Chapter 55
Chapter 55
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: Murim Alliance's Invitation
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"So, to verify the truth of the rumors, the Murim Alliance has invited me and Cheonhwi?"
Hyeondo's brows furrowed deeply.
He had rushed to the Purple霞 Pavilion at the Sect Leader's summons, only to hear this.
An invitation from the Murim Alliance?
Irritation surged within him unbidden.
"They're inviting us now, of all times?"
As he spoke, his displeasure was evident.
What was the Murim Alliance to him now?
It was the object of deep-seated hatred for ignoring the vengeance for his youngest martial siblings and disciples.
"They ignored us completely when we sought aid from our own mountain."
Hyeondo's words were far from kind, his fierce expression darkening further.
They hadn't visited even once recently, but now that rumors of White Ghost Castle's destruction had spread, they came scrambling.
It was infuriating.
"Did you accept?"
"I called you to hear your opinion."
"My opinion?"
Hyeondo was taken aback.
He had shown his reluctance, yet he expected the Sect Leader to order him to go anyway.
After all, it was the Murim Alliance.
"But is that really okay? Their condition is that if the Evil-Black Alliance bares its fangs this time, the Alliance will move alongside us..."
The Murim Alliance's proposal was unprecedented.
The Alliance had even sent an official edict stating they would not stand idly by if the Evil-Black Alliance used White Ghost Castle's destruction as a pretext, and would provide aid.
It was exactly what they needed, especially with concerns over the Evil-Black Alliance's retaliation.
However.
"It's fine. It's a tempting offer, but if you don't want to go, there's no need."
The Sect Leader respected Hyeondo's opinion.
"Do as you wish."
"But to receive the Alliance's aid..."
"Have we ever received aid from the Alliance recently?"
Hyeondo was at a loss for words.
The Sect Leader's gaze softened warmly.
"No need to worry about it. Now that we've confirmed White Ghost Castle's destruction, even if we refuse, the Murim Alliance won't press further. They'll be anxious we might withdraw from the Alliance instead."
"...Haa."
Hyeondo let out a deep sigh, rubbing his forehead as if his head ached.
It was good that his senior brother trusted him.
But that trust also brought pressure.
"Still, isn't refusing too big a proposal?"
His instincts screamed to refuse, but his reason cried out against it.
They had finished preparations to soar.
The Evil-Black Alliance was the only obstacle.
'If we have the Murim Alliance's support...'
His stomach churned.
For Mount Hua Sect's future, the Alliance's offer was far too enticing.
After deep thought, Hyeondo shook his head and forced the words out.
"...I'll accept the invitation."
"Are you sure?"
"The past is the past. Now we must think of the future."
"I'm sorry."
The Sect Leader closed his eyes gently.
He had given a choice, but he knew what Hyeondo would pick.
"No, it's fine. But what about Cheonhwi..."
"Why did you call me?"
Speak of the tiger and he appears, as they say.
At the sudden sound of Cheonhwi's voice, both turned their heads.
Cheonhwi sat in a chair that had been empty moments before.
"You're here."
"You've arrived."
Neither the Sect Leader nor Hyeondo flinched at Cheonhwi's silent, instantaneous appearance.
They were used to it by now, having experienced it several times.
"We have something to discuss."
The Sect Leader met Cheonhwi's eyes and explained the deal with the Murim Alliance.
"Hm, so the Murim Alliance is inviting me and Martial Uncle?"
"In short, yes."
Cheonhwi stroked his chin.
'The Murim Alliance...'
The complex conditions in the letter didn't catch his eye.
Just the words "Murim Alliance."
They piqued his interest.
'Shall I take a look?'
He decided instantly and replied.
"Sure. I'll go to the Murim Alliance too."
"Is that alright?"
"Perfect timing. I've wanted to see it anyway."
"Thank you."
Ten days later, after the conversation ended.
Two Taoists from Mount Hua descended quietly, unnoticed by anyone.
* * *
Chwarak―
The bamboo curtain at the inn's door parted with a clear sound.
The small beads swayed largely, but failed to draw attention from the bustling interior filled with people.
The chatter of guests, clinking dishes, and music drifting through open windows made it too noisy.
"Lots of people."
"Wonder if there's an empty seat."
As Cheonhwi and Hyeondo scanned the chaotic inn, a bright voice rang out.
"Welcome!"
The waiter, rushing over from serving other guests, widened his eyes at their attire.
"Ah! Taoists from Mount Hua Sect!"
The rowdy inn fell silent in an instant.
"Mount Hua Sect...?"
"Mount Hua Sect?"
Hyeondo, accustomed to such reactions, calmly spoke.
"Any seats left?"
The waiter, flustered by the sudden silence, quickly composed himself.
"Yes, yes!"
"Please guide us then."
"Follow me."
Cheonhwi and Hyeondo followed the skilled waiter to an empty table and sat.
"What would you like?"
"Somen noodles, please."
"I'll have the five-spice..."
Cheonhwi trailed off midway.
Glare!
Hyeondo was shooting him a sharp look right in front of him.
"Just somen for me."
"Please wait a moment."
As the waiter left with the order, Hyeondo said to Cheonhwi.
"Well done. Just endure for the journey."
"Yeah, yeah."
Cheonhwi grumbled curtly.
He itched to grab a passing waiter and order something else right then.
But he had to hold back.
Hadn't Hyeondo begged him earnestly multiple times a day, enough to make his ears numb?
Sneak it if you must, but don't get caught.
"Here's your tea."
Another waiter appeared, placing a teapot and cups before them.
Jjeureuk―
After pouring tea, Cheonhwi turned to survey the inn.
It had grown noisy again, but something had changed.
'Since we came in, most are talking about Mount Hua Sect.'
Cheonhwi's sensitive ears picked up the whispers clearly.
"...Mount Hua Sect, holed up on their mountain, coming down here... looks like those rumors are true after all."
"Tch! Still doubting? Even Jongnam Sect, who looked down on them, is watching closely now."
Listening intently, Cheonhwi recalled the day before departure.
'Matches what the Sect Leader said.'
Before leaving, the Sect Leader had shared various intel.
Jongnam Sect had begun wary of their sect, and even Bicheon Society was showing interest in the Mount Hua Divine Sword.
Those were surprising, but nothing compared to the Evil-Black Alliance info.
The six great gates of the Evil-Black Alliance—no, now five great gates—paid no heed to their sect.
A trait of unorthodox factions, perhaps.
They had started internal strife to seize even one piece of White Ghost Castle's former interests.
Ignoring Mount Hua Sect, who had destroyed it.
For Mount Hua Sect, worried about retaliation, it was a blessing.
But they couldn't relax forever.
As unorthodox, they might use this as an excuse to attack anytime.
'That's why he said that to me.'
He recalled the Sect Leader's earnest parting words.
—No matter what happens, don't reveal your full strength. Hide at least seven-tenths, no, three-tenths.
Currently, all eyes were on the Mount Hua Divine Sword—Hyeondo—who felled the White Four Evils.
At first, most couldn't believe the White Four Evils fell, but learning it was Hyeondo, they gradually accepted.
He had long been called Mount Hua's greatest sword.
Though some doubts lingered.
But the truth was different.
What if it became known that Cheonhwi, not Hyeondo, defeated the White Four Evils?
The situation would change drastically.
The Evil-Black Alliance would forgo internal fights, interrogate Mount Hua Sect, and hunt Cheonhwi. Bicheon Society wouldn't just watch either.
Then the waiter brought the somen.
"Enjoy your meal."
As the somen was placed, they picked up chopsticks and began eating.
Huuruk―
An hour later, they finished, followed the waiter to their room.
"See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, tomorrow."
Watching Hyeondo enter first, Cheonhwi grinned slyly.
'Time to go.'
He opened the closed window.
Seeing the lantern-lit streets and crowds unlike the dark sky, he leaped out without hesitation.
Tat!
Kicking the railing, he vaulted up, stepping across roofs toward the west.
Moments later, he arrived at a building.
'This it?'
As he eyed the sign reading "One Heart Merchant Group," a guard approached.
'Huh? A Taoist? That robe...!'
The guard scanned Cheonhwi quickly, eyes lighting up.
"What brings a Taoist from Mount Hua Sect to our merchant group?"
"Came to collect some money."
The guard asked politely again.
"Here for a transaction?"
"No."
Cheonhwi rummaged in his sleeve and pulled out the gold plaque from the Bipung Merchant Leader.
"Said to show this and they'd give me money."
The guard frowned momentarily, eyed the plaque suspiciously, then widened his eyes.
"Heop!"
Trembling as he examined it, he bowed hastily.
"I-I'll report to the Merchant Leader."
The guard flung the door open and vanished inside.
'Hm? Better than I thought?'
Cheonhwi glanced at the plaque.
Aside from being gold, it looked ordinary.
Yet the guard's reaction said otherwise.
'I'll find out later.'
He brushed it off.
To him, the plaque was just a means to get money.
Pocketing it again, the guard soon returned.
"Please come in."
Soon, guided by the guard, Cheonhwi entered a room.
"You've arrived?"
The plump Merchant Leader rose hastily from his chair.
"I'm Son Mu, leader of One Heart Merchant Group."
After a courteous bow, he spoke cautiously.
"If it's not rude, may I verify the gold plaque?"
"Here."
Cheonhwi handed it over immediately.
"Thank you."
After scrutinizing it thoroughly, the Merchant Leader nodded vigorously.
"What do you desire?"
Returning the plaque, Cheonhwi said.
"Money."
"Money?"
The Merchant Leader's heart raced.
The holder of a gold plaque given to few by the Alliance of Merchant Guilds Across the Realm.
For the still-small One Heart Merchant Group, they couldn't refuse whatever he proposed.
Even if it were rare elixirs.
'But our gold reserves are low now...'
Cold sweat soaked his back.
They had just spent much on a big deal.
"Gulp. H-how much?"
Cheonhwi stroked his chin.
He'd thought of receiving money, but not how much.
When had he ever handled money?
As Absolute Heavenly Demon, subordinates managed it.
Now confined to Mount Hua Sect, he didn't know money's value.
'How much did Jeokgeom spend last time?'
Recalling the amount from his debut, he said.
"About ten taels of silver?"
"Pardon? Ten taels?"
The Merchant Leader asked in shock.
'Just ten taels of silver?'
Of course, ten taels was substantial.
One tael fed a family of four for a month.
But for a gold plaque holder, it was laughably low.
He glanced at Cheonhwi.
No change in expression.
'Lucky!'
Relieved, he smiled.
"I'll prepare ten taels of silver then."
Cheonhwi nodded, then paused.
"Oh! Any famous inns around?"
"What kind? Hubei cuisine, or...?"
"Somewhere good with meat dishes and sells fine liquor too."
"Pardon?"
Thinking he misheard, the Merchant Leader scratched his ear and coughed.
"Ahem, sorry. Must be tired; I thought I heard wrong. A Daoist wanting liquor...?"
"No, you heard right."
The Merchant Leader's eyes bulged.
A Mount Hua Taoist craving meat and alcohol defied his common sense.
"A-are you alright? Even if Mount Hua is close to the secular world, meat and liquor are forbidden in Taoism..."
"Ah!"
Cheonhwi looked down at his robe.
"You sell clothes here, right?"
"We do, but..."
"Give me one then."
"Clothes?"
Cheonhwi nodded.
"Take off the robe, and who knows if I'm a Taoist? Right?"
He met the Merchant Leader's eyes.
"Even if they know, just you and me. Right?"
The Merchant Leader was stunned.
When had he ever heard a Taoist boldly declare breaking rules?
Then a chill hit him.
The last words.
'Just us knowing...'
His throat bobbed.
It was a warning: don't tell anyone about the inn visit.
"Y-yes, you're right."
Agreeing, he wiped sweat from his forehead.
Even if he knew, pretend not to.
'Sharp for a merchant.'
Satisfied, Cheonhwi said.
"So, which inn's good?"