Chapter 36 - Disciple Acceptance Rite
The sun hung high in the midday sky, bathing Unbong County in warm light. With spring giving way to summer, even the breeze carried a sticky humidity.
"Here! Lay down more cloth!"
"Put the incense burner in the center!"
"These fruits are rotten! Swap them out now!"
Oepari dashed about, barking orders at the workers. Today marked the day Muheo formally took Jin Hayeon as his disciple. It wasn't just her personal honor—it was a joyous event for all of Unbong County—so the Jin family bustled about with uncharacteristic tension.
"This one? Or maybe this?"
In Jin Hayeon's room, Han Sowol was in a frenzy picking out clothes. Jin Hayeon actually had to calm her down.
"Sister, anything's fine."
"No way! This is a special day! Lots of guests are coming!"
"It's not like I'm getting married."
Han Sowol pulled out a pristine white jeogori top and skirt.
"This one! It's the prettiest!"
Jin Hayeon sighed deeply and let Han Sowol dress her. Fresh clothes on, makeup delicately applied, hair neatly combed.
"All done!"
Han Sowol clapped her hands. Jin Hayeon felt a strange mix of emotions as she stepped to the mirror. Just months ago, this day had been unimaginable. Back then, Baek No was her only companion; now, so many people laughed and chatted around her. Her eyes stung for a moment.
'Thank you, Uncle.'
All of this was thanks to her one and only uncle, Jin Muhon.
"Ah."
But her reflection... A stranger stared back. Lips bright red, eyelids vivid blue.
"Sister! This won't do!"
"Oh. Too much?"
"Obviously!"
Han Sowol and Jin Hayeon hurriedly wiped off the makeup in a panic.
In the corner of the courtyard, Baek No swept steadily.
Sweep—sweep—sweep—
Dust rose as the broom glided over the ground. For decades, he'd swept this yard without fail, every single day. Today was no different; he tended to it like it was his sole mission.
Sweep—sweep—sweep—
Jin Muhon leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his impassive eyes taking in the Jin family's scene.
"Come on! Move it, everyone! It's about to start!"
Red cloth draped the ground, incense smoke curled from the burner. The altar held neatly arranged fruits, rice cakes, and liquor— all presented beautifully.
"Aigoo, this feels so awkward."
Muheo ambled in, scratching his head. Unlike his usual self, he wore clean daoist robes, his messy hair combed neatly, beard trimmed.
Jin Muhon raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
"Old man. You clean up nice."
"Eh? Heh heh, don't tease."
Muheo grinned, scratching his head—he didn't seem to mind. Baek No beamed and bowed deeply to Muheo.
"You look splendid, Elder. Please take good care of our young miss."
"Ahem! No worries."
Muheo tried to act dignified and daoist-like in front of Baek No. It came off comical, but Jin Muhon didn't laugh. He never judged people by appearances. How many had wide-eyed, innocent looks hiding hearts black as pitch? In Jin Muhon's eyes, Muheo wasn't truly ugly.
"Jin family head."
"What?"
"It's my first time doing this... What do I even say to a disciple?"
Jin Muhon glanced over; Muheo's face was a bit stiff. Even the fearless Dao Destroyer tensed at taking his first disciple. Jin Muhon smirked and offered advice.
"Just say what you want."
"That... work?"
"What matters formality between master and disciple?"
Muheo nodded.
"True enough."
"Muheo Zhenren."
"Uh, yeah?"
Muheo flinched at the unfamiliar formal address and turned to Jin Muhon. One look at his face, and he recoiled.
"Wh-what? Is that... a smile?"
Jin Muhon bowed politely.
"Please take care of Hayeon."
Muheo shuddered. The tone and manner were courteous, the sincerity clear. But Muheo read the underlying meaning.
'If anything happens to Hayeon, I'll burn you and Wudang Mountain to the ground.'
Muheo swallowed hard.
"N-no worries. From now on, I'll live for my disciple."
"Thanks."
Jin Muhon looked up with a broad smile.
Dozens of guests gathered in the courtyard. Not grand folk: neighborhood wives with kids in tow, the burly blacksmith with his thick beard, the dumpling shop owner in her apron, even some dressed-up courtesans. Humble status aside, all beamed with joy for the Jin family's occasion.
And in the center: Muheo sat on a chair, stern-faced.
Step. Step. Step.
Jin Hayeon walked slowly forward and stood before him. Her heart pounded, palms sweaty.
Muheo asked,
"What is your name?"
"Jin Hayeon."
Her voice trembled.
"How old are you?"
"Eighteen."
Muheo nodded. As a storied sect like Wudang, disciple rites followed solemn procedures. But Muheo, who'd never cared for disciples his whole life, had never seen or known them.
"Why do you wish to take me as your master?"
This time, Muheo's voice shook slightly. Jin Hayeon met his eyes. Clear, unwavering gaze. This bond stemmed from her uncle's decision. Yet over the past months, she'd pondered it deeply herself. That's why she answered without hesitation.
"I want to grow strong."
"Eh? Why?"
Muheo blinked in surprise at her unexpected reply. Jin Hayeon paused. Family members leaving one by one, the crumbling house, her own powerlessness. Her eyes drifted to Jin Muhon in the corner.
"I don't want to be a burden to those I cherish. No—I want to protect them myself."
"......"
Muheo nodded heavily.
"Good. A master's seat is no light thing, nor a disciple's. Can you bear that weight from now on?"
"Yes."
"Then bow."
Jin Hayeon bowed gracefully. Once, twice, three times... nine times. With each bow, solemnity filled the yard. Even chattering children went wide-eyed, staring at her.
"Rise."
Jin Hayeon stood slowly. Her eyes were red-rimmed for some reason. Muheo rose from the chair and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"From today, you are my disciple."
"Yes, Master."
Muheo's hand was warm. Jin Hayeon wondered if a living grandfather would feel like this—her chest warmed.
"Wudang's name is not to be taken lightly. From now on, be prudent in all things to bring it no shame."
"I will, Master."
"And—"
Told to speak freely, Muheo rambled on endlessly. Soon, yawns escaped the onlookers. Still, Jin Hayeon listened intently, unflinching.
"Finally, sorry I'm no great master. But I'll teach you everything I know."
Sadness tinged Muheo's voice. Jin Hayeon shook her head vigorously, shocked.
"No! Master! Who dares call you unworthy? If they do, I'll kick 'em right in the crotch!"
"Eh? R-really?"
"Yes! Trust me, Master!"
"Hahaha! Indeed! My disciple! Hahaha!"
Muheo beamed genuinely, grabbing and shaking her hand. Jin Hayeon smiled brightly back.
"Sniff! So moving!"
Han Sowol, beside Jin Muhon, dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Congratulations, Miss Hayeon!"
"The Jin family ties with Wudang! Unbong's blessing!"
As the rite ended, guests presented gifts they'd brought, creating a lively stir. Jin Hayeon, surrounded, smiled and greeted each one. No one dared approach Jin Muhon, though. Amid the crowd, Jin Hayeon laughed freely. Watching from afar, Jin Muhon smiled contentedly.
'Yes. That's how to live.'
He hadn't had it. Or rather, it was snatched away the moment he grasped it. But for Jin Hayeon, he'd ensure a happy life.
"Hm?"
Jin Muhon frowned, turning to the wide-open gate. Han Sowol tilted her head and followed his gaze.
"Something wrong, family head?"
"......"
Moments later, five men crossed the threshold. All eyes locked on them instantly.
"Huh? Who're they?"
"Not ordinary folk... Immortals?"
"No way! Wudang people?"
Step. Step. Step.
All in spotless white daoist robes. Especially the leader—his aura was so profound, he seemed a celestial descended from heaven. Guests hurriedly stepped back.
In the vast yard stood the five men, facing Jin Hayeon and Muheo.
"Um... hello."
Jin Hayeon blinked her big eyes and bowed to the newcomers. The immortal-like elder smiled gently and nodded.
"Pleased to meet you. You're the child my shishu Muheo has taken as disciple?"
Even his voice was clear and deep. Just hearing it calmed the guests' hearts.
"Yes? Oh, yes."
Jin Hayeon turned bewildered eyes to Muheo. He rolled his eyes frantically, at a loss. The elder spoke in an even warmer tone.
"Shishu, why didn't you call us for such a grand occasion?"
"Heh heh. How could I summon the busy sect leader nephew?"
Jin Hayeon's eyes widened at Muheo's reply. Gasps erupted from the crowd.
"Sect leader! Wudang's sect leader!"
"A living immortal!"
"Knew they weren't ordinary!"
"Wow! The sect leader himself?!"
Familiar with such awe, Hyeonjin kept smiling, alternating glances between Jin Hayeon and Muheo.
"How can you say that, shishu? Our sect is deeply affected by your actions. Isn't it?"
"Uh... heh. Is it?"
Hyeonjin's words carried bite. Muheo scratched his head, aware of his past antics. Nephew or not, the man was sect leader—Muheo felt uneasy.
"Of course! Look, this old man even gained such a lovely shimai thanks to your decision. Shi! Mai! Heh heh!"
"Right? A pretty little shimai for this old sect leader. Take good care of her from now on."
"Yes! I must! Even more than my own disciple—er, my lovely shimai gets special treatment!"
"Ahem!"
Unlike demonic cults or unorthodox sects, righteous factions prized seniority strictly. Entry order sometimes flipped ages, but not by much. A shimai far younger than one's disciple? No wonder Hyeonjin had flown here on qinggong in one bound.
'At least she seems decent.'
No stopping shishu's decision now. He'd planned to draw a line if the disciple seemed problematic. But seeing her up close, her impression was good—above all, her qi was pure.
'Such clear qi. Rare for her age. Like she's undergone some profound cleansing.'
"Ahem!"
As Hyeonjin examined Jin Hayeon, Muheo coughed nervously. Hyeonjin shot him a glance.
'Wondered what wind blew him to take a disciple. Guess shishu can judge character. Makes sense—no true lunatic masters supreme arts.'
Hyeonjin's gaze lingered on Jin Hayeon. Calming himself for a closer look, her talent shone brighter the more he saw.
'Ho! Clear eyes, kind heart. Shishu infuriates me on sight, but this girl... just meeting her eyes lifts my mood. Heh.'
Muheo sparked rage, but Jin Hayeon soothed it. Before entering, Hyeonjin had meant to reject her outright. Now? His mind had completely changed.
"Shimai, where are your parents?"
"......!"
"......!"
A simple question. But its weight was immense. Wudang's sect leader Hyeonjin had accepted Jin Hayeon as shimai. The accompanying daoists jumped in shock.
"Sect leader senior brother!"
"Sect leader!"
Jin Hayeon bowed deeply.
"My parents have passed."
"Mm. My mistake. Any elders in your family?"
"Yes. My uncle."
"Oh? Where?"
"Over there—"
"Wait!"
Jin Hayeon pointed to the yard's corner. As Hyeonjin turned,
Muheo dashed forward, blocking his view.
"Nephew! Can't we just focus on the good? Why peek at the kid's uncle?!"
"...Pardon?"
Hyeonjin blinked his kindly eyes.