Chapter 8 - True Jade Dragon
Kunlun Mountain was high and treacherous.
The burly young man, already brimming with complaints, grumbled under his breath without realizing it.
"How the hell did I end up in this godforsaken backwater..."
The middle-aged man walking beside him rebuked him softly.
"Watch your mouth. This is Kunlun."
"Uncle, I'm not wrong, am I?"
Paeng Su-won shook his head inwardly.
It may be true, but how can he be so reckless?
They spoiled him too much.
He inwardly blamed his older brother, the clan head and the young man's father.
The youth was arrogant and utterly lacking in caution.
If only half that martial prowess came with some maturity, the clan head would be throwing banquets every day, no doubt.
Being a late child, he'd been endlessly doted on and indulged, leading to this. No one else to blame.
If the clan head hadn't begged him to bring the boy along for some hardship training, he never would've agreed. He regretted giving in with that ironclad face of his.
"Do it again, and I'll tell your father. Got it?"
Paeng Gang-hwi flinched.
No one else scared him like his father did.
"Understood, Uncle."
"You'd better."
Not entirely reassured, Paeng Su-won pressed for confirmation. Paeng Gang-hwi promised he would.
But inside, he was seething.
Damn country bumpkin. What big crime did I commit to deserve this nagging again?
Throughout the long journey from Hebei Province to Qinghai Province, his uncle had acted like he wanted to devour him alive.
Just a little venting of built-up frustration, and now more scolding. His mood soured further.
Silently climbing the mountain out of boredom, he glanced around at the scenery.
Not bad mountains, at least.
Kunlun was incredibly lofty and majestic.
In a way, it reminded him of his own clan's, the Hebei Paeng Clan's, grandeur.
But that's about it.
The gulf between central plains Hebei and remote Qinghai was impossible to bridge.
Even the climbers were all rough-looking men in shabby clothes.
So damn rural, can't even spot a decent woman.
Swallowing his irritation, they walked on until a massive single pillar gate loomed in the distance.
Shrouded in thick mist, it looked almost mystical. Paeng Gang-hwi found himself mildly impressed.
Guess it is one of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang.
At the gate stood a single Taoist, looking no older than his early twenties.
Prestigious orthodox sects usually flaunted their might from the entrance. This felt different.
Grinning ear-to-ear, greeting every passerby—it hardly seemed the way of a true Taoist.
Is that the smile of the world's happiest man?
Unlike the curious Paeng Gang-hwi, Paeng Su-won observed the Taoist closely.
He sensed something unusual.
Contentment? Confidence? Every gesture screams extraordinary.
There was an inexplicable elegance that blended perfectly with the surroundings.
The Taoist beamed a greeting.
"Amitabha. Greetings."
"And to you."
"What brings you here?"
"To see your sect leader."
The abrupt request didn't faze the Taoist; his smile held.
"I see. The sect leader is quite busy right now—it might take a while. Is that alright?"
Sect leaders of great orthodox factions were always busy, naturally.
But Paeng Su-won had the status to shorten the wait.
"Of course. I am Paeng Su-won of the Hebei Paeng Clan."
The young Taoist's eyes widened slightly.
"Amitabha. From the renowned Paeng Clan, no less. I am Jeong Hyeon. Same generation as my master, no need for formalities."
"Very well. How's that friend of mine, Heo Cheong?"
"You know my Fourth Uncle?"
"Haha, old pals."
"I had no idea. Let me inform Fourth Uncle right away. Please wait just a moment..."
"Senior Brother!"
A weak call came as a drenched young Taoist staggered toward them.
Whatever he'd been doing, he looked utterly pitiful.
Anyone would pity him—but apparently not Jeong Hyeon.
He ignored him completely, chattering away at Paeng Su-won.
"...Haha. Waiting alone must be dull. Allow me to keep you company. Let me introduce our Kunlun..."
"Haa..."
The sighing young Taoist shoved his face right in Jeong Hyeon's.
"Shift change."
"Hm? Junior brother here already? For shift change?"
"..."
"Whoa, you look awful. I'll cover for you, go rest."
"...You picking a fight right now?"
"Hey now! What kind of talk is that? I'm just worried. Greeting guests in this blazing sun is tough—I'll take your shift."
Paeng Su-won and Paeng Gang-hwi glanced skyward. Thick clouds blanketed everything.
With the whole mountain wrapped in mist, what blazing sun?
Sure enough, veins bulged on the junior brother's forehead.
"My one break time... You really wanna go? Wait here, I'll get my youngest..."
"Whoa whoa! Just kidding, kidding! Gotta notify the guests anyway, so you head out too."
"Time's precious—get back to training."
"Got it, got it. Haa..."
Jeong Hyeon soothed his junior and dragged his reluctant feet inside.
The new gate guard, the junior brother, shed his wretched look like a mask and grinned brightly.
He even bowed politely.
"Amitabha. I am Jeong Jin. Sorry for the unseemly sight."
Paeng Su-won and Paeng Gang-hwi returned greetings, stating their clan and names.
Jeong Jin blinked in mild surprise but kept smiling, just like Jeong Hyeon.
Curiosity piqued, Paeng Gang-hwi ventured a question.
"Are all Kunlun disciples this friendly? Your smiles never fade when dealing with people."
"Pardon? Haha, glad it seems that way."
"That's exactly why I'm asking. You looked utterly exhausted just now..."
Pain flickered in Jeong Jin's eyes.
But only briefly. He smiled softly, clasping his hands.
"Amitabha. This place where I stand is paradise itself."
Paeng Gang-hwi was genuinely impressed.
Similar age to him, yet a true Taoist.
He'd met disciples from famous central plains Taoist sects, but none like this.
Honestly, hard to call them Taoists. What's the difference from laymen?
Paeng Gang-hwi's fondness for Kunlun soared.
Paeng Su-won, worldly and experienced, saw through it.
He truly finds joy just being here. His one break time, was it?
Recalling Jeong Hyeon's departing expression and Jeong Jin's urging to return to training...
Hm?
Suddenly, someone approached.
Or rather, rocketed closer, body stretching like some divine technique.
A cheerful shout accompanied it.
"Su-won! You made it!"
Paeng Su-won's eyes crinkled.
Definitely his old friend Heo Cheong's voice.
Fifteen years since they bonded in the central plains. Finally meeting again.
Overjoyed, Paeng Su-won opened his mouth—then froze oddly.
Similar to Jeong Jin's arrival. Heo Cheong looked a mess rushing over.
Yet his face shone radiantly, like seeing departed parents. Baffling.
"Whoa! You look beat. Lost weight, huh?"
Heo Cheong bear-hugged him, prompting Paeng Su-won's retort.
"Speak for yourself—what happened to you?"
"...Haha, nothing much. Come on in."
Heo Cheong greeted Paeng Su-won and Paeng Gang-hwi, leading the way.
"You're swamped—wouldn't come just for me. What's up?"
"Hey, don't be like that. Other business too, but I came personally 'cause I missed you."
"My bad. How's the clan head and elders?"
"Too well—it's a problem."
"Classic Paeng Clan. Seeing your nephew's heroic bearing, your future's bright."
No flattery.
Paeng Gang-hwi's aura was prodigious for his age.
"Don't overhype him. Called the Dominant Dragon among the Nine Dragons Eight Phoenixes, but he's got far to go."
"Oh ho! One of the Nine Dragons Eight Phoenixes, top of the rising stars! Incredible at just past twenty!"
"Come on, no."
Paeng Su-won subtly boasted to his long-lost friend.
Sure, the kid had flaws, but his skills were real. Future face of the Paeng Clan—needed to impress.
Heh heh heh.
Paeng Gang-hwi beamed inwardly.
Even picky Uncle acknowledges me.
Paeng Su-won shook his head at the boy's barely suppressed grin.
Damn. Shouldn't have said that. Need to humble him...
Better if a peer did it. Paeng Su-won asked Heo Cheong just in case.
"Still no disciple?"
"Haha, took one ages ago. Started formal studies this year."
"Whoa, you. Should've brought him around. Congrats anyway."
"Yeah. Gotta visit your place sometime. Thanks."
"Training going well? With you as master, he's bound to be sharp."
"Haha, I'm the one struggling to keep up."
"Yeah, makes sense... Huh?"
Paeng Su-won nodded absently, then doubted his ears.
Asked if the disciple kept up, and he says he's struggling?
Heo Cheong burst laughing at his stunned face.
"Hahaha! Why so shocked?"
"...Did I hear right?"
"Of course."
"...What does that even mean?"
Heo Cheong halted.
His back straightened like Kunlun itself, chest broad as Qinghai Lake.
"My disciple isn't just a genius among geniuses—he's the greatest genius of past and present."
"..."
"..."
"Ah, your nephew's a dragon, right? Mine's the real deal. Kekeke."
Paeng Su-won and Paeng Gang-hwi just gaped.
Anyone there would've been speechless.
Only Heo Cheong could've kept bragging, but then—
"That's it for today!"
"Woooaaah!"
A clear boy's voice rang out, followed by cheers shaking Kunlun.
Paengs whipped around, spotting a high-walled enclosure.
Training ground, probably. Figures leaped over the walls.
"Hah! Cloud Dragon Emerges from Sea!"
"Amitabha. Divine Dragon Whirling Mists!"
"Raaah! Dragon Frolics in Purple Embroidered Banner!"
The Paeng uncle-nephew duo stared dumbfounded as old Taoists soared overhead.
Kunlun's famed lightness skill, Cloud Dragon Great Eight Forms!
And so desperately executed!
It didn't end there.
The gate burst open, middle-aged Taoists pouring out.
No energy to shout techniques like the elders, they just madly kicked off the ground.
Pouring their life's cultivation into it!
Golden Goose Travels Clouds, Flying Dragon Chases Lightning—Kunlun's signature lightness arts!
"Whoa..."
"What the..."
The dazzling display of ultimate techniques ended in a flash, eyes nearly blinded.
The Paengs peered through the wide-open gate.
Young Taoists writhed on the ground inside.
"U-Uncle, that one puking—isn't that Jeong Hyeon from the gate?"
"Yeah. No clue what's going on. Hey, Heo Cheong, explain—Huh? Why'd you jump back? What—Gahk!"
"Aaaack!"
Where had they hidden?
How'd they evade notice?
"Kyaaaah!"
Hordes of women surged out, shoving the Paengs aside.
Heading straight for a boy Taoist emerging from the gate.
"H-Human?"
"I-Immortal?"
The Paengs gawked.
The boy's dazzling beauty, blended with thick mist, created an ethereal aura.
"Eeeek! Days like today are the best!"
"Right? If thick mist from daily downpours—pure bliss!"
The women halted at a distance, their rush fizzling.
"Kyaaak! Look at me!"
Some tried breaking through.
"Where do you think you're going!"
But women with "True Jade Dragon Protection Squad" banners on their arms blocked them organizedly.
"Please stop! People like you make us all look bad!"
"If it's just us, fine—but tarnish the True Jade Dragon's reputation, and you're done!"
The impassive boy watching the chaos finally spoke.
"Sisters, something caught in your throats?"
"No!"
"Then why the constant squealing?"
"Because of you, Jade Dragon!"
The boy sighed, sending the women into frenzy.
"Jeong Gwang Taoist! Try this—I made it all night, hope it suits..."
"Hmph! Bringing veggies? He eats grass daily—needs meat! I just caught a pig..."
"You lot! What nonsense in a pure Taoist sect? If anything, golden coin pouches like mine!"
Jeong Gwang shook his head, then spotted his master Heo Cheong.
Heo Cheong pointed proudly at him to the Paengs.
"That's my disciple—the genius beyond geniuses, greatest of all time. Call him True Jade Dragon for short. Uhahaha!"