Chapter 179
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 179
Chapter Title: Huashan Sect
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Huashan Sect.
It occupied an unrivaled position in swordsmanship, earning it the name Huashan Sword Sect as well.
In the long history of the Nine Great Sects, it always ranked at the top, and during its heyday, it was often counted among the foremost.
While other sects sometimes fell from the Nine Greats, Huashan held its place steadfastly even in its weakest times, showcasing its profound foundation.
Originally stemming from Daoism alongside Kunlun and Wudang, it had now departed from the Daoist sects to become a secular one.
Similar examples included Kongtong Sect and Zhongnan Sect.
Of course, it was hard to say Huashan's Daoist lineage had been completely severed, but most disciples were no longer Daoists.
Sect Leader Yu Byong-geon was the same. In a way, freeing itself from the Daoist constraints might have been why it enjoyed its current prosperity.
Though nearing sixty, he didn't look that old.
His black hair gleamed with luster, with white frost only at the temples, and his face bore scarcely any wrinkles.
His thick sword brows and sharp eyes gave an impression of stern integrity.
Yu Byong-geon, bearer of the title "Great Traveling Sword," was more renowned for his exceptional sect management than his martial prowess.
Yet Seol Hwa-un, sensing his aura, knew his skills were also considerable.
‘Of course. They wouldn't entrust Huashan Sect to just anyone.’
He was clearly a cut above the elders of other Nine Great Sects.
After exchanging greetings, tea was soon served. The two sipped in silence.
“…….”
Gazing steadily at Seol Hwa-un, Yu Byong-geon slowly spoke.
“Truly remarkable presence. The title North Heavenly Dragon suits you well. No, it's almost insufficient.”
“You flatter me.”
“I can see why the disciples who saw you at the Plum Blossom Conference praised you so effusively.”
During their last journey to the Central Plains, Seol Hwa-un's group had attended the Plum Blossom Conference and clashed with the intruding Sword Demon.
“I heard you even served as judge at the Dragon-Phoenix Conference this time.”
“It was a valuable experience.”
“And I heard Seong-gyun received guidance from you as well. In swordsmanship, no less.”
Yu Byong-geon gave a subtle smile.
“Your presence certainly left its mark on the North Heavenly Dragon. That arrogant boy was properly spurred—he's changed completely and immersed himself in training.”
“I could tell from the Dragon-Phoenix Conference that he'd trained diligently. His growth was so impressive, even I was amazed.”
“It's all thanks to Sect Leader Seol.”
Seol Hwa-un shook his head.
“Not at all. It's due to your sect's efforts and the young hero's outstanding talent.”
“If you see it that way, I'm grateful.”
Pausing briefly, Yu Byong-geon continued.
“There is something I'd like to ask Sect Leader Seol.”
“What is it?”
His eyes shifted slightly.
“I'm not one for beating around the bush, so forgive my directness.”
“…….”
“What is your relationship with the Sword Demon?”
Seol Hwa-un's brow twitched.
“Relationship.”
“I don't mean to belittle you. Quite the opposite—at your age, achieving such feats warrants the highest praise.”
“…….”
“But even so, it's true you can't yet compare to the Sword Demon.”
Seol Hwa-un readily admitted it.
“Not yet.”
Yu Byong-geon's eyes narrowed.
‘Not yet. Heh.’
“……Of course, I'm grateful that our disciples were kept safe thanks to you.”
“…….”
“Yet the Sword Demon, who stormed the Plum Blossom Conference, retreated far too easily upon facing you. It's nagged at me these past three years.”
The Sword Demon's intrusion at the Plum Blossom Conference.
It had caused no small stir in Huashan and Zhongnan.
Though no lives were lost, an outsider had crashed their sects' event and ruined it.
Zhongnan and Huashan protested vehemently, but Demonic Sword Pavilion ignored them outright.
This left Zhongnan and Huashan flustered. They lacked the justification for all-out war.
Demonic Sword Pavilion was at fault, but it wasn't grave enough for a direct confrontation.
With no disciples killed, rallying other sects against a faction like Demonic Sword Pavilion would be difficult.
They could have attacked anyway, but it would demand heavy sacrifices from Huashan and Zhongnan.
Caught between options, Huashan could only seethe inwardly.
Thus, it was natural to wonder about Seol Hwa-un's connection to the Sword Demon who'd made him withdraw.
‘There's no real need to explain, but...’
He wanted to avoid needless misunderstandings.
‘It's no great secret anyway...’
Seol Hwa-un said.
“The Sword Demon did indeed spare me out of consideration. But it was due to his ties with my father, not me.”
A gleam lit Yu Byong-geon's eyes.
“Your father... the Ice Emperor?”
“Yes. I don't know the details, but I heard they shared a connection in their youth.”
Yu Byong-geon nodded slowly.
“……I see. Thank you for answering honestly.”
He knew pressing too hard was impolite. Yet he'd sought clarification for a reason.
He might understand, but other elders and disciples in Huashan shot suspicious glances at Seol Hwa-un for repelling the Sword Demon. Unable to touch Demonic Sword Pavilion, it was displaced frustration.
As sect leader, Yu Byong-geon needed a reason to placate them.
With the question resolved, his expression eased.
“I heard Lady White Flower extended the invitation. I hope the meeting proves beneficial for you too, Sect Leader Seol.”
“I expect it will.”
After some light conversation, Seol Hwa-un left the sect leader's quarters.
Eung Cheon-ri, waiting outside, greeted him.
“You spoke at length. How was it—did you get along with our sect leader?”
“I wouldn't say that, but he's no ordinary man.”
“Haha, indeed. Among the three sect leaders I've known, he's the finest.”
“Now to meet the Huashan Five Elders?”
Surprisingly, Eung Cheon-ri shook his head.
“What's the rush? It's late today—rest in our guest quarters, and we'll go early tomorrow.”
Seol Hwa-un nodded agreeably.
“Understood. I'll do that.”
* * *
Returning to the guest quarters, North Dragon Brigade Leader and Yu Gong-seon awaited Seol Hwa-un.
“Did you meet the Huashan Sect Leader well?”
At Yu Gong-seon's question, Seol Hwa-un chuckled.
“You waited without rest just for that?”
“Haha, curiosity got the better of me.”
With a serious expression, Seol Hwa-un replied.
“He truly lives up to leading a great sect like Huashan. Cool-headed yet profound, with his own brand of consideration.”
“Pity. He's so hard to meet—I wish I'd gone too.”
“Haha, after meeting so many at the Martial Alliance, you're eager for more?”
Yu Gong-seon smiled faintly.
“Not just anyone—the Huashan Sect Leader. He didn't take offense or anything, did he?”
“Of course not. He asked about the Sword Demon, but it seemed like mere confirmation, without any real intent or emotion.”
“Good. I was briefly worried he might nitpick over the Plum Blossom Conference.”
It involved the pride of a righteous great sect, after all.
Seol Hwa-un nodded.
“I sensed some lingering concern in Huashan over that incident. But Sect Leader Yu didn't seem particularly hung up on it.”
“As expected of a great sect's leader.”
The talk concluded, and the next day.
After an early breakfast, Eung Cheon-ri arrived as Seol Hwa-un's group finished.
“My, I thought we'd eat together. Already done?”
“I eat early anyway. The guest quarters' chef prepared it ahead at my request.”
Eung Cheon-ri smacked his lips.
“Tch, fine. Let's go then.”
“What about your breakfast?”
“I'll eat after dropping you off. Besides, she's been eager to see you since dawn. Should've brought you yesterday.”
Seol Hwa-un asked.
“Where is Lady Huashan Five Elders?”
“On Immortal Peak.”
Immortal Peak.
The summit where Huashan's reclusive experts gathered most, its caves said to brim with fortuitous encounters in jest.
“Follow me.”
Seol Hwa-un trailed Eung Cheon-ri up Immortal Peak.
Far rougher than the paths of Lotus Peak where Huashan proper lay. Unused by many, no proper trails existed.
Even seasoned martial artists could easily lose their way.
Of course, it posed no issue for Eung Cheon-ri and Seol Hwa-un.
After ascending via lightness skill, midway up Lotus Peak, a wide clearing appeared.
“This is where the Huashan Five Elders usually train.”
A drill ground carved from a massive boulder, etched with traces of every martial art.
Most striking was the enormous plum blossom pattern at the center.
“……!”
Seol Hwa-un's eyes widened instinctively.
Over three meters across, its depth was impossible to gauge at a glance.
Murmuring in awe, Seol Hwa-un said.
“This mark...”
Eung Cheon-ri smiled faintly.
“Impressive, right? To think a human could leave such a thing. Sometimes I wonder if he's even human.”
Seol Hwa-un intuitively knew who "he" meant.
“You mean... one of the Huashan Five Elders, the Huayun Sword Immortal?”
“Exactly. Who else in our sect could unleash such power?”
Huayun Sword Immortal.
Huashan Sect's proud absolute master, holding one seat among the Nine Heavenly Martial Emperors.
In truth, the Huashan Five Elders' fame stemmed from his affiliation.
“…….”
Seol Hwa-un's gaze sharpened.
‘So this is the sword of a Nine Heavenly Martial Emperor.’
Indirectly, it was his second glimpse of their prowess.
The first: Invincible Divine Victory's fist techniques, their full power unknowable.
It had shocked him freshly.
‘And this trace.’
Nothing short of astonishing. The sword intent emanating from it was hard for his current level to fully comprehend.
‘In life-or-death, it's unclear, but purely in sword attainment, many say Heavenly Outer Sword Venerable edges higher.’
If Huayun Sword Immortal was this level, what of Heavenly Outer Sword Venerable?
Seol Hwa-un felt a towering wall, yet his heart raced with excitement.
His lips curved slightly.
‘I see. It's definitely different from two hundred years ago.’
Then, a voice rang out.
“You're earlier than expected.”
Turning, Seol Hwa-un saw a figure standing there.