Chapter 26
Chapter 26
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: Chapter 26
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: Heaven-Rending Legion 2
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Morning broke.
The sun rose slowly, pouring out warm heat, while the wind remained gentle. Only white clouds drifted across the blue sky. Another clear and pleasant day. It would get quite hot around midday, but since it was summer, it seemed bearable enough.
After breakfast, the master, senior brothers, and junior brothers all headed to the Iron Lions' training ground they had discovered the day before. For the first time since Do Cheon's return, Yi Yeol and Iron Mountain avoided their stick-beating punishment. With their bodies now prepared, they were ready to begin serious internal art cultivation training. The most excited of all was Little Sparrow. Having always practiced alone, gathering together like this had her humming happily.
Do Cheon watched until everyone had taken positions at appropriate intervals and started their training. He instructed Young Ki on what needed to be done, then stepped outside.
Glancing up at the sky, Do Cheon flashed a pleasant smile and headed toward the Iron Lion Sect's main gate to wait for the Heaven-Rending Legion. He planned to fight him outside the sect—not only to avoid damaging the buildings, but also to ensure plenty of witnesses.
"Where did you go last night?"
A voice that pleased the ears.
It was Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun.
Do Cheon deepened the smile on his lips.
"Aren't you monitoring me a bit too openly?"
"That's the reason I stayed here in the first place."
"What's there to monitor? I've already told you everything that needs telling."
"It was just words."
"Well, I'm planning to show you with actions today."
"Pardon?"
Do Cheon suddenly halted. He stared blankly at Byeon Ryeo-gun for a moment before turning in a different direction.
"Where are you going?"
"Seeing you reminds me of a certain bitch."
"A bitch?"
"A bitch who gave up being human, so I can't treat her like a proper woman. Forgive the harsh language."
"What on earth did she do for you to say she's forsaken her humanity?"
"The bitch stripped prostitutes naked and forced them to do unspeakable things no person should. When they wouldn't obey, she tried ripping their heads off and gutting them with a knife. And she said it to my face. Threatened to tear me apart while I was still alive."
"Good heavens! What a beastly bitch."
"Exactly. Last night, even the word 'bitch' slipped out of my mouth."
"What kind of bitch is she?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun was getting more excited, raising her voice, when Do Cheon stopped and flung open the warehouse door.
Through her wildly tangled hair, eyes gleamed ferociously.
Even slumped against the wall with her acupoints sealed, she exuded the savage fury of a beast, glaring at the two as if she would devour them whole.
"Who... no way?"
"That's right. The Heaven-Rending Legion's daughter."
"My god!"
While Byeon Ryeo-gun stared in shock with eyes wide as saucers, Do Cheon stepped inside, grabbed the White Rakshasa's arm, hauled her to her feet, and dragged her out.
"What do you plan to do...?"
"Let's go."
"Where to?"
"Don't we need to welcome the Heaven-Rending Legion?"
"He knows about this too?"
"You think he doesn't?"
"What...!"
"You'll see when we get there."
Do Cheon flashed a sly smile as he led the White Rakshasa toward the main gate. Byeon Ryeo-gun followed slowly behind, holding her breath in worry.
The Iron Lion Sect's grounds were vast indeed. It took quite some time of walking before the main gate came into view in the distance.
"Ah, right. I need to get compensation for smashing the main gate. Wonder if that old Heaven-Rending Legion geezer will pay up."
Do Cheon muttered to himself. Byeon Ryeo-gun stared at his profile, unsure if his nonchalance stemmed from true confidence or was a deliberate act to shake off anxiety. She still couldn't tell. All she could sense was the astonishing calm of his flowing energy.
"I told you all to stay put in the training ground today—where do you think you're going!"
Do Cheon suddenly bellowed.
Byeon Ryeo-gun looked over to see Iron Mountain creeping cat-like toward the gate outside, startled into jumping.
Iron Mountain whipped around in surprise at the sound of Do Cheon's voice.
"Just stepping out for a bit of fresh air up ahead—is that a crime or something? Why yell like that?"
"Why so jumpy if you've done nothing wrong?"
Do Cheon approached and said.
"You yell like that—who wouldn't jump?"
"You're jumping because you've done something wrong."
"Damn it, I haven't, so mind your own business. I'm just gonna get some air and come back."
Iron Mountain turned and headed for the gate.
At that moment, Do Cheon spoke up.
"What is that?"
"What do you mean?"
Iron Mountain shot back without even breaking stride.
"You, who used to strut around proudly talking back to your senior brother. Sneaking off like this means you've got a guilty conscience."
"Guilty about what!"
Iron Mountain whirled around, shouting.
In that instant, Do Cheon's palm thrust right in front of his face.
"What?"
"Hand it over."
"Hand over what?"
"Whatever you're hiding in your bosom."
"Hiding what...!"
"Gonna make me beat it out of you in front of Maiden Byeon?"
"...!"
Iron Mountain glanced at Byeon Ryeo-gun, then grimaced and grumbled.
"I've got juniors who follow me. Thugs, sure, but decent ones in their own way. Sect's doing better now, so I thought I'd check on 'em. Snuck a few silvers without telling Steward Seo. You could turn a blind eye with some senior discretion, right?"
"Do I not know you? Would you sneak off with pocket change like that? When you steal, it's never just silvers."
Do Cheon extended his hand further.
"Shit!"
Grimacing even more, Iron Mountain finally pulled something from his bosom and placed it in Do Cheon's palm. It was a luminous stone emitting a bluish glow.
"Snagged from the ancestors' training ground?"
"Where else would it be? Hmph."
"You even know how much this is worth?"
"How the hell would I? Just know it's worth a fortune."
Do Cheon just stared at it dumbly. Normally, he'd have thrashed him good for this, but it was so absurd he couldn't even muster anger.
"Yeah, shoulda gone to the Golden Flower Money House lord last time and told him to cough up some cash for me too."
"What do you even need money for...? What about these juniors?"
"Just some guys scrapping in the alleys. Too nice to end up in real trouble, so I worry a bit. You know, that sort."
"Hand 'em a fortune and you think it'll change their lives for the better? Never heard wealth invites disaster?"
"Wasn't gonna give 'em everything."
"No matter the amount, street rats with cash—what do you think they'll blow it on?"
"Told you, they're good kids."
"Tell 'em to come work here instead. Work hard, they won't get booted, and pay's double what others offer."
"Double?"
"Told Steward Seo that. But if they're half-assing it or slacking, boot 'em without mercy. If they're serious about working, bring 'em to meet Seo."
"For real?"
"Yeah. Not now, though—in a few days. Might be chaos outside lately. Especially today could get noisy, so everyone stays in the training ground. Not one step out."
"Got it."
Iron Mountain brightened up and turned back. He walked a ways, then suddenly spun around and shouted.
"Double! Not bad at all!"
As they watched Iron Mountain trot off, Byeon Ryeo-gun spoke up.
"Young Master Iron Mountain could turn into a bold great hero with just a little grooming."
"You think so?"
"Yes. He's got that heroic spirit."
"Maybe, but to me, he's just an immature, pathetic little brother."
Do Cheon pocketed the luminous stone, shook his head, and headed outside the main gate.
About 30 minutes later.
Outside the Iron Lion Sect's main gate.
Do Cheon had instructed Steward Seo to prepare two chairs.
"Sit and wait?"
"What's wrong with that?"
Do Cheon sat in one and glanced over.
Byeon Ryeo-gun stood there with an awkward look. Do Cheon didn't press her further and turned his gaze forward. The Heaven-Rending Legion still hadn't shown. This was nothing like his expectation that the man would rush over at first light upon learning his daughter was captured.
"Running late. Abandoning his daughter?"
"To avoid being dragged around by a hostage-taker, he won't show until it's his own time—deliberately."
"Even in your eyes, I'm the hostage-taker?"
"Aren't you?"
"Right, hostage-taker. Got so pissed I ended up doing the one thing I hate most."
"What got you that angry?"
"Told you. What this bitch said."
"...!"
Byeon Ryeo-gun's eyes went wide.
Earlier, she'd agreed it was worth getting mad over, but now it didn't feel that way. She knew how brutally savage the White Rakshasa was—and how terrifying her father, the Heaven-Rending Legion, truly was. Seeing her reaction, Do Cheon said no more.
Silence fell.
Do Cheon sat staring straight ahead without a word, while Byeon Ryeo-gun sank into thought, anticipating what might unfold next. The White Rakshasa, meanwhile, glared murderously, inwardly grinding her teeth over revenge.
Time simply passed.
Another 30 minutes later.
A group appeared ahead. Over 30 warriors clad in pure white uniforms. They advanced slowly, radiating an aura as sharp as honed blades. The moment Do Cheon spotted them, a 'What the...?' expression crossed his face.
One might expect bloodthirsty foes charging as the Heaven-Rending Legion's underlings—but no. They simply marched with stately, vigorous steps, as if showing off their prestige.
"It's the Hundred Li Clan."
Byeon Ryeo-gun recognized them. Do Cheon blinked blankly for a moment before grinning.
"Rarely do they come on their own like this."
"Pardon?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun reacted as if she hadn't understood, her mind racing to guess why the Hundred Li Clan would appear. Do Cheon glanced at her, caught on to her response, and simply chuckled.
Soon, the Hundred Li Clan group halted before the three.
At the lead was a man in his fifties, his face brimming with leisure as he casually scanned the sect's plaque and surroundings before turning his eyes to them. It was the leisure of one who possessed much—edging into arrogance. But his face soon crumpled completely.
He had just noticed Do Cheon was still seated.
'Arrogant punk!'
He didn't know who Do Cheon was. Didn't care. Figured he was just some Iron Lion Sect nobody. Which meant he ought to show proper respect before the great Hundred Li Clan.
Baek Ri-jung. Though from a collateral branch rather than direct lineage, he held one of the clan's top ten expert swordsman spots. Known as the White Cloud Sword Vanguard for his role as the clan's spearhead, his self-confidence and pride in the Hundred Li Clan pierced the heavens.
"The Hundred Li Clan has arrived. You're Senior White Cloud Sword Vanguard Baek Ri-jung, aren't you?"
"That's right. Might you be the Secret Shadow Pavilion Lord?"
"Yes. I'm Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun, temporarily handling the pavilion's heavy responsibilities."
"Secret Shadow it is, then. You already knew the main house was coming. Seems like you've caught on and come out, so straight to the point. The main house is gravely concerned that Secret Shadow Pavilion is colluding with the Dongting Lake bandits."
"...!"
When something is too sudden and absurd, words fail. That was Byeon Ryeo-gun right now.
"Maintaining power requires funds, of course—but that doesn't mean trampling justice and honor for money. If Secret Shadow withdraws, we'll overlook it. Otherwise, the clan will hold you accountable to the bitter end."
It was a threat, a warning, and intimidation all in one.
Byeon Ryeo-gun, utterly flabbergasted, spoke calmly.
"Is this the Hundred Li Clan's official stance?"
"It is."
"Mentioning Secret Shadow directly—you plan to draw the line at me alone?"
"If there's a problem, we'll investigate separately."
It was tantamount to admitting they were only targeting the seemingly easy Secret Shadow Pavilion Lord.
"You absolutely won't be able to."
"Are you insulting the main house?"
"First, Secret Shadow has never colluded with bandits."
"You've opened the Dongting Lake waterways—how can you deny it? The bandits even transported merchants' goods!"
"Second, my presence here has nothing to do with the Dongting Lake waterways."
"We've already secured witnesses. No use."
"Third, my presence here isn't Secret Shadow acting alone—it's the movement of the entire Great Righteous Alliance."
"The Alliance Lord is personally involved?"
"Would the Alliance Lord bother with Dongting Lake waterways? Is that seat so trivial?"
"If it extends to the lake waterways, yes."
"What else is there?"
"After seizing the lake, you'll push into the Yangtze next. Even the Alliance Lord would covet the Yangtze."
"Are you insulting the Alliance Lord right now?"
"You dragged the Lord into this."
"You're making a mistake."
"The mistake is yours. How can you ally with bandits using a sect like this? Our clan has never hesitated to shed blood under the banner of exterminating evil bandits for generations. For our ancestors' legacy alone, we can't look the other way. Decide now—withdraw or not."
As Baek Ri-jung pressed Byeon Ryeo-gun for a decision.
One man came dashing up, largely bypassing the Hundred Li warriors, and bowed deeply before Do Cheon.
"Gang Lord sent me. Says it seems there's trouble at the Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold."
The reporter was Yang Cheon, dispatched by Sky-Spanning Gang Leader Man Gwa-hae.
"The Hundred Li Clan has gotten their hands on the Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold too?"
Before Do Cheon could react, Byeon Ryeo-gun asked urgently.
At that, Baek Ri-jung smiled slyly.
"Now you're showing a proper reaction. Yes. It should be settled by now."
Byeon Ryeo-gun's face hardened gravely at his words. She turned to Do Cheon with worry etched on her features. In response, Do Cheon slowly rose to his feet.
"Tell the Gang Lord I said thanks for all his hard work."
"He said if you praise him like that, entrust him with your eyes and legs."
"Pass on my thanks."
"Thank you. I'll withdraw."
Yang Cheon bowed deeply and departed. Unlike his arrival, he passed the Hundred Li warriors with bold swagger. Do Cheon smirked as he watched.
"Laughing?"
Baek Ri-jung said in disbelief.
Do Cheon turned his gaze toward him.
"Can't even laugh freely before the Hundred Li Clan? What impressive authority."
The moment Do Cheon sneered, Baek Ri-jung's eyebrows shot up fiercely.
"Look at you—truly a spectacle! You think you can stand against the main house relying on Secret Shadow? Is the Alliance Lord really backing you?"
Baek Ri-jung's aura turned razor-sharp.
Laced with killing intent, it bore down on Do Cheon like a storm of blades.
Right then.
"Scram!"
A thunderous roar exploded from behind the Hundred Li warriors. A terrifying pressure crushed them in an instant. The startled Hundred Li warriors turned.
"Withdraw!"
Baek Ri-jung shouted, recognizing the arrival of an extraordinary expert. As the Hundred Li warriors hastily fell back to his sides, an elder appeared, striding forward arrogantly with hands clasped behind his back.
"Heaven-Rending Legion?"
Baek Ri-jung cried out in shock.
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