Chapter 71
Chapter 71
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 71
Chapter Title: I Can't Do That
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"The Alliance Leader wishes to see you."
As soon as Do Cheon returned, Byeon Ryeo-gun came looking for him.
"What's this about?"
"It's best if you hear it directly from him."
Do Cheon headed to the Volcanic Divine Sword's quarters with Byeon Ryeo-gun. Upon arriving, she didn't enter with him, sending Do Cheon in alone.
Inside, the Volcanic Divine Sword greeted him with a hearty laugh.
"Come in. I heard it was a wasted trip."
"I was just tagging along, nothing more. Mind if I sit?"
"Please, have a seat."
The Volcanic Divine Sword watched Do Cheon settle across from him before speaking.
"How's the plan to target the Yangtze going?"
"Well enough."
"I heard the Golden Emperor Clan got involved?"
"Some Iron Arm Emperor or whatever showed up, strutting her stuff."
"Strutting her stuff?"
"She was dressed even bolder than White Rakshasa, yet carried it off with total confidence."
"Ah, I see."
The Volcanic Divine Sword chuckled as the meaning dawned on him.
"If you found her confident, then she's succeeded."
"Actually, calling her confident was Byeon Junior Sister's assessment."
"I see. And what did you think?"
"Not impressed."
"That must disappoint the Iron Arm Emperor. She must have put some effort into it."
"She mentioned running the Golden Command Hall. Do you know what that is?"
"It's the Golden Emperor Clan's outfit for devising and executing countermeasures against major threats. They have a separate force for enforcement."
"Sounds like the Secret Shadow Pavilion if we compare it to the Great Righteous Alliance."
"That's a fair way to put it."
"Her skills were impressive in their own right."
"The Golden Emperor Clan head has three sons and two daughters. That means four rivals."
"Did she crush the rivals and seize the Golden Command Hall?"
"From our analysis, by taking the Golden Command Hall, she can't aim for the clan head position herself. But she can put whoever she wants in it."
"Clever woman."
"Very clever. She can now place someone she can control fully at the top."
"No—she maneuvered things so it looks that way."
"...!"
"If something happens to the other rivals, it all falls to her in the end."
"You're saying she could turn the Golden Command Hall's power inward, not outward?"
"Depends on the kind of person she is, but it's certainly possible."
"Sharp insight."
"You knew?"
"That was one of our analyses. So we looked into her. Word is she's hot-tempered."
"She seemed that way."
"Cold-blooded."
"...?"
"Magnanimous."
"...!"
"She shows exactly what's needed, depending on the situation and opponent."
"Creepy!"
"Everything she showed you was calculated. Either to gauge your reaction or to imprint that image on you."
Do Cheon pondered the Volcanic Divine Sword's words for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle.
"She was probably testing if we have a next move ready."
"Could be. So, do we?"
Instead of answering, Do Cheon grinned.
The Volcanic Divine Sword looked slightly miffed at the sight.
"A secret, then."
"You can't expect me to hand over the Great Righteous Alliance's top-secret intel."
"Fair enough."
The Volcanic Divine Sword nodded, and Do Cheon changed the subject.
"Why did you summon me?"
"Ah, there's a change coming in my personal situation."
"Change?"
"It seems Yunyang Immortal is moving busily."
"Planning to attack us?"
"They'll try eventually, but not while I'm around."
"...!"
"They'll drag me down from the Alliance Leader seat first."
"Over those petty suspicions?"
"The Alliance Leader position demands the utmost fairness and transparency."
"And so they'll fire you?"
"It looks that way."
"Should I apologize?"
"Are you sorry?"
"No. Not sorry at all. What did I do wrong? Not one bit sorry."
"Then we're good."
"Yes. We're good."
"Which is why—if I get booted from the Alliance Leader role, I was thinking of staying here awhile."
"...!"
"Returning to Mount Hua would be too embarrassing."
"Is that why you called me?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Stay as long as you like. But on one condition."
"A condition?"
"If friction arises between me and the Great Righteous Alliance, stay out of it."
"Well played! Beating me to the punch."
"Whether I show mercy or crush them utterly—that's my call in the moment."
"I planned to stick around to meddle somehow, but now it's awkward."
"If at least Mount Hua and you avoid getting swept up, there'll be a chance to set things right later."
"If Yunyang Immortal marches in behind a new Alliance Leader, you won't hold back?"
"No reason to."
"Awkward."
"Reason it out—there's nothing awkward about it."
"Reason?"
"What does it mean if Yunyang Immortal or anyone marches in using a new Alliance Leader as figurehead? It means settling it by force. Crushing us Iron Lion Sect under the Great Righteous Alliance's mighty name and the power that rules half the world, to uncover what they want. So I'll meet force with the Iron Lion Sect's force. Simple logic."
"...!"
His words cut so sharply they pained the listening Volcanic Divine Sword's chest. The Great Righteous Alliance and the orthodox great sects had long acted under the banner of upholding heavenly justice. As if it were only natural. Now, that pretense was crumbling before a single sect: the Iron Lion Sect.
"They could brand you unorthodox."
"Heaven-Rending Legion will love that."
"No plans for restraint?"
"Why should I?"
"For the world's peace, I'd like to say."
The Volcanic Divine Sword gazed with a hint of desperation. But Do Cheon's face remained resolute.
"Places like the Great Righteous Alliance or Tyrant Emperor Sect strut freely, answer to no one—why can't I? The privileged claw for more, doing every dirty trick—must I endure for the world's peace? That privilege they hold? It survived because our sect blocked the Heavenly Demon and Demon Cult. In protecting it, the Iron Lions vanished entirely, our sect fell to worse than third-rate—and who bothered to look? Who praises our sect's name, the Iron Lions' sacrifices?"
"You leave me speechless."
The Volcanic Divine Sword fell silent, and Do Cheon rose.
"It was foretold when the Generation's Heavenly Demon left his insights, when the Iron Lions vanished and our sect became third-rate. The world must face a reckoning."
Do Cheon declared it and left. Left alone, the Volcanic Divine Sword sighed heavily, his face grave.
Winter is long.
In that long span, those yearning for warm spring days never slack in their training.
The Iron Lion Sect was no different.
The regular warriors ran the back mountain daily. By day, they learned basic defensive formations from Instructor Mok Un-san, and whenever time allowed, the subtleties of Fist-Palm-Finger-Foot basics. Everyone on the warrior's path knew them, yet Mok Un-san's explanations and demonstrations made them feel utterly new, so all focused intently.
Iron Mountain and Little Sparrow, the sect's disciples, led the back-mountain runs and threw themselves into learning from Mok Un-san, leaving no room for slacking. Their martial arts eyes opened daily—impossible to be lazy.
Yi Yeol trained in live combat responses, unleashing Four Souls Nine Swords freely against the Wise King under Do Cheon's watch. Iron Mountain learned Thunder Wall Fist from Do Cheon; Little Sparrow got sword fundamentals from Byeon Ryeo-gun.
It was one such zealous winter day.
On a windless night when pure white snow poured relentlessly, Do Cheon visited Byeon Ryeo-gun's quarters.
"Were you asleep?"
"Not quite, but isn't this a bit late for visiting a lady's chambers?"
"Remember our bet last time?"
"Did Yoo Geon find a way?"
"I told you he did. Let's go."
"Where to?"
"You'll see."
"Dragging along the woman you have in mind— isn't that too rash?"
"Lately, it feels like Byeon Junior Sister's the better flirt."
"Because you're not trying."
"I'm holding back so I don't misread your delicate heart and slip up."
"Knew it. That's why you've become so dull."
"Tonight's different. Come on."
At Do Cheon's persistent urging, Byeon Ryeo-gun closed her mouth and followed. The crunch of snow underfoot was delightful. She paused, gazing at the night sky.
"It's really coming down. Snow-viewing, is it?"
"Mind if it is?"
"Depends on who's asking."
"And me?"
"Not against it."
"Sounds like you're not thrilled either."
"Too sudden. At this hour."
"I know it might be rude. But it's perfect now—I couldn't let the moment pass. Look. Not a breath of wind."
"You're right."
Snowflakes fell straight down from the sky. As Byeon Ryeo-gun watched, Do Cheon urged her on.
"Before the wind picks up—let's go."
"Where are we headed?"
"You'll see."
With Do Cheon refusing to say, Byeon Ryeo-gun quietly followed.
They arrived at Lion Hall.
Do Cheon stopped and turned to her with a meaningful smile. As she opened her mouth to speak, the air around them stirred, enveloping and gently lifting them upward.
Slowly rising into the air.
Byeon Ryeo-gun's gaze shifted to Lion Hall's roof.
Do Cheon watched her silently. In moments, they alighted on the roof.
"Big Sis!"
Little Sparrow's voice brimmed with joy.
On the snow-blanketed Lion Hall roof, Little Sparrow called out happily. Beside her stood Yi Yeol, Iron Mountain, and Neung Sa-un; Young Ki was right in front.
All the Iron Lion Sect disciples were gathered.
Do Cheon led Byeon Ryeo-gun to the center where they clustered.
"Big Sis, perfect timing. What a sight. Let's watch together."
"Huh? Oh, sure."
Byeon Ryeo-gun answered while glancing awkwardly at the others. Her eyes finally met Do Cheon's, and he smiled gently.
"As kids, we'd watch the moon and stars here with fellow disciples. Tonight, snow pouring without a whisper of wind—thought it'd be spectacular, so I gathered everyone."
"...I see."
Her response came haltingly.
Do Cheon turned from her to survey the disciples.
"Behold the Iron Lion Sect. The place we must guard with our lives. We must pass this very scene to our descendants."
All gazed at the sect's panorama.
The snow-deep vista from the roof differed vastly from below. Lion Hall's grand scale filled their chests with awe.
They'd climbed with eldest brother Do Cheon before, but never on a windless night blanketed so thickly—Yi Yeol, Iron Mountain, and Little Sparrow felt it uniquely. Young Ki simply beamed at all his seniors together; Neung Sa-un's heart swelled at the call to guard it with them. Only Byeon Ryeo-gun remained flustered and ill at ease.
Then Do Cheon added calmly,
"Now our brothers are all gathered. Feels right."
They exchanged smiles.
Yi Yeol slung an arm over Iron Mountain's shoulder; Iron Mountain over Neung Sa-un's. Neung Sa-un hesitated, then touched Little Sparrow's. She turned with a broad grin.
In the warm atmosphere, one person stood apart. Byeon Ryeo-gun's heart thundered as she stared at Do Cheon.
He met her gaze, serene as ever.
"You... knew...?"
The question escaped with effort. She didn't know if she hoped yes or no.
Do Cheon nodded slowly. He knew. Her heart pounded wildly.
"How...?"
"Too rushed escaping the annex—I didn't notice then. When you came to the sect, that's when I realized."
"How? How...?"
"I felt the energy of Jade Dew Divine Art from Elder I-gun-ok in you. How could I miss it?"
"...!"
Byeon Ryeo-gun's face registered shock. Not just her—the others, Little Sparrow included, stared in surprise at the exchange.
"You knew...!"
—Does having a fellow disciple feel that good?
—It does. You'll feel it too, Byeon Junior Sister.
"Ah!"
That's what he'd meant—this day would come. He knew everything, so stop agonizing.
"Knew, but couldn't force it."
"So you watched?"
"Yes."
"Why now? You said it on purpose."
"Couldn't let you agonize longer. Time to stop wandering and claim your place."
"...!"
Byeon Ryeo-gun stared, speechless, eyes wavering. Do Cheon smiled warmly at her.
"Byeon Ryeo-gun, your place is here. Right here."
Her eyes shook harder.
Do Cheon waited with a smile. Long after, she spoke.
"I... I can't do that."
"...!"
"A few years back, I came to the Iron Lion Sect. It was different. I thought it was. Thought it wasn't for me. So I turned away. I... forfeited my right."
Byeon Ryeo-gun forced the words out and bowed her head.