Chapter 1122

If a friend calls, of course, you should come. (2)

“Ah, did you bring the purple herb [자목초 — mentioned in previous chapter]?”

At Chung Myung’s question, Maeng So smiled bitterly.

“Oh, you mean the Divine Spirit Herb [신령초(神靈草) — sinlyeongcho — Maeng So calls it differently]? Yes, I brought it. However, there’s a bit of a problem.”

“Hmm? What problem?”

“It seems supplying the Divine Spirit Herb might be difficult for a while.”

At that statement, Chung Myung furrowed his brow slightly. Maeng So sighed.

“Don’t make that face. It’s not because we’re being lazy or have other demands. We scoured all of Yunnan, but it seems the Divine Spirit Herb is nowhere to be found anymore. Even the Divine Spirit Herb we planted at the last Spirit Pond still needs some time to grow, and…”

Maeng So scratched his head in discomfort.

“It doesn’t seem like the Divine Spirit Herb is growing entirely well, so it looks like we’ll have to wait and see a bit longer.”

After finishing his words, Maeng So sneakily checked Chung Myung’s reaction. He knew how much he valued the Divine Spirit Herb. After all, hadn’t he rushed all the way to distant Yunnan just to obtain it? Having already informed him that he couldn’t obtain more…

“Well, it can’t be helped.”

“Hmm?”

Surprisingly, Chung Myung shrugged, seemingly unconcerned.

“It’s not like it’s some random weed that grows anywhere, and it’s not guaranteed to grow as much as needed, right? It’s something we have to accept.”

“Hmm… Is that so?”

“Don’t worry about it. If we leave it alone, it’ll grow again.”

“But what if it takes another ten years until the next harvest?”

“Whether it’s ten years or a hundred, if we can get it at that time, it’s fortunate. And if we can’t get it then, it’s also something we can’t help, right?”

Chung Myung spoke slowly, briefly glanced at Maeng So’s face, and then smiled.

“Why are you putting on such a stern face as if that’s such a big deal?”

“Me? Hahaha!”

Feeling a sudden release of tension, Maeng So burst into a heartfelt laughter.

In fact, that was exactly what Maeng So had been thinking. The reason Chung Myung was treating Yunnan with such hospitality was likely due to the necessity of obtaining the Divine Spirit Herb and earning money through tea trading.

If either of those wasn’t going smoothly, the treatment towards Yunnan might change compared to the past. Despite being different, Chung Myung was still someone from the Central Plains.

However, Chung Myung’s attitude remained unchanged from before receiving the news. It was like ridiculing a friend who worried needlessly about not bringing a gift, despite being unable to bring one.

“The way you say it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.”

“Actually, there were aspects that didn’t quite suit your stature.”

“Haha, it’s the first time I’ve heard such a thing in my life.”

“Then it seems the people you’ve met so far don’t know much about the Palace Lord.”

Maeng So chuckled, his laughter implying that Chung Myung’s words were not entirely off the mark.

“Well, you’re quite a fascinating person.”

“Oh? Are you throwing compliments now?”

“I can’t just sit back and take it.”

Maeng So smiled. He made the remark like a jest, but the notion of Chung Myung being a fascinating person revealed Maeng So’s true feelings.

It was hard to determine whether Chung Myung’s words were meant to ease Maeng So’s inner thoughts or if they were spoken candidly. Nonetheless, that single remark, insignificant as it was, comforted Maeng So.

He knew that Cheonumaeng wasn’t the relationship merely tied by benefits. Just like Maehwa Geomjon, who assisted Yunnan without expecting anything in return, Hwasan was also a place where they could extend their hands without any reason.

However, despite knowing this, the worry persisted because the sense of discrimination ingrained between Central Plains’ people and outer regions ran deep.

“Oh, come to think of it, this is your first time seeing this place, right?”

“Hmm?”

“Hey, Namgung.”

“Yes?”

Chung Myung gestured, and Namgung Dowi stepped forward somewhat awkwardly. Chung Myung introduced him properly.

“He’s Namgung’s Young Lord. Um… although currently holding the position of the Young Lord, soon to be Namgung family’s head.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Maeng So glanced at Namgung Dowi with slightly narrowed eyes.

‘Indeed.’

Could there be anyone in the world unfamiliar with the reputation of Namgung clan?

A renowned family among the elite, and in the vast world of the Central Plains, Namgung clan’s status was unmatched. Perhaps due to being the young lord of such a prestigious place, even at a glance, his aura seemed exceptional.

«Pleasure to meet you. I am Maeng So, the Lord of Nanman Beast Palace.»

«Ah, I am…»

At that moment, Chung Myung laughed and dissuaded Maeng So.

«There’s no need to be so formal. If you think about it the other way around, he is not yet a lord. As he is still a novice, please watch over him and guide him appropriately.»

«What does that mean? As the lord of Namgung clan…»

As Maeng So began to retort with a perplexed expression, Namgung Dowi hastily interjected.

«No, my Lord.»

«Hmm?»

Namgung Dowi politely intervened, facing the somewhat taken aback Maeng So.

«Chung Myung Dojang is correct. As I am still lacking, so I humbly request your guidance and teachings.»

Maeng So blinked those large eyes.

Usually as imposing as a majestic lion, Maeng So now, with a flustered face, appeared not fierce, but rather innocent.

«Do you… know me well?»

«Not really.»

«But then, what do you mean by guidance and teachings?»

At that, Namgung Dowi smileed.

«I may not know much about you, my Lord, but I believe I have come to understand a fair bit about Chung Myung Dojang.»

«…?»

«He often speaks half-jokingly. However, within that, there usually lies an undeniable truth. I think Chung Myung Dojang meant to convey that there are many things for me to learn from Your Lordship.»

Maeng So glanced intently at Namgung Dowi, then slightly turned his head, directing his gaze towards Chung Myung. 

Chung Myung shrugged, as if indicating he didn’t know about this.

«So, naturally, you’d request teachings, wouldn’t you?»

«Look here… I’m an outsider. I have nothing to offer to Namgung clan, a prestigious family that represents the Central Plains.»

«What’s the importance of that?»

«What’s the importance, you ask?»

«Yes.»

Namgung Dowi briefly shifted his gaze towards someone, frowning.

«At the very least, we are now dining with Sapa.»

«Um, it seems like you’re not very good at controlling your expressions. Wouldn’t it hurt if you get stabbed?»

Im Sobyeong trembled slightly. Namgung Dowi’s expression twisted even more.

«Have you seen it?»

«…?»

«Now we share meals with unorthodox factions. Under these circumstances, making distinctions about being an outsider seems absurd.»

Namgung Dowi let out a bitter smile. He never expected to speak such words.

«At least within Cheonumaeng, such distinctions hold no meaning.»

«But aren’t you supposed to lead Namgung clan?»

«I’ve long discarded any pretense.»

«Discarded it?»

Namgung Dowi nodded.

«Yes. There’s nothing particularly impressive or different about being from Namgung clan. Just think of me as a disciple and practitioner of martial arts, I ask of you.»

Maeng So burst out laughing.

Of course, he too wasn’t someone devoid of pride in Nanman Beast Palace. But isn’t there a difference between having self-pride and gaining recognition from the world?

There existed an immense gap between the prestigious symbol of the Central Plains and an outsider despised like an outcast. Yet, in the eyes of this young man, that gap seemed entirely invisible.

«I request, please.»

Namgung Dowi politely bowed again. 

Maeng So glanced at Namgung Dowi, who was bowing his head, or more precisely, at those standing behind him. Even though the young lord himself bowed his head, those around him didn’t seem particularly fazed of this fact.

‘Do they not sense something odd about this?’

Just a decade ago, these people would have believed it inconceivable for a direct descendant of Namgung clan to bow to an outsider barbarian. Yet now, they merely looked calmly at the scene unfolding before them.

Though the people involved might not feel it, to Maeng So, who was an outsider, this fundamental change felt strikingly vivid.

«Seems… the kid’s neck is going to fall off.»

«Uh…»

Chung Myung gave him a glance, Maeng So nodes helplessly, as if there eas nothing else hw could do.

«If my assistance can be of any help, I will do my best.»

«Thank you!»

Namgung Dowi warmly smiled. It was a genuine smile, devoid of any pretense.

Observing that face, Maeng So couldn’t help but distinctly sense that all of this wasn’t merely an excuse.

Suddenly feeling awkward, Maeng So turned to look at Chung Myung.

«…You.»

«Yes?»

«What on earth are you trying to achieve?»

«What do you mean by that?»

«Well…»

Maeng So laughed, finding this situation absurd.

It wasn’t particularly difficult for one or two people to show some kindness to outsiders. Even when relations between the Central Plains and outer clans reached extremes, there were still people displaying goodwill towards them.

But to witness a gathering of so many, all showing no hostility towards them, was truly rare, if not unprecedented. This was remarkable even for those who were seeing the attendants of Nanman Beast Palace for the first time today.

Considering the unfamiliar attire and the presence of wild animals, one might expect these people to frown upon such behavior…

«But why are those people walking around bare-chested?»

«They’ve come from a hot place.»

«Ah, hadn’t thought of that.»

«What’s the problem with removing some of your clothes? We mingle with people who skin animals for a living.»

«…Should we start with your skin then?»

«Will your neck be fine then?»

Watching them quickly lose interest in the Beast Palace and start idly chatting, Maeng So sighed. He swore this was the first time he’d ever felt so thoroughly brushed aside in his life.

‘…Cheonumaeng.’

He had considered it a fantastical tale. His participation was merely because it seemed beneficial to the Beast Palace, not because he harbored any grand expectations of enticing significant changes.

The reality perceived by outer clans and that perceived by Central Plains’ inhabitants were too different. There was no reason for Central Plainers to step forward and change that reality when they couldn’t fully relate to it.

Yet, in this place right now, Maeng So was tangibly sensing change. Perhaps… someday, those within the confines of Cheonumaeng might look at each other without prejudice.

Maeng So smiled bitterly. Unconsciously, a sense of anticipation welled up within him. Great expectations often lead to great disappointment, and Maeng So decided to find satisfaction in what he currently had.

However, even as he set aside those expectations, his feelings toward Cheonumaeng couldn’t remain the same. He missed them because something had changed within him. What if they were to take charge of the world? How would the world evolve?

«…What have you done exactly?»

«What do you mean?»

«No one seems to hold grudges against each other, regardless of their status.»

«Well, that’s only natural.»

“Huh?»

Chung Myung replied in a gruff tone.

«Whether they’re from Namgung or Nokrim, these kids won’t make much use of it anyway. So, who’s better or worse among them? We should criticize them all equally.»

«…»

Well… that’s a bit strange, but…

A surge of both understanding and confusion engulfed him simultaneously. Perhaps, when compared to an ideal that was only hollow and unattainable, this might be more beneficial, Maeng So thought.

«Oh? They’re coming over there too.»

«Huh?»

At Chung Myung’s words, Maeng So turned his head. As he looked toward where Chung Myung pointed at, laughter erupted from him.

«They seem to have arrived triumphantly. But seriously, aren’t they feeling hot? Coming all the way here dressed in those thick furs.»

«Aren’t the Beast Palace members here wandering topless?»

«Can’t argue with that.»

The two laughed together. Meanwhile, people clad in clothes as white as snow were swiftly approaching.

They were arriving from afar, having traversed the world from a place even farther than Yunnan, finally reaching their destination — the emergence of the Northern Ice Palace.