Chapter 69
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: Invitation from the Martial Alliance
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Seol Hwa-un's steps were light as he left the forge.
‘This turned out even more impressive than I expected.’
Beyond just the gauntlets, he had tested the Ice Heaven Inkscale Armor in various ways.
Due to its material, injecting yin cold energy not only greatly enhanced its defensive power but also its repulsive force. If utilized well, this repulsive force could even deliver a decisive counterattack.
In other words, simply infusing internal energy yielded effects surpassing protective aura.
‘It’s like having a spare life. Plus, it still emits cold energy, aiding my Ice White Divine Art cultivation.’
The increased surface area made it even more efficient than the Black Ice Jade state.
He was wearing the Ice Heaven Inkscale Armor underneath even now, and just staying like this would allow his Ice White Divine Art to grow bit by bit.
Seol Hwa-un wanted to give additional compensation to Dang Cheol-yeong out of gratitude, but he refused.
“Rewards overflow with the remaining dark smoldering iron. Don’t hinder me further and be on your way. I’m finally about to craft my own weapon properly.”
It was a weapon he had yearned for over decades. It was natural to want to complete it as soon as possible.
‘Perhaps the martial world will witness the return of the Nine Divine Wings after decades.’
Dang Cheol-yeong even said this.
“To speak of it now, your aura truly stirs my competitive spirit after so long.”
“Pardon?”
“Come visit anytime. I want to spar with you using my new iron fan. Heh heh, or this old man might come find you.”
Seol Hwa-un’s prowess seemed to have stimulated even him, who had set aside martial arts for a long time.
‘In any case, I can now leave the Tang Family with a light heart.’
Returning to his lodgings, Seol Hwa-un unexpectedly encountered guests. Three warriors were waiting for him at the entrance.
As Seol Hwa-un appeared, one approached.
“Amitabha.”
He appeared to be a Taoist in his mid-thirties, clad in pale blue robes, with serene eyes and an extraordinary aura.
Seol Hwa-un recognized his affiliation from the robes.
‘Wudang Sect?’
“Greetings, North Heaven Dragon. This poor Taoist is Dam Un-ja, leader of the White Tiger Brigade in the Martial Alliance.”
“Greetings. I am Seol Hwa-un.”
Morning Sun Sword Dam Un-ja.
Second-generation disciple of Wudang, leader of the White Tiger Brigade, one of the Martial Alliance’s four great combat units. The other two with him were also White Tiger members.
He was also one of the Wudang Ten Hands, representing high masters of Wudang.
“Introducing yourself as the White Tiger Leader means you’ve come on Martial Alliance business.”
A glint flashed in Dam Un-ja’s eyes.
“Indeed, perceptive as expected. You see correctly. This poor Taoist has come as an envoy of the Martial Alliance to meet the Young Palace Lord.”
“Hmm.”
At that moment, Eom Mu-hwi stepped forward from the side.
“Rather than discussing here, let’s go inside and talk.”
They moved to the table inside the lodgings and sat facing each other.
Behind Seol Hwa-un stood the North Wind Brigade Leader, and behind Dam Un-ja stood the other White Tiger members.
After sipping his tea, Dam Un-ja looked around and spoke.
“Amitabha. The Young Palace Lord receives quite the hospitality even in the Tang Family. Lending an entire inner courtyard building. Most enviable.”
His words carried some sincerity. In contrast to Seol Hwa-un’s treatment, Dam Un-ja had faced wary glares since arriving at the Sichuan Tang Family.
“I’m simply grateful to the Tang Family. But why have you sought me out?”
“Haha, straight to the point. Understood. This poor Taoist also feels uneasy lingering long in the Tang Family.”
Dam Un-ja pulled a letter from his bosom and offered it.
“This is a letter from our Alliance Leader.”
Seol Hwa-un knew that Myeong Hyeon-ja had ascended to the position of Martial Alliance Leader.
“The Alliance Leader... you mean the Wudang Divine Sword?”
“That is correct.”
Seol Hwa-un immediately unfolded and read the letter. There was nothing particularly noteworthy.
“...An invitation?”
Dam Un-ja nodded.
“Yes. Not just the Alliance Leader, but the consensus of our Alliance’s members. What if the Young Palace Lord and his group visited our Alliance?”
Seol Hwa-un’s gaze subtly shifted.
“...The Martial Alliance is still in Xi’an?”
The question held many implications, but Dam Un-ja could not grasp the subtext.
“Yes. It has remained in Xi’an since its founding two hundred years ago.”
“I see. So the Martial Alliance has held that position all along.”
The murmur was too soft for Dam Un-ja to hear.
“Hm? What was that?”
“Oh, just talking to myself. Pay it no mind.”
“...?”
“I understand the Martial Alliance’s intent. I cannot decide alone, so may I consult with my group first before replying?”
Dam Un-ja readily nodded.
“Amitabha. Of course. It won’t take long, I presume?”
“Certainly.”
“Then we shall wait outside for your answer.”
Dam Un-ja led his group outside. Once sufficiently distant from the lodgings, he spoke.
“What do you think?”
A sharp-eyed man of short stature beside him replied.
“Didn’t you see for yourself, Leader?”
“Trying to test me again, Sa Jun.”
The man called Sa Jun waved his hands with a startled expression.
“How could I...”
“Enough. Share your impressions.”
Absolute Shadow Guest Sa Jun, in his early thirties but a seasoned wanderer with over ten years as a ronin since childhood.
By chance, he caught Dam Un-ja’s eye and joined the White Tiger Brigade.
Though his martial arts ranked low, his uniquely sharp senses were unmatched in accuracy, earning Dam Un-ja’s great trust.
“Then I shall share my feelings.”
Sa Jun’s expression turned serious.
“It no longer makes sense to classify him as merely a later-generation talent. He surpasses the elders of most prestigious orthodox sects.”
Another White Tiger member nearby gasped.
“That much?!”
Dam Un-ja’s expression grew heavier.
‘Then he truly may have defeated the Blood Sound Four Lords. Truly astonishing.’
Meanwhile, Seol Hwa-un was consulting with his group.
“What are your thoughts, Young Palace Lord?”
To the North Wind Brigade Leader’s question, Seol Hwa-un replied with a cautious expression.
“To be frank, I think it’s best to go.”
“Hmm.”
“Though much diminished from before, that’s only because the former Martial Alliance was an unprecedented power. The current Martial Alliance’s strength is still formidable enough.”
“Indeed.”
“They’ve invited us first. No reason to refuse. Besides, we must head north to return to the palace anyway. A slight route adjustment suffices, nothing burdensome.”
No one spoke after Seol Hwa-un finished. All stared at him with blank expressions.
“...Any objections?”
The North Wind Brigade Leader and others wore smiles.
“Our group’s leader is the Young Palace Lord. If you so decide, then that is what we shall do.”
Deep trust shone in their eyes.
‘It’s almost burdensome.’
Seol Hwa-un shrugged.
“Then I’ll take it as unanimous consent and relay that.”
Thus, Seol Hwa-un’s group decided to head to the Martial Alliance in Xi’an.
* * *
Having received Seol Hwa-un’s reply, Dam Un-ja’s group promptly departed the Tang Family. Seol Hwa-un’s group left the next day.
More people saw them off than when they had arrived at the Sichuan Tang Family. Among them, those who followed to the very end were Dang Cheong and Dang So-gyo.
Having already followed ten li from Tang Family territory, it was truly time to turn back.
Dang So-gyo clutched Seol Hwa-un’s robe hem, eyes glistening with tears.
“Brother Seol. You must visit our home again!”
“Yes, I know.”
Unable to bear it, Dang Cheong restrained her.
“You’ve said that already over a hundred times. How many times has the Young Palace Lord said he knows?”
“Hing.”
“Let’s head back. Mother is waiting.”
Having finally soothed Dang So-gyo, Dang Cheong clasped his fists.
“Young Palace Lord, until next time. I wish you good fortune.”
“Understood. You too, Young Lord.”
The two exchanged faint smiles.
Both were heirs apparent to their sects, bearing heavy responsibilities. Though they hadn’t spoken much, they understood each other’s situations better than anyone.
“Oh, and...”
Seol Hwa-un pulled a small, slender wooden box from his bosom.
“This is a personal gift for you, Young Lord.”
“Pardon?”
The wooden box felt surprisingly heavy in Dang Cheong’s hands as he accepted it.
“What is this?”
“Open it.”
Lifting the lid revealed a gleaming metallic shine. Inside lay dozens of long flying needles. Dang Cheong’s eyes widened upon seeing them.
“Plum Blossom Needles?!”
Plum Blossom Needles were among the most commonly used hidden weapons by experts in the art. Dang Cheong favored them as well.
“How did you come by these, Young Palace Lord...?”
“I obtained them from the Tang Family’s iron workshop. Even for the Young Lord, such high-quality ones are rare.”
In truth, he had gotten them from Dang Cheol-yeong’s forge.
“Elder Patriarch, could you spare these Plum Blossom Needles here?”
“Take as many as you like. I have no need.”
Though made on a whim, their material and quality were top-notch.
‘It might seem like I’m taking credit for Tang Family products...’
Had he left them, with Dang Cheol-yeong’s temperament, they would have gathered dust in the forge.
Dang Cheong’s face lit with emotion.
“Truly, thank you.”
“No need. A small token for all you’ve done for our palace.”
Seol Hwa-un’s group thus headed toward Shaanxi Province. Dang Cheong and Dang So-gyo remained until they were out of sight.
“Brother Seol probably won’t visit our home much anymore, will he?”
Surprisingly, Dang So-gyo judged coldly.
“Well...”
“No helping it. I’ll have to go to him myself.”
“What? What do you...”
“Don’t worry. I’ll go once I’m ready.”
Dang So-gyo clenched her cute little fists.
“I’ll become such an outstanding female expert that Brother Seol falls head over heels!”
“...You’ve grown a bit more mature.”
“What are you saying? So-gyo was always mature!”
“Hahaha.”
Dang Cheong gazed long at the direction Seol Hwa-un had vanished.
‘North Heaven Dragon...’
Watching the exceptional Seol Hwa-un up close, he had occasionally felt envy, but he was no petty man.
Instead, he reflected on his own shortcomings and lessons learned, engraving them in his heart.
‘Young Palace Lord, frankly, I admit I fall short in every way. But next time we meet, it will surely be different.’