Chapter 113
Chapter 113
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: Aren't You One of Our Brothers?
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My prediction had been spot on.
Once I infused Neung Sa-un's body with the inner energy of the Heavenly Sound Ice White Divine Art left behind by the Ice White Death God, his condition recovered at an astonishing speed. Of course, the twice-daily infusions of vitality into his body over the past fortnight, along with the Gangshi Hall Leader's use of the Returning Origin Art, had played their part as well. He still couldn't wield martial arts yet, but given how quick-witted he was, he'd likely be ready in a month or two.
"You've worked hard all this time. Thank you."
Do Cheon expressed his sincere gratitude to the Gangshi Hall Leader.
"Truth be told, I feel apologetic. Compared to what I gained while tending to the Wise King, what I did for him was so meager. The Returning Origin Art is something any physician with the medical texts could perform, and in the end, I couldn't find a perfect way to control the Wise King... Well, what can you do? That's the limit of my abilities. My apologies."
"Even the same martial art can differ vastly depending on who wields it. I imagine medicine is no different."
"You sure know how to make a listener feel good. I'll take my leave now. If you ever pass through Henan, come stay at the main hall anytime. The Iron Lion Sect will always welcome you."
"I will. Safe travels on the long road."
"Take care."
With Do Cheon and Neung Sa-un seeing him off, the Gangshi Hall Leader boarded his carriage.
"See you later!"
Ong Jung-seo shouted from a short distance away. The Gangshi Hall Leader poked his head out from the carriage and yelled back.
"Don't even talk to me!"
"Got it, so hurry up and go."
"I said don't talk to me!"
"I got it!"
"Does the King of Hell not know what's going on? Just drag this guy away already."
The Gangshi Hall Leader grumbled as he pulled his head back inside. Soon, the carriage rolled out beyond the Iron Lion Sect gates. Do Cheon, Ong Jung-seo, and Neung Sa-un watched until it vanished from sight.
"Is it that hard to reconcile?"
Do Cheon asked on the way back.
"No need for that."
"Pardon?"
"What would change if we did? We're not kids anymore who need to live as brothers. We bicker and part ways when the time comes—that's all there is to it."
"Still..."
"You're right. I do wonder about him sometimes. When I do, I can just go visit and take an earful of scolding."
Do Cheon nodded, grasping the sentiment. Ong Jung-seo chuckled and turned to Neung Sa-un.
"Seeing you walk straight fills me with joy."
"Thank you."
"Hurry and recover fully, then head to the training grounds. Young Master Yeol and Young Master Mountain spar fiercely against the Wise King every day. A few days ago, even Lady Little Sparrow started begging to join in."
"Understood. I'll recover quickly and come see you all."
Neung Sa-un replied energetically. At that moment, Do Cheon placed a hand on his shoulder. Neung Sa-un turned with a gentle smile.
"Eldest Brother, don't worry. It's true I'm excited now that my body's improving, but I'm telling myself not to rush."
"You leave me speechless. Is this... the feeling of a parent watching their grown child? It aches my heart."
Do Cheon shook his head, feigning affection, and Neung Sa-un laughed brightly.
"That's creepy. Anyone hearing would think you're the eldest and I'm the youngest brother. Save that for Young Ki later."
"Now you're even scolding me."
"Don't say that. If Little Sparrow hears, she'll kick my butt. She hates anyone talking back to you, Eldest Brother."
"True. Little Sparrow's always on my side."
"Why is that? What did you do to earn such high marks from her?"
"I deserved it. It was just the circumstances of her childhood... The first time I saw Little Sister, she was so cute and pretty. And seeing her frozen like a frightened rabbit in a strange place, so pitiable... That's when it started. From the moment Little Sparrow arrived, I stopped wondering if my future lay with the Iron Lion Sect."
"Were you thinking of running away?"
"Not quite running, but I was seriously considering it. Master back then—and even now—wasn't the meticulous type."
"Really?"
"He'd spend all day researching martial arts, forgetting not just his own meals but ours too. Then one day, little Little Sparrow arrived. I wanted to protect her. Couldn't think of anything else after that."
Do Cheon smiled.
It had been a time when everything felt lacking. A time when everything was hard because we were young. But it was good. Yi Yeol and Iron Mountain, who always bickered, started listening to me, and Little Sparrow, who could only breathe and stare like a scared rabbit, began to change bit by bit.
Recalling his childhood with a fond smile, Do Cheon turned to Neung Sa-un and suddenly threw an arm around his shoulder.
"I regret not sharing our childhood with you, Junior Brother. Sometimes, you might feel a distance because of that. We've lived our lives clinging on desperately in our own way, so understand that. Not that your path was easy, of course. Got it?"
"I've felt that sometimes too. Just like you said, it's regrettable."
Neung Sa-un nodded and looked at Do Cheon.
"I'm envious. But what I've received from you and the sect is so immense, I can't even be jealous."
Neung Sa-un smiled—a bright, genuine smile.
"Good. Don't be jealous. We'll share plenty from here on out."
"Yes."
"Alright. You head straight to the meditation room, Junior Brother. Protector Ong."
"Yes?"
"This afternoon, shall we go fetch those in the East Wind Pavilion?"
Do Cheon meant the Black Death Dark God, the Secret Shadow Iron Ghost, and Thunder Palace.
"Really planning to keep them in the sect?"
"If they become protectors like you, wouldn't that be reassuring?"
"Of course. Knowing those three are here, no ordinary sect would dare glance our way. Even the Seven Great Sects would have to halve their forces first."
"Exactly. So while they're here, I'll try tempting them once."
"If you're tempting them, why not do it in a way they can't refuse?"
"Is there such a method?"
"There's one thing any martial artist couldn't ignore."
"...!"
"Let them fight the Wise King to their heart's content—who'd say no?"
Ong Jung-seo grinned.
Those three had boundless pride in their martial arts and had stayed to witness the Generation's Heavenly Demon's ultimate techniques up close. Cooped up for days, they must be itching for action.
"Brilliant!"
Do Cheon exclaimed with a laugh, his grin mirroring Ong Jung-seo's.
Not a single star pierced the night sky. Thick black clouds had gathered since evening, as if rain were coming, blotting out even the moonlight. Visibility was limited to a few steps ahead—perfect for night travelers slipping through the darkness.
Whoosh!
A slender figure vaulted over the wall with barely a sound. It moved without hesitation, clearly familiar with the buildings' layout. Moments later, the night traveler stopped before a structure, scaled the wall to the second floor, opened a window, and slipped inside.
Click!
As the window shut, a rustling sound followed, then a oil lamp flickered to life.
Sitting in the chair was none other than Mok Un-san. This was his residence within the Iron Lion Sect. The night traveler sat opposite him.
"He'll come."
"I know."
After the traveler replied, a voice called from outside.
"May I enter?"
"Come in."
The door opened, and Do Cheon stepped inside.
"I considered playing dumb, but you seemed like someone I know, so I came."
Do Cheon sat casually, his eyes on the masked figure.
"It's me."
The traveler said, removing the mask. It was Geum Chae, master of Black Night Heaven.
"I thought you'd forgotten me."
"As if. How could I forget someone as precious as a little brother?"
"Precious, yet so neglectful all this time? Hao Gate bustles, but you've never once visited Black Night Heaven."
"I'm here now."
"Got some good intel?"
"Yeah. Something you absolutely need to know."
"What's the price?"
"Free."
"...!"
"Really, free. Just... don't get hurt."
"...?"
"Body or heart—stay unharmed. Even if the whole world comes at you, hold this position. That's my only price."
"If you're not trying to make a fool of me, explain in detail."
"Have some tea first."
Geum Chae lifted a teacup Mok Un-san had prepared, sipping slowly and savoring a brief respite before setting it down.
"There are people who dyed the Shaanxi Mok Clan in blood. Before that, they killed Black Night Heaven's lord and put me in his place."
"Some puppeteers controlling the world from the shadows?"
"No, nothing that grand."
"Then what?"
"That's what makes them terrifying."
"...!"
"Blind, mad fanatics who'll wipe out a clan like the Shaanxi Mok overnight to shape their desired world."
Nothing's scarier than people with fanatical beliefs. If they're a well-armed group, it's horrifying.
"You seem to know them well. They're the ones who put that gold seal on your chest?"
"Right."
"Who the hell are they?"
"Later. I'll tell you who eventually. I haven't figured it all out yet. For now, remember one thing: they exist, and they're targeting you."
"Me?"
"Someone who could upend the world."
"...!"
"With a practitioner of the Heavenly Demon Ancestor's martial arts appearing, they see you as a must-eliminate threat."
"Interesting."
"It won't be."
"...!"
"That's why I'm here today—to tell you it's not. I want revenge. Hero Mok does too. But we can't kill them ourselves. We planned to expose their deeds to the world. But it's too hard. I can't uncover them all. Then you appeared. So I thought: use you. Have you kill them with your power. What do you say? Not fun, right?"
"Yeah. Not fun at all."
Do Cheon's expression soured, but Geum Chae pressed on.
"They'll plan and execute your death. If you're too strong to kill, they'll try to wound you somehow. I'll uncover their plans and methods. Promise you'll kill them then."
"Sigh, this is tricky. I didn't realize winning people over was so hard. Thought sincerity would do, or power to earn trust. Apparently not."
"We're blinded by revenge. Nothing else registers."
"Seems so."
Do Cheon stood, glanced between Mok Un-san and Geum Chae, then left.
"He leaves without hearing a proper offer."
Geum Chae muttered, looking somewhat apologetic.
"I'll teach the Mok Clan's martial arts."
Geum Chae turned at Mok Un-san's words. His face showed resolve.
"Even if they learn it's the Mok Clan's arts later."
"No need. The Mok Clan is gone anyway. Breathing with the Iron Lion Sect is enough."
Teaching the Mok Clan's arts to the Iron Lion Sect's ordinary warriors had been one proposed condition for Do Cheon. But he'd do it regardless.
"The Iron Lion Sect is a good place."
"I know. That's why I don't want him hurt."
Both Mok Un-san and Geum Chae nodded at their own words.
It felt like just yesterday the long winter ended and all things stretched in the spring sun, yet scorching summer heat now poured down.
Three months had flown by.
Short or long depending on perspective, but invaluable for the Iron Lion Sect.
Yi Yeol, Iron Mountain, Little Sparrow, and Neung Sa-un.
Enough time for each to become a true martial artist.
Yi Yeol and Iron Mountain trained like madmen, sparring the Wise King whenever possible. Fights they'd once dodged were now met head-on, marking explosive growth.
Little Sparrow trained the Scattered Flowers Sword with Byeon Ryeo-gun.
Byeon Ryeo-gun, advanced in Jade Dew Divine Art and Flying Swallow Eight Wings, taught her directly. Sparring with Byeon Ryeo-gun, already skilled in swordsmanship, Little Sparrow grew daily.
"All rivers lead to the sea," as they say.
When stuck on Scattered Flowers Sword, the Volcanic Divine Sword Yi Jo-yang guided her freely, despite not being from the Volcanic Sect.
Neung Sa-un studied the Ice White Death God's ultimate arts: Heavenly Sound Ice White Divine Art, Ice White Spirit Dew Hand, and Ice White Divine Sword.
With the infused energy and his talent, progress was swift. He trained cautiously to avoid relapse, yet grew so fast even Do Cheon marveled. Still, to prevent accidents, sparring the Wise King was strictly forbidden.
One day, after breakfast, as everyone headed to their training grounds, Do Cheon suddenly said,
"It's getting hot—shall we brothers take a trip to see the world?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun, Yi Yeol, and Iron Mountain stared blankly, but Little Sparrow rushed up excitedly, stopping before Do Cheon.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Where to?"
"Zhejiang."
"Zhejiang? That's... too far, isn't it?"
As Little Sparrow tilted her head, Byeon Ryeo-gun and Yi Yeol glanced at Neung Sa-un, who looked shocked at Do Cheon. Sensing the odd atmosphere, Little Sparrow quieted. Do Cheon met Neung Sa-un's eyes.
"It's time for revenge and to retrieve your parents' spirit tablets."
"Can I... face Light Cloud Sword Kang Il-hae?"
"No."
"...!"
"Just kill Kang Sa-seong."
"Eldest Brother?"
"That bastard hides behind his father too. So use your family's power."
"...!"
"With so many brothers, you gonna insist on going alone?"
Neung Sa-un fell silent.
Iron Mountain strode up and clapped his shoulder hard.
"Brother Neung."
"...?"
"Train alone if you must, but everything else—we do together."
Neung Sa-un's eyes wavered. He looked around at his brothers.
Byeon Ryeo-gun smiled softly. Yi Yeol nodded, Little Sparrow gazed affectionately. Do Cheon watched steadily with his usual expression.
"Right. I'm not alone."
"You get it."
Do Cheon stood, scanning everyone before speaking.
"Master already approved. We leave in two days. Buy splendid mourning clothes so you're not ashamed before departed Brother Neung's parents."
"Then let's head to the city now."
Little Sparrow beamed. Do Cheon looked around.
"Anyone against?"
They exchanged glances—no objections.
"Good. Let's go."
Do Cheon smiled and turned to leave. Then someone tugged his sleeve.
It was Young Ki.
"What about me?"
Do Cheon blinked at the unblinking stare.
"Aren't you one of our brothers?"
"Yeah!"
"Then why ask?"
Young Ki's face lit up.
"Big Sis Little Sparrow, he says I can go!"
"Younger Brother!"
"Yeah, Younger Brother! He's coming too!"
"Of course! You'll look so cool in new clothes, Young Ki!"
Little Sparrow grabbed his hand and dashed out, beaming.
Everyone laughed.
"Let's go. You've all trained hard—today, sightsee, eat well, relax."
"Yes, sounds great."
Byeon Ryeo-gun smiled brightly.
"I'll lead. I know the city well."
Iron Mountain strode ahead.
"Smile! Show those watching we're living joyfully."
Yi Yeol patted Neung Sa-un's back and headed out.
"I'm happy! So happy!"
Neung Sa-un shouted, following with a real smile. Do Cheon smiled warmly too.
"He looks happy."
Byeon Ryeo-gun said.
"He is. They're all happy, so I am more."
"Let's go. Time for some leisure."
"Yeah. But will you wear your veil?"
"Why?"
"I want to stay happy, but seeing your face might make me want it even more."
Byeon Ryeo-gun shot him a mock glare.
She soon chuckled.
"Not today. Might as well draw some stares. Little Sparrow might scatter them anyway."
"True, she's blooming lately."
"Yeah. Makes me a bit jealous."
"Eh? Not that much."
"It is. Age wins out. Little Sparrow's fresh bloom; I'm starting to wilt."
"Don't say what even a stray dog wouldn't believe. Hurry up, Lady Byeon!"
Do Cheon shook his head and walked ahead.
"It's true."
Byeon Ryeo-gun glared at his back, then laughed and ran after.
"Wait for me!"