Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Let's See Who Wins!
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“State your names first.”
“I'm Jo Gu from Hanyang.”
“Kang Gae, came here with this guy.”
“Yeom Cheon from Ganghwa.”
“Jo Tak!”
“Yang Il!”
Some spoke cautiously, others boldly, and a few bellowed out their names. They each revealed themselves in their own way.
Do Cheon eyed the applicants sharply.
He wasn't judging their current skills. In a year or two, even low-level martial artists could be drilled into having solid basics, and he'd pick out the promising ones to train as elites. Of course, he'd hire specialists to handle their training.
What mattered now was sturdy bones. They needed hot blood that would boil with rage if a comrade fell. If someone insulted the Iron Lion Sect, they had to have the courage and loyalty to confront them, no matter how great the offender.
“Wi Hong here.”
“Yu Chil.”
These two looked to be in their mid-to-late teens, quite young. After giving their names, they glanced around, as if searching for someone. Do Cheon instinctively knew from their unusual demeanor that they were the "good kids" Iron Mountain had mentioned.
“What can you do?”
Do Cheon asked, pretending ignorance.
“I handle my fists pretty well.”
Wi Hong answered, and Yu Chil nodded.
“Fists? Were you one of those loafing thugs from the streets?”
Wi Hong and Yu Chil visibly flinched at Do Cheon's words.
“Look around. Everyone here can at least swing a sword. Think you can keep up?”
They panicked even more, unable to respond. Just then, a burly man in his thirties nearby jumped in.
“We came because Iron Mountain hyung told us to.”
He was Oh Sam, the man who'd slipped Wi Hong some silver and begged him to come.
Do Cheon gave a look that said, "Is that so?" What amused him was how Wi Hong and Yu Chil blushed at the revelation.
Do Cheon chuckled.
“You three pass.”
Oh Sam beamed, while Wi Hong and Yu Chil just kept blushing.
“Head that way; someone'll guide you.”
Seo the Chief Steward pointed, and Oh Sam nudged the two along as they left. Moments later, their hushed voices drifted in, caught by Do Cheon's sharp ears.
“He gave back the silver, so why bring it up?”
“It's the truth. What's the harm?”
“Hyung's not here.”
“That's why we should say it.”
“He just said come; he didn't say to drop his name.”
“We basically passed anyway.”
“I thought hyung would be here.”
“Anyway, we passed. Good enough.”
“Hyung'll be pissed if he finds out.”
“Deal with that later... You guys handle it.”
Do Cheon pieced it together and laughed again.
“Not sure if they're as good-hearted as Iron Mountain says or just clueless.”
He muttered to himself before scanning the remaining applicants. The interviews continued, weeding out the too old or too frail. Out of about 250, roughly 180 passed. Seo the Chief Steward gathered them and handed each a silver coin—something none had expected. But the real test lay in those coins, unknown to all.
Do Cheon finished the interviews and sat facing Thousand Kills Sword.
“Killing isn't everything. Seems that matters a lot to you.”
“Yes.”
“The world works on give and take.”
“...!”
“I want to know why you're asking.”
Thousand Kills Sword rose.
Meaning he couldn't say.
“Coward? Scared to reveal your own thoughts?”
Thousand Kills Sword glared as he turned to leave.
Do Cheon smirked.
“Can't even face your own issues head-on, so you sneak over walls at night. Think glaring makes you a tiger instead of a stray cat?”
Do Cheon's sharp words made Thousand Kills Sword grip his sword hilt. Vast energy surged, pressing him down like that night.
“You know what happens if you draw that.”
As Do Cheon's words ended, the sword flashed out. Simultaneously, a sharp crack! rang out, and Thousand Kills Sword tumbled away.
Ong Jung-seo froze like stone, realizing that night's events were real—Thousand Kills Sword couldn't even compete. Blood Water Rakshasa rushed to his side.
“This sucks! What happened to that handsome face?”
As Blood Water Rakshasa reached for his cheeks, Thousand Kills Sword's eyes snapped open.
“Eek? You scared me!”
Blood Water Rakshasa yelped, crouching and scrambling back.
Thousand Kills Sword shot up, hand trembling on his sword before turning away. Do Cheon's voice followed.
“I was fearless in my teens too. The sect was declining, but I wasn't helpless, so I'd beat street thugs. But black path warriors? No chance. I'd always dodge them. Pride as the great disciple of the Iron Lion Sect couldn't help. So I vowed: if I got strong, I'd kill anyone trampling me or the sect.”
Thousand Kills Sword turned back.
Do Cheon stared straight at him and continued.
“Killing isn't everything. True. The one I spared is now my eyes and ears, helping greatly. Thanks to him, I learned you don't have to kill to use someone. If you expected some grand philosophy, sorry—that's it.”
Do Cheon finished. The skill gap was too vast to mention, but he couldn't say that.
Thousand Kills Sword stared silently before speaking.
“Born a warrior, lived as one, will die as one. My one wish: fight a true supreme warrior like a true warrior.”
“...!”
Do Cheon looked baffled, then laughed.
“Got it. You want to be a real warrior, fight real warriors in their world, and end like one. That's your goal. But no such warriors or world exist, so you're wandering like a runaway teen. Why not kill? Warrior fights should end in life or death—that it?”
Thousand Kills Sword didn't argue, affirming it. Do Cheon shook his head.
“You glorify warriors. To me, they're just sword-wielders, fist-fighters, blade-handlers.”
“A warrior is...”
“A warrior's a thug. Someone wielding violence through martial arts—that's a warrior. No matter how you dress it up, thugs. Heaven-Rending Legion, Volcanic Divine Sword, Heavenly Demon, me—all thugs. You think you're different?”
“...!”
“Thought you had some pride and convictions, but you're just a fool lost in delusions.”
“Fool lost in delusions...”
Clearly shocked, Thousand Kills Sword mumbled it unconsciously.
“Instead of bitching the world doesn't match your thoughts, question if yours match the world's. Hate being called a fool? Stop acting like one.”
Thousand Kills Sword stood speechless. Do Cheon turned to Blood Water Rakshasa.
“Take him and get out. Don't lurk around again. I won't kill you, but I'll shatter your dantian.”
Blood Water Rakshasa startled and tugged Thousand Kills Sword's sleeve. He glanced back at Do Cheon, then followed her out.
“You stay.”
Ong Jung-seo froze in surprise.
“I won't lurk again.”
He groveled.
“I'm in a bad mood, so do one thing for me before you go.”
“What is it...?”
“Guard the main gate from tonight till morning. Many passers will bolt; catch them all and take back the silver.”
“All night?”
“Two Sky-Spanning Gang members will be first—let them go, don't forget.”
“Why me?”
“Can't do that much for your life? Want me to kill you now? Or smash your lower dantian?”
“I'll do my best.”
Ong Jung-seo bowed deeply.
“You've lived long enough to know how precious connections are. Do it right.”
“...!”
Ong Jung-seo, planning to flee, widened his eyes. Over the wall, spared life, now this task—fate's thread. Who knows when it might save him later.
He nodded.
“Not one escapes.”
“Eat here. Food's renowned—better than most inns. Stay till nightfall.”
“Understood.”
The wily veteran sensed no threat from Do Cheon. This bond could only help, never harm. He'd stay gladly.
Do Cheon left Ong Jung-seo behind.
“Ha, thought I was finding decent Iron Lions...”
His sigh echoed outside.
Ong Jung-seo tilted his head.
'Iron Lions? Planning to take Thousand Kills Sword as one? A righteous sect accepting that demonic fiend?'
The next morning.
Do Cheon gathered the passed warriors. From 180, only about 80 remained. Over half had fled overnight.
“More stayed than expected.”
Do Cheon scanned them. The 80 looked tense and worried, eyes fixed on him. Soon, Ong Jung-seo appeared, holding out a torn shirt flap under everyone's gaze.
“Wi Hong! Yu Chil!”
Do Cheon called without taking it.
“Yes!”
“Here!”
“Step forward.”
They hurried up.
“Divide it between you.”
Do Cheon nodded at the flap. Wi Hong took it, unfolding to reveal about 100 silver coins.
“Recovered from last night's runners.”
Wi Hong and Yu Chil looked shocked, then relieved. The sect had anticipated deserters.
“Those who stayed show basic loyalty—they earn this. Distribute it.”
They snapped to and handed out coins. Faces lit up with unexpected fortune; overnight rumors of fear vanished.
Rumors said the Iron Lion Sect would soon clash fully with the Baekri Clan, recruiting and paying to bolster fighters.
It was false, spread by the two instructed Sky-Spanning Gang members.
“No war with Baekri Clan—that was a lie. A test to filter cowards. You're the real passers.”
Stunned faces broke into grins. Do Cheon continued.
“No shoving unprepared folks into battle, so don't worry. But don't think it'll be easy here. I'll train you brutally till you're ready.”
Elated by silver and no war, they steeled themselves at his words. Faces said they'd come with resolve.
Wi Hong returned with about 20 coins left.
Do Cheon took them.
“These for meat and booze in a month.”
Cheers nearly erupted, but awkwardness held them back.
“Not handing out cash 'cause I'm dumb. It means repay loyalty with loyalty. Serve well, and you'll never worry about money—plenty more coming. And one day, you'll take pride in the Iron Lion Sect.”
Bold words after generosity. Eyes sparkled as one stood.
“I'm Jo Tak.”
“Polite's good, but no need to debase yourself without reason. Drop 'humble one' from now on.”
“Got it.”
“Good. What'd you want to say?”
“You oversaw our interviews, so you're no minor figure, but we don't know exactly who you are—can't greet properly.”
“Curious about me?”
“Yes.”
Do Cheon scanned the curious, expectant faces and smiled lightly.
“You can guess.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Jo Tak's eyes widened; he clasped hands in salute.
“Jo Tak greets the Iron Divine Dragon!”
All sprang up, saluting.
“Kang Gae here. Honored to meet the Iron Divine Dragon!”
“Yeom Cheon! An honor!”
“An honor!”
The Iron Divine Dragon's fame was no trifle lately.
Especially around here—everyone knew.
White Sword Sect, Baekri Clan, even Heaven-Rending Legion.
The dragon among dragons from this land had the whole area cheering. Recalling the sect's past glory, locals hoped the Iron Divine Dragon would shake the world anew.
“Glad you're all here. The Iron Lion Sect is your sect now—protect it with me. Thirty-odd here can't fight; protect them first, treat them dear.”
“No worries. From this moment, we'll guard with our lives!”
“With our lives!”
Jo Tak thumped his chest boldly; all followed.
Do Cheon nodded firmly.
“Good. Expecting great things. Jo Tak leads for now—come to me or Seo the Chief Steward for anything.”
“Will do.”
“About 80 now—make teams of ten. Report to Seo when organized; he'll assign quarters and posts.”
“Understood.”
Do Cheon dismissed them to rest and left. Ong Jung-seo, who'd watched quietly, scurried after.
“Iron Lion Sect's gearing up proper?”
“What're you getting at?”
“Up all night—exhausted. Food was great, as said. Mind if I rest a day?”
“Good work. Do as you like.”
“Thanks.”
Ong Jung-seo beamed toward the kitchen. Do Cheon paused to watch, then Iron Mountain appeared.
“How'd it go?”
“Those good-hearted kids?”
“Yeah.”
“Their loyalty to you seems solid. Decent lads—train 'em well.”
Do Cheon smiled, recalling Wi Hong and Yu Chil. Oh Sam, who'd used silver and name-dropped, had fled but lost even his "all he had" five coins to Ong Jung-seo. Another lie.
“They stayed?”
“Yeah.”
“Heh! Knew it.”
Iron Mountain puffed up proudly.
Do Cheon wanted to say now brothers and over eighty warriors joined, drop the levity—but held back, seeing his joy, and walked on.
“C'mon. Loosen up before breakfast.”
“...!”
Iron Mountain's face soured. Morning nagging ahead.
South of Yungjung Mountain, open plain.
Heaven-Rending Legion fumed wildly.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Each punch shattered the ground.
“That bastard's playing us! Knows we're watching the Wise King corpse, so he's baiting on purpose!”
Volcanic Divine Sword agreed. The motionless Wise King corpse had suddenly charged, stopped abruptly, and gone still again.
“You punk!”
Roaring as if Do Cheon stood there, he unleashed a fist. Force blasted a boulder yards away, exploding it with a roar. Calmer, he spun around.
“Let's see who wins!”
“How?”
Volcanic Divine Sword asked, sensing a scheme.
“Force him to keep using martial arts.”
“No way?”
“Send everyone in my breath's reach.”
Heaven-Rending Legion's eyes gleamed maniacally.
Volcanic Divine Sword was speechless—not from fear, but because it was a damn good plan.
'Demonic paths sure make this easy sometimes.'