Chapter 160
Chapter 160
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 160
Chapter Title: Allies and Assistance
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“More importantly...”
Cheonhwi glanced back and asked,
“Those two, do you know them?”
The Jongnam Sword Saint nodded in affirmation, then infused his internal energy and whispered,
“Since you've already been found out, come on out.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than...
“You knew, huh.”
“Tch, thought we'd hidden pretty well.”
The Taeguk Gentleman and Cheoniga emerged.
The pair grumbled as they eyed the Jongnam Sword Saint, then fixed their gazes intently on Cheonhwi.
“This is the Wudang camp.”
“Just call me Cheoniga.”
Unlike the Taeguk Gentleman, who properly announced his title, Cheoniga casually gave only his nickname, as if it were a bother.
Then his eyes met Cheonhwi's.
“You got some connection with those bastards?”
What the hell kind of nonsense is that?
Cheonhwi shot him a look as if to say what the hell are you talking about? Cheoniga chuckled.
“Heh heh heh, yeah. This kid might just give those guys a real beating.”
Cheonhwi watched Cheoniga's sleazy grin, then turned to the Jongnam Sword Saint.
“You do know them, right?”
The Jongnam Sword Saint gave an awkward smile.
“Choose your friends wisely.”
Cheonhwi shook his head.
“This brat's got some nerve, talking like that!”
“I was just giving some life advice.”
“That's life advice? That's an insult!”
“Nah, it's not an insult.”
Cheonhwi smirked mockingly.
“Don't you know how important it is to choose your friends carefully? Hang with the wrong crowd, and your life's down the drain.”
Cheoniga's fists trembled with rage.
“You little punk! Who the hell are you to lecture me on life after living how long...?”
“I've lived just long enough.”
“Y-You! This cheeky kid talking back!”
“Must be nice being old.”
Unable to contain his frustration, Cheoniga pounded his chest.
Watching Cheonhwi toy with Cheoniga, the Jongnam Sword Saint and Taeguk Gentleman exchanged glances and murmured.
“Never seen Cheoniga get pushed around like that before.”
“Isn't that great? Finally, someone to put that thunderbolt-headed bastard in his place.”
As the Taeguk Gentleman rejoiced...
“Anyway. Who's your master, punk?”
Cheoniga demanded of Cheonhwi, but the answer came from elsewhere.
“He's a disciple of the Plum Blossom Sword Hero.”
At the Jongnam Sword Saint's response, not only Cheoniga but the Taeguk Gentleman flinched in surprise.
“The Plum Blossom Sword Hero... that bloodbath...?”
“What trick of fate is this?”
Just then, the Jongnam Sword Saint asked Cheonhwi, as the two sighed.
“Do you know about the joint operation between Mount Hua Sect and Jongnam Sect?”
“Joint operation? What's that?”
Cheonhwi asked in confusion.
“Looks like no one's told you yet.”
The Jongnam Sword Saint quickly explained.
The plan for Jongnam Sect and Mount Hua Sect to join forces and drive out the unorthodox factions in Shaanxi.
Finishing his explanation, the Jongnam Sword Saint gazed at Cheonhwi and quietly urged,
“I'd like your cooperation.”
“Me? Sounds like a hassle.”
Cheonhwi replied indifferently.
Cheoniga furrowed his brows.
“Even if Mount Hua Sect is in danger?”
“What's there to be in danger? Whether it's the Five Yellow Gates or the Bandits, the real backers won't step up anyway.”
Cheoniga was at a loss for words at the irrefutable logic.
“You never know.”
The Jongnam Sword Saint replied instead.
“With White Ghost Castle's destruction, cracks have begun to form in the sturdy tower known as the Nine Provinces Three Evils Alliance. And now, those cracks have grown beyond control.”
His expression turned grave.
“War could break out anywhere at any moment. No need to look far—didn't our sects already clash with the Evil-Black Alliance?”
“And it's already happened in places. This isn't just grasping at clouds.”
Cheoniga followed up.
“Not long ago, there was trouble between the Murim Alliance and the government, and recently, the Sun-Moon Sect and New Chang Yang Clan had a bloody battle.”
Huh? Sun-Moon Sect and New Chang Yang Clan?
They went ahead with the bloodbath after I let it slide last time?
As Cheonhwi recalled the familiar sect names, Cheoniga glared.
“So, it wouldn't be strange to hear any sect—Mount Hua or whoever—has been attacked right now.”
The Jongnam Sword Saint added,
“And that possibility only grows as the cracks in the Nine Provinces Three Evils Alliance widen.”
Cheonhwi's brows furrowed.
It's still a bit tough right now.
Mount Hua Sect's power had grown much stronger than before, but it was still insufficient.
But I can't watch over the entire sect by myself.
After a moment's thought, Cheonhwi spoke.
“Tch, fine. I'll cooperate.”
“Much appreciated.”
“Finally getting it...”
As Cheoniga snorted...
“But not for free.”
Cheonhwi added,
“If Mount Hua Sect seems even a little in danger, come help out.”
Cheonhwi looked at each of them in turn.
One by one, masters of their generation.
Especially the Jongnam Sword Saint—he could handle it fine even without me.
The Jongnam Sword Saint nodded.
“That's a given, isn't it?”
“Tch, we would've anyway. The Beggar Clan can't just sit by while Mount Hua's in peril anymore.”
Cheoniga grumbled but accepted.
“I can't give a firm promise.”
Only the Taeguk Gentleman was cautious.
“But if we can help, we will.”
Cheonhwi nodded.
“That's good enough. So, when's this joint operation?”
The Jongnam Sword Saint answered,
“After winter passes.”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After the three departed, time continued to flow.
Mount Hua was blanketed in snow, as if draped in a pure white robe.
Even in such weather, Cheonhwi sat cross-legged atop Falling Goose Peak, meditating as usual.
Having reached the realm of enduring cold without feeling it, he reflected on the recent spar.
No wonder Jongnam Sect has grown.
In the past, Jongnam Sect had been on a whole different level from Mount Hua Sect.
But now, the tables had turned.
And the reason was simple.
They kept improving.
The techniques the Jongnam Sword Saint displayed differed from what Cheonhwi remembered from his previous life.
Most flaws had been addressed.
For instance, the Thirty-Six Swords of the World had smoothed out awkward transitions between forms, and the footwork eliminated all inconsistencies to match.
A bold but correct choice.
As a result, Jongnam Sect's arts had become heavier and more forceful, rather than middling.
Of course, still some shortcomings.
Cheonhwi opened his closed eyes.
“Compared to Mount Hua Sect, they're like fairies.”
When he first saw Mount Hua Sect's techniques, he couldn't hide his shock.
They hadn't properly inherited them—in fact, much had been lost.
“Gonna be a hassle for the next few days, though.”
Cheonhwi descended the peak.
Unfolding Step on Snow Without Trace naturally, he arrived at the cabin.
Jeokgeom, Seollan, and Danmokrin—who would normally be preparing errands—were absent.
The day before, the three had been selected to enter the Plum Fragrance Halls.
All that remained was Singui, huddled close to the bonfire warming himself.
“Finally here?”
“If you're gonna be late, might as well go to the Medical Hall. It's warm there.”
“Not until I teach you medicine.”
Singui was full of zeal, but...
Crunch— Crunch—
Cheonhwi ignored him and headed outside.
“You punk! Wait up!”
Outside, Cheonhwi descended the snow-covered narrow mountain path.
The snow piled high and the weather grew colder, but...
Hah! Hah!
The shouts remained unchanged.
Complete with occasional foaming at the mouth and thrashing sounds.
Maybe time for a drink.
Cheonhwi considered heading out but paused.
Hm?
The face of the approaching figure was very familiar.
The man coming from the opposite direction spotted Cheonhwi and ran over in surprise.
“It really is Young Hero Cheonhwi.”
He was the Fifth Manager of the Cheonha Merchant Group.
“Long time no see.”
The Fifth Manager, clearly not expecting to meet Cheonhwi at Mount Hua Sect, couldn't hide his bewilderment. He glanced at Cheonhwi's robes.
“...Are you a Taoist of Mount Hua Sect?”
“Yeah.”
The Fifth Manager couldn't conceal his shock. Who would think of Cheonhwi as a Mount Hua Taoist back then?
“Then why didn't you mention it last time...?”
“You gotta figure that out yourself. For merchants, info's more precious than gold.”
The Fifth Manager was speechless.
Just as Cheonhwi said, information was more valuable than gold to merchants.
Then.
“Where are you headed...? Senior Brother Cheonhwi?”
Jeokjae, who had been escorting the Fifth Manager, arrived late and gasped upon seeing Cheonhwi.
“You know him?”
“Yeah, we had a brief connection before.”
“I... see.”
Jeokjae smiled awkwardly.
He wanted to ask how they knew each other, but it was Cheonhwi. Better not risk it.
“You're escorting him?”
“Yes.”
“Hm. Alright?”
Cheonhwi stared at the Fifth Manager. After a moment, he turned to Jeokjae.
“You go on. I'll take over.”
“You, Senior Brother?”
“Yeah. No problem, right?”
“If it's you, Senior Brother...”
Jeokjae nodded.
Who would complain about handing off to Cheonhwi?
The Fifth Manager, overhearing, struggled to keep a straight face.
If he's a direct disciple, that's elite status at his young age...
He quickly memorized the info.
As Cheonhwi had said, information was everything to a merchant.
Then Jeokjae approached.
“I'll take my leave then.”
The Fifth Manager hastily plastered on a mask-like smile.
“Thank you for the escort.”
“No trouble.”
Jeokjae bowed and withdrew.
Now alone with Cheonhwi...
“You're later than I expected. You didn't forget the double in a year, right?”
Cheonhwi pressed immediately.
“Of course I remember.”
The Fifth Manager gave a wry smile.
“But things have gotten complicated...”
“What kind?”
“Some thugs showed up at the inn site claiming it's their turf. And if we don't pay, they wreck the place... Haah.”
Recalling it, the Fifth Manager sighed deeply.
“Did you go to the authorities?”
“We bribed them, but no effect.”
He bit his lip.
“So I came to Mount Hua Sect for the deal and some help.”
“Help, huh...”
Cheonhwi stroked his chin.
“Is the inn built?”
“Just need to move the goods in, but they're blocking us...”
“Hm. Handle those guys, and everything's smooth?”
“For now, yes.”
Cheonhwi nodded.
“I'll talk to the Sect Leader first?”
“Yes.”
“Let's go then.”
“Pardon? Uh, huh?”
Cheonhwi scooped him up effortlessly.
And slung him over his shoulder before dashing off.
“U, uwaaah!”
The Fifth Manager screamed.
The scenery blurred by, with cliffs right below.
“S-Save...!”
As his face paled...
“Quiet down.”
Cheonhwi said, and he clamped his mouth shut.
Moments later.
Thud.
The Fifth Manager stared blankly at the hall.
The ornate plaque reading "Purple霞 Pavilion" barely registered in his dazed state.
Cheonhwi knocked.
“Visitor.”
“Come in... Visitor?”
The Sect Leader's words tripped slightly.
“Who might this guest be?”
Cheonhwi glanced at the Fifth Manager.
Under the silent you tell him look, the Fifth Manager jumped.
“Fr-From the Cheonha Merchant Group.”
“Cheonha Merchant Group?”
A surprised voice came from inside.
“What brings Cheonha Merchant Group here?”
“This lowly one is the Fifth Manager of Cheonha Merchant Group, here to handle the transaction directly with Mount Hua Sect.”
“Transaction... Come in for now.”
As the Fifth Manager entered, Cheonhwi followed naturally.
“Welcome... Why are you coming in too?”
“I helped him before. Right?”
He winked at the Fifth Manager.
“Yes. Young Hero Cheonhwi's help was crucial, so we'd like his input this time.”
The Sect Leader eyed them suspiciously but nodded at Cheonhwi's face.
He's up to something again.
“...Very well.”
With permission, the Fifth Manager eagerly pulled out a ledger.
“Before we dive in, please read this—it'll make the deal clear.”
Moments later.
“Hm, tourist souvenirs...”
The Sect Leader flipped through the ledger handed by the Fifth Manager, pondering.
Definitely good business.
Money would flow in steadily.
But that brought worries too.
“Can I see the products?”
The Fifth Manager promptly untied the satchel at his side and pulled out pouches.
“We'll start with pouches. As crowds grow, clothing and more...”
He expounded on his plan at length.
Cheonhwi picked up a pouch.
It resembled the Plum Blossom Sword Guards' pouches, just different colors.
“Fancy.”
Seeing the blue plum or white plum patterns, the Sect Leader nodded.
“Excellent quality.”
Comparable to Mount Hua's own.
“How do you plan to sell?”
The Sect Leader and Fifth Manager began discussing.
Price, quality.
Reputation boosters or not—they covered it thoroughly. The Sect Leader pocketed a pouch.
“I'll relay the decision later.”
“We'll await it.”
The Fifth Manager bowed.
“And one request?”
“What is it?”
“We're building an inn, but thugs are interfering. Could Mount Hua Taoists stay briefly to drive them off?”
The Sect Leader's face grew troubled.
Mount Hua currently lacked Taoists to spare for the inn.
Usually, Plum Blossom Sword Guards handled such tasks.
But they were in Plum Fragrance Halls or secluded training for the joint operation.
Reading the hesitation, the Fifth Manager asked anxiously,
“...Impossible?”
“For now, yes. I'll contact you in a few days.”
“I see...”
As the Fifth Manager's face fell, Cheonhwi, sipping tea beside, spoke up.
“I'll go.”