Chapter 50
Chapter 50
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Preliminary Survey
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“What’s not working out?”
As Neung Sa-un sat on the stairs sighing, Little Sparrow, who was passing by, showed interest and approached.
“Oh, it’s you, Little Sparrow.”
Neung Sa-un looked up with a smile, and Little Sparrow quickly came over and sat beside him on the stairs. He showed a slightly surprised reaction.
“You’re so friendly and good with people, Little Sparrow.”
“Not really.”
“No?”
“It’s because you’re my senior brother. I wouldn’t even talk to anyone else.”
“Am I that comfortable for you?”
“Am I uncomfortable for you?”
When Neung Sa-un asked, Little Sparrow stared blankly back at him. Her eyes held no ulterior motive, revealing a face unclouded by any shade. Unknowingly, Neung Sa-un smiled.
“No, you’re not uncomfortable at all. I’m glad you’re my junior sister. I’m thrilled that the others are my senior brothers. I’m truly happy to be here.”
“Me too.”
A genuine smile spread across Neung Sa-un’s face. Seeing it, Little Sparrow nodded and gave a gentle smile of her own, which made Neung Sa-un smile even brighter. Noticing his face looked much more at ease, Little Sparrow turned her head and said,
“Iron Mountain senior brother kept nagging me about it, so every dawn, we run up the back mountain together. But after running for a few days, I actually gained something from it. You know what that was? It proved he was right. Martial arts are like climbing thousands of stairs—one step at a time, steadily building up.”
“...!”
“After just a few days of running, my legs felt stronger, and those awkward movements started feeling more natural. So, senior brother.”
“Yeah?”
“Take it slow, one step at a time. Don’t get greedy all at once.”
Neung Sa-un blinked and turned to look at her.
Little Sparrow continued without turning back.
“Second senior brother once said that people with nothing have to struggle, so someone has to step up and lead. Luckily, we have our eldest senior brother and the ancestors’ ultimate arts, so we’ll follow wherever he leads. It’s the one path we can choose. Neung senior brother.”
“Yeah.”
“Let’s go together. I want us to go together, following eldest senior brother’s lead. I don’t know what’s at the end, but at least we’ll enjoy the journey if we’re together. So don’t get greedy—take it slow. If you get stuck, ask eldest senior brother for help. That’s what he’s there for, right?”
“I see.”
Neung Sa-un’s tense face relaxed once more. After a moment of silence, lost in thought, he asked with an easy expression still on his face.
“What’s eldest senior brother like?”
“Hmm, normally he’s an easygoing senior brother. But when he gets really angry, he turns into a demon.”
“...!”
“Don’t worry. He never gets mad if you’re not like Iron Mountain senior brother.”
Little Sparrow turned and flashed a bright smile.
Hubei Province, Mount Wudang.
White clouds wrapped around the mountainside, creating a scenic wonder like something out of a fairyland. Beneath the pristine clouds, sheer cliffs dropped sharply, while lush trees spread out below. As the cold northern winds began carving ice on the high peaks for the season, white breaths puffed from the mouths of the Taoists pursuing the Way in the shadows of Wudang.
“This patron from Hunan has urgent words regarding the Great Righteous Alliance Leader.”
“The Volcanic Divine Sword—are you speaking of him?”
“Yes.”
“Coming quietly like this surely means it’s no good news, right?”
“Yes, that’s why I’ve come straight to you, senior brother.”
“You’re saying we might need to inform Elder Jang Gyu.”
“With the Volcanic Divine Sword mentioned, we can’t brush it off lightly.”
“Indeed.”
“What should we do?”
“Bring him here. I’ll hear him out first and decide if we need to tell Elder Jang Gyu.”
“Understood.”
As the guest hall master withdrew, Un Yang Do-jang gazed down at the foot of Mount Wudang, shrouded far below in white clouds.
“When peace lasts long, people forget the hardships of the past, letting laziness and selfish greed take root. But for the Volcanic Divine Sword to... Amitabha.”
Breakfast.
The Heaven-Rending Legion, Volcanic Divine Sword, and Celestial Insight Maiden always ate together. After the quiet meal ended, as usual, fine tea was served—tea worth a pretty penny—and only then did the three converse.
“You must be curious.”
“About what?”
“That rude punk blabbering about my mad disciple.”
“I am. I asked the Secret Shadow Pavilion Master, but she clammed up. Giving her the Moonlit Tablet was truly prescient.”
At Volcanic Divine Sword’s words, Heaven-Rending Legion glanced at Celestial Insight Maiden before quickly looking away. It was a simple gesture, but it showed his fondness for her had grown even more.
“They say a disciple is like a son—I couldn’t kill him.”
“Something serious happened.”
“Very serious. He learned the Hell Demon Scripture.”
“The Hell Demon Scripture?”
Volcanic Divine Sword’s eyes widened in shock.
Hell Demon Scripture!
It was the ultimate art of the Blood Cult leader, who once rivaled the Demonic Cult for dominance in the demonic path. One of the rare forbidden demonic arts in the world—how could Volcanic Divine Sword not be astonished?
“It requires Blood Heaven to complete, but the fool couldn’t resist his curiosity and learned it anyway.”
“He’ll be branded a public enemy of the martial world.”
“You plan to do that?”
“I can’t let personal feelings interfere.”
“Then do as you will.”
“Great hero, this isn’t something to take so lightly.”
“If it’s not light? The Generation’s Heavenly Demon’s ultimate art is already out—does the Hell Demon Scripture even matter?”
“...!”
Volcanic Divine Sword wore the expression of someone who’d been slapped.
Now that he thought about it, it made sense.
The Hell Demon Scripture was a forbidden demonic art that could spark massive waves across the world and potentially brand him a public enemy. But compared to the shock of the Generation’s Heavenly Demon’s ultimate art emerging, it was nothing.
“Whether to call this good luck or not.”
“It won’t vanish, so there’s nothing to celebrate. Sooner or later, people will latch onto it.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“What can I do? Just watch and see.”
“Won’t it be dangerous?”
“I’d sealed his dantian, but my second disciple must have undone it.”
“Did you reseal it?”
“The rude punk said he got hit by it, but it sealed itself.”
“...?”
“Its savage energy allowed a seal once, but never twice—yet it did. Truly worthy of the Generation’s Heavenly Demon’s demonic art.”
Heaven-Rending Legion let out a heavy sigh.
Watching him, Volcanic Divine Sword’s face eased in relief. After a brief pause, he said casually,
“It’ll be hard to hold onto the Great Righteous Alliance Leader position.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Generation’s Heavenly Demon’s art plus the Hell Demon Scripture—if word gets out you knew and kept quiet, that’s the end.”
“...!”
“It’s to avoid great chaos, not for personal gain, right?”
“To those chasing selfish interests, reasons don’t matter. It’s enough pretext to drag you down.”
“Doesn’t the Baekri Clan exist?”
“It only proves I wasn’t after personal gain.”
“Then what will you do?”
“It hasn’t happened yet. It’s just a possibility, so no need to worry too much. But I’ll keep it in mind for preparation.”
“If you need my help, just say the word.”
“They’ll say you’re colluding with unorthodox sects.”
“Then isn’t even this a problem?”
“You have to sit with enemies to negotiate, don’t you?”
“Damn it! The righteous sects are too complicated! Anyway, call on me if you need strength. I’ll half-kill anyone who needs it.”
“Your words alone are reassuring.”
Volcanic Divine Sword burst into hearty laughter.
Setting down her teacup calmly, Celestial Insight Maiden looked at the two and spoke.
“From what you’ve said, I now know both your weaknesses.”
“...!”
“...!”
“Just saying.”
The corners of her eyes above the veil curved. She was clearly smiling.
“Miss Byeon, the young master is looking for you.”
At the voice from outside, Celestial Insight Maiden rose. She politely bowed to the two before heading out. Watching her until the end, Heaven-Rending Legion suddenly asked,
“Should I kill her?”
“Can you?”
“Am I getting old too? I don’t even want to. That’s why I asked.”
“Watching Young Master Do and Miss Byeon makes the divide between orthodox and unorthodox seem meaningless.”
“So, don’t kill her?”
“I want to protect her.”
“You’ve grown old. Volcanic Divine Sword has aged. You used to grab hands when needed but cut them off decisively when not... Tsk tsk tsk!”
“Why make a fuss over my change? Now that the Generation’s Heavenly Demon’s ultimate art is out in the world.”
“True.”
When Celestial Insight Maiden arrived at Do Cheon’s residence, he stood there blankly. Following his gaze, she saw one wall had a gaping hole—the one punched by the Wise King.
“You were looking for me?”
“Ah!”
Do Cheon turned.
“We made a promise with the elders. Wherever I go, I take Miss Byeon with me. You’re not against it, are you?”
“Just because of the promise?”
“Promises must be kept.”
“No issue either way. It’s my job. But where are you headed?”
“To the Yangtze.”
“The Yangtze?”
“Yes. It’ll take a few days—is that alright?”
“I’ll have to ask the two.”
“Ah, I’ve troubled you. Next time, I’ll come get you. Let’s go.”
With that, Do Cheon started walking.
“We’re going together?”
“Yes.”
The two went side by side to find Heaven-Rending Legion and Volcanic Divine Sword.
“I’m going to the Yangtze. It’ll take a few days—should I go with Miss Byeon?”
Do Cheon asked bluntly.
“Why the Yangtze?”
“For a preliminary survey.”
“Preliminary survey? You planning to swallow the Yangtze whole?”
Heaven-Rending Legion glared as he asked.
“Can’t I?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I said no.”
“We opened Dongting Lake’s waterways, so now we’ll open the Yangtze’s. Winter’s almost here, so full operations next year, but keep that in mind.”
Do Cheon ignored Heaven-Rending Legion’s flat refusal. But Heaven-Rending Legion didn’t back down.
“The Yangtze Waterway King isn’t that easy. No one’s eyed the Yangtze for years for good reason.”
“Then we’ll break that reason.”
“What if your martial arts get exposed?”
“Mix it properly with Thunder Wall Fist, and no one will notice.”
“What about the Wise King?”
“That’s the issue. Winter’s coming, so I’ll find a way.”
“What info do you need? The Great Righteous Alliance’s intelligence isn’t weak.”
Volcanic Divine Sword, who’d been listening, chimed in. But Do Cheon shook his head.
“No, I need to see it myself.”
Volcanic Divine Sword glanced at Heaven-Rending Legion at Do Cheon’s words.
“If he insists on going, what can we do? Have the Moonlit Tablet Master follow. If it’s impossible, throw yourself in to stop him. If this fool brings demonic devils down on us because of the Demonic Cult, it’s over.”
Grumbling at Volcanic Divine Sword, Heaven-Rending Legion then firmly addressed Celestial Insight Maiden. She nodded, and Volcanic Divine Sword added,
“The Secret Shadow Pavilion Master has considerable influence—use her well.”
“Yes.”
Neither Heaven-Rending Legion nor Volcanic Divine Sword could stop Do Cheon’s Yangtze trip. As Do Cheon and Celestial Insight Maiden left, Heaven-Rending Legion summoned Blood Light Temple aides, while Volcanic Divine Sword urgently called Spear Freak Ga Gyeom-chang, deputy of Secret Shadow Pavilion, ordering them to tail the pair from afar for any emergencies.
But it was futile. The two started leisurely on foot but vanished in an instant using lightness skill once they reached a deserted area.
Hong Lake Stronghold.
One of the eighteen Yangtze strongholds, named for its proximity to Hong Lake.
Do Cheon stood with Celestial Insight Maiden atop a cliff overlooking the Hong Lake Stronghold’s water fortress clearly.
“Can you really see well?”
Celestial Insight Maiden asked.
The distance was too great for her eyes to make out individuals or clothes, let alone who was who.
“Well enough.”
Do Cheon replied.
His eyes discerned faces in detail, and his senses gauged most of the bandits’ martial prowess.
Gwak Hyu of Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold was right.
Hong Lake Stronghold’s bandits looked stronger and more organized than Dongting’s. Still, not enough to be a real problem.
“Let’s go.”
Do Cheon turned.
Celestial Insight Maiden turned as well.
“Can I ask what you’re thinking?”
“I told you. Preliminary survey.”
“So, survey for what? Isn’t this enough?”
“It is.”
“With your abilities, Young Master Do, you wouldn’t even need a survey. If it’s for another reason...”
“Seems half-hearted?”
“Yes. Honestly, it does.”
“I plan to bring Yi Yeol. Can’t be half-hearted.”
“Young Master Yi Yeol?”
Celestial Insight Maiden’s eyes widened at the unexpected words. Do Cheon walked on calmly.
“He’s still lacking, but after winter, he should handle the Hong Lake Stronghold leader.”
“Do you know what kind of person the Hong Lake Stronghold leader is?”
“Uses two axes, right?”
“Yes. Former bandit, peak expert who came to the Yangtze for its waters.”
“Yi Yeol can handle him.”
Do Cheon spoke with conviction.
Celestial Insight Maiden was speechless.
It was tantamount to saying he could turn a third-rate martial artist into a peak expert in months.
“So the preliminary survey was to check if Young Master Yi Yeol could handle it in advance?”
“Something like that.”
At Do Cheon’s answer, Celestial Insight Maiden couldn’t hide her bewilderment. Do Cheon’s talents were extraordinary, the Iron Lions’ arts were phenomenal, and Yi Yeol’s aptitude was genius-level—after winter, he’d be a considerable expert. But even so, he hadn’t even faced real combat properly.
Celestial Insight Maiden stared silently at Do Cheon.
Do Cheon looked up at the sky as she fell quiet. Dark clouds were gathering from afar.
“Looks like rain. Let’s find an inn.”
Do Cheon’s thoughtful words didn’t seem to reach Celestial Insight Maiden’s ears. After staring in bewilderment for a long while, she asked,
“They say there’s no one in the world who can be happy alone.”
“Yes.”
“You said if you want to hold it, you can.”
“Yes.”
“Then just hold it. You’ll share it anyway. No need to risk danger, right?”
Do Cheon stopped and turned.
“Are you asking because you don’t know?”
“Yes. Because I’m alone in the world without senior brothers and sisters.”
Celestial Insight Maiden’s eyes were earnest. Do Cheon gazed at her a moment, then raised his hand and clenched his fist.
“If I clench it like this, it becomes solely mine.”
“Then share it.”
“I plan to grow it big. That means more people. Will my juniors just follow below, doing nothing but sharing? Over time, they’ll grow unhappy.”
“Then send them off to establish their own when the time comes.”
“Miss Byeon, do you know what I realized most deeply in that cavern?”
“What?”
“That being with my juniors was joyful. Even the daunting worries of how to live felt good because I had them.”
“Is having senior brothers and sisters that great?”
“It is. You’ll know too, Miss Byeon.”
“...!”
“We need shelter from the rain. Let’s hurry.”
Do Cheon quickened his pace. Celestial Insight Maiden followed silently. The eyes visible above her veil looked deeply troubled.