End And Begin Again

The bleak winter wind blew, making it feel as if the whole body was frozen stiff. The largest escort agency in Muncheon, the Songrim Escort Agency, kept its lights blazing even at midnight because of the goods it had taken charge of just days ago.

“Do you think we’ll really make it to Gyejeong without incident?”

At Escort Chief Geum’s worried question, the Head Escort Chief Hwang U-rim laughed heartily to reassure him.

“Where is Gyejeong? Isn’t it under Dragon Gate Sect’s jurisdiction? If push comes to shove, they promised to protect us—so don’t worry too much.”

“But what about the Yeonban Escort Agency incident a few years ago? And just last month the Gwangmyeong Merchant Guild was wiped out too! I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

“Hmm.”

In truth, Head Escort Chief Hwang wasn’t entirely at ease either. News had already spread across the martial world about the Gwangmyeong Guild family of eighty-two who were slaughtered overnight. Anyone who saw the giant character “雨” (Rain) scrawled on their gates immediately thought of the Taiyi Divine Sect.

“Besides, haven’t we made our own preparations?”

U-rim forced himself to think positively and tried to soothe Escort Chief Geum. Perhaps it wasn’t something to fret too much about. After taking the job, he had spent a fortune hiring a dozen more escorts, not just relying on the agency’s own men. He firmly believed that as long as they reached Gyejeong, they’d be safe.

But Escort Chief Geum couldn’t shake his unease. Just a few months ago, his child had been born. He already disliked leaving the tiny infant for a month-and-a-half journey, but having to deliver such a dangerous item caused terror to gnaw at him. Without a head of the household, his family’s fate was obvious.

“Maybe you should change your mind, even now.”

“Quit, and I’ll be dead anyway.”

Head Escort Chief Hwang muttered bitterly.

“This isn’t a job we can refuse just because we don’t like it.”

It was all or nothing. The task was dangerous enough to risk their lives, but if successful, their future would be bright.

He had endured endless hardships building up the Songrim Escort Agency. This business valued trust above all, and territorialism was brutal. U-rim had only his affable personality and stamina enough to endure three sleepless nights to lean on. That made the path harsher, but it also meant he couldn’t abandon such a rare opportunity.

“Still, I hope you’ll stay with me to the end.”

At U-rim’s earnest plea, Escort Chief Geum couldn’t bring himself to refuse. He sighed repeatedly. They had been together since the agency’s founding, and he wasn’t heartless enough to abandon such a friendship for his own safety.

“Head Chief, is there no other way?”

“Sure—quit, that’s all.”

When Escort Chief Geum glanced back at U-rim, he was so startled by the calm, bear-sized man standing there that he fell back in shock. Though he had martial skills, he hadn’t sensed the stranger at all.

“Wh-who… who are you?”

U-rim hurriedly drew the dagger at his waist. The man’s sheer presence made it hard to even stay standing, but he had to protect his agency’s people.

“You think that little toy could pierce me?”

The huge man laughed so loudly his throat showed, and only then did they notice the enormous sword hilt rising from his back.

“N-no… it can’t be…”

Escort Chief Geum, sprawled on the ground, pointed with a trembling finger. The man crossed his arms with a proud smirk.

“Yes. I am Jeok-woo.”

U-rim’s vision went black. He knew the stories: wherever Jeok-woo appeared, blood flowed. Though younger than expected, that massive sword proved his identity beyond doubt.

“I’m the Head Escort Chief. Kill me if you must, but spare the others.”

That woke Escort Chief Geum in an instant—he leapt up to block his friend.

“No! If you want to kill him, kill me first!”

Jeok-woo’s nose stung as he watched Escort Chief Geum’s lips tremble in fear yet still bravely shield his friend.

“Such incredible friendship.”

His eyes were bloodshot, truly moved.

“I knew this would happen.”

At that moment, a deep voice thundered, and a violent gust of wind slammed into U-rim’s face. Dust whirled like a tornado, blinding him.

Chak!

Something hot and sticky splattered across U-rim’s face. A dreadful thought crossed his mind, and when he opened his eyes, his worst fear was confirmed.

“Escort Chief Geum!”

The man who had shielded him now stood headless, blood gushing from his neck. Behind him was another figure, holding Escort Chief Geum’s severed head.

It wasn’t Jeok-woo. The newcomer held a spear three spans longer than his own height. Cloaked in black robes, with blood dripping from the weapon, he looked like Fudō Myōō¹ himself, come from hell.

“You bastard!”

U-rim no longer felt fear, only blazing rage and a thirst for vengeance. He raised his dagger high and thrust at the man’s left side. His technique was rough but solid.

“Ho?”

The man tossed Escort Chief Geum’s head aside and caught U-rim’s dagger with his bare hand. Though U-rim had thrown all his strength into it, the blade didn’t pierce his palm.

Crack!

Instead, the dagger shattered in his grip, fragments scattering to the floor. Only the hilt remained in U-rim’s hand.

“Ahh…”

Realizing his helplessness, U-rim collapsed where he stood. These men crushed even the faintest hope—they were true demons.

“Jeok-woo, how long will you keep acting like a child?”

“I’m sorry, Second Sahyung.”

Ma Jingun scolded Jeok-woo harshly, unlike his usual self. He had followed to keep an eye on him, knowing Jeok-woo acted on whims—and indeed, he had nearly caused trouble again.

“Are you Hwang U-rim?”

At Jingun’s question, U-rim just nodded without a word. He had already lost all will to fight and had no thought of resisting.

“Where is the item?”

U-rim unconsciously stretched his hand out to point, then suddenly snapped back to himself. He crawled on all fours and clutched at Jingun’s leg.

“Great hero, I will hand the goods over safely—please, I beg you, spare my family. Please…”

His tear-streaked face was beyond pitiful. Jeok-woo’s expression twisted into grief, but Jingun’s face remained utterly impassive.

“Think of it as karmic retribution.”

Jingun raised his spear high, then drove it straight through U-rim’s back. Blood gushed, spreading red across the courtyard.

In the great hall of the Hall of Shame and Aversion, all two hundred disciples of the Emptiness Dhuta Sect had gathered. The twelve elders sat around Sect Head Jo Yang at the dais, their expressions grim.

“The reason we’ve gathered today is to select the disciples who will depart for Gyejeong.”

At last, Elder Jeong Am of considerable seniority, Jo Yang’s disciple and the fourth of the twelve elders, spoke, and the previously quiet hall grew noisy.

“Gyejeong?”

Do-pyeong shouted in surprise, but Hyeongjin rose and calmed him with a steady voice.

“Dragon Gate Sect sent a message pigeon. It seems more trouble has erupted in Muncheon.”

Jo Yang looked around at the disciples with a grave face. It had already been more than three years since the fierce battles with Taiyi Divine Sect. Though quiet for a time, they had reappeared months ago, their atrocities only escalating despite any agreements struck.

Especially since the Eminent Mountain Sect had suffered greatly, many smaller sects under its jurisdiction had been devastated. Unable to stand by, the central Dragon Gate Sect had been chosen as the rallying point, with each sect sending elite members.

“In seven days, I will depart with Elders Jeong Am and Song Am. Hyeongjin, you will select seven of the finest disciples and go ahead of us.”

“Yes, Master.”

Hyeongjin surveyed the disciples with determination. The journey was perilous and might lead to a major battle. He needed the strongest, yet also had to balance the sect’s future by mixing abilities wisely.

“I will take Bu-yeong, Deok-won, Sang-jeong, Yong-hun, Cheong-ok, Do-pyeong, and Yun-seon.”

When Yun-seon’s name was called, he jumped in shock, staring at Hyeongjin. He couldn’t hide his bewilderment—he didn’t belong among them. But Hyeongjin smiled softly at him, as if knowing his thoughts.

“Do not act before we arrive.”

Jeong Am, looking uneasy, warned Hyeongjin. It wasn’t that he doubted him, but many of his cherished disciples were in the vanguard, and it unsettled him.

“Yes, I will wait until the Sect Leader arrives.”

Hyeongjin bowed respectfully, then gathered the named disciples and led them into the inner hall. He already knew from his master, so he was ready to leave immediately, but the others needed time to prepare themselves. The journey to Dragon Gate would take a full month and a half, so careful packing was essential.

“I chose you because I have long trusted you. Moreover, if battle arises with the Taiyi Divine Sect, we must form a Sword Formation, which requires outstanding skill.”

At his words, their faces flushed with pride. To be acknowledged by the highly respected Hyeongjin was a true honor.

“Then doesn’t something seem strange?”

“What?”

At Do-pyeong’s sharp question, Hyeongjin’s brows furrowed deeply.

“Junior Brother Kang hasn’t even mastered the entirety of The Living Sword yet—how could you claim his skill qualifies him?”

Do-pyeong’s face twisted with contempt as he looked at Yun-seon. He couldn’t fathom why that fool was included in such an honored vanguard.

“Have you forgotten it was Yun-seon’s deed that repelled the Taiyi Divine Sect last time?”

Yun-seon, who had kept his head bowed under the others’ glares, felt his chest sink at Hyeongjin’s words. Though he had chosen that path for Uncle, it hadn’t been his true will. He still remembered Jeok-woo’s resentful eyes.

“Tch!”

Do-pyeong argued no further, but his heavy breathing showed his discontent. The others weren’t much different, their gazes unfriendly toward Yun-seon. Only Hyeongjin approached and warmly took his hand.

“Yun-seon, you need not do anything else. Just remind everyone of the spirit of that day you drove them back. Your presence alone will help enough.”

“Y-yes.”

Though his heart was heavy and reluctant, Yun-seon couldn’t say he didn’t want to go. In his position, refusing was impossible.

“I will go too.”

At some point, Ju-un appeared, walking toward them slowly. Her raised eyebrows showed she was annoyed.

“Sajeo, I was just about to ask your intent.”

Hyeongjin forced a smile to hide his fluster, but the twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed him.

“Hmph! You don’t seem very happy about me coming along.”

Ju-un circled the seven Emptiness Dhuta disciples, then came to stand close beside Yun-seon.

“I’m not an official disciple of Emptiness Dhuta Sect anyway, so don’t meddle in where I go on my own.”

She looked Hyeongjin up and down as he sweated nervously, then simply grabbed Yun-seon’s hand and left. She didn’t want poor Yun-seon standing among such hypocrites.

종이부시(終而復始), End and Begin Again:
To finish (something) once, and then start again.