Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Pilgrimage and Yongbong Preparations
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“Oh, come on in.”
Myeonghyeon welcomed Myeongjin warmly.
“I greet the Sect Leader.”
“You, it’s not even a formal meeting—why all this ceremony? Come, sit.”
“Yes.”
Myeonghyeon yielded his seat and personally poured tea for Myeongjin.
In that time, Myeongjin read the worry etched on Myeonghyeon’s face and asked.
“Do you have some worry, Sect Leader?”
“Worry?”
“Yes. It looks that way.”
“Did it?”
Myeonghyeon nodded and subtly offered the letter sent by the Alliance Leader.
“What’s this?”
“A letter sent directly by the Alliance Leader.”
“Hm.”
Myeongjin read the letter and smiled faintly.
“What are you worrying over?”
“Isn’t it obvious? It’s a ploy to recruit Jinmu.”
“Indeed.”
“It’s not something to answer so lightly.”
“Just send him.”
“What?”
“It’s actually perfect timing. Why not send Cheongu and Cheongsang to the Yongbong Conference as well?”
Already troubled, Myeonghyeon’s face darkened further as Myeongjin piled on.
“What nonsense is this?”
“Sect Leader.”
“......”
“Today, Jinmu came to me asking permission to leave for pilgrimage.”
“Pilgrimage?”
“Yes.”
“What? Why would that child go out into the world? His martial arts are already...”
“But his experience is sorely lacking.”
“Hm.”
“It’s a bit early, but he’s already received the title of Wudang Earth Sword. Doesn’t he need to obtain the seals of the Five Great Taoist Sects? Send him on pilgrimage this time to gain some jianghu experience.”
“Hm?”
“It’s tradition for the Wudang Earth Sword to collect the seals from the Central Plains’ Five Great Taoist Sects.”
“Ah!”
Myeonghyeon slapped his own knee at Myeongjin’s words. How could he have forgotten?
The title had gone vacant for generations, slipping his mind entirely.
“The Yongbong Conference’s purpose is to separate the jade from the stones among each sect’s second-generation disciples. Cheongsang and Cheongu’s skills are exceptionally fierce for their age—they’ll undoubtedly display outstanding prowess.”
“Right you are. They’ll not only uphold Wudang’s name but save face too. And it’s not like we’re outright rejecting their request.”
“Yes. Have Jinmu lead them as escort to collect the Five Great Taoist Sects’ seals while you’re at it.”
“Excellent. They summoned us, so we’ll visit, pay our respects, and politely decline the recruitment since he’s on pilgrimage.”
“Yes. It’s a tradition the Wudang Earth Sword must uphold, so neither the Alliance Leader nor Elder Mupung will press the issue unduly.”
“Haha, I can only admire your keen insight.”
“Insight? If Jinmu hadn’t requested pilgrimage himself, I wouldn’t have thought of it either.”
“Understood. Then tell them to make haste with preparations.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
Myeongjin, who had pondered how to raise Jinmu’s pilgrimage, and Myeonghyeon, who had fretted over refusing the Justice Alliance’s request—both their faces now shone brightly.
Of course, Jinmu stood to gain the most.
Justice Alliance Leader’s office.
A middle-aged man lounged leisurely in a chair wrapped in tiger pelt.
His stubborn face bore fierce, dragon-like eyes.
He matched perfectly with the white sword hanging on the wall behind his chair—the current helmsman of the Justice Alliance, Sword Saint Cheol Ji-ryang.
His achievements were as imposing as his presence.
The swordsman who had reached the pinnacle among all righteous, evil, and demonic warriors.
Ten years as Alliance Leader. Through tireless efforts, he had transformed the Justice Alliance.
He established branches to control regional murim forces, drew in exceptional talents, and formed six martial units under the Alliance banner.
Through them, he resolved disputes among subordinate factions while recruiting prestigious experts from various sects to reside at headquarters, forging a centralized system.
Thus united, the Justice Alliance rose as one of the Central Plains’ three great powers, alongside the Sun and Moon Demon Church and Evil Hegemony Heaven.
An accomplishment acknowledged by all. Yet, with a modesty unfitting a leader and powerbroker, he commanded the respect of the Central Plains’ righteous factions.
Even at seventy, his reappointment was unquestioned— the adage “power endures not a decade” held no meaning for him.
And ever at his side, like needle to thread, was another.
If Cheol Ji-ryang embodied raw might, he was the wisdom to wield it with utmost efficiency.
Right now, seated before him with a crane-wing fan in hand was the lofty scholar and Justice Alliance Grand Strategist, Zhuge Heopjin.
“Alliance Leader, letters regarding the Yongbong Conference have been delivered to all sects.”
“Is that so?”
Cheol Ji-ryang nodded at Zhuge Heopjin’s report.
“How go the preparations?”
“Yes. The new Yongbong Hall will admirably fulfill its role as a martial academy.”
“All instructors selected?”
“Yes. We’ve summoned every renowned unaffiliated expert under the Alliance. Only one issue remains.”
“Hm?”
“Who to appoint as Yongbong Hall Master.”
“Hmm.”
Cheol Ji-ryang’s brow furrowed slightly.
The newly established Yongbong Hall.
This was a project combining the views of the Alliance’s two pillars, Zhuge Heopjin and Yang Sobang.
Beneath it lay preparations against the enigmatic force called ‘Palace’—and ambitions to surpass even the Sun and Moon Demon Church and Evil Hegemony Heaven in might.
The plan: select unpolished gems and cultivate a powerful warrior cadre under the Alliance long-term.
To that end, word spread to the Nine Great Sects, Seven Great Clans, mid- and small factions under the Alliance—even merchants and wanderers.
Facilities were built to accommodate talented ronin.
If constructed and run properly, Yongbong Hall would become the Alliance’s premier martial academy and strongest force.
Thus, choosing its master was paramount.
Loyal solely to the Alliance Leader’s command. Unwavering integrity.
“Not from the Justice Seven Stars.”
“Hm.”
Lest they challenge the Leader’s authority.
“Must be unaffiliated with any faction.”
Could not prioritize their sect’s gain.
“Any fitting candidate?”
“What of Baekro?”
“Baekro?”
“Yes.”
“Hm.”
He must have agonized endlessly before uttering that name.
Baekro Deung Yeo-pyeong.
Sixty-two this year.
Born to the minor martial house of Deung Clan, Stone Gate Fortress in Hunan Province—yet his prowess rivaled the Justice Seven Stars.
Devoid of ambition for power or factional strife, he had ceded the family headship to his younger brother and secluded himself.
“Baekro would convince all.”
“Indeed. No blemish on his record, and no prior ties to you, Alliance Leader—making him all the more fitting.”
Cheol Ji-ryang knew well his noble bearing.
A symbol of the moderate faction, detached from righteous infighting.
How else to earn the moniker ‘White Heron’?
“But after seclusion, doesn’t he conceal his identity and wander the jianghu?”
“Yes.”
Zhuge Heopjin’s confident expression drew a smirk from Cheol Ji-ryang.
“Tracked him down, have you?”
“Elder Biheun lent aid. He’s in Uichang.”
“Uichang? Nearby, then.”
“What shall we do?”
“Hm. Appointing him Hall Master would be ideal, but...”
Familiar with his temperament, Cheol Ji-ryang looked dubious.
“Will he accept? He refused an elder post before.”
“True. But no one else measures up.”
“Hm, very well. Summon him first. Keep alternatives in mind.”
“Yes. Second choice: Yongmu Yeo Wol-hyeop the Great Hero.”
“Hm, Yongmu’s a stretch, no?”
Cheol Ji-ryang’s face soured at the name.
Yongmu Yeo Wol-hyeop.
Inferior to Deung Yeo-pyeong, yet outstanding enough to lead a sect.
His upright nature rivaled Baekro’s—no quarrel there.
The issue was his bond with Cheol Ji-ryang.
Too deep.
Sworn brothers since youth—his ascension to mighty Hall Master would draw nepotism’s glare.
Gossips would wag inevitably.
“Merely a fallback. If Baekro refuses, we proceed; if he accepts, I’ll request Yeo Wol-hyeop as vice-master.”
“Understood. Both exemplary—trust your judgment.”
“Yes.”
“Plenty of name-known youths attending this Yongbong Conference, it seems.”
“Yes. Especially the Wudang disciple Elder Biheun recommended—outstanding, by all accounts.”
“Hmm.”
Cheol Ji-ryang nodded.
A Wudang disciple encountered while covertly pursuing the so-called ‘Palace’.
Crushed Mo Ik-sang of the Zhuge branch in a clash.
Beat him like a cur—recovery doubtful.
Employed swordsmanship there, even replicated Yang Sobang’s Chain Heart Wave flawlessly.
Intrigued, further probes revealed he’d even subjugated Cheonsu Stronghold, one of Evil Hegemony Heaven’s evildoers.
Beggars’ Sect intel, still hushed—but astonishing nonetheless.
“Went so far as to pen a personal letter to Wudang’s Sect Leader.”
“Yes, I heard.”
“Ah, right—your clan’s famed prodigy Zhuge Seon’s twin brother is attending too?”
“Yes.”
“Hm, a pity. Had my eye on Zhuge Seon himself. But as family heir, unavoidable.”
Zhuge Heopjin smiled awkwardly at the mention.
‘In truth, that child is...’
He seemed to swallow his words.
“Haha, fortunate all the same. We must gather as many talented young warriors as possible. They’ll form the core leading our Justice Alliance in time.”
“Well said.”
“See to preparations without hitch. This event marks another turning point for our Alliance.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
Zhuge Heopjin bowed respectfully and departed. Cheol Ji-ryang approached the window.
Far off, the Yongbong Hall construction site neared completion.
“Hmm, Baekro.”
A fine turn.
His acceptance would elevate the hall’s stature immeasurably.
“Curious by nature—might just say yes.”