Only two people remained in the space.
Gangchan explained the situation in detail to Gangcheol, starting from the events in the Plains up until the present. As Gangcheol listened, tears slowly welled up in his eyes.
“Now I can finally offer a proper greeting to Father and the disciples of Cheongangmun. Thank you, Chan.”
Gangcheol took a deep breath, trying to compose his emotions.
“So, you are saying he is near here now?”
“Yes. If it is difficult for you to accept them, Brother, I plan to arrange a place for them to stay on one side of the Plains. I apologize for deciding their fate on my own.”
Gangcheol shook his head and spoke.
“No. You did very well.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“I want to see them for myself. No, I want to meet the man who saved my life.”
Gangcheol’s face looked exceptionally peaceful today.
Stepping out of the office, Gangchan called Sawu and instructed him to guide those waiting at the Plains to Cheongangmun. Then, he returned to the office.
“Huh? Where did Brother go?”
Gangcheol had disappeared in that short interval. Now that he thought about it, Old Man Kang, who had left to guide Dongbang Seollin, had not returned either.
‘Could these people be…’
His prediction was correct. When Gangchan turned toward the living quarters, he found Gangcheol and Old Man Kang sitting with Dongbang Seollin, sharing a warm and friendly conversation.
“Chan, come and sit down. Apparently, Lady Dongbang was quite a mischief-maker when she was a child. Hahaha!”
“Brother!”
“Alright, alright. I was being insensitive. Keeping a tired person for so long… Lady, please consider this your own home and rest well.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Gangcheol stood up and patted Gangchan’s shoulder as he walked past him at the door. Old Man Kang followed, casting a mysterious glance toward Gangchan as he left the room. Watching this, Sawu and Yedowi whispered to each other.
“They really look good together. Don’t you think so, Sect Leader?”
“Of course. If Father were still here, he would have thrown a feast for the whole village.”
They were clearly saying it loud enough for him to hear. However, Dongbang Seollin acted as if she hadn’t heard a thing.
‘I’ll ignore those two, but why is she acting like this as well?’
“Lady Dongbang, I am sorry.”
“For what? I enjoyed it. They are truly wonderful people.”
Dongbang Seollin replied with a soft smile.
“They weren’t originally like that, but I suppose they missed human company after being lonely for so long. I am glad you understand.”
“I really did enjoy myself. You don’t need to worry about it.”
“I see. Regardless, I have to stay here for about one more day because of the bandits. If you need to return home immediately, I will have everything prepared.”
Dongbang Seollin looked at Gangchan quietly. Not knowing where to look, Gangchan’s eyes wavered.
“Leader Gang, do you find me burdensome?”
“No, what do you mean by that… Absolutely not.”
Gangchan denied it strongly, even waving his hands.
“Is that so? Then why does it feel like you are constantly burdened by me?”
“That is a misunderstanding on your part. You can believe me.”
After answering, Gangchan hurriedly stepped outside. It was around the hour of the pig, when the sun had completely set.
***
Leading dozens of carriages, the unit members and the bandits entered Cheongangmun. The bandits organized the carriages on one side of the training ground and gathered in the center. Meanwhile, the unit members were busy asking each other how they had been.
Gangchan headed to the training ground with Gangcheol, Old Man Kang, and Dongbang Seollin.
When Gangcheol arrived, Muchideok stepped forward, knelt, and silently bowed his head. The bandits standing behind him also knelt and bowed.
Gangcheol approached them quietly. Upon reaching Muchideok, he knelt down to match his eye level.
“This is how I have lived the life you spared. I offer my greetings only now.”
Gangcheol stood up and bowed deeply to Muchideok. Everyone present was shocked. Muchideok hurriedly helped Gangcheol stand.
“Please do not do this. I am a sinner.”
“But to me, you are also the savior of my life. Seeing you alive brings back memories of that day.”
Gangcheol held Muchideok’s hand tightly for a long time. Then, he looked at the bandits who were still kneeling on the ground.
“Everyone, please stand up. I have heard your story from my brother. If you are willing, how about fulfilling the promise you made to him here at Cheongangmun, the place where our ill-fated relationship with the Blood Wolf Band began?”
Muchideok asked back with a look of surprise.
“We are grateful enough that you spared us, but you would go that far for us?”
It was a proposal he hadn’t even dared to imagine. He had vowed countless times while crossing the Plains that he would do anything if he could just live like a human being. And now, for the first time, he felt certain that he truly could. Tears gathered in Muchideok’s eyes.
“Cheongangmun is not a large or powerful sect. Therefore, we cannot do much for you. However, I can promise you one thing. The world may have abandoned you, but Cheongangmun will never abandon you. We will never ask you to do anything unjust. From now on, this is your home and your foundation. You are all now disciples of Cheongangmun.”
The sound of people stifling their sobs could be heard from various directions.
Gangcheol led everyone to the area near the entrance of the Plains, where the disciples who were sacrificed twelve years ago had been buried together. There stood a small Guihyangtap, built with the meaning of ‘even in death, return to your cherished home.’
Gangcheol and all the bandits paid their respects to the fallen disciples of Cheongangmun.
Muchideok wept bitterly. It was a strange sight to see a man over forty crying out loud, but no one could stop him. After a while, having stopped his crying, he suddenly drew a knife from his robe. He cut off half of his left pinky finger and buried it in front of the communal grave. Then, he bowed before the grave and remained there for a long time.
Perhaps his heart was contagious. As the bandits stepped forward one by one to cut their own pinky fingers, Gangcheol stepped in to stop them.
“I understand your intentions. However, you must not harm your bodies. If you truly wish to apologize to the seniors and the fallen, how about cutting a bit of your hair instead of harming yourselves?”
In this way, Muchideok’s finger and the hair of the bandits were buried in front of the Guihyangtap.
The next morning, Cheongangmun was busy from the crack of dawn. Everyone rolled up their sleeves to repair and clean the pavilions that had been neglected for a long time. Dongbang Seollin was among them. Although people tried to dissuade her, she insisted on helping until the end. She held a cloth herself, wiping every corner of the buildings and sweating alongside the others.
After a busy day had passed and everyone was taking a moment to catch their breath, Jangdal, a Haomun scout from Changchun, burst through the gates in a hurry.
“Is the Leader here?”
Du Ilchung greeted him as he searched for Gangchan, panting for breath.
“What is the matter that brings you here in such a hurry?”
“An urgent report came in that Hangju is in danger. I must deliver this to the Leader immediately.”
“What? Come this way at once!”
A startled Du Ilchung led Jangdal and hurriedly knocked on Gangchan’s door.
“Leader, it’s Du Ilchung.”
“Come in.”
As Du Ilchung opened the door and entered, Jangdal followed behind him. Gangchan, who was sitting with Dongbang Seollin, greeted Jangdal warmly.
“Oh, Scout, it’s been a while. What brings you here so urgently?”
“A major problem has occurred. Please check this message first.”
“Oh…”
As Gangchan unfolded and read the message Jangdal handed him, his expression changed drastically. He immediately passed the message to Du Ilchung, whose face gradually paled as he read it.
“I understand. I will respond as quickly as possible. If any other news arrives, let me know without delay.”
“Leader, will our Sect Leader be alright?”
“Nothing will happen. Do not worry too much.”
As Jangdal and Du Ilchung left, Gangchan looked at Dongbang Seollin.
“It seems something has happened in Hangju.”
“You don’t need to worry about me. It sounds urgent, so please go.”
“Then, excuse me.”
In the office of Cheongangmun, Gangchan spread the message Jangdal had brought on the table.
[Identification of Cheonhyangru exposed.]
[Haomun Deputy Sect Leader, Silent Sword Pyo Seung, and 100 members of the Seomyeongdae have departed for Hangju.]
Gangchan gave instructions in a calm voice.
“Leader Mu, once we leave, make the defenses of Cheongangmun even more thorough. Minimize external activities as much as possible and keep me informed of the situation here through Jangdal.”
“Understood.”
On the day the bandits became disciples of Cheongangmun, Gangcheol had reorganized the Cheongangdae, which had existed in the old Cheongangmun, and appointed Muchideok as the Captain of the Cheongangdae.
“And if Lady Dongbang wishes to return home, provide her with an escort.”
“Yes, do not worry.”
Gangchan continued as he looked at the message again.
“Now, as you can see, we don’t know the exact martial arts level of Pyo Seung or the power of the Seomyeongdae. From what I remember, the Seomyeongdae is an organization personally raised by the Haomun Sect Leader. Does anyone know anything about them?”
“It’s a name we are hearing for the first time as well.”
“It can’t be helped then. We will gather information on the way. For now, prepare to depart as quickly as possible.”
At that, Du Ilchung asked in an anxious voice.
“Can Hangju hold out until you arrive, Leader?”
“We have no choice but to trust Hong Hyeon and the Cheongeomdae. And isn’t Elder Pang still there? With Elder Pang present, they won’t be defeated so easily.”
“I will ask Jangdal to find out if Elder Pang is currently at the Heavenly Mandate Hall.”
“Yes, do that. Now, everyone, hurry.”
While the unit members were preparing, Gangchan explained the situation to Gangcheol.
“Even if I am not here, Captain Mu will protect the sect. With his martial arts, no one will easily challenge this place. Do not worry and focus on your treatment with the Inuigiseong I taught you.”
“I understand. Do not push yourself too hard either.”
“Yes. Then I will inform Lady Dongbang and depart immediately.”
“Right. Make sure to speak to her kindly so she doesn’t feel neglected.”
“I understand, so don’t worry.”
Gangchan explained the general situation to Dongbang Seollin. Although she was disappointed that she couldn’t go home with him, she didn’t show it and readily accepted the situation. Grateful for her consideration, Gangchan promised to visit the Dongbang Clan once things were settled, then hurried off with his unit members.
After riding for a full day, the group reached Changchun and met Jangdal. His face looked a bit haggard, perhaps because he hadn’t slept properly.
“Welcome.”
“Any new updates?”
“Fortunately, before they departed, our Haomen Disciple in Wuhan obtained information. Thanks to the immediate contact, a warning network has been spread around Hangju and its neighboring areas. The Cheongeomdae is said to be on standby, fully prepared. Furthermore, the Myeonggeomdae and the ManSudae have completed their evacuation to a safe location.”
“Do you know if Elder Pang is still there?”
“I contacted them late about that, so I haven’t received an answer yet.”
“It’s an important matter, so let me know as soon as you hear anything.”
“I will check once more.”
“Good. The next destination is Shenyang. I will receive that information in Shenyang.”
“Yes. I will make contact in advance.”
“We will rest for a moment and then depart again, so everyone, eat quickly.”
After a quick meal, Gangchan’s group set off again. They didn’t hear any new news in Shenyang, but they obtained crucial information upon arriving in Tianjin, Heubuk-seong.
Fortunately, the Gentleman Sword Pang Gipyeong was still at the Heavenly Mandate Hall. In this situation, Pang Gipyeong’s presence would be a great help to Nanseol, and it also opened up the possibility of executing another plan Gangchan had in mind.
Gangchan explained his plan to his unit members.
“I plan to go directly to Wuhan in Hubei Province and capture the Haomun Sect Leader, Doak. You all head to Hangju as quickly as possible.”
“By yourself?”
“Is there anyone who can keep up with me? No, right? So I have to go alone.”
“Wow, this is driving me crazy.”
Jomu replied in frustration, thumping his chest.
“I can get help from the Haomun along the way, so don’t worry too much. Get to Hangju quickly and hold out as long as possible until I arrive anyway.”
“Leader, please be careful. We will protect Hangju until you come.”
“And once you arrive, tell everyone again. I won’t leave them alone if they foolishly try to hold out and end up dying. If it gets too hard, just run and hide. Understood?”
Gangchan asked the Haomen Disciple to figure out their strength and report to him by the time he reached Wuhan. Then, he mounted Mong.
“Mong! The success or failure of this plan depends on you. Even if it’s hard, let’s give it our all and run.”
Sensing Gangchan’s determined will, Mong galloped vigorously toward their destination.