Chapter 73
Chapter 73
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Already Winter Has Passed
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Winter was drawing to a close.
On a day when the cold air began to retreat and the warm breath of spring started to spread everywhere, Sky-Spanning Gang Leader Man Gwa-hae came to visit Do Cheon.
"What's the matter?"
"Something strange has happened."
"Something strange?"
"Did you perhaps bring the Hao Clan under your command?"
"Did they come to you?"
"Yes."
"What did they say?"
"They said the Iron Rod Emperor and mysterious masters are on the move."
"That's all?"
"They added that their movements seem to be heading toward the Yangtze."
"Toward the Yangtze?"
"Yes. That was everything they asked me to pass on to you, young master."
"Hmm. Are they planning to strike first?"
"Strike first?"
"Yeah. I declared that once winter ended, I'd head to the Yangtze River Waterway Eighteen Strongholds."
"Yes, you did. So does that mean this Iron Rod Emperor woman is trying to hit the Yangtze first?"
"Yeah, that's roughly the picture."
"Then what do we do?"
"What do you mean, what? Let her. Anyway, now that the weather's warming up, we'll get back to it, right?"
Do Cheon asked with a relaxed expression.
Seeing Do Cheon so nonchalant, Man Gwa-hae let go of his worries and simply answered the question.
"Yes. We're set to start again in two days."
"Good. I'm looking forward to it, so don't worry about anything else, Leader. Focus on that."
"Understood. I'll take my leave."
Do Cheon nodded, and Man Gwa-hae withdrew. After a moment of thought, Do Cheon rose from his seat.
The Iron Lion Sect's underground training ground in Lion Hall, where the Iron Lions trained.
Yi Yeol was blocking the Wise King's ferocious assaults.
He avoided direct clashes, deflecting them just right or swiftly dodging to find an opening before unleashing the initial forms of the Nine Ghosts Sword.
"He's become quite usable."
"More than usable. His understanding of footwork is quick, and facing the Wise King has made him adept at variations too. No ordinary expert could easily take down Young Master Yi Yeol now. If the world knew this progress came in just two or three months, they'd be stunned."
Do Cheon, who had quietly entered, muttered. Ong Jung-seo replied without taking his eyes off the scene.
"It's thanks to Protector Ong's guidance."
"I have to accept the praise, but even I am amazed at times."
"It's the inner energy left by the Nine Sword Emperor."
Ong Jung-seo nodded. Nothing else could explain it. Yi Yeol was sharp enough, but not a genius in martial arts to that degree. So this astonishing achievement had to be the harmony created by the Nine Sword Emperor's energy.
"Three years! If we keep this up without incident for three years, masters who'll shake the world will pour out from our sect all at once!"
"That's the plan. But will you be alright? You'll be even busier than now, Protector."
"The young leader doesn't know yet. Once you've lived as long as I have and feel death approaching, throwing yourself into work with passion becomes a joy. It reminds you that you're still alive, that there's still a place for you to be useful."
"Anyone hearing that would think you're on your last legs. Anyway, as I mentioned a few days ago, I'm planning to head to the Yangtze tomorrow. Will you come along?"
"Of course I will."
Ong Jung-seo revealed his anticipation in his words. Do Cheon smiled faintly.
"Tell Wall Junior Sister and Yi Yeol to rest well today since they'll be coming too."
"Got it."
"Then I'll take my leave."
"Young leader."
"Yes? Is there something you want to say?"
"Yes. There's something I've held back from asking until now."
"Why put so much weight on it?"
"Why does the Wise King follow you? What's your relationship?"
"I wondered when you'd ask."
"I wanted to show my sincerity first."
"Meaning you've become one of us in the Iron Lion Sect?"
"Exactly."
"I acknowledge that sincerity."
"Then will you tell me? I already suspect you'll dominate an era. But that means your enemies will be formidable too—which means being close to you is dangerous. When I said I'd become your sect's protector, I accepted that risk. And now, I want to participate more actively in the Iron Lion Sect's affairs. It's my duty now."
Ong Jung-seo spoke earnestly and glanced back briefly.
Seeing that, Do Cheon chuckled softly.
"With that face, saying it so seriously almost makes me laugh."
"Don't say that in front of my junior brother. You'd see a real madman."
"Noted. Anyway, that Wise King was one of the Generation's Heavenly Demon's most trusted confidants."
"I knew it."
"And I mastered the supreme art he left behind."
"Just as I thought!"
"You suspected?"
"It was the only explanation."
He was right. Anyone thinking it through would reach that conclusion.
"Master doesn't know yet. Neither do the other disciples."
"I understand."
"Is that alright?"
"The Demonic Cult?"
"Yes."
"What's there to fear about facing the Demonic Cult? Wasn't our sect originally tasked with handling them? We've found our ancestors' supreme arts. We have their practitioners' arts too. It'll be a fight worth having."
"Hearing you say that makes it seem so."
"If anything seems problematic, tell me. I may not help with force, but I have plenty of friends with all sorts of skills."
"Thank you."
"It's only natural as your protector."
"That makes me even more grateful. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Go ahead."
Do Cheon lightly cupped his hands toward Ong Jung-seo, who was still watching Yi Yeol's intense sparring without looking away, then turned to leave. After Do Cheon departed and a short time passed, Ong Jung-seo suddenly muttered.
"Yes, that makes sense. It even explains the Volcanic Divine Sword and Heaven-Rending Legion's actions."
Flower Pool.
It was a pond handmade by the Ice White Death God, one of the Iron Lions, out of longing for Flying Swallow Immortal Lee Goon-ok. They had carved the back mountain of the Iron Lion Sect into a cliff, gathered streams, and even created a small waterfall, making it a charming spot.
When Do Cheon arrived, Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun and Little Sparrow were taking a break and chatting idly.
"What are you two talking about so enjoyably?"
"Tiger stories."
"Tigers?"
Do Cheon asked puzzledly, and Little Sparrow smiled brightly.
"Tigers that have lived long and become spirits have sharp ears, so when people talk about them, they perk up and appear."
"That's an amusing tale."
Little Sparrow giggled silently at Do Cheon's intrigued reaction. Only then did Do Cheon realize.
"You were talking about me, weren't you?"
Little Sparrow just kept giggling, and Do Cheon didn't press further.
"As I mentioned before, we're leaving for the Yangtze tomorrow. I already told you, but it seems polite to pay another visit to the Volcanic Divine Sword today."
Do Cheon said to Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun.
"Now?"
"If you're alright with it, Junior Sister."
"Then wait a bit. I need to go wash up."
Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun left her seat. As Do Cheon watched her retreating figure for a moment, Little Sparrow said enviously.
"Even her back view looks pretty."
"I see."
"I'm jealous."
Only then did Do Cheon turn to her.
Little Sparrow was still staring after Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun, now out of sight.
"Wall Junior Sister is exceptional, that's true. But you have your own charms, Little Sparrow."
"Me too? What are they?"
"If I tell you, you'll try too hard to show them off. Excess is as bad as deficiency. Even virtues can become flaws if overdone."
"Pfft! You're just bluffing because you can't think of anything."
"Is that how it seems?"
"Isn't it?"
"From when you were little, your senior brothers always called you our pretty little youngest. Think they said it for no reason?"
"They didn't?"
"Of course not. Would we pray to the heavens for you to become pretty and keep it on our lips all day? You've always been our pretty little youngest."
"Really?"
"Our brothers weren't wealthy, but we always cared for each other. Yi Yeol, Iron Mountain, and you too, Little Sparrow. Even you, the youngest, always showed care for your seniors—how could that not be endearing? As the eldest, I was proud of you all. If I hope for anything going forward, it's just that those feelings continue."
"They will. I always like my senior brothers and want them to do well. Hehe!"
"Yes, we all need to thrive. Anyway, how's your training going?"
"It's fun!"
"......!"
"It's really fun with Big Brother!"
Her face shone with genuine delight.
Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun had properly inherited only the Jade Dew Divine Art from her master, Flying Swallow Immortal Lee Goon-ok. She had only the basics of Flying Swallow Eight Wings and Scattered Flowers Sword, so she needed separate training in lightness skills and swordsmanship. That's why she used a linked sword.
About a month ago, Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun had revealed she was succeeding her ancestor's legacy and had been training Flying Swallow Eight Wings and Scattered Flowers Sword with Little Sparrow.
With her exceptional talent and proficiency in linked sword, she was greatly aiding Little Sparrow's practice.
"You like Big Brother that much?"
"Of course. Big Brother likes her too, right?"
"Yes, I do."
"A ton, right?"
"A ton."
"The kind where you want to see her every day?"
"The kind where you want to see her every......!"
"Right?"
"Looks like our Little Sparrow misses a knuckle on the forehead?"
Little Sparrow scampered back.
From childhood, Eldest Brother's hand was no joke—his knuckle flicks hurt more than Iron Mountain's strong ones, like thunder in your skull.
"I want to train. Hurry and go."
"We have to wait for Wall Junior Sister."
"We can wait at her place. Don't interrupt my training—go already."
"Alright. Train hard."
Do Cheon chuckled and left.
Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun's quarters.
As she emerged after washing off her sweat, Do Cheon stood blankly in the front yard.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"For you, I'd wait forever......!"
Do Cheon turned. And couldn't continue.
Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun had neatly tied her damp hair back. Wearing only simple, pristine white robes without adornments, her stunning beauty evoked "a beauty in pure white." The subtle floral scent from her moist face even stirred Do Cheon's heart.
"Ha, stunning no matter what."
"Does it look pretty to you too, Senior Brother?"
"Yeah. Too pretty—almost not human. While we're at it, let's check if you're a yokai with a knuckle flick."
"You're sneakily violent."
"Says the violent one. It's you, Wall Junior Sister. Beauty violence!"
"Where'd you get that term?"
"It was born because of you. If you walk the streets with that face, even the beauties who hear compliments will look like they've been punched."
"Should I wear the veil again?"
"No, don't. Thanks to your beauty, I can puff out my chest in front of people a bit."
"I think it'll be the opposite."
"Opposite?"
"Thanks to Eldest Brother, we can hold our heads high."
"Then do that."
"Huh?"
"I'll puff my chest, so you hold your head high."
It wasn't just words. Do Cheon comically thrust out his shoulders and led the way. Watching, Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun smiled gratefully.
Ever since that day, he'd talked more, joked more, and done silly things like this to keep her from feeling awkward.
Even knowing he was doing it on purpose made her laugh, closing any gap, drawing her closer to her senior brothers day by day.
'Thank you.'
As Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun thought that, Do Cheon turned.
"What? Hurry up. Hold your head high!"
"Yes."
She quickly caught up.
"Come on in."
The Volcanic Divine Sword welcomed Do Cheon and Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun warmly. They exchanged light greetings and sat before him.
"The Secret Shadow Pavilion Leader is peerlessly beautiful even without makeup."
"Thank you. Hearing 'Secret Shadow Pavilion Leader' reminds me—I should return this."
Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun offered the Secret Shadow Pavilion Leader's token.
"No one suits that position better than you. Feels like the Great Righteous Alliance's fortune has gone to the Iron Lion Sect."
The Volcanic Divine Sword sighed and took the token.
"Thank you for everything."
"You did the work. Anyway, has the time come?"
The Volcanic Divine Sword looked at Do Cheon.
"Yes. Departing tomorrow."
"Already winter has passed."
The Volcanic Divine Sword nodded. It was the promised day, so he had come. A day neither he nor Heaven-Rending Legion could avoid.
"I wish you good fortune in battle."
"I thought you'd say something like 'show mercy in your strikes.'"
"Not to you."
"......?"
"You're already overflowing with mercy. What more is there to say?"
"Sounds like you're urging me to do so."
"No circumlocution. You really are."
"Hearing it from the Divine Sword feels good."
"As long as you're pleased, what more could I want."
The Volcanic Divine Sword smiled faintly.
Do Cheon thought even that smile was orthodox as he rose.
"Leaving already?"
"I've said what I came to say."
"Stay and chat?"
"Bored?"
"I even miss Heaven-Rending Legion's curses."
"Go see my master. He seems to go to the tavern with your martial uncle now and then. I saw him heading there earlier."
"Tavern?"
"Yes. He drinks with the chefs, making snacks. If you're not above it, at least your mouth won't be bored."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
The Volcanic Divine Sword shot up and left ahead of them. Do Cheon smiled as he and Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun exited through the open door. The Volcanic Divine Sword was already gone. But ahead, a conversation drifted from somewhere between Heaven-Rending Legion's chief disciple Nam Myeong and the Volcanic Divine Sword.
"Where are you going?"
"For a drink."
"A drink?"
"With your sect leader."
"Can I come too?"
"They say the more drinking buddies, the better."
"Right! Let's go!"
Nam Myeong and the Volcanic Divine Sword's voices faded, their presence soon vanishing.
"He's a good man."
"Agreed."
Do Cheon nodded at Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun's words.
Suddenly, Heaven-Rending Legion came to mind.
'Why am I thinking of that old man?'
The morning of departure for the Yangtze.
After breakfast, all the Iron Lion Sect disciples gathered before Sect Leader Sa Jung-gyeong. There, he handed Yi Yeol a sword. Drawing it, Yi Yeol saw the scabbard and blade were both jet black.
"He said to give you what I have, but I couldn't. This is a divine sword from Protector Ong to celebrate your first mission."
Everyone looked at Ong Jung-seo at Sa Jung-gyeong's words.
"Stolen goods are worthless no matter how divine the sword or blade, so it suits Young Master Yi Yeol. It's the Crescent Moon Divine Sword, one of Famous Craftsman Shin Wol's Ten Great Weapons. Don't show it off carelessly."
Even without knowing Famous Craftsman Shin Wol or his Ten Great Weapons, Ong Jung-seo's words made it clear it was no ordinary sword.
Yi Yeol rose in shock and gratitude, bowing deeply to Ong Jung-seo.
"Thank you."
"It's your reward for training hard all winter. Keep it up, and the Iron Lion Sect's prestige will rise with your sword."
"Thank you. I won't slack, won't stop, and will diligently advance."
Yi Yeol declared resolutely, holding the Crescent Moon Divine Sword. Ong Jung-seo, Sa Jung-gyeong, and Yeop Mun-wi all smiled warmly.
"This is from Martial Uncle Yeop and your master."
Sa Jung-gyeong offered a set of battle robes.
Azure robes that would suit Yi Yeol holding the Crescent Moon Divine Sword.
"Thank you."
Yi Yeol accepted with both hands.
"Don't step forward rashly against injustice or villains. But don't tolerate those who look down on you or your senior brothers."
Yeop Mun-wi said.
It embodied the Iron Lion Sect's traditions.
"I will."
Yi Yeol bowed his head in acceptance.
"My gift."
Little Sparrow offered a blue headband for the forehead.
"Thanks."
Yi Yeol took it and tied it on immediately.
"Cool!"
Little Sparrow clapped happily.
Yi Yeol smiled back.
Then Iron Mountain tossed a money pouch. Yi Yeol caught it reflexively and looked. Iron Mountain nodded toward Neung Sa-un.
"Pooled all my money with Neung senior brother. A swordsman who draws his blade must see blood. They say it doesn't always feel good. Use it to drink your fill."
"I will. Thanks, Neung junior brother."
"I wish you fortune in battle, senior brother."
Neung Sa-un smiled.
"I do too."
"Me too!"
"Me as well!"
Iron Mountain, Little Sparrow, and Young Ki followed Neung Sa-un in wishing him luck. Yi Yeol looked at his juniors and smiled.
"I won't shame you as your senior brother."
It was Yi Yeol's declaration of departure.
Moments later.
The carriage waiting at the Iron Lion Sect's main gate carried Do Cheon, Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun, Yi Yeol, and Ong Jung-seo—four in total—and set off on the long journey. As it departed, those watching from afar vanished swiftly.
Rumors spread like wildfire: the Iron Lion Sect's chief disciple had set out to strike the Yangtze River Waterway Eighteen Strongholds.