Chapter 61
Chapter 61
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: Change
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"Show me your lightness skill to your heart's content!"
At Do Cheon's words, Ong Jung-seo unleashed his signature lightness skill, whipping through the underground training chamber like a gale. For about half a ke (15 minutes), he flaunted his peak prowess to Do Cheon, but at one point, the ferocity vanished, replaced by a silent breeze-like movement. His speed had slowed somewhat, but it became incredibly stealthy. It was the highest level of lightness skill Ong Jung-seo could muster.
"Impressive!"
The moment Do Cheon exclaimed in admiration, Ong Jung-seo came to an abrupt halt.
"How was it?"
Do Cheon asked.
"No issues at all. It feels perfectly fine."
Do Cheon smiled at Ong Jung-seo's response.
"I told you, didn't I? There won't be any problems—in fact, it might even help sometimes. If any foreign energy invades or something goes wrong, it'll try to protect your heart."
"Should I be grateful, then?"
"I did it for my own benefit, so no need."
"Does that mean the issue with the Wise King is resolved?"
"At least now it won't slaughter the sect's family members. If we use it right, we might even get it to protect the sect."
Do Cheon nodded and glanced at the Wise King. It would be great if the soul-link allowed him to command it directly, but apparently, no such thing existed. When the Generation's Heavenly Demon had first placed the Wise King in the gourd, it had clearly only been tasked with guarding that location.
'We can just think of it as changing that location to the sect.'
Do Cheon immediately went to find his master and martial uncle.
"This way, even if someone tries to suppress you two with their internal energy, it'll block the intrusion. And no matter where you are, I'll be able to locate you easily."
"You're preparing against kidnapping, then?"
"Presumptuous as it may be, yes."
"Do as you wish."
Sa Jung-gyeong and Yeop Mun-wi readily gave their permission.
Do Cheon implanted his energy into their bodies and then sought out his junior brothers. They gathered at the Lion Hall every morning and evening for meditation and energy circulation, but during the day, they trained in their own spaces. This change had started after Yi Yeol received the Nine Swords of the Ghost Sword Emperor's techniques. Seeing Yi Yeol head to his private space to practice the Nine Ghost Swords, Iron Mountain and Little Sparrow had done the same.
Neung Sa-un spent his days buried in the vast collection of books his master Sa Jung-gyeong had amassed over a lifetime, so the Iron Lion Sect's training chamber had naturally become a practice space for just Sa Jung-gyeong, Yeop Mun-wi, and Young Ki.
"How's the training going?"
Yi Yeol, swinging his sword furiously, paused as if dissatisfied, and Do Cheon spoke up.
"It'd be decent if my senior brother didn't interrupt."
Yi Yeol turned around. A smile spread across his previously frustrated face.
"When practicing forms, doubts will arise. Even if you follow them exactly, it often feels like wearing ill-fitting clothes."
"What did you do then?"
"I did what felt comfortable for me."
"Pardon?"
"The creator of the art and I differ in build, mindset—everything. I don't think rigidly sticking to the forms is right, as long as it doesn't deviate from the art's intent. Adapt it to your body within those bounds."
"Ah!"
Yi Yeol's face lit up in understanding.
Do Cheon gave a slight smile and approached.
"Spare me a moment."
"What is it?"
"I'm going to make your heart unbreakable."
Do Cheon grinned.
Do Cheon infused his energy into Iron Mountain, Little Sparrow, Neung Sa-un, and Young Ki as well. That night at midnight, he climbed onto the roof of the workers' quarters, sat cross-legged, and began.
Drawing in vast amounts of natural energy, refining it with the Generation's Heavenly Demon's aura, and sending it into the building, Do Cheon carefully inserted it into the sleeping workers one by one. Without physical contact, it progressed very slowly.
About one shichen (30 minutes) later, a figure appeared silently and landed beside Do Cheon.
It was Ong Jung-seo.
Standing next to Do Cheon, Ong Jung-seo looked down at him briefly before scanning the surroundings.
"You don't need to stand guard."
"Ack! You startled me."
Ong Jung-seo whipped around in surprise at Do Cheon's sudden words.
"If I needed your help, I'd have asked."
"Heh, you're incredible. Circulating energy and talking at the same time?"
"Thanks."
"······?"
"I appreciate the consideration."
"You need to live long for me to witness and experience more fun things."
"Ong, old man."
"Speak."
"I've been thinking—the sect has no Dharma Protectors. What do you think?"
The Dharma Protector position was a special role with no duties beyond safeguarding the sect, so most sects offered it when recruiting outside experts.
"Sounds like you want to put me to work openly."
"Exactly. And I'd like our bond to grow stronger."
Ong Jung-seo's lips parted in a grin.
He was smiling.
"It'd be even better if, no matter what we do, we could say 'from so-and-so's sect.'"
"Let's visit Master together tomorrow."
Do Cheon's tone shifted.
Ong Jung-seo glanced back once more, then smiled easily.
"Very well."
Hearing Ong Jung-seo's reply, Do Cheon focused even harder. After one sichen (2 hours), he exhaled deeply and opened his eyes.
In that time, the surroundings had turned quite white. It was snowing again, five days after the first snowfall. Do Cheon looked around at the whitening roofs of the Iron Lion Sect and murmured.
"The regular warriors are left... What to do..."
"Can't you just do it like this?"
"Even low-rankers might sense the energy."
"Hm, true."
Both fell deep into thought.
About one daekyeong (15 minutes) later, an idea struck Ong Jung-seo.
"How about saying we're installing a formation array in the sect?"
"A formation array?"
"Yes. To guard against external enemies, we'll set up a formation. To let our people move freely inside, we'll infuse a special energy into their bodies."
It was persuasive. But there would be pushback. Warriors hated accepting foreign energy—it was risky.
"Of course, some will refuse."
"Then what about them?"
"They should leave the sect. If you're traveling far, you discard what's necessary."
Wisdom from long years. Do Cheon agreed.
"I see."
The warriors, who rose early as usual, were flustered. The mountain paths looked treacherous from the overnight snow.
"What do we do? It'll be quite slippery."
Yoo Chil said worriedly. The others just stared at the path to the back mountain they'd climbed daily.
"We're not picking fights—we fight whoever comes!"
Someone shouted.
It was true. Battles didn't wait for ideal conditions. They murmured but didn't openly object. In the end, led by Yoo Chil and Wi Hong, they headed up the back mountain.
"Oh? You're out here again?"
Wi Hong looked surprised. Little Sparrow was waiting as always.
"I figured you'd all come."
"What about Brother?"
"Footprints. He's already started."
Little Sparrow pointed to what seemed like Iron Mountain's prints—wide strides, charging like a wild boar as usual.
With Little Sparrow out and Iron Mountain already running, there was no turning back. They began stretching and preparing to run.
Watching them, Little Sparrow said worriedly.
"Isn't it dangerous?"
"That's why we're concerned too."
"How about moving carefully first and judging then?"
Wi Hong replied, and Yoo Chil added his opinion. Little Sparrow nodded.
"That sounds safest. Tell them to go slow today."
"The young lady says go slow today!"
Wi Hong bellowed as soon as she finished. Responses boomed from all around. Little Sparrow's cheeks flushed slightly. It felt strange that her word alone made them comply.
They stretched like any other day. Once warmed up, they glanced aside—it was time for Iron Mountain's booming shout.
Half a ke became one ke, then one shichen, but no Iron Mountain. The footprints were there, but no sign of him. Worry crept in.
"Did Iron Young Master not come?"
"Then what about those footprints?"
Murmurs spread.
"Young lady, what now?"
Wi Hong asked Little Sparrow, snapping her from her worry.
"Uncle Jo Tak!"
Jo Tak, the acting leader, turned.
"Split into two groups of a few each to search the mountain for Third Brother."
"Yes, that sounds best."
Jo Tak agreed. As they turned to pick groups...
"Is that guy Iron Mountain missing?"
Do Cheon's voice rang out. Little Sparrow brightened and turned. Do Cheon approached with instructor Mok Un-san.
"We greet Do Young Master!"
"Greetings, Young Master!"
They cheered loudly. Do Cheon acknowledged each and approached Little Sparrow.
"There are footprints—probably Third Brother's—but he hasn't shown up like usual."
"I'll find him."
Nodding, Do Cheon followed the tracks. He seemed to walk slowly, but vanished like a phantom in a few steps.
"Gone in the blink of an eye!"
"No wonder even Heaven-Rending Legion was in awe—it's true."
"That's not the point."
"Then what is?"
"Think about it. At his age, being mentioned alongside Heaven-Rending Legion is astounding enough without comparing strength. Imagine ten more years like this. What then? First under heaven won't be a dream."
"F-First under heaven?"
"They came thinking this fallen third-rate sect could be a root to plant, but it's the great peng's nest."
First under heaven, great peng.
They nodded, staring where Do Cheon vanished. Seeing their reaction, Little Sparrow's chest swelled, her face reddening again.
'Big Brother...!'
Meanwhile, Do Cheon quickly followed the tracks and soon found Iron Mountain. He'd tumbled down a steep slope, head smashed into a sturdy tree, lying unconscious.
Do Cheon checked—no major issues.
Hoarding Iron Mountain's massive frame over his shoulder, Do Cheon started back but veered toward the Iron Lion Sect instead.
Moments later, appearing empty-handed, Little Sparrow asked urgently.
"Where's Third Brother?"
"Took him to his quarters."
"Is he badly hurt?"
"He'll be fine."
After reassuring her, Do Cheon turned to Mok Un-san.
"Paths are dangerous, so snowy days should be exceptions."
"I was already thinking that."
"What?"
"Clear the snow inside the sect. Roofs, walls—hard for regular folk. Warriors helping with sect chores isn't bad. Builds belonging and solidarity with workers."
"Excellent!"
Do Cheon clapped at Mok Un-san's words.
"Clear the street in front of the main gate too."
"Will do."
Mok Un-san replied, and Do Cheon addressed everyone.
"Heard that? On heavy snow days like today, train by building belonging and solidarity. But first, I need your consent for something."
Do Cheon explained as Ong Jung-seo suggested: Installing a formation array in the Iron Lion Sect, so infusing energy to let them move freely inside.
As expected, some warriors stiffened.
Do Cheon nodded at their reactions.
"It's natural for warriors to resist foreign energy. I understand. But the sect has its needs—no exceptions. Those who can't accept it will get their promised pay, and we'll part ways regretfully."
It must feel like a bolt from the blue. They'd been thrilled to join the rising Iron Lion Sect.
Some eyed suspiciously—force? Natural in the jianghu rife with scams and plots.
"May I go first?"
Unexpectedly, acting leader Jo Tak stepped up. He wanted roots here. From watching, the Iron Lion Sect folk were too good for the jianghu. He chose to trust his judgment and Do Cheon.
"Of course."
Do Cheon smiled. Jo Tak turned, baring his back. Do Cheon placed his palm there, withdrew after a few breaths. After masters, juniors, and now workers, he'd gotten the knack.
As Do Cheon pulled away, all watched Jo Tak closely.
"This... this energy is truly remarkable."
Jo Tak's unexpected words spilled out. They wondered whether to believe.
"Check for heart strain—attack me freely."
Jo Tak clasped fists, unleashed full lower dantian power in a barrage, knowing Do Cheon's strength. Do Cheon blocked one-handed, stance relaxed.
The storm of attacks ended. Jo Tak halted and clasped fists.
"Thank you for sparring."
"No heart discomfort?"
"None at all. In fact, it regulates heartbeat—no pounding, so I could fight more."
His words perked their ears.
"Me too, please."
Wi Hong jumped forward. Yoo Chil followed, then those unopposed. Only five held back.
Do Cheon understood, paid them as promised, and let them go. They were strong, but he valued trust over strength.
The Iron Lion Sect buzzed.
Byeon Ryeo-gun, opening her window wide, beheld an unexpected sight: Warriors and workers united in clearing snow.
Knowing the sect well, she knew warriors and workers rarely crossed paths. Warriors guarded perimeters, no chit-chat with passing workers.
Yet here they shoveled together, awkward but smiling brightly. It struck her impressively.
Beasts growl at awkwardness; humans smile through it, forging new bonds. Most human ties form that way.
'I must do the same.'