Chapter 418: The Blood Rain Wanderer

Tang Mujin and Hong Geolge hurriedly made their way to Dongting Lake.

The problem was, they only knew that the Tang family had headed to Dongting Lake, but had no idea where exactly they were staying in the vast area surrounding it.

Of course, there was a way to find out.

“Hong Geolge, it’s your turn.”

“Leave it to me.”

Dongting Lake was teeming with wealthy tourists eager to spend money on the beautiful scenery, and where there were rich tourists, there were always plenty of beggars hoping for a handout.

A large number of beggars meant the perfect opportunity for Hong Geolge to showcase his skills.

Tang Mujin watched quietly from a distance as Hong Geolge sprang into action. He straightened his shoulders, cracked his neck, and approached the beggars near Dongting Lake, moving sideways like a crab to show off the seven knots on his rope belt.

The beggars eyed him suspiciously, but Hong Geolge quickly proved his identity as a member of the Seven Knots Gang with a flashy display of footwork, then began asking about the whereabouts of the Tang family.

Watching from afar, Tang Mujin thought, ‘At least it’s not as cold as usual.’

Given the urgency of the situation, the process was much simpler than usual. If it weren’t so pressing, Hong Geolge might have pretended to be a lower-ranked member to catch them off guard.

In any case, the seven knots held significant sway among the beggars. Hong Geolge quickly learned where the Tang family had gone.

Approaching Tang Mujin, Hong Geolge reported, “They went south.”

With the local beggars still watching, Tang Mujin decided to keep some distance from Hong Geolge.

“Got it. But let’s not stick too close. Keep some distance.”

“By the way, they mentioned someone else asked the same question two days ago.”

Tang Mujin’s heart sank at those words.

So, it’s come to this.

“Run. Now!”

Tang Mujin and Hong Geolge took off, maintaining a safe distance from each other.

After half a day of using their light-footed martial arts, Tang Mujin and Hong Geolge finally arrived at the villa where the Tang family was staying. Tang Mujin’s hands were clammy with sweat.

Thankfully, there were faint signs of life inside the villa’s walls.

‘Please, let nothing have happened…’

The gate was mercifully unlocked. Tang Mujin and Hong Geolge pushed it open and stepped inside.

Familiar faces greeted them, but the atmosphere was somber. Something had definitely happened.

In one corner, people were preparing a funeral.

Had someone died? Tang Mujin’s heart dropped.

“Hey! Mujin!”

Just then, Mok Wana spotted Tang Mujin and approached. Normally, after such a long separation, they would exchange pleasantries, but Tang Mujin had no time for that.

“Wana, what happened?”

“The Demonic Cult attacked.”

Tang Mujin felt dizzy.

“Anyone hurt or…?”

“Two of the elders, Elder Yo and Elder Seo, were killed. You know them, right?”

“Y-yeah, of course.”

“They held off the cultists but didn’t make it. Uncle Namwoong is badly injured, and Uncle Il-nam is… well, not quite right.”

Tang Mujin interrupted Mok Wana’s explanation.

“Elder Jang? Is he in critical condition?”

“No, not exactly… but something’s off.”

Though it was customary to attend to the deceased first, Tang Mujin couldn’t help but be more concerned about Jang Il-nam, with whom he had a closer bond. Besides, there was nothing he could do for the dead, and the funeral seemed to be underway.

“What do you mean ‘off’? No, never mind. Where is Elder Jang?”

“Over there.”

Mok Wana pointed to a small annex in the corner of the courtyard.

As Tang Mujin and Hong Geolge made their way to the annex, Mok Wana tried to stop them.

“You can’t go in now! Elder Jang said not to let anyone in unless it’s urgent!”

“I’m in a hurry!”

Hong Geolge and Tang Mujin stood before the annex. A foul stench emanated from within.

It was different from the smell of decay or rotting wounds, yet similar enough to be unsettling.

‘Please.’

Tang Mujin opened the door to the small room, half-expecting to find Jang Il-nam collapsed and in need of care.

But Jang Il-nam wasn’t collapsed. Instead, he was crouched down, diligently scrubbing the floor.

’…Scrubbing?’

Jang Il-nam looked up, startled to see Tang Mujin and Hong Geolge.

“Oh.”

“Elder?”

“The cleaning isn’t done yet. Could you come back later?”

Instead of leaving, Tang Mujin and Hong Geolge looked at the spot Jang Il-nam was scrubbing. A dark stain marred the center of the floor, roughly the size of a few hand spans.

“What is that?”

“Well, you see…”

Tang Mujin stood silently, waiting for Jang Il-nam to explain.

Jang Il-nam hesitated before speaking.

“Yesterday, I fought someone from the Demonic Cult and had a sort of epiphany. I returned to my room to meditate on it, and before I knew it, morning had come.”

“Hmm.”

“That was fine, but when I came to, the room was a mess. I managed to clean most of it, but the spot where I was sitting won’t come clean, so here I am… I’ll finish up soon, so please wait outside.”

Jang Il-nam resumed scrubbing the floor.

Ignoring Jang Il-nam’s request, Hong Geolge approached and sniffed the stain. Sniff, sniff.

Hong Geolge couldn’t hide his amazement.

“It’s quite potent.”

”…I didn’t need you to confirm that.”

“What is it? You didn’t… have an accident during your meditation, did you?”

It was a crude suggestion, typical of Hong Geolge. Fearing any misunderstanding, Jang Il-nam scrubbed the floor even harder as he explained.

“After I finished meditating, I felt noticeably lighter. It’s like my body isn’t my own… My misaligned bones and muscles seem to have corrected themselves, and I feel lighter.”

“And the stain?”

“I think it’s impurities that were expelled from my body. I assure you, it wasn’t an accident. Really.”

“Allow me to check.”

Tang Mujin approached Jang Il-nam and took his wrist. Jang Il-nam didn’t resist, knowing what Tang Mujin intended.

Tang Mujin sent a thread of internal energy into Jang Il-nam’s body.

Indeed, Jang Il-nam’s meridians were as clear as a child’s, even more so than a lifelong ascetic.

‘Could it be?’

A phenomenon spoken of in legends—could it be a rebirth?

Tang Mujin examined Jang Il-nam closely.

Something had definitely changed. His slightly hunched shoulders were now straight, and he seemed a few years younger.

But it wasn’t the same as the rejuvenation achieved by the likes of Hwayeon Shinni or Weejin Nanhyang.

“Impressive. Anything else?”

“I feel like I’ve shed many of my burdens. It’s as if I’ve gained the right to pursue the next level.”

”…Have you reached a level beyond the pinnacle?”

Jang Il-nam shook his head.

“No, not yet.”

That made sense. Tang Mujin thought so, but Jang Il-nam had more to say.

“But it feels close.”

Martial artists often boast, but Jang Il-nam was known for his cautious words. If he said it was close, it truly was.

Tang Mujin almost shouted in excitement but restrained himself, remembering the deceased.

Then, a crucial thought struck him.

Jang Il-nam might become a key asset in the upcoming war against the Demonic Cult.

Advancing to a higher level was important, but more so was the fact that Jang Il-nam had taken up the sword again.

Tang Mujin asked Jang Il-nam, “Elder, will you lend us your strength in the war against the Demonic Cult?”

Jang Il-nam continued scrubbing the floor in silence.

He wasn’t ignoring Tang Mujin; he was deep in thought.

But soon, Jang Il-nam shook his head.

”…No. That’s not the path for me. I’m content being just a guest of the Tang family.”

“But you’ve taken up the sword again.”

“I only did so because it was necessary. As long as I can draw my sword without hesitation to protect those around me, that’s enough.”

Jang Il-nam had taken up the sword again. He was once more a man pursuing martial arts and advancing to the next level.

But that didn’t mean he had become someone who relished fighting.

A person’s nature doesn’t change easily. Jang Il-nam had lived his life avoiding conflict, and he likely would continue to do so.

“I made a mistake. By leaving my loved ones, I put everyone in danger. I never want that to happen again. I want to stay by their side.”

Jang Il-nam had spoken, but Tang Mujin couldn’t shake off his ambition. The realm beyond the pinnacle, that legendary state—how powerful it would be to have a master who could help him reach it.

Yet, at the same time, Tang Mujin understood what path would lead Jang Il-nam to happiness.

So, he didn’t try to persuade Jang Il-nam again.

For his happiness lay outside the pool of blood.

Tang Mujin spoke.

“It was a rash request. And a wise decision, Elder Jang.”

Jang Il-nam knew that Tang Mujin had understood his heart.

So, with gratitude, he smiled gently as always.

After the simple funeral, the Tang family gathered to discuss their future.

The topic was singular: Should they stay at Dongting Lake, or return to the capital of Sichuan Province?

Nam Woong, with his right arm in a splint, shared his thoughts.

“There’s no guarantee they won’t come looking for us again.”

In this world, no secret is absolute.

Especially when it involves the whereabouts of many people, it’s even harder to conceal.

Just as the Alliance Law had shown, if someone with a malicious intent arises, the martial artists of the Demon Sect could find the Tang family at any time.

Nam Woong continued.

“If we can’t hide perfectly, it’s better to stay at the Tang estate. There are people nearby who can help us, like the Emei Sect and the Qingcheng Sect.”

Most of the Tang family members found Nam Woong’s suggestion reasonable.

Tang Mujin also thought it was the better option. After all, hadn’t the martial artists of the Demon Sect practically given up on attacking the Tang estate?

Tang Mujin responded to Nam Woong’s suggestion.

“In the unlikely event of a disaster, we have a place to retreat to.”

“Where would that be?”

“The Northern Commander will help us.”

The Northern Commander was one of the highest-ranking officials in Sichuan’s capital.

In the past, he had promised to alert the Tang family if there were signs of the Demon Sect’s martial artists appearing.

However, contrary to his bold promise, he failed to warn them of the invasion. It was only natural that the Northern Commander, who valued his reputation, felt quite embarrassed.

In the end, he made another offer to Tang Mujin.

In times of emergency, he would protect those who hadn’t mastered martial arts or whose skills were no different from ordinary people.

And most of the Tang family fell into the category of “those with low achievement or who hadn’t learned martial arts.”

Of course, if the martial artists of the Demon Sect were truly determined, they could ignore the Northern Commander and attack the Tang family. But that would mean turning the government into an enemy.

No rational person would choose that path. In fact, if things reached that point, there would be no safe place for the Tang family.

‘Having one more place to rely on in case of emergency is a good thing.’

No one opposed Nam Woong’s argument.

In the end, they packed their belongings and returned to the capital. To forget the two craftsmen who had died, they acted cheerfully.

“Visiting Dongting Lake was nice, but there’s no place like home.”

“A few days there were enough. There wasn’t much to do around Dongting Lake, and I was getting restless…”

As they returned to the capital, the Tang family chatted about various things.

The main topic of conversation was undoubtedly Jang Il-nam.

“When the elder extended his sword like this, it pierced the chest of that enforcer, and he just collapsed!”

Choo Sam, who hadn’t seen much, half relied on imagination to recount Jang Il-nam’s exploits. But that was fine. Tales of heroism are enjoyable just by being told.

However, there was one person with a slightly bitter expression—Nam Woong.

No matter how much Tang Mujin racked his brain, there was no way to heal Nam Woong’s right arm. It wasn’t just a cut or a bit of flesh missing; his elbow bone was shattered, and even the best medicine was of no use.

Whenever Tang Mujin looked at Nam Woong with an apologetic expression, Nam Woong waved it off, saying it was fine.

“Oh, it’s alright. I did a lot of bad things in the past. I think I’m finally getting my comeuppance.”

“Isn’t it a shame that all the martial arts you’ve trained in have gone to waste?”

“It’s a bit of a shame. But I think I got off easy. Besides, considering I didn’t fulfill my duty, this is more of a blessing than a punishment.”

Nam Woong was still tormented by guilt.

The guilt of not being able to protect the Tang family and putting them in danger.

Jang Il-nam spoke.

“It’s not your fault, it’s mine. Besides… how about learning the Left-Handed Sword?”

“The Left-Handed Sword… you mean learning swordsmanship with my left hand? I don’t know if that’s possible.”

“The feeling of wielding a sword with your left hand is completely different from using your right. Even the same martial art can feel more powerful when performed with the left hand. If you adjust the techniques to suit your left hand, it could be even more impressive.”

“Thank you. But I’m not a prodigy like you, Master. I don’t know if I can learn the Left-Handed Sword.”

When Nam Woong replied hesitantly, Jang Il-nam said,

“I’ll help you wholeheartedly. I’ll adjust the techniques to suit your left hand and train with you.”

“Oh, it’s alright. You must be short on time for your own training, Master.”

“No, revisiting familiar things in an unfamiliar way is the best training method. It’ll help me too. Besides, didn’t you say you wanted to return to Hainan and open a martial arts school?”

Nam Woong’s first dream was to return to his hometown and become a fisherman, but his second dream was to open a martial arts school.

Until recently, Nam Woong hadn’t considered opening a school.

But after discussing it several times, he became more serious about it.

He missed being a fisherman, but he knew he’d get bored after a few months.

And honestly, being the head of a small martial arts school seemed more appealing than being a fisherman.

If things went miraculously well, he might even become the head of a small sect.

‘A guy born as a fisherman, who turned to piracy, returning home after mastering supreme martial arts… that’s quite something.’

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Nam Woong changed the subject.

“By the way, Miss Wi Ji will be pleased.”

No woman dislikes seeing the man she cares for succeed.

In the short time since Jang Il-nam had achieved great success, Wi Ji Nan-hyang would surely be delighted.

Jang Il-nam had gained more than just martial prowess. His demeanor had improved as well. His once slightly hunched shoulders and back had straightened, making him appear a finger or two taller, and his gaze had become more intense.

He looked at least three or four years younger. Though they might still look more like father and daughter than lovers, that couldn’t be helped.

Jang Il-nam imagined Wi Ji Nan-hyang’s reaction and felt happy.

After traveling for quite some time, the group finally arrived near the capital.

Just as when Tang Mujin and Hong Geolgae had left the capital, it was raining steadily. It wasn’t unusual; Sichuan was known for its frequent rain.

Hong Geolgae, as always, didn’t care whether he got wet or not, but Tang Mujin grumbled.

“This damn rain.”

At least it was summer, so getting wet didn’t mean getting cold.

The group, looking like drenched rats, entered the capital.

Everyone had the same thought as they walked: to get inside and change into dry clothes immediately.

Finally, they arrived at the Tang estate. But at the gate, they all stopped in unison.

The plaque that should have been hanging at the entrance was missing.

Normally, someone would have complained about where the plaque had gone, but today, no one said a word.

Given the circumstances, they were gripped by a sense of foreboding.

Tang Mujin took a deep breath and spoke.

“Why are we hesitating? Let’s go in.”

Silently, they entered the Tang estate.

And everyone doubted their eyes.

The largest building that should have been in the center of the estate—the main hall—was gone.

In the days when the estate was a medical clinic, it had been the main treatment building.

It was the place that had welcomed countless patients from all over.

Even when they rebuilt other buildings, they couldn’t bring themselves to tear it down, so they had gradually expanded it.

The main hall was gone.

In its place were only the foundation stones, silently telling the story of the building that once stood there.

Everyone was at a loss for words.

”···.”

With the main hall gone, they could see the backyard that should have been on the opposite side of the gate.

And in the backyard of the Tang estate stood several people. They thought they might be remnants of the Demon Sect, but their attire suggested otherwise.

A nun with a shaven head, wearing a gray robe soaked by the rain.

A Taoist priest in blue, neat attire, also drenched by the rain.

Several Taoist priests from the Qingcheng Sect and nuns from the Emei Sect were looking at one spot.

Their gaze was fixed on a grave they had never seen before. The earth was still bare, not yet covered with grass.

Tang Mujin approached the grave.

The nuns of the Emei Sect and the Taoist priests of the Qingcheng Sect sensed his presence and turned around.

They stepped aside, bowing respectfully to Tang Mujin and the people around him.

A simple wooden marker stood in front of the grave.

In place of a headstone, a small wooden plaque had been hastily carved.

Six characters were inscribed on it.

The Grave of Yu Zilanxiang.

Someone sighed deeply.

“Ah…”

Jang Il-nam’s legs gave way, and he sank to the ground, staring at the marker.

He read the six plainly carved characters over and over again.

Then, like a wild animal, he crawled forward, tracing the inscription with his thumb repeatedly.

Tang Mujin, Tang Jiesun, Hong Geolgae, Dan Seolyeong, Mok Wana, and the Tang family retainers stood silently, watching Jang Il-nam.

He sat there, dazed, before he began to dig into the mound of red earth with his bare hands.

To disturb a grave was madness, yet no one stopped him.

At last, Jang Il-nam came face to face with the resting Yu Zilanxiang.

Her beauty remained untouched. Her burial clothes were more splendid than any other.

But even those fine garments couldn’t hide the deep sword wound.

Jang Il-nam gently caressed her lifeless face with his fingers.

And then, he realized.

He had left not only the retainers of Dongjeong Lake but also Yu Zilanxiang of Chengdu behind.

“Ah… Ah…”

Clutching her body, Jang Il-nam wept quietly.

What began as a soft sob in the bright daylight grew into the wail of a beast, and by the next dawn, his voice was hoarse.

Only after the sun rose did his cries finally cease.

Tang Mujin had stood by him the entire time, silently keeping watch.

Jang Il-nam gave Yu Zilanxiang one last embrace, then covered her with earth again, his hands bleeding. He spent one final night with her.

Yu Zilanxiang returned to her eternal rest. The rain continued to fall.

Tang Mujin reached out to help Jang Il-nam to his feet.

“Master Jang.”

But Jang Il-nam did not take his hand.

Instead, like an old man using a cane, he pushed himself up with his sword.

“Don’t call me that anymore. From now on, call me—”

As he spoke, he turned to face Tang Mujin. Their eyes met.

Jang Il-nam’s eyes were bloodshot, burning with an indelible hatred and fury.

Beneath them, traces of tears mixed with blood remained, untouched by the night’s rain.

He lifted his head to the sky.

Raindrops from the heavens mingled with the bloody tears on his face, streaming down.

In a hoarse, somber voice, Jang Il-nam spoke.

“Call me the Blood Rain Wanderer.”