Chapter 140
Chapter 140
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 140
Chapter Title: Chapter 5. The Wind Constantly Shakes the Branches of the Great Tree (3)
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Mount Hua had several naturally formed caves in its eastern region. Among them, some were so secretive that even the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect were unaware of their existence.
The Purple Star Cave was one such place.
Only a handful of people within the Mount Hua Sect knew of the Purple Star Cave's existence. It was located in such a hidden spot and held tremendous importance.
The Purple Star Cave had formed naturally long ago. But over countless years, artificial elements had been added.
Some had demonstrated their martial arts here, while others had left behind their insights.
Traces of such activities remained intact on the walls of the Purple Star Cave.
In the long-vacant Purple Star Cave, a single man now sat.
The man's name was Myeong-gyeong.
He was the most promising warrior in the Mount Hua Sect and one of the Nine Dragons.
He had returned to Mount Hua just a few days ago. Unlike his bold departure, he came back with slumped shoulders.
People were shocked by Myeong-gyeong's pitiful return, and even more stunned to learn he had lost to Dang Ho.
Myeong-gyeong was no ordinary later-generation disciple. He was Mount Hua's hope and future. The shock of such a talent, who was meant to lead Mount Hua for at least the next thirty years, being broken by Dang Ho's fist was immense.
But the one who received the greatest shock was Myeong-gyeong himself.
Upon returning to the Mount Hua Sect, Myeong-gyeong immediately secluded himself in the Purple Star Cave for closed-door training.
Seated in meditation, Myeong-gyeong recalled the events of that day.
The Blood Plum Blossom Sword that his master had taught him was perfect. And he had mastered it to the extreme.
Myeong-gyeong had executed the Blood Plum Blossom Sword flawlessly from start to finish. It was the first time since learning it that he had performed it so perfectly.
Yet, despite unleashing such a flawless Blood Plum Blossom Sword, Myeong-gyeong had been utterly defeated. Without any room for excuses, completely and thoroughly.
Had Dang Ho not held back, he would already be dead.
The Dang Ho he faced directly was truly terrifying.
It wasn't just his martial arts. Dang Ho himself possessed a chilling aura that instilled fear down to one's bones.
Myeong-gyeong bit his lip.
'The difference between him and me is desperation. The intent to kill, the certainty that the opponent must die.'
Dang Ho's fists were fearsome because they carried killing intent. Facing him in battle, Myeong-gyeong had realized this bone-deep.
'How can I achieve that?'
Myeong-gyeong's eyebrows twitched.
The more he thought of Dang Ho, the taller the wall seemed. A wall as high and immense as Mount Hua itself.
It was then.
"Myeong-gyeong."
A low voice pierced his ears.
Myeong-gyeong hurriedly turned his head. There stood a familiar face.
A middle-aged swordsman emitting a sharp aura like a finely honed famous sword.
"Master!"
It was Hyungeom Immortal, Myeong-gyeong's master.
Over the past twelve years, Hyungeom Immortal's presence had grown even keener, exuding a blade-like atmosphere so intense that one could barely breathe even standing right before him.
Myeong-gyeong hastily bowed his head. Instead of acknowledging the greeting, Hyungeom Immortal regarded him with a cold gaze.
"I've heard the story."
"Master!"
"You were defeated?"
"I am sorry."
"Cheon-gyeong... That kid was that impressive?"
Hyungeom Immortal's voice was as cold as frost-covered ground.
He was disappointed in the disciple he had raised with such care.
It didn't matter how strong Dang Ho was or how much fame he had gained.
What mattered was that his disciple had lost to Dang Ho.
The fact that his own reputation had plummeted as a result was humiliating.
'To lose to a mere cripple.'
He still vividly remembered the boy limping on one leg twelve years ago.
The boy who had directly challenged his prejudice that a cripple could never achieve greatness.
Hyungeom Immortal had ruthlessly cast him aside. For a cripple to master his martial arts would challenge his convictions.
He had never once regretted that decision, even now with his disciple returning defeated.
He was angry.
"Tell me. Was Cheon-gyeong's martial arts that formidable? Beyond what you could handle."
"He... is strong. His martial arts are strong, but the man himself is chillingly powerful."
"That much?"
Hyungeom Immortal's eyes wavered slightly as he countered.
"I cannot understand it."
"What can't you understand?"
"Why didn't you take him as a disciple back then? Why did you choose me instead of him?"
Myeong-gyeong's voice trembled.
Hyungeom Immortal's eyes narrowed.
His disciple had to be flawless. Only then could he protect the Mount Hua Sect from external threats after succeeding him.
And now, that disciple was wavering.
Because of Cheon-gyeong, whom he had discarded twelve years ago.
'How dare he!'
A faint crack appeared in the center of his resolute heart.
***
The Overlord Stronghold, located in the treacherous mountains of Mount Hwang, was a perfect fortress in itself. While most mountain strongholds used large wooden fences, the Overlord Stronghold was built with massive stones into a true castle.
The buildings rising above the castle walls were not crude thatched structures but proper halls. It was a grandeur befitting the headquarters of the bandits.
"Welcome."
As soon as they entered the Overlord Stronghold, Yun Chung greeted them warmly.
Yun Chung's smiling face looked exceedingly affable.
"Uncle Yun!"
Hwang Hye-ryeong waved at Yun Chung.
"Haha! Hye-ryeong, you've come."
Yun Chung beamed.
Hwang Hye-ryeong was not just Hwang Gyeong-mun's daughter. Everyone in the Overlord Stronghold treated her like their own child, and Yun Chung was no exception.
Hwang Hye-ryeong in particular called Yun Chung "Uncle" and followed him closely, often acting spoiled. Her demeanor toward him was thus very affectionate.
"I'm glad you returned safely. So, how was your journey through the martial world?"
"Fun? Hardly."
"Why?"
"There were just so many things to deal with."
"I see. You must have had it tough. Now that you're home, rest easy."
"Yes!"
Hwang Hye-ryeong nodded.
Once their conversation ended, Hwang Gyeong-mun spoke.
"Provide lodging for these two as well. They're important guests, so take special care."
"Understood."
As Yun Chung bowed politely, Bang Jin-bo suddenly stepped forward.
"May I watch the butchering?"
"You can, but why?"
"I'm a bit interested in cooking."
Bang Jin-bo blushed and said shyly. Yun Chung glanced at Hwang Gyeong-mun, who nodded in response.
Yun Chung then pointed to some bandit warriors standing to the side.
"Very well. Follow them."
"Thank you."
After bowing, Bang Jin-bo hurried toward the people Yun Chung had indicated.
Yun Chung's gaze turned to Dang Ho.
"Great hero, please follow me."
Dang Ho nodded and followed behind Yun Chung.
Hwang Gyeong-mun watched the two for a moment before speaking to Hwang Hye-ryeong.
"You come with me. I have much to discuss."
"Yes!"
Hwang Hye-ryeong obediently followed Hwang Gyeong-mun.
The affection in their eyes was gone.
They had shared private reunions until now, but from this point, it was time for official talk.
The two moved to Hwang Gyeong-mun's residence.
Once alone at last, Hwang Gyeong-mun's expression grew grave.
"What happened?"
This was not a father asking his daughter, but the chief of the Eighteen Green Forest Strongholds inquiring.
Aware of this, Hwang Hye-ryeong detailed everything she had experienced in Dongjeong Lake and Ak Yang.
Hwang Gyeong-mun's face visibly stiffened as he listened.
"The Martial Alliance and the Demonic Cult... Nothing but bad news. The only silver lining is that the Martial Alliance has no spare attention for us because of the Demonic Cult."
"But someday, the Martial Alliance's swords will turn toward us."
"Indeed. It's happened countless times before. They need scapegoats, and the Green Forest is just prey to their taste."
Hwang Gyeong-mun stood.
Opening the window revealed the full view of the Overlord Stronghold.
His life's sweat and passion were poured into this place.
Not just the Overlord Stronghold. He had devoted his life to protecting the Eighteen Green Forest Strongholds, achieving their current prosperity. But how precarious it was, only Hwang Gyeong-mun knew best.
Hwang Gyeong-mun approached Hwang Hye-ryeong and patted her shoulder.
"You've worked hard. I'm glad it wasn't just a joyride."
"Do you think I'm still a child forever?"
"No matter how grown, you're always a child in your father's eyes."
"Tch!"
Hwang Hye-ryeong wrinkled her nose. Yet to Hwang Gyeong-mun, even that seemed endearing.
"By the way, the Fist Demon, eh? You've brought a big fish."
Hwang Gyeong-mun gazed toward Dang Ho's lodgings.
"Born under a fate that draws blood? Or does he instinctively seek out places where blood flows?"
His eyes deepened profoundly.
The lodgings Yun Chung showed him to were a small hall deep within the Overlord Stronghold. It was simple, without unnecessary decorations, but clear effort had been put into it.
The full layout of the Overlord Stronghold came into view.
The shape of the walls, the placement of the halls, even the positioning of the warriors.
Hwang Gyeong-mun was exposing it all unreservedly to Dang Ho, an outsider.
"Does that mean he's that confident?"
Dang Ho's eyes narrowed.
Hwang Gyeong-mun, seen in person, seemed quite broad-minded. And he clearly cherished Hwang Hye-ryeong. The affection on his face made it evident.
Yun Chung smiled as he spoke.
"Rest here, and call for anything you need anytime. A guest of Hye-ryeong is a precious guest to me as well."
Yun Chung's smile was endlessly bright, without a trace of pretense.
The magnanimity to smile even before Dang Ho was not something anyone possessed.
Dang Ho stared fixedly at Yun Chung. Yun Chung subtly averted his gaze and stepped back.
"Then I'll take my leave."
Yun Chung smiled and exited.
As he watched the departing Yun Chung through the door, a deep furrow formed between Dang Ho's brows.
It was then that someone knocked.
"May I come in, brother?"
The voice belonged to Muk Il-gwang.
"Come in."
At Dang Ho's permission, Muk Il-gwang cautiously entered.
Two new axes hung from his back. He had taken spares from the stronghold.
His already fierce appearance grew even more intimidating with the axes, but Muk Il-gwang was trying his best to look cautious.
"What is it?"
"I thought you might be lonely alone."
"Me?"
"If I'm bothering you, I'll leave."
Dang Ho regarded Muk Il-gwang for a moment. Muk Il-gwang did not avoid his gaze.
He bit his lip firmly. An unconscious action to endure Dang Ho's eyes.
Muk Il-gwang feared nothing in the world, yet he inexplicably shrank before Dang Ho.
Dang Ho suddenly asked.
"Do you like Hye-ryeong?"
"Pardon?"
Muk Il-gwang's eyes shook momentarily.
Too shocked to respond. But Dang Ho didn't mind.
Muk Il-gwang's reaction was the clearest answer.
"Don't let that feeling change."
"O-Of course."
Muk Il-gwang answered loudly without realizing it.
His face flushed red.
Dang Ho silently watched Muk Il-gwang's face.
Appearance didn't matter. What truly mattered was the person's heart.
Muk Il-gwang possessed an unwavering, steadfast heart.
That was enough.
'Yes! More than enough.'