Chapter 253
Chapter 253
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 253
Chapter Title: To the Murim Alliance
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The next morning.
While preparing for the journey to the Murim Alliance, Cheonhwi felt an emptiness at his side.
It was because only the demonic sword in its pitch-black sheath hung from his waist, where there should have been two swords.
"This is really awkward. The demonic qi in this sword is too strong to even draw it."
Cheonhwi muttered as he stroked his chin.
He had a sword, but he couldn't use it.
A white elephant. A total white elephant.
"Should I buy another sword separately?"
But his contemplation was brief.
"Eh, it'll work out somehow."
Cheonhwi decided to let it slide.
He could find a sword later, or not.
Pondering it here would just give him a headache for no reason. It wasn't like a sword would suddenly appear.
Besides, he didn't feel the need.
After all, swordsmanship wasn't the only thing he had mastered.
"If push comes to shove, I can just swing the whole sheath."
Having reached a rough conclusion, Cheonhwi straightened the folds of his Daoist robes and stepped out of his hut.
"It's chilly."
Was it because autumn was ending and winter was approaching?
The wind brushing his skin felt cold.
"Snow might fall soon at this rate."
After feeling the cold air for a moment, Cheonhwi channeled internal energy into his lower body and executed Flying Heaven Steps.
A short while later, he arrived at the sect gate.
"Cheonhwi!"
"Junior Brother!"
"Martial Uncle!"
Many people welcomed him.
However, Cheonhwi frowned as he looked at the first- and second-generation disciples greeting him.
"Huh? Everyone's done with their work?"
The disciples froze mid-wave, their joyful greetings turning into awkward smiles.
"H-Haha. It's fine to see you off before you leave, right, Junior Brother?"
"Ahem! Senior Brother is right. How could we let the youngest junior brother head to the Murim Alliance without a proper send-off?"
"Hm... somehow I doubt that's it."
As Cheonhwi eyed them suspiciously...
"A send-off should be fine, shouldn't it?"
The Sect Leader approached with a gentle smile.
"Everyone gathered because they're worried about you leaving."
"Worried? Really?"
Cheonhwi scanned their faces.
Worried? How?
Their expressions feigned concern, but they couldn't fool his eyes.
Joy danced in their gazes.
"That doesn't look like worry. It looks like you're thrilled that I'm leaving."
Most of the disciples flinched like children caught misbehaving.
"Hoho, how could that be?"
The Sect Leader defended them with a chuckle, and Cheonhwi let out a smirk.
"Sure, let's say that's it."
As Cheonhwi moved to let it go...
Thud— thud—
A middle-aged man in clear sky-blue training robes draped with a black overcoat approached.
He was the picture of a dashing hero.
His features were sharp, and his straight, level eyebrows curved gracefully at the ends like a brushstroke lifted just so.
The middle-aged man, Chugeukwang, stopped right in front of Cheonhwi and gave a courteous cupped-fist salute.
"It is an honor to meet the famed Plum Blossom Divine Knight Cheonhwi."
After bowing his head, he met Cheonhwi's eyes and continued.
"I am Chugeukwang, tasked with escorting you to the Murim Alliance."
"I'm Cheonhwi."
After exchanging calm greetings, Cheonhwi quickly sized him up from head to toe.
'They said he's from the Murim Alliance's division leader. He's got some real skill.'
Solid internal energy, and the calluses on his hands from the salute marked him as a skilled swordsman.
Meanwhile, Chugeukwang, meeting Cheonhwi's gaze, was inwardly shocked.
'This young?'
The Plum Blossom Divine Knight was known as a peerless master who had surpassed the Flying Swallow Sword Lord and defeated the Green Forest Overlord.
They said he had reached the Heavenly Martial Realm, but he was this young?
'The rumors can't be false... can they?'
Doubt crept in at the unexpectedly youthful appearance, but just then...
"Division Leader."
A deep voice rang out as Hyeondo strode toward Chugeukwang.
"Everyone seems to be here. Aren't we leaving?"
"There's still someone who hasn't arrived."
Hyeondo frowned.
"Another companion besides us two?"
"Yes. They should be here any moment..."
Chugeukwang trailed off, turning his head as if searching, then nodded.
"There they are."
Hyeondo and Cheonhwi followed his gaze.
At the same time, the irritation on Hyeondo's face melted away.
Crossing the Peach Grove Plain from afar were Ha Woojin and Jonghyeon.
Ha Woojin arrived before Chugeukwang and offered a soft smile.
"Looking forward to traveling together."
"Likewise."
After the formal exchange, Ha Woojin approached Hyeondo.
"It's been a while traveling together, Senior Hyeondo."
"Indeed, it's been ages."
Hyeondo smiled.
Ha Woojin, traveling with Cheonhwi. It reminded him of their journey to White Ghost Castle.
"You're coming too."
Ha Woojin returned the smile at Hyeondo's grinning remark.
"Looking forward to it."
Meanwhile, Jonghyeon was beaming with excitement.
"Big Brother!"
Standing before Cheonhwi, Jonghyeon looked up with a bright grin.
"This is our first trip together!"
He couldn't hide his thrill.
It was only natural.
Traveling with the big brother he admired.
"I'm so excited to travel with Master and Big Brother. And besides..."
Jonghyeon chattered on, sticking right to Cheonhwi's side like glue.
Confirming everyone was gathered, Chugeukwang turned.
"Then let's depart."
Just as the journey to the Murim Alliance was about to begin...
"Hold on."
Cheonhwi's voice cut in.
Chugeukwang, who had already mentally taken his first step, deflated instantly.
"...Is something wrong?"
"Nothing major. Let's stop by the Plum Blossom Inn before we go."
"Plum Blossom Inn...?"
Chugeukwang's brow furrowed.
Time was of the essence.
The martial conference couldn't start until Hyeondo arrived at the Murim Alliance.
"Is there a reason we must?"
"I have something to pick up."
Cheonhwi's eyes cooled briefly before returning to casual.
"And it looks like no one's had breakfast. Let's eat there."
As Chugeukwang stared blankly, Cheonhwi grinned and added,
"It's best to start the day with a hearty breakfast, right?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Swish—
Cheonhwi parted the curtain and entered the Plum Blossom Inn, tilting his head at the emptiness.
"Why's it so deserted?"
Normally, it would be packed, with lines forming to buy Plum Blossom Sword Guards' keepsakes...
Then, Manager O hurried over.
"Great Hero!"
He greeted Cheonhwi warmly.
"What brings you here?"
"Is Old Man Cheon around?"
"Ah! You mean the elder? Please wait a moment."
Manager O called out,
"Jiryang!"
The errand boy scampered over.
"Did you call, boss?"
"Fetch the elder."
"Got it."
The boy spun around and trotted out of the inn.
Cheonhwi remarked,
"The inn's empty, though."
"It's nothing."
Despite the poor situation, Manager O remained calm.
"Rumors spread about the Green Forest bandits attacking Mount Hua, so guests stopped coming temporarily. But word's out that you crushed them, so they'll flock back in a few days."
"Hm, I see."
Cheonhwi nodded, understanding.
He'd only asked out of curiosity; he had no intention of meddling deeply.
'I'm no businessman.'
Business to merchants. Martial arts to warriors.
That was the rule.
"Actually, it's perfect. I was worried there'd be no seats with so many of us."
"Breakfast?"
Manager O glanced around.
Over ten tables were already occupied by more than forty people.
"Then we'll prepare food for every table."
"Oh, some Daoists are with us, so no alcohol or meat..."
"Don't worry. We'll serve our new dish."
"New dish?"
"The Plum Blossom Inn is tied to Mount Hua Sect, isn't it?"
Manager O's eyes sparkled.
"So I made it with just vegetables and herbs that even Daoists can eat. I named it Divine Immortal Vegetables, to give the feel of a dish for Mount Hua's immortals."
Oh ho, not bad.
A true merchant.
Thoroughly calculated.
Fans of Mount Hua would order it for the Daoist experience.
"Sounds good. Give us that for everyone."
"I'll tell the chef."
As Manager O left, Cheonhwi pulled out an empty chair at the table where Hyeondo, Ha Woojin, Jonghyeon, and Chugeukwang sat.
Everyone was busy scanning the surroundings.
"Hmm, so this is the Plum Blossom Inn that trades with our sect."
Hyeondo, who had only heard of it, inspected every corner for the first time.
"Just different from the Plum Blossom Sword Guards' keepsakes in color."
As Hyeondo muttered, peering at the keepsakes with interest...
"...!"
"This is...!"
Chugeukwang and Hyeondo shot to their feet.
An indescribably vast and heavy aura was approaching this very place.
'Such thick, heavy energy.'
'Could this aura be...?!'
Hands on their sword hilts, they glared at the door, tension rising.
"Division Leader?"
"Senior Hyeondo?"
Surprised by the sudden move, the others followed their gaze.
Swish—
The curtain parted right then.
And through it stepped an elderly man with pure white hair and beard.
"Hm? What?"
The elder, Cheon Yanggong, frowned at the stares locked on him.
"Finally here."
Spotting Cheonhwi beside those glaring at him, he walked straight over.
As terrified Chugeukwang and Hyeondo moved to act against the approaching Cheon Yanggong...
"I'll talk to him and be right back."
Cheonhwi stood.
He met the approaching Cheon Yanggong, exchanged a few words, and they headed upstairs.
Chugeukwang and Hyeondo watched them ascend, finally easing their tension.
'If the Plum Blossom Divine Knight knows him, he can't be a fiend... Just my imagination.'
'I've been too on edge lately. Mistaking someone close to Cheonhwi.'
As they withdrew their auras and looked upstairs...
"If Mount Hua Sect is in danger, prioritize helping its Daoists above all else."
Cheonhwi stated it like an order to Cheon Yanggong across from him.
"Mount Hua's Daoists? That's not what we agreed before."
Cheon Yanggong countered immediately.
"My job is just to protect the inn..."
"Two."
Cheonhwi cut him off.
He spread two fingers wide and twisted one corner of his mouth into a smirk.
"Accept this deal, and I'll give you two sentences from the latter incantation of the Ox-Horse Flower Demonic Art. Tempting, isn't it?"