Chapter 105
Chapter 105
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 105
Chapter Title: The Plum Blossom Sword Guard Examination
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Seven weeks after the Mount Hua Sect's mountain gate had opened.
Kkiiik—thud!
The moment the allotted time was up, the mountain gate closed as if it had been waiting.
"A total of seventy."
Finance Hall Leader Hyeonryeo pressed her brow while looking at the documents in front of her.
'Did we get too greedy...'
Was it because it had been so long since they last accepted disciples?
The Sect Leader and Hyeonryeo had filled No Flower Hall, which they had rebuilt to accommodate third-generation disciples, to its maximum capacity without thinking about the aftermath.
"How much money do we have left?"
As she rubbed her forehead and calculated.
Bang.
The door burst open, and Deputy Hall Leader Cheonsu approached in an exhausted state.
"They've all been settled into No Flower Hall."
"What about their uniforms?"
"We distributed not only the uniforms but also wooden swords and all the essentials."
"Then what's left is..."
"Food expenses."
Hyeonryeo frowned.
What was the most necessary thing to run a sect?
Food expenses.
The two racked their brains, pondering how to cut back on food costs.
"Haa, for now, prepare the provisions we received from the Biwind Merchant Group."
"Understood."
"I'll figure out something for the shortfall, so go on."
Hyeonryeo dismissed him, but.
"Um, Hall Leader."
Far from leaving, Cheonsu called out to her.
"What is it?"
"Aren't we taking any new members? Over at Medical Hall, they took in a ton of second-generation disciples this time."
Hyeonryeo smiled wryly.
Medical Hall was enjoying unprecedented prosperity in Mount Hua Sect's history.
And the biggest reason for that was.
"Medical Hall has the Divine Physician elder, so it's unavoidable."
The presence of the Divine Physician.
With the world's greatest physician secluded in Medical Hall, the nameless disciples who had no interest in martial arts and planned to return to the secular world soon had quietly joined Medical Hall.
Of course, Cheonsu understood.
Even basic medical skills were enough to make a living, but studying under the Divine Physician? The treatment one would receive...
He himself wanted to quit Finance Hall right now and join Medical Hall to learn from the Divine Physician.
But still.
"No, Hall Leader. Medical Hall already has five new members. What about Finance Hall? It's just you and me handling everything!"
It was so unfair.
This wasn't right.
Finance Hall managed Mount Hua Sect's most crucial finances.
And only two people for that?!
Hyeonryeo spoke softly to the fuming Cheonsu.
"A few of the second-generation disciples will be joining us soon anyway."
"R-Really?!"
Cheonsu's eyes widened.
Soon, he poured out excited words.
"H-How many? No, when?"
"...You'll have to wait a week."
"...A week?"
His brightened expression darkened again at the cold water poured on him.
"But we have so much work right now."
"The Sect Leader said there are priorities, so it's delayed a bit."
"Priorities..."
"You know what."
"Ah..."
Cheonsu let out a sigh.
"So until then, it's just you and me handling everything?"
Hyeonryeo nodded.
She had a headache too.
They had accepted Lin as a direct disciple, but there was no time to teach martial arts.
"Haa."
"Ehew."
They both sighed at the same time.
"Let's endure for now."
"...Understood."
Meanwhile, there was one place—or rather, one person—as busy as Finance Hall within Mount Hua Sect.
"You're asking me to supervise the Plum Blossom Sword Guard selection exam?"
"That's right."
Wrinkles formed on Hyeoncheong's face at the Sect Leader's early morning visit.
The Plum Blossom Sword Guards were the face of Mount Hua Sect.
Thus, annual exams and evaluations were held with strict processes.
Assessing their martial prowess, five virtues, personality, etc.
They watched daily to see if the disciples suited the position.
So he couldn't understand.
"Why me of all people?"
The ideal supervisor was someone who knew the disciples' character, integrity, and skills well.
But what about him?
"As Martial Junior Brother Sect Leader knows, I'm holed up in Ten Thousand Scriptures Pavilion and don't know the disciples well. How could I supervise?"
Hyeoncheong expressed his refusal.
"Why not have Martial Training Pavilion Leader or Hyeonheo Martial Brother do it?"
"Martial Training Pavilion Leader and Hyeonheo Martial Brother both strongly recommended you, Senior Brother."
But the Sect Leader didn't accept the refusal.
"And I think you're perfect for this supervision too."
"...Why do you think that?"
"Do you know how many are taking the exam this time?"
The Sect Leader emphasized.
"Ten in total."
It was astonishing.
To even participate, one had to meet conditions.
Specifically, ignite sword incense.
Meaning they had to reach at least first-rate realm.
Last year, there were barely four.
And all passed to become Plum Blossom Sword Guards.
In other words, ten disciples had reached sword incense realm in just one year.
"And eight of them are second-generation disciples you taught, Senior Brother."
"It's more Cheonhwi's credit than mine. Without the Dark Fragrance Pills he brought, we wouldn't have these results."
"But you cultivated those second-generation disciples."
Faced with the unyielding Sect Leader.
"...Haa. Fine. I'll do the supervision."
Hyeoncheong finally conceded.
"Thank you."
The Sect Leader's expression softened.
"When is the exam?"
As he asked, the Sect Leader looked up.
The plum blossoms that once blanketed the peaks had fully bloomed, covering Mount Hua.
"Tomorrow."
That day of their brief meeting.
The word spread through Mount Hua Sect: "The Plum Blossom Sword Guard exam will be held tomorrow."
And to Cheonhwi, who seemingly had nothing to do with it, Jeokgeom was sweating profusely and explaining fervently.
"...For these reasons, I won't be able to come for a few days."
Listening quietly to Jeokgeom's lengthy explanation, Cheonhwi cut to the chase.
"So, you're judging the Plum Blossom Sword Guard selection exam and can't come?"
Jeokgeom scratched his head sheepishly.
"Yes."
"Seollan too?"
"Yes. Including Junior Sister, all current Plum Blossom Sword Guards are judging this time."
"Got it."
Cheonhwi answered refreshingly.
It was regrettable not having Jeokgeom and Seollan attend to him, but what could he do?
The Plum Blossom Sword Guard selection happened every year anyway.
"It's about time."
Suddenly, the scent of plum blossoms brushed his nose.
"Um, Martial Uncle."
"What?"
"The Sect Leader said to pass a message to you."
"What?"
Jeokgeom hesitated.
"He said... if you have nothing to do, why not come observe..."
Jeokgeom's voice trailed off smaller and smaller.
He knew how much Cheonhwi hated bothersome things.
But.
"Sure."
Cheonhwi accepted the suggestion.
"R-Really?"
Cheonhwi smirked at the startled Jeokgeom.
"What? Should I not?"
"No!"
"When?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"Morning, got it."
Cheonhwi nodded.
'Might as well see how they select them.'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The next day, as soon as the sun reached midday, Cheonhwi headed to Samong Plain.
It would normally be a training ground where only a few first-generation disciples trained alone, but today was different.
"Think Senior Brother can do it?"
"Of course!"
Second-generation disciples who could usually be seen on Peach Grove Plain gathered tensely around the training ground.
Meanwhile, three sat in the high seats.
The Sect Leader and this exam's supervisor, Hyeoncheong.
And Cheonhwi.
"When do we start?"
"Soon."
No sooner had the Sect Leader answered.
Whoosh—
A gentle breeze blew.
Then, ten figures leaped over the high walls surrounding the training ground.
As if to seize the initiative, the Plum Blossom Sword Guards displayed flashy lightness skills.
"That's Heavenly Dragon Emerging from Clouds!"
"Dark Cloud Thunder too!"
The second-generation disciples watched the Plum Blossom Sword Guards flying overhead with admiring eyes as they performed Mount Hua Sect's renowned advanced lightness arts.
Heavenly Dragon Emerging from Clouds, Dark Cloud Thunder, Illusory Ring Maze Step, Floating Cloud Leaping Drift, and more.
As they stared blankly for a moment.
Tap. Tap.
The Plum Blossom Sword Guards landed lightly on the training ground, ending the dazzling display of ultimate techniques that was almost blinding.
"Ah."
The second-generation disciples voiced their regret.
Meanwhile, Cheonhwi was surprised for a different reason.
"Wow. What a pointless show."
It looked flashy on the surface, but upon closer inspection, it was an empty shell— all shine, no substance.
"Learning those footwork techniques is less efficient than others, don't you think?"
"Heh heh, but it boosts morale, doesn't it?"
"They seem a bit excited."
As the Sect Leader and Hyeoncheong smiled awkwardly at Cheonhwi's pointed question.
'Let's see.'
Cheonhwi turned his gaze to the training ground, scanning the faces of the Plum Blossom Sword Guards.
As expected, Jeokgeom and Seollan caught his eye first.
Next were Jeokun, Jeokjae, and Jeokbi, who had traveled with Biwind Merchant Group.
And that was it.
He knew the rest by face only—no names, no interest.
And no desire to know.
'Not a single standout...'
His scanning gaze suddenly stopped on the woman in the center.
She appeared to be in her mid-to-late twenties and was quite tall.
'At least one.'
He slowly looked her up and down.
Not a stunning beauty, but an appearance anyone could find appealing.
A perfectly balanced figure.
And perhaps due to her unhidden inner energy and aura.
Her confident arm-crossed pose could seem arrogant, but it suited her well.
'Who is she? Face rings a bell.'
Step—
Then the woman stepped forward.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Cheonhyang."
Cheonhyang? Ah! The deputy ambassador!
Cheonhwi finally recalled.
But only for a moment, as he voiced a question.
"Weren't you in secluded training at Lion Rock Temple recently?"
"She just ended her seclusion."
As the Sect Leader answered the question.
"Muryang Subul."
A young Taoist stepped onto the training ground.
The youth, who naturally bowed and called out his Dao name, stared straight at Cheonhyang.
"Long time no see, Division Leader."
Cheonhyang smiled faintly.
"Who do you want as your opponent?"
"I'd like to face Senior Brother Jeokgeom."
"Very well."
Cheonhyang stepped back decisively.
And shortly after, Jeokgeom slowly walked from the back, bowed.
"Well, I never imagined Junior Brother Jeokyeon would pick me."
Jeokyeon grinned.
"If not now, I felt like I'd never get another chance to spar with Senior Brother."
"Sparring is always possible..."
"What I want is a spar where we pour out all our strength."
Jeokgeom, caught off guard, asked cautiously.
"...You knew?"
Jeokyeon nodded silently.
"Don't plan on going easy this time."
"Good."
Seeing Jeokyeon radiate energy, Jeokgeom drew his sword and circulated Plum Blossom Qi Art similarly.
Passing the exam was simple.
Just gain the supervisor's recognition in a spar with a Plum Blossom Sword Guard.
As the atmosphere heated up.
Tap!
Both charged at once.
As Jeokyeon and Jeokgeom's spar began, the Sect Leader exclaimed in admiration.
"Heh heh. I knew Jeokgeom was excellent, but Jeokyeon's growth in such a short time is impressive."
Jeokyeon wasn't particularly outstanding among second-generation disciples.
If anything, his talent was below average.
But.
"Still, Jeokgeom takes it."
Jeokgeom was overwhelming Jeokyeon.
Unilaterally.
"Jeokyeon isn't ready yet."
Hyeoncheong evaluated coldly.
His skills had improved, but he was far from Plum Blossom Sword Guard material.
"I concede."
Moments later, Jeokyeon admitted defeat.
The two, seemingly satisfied, smiled as they left the training ground. Cheonhyang promptly stepped up and said,
"Next one, come up."
Soon, a new second-generation disciple sparred with a Plum Blossom Sword Guard.
Meanwhile, having watched all the spars, Cheonhwi wore an incredulous expression.
'That's it? This is ridiculous.'
He had expected something from the Plum Blossom Sword Guard selection, but it was disappointingly lackluster.
"Is that all?"
"Why? Any issues?"
Issues? Plenty.
The Plum Blossom Sword Guards were key forces of Mount Hua Sect. Settling it with one spar?
No desperate battle either.
Just an ordinary spar.
Cheonhwi asked the Sect Leader.
"Are you satisfied with this, Sect Leader?"
The Sect Leader looked puzzled at Cheonhwi, then nodded firmly.
"Yes. Quite satisfied."
It was sincere.
Who would have dreamed of ten exam takers?
Not even in Hyun-gang's time.
Hearing that, Cheonhwi narrowed his eyes.
'No wonder Mount Hua Sect isn't getting stronger with this method.'
Even for Daoists, this was too much.
Despite preparations like Dark Fragrance Pills and Plum Fragrance Halls.
They could never grow strong like this.
'Tsk, guess I have to step in again.'
Why did everything require so much hand-holding?
It was like changing diapers.
But what could he do?
To strengthen Mount Hua Sect, he had to convince these old-fashioned folks.
Having decided, Cheonhwi spoke.
"I'm disappointed. Satisfied with this?"
"What's so disappointing?"
"Look."
Cheonhwi pointed at Jeokgeom and Jeokyeon, who had just finished sparring.
"What spar lacks any desperation and ends so cleanly and amicably? To me, it looks like Jeokyeon has zero interest in becoming a Plum Blossom Sword Guard."
He shook his head with a sigh.
"He assessed his opponent's strength and conceded."
Staring straight at the Sect Leader, who seemed oblivious, Cheonhwi spoke.
"If he really wanted to be a Plum Blossom Sword Guard, would he give up midway?"
"That's..."
The Sect Leader trailed off.
"Hm. You have a point."
Hyeoncheong, who had been quietly listening while watching the spars, agreed.
Seizing the moment, Cheonhwi pressed.
"For our sect's revival, we need more experts, right? But if they won't stake their lives on becoming Plum Blossom Sword Guards, how can we grow stronger?"
"...We've almost caught up to our past selves."
"Satisfied with that?"
Cheonhwi's eyes narrowed.
"I think it's lacking."
The Sect Leader's pupils shook.
"How much would satisfy you?"
"World's greatest sect."
Cheonhwi grinned.
"That should do it."