Chapter 56
Chapter 56
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 56
Chapter Title: Hero's Return
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Due to Jinmu's injury, Myeongchung—who had planned to return to Wudang Mountain—decided to stay at the Ilhae Merchant Group's residence until Jinmu fully recovered.
Now, Jinmu was not only Wudang's sword but also a hope they had to protect.
The Second Generation Disciples guarded his quarters until his full recovery, glaring suspiciously in all directions with their fierce eyes.
"Don't slack off or take your eyes off him for a second! Who knows what dirty tricks those despicable Zhuge Family bastards might pull next!"
Cheongsang commanded the Second Generation Disciples.
Of course, he didn't even need to say it.
The Second Generation Disciples had already seen Jinmu with their own eyes.
In their eyes, Jinmu was a Taoist priest more worthy of respect than anyone else in Wudang.
"Senior Brother."
"Yeah?"
Cheongu approached, carrying a small tray covered with a cloth bundle that seemed laden with something heavy.
"What's this?"
"It's what Uncle enjoys..."
He didn't need to say it—it was obviously liquor and meat.
"Cleared!"
Cheongsang shouted as if he were a gatekeeper, and the two Second Generation Disciples guarding the door smartly swung it open.
Cheongu strode in confidently, where Jinmu was half-propped up on the bed, Jin-gung wore a worried expression, and Myeongchung and Yang Sobang were deep in conversation.
"Second Generation Disciple Cheongu of Wudang brings nourishing food."
"Mm. Bring it here."
At Myeongchung's words, Cheongu stiffly but proudly carried the tray over, and Jin-gung pulled the table closer.
Tak.
The tray was set down, and the cloth was lifted.
"Huh?"
Yang Sobang stared at Myeongchung in shock at the revealed items.
"Ahem..."
Myeongchung pretended not to notice.
"......"
Jinmu, with Jin-gung's support, shuffled over laboriously and began devouring the liquor and meat.
"Ah, no, you...?"
Didn't Wudang prohibit meat and alcohol?
Yang Sobang's confusion turned to bewilderment.
"Jinmu... does. The Sect Leader commanded him to break the taboo on meat."
"Ah."
Yang Sobang nodded awkwardly, though he didn't quite understand.
A Wudang Elder said so, after all.
But still.
Wolfing it down with gusto—chomp chomp, slurp slurp, gulp.
Jinmu ate as heartily as if he weren't injured at all.
Without even offering any to the adults...
Yang Sobang wondered if there was some ulterior motive.
"More importantly, aren't you leaving?"
Jinmu asked, his mouth stuffed full of meat.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, I should. But I think I need to stop by Wudang first."
Stop by Wudang?
Jinmu's brow furrowed slightly.
But Myeongchung's face lit up at Yang Sobang's words.
"It would be an honor for our main sect if Your Excellency visits."
"Honor, what honor."
"May I ask what business brings you?"
"Business."
Yang Sobang glanced at Jinmu.
Why's he looking at me?
Jinmu felt uneasy at that gaze for some reason.
He needed to collect the debt, but getting tangled up with Yang Sobang didn't sit well.
"Haha, what business could there be? With the Dan River Valley matter settled, I just thought I'd drop by Wudang on the way back to the Alliance—it's been a while."
"I see. I'll send word to the main sect at once. The Sect Leader will be delighted."
"Haha, yes, yes."
Yang Sobang and Myeongchung exchanged smiles.
'What scheme is this beggar bastard up to?'
Jinmu eyed Yang Sobang suspiciously to the end.
Wudang.
The place usually filled with orderly tranquility was abuzz.
News that Myeongchung—who had descended the mountain—had passed the Sword-Shedding Pool with Jinmu had the First and Second Generation Disciples crowding the walls like flocks of sparrows.
And then, someone's shout!
"It's Uncle Jinmu!"
The accompanying Elder Myeongchung seemed invisible as everyone focused on Jinmu.
His hair tied carelessly, unbefitting a Taoist.
The Taiji Sword slung over his shoulder as if only wearing it because he had to.
His gait unregulated.
Anyone would see him as no different from a street thug, but every Wudang disciple had one thought:
Cool.
He looked dignified and triumphant, like a victorious general.
Moreover, following behind Jinmu were Second Generation Disciples Cheongsang and Cheongu, who had achieved brilliant feats alongside him in this incident.
Cheongsang retained his sharp, unwavering aura.
Cheongu was... still pudgy as a pig.
But still cool. As soon as they appeared, Jinhyeo—who had been eagerly awaiting them—rushed forward, followed by Jinso, Jinhye, and the other First Generation Disciples.
"Uncle! Well done!"
Barely finishing the greeting, Jinhyeo rushed to Jinmu and embraced him like a long-lost lover from a decade ago.
These guys might really be into men...
Jinmu shoved the clinging Jinhyeo away, making his disgust obvious, when Myeongchung barked.
"You lot! How can First Generation Disciples act so shamelessly!"
"Sorry. Jinmu was just so impressive."
They grinned, willing to take the scolding—except Jinhye, who looked like he'd chewed raw shit.
"Ahem! Have some decorum! Can't you see the great elder of the martial world is here?"
"Pardon?"
Only then did Jinhyeo scan the group and spot the hunched old man with his face veiled by a bamboo hat.
Who?
All the First Generation Disciples looked puzzled.
"This is—"
The old man waved off Myeongchung's introduction with a smile, then removed his hat.
"Yang Sobang."
"Ah, I see. First Generation Disciple Jinhyeo of Wudang... Pardon?"
Jinhyeo tilted his head, wondering if he'd misheard.
"Eek? Yang So... Mad Wind!"
Too shocked, Jinhyeo pointed and stepped back, earning a harsh rebuke from Myeongchung.
"You fool! So frivolous! Show some manners!"
"Haha, it's fine, it's fine."
As Yang Sobang laughed, Jinhyeo and the First Generation Disciples hurriedly bowed.
"Wudang's disciples greet Mad Wind Yang Sobang, Your Excellency."
"Yes, yes. Good to meet you."
Yang Sobang smiled broadly at the First and Second Generation Disciples, who instantly composed themselves and greeted with refined poise.
Though his own clan had weakened, Wudang remained unchanged. They were still strong, pure, and full of grace.
Yang Sobang quietly reproached himself for failing to help when Evil Hegemony Heaven had once used sinister schemes to burn Wudang Mountain in the past.
"Please, come this way."
"Yes."
Myeongchung glared disapprovingly at the First Generation Disciples and stepped aside to lead the way as Yang Sobang proceeded.
"Uncle."
"Hm? What's wrong?"
Jinmu spoke up, and Myeongchung's expression softened noticeably compared to when looking at the others.
"Would it be alright if I return to Void Serenity Hermitage to rest?"
"Hm? Without greeting the Sect Leader?"
"Yes. My injury is still... Cough, cough."
Jinmu suddenly started coughing.
He'd looked perfectly fine just moments ago.
But the effect was immediate.
"Oh dear. My thinking was shortsighted."
Jinmu had clashed with Yang Sobang himself. Even if his internal injuries had healed, the shock wouldn't fade easily.
Worried he'd overexerted his pained body, Myeongchung quickly permitted it.
"Then I'll take my leave."
"Alright. I'll handle things with the Sect Leader. Go rest."
At Myeongchung's words, Jinmu bowed and withdrew with Cheongsang and Cheongu's support.
"Oh my, oh my. He should have rested more before coming up."
Myeongchung muttered to himself, and Yang Sobang, watching Jinmu's retreating figure, looked apologetic as well.
"Um, Uncle."
"Yes?"
Jinhyeo called cautiously.
"Could the disciples also go to Void Serenity Hermitage...?"
It was understandable. Had there ever been a Wudang Taoist who'd accomplished such a feat recently?
They wanted to hear it firsthand. Even Taoists were young men with boiling blood. Everyone yearned for heroic tales.
Myeongchung smiled warmly.
"Have you finished your afternoon training?"
"......"
"Sorted each palace's affairs?"
"No end-of-day meeting?"
"Evening meal preparations?"
With each gentle question from Myeongchung, heavy burdens seemed to plop onto the First Generation Disciples' shoulders.
"Is that your answer?"
"Yes."
Gloomy expressions spread not just to the First but also the Second Generation.
"Get back to it!"
Myeongchung barked.
As an Elder, he couldn't slack even a moment in overseeing the disciples' diligence. Wudang's hope and light was Jinmu alone, you fools.
Ah, this filthy world where only the capable get recognition.
Myeongchung watched the trudging disciples, then resumed guiding Yang Sobang.
"This way."
"Yes."
Yang Sobang thought that unchanging discipline existed everywhere and lightly stepped forward.
Wudang's Purple Empyrean Palace, grand hall.
Normally, this time would host the brief Elder meeting to close out the day.
But today's Purple Empyrean Palace stood empty.
Sect Leader Myeonghyeon and Yang Sobang sat facing each other over steaming teacups.
Myeonghyeon stared at Yang Sobang.
The sect should have been abuzz praising Jinmu's feats, but Yang Sobang had requested a private audience with the Sect Leader.
The fact that Yang Sobang led the Murim Alliance's most secretive organization was known only to sect leaders and Alliance heads.
His words couldn't be taken lightly or leaked, so Myeonghyeon had cleared everyone from Purple Empyrean Palace at his request.
"To what do we owe this visit?"
Yang Sobang paused at Myeonghyeon's question.
"I'm currently pursuing a group called 'Palace'."
Myeonghyeon tilted his head at the somewhat vague start.
Palace?
Not Heavenly Palace or Demon Palace—just 'Palace'. Was there such a group in the martial world?
"You've likely never heard of them. We don't even know their exact name."
"Ah."
"We've chased them for five years but know nothing precise, so I can't share details."
Myeonghyeon looked mildly surprised.
Yang Sobang was renowned in the current Murim Alliance as unmatched in stealth, tracking, and lightness skill.
Yet even he had no results after five years.
"In pursuing them, I ended up in the Dan River Valley."
"I see. Then why hasn't the Alliance Lord brought this to public light?"
"Because it's uncertain."
"Uncertain?"
"Yes. We don't know their true name, and their goals are murky."
"Murky how?"
"They belong to neither the righteous, evil, nor demonic factions."
Not aligned with righteous, evil, or demonic.
That meant they could side with any power.
"I've clashed with them several times but couldn't uncover their names, goals, or identities."
Greater surprise crossed Myeonghyeon's face.
Clashing without identifying them meant Yang Sobang hadn't captured them.
"They were strong."
"......"
"Moreover, their martial arts were entirely new. Enough to upend the established frameworks of Central Plains martial learning."
"Is that so?"
"That's why we're pursuing them. We must uncover any hidden intentions in their movements."
"Mm."
Myeonghyeon let out a deep hum.
The current martial world was a three-way stalemate.
Unlike the Murim Alliance's pursuit of peace, the Sun Moon Demon Cult and Evil Hegemony Heaven had clear aims.
Through their long history, their goal had been one: conquest of the Central Plains martial world.
If a new force intervened and tipped the scales, the balance would shatter in time.
That collapse would lead to chaos.
According to Yang Sobang, the Sun Moon Demon Cult was already secretly pursuing them too.
"The Alliance Lord fears they could shatter our current peace."
"......"
"Thus, we plan to hold the Young Dragon Assembly soon."
"To prepare in case they're enemies?"
"Exactly. To nurture the next generation. The Grand Marshal is already selecting instructors and martial arts for those chosen via the assembly. Details will reach Alliance-affiliated sects soon."
"I see. But why come directly to Wudang? Not just to inform about the assembly, I assume."
At Myeonghyeon's words, Yang Sobang voiced what he'd held in his chest.