Soul Tracker

Chapter 4: The Myth of Jeoseung Saja

The quiet hum of the library filled the air, a soft contrast to the storm of thoughts whirling in Jung Yoon's mind. He sat at a wide oak table, surrounded by stacks of old books, each filled with tales of spirits, mythical creatures, and ancient legends. His fingers traced the faded text of a particularly old volume, but his mind was elsewhere. The visions of his past life with Tae Ah had shaken him deeply, and now he was determined to uncover the truth behind the forces that had torn them apart—and the one that might be able to help him find her.

The Jeoseung Saja, the Grim Reaper.

The myth of the Jeoseung Saja had haunted his thoughts ever since Minho had mentioned it during one of their conversations. It was said that these reapers guided souls to the afterlife, ensuring that they crossed safely to the other side. But there were stories—darker stories—about souls that wandered, unable to cross over. Souls like Tae Ah's. Could the Jeoseung Saja help him find her? Or were they part of the reason she was still trapped?

Jung Yoon sighed, leaning back in his chair as he closed the book in front of him. The story of the Jeoseung Saja was ancient, passed down through generations, but the details were always vague. Some described them as cold, impartial beings who carried out their duty without emotion. Others spoke of them as merciful figures, protectors of lost souls. Which version was true? And how could they help him?

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. He looked up to see Minho walking toward him, a small grin on his face. In his hands, Minho carried an old leather-bound book, its cover worn and frayed at the edges.

"Find anything interesting?" Minho asked, dropping the book on the table with a thud.

Jung Yoon shook his head. "Not much. Just more of the same stories we already know. The Jeoseung Saja guides souls, helps them cross over. But nothing about how to find a soul that's lost."

Minho pulled out a chair and sat across from Jung Yoon, flipping open the book he had brought. "Well, I might have something. I was talking to my grandmother yesterday, and she told me about a place. An old temple, hidden in the mountains, where people used to go to communicate with the Jeoseung Saja."

Jung Yoon's eyes widened. "A temple? Do you think it's still there?"

Minho shrugged. "It's worth a shot. She said the monks there had rituals to summon the Jeoseung Saja. They might be able to help you figure out what's going on with Tae Ah."

The idea sent a jolt of hope through Jung Yoon. A temple that had direct ties to the Jeoseung Saja? If it existed, it could be exactly what he needed. "Where is it?" he asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

"About three hours outside the city. I can drive us there tomorrow," Minho replied, leaning back in his chair. "But if we're going to do this, we need to be careful. You've already started seeing things from your past life. Who knows what else is going to surface if we keep digging?"

Jung Yoon nodded, though he knew he couldn't afford to be cautious. Time felt like it was slipping away, and Tae Ah's presence was growing fainter by the day. If this temple could help him connect with the Jeoseung Saja, then he had to go.

The next morning, Jung Yoon and Minho set off on their journey. The city gave way to open roads, the skyscrapers replaced by rolling hills and thick forests. As they drove deeper into the mountains, the air grew colder, and a sense of stillness settled over them, as if they were leaving the modern world behind and entering a place where time moved differently.

After hours of winding through narrow mountain roads, they finally arrived at the base of a steep, rocky path that led up to the temple. The temple itself was nestled among towering trees, its weathered stone walls barely visible through the mist that clung to the mountainside. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the distant sound of a stream echoed through the quiet.

"This place feels... ancient," Minho muttered as they began the climb.

Jung Yoon nodded silently. The temple radiated a sense of power, an energy that was both calming and unsettling. As they reached the entrance, they were greeted by an old monk, his face lined with age and wisdom. He bowed deeply, his eyes kind but piercing, as if he could see straight into their souls.

"We've been expecting you," the monk said, his voice soft but firm.

Jung Yoon and Minho exchanged surprised glances. "Expecting us?" Jung Yoon asked.

The monk smiled faintly. "The winds of the spirit world whisper to us. We knew someone would come seeking answers." He turned, gesturing for them to follow. "Come. The Jeoseung Saja has been watching you."

Jung Yoon's heart skipped a beat as they followed the monk through the temple grounds. The air grew colder, and the sense of otherworldliness deepened as they approached a large stone altar at the center of the temple courtyard. Candles flickered in the breeze, casting long shadows across the stone.

The monk stopped in front of the altar, his gaze fixed on Jung Yoon. "You have come seeking the truth about the Jeoseung Saja, have you not?"

Jung Yoon nodded. "I need to find someone. A soul that's been lost... for a long time."

The monk's expression grew serious. "The Jeoseung Saja is the guardian of souls, the guide who leads them from the world of the living to the world beyond. But not all souls are willing to go. Some resist, bound by their earthly attachments, and others are... taken."

"Taken?" Jung Yoon asked, his voice tight with fear.

The monk nodded. "Yes. Some souls are captured by vengeful spirits, bound by curses or unresolved grudges. These souls are trapped, unable to move on, and the Jeoseung Saja cannot reach them unless the curse is broken."

Jung Yoon's mind raced. This explained why Tae Ah was still trapped, why he couldn't find her. "How do I break the curse?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

The monk regarded him carefully. "Breaking a curse is not a simple task. It requires great sacrifice and understanding of the spirit world. But there is another way. You have a unique gift, young one—a connection to the soul world that allows you to track lost spirits. This gift is rare, even among those who seek the Jeoseung Saja."

Jung Yoon's breath caught. His ability to track souls wasn't just some strange quirk—it was something much deeper, something tied to the Jeoseung Saja itself.

"You are what some call a Soul Tracker," the monk continued. "You can sense the pull of lost souls and guide them. But this journey is dangerous. The vengeful spirits will not release their hold easily. You must be prepared to face them."

Jung Yoon felt a chill run down his spine. He had always known this wouldn't be easy, but hearing it spoken aloud made the danger feel all too real. Still, he had come too far to turn back now.

"What do I need to do?" Jung Yoon asked, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him.

The monk stepped forward, placing a hand on Jung Yoon's shoulder. "First, you must understand the nature of the Jeoseung Saja. They are not here to harm you, but to guide you. The next time you encounter a wandering soul, call upon them. If the Jeoseung Saja finds you worthy, they will help you break the curse and lead you to the one you seek."

Jung Yoon nodded, his mind racing. The path ahead was clear, but it was filled with unknown dangers. He could feel Tae Ah's presence, faint but persistent, pulling him forward. He had to find her, no matter what the cost.

As they left the temple, the weight of the monk's words settled heavily on Jung Yoon's shoulders. He was a Soul Tracker, connected to the spirit world in ways he was only beginning to understand. But now, he had a new ally—the Jeoseung Saja. And with their help, he would uncover the truth behind Tae Ah's disappearance.

But deep down, a nagging fear gnawed at him. If the curse was strong enough to keep her trapped for so long, what kind of power was he up against?

And would he be strong enough to face it?