Failed Negotiation
1199 Words
The next morning has arrived, Jin wakes up very early from his long meditation. Starting from last night, Jin sleeps while meditated to prepare his body and soul for a difficult day today. He knows sleeping is the best way to recover the body while meditation is the best way to clear the bloodstream and to relax the mind. He feels his body and soul are refreshed and ready to confront Kang Han Bak with his guards. Dealing with the trained guards will be very different with a mercenary like Kang Han Ja's men before. But he will try for dialogue more than fighting.
Jin meets Airi who is making the porridge for their breakfast while Hariri and Ah Jun still sleeping. "What do you make, Airi?" Jin asked to low down the tension.
"Just a porridge, the foods that my mom often made for us. I can not cook anything else." Airi said.
Jin smiles, "A warm porridge in the morning will be great for the body." Je tried to encourage Airi's heart.
Airi smiles, At this moment, she is finally decided to become the chef's helper in the Blue Wind sect. She will learn how to cook delicious foods, so one day when Jin coming back, she will be able to serve better food than just porridge.
Jin is surprised when he comes out of uncle Jang's house, every woman in the village has gathered in front of uncle Jang's house. One of them giving Jin something in the pocket, Jin opens it and sees the gold and silver coins inside.
"We only able to give this for your travel, young master. We are very sorry, but that's all we have." Rumia, the wife of the village chief, said.
Jin takes Rumia's hand and gives the money back to her. "You don't have to give me anything, Madame. I am not doing this for money. Please take it back. I'll bring your families back. You can keep my words." Jin said and it makes Rumia cries.
"Thank you, young master." Rumia still cries when Jin moves away, he runs and disappeared from the villagers' sight.
Airi walks towards Rumia, she has a plan to help Jin to get their families back and needs to discuss it with all the villagers.
***
Jin has arrived at Ajwa City, he immediately goes to the city hall to meet Kang Han Bak. After reporting his intention to the front hall's guards, they asked Jin to wait outside the city hall.
A tall man with a black and thick mustache is coming out of the city hall, his hard face already tells everyone about his character without words. He comes and stands in front of Jin. He is taller than Jin who is only as high as his chin. He is Kang Han Bak, the brother of Kang Han Ja who has died a few days ago.
"Are you Jin?" Kang Han Bak said.
"Yes, Master. I am Jin. If I may, can I know with whom I speak with?" Jin asked politely while clenching his hands to show some manners. He is coming with peace, not to make problems.
"I am Kang Han Bak, the chief commanders of the guards in this city." Kang Han Bak introduced himself.
Jin remembered Uncle Jang's story about the one who backs up and protects Kang Han Ja, and the name was Kang Han Bak. He is sure that Kang Han Bak that was mentioned by Uncle Jang is the one who stands in front of him right now. Although Kang Han Bak's appearance is very much different from Kang Han Ja that is a short man, their faces have a lot of similarities which is a sign that they are siblings.
"What is your purpose to meet me?" Kang Han Bak said.
"Pardon me, Master Bak. Please release the villagers from Jiling village that were being captivated by your men, I believe it was only a misunderstanding." Jin said confidently.
Kang Han Bak looking at Jin from top to toe, he is curious how a young man dares to come at him, asked to release the prisoners, and he still looks very calm. Even Jin's breath was still calm. This makes Kang Han Bak become cautious.
Kang Han Bak is very different from his dead brother, Kang Han Ja. He is a decent martial artist that gets to his position right now through hard work. He can sense something dangerous when he sees Jin although he is not too sure about it and wanted to test Jin's ability.
"What do you mean? What kind of misunderstandings?" Kang Han Bak asked.
"I heard the villagers were being captivated by the guards because of the death of Kang Han Ja. But I believe they don't have any relation to it. Did you have any proof of that accusation?" Jin asked confidently.
Kang Han Bak doesn't expect if Jin will be very brave and bold despite he comes alone to his territory. "I have to admit that you are a brave one. But a young man often isn't able to see or measure himself. I don't care about the evidence, all I know is that they killed my brother. That's enough for me to put them into the gallows." Kang Han Bak said.
"So, a great warrior that is also one of the commanders of the mighty Blue Wind sect will punish the innocent villagers without any proof? What will happens if all society knows about this? Moreover, what will the Blue Wind sect do if they know one of their commanders is disobeyed the rules by wrongly punished not only one person but all the men from one village? It will absolutely tamper their great reputation." Although Jin said calmly, his words were full of the threat to Kang Han Bak.
Kang Han Bak surprises again. Although he knows Jin's courage, he doesn't expect if Jin will dare to threaten him like that.
"Hahaha... Your courage is exceeding my expectations. But, you are alone, if we catch you, no one will know about this, right?" Kang Han Bak said his intention was to captures Jin.
"So, that is the answer from the commander of a big city and a big sect for someone who is looking for justice? I see now. Then, there is nothing more to discuss." Jin said. He isn't surprised because he already expected to get this kind of response from Kang Han Bak. "I feel pity to both of you. Your brother, Kang Han Bak, was too obsessed with money and fortune until he used the dirty way to get it. And now, you are obsessed with the power and mightiness until you forget your duty to protect the weak with the power that you have, not to become a dictator that used the power to suppress the weak." Jin lectured Kang Han Bak.
"Damn it! A kid like you dared to lecture me about how I should behave with my power?! I will punish you severely." Kang Han Bak in rage. He gives a code to his men to attack Jin.
Two guards are coming towards Jin to arrest him.
- Writer
