Chapter 38
Chapter 38
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: Bounty
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A valley shrouded in darkness.
The only sound echoing through the air was the gentle roar of a small waterfall, misting the surroundings with spray.
Sheer cliffs rose sharply on either side, blanketed in thick moss.
A man had descended this treacherous terrain, bounding down like a flying squirrel.
"This is a message from the Heaven-Rending Legion. There's an Iron Lion Sect in Jangsa, Honam Province. Kill the one called Do Cheon."
"In five days, his head will roll, and the remaining debt will be cleared."
"Understood."
The man kicked off the ground and scaled the cliff like a flying squirrel, vanishing from sight. Moments later, the thundering waterfall split apart to left and right, and a figure emerged from within. An elderly man clad head to toe in black.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
The rhythmic pounding that reverberated through the entire mountain was the sound of a chisel striking stone.
In an unnamed deep mountain hollow.
An old man clung to a massive rock face, carving a Buddha statue. He wore a shabby vest and pants roughly hiked up like shorts. His faded white hair and face full of deep wrinkles suggested he was well over fifty, yet the muscles in his arms and legs were impressive enough to shame any man in his thirties or forties.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
With each strike of the chisel into the rock, stone chips rained down, and the Buddha's face on the cliff grew ever more refined.
Then, in an instant.
A figure appeared above on the cliff face amid the flutter of clothing.
"A message from the Heaven-Rending Legion. There's an Iron Lion Sect in Jangsa, Honam Province. Kill the one called Do Cheon."
The chisel fell silent at the voice from above. The old man stopped hammering, his eyes flashing wildly as he tossed aside the chisel and mallet.
"The Heaven-Rending Legion? Looks like they've found Asura!"
The old man launched himself into the air. Soaring nearly three feet high, he spun like a top before unleashing a ferocious kick.
Boom!
His iron-pillar-like leg struck the massive Buddha's face carved into the cliff dead-on. A thunderous roar shook the mountain as the statue's head shattered and crumbled away.
Azure Water Mountain, Guangxi Province.
"A message from the Heaven-Rending Legion. Go to Jangsa in Honam Province, Iron Lion Sect, and kill the one called Do Cheon."
The voice rang out before a rundown log cabin built on the slope of a high peak.
Moments later.
An old man in hunter's garb stepped out. In his hands was a dark iron bow.
Jangsa, Honam Province.
The street in front of the Iron Lion Sect buzzed with life. Shabby old buildings were coming down, replaced by new ones rising in their place. Passersby drawn to the Iron Lion Sect had swelled from dozens to hundreds, milling about and peering at the main gate before drifting away. Do Cheon walked along that street, his heart swelling with emotion.
It was a dream he'd harbored since childhood.
To turn this street into the busiest in the world.
A youthful fancy, perhaps, but one infused with his master's and ancestors' aspirations, so he'd never forgotten it for a moment.
'This is just the beginning. Strength draws people, people bring money. Money attracts more people, and those crowds become even greater power. In time, this street will embody the sect's might.'
As Do Cheon walked, lost in such thoughts and surveying the area.
"Well now, Young Master Do! Out and about?"
A familiar voice called out. Turning, he saw Sky-Spanning Gang Leader Man Gwa-hae hurrying over from across the street. His legs must have healed enough to run now.
"Supervising personally?"
Do Cheon asked, eyeing the new building going up opposite them.
"If I just give orders and walk away, they'd slap something half-assed together. It's the first impression for visitors to the sect—the face of the place. Gotta make it look good and sturdy enough to last ten thousand generations."
"The sect?"
"I'm your loyal man, Young Master."
Do Cheon chuckled at Man Gwa-hae's weasel-like grin. Before, the obsequiousness had made him distrustful, but now it felt genuine—like family. The easy smile carried more trust than fawning ever could.
"Lots of martial artists showing up lately. Any trouble?"
"Keeping the kids on a tight leash. If anything pops off, we'll say we're under Iron Lion Sect—no worries."
"Even if the Yam King hauls you in, you won't die. I'll bail you out."
"Young Master... thank you."
Man Gwa-hae beamed with gratitude.
"You've done enough already. Let's bury the past. Live proud from here on. I've got your back, so your later years can be worthwhile."
"Thank you. Compared to being White Sword Sect's puppet, this feels like real living. I'm always grateful to you."
"Yeah, let's both hustle. Better days ahead. Speaking of, White Sword Sect staying quiet? Losing Sky-Spanning Gang must sting."
"Quiet as can be. With you here, what can they do? But that young Baek is turning into a headache."
"Baek Mu-gi?"
"Yeah. Was debating whether to bother you over it. Didn't want to waste your time on trifles."
"What's he done?"
"Been drowning in booze at our pleasure house for days."
"...!"
"Thought it was White Sword Sect woes at first, let him be. But drunk ramblings say it's a woman."
"A woman?"
"Yeah. Sent the girls to dig—turns out his marriage fell apart."
"Marriage busted?"
"Was set to wed Clear Dawn Escort Agency's daughter, but they called it off unilaterally."
Man Gwa-hae knew nothing of Do Cheon and Yeo Su-a's history, so he spoke freely.
"Where is he now?"
"Young Baek?"
"Yeah."
"Fragrant Pavilion."
"Lead the way."
"You wanna meet him?"
"Yeah."
"Got it."
Do Cheon followed Man Gwa-hae to the Fragrant Pavilion. To confront Baek Mu-gi, lost in drink.
Fragrant Pavilion.
Not even nightfall, sun high in the midday sky, yet the top floor reeked of liquor. In the center of a private room lay a sprawled young man.
Baek Mu-gi of White Sword Sect.
Passed out drunk in a spread-eagle flop. Do Cheon grabbed his collar, hoisted him up, and leaped out the window. He landed lightly three stories below and chucked Baek Mu-gi into a pond he'd spotted on the way.
Splash!
Pond water sprayed high. Moments later, Baek Mu-gi burst out gasping, face pale as death. He scanned wildly, locked eyes with Do Cheon, and froze. But only briefly—then he slumped by the pond's edge.
"Why not just kill me?"
"Done something worth dying for?"
Baek Mu-gi fell silent.
Then flopped backward.
"Said you'd show a changed man next time, so go ahead and mock me. Life doesn't bend to my will much either."
"Who are you to me?"
"...!"
"Who are you that I owe you mockery?"
"Then why come?"
"This is my turf."
"...!"
"Pay for booze if you wanna drink. Clear out when closing time hits. My guys are soft, let you linger—but next time, tell 'em to toss you out. Don't kick up a fuss, or I'll visit White Sword Sect myself."
Baek Mu-gi's fists clenched. First time anyone threatened to march on his sect. Infuriating, humiliating—but Do Cheon had the chops, so no retort came.
"Got it? Now scram."
Baek Mu-gi sat up, rose, stared hard at Do Cheon, then turned away.
Stooped shoulders, leaden steps.
The posture of utter defeat.
As Do Cheon frowned, watching, Baek Mu-gi—without turning—spoke from a distance.
"Thanks to a fine gentleman like you, my marriage is shattered. Su-a... make her happy."
"Think I look like some skirt-chaser after another man's girl?"
"Never even held her hand proper."
"That's your mess. I'm not thrilled some runaway heart's gone single, so quit wallowing and beat it."
"You know her temperament."
"Yeah, I do. In her state? She'd hang herself by now."
"...!"
Baek Mu-gi whipped around, stunned.
"While a fool drowns in booze and flees, the one waiting? Probably swung already."
"You knew and...!"
"She'd be happy to see me?"
"...!"
"Anyway, not butting into your drama. Get lost."
Baek Mu-gi gaped, then snapped his head up and bolted off somewhere.
Do Cheon watched, then strolled to the pond. Peering in, his blank face stared back. Staring at it, Yeo Su-a's face overlapped. Unforgettable, unshakable. No longer love—just a subtle ache, lodged deep in his chest. He gazed long, then sighed.
"It was your choice, in the end."
Do Cheon had ventured out from Iron Lion Sect to scout the crowds drawn by rumors about him, hoping to find recruits worth taking. But Baek Mu-gi's mess soured his mood, so he put off tomorrow's outing and headed elsewhere. Didn't feel like returning to the sect just yet—might stew—so he made for Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold.
Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold.
Stronghold Leader Gwak Hyu startled at the unannounced visit but welcomed him warmly.
"Could've sent word ahead. I'd have prepped some snacks."
"I'm the one always taking, no need. Fancy a walk?"
"Sure."
Gwak Hyu led Do Cheon to his private fishing spot. Fine scenery, gentle breeze—perfect for dangling a line and zoning out.
A mid-teen boy trailed behind them.
"Your disciple?"
Do Cheon asked.
The kid he'd knocked out on his first visit here. Now his eyes sparkled with curiosity—sharp one.
"Yes."
"Taught him all your arts?"
"Everything worth knowing, headwise. Why ask?"
"If you ever think of it later, send him my way. Not pushing—just no misunderstandings."
"Understood."
Gwak Hyu answered cautiously. Only disciple—touchy subject. Do Cheon dropped it, following silently.
Soon, they reached Gwak Hyu's retreat. Do Cheon nodded, taken by the peaceful vista.
"Nice spot."
"Great for solitude-lovers."
"Feels that way. One day, with time free, fishing here with you sounds fun."
"Anytime."
Do Cheon nodded, drinking in Dongting Lake's expanse. Low ridges shielded the wind left and right; ahead, the vast waters felt like oceanfront, refreshing the soul.
He went quiet so long, Gwak Hyu's disciple looked bored. Suddenly, the air stirred, forming a barrier sealing in their words.
'Casually manipulating ambient qi like this... incredible skill!'
No surge from Do Cheon made it more astonishing.
"Stronghold Leader."
"Yes. Speak."
"Look into the Yangtze 18 Strongholds for me."
"...?"
"Yoo Geon's intel is solid, but merchants and warriors see different. Plus, you're in the life—another angle."
"Serious about claiming the Yangtze?"
"Baekri Clan backs us quietly."
"...!"
The alliance shocked more than the ambition. Implicit—no public face—but huge.
"Want their org charts, top experts per stronghold."
"None of the 18 weaker than Dongting Lake Waterway. Top five? Monsters."
"I know."
He knows? Still going for it?
Gwak Hyu stared, stunned.
Do Cheon gazed at the lake.
That poise spoke volumes—his strength, confidence.
Dismissing the 18 Strongholds as small fry.
Gwak Hyu stared, then bowed politely.
"I'll investigate ASAP."
Do Cheon returned from Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold as the sun dipped west, shadows stretching long.
Ong Jung-seo dithered at Iron Lion Sect's main gate—stay or go?
No upsides to lingering, but no downsides either. Unclear future, but the sect was clearly storm's eye. Staying promised spectacles.
"Wonder what he'll say if I brazenly stick around?"
Unsure of Do Cheon's temperament toward him, he hesitated.
As Ong Jung-seo mulled at the gate, a distant old man in hunter garb approached straight for Iron Lion Sect.
Ong Jung-seo's face first flashed confusion—What's that?—then horror, like seeing a ghost.
"Th-... Thunder Bow!"