Hong Gilgae’s heart pounded wildly, as if he were about to be burned at the stake rather than given a dignified send-off.
“Please…!”
But just before the flames could catch the pyre, a familiar voice called out from the distance.
“What’s going on here?” “We were about to conduct a cremation for the deceased.” “A cremation? Step aside for a moment.” “And who might you be to interrupt the final rites of the departed?”
The man preparing the funeral sounded distinctly annoyed. Internally, Hong Gilgae was convinced that this man just wanted an excuse to set someone on fire.
The familiar voice approached Hong Gilgae and replied, “I am Hayo from Daepungga, Pyeongcheon-ri. Though I now speak with a dog’s tongue, I was once a sage of the Geumpanpa. While reading the stars, I saw my disciple’s light flicker and rush here as fast as I could.”
“Ah, it’s unfortunate about your disciple. It was a noble and honorable sacrifice.” “Honorable… ahem. Anyway, please step aside.”
Though Hong Gilgae couldn’t open his eyes, he could sense his master’s presence nearby. He twitched slightly, trying to signal to Daepungga that he was still alive.
But Daepungga spoke in a heavy voice, “So, he’s truly gone. If only I had arrived a bit sooner… But then again, perhaps it was fate, and nothing would have changed.”
“Can a man defy the heavens? Anyway, Master, shall I light the fire?”
Daepungga had lied, fearing that the heavens and the genius might realize Hong Gilgae was still alive. Hong Gilgae silently smiled, grateful for his master’s care.
“I had no idea it was such a good thing… To stumble upon it without knowing anything, I must be lucky.” “It’s not just luck. Of all the people I’ve met, only Yujin Gwang from the gambling dens had luck comparable to yours.”
The mention of a familiar name caught him off guard. But it wasn’t quite the same story. Wasn’t Yujin Gwang the one who kept losing at the gambling tables?
“Yujin wasn’t particularly lucky, was he?” “To have thrown himself off cliffs repeatedly and still be alive past forty is a miracle in itself. And didn’t he pull you through the greatest of trials? That too must be part of his great fortune.”
Daepungga continued, his voice a bit more subdued, “But it seems your luck has run its course. You may never stand under the open sky again… Still, it’s better than being dead.”
“What do you mean, never stand under the sky?” “The heavens and the genius won’t let you go. If you show yourself, the calamity of Daepung will find you again. This time, you might not escape.”
“But I’ve lived my whole life climbing uphill. Why is my luck only up to this point?” “It’s not that. There are still short paths and detours you can take. But you’ll still be caught up in it…”
Daepungga sighed deeply. Hong Gilgae was taken aback but soon had a thought.
“Master, what if I do this?”
Hong Gilgae slowly moved his face, performing a transformation.
His facial muscles shifted, and Daepungga watched in disbelief as Hong Gilgae’s face transformed into that of Cheoncheongae Honggeon, the leader of the Gaebang.
”···”
Daepungga, who had met countless eccentric figures in the world, was utterly unprepared for this.
He stammered, “What… what kind of trick is this?”
“It’s called the Art of Reversal.”
“···You’re calling it that? Who taught you this skill?”
“I developed it while traveling with friends.”
“So, you used this skill to fool both the leader and the mercenary chief of Gaebang?”
“Somehow…”
“Jusan, I can’t even begin to fathom what you’ve been up to.”
Though it sounded like a reprimand, Hong Gilgae could easily tell that Daepungga was immensely pleased. And if Daepungga was pleased, it meant Hong Gilgae’s gamble had paid off. Perhaps the Art of Reversal could indeed deceive the heavens.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but there’s no one as lucky as you in this world. Not even Yujin Gwang had such great fortune.”
“Hehe.”
Hong Gilgae chuckled sheepishly. Daepungga spoke sternly.
“Once as a baby, and now again. Surviving two calamities is nothing short of miraculous. But don’t let your guard down.”
“Why not?”
“Some of your elders have taught through the Blood Pact Technique that the second time is not just the first, but also hints at a third. You never know when another disaster might strike.”
“I understand.”
Hong Gilgae replied, trying to sit up, but winced at the sharp pain in his chest and lay back down.
“Ugh.”
Daepungga placed a gentle hand on Hong Gilgae’s forehead.
“Stay still and rest. It would be wise to continue practicing the Breathing Technique.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. Even slight movements were excruciating. As Hong Gilgae resumed the Breathing Technique, Daepungga spoke.
“You’ll need to stay completely still for at least two weeks.” “Two weeks?” “Yes. Your bones need to stay immobile to heal properly. But since your chest moves with every breath, slowing your breathing with the technique will help you recover faster.” “Two weeks seems a bit much…”
Daepungga scolded him with a stern expression.
“Consider yourself lucky that it’s just a couple of broken ribs and not worse. You should be grateful it ended here.”
”···”
Every word was true. Hong Gilgae dutifully resumed the Breathing Technique.
His breathing slowed, and the pain subsided. It was then that he remembered Nam Gongmyeong.
‘Oh right, I need to ask someone to inform Nam Gongmyeong of my situation. And retrieve the green bamboo staff I threw away…’
But Daepungga, unaware of Hong Gilgae’s thoughts, said, “You’ve been through a lot. I’ll find a skilled doctor for your broken bones, so get some rest.”
Daepungga gently pressed on Hong Gilgae’s acupressure points.
Unable to resist, Hong Gilgae drifted into a deep sleep.