Chapter 90
Chapter 90
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: Becoming a True Martial Artist
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It had been a few days since Do Cheon and the Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun returned from the Yangtze River.
After finishing dinner, about half a shichen had passed, and darkness had fully settled in. It was time to prepare for bed when Do Cheon visited Little Sparrow's quarters.
"The Maiden is here too."
"What brings you here so late?"
The Celestial Insight Maiden blinked at him before Little Sparrow could respond. Hearing this, Little Sparrow tilted her head.
"Did you go to my place first and come here when I wasn't there?"
"Is that it?"
The Maiden looked curious at Little Sparrow's words.
"No. I came to see you, Little Sparrow."
"Me?"
"Yeah."
"What for?"
"You've been training hard, so I wanted to give you a gift."
Do Cheon smiled faintly, but Little Sparrow just stared at him with wide eyes, completely baffled.
"Are you giving her a divine art?"
The Maiden asked.
Do Cheon briefly flashed an apologetic look before nodding. The Maiden beamed and patted Little Sparrow's back.
"Congratulations in advance."
"Huh?"
Little Sparrow looked utterly confused, not understanding a thing. The Maiden deliberately skipped the explanation and glanced at Do Cheon.
"Mind if I stay?"
"You sure?"
"Of course. And it's for my junior sister—I should celebrate big."
"Ah!"
Do Cheon looked like he'd been struck at the mention of celebrating.
"Should I call everyone?"
"That'd be even better. The Sect Leader will love seeing this. Want to go ask him?"
"Yeah. Get the Master, Second Brother, and Elder Ong too. Better to celebrate together."
"Sure."
The Maiden smiled brightly and headed out.
"What the heck is going on? Why am I the only one out of the loop?"
"Today..."
"Today...?"
"Little Sparrow, you're going to become a true martial artist."
Do Cheon grinned.
Little Sparrow still didn't get it and just stared with round eyes.
The Jade Dew Divine Art was pure and clear energy, like morning dew. The purer one's nature and heart, the easier it was to reach its pinnacle.
Do Cheon had known since childhood how kind-hearted Little Sparrow was, so the moment he obtained the Jade Dew Divine Art, he knew no technique suited her better.
His judgment was spot on.
Once the Jade Dew Divine Art entered Little Sparrow's body, it came alive like a fish in clean water. It raced through not just the Eight Extraordinary Meridians but all 84,000 minor meridians of her body, still brimming with energy. It completed a full Grand Heavenly Circuit once more before settling into her lower dantian and calming down.
As it circulated the Grand Heavenly Circuit, a pure white glow appeared between Little Sparrow's brows.
It was the Pure Light realm spoken of in the Jade Dew Divine Art.
Only upon entering this realm could one fully unleash the art's power—truly becoming a martial artist, as Do Cheon had said. Moreover, the shade of Pure Light varied by person; the closer to purest white, the superior it was said to be.
The divine art, which the previous generation's Yi Gun-ok had devoted his life to perfecting, had merged perfectly with Little Sparrow's pure body, achieving a near-pure-white Pure Light realm. Do Cheon instinctively sensed her condition was flawless and glanced at the Celestial Insight Maiden.
Curiosity and anticipation.
That's all that shone on the Maiden's face as she watched Little Sparrow.
'She could have had it all. I'm sorry.'
Had the Maiden received the energy left by previous-generation Yi Gun-ok, she would have become a supreme expert capable of shaking the world in an instant. She knew that full well. Yet she yielded it to Little Sparrow. And now, without a trace of envy, jealousy, or regret, she watched with pure expectation.
How could such a kind heart hide behind that beauty that captivated at first glance?
Do Cheon couldn't tear his eyes away from the Maiden.
Without her veil, her stunning face made it even harder.
Was it a master's intuition? Or a woman's?
The Maiden turned to Do Cheon.
Their eyes met.
"...!"
Why is he looking at me?
She seemed puzzled for a moment before realizing his guilt. She smiled softly.
A dazzlingly beautiful smile.
Do Cheon snapped to his senses at the sight, returned the smile, then turned back to Little Sparrow. The Maiden did the same.
At that moment, Little Sparrow opened her eyes.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you, Master."
"Good job, little one!"
"Thanks, Second Uncle."
"Congrats, youngest!"
"Whoa, this Yi Gun-ok ancestor's Jade Dew Divine Art is something else. Makes our ugly duckling look a bit prettier."
"Congrats, junior sister."
After receiving congratulations from Sect Leader Sa Jung-gyeong and Martial Uncle Yeop Mun-wi, then Yi Yeol, Iron Mountain, and Ong Sa-un, Little Sparrow approached the Celestial Insight Maiden.
Everyone fell silent, watching.
Two shichen earlier, when they'd gathered, Little Sparrow had heard about the Jade Dew Divine Art and refused it. The Maiden had insisted she was fine and should take it. Because of that, all eyes were on the two.
"Congrats."
The Maiden smiled softly. In an instant, Little Sparrow threw her arms around her.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. I didn't need this—having you as my big sister is already amazing..."
"I like you too, junior sister. Like I said earlier, you need to get stronger so we can roam the world together."
"Yeah. I'll train even harder to stand proudly by your side."
"You can do it, Little Sparrow. I'll always cheer you on."
"Okay."
The Maiden patted her back. Tears welled in Little Sparrow's eyes, but she grinned, wiped them away, and finally let go.
"Alright, alright. No tears on a happy day like this. Here's a gift for our little lady."
Ong Jung-seo approached and thrust something forward.
Ink-black fabric.
Little Sparrow took it and unfolded it—a vest-like top made of silk-soft material.
Unsure what it was, she looked at him. Ong Jung-seo puffed up proudly.
"It's called Ghost Armor Vest. Blocks most blades and is winter-proof—one layer keeps you warm even in the dead of winter."
"Can you really give me something so precious?"
"No matter how precious, is it more than our little lady?"
"Ah!"
Deeply moved, Little Sparrow spread her arms. But she couldn't hug him—he'd swiftly backed away.
"...!"
"Even as family, a grown girl can't just hug willy-nilly!"
Ong Jung-seo said sternly.
Little Sparrow panicked.
Sect Leader Sa Jung-gyeong laughed heartily and stepped in.
"Elder Ong is right. You're grown now, Little Sparrow—mind your conduct."
"Y-Yes."
She deflated instantly.
Then Ong Jung-seo approached.
"Truly congrats, little lady. Train harder and shine alongside First Lady here."
"Yes. I will. Thank you so much."
Little Sparrow bowed deeply, beaming again.
Ong Jung-seo smiled faintly.
In the warm atmosphere, Iron Mountain let out a deep sigh.
"Everyone's getting stronger... when will I?"
He glanced slyly at Do Cheon.
Do Cheon scowled.
"Want it now?"
"Can I?"
"Why not? Just give up on getting stronger."
"You know I can't!"
"Then you can."
"I'm just jealous—can't even say that?"
"Yeah. Everyone else gets it, but not you."
"...?"
"The Iron Thunder Divine Art was meant for Master. But he said give it to you. Don't rush or envy—respect Master's intent and just build your body diligently."
"Eek?"
Iron Mountain yelped in shock at the news.
He turned to his master, Sa Jung-gyeong, disbelieving.
"Guess I hadn't told you."
"Master?"
"I'm old, kid—no more ambitions. Your success is my achievement."
"But still..."
"Reclaiming the ancestor's arts satisfies me fully."
Sa Jung-gyeong smiled kindly. Iron Mountain clamped his mouth shut, speechless.
Ong Jung-seo looked around and called to Sa Jung-gyeong and Yeop Mun-wi.
"Can't just sit on a day like this. Late, but let's have a drink!"
"Of course. Let's go—I'll show off my skills today."
Yeop Mun-wi rolled up his sleeves and led the way.
"Coming."
Sa Jung-gyeong followed with Ong Jung-seo.
Iron Mountain watched them go, then turned to Do Cheon.
"What should I do now?"
"What do you mean? Train harder."
"I'm dying as is—how?"
"Then keep at it. Master will be pleased."
"Sigh, what do you want from me? Just give me something else..."
Shaking his head with a sigh, Iron Mountain followed his master.
"Senior Brother, let's go."
Yi Yeol said to Do Cheon.
"Yeah."
Do Cheon nodded, slung an arm around Ong Sa-un's shoulder, and walked together.
"Let's go too."
The Maiden took Little Sparrow's hand.
"Okay."
Little Sparrow grinned and strode energetically.
It was the third happiest day for her—after Do Cheon's safe return in three years and gaining the Maiden as junior sister.
It was just before dawn.
Clear dew clung to every leaf, glistening purely as if knowing they'd vanish with the rising sun.
"Miss! You're out!"
"Great morning today too!"
Wi Hong and Yoo Chil greeted Little Sparrow loudly.
"Sleep well? Same as always—please!"
She greeted back, looking brighter than ever. Wi Hong tilted his head watching her greet other early risers.
"Little Sparrow seems... different, right?"
"You think so too?"
"Yeah, somehow..."
"She looks even prettier."
"Right. Prettier skin too."
"Hey, hey. Stop there. Don't go further."
"Huh? Oh, right. She's always been pretty."
They grinned at each other.
Little Sparrow finished greetings and stood before everyone. She turned her head left. Wi Hong, Yoo Chil, and the others behind finished loosening up and followed. Faces bright, fatigue gone. Compared to starting training, their stamina had improved vastly.
"I am an Iron Lion!"
Iron Mountain's booming voice rang out as always.
His grand aspiration.
Like a massive bear thundering in from the left. But something was different—he held jar-sized pots in both hands, water splashing with each step.
"Let's go wild today!"
He shouted passing Little Sparrow, grinning at her. She smiled brightly and followed right behind.
Wi Hong, Yoo Chil, and the Iron Lion Sect warriors charged after energetically.
Once they vanished, two appeared.
Do Cheon and instructor Mok Un-san.
"We need sandbags."
Do Cheon said, having seen Iron Mountain.
"Already asked the steward."
"Ah, good thinking."
"With young hero Iron Mountain leading by example, no one's slacking—everyone's diligent."
"That's because Instructor Mok guides them well."
"Not everyone grasps teachings."
"True, but... Instructor Mok."
"Yes?"
"On my recent trip, I faced the Bandit Chief of Gwi Ya Rim."
"...!"
"He claimed no ties to the Shanxi Mok Clan. Same for Yin-Yang Sect and Ganggaebang."
"Not them."
"...!"
Firm expression. He clearly knew about the fiend.
Do Cheon nodded.
"Nosy of me."
"Thanks for caring."
"No big deal. Months sharing one pot—what's that if not fate?"
Mok Un-san stayed silent, burdened by the kindness.
"I'll head down first."
Do Cheon turned.
Mok Un-san watched his back wordlessly, then looked skyward. His face looked deeply troubled.
As Do Cheon descended, one man appeared.
The Volcanic Divine Sword Yi Jo-yang.
"Waiting for me?"
"The Great Righteous Alliance's new leader is Shaolin's Hyun Cheon Sunim. Know him?"
Yi Jo-yang cut straight to it.
"No."
"Met him just before you returned from the Yangtze. Not meddling—just tying up as former leader. Told him straight about you, no bias. They suspect your arts were newly forged by Iron Lions uniting. Better left that way—no corrections."
"That's the answer?"
"He'll summon you soon."
"Another attack?"
"No, a formal call. Hyun Cheon Sunim differs from Un-yang Jin-in—prefers talk. Don't scoff; meet him. You lose nothing, but ongoing feud with the Alliance brings trouble."
"Meeting's easy. But if the big shots pick fights there?"
"Hyun Cheon Sunim will handle it."
"And if not?"
"Your choice. I said I won't interfere."
"Even if blood spills?"
"What can I do? Can't tie you down."
"Ha, you're slyer than you seem."
Yi Jo-yang chuckled at Do Cheon's grumble.
"Handle it well. Your Shangjie matters tie to the Alliance anyway."
"True. After Yangtze, land routes need shaking up—and half the world is righteous factions. Bound to clash."
"You get it."
"Yeah. Frustrating as hell. Used to just handle what's in front—now my brain's overthinking ahead. Annoying..."
"Your intellect's sharpening."
Yi Jo-yang looked impressed yet unsurprised.
"Meaning?"
"Generation's Heavenly Demon arts enhance your mind to superior brilliance."
"Remodeling the spirit too?"
"Spirit's part of the body, after all."
"...!"
"Think: head injury loses memory or wits. Conversely, transforming this head to peak health boosts intellect."
"Ah!"
"Not granting new knowledge—don't slack on studies."
"...!"
Do Cheon looked punched—truth stung. He'd hustled for the sect but slacked most on himself.
"Thank you. For the wake-up."
The words slipped out. Snapping to, Do Cheon bowed politely to Yi Jo-yang.
Yi Jo-yang smiled.
'Excellent attitude in accepting guidance!'