Chapter 91
Chapter 91
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Backed Dispatch
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The Volcanic Divine Sword's words were true.
Two days later, a backed dispatch arrived from the Great Righteous Alliance.
A backed dispatch was a way of mounting paper or silk backing onto paintings or writings to protect them from moisture, mold, or insects, often decorated in various styles. Sending a letter or official notice with such backing signified respect for the recipient or the gravity of the contents.
The dispatch from the Great Righteous Alliance was addressed directly to the sect leader of the Iron Lion Sect. It was not something to be taken lightly.
"I think I should go. After all, I'm the one who caused the friction with them."
"Do Cheon, it's not because you caused the friction. It's because the sect has entrusted all major and minor affairs to you. That's why you must go. Always make it clear that this isn't about taking responsibility for the friction, but about representing the entire sect."
"Understood."
Do Cheon bowed his head deeply. Sa Jung-gyeong was satisfied just seeing that.
"Senior Brother, aren't you doting on him a bit too much?"
"What can you do when he's so lovable?"
"You two are exactly the same. He's the acting sect leader now, over thirty. 'Lovable'? 'Reliable' would be more fitting."
Ong Jung-seo threw in a word toward Sa Jung-gyeong and Yeop Mun-wi. Both nodded in agreement.
"Since you've given permission, I have one request."
"What is it?"
"For this trip, I'd like to bring Junior Sister Byeon, Junior Brother Yi Yeol, and Little Sparrow."
"To give them experience in a tough situation?"
"Yes."
"Won't it be dangerous?"
This time, Yeop Mun-wi asked after Do Cheon's reply.
"Where in the world is a safe place for martial artists? But just standing in such a place will teach them much, so they should endure it."
Everyone nodded at Do Cheon's answer.
One only knows the world's vastness after seeing the sea or climbing Mount Tai. Seeing the giants of the Great Righteous Alliance up close would clarify their goals, especially for Yi Yeol and Little Sparrow.
"Do as you wish."
"Thank you."
"Everyone's putting this burden on you alone, so I should be the one thanking you. Thank you."
Sa Jung-gyeong smiled warmly. Seeing that eased Do Cheon's heart.
"Then, in two days, I'll take the juniors and go."
"Yes, do that."
With his master's permission, Do Cheon paid his respects politely and withdrew.
Once outside, Do Cheon started toward Byeon Ryeo-gun, Little Sparrow, and Yi Yeol, but detoured to his master's library. There, Neung Sa-un and Young Ki were reading books.
Young Ki, still young and unable to focus long on books, turned to Do Cheon and smiled brightly. Do Cheon put a finger to his lips signaling silence, then went to the shelves, pulled out a book, and sat beside Young Ki.
As Do Cheon turned the pages, Young Ki returned to his own book.
Heavenly Altar's Unique Formation Sea!
Despite the grandiose title, it was a common third-rate cultivation manual circulating in the markets. Even a quick skim showed it was third-rate among third-rates. Still, reading carefully revealed some useful basics on internal arts.
If even this third-rate one has value, I should read all the other manuals too.
Do Cheon's interest in cultivation manuals stemmed from Byeon Ryeo-gun. No one would have objected if she claimed the Jade Dew Divine Art, yet she yielded it to Little Sparrow. Wanting to help her somehow, and inspired by the Volcanic Divine Sword's advice not to settle, he decided to start with the manuals.
Do Cheon read slowly, pondering the author's intent behind each character. It took quite some time to reach the end.
"When did you arrive?"
Neung Sa-un asked as Do Cheon closed the book.
"About time to read one volume. Helpful?"
"Of course. Now I think I understand what martial arts are and how to cultivate them."
"Ready then?"
"No, not yet. Still far off."
"How long?"
"I'll take it slow until properly prepared."
"What about your parents' spirit tablets? We waited because you wanted to fetch them yourself, but we can't leave them too long."
Neung Sa-un's face darkened abruptly.
Do Cheon watched, then voiced what he'd been thinking for days.
"How about we brothers go together soon, not too late?"
"Pardon?"
"It'd be better if we escort them ourselves. And the brothers can enjoy some spring breeze. What do you say?"
"I'd love that, but do you have time?"
"We'll make time. Sound good?"
"Yes."
"Good. Think about a good date."
"Thank you."
"It's nothing. Anyway, in two days, I'm taking Junior Sister Byeon, Junior Brother Yi Yeol, and Little Sparrow to the Great Righteous Alliance. For you and Iron Mountain, we'll see next time."
"Worried about us?"
"Of course."
"I'm fine, go safely. It'll be great experience for Yi Yeol and Little Sparrow."
"Yeah, that's why. Already got master's permission."
"So thorough. Looking after Yi Yeol and Little Sparrow, worrying about us and Iron Mountain, even getting the sect leader's approval. I couldn't do that."
"Even I think so. Lately, I've been pretty impressive."
"Yes, you are. Not flattery—you're doing great."
"Whoa, praise from a junior feels different."
"You're not scolding me for not knowing my place, right?"
"I'm not that dense. It's genuinely nice, different from master's praise. Feels like true recognition."
"Senior Brother is doing wonderfully. If you lead us, the sect will rise greatly."
"Yeah, it will."
Do Cheon smiled happily and stood.
"Leaving?"
"Yeah, need to tell Yi Yeol and Little Sparrow. Don't overdo it."
"Yes."
"Young Ki's sitting so patiently—impressive."
"Senior Brother Neung promised candy if I study hard."
"Really? Lucky you."
Do Cheon ruffled Young Ki's hair and left. Neung Sa-un watched with a smile, then turned to Young Ki.
"Sitting still reading is the hardest, but you're doing great. You'll become a greater martial artist than Senior Brother someday."
"Really?"
"Of course. I may not know much, but I spot diligent studiers quick. In my eyes, you'll be the best among us brothers."
"I'll really be the best. Then I'll punish those who hurt Senior Brother Neung's leg."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Thanks."
"Hehe!"
Seeing Young Ki's cute smile made Neung Sa-un resolve to work harder. To keep this happiness, he needed strength to protect himself.
Don't rush. Senior Brother's here now—trust and go slow, do it right!
Neung Sa-un returned to his book. As he did, Young Ki looked back at his. Soon, he peeked at Neung Sa-un, who hadn't moved an inch. After blinking a few times and seeing no lift of the head, Young Ki returned to his book.
Pa-at!
The sword tip piercing space scattered pure white light. It mercilessly stabbed a point in the air, then cleaved the atmosphere with ferocious speed. The blade was sharp, dazzlingly white.
Pi-ryu-ryu-ryuk!
The withdrawal was noisy. It almost seemed like an attack.
A timely step into the square gap. Then the sword thrust out wildly again.
Pat-pat-pat!
It deflected the opponent's counter and bloomed sword flowers mid-scatter.
Blood flowers craving the foe's blood.
Scattered Flowers Sword and Flying Swallow Eight Wings.
With the addition of their ancestor's Jade Dew Divine Art, it showed dazzling transformation.
Each unfold surprised even Little Sparrow herself.
So amazing she kept unfolding it. Practice time doubled, yet she never wanted to stop—it was that fun.
"Again?"
"No, stop now."
"Why-?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun shook her head, and Little Sparrow whined like a child.
"What did I say is most important in cultivating martial arts?"
"Harmony."
"Then what now?"
"Circulate qi."
"You know it?"
"Circulating qi is boring."
"Don't cultivate martial arts for fun."
"But..."
"Junior Sister Byeon is right."
Do Cheon's voice cut in, interrupting Little Sparrow. They turned to see him approaching. This was practice time; he wouldn't come without reason.
"I'll tell everyone tomorrow when we gather, but as the parties involved, I'll tell you two first."
"Parties?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun asked, puzzled.
"Day after tomorrow, we're meeting the new alliance leader of the Great Righteous Alliance. Thinking of bringing you two and Junior Brother Yi Yeol."
"New leader...?"
"Master Hyeoncheon of Shaolin."
"Ah, that's a relief at least."
"That kind?"
"Never met him, but he's famed for mercy and gentleness befitting a Buddhist disciple."
"Good then...! No, that's not what I hoped for. Ha! My head's all jumbled lately."
"Something wrong?"
Do Cheon shook his head with a sigh, and Byeon Ryeo-gun asked worriedly.
"Huh? Oh, no. Got too absorbed in one thought."
"What thought?"
"Just worrying how to make the sect happier."
Do Cheon smiled warmly.
He couldn't say he was rethinking cultivation from scratch to help Byeon Ryeo-gun. But her insight was sharp; she sensed the brush-off.
"That's not it."
"Huh?"
"Don't hide it."
"Hide what?"
"Is it because of me?"
"Of course."
"Pardon?"
"I want to be happy with Junior Sister Byeon, happy with our little one—it's a necessary, joyful worry."
Do Cheon grinned slyly. This time, his genuine delight confused Byeon Ryeo-gun.
"Anyway, I want to show I'm not alone, so three of us going. Little Sparrow, steel yourself especially."
"Yes."
Little Sparrow shrank already.
"Shoulders back."
At Do Cheon's words, Little Sparrow forced her shoulders straight. Far from confident or happy.
"Not good. Junior Sister Byeon, can we go out now?"
"Yes."
"Let's give this one a full makeover, head to toe."
"Buy clothes?"
"Yeah."
"I have the ones you bought last time."
As Do Cheon answered Byeon Ryeo-gun, Little Sparrow waved her hands in refusal. But Byeon Ryeo-gun sided with him.
"Great idea. Women are sensitive to outfits—change clothes, confidence soars."
"Not for me."
"Then wear whatever you're told. If you look more confident and pretty, it'll make me proud too. Gotta buy them."
"I agree with Senior Brother."
With both insisting, Little Sparrow had no choice.
Famous inn in the market town.
A young man in blue climbed briskly to the second floor and headed straight for the window seat. There, four middle-aged men sat arrogantly, gazing out and chatting. Next to them, five young men and women sat bored. Their varied attire showed they weren't from one faction.
"Four from Iron Lion Sect came out, including Byeon Ryeo-gun."
"Certain?"
"Wearing a veil."
"Then it's her."
The black-bearded middle-aged man nodded and waved him off. The young reporter sat with the five youths.
"Really going?"
A white-mixed-beard middle-aged man said distastefully.
"Can't you see that sly one stuck tight? Iron Lion Sect is real. Before their power grows, they won't refuse us."
"Not disagreeing, but cutting off the Celestial Insight line like that?"
"We're not meeting the girl now."
"Right. It's allying with Iron Lion Sect, no need to mind her."
"Upper Sect Leader, what was our grudge with Celestial Insight Maiden? Her indecision. The Seven Great Sects and Five Great Families solidify daily, while we're outsiders. Yet she said 'not time yet.'"
"Opportunity doesn't come waiting. We make it. Let's seize it."
The conference middle-aged man stood, saying so. Others followed. The white-beard man sighed, last to rise reluctantly.
The black-beard man smiled.
"Iron Lion Sect is our once-in-a-lifetime chance. Ignore Celestial Insight Maiden's disciple—focus on grabbing it."
"Understood."