Chapter 442: A Future Borne on the Sword (4)

This estate belonged to the Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician, the physician who had treated Okcheong when his life had been hanging by a thread.

The Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician owned estates like this in several places throughout the Central Plains. No one knew where he had gotten enough money to afford them all, but he used them whenever his travels took him from place to place treating patients.

And when Yeon Hojeong asked, the Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician readily lent him this estate. For various reasons, the physician had always looked favorably upon him.

“I didn’t know what kind of tea you preferred, so I simply prepared what was available.”

Yeon Hojeong brewed the tea himself.

Making tea was not difficult in itself. Brewing the leaves with any delicacy, however, was another matter.

Naturally, Yeon Hojeong had no idea how to do that. He simply measured out the leaves by feel and poured in the water.

Hwaun spoke.

“It has a wonderful aroma.”

“I’m glad you find it so.”

Whatever else might be said, a high-ranking figure of the Martial Alliance had personally made tea for them. Their first meeting had begun with a vicious martial bout, but at least he seemed willing to observe the proper courtesies.

He is difficult to read.

That was Hwaun’s first impression of Yeon Hojeong.

He was discourteous when we first met, and yet in matters like this...

In truth, it had not been very long since Hwaun herself had begun to learn about the world.

Even so, she already knew how many hypocrites filled the turbulent martial world, and how many utterly unreasonable villains existed within it.

At least most of the people she had encountered had been easy enough to understand. Their arrogance or cowardice showed plainly on their faces, and most were the sort who bowed before the strong and preyed upon the weak.

People like that were simple to deal with. Their feelings showed on their faces.

Far more troublesome were villains who knew how to hide themselves. People who smiled while concealing a blade in their hearts, probing relentlessly at another person’s weaknesses in order to squeeze out every possible advantage.

In only a few years, Hwaun had met more such people than she could count.

At least he isn’t one of them.

Yeon Hojeong was unusual.

He seemed arrogant, but not with the arrogance of a villain. He observed a certain degree of courtesy without ever lowering himself.

His martial prowess was extraordinary enough that Jeongan had been overwhelmed with ease, yet he did not appear proud of it. Nor did any particular emotion show clearly on his face.

Hwaun’s instincts warned her that this meeting could not be approached lightly.

He was young, but he was more difficult to deal with than anyone she had encountered before.

“You are known by the title Green Mountain Tiger Commander, are you not?”

“I am.”

“I have heard that you are called the greatest younger-generation master under heaven.”

Hwaun’s tone was exceedingly respectful. Considering the difference in their ages and generational seniority, it was not a manner of speech that would ordinarily come easily.

Whatever her personality might be, it was clearly the speech she had practiced all her life. A deep ambition might now cast its shadow across her gentle nature, but she had at least not forgotten the discipline she had been taught.

Yeon Hojeong shook his head.

“It is an empty reputation. There are many strong people in this world. Look no further than this young lady beside you. If she entered the martial world, would her skills not earn the admiration of countless people?”

It was an honest assessment.

In Yeon Hojeong’s eyes, Jeongan’s martial prowess was comparable to Mookbi’s. Their strengths lay in different areas, but it would be difficult to say which of them was superior overall.

Hwaun smiled.

“I am grateful that you think so highly of the successor of our branch. It may sound like boasting, but we truly do expect a great deal from her.”

“I can understand why. Though this may be overstepping, what caught my attention even more than her martial arts was her character.”

“Her character?”

Yeon Hojeong looked at Jeongan.

Jeongan met his gaze in silence. Despite suffering an overwhelming defeat in a bout against someone her own age, her eyes remained clear.

“After crossing hands with her, I could tell how fiercely she has trained. No matter how gifted someone may be, it is impossible to reach this level without grueling practice and relentless contemplation.”

“Ah... yes. That is true.”

“She has a competitive spirit, and she has ambition. But neither is twisted. Both are directed purely toward the martial path. I find that admirable.”

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

It was an unusually gentle smile.

When he was relaxed, he often joked with those close to him, but it was rare to see him smile with such simple warmth.

“I have never devoted myself to Buddhism, so I know little about that path. But even I can tell that your heart is as clean as anyone’s. You are highly learned, and your convictions are your own. In that respect alone, you already stand as a master in your own right.”

Jeongan lowered her head.

“You honor me too much.”

“I am a man who says what he feels. Cultivating one’s own heart is harder than advancing one’s martial arts. I only hope that no shadow of clinging desire ever takes root within yours.”

Anyone listening could tell that these were not empty words of praise.

Sincerity had a way of reaching people. Jeongan took both Yeon Hojeong’s assessment and his advice deeply to heart.

Yeon Hojeong turned back to Hwaun.

“I have already heard something of the matter from the Alliance’s intelligence advisor, but it would be better to hear it directly from the person involved. What brings you to me?”

He was different.

There was a considerable difference between the way Yeon Hojeong normally dealt with others and the way he carried himself now.

Part of that was because of who his guests were, but there was another reason as well. The representatives of Putuo Hermitage had come believing that he spoke for the Martial Alliance. No matter how much Yeon Hojeong disliked empty ceremony, he could not dispense with the minimum courtesy required of that role.

In other words, he understood how the world perceived him.

He was merciless toward enemies, but there was no need to treat those who had done nothing wrong with the same ruthlessness. In his own way, Yeon Hojeong was trying to establish a middle path for himself.

Hwaun nodded.

“If you have already been briefed, then this discussion should proceed quickly. In that case, I will speak plainly.”

“I’m listening.”

“Our temple has long remained apart from the world. Explaining the reasons and history behind that would add little to today’s discussion, so I will spare you the details.”

“Go on.”

“However, our temple has had circumstances of its own, and many among us have reached new realizations. Thus Putuo has decided to break with centuries of tradition and enter the world.”

“I see.”

“Yes. Even a temple ignorant of worldly affairs knows that the martial world is harsh. And we have some understanding of how the martial world views our temple.”

Hwaun’s eyes gleamed.

This was the moment when a disciple of those enlightened ones who had chosen the sword not as a weapon of slaughter but as an instrument of realization—seeking the Dharma by examining the self borne upon that sword—descended into worldliness.

“Putuo Hermitage has, for generations, been a sect symbolized by the Sword Empress.”

Somewhere along the way, she had stopped calling it a temple.

Now she called it a sect.

“And for any sect to establish its identity and secure its future, strength is indispensable.”

“That is true.”

“Moreover, Putuo Hermitage has always been led by three branches. They may be called branches, but ultimately we are one family. Every branch has produced Sword Empresses over the generations, yet the Sword Empress was merely a symbol of the sect. The position did not wield substantive power.”

“But you are saying that circumstances have changed.”

“Yes. If Putuo Hermitage is to transform itself for the sake of its future, then the meaning of the Sword Empress must change as well. At the same time, Putuo’s organizational structure must also change.”

“And what, precisely, are you asking for?”

“We want the Martial Alliance to support our branch. To be more candid, we are asking for your help.”

“...”

Yeon Hojeong watched Hwaun without a word.

Perhaps his gaze weighed on her. Hwaun drew a small breath before continuing.

“I understand that such a sudden request must come as a surprise. But this would not be without benefit to the Alliance. Our branch may not be the strongest in terms of raw force, but if we combine this child’s potential with the strength of our elders, we could certainly become an asset to you.”

“An asset...”

“Yes. Every practitioner of Putuo receives the same education from childhood. We train with the sword while studying the Dharma.”

“...”

“But the Buddhist sword is the Wisdom Sword, and the Wisdom Sword is enlightenment itself. I dare say that although our numbers are few, when it comes to the realizations attained by our elders, our branch stands above the others.”

“In other words, you consider yourselves an elite force despite your small numbers.”

“Precisely. If the Alliance helps our branch raise this child to the position of Sword Empress, then our branch can establish friendly relations with the Martial Alliance. We may even be able to handle matters in which it would be difficult for the Alliance itself to intervene.”

The longer she spoke, the deeper Yeon Hojeong’s gaze became.

At the same time, Jeongan’s expression visibly darkened.

Unfortunately, Hwaun failed to notice.

She had become intoxicated with her own vision, and her eyes could see nothing beyond the rosy future she imagined.

“I am almost embarrassed to say this myself, but I know that the martial world holds Putuo in rather high regard. There are even many among the common people who consider Putuo sacred.”

“...”

“Simply by joining hands with Putuo, the Martial Alliance could share in that public goodwill. Perhaps that could become a power even greater than military strength itself.”

“I see.”

“Yes. Of course, Commander, you may wonder whether there is any particular need for the Alliance to join hands with our branch.”

Hwaun placed a hand on Jeongan’s shoulder.

Jeongan flinched without realizing it.

Her martial aunt’s hand felt unbearably hot against her shoulder.

That heat was not body warmth.

It was desire.

And it was also the first stirrings of madness beginning to germinate within her.

“I will speak frankly. Of the other two branches, one has a candidate who has already reached a higher level than this child. Her martial prowess is enough to surpass even our own elders.”

“...”

“However, that candidate is terribly weak of heart and would find it extremely difficult to endure the storms of the martial world. If things went wrong, she could become a danger not only to our sect but to the Martial Alliance as well. This child, however, is different.”

Hwaun spoke with absolute confidence.

“Considering the difference in their ages, this child is no less promising than that candidate, and when it comes to purity of character and strength of will, she surpasses everyone. If the Alliance supports her, then Putuo Hermitage will enter a new age and—”

“Forgive me for interrupting, but may I ask you one question?”

“Ah, of course.”

Yeon Hojeong’s expression turned serious.

“In your view, is Putuo Hermitage a temple? Or is it a martial sect?”

“Pardon?”

“What is the spirit of Putuo Hermitage? Do you seek strength itself? Is your goal enlightenment through spiritual practice? Or do you wish to bring good to the world?”

Hwaun smiled as she answered.

“Would those of us who serve the Buddha pursue strength for its own sake? We merely wish to set the world’s justice right and deliver more common people from suffering.”

“And how do you intend to do that?”

“Pardon?”

“To set the world’s justice right. To deliver more people from suffering. Those are admirable aspirations. What I am asking is how your temple intends to accomplish such a great cause.”

For a moment, Hwaun was taken aback.

She had not expected a question like this.

But Yeon Hojeong was only beginning.

“You seem to find that difficult to answer. Then, since the subject has come up, I would like to ask a few more questions, even knowing they may be discourteous.”

“What sort of questions...?”

“Do you believe that the other righteous sects failed to achieve peace because they lacked strength, or because their intentions were impure?”

“...?!”

“Do you believe the righteous sects that filled the history of the martial world for centuries disappeared into the past because they were somehow inferior to Putuo Hermitage?”

Hwaun’s expression stiffened.