Chapter 213: Secular Disciple Seol-hyang-3
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 213: Secular Disciple Seol-hyang-3
Having made her decision, Guwol Shin-ni bestowed upon Seol-hyang the Wind-Scattering Sword Technique, a secret art usually reserved only for the most exceptionally talented main sect disciples.
Her intention was to stake her claim on the girl before anyone else could snatch her away.
Of course, teaching Emei’s secret technique to Seol-hyang, who was merely a secular disciple, was an act that would invite severe reprimand. In the worst-case scenario, Guwol Shin-ni might even have to step down from her position as Sect Leader. Yet, she did not care.
She felt that if her sacrifice could bring glory to Emei, it would be a price well worth paying.
Besides, as the saying goes, it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
She knew that even if she had proposed the idea, the stiflingly conservative elders would never have granted their consent. It was better to simply act first and deal with the consequences later.
Before long, news that Seol-hyang had mastered the Wind-Scattering Sword Technique spread throughout the Emei Sect, throwing the entire order into an uproar.
Martial arts were the very thing that strictly demarcated secular disciples from main sect disciples.
And yet, such a high-level technique had been taught to a disciple who had not even renounced the secular world.
A massive backlash was inevitable.
Countless voices criticized Guwol Shin-ni, shouting that she should be dragged down from her seat as Sect Leader. They further argued that Seol-hyang, regardless of her ignorance of the rules, required punishment for learning the Wind-Scattering Sword Technique without authorization.
In some quarters, suspicions even arose that Seol-hyang was receiving preferential treatment because she was the daughter of the Seol Clan, one of the Five Great Merchants of the Central Plains.
Guwol Shin-ni’s hasty judgment had incited the fury of many.
Though the weight of these criticisms pressed down on her, Guwol Shin-ni maintained that she did not have a single shred of regret. Her defiance only drew more heated condemnation from the Emei elders.
How could the Sect Leader be so thoughtless?
They demanded to know why she had passed a main sect technique to Seol-hyang.
Guwol Shin-ni replied simply:
That child would be the one to bring glory back to Emei.
She then made them a proposal: their minds would change completely once they saw Seol-hyang’s martial arts for themselves.
The elders of Emei scoffed.
What could a child who had only just begun learning the Wind-Scattering Sword Technique possibly show them?
However, their skepticism vanished the moment they witnessed Seol-hyang’s sword dance.
What they felt was pure astonishment.
They were struck with awe by the sword dance of a mere fourteen-year-old girl.
The sword wailed—fiercely and violently.
The implications of that sound were clear.
At the age of fourteen, she had already stepped into the First-Class Realm.
And she had done so using nothing but the Socheong Qigong, a technique intended only for secular disciples.
Furthermore, her execution of the Wind-Scattering Sword Technique was so proficient that it was impossible to believe she had only just learned it.
The elders of Emei felt a shiver run down their spines.
A child who reached the First-Class Realm at fourteen—and with a lower-tier cultivation method like Socheong Qigong, no less.
If they were to grant this child the true secret techniques of Emei, how powerful would she become?
A brilliant future seemed to unfold before their eyes.
The Emei elders immediately demanded that Seol-hyang take her vows and join the main sect, offering to overlook her unauthorized learning of the technique as a condition.
However, Seol-hyang flatly refused their proposal.
Why on earth would a perfectly fine young lady become a nun just because they had taught her martial arts of their own accord?
The elders tried threats, they tried coaxing, and they tried sweet-talking her, but they soon realized it was all in vain.
In the end, they had no choice but to concede.
They allowed her to practice the sect’s secret techniques while maintaining her secular status.
Under normal circumstances, such a thing would be unthinkable, but her innate genius had moved the elders' hearts.
There were conditions, however.
Should she ever act in the Murim in the future, she had to do so under the name of Emei. Furthermore, despite her secular status, she was to be treated with the same respect and standing as a main sect disciple.
Seol-hyang pondered these conditions for a long time before finally accepting.
She was well aware of what an immense stroke of luck it was to learn the main sect’s martial arts while remaining a secular disciple.
And so, an existence that defied all conventions was born within the Emei Sect.
*
"Seol-hyang!"
Bulheo Satae began searching for Seol-hyang, her face twisted in a deep scowl.
The Sect Leader had issued a solemn command to bring the girl to her.
"Seol-hyang!"
She called out again, her voice straining.
She had already been wandering around looking for the girl for a full shijin.
Yet, Seol-hyang was nowhere to be found, as if she had vanished into the earth or ascended to the heavens.
Bulheo Satae’s scowl deepened.
The fact that she hadn't appeared despite such a long search meant she was definitely hiding somewhere.
Always so quick to sense trouble.
Bulheo Satae clicked her tongue inwardly.
She despised Seol-hyang’s habit of vanishing like a ghost whenever there was work to be done.
Bulheo Satae felt a headache coming on.
Seol-hyang was born with incredibly sharp senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. All of them were exceptionally developed.
If she truly intended to hide, even Bulheo Satae had no way of finding her.
"Seol-hyang! This is truly important! The Sect Leader summoned you personally!"
Bulheo Satae began to scream at the top of her lungs toward the empty air.
Still, Seol-hyang did not show herself.
Irritation flared within Bulheo Satae. Her anger rose at the girl’s refusal to appear even after being told it was the Sect Leader’s command.
"Phew."
However, she soon suppressed her rising temper.
She knew that if she got angry here, Seol-hyang would only hide even deeper.
"An opportunity to leave the mountain has arisen! And the Sect Leader recommended you! If you don't come out now, I'll send another child instead!"
She shouted once more toward the open air, ensuring Seol-hyang could hear.
Having finished her piece, Bulheo Satae turned around.
She headed straight for Buryeon Pavilion, where the Sect Leader resided.
.
.
.
.
After walking for a while, Bulheo Satae arrived at Buryeon Pavilion.
She walked inside without hesitation, heading toward the office where the Sect Leader would be.
Soon, she stood before the office door.
"Phew."
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Who is it?"
Guwol Shin-ni’s voice drifted from inside.
"It is Bulheo."
"Enter."
With permission granted, Bulheo Satae grabbed the handle and pushed the door open.
Creeeeeak.
The sound of old hinges echoed as the door opened.
Once it was fully open, Bulheo Satae scanned the interior.
She discovered that there was another guest inside Buryeon Pavilion besides Guwol Shin-ni.
Hair as fine as ebony, eyes full of mischief, a sharp nose, and lips like cherries.
Bulheo Satae knew exactly who this sly-looking woman was.
"Oh my, Senior Sister, what brings you here?"
It was Seol-hyang.
Snap.
Bulheo Satae felt a vein pop on her forehead.
The memory of wandering around for two hours looking for her came rushing back.
"Junior Sister, where have you been?"
She suppressed her anger as she spoke.
"Where have I been? I’ve been by Master’s side this whole time."
Seol-hyang asked back, looking perfectly innocent.
"I don't mean now. I mean an hour ago."
"Ah, then? I’m a light sleeper, so I must have dozed off for a moment."
Seol-hyang continued with a sly smile.
"I searched everywhere and couldn't find you."
"I have my own secret spot. My sleeping habits are a bit unsightly, so I’m embarrassed to show them to others."
She twisted her body bashfully as she spoke.
To anyone else, her cuteness would have been utterly enchanting.
"And where is this spot?"
"I told you, it’s a secret spot. If I tell you, Senior Sister, it won't be a secret anymore, will it?"
Seol-hyang replied with a bright beam.
Grind.
Bulheo Satae ground her teeth at Seol-hyang’s brazen attitude.
Being taunted with a smiling face made her blood boil.
However, she slowly calmed her anger. She knew she couldn't raise her voice in the presence of the Sect Leader.
Grind.
Just you wait.
Of course, she was already planning her revenge for later.
Knock, knock.
Suddenly, there was another knock at the office door.
"Who is it?"
"It is Bulsok."
Bulsok Satae’s voice answered Guwol Shin-ni’s question.
"Enter."
Creeeeeak.
At Guwol Shin-ni’s command, the door opened.
Bulsok Satae, dressed in grey Buddhist robes, stepped into the office.
Once inside, Bulsok scanned the room.
Her fine brows furrowed.
There were two guests present whom she wasn't particularly glad to see.
However, she quickly regained her composure and stood before the Sect Leader’s desk.
She knew she had to set aside personal feelings in front of the Sect Leader.
"Now everyone is gathered."
Guwol Shin-ni looked at them and continued.
"Do you know why I have summoned you?"
"Is it not because there is a reason to descend from the mountain?"
Seol-hyang answered with a bright smile.
"Correct. Then do you know what the destination is?"
"I haven't heard the details, but I have a guess."
Seol-hyang’s eyes sparkled as she responded to Guwol Shin-ni’s question.
"Where do you think it is?"
"I believe it is the North Sea."
Seol-hyang answered respectfully.
"Ho. And why do you think that?"
"I figured that for something to require both my senior sisters and me to leave the mountain so suddenly, it could only be the disappearance cases in the North Sea."
"Hoho."
Hearing Seol-hyang’s words, Guwol Shin-ni let out a cry of admiration and smiled.
She felt that her disciple’s insight was truly perfect.
Of course, it was something anyone could have guessed, but in the eyes of the doting Guwol Shin-ni, Seol-hyang appeared to be a once-in-a-lifetime genius.
"So, what is your opinion on the matter?"
"I believe we must go, of course. Though I am but a secular disciple, I have received the great grace of the Emei Sect. How could I refuse a chance to repay that debt?"
Seol-hyang spoke without hesitation.
Guwol Shin-ni looked at her with moist eyes, seemingly moved by her words.
She had thought Seol-hyang was just a child, but she hadn't realized the girl’s affection for the sect ran so deep.
Guwol Shin-ni slowly rose from her seat.
She walked over to Seol-hyang and pulled her into a tight embrace.
To any observer, it was a heartwarming scene of a master and disciple.
Of course, to Bulheo Satae and Bulsok Satae, the scene was utterly absurd.
They knew very well that Seol-hyang was not an altruistic person.
She wasn't a bad person, but she certainly wasn't a saint.
Seeing her go on about the sect and repaying debts was enough to make them speechless with disbelief.
"Ma...ster... I can't... breathe..."
Wrapped in Guwol Shin-ni’s arms, Seol-hyang spoke in a strained voice.
"Oh dear... my apologies. I held you too tight."
"Hehe, but Master’s embrace was so cozy and nice."
Seol-hyang replied with a giggle.
"I appreciate the sentiment."
A small smile played on Guwol Shin-ni’s lips.
She felt that every word out of her disciple’s mouth was precious.
"Ahem. At any rate, you will be joining the search party. It is to find the missing disciples of Emei. And before you go, I have a word of caution. That is why I called you here."
Guwol Shin-ni’s gaze turned cold as she looked at them.
"I have only one thing to say. If you find that an outside force is involved in the disappearances, do not stay your hand."
"Do not stay our hand...?"
"I am giving you permission to kill."
Guwol Shin-ni spoke to them with a grim expression.
"............"
"..........."
The disciples were momentarily speechless at her shocking statement.
How could the Sect Leader of a great Buddhist order like Emei give permission to violate the precept against killing?
"The North Sea Murim is not a place where one can survive with a lenient attitude. If you sense anything suspicious, draw your swords immediately. If anyone shows hostility, make them pay with their lives."
Guwol Shin-ni spoke in a resolute tone.
"........."
The strict Bulsok wanted to offer a rebuttal, but the Sect Leader’s gaze was so fierce that she couldn't utter a single word.
"Do you understand?"
Guwol Shin-ni asked, looking at each of them.
""We obey your command.""
The disciples answered in unison.
"Good."
Only then did a light smile return to Guwol Shin-ni’s face.
She seemed very satisfied with their response.
"That is all I have to say. Do you have any questions?"
Guwol Shin-ni looked at them.
"Master."
Seol-hyang raised her hand.
"Yes, what is it?"
"I was wondering how the expenses for the trip to the North Sea have been arranged?"
"Thankfully, the Tang Clan has offered to cover the expenses. You likely won't have to worry about money throughout the journey."
"Then do you know who will be coming from the Tang Clan and the Qingcheng Sect?"
"I haven't received a definitive answer yet. I’ve sent word, so they will surely send people of appropriate caliber."
"In that case... is it possible that Hero Jang Sun-woo might come?"
Seol-hyang asked with sparkling eyes, and Guwol Shin-ni’s expression turned troubled.