Chapter 82
Chapter 82
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Shall I Cross That Line Too?
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Everything felt like it was falling into place.
Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say the foundation was being solidly laid.
Either way, it was satisfying. It was a shame they hadn't recruited as many promising young lions as initially hoped, but Byeon Ryeo-gun had settled in nicely, and there was Un-yang's junior brother too. Yi Yeol, Iron Mountain, and Little Sparrow were all working hard. Young Ki couldn't be left out either. With his seniors pushing so diligently, the kid was following suit with real effort. Even the way he dozed off occasionally during meditation training looked endearing.
Yes, at this rate, there was nothing left to wish for.
Revive the sect like this, see through the plan he had made with Geon, and that would be it. No more greed.
Some might call it excessive, others might say it wasn't enough, but this was his goal in life.
A goal he could pursue while alive.
The sect and his fellow disciples.
They were everything he had.
So no one could touch this place.
No one!
"We've confirmed the Iron Divine Dragon has returned."
"When did he arrive?"
"Looks like four days ago."
"Hm. If that's the case, he must have come straight from the Bandit Stronghold. But why on earth would he go to the bandits' main lair?"
"Probably to negotiate some kind of compromise. There were sounds of fighting at first, then it quieted down, and he walked out unscathed later, right?"
"He went in, showed off his power, and came out after bargaining?"
"Doesn't that fit the picture perfectly?"
"It does, but... What do the rest of you think?"
"Does it even matter?"
"It might. What if the Iron Divine Dragon has brought the bandits under his command?"
"Ah!"
"Exactly. If ten thousand bandits come charging in at once, the damage wouldn't be trivial."
"Heavens, wouldn't that be a disaster?"
"Indeed."
"What are you all doing? Bandits, nothing more than mere thieves, and here you are—upstanding elders of the righteous factions—cowering at their shadow!"
"Calm down. It's not cowering; it's caution."
"We must stay vigilant. But we have to be resolute. That's the only way to prevent the kind of depraved incidents plaguing the Great Righteous Alliance right now."
"We get your point, so simmer down."
"No need for the esteemed master to get worked up. Look around. Whether it's ten thousand or thirty thousand bandits, these are the very people who would charge at the forefront and unleash havoc in battle. Isn't that right, Great Master?"
"Quite so. Esteemed master, you can stand down."
"If I've been too heated, I apologize. But don't forget this: today, we reestablish the Great Righteous Alliance and purge evil."
"Of course."
"Very well. Let's move out."
"Should we go out and wait?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun asked. Do Cheon nodded in response.
"The Hawk Clan said he arrived late yesterday afternoon, so he'll be here any moment. Meeting him outside is the only way to keep the main gate from getting smashed."
"Worried about the gate?"
"Yeah, it bugs me. We haven't even gotten paid for it yet."
"A man who could casually hold up the sky if it fell, fretting over a gate... It makes you seem like just an ordinary guy, and I like that."
Byeon Ryeo-gun flashed a bright smile.
It was the kind that filled his chest with warmth from the morning on.
"Shall we go together?"
"Yes. Together."
"Alright, let's hurry."
Do Cheon said with a pleased expression. But Byeon Ryeo-gun shook her head.
"All of us together."
"...?"
"The Alliance Lord will step out too, and in a way, this is facing down the entire righteous faction. Shouldn't everyone from the sect leader down show themselves? The juniors need to see for themselves what kind of man the eldest senior brother is."
"What's the difference if I go alone?"
"What if they carry in their hearts the knowledge that their eldest senior brother commands the world? How do you think that would steel their resolve?"
"...!"
"You want to stand with your juniors, right? Then show them at least a glimpse of your true self. Those who have seen Mount Tai dream of climbing it, but those who have only seen the hill behind their house will never go beyond that."
It made Do Cheon nod instinctively.
"Junior sister."
"Yes."
"Keep guiding me like this."
"...!"
"That's the one thing I ask of you. Always stay by my side and advise me, teach me, so I can make even slightly better decisions."
"I wouldn't dare advise; just offer suggestions."
Byeon Ryeo-gun smiled softly.
"Yes, do that."
Do Cheon nodded happily and turned his steps, heading with Byeon Ryeo-gun to the residence of his master, Sa Jung-gyeong, the sect leader of the Iron Lion Sect.
"They'll arrive in about half a gye (15 minutes)."
At Ga Gyeom-chang's words as the deputy pavilion master of the Secret Shadow Pavilion, the Volcanic Divine Sword rose from his seat and checked his attire. Even stepping down from the Alliance Lord position, he had no desire to appear disheveled.
"How do I look?"
The fresh martial robes changed that morning were simple, not flashy, but gave a modest and neat impression.
"Splendid."
"Thank you. You look sharp yourself."
"My thanks."
"Listen."
"Yes."
"We're not going out under dismissal; we're resigning on our own terms."
"Naturally."
Ga Gyeom-chang smiled.
The Volcanic Divine Sword smiled faintly too. He turned his head to gaze at the sword hanging on the wall but left it and turned away.
"Shall we go?"
"I'll guide you."
"Appreciated."
The Volcanic Divine Sword and Ga Gyeom-chang left the residence and headed for the Iron Lion Sect's main gate.
Iron Lion Sect main gate.
The straight main road was bustling with construction that had started in spring. But today, all work had halted. Man Gwa-hae, tipped off the day before, had arranged for the workers to take the day off. So the laborers had gathered at a distance, watching the sect's gate like spectators.
The sun had risen fairly high.
A group appeared from the city center, heading toward the Iron Lion Sect. Filling the avenue, they numbered at least three hundred at a glance.
At the lead were an old monk in ochre robes and an elderly Taoist in green Daoist garb. It was the Great Master Hyun-gak of Shaolin and Un-yang Taoist of Wudang, core sects of the Great Righteous Alliance. They advanced toward the Iron Lion Sect with unbridled momentum.
Meanwhile, at the Iron Lion Sect's main gate, Sect Leader Sa Jung-gyeong and all the sect's disciples had turned out. Beside Sa Jung-gyeong stood the Volcanic Divine Sword and Ga Gyeom-chang. Their faces were somewhat tense. The Volcanic Divine Sword maintained a composed facade, but he seemed weighed down; Ga Gyeom-chang showed a flicker of anger.
In contrast, the Iron Lion Sect disciples were filled with curiosity. Only Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun appeared calm, while Sa Jung-gyeong stared straight ahead, his brow slightly furrowed.
As the sun climbed higher, the core members of the Great Righteous Alliance came into view.
The figures of Great Master Hyun-gak and Un-yang Taoist drew all eyes.
Shaolin and Wudang.
The weight of those names representing the righteous factions was truly unparalleled.
As Great Master Hyun-gak and Un-yang Taoist led the Alliance's core forward, the Volcanic Divine Sword stepped a few paces ahead. Ga Gyeom-chang followed a step behind.
At the Iron Lion Sect's main gate, a wide plaza had been cleared at Man Gwa-hae's suggestion.
The two sides met in the center of that space.
"Great Master Hyun-gak, it's been too long."
The Volcanic Divine Sword greeted first, smiling as he clasped his hands in a formal salute.
"It's regrettable we meet under such unfortunate circumstances."
Great Master Hyun-gak returned a deep bow in greeting.
"Born of misunderstanding, we shall laugh about this someday."
"Can't we just clear up the misunderstanding?"
Un-yang Taoist interjected at the Volcanic Divine Sword's words. The Volcanic Divine Sword turned to him with the same smile.
"Taoist, during my time as Alliance Lord, I never made a decision for personal or sect gain, no matter how small. Every one considered the righteous factions and the world at large."
"Then you should have spoken up all the more!"
Un-yang Taoist raised his voice, but the Volcanic Divine Sword simply shook his head, still smiling.
"For the greater good of the world, I intend to step down as Alliance Lord. Please pass it to one more virtuous than I."
The Volcanic Divine Sword drew the Great Righteous Alliance Lord's seal from his bosom. At that moment, Ga Gyeom-chang stepped forward from a pace behind, took the seal, added the Secret Shadow Pavilion master's and deputy master's tokens he carried, and presented them all to Great Master Hyun-gak. The great master's face was full of regret. As he let out a deep sigh and accepted them, Ga Gyeom-chang spoke.
"Great Master, today's events must not become an insult to the Divine Sword. If you take my words lightly, this day will become a disgrace for you and the Taoist. See to it."
"...!"
"Nonsense!"
As Great Master Hyun-gak widened his eyes, peering into Ga Gyeom-chang's intent, Un-yang Taoist bellowed. Ga Gyeom-chang, clearly harboring ill feelings toward the Taoist, didn't even glance his way as he returned to his position.
"You've merely done what was proper."
The Volcanic Divine Sword said.
All eyes that had been on Ga Gyeom-chang shifted to him. The Volcanic Divine Sword saluted the two men and everyone else with the same smile.
"Different positions yield different views. Step out from where you've stood and take one pace forward, and even right and wrong may look different. Buddhism's 'turn back, and paradise awaits' wasn't passed down idly..."
The Volcanic Divine Sword, addressing everyone, paused. He withdrew his smile. Most faces were sharply alert, scanning the Iron Lion Sect disciples.
"Mount Hua will remain silent on this matter, so withdraw."
Un-yang Taoist said. His gaze had shifted from the Volcanic Divine Sword to Do Cheon.
The Volcanic Divine Sword turned away with a bitter smile.
In that moment, Ga Gyeom-chang's brow twitched fiercely. Following behind the Volcanic Divine Sword, he called out loudly toward Do Cheon.
"There is no right or wrong in this gathering!"
It was a profoundly meaningful statement. Do Cheon responded with a respectful salute and deep bow toward the Volcanic Divine Sword and Ga Gyeom-chang. Only then did Ga Gyeom-chang seem somewhat appeased, turning to follow the Volcanic Divine Sword.
But the direction the two headed puzzled the Great Righteous Alliance members. Instead of withdrawing to the side, they moved toward the Iron Lion Sect gate, stopping behind the sect's disciples.
"Disappointing to the end!"
Un-yang Taoist spat.
Great Master Hyun-gak felt uneasy. But the momentum carried them forward. Having come this far, they couldn't just cling to the Volcanic Divine Sword, so he turned his gaze to the Iron Lion Sect disciples.
Just then, Sa Jung-gyeong took a deep breath and stepped forward. No matter how absorbed he'd been in reclaiming the sect's martial arts, he knew the names of Shaolin and Wudang, and the weight they carried.
From the moment he saw Great Master Hyun-gak and Un-yang Taoist, a heavy stone had crushed his chest. But the sense of duty and mission to revive the Iron Lion Sect after long years, heavier than any ancestral behest, allowed him to regain composure the instant he stepped forward.
"I am the sect leader of the Iron Lion Sect. You've come with questions for us, so speak."
"No need to beat around the bush—we both know why we're here. What are you plotting with the Heaven-Rending Legion?"
Un-yang Taoist stepped forward to demand. Sa Jung-gyeong didn't reply immediately, taking a moment to breathe.
He recalled what Do Cheon and Byeon Ryeo-gun had said when they visited a gye ago.
- The Iron Lion Sect is neither righteous nor demonic; it is simply the Iron Lion Sect. Keep that in mind.
Quite right.
The Iron Lion Sect was the Iron Lion Sect. It might break, but it would not bend. Moreover, his disciple had fully reclaimed the dignity of the Iron Lion King. And all the sect's disciples were present. As sect leader, he could not show weakness.
"The sect conspires with no one, so your question is misguided."
Sa Jung-gyeong declared in a resounding voice.
"Don't quibble!"
"Does sheltering a guest mean conspiring? Where in the world does such nonsense exist?"
"Then what did you do?"
"You've come from Wudang, I presume?"
"Yes."
"Then let me ask: if someone inquired, would Wudang reveal every detail of a guest's daily life?"
"You dare compare to Wudang Sect?"
"Dare? Have you forgotten the Iron Lion Sect stood before Wudang? Do you deny that your predecessors could rise because ours blocked the Demonic Cult's invasion!"
The sentiment every Iron Lion disciple harbored burst forth from Sa Jung-gyeong's mouth like thunder.
"Don't rest on past glories!"
"Even if past, if it was great merit, it deserves eternal praise. To forget and scorn it—what sets you apart from beasts! Now I understand the great hero's words! There is no right or wrong here! Bullying with your power—that's the real conspiracy!"
"Cunning fox! You've clearly sweet-talked the Alliance Lord with that three-inch tongue; it must be cut out!"
Un-yang Taoist was mild toward Wudang disciples. But he abhorred injustice and evil, becoming like a grim reaper to villains. That temperament was now fully unleashed. To him, the Iron Lion Sect was no less than villainy.
"You don't even know the man you elevated to Alliance Lord. Fools!"
"Silence! Seeing the true faces of you scoundrels, we can't leave the Iron Lions' arts unchecked. We'll seize them all today and find worthy successors with both talent and character, so the Iron Lions' spirits can rest."
"You damned bald fraud! Now I see your black heart! Disciple Do Cheon, hear me!"
"Yes!"
Do Cheon stepped forward and bowed deeply at Sa Jung-gyeong's loud call.
"We are the Iron Lion Sect. By its laws, we protect guests, and we will drive out any thieves daring to plunder us!"
Sa Jung-gyeong roared in fury.
Behind their authoritative posturing lurked greed for the Iron Lions' arts; no need for lengthy debate. It was time to display the authority his disciple Do Cheon had reclaimed for the Iron Lion Sect.
"I receive your command."
Do Cheon advanced after receiving Sa Jung-gyeong's solemn order. Those who had gathered to conspire and seize the arts, now exposed, glared at Do Cheon—known to the world as the Iron Divine Dragon—with eyes of fury and wariness.
Do Cheon strode forward confidently under their stares.
One step, one step.
His bearing was dignified, but without even a hint of the Heaven-Rending Legion's overwhelming aura. Everyone except Un-yang Taoist, who had clashed hands with Do Cheon, couldn't hide their puzzlement.
But the moment Do Cheon stepped before Sa Jung-gyeong and halted in full view of all—
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Suddenly, the ground at Un-yang Taoist and Great Master Hyun-gak's feet cracked open for three zhang (9 meters). As everyone, including the two, startled and looked down, Do Cheon spoke in a cold voice.
"Not long ago, I taught a lesson to some fool from Wudang's lay disciples puffed up with superiority. I was going to chide you for failing to properly instruct your own disciples while presuming to lecture on justice and the greater good... but no. You've crossed the line, so shall I cross it too?"