Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: 7. Dragons and Tigers Gather in One Place (1)
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A cool breeze swept across the ridgeline. Leaves scattered into the air, carried by the wind.
An elderly Daoist murmured as he watched the scene.
"It's fully summer now. This summer will be a hot one."
True Person Hyuncheon.
That was the Daoist's Dao title.
He was no ordinary Daoist. He was the sect leader of the Mount Hua Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects.
From the chamber where True Person Hyuncheon sat, the entire Mount Hua was visible. The view of the mountain from here was truly unparalleled.
"If I ever step down as sect leader, this is the sight I'll miss the most."
"It's still too early for you to retire, Sect Leader."
A middle-aged Daoist seated across from him at the table spoke up.
His Dao title was Mugyeong.
He was the leading disciple of the Mount Hua Sect and all but certain to succeed as the next sect leader.
Time had ripened Mugyeong to perfection.
He carried a gravitas that made him more than worthy to inherit the Mount Hua Sect. True Person Hyuncheon trusted him deeply.
As proof, Mugyeong now handled most of the sect's major and minor affairs. And by his side was always his reliable junior brother, Unkyeong.
The Mount Hua Sect disciples held Mugyeong in the highest regard. He handled matters with utmost fairness, and not a single disciple disliked him.
In contrast, Unkyeong was cold and detached. He always judged every situation with clear-eyed precision and steered it toward the most rational path.
The two complemented each other perfectly. As long as they were around, the consensus was that the Mount Hua Sect's future was bright.
It was because of Mugyeong and Unkyeong that True Person Hyuncheon could even speak of retirement.
"Aren't I already half-retired? I can enjoy this leisure only because you and Unkyeong are doing so well."
"We still need your guidance, Master."
"I'm grateful you say that, even if it's just words."
True Person Hyuncheon smiled.
"It's not empty words. I'm still sorely lacking."
"No one starts out perfect, Mugyeong."
"Master."
"When I first took over the Mount Hua Sect, everything was a mess. Those were truly dark days. But things are different now."
No one called the Mount Hua Sect the weakest of the Nine Great Sects anymore. It now boasted strength that placed it among the top ranks.
Hyuncheon's efforts had made it so. And Mugyeong knew that better than anyone.
That was why he respected and followed Hyuncheon more than anyone else. To him, Hyuncheon was more than just a master.
"Mount Hua must remain an unshakeable mountain, no matter the winds that blow. Nothing holds greater value than Mount Hua itself. Understand?"
"I will keep it in mind."
"That is enough."
True Person Hyuncheon smiled in satisfaction.
"We're almost at the summit. The peak is near. Once the Murim Alliance is formed, everything will change. Get past this hurdle, and the Mount Hua Sect will stand on solid ground once more."
"It will surely come to pass."
"Yes! And after that, I'll pass the sect leadership to you and retire."
True Person Hyuncheon's gaze, sweeping over the whole of Mount Hua, paused at one spot.
It was Cloud Platform Peak, home to the True Martial Palace—the symbol of the Mount Hua Sect's martial prowess.
"I wish Hyeongeom could go."
"It can't be helped, can it? It's not some trivial matter; he gained insights to advance further."
"True. It's unavoidable."
"But with Fourth Martial Uncle Hyeonmu going, it'll be handled well."
"Yes. Junior Brother Hyeonmu is reliable."
True Person Hyeonmu was Hyuncheon's junior brother. His skills didn't match Hyeongeom's, but they ranked among the top in the sect.
Above all, True Person Hyeonmu was rational and composed. Unshakable no matter the opponent, he could steer negotiations with other sects to great advantage.
"And with Myeonggyeong along, there shouldn't be any major issues."
"Right. I was worrying needlessly."
At the mention of "Myeonggyeong," a smile touched Hyuncheon's lips.
Myeonggyeong was the disciple handpicked and raised by True Person Hyeongeom, the sect's greatest master.
When he accepted an ordinary secular disciple—not even a first- or second-generation one—there had been much grumbling. But time revealed the truth.
Myeonggyeong was a gem hidden in the mud.
With Hyeongeom carefully polishing away the grime, a talent brighter than any jewel emerged.
His sword talent was terrifying, enough to send shivers through even long-time first-generation disciples like Mugyeong and Unkyeong.
The combination of a masterful teacher and a prodigiously gifted student yielded unbelievable results.
It was as if the phrase "day by day ever new" existed solely for Myeonggyeong.
In just twelve years, he had become the strongest among the first-generation disciples.
Even the prideful Mugyeong and Unkyeong could only bow their heads to his talent.
True Person Hyeongeom had sent his disciple Myeonggyeong out into the world.
To gain experience.
The ways of the world would temper him further.
"Myeonggyeong will surely become the guardian sword of the Mount Hua Sect. Once he finds his place, he'll be a great asset as you lead the sect."
"I understand."
"Handle him well."
"Yes, Master."
"You may go now."
"Then..."
Mugyeong offered a fist salute to True Person Hyuncheon and stepped out.
"Hoo."
Mugyeong let out a sigh once outside the chamber.
A middle-aged Daoist who had been waiting approached him.
"Elder Brother."
"Did I keep you waiting long, Unkyeong?"
"No."
The Daoist shaking his head was Mugyeong's junior brother, Unkyeong. He had waited outside while Mugyeong spoke with Hyuncheon.
Time was impartial; faint white hairs had begun to appear at Unkyeong's temples. But his gaze had deepened, grown even more piercing.
"How is Master?"
"There's only one word in his mind."
"Mount Hua!"
"Yes. The Mount Hua Sect is all he thinks about."
"With the Murim Alliance's launch so close, he's bound to be on edge."
Mugyeong nodded at Unkyeong's words.
The two walked side by side.
"Eldest Senior Brother, are you coming out?"
"We pay respects to Eldest Martial Uncle."
First- and second-generation disciples greeted them one after another.
A shadow fell over Mugyeong's eyes. Unkyeong knew why.
"Thinking of Junior Brother Cheonkyeong again?"
"It's my fault. I abandoned him."
"It's not your fault, Elder Brother. No one could have done otherwise."
"If I'd listened to you... if I hadn't brought him in the first place..."
Regret filled Mugyeong's voice.
In the past twelve years, not a single day had passed without recalling that memory. That's why he had trained himself even more harshly. It was the only way to endure.
Mugyeong's gaze turned toward Cloud Platform Peak. At its summit stood the True Martial Palace. But Mugyeong wasn't looking at the peak—he stared at the midway point.
"How is Martial Granduncle?"
"The same as ever. Hasn't stepped out of his quarters since that day."
"Hoo."
Mugyeong sighed heavily.
His heavy breath echoed under the hot summer sky.
***
Damho left the inn and headed straight for the Heavenly Abode Tower—the Haomen's branch in Yang Province.
Unjeong greeted him.
"Come in. The tower lord is waiting."
Damho stared at her silently. Unjeong gave an awkward smile.
It was their third meeting, but she still couldn't get used to his expressionless face. Those emotionless eyes sent chills down her spine every time.
"Let's go."
"Yes! Follow me."
Damho followed Unjeong.
"Hey! Don't touch that."
"Hohoho! How so bold you are!"
It was early evening, but the Heavenly Abode Tower already brimmed with the giggles of courtesans.
Through open door cracks, men could be seen burying their faces in courtesans' bosoms. The rooms steamed with heated passion.
An atmosphere no red-blooded man could resist.
Unjeong glanced sideways at Damho as she led the way. But he didn't spare a single look at the rooms, just kept walking.
'Of course. A man like him wouldn't bat an eye at that.'
For some reason, Unjeong felt oddly relieved.
Moments later, they reached Gi Ye-hwa's room.
"Come in."
Gi Ye-hwa welcomed Damho with a smile.
Her already stunning beauty filled the room with an enchanting aura as she smiled.
Even Unjeong, a woman, felt her heart race. It wasn't a natural smile.
It was the advanced technique Heavenly Fragrance Smile, capable of bewitching with a mere grin. In all of Haomen, only Gi Ye-hwa could perform it.
Unjeong was slightly startled. It was her first time seeing Gi Ye-hwa use it.
Any ordinary man would have dropped to his knees, begging for her love. But Damho's eyes remained utterly cold.
Not even the Heavenly Fragrance Smile worked on him.
Gi Ye-hwa let out a subtle sigh.
"You're truly a cold one. So, what brings you here today? I thought our deal was done."
"Track down Jo Yun-san."
"You still haven't found him, I take it?"
"......"
"From what I've gleaned, Jo Yun-san is a meticulous sort. A man like that won't show himself easily."
"So?"
"It might take time."
"I don't care how long. Ten years, a hundred—find him."
"Whew. Woe to anyone who makes an enemy of you. No grudge ever forgotten, no vengeance spared."
Gi Ye-hwa sighed softly.
The sight was startlingly seductive. But it failed to stir Damho's icy gaze.
Gi Ye-hwa looked him straight in the eye.
His face was as impassive and emotionless as ever. She suddenly wondered if this man even had human feelings.
The rumors about him were all vicious. Since first appearing in Shinkang, blood never dried from his hands.
Death followed wherever he went, leaving countless in tears of blood. He was likely the first to amass such infamy in so short a time.
For now, the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families were preoccupied with the gathering in Hunan Province, but once they had leisure, naming him a public enemy of the martial world wouldn't be amiss.
"Time is no issue, you say?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Worth a shot, then. One question: Did the Black Tiger Band also raid the place you lived?"
"......"
Damho didn't answer. But sometimes, silence speaks more than a thousand words.
'That explains his grudge against Jo Yun-san and the Black Tiger Band.'
Damho was the same as when he'd first entered—no change in gaze or expression.
That made it all the more chilling.
Becoming enemies with a man like this meant no peaceful days ahead. Gi Ye-hwa felt pity for Jo Yun-san.
Her eyes hardened.
"So, how will you pay?"
"Payment..."
"We covered Jo Yun-san and the Black Tiger Band with the first Demon Eye Stone. New deal, new price. That's the code."
Damho drew something from his bosom and placed it on the table.
"What's this?"
Gi Ye-hwa's eyes wavered.
Another Demon Eye Stone.
Much smaller than the first, but it shimmered with a brighter, more radiant light. Far superior quality.
When escaping the underground cavern, Damho had taken two stones. This was the last.
Worth far more than the first. No wonder her eyes shook.
Damho assumed she'd accept the deal. But her response was entirely unexpected.
"No Demon Eye Stone."
"......"
"I have a different request instead."