Chapter 221
Chapter 221
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 221
Chapter Title: Bespoke Bows and a Disciple's Resolve
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Several busy days passed while staying at the Namdo Iron Gate.
And finally, at Hyeok Mulin's command, the Wind and Cloud Platoon was summoned to the workshop.
Entering with tense hearts, they soon came to a halt.
There, dozens of bows of varying sizes hung in dazzling splendor.
And beneath each bow, the owner's name was inscribed.
Gulp.
They swallowed hard, their eyes gleaming.
They wanted to rush forward and embrace them right then and there, but they restrained their burning desire with remarkable patience.
A moment later, Hyeok Mulin released their reins.
"Go on, take a look."
"Yes, sir!"
Thud thud thud!
At his permission, everyone sprang into action.
Heading to the bows marked with their names, they stood transfixed, utterly captivated up close.
"Is this really..."
"This bow is truly mine?"
Weapons were inseparable from any warrior.
They typically cost as much as six months' wages for an ordinary commoner.
Of course, cheap ones could be had for less, but those were usually flawed—imbalanced or made with shoddy materials.
Conversely, fine weapons commanded high prices precisely because of their worth.
The quality of materials used and the skill of the forge master determined their value.
And what now lay before the eyes of the Wind and Cloud Platoon was...
"It's so light."
"Fits my hand like I've used it my whole life."
"Sits perfectly on the shoulder, smooth as flowing water."
These were custom-made from top-grade materials by the Namdo Iron Gate's finest smiths, who proudly claimed to be the best in forging true steel weapons.
Their value was beyond reckoning.
"This thing's gotta be worth a few mansions."
Flinch.
Everyone froze at the platoon vice-leader's casual mutter while fiddling with his bow.
"A few mansions...?"
"Something this insane is in my hands right now?"
Suddenly, even touching the bows felt like an immense burden.
They were theirs now, but one wrong move could damage them irreparably.
So they stood awkwardly, frozen in place, not daring to move.
Whoosh!
One arrow sliced through the air.
It streaked swiftly across the sky, flying out the workshop door and embedding dead center in a distant tree.
The platoon members turned toward the arrow's origin one by one.
There stood platoon leader Yi Bija, silently nocking the next arrow.
Pew!
His next shot hit the exact same spot, leaving even the smiths wide-eyed in astonishment.
As the bewildered platoon members stared in confusion at their leader's sudden action, Yi Bija nocked another arrow and spoke up.
"What are you all standing around for?"
"B-but it's too precious to just shoot..."
"You'll be using it for the rest of your life. You gonna hesitate in the middle of a mission?"
Speechless at his words, they fell silent.
"Test your own gear yourselves. If there's an issue and you find out later, it'll take ages to fix."
No other smith could touch a custom Namdo Iron Gate weapon.
He was right—if there was a problem, now was the time to catch it.
With resolve hardening, the platoon members gripped their bows with trembling hands and took up positions.
Targeting trees beyond the door, they began firing just like him.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
But those who had fired found not a single flaw.
Instead, they were overwhelmed with awe.
Power, speed, accuracy, flexibility—everything far surpassed their old gear.
Just as they said, advancing one's equipment was like advancing oneself.
Simply switching bows and arrows had naturally elevated their skills.
As they excitedly shattered their personal bests, showering arrows in delight, Yi Bija finished his tests and approached Hyeok Mulin.
Representing the platoon, he offered profound gratitude.
"We thank you for your boundless grace, Cult Leader."
Grace, huh.
"No need. I merely armed my own men with what was mine."
A smile bloomed on forge master Gundo Sang's lips as he listened quietly beside them.
'My own, indeed...'
We've entered the Cult Leader's domain at last.
No smith frowned or felt burdened by the words.
Even these prideful Namdo Iron Gate masters gazed at Hyeok Mulin with expressions mirroring Gundo Sang's.
Bathed in their stares, Hyeok Mulin slowly met each pair of eyes.
Gratitude and respect from the platoon.
Trust and pride from the smiths.
Confirming it, he smirked faintly.
'No need for lengthy talks.'
Their hearts were clear from their gazes alone.
Yes.
Before they knew it, they all walked the same demonic path.
"Must you leave already? Every time you depart, Cult Leader, it leaves only regret."
With the Wind and Cloud Platoon's custom gear complete and the Namdo Iron Gate back to normal operations, it was time to go.
Thus, as Hyeok Mulin and his platoon set out, Gundo Sang led all the smiths to see them off.
"Better to leave a touch of longing, so we anticipate the next meeting."
In truth, Hyeok Mulin had stayed longer than planned.
The original schedule was just for the platoon's gear, but resolving the mine crisis had extended it.
But that was fine.
The gains far outweighed it.
"To anticipate the next... "
Stroking his chin, Gundo Sang continued with a complex expression.
"I wonder if I'll even be alive by then."
"You'll live."
Months, years.
Sensing the vitality surging through Gundo Sang's body, Hyeok Mulin knew his life had been extended by years, if not more.
So, as you wish.
"You'll witness your disciple's growth aplenty."
"...I don't know how to thank you, Cult Leader."
Smiling deeply from the heart, Gundo Sang expressed his gratitude.
Shifting his gaze aside, he called out to Sim Hyo in his eyes.
"Hyo, didn't you say you had words for the Cult Leader before he left?"
Words?
Hyeok Mulin's eyes turned to Sim Hyo.
The young man shuffled forward hesitantly, face etched with conflict—as if unsure if he should voice it.
"Right. You had something to say."
"I-it's just..."
What could make him hesitate so?
Well, if he couldn't speak...
No helping it.
"Must not be important. Send a letter if you need anything."
After a brief wait, Hyeok Mulin turned to issue orders to his men for departure.
Sim Hyo's face paled.
I have to say it now, before he goes.
But will he even allow it?
The man who'd brimmed with excitement at new challenges now felt only fear.
But.
'Letting this chance slip without a word would be too regrettable.'
Who knew when such an opportunity would come again?
Or when the Cult Leader might return.
Now.
Now or never.
Steeling himself, Sim Hyo took a deep breath and called out to Hyeok Mulin's retreating back.
"May I...!"
Halt.
Hyeok Mulin's steps stopped.
He didn't turn, but he stood still.
As all eyes converged on him, Sim Hyo continued in a trembling voice.
"May I craft a long robe for you, Cult Leader?"
Weapons weren't limited to blades and bows.
Any garb a warrior wore could be armament.
He boldly declared his intent before everyone.
"Hyo..."
Gundo Sang watched his courage solemnly.
Trembling visibly, yet he succeeded in voicing his will.
In truth, Sim Hyo dreamed of forging Hyeok Mulin's sword someday, but he knew his limits best.
He lacked the skill to surpass the Heaven-Splitting Demon Sword his master had made.
His instincts were top-tier, but he needed extreme experience and matching materials—neither of which he had.
So he resolved to craft the finest thing within his current reach.
"Why a long robe?"
Sim Hyo answered steadily.
"My meager skills can't yet forge a weapon worthy of you, Cult Leader. Your current robe fails to fully capture your majestic presence in form and fabric. I'm confident I can make something superior, so I humbly ask to take on the task."
That was Sim Hyo's unvarnished truth.
But there was one thing he left unsaid.
Crafting the Cult Leader's robe—gaining that experience—felt like it would shatter the wall blocking his path.
But that was mere personal ambition.
He couldn't bring himself to say it.
As he awaited a reply after stating his case, Hyeok Mulin spoke.
"How long will it take?"
"One year—no, half a year at most. I swear it."
"Half a year..."
Hyeok Mulin fell silent briefly.
Sim Hyo and all the smiths waited in tense quiet.
At last, he spoke measuredly.
"Come to the Demon Palace in half a year."
With that, he glanced back at Sim Hyo.
"I'll inspect the results then."
"...!"
Sim Hyo and the smiths lit up like sunshine.
It meant the Cult Leader had granted permission.
Overtaken by incomparable joy, Sim Hyo quickly composed himself and bowed deeply.
"I won't disappoint you!"
"Good. I look forward to it."
With a light smile, Hyeok Mulin resumed his steps forward.