Chapter Index

    *** ***

    Yu-kyung replaced Ho Cheon-an as Navin’s guardian.

    “Today will be different!”

    “Heh. There is still a long way to go!”

    “Hey!”

    Navin’s attacks, as he began to accumulate experience in fighting, became quite fierce, but they were still far inferior to those of the Jeomchang sect disciples.

    Still, compared to the first match, where he was not even an opponent at all, Navin was able to exchange quite a few moves with the fortune-telling disciples, so even though he was completely defeated in several rounds of competition, Navin had a satisfied smile on his face.

    “Today is running!”

    “Good!”

    And as usual, Navin and the Jeomchang school disciples are in good spirits. Yu-gyeong, who watched the children disappearing in a stampede, slowly walked towards Seon-yeong’s quarters.

    It was to hear Hyeok Kirin’s memories from Master Seonyoung’s mouth.

    Yu-kyung, who was chatting with Master Seon-yeong, could not suppress her desire to hear Hyeok-ki-rin’s memories, which she had only heard about through letters.

    Therefore, he did not reveal that he was the emperor, but only revealed that he was Hyeok Kirin’s older brother.

    Master Seonyeong looked surprised by Yugyeong’s confession, but soon became convinced.

    “The Ambassador… was a man with many secrets.”

    Master Seonyoung told Yu-gyeong about the aspects and memories of Hyuk Kirin that only she knew, and Yu-gyeong was immersed in the side of Hyuk Kirin that she did not know, so she visited Zen Master Seonyoung’s residence every day to listen to Hyuk Kirin’s memories.

    And just like any other time, Yu-gyeong couldn’t help but be embarrassed when she visited Master Seon-yeong’s residence.

    “Welcome.”

    This was because a total of three Zen masters were gathered at Master Seonyeong’s residence.

    “I thought my memories alone would not be enough, so I invited some of my classmates.”

    “Hehe, you are from the family of the great brother? It’s really nice to meet you.”

    The sudden increase in the presence of Zen masters was quite a burden for Yu-gyeong, who wanted to hide that she was an emperor, but such thoughts were soon erased from her mind.

    “Hehe, there was a time when my brother-in-law enjoyed taking a walk at night.”

    “Yes. He seemed to enjoy the night walk and gave off the feeling that he was doing something great, so many people followed him for the night walk. Weren’t you one of them?”

    “It wasn’t one of them, it was me who fell while taking a walk at night. Thanks to that, a nail was stuck in the southern door.”

    As the number of people discussing memories increased from one to three, the three-dimensional effect of the memories also tripled.

    Covering up the faults of priests. The struggle to embrace Yeo Il-ye, who was wounded and left in the hands of the Cheomchang faction. I got caught while feeding the rats under the floor.

    Numerous memories poured out of the monks’ mouths, and Yu-kyung frantically collected their memories.

    Yu-kyung thought as she listened to their memories.

    Here, Yuya used the name Hyeok Kirin and pretended to be a man.

    Nevertheless, Yuya was Yuya.

    Hyeok Kirin, whom the sailors remember, was kind and kind. Be brave and brave. At times, he showed uncontrollable eccentricity and made a corner of people’s hearts uneasy… that’s Yuya himself.

    Therefore, the Hyeok-ki-rin that the Zen masters spoke of clearly appeared in Yu-kyung’s mind, and Yu-kyung was also able to smile at their memories.

    Yoo-gyeong was absorbed in their memories and continued to visit Seon-yeong’s residence.

    But all things must come to an end.

    “Now, I think I’ve told you everything I could.”

    The memories of the sailors also came to an end.

    “Is that so.”

    Yu-kyung sighed in deep regret. The Zen masters smiled bitterly when they saw such a worldview. Seon-yeong, who was looking at Yu-kyeong, who was feeling dejected upon hearing that she could no longer hear Hyeok-ki-rin’s story, carefully opened her mouth.

    “Actually, today, I asked Jangmun to open the shrine for the text.”

    “A shrine…you mean.”

    “Yes. Since I’ve told you so much about the death penalty… I thought I’d like to place some incense on the death penalty tablet.”

    Seonyoung looked at Yugyeong and asked.

    “Would you like to go up together?”

    Yu-kyung thought for a while and then nodded. Thus, Yu-gyeong felt mixed feelings as she received the memorial tablet with the name Hyeok-ki-rin written on it along with the three Zen masters.

    Perhaps out of consideration for such admiration, the Zen masters quietly added incense to the incense burner placed in front of Hyeok Kirin’s memorial tablet and left. Yu-gyeong placed her incense in the incense burner and counted the number of incense sticks.

    one. two. three. four. five. And six.

    The three Zen masters each placed one incense and Yugyeong placed one, meaning that two other people also placed incense at this location.

    Yu-kyung looked at Chang-min, the long-time member of the Jeomchang faction, who was walking around the shrine and placing incense in front of the memorial tablet, then turned her head.

    Where he turned his head, Ho Cheon-an was standing in front of a memorial tablet with the name Yeo Il-ye written on it, offering incense.

    Yu-kyung looked at the back of Ho Cheon-an, who was honoring Yeo Il-ye, and then opened her mouth.

    “I saw and felt a lot of things following you. I think it was a really good experience. I am so grateful to you who dragged me away from Luoyang.”

    Through the memories of the Zen masters, Yu-gyeong accepted that Yu-ya did not live only as Yu-ya, but also lived under the name Hyeok-ki-rin.

    And I understood that Yuya’s life as Hyeokkirin was not just a sacrifice for Yugyeong, but was truly a wonderful life filled with joys, sorrows, and ups and downs.

    Therefore, Yu-kyung was finally able to accept the fact that Yu-ya passed away not as a princess but as a martial artist, Hyeok-ki-rin.

    however.

    “Still, the empty space in my heart cannot be filled.”

    Even though she accepted the death of Yuya, who passed away as Hyeok-ki-rin, the empty space in her heart remained, and Yu-kyung was very confused about that.

    If I couldn’t heal this wound even though I accepted Yuya’s end, what on earth should I do with this wound?

    Yu-kyung wanted to ask Ho Cheon-an for the answer.

    How was it possible to heal the wounds despite losing Yuya and Hyeok Kirin?

    “Me too.”

    However, Ho Cheon-an’s answer was completely different from Yu-gyeong’s expectations.

    “Just ask, swallow and move forward.”

    The answer is that the wound cannot be healed.

    “…I see.”

    After hearing that answer, Yu-kyung finally understood the difference between Ho Cheon-an and herself.

    Loss is permanent.

    A person who disappears never comes back, so the space that held that person will never be filled.

    So what a person can do is not to eliminate the pain of that loss, but rather how to act while embracing that pain.

    “You stood up, I couldn’t.”

    Yu-kyung thought.

    Hocheonan overcame the loss and moved forward. That is why spirits were created around him, he had disciples, he had an alliance, and he was able to save the world.

    “Pathetic. I feel pathetic about myself.”

    Ho Cheon-an opened his mouth to hear Yu-kyung blaming herself.

    “I didn’t wake up on my own either. I was able to get up because someone pulled me.”

    Ho Cheon-an truly thought so.

    If it weren’t for the Hocheonan of another world, if he hadn’t met his companions through the Hocheonan, he too would have sat down like Yu-gyeong.

    “Is that why you reached out your hand to this ugly me?”

    “Yes.”

    “I see.”

    Yu-kyung looked back on her past journey in response to Ho Cheon-an’s short answer. The scenery of the world. Delicious food. The smell of people living. The warmth of spirits. A fight between the martial arts people. The ferocity of thieves. And…Yuya’s other life, even his understanding of the martial artist Hyeok Kirin.

    These were enough things to overcome the pain of losing Yuya.

    So, at least now, we have to correct what we have done wrong so far.

    “Let’s go back. To Luoyang.”

    Yu-kyung finally got over her wounds and stood up.

    *** ***

    “Keuung.”

    Yu-chan, who was taking care of state affairs instead of Yu-gyeong, let out a long sigh.

    It has been several months since Yu-kyung disappeared.

    The air in Luoyang was extremely unsightly.

    The Comrades Association and alumni tried to respond jointly, but it was difficult to fill the position of the emperor, which had been vacant for several months, because rumors began to circulate that Yugyeong had not gone on a secret mission but had been assassinated.

    In particular, Yu Chan, who lived in the imperial palace, felt like dying because of the harsh gaze of the eunuchs.

    It is possible for people outside the imperial palace to say that even if the emperor went into hiding, but how could the people inside the palace, especially the internal officers who assist the emperor, easily overlook this?

    Believing that Yu-chan had not a personality so harsh that he would assassinate his father, Yu-gyeong, he accepted that Yu-gyeong had gone on a secret mission, but the longer Yu-gyeong was away, the more suspicious the inner officials became. I felt like I was sitting on a thorn cushion.

    When are you coming back?

    It was a time when Yoo Chan was continuing his acting duties under the suspicious eyes of internal officials everywhere.

    Cracking!!

    “Deterioration! Degradation!”

    At the sound of the eunuch’s urgently running footsteps, Yu-chan’s eyes filled with anticipation. There was only one time that an eunuch who valued courtesy and composure more than anyone else would cause such a fuss.

    “Your Majesty is back!”

    “I’m leaving right now!”

    Yu-chan jumped up from his seat and was happy. The days of not even being able to take a breath are over!

    Soon, Yu-gyeong appeared in the palace, still in her travel clothes. Yu-chan looked at Yu-kyung and clenched his fists.

    Yu-kyung’s eyes were still empty.

    Because the atmosphere surrounding Yu-kyung’s body had completely changed.

    “The prince worked hard.”

    “Nothing compares to the hard work of His Majesty, who has personally observed the world.”

    Yu-chan’s response brought a smile to Yu-kyung’s face. Yu-chan’s eyes widened as he saw Yu-kyung’s smile for the first time in a long time, and then a smile appeared on Yu-chan’s face as well.

    “Internal officials, inform your subjects that a royal meeting will be held today!”

    The officials bowed their heads as Yu-gyeong declared that she would take care of state affairs as soon as she returned.

    “Yes! Your Majesty!”

    The eunuchs were busy informing the subjects of the emperor’s return and intentions.

    “ An order was made to hold a royal meeting immediately.”

    “Yes. I’ll leave right away after getting ready.”

    After sending back the messenger sent from the imperial palace, Jae Sang-hae opened the window and looked up at the sky. There was a huge hawk flying in the sky.

    Navin’s chattering came to Jaesanghae’s mind. A huge falcon spirit creature. Did you say his name was Cheon-eung?

    Jae Sang-hae frowned at Cheon-eung and grumbled.

    “You really are so indifferent…”

    The sight of Cheon-eung gradually moving away was clear evidence that Ho Cheon-an was leaving Luoyang. If you return to Luoyang with Your Majesty, you should definitely stop by Luoyang Jaega to see the faces of the members of the Comrades Association, congratulate them on their hard work, and have a drink!

    But you just throw me away like this.

    Jae Sang-hae, who had been watching Cheon-eung walking away with resentment for a long time, burst out laughing.

    Below article.

    It’s not befitting an instructor to disappear like the wind like this.

    Jaesanghae stretched out his arm and closed the window.

    Because I couldn’t be late for the royal meeting while complaining.

    that day.

    At the royal palace meeting, Yugyeong clearly stated his intention to withdraw the policy of suppressing the martial arts.

    This news of the peace of the empire quickly spread throughout the world.

    *** ***

    Plainclothes clenched his fists.

    Even though I only squeezed a little, I felt a strong grip that felt like my hand bones would be twisted. His strength returned so completely that it was meaningless to worry that his level of martial arts might be declining due to the long period of prohibition.

    “Grandpa is going too?”

    Navin looked up at the civilian with a sad expression. It was because I had traveled with Sabok Seol for a long time and had become attached to him.

    “I guess so. Because there are people waiting for me too.”

    Ugh.

    Squeak!

    Perhaps because they sensed the separation, the large spirits who had spent a relatively long time with the civilians cried out.

    Take “.”

    Sabokseol patted the faces of such spirit creatures and then absorbed the sword thrown by Ho Cheon-an into the empty water. Sabokseol, who had drawn the sword, was filled with admiration without realizing it.

    I thought it was not an ordinary thing that as soon as the sword revealed its blade, it released energy like a breathing creature that had stopped breathing and was waiting.

    “What is this?”

    “The sword I made.”

    …made it? Sabokseol looked at Ho Cheon-an with bewildered eyes. What on earth can’t this guy do?

    “There may be some shortcomings, but since I was once taught by the best craftsman in the world, I will be able to use it to some extent.”

    “Thank you.”

    Sabokseol muttered this with sincerity. It was a thank you for giving him the Tao as a gift, but it was also a thank you for saving him from the quagmire when he had given up everything and was about to die.

    “If you know, do it well.”

    “Yes. I’m also a shameless guy. Since you have forgiven me, who can be called your enemy, I will follow your wishes.”

    “Did you know?”

    “I didn’t really hide it, so why don’t you know.”

    Sabokseol looked at the black lip placed on Hocheonan’s head. When I first saw that heuklip, I thought that the Brain Master might be the Brain Swordman of the past, but I thought it was just a coincidence.

    They had something in common: Heuklip and Noegong, but if the Noeumyeong Venerable was Noegeomnang, it wouldn’t be cool for him to tear himself to death, so why would he kindly send him back to Jungwon?

    However, my suspicions were confirmed when I saw that he had a connection with the Jeomchang faction.

    It was not necessarily a hidden fact that Noegeomnangin had a special relationship with Jeomchangpa.

    “Trench Party has continued its legacy and returned to the midfield, so what more can you ask for? You should live quietly while suppressing the Safa bastards who do whatever they want.”

    Saying that, Sabokseol put his sword on his waist. As a heavy feeling settled in his waist, it was only then that he realized that he had returned to being a civilian, freed from the role of servant, guardian of spirit creatures, and man on duty for various chores.

    “Be sure to come visit Yunnan later.”

    “Yes! I will!”

    Only Navin answered and Ho Cheon-an did not, but Sabokseol smiled and turned around. Since Navin said he would come, what can Hocheonan do? If Navin pesters him, that bastard will look troubled and then nod his head.

    Paaaat!

    The plainclothes theory that a light attack had been launched disappeared in an instant.

    ‘It’s over.’

    The spirits that wanted independence were provided with a safe home, and the spirits that followed them became accustomed to living with people.

    The warriors who had become blood clots also went to rest.

    The Murim Alliance, which remained in name only, has become strong enough to serve as a pillar of the martial arts group again.

    The forces of Heukrimbang, including Gu Mo-seol, who were openly rebelling against the Empire, were completely wiped out.

    The military personnel who were causing a commotion at the station were caught and sent back to the central area.

    And according to Hyeok Gi-rin’s will, Yu-gyeong’s wounded heart was healed.

    Now that the conflict between the martial arts and the imperial kingdom has disappeared, all that remains for the martial arts and the imperial kingdom is to restore their fortunes.

    Would this have been a successful comeback?

    While Ho Cheon-an was thinking that, Navin opened his mouth.

    “Grandpa! So where are we going now?”

    “Um.”

    Ho Cheon-an was troubled by Navin’s question. well. Where should I go now? Because all the chaos in the world had been corrected, I could no longer think of where I needed to go.

    When Ho Cheon-an could not answer, Navin tilted his head.

    “You said you were moving for the world, right? Is it all over now?”

    It’s over.

    Ho Cheon-an hesitated for a moment.

    “That’s right.”

    He nodded and said.

    “Hmm? Umm…”

    Navin kept tilting his head with a puzzled expression. Did you do something…to save the world? It was a difficult story to accept for Navin, who only remembered having fun wherever he went, but he quickly nodded.

    “Then! Let’s go to my house first! You promised that you would go back to Grandpa Jeong-sam and Grandpa Yeo Jin-sang! They are people who cry even if they are away for just a day, and by now, their eyes may have turned red from crying so much!”

    “Hehe. I see.”

    Ho Cheon-an burst out laughing and agreed to Navin’s words. Well, those guys would cling to Navin, squeezing out all their tears and snot.

    “And we are going to build our house in my grandfather’s village! So big! We built it as big as Podalap Palace and made a bed where Seokwoong, Hwajeo, and Hwangdan, the shy person who always hides, can lie down together and sleep together!”

    Navin was excited just by imagining it.

    “And! After a good rest, I’m heading back to the chief! I promised Aunt Sarah and Sister Ramo that I would see them again! Ah, I want to see the magic show again! And since a lot of time will have passed by then, shall we go see Grandpa in plain clothes?”

    Ho Cheon-an realized why Sabokseol did not listen to his answer and go. When I met Navin’s bright eyes, I nodded without realizing it.

    “Wow! I’m excited!”

    Navin cheered and jumped on Miho’s back. Ho Cheon-an thought as he looked at Navin, who was comforting him with his eyes.

    The journey to correct the world has ended, but new relationships and promises remain along the journey. As I traveled to keep that promise, other relationships and promises would come.

    Ho Cheon-an let out a laugh.

    Wouldn’t this be the only way to keep traveling for the rest of your life?

    But wouldn’t such a life also be said to be a great comeback?

    ‘It won’t be bad.’

    Ho Cheon-an quickly climbed onto Seok-woong’s back.

    Squeak!

    Seogong raised his front paw and shouted for departure, and Seokwoong started moving slowly with an annoyed expression on his face.

    Venerable Thunder Master Ho Cheon-an and his disciple Navin. And the new journey of the spirits began.

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