Chapter 156
Chapter 156
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 156
Chapter Title: Back to Mount Hua
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"Swing the sword from above down even harder."
"Ah, got it!"
Jeokgeom nodded as he watched the Ilhwa Sect disciples obey his words without a single protest.
The Ilhwa Sect disciples had now not only mastered following the footwork of the Seven Stars Step but had also become proficient in the postures of the Three Immortals Sword.
'The basics are solid now.'
Jeokgeom's lips curved into a long horizontal line as he recalled how exhausted the Ilhwa Sect disciples had been while practicing the Seven Stars Step not long ago.
If they kept repeating their training in this state, their skills would improve by leaps and bounds.
'Stamina really is key.'
As Jeokgeom looked on with satisfaction,
thud— thud—
footsteps approached.
Turning at the increasingly close sound, Jeokgeom spotted Cheonhwi.
"Martial Uncle, you're early today..."
"Pack up."
"Pardon...?"
Jeokgeom let out a startled gasp.
But Cheonhwi didn't even glance at him as he continued.
"Time to head back."
A short while later, at the main gate of the Ilhwa Sect, Sect Leader Jusong, along with Sub-Sect Leader Jugoyul and the other disciples, exchanged farewells.
"The sweat you've shed will turn into blood and flesh. Don't slack off, no matter what."
Jugoyul nodded at Seollan's advice, engraving it deep in his heart.
"I won't forget your words."
Seollan gave a faint smile at the sight of Jugoyul clenching his fists.
"That's all I ask."
As Jugoyul stared, entranced by Seollan's smile—which he'd never seen before—
"Don't skip even a single day."
Jeokgeom was also earnestly reminding the Ilhwa Sect disciples he'd instructed.
"Yes, sir!"
"We won't skip!"
Jeokgeom's eyes narrowed to slits as he watched their resounding response.
"You were thinking of taking just one day off, weren't you?"
The Ilhwa Sect disciples flinched.
"Well..."
"I understand the desire to rest a bit after such tough training."
Jeokgeom spoke as if he understood.
"But remember this: while you're resting for that one day, others are training. To catch up..."
Since the Ilhwa Sect disciples were practically his first students, Jeokgeom continued explaining the importance of training when—
'Oh ho, listen to him go.'
Cheonhwi fixed his gaze on Jeokgeom.
His manner of speaking clearly stemmed from experience.
How else could he speak with such conviction?
'Next time, I need to train him properly so he doesn't even think like that.'
As Cheonhwi pondered how to work Jeokgeom harder, the Ilhwa Sect Leader approached.
"If my sect were in good shape, I'd have thrown a grand farewell banquet..."
"Save it for next time."
Cheonhwi replied nonchalantly, prompting the Ilhwa Sect Leader's eyes to widen before he burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, no need to worry. If you visit again, I'll prepare a festival like no other."
Cheonhwi nodded at his hearty words.
"Looking forward to it."
Finishing his talk with the Ilhwa Sect Leader, Cheonhwi turned to the still-chatting Jeokgeom and Seollan.
"Let's go."
Jeokgeom and Seollan nodded.
They then stood flanking Cheonhwi and politely bowed to the Ilhwa Sect Leader.
"If anything like this happens again, send a letter to our sect."
"Take care."
As the two smiled and bid farewell,
"Thank you. Safe travels."
The Ilhwa Sect Leader replied in kind.
After the trio departed from the Ilhwa Sect,
"Safe journey!"
"Thank you!"
The Ilhwa Sect disciples called out in unison.
"Take care!"
Finally, Jugoyul shouted loudly, and Jeokgeom and Seollan waved back.
A moment later, the three were far enough that the Ilhwa Sect was out of sight.
"By the way, Martial Uncle, why the rush?"
Jeokgeom finally voiced the question he'd held back at the sect.
"Someone's waiting."
"Pardon? Someone's waiting?"
As Jeokgeom and even Seollan grew curious, Cheonhwi raised his index finger.
"Over there."
The two turned in the direction he pointed, their expressions hardening.
"Jongnam Sect...?"
"Why are Jongnam Sect Taoists here?"
"They said they wanted to go to Mount Hua Sect."
No sooner had he spoken than Boseong approached and bowed.
"Amitabha. You must be the Plum Blossom Sword Guards who came down from Mount Hua Sect this time."
Boseong quickly scanned the two.
He'd heard from Cheonhwi, but he was inwardly shocked that the famed Plum Blossom Sword Guards numbered only two.
'They took down an unorthodox sect with just three people.'
With that thought, he moved his lips.
"This humble monk is Boseong."
"Kuh, cough! Thunderclap Sword Hero?!"
Jeokgeom choked in surprise.
He'd thought the man didn't look ordinary, but never imagined it was the Thunderclap Sword.
Jeokgeom hurriedly bowed.
"Jeokgeom of Mount Hua."
"Seollan."
Seollan followed with her greeting.
"Hoho, pleased to meet you."
Boseong smiled warmly.
"By coincidence, we'll be traveling together. I look forward to a smooth journey to Mount Hua."
Jeokgeom and Seollan gave awkward smiles.
This was news to them just moments ago.
But what could they do?
Cheonhwi held all the decision-making power, leaving no room for their input.
In this situation, the only words they could say were one thing.
"Pleased to join you."
"Likewise."
The remaining Jongnam Sect Taoists naturally joined the group...
but an awkward atmosphere lingered.
Though they'd exchanged names, the gulf between Jongnam Sect and Mount Hua Sect couldn't be bridged, and they hesitated to approach each other.
It was only natural.
Relations between them had been sour for a long time.
Yet amid this, there was an exception.
"Brother! What kind of mountain is Mount Hua?"
Jonghyeon, stuck right to Cheonhwi's side, asked with sparkling eyes.
"Just a rocky mountain."
"Aw, come on, Brother. I know a little. Master said it's a must-see at least once in life."
Despite Cheonhwi's indifferent reply, Jonghyeon brimmed with anticipation.
'It must be amazing!'
Meanwhile, Jeokgeom and Seollan were dying of curiosity listening to the pair.
"Who knew Martial Uncle had an adopted brother."
"...He really is, right?"
"Probably."
Unable to contain their curiosity, the two quietly approached Jonghyeon.
"Young Taoist. How do you know our Martial Uncle...?"
Cheonhwi watched the three start talking, relieved, and stepped aside.
'Finally, free of the hassle.'
From that sparked conversation among the three, the atmosphere began to shift.
The two soon started chatting with the other Jongnam Sect Taoists, and the awkwardness quickly dissipated.
As Cheonhwi observed them,
"Quite the sight. Isn't it?"
Boseong approached from a distance.
"It's temporary anyway."
Cheonhwi replied indifferently.
Considering the relations between Jongnam and Mount Hua, this camaraderie wouldn't last long.
'Not a long-term thing.'
As Cheonhwi lost interest in them, Boseong smiled faintly and spoke.
"Hoho, you never know. There's that saying about foes sharing a boat."
He gazed at the sky and murmured meaningfully.
"Yesterday's enemy may be today's ally in this world."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Four days later, the group arrived at Mount Hua.
"So this is Mount Hua...?"
"Looks rougher than Mount Jongnam."
The Jongnam Sect Taoists' eyes widened at the sight of Mount Hua, which they'd only heard about.
Sheer cliffs carved like by a knife.
And towering peaks visible between them.
"That peak looks just like a flower."
"Is that why it's called Mount Hua?"
At first glance similar to Mount Jongnam yet somehow more unique, the Jongnam Sect Taoists were busy sightseeing.
"Wow!"
Jonghyeon especially bounced around excitedly.
Mount Hua's scenery dazzled his eyes, just as his master had described.
"It's even cooler than I imagined!"
Boseong whispered, admiring Mount Hua.
"As beautiful as ever, past or present."
The landscape was as stunning as when he'd visited decades ago.
Seeing their awe, Jeokgeom and Seollan eagerly added explanations.
"It's beautiful now, but when the plum blossoms bloom, it's breathtaking."
"That's when you truly appreciate Mount Hua's scenery."
At their timely words, the Jongnam Sect Taoists let their imaginations soar.
Mount Hua's beauty with plum blossoms in full bloom...
As their eyes glazed over dreamily,
"Let's hurry up and climb already."
A voice shattered the mood.
Having seen Mount Hua hundreds of times, Cheonhwi spoke listlessly.
"Didn't you say there's urgent mail to deliver?"
Shortly after Cheonhwi took the lead,
thud.
They reached the Mount Hua Sect's mountain gate.
"Martial Uncle! You're back!"
Jeokun, guarding the gate, rushed over but froze upon belatedly noticing the Jongnam Sect Taoists behind Cheonhwi.
"These gentlemen are...?"
"Can't you tell? Jongnam Sect."
"I-I know that, but... why are Jongnam Sect members at Mount Hua...?"
As Jeokun's eyes darted in panic, Boseong approached and bowed.
"Amitabha. This humble monk is Boseong of Jongnam Sect."
Jeokun's eyes bulged as he bowed.
"Forgive my late greeting. Jeokun of Mount Hua."
He then cautiously asked.
"What brings the Thunderclap Sword Hero to our sect?"
His throat went dry with tension.
A Jongnam Sect elder—no, the Thunderclap Sword himself—visiting Mount Hua?
This was no ordinary matter.
'Is it about the Murim Alliance incident?'
Jeokun swallowed hard, recalling the recent fallout with Jongnam Sect.
Seeing Jeokun's tension, Boseong replied with a gentle smile.
"To see your Sect Leader."
"Please wait a moment. I'll inform the Sect Leader..."
"Want me to relay it?"
Cheonhwi interjected.
"Y-You, Martial Uncle?"
"Why not?"
"No, I mean!"
Startled, Jeokun waved his hands frantically.
"It's just... burdening you with such a chore..."
"I have to report mission complete anyway. Might as well."
"Then, please."
With that, Cheonhwi kicked off the ground.
Unleashing the Azure Cloud Step Technique—second to none in speed—he shot up the rugged mountain path like an arrow.
"Hup!"
"Such fast lightness skill..."
"Is that even possible...?"
"As expected of Brother...!"
The Jongnam Sect Taoists exclaimed in admiration.
It was astonishingly swift.
He'd become a dot and vanished in the blink of an eye.
"I figured he wasn't ordinary... but this much?"
Boseong gasped too.
He'd thought they weren't average since three had cleared an unorthodox sect.
But that lightness skill just now...
'Beyond expectations.'
His eyes narrowed.
'No wonder Mount Hua's rising again.'
Mount Hua had been on the brink of collapse just a few years ago.
Yet now, alongside the Mount Hua Divine Sword, they were raising such exceptional later-generation disciples.
'Can't underestimate their prowess.'
As Boseong looked up at Mount Hua,
thud.
Cheonhwi arrived at the Purple霞 Pavilion.
"Can I come in?"
"Yes, enter."
As Cheonhwi opened the door and stepped in,
"Good work."
The Sect Leader closed his book and welcomed him.
"I've confirmed what happened at Ilhwa Sect via letter."
"Good call. No need to tire my mouth explaining."
Cheonhwi smiled contentedly at avoiding the hassle.
"Oh, right. One more thing to pass on."
"Something happen at Ilhwa Sect?"
"No."
"Then what...?"
"Jongnam Sect's here."
"Jongnam Sect...?"
The Sect Leader's brow furrowed.
"Do you know why?"
"They have a letter to deliver..."
Cheonhwi shrugged vaguely.
"Not sure on details."
"Hm, a letter..."
The Sect Leader stroked his chin beard.
After pondering deeply for a moment, he nodded slowly and murmured.
"Understood. Bring him."
"Got it."
With that, Cheonhwi left.
A short while later, the Sect Leader and Boseong sat facing each other.
"It's been a while, Sect Leader."
"Indeed."
After a brief reunion greeting—having met before—the Sect Leader eyed Boseong and spoke first.
"I heard you have something to deliver."
At the question, Boseong pulled a scroll from his robe and placed it before the Sect Leader.
"This."
The Sect Leader unrolled it.
His eyes narrowed to slits as he read.
The contents were shocking enough to make anyone gasp.
"...Is this true?"
Boseong nodded firmly.
"Yes."
"Hoho, hard to believe."
The Sect Leader shook his head.
"To think they'd propose a joint operation."