Chapter 115
Chapter 115
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: Returning Home (1)
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On the way back to the Mount Hua Sect from the foot of Mount Tai, the sunlight pouring from the sky seemed to gently embrace his skin.
His steps were lighter than ever before.
Though many questions still lingered in his heart, he wanted to see his family at the Mount Hua Sect more.
Above all, he had heard that Ha Jin-ak had overcome his battle with illness.
He had also heard news of the Divine Demon Fist, Jo Hun, and Liu Zhangming.
Though it was just secondhand news, the fact that they were living well at Mount Hua was certainly a good sign.
In particular, Liu Zhangming was said to be growing without end.
For a martial artist who had reached the peak to grow without stagnating was something Ouyang Jue found difficult to imagine.
‘Unless they died and came back to life like me.’
To aim for the ultimate martial art he pursued—in short, the pinnacle of martial arts—without a moment's hesitation.
It seemed he would have to refrain from even casually suggesting a spar now.
Ouyang Jue shielded his eyes from the pouring sunlight with the back of his hand.
The noon sun was particularly hot, but it was also a gesture of caution against any potential eyes in the vicinity.
Ouyang Jue fiddled with the writing brush inside his robe.
‘Normally, I should have informed the Martial Alliance that I was returning to the Mount Hua Sect, but...’
The words of Jeok Sang, whom he had met at Mount Tai, still pierced a corner of his heart.
To dismiss it as the mere ramblings of a madman, the sorrow embedded in every corner of his voice was enough to chill one to the bone.
That was why Ouyang Jue's mind was in turmoil.
‘Would they paralyze the mind of a master like Jeok Sang just to cause such a minor disturbance?’
If someone were to see him, they would curse him for being overly cautious and harboring suspicions unbecoming of a gentleman.
But to convince oneself to act based on uncertain information was itself an act contrary to virtue.
If the end of that action would lead to much bloodshed, it should be avoided all the more.
Moreover, he did not want to accumulate needless slaughter and bring about another change.
He might as well call it weariness.
Starting with the Eight Evils, the ever-changing actions of the great sects, so different from his past life, always brought irritation and suspicion to Ouyang Jue.
Even the talisman the Omniscient One had drawn for him had no special power.
Did that mean the Omniscient One had given him a fake talisman?
‘The Omniscient One isn't the type to lie about something like that...’
A question, and then another question.
He had only resolved enough questions to distinguish friend from foe, just scratching the surface. And in their place, two or three times as many questions had piled up.
Furthermore, it was only a matter of time before Jeok Sang was found dead.
It was difficult to even fathom what phenomenon that fact would bring about.
‘Well, in the end, this is what I'm most curious about.’
After the Zhenzhou Yan Clan, who would target the Mount Hua Sect?
Now, it wouldn't be surprising no matter who or where the threat came from.
If Nangong Cheon was connected to the Eight Evils and had been a mastermind in the war against the old Demonic Cult, he would surely be wary of the Mount Hua Sect.
The whereabouts of the Demonic Doctor, Heavenly Dragon, who had escaped the Black Dragon Gang, were still unknown; he could be instigating a great sect somewhere.
From the Eight Evils to the Demonic Doctor, Heavenly Dragon, every related enemy was a formidable opponent.
Even if he recovered his original martial prowess, what then?
Ouyang Jue closed his eyes for a moment and imagined.
‘I can't do it with my strength alone.’
His eyelids trembled unknowingly.
“What kind of damn fit are you having?”
At the voice that suddenly came from behind him, Ouyang Jue opened his closed eyes and smiled faintly.
He had been thinking they were getting close to Shaanxi, and just as he expected, he appeared.
“Hey, beggar.”
At those words, the beggar with the messy beard, Cheol Pung-gae, let out a dissatisfied voice.
“You've got a sharp tongue for a young pup!”
“It's because I'm happy to see you.”
“Happy to see me?”
Cheol Pung-gae immediately moved closer to Ouyang Jue's side and asked.
“You got something to tell me?”
“…The smell.”
“What?”
“You stink. Step back a bit.”
As Ouyang Jue pretended to shudder while clutching his nose, a thoroughly sulking Cheol Pung-gae took three steps back.
“I even scrubbed myself clean for the Spring Festival, you know. Are you just saying that to be mean?”
“It's already the Spring Festival?”
Ouyang Jue realized how quickly time had passed.
Seventeen, one year since regressing from the spring.
He had spent half of that on basic training... so he had effectively accomplished all this in the remaining six months.
‘I really have been running around doing all sorts of things without a break.’
Ouyang Jue suppressed his awkward feelings and threw a jest at Cheol Pung-gae.
“If you love the Spring Festival so much, why didn't you stay put in Shaanxi and drink the Beggars' Sect wine? Why come all the way out here?”
“Hmph, if I come all this way to find you, you should at least bow your head in thanks. Why are you scolding me for coming?”
*Slosh.*
Ouyang Jue glanced at the gourd bottle Cheol Pung-gae offered him.
The reason he didn't take it immediately was, as expected, due to Ouyang Jue's characteristic suspicion.
“If I drink this, are you going to ask me for a favor?”
“Damn it! When an elder gives you something, just shut up and take it!”
“…An elder? Ah!”
Ouyang Jue slapped his knee without realizing it.
Around the Spring Festival, though it varied by region, it was common to hold a coming-of-age ceremony for those who had turned eighteen.
A strange, dry laugh appeared on Ouyang Jue's face.
“But what makes you an elder to me, Cheol Pung-gae? I'll be having my ceremony at the Mount Hua Sect...”
At those words, Cheol Pung-gae's face instantly turned red.
“So you don't want to drink it?!”
“No, that's not it.”
Ouyang Jue fended off Cheol Pung-gae, who tried to snatch the gourd bottle back, with an annoying gesture.
“By the way... there's something I want to know.”
“Why don't you just run around and find out yourself like you always do!”
“Hey, I'm not joking this time.”
“…Ahem.”
It was good to be drunk on the company of a welcome person, but depending on the gravity of the situation, pleasure must sometimes be postponed.
Cheol Pung-gae immediately expelled the stench of alcohol with his internal energy.
“Alright, what is it you want to know?”
Ouyang Jue took a swig of the bamboo leaf wine from the gourd and grinned.
“It won't be as sweet as this famous wine from Shanxi that you've given me.”
“Why are you beating around the bush to say it'll be difficult?”
Cheol Pung-gae's expression soured slightly.
“I owe you a great deal in my own way, and you owe me as well. We're both in a position where we could end up in the shitter if our secrets get out. So what is there to hesitate about?”
“...”
“Enough with that damn Taoist act. Start talking.”
“…Demons.”
At that single word, Cheol Pung-gae narrowed his eyes intensely.
As Ouyang Jue swirled the gourd, a thick sediment at the bottom sloshed around.
“In the middle of this martial world, a demonic being hundreds of years old has planted itself. What do you make of that?”
“You madman!”
Cheol Pung-gae had shouted decisively, but when Ouyang Jue maintained his serious demeanor, his expression turned to one of bewilderment.
“You're not joking?”
“...”
“Huh? You punk!”
*Tap, tap.*
Even when Cheol Pung-gae tapped his cheek with his palm, Ouyang Jue didn't flinch.
Instead, he looked at Cheol Pung-gae with resolute eyes.
“The only ones I can trust are my sect and you.”
“…Hah, to think a snot-nosed brat is saying something so serious. What exactly am I supposed to believe?”
To that, Ouyang Jue answered briefly.
“Go to Mount Mao.”
“...?”
“Investigate what happened at Mount Mao, and if you speak with the one who is currently there, you will understand.”
“Wait.”
Cheol Pung-gae waved his hand lightly, looking confused.
It was because the rumors he had heard before conflicted with what Ouyang Jue was saying now.
“So what you're saying is... the Black Dragon said to be at Mount Mao is related to that damn demonic being? He's not just some unorthodox martial artist?”
“That's about right.”
“This joke has gone too far... damn it! First, I'll find out if you're crazy or not, and then we can talk or whatever!”
As Cheol Pung-gae hurriedly got up to leave, Ouyang Jue gestured for him to wait.
“Also, investigate the disciple left behind by the Mount Tai Sword Gate and let me know.”
“Damn it, why them? They went defunct ages ago.”
“I owe a debt.”
With those words, Ouyang Jue firmly closed his mouth.
Perhaps he sensed something serious in that.
Cheol Pung-gae didn't press further. He was just annoyed that he was the only one who seemed to be in the dark.
‘This brat, not even of age yet, has the face of someone who knows everything about the world. Damn kid.’
Cheol Pung-gae decided to spend the entire Spring Festival holiday investigating and, grabbing his fur cloak, left Shaanxi.
* * *
*Step, step.*
After parting ways with Cheol Pung-gae, Ouyang Jue hurriedly focused on getting rid of the distinct aroma of the bamboo leaf wine.
Come to think of it, when he returned to Mount Hua, wouldn't they dress him in the formal attire befitting an adult?
If he reeked of alcohol at such an occasion, he would get a serious scolding from Bai Duanxian.
Just thinking about it made his head hurt.
‘I'll probably become a laughingstock, getting teased for drinking as soon as I become an adult.’
Ouyang Jue imagined the respective reactions of Gwak Un-pae and Song Muk and chuckled.
That much, at least, was no different from his past life.
The celebration for a disciple who had grown up and reached the age of eighteen, the most boisterous day of the year for the Mount Hua Sect.
Ouyang Jue's head lifted.
“...”
It was different.
The Mount Hua Sect of his past life, which had been slowly declining, and the Mount Hua Sect of now were as different as heaven and earth.
“You have returned, Senior Brother.”
It wasn't the gaunt Jo Hun who would force a difficult smile, but a Jo Hun with fuller cheeks who respectfully clasped his hands.
“Haha, Junior Nephew! Now that you're here, why don't you greet everyone!”
Gwak Un-pae, who used to wear a somewhat dark expression, had changed into someone always full of energy.
Unlike in his past life, it was because Cheol Geum-san's rebellion had been dealt with relatively quickly.
Above all, the Golden Ring Merchant Guild was running smoothly, and traveling merchants frequently visited the Reception Hall.
‘It looks like he's gained more weight...?’
This time, it was Ouyang Jue who clasped his hands towards Gwak Un-pae.
Gwak Un-pae watched him and smiled brightly.
Beside him, Liu Zhangming looked down at Ouyang Jue with a pleased expression.
“Everyone has been waiting at the entrance to welcome you, Junior Brother. How about you say a few words?”
“A few words? Shouldn't congratulatory remarks be given by the most senior elder?”
“You usually act as if tradition and formality don't exist. Why are you trying to get out of it now? Are you shy?”
“...”
It was understandable, as it was a gathering of over ten of his fellow disciples and dozens of common folk.
It would be a lie to say he wasn't embarrassed.
He could feel the gaze of the teasing Gwak Un-pae, not to mention the silent stare of the Divine Demon Fist.
If he hesitated here, he couldn't imagine how the Divine Demon Fist would mock him later.
One corner of Ouyang Jue's lips twitched.
“I, Ouyang Jue, have returned in good health!”
“I know that much.”
Everyone chuckled at Gwak Un-pae's sudden retort. The Divine Demon Fist, in particular, laughed loudly as if to show Ouyang Jue.
Just then, a man pushed past the Divine Demon Fist's shoulder and appeared.
“It has been a long time.”
“Ah... Senior-most Brother!”
At those words, Ha Jin-ak gave a gentle smile.
But this time, he did not follow up by saying he was no longer the Senior-most Brother.
“Yes, I have been well.”
“...!”
With that one phrase, Ouyang Jue realized that not only had Ha Jin-ak's condition recovered, but there had also been progress in his martial arts.
If that weren't the case, Ha Jin-ak would have stepped down from the position of Senior-most Brother himself.
Although it had been a short time, not even ten days together, Ouyang Jue, who had witnessed Ha Jin-ak's fall firsthand, was deeply moved.
“You've recovered!”
“It is all thanks to you.”
As he said that, Ha Jin-ak pointed to the ridge behind Ouyang Jue.
“By the way... are those approaching carriages your doing?”
“...?!”
Startled, Ouyang Jue whipped his head around.
The carriages themselves were one thing, but it was shocking that Ha Jin-ak, who had just recovered, could sense them from such a great distance.
‘This isn't just progress, it's a genuine leap forward!’
Soon, a bright smile spread across Ouyang Jue's face.
“I asked them to transport it with a bit of care, but goodness. I didn't expect them to arrive later than me.”
“...What do you mean by that?”
“They are gifts I have prepared for my senior brothers and senior uncles.”
*Rumble...!*
Just as Ouyang Jue finished speaking, the carriages came to a stop, and a flag bearing the name of the Golden Ring Merchant Guild fluttered in the wind.
Five inner cores of spiritual beasts that originally inhabited Mount Mao.
Two or three secret manuals written in the script of an ancient kingdom and swords forged from a special iron had finally arrived at Mount Hua.
Ouyang Jue gave a slight nod to Bai Chuan and opened his mouth.