Chapter 114
Chapter 114
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 114
Chapter Title: To Zhejiang
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Everyone looked quite dashing once they were all dressed up.
The martial robes were made of red silk, adorned with blue and gold accents that made them splendidly ornate. At first, everyone had picked colors they liked, but Little Sparrow insisted they all match so no one would doubt they were from the same sect, which took some doing. The others didn't mind, but Iron Mountain refused the red-based robes, claiming they looked like something for women.
Little Sparrow and Iron Mountain bickered over the colors, but she won in the end. The moment Iron Mountain saw Byeon Ryeo-gun step out in her red robes, he couldn't argue for a change anymore.
"See? Red and white suit Senior Sister Byeon perfectly! Doesn't she look stunning?"
"Fine, you win."
Iron Mountain nodded at Little Sparrow's words. She hadn't chosen red for herself from the start—she'd picked it because it looked perfect on Byeon Ryeo-gun. Byeon Ryeo-gun said any color would do, but Little Sparrow shook her head firmly.
"This is our first trip to the jianghu as brothers. We've got to shock the world somehow. Right, Brother Mountain?"
"Yeah, sure."
With Iron Mountain switching sides to back Little Sparrow, that settled it. Dressed in their splendid matching robes, they now looked every bit the disciples of a prestigious sect.
Two days later.
Seven people, two carriages. How to split up?
Do Cheon left it to his juniors to sort out.
"I'm riding with Senior Sister no matter what."
That was Little Sparrow.
"And I'm definitely not riding with you, Little Sparrow."
That was Iron Mountain.
"Why not? Why won't you ride with me?"
"This Iron Lion needs to meditate on the move, but you're way too noisy."
Iron Mountain crossed his arms as he spoke.
"Well, I'm not riding with stinky Brother Mountain either!"
"Stinky?"
Iron Mountain lifted his arm and sniffed.
"Huh, yeah. Bear smell!"
"Hey!"
"Senior Sister, we'll take this carriage."
Little Sparrow linked arms with Byeon Ryeo-gun and hurried to the rear carriage. Yi Yeol then silently headed to the front one without a word.
"Gonna be nice and quiet without Little Sparrow!"
Iron Mountain announced loudly enough for all to hear as he followed Yi Yeol to the front carriage.
"I have some things to contemplate as well."
Neung Sa-un bowed his head slightly before joining Yi Yeol and Iron Mountain.
Do Cheon turned to Young Ki.
"Which side for our little junior?"
Young Ki pointed at Little Sparrow and Byeon Ryeo-gun without hesitation.
"Little Sparrow sis—no, Senior Sister—is the best in the world."
"Me too, Young Ki! Hurry up!"
Little Sparrow called back, and Young Ki dashed to her side. With everyone settled, only Do Cheon remained. He, too, headed straight for Little Sparrow, Byeon Ryeo-gun, and Young Ki's carriage without a second thought.
"Knew it! Traitor betraying the men's gathering."
Iron Mountain grumbled pointlessly.
"I prefer the beauties."
Do Cheon grinned coolly as he spoke.
With carriages chosen, everyone turned to look one way. There stood Sect Leader Sa Jung-gyeong, Yeop Mun-wi, Ong Jung-seo, and Steward Seo.
"Have a safe trip, all of you."
"Yes."
"Yes, Master!"
"Don't skip meals just 'cause we're gone."
They'd already said their goodbyes before departing, so there was nothing more to add.
"Young Ki, listen to your seniors."
"Yes!"
Young Ki answered Yeop Mun-wi loudly and proudly. Yeop Mun-wi smiled in satisfaction.
"Then we'll be off."
Do Cheon bowed, and the rest of the brothers followed suit. Sect Leader Sa Jung-gyeong and Yeop Mun-wi nodded. Do Cheon signaled for his juniors to board, and they climbed in one by one. He gave a final farewell to Ong Jung-seo and Steward Seo before getting on last.
Do Cheon's presence was irreplaceable at the Iron Lion Sect. But with Volcanic Divine Sword Yi Jo-yang there, it would be fine. Black Death Dark God, Thunder Palace, and Shadow Response Heavenly Horn Devil were also present—the three who could now fight freely against Wise King, once the innermost confidant of the Generation's Heavenly Demon, had gladly become the sect's protectors. The world didn't know it yet, but the Iron Lion Sect's strength had already reached impressive heights even without Do Cheon.
The two carriages carrying Do Cheon and his six brothers rolled out the sect's main gate under the blazing sun.
Little Sparrow was absolutely thrilled.
She laughed nonstop, giggling endlessly at who-knows-what. Byeon Ryeo-gun laughed along happily, and seeing them enjoy themselves made young Young Ki beam with joy too.
"I wonder what the other brothers are doing right now?"
"They said they'd meditate."
"Senior Sister, do you believe that? Brother Heat's probably got his eyes closed, Brother Mountain's snoring away, and Brother Cloud's just staring out the window."
Little Sparrow's words rang perfectly true.
"Yeah, that sounds about right."
"Right? On a day like this! Big Brother!"
Little Sparrow called to Do Cheon.
"What?"
"Sorry I'm being pushy, but let's get out of the carriage."
"...?"
"Wouldn't it be fun to all go together? Send the carriages ahead and travel with lightness skills. It'll be more exciting that way, and less hot too."
Do Cheon blinked a few times, unable to decide, then glanced at Byeon Ryeo-gun.
"Not a bad idea."
With her approval, Do Cheon told the coachman to stop.
Moments later, they all gathered with Yi Yeol and the others from the other carriage.
"So, let's all go together. No objections, right?"
Little Sparrow looked around at everyone.
"Yawn! You think any senior's gonna object to that?"
Iron Mountain yawned as he spoke. He'd been napping comfortably in the carriage per her plan but didn't complain.
"For real?"
Iron Mountain raised his hand and pointed out the other brothers at Little Sparrow's question. She followed his gesture, and they all seemed fine with it.
"Thank you!"
Little Sparrow beamed and ran to the coachmen.
"Head to the inn for tonight's stay first. We won't be late, but if we don't show by tomorrow, just go back to business."
"Yes, miss."
"See you later."
She bowed politely, then returned to her brothers. Soon, the carriages rolled off ahead.
"Alright, let's go!"
Little Sparrow took the lead with excited steps.
It was peak spring, the world lush and green, so even under the hot sun, the scenery was a delight.
After a while, Little Sparrow turned back to her brothers. Seeing them all traveling together made her smile even wider. She'd dreamed of this since childhood, and it was happening sooner than expected. She hadn't earned recognition as a swordswoman yet, but that didn't matter now. Just being out in the world with everyone was enough.
"Hey, Little Sparrow!"
"What?"
"I'm sleepy."
"What kinda nonsense is that!"
"It's hot!"
"Then wanna run?"
"Yeah! Let's run!"
Iron Mountain charged ahead the moment he suggested it.
His lightness skills were Iron Lion King's Thunderclap Step and the Dull Phantom God taught by Ong Jung-seo.
Thunderclap Step matched Iron Lion King's personality—straight-line, aggressive footwork. Dull Phantom God dodged attacks with swift, flashy movements. Neither suited long-distance travel.
But who cared?
True to form, Iron Mountain unleashed Thunderclap Step, charging like a raging boar.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
The ground shook under his sprint.
"Everyone, run!"
Little Sparrow followed.
Ancestor I Gun-ok's Flying Swallow Eight Wings was flawless as footwork or evasion, but shone brightest as lightness skill.
Little Sparrow kicking off the ground looked just like a swift swallow.
"Sis! Awesome!"
Young Ki shouted.
She overtook Iron Mountain in a flash, leaped into the air with a spin, and waved at Young Ki.
"Whoa! You've improved a ton!"
"Of course. Look who taught me."
"Impressive. Senior Sister Byeon taught you well."
Yi Yeol, overhearing Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun, tapped Neung Sa-un's shoulder.
"First-rate peak, right?"
"Yes."
"Good. Let's go."
The Sword Tyrant was a swordsman who revered the blade above all. His lightness skill was equally masterful but unnamed.
Yi Yeol deployed the Sword Tyrant's nameless technique, shooting forward. Inheriting the prideful Sword Tyrant's sword, he glided arrogantly upright at impressive speed.
With Yi Yeol leading, Neung Sa-un moved too.
His Heavenly Sound Ice White Divine Art hadn't fully settled, nor was his body at peak, so he couldn't exceed first-rate peak. Still, skimming the ground like a frost crane was striking.
"Shall we go?"
Do Cheon looked down at Young Ki.
"I'm still..."
Do Cheon scooped Young Ki up onto his shoulders mid-sentence. He turned to Byeon Ryeo-gun.
"Together?"
"Sure."
The two rose slowly, then glided forward. Mindful of Young Ki, they stayed low and moderate. Even so, he was thrilled.
"Whoa! We're flying! Big Brother! We're flying!"
"Faster?"
"Yes! Yes! Go faster!"
Excited by Young Ki, Do Cheon sped up, closing in behind Neung Sa-un in the air, with Byeon Ryeo-gun beside him.
'Good kids!'
Ahead, his juniors dashed with their respective lightness skills. Unthinkable just recently. Their hard work was plain to see.
"Ugh!"
Iron Mountain yelped ahead, followed by a splash. He'd plunged into water without slowing.
Do Cheon knew from childhood escapades that none would drown playing in water, so he wasn't worried.
Ahead, Little Sparrow—who'd leaped knowing of the lake—saw Iron Mountain and dove down. She aimed to spring off his head, bobbing above water. Pure mischief. But Iron Mountain grabbed her ankle as she pushed off, yanking her in.
Splash!
Little Sparrow went under too.
"Hahaha! Serves you right!"
"Damn it!"
She surfaced fuming at Iron Mountain's laughter. More than her prank failing, his glee irked her.
Just then, Yi Yeol braked hastily, and Neung Sa-un caught his arm from behind, dragging him into the lake.
"Gotta go together!"
"You bastard!"
"Hahaha!"
Neung Sa-un leaped in laughing, even at Yi Yeol's rare curse.
Splash!
A water column erupted as they submerged, then resurfaced grinning. Little Sparrow finally smiled fully and looked back.
Iron Mountain, Yi Yeol, and Neung Sa-un looked too.
"Young Ki, shall we join?"
"Yes! Let's go!"
Do Cheon, Young Ki, and Byeon Ryeo-gun plunged into the lake.
A geyser shot up.
"Kyahahaha!"
Young Ki laughed wildly.
Baekri Clan, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province.
At the sweltering midday, two carriages halted at the main gate. Gate guards watched warily as passengers disembarked.
They were unfamiliar young experts.
Each exuded impressive spirit, but two women drew the eye: a vibrant girl like fresh spring grass and a blindingly beautiful maiden who widened eyes effortlessly.
"Uh, where are you all from?"
Gate guard Jong Tak barely managed. A young man replied politely.
"We're disciples of Iron Lion Sect. Passing nearby, we couldn't just go without paying respects, so please inform them."
It was Do Cheon.
En route to Zhejiang, they'd passed the Baekri Clan and couldn't ignore it.
"Iron Lion Sect!"
Jong Tak gasped.
He knew of Heaven-Rending Legion and Iron God Dragon. Staring wide-eyed at Do Cheon, he yelled to a colleague.
"Iron God Dragon's here—hurry and report!"
One guard vanished swiftly.
"This way. I'll guide you to the guest hall."
Do Cheon and his juniors followed Jong Tak inside. Before reaching the hall, a man rushed up—Baekri Jong-chu, the clan's steward.
"Are you Do Cheon of Iron Lion Sect?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Excellent timing. Truly. I'm Baekri Jong-chu, steward here."
"Thank you for welcoming us unannounced."
"Nonsense—what's an announcement? Your coming matters. All brothers, yes?"
"Yes."
"Delighted. Greetings first with the clan lord."
Baekri Jong-chu led them personally to Baekun Pavilion.
His warmth meant the Baekri Clan knew Do Cheon had sent back the Heavenly Demon. Do Cheon accepted gladly. The world's favor leaned to the powerful. No need to resent it—giving and taking were skills too.
Waiting briefly in Baekun Pavilion's main hall, the Baekri Clan Lord appeared, beaming at Do Cheon.
"Feels like years, though it's mere months."
"Been busy."
Knowing he knew of the Heavenly Demon, a subtle boast couldn't hurt.
"Clearly. Long River routes open now—you'll be busier too."
"Ah, you handled it all. Nothing left for me."
"We said just shield our branch from righteous faction backlash."
"True, but with partners working tirelessly, can the main house slack?"
"So you rallied Jiangxi merchants?"
"You said land routes too would multiply cargo exponentially. Gave Jiangxi commerce a nudge to use the river."
"Grateful."
"Grateful? Sounds like your venture alone."
"Hardly. We'd burst trying to monopolize the Long River. Not that foolish."
"Exactly!"
The clan lord nodded, impressed or agreeing.
"Monopolies are tough. Leaving the river be, just squabbling—no unity. Your idea to boost and share its value astounded me. Paradigm shift—aimed at river forts and bandit dens?"
"Yes."
"Brilliant. Unthinkable before."
"Brother Geon's idea."
"To me, you two are cut from the same cloth."
"Thank you."
"Just stating facts."
As they chatted, Baekri Jong-chu slipped in.
"Clan Lord, greet the young heroes too. Tea while we talk."
"Right, my manners. Baekri Clan Lord here. Main house allied with Iron Lion Sect for the rough roads—treat us casually."
He greeted first despite seniority, signaling close ties with Do Cheon.
"Familiar face here. Senior Sister Byeon, also our disciple."
Do Cheon introduced starting with Byeon Ryeo-gun. Iron Lion disciples thrilled at meeting the famed Baekri Clan Lord face-to-face.
"All welcome. Stay at least a day—I'll rally every guard to cling to your legs if not."
"Scary enough to oblige."
Do Cheon played along, agreeing to overnight.
"Where are those kids?"
The clan lord glanced at Baekri Jong-chu. Voices murmured at the entrance, then six youths entered—four men, two women, the clan's younger generation.
"Brats! Hurry up, no dawdling!"
Under the lord's bellow, they quickened, eyeing Do Cheon and juniors curiously. Iron Lion disciples mirrored the curiosity.
"These troublemakers are our future. Steer them straight, Iron God Dragon, lest they ruin us."
Calling Do Cheon "Iron God Dragon" made the youths' eyes sparkle more.
"We've long shared blood ties with Nangong Clan. Shared your matters early, urged alliance—but they cling to Great Righteous Alliance's shadow."
"Natural, perhaps. Volcanic and Baekri made a tough call."
"No need to praise. When I decided, no issues foreseen. Joining you posed no righteous qualms."
Do Cheon nodded. True then—before Heavenly Demon arts revealed, before river bandits and mountain robbers joined.
"Regretting the decision?"
"Not at all."
"...?"
"Might as well reshape the realm's board with you."
"...!"
"Know what I've done since becoming clan lord?"
"...?"
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
Frustration and irritation poured out. A man upholding dignity at his age bared his heart. Do Cheon listened earnestly.
"Poyang Lake routes ignored on purpose? Who doesn't know linking to Long River means profit? But impossible. Negotiate with river pirates first. Unpalatable for righteous folk, but why spill blood? Pay tolls for massive gains."
"Great Righteous Alliance's fault?"
"Precisely. All orthodox sects, really. We'd face universal finger-pointing."
The lord sighed, frowning deeply, stifled.
"Martial world can't ignore commerce. Even we spend fortunes monthly feeding retainers. Seven Great Sects get lay disciple donations—no issue. Clans lack that structurally—few or no lay disciples. Can't sustain without business. But every venture draws orthodox scrutiny. Business isn't just money—it's culling rivals. Win, and they cry 'martial monopoly'—who dares start?"
Do Cheon grasped instantly. He'd seen it: Clear Dawn Escort raged to Wudang's Yunyang Zhenren about Iron Lion dominating trade, squeezing them—prompting a visit.
Do Cheon nodded; the lord continued.
"White Sword Sect courting fiends behind scenes? Same bind—needed cash to survive."
"Understood."
Do Cheon agreed. Watching, the lord voiced long-buried words emphatically.
"A realm without orthodox-unorthodox divides. That's the martial world I crave."
"..."
"Iron Lion is neither. Nor are we."
His ambition encapsulated. Do Cheon finally understood: escape Seven Sects-Five Clans framework. For Baekri Clan's free flight.