Chapter 9: Dilemma, Comfort. (Finalized)

The sun was rising toward its peak in the sky.

As I stepped out of the training hall, I fastened my sword to my waist.

Its weight—light and familiar as always.

But today, it felt slightly heavier.

“I’ll be back.”

My farewell to the disciples was brief.

Seorin quietly lowered her head.

Chohee, as usual, added playfully, “Master, don’t be too late~”

Hwaran offered a silent bow, and Sowol simply grinned and waved.

Leaving them behind, I slowly began walking.

The Wudang main sect was on the other side of the mountain.

The path led through an old stone stairway, moss and fallen leaves scattered along the way, telling the tale of passing time.

As I climbed the mountain path, the disciples’ faces came to mind.

Their movements during the spar, their unique martial arts—and the paths embedded in each of them.

‘Perhaps… I’ve been trying too hard to keep them within my own frame.’

With that thought, I lifted my gaze.

In the distance, the rooftops of the main sect came into view.

It was a familiar sight.

Yet, a part of my heart always felt uneasy here.

The reason I left this place.

And the day I swore I’d never return.

Just then, three disciples from the main sect were coming down the stairs.

They were students training in martial arts at the main hall.

One of them spotted me and hesitated, then lowered his head in greeting.

The other two whispered quietly and passed by me.

I let out a silent breath as I watched them.

‘Yes… this place has never truly suited me.’

Without a word, I resumed walking.

Not long after, I arrived at the front gates of the main sect.

The disciples standing as gatekeepers recognized me and bowed respectfully.

“Elder Jin Un, Zhangmun Sa-hyeong is expecting you.”

I gave a small nod and stepped inside.

When I arrived at Zhangmun Sa-hyeong’s quarters, the door quietly opened from within.

A subtle fragrance of incense filled the room.

The familiar scent of tea gently wrapped around the air, and beyond it, his low, calm voice flowed out.

“What’s got you running over so urgently?”

I steadied my breath and bowed lightly.

“It’s been years since you called for me personally, Sa-hyeong. Of course I had to come quickly, didn’t I?”

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong gave a faint smile and nodded.

With a familiar motion, he lifted the teacup and poured one for me as well.

“Here, have a cup and let’s talk.”

I quietly accepted the cup.

The warmth seeped into my fingertips.

Sharing tea with Zhangmun Sa-hyeong had always brought a sense of calm.

But today—for some reason, the scent of the tea felt heavier.

“If you’ve gone so far as to call me here yourself, I suppose this isn’t just a simple matter.”

I carefully opened the conversation.

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong took a sip of tea, then gazed out the window for a moment.

The wind gently rustled the leaves.

“I understand you prefer to live quietly here at the main sect. But sometimes, you need to step outside and get some fresh air, don’t you think?”

I quietly set my teacup down.

It was clear now—he was being more roundabout than usual.

“Judging by how carefully you’re choosing your words, this must not be an easy matter.”

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong gave a small chuckle, then quickly composed his expression and spoke calmly.

“It’s nothing serious. Just take your disciples and pay a visit to the Murimmaeng.”

For a moment, I just stared at him, stunned.

Caught off guard, I carefully asked again.

“You’re asking me to go to the Murimmaeng? With my disciples?”

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong, still smiling faintly, set his teacup down on the table.

“Yes. I’d like you to go.”

I hoped it was a joke—but his face remained calm and serious.

“Sa-hyeong, you know the Murimmaeng won’t sit quietly if I show up. And you’re asking me to bring my disciples, too?”

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong casually took another sip of tea.

“I know.”

I let out a quiet sigh and ran a hand through my hair.

The Murimmaeng—with my disciples in tow…

“What’s going on at the Murimmaeng?”

My tone had grown serious, and for a brief moment, his gaze grew thoughtful as well.

“A major gathering is scheduled soon. Each sect has been asked to send a representative—and of course, Wudang must participate.”

I nodded slowly.

A Murimmaeng gathering usually meant discussions on the current state of the martial world, and adjusting the balance among the various sects.

“But then… why me? Aren’t there plenty of capable elders here at the main sect?”

My words carried a hint of sarcasm, but Zhangmun Sa-hyeong chuckled lightly and cut me off.

“Yes, there are too many capable elders. That’s precisely the problem. And for this task—there’s no one more suitable than you.”

I fell silent for a moment.

It was easy to tell that his intentions were far from simple.

“So… this gathering isn’t just an ordinary meeting.”

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong slowly nodded.

“Yes. Even within the Murimmaeng, opinions are divided. Lately, some sects have begun trying to check the alliance’s influence. Officially, it’s a peaceful gathering—
but in reality, there will be sharp tensions beneath the surface.”

I furrowed my brows slightly.

I had no desire to get entangled in political struggles.

“Then that’s all the more reason I shouldn’t go. I dislike political conflict.”

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong took another sip of tea, then spoke slowly.

“That’s exactly why I’m sending you. Because I trust that you’re someone who won’t get caught up in those fights—someone who will firmly uphold Wudang’s position, and nothing more.”

I silently mulled over his words.

He wasn’t wrong.

As an elder of the Wudang Sect, I had always kept my distance from political disputes.

“Sa-hyeong… are you truly certain I’m the most suitable person for this?”

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong gave a small smile.

“To be honest, there are plenty of others I could send. But if I’m being honest… I just think it’ll be more interesting if you go.”

I let out a long sigh and gently pressed my forehead.

“Please don’t make decisions based on that, Sa-hyeong.”

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong let out a hearty laugh and set his teacup down.

“Don’t take it so seriously, Jin Un. Eventually, you were bound to face the Murimmaeng again. Now’s simply the time. Accept it.”

I said nothing.

But I kept his words in mind.

Perhaps he was right.

Still—facing that reality without feeling prepared made it feel all the heavier.

“Understood, Sa-hyeong. I’ll go. But… must I really bring my disciples along?”

Zhangmun Sa-hyeong nodded, his smile light but meaningful.

“Yes. It’s time for your disciples to experience the world. And more importantly—”

He looked directly at me, a knowing smile on his face.

“Whatever you may face out there…it’s always less lonely when you’re not alone.”

I couldn’t say anything in return.

I quietly closed my eyes.

I—Jin Un—left Zhangmun Sa-hyeong’s quarters and headed straight for my room.

When I closed the door and leaned back against it, a quiet stillness settled throughout the room.

The wind slipping in through the window was still cold, and it felt as if the scent of tea carried by that wind still lingered faintly at the tip of my nose.

The Murimmaeng…

Just the name alone brought a heavy weight to my chest.

Within that place still remained unresolved ties from the past—entangled relationships, and memories I’d rather not face.

But more than anything else…the fact that I had to bring my disciples along
was what truly complicated my thoughts.

I closed my eyes briefly, trying to steady my breath, when suddenly, someone knocked gently at the door.

“Master.”

It was Seorin.

Her voice was quiet and composed.

The door opened slightly, and she stepped into the room with soft, measured steps.

Her posture was flawless, not a crease out of place, and in her gaze was a quiet determination.

Without turning my head, I spoke.

“What is it, Seorin?”

Without hesitation, Seorin walked up to me and carefully offered a teacup.

Warmth touched my fingertips.

A gentle aroma rose with the steam—it seemed she had brewed it herself.

“Would you care for some tea? You haven’t looked well.”

I accepted the teacup without a word and took a small sip.

The warmth of the tea slowly seeped into my chest.

But unlike the warmth in my hands, my heart was still in turmoil.

“Can you tell what I’m thinking?”

“I don’t know…But I’d like to.”

I turned my head to look at her.

She stood with a straight posture, unwavering.

There was no hesitation in her eyes, and her tone, though careful, was firm.

This side of her—was why she had always earned my trust.

There was a reason she was my first disciple.

Seorin paused briefly, then quietly sat down beside me.

Her movements were cautious, but the distance she closed was natural.

“Master, you always carry your worries alone.”

“That’s what it means to be a teacher.”

“…Even so, it’s okay to share a little.”

At her words, I furrowed my brow slightly— but soon, a quiet laugh escaped me.

Yes, this child had always been like this.

Simple and honest, yet somehow always able to see straight into my heart.

I set the teacup down and turned to look at her.

The wind blowing in from outside rattled the window frame and brushed gently against her profile.

“Still… just having you come here like this puts me at ease.”

I gave a small smile—short and quiet.

But even that small smile seemed to bring some relief to her expression.

There was a warmth in it—something words couldn’t quite capture.

Perhaps…this child was more mature than me in some ways.

“Thank you, Seorin.”

At those words, she simply nodded in silence and stayed by my side.

She didn’t say much.

She didn’t do anything grand.

But she sat there quietly, beside me.

And in that quiet warmth, the weight of my thoughts seemed to ease, just a little.

Without a word, I sat beside her, soaking in that brief moment of calm.

And just that— was enough to bring me comfort at the end of this long day.