Chapter 54
Chapter 54
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 54
Chapter Title: Gotta Catch Those Guys
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Knowing your opponent is a tremendous advantage. Figuring out why they've approached you, or whether their attitude toward you stems from genuine sincerity, is an incredibly powerful tool. If a woman possesses that kind of insight, that ability, it becomes a huge help in navigating life. She can spot a man approaching with ulterior motives early on and guard against him or keep her distance before things escalate.
The Celestial Insight Bright Eyes was an eye technique developed for precisely that reason. It was said to be so extraordinary—even beyond what its creator could have foreseen—that it pierced through all the chaos of the human world. But it wasn't an omnipotent or peerless ability. It had clear limitations: it didn't work on those skilled at concealing their thoughts, practitioners of supreme arts, or masters with profound inner energy who could defend against external intrusions.
Byeon Ryeo-gun's master had taught her the Celestial Insight Bright Eyes. And he'd made her wear a veil. It covered everything but her eyes, drawing the opponent's gaze right to them. Like most eye techniques, the Celestial Insight Bright Eyes required locking eyes with the target to peer into their soul.
"Scary stuff."
Do Cheon hunched his shoulders, pretending to be on guard.
"Yet you're not averting your eyes."
"Ah, looks like I'm no good at deceiving people after all."
"Then why aren't you looking away, even after hearing all that?"
"Nothing to hide. I also want to show you my true heart. Go ahead, look all you want. You'll see just how pure my intentions are."
Do Cheon grinned broadly. Byeon Ryeo-gun simply stared at his face.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You know I can't read your true heart, Do Cheon."
"Is that so? I didn't know. I wanted to lay it all bare. What a shame."
"Lying again. Why tell a lie when we both know the truth?"
"Good point. Hmm... Let's say I just wanted to make the conversation more fun."
Do Cheon thought for a moment, then smiled faintly. Byeon Ryeo-gun smiled back, though all he could see was the crinkle of her eyes above the veil.
"So you're saying you're not some terrifying beauty they call 'Soul-Stealing Lotus Eyes' or 'Flawless Moonlit Flower'?"
"Curious?"
"Very."
"Not terrifying is the answer, but I'm not showing you my face."
"Why not?"
"Because I enjoy seeing you curious."
"Sigh, I'm not amused."
"Maybe someday you'll ask as a favor, with the condition that I show you my face."
"Ask now. I'll grant any request."
"Tell me what supreme arts you've acquired."
"Looks like I'm fated never to see Lady Byeon's beauty."
"Giving up too easily?"
"Hmm... Yeah, no dice."
Do Cheon pretended to mull it over, then quickly shook his head and declared defeat.
"Boring. I'm leaving."
Byeon Ryeo-gun stood up. Do Cheon rose too, his face beaming with a smile.
"If we're late, should I use lightness skill?"
"No need. With those two from headquarters there, we can take our time."
"You know that's my merit, right?"
"I acknowledge it."
"Then grant me one small favor."
"Name it."
"I want to camp out tonight."
"Fine. What kind of favor is that? Just say the word."
"We need a campfire too."
"I was great at making fires as a kid."
"And roast some meat."
"Meat? Hunt some game?"
"For bedding, lay down heaps of dry grass. Find a spot sheltered from the wind, safe from morning dew or rain. In the morning, I want warm porridge to heat me up."
"Let's hit a big inn. Their courtyards can meet all Lady Byeon's demands."
Do Cheon threw in the towel. Byeon Ryeo-gun looked at him seriously and spoke.
"I could do it, but why bother? It's too much hassle with no reason. That's how I feel. After wearing this veil so long, I can't think of a reason not to. No idea why I should show my face to people, and fussing over every detail is annoying."
Do Cheon stared at her for a long while, then made a sorry face.
"I won't ask again."
The tense atmosphere, as if the Yangtze River pirates were about to launch a massive raid on the nearby righteous sects, had calmed overnight.
Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun arrived at the Iron Lion Sect.
But the sect's main gate looked vastly different from when they'd left. The day they departed, they'd just replaced the broken gate, but now even those traces were gone—it had vanished entirely. The pillars supporting it and the walls on either side had collapsed in a heap, and more was crumbling even now.
Because the two of them were fighting.
Heaven-Rending Legion Kang Yi-wi and his disciple Nam Myeong were clashing in a world-shaking battle. More precisely, it was Nam Myeong, whose Hell Demon Realm instrument had gone berserk.
"Infinite Buddha, please step back, both benefactors. It's dangerous."
An old Daoist, with an air close to that of an immortal sage, warned Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun out of concern. But Do Cheon, seething with rage, neither heard nor saw him.
"Me... I'll definitely hold it back this time!"
Do Cheon clenched his fists in fury and strode forward.
"Benefactor, it's dangerous!"
The old Daoist warned, reaching out. In that instant, Byeon Ryeo-gun smoothly intervened, and the Daoist hastily withdrew his hand.
"...!"
The old Daoist turned to her in surprise. Just that fluid intervention told him she was no ordinary person.
"Thank you for your concern."
Byeon Ryeo-gun gave a light bow and fell silent. She didn't yet know the old Daoist's identity.
It was right then.
Do Cheon, striding forward, vanished—only to reappear near Kang Yi-wi and Nam Myeong, who were locked in ferocious exchanges of killing intent. He unleashed a wrathful strike.
Kwa-ang!
An overwhelming shock that made the earth tremble.
Kang Yi-wi slid back three steps, recognized Do Cheon, and trembled with rage, his lips quivering. Nam Myeong, likewise pushed back three steps, unleashed murderous intent from his darkened eyes and charged at Do Cheon.
Kwa-ang!
Do Cheon thrust out his fist again, sending the charging Nam Myeong flying like a kicked stone. But it didn't end there. Do Cheon pursued the airborne Nam Myeong, appeared in midair, grabbed his head, and slammed it into the solid ground.
Ku-ung!
Nam Myeong went limp.
The berserk Hell Demon Realm instrument fled like a rat. But Do Cheon's anger wasn't sated. He raised his foot high, intent on crushing Nam Myeong's skull.
"Spare him!"
Kang Yi-wi shouted desperately. Do Cheon didn't stop. No reason to.
"Stop it!"
A voice shouted not with inner power, but raw throat.
Do Cheon halted abruptly and turned. There was his master. His martial uncles and brothers too. Frowning, Do Cheon withdrew his foot.
"My martial brother and sister... took the Hell Demon Realm..."
Nam Myeong, sprawled on the ground, barely regained his wits and spoke.
"So?"
"They're seeking revenge on your eldest brother... Sorry."
What shallow ears people have. Or maybe just Do Cheon's.
That final "sorry" made him wonder if he'd overdone it.
Do Cheon looked down at Nam Myeong, then turned and approached his master and sect members. Midway, he crossed paths with Kang Yi-wi rushing toward Nam Myeong.
"Thank you."
"Not for your sake, old man."
Kang Yi-wi hurried to Nam Myeong, and Do Cheon went to his sectmates.
"Master, mission accomplished. Back."
Sa Jung-gyeong was too shocked to respond immediately, calming his pounding heart.
Before, no matter the uproar, Do Cheon had strictly ordered him to stay inside, so he'd never seen what happened. But this time, with Do Cheon away, there was no one to represent the sect, so he'd come out.
The battle between Kang Yi-wi and Nam Myeong he'd witnessed was earth-shattering. Terrifying clash of masters he'd never seen before. Yet his disciple had torn them apart like breaking up kids' fights with brute force. Astonishing. The shock bred worry. Thus, he couldn't even greet properly, clutching his racing heart.
"Master?"
"Wait, just... catch my breath."
Sa Jung-gyeong took deep breaths.
Do Cheon watched him worriedly.
No matter how strong the disciple grows, he worries his master. No matter how weak the master, he's still master.
Watching this scene up close, Yeop Mun-wi smiled warmly.
"So, how'd it go?"
"Yes, Martial Uncle."
"Good. There was a ruckus, but no one's hurt, so let it go."
"Yes."
Do Cheon bowed politely. Turning, he saw his master had finally composed himself.
"I never knew my disciple had reached this level."
"Is that so?"
"Proud and impressive... but worrying too."
"You said as long as we uphold our duties, all worries become joys."
"Right. That's the way."
Sa Jung-gyeong nodded repeatedly.
That was his philosophy for living—words he'd taught his disciples. But now, witnessing something beyond that philosophy, his mind reeled.
"Sect Leader Sa, we should prepare a reception."
The Volcanic Divine Sword approached and said.
As Sa Jung-gyeong, Do Cheon, Yeop Mun-wi, and others turned, the Volcanic Divine Sword looked at the old Daoist with Byeon Ryeo-gun.
"He's Yun Yang Daozhang from Wudang Sect. Seems he's come for me, and it looks related to Young Hero Do."
As all eyes turned to Yun Yang Daozhang—
Kang Yi-wi rushed up frantically.
"You heard about those two damn bastards?"
"Yes."
"Gotta catch those guys."
"Go ahead, no need to tell me..."
"You're the only one I can entrust him to."
Kang Yi-wi pointed back at Nam Myeong. Do Cheon's face twisted.
"No."
"Obviously. But take him. Sect Leader Sa, I've urgent business. See you later."
"Yes, go."
Kang Yi-wi bowed to Sa Jung-gyeong and vanished with lightness skill. Everyone watched nonchalantly, except Do Cheon, who glared irritably—but to no avail.
"Let's go. He's from Wudang, so we must receive him properly."
Sa Jung-gyeong said, gazing afar at Yun Yang Daozhang. The Volcanic Divine Sword nodded and turned that way.
"He didn't notify us beforehand, so Master needn't greet personally."
Do Cheon interjected.
Sound logic. But Wudang made it tricky. As Sa Jung-gyeong hesitated, the Volcanic Divine Sword sighed.
"Young Hero Do's right. I've enjoyed privileges so long, I forgot: when courtesy is due, offer it first."
With even the Volcanic Divine Sword agreeing, Sa Jung-gyeong shed his dilemma.
"Then I'll leave it to my disciple. Alliance Leader, please guide him."
"Will do."
The Volcanic Divine Sword nodded, and Sa Jung-gyeong led his sect disciples inside.
Soon, only the Volcanic Divine Sword and Do Cheon remained. Yun Yang Daozhang approached with three Wudang disciples. Byeon Ryeo-gun came too.
"Infinite Buddha, Alliance Leader, long time."
"Yes. I hope Daozhang has been well."
They exchanged brief greetings, reuniting after ages. Then Yun Yang turned to Do Cheon.
"So you're the famed Iron Divine Dragon everyone's talking about?"
"Do Cheon."
Do Cheon gave a casual fist salute.
Wudang disciples' faces flushed with anger, but none spoke. They couldn't. Do Cheon's terrifying prowess against Kang Yi-wi and Nam Myeong silenced them.
Yun Yang eyed Do Cheon suspiciously, then turned to the Volcanic Divine Sword.
"Alliance Leader."
"There must be good reason for Daozhang to leave Wudang. Speak freely."
By status, Great Righteous Alliance Leader Volcanic Divine Sword outranked. But by seniority, Yun Yang was half a generation above. Mutual respect.
"Claims arose that the Alliance Leader colluded with evil sects to stir chaos. I came to verify."
Yun Yang spoke calmly, eyes sharpening.
But the shrewd Volcanic Divine Sword wouldn't falter.
"I see. Then let me explain. Lady Byeon."
At his call, Byeon Ryeo-gun, standing apart, approached.
Yun Yang glanced between them, puzzled why.
"Recently appointed her head of Secret Shadow Pavilion."
"Secret Shadow Pavilion Head Byeon Ryeo-gun."
She bowed politely at the introduction.
"Ah, pleased. Yun Yang of Wudang."
Yun Yang returned the greeting, scrutinizing her anew.
Then Do Cheon interjected.
"Righteous faction business, so I'll take my leave."
"How does Iron Divine Dragon speak of it as others' affairs?"
"Because it is."
"What do you mean?"
"Iron Lion Sect is neither righteous nor evil."
"Pardon?"
"Exactly."
Do Cheon turned from stunned Yun Yang and shouted at Nam Myeong standing dumbly afar.
"Hurry up!"
Nam Myeong stared, then approached. Wudang folk, having seen him match Kang Yi-wi, watched warily.
Under those gazes, Nam Myeong reached Do Cheon and grumbled.
"I feel like the elder here..."
"Don't honor enemies."
"Am I the enemy?"
"Look what you did... Ah, right! Money!"
"...!"
"Broke it twice. Walls this time. Pay up everything you've got."
"I'm broke. Ask my master. You honored him, though."
"No money? Pay with labor. And I don't rude-mouth elders."
Do Cheon replied irritably yet point-by-point.
He nodded to Byeon Ryeo-gun and turned toward Iron Lion Sect.
"Quit dawdling!"
Nam Myeong hurried after.
"Let's honor each other. I have position too."
"No rampaging while staying at headquarters. One more time, and I'll crush your skull for real."
At Do Cheon's warning, Nam Myeong shrank like a turtle, dropping the honorific plea. As they left, Yun Yang eyed the Volcanic Divine Sword suspiciously.
"Come inside first."
The Volcanic Divine Sword smiled and guided him.
Toward the Iron Lion Sect.