Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Rebuilding the Five Dragons Palace
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Shing!
A blue sword aura reminiscent of autumn hues beautifully embroidered the air.
It flowed gracefully like riding on clouds, then crashed down with the ferocity of thunder.
The Flowing Cloud Sword Art unfolding from Cheongsang's hand had become far more refined since comprehending sword aura.
Ah, damn it.
I shouldn't have taught him.
"Cheongsang."
"Yes, Martial Uncle!"
At Jinmu's call, Cheongsang halted his training and ran over with a bright face.
Thanks to Jinmu's guidance, he had reached the realm of mystic qi. He was no longer a match for the Second Generation Disciples and could rival the First Generation Disciples in skill.
Had he not met Jinmu, he never would have achieved this.
So how deep was his gratitude toward Jinmu?
"Wild boar."
"Pardon?"
"Catch one."
"Isn't it too early for lunch?"
Indeed.
It had barely been an hour since breakfast.
Jinmu was picking a fight because his stomach inexplicably hurt.
He himself hadn't yet ascended to the strong qi realm, yet this kid had leaped straight to sword aura with just a word.
"It takes a long time to cook."
"Ah, yes. Understood."
But Cheongsang stopped training without complaint and obeyed Jinmu's command.
"Cheongu, let's go."
"No! Go alone."
"Pardon?"
"I said go alone!"
Though Jinmu snapped irritably.
'Ah, he's giving Cheongu more training time. What thoughtfulness from Martial Uncle. I'll catch a big one and repay his grace, even if just a little.'
Cheongsang headed to the forest at the mountain's base without a shred of doubt.
"Cheongu."
"Yes! Martial Uncle!"
Cheongu responded with anticipation, seeing Jinmu send Cheongsang alone to prepare the meal. Maybe he'd get some training.
But Jinmu took off his robe.
"Wash it clean."
"Pardon?"
"Not a single bloodstain left."
"......Yes."
It was the robe still marked with Cheongsang's vivid blood from coughing it up.
Bloodstains didn't wash out easily.
'Why did Senior Brother cough blood toward Martial Uncle...'
Cheongu puffed his cheeks, took the robe, and ran to the stream.
Are they getting stronger by the day? They won't threaten my position, will they?
The bigger the head, the less it listens.
No good. These kids. Time to train their stamina from now on.
To reach the righteous qi realm Jinmu had attained, even a prodigy like Cheongsang needed to overcome two more walls.
Even for quick-learning Cheongsang, catching up to Jinmu's level was a distant prospect.
Yet Jinmu resolved to train his heart technique even harder while thinking of ways to hinder Cheongu and Cheongsang's progress.
As Jinmu muttered and gathered wood for a fire, he sensed a group approaching Void Serenity Hermitage.
"Jinmu, have you been well?"
"Huh?"
It was Sect Leader Myeonghyeon and the elders.
What brings this herd here?
"What brings you here?"
"You brat. 'What brings you?' Even if you've been busy lately and haven't visited, it's still upsetting."
Myeonghyeon glared at Jinmu with pouting eyes.
Lies.
He didn't come even when not busy.
And that was preferable.
Their visits were always a hassle.
What do they want to take this time?
"Myeongjin, are you inside?"
"Please come in, Senior Brother."
Hearing the voice, Myeongjin opened the door to come out.
"Just go in."
"Pardon?"
"I have something to say to you."
"Something to say?"
"Jinmu. You come in too. It's something we all need to hear."
"Yes."
Stepping aside, Jinmu followed the Sect Leader past Myeongjin into the room.
With the Sect Leader, the hall masters who were elders, Myeongjin, and Jinmu crammed into the narrow room, it was suffocating.
Ah, seriously. Pointlessly.
Just talk outside.
"We've decided in the elders' meeting to rebuild the ruined Five Dragons Palace."
"Oh, the Five Dragons Palace?"
"Yes."
Myeonghyeon nodded contentedly, and Myeongjin wore an expression of deep emotion.
Five Dragons Palace.
It had been located near Void Serenity Hermitage.
One of Wudang's Eight Palaces, it had burned down in the assault by Lord of Evil Hegemony Heaven Hyeokryeon Mugang.
Like the other Eight Palaces, it had its own role.
Purple Empyrean Palace as the main palace, Welcoming Grace Hall for discipline, Encounter Truth Hall for external alliances, Pure East Hall for pill refining, Jade Harmony Hall for weaponry, Origin Harmony Hall for internal affairs.
And Five Dragons Palace served as the dharma protector, guarding Wudang.
Thus, people called Five Dragons Palace Wudang's 'guardian'.
The previous generation's Hyeono had been its master, and Myeongjin handled practical affairs.
Unlike other disciples of his generation, Myeongjin had stayed at Wudang instead of going to the main battle, guarding Purple Empyrean Palace against the Lord of Evil Hegemony Heaven.
"Rebuilding the Five Dragons Palace... I thought I'd never see it in my lifetime."
What was so special about Five Dragons Palace?
Jinmu wondered why tears welled in Myeongjin's eyes.
"Haha, is it that good?"
"Of course. Now I have the face to meet Master in death. I can boast about Jinmu, Cheongu, and Cheongsang."
Hot tears now streamed from Myeongjin's eyes.
Jinmu didn't know what moved him so, but his master's tears stirred his chest.
Damn, why are my eyes watering?
At least his master was so happy. That was good.
"However, it will differ from the past."
"Pardon?"
"I want the new Five Dragons Palace to take on South Rock Palace's role."
"South Rock Palace's role?"
"Yes. I believe guarding Wudang shouldn't be left to one palace alone."
"Hm."
Sound reasoning.
They knew what happened when everyone went to battle, leaving it to Five Dragons Palace.
"The rebuilt Five Dragons Palace will keep its name but function as South Rock Palace."
Myeongjin pondered briefly, glanced at Jinmu, and nodded.
"Perhaps that suits it better."
What the hell are they talking about?
Five Dragons Palace doing South Rock Palace's job? What nonsense.
Taoists' heads were full of useless thoughts.
"Take charge of Five Dragons Palace."
"Pardon? But."
Myeongjin furrowed his brow slightly.
Wudang was a martial sect.
A palace master needed to be strong, especially one handling South Rock Palace's duties.
Yet him, as master?
Everyone in current Wudang knew he was a cripple.
"Listen, Myeongjin."
"......"
"You were Wudang's strongest disciple. And haven't you already raised Jinmu excellently?"
What? I grew on my own!
"I believe you'll do well."
Under Myeonghyeon's subtle tone and the elders' agreeing gazes, Myeongjin agonized before nodding.
"Understood. So be it."
"Good, good. Haha, wise decision."
"I am grateful for Sect Leader's grace."
"It should have happened long ago."
Myeonghyeon patted Myeongjin's shoulder lightly.
"But it's not immediate. Finances have improved, but not enough for a full palace rebuild. Elder Myeongseon says he'll prepare as frugally as possible, so within a few years."
"I can wait ten years."
"Haha, then recover quickly and gather disciples to lead Five Dragons Palace."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
Myeongjin replied resolutely.
"We'll raise Wudang's name across the Central Plains once more. We've allied with three merchant groups already, and Jingung seems to be succeeding down in the secular world."
"Glad tidings."
Myeongjin smiled back at beaming Myeonghyeon.
"Jinmu."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
"You'll have much to do ahead."
What to do?
No time for training as is.
And give rewards if assigning tasks.
"I have no doubt you're the sturdy pillar to lead Wudang."
So give something.
Two Forms Heart Art or whatever.
Suppressing his inner voice, Jinmu bowed politely.
After the Sect Leader and elders left.
Myeongjin skipped lunch and set out with Jinmu.
Squeal!
Cheongsang, who had caught the wild boar.
Flutter!
And Cheongu, who had washed and hung Jinmu's robe to dry, joined them.
Myeongjin's footsteps led to Oro Peak, the highest on Void Serenity Hermitage's ridge.
Huh?
This place?
Jinmu knew it well—he had burned it himself in the past.
"This is Five Dragons Palace."
Oh, right.
"My master, Hyeono, was its lord, and I was a First Generation Disciple under him."
Ah... so that's why...
Jinmu now understood his master's tearful joy.
Feel a bit guilty for nothing.
"Because of that wicked Hyeokryeon Mugang."
Well, no need to phrase it that way.
"Jinmu."
"Yes, Master."
"Do you know about Five Dragons Palace and South Rock Palace?"
Jinmu didn't.
No interest.
"Of course not. I never told you. It burned before you became a Taoist Boy. By that wicked Hyeokryeon Mugang."
Enough already.
"Five Dragons Palace was Wudang's guardian. A dharma protector handed down through generations. And South Rock Palace..."
Wudang's sword and shield.
Five Dragons Palace was the shield protecting Wudang; South Rock Palace, the sword.
South Rock Palace.
People called it Wudang's 'martial force'. Composed of Wudang's strongest warriors.
It dispatched fighters to resolve conflicts with allied factions.
The only place in Wudang permitted to break the precept against killing.
Not bad, being allowed to kill openly.
"Once rebuilt, you'll serve as a disciple of Five Dragons Palace and Wudang's sword in the martial world. You'll be Wudang's face and pride."
"Yes, Mas... Pardon?"
Wait, what?
What did he say I'd do?
"Much to do, so train harder. Same for Cheongsang and Cheongu."
"Yes, Grandmaster."
Cheongu and Cheongsang replied firmly, but Jinmu's face twisted.
Hey, wait.
Why me?
No time for training as is!
His master's feelings transmitted fully, so he couldn't protest aloud, only scream inwardly.
Don't wanna. I don't wanna!
"But who knows when. Construction and building halls require immense funds..."
His master's regret squeezed Jinmu's heart.
Damn treasury!
Because of the Taoist Boy's memories, he felt urged to rob Evil Hegemony Heaven's annex—even if most died unspent—to help.
"But, Grandmaster."
Cheongsang asked slyly.
"If you become the palace lord, does Martial Uncle qualify as senior disciple?"
"Hm, yes. Handling a palace's affairs and building merits brings one closer. But no South Rock Palace disciple has ever become senior disciple."
Huh? What?
His ears perked up.
Never mind the rest—what was this about senior disciple qualification?
Was there such a thing?
"Master, is there a qualification for becoming senior disciple?"
"Hm?"
Myeongjin blinked at Jinmu's question, then burst laughing.
"You've been keeping it in mind, eh?"
"......"
"Fine. With your talent, such ambition suits you. Not strictly, but strength alone isn't enough. Fulfill a palace's duties, amass achievements, build reputation among peers."
"......"
"Then, with elders' recognition, the Sect Leader decides via meeting."
Damn it!
You should have told me sooner, you idiot master!
And so many things to consider!
Obviously the strongest should be senior disciple!