3
1
4.
Ordinary… … , no, the very act of using the word ‘ordinary’ in English is strange, but anyway.
A scent that cannot be found in ordinary English tea.
I looked at Sama Jeong with a naturally crooked gaze.
Don’t you like it?
“What is this?”
It is a spiritual pill that only you can consume at Taeeulmun.
“……
The smell—no, the scent—feels like poison.
I think Dang Seo-hui once used a poison that smelled similar to this…
As I frowned, Sama Jeong nodded.
“It could be poison to an ordinary warrior. Their internal energy would decrease a bit if they ate it.”
Huh? This person was dangerous all along. To think I’ve been doing all sorts of crazy things to gather this internal energy…
If you eat this instead, your bones will never break again.
You mean bones won’t break?
Sama Jeong raised an eyebrow once and asked me.
Have you ever heard of Geumgangcheong?
“Isn’t that a weight loss drug?”
Geumgangcheong is honey produced by blue bees consuming the sap of centuries-old black pine trees.
If you eat it, strangely enough, you lose weight rapidly, just like someone with a disease.
However, since it causes rapid weight loss without causing any other problems, it is widely used among women for cosmetic purposes.
How great it is to lose weight without having to reduce the amount you eat.
However, it is classified as difficult to obtain among honeys because it requires finding centuries-old black moss forests and even the blue bees living within them.
Come to think of it, they say that eating Geumgangcheong makes your skin clear or something.
Anyway, although it is hard to find and expensive, it is not a medicine that a novice should take.
It doesn’t even help improve my inner strength, yet I just lose weight.
Wouldn’t it result in a truly wretched appearance?
In the martial arts world, where appearance accounts for 70% of everything, there would be no martial artist who would go out of their way to obtain and consume Geumgangcheong.
That’s how it is for an average person. But do you know why you lose weight?
As I listened in silence, Sama Jeong kept sending me glances.
What is it? Do you want an answer?
I don’t know.
As I shrugged my shoulders, Sima Zheng began his explanation with a triumphant expression.
It is because the bones absorb it when you eat Geumgangcheong.
At those words, my brow furrowed even more without me realizing it.
Absorbing vitality… that’s just poison.
“By the way, do you know what happens if a martial artist eats Geumgangcheong?”
Sama Jeong trails off, as if seeking a reaction from me.
But what has this guy been trying to do since earlier?
I asked back with a crooked expression.
What happens?
“Hahaha, don’t be surprised.”
Sama Jeong spread both hands wide and added.
They say that after absorbing only the inner energy, the bones become as hard as diamonds.
“…….”
“They say that women who ate Geumgangcheong never broke an arm or a foot in their entire lives.”
I guess it’s because rich people who will never break an arm or a foot in their lives ate it, isn’t it?
For some reason, I felt like I was listening to an explanation from a con artist selling an elixir of eternal youth.
I don’t think this person gave off this vibe when I first saw them…
How about that? Doesn’t it really whet your appetite? You want to try it right away, don’t you?
Sama Jeong approaches me closely, his eyes glaring.
Seriously, what’s wrong with you?
I took my hands off the neck guard and stepped back a step.
I don’t want to eat it.
“Huh? Why?”
“What is the use of hardened bones? What is they used for?”
“Hey friend! Think about it. Your internal energy is completely depleted, and you are in a desperate crisis. At that very moment! Even if your opponent tries to break your hand with a club, your hand won’t break, I’m telling you!”
Warriors use swords or blades from the very beginning.
“Ah, right. Hmm… then couldn’t the bone not be cut?”
This guy is being ambiguous at the end. Saying ‘I might not get fired’?
As my expression soured even more, Sima Zheng hurriedly continued speaking.
“Then how about this? You are in a desperate situation. You are being chased by enemies and have been cornered at the edge of a cliff!”
“You’ll have to make a choice. Be killed by the enemy, or fall off a cliff and die with broken bones.”
Sama Jeong paused for a moment, then, with a determined expression, snapped open the wooden box and thrust it in front of my eyes.
“But! Actually, you drank an elixir made of Geumgangcheong! Then even if you jump off a cliff, you won’t break your bones and die! Then wouldn’t you be able to encounter a fortuitous encounter there, recover your body, and get another chance for revenge?”
I was just watching to see how far you’d go, but I’m hearing all sorts of crazy things.
No, you shouldn’t be driven to a cliff by the enemy in the first place. It is the basic rule of a warrior to run to a place where there is an opening if you are going to escape.
I sighed and asked softly.
Be honest with me. Are you sure this is medicine?
Sama Jeong’s excited gaze calms down a little.
“To be honest, I wanted to see a warrior eat it. The effects on women are sufficient, so I was curious to see if the same would work on a warrior.”
So you’re saying you’re going to use me as a test subject?
Sama Jeong hurriedly waved both hands forward.
“Ah! But don’t worry. Even if it’s not effective, there won’t be any side effects. I’m absolutely certain of that!”
As I stared at him silently, he let out a small sigh and mumbled.
“After all, losing even a small bet is a huge loss for a martial artist. I apologize. Since you possess such a massive Dantian, I let myself get a little greedy…”
Then, he forced a smile.
“Don’t worry. I will soon make a better elixir to replace the one you yielded. Just please wait a little while until I gather the ingredients.”
Sama Jeong closes the neck guard with slumped shoulders and turns around.
I briefly watched his retreating figure dripping with lingering regret, then went to his side and snatched the wooden box away.
“Huh? You aren’t kidding?”
I made it anyway. It would be a waste to throw it away.
진짜 뼈가 단단해진다면, 태을문의 아이들에게도 도움이 될지도 모르고.
그리고 무엇보다.
“약속은 꼭 지키십쇼.”
만에 하나, 절벽 아래서 떨어진 후에 기연을 발견할지도 모르는 거니까.……
그때 뼈가 부러지면 좀 억울 할지도.
꿀꺽.
쓴 영단이 목구멍을 거칠게 넘어갔다.#영단을 먹고 나자 한동안 오한이 든듯 온몸이 으슬으슬 떨려왔다.
더불어 단전에 단단히 박혀 있어야 할 내기들이 조금씩 사라지는 게 느껴졌다.
처음엔 너무 많은 양이 빠지는 건 아닌가 걱정했지만, 생각보단 그리 많은 양이 빠지지 않았다.
한 오 년 치 정도?
전생 기준으로 생각하면 엄청난 양이지만, 지금 생에서는 사실 큰 차이가 느껴지지 않는 정도.
“그리고?”
“근육이 좀 당기는 느낌인데요?”
사마정은 반짝거리는 눈으로 내 상태에 대해 하나하나 질문했다.
내 표정이 어떤지 살피고 기분이 어떤지 묻고, 신체의 변화에 대해서 상세하게 적어나갔다.
“확실히 무인을 대상으로 실험하니 이런 건 편하군.”
이 양반 지금 대놓고 실험이라고 한 거야?
“자, 그럼 다음 실험을 해볼까?”
이야, 이젠 아예 숨길 생각도 없구만.
내가 황당해하든 말든 사마정은 어디선가 가저온 벽돌로 단을 쌓기 시작했다.
각각의 단은 허리 높이 만큼 올라왔고, 단의 사이엔 팔뚝 하나를 딱 올릴 수 있을 만큼의 간격이 있었다.
“여기에 팔을 올려보게.”
“응? 왜 그렇게 쳐다 보나? 아아, 내가 설명이 불친절했네, 사과허이. 뼈가 단단해졌는지 실험을 해보려는 것일세.”……
저기, 사과할 지점이 틀린 것 같은데 흠.
그래도 나는 그의 말에 따라 팔을 위로 올렸다.
현 상황이 짜증나긴 했지만, 사실 나도 궁금하긴 했으니까.
내기를 흡수해야 할 정도로 뼈를 단단하게 만든다는데 얼마나 단단해질지 궁금했거든.……
실험 대상이 내 몸이라는 게 좀 문제긴 하지만.
내가 단 위에 팔을 올려놓자 사마정이 길다란 몽둥이를 가져왔다.
손때가 묻은 듯 단단해 보이는 몽둥이.
나는 그를 물끄러미 올려다봤다.
“때릴 힘은 있습니까?”
“나도 어느 정도 내공은 있네. 아 참! 내기는 일으키지 말게. 그럼 실험이 안 되니까.”
의원이 내공이 있어 봐야 얼마나 있겠어.
라고 생각했을 때 멈췄어야 했다.
뻑.
단단한 몽둥이가 부러지고 가루가 사방에 흩날린다.
나는 너무 아파서 비명도 제대로 지르지 못했다.‘끄윽! 시바 뭐야!!!’얼마나 강하게 내리쳤는지 단을 지지하고 있던 벽돌 두 장이 그대로 바스러졌다.
이건 안 봐도 부러졌다.
얄짤 없이 팔이 부러진 게 확실하다며 눈을 번쩍 떴을 때.
사마정이 환하게 웃고 있었다.
“이거 보게! 역시 안 부러졌어!”
“이 나무가 사실은 흑오목으로 만든 몽둥이거든. 어지간한 강철보다 강하다고 하던데. 이게 산산이 부서졌는데도 뼈가 멀쩡하다 이 말이네. 거 보게! 내 말이 맞지?”
얼 빠진 얼굴로 팔을 내려다보니.
강한 충격 때문에 피부가 빨갛게 물들기 시작했지만, 뼈에는 이상이 없었다.
주먹을 쥐어보니 힘도 제대로 들어갔고.
아파 뒈질 것 같지만, 그래도 진짜 금강청의 효과가 있는 듯 보이긴 했다.
왠지 멍이 진하게 들 것 같아 내가 걱정하고 있는 사이.
사마정이 내 팔을 보곤 살짝 놀란 눈으로 말했다.
“자, 잠깐 기다려 보게.”
그러곤 의원 내부로 후다닥 들어갔다.
그래도 치료해야겠다는 생각은 드나 보네.
하긴 지금 내 팔이 부러지지 않았다 뿐이지, 피도 좀 나고 있는 상태였으니까.
무인에겐 별것 아닌 상처이지만, 일반인들이 보기엔 꽤나 중한 상처로 보일 수도 있겠다 싶었다.‘쩝…… 본성은 괜찮은 사람인데.’의학에 미쳐서 가끔 제정신이 아닌 듯 보이는 게 문제인데.
뭐, 그걸 꼭 문제라고 볼 수 있을까.
그런 열정이 있었기에 훌륭한 실력을 가질 수 있는 것 아니겠나.
그렇게 사마정의 약초와 금창약을 기다리는 사이.
스릉.
심상치 않은 소리에 고개를 돌려보니.
“읏챠!”
사마정이 내부에서 길다란 도를 들고나왔다.
대체 뭐지?
금창약 가지러 들어간 거 아니었습니까?”
“응? 금창약이라니.”
사마정이 겨울을 녹이는 햇살과도 같이 환한 미소를 지으며 신나게 조잘거렸다.
“실험을 계속해 봐야지! 기록에는 어지간한 칼날에도 뼈가 완전히 잘리지 않는다고…….”
내가 착각했다.
이건 열정의 문제가 아니다.
그냥 미친 사람이 분명하다.
타닥
-나는 천하독행신을 전력으로 펼쳐 의원을 벗어났다.
“어, 어디 가나! 자네! 잠깐만 한 번만 해보면 안 되겠……
나!”……
미친자의 목소리가 아스라이 들려왔다.#난 휴식기 대부분을 태을문에서 보냈다.
백해광에게 하루 반나절 수련을 받고, 장도원의 대장간에 가서 다음 신기를 언제 만들지 닦달을 좀 한 다음.……
내 팔을 잘라 보고 싶어 하는 사마정을 피해 태을문의 아이들과 시간을 보내며 하루를 보냈다.
그렇게 휴식기가 쏜살같이 흘러갔다.
힘든 시기의 시간은 그리도 안 가더만 달콤한 휴식시간은 어찌나 이리 빠르게 흐르는지.
문주님과 당주님들은 다시금 학관으로 돌아가는 우리를 위해 작은 연회를 열자 의견을 냈지만, 돈을 꽉 틀어쥐고 있는 아버지가 탐탁지 않아 했다.
내가 황천현에서 벌인 일 때문에 아직도 꽁해 있었던 것.
어쨌든 연회의 주인공에 나만이 아니라 사련과 금·은·동 형제까지 포함되어 있었기에 결국 아버지는 작은 연회를 열어 주었다.
덕분에 간만에 태을문에 소속된 제자들과 그들의 부모들, 그리고 태을문의 사람들 모두가 초대되어 연회를 즐겼다.
“거참, 어쨌든 잘 풀렸고만 왜 그리 전전긍긍하시는지.”
내 말에 술잔을 넘기던 아버지가 눈을 부릅뜨며 소리쳤다.
“이 썩을 놈아! 내가 네놈에게 묻어 있는 흑도의 흔적을 지우느라 얼마나 애를 썼는지 알아!?”
아, 화난 게 전등문 때문이 아니었어?
“대천상단이 지나갈 때마다 흑도 문파들이 옆에 붙어 호위를 하고 있단다 호위를! 그것도 공.
짜.
로!”
음…… 좋은 거 아닌가?
“잘됐네요. 비용절감도 되고 안전성도 확보되고 일석이조…… 억!”
나는 내 얼굴로 날아드는 술잔을 아슬아슬하게 피했다.
천하의 우리 아버지가 술잔을 날리다니 이게 다 무슨 일이지?
“이 자식이! 네놈도 알 거 아니냐! 없는 흠도 잡아 죄를 만들어 내는 것이 세상이다. 그런데 스스로 흑도의 탈을 뒤집어쓴다고……!”
아아, 그 걱정을 하고 계셨던 거구나.
나는 술잔을 넘기며 태연하게 말했다.
“제가 아무리 흠이 없다 해도 절 미워할 사람은 어떻게든 미워할 겁니다.”
Huh? What is it?
Suddenly, the atmosphere of the banquet turned cold.
The people who were chatting loudly all look this way.
Did I say something really wrong?
That’s not it…
I roughly ignored the atmosphere around me and continued speaking.
It has been that way from the beginning. No matter how much I achieved results or proved myself, those who wouldn’t believe wouldn’t believe, and those who would pick a fight would. It will probably continue to be that way in the future.
I calmly spoke about what I had felt all this time.
I thought that if I proved myself by entering the academy and becoming the top student, something would change.
Even the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Clans, and those who have ruled the Jianghu for hundreds of years.
I thought that no matter how unfair the standards they imposed or how much they forced unequal situations to suit their tastes, if I broke through them, I would be able to earn their recognition. ‘Bullshit…’ But the deeper I pushed through the walls they had blocked, the higher I climbed the fortress walls they had built.
It faced even greater scrutiny and threats.
It will probably continue in the future.
So I decided not to worry about it. If they are going to hate me anyway, wouldn’t it be better to quickly distinguish between friend and foe?
I paused for a moment and downed the drink in one gulp.
“If I reveal my true self like this, those who are meant to be enemies will quickly become enemies, and those who are meant to be allies will become allies. Isn’t that right?”
There was no one to answer my words.
Generally, expressions that looked somewhat bitter.
I said I would distinguish between enemies and allies, but the chances of actually having allies are low.
He must have had a fundamental doubt about whether there was actually a sect that wanted to join forces with Taeeulmun.
at that time.
“Excuse me… is anyone there?”
Someone entered the Daecheon Merchant Guild.
“Ah, I’m sorry. We are closed today.……”
The guest shook his head at Kang Chae-seok’s words.
I didn’t come to commission a job. I came to deliver an item.
“thing?”
The man nodded and took a piece of paper from his pocket.
“It is said to be a gift from the Master of Iljumun to Young Hero Jin So-un of Taeeulmun.”
All eyes turned to me at once.
Kang Chae-seok suddenly stood up and took the paper from the man.
“’I express my gratitude to Young Hero Jin So-un for preventing a threatening accident that would have caused chaos in the Jianghu. Master Jo Seong-hyeop of the Iljumun Sect’ ……
What is this?
While Kang Chae-seok and the people of Taeeulmun were in a daze after reading the letter.
Another person entered the Daecheon Merchant Guild.
Peddlers carrying heavy loads followed him in from behind.
“Is Jin So-un here? I have brought the items sent by the Heavenly Sword Sect.”
That wasn’t the end.
“Young Hero Jin So-un…….”
“Is Jin So-un there?”
“Jinso…….”
Gifts flowed into the Daecheon Merchant Guild endlessly from various places.
Everyone at the banquet stood up from their seats and was busy receiving gifts.
Most of the messages they sent contained praise for the recent Jeondeungmun incident and expressions of anticipation for future activities.
The interior of the banquet hall had become quiet before I knew it.
Kang Chae-seok, who had been looking into the scroll, raised his head with a flushed expression.
“Seriously… am I about to gain an ally?”
As Kang Chae-seok spoke in a dazed state, Hong Mun-gi laughed and raised his voice.
“Why is everyone acting so bewildered? It happened just as So-un said.”
“Don’t you want to… open the gift?”
No sooner had Hong Mun-gi finished speaking than the atmosphere reversed once again.
As soon as permission was given, the clan leaders and the children began to open the gifts that had been brought in in abundance, and they gaped in amazement every time they saw the contents.
I’ve never seen silk this soft before.
“Uh… Master of the Outer Hall, the Silver Treasure is here…”
“There is a sword in here!”
I approached my father, who was staring at the scene with a blank expression.
“See? I told you so.”
Even if I have a small flaw, those who see me for the right thing will see me for the right thing.
Father turned his gaze toward me, filled with complexity.
I patted my father’s shoulder and pointed to one side with my finger.
“Excuse me, the clan leaders are trying to steal a few silver ingots. Aren’t you going to go?”
Father, shaking his head and chuckling in the end.
That won’t do.
Just as the boisterous banquet atmosphere was about to resume.
Tap, tap, tap.
A menacing-looking man entered the Daecheon Merchant Guild.
The atmosphere of the banquet turned cold once again as someone entered with a face that clearly screamed, “I am a Black Swordsman.”
Swoosh
Some clan heads were reaching for the swords that had been brought as gifts.
A man with a menacing appearance stood in the middle of the banquet hall and shouted.
“Is this the Daecheon Merchant Guild?”
That is correct.
Kang Chae-seok stepped forward and asked.
“Who are you?”
The man whistled instead of answering Kang Chae-seok’s question.
Then, ten menacing men entered behind him, each carrying a long, coffin-like box.
“Where is Hero Jin So-un?”
Great Hero?
Kang Chae-seok looked at me, demanding an explanation, but I couldn’t answer.
It’s a face I’ve never seen before, either.
The man followed Kang Chae-seok’s gaze toward me, then suddenly clenched his fist.
“Master, have you been well?”
Huh? Chae-ju?… …
Are you talking to me?
“Hey guys, what are you doing? Put it down.”
“ancient!”
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
Ten men placed the box on the floor and opened the lid wide.
It was filled with coins, starting with silver coins and jewels.
The man bowed his head low and told me.
This is last year’s daily payment from the Black Dragon Clan to the Clan Leader. Please forgive me, as my earnings are meager due to starting late.
What the hell is that bullshit?
“H-Black Dragon Fortress?”
“Sa-sa-geum?”
The disciples of Taeeulmun looked at me with astonished expressions.
And a low voice coming from behind.
“A small…… flaw?”
I turned my head and saw.
“The Black Dragon Fortress?”
Father had a look on his face as if he would commit murder on the spot.
No, I really don’t know anything about it.
I feel so, so wronged.
