Chapter 249
Chapter 249
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 249
Chapter Title: Night of Reflection
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The night quietly deepened.
The brilliant moonlight and starlight flowed grandly like a river, illuminating the land below.
And beneath that faint light.
Sitting cross-legged on the peak of Falling Goose Peak with his eyes closed, Cheonhwi remained still.
He was strong.
In his gradually sinking consciousness, Cheonhwi recalled the life-and-death duel with the Green Forest Sovereign.
His fists and palms carried intense killing intent blended with profound techniques, and every step he took revealed mysterious movements.
Remembering that moment made his fingertips tremble.
It was his body instinctively reacting to the lingering energy the man had left behind.
He was a master of exceptional skill.
No, "exceptional" wasn't enough; he had reached an extraordinarily high realm.
If Cheonhwi hadn't been there, the Mount Hua Sect would have burned at the hands of the Green Forest bandits.
A faint smile crept across Cheonhwi's lips.
Replaying the martial arts the Green Forest Sovereign had unleashed, his spirits naturally rose.
A feast of martial techniques he had never seen before in his life.
That was what made his heart race.
Thump— thump—
The sound of his heartbeat dominated his mind.
At the same time, within the pitch-black void of his inner vision, the Green Forest Sovereign slowly emerged.
And in that inner vision, he moved.
The techniques he had displayed during their duel began to infiltrate Cheonhwi's consciousness.
His deep green eyes darted swiftly through the darkness, tracing elegant lines like a brushstroke.
Soon, his hands and feet followed.
The profound principles of supreme martial arts.
The internal energy accumulated over long years.
A body honed to its limits.
With mind, qi, and body unified as one, every breath, step, and instantaneous stance were all interconnected.
"Perfect harmony of form and principle."
From the hands of one who had grasped the lofty truths of martial arts, exquisite techniques manifested.
Watching it all, Cheonhwi's lips twisted.
"As expected, you have to fight a true master."
No amount of training in the world could match the crucible of life-and-death combat.
Especially novel techniques he had never encountered even in his previous life—they expanded the stagnant boundaries of his own martial knowledge.
Cheonhwi's mind spun rapidly.
For a moment, countless martial arts flashed into his thoughts and vanished repeatedly.
"I'll dissect every martial art I've been cultivating down to the bone. Internal techniques, external arts—all of it."
In an instant, Cheonhwi's mind cleared.
A tranquility as pure as a mirror-still pond.
Within it, Cheonhwi fiercely exchanged blows with the image of the Green Forest Sovereign.
To absorb everything he possessed and ascend to greater heights.
A mental training session completed in the blink of an eye.
Swoooosh—
The clash unfolding within Cheonhwi plunged the dark night into an abyss.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Four days had passed since the bloody battle with the Green Forest bandits, but the Mount Hua Sect was still in disarray.
Many had hurriedly risen to tend to the wounded and administer treatments, but repairing the damaged areas everywhere would inevitably take time.
Mountain gates, halls, training grounds, corpse disposal—
All tasks requiring money and manpower.
The Mount Hua Sect was already short on personnel, and with the injured out of commission, handling everything was a struggle.
But fortunately—or by heaven's grace—
People were stepping up to help the Mount Hua Sect of their own accord.
"I've brought these in haste."
Steward Oh set down the hastily gathered supplies and looked toward Hyeonsang.
"Immeasurable blessings. My thanks."
Hyeonsang bowed and smiled.
Even though they had struck a deal, the Universal Merchant Guild was aiding Mount Hua both materially and spiritually.
Numerous promissory notes and a steady influx of goods.
If used properly, they could bring improvements surpassing even before.
"My decision was right."
Opinions had been divided within the Mount Hua Sect over the contract from the Universal Merchant Guild.
And rightly so—selling Plum Blossom Dormitory water was no different from selling Mount Hua itself.
Some elders had opposed it, fearing it looked too worldly.
But Hyeonsang overrode them and pushed the plan forward.
Money was essential for the sect's future growth.
It was a decision made prepared to weather any public finger-pointing...
"And that resolve has borne fruit."
Hyeonsang looked at Steward Oh and spoke.
"Your help means so much."
"Oh, no need."
Steward Oh waved it off.
"My resources are limited, so this is all I could manage..."
His regretful tone softened Hyeonsang's expression further.
Though they were conducting business, it wasn't a relationship of deep trust yet.
He was a merchant, after all.
But now, trust in Steward Oh surged in Hyeonsang's heart.
He was providing aid faster than anyone else.
Moreover, as if grasping the full situation, he had even prepared wagons for transporting herbs on the day of the raid.
"Your aid has been more than sufficient."
"Then I'm relieved."
Steward Oh sighed in relief at the words.
"If you need anything more, contact us at the Plum Blossom Inn anytime. We'll rush to assist."
"My gratitude."
As Steward Oh smiled back and carefully retreated, descending the mountain path.
"Sect Leader Senior Brother's choice was correct."
Hyeonheo, who had approached unnoticed, said.
He had opposed the deal with the Universal Merchant Guild more vehemently than anyone.
Gazing wistfully at Steward Oh's receding figure, he seemed to regret his past stance.
"...I was too rigid."
Hyeonsang shook his head at the quiet voice.
"No. I might have done the same before."
It was sincere.
Before meeting Cheonhwi, he would have chosen exactly as Hyeonheo had.
"It's enough to change from now on."
Hyeonsang smiled at Hyeonheo's widened eyes, then shifted his gaze aside.
Steward Oh wasn't the only one volunteering to help Mount Hua.
"Huff, huff."
Led by Jin-gae, Beggar Clan members sweated profusely, filling cracks across Peach Grove Plain.
"Why did I..."
Jin-gae's face was forlorn.
It was forced labor, after all.
Once things settled, Mount Hua would surely hold the Beggar Clan accountable for failing to gather intelligence.
They had to make amends somehow.
And it wasn't just the Beggar Clan.
Murim Alliance warriors were hauling supplies here and there.
All struggling desperately to survive.
"This won't take long, fortunately."
Hyeonsang wore a satisfied expression.
Yet a pang tugged at his heart.
"In the end, the jianghu revolves around power."
Receiving such widespread aid?
Unthinkable in the past.
When the youngest disciples and Plum Blossom Sword Guards had been massacred, what happened?
No aid—just cold shoulders.
"...The past is the past."
Hyeonsang shook his head, banishing the bittersweet memories.
How long could he cling to the past?
Now was the time to move forward.
As Hyeonsang decided to accept it positively and turned his head.
"Hm...?"
Spotting something, he narrowed his eyes.
People were ascending the mountain path.
Not just one or two.
A group led by about twenty in white uniforms, followed by dozens more in varied attire.
Hyeonsang's brows twitched.
A fierce aura emanated from the dozens in their distinct uniforms.
"Enemies...? Did they think us weakened after the Green Forest battle and come for another raid?"
The scene resembled the Green Forest raid, tensing Hyeonsang momentarily.
But only for a moment.
"That face..."
A bright smile spread across his face.
The leader in white robes was a familiar figure.
"Haha, come to help, have you?"
Ilhwa Sect Leader Jusoong raced forward, eyes fixed on Mount Hua's devastated scenery.
"Please be safe..."
The closer he got to the sect gates, the more urgent his heart grew.
He'd heard rumors of repelling the Green Forest, but worry gnawed at him.
No victory came without sacrifice.
He quickened his pace.
Upon reaching the gates, his eyes shook violently as if struck by an earthquake.
"The, the gates?"
The sturdy gates lay shattered.
His heart sank.
"Could the rumors be wrong..."
As he whipped his head around to rush inward.
"It's been a while."
Hyeonsang appeared before him.
"Se, Sect Leader!"
Jusoong hurried forward at the greeting.
"Are you alright?"
Hyeonsang smiled softly at the concern-laden question.
"I'm fine."
"Truly, truly relieved."
Tears welled in Ilhwa Sect Leader's eyes.
As they exchanged greetings and inquired after each other's well-being.
"Why do we have to come all the way to Mount Hua?"
"It's already over—do we really have to?"
The fierce followers grumbled, lips pursed.
They were warriors from the Small Prosperity Stronghold.
The Small Prosperity Stronghold Lord glanced at his complaining subordinates and spoke.
"Since we've allied with the Ilhwa Sect, shouldn't we help them?"
"But that has nothing to do with aiding Mount Hua."
Someone stated the obvious, distorting the Stronghold Lord's face.
"Do I not know that?!"
Irritation flared.
He knew this was absurd.
But what choice did he have?
"If that devil doesn't come to help, who knows what he'll do."
Chills ran down his spine.
That demon in a Taoist's guise would mercilessly sever his neck.
"If we're told to help, we help."
His single word silenced his men. He cautiously scanned the surroundings.
His eyes darted about.
"Where is that devil?"
Not spotting him anywhere, the corner of his mouth slowly lifted.
"Maybe he's dead?"
His heart leaped.
The opponent was the Green Forest Sovereign.
A peerless master who elevated Green Forest to its current prestige, counted among the world's elite.
He rubbed his hands eagerly.
"Immeasurable blessings! Amitabha! Shakyamuni Buddha, or Primordial Heavenly Worthy, even Supreme Old Lord—anyone, please take that devil away!"
As he fervently prayed inwardly.
"We welcome you to our sect."
A low voice snapped him alert. The Small Prosperity Stronghold Lord faced Hyeonsang, who stood before him with a benevolent smile.
"Pl-Pleased to meet you."
"I've heard from the Ilhwa Sect Leader."
Hyeonsang's expression grew complex.
"You're from the Small Prosperity Stronghold, I understand."
The Stronghold Lord smiled awkwardly.
It was a ridiculous sight, really.
Unorthodox Small Prosperity warriors dragged to aid an orthodox Nine Great Sect.
"Ha, haha. Yes."
Hyeonsang pondered how to respond to the awkward laughter.
It was utterly unexpected.
But soon, he shook his head and bowed politely.
"Thank you for coming to help. We won't forget this."
Before justice or enmity, aid was aid.
Gratitude was only proper.
Meanwhile, the Stronghold Lord flinched inwardly.
He hadn't come out of goodwill.
It was practically coercion.
Yet this reception...
"...Feels good, though."
The corner of the Stronghold Lord's mouth rose.
A Nine Great Sect Leader bowing to him naturally inflated his ego.
"Ahem. No need. As fellow Shaanxi sects, it's only natural."
Maintaining composure, he glanced at Hyeonsang and ventured.
"Sect Leader, if I may ask one question?"
"What is it?"
"Well... that dev—that is, the Plum Blossom Divine Hero, where is he...?"
"Looking for me?"
"Gah!"
The Stronghold Lord leaped back.
The devil had approached unnoticed.
"Damn it!"
His face darkened.
The faint hope shattered, replaced by despair.
Hyeonsang, seeing their familiar dynamic, asked Cheonhwi.
"You know him?"
"Saw him briefly when helping the Ilhwa Sect. Right?"
The Stronghold Lord flinched at Cheonhwi's words but nodded vigorously.
"Y-Yes."
Hyeonsang quickly grasped the situation from the squirming man.
"Cheonhwi must have done something."
Just then, Cheonhwi spoke up.
"I need to talk to this one. Mind if I borrow him?"
"Go ahead."
The sudden turn left the Stronghold Lord sweating coldly.
He desperately eyed the Sect Leader and Ilhwa Leader, but.
"So many have come to help; we have little left needing aid."
"No, we want to assist even a little."
They were deep in conversation, ignoring him.
As the Stronghold Lord's face fell like the sky collapsing.
"Why the despair?"
Cheonhwi said with a sneer.
"Despair? What do you mean?!"
The Stronghold Lord replied hastily.
"Ha, haha. More importantly, it's great you're safe, Great Hero."
"Do you really think that?"
Cheonhwi's eyes narrowed to slits.
"Or were you hoping I'd die?"
The piercing words and gaze made the Stronghold Lord flinch.
"N-No way!"
"Hmm, is that so?"
Cheonhwi twisted his lips.
"Fine. Since you came to Mount Hua, I'll let it slide this time."
As the Stronghold Lord's face brightened.
"But you'll work for it. Agreed?"
"You mean..."
"Go join the recovery efforts."
Moments later, the Small Prosperity Stronghold Lord and his men toiled alongside the Beggar Clan, restoring the upturned earth.
"Tsk, should have held back."
Surveying the grounds, Cheonhwi muttered, scratching his head.
Perhaps he'd rampaged too wildly.
The destruction across Mount Hua was profoundly extensive.
"Eh, they'll handle it."
Cheonhwi shrugged and turned away.
But then.
A group appeared at the gates, kicking up dust like a storm.
"Green Forest! Where are the Green Forest scum?!"
"Is everyone alright?!"
"Sect Leader!"
They were Hyeondo, Hyeonjin, and the Plum Blossom Sword Guards from the Murim Alliance.