a problem. Fewer goods meant the merchant’s pockets were likely full.
Two of the bandit groups retreated upon seeing the Man-geum Trading Company’s banner. Attacking a caravan with first-rate guards was a sure way to lose one’s head.
Even if they succeeded in robbing the Man-geum caravan, the potential casualties made it a poor bargain.
However, the last group of bandits was skilled enough to ignore the banner.
But it was precisely because of their skill that they didn’t dare target a caravan with Yu Jin-gwang and Tang Mu-jin’s group.
Unbeknownst to the merchant, Tang Mu-jin’s group had already repaid the merchant’s kindness.
The group arrived in Luoyang without incident.
As before, the road to the Man-geum Trading Company was bustling with carts and caravans.
Upon entering the company grounds, a familiar face approached them. It was Chief Seo, whom they had met on their previous visit.
The merchant, thinking Chief Seo was approaching him, bowed respectfully.
“Chief, it’s good to see you well. We’ve just returned from our journey.”
“Thank you for your hard work. We’ll talk later.”
“What?”
Ignoring the merchant, Chief Seo addressed Tang Mu-jin’s group.
“Welcome, esteemed guests.”
“It’s been a while.”
“What brings you here?”
“We wish to see the company head.”
Even merchants leading significant caravans rarely met the head of the Man-geum Trading Company.
It wasn’t that the head was too busy, but rather that he seldom met with people, especially outsiders.
Naturally, the merchant assumed Tang Mu-jin’s group wouldn’t succeed.
But Chief Seo readily agreed.
“Please wait a moment.”
He disappeared briefly, then returned to the group.
“Please follow me.”
The group followed Chief Seo.
Just as on their previous visit years ago, Yu Jin-gwang’s face was filled with excitement. But without the need to roll the dice, there was no trace of anxiety.
Chief Seo stopped in front of the company head’s office.
“Master Yu, you may enter.”
Yu Jin-gwang shook his head.
“No, I wish to enter with my companions.”
”…I’ll ask the head again.”
As Chief Seo entered the office, Hong Geol-gae spoke hesitantly.
“We don’t need to go in with you.”
“Thanks to you all, I can repay the debts. How could I leave you out?”
Yu Jin-gwang was genuinely grateful to Tang Mu-jin’s group.
Though the money was collected by Yu Jin-gwang and Yu Gwan-il, the amount the group willingly gave up was substantial.
It was enough for a common farmer to become a local landlord or to bribe their way into a respectable government position.
Chief Seo soon returned.
“You have permission. You may all enter.”
In the dimly lit room, the elderly Master Mangum sat alone, seemingly indifferent to the presence of Tang Mujin and his companions. He turned his attention to Yujin Gwang and asked, “What brings you here, Master Yu?”
“I’ve come to settle a debt,” Yujin Gwang replied.
Master Mangum’s eyebrows twitched in surprise. “A debt? What debt?”
“The debt owed to the Jeomchang Sect, and my father’s debt.”
“I told you before, those debts were forgiven long ago!” Master Mangum’s voice rose, a mix of anger, sorrow, and regret. “I absolved those debts! How much more burden do you intend to place on my heart? Leave at once!”
He seemed genuinely upset, but Yujin Gwang remained resolute. “A debt is only erased when it’s repaid.”
With that, Yujin Gwang placed a large sack on the table. The sound it made was heavy and dull, like a hammer striking the table, indicating the substantial amount within.
Master Mangum sighed deeply. He could tell just by the sound that it was a significant sum. The foolish man had insisted on repaying a debt that had been forgiven twice.
“Is Yuguan Il with you? If he has returned, let him speak,” Master Mangum murmured, his head bowed.
“I laid my father to rest on a sunny hill,” Yujin Gwang replied.
Master Mangum, still seated, muttered to himself, “Foolish friend. Even if you intended to repay the debt, you should have returned once.”
He spoke to Yujin Gwang in a weary voice, “Thank you. But take the money back. I don’t want to profit from a friend’s life.”
“You must accept it.”
“If you leave that money here, I’ll throw it into the sea where no one can find it. I’ll sink it in the open ocean, I swear on my name and life, I won’t touch it.”
“Do as you wish.”
“Take it back. I know the Jeomchang Sect isn’t wealthy.”
“If I take it back, I’ll live as someone who hasn’t repaid their debt. Is that what you want for me?”
Hearing this, Master Mangum looked as if he had been stabbed. He didn’t want to accept the money, but if he told Yujin Gwang to take it back, neither Yujin Gwang nor the Jeomchang Sect would ever be free.
Master Mangum muttered despondently, “I truly don’t want to accept such money. I don’t want to touch it in any form.”
“Then give it to those in need.”
“I already give plenty! And if I give, it should be with my own money, not with a friend’s life. I can’t touch that money.”
His voice had softened somewhat, as if he might reluctantly accept the burden.
Yujin Gwang stood up, his voice deliberately cold. “How you use it is not my concern. In any case, the Jeomchang Sect has repaid all its debts. Take care.”
With those words, Yujin Gwang led Tang Mujin and his group out of the room. Before leaving, Tang Mujin glanced back to see Master Mangum, tormented by the enormous sum before him.
“Are you heading back to the Jeomchang Sect now?” someone asked.
“I should, but tonight, I need a drink,” Yujin Gwang replied, his voice light but his expression tinged with a hint of sadness. He seemed to carry a small burden of guilt towards Master Mangum.
It’s strange how one can feel guilty for giving money and tormented for receiving it.
As soon as they entered a lavish tavern, Yujin Gwang instructed the server, “Bring out all the dishes.”
“And the drinks?”
“The finest you have. Keep them coming until I say stop.”
Even after settling the debt, a considerable fortune remained, so there was no need to worry about the cost of a night’s revelry.
Yujin Gwang picked at the food absentmindedly, then began drinking as if he had a vendetta against the alcohol.
“Aren’t you drinking too fast?” someone asked.
“Tonight, I want to.”
For someone of Yujin Gwang’s skill, dispelling intoxication was no challenge. Yet he continued to drink without doing so, and soon enough, he slumped over the table, his tolerance not as impressive as one might expect.
As is typical of upscale taverns, this one also operated an inn for inebriated patrons. Tang Mujin carried Yujin Gwang to the best room and returned to the tavern.
Yujin Gwang was the only one who had succumbed to the drink. The night was far from over for Tang Mujin and his companions. Young people’s drinking sessions rarely end quickly.
They indulged in the endless stream of dishes and sipped their drinks, careful to maintain a moderate level of intoxication.
Their conversation flowed endlessly, touching on topics like the final moments of the Flash Sword, Yujin Gwang’s swordsmanship, the future of the Gongdong Sect and Hwangolgak, the northern landscapes they had seen for the first time, the journey back to the Jeomchang Sect, the sights of Luoyang, the influence of the Mangum family, and discussions on martial arts.
Eventually, as the tavern emptied and the server began giving them pointed looks, Namgung Myung slammed his glass down with a heavy heart.
The group’s attention turned to him.
“Earlier, with Master Mangum,” he began.
“Yeah, what about it?”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone so tormented.”
“Really?”
“Think about Master Mangum’s age. It’s rare for someone who’s been through so much to be so troubled.”
Indeed, it was unusual to see an elderly man like Master Mangum so distressed. As one ages, emotions that once fluctuated wildly tend to settle into a calmer state.
Namgung Myung clutched his head and spoke, “I can’t forget that expression. Even though he couldn’t see, he was crushed by the presence of the money on the table. The agony of having to accept a friend’s life money to avoid casting his friend’s son into hell. What must that feel like?”
“I don’t know.”
Many could understand Master Mangum’s situation, but few could truly empathize.
Namgung Myung had grown up in relative comfort, but the other three had not experienced such financial ease.
The server, who had been hovering nearby, approached them. “The cooks have all gone home. Shall we start cleaning up?”
“Ah, yes, please do.”
Tang Mujin and his companions rose and stepped out of the tavern.
It was a moonless night, so dark that they could barely make out each other’s faces.
Leaning against the tavern wall, Namgung Myung wore a deeply melancholic expression. “Master Mangum will carry that debt in his heart for the rest of his life, won’t he?”
Tang Mujin replied nonchalantly, “Probably. But there’s nothing we can do about it. Just forget it.”
“No, I can’t just forget it. We have the power to ease Master Mangum’s suffering.”
“What power?”
With a face full of melancholy, Namgung Myung pulled something dark from his pocket—a mask.
He donned the mask and said, “Who wants to help ease Master Mangum’s pain?”
Despite his somber expression, there was a strange fervor in his voice.