Chapter v17c12

The Price

– Pointing with a Finger

“Heaven [Qian] and Earth [Kun] are in their proper places, Mountain [Gen] and Lake [Dui] exchange energy, Thunder [Zhen] and Wind [Sun] clash, Water [Kan] and Fire [Li] do not oppose each other, thus the Eight Trigrams intertwine and create change. Do you understand?”

“What?”

Whack!

An unpleasant memory surfaced. His complexion, which seemed eternally bright, darkened slightly. His cheerful tone became a bit somber.

“That’s from the third chapter of the Shuo Gua Zhuan in the I Ching.”

Counting forward is called Shun (following the flow), and knowing what’s coming is called Ni (going against the flow). Therefore, Yi (change) means counting backward. In other words, blindly following the tail of time is Shun, and waiting for time to arrive at a predetermined point in the future is Ni, going against the flow. Counting backward [Ni Shu] also has the same meaning. If you submit to the situation, you’re simply swept away by the current. If you anticipate what’s coming, you can control the flow. It’s a matter of being proactive versus reactive. None of this matters if you don’t understand Yi, the patterns of change.

“Huh? You knew that?”

A smile appeared on Bi Ryu-Yeon’s lips.

“I had to learn it, thanks to a certain ill-tempered someone.”

– How can you understand true change without studying the ultimate pursuit of change? Are you crazy?

It was best to forget unpleasant memories quickly for the sake of mental health. Dwelling on such dark and gloomy memories would only lead to excessive mental pollution. He calmed his mind by envisioning a bright future.

“Haha! You seemed like nothing special at first, but the more I see you, the more you surprise me. This is the first time in recent (?) decades that I’ve been surprised so many times in a row.”

This time, Elder Hyeok was genuinely surprised. He had been caught off guard. People are often surprised when a casual remark they didn’t expect to be understood is actually understood. He hadn’t expected Bi Ryu-Yeon to know that.

Very few people, even those renowned in the martial world, studied such things. Even though all martial arts, whether first-rate or exceptional, are based on the principle of yin and yang, most people are ignorant of Yi, the ultimate form of change. How could they fully understand martial arts built upon this foundation without understanding its core essence? He still couldn’t understand people’s reckless attitude, even after a hundred years.

“It would be easier to talk if you understood that. I wouldn’t have to explain everything from the beginning. It’s quite bothersome. And honestly, it’s not even fun. It’s boring. It’s a blessing if the listener just looks away, but they often doze off. So I end up skipping over it, but then the conversation doesn’t flow. How can there be a proper conversation when the foundation of understanding is different? Don’t you agree?”

That’s why most people give up on conversation and understanding, recognizing the gap between them. Those who still attempt to communicate and understand are truly tenacious individuals. Or just fools.

“Yes, I understand.”

He himself had to use a lot of effort and even violence (?) to communicate with those trapped in the framework of conventional wisdom. Understanding between humans was undoubtedly a grand challenge that had continued since ancient times.

“One must always hone their ability to see further. And there’s nothing better than real-life experience, right? Humans can’t focus without a bit of tension. You need the courage to throw yourself into the unknown.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon summarized the old man’s long-winded explanation in a single sentence.

“So you’re saying let’s see who’s better?”

It meant let’s see who’s better at counting backward.

“Exactly! Let’s do it!”

The old man agreed, spreading his arms wide. He had a mischievous look on his face. His dignity seemed to have been abandoned in the wilderness, his eyes sparkling with playfulness. The old man’s spirit had transcended time and age, for better or worse.

“Didn’t you call yourself a genius earlier? The accuracy of predictions is proof of genius. Geniuses sometimes can’t see what’s right under their feet, but they can see far beyond what ordinary people can see or even imagine. A genius isn’t someone who’s good at tinkering with what’s already there. And this isn’t even that far into the future, is it? If you can’t even do this much, how can you call yourself a genius? Don’t you agree?”

It was a clear provocation and a challenge. It was a call to prove his genius, and there was no reason to refuse.

“Hmm…”

However, even though his mind was made up, there was no need to accept the offer immediately. Bi Ryu-Yeon pretended to be lost in thought, crossing his arms and looking away. He didn’t want to give the impression that he was being led by someone else’s intentions.

“Oh, the rice is cooked, but you’re still stalling? Do you think I don’t know that you’ve already made up your mind? If I hadn’t brought it up, you would have, wouldn’t you? That’s not how it works between experts. Not at all!”

It was a subtle but effective provocation, but Bi Ryu-Yeon didn’t fall for it.

“Experts? What a hurtful thing to say. A good student like me never gets involved in risky gambles that rely on luck.”

It was a statement so detached from reality that it would have made anyone who knew Bi Ryu-Yeon spit blood in disbelief. Of course, the old man, who considered himself a man of common sense, didn’t believe him.

“Where else am I going to find a worthy opponent for a bet like this? This kind of bet is only fun when both sides are on the same level.”

The old man pleaded.

“Well, I can’t refuse after you put it that way. Alright, let’s do it.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon nodded reluctantly, but inwardly, he smiled triumphantly. He had pretended to back down, but this was exactly what he wanted. And it wasn’t bragging, but he had never lost a bet before.

“Then let’s make it official!”

Elder Hyeok said firmly. Bi Ryu-Yeon finally agreed to participate in the conspiracy of kin-slaying. Even if he wasn’t directly involved in the murder, would aiding and abetting make him an accomplice? That might be interesting as well.

“Alright!”

Bi Ryu-Yeon replied cheerfully. The old man, satisfied with his answer, asked with a gentle smile,

“What are you betting?”

As the proposer of the bet, he was offering the first move. There was no reason to refuse.

“Nothing to lose, I’ll bet that he can kill the Sword Saint.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Thinking that Bi Ryu-Yeon was no ordinary person, the old man smiled meaningfully and stared at the young man, who was at least a hundred years (!) younger than him. Even though he put a little force into his stare, Bi Ryu-Yeon remained unfazed. How many people in the current martial world could withstand the old man’s gaze? If they knew this, they would be astonished by Bi Ryu-Yeon’s nonchalant response, returning the stare without flinching.

Bi Ryu-Yeon replied calmly, maintaining his smile.

“I’m taking a risk.”

However, the veteran was too experienced to fall for such a bluff.

“I can’t trust your words. I don’t believe you. No, I absolutely don’t believe you.”

“They say you become more suspicious with age… Have a little faith in people.”

It was not something Bi Ryu-Yeon would normally say. The fact that his words dissipated into thin air as soon as they left his mouth showed how unconvincing they were. It seemed the old man had a good grasp of Bi Ryu-Yeon’s character, despite their short acquaintance. He must have lived a long life for a reason.

“I can’t. It’s not like the beautiful tradition of respecting elders is a recent phenomenon. Fine, I’ll bet that he can’t kill the Sword Saint.”

“Good choice.”

“Then shall we consider the bet established?”

“Of course.”

It was the moment the Sword Saint’s life was reduced to a mere gambling chip. The reputation of the Three Saints of Cheonmu, shining brightly like the sun of the martial world, was being humiliated in such an unexpected place. If anyone heard this, it would be a perfect crime to report. Accusing them of plotting the Sword Saint’s death. Yes, if anyone were to hear it, that is.

“Then shall we discuss the most important matter?”

“What?”

“The stakes!”

The young man with long bangs answered with a bright smile, as if it were obvious.

While Bi Ryu-Yeon was confirming the bet with Elder Hyeok, his beloved Ureomae, the Lightning Bird, soared through the air, gracefully circling once before smoothly descending. It landed on Bi Ryu-Yeon’s wrist, flapping its powerful wings like a majestic king of the wind. A letter was attached to Ureomae’s leg. A reply had arrived.

“That was faster than expected.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon muttered, a slightly surprised look on his face.

“What’s that?”

The old man asked, unable to hide his curiosity, which seeped from every wrinkle on his face. Bi Ryu-Yeon glanced at the letter, folded it, and put it in his pocket, saying,

“It’s just personal business. Nothing important enough for you to be concerned about.”

“Hmph, if you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to. I have no interest in prying into secrets.”

Elder Hyeok said with a hurt expression. It was an expression that didn’t suit him at all. If anyone who knew the old man’s true nature witnessed this scene, they would be frozen in shock and terror. In extreme cases, they might even die from the mental shock.

“I have somewhere to be, so I must bid you farewell.”

“What’s with the grand farewell when we haven’t even finished reading a simple letter? Well, have fun without this old man.”

It was a barbed remark, but Bi Ryu-Yeon’s heart had already reached the state of Diamond Unbreakable, so he was unharmed. Moreover, he even counterattacked.

“Then I guess the next time we meet will be when I win. I’ll be looking forward to that day. Winning is always a pleasant experience.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon bowed lightly and disappeared across the garden. The old man watched his retreating figure with a keen and serious gaze, as he walked away confidently.

“Who raised such a monster?”

The unanswered question only deepened, weaving countless patterns of doubt in his mind.