Chapter 100
Chapter 100
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Eh, It Looks Laughable
-----------------------------------------------------------------
He's learning the ultimate arts of the Generation's Heavenly Demon.
He's learning the ultimate arts of the Heavenly Demon Cult's leader, who was once the Iron Lion Sect's archenemy.
The great disciple of the Iron Lion Sect.
A shock like being swept up in a storm hit everyone. They all alternated between looking at Do Cheon and Sect Leader Sa Jung-gyeong, unable to hide their astonishment.
The Heavenly Demon's ultimate arts?
The Generation's Heavenly Demon's ultimate arts?
There was a long silence. Everyone wore stunned expressions like they'd lost the ability to speak, not knowing what to do.
"Trouble's brewing, big trouble! He was always bossing us around, telling us this and that, but now the eldest senior brother is the one who's caused the real mess."
Iron Mountain finally spoke after a while.
If it were the old days, he would've shouted and demanded explanations, but lately the Iron Lion Sect had been steadily rising, and they all knew it was thanks to their eldest senior brother, so he held back.
Then Yi Yeol suddenly shot to his feet.
With a stern face, he walked over and stood beside Do Cheon. He turned toward his master, Sa Jung-gyeong, and bowed deeply at the waist.
"No matter what martial art he's learning, the eldest senior brother is still the eldest senior brother."
It was a statement without any further explanation.
"That's right!"
Little Sparrow suddenly shouted and jumped up, darting to Do Cheon's side. She bowed deeply just like Yi Yeol.
"He must have done it all for the sect."
"You idiot! That doesn't make it okay for the sect! If it's the Heavenly Demon Cult's ultimate arts, the entire martial world will point fingers and talk. We'd be lucky not to get branded as public enemies."
Iron Mountain yelled at Little Sparrow's words. He stormed forward with a face like he was snorting steam, then bowed beside Yi Yeol, Do Cheon, and Little Sparrow.
"Damn it, so that's why he was teaching us martial arts, telling us to do it this way."
Even as he grumbled, Iron Mountain bowed alongside them. Then Ong Sa-un rose. Dragging his uncomfortable body forward, he silently bowed. With all the senior brothers bowing, even Young Ki, who had just been blinking in surprise, stepped forward and bowed.
Byeon Ryeo-gun rose again. She moved to one side and bowed as well.
All the disciples bowed.
Sa Jung-gyeong just watched silently. Yeop Mun-wi simply observed. After a long moment, Sa Jung-gyeong finally spoke.
"Young Ki."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
"Do you know the difference between wrongdoing and sin?"
"No."
"If you commit a wrongdoing, you deserve reproach, but not punishment. But if you commit a sin, you must be punished."
"......?"
Young Ki couldn't grasp why the sect leader was saying this. He just stared with wide, curious eyes. Sa Jung-gyeong gave a faint smile and turned to Do Cheon.
"I already knew you were learning the Generation's Heavenly Demon's ultimate arts."
"......!"
Surprise flashed across Do Cheon's face. The other disciples' eyes widened as they lifted their heads to look.
"Did you think your master trusted you so blindly that he'd just assume you were holed up in your room? At the very least, I need to know where my disciple has been, what he's been doing outside, and what's going on inside the sect."
"......"
"Do you think it was easy for the Volcanic Divine Sword and Heaven-Rending Legion to show up here? It was quite the hassle just to get the Volcanic Divine Sword to talk."
"......!"
He'd asked the Volcanic Divine Sword and found out in the end.
"Everyone, straighten up."
At Sa Jung-gyeong's words, they all straightened from their bows.
"Ong the Protector is right. What's wrong with learning a martial art obtained as spoils of war? It doesn't matter to the sect at least. But Iron Mountain is right too. Since it's the Generation's Heavenly Demon's arts, everyone will try to tear us apart."
"I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize. If we worried about every side-eye, how would we seize treasures? The sect is in peril, but I have no intention of discarding a treasure my disciple worked hard for. I didn't teach you that way, and I won't teach you that way. The Iron Lion Sect would rather break than bend. Look beside you. You have your junior brothers and sisters. They may still be lacking, but they're standing by your side now, believing in you. Just keep going together like this. Your master and martial uncle only hope you'll maintain this unity."
At his master's words, Do Cheon looked back and forth at them. His junior brothers and sisters stood aligned. An irrepressible joy shone through his smile. This was exactly what he'd hoped for from them—this sight. Trusting each other and advancing together. That alone kept him from sinking into emptiness.
Do Cheon smiled faintly and turned back to his master.
"With my junior brothers and sisters, we'll definitely overcome this together."
"Good."
Sa Jung-gyeong nodded with a smile. Yeop Mun-wi did the same, and Ong Sa-un smiled too.
'Definitely an interesting sect. No, an interesting master.'
A gathering of just the fellow disciples.
The hot topic was, of course, the Generation's Heavenly Demon's ultimate arts.
"You really learned the Heavenly Demon Heaven-Exterminating Palm and Heavenly Demon Heaven-Shattering Fist?"
"Yeah."
"Heavenly Demon Supremacy Step too?"
"Yeah."
"And the Heavenly Demon Supreme Art?"
"Yeah."
"Damn it! Then what am I supposed to do?"
Iron Mountain scowled.
"What?"
"I've been training like a madman just to land one hit on you someday, but if you've mastered all that, I can't!"
"You want to hit me that badly?"
"Of course!"
"Why?"
"You've been like that since we were kids!"
"Like what since we were kids?"
"You were always nagging just me!"
"Ha!"
As Do Cheon sighed, Little Sparrow cut in.
"I told you last time too! It's because Iron Mountain senior brother is always doing things that deserve scolding!"
"Hey, you bratty girl. Even if I mess up, getting nagged every time builds resentment!"
"Try crawling to the eldest senior brother with that resentment sometime!"
"And what'll you do?"
"I'll kick your butt!"
"You brat, is that how you talk to your senior brother?"
"I'm resentful too."
"Why you?"
"Because Iron Mountain senior brother is always acting prickly toward the eldest senior brother."
As the two bickered, Yi Yeol spoke to Do Cheon.
"Eldest senior brother."
"Yeah."
"You once said we have a great mountain to climb. If we do, the Iron Lion Sect will reclaim its former glory. If not, we'll fall right there."
"Yeah, I said that."
"That great mountain you mentioned... is this it?"
"Yeah. The Generation's Heavenly Demon's arts are both an opportunity and a crisis."
"Don't we have the ultimate arts left by the Iron Lions?"
"You heard earlier in front of master—I was trapped in some absolute formation. Simply put, I had no choice but to learn them there. I was stuck for a really long time. And there's no reason the ancestors' arts would be lacking. That's why I taught them to you all. If I thought they were insufficient, I'd have taught you the Heavenly Demon's arts too."
Yi Yeol nodded at Do Cheon's explanation. After a moment, one question arose.
"How much have you mastered?"
"I said I'd protect you so no one could touch you if you were in front of me, right?"
He had said that. But those words alone didn't convey just how strong it was. As Yi Yeol tried to ask for more details, Do Cheon turned his head away. He didn't want them relaxing or feeling complacent. A healthy tension was crucial for training.
"Nothing changes. You just know the sect's situation better now. Keep training hard like always. I'll clear the path ahead as much as you believe in me. You all charge forward as much as I believe in you."
"Ha, sounds like you're telling us to take on the world."
Iron Mountain said weakly.
"No confidence?"
"It's not about confidence."
"This is the sect that proudly faced the Heavenly Demon and his cult. The one who led it from the front was the Iron Lion King. Anyone else maybe, but you, who'll inherit even his inner energy, can't talk like that. I was going to give it to you today, but now I need to reconsider."
"Damn it! That's nonsense like Little Sparrow farting! Give it now! The world? No reason I can't fight it! Hurry and give me the Iron Lion King's inner energy!"
Iron Mountain jumped up.
Little Sparrow, bristling at the fart remark, held it in when he mentioned the Iron Lion King's energy and watched the two.
"Got confidence now?"
"Confidence? Give me the Iron Lion King's energy, and even if the world comes at me, I won't back down—I'll guard the spot right beside you, eldest senior brother!"
"Good. Go bathe, then wait in the training hall."
"Why bathe?"
"Wash with cold water to calm your excited mind."
"Ah, clarity of mind! Got it. Give me half a shichen. I'll be ice-cold calm."
"Yeah, see you in half a shichen."
"Alright, I'm off!"
Iron Mountain dashed out excitedly. Watching him go, Yi Yeol asked Do Cheon.
"You said you had high expectations for Iron Mountain, so you'd give it slowly?"
"Yeah. Originally planned for a few months from now."
"Why now?"
"Seeing you changed my mind."
"......?"
"You know inner energy refines the body."
"......!"
"It's a bit lacking now, but the Iron Lion King's energy will shape Iron Mountain's body perfectly for unleashing Thunderclap Barrier Fist."
Do Cheon spoke with conviction. It was a conclusion from observing Yi Yeol's changes. Yi Yeol nodded in understanding, and Do Cheon's gaze shifted to Ong Sa-un.
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not."
"Pardon?"
"I think I can advance giving you the energy left by the Ice White Death God too."
"......!"
"After passing it to Iron Mountain, I'll check your condition again."
"Yes."
Joy overflowed on Ong Sa-un's face. He'd already shaken off impatience, but hearing it could be sooner filled his chest.
Time passed, and when Iron Mountain was ready, they all headed to the training hall. Do Cheon walked at the rear when Byeon Ryeo-gun slowed to match his pace. She glanced at his face.
"What?"
"You look like you have something to say."
"You'll listen?"
"Worries or whatever, being the eldest senior brother's sounding board is my job."
"......!"
"I know your heart best."
"True."
"And I'm the one who listens best."
"Right."
"So tell me."
Byeon Ryeo-gun's eyes sparkled.
A face full of intense curiosity. But concern flickered there too. Genuine worry without knowing the details.
Do Cheon's heart warmed. He could speak more easily now.
"I said I fought the Heavenly Demon."
"Yes."
"And the Sun King."
"You said you clashed with Abbot Hyeoncheon and the Golden Emperor too."
"Just briefly, but enough to gauge them."
"......?"
"I was right."
Do Cheon raised his hand. He opened his palm, then clenched it in the air.
"I can crush them anytime I want."
"......!"
"Not sure about comparing exactly...... but it's like being the only adult in a world of kids."
Do Cheon looked at Byeon Ryeo-gun and smiled. A laugh that felt profoundly empty.
Jangsa, Hunan Province.
An inn not far from the Iron Lion Sect.
Iron Phoenix Emperor was receiving a report from his subordinate.
"Iron Divine Dragon returned after three years—true. Clashed with Sky-Spanning Gang right away—true. Friction with White Sword Sect after, and they went quiet in one go—true. Soon after, Volcanic Divine Sword and Heaven-Rending Legion appeared."
"Reason?"
"Pardon?"
"Why did Volcanic Divine Sword and Heaven-Rending Legion show up."
"Celestial Insight Maiden and Ha Gun-pyo visited the Iron Lion Sect, and Iron Divine Dragon cut off Ha Gun-pyo's finger."
"No, why did Volcanic Divine Sword and Heaven-Rending Legion send those two in the first place."
"That far...... sorry."
"Would Heaven-Rending Legion send Ha Gun-pyo just because Iron Divine Dragon knelt Sky-Spanning Gang, and Volcanic Divine Sword send Celestial Insight Maiden because he shut down White Sword Sect in one blow?"
"Sky-Spanning Gang is just black道, and White Sword Sect isn't even one of the Four Great Families, let alone Five Great Sects."
"Exactly. Even if those two were smashed, no reason for Heaven-Rending Legion and Volcanic Divine Sword to show personally."
"Then?"
"Something else. There's a reason to meet Iron Lion Sect—specifically Iron Divine Dragon. Wudang's Un Yang appeared because Clear Dawn Escort Agency complained. So Un Yang came to Iron Lion Sect, met Volcanic Divine Sword. Heard the explanation about Clear Dawn's complaint. But he didn't leave. And he dragged Volcanic Divine Sword from alliance leader seat. Un Yang judged he was colluding with Heaven-Rending Legion for something. See? Doesn't a big piece fit now?"
"Yes. There was some incident involving Iron Divine Dragon from the start, and that's why Heaven-Rending Legion and Volcanic Divine Sword sent Ha Gun-pyo and Celestial Insight Maiden."
"Right. We glossed over it as him finding Iron Lions' arts, missing the obvious. Sending people like Heaven-Rending Legion or Volcanic Divine Sword over some lost arts? Unnatural."
"Shall we check with Great Righteous Alliance or Tyrant Emperor Sect?"
"No. Volcanic Divine Sword gave up alliance leader seat but kept quiet. Lowlifes won't know."
"Then what?"
"When info from Heavenly Demon Cult spies arrives, we can piece it together. Until then, gather everything. Bring Sky-Spanning Gang leader first, scour around Iron Lion Sect for anyone who saw or heard anything."
"Understood."
The subordinate withdrew.
Iron Phoenix Emperor crossed his arms, deep in thought.
'Heavenly Demon Cult suddenly moving is odd, Heaven-Rending Legion and Volcanic Divine Sword's actions don't add up. And the mysterious expert who sent back the Heavenly Demon. His appearance too sudden. All pointing to Iron Divine Dragon—too much speculation?'
Iron Phoenix Emperor was fixated on the mysterious expert's identity. Clues were only in Heavenly Demon Cult. Spies there needed time—strict security meant protecting plants meant delaying urgent info.
'Mysterious...... Why does it keep feeling like that guy?'
- Iron Divine Dragon. Fighting Heaven-Rending Legion made the world look laughable, huh?
- Eh, it looks laughable.
Iron Divine Dragon's relaxed response.
Blocking the Yangtze's flow too.
'He has reason to strut. Real power to back it up!'