Chapter 81
Chapter 81
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Something I Want to Ask
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Removing the leader of the Great Righteous Alliance from his position wasn't all that difficult.
Out of the sixteen sects with voting rights, if ten or more agreed, it was done. The Volcanic Divine Sword's dismissal had the consensus of fourteen sects, excluding his own Volcanic Sect and the Baekri Clan.
There might be backlash from the Volcanic Sect or the Baekri Clan down the line, but with fourteen sects in agreement, it was irreversible. After all, the current leader had conspired with the unorthodox Heaven-Rending Legion and kept it completely under wraps. If anything, the Volcanic Sect and Baekri Clan would be the ones facing criticism.
So, there were no real hitches in ousting the leader.
The real issue was the Iron Divine Dragon of the Iron Lion Sect.
Having already clashed with him once, Yunyang Daoist knew the man was no ordinary fighter.
"That fellow's skills are far from commonplace. The casualties could be considerable."
Yunyang Daoist cautioned once more.
"Fortunately, the Heaven-Rending Legion has already left, hasn't he? No hitches then, right?"
Peng Man-ho of the Hebei Peng Clan raised his massive fist and bellowed confidently. Some saw it as overconfidence bordering on recklessness.
"True Person Yunyang means the damage could be significant, so we should proceed with caution. Here's what we do: Grandmaster Hyeon-gak pairs with True Person Yunyang for the main assault. The other representatives from the Seven Great Sects stand ready for any contingencies. Then, we Five Great Clans strike the Iron Lion Sect directly and drag out those ringleaders. They say the Iron Divine Dragon has deep bonds with his master and senior brothers, so it might end quickly. Even if he charges in heedless of his sect's losses, we declare him an outrage against heaven and earth, unite our forces, and bring him down without heavy casualties."
These were the words of Nangong Bo, representing the Nangong Clan. Peng Man-ho nodded vigorously before booming out another concern.
"That's obvious, but the real question is what the Volcanic Divine Sword will do."
At Peng Man-ho's question, all eyes turned to Yunyang Daoist and Grandmaster Hyeon-gak.
Grandmaster Hyeon-gak spoke first.
"We've sent word to the Volcanic Sect. We warned that reestablishing the Great Righteous Alliance might require force, and the Divine Sword must not draw his blade. By the time we reach the Iron Lion Sect, the Volcanic Sect Leader's message should have reached him."
"That's reassuring, then."
No matter how mighty the Volcanic Divine Sword, he couldn't defy his sect leader's command. It would violate the Volcanic Sect's rules and traditions, shaming them before the world.
"By the way, what's the latest on the Yangtze River situation?"
"Didn't you hear? The Golden Emperor Clan ambushed the Yangtze Waterway King."
"I only caught that much on the way here, which is why I'm asking."
"We know the Yangtze Waterway King took a mortal wound and fled. Does anyone have more details?"
Everyone glanced around, but no one had further updates.
"The Golden Emperor Clan's warriors are pursuing him at top speed, but they lost him."
"They're still on his trail, so he'll surface eventually. Regardless, why did the Golden Emperor Clan hit the Yangtze?"
"Probably the waterways."
"The Yangtze waterways?"
"That's the word from merchant circles. With Dongting Lake's routes opening up, they're saying the Golden Emperor Clan is eyeing the Yangtze too. Then winter hit, and the moment the ice melted, they moved. It's pretty convincing."
The mention of Yangtze waterways plunged everyone into thought.
The Yangtze routes were a massive profit engine in transportation, and every sect had financial stakes in the merchant world. They couldn't ignore it.
"If the Yangtze's ownership changes, the unorthodox will stir. We should rally the Great Righteous Alliance before fretting over the river."
"Well said. We can take our time electing the next leader, but we need a Secret Shadow Pavilion Chief appointed ASAP to get it organized. After this mess, it should be someone not too close to the former leader."
"True, but we can't seat someone impartial until we elect a new leader."
"Ah, right."
They nodded with smiles, chatting amiably. But in their minds, they were scheming over the Yangtze, who to install as new leader and Pavilion Chief for their sect's gain. Any wariness of the Iron Divine Dragon had evaporated.
It took Do Cheon's group nearly twenty days to return to the Iron Lion Sect.
After reporting their safe return to their master, Yi Yeol and Ong Jung-seo headed straight to the training grounds. Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun went to see the Volcanic Divine Sword.
"I know the basics of the Yangtze incident from reports, but not the details afterward. What happened?"
"The Golden Emperor Clan struck first. The Yangtze Waterway Eighteen Strongholds' head base is smashed. Fortunately, the Yangtze Waterway King survived and declared war on them."
"You saved him?"
"Yes."
"I see."
Do Cheon and the Volcanic Divine Sword's exchange revealed little. Byeon Ryeo-gun shook her head and interjected.
"I've come to discuss something important."
"Speak."
"True Person Yunyang and others are on the move. From what I know, they'll arrive here within ten days."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. What are your plans?"
"Plans? I have none. They want me out? No way to stop them, no justification."
"So you'll just step down?"
"That's the idea."
"Alliance Leader..."
"Don't make that face. It's not like the position comes with gold or jewels."
"But it's dishonorable."
"No big deal."
"It'll affect the Volcanic Sect too."
"The Sect Leader issued the order."
"...!"
"A Volcanic disciple must weather fierce winds for what's right, he said."
"You trust him."
"As his master, I know him well. He's got a big heart and unyielding resolve."
A faint smile played on the Volcanic Divine Sword's lips.
The current Volcanic Sect Leader was his disciple. No one knew the man better, and vice versa.
"Now I see why they say 'like master, like disciple.'"
"I'll take that as a compliment. But you seem to have more to say."
"I only came to you and the Heaven-Rending Legion about the Generation's Heavenly Demon's secret chamber because I couldn't trust the others. Especially not Wudang or Shaolin."
"You distrust the pillars of the orthodox world?"
"Yes. Their senior monks and Daoists are too zealous in exterminating evil. Just look at True Person Yunyang's hostility toward the Heaven-Rending Legion. If I suggested studying the Generation's Heavenly Demon's ultimate arts, they'd flip. They'd demand we demolish the chamber immediately."
"Fair point."
"What happens if they learn your eldest senior brother is mastering those arts?"
"They'd try to kill him on the spot."
"Exactly. No doubt."
"So, you're advocating a preemptive strike?"
The Volcanic Divine Sword grasped her intent.
"Yes. I told Eldest Senior Brother it's better to go on the offensive."
His gaze shifted to Do Cheon beside her.
Do Cheon just listened silently, as if it were someone else's story.
The Volcanic Divine Sword turned back to her.
"You're asking me to stay out of it completely?"
"Yes."
"To the end?"
"Yes."
"Considerate of you."
"I owe you so much."
"Owe me? I'm the one who benefited."
"You've seen it up close: neither the young lord nor Eldest Senior Brother has the makings of an unorthodox fighter."
"Agreed."
"They won't blend with the orthodox either."
"To a degree, yes."
"Eldest Senior Brother intends to properly build up the sect."
"No one can stop him."
"No one will. But the sect growing huge won't directly harm other sects."
"Why not?"
"No plans to annex neighbors."
The Volcanic Divine Sword nodded. If conquest was the goal, it'd have happened already. Leaving the White Sword Sect alone proved it.
"To sum up: When True Person Yunyang and company arrive, fighting's inevitable. Young Master Do will handle it aggressively. So I stay out entirely. Right?"
"They'll claim the greater good and moral high ground. Demand Eldest Senior Brother kneel, bring up Sky-Spanning Gang and Heaven-Rending Legion to pressure him."
"You don't make a tiger kneel quietly."
"Yes. Fighting's unavoidable. But for the reasons I mentioned, they can't just tell him to back down quietly because he learned the arts."
"I see."
The Volcanic Divine Sword nodded, showing no trace of worry. Byeon Ryeo-gun realized no more words were needed.
"Alliance Leader."
"More to say?"
"Thank you."
"Hm?"
"Thank you, always."
"Talking like you're fully one of the Iron Lion Sect now."
"Partly. But mostly because of what you've shown us. As an orthodox man, an elder, a warrior—how to view the world. You taught us by example."
"I've done nothing but lounge around like a lazy old fool, and here you are gilding the lily."
The Volcanic Divine Sword chuckled warmly, genuinely pleased.
"You're enjoying that a bit too much, aren't you?"
Do Cheon interjected teasingly. The Volcanic Divine Sword turned, grinning wider.
"How could I not be thrilled at praise from a beauty like little Byeon? Jealous? Do something praiseworthy yourself."
"Who said I was jealous?"
"Jealousy's why you're griping."
"Not jealous at all. My little Byeon sister praises me every day."
"Lucky you."
"Whoa, you mean that?"
The Volcanic Divine Sword looked sincere, leaving Do Cheon flustered. But the old man just shrugged it off.
"We old folks live off praise from juniors. Worldly ambitions faded; only you young ones matter. So go praise your Sect Leader now and then. From what I've heard lately, he's left everything to you while mastering the Iron Lion King's arts. What do you think he wants?"
"...!"
Do Cheon's face hit like a sucker punch.
He'd assumed his master was happily immersed daily. But apparently, that wasn't all.
"I called it praise, but it's really concern. He's proud you're handling things well, but time drags, and emptiness creeps in. Visit occasionally before it does. Ask about even trivial things."
Sincere advice, evident in his expression and tone. Do Cheon could only nod. The Volcanic Divine Sword smiled anew at the sight.
'Truly no trace of arrogance. Excellent!'
As the Volcanic Divine Sword smiled,
"Old man, may I come in?"
Nam Myeong, the Heaven-Rending Legion's chief disciple, called out loudly from outside.
"Come in."
The door flew open, and a ruggedly handsome face poked in.
"Whoa...!"
Spotting Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun, Nam Myeong froze, stunned by her beauty. A chill aura from Do Cheon snapped him alert.
"Ah! Sorry, sorry! You're just so stunning, caught me off guard."
Nam Myeong shook his head, approaching. Do Cheon feigned anger.
"Not like it's your first time!"
"What can I do if she's stunning every time? No ulterior motives, don't worry."
"Really none?"
"None. I judge by figure, not face."
"...!"
"What? Does little Byeon have killer curves too?"
"Quit yapping! You brought up figures, and someone popped into my head."
Byeon Ryeo-gun's brow furrowed at Do Cheon's words, though he didn't notice.
"Ho! A woman whose figure rattles you? Who?"
"Who else? Your junior sister. Don't look elsewhere when she's right there."
"Elsewhere?"
Nam Myeong scratched his head. Do Cheon blinked at Byeon Ryeo-gun, confirming his hunch. Her furrowed brow had smoothed into a pleased smile.
"Looks like it."
"Indeed!"
Do Cheon nodded emphatically at her, turning to Nam Myeong.
"What 'indeed'! Anyway, old man, teach me that Yang's Split Mind Technique."
"I told you, needs sect permission."
"Even without full permission, you could teach key parts to control the Hell Demon Scripture's energy."
"Key parts are crucial. How can I teach without permission?"
"Don't you pity this junior?"
"I do."
"Then teach me."
"Can't. No permission, and no guarantee it'll help you. I'll talk to your master later; there might be another way."
"If there was, Master would've found it already."
"Just wait."
"Sigh, seriously. I won't brag I learned from you, so trust me and teach."
"Can't. Anyway, quiet day?"
"Do hyung's back, so they're having a drink."
"Then let's go."
The Volcanic Divine Sword stood abruptly. Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun followed. He addressed them, hands behind his back, then strode out.
"Whether I'm here or not, it'll be fine. Carry on as before, no worries."
Nam Myeong hurried after him once he left.
Leaving Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun alone.
"You've changed a lot."
"Couldn't in the Volcanic Sect, but maybe that's how he wanted to be. Bantering casually with disciples."
"The Divine Sword's so revered, Volcanic disciples just respected him from afar?"
"Yes. Big sects like Volcanic and Wudang have strict codes."
"Not envious of that."
"Hm? Envious of other things?"
"All those numbers."
"Then we'll build that many."
"Yeah. Anyway, unexpected. Thought with Yunyang Daoist bringing a horde, he'd lecture caution. But just chit-chat."
"Don't you get it?"
"What?"
"The Divine Sword trusts Eldest Senior Brother. He said it at the end: carry on as before."
"That so?"
Do Cheon tilted his head. Watching him, Byeon Ryeo-gun suddenly asked,
"Something I want to ask."
"Yeah? What?"
"Does Baek Na-chal really have such an amazing figure?"
"...!"