When Facing Danger, One Must Discard

Yellow Stone Mountain lay in the south of Gyeong Nation, where the peaks were just beginning to turn red with autumn leaves.

The highest peak, Crimson Shadow Peak, was named for “maples under moonlight shadows,” and its autumn nights were indeed breathtaking.

But tonight, Go Yu-saeng had no heart to admire the scenery.

“You’re rather late.”

Jo Yang looked down at the panting Go Yu-saeng, his face full of irritation.

Not only had he failed to arrive first, he had kept Jo Yang waiting for over an hour—hardly pleasing.

“I was delayed entertaining the Eminent Mountain disciples.”

Go Yu-saeng too answered with displeasure.

Though Jo Yang was the Alliance Leader, he was still several years younger, and his high-handed attitude rankled.

“Was it necessary to receive such youngsters yourself? In truth, Senior Go, you are practically the sect master already, are you not?”

Perceptive, Jo Yang read the ill will in Go Yu-saeng’s face and swiftly changed his tone.

After all, to proceed with the Unpyeong Escort Bureau matter, he needed Yellow Stone Sect’s favor.

“That is why I asked to meet.”

Sitting on a rock, Go Yu-saeng smacked his lips without speaking further.

This had taken over half a year to arrange, yet he might have to scrap the entire plan.

Ma Sepung was a greater obstacle than even the Taiyi Divine Sect.

“My senior brother seems intent on meddling with the Unpyeong Bureau matter.”

“Mm…”

A rough groan slipped from Jo Yang’s lips.

He had taken care not to let things escalate, yet somehow that crafty old man had found out.

“Our Yellow Stone Sect must withdraw.”

Go Yu-saeng, watching Jo’s reaction, finally spoke the uncomfortable words.

Truthfully, it was not the pact with Jo Yang that worried him.

If Ma Sepung learned of his scheme, he might smash his head on the spot.

“That cannot be.”

Jo Yang resolved to persuade calmly rather than press harshly.

He too knew well what Ma Sepung’s presence meant in Yellow Stone Sect.

Go Yu-saeng was proud and vain, but before his senior brother he was endlessly servile and weak.

No amount of intimidation would easily change his mind.

“At Songrim Escort Agency, one hundred women were to be sent to the Western Barbarian Nation. Treasures of Ryeo were also included.

“When that failed, Unpyeong Escort Bureau bore three times the burden.

“Even that was delayed half a year watching for an ambush by the Taiyi Divine Sect.

“We can delay no longer.

“In fact, in fifteen days, three hundred must be sent.

“If we fail, not only will Gyeong Nation suffer great harm, but even the Five Great Mountain Swords involved cannot escape blame.”

As Jo Yang spoke, Go Yu-saeng’s face grew darker.

He had gained wealth and fame from the Ryeo war, yet it became a snare binding him to imperial service.

He disliked this affair as well, yet could not withdraw easily.

“Then why involve Eminent Mountain Sect?”

Frustrated, Go Yu-saeng shifted blame to Jo Yang.

Those weaklings became targets of every sect—the rumors were inevitable.

So much so that even Ma Sepung, hidden deep in Yellow Stone Valley, had noticed.

“The Emperor, fearing another Songrim disaster, commanded that Five Great Mountain Swords escorts must accompany.

“If it succeeded, good; if not, there’d be an excuse for the Western Nation—thus a fine stratagem.

“How could the lowly me dare defy orders?

“But the Eminent Mountain disciples were expendable, with no repercussions—so they seemed ideal.”

Yet Jo Yang had not realized just how weak they truly were.

What seemed a clever move had been a blunder.

“Then what now?”

Jo Yang too was vexed.

The moonlight was so bright tonight it only unsettled his heart further.

“First, I will meet Sect Lord Ma.”

“Heh…”

Knowing full well what Ma Sepung thought of Jo Yang, Go Yu-saeng let slip a hollow laugh.

Persuasion? He’d be lucky if they didn’t come to blows.

When Yun-seon returned to the tavern, it was already midnight.

He had missed by far the appointed time with his martial uncle, surely earning wrath.

Too wary to enter, he peered timidly inside.

“Yun-seon!”

“Ack!”

He hadn’t sensed a presence until someone poked his shoulder from behind.

Startled, he turned defensively to see Yi Seomun smiling at him.

“Eldest Sahyung!“

He calmed his pounding chest and bowed respectfully.

He had met him before alongside Seong Gon.

Since the martial tournament, he had admired his wit and courage and soon grown close.

Now, six months later, his joy was boundless.

“How is it that you are here, Eldest Sahyung?”

“I heard you and Seol were scouting here, so I came.”

Seomun, fond of seeing him again, ruffled his hair a couple of times.

As the two chatted and entered, Yun Seol came out beaming.

She too adored Eldest Senior Brother and seemed more cheerful than usual.

“How are things progressing?”

At Yun Seol’s question, Seomun let out a light sigh and shook his head.

“The Unpyeong Escort Bureau is heavily guarded, its interior like a labyrinth. Even exchanging word with our people who infiltrated beforehand is difficult—I worry.”

The three sat around a single lantern on the table, sinking into despair. This time, three hundred lives of Ryeo people were at stake. The thought of failure made the world go dark.

“Have you learned anything new?”

“It seems many renowned figures of kangho have joined as escorts, but among the Five Great Mountain Swords, only six disciples of Eminent Mountain Sect passed here. Surely they must pass this way to reach Yellow Stone Sect. I can’t figure out Jo Yang’s intent.”

At Yun Seol’s reply, Seomun’s face hardened.

“Surely he doesn’t mean to sacrifice Eminent Mountain Sect?”

“What do you mean…?”

Seeing Yun-seon’s wide eyes, Seomun felt he’d spoken rashly and hurried to deny it.

“It was only speculation—don’t dwell on it. By the way, has there been some fight here today?”

Yun-seon and Yun Seol, unable to deceive their senior brother, exchanged awkward smiles.

After all, as scouts, they had been wrong to act at risk of exposing their identity.

As Yun-seon scratched his head in shame, Seomun spoke kindly.

“Yun-seon, you really cannot lie. It’s written all over your face that you’ve caused trouble. There are still bloodstains in the yard, and your human-skin mask is this damaged—how could I not notice? At this point, confessing would be better for us all.”

Seomun had led the extermination of Eminent Mountain Sect six months ago. If he knew they had aided them, who knew how he would react?

Perceptive Yun Seol realized she had to step up. She briefly explained the day’s events, then added:

“The Dragon-Summoning Hall ruffians were utterly pathetic. I was the one who egged my brother on—if you must be angry, scold me.”

Seomun looked between them and smiled faintly. Knowing their characters well, he could imagine the situation without seeing it.

“Yun-seon, though I took part in Eminent Mountain Sect’s annihilation, I bear no personal grudge. Of the seven disciples of Taiyi Divine Sect, all but me were war orphans. Especially Jeok-woo, who suffered an unhealable wound from Eminent Mountain—but even he would have acted as you did, had he been in your place.”

Though destroying the Five Great Mountain Swords was Taiyi Divine Sect’s long-cherished wish, the raid on Eminent Mountain Sect a year ago was painful even for Seomun.

Though he had warned them, most who stayed in the main hall were young disciples.

The few he saved at the end, gasping for breath, were spared solely by Seomun’s guilt.

“Yet since you did not properly deal with Dragon-Summoning Hall’s men, bigger trouble may approach. It’s best to move this inn.”

Seomun, grave, laid out the next steps for them.

If Dragon-Summoning Hall’s lord learned his disciples were harmed, he might show up personally.

He was as strong as any master of the Five Great Mountain Swords—far beyond Yun-seon’s ability alone.

Yet if Seomun stayed to fight, his identity would be exposed.

Avoidance was the wisest course.

“Though your internal cultivation has reached the third stage, you cannot yet use external techniques—facing a master would be disadvantageous. Also, your mask is already damaged. If anyone who knows your face meets you, it will be troublesome.”

Yun-seon, who respected Seomun’s insight, had no reason to disagree.

Dawn was already approaching, the surroundings slowly brightening.

He grew anxious, fearing the worst if they didn’t hurry.

“Eldest Sahyung, I will leave here before morning. Let us meet again in ten days at the Haegeum Inn if possible.”

Seomun looked at them with worried eyes, then suddenly embraced them.

There was no time to share feelings properly, but they were always his cherished younger siblings.

“Be careful, and be careful again.”

Before the rooster crowed, the three parted with heavy hearts.

Yun-seon, not knowing when he would see him again, felt a lump in his heart for a long time.

“Brother, we don’t have time. I’ve heard of Dragon-Summoning Hall’s lord—he’s a cruel man.”

Recalling rumors she had once heard, Yun Seol shuddered.

Though she knew no martial arts, she had broader knowledge than most kangho men and was well-versed in martial lore.

Thus she knew how terrifying Dragon-Summoning Hall’s Dragon’s-Hand Palm could be when used by a true master.

“Still, let’s at least have a bowl of noodles before leaving.”

Yun-seon, sorry for leaving Yun Seol hungry all night, wanted to make her a warm bowl of noodles.

They would suffer again soon, and he worried for her health.

She had been frail since childhood—thin and always lacking vitality.

“All right, surely they won’t storm in at dawn.”

Moved by Yun-seon’s care, Yun Seol smiled bashfully and sat at the table.

Her grandfather’s cooking was awful, but Yun-seon’s noodles were so good even her small appetite could handle two bowls.

And since he cooked them with care for her, she wanted at least a bite.

“Give me a bowl too.”

At that moment, a regular strode in, scratching his messy white hair—it seemed he had just woken.

Yun Seol was exasperated and wanted to kick him out, but Yun-seon ran over happily.

“Elder, I regretted leaving without a farewell—this is perfect.”

“Eh? Don’t tell me the shop went under?”

Ma Sepung grabbed Yun-seon’s hand, face distressed.

He had rushed down from the mountain at dawn, craving these noodles.

He couldn’t bear to lose such a place after finding it again in over ten years.

“Circumstances force it so. But today, I’ll serve you a double portion.”

Seeing the old man’s crestfallen face, Yun-seon felt guilty and apologized repeatedly.

He led him to the sunniest table and began boiling broth in a large pot.

Today, he would spare no ingredients and make the finest noodles.

“Bah, this is all that fool Go Yu-saeng’s fault.”

Ma Sepung muttered under his breath, clicking his tongue.

He had a good idea why they were abandoning the tavern.

He regretted urging them to save the Eminent Mountain fledglings.

“Elder, here are your noodles.”

The steaming noodles had twice the usual chicken.

His heart twinged, and Ma Sepung sniffled.

“Ugh, gross. Elder, today I’ll eat with you.”

Yun Seol came over and set her bowl before him, sitting down.

Though often annoyed, the thought of never seeing him again left her uneasy.

“Sorry for all the scolding.”

Mumbling into her bowl, Yun Seol apologized, and Ma Sepung grumbled back.

“Hmph, you must soften your heart. Otherwise, will your brother ever see you as a woman?”

“What?”

Yun Seol flushed crimson, struck by his words.

They had pretended to be siblings—how had he seen through it?

“Your eyes give you away! The way you look at your brother is far too tender.”

As Ma Sepung laughed, shoulders shaking, Yun Seol grew offended.

She regretted sharing the table under the mood.

“We’ll each have a bowl too.”

Then a nobleman in jade robes, hair tied high, entered the tavern.

“We are closed today.”

Yun-seon bowed apologetically, but the man calmly pointed at the old man.

“Then what of those eating there? Isn’t it wrong to discriminate against customers? We are three—serve us three bowls.”

At his signal, two men in blue strode in.

“Ah?”

Yun Seol jumped up, alarmed—the very thing she feared had happened.

They were the two who had caused yesterday’s commotion, their hands still wrapped in white cloth from garlic burns.

“Forgive my late introduction. I am Heo Yun, Deputy Hall Master of Dragon-Summoning Hall.”

Yun-seon realized then that there would be no avoiding a fight.

봉위수기 (逢危須棄), When Facing Danger, One Must Discard:

One of the strategies in a game of Go states that when a stone is in danger, one should not only try to save it, but also learn to discard it. When danger arises, one must decisively abandon what cannot be saved.