Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Redeeming the Favor at Mount Tai Sect
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The group arduously climbed the sheer, rugged ridgeline. Startled wild beasts and birds, spooked by the unfamiliar visitors, shattered the mountain's silence with their frantic commotion.
As they reached the mid-slope, the Mount Tai Sect's mountain gate came into view. Even in the early morning, two warriors stood guard.
"It seems even this sacred place couldn't escape the chaos of the times."
"You're right. It reminds me of the strict vigilance at a military camp. It wasn't like this last time we came."
It was then, as they approached to request entry.
The Mount Tai Sect warriors spotted the group and raised an arm to block the way. Contrary to their stern demeanor, their tone was quite polite as they posed the customary question.
"May we know your identities?"
"We are warriors of the Five Harmony Alliance."
Suspicious glances quickly scanned the group. Overwhelmed by their blood-and-flesh-stained clothes and the severed heads some carried, the men grew even more tense and inquired about their purpose.
"You've come a long way from Kaifeng. What business does the Five Harmony Alliance have here?"
"It's a matter to discuss with your sect leader. Would you step aside? If you're suspicious, go back and verify. We'll wait here."
They exchanged quick glances. The older of the two stepped forward.
"Please wait a moment."
"As long as it takes."
A short while later, the Mount Tai Sect disciple who had gone up the mountain returned. Accompanying him was a middle-aged Daoist.
He recognized Yuk Ryul on sight and widened his eyes in surprise.
"Soaring Wave Sword. What brings you here...? And what happened to cause that gruesome appearance?"
"It's been a while, Jong Uija. How fares True Person Resonant Bell? I'd like to meet him."
Mount Tai Sect's second-generation disciple Jong Uija shook his head firmly.
"If you want a private audience with the sect leader, you'll need to state your reason. Things might be different in peacetime, but as you know, these are perilous times."
"I understand."
Yuk Ryul readily agreed, then spoke in a more solemn tone about their purpose.
"Long ago, the grace token we received for rescuing a Mount Tai Sect elder. We've come to use it."
"Ugh...!"
Jong Uija groaned and squeezed his eyes shut before opening them again.
"Can you tell me specifically what it's for?"
"I cannot. Showing you this token should be sufficient grounds to request an audience, no?"
Resigned, Jong Uija let out a short sigh and slowly turned.
"Follow me. Lads, make way."
The other Mount Tai Sect disciples masked their surprise and fully stepped aside, opening the mountain gate.
It was fortunate no unnecessary conflict arose. The group inwardly sighed in relief and followed Jong Uija.
Beyond the mountain gate, the Mount Tai Sect's quarters were modest to the point of being cozy, nestled in the embrace of the mountain ridges and dense forest.
Rather than grand sect halls, they gave the strong impression of a hermitage for cultivation. There was a power that humbled visitors.
The group straightened their bearing and entered.
The young boys and girls training in the outer drill ground eyed the unfamiliar visitors warily. Their furtive glances were somehow endearing.
Sensing their unease, the Five Harmony Alliance warriors whispered awkwardly among themselves.
"It's your face scaring the kids. Keep your head down while walking. They might cry."
"Why blame me? Look at yourself first. With that burly build and scars everywhere, how could the kids not be frightened?"
Ignoring their bickering, Yuk Jin-yang surveyed the surroundings. His eyes met those of an elderly man emerging from behind the main hall.
"Hm?"
The elder gazed intently at the Five Harmony Alliance warriors. He had an immortal-like appearance. His gentle features and chest-length beard lent him a mystical air.
"Guests have arrived."
"True Person Resonant Bell."
Yuk Ryul cupped his fists in salute. The others followed suit.
True Person Resonant Bell chuckled softly, stroking his beard.
"You've endured many hardships on your journey here. Your complexion betrays your urgency."
"We have urgent matters to discuss. Could you grant us a moment?"
"Follow me. And you as well."
True Person Resonant Bell nodded toward Yuk Jin-yang.
Jong Uija was taken aback by the sect leader's ready acceptance.
"S-Sect Leader. Even so, how can we let blood-scented intruders into our quarters? Have them bathe and purify themselves first before summoning them."
"Why make guests with no time to spare even more pressed? Escort the rest to the guest quarters."
"...Understood, Sect Leader."
Jong Uija led the Five Harmony Alliance warriors away first.
True Person Resonant Bell then took the Yuk clansmen to his quarters.
In the serene chamber, the three sat facing each other across a low table. In one corner, the sect leader's youngest disciple brewed tea.
"Have some. The Deer Cry Tea should be quite fine."
True Person Resonant Bell offered tea first. As he lifted the cup, a subtle floral aroma rose. It was regrettable they had no leisure to savor it.
It was as he took a sip of the verdant tea.
True Person Resonant Bell's gaze turned to Yuk Jin-yang.
"You are truly extraordinary."
"Pardon?"
"I say so because your very aura is exceptional. May I ask your name?"
"Yuk Jin-yang."
True Person Resonant Bell's long white eyebrows twitched. He hesitated before firing off questions.
"Might your grandfather be...?"
"He is the clan head."
"Indeed! It's no wonder the grandson of the Yangtze Subduing Dragon possesses such extraordinary talent."
This was no mere reaction to a name. Yuk Jin-yang asked curiously.
"Do you know my grandfather?"
"I only glimpsed him from afar long ago. But his prowess is still etched in my mind, unforgettable. It felt like Mount Tai itself might crumble."
"That impressive?"
"It was the day I truly felt the weight of the title 'peerless under heaven'."
True Person Resonant Bell tilted his head slightly, gazing at the ceiling. His eyes closed, as if lost in reminiscence.
What could have happened to elicit such a response? Yuk Jin-yang suppressed his curiosity.
True Person Resonant Bell opened his eyes and shifted topics casually.
"Truth be told, I called you over out of simple curiosity. Seeing a junior achieve such heights at a young age stirred my interest."
"I am grateful for your kind words."
"Not just me—anyone with discernment would say the same."
True Person Resonant Bell turned to Yuk Ryul. He finally asked the purpose of their visit.
"So, how did the clash with the Huangbo Clan go?"
"You knew?"
"We have no spies bringing us news, but in these turbulent times, keeping our ears open lets the state of affairs flow in. A typhoon from Kaifeng is said to be sweeping through Shandong."
"The tongues of Shandong's gossips must be sharp. A typhoon, indeed."
Yuk Ryul interjected coolly. Yet he didn't immediately bring up the grace token.
One didn't demand a sworn oath just because they held a grace token. That was a mistake made by those ignorant of the ways of the martial world—or those backed into a corner.
There was no need to leave a bad taste when seeking the other's goodwill.
It was far better to give them a pretext to step forward themselves. Knowing this, Yuk Ryul broached a topic sure to stir Mount Tai Sect.
"The Huangbo Clan has dragged the White Lotus Cult into this."
True Person Resonant Bell's thick eyebrows twitched.
"Did you say White Lotus Cult just now? That band of vile heretics has reared its head again?"
"See for yourself."
Yuk Ryul drew a bloodstained heroic banner from his bosom. He had kept it from the recent fierce battles as evidence.
Seeing the embroidered lotus pattern, True Person Resonant Bell lowered his gaze gravely.
The steam rising from the teacup scattered chaotically. The sect leader's unease was palpable in the rippling qi.
"It seems the Huangbo Clan has finally crossed the line."
Righteous sects and religions stood in irreconcilable opposition to demonic cults. They condemned each other as deceivers of the masses and held utter contempt. Their shared lack of martial lineage fueled ideological strife.
Yuk Ryul nodded and spoke plainly.
"The upstart clan's greed for power hasn't changed, but this time they've gone too far. Soon, their ancestral rites will end."
It was grave enough to invoke clan extermination. Thus, True Person Resonant Bell silently endorsed Yuk Ryul's harsh words with his quietude.
Finally, the desired response came from True Person Resonant Bell's lips.
"What aid do you need from us?"
"Join us in striking Jinan."
"That can't be all... Come now, speak your mind openly."
"Mount Tai Sect has avoided deep entanglement with the mundane world. Even compared to the Nine Great Sects, it's distinctive. But this time, bend your principles. After subjugating Jinan, raise Mount Tai Sect's banner high over Shandong for a time."
Toppling Jinan wouldn't be the end.
A major sect like the Huangbo Clan's destruction would have vast repercussions. For better or worse, they had maintained order in Shandong. Uprooting that influence would shake the entire province.
When a tiger dies, wolves fill its territory. Minor and medium sects that had bowed to the Huangbo would salivate. The resurgence of lurking unorthodox factions had to be guarded against too.
But the Five Harmony Alliance lacked the capacity to oversee Shandong. Even those dispatched now would return to Kaifeng once their mission ended. Hence, Mount Tai Sect's power was needed.
To protect the common folk in place of the tigers.
'But that's not all, is it?'
Yuk Jin-yang caught his uncle's hidden intent. It dawned on him that Mount Tai Sect was a Daoist sect.
Though Mount Tai Sect shunned the secular world, ties to fellow Daoist sects weren't absent.
Moreover, Mount Tai was a sacred Daoist site. If the emperor or Prince of Yan truly stained it with blood, the matter would escalate. Mount Hua, Jongnam, and Wudang would have no choice but to intervene.
True Person Resonant Bell pointed it out.
"You're planning to leverage our connections with other sects, aren't you? I still see your innocent old self clearly, yet you've learned such schemes."
"A grace token's chance comes but once, so it must be used wisely."
"Haha, your composure has grown too. Well, then."
True Person Resonant Bell nodded, though troubled.
"Very well. So be it."