Chapter 170
Chapter 170
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 170
Chapter Title: Sorting Things Out (5)
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Gulp.
Jeok Sa-goeng glanced at Bai Duanxian before coolly downing the bottle of wine.
As if drinking was the only way to soothe his inner turmoil. Jeok Sa-goeng's Adam's apple bobbed without rest.
Normally, drinking was forbidden within the sect's grounds, but Bai Duanxian pretended not to notice Jeok Sa-goeng's actions.
Before long, Jeok Sa-goeng placed the empty bottle on the floor and muttered to himself.
“Why would they do that?”
“……”
Seeing Ouyang Jue waiting silently for him to gather his thoughts, Jeok Sa-goeng let out a long sigh.
“It's a story I don't want to believe.”
“But…”
“I said I don't want to believe it, not that I can't.”
A deep weariness dripped from Jeok Sa-goeng's voice, and Ouyang Jue could no longer continue.
How could he believe that the Martial Alliance, which he had served his entire life, was connected to the heretical Eight Evils?
Yet, he had no choice but to believe.
The assassination attempts began the moment he left the Martial Alliance, occurring twice in that short time.
Actions that went beyond ruthless, revealing an unconditional will to kill.
The thought that Nangong Cheon, whom he considered a lifelong friend, might be behind it felt like his heart was being torn apart.
If not now, when would he ever reach for wine?
Jeok Sa-goeng lowered his head, trying to hide the emotion in his eyes.
“I've heard the Buddha-Slaying Divine Demon has a large and imposing physique, much like a high-ranking monk from Shaolin. But the Sword Demon, Gyo Gang-cheon, and the man in the crow mask did not…”
Jeok Sa-goeng clenched and unclenched his fist.
An action as if gripping the shaft of a spear. That alone was enough to gradually calm his mind.
Soon, a faint, mocking smile touched the corners of his lips.
“If you were expecting something from me, I must first apologize.”
“Expecting?”
Ouyang Jue reflexively latched onto his words.
He felt a sliver of anxiety in Jeok Sa-goeng's words, as having a former executive of the Martial Alliance join the Mount Hua Sect would grant them much legitimacy and justification.
And just as he feared, Jeok Sa-goeng shook his head slightly and spoke.
“I must find out for myself.”
“Great Hero Jeok.”
As Ouyang Jue's voice filled with worry, Jeok Sa-goeng blinked briefly.
“I know. To you, this must seem foolish and stupid. I might even return as a corpse in less than a week.”
Jeok Sa-goeng looked at his right arm, which had yet to regain feeling, and let out a short laugh.
Though tinged with self-mockery, Ouyang Jue's sharp eyes noticed it wasn't pessimistic.
Just then, Bai Duanxian, who had been listening in silence, spoke.
“Just say the word, and we will always come to your aid.”
“No. If you did, you would be entangled in unsavory rumors. Nangong Cheon is skilled in such schemes.”
Jeok Sa-goeng flatly refused, clenching his left hand into a tight fist.
The muscles from his shoulder to his fingertips, trained to the point of looking brutish, rippled.
“This one's still telling me it's good for something, isn't it?”
“…I will be waiting.”
“Hehe, this is the most reassuring thing I've heard since leaving the Martial Alliance.”
As Jeok Sa-goeng politely clasped his hands, Bai Duanxian also performed a salute and recited a prayer of blessing.
That night, Jeok Sa-goeng, despite his serious injuries, left the Mount Hua Sect.
* * *
“He's gone.”
Ouyang Jue stared at a corner of the now-empty room and muttered to himself.
He hadn't expected him to change his mind, but to leave without resting for even a day…
Was the sense of betrayal from the Martial Alliance that great, or was it his wounded pride?
Either way, it was not a good thing for Ouyang Jue, or for the Mount Hua Sect at large.
If Jeok Sa-goeng were to be captured and forced to misrepresent what the Mount Hua Sect had been claiming, it would turn into the worst-case scenario.
‘Should I have tied him down?’
Why did I let Jeok Sa-goeng go, when the easiest and most convenient path was to keep him here?
Ouyang Jue recalled events from his past life one by one and gave a hollow laugh.
“Bloodhound, you've softened up a lot.”
They say youth is for seeking out hardship, but have I come back to a young age just to volunteer for a path of suffering?
Ouyang Jue asked himself this, then looked up at the clear, bright sky.
Spring had already passed, and the summer air, which embraced the body with a gentle warmth, flowed around him.
Ouyang Jue stood still and closed his eyes.
And he recalled the few who had died without being able to enjoy this air flowing around him now.
Jeok Sang, Seo Mun-hwi, a boy who was called a fool…
Not one of them had died a just death; they all met an unintended end.
A deep line formed on Ouyang Jue's chin. It was because a simmering rage had caused him to clench his jaw.
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind him.
“Senior Brother?”
“…!”
Having already been attacked several times, Ouyang Jue spun around, his body fully imbued with Purple Mist True Energy.
But the moment he saw who was in front of him, the tension drained away.
“Ah… it's you, Hun.”
Jo Hun, his face pale as if he didn't understand why he was being treated this way, was looking up at his face.
Just half a year ago, he wouldn't have known, but Jo Hun's senses had developed recently due to his improved cultivation.
He knew how powerful the Purple Mist True Energy Ouyang Jue had gathered in his right palm for a moment was. Jo Hun asked with a trembling voice.
“I-Is something wrong?”
“No. I'm sorry for startling you.”
Ouyang Jue bent his knees and lifted Jo Hun into his arms.
At the same time, Ouyang Jue thought.
‘Jo Hun, Cheong Pung… no matter how outstanding their talent or swordsmanship, I can't let children this young get swept up in a war like this.’
At first, he had planned to bolster their forces by having them quickly master the Path of Zen Scripture, but his thoughts were gradually changing.
It's too cruel.
Even Liu Zhangming, who is past the age of twenty, struggles with the karma of killing. How could I ask Jo Hun to see blood?
No matter how heartless the martial world is, I cannot borrow the hands of a child.
As Ouyang Jue released his hold and slowly stood up, the color gradually returned to Jo Hun's pale face.
Soon, Jo Hun's lips parted.
“Senior Brother… I also…”
“Don't entertain any foolish thoughts.”
Ouyang Jue ruffled Jo Hun's hair and smiled gently.
“Hun, I've never told you to bear the responsibility of a Mount Hua martial artist. So you just need to be yourself. Understand?”
“But…!”
“Do my words, no, my request, sound like a joke to you?”
The corners of Ouyang Jue's lips trembled slightly.
“Isn't there a saying that just not getting hurt is a blessing?”
“That is correct.”
Ik Hyeon, who had appeared from a distance, having been listening for who knows how long, continued with a determined look on his face.
“I understand the regret Martial Uncle Jo feels, but everyone has their own place to protect.”
“…Hmph.”
At Ik Hyeon's words, Jo Hun bit his lower lip, his face on the verge of tears. But he didn't whine.
It was hard to accept in his heart, but his mind, which had watched Ouyang Jue and the Mount Hua Sect until now, had come to understand.
That he was still a sprout that needed to grow.
In this way, the Mount Hua Sect was slowly preparing for the clouds of war.
“What of the remaining assets?”
“How are the preparations going?”
“Hiyahp!”
From their different positions, everyone did what they could, holding their ground.
The days at the Mount Hua Sect grew shorter and shorter.
The martial artists' desire for improvement was gradually inspired, and as a sect based on Mount Hua, they even created detailed maps of the terrain.
Even the Taoist priests who had been studying scriptures in the temple left their seats to help Song Muk.
A few days later.
The Martial Alliance sent a message.
-To uphold the righteous principles of the martial world, we intend to execute the Buddha-Slaying Divine Demon. We hope any martial artist who shares this sentiment will participate.
-Peng Cheon-woo, Leader of the Martial Alliance
It was stamped with the seal of Peng Cheon-woo, who had never once come to the forefront until now.
Looking at it, Ouyang Jue thought.
‘Is he a titan, or just an empty name?’
Ouyang Jue's gaze turned to the sky, which was growing bright with the rising sun.
It was time to start preparing.
* * *
Despite heading to the Martial Alliance, his travel pack was relatively simple.
This was because he wasn't leaving alone; just like last time, he was traveling with Liu Zhangming, so they had divided the necessary luggage.
Seeing this, Jo Hun had teared up, asking if he was being left behind again, but he didn't try to stop them.
This was because he had matured early from observing the events that had transpired at the Mount Hua Sect.
Ouyang Jue exchanged a few words with Liu Zhangming, then stepped outside the main gate.
“…Hooo.”
The crisp dawn air flowed through his airways, sweeping through his insides.
He hadn't even departed yet, but the thought of what would happen at the Martial Alliance seemed to complicate his mind.
He might once again face the members of the Black Wind Unit, whom he had only passed by with a glance.
Ostensibly, the Buddha-Slaying Divine Demon was the mysterious assailant who attacked the injured Jeok Sa-goeng, so it was almost certain they would be there.
“Are you nervous?”
At those words, Ouyang Jue turned his head.
Bai Duanxian, whose wrinkles had deepened as much as his recent worries, was forcing a smile.
Therefore, Ouyang Jue gave a broad smile.
“It's not the first or second time I've gone out. A trip to Huguang is practically a walk in the park for me now, isn't it?”
“Is that so?”
Bai Duanxian's gaze shifted to Liu Zhangming.
“This time, try not to be fooled by some quack medicine seller…”
“That won't happen again.”
As Liu Zhangming blushed in embarrassment, Gwak Un-pae, who had been watching warmly, slapped his belly and laughed.
Even the usually expressionless Song Muk let out a chuckle, and the tense atmosphere eased somewhat.
Then, Bai Duanxian spoke.
“You should get going now.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
As Liu Zhangming clasped his hands, Ouyang Jue followed suit and paid his respects.
Not knowing what stance the Martial Alliance would take, they were sending the younger generation while keeping their main force at Mount Hua.
Though he trusted his two disciples, his heart was not at ease.
Because of this, Bai Duanxian's face was filled with bitterness.
“Return safely.”
“Don't worry. I will be sure to return alive.”
Ouyang Jue straightened his shoulders with a confident expression.
“Let's start heading down now, Senior Brother.”
“Haha, I was planning to, even if you didn't rush me.”
Before turning away, Liu Zhangming bowed his head to Bai Duanxian once more.
“Sect Leader… no, Master. I will act as befits a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect, so as not to cause you worry.”
“…”
“So please, rest peacefully without any sleepless nights. Your humble disciple, Liu Zhangming, guarantees it.”
At those words, Ouyang Jue subtly chimed in.
“I will assist Senior Brother Liu well.”
“…Thank you.”
Bai Duanxian smiled warmly and saw his two disciples off.
A short while later.
As Ouyang Jue made his way toward Chang'an, he surveyed the surrounding atmosphere.
“As expected.”
Ouyang Jue noticed the tension that had subtly settled in.
It was because the distance between commoners and martial artists had widened, so much so that his eyes narrowed unconsciously.
Above all, the eyes of the government soldiers, usually listless, had become colder and more somber.
At this point, Liu Zhangming also quietly approached and asked.
“Has something happened recently?”
“…Perhaps the atmosphere has changed considerably since the Martial Alliance's rise to power. It seems the government is also on guard in its own way.”
“Hmm…”
They were favorable to the Taoist sects of Shaanxi, like Mount Hua or Zhongnan, but not to martial artists from other regions.
They sold goods for more than ten percent above the usual price and refused to haggle.
It was an attitude that could even be seen as hostile, yet the merchants acted without hesitation.
‘I see… Did the government soldiers approve of this?’
Just as Ouyang Jue was taking note of the increased number of soldiers.
“It's been a while, Great Hero Ouyang.”
“Ah. Isn't it Commander Jang?”
Jang Il-guk, the Commander of Chang'an's West Gate, revealed a thin, snake-like smile.