Chapter 43
Chapter 43
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: Byeon Ryeo-gun
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Hubei Province, Luohe District.
A pair of old men arrived at a modest manor.
It was the Volcanic Divine Sword and the Heaven-Rending Legion Kang Yi-wi.
"Unlike your reputation, you're living in quite a humble place."
"It seems your predecessors were frugal sorts."
As soon as Heaven-Rending Legion Kang Yi-wi sat down and spoke, Volcanic Divine Sword Yi Jo-yang nodded in agreement.
Seated across from them, Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun simply stared intently, as if demanding to hear their purpose first. Clearing his throat awkwardly at her demeanor, Volcanic Divine Sword got to the point.
"It seems you've mastered the Generation's Heavenly Demon's ultimate arts."
The remark came out of nowhere, but she understood immediately.
"You're not surprised?"
Heaven-Rending Legion wore a puzzled expression.
Only then did she speak.
"You two wouldn't have ruled out the possibility either, right? You just pushed it aside because the situation seemed too implausible."
"The three years were a stumbling block, but we did consider he might have a manual."
Volcanic Divine Sword provided the answer.
"He said it himself—there's no manual that wouldn't rot away over a thousand years."
"Yes, that part nagged at us too."
As Volcanic Divine Sword nodded, Heaven-Rending Legion spoke up.
"In any case, you seem to harbor even stronger suspicions than we do. So why leave without a word?"
"We can't drive a man and his sect into a corner on suspicion alone."
"Drive into a corner? Did you think we'd bully the kid just because we suspected him?"
"Wasn't that it? You came to me after trying that and getting nowhere, didn't you? Or am I wrong?"
Heaven-Rending Legion, on the verge of pressing her, found himself counterattacked and could only furrow his brow. Volcanic Divine Sword stepped in.
"Your guess is spot on. He handled both of us at once. Unless he staked his life, there was nothing we could do, so we backed off."
It was far from the truth, but pride wouldn't let him admit otherwise.
"There was no end to it!"
Heaven-Rending Legion added gravely, conveying Do Cheon's strength.
"So you want me to stick by his side and keep watch?"
Celestial Insight Maiden pierced their intentions with her question.
"The three of us must take responsibility for unleashing that demonic power."
"I thought the same."
Unable to refute Heaven-Rending Legion and Volcanic Divine Sword, she fell silent in assent. Volcanic Divine Sword then drew something from his bosom and placed it on the table.
"It appears this belongs to you."
It was the Secret Shadow Pavilion Lord's identity token.
As she furrowed her brow,
Thud!
Heaven-Rending Legion slammed something down with a bang.
It was a palm-length dagger adorned in pure white.
"This is the New Moon Dagger. It grants the wielder power second only to the Tyrant Emperor Sect leader himself."
Her brow furrowed even deeper. Heaven-Rending Legion found it baffling, expecting shock from her.
"What's with that reaction?"
"It looks like you're granting me full authority, but in the end, it's just telling me to follow your lead."
Volcanic Divine Sword and Heaven-Rending Legion looked as if they'd been slapped. But she had a point, leaving them speechless.
"What more do you need?"
Heaven-Rending Legion asked.
"Nothing. There's nothing more you two can give me."
She shook her head.
As they began to look grave, she reached out and took the two tokens. Their puzzled expressions followed.
"I agree we share the responsibility. Better to have these than not."
They were like lenders who couldn't even boast about the loan, but having achieved their goal, they looked satisfied.
"What did he say?"
At her question, Heaven-Rending Legion's face twisted as he recalled Do Cheon's words. Meanwhile, Volcanic Divine Sword let out a heavy sigh and relayed them.
"Whether his path ends as one that merely shakes the Iron Lion Sect or evolves into one that crushes the world beneath his feet depends on what we do."
"So, don't interfere with him?"
"That's how it seemed."
"Then we just don't interfere."
She spoke as if it were no big deal, prompting Heaven-Rending Legion to shout.
"You make it sound easy! He claims it's just shaking the Iron Lion Sect now, but one day he'll aim to conquer the world, and when that happens, word will inevitably spread to the demonic path."
Her gaze turned to him.
"Uniting the Great Righteous Alliance and Tyrant Emperor Sect could kill him, sure. But the risk is his Generation's Heavenly Demon arts getting exposed in the process."
"Exactly. Unless he's the Generation's Heavenly Demon reborn, there's no reason we can't kill him."
"In the end, our goal is still to stop the demonic cult, just like when we joined forces. Isn't it?"
"Right. I have no greed for the Generation's Heavenly Demon's arts! The demonic cult—the demonic cult ruling the world—that's what we must prevent!"
"Then that's what we'll do."
"How?"
"We watch him without provoking him. Block all outside eyes, especially from the demonic path, completely."
She smiled with her eyes.
Hunan Province, Zhangsa, Iron Lion Sect.
As early dawn broke, Mok Un-sang headed to the back mountain.
After two days of rest, they should be in minimal shape for training—no one would skip out. How many would show? Based on past experience, about thirty percent would rebel and stay away. If half or more didn't appear, it would be time for him to leave.
Low-tier warriors.
The more prestigious the sect, the stricter the discipline and order demanded of low-tier warriors. Great skill wasn't expected. High-level experts handled defense; for battles needing numbers, they trained separate elites.
The Iron Lion Sect was no different.
Seo the steward had said they just wanted discipline straightened out.
Mok Un-sang walked, inhaling the crisp dawn air deep into his lungs. Before the sun's yang energy rose, the air filled his lungs with coolness, cooling his blood and calming his heart. It sharpened focus, making it ideal for circulating inner arts.
Moving meditation.
Circulating qi while walking.
Mok Un-sang practiced it. He could circulate even while walking.
In the short time climbing the back mountain, he completed a minor heavenly cycle of his heart method. By the gathering spot, his nerves were razor-sharp, muscles brimming with vitality.
Mok Un-sang halted.
One person was there.
Curiously, Iron Mountain waited for him.
'Come to pay me back?'
Mok Un-sang approached with an inward scoff. Iron Mountain stared with a sullen face.
"What brings you here?"
Mok Un-sang asked.
"Got a question."
Iron Mountain grunted. Still sullen.
"Ask away."
"What's so good about running? Moving the body helps, sure, but is plain running specially better than other training?"
His face remained sullen, but his eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity.
"I thought this was about last time."
"What about last time?"
"I made a poor showing in front of the low-tier warriors hired by the Iron Lion Sect."
Iron Mountain just blinked. Then he snickered.
"Fights have hits and getting hit. Don't be ridiculous. Answer my question instead. What's so great about it?"
He was sincere. Iron Mountain harbored no grudge; he was truly curious.
Mok Un-sang found it odd but answered.
"Strong stamina makes your life tougher to end. Running until your lungs burn toughens them, hardens your leg muscles. It stimulates blood points across your body, invigorating your vitality. Repeat it, and you build endurance to last on scant air, tougher muscles to withstand expert strikes longer."
"...!"
"To become a sturdy warrior, you must train until your breath gives out."
"Why not say so from the start?"
"Anyone who needs reasons won't fit the Iron Lion Sect."
Mok Un-sang glanced back.
Dozens of low-tier warriors had arrived unnoticed. No one seemed missing at a glance. Decent turnout. But it was just the beginning.
"You've run before, so you know your limits. Push to them repeatedly and you'll break, not build—so stop at your limit. Go!"
Shouting, Mok Un-sang dashed ahead.
One man chased like a gale.
Iron Mountain.
The low-tier warriors followed in a herd.
Shortly after breakfast, Sky-Spanning Gang Leader Man Gwa-hae visited Do Cheon.
"Not sure if it's okay for the likes of me to keep dropping by."
"You're family, aren't you?"
"Well..."
"If you mean it, come and go freely."
"Thank you."
Man Gwa-hae bowed gratefully.
"So, what's today?"
"Baek Mu-gi of White Sword Sect has vanished."
"Vanished?"
"Yes. I had my men watch since you seemed concerned, but he left Zhangsa with the Clear Dawn Escort Agency's young lady. Shall I track where they went?"
"No need."
Do Cheon shook his head.
If those two left together, they'd gone to find their own place. Further interest would be meddling.
'They'll do fine.'
Wishing them well, Do Cheon headed out with Man Gwa-hae. Construction boomed on the main avenue before Iron Lion Sect—most bought by Man Gwa-hae in the sect's name.
"Planning to sell half. It'll draw outside funds."
"Handle it yourself. Just tell me later what's sect-owned. Funds short?"
"No. Borrowed all we needed from the money house as you said."
"Good. Do well. If profits are solid, we'll expand to Dongting Lake cities—sketch out the best ones ahead."
"Already have. Start with Shangde and Eyang. With Zhangsa and Pinzi flanking Dongting Lake, it'll boost lake routes hugely."
"Oh?"
"Mentioned it casually to Yoo Geon; he had it in mind. But Shangde and Eyang are big—tough black path gangs there."
"Someone perfect for that."
Muttering, Do Cheon beckoned aside. Ong Jung-seo, lounging near the gate, raced over like wind.
"What is it?"
"Bored?"
"Not at all."
"Shangde and Eyang near Dongting Lake. Go unify the black path gangs under Sky-Spanning Gang's name."
"This is Ong Jung-seo."
"He's the gang leader—take good care of him."
Man Gwa-hae's eyes widened at the name. Ong Jung-seo wasn't just any thief—a legend in thief circles, infamous in the black path.
"Butcher's knife for a chicken."
"Then I'll go—you guard home. Tyrant Emperor Sect's old man is marked; stay vigilant."
Ong Jung-seo's face hardened at Do Cheon's words.
"Can't use a dragon-slayer on chickens. Butcher's knife it is. What're you waiting for—lead on."
"W-wait, Do Cheon! I'll be off."
"If trouble brews, play safe and drop my name."
"Naturally."
Ong Jung-seo dragged Man Gwa-hae away nonchalantly.
Do Cheon watched them awhile.
Truth was, he was the bored one.
Sect families trained the arts he taught; Yoo Geon's business ran smoothly. Yangtze push waited till transport via Dongting and Poyang Lakes stabilized next year—no immediate need for him.
"Even passing power to Master needs another month. Nothing to do right now."
As Do Cheon sighed idly, someone approached Iron Lion Sect straight from afar. His eyes locked on instantly.
Familiar silhouette.
Even from distance, he knew at once. The figure quickened toward him too.
Closer now.
Blue robes fluttering, striding boldly. No gaudy jewels, yet captivating at a glance. The face veil was a pity.
Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun.
"Hmmm."
Do Cheon unwittingly exhaled like a groan.
Unable to look away even for a moment.
Moments later, they faced each other.
"Were you waiting? I'd be honored."
She asked in a fresh, smiling voice. Even that sounded welcoming. Do Cheon grinned.
"I can guess why you're here, but first, let me repay my debt to you, Miss Byeon."