Chapter 163
Chapter 163
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 163
Chapter Title: A Visit to Mount Hua
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Well, it was true that a Sword Sage resided at Mount Hua.
'But there's no need to go there specifically for that.'
He was heading back anyway.
He would simply set foot in Mount Hua along the way.
If he got to see the Sword Sage in the process, great. If not, no big loss.
For Hyeok Mulin, just taking in one of the Nine Great Sects with his own eyes on a rest stop was nothing but a gain.
And so, Hyeok Mulin decided to accept Elder Sang's invitation.
At that moment, Danri Hyang returned to his side, and Hyeok Mulin gave him a brief word of praise for his efforts.
"You did well."
Danri Hyang had carried out Hyeok Mulin's orders to perfection.
Amid the widespread severe injuries, the young swordsman under his protection hadn't suffered so much as a scratch.
Afterward, Hyeok Mulin informed Danri Hyang of the future plans.
"I'm not going to the Danri Clan. I'll join their return path and head to Mount Hua."
He then instructed Danri Hyang to return to the Danri Clan and await further orders.
"Understood."
With those words, Danri Hyang accepted the command without a hint of hesitation.
The Heavenly Demon heading alone to the heart of the orthodox sects, Mount Hua Sect.
For most demonic cultivators, it would be cause for worry and concern.
But Danri Hyang showed no such signs.
'Everything the Cult Leader does has a reason.'
It was the unwavering loyalty of the Divine Demon Blood Death Squad, who followed only Hyeok Mulin's orders.
Besides, every choice the Cult Leader had made so far had been flawless, so Danri Hyang set aside all doubts and trusted only his directives.
Once Danri Hyang turned back toward the Danri Clan, it wasn't long before the young swordsman approached Hyeok Mulin.
He scanned Hyeok Mulin up and down and asked,
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
"Of course not. And you?"
Hyeok Mulin already knew from Danri Hyang, but he asked again as if confirming the young man's condition.
Once they verified each other was unharmed, the young swordsman let out a sigh of relief, followed by a series of regretful sighs.
"It seems this year's Shaanxi Sword Assembly has come to an end. I wanted to have a deeper conversation with you..."
The young swordsman recalled their enjoyable exchange of sword insights and let out a lament. He wanted to keep talking.
But with everything in chaos and everyone heading home, he couldn't very well cling to the man.
As he expressed his deep regret at the unfortunate circumstances, Hyeok Mulin chuckled and said,
"Doesn't a lingering regret make the next meeting all the more anticipated? We're under the same sky, so we'll cross paths again someday."
"...You're right."
A smile gradually tugged at the young swordsman's lips.
Putting aside his regrets, he smiled and said,
"Under this vast sky, I'll await that day we meet again. Stay strong until then."
After exchanging farewells, Hyeok Mulin saw the young swordsman off.
Having wrapped up their brief parting at the Shaanxi Sword Assembly, Hyeok Mulin then joined the Mount Hua group.
As they finished preparing to depart, Elder Sang suggested riding together in the carriage.
Hyeok Mulin accepted without refusal, and the two ended up sharing one.
On the road to Mount Hua.
Elder Sang gazed warmly at Hyeok Mulin seated across from him.
Then, he slowly opened his mouth.
"Do you belong to any sect?"
"Nothing like that. No plans to join one right now, either."
"...I see."
Elder Sang swallowed his inner disappointment at the answer.
In truth, inviting Hyeok Mulin to Mount Hua wasn't just about repayment—there was another motive.
A master of that caliber, unattached to any sect? Naturally, one would covet him.
Not even this elder could best him in a sword duel—who would object?
And what did Mount Hua lack compared to other sects?
The key was his own will, so Elder Sang's groundwork was to show him Mount Hua's grand and beautiful majesty firsthand.
But.
'The plan went awry from the start.'
Elder Sang had momentarily forgotten he was the leader of wanderers roaming free, and his face fell in regret.
He quickly corrected his thinking.
Repaying the benefactor who saved his life.
He would stick to that original purpose.
"Thanks again. Without you, a massive bloodbath would have unfolded in Shaanxi."
If most of the assembly's martial artists had died in their ambush, it truly would have been irreversible.
Of course, they still planned to identify and hold the attackers accountable.
But with key figures dead, the response would have taken a different course.
It might have escalated into a frenzied war of vengeance between righteous sects, spilling rivers of blood.
"So, the sect intends to offer fitting repayment. Is there anything you desire? Gold, elixirs, or even a treasured sword forged by Mount Hua's artisans. Anything at all—speak freely."
Hyeok Mulin replied without a moment's thought.
"I'd like an audience with the Sect Leader."
"Well now..."
Elder Sang let out a low groan.
An audience with the Sect Leader.
Requesting a private meeting with the head of mighty Mount Hua Sect, one of the ancient martial venerables.
An opportunity even clan patriarchs of renowned houses or sect leaders of prestigious schools rarely obtained.
In a way, it held value beyond elixirs or gold.
'But it's not an unreasonable demand.'
He had saved not only this elder but also the life of Mount Hua's cherished Plum Blossom Sword Dragon.
After a moment's consideration, Elder Sang nodded slowly.
"Very well. I'll petition the Sect Leader directly. I'm sure he'll hear the circumstances and not refuse."
With Elder Sang's assurance, they traveled smoothly for several days and finally arrived at Huayin County in Shaanxi Province.
Before ascending Mount Hua, they halted in the massive village at its base.
This village accommodated the countless visitors to Mount Hua before climbing to the main sect.
As Mount Hua's influence grew, the village had naturally expanded alongside it.
"That is the Shanhaxiaoguan, Mount Hua's sub-branch at the mountain's foot."
At the village center stood Shanhaxiaoguan, Mount Hua's manor.
It served as a base below the mountain, assisting the main sect's operations.
Mount Hua was high and treacherous—not everyone could climb it.
Thus, it also received guests seeking Mount Hua and handled sect affairs in their stead.
"However, we won't stop there."
Unlike his disciples, Elder Sang bypassed Shanhaxiaoguan and headed straight for Mount Hua.
Hyeok Mulin's request was an audience with the Sect Leader, which required ascending the mountain.
Elder Sang sent his disciples to Shanhaxiaoguan, then climbed alone with Hyeok Mulin.
Tak! Tak! Tak! Tak!
Their destination: Lianhuafeng, where Mount Hua Sect's main headquarters stood.
Despite the steep terrain, he moved with practiced, swift steps.
This path was as familiar as breathing, having climbed and descended it hundreds, thousands of times.
Initially, he planned to pace himself for Hyeok Mulin's first ascent, waiting for his breaths.
But as time passed, he realized it wasn't necessary.
"Even your lightness skill is so outstanding."
A glance showed Hyeok Mulin ascending effortlessly, hands behind his back.
No sign of labored breathing—he moved with ease.
Amazed, Elder Sang remarked,
"First time climbing Mount Hua, and no one moves as well as you."
"The mountains back home are quite rugged, so I'm used to it."
Truth be told, Heavenly Mountain was even steeper.
Paths there sometimes felt like scaling sheer cliffs.
But Elder Sang didn't buy it.
"Haha, quite the joker."
He assumed it was a jest.
Where in the world was a place as rugged as this?
Heavenly Mountain wasn't even on his radar.
Afterward, Elder Sang quickened his pace, and Hyeok Mulin leisurely matched it.
They reached Mount Hua's entrance before sunset.
The guarding disciples spotted Elder Sang and bowed.
"Greetings, Elder."
After the salute, they eyed the unfamiliar man beside him, prompting Elder Sang to introduce,
"I've brought an honored guest for the sect. Is the Sect Leader inside?"
"Yes, he is."
"Good. Carry on."
Elder Sang passed them with a curt word, and the disciples bowed deeply.
Hyeok Mulin followed, slowly stepping into Mount Hua Sect's headquarters.
'So this is Mount Hua Sect.'
The Heavenly Demon who had most easily entered one of the Nine Great Sects' stronghold among past Cult Leaders.
Hyeok Mulin took in the sect's majestic headquarters.
Near the summit, grand halls stretched out in awe-inspiring array, making one wonder how such architecture was possible.
Lush green pines interspersed among them, adding natural beauty.
"This way."
Elder Sang pressed on without pause.
Hyeok Mulin followed, passing training grounds, disciples' quarters, elders' offices, and martial halls.
Soon, their steps slowed before something ahead.
There stood a massive statue.
A man raising his sword to the heavens, depicted in a posture brimming with majesty.
As Hyeok Mulin regarded it, Elder Sang introduced proudly,
"A statue modeled after the Sect Leader."
Towering two or three times a grown man's height, the craftsmanship was exquisite.
Clearly, a fortune had been lavished on its creation.
Hyeok Mulin glanced indifferently and thought,
'The Sword Sage must fancy self-aggrandizement.'
Or perhaps,
'His surroundings exalt him as an enlightened sage.'
As Hyeok Mulin stared fixedly at the statue, Elder Sang spoke.
"Wait here a moment. I'll go petition the Sect Leader directly."
Hyeok Mulin nodded, and once Elder Sang departed, he slowly strolled about, taking in the surroundings.
He reflected on Mount Hua Sect.
'A sect in its resurgence.'
He had sensed it passing the base village and Shanhaxiaoguan.
Buildings immaculate, disciples well-equipped and uniformed.
Even as a Taoist sect, its worldly aspirations were evident.
Yet,
'They're not neglecting training either.'
The training grounds he'd glimpsed en route showed intense drills.
And the disciples performed them effortlessly.
Daily repetition had made it routine.
Martial prowess and wealth—most places struggled with one, let alone both.
Yet current Mount Hua grasped both.
No wonder they were called one of the Nine Great Sects.
It showed why they remained the core of the righteous factions and the Martial Alliance for ages.
As Hyeok Mulin surveyed and waited,
Elder Sang returned shortly after.
But his expression seemed urgent, his face pale as death.
Hard to believe this was the same Taoist who had remained composed on the brink of death at the Shaanxi Sword Assembly.
Hyeok Mulin spoke first.
"What happened?"
Elder Sang didn't answer immediately.
His face conflicted, then hardened with resolve as he nodded.
Slowly, he parted his lips.
"The Sect Leader."
His voice trembled faintly as he continued.
"Has gone into hiding."