The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

Yi-gang was weak.

No one knew this better than he did. He could not defeat his younger brother, who was endowed with heaven-given martial talent, using only regular techniques.

If he could not hit him with the bean pouch, he had to touch him with his own hands.

If he could not catch Ha-jun’s movements with his eyes closed, he had to make Baek Ha-jun stop. He had to hide his own movements.

That was what he thought, and Yi-gang succeeded in hiding himself.

「Huh, I had my doubts, but you really did it.」

‘…’

Even at the Immortal Divine Sword’s admiration, Yi-gang dared not reply.

He thought he had gotten used to infusing his will into his body, but this was different. The gap between touching something nonexistent and making something existent seem nonexistent was vast.

However, Yi-gang fell into a state of selflessness and infused his will into his body. His physical body felt lighter, and his footsteps made no sound.

In return, he felt unstable, as if he might be carried away by the slightest breeze, but his senses sharpened in the tranquility.

Using his younger brother’s rough breathing as a guide, he advanced while practicing the Great Yin Flow.

It felt like he had become an alien he had seen on TV in his previous life. He moved as if walking on the moon and struck Ha-jun with the bean pouch.

「That guy, the more I see him, the more impressive he becomes.」

With the Immortal Divine Sword’s unrestrained laughter, Yi-gang won like that.

---

“Why, can’t you grant it?”

That night, right after defeating Ha-jun, Yi-gang sought to exercise the rights of the victor.

However, since Baek Ha-jun had turned pale and Neung Ji-pyeong was next to him, Yi-gang invited Baek Ha-jun to his dwelling the next day.

“No, it’s more like…”

Ha-jun, who quietly visited Yi-gang’s place, seemed extremely awkward. Naturally, it was their first proper meeting in three years.

“Then it’s a trivial matter.”

“But to tell father that I will officially become the Young Clan Head…”

That was what Yi-gang demanded from Baek Ha-jun.

Ha-jun was only designated to be the Young Clan Head, but he was not officially recognized as such yet.

“It’s even stranger that you still haven’t gone through the procedure.”

To become the Young Clan Head, two conditions must be met: The nomination by the current Clan Head and the approval of the Council of Elders.

Baek Ha-jun had only met the first condition so far.

“…If that happens, it will be irreversible.”

“Still saying such pitiful things. From the moment I was born with the Great Yin Meridian Blockage, it was already irreversible.”

Yi-gang spoke coldly and sternly.

Baek Ha-jun remained expressionless, but his eyes trembled slightly.

“What I said before wasn’t a joke. I have no interest in such a position, so you should become the Young Clan Head.”

“Brother…”

“With the state I’m in, I might not live past twenty. I’ll leave the bothersome matters to you and live freely.”

“Ugh.”

Though he spoke his heart out, Baek Ha-jun’s face showed overwhelming emotion. It was a familiar reaction.

「Gosh, he’s as stubborn as a mule.」

‘Look at him, thinking I’m conceding out of some non-existent benevolence.’

Every time they discussed the position of the Young Clan Head, he made that face.

“Just in case you’re wondering, I’m completely sincere.”

“Yes, yes…!”

“Sigh.”

Yi-gang unconsciously let out a sigh. The Immortal Divine Sword too let out a mocking chuckle.

「You can’t blame the younger one entirely. It’s peculiar to despise the idea of becoming the Clan Head.」

‘Our values differ. Moreover, with so much to do, there’s no time to waste on being the Young Clan Head.’

For Yi-gang, who possessed modern-day memories, there was no ambition for the seemingly hollow title of Young Clan Head.

Furthermore, now that the Immortal Divine Sword had mentioned a way to extend his lifespan, he had to investigate it.

“What was that stuff you started talking about yesterday?”

“What stuff?”

“The one where you said you took everything. The position of the Young Clan Head, and even mother.”

“…”

Ha-jun’s face darkened in an instant. Yi-gang clicked his tongue and offered a plate.

“First, eat this.”

“What is this?”

“It’s grilled rice cake with honey.”

There was no personal maid at Yi-gang’s place. Usually, other servants brought the meals, but this rice cake was personally grilled by Yi-gang. It was one of the snacks that Baek Ha-jun loved the most, along with dumpling hot pot.

“It’s been such a long time.”

The hot rice cake, freshly pressed and grilled over the charcoal after sprinkling it with salt — the outer layer is slightly browned, and it is to be eaten after dipping it generously in sweet honey.

The once neat and cold face of Baek Ha-jun softened with the honey. Yi-gang did not miss that moment.

“Leaving aside how nonsensical that statement was, the question is why.”

“…What?”

“Why did you come to think that way?”

“I just… naturally started feeling that way one day.”

“Even if what you say about the former is true, the story about mother is different. There must have been a reason for you to think that way.”

The Immortal Sword exclaimed in admiration, “Impressive!”

“The reason mother passed away was certainly due to an illness. It’s also true that she went through a hard time and became ill after giving birth to you. The Clan Head asked for that fact to be kept a secret. How did you find out?”

After hearing Ha-jun’s words, Yi-gang thought about it. It irked him a little.

Ha-jun hesitated for a moment. There seemed to be something on his mind.

“Uncle… told me.”

“What? Uncle?”

“Yes, while talking about my late mother. He had a slip of the tongue and asked me to forget about it. But I couldn’t.”

“A slip of the tongue, huh?”

“He was really flustered. I kept asking about what he inadvertently mentioned.”

Yi-gang closed his mouth. It was a mistake that could easily happen. It was not something top-secret, but it was still something they tried to keep quiet.

However, the Immortal Divine Sword made a fuss.

「Uncle? Are you talking about that enemy, Baek Jin-tae?」

‘He is one of the few righteous people in the Baek clan. Why do you call him an enemy?’

「Isn’t it because of him that the Great Yin Flow lost its name?」

Baek Jin-tae, their father’s younger brother, was a martial artist with a gentle disposition. He was one of the few martial artists from the Baek clan who did not dislike Yi-gang. Currently, he was away from the clan because of affairs related to the Murim Alliance.

「Righteous? Just hearing that word stinks to high heaven.」

Yi-gang chose not to respond to the statement, which was laden with deep personal sentiment.

“When I become the Young Clan Head, what about you, brother?”

Ha-jun asked. It was an obvious question.

If the succession becomes clear, Yi-gang’s position within the clan would become even more precarious. Originally, he should be assisting the Young Clan Head as a vassal, but even that might not be possible.

“Well, there wouldn’t be much for me to do within the clan.”

Even if Yi-gang was alive by the time Ha-jun becomes the Clan Head, his continued presence would make it difficult for the clan to trust Ha-jun entirely.

“… Maybe leaving the clan isn’t such a bad idea.”

“No way!”

“Don’t shout, you’ll burst my eardrums. Maintain some dignity.”

Ha-jun reacted strongly to the idea of leaving the clan. It was amusing given how he had always acted so cautiously.

“Leave home and go where…”

“Don’t make that face. Your already not-so-handsome face is becoming even less so.”

“Ah, yes… I guess I’m not as handsome as you.”

The previously sorrowful Ha-jun touched his face, looking a little embarrassed. Seeing this, Yi-gang laughed lightly.

Although Yi-gang was handsome as well, Baek Ha-jun also had the kind of looks that could make women cry when he grew up.

「He looks so delicate, it’s laughable.」

It was precisely as the Immortal Divine Sword had described.

“I don’t want to just wait around for my death anymore. I should at least try to heal my body a bit.”

Baek Ha-jun’s reaction was even more intense than expected, as he roughly stood up as though he was about to break the chair.

“Did you find a way?”

“Well, it’s not exactly a surefire solution. And it probably won’t result in a full recovery.”

Before doing goblin catching with Ha-jun, the Immortal Divine Sword set a condition for his victory. He had promised to share a “clue that might extend one’s lifespan.” Yi-gang decided to hold onto that ray of hope.

“Did you get in touch with the Divine Physician?”

“No. Besides, I’m not sure if the Divine Physician could even cure meridian blockage. It’s not like I haven’t consulted with other physicians before.”

In the martial world, the Divine Physician was known as the best doctor, but his whereabouts were currently unknown.

However, Yi-gang was not looking to rely on the doctor’s abilities.

“I intend to visit the Azure Forest.”

“Azure Forest…?”

“Yes, I want to go to that sect and have them take a look at my body.”

It was only natural for Baek Ha-jun to be puzzled by this.

The Azure Forest was a respected Murim sect, and a major one at that.

These days, it was called the Nine Sects One Gang and One Forest, effectively placing the Azure Forest on equal footing with the Nine Sects One Gang.

“I’ve read the books.”

“Books? Hmm.”

“Do you know the characteristics of martial arts sects like Wudang, Mount Hua, Qingcheng, and Kunlun?”

“Oh, they produce elixirs using alchemy…”

“Of course, elixirs are important. Anyway, while those sects are Taoist, they have practically become more like swordsmen. The Azure Forest, however, is said to be different.”

“…I’ve heard that the internal energy techniques of Azure Forest martial artists are incredibly profound.”

“That’s right. Maybe, given my blocked meridians from birth, they might be able to help a bit.”

The one the Immortal Divine Sword spoke of was the Azure Forest.

「The elder from Azure Forest is no ordinary person. Perhaps they could alleviate the symptoms of yours, descendant. I had aided them in my lifetime and earned a token from them. If you show them that token, they’ll probably heed your request.」

There was little interaction between the Azure Forest and the Baek clan. While the Baek clan aligned more with the Seven Great Clans, the Azure Forest was closer to the Nine Sects One Gang.

「If they have any decency, they’ll remember the token. Retrieve it and pay a visit to the Azure Forest.」

The token, it was said, was not kept within the clan but somewhere else.

The first order of business was to find that token.

“But the Azure Forest is quite far, isn’t it?”

“That’s right… And I also need to persuade the Clan Head.”

In order to find that token, he needed to go all the way to Azure Forest. He may have told Baek Ha-jun that he saw the books, but he could not just tell the Clan Head the same thing.

It would take quite some time, and that thought made him feel somewhat overwhelmed.

Then, Baek Ha-jun brought up an unexpected topic.

“Well, speaking of Azure Forest… the opportunity might come sooner than we think.”

“What?”

“Some people from Azure Forest have decided to visit our clan.”

Yi-gang was taken aback.

“What? Why? No, when?”

“Probably in four days. As you said, we originally had no exchanges with them, but suddenly they decided to visit along with young masters from other clans.”

“Great!”

Yi-gang could not hide his smile. If someone from Azure Forest came in person, he could just show them the token and ask for their help.

「First, I have to find their proof.」

The only problem was he had to find that token before they arrived. Four days meant time was running out.

「The place where the token is hidden has mechanisms set up to prevent theft. If an incompetent descendant like you goes alone, it’s a perfect recipe for disaster.」

‘How will that work then? I don’t have any subordinates.’

「You have someone right in front of you that’s perfect for the task.」

Yi-gang lifted his head to look ahead.

There, after devouring all the grilled rice cakes, Baek Ha-jun was hesitating, too shy to ask for more, yet his eyes were hopeful.

“Hey.”

“Yeah?”

“How’s your schedule tomorrow?”

“Um, nothing special. I think I’ll just train by myself.”

“Then come with me. Let’s go somewhere.”

Baek Ha-jun’s eyes widened.

“Where…?”

“Outside.”

By “outside,” Yi-gang clearly meant beyond the clan’s walls.

“To the marketplace?”

“Yes, you don’t want to?”

Baek Ha-jun’s face lit up.

“Sounds good!”

---

Around dawn. Baek Ha-jun quietly stepped out of the inner courtyard, dark circles evident beneath his eyes. He had not been able to sleep the previous night due to anticipation.

‘To bring a sword with him.’

It seemed that Yi-gang had not simply called him to play as he initially thought.

‘Nevertheless, it’d be good to bring some money.’

But he was not without excitement. For the 12-year-old Baek Ha-jun, occasions to venture outside the clan were rare. Moreover, he had never ventured out without guards or other retainers even once.

Yet, his brother, who had returned after a long three years and whom he had believed would surely despise him, was the one who had suggested going out. Maybe they would stroll through the market and perhaps even share some sweets.

At the rear of the outer courtyard, Baek Ha-jun surveyed the surroundings from behind a pine fence.

The inner courtyard was rigorously defended by martial artists with keen senses. However, the outer courtyard was different. With many outsiders frequently coming in and out and the fence not being especially extensive, there were opportunities to slip away like this.

Making sure there were no patrolling guards in sight, Baek Ha-jun made his move.

Thud!

He used the protruding part of the wall as a step, and quickly grabbed onto the roof’s eave. Pulling himself up with strength, his clothes fluttered.

In a matter of moments, he jumped over the seven-chok high fence.

Thump.

Had Neung Ji-pyeong seen it, he would have applauded such an excellent light footwork technique.

In front of the raised head of Baek Ha-jun stood a strange man.

“Gasp!”

Without realizing it, he almost drew his sword, but he managed to stop himself in time.

“Uh, bro…?”

“What are you doing here?”

At first, he thought it might be a beggar, but it was Yi-gang. His hair was unkempt, and his clothes looked as if they were picked up from somewhere, old and worn out. His face was grimy as if it had been smeared with mud.

“Why do you look like that…?”

“That’s what I should be asking. Didn’t I emphasize that you should come without attracting any attention?”

“That’s why I came out quietly.”

“It’s not about coming out, it’s about moving around! Did you have to wear a name tag that says Baek Ha-jun and parade around?”

Ha-jun looked down at himself. Neatly tied hair, clothes made of silk. A belt adorned with jewels and a sword similarly embedded with gems.

“Uh…”

“Sigh. This is why rich kids who’ve never sneaked out…”

Yi-gang sighed, murmuring some words under his breath. He then approached, spread out his palm, and compared it to Ha-jun’s face.

“Eek, what is this!”

“Mud.”

Baek Ha-jun’s fair face quickly turned as grimy as Yi-gang’s.

“Do you think we’re going to play?”

“…Weren’t we?”

Ha-jun, who had transformed in an instant to look like a peasant’s child, looked crestfallen.

But Yi-gang was relentless.

“No, no, we’re going to work. Your clothes stand out too much. Roll on the ground a bit.”

Obediently, Ha-jun rolled on the muddy ground.

Somehow, he felt like shedding a tear.