Chapter 101
Chapter 101
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: Am I Also the Heavenly Demon?
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Iron Mountain opened his eyes.
His dantian brimmed with the energy of the Iron Thunder Divine Art. Feeling an uncontrollable power surging within him, he broke into a wide grin.
"Congratulations!"
"Congrats!"
"Congratulations!"
"Junior brother, congrats!"
Just like with Little Sparrow, everyone gathered to celebrate Iron Mountain's attainment of great success.
Iron Mountain beamed with pride as he turned to Do Cheon.
"Thank you."
"You deserve it after all your hard work. Now, how far you perfect that power is entirely up to your own efforts."
"More nagging!"
"…!"
"I'll never forget those words and follow them to the letter."
Iron Mountain flashed a toothy grin. His speech was still rough around the edges, but his eyes shone with genuine gratitude as he looked at Do Cheon.
"By the way. Eldest senior brother, I've got one favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"I know with your skills, you could block it without breaking a sweat. So, I just want one full-powered shot."
"Sure."
Do Cheon's approval lit up Iron Mountain's face even more. Soon, the two stood facing each other at a short distance, while everyone else clustered together to watch.
"How strong has he gotten?"
Little Sparrow asked.
A hint of worry flickered across her face.
"Attaining the Iron Thunder Divine Art doesn't make you a master overnight. He can't wield that energy properly yet."
Byeon Ryeo-gun explained.
"Still, it's the Iron Lion King's ultimate technique. Even if he can't unleash it fully, it should pack a punch, right?"
"Who knows."
Even Byeon Ryeo-gun couldn't say for sure. She'd only seen Do Cheon unleash Thunderclap Fist a handful of times.
"What? Worried eldest senior brother might get hurt?"
"No. I know how strong he is. And he practices the Generation's Heavenly Demon's arts too. There's no way we could hurt him."
"Then why?"
"It's because of Mountain senior brother. I've kicked his butt a few times before."
"…!"
"That guy's definitely gonna kick my butt in revenge."
"No way."
"He totally would. What do I do?"
"Uh, well?"
"Should I stick right by you, senior sister? Mountain senior brother listens to you."
"Yeah."
"Thanks!"
"Sure."
"Hee hee!"
"But you know."
"Yeah?"
"You're learning Flying Swallow Eight Wings."
"Yeah. I'm working hard on it. But why?"
"With Flying Swallow Eight Wings, no one's kicking your butt."
"Oh!"
Little Sparrow's face lit up as she realized she was mastering an incredible technique herself.
"With Flying Swallow Eight Wings and Scattered Flowers Sword, you won't get pushed around by Mountain junior brother. But don't fight. Clumsy brawls are the most dangerous. Got it?"
"Yeah. I'll just run away."
"Good."
As Byeon Ryeo-gun nodded, Iron Mountain let out a fierce shout. He thrust forward the arm he'd pulled back to its limit, unleashing a punch.
Kwarung!
Thunder crashed.
A streak of blue light shot out three zhang. It wasn't as powerful as when Do Cheon unleashed it, but the thunderclap echoed massively across the training grounds.
Iron Mountain watched his punch strike Do Cheon's body and dissipate without effect. Yet his face brimmed with excitement. He stared at his fist in awe, then turned to his master, Sa Jung-gyeong, and walked over.
"From now on... I'll do better."
"Good. Don't shame our ancestors."
"Yes, sir."
Iron Mountain scratched the back of his head as he replied. Watching him, Yeop Mun-wi spoke with envy.
"I'm jealous of you, senior brother. I wonder when Young Ki will have his moment."
"Anyone else, maybe. But not you."
"Pardon?"
"Cheon said it. Young Ki will grow bigger than any of us seniors."
"Oh, right."
"Don't get too cocky back then."
"I've only got one disciple. Gotta puff up my chest a bit."
"Can't argue with that."
"Hahaha! Let's go. Can't skip a drink today."
"We shouldn't. Ask the Divine Sword if he wants one too."
"I'll check with the Divine Sword."
Do Cheon cut in.
"Alright, then do that."
Sa Jung-gyeong, Yeop Mun-wi, and Ong Jung-seo headed out side by side. Do Cheon turned to Neung Sa-un.
"Neung junior brother, see you after dinner."
"Yes."
Do Cheon planned to check Neung Sa-un's condition. Knowing Soul Reaping Absolute Power refined Yi Yeol's body, he wondered if he could hasten transferring the Ice White Four Gods' energy to Neung Sa-un.
"Dinner's almost here, so meet at the dining hall. I'll pass Master's message to the Divine Sword."
As Do Cheon led the way out of the training grounds, they spotted Steward Seo approaching in a hurry.
"What's got you rushing?"
"Someone from the Lower Sect came by. Message for the branch leader."
"What is it?"
"Iron Rod Sovereign's staying at Flowing River Inn, and they say Sky-Spanning Gang Leader got dragged there."
"Ha, for real. We let it slide, but damn, that gang leader's working overtime."
Do Cheon scowled and instructed Steward Seo to relay Master's words to Volcanic Divine Sword, then turned to his juniors.
"Neung junior brother, rest with Young Ki. Everyone else, with me."
"Fists out?"
Iron Mountain asked eagerly.
"If the situation calls for it."
"Woo-hoo! This junior brother will lead the charge. Let's go, eldest senior brother!"
Iron Mountain strode ahead energetically.
Do Cheon smiled.
No need for a fight. He felt the same, but his juniors especially needed experience. They had to face experts, clash with them. Solving things smoothly was a skill; handling people was too. The only way to gain savvy and strength was through repeated encounters.
A moment later.
Flowing River Inn.
Five warriors stood guard at the entrance.
"We're closed for business today."
The burliest one blocked them with an arrogant stance. He didn't recognize Do Cheon. Byeon Ryeo-gun's veil made them cautious, but their Golden Phoenix Clan pride shone through.
"Son of a bitch! Kidnapping our guy in broad daylight and acting all high and mighty!"
Iron Mountain stepped up in his usual snide tone. They looked like street thugs. The five men's faces hardened with fury.
"Outta my way, punk!"
Iron Mountain swung first.
Kwarung!
Thunder boomed.
The five drew swords in shock and slashed. Amid clanging, Iron Mountain froze in surprise, while the five tumbled over.
Iron Mountain stiffened because his punch failed; the five fell because they hit Do Cheon.
"Having the Divine Sword's keepsake doesn't make a kid a master instantly."
Do Cheon said as he passed. It stung Iron Mountain.
"Ten days."
Yi Yeol approached after Do Cheon passed and added.
Iron Mountain turned, and Yi Yeol continued.
"Train like mad with Ong Protector for ten days. You'll gain a lot."
He meant the brutal sessions with Wise King. Yi Yeol patted Iron Mountain's shoulder and followed Do Cheon inside.
"Senior brother..."
Little Sparrow looked worried. But Iron Mountain grinned.
"I'm fine. Second senior brother said ten days."
With that, he headed inside.
"Mountain junior brother will be alright."
Byeon Ryeo-gun nudged Little Sparrow and entered.
Dozens of warriors filled the inn's first floor. Not a single guest in sight. The Golden Phoenix Clan's wealth had bought it out.
"Who the hell are you?!"
Those who'd heard the commotion outside drew swords warily. Do Cheon ignored them and headed for the stairs.
Suddenly, over a dozen blocked his path.
Do Cheon kept walking; an explosive aura around him sent them flying.
"Block him!"
As chaos erupted, Iron Rod Sovereign's voice boomed from upstairs.
"Let them up!"
His enraged command silenced the first floor instantly. They snapped back to positions in perfect discipline.
Do Cheon ascended as if nothing happened, Yi Yeol, Iron Mountain, Byeon Ryeo-gun, and Little Sparrow following.
The second floor crawled with warriors, stronger than those below. Most were Iron Rod Sovereign's trusted aides who traveled with him, so they recognized Do Cheon. Wary, but no overt hostility.
Do Cheon strode straight to the window seat.
There sat Iron Rod Sovereign in bold attire. And kneeling before her, Sky-Spanning Gang Leader Man Gwa-hae.
The moment Do Cheon's presence swelled like a volcano...
A storm swept the inn, his aura raging wildly. Tables and chairs flipped; subordinates poured inner energy to steady themselves.
"What the hell?!"
Iron Rod Sovereign shouted.
"Daring to grab one of ours and make him kneel? Golden Phoenix's orders?"
Do Cheon demanded.
Killing intent blazed fiercely.
Iron Rod Sovereign's eyes widened sharply.
'This mad bastard! Planning to hit the main house?'
His words from before echoed.
- Wow, way richer than we thought? If not for the main house rules, I'd rob the Golden Phoenix Clan blind.
Said with a sly smirk. Not idle talk. Answering yes would give him pretext to invade.
'It's him! Definitely him!'
No proof. Instinct. Intuition screaming it.
'This lunatic stopped the Heavenly Demon! That mysterious figure!'
Cold sweat trickled down her back.
"Kuh!"
"Argh!"
Subordinates screamed. Looking around in alarm, most had collapsed, legs apparently broken.
"Tell me. Golden Phoenix's orders?"
Do Cheon pressed.
"Planning to storm the main house if I say yes?"
"Someone's gotta take responsibility."
It was real. Not her suspicion—he meant it. Chillingly mad. But terrifying because he wasn't just mad. He'd stopped the Heavenly Demon. Swept those experts unilaterally.
Iron Rod Sovereign rose, bent down, gripped Man Gwa-hae's arms, and helped him up.
"Didn't know he was Iron Lion Sect. My mistake."
Her face toward Man Gwa-hae, words for Do Cheon.
"Gang Leader Man, move your base to the main house."
Man Gwa-hae, about to retort to her, spun in shock at Do Cheon's words.
"Young Master Do?"
"Do it. Staying at the main house means less of this."
"Thank you. My utmost loyalty."
"Got it. Go handle your business."
Man Gwa-hae bowed deeply to Do Cheon and descended. Once gone, Do Cheon sat opposite Iron Rod Sovereign's chair. She sat too.
"What're you fishing for?"
Do Cheon asked.
"Heard you went on a trip. Where to?"
Iron Rod Sovereign countered.
No proof Do Cheon left and returned. Only that a carriage entered Iron Lion Sect recently, and one left days earlier.
"Busy teaching my juniors. What trip?"
"You went to Volcanic Divine Sword and Mount Hua."
"Me?"
"Heavenly Demon retreated."
"Heard. Was prepping to learn his name, but he bailed. How'd he know I was here?"
Do Cheon replied innocently.
Iron Rod Sovereign wasn't fooled.
"Alone?"
"So you grabbed Gang Leader Man, made him kneel, to test if I sent the Heavenly Demon packing?"
"I apologized for that."
"One apology bends Iron Lion Sect's pride? Golden Phoenix that great? Pissing me off more? Tell my master, he'll blow a fuse. He lives by 'Iron Lions break before they bend.'"
"Want me to kneel?"
"Golden Phoenix intel's supposed to be top-notch. Doesn't seem so."
"…!"
"Iron Lions don't settle for one hit back after taking one."
"…?"
"Especially since I brought Gang Leader Man in. Righteous sects call him unorthodox, but I drew the line—he's mine. And you make him kneel? Guess I look like a pushover."
Provocation. Challenge. Crystal clear. Iron Rod Sovereign struggled to contain rising fury. But that divine might she'd witnessed was beyond her. Suppressing anger meant humiliation; mishandling could bring Iron Lion Dragon storming the main house.
If he invaded, everything ended. He'd die, but she'd lose all she'd built.
"Your way."
"What?"
"I'll meet Young Master Geon. Discuss Yangtze seriously."
"Forget today's mess?"
"Yes."
Iron Rod Sovereign answered without hesitation.
Do Cheon stared, then chuckled and stood.
"Fine, whatever."
"Met the Heavenly Demon?"
She rose too and asked.
"Hate lies. Never speak them myself. Except to enemies."
Do Cheon left those cryptic words.
Iron Rod Sovereign scowled.
'If my certainty's wrong... I'll bleed bad.'
"What had you curious enough to come yourself? Pushed aggressively, and even Iron Rod Sovereign tucks tail."
Do Cheon said outside. Byeon Ryeo-gun nodded.
"She knows you stopped the Heavenly Demon."
"Looks like."
What if Iron Rod Sovereign gauged Do Cheon's power? How would things change?
As Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun pondered...
"But who was that woman? So damn cool. First time seeing such an amazing lady."
"…?"
Stunned, Do Cheon halted and turned. Iron Mountain, gawking back at the second floor, bumped into him.
"Whoa, why'd you stop?"
"Iron Rod Sovereign. Could be your lifelong enemy."
"Huh?"
"Enemy."
"…!"
Iron Mountain blinked. His face fell.
"Sigh! Why are all the beautiful, cool women untouchable?"
The moon shone bright. Stars twinkled in the night sky.
Byeon Ryeo-gun sensed Do Cheon's presence heading her way, paused climbing into bed, and threw on an outer robe. But his approaching aura halted and lingered.
Puzzled, she debated stepping out. Then Do Cheon turned away. More confused, she hurried to open the door.
"What?"
She called out loudly. Do Cheon turned. She approached.
"Why leave?"
"Weren't you going to sleep?"
"I was, but someone's interrupting."
"Sorry. Go sleep. I'm leaving."
"Can't now."
"Huh?"
"Too curious to sleep. What's up?"
"Oh, nothing big."
"'Nothing big' that has you hesitating?"
"Well... It just hit me, so I pondered."
"Yeah."
"I learned the Generation's Heavenly Demon's arts, right?"
"Yeah."
"So... Am I not also the Heavenly Demon?"
"…!"