75 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

### Chapter 75 Before they knew it, the group had arrived at the Murim Alliance. "Ugh." "Ouch!" Usually, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen would head straight to their lodgings, but due to the aftereffects of their training, they were cautiously stepping down from the carriage. "What are you doing? Aren’t you going to get off already?" Cheon-hui, who was the first to get off, urged them. ‘All this fuss over a little training on the way here.’ He clicked his tongue in disdain and spoke. "The last one off has to do an extra hour of the breathing technique I taught you in the garden a few days ago." The Plum Blossom Swordsmen exclaimed in horror. "Please, anything but that!" "I can’t handle any more!" "Why? Didn’t you say you’d follow everything I told you? You wanted to get stronger, didn’t you? Asking for more when it suits you." Ack! Ack! Cheon-hui's indifferent words struck them like a dagger to the heart. It hadn’t even been ten days since they had shyly and desperately requested his guidance. And now they were talking about quitting. It was a matter of such shame that they couldn't show their faces. “Gah! I’m going first.” “Senior So, please let me go first!” “I did it twice yesterday. Senior Cheon-Geuk, you should let me go.” “I did it this morning!” Without waiting for another cue, each of them forced their trembling legs to move. “Hohoho.” Watching the Plum Blossom Swordsmen pushing themselves, Hyun-jin chuckled awkwardly. “Senior Hyun-jin, aren’t you going to join them?” Cheon-hui asked, glancing at him, causing sweat to trickle down Hyun-jin's forehead. "I-I have to submit a report." "Is that so?" "Haha. Well, I’ll be off then." Hyun-jin made a hasty exit as if fleeing. Cheon-hui, observing this, spoke. “Can I take a break too?” The Plum Blossom Swordsmen raised their hands in joyous approval. "Of course, take your time." "Make sure to enjoy yourself slowly." "Hmm." Cheon-hui scanned their faces one by one, smirking. "If there’s no sign of training when I return, I won’t teach you any martial arts, just so you know." The expressions on the Plum Blossom Swordsmen's faces turned sour as if they had bitten into something unpleasant. "Were you all planning on skipping practice the moment I left?" They all forced a laugh. "Haha, what do you mean by that?" "Shouldn’t training continue even in the absence of the teacher?" "Well, just keep that thought." No sooner had Cheon-hui departed than the Plum Blossom Swordsmen collapsed simultaneously onto the ground. “Wheeze, wheeze. Who knew our teacher was such a devil.” “But haven’t you gotten stronger thanks to him?” “Training is grueling, but my martial arts feel different every time.” “The techniques he taught us are excellent too.” Just then, Cheon-yu, who had been lying down, stood up. “Let’s get moving again.” One by one, they got up. Though their entire bodies screamed in pain, there was strength in their eyes. As they began to drag their weary bodies inside, Cheon-Geuk asked. “Is it really okay to let Cheon-hui wander the Murim Alliance alone?” Gu-kyom-wi chuckled. “What trouble could possibly happen to our youngest?” Not long ago, had Cheon-hui disappeared, they would have frantically searched for him, but things were different now. ‘Cheon-hui can handle himself.’ ‘Who should be worrying about whom?’ Meanwhile, Cheon-hui, strolling alone through the Murim Alliance, savored the scenery around him. “Was there ever such a handsome youth among the Taoist warriors of the Hwasan Sect?” “Isn't that the disciple who came with the Hua Mountain Spirit Sword?” For a moment, all eyes turned to Cheon-hui with interest. “What a curious outfit of red and black robes.” Ignoring their murmurs, Cheon-hui continued to observe his surroundings. ‘Everything looks quite nice.’ The pavilions that appeared with every turn of his head were well-situated geographically, and their exteriors exuded a classic charm. ‘Except for our accommodations.’ Cheon-hui nodded to himself, having inspected the pavilions one by one. “I need to settle this.” --- “Here it is.” Seol-geom, who received the letter from Hyun-jin, wore a satisfied smile. “Thank you for your hard work.” His eyes shone with warmth. ‘I’m glad we allied with the Hwasan Sect.’ Zhongnam and Hwasan. He chose to side with Hwasan. Specifically, because the military allied with Zhongnam, he had no choice but to align with the Hwasan Sect. However, it seemed to be a blessing in disguise. In the past, he would have dismissed it as a declining sect, but now the situation was different. The sect was preparing to soar. Especially the reputation of the Hua Mountain Spirit Sword, which was rising day by day, and he heard from close associates that something was being negotiated with the leader. ‘And all of them are outstanding.’ With the resolution of the Black Mist Incident, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, including Ilhongmae, even gained a title. The Plum Blossom Seven Swords. ‘Perhaps it's due to the Hua Mountain Spirit Sword's influence, but now the other Plum Blossom Swordsmen will also gain recognition.’ Though not solely their fame, having earned a title of any kind was significant. At that moment, Hyun-jin let out a sigh. “Phew, I suppose we can consider the mission complete.” “Originally, you would have rested, so thank you for accepting the task.” “Had we assigned someone else, we would’ve felt uneasy about it.” Seeing Seol-geom bow gracefully, Hyun-jin waved his hand dismissively. In truth, the mission could have been refused, but having defeated the Black Mist Incident, they took it upon themselves with responsibility. “Just don’t forget your promise.” “Hahaha. Don’t worry. With the recent achievements of the Hua Mountain Spirit Sword and the Plum Blossom Seven Swords, everyone is taking an interest in the Hwasan Sect. If things continue like this, the sect's stature within the alliance will only grow.” “That’s a relief.” Hyun-jin nodded in agreement. But then, catching an unusual title in Seol-geom's words, he asked. “What’s the Plum Blossom Seven Swords?” “Ah! Since you’ve been at the Namgung family, you might not have heard.” Seol-geom carefully folded the letter. “It’s a title given to the great hero and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen who handled the Black Mist.” “Seven Swords... does that mean the title includes both me and my disciples?” Hyun-jin asked, bewildered. For a martial artist to receive a title meant they had gained considerable fame. To earn such recognition in just a few days was no easy feat. “Defeating the Black Mist seems to have acted as a catalyst, rapidly spreading the great hero’s and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen's deeds, and thus they quickly earned the title.” Hyun-jin's expression brightened subtly. Life within the Murim Alliance had often felt bleak. No matter how many missions he completed, the lack of recognition was disheartening. But now, a change had swept through—a very positive one at that. "The Plum Blossom Seven Swords is quite an impressive title." After leading his disciples all this time, they finally received a title, and his heart swelled with pride. Seol-geom unfolded the letter and whispered, "I'm glad you like it." Hyun-jin's eyes widened. "Did the vice-military strategist come up with it?" Seol-geom responded with nothing more than a sly smile, which was answer enough. "Thank you." "It's nothing. Considering all you and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen have done for the Alliance, it's actually quite modest." "By the way, may I ask about the deal with the Namgung family?" Seol-geom's eyes wavered. "I'm sorry. That's a matter the leader is handling separately." "I see." Hyun-jin clicked his tongue, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Then perhaps I'll visit again later." "Hahaha. Next time, I'll call you with good news." "I'll be waiting." With that, Hyun-jin took his leave. Thud. Seol-geom set the letter down with care, but the smile he had worn moments ago had vanished, his face now as rigid as stone. "Black Crow," he called out. "Why does the distinguished vice-strategist summon this dirty crow?" came a harsh voice from above. "You talk too much." "Well then, what's the reason for your call?" "What is your take on this situation?" "Not much stands out." Seol-geom nodded in agreement. "I feel the same." "But that's what's strange. How did that person manage to defeat the Black Mist?" "Is the Black Mist's martial prowess, as known to the public, true?" "It's actually downplayed. His martial arts come from the Blood Cult." "The Blood Cult?!" Seol-geom snapped his head up, startled. "How do you know that?" he asked, staring at the ceiling, when suddenly a voice full of amusement announced from the left, not above. "There's always a way to know." "..." Seol-geom bit his lip. They were in a temporary alliance for a shared goal, but this Black Crow's true identity remained elusive. "It seems you're not inclined to share." "Were we close enough to divulge such information?" As the voice echoed with laughter, Seol-geom calmed himself and asked once more. "What about the strategist?" "The same as always." "...he still hasn't left, has he?" "Certainly not. If he had ventured outside, the whole Alliance would be buzzing. You know well how much the leader cherishes him." "...what about Musang and Munsang?" "They’re behaving as usual." "So, nothing has changed." "Indeed." "Then the alliance leader is also keeping still." "He doesn't know." Black Crow stated firmly. "It'd be dangerous if we made a move." Seol-geom chewed his fingernail. There had to be a shift, a monumental change to shake the complacent Murim Alliance, for the sake of the future. At that moment, a hurried transmission came through. 『Be silent.』 Startled by Black Crow's urgent message, Seol-geom became alert. Bang! The door swung open, revealing a familiar figure. "Why are these halls so convoluted?" As the door opened, Cheon-hui scanned the room, his face full of dissatisfaction. "There you are." "Cheon-hui, young hero?" Seol-geom broke into a nervous sweat. "What brings you here?" "I’d like to discuss something." "A discussion?" "But there seems to be a little rat." Cheon-hui looked past Seol-geom. Perplexed by Cheon-hui’s words, Seol-geom turned in that direction, spotting an actual mouse hole, and laughed awkwardly. "Haha, it seems the structure is old, so there's a mouse problem." "…Let's just talk first." Shortly after, Cheon-hui drank the tea in front of him in one gulp and spoke to Seol-geom. "I’ll get straight to the point." Just as Seol-geom was tensing up, Cheon-hui continued. "Could you change our accommodations?" "Excuse me…?" Seol-geom, who had been apprehensive about what Cheon-hui might request, replied, deflated. "You mean the accommodations?" "Yes. I took a tour around the Murim Alliance and found that our place is the oldest." "Haha, well, that is true." Seol-geom was in a bind. The placement of the Hwasan Sect's accommodations was due to the demands of the Zhongnan Sect long ago. "So, can you change it?" "It’s not a simple matter that can be easily resolved…." "So, are you saying no?" "We must proceed step by step…." "So basically, you’re saying we should just shut up and stay in that old place." Seol-geom felt slightly annoyed by Cheon-hui’s persistence but maintained his smile. "That’s not exactly what I meant." Cheon-hui scrutinized Seol-geom. "Hmm. I bet Senior Hyun-Do would have a field day seeing those accommodations." Seol-geom’s smile faltered. "…Are you threatening me now?" "Just stating a fact." "For such a significant change, we need a valid reason." Seol-geom massaged his temple, trying to alleviate the headache forming there. "Think about it. If we suddenly changed because of newfound fame, what would the other sects think?" Seol-geom logically laid out the situation. "If the Murim Alliance starts supporting the Hwasan Sect just because of initial fame, it could lead to jealousy from other sects." It was a valid point. "So let’s just… Oh!" Snap! Seol-geom clapped his hands as if struck by a thought. "Perhaps you’d consider taking on a mission?" "A mission?" Cheon-hui's brow furrowed. The suggestion seemed out of the blue. But Seol-geom was earnest. "Recently, there’s been a significant problem mission. If you succeed, no one could argue against changing your accommodations." "What kind of mission?" "Are you aware of the recent commotion caused by one of the Yangtze Waterway Villages, the Water Dragon Village?" "No." "Hahaha," Seol-geom laughed awkwardly. "They’ve been attacking anyone related to our Alliance, causing issues." Obviously, river bandits like those would attack. But Seol-geom’s next words clarified the problem. "In the past, paying them off would solve the issue, but now they ignore the money entirely." That was indeed peculiar. Bandits refusing money? "So, would it be possible for you, young hero, to stay along the Yangtze River and protect them from the Water Dragon Village's atrocities?" Cheon-hui's brow furrowed. "You want me to stay there continuously?" "Haha, not at all. The Alliance is also dispatching personnel to resolve their attacks. However..." Seol-geom let out a chuckle. "Since we're just starting the dispatch process, it will take a bit of time." "How much time are we talking about?" "About a month, I would say." "A month?" Cheon-hui narrowed his eyes. It was a surprisingly lengthy duration. However... "If I resolve the issue, I can return sooner, right?" ‘Resolve it?’ Seol-geom was puzzled but answered affirmatively. "That's correct." Cheon-hui immediately stood up, giving his reply. "Are you planning to leave right now?" This caught Seol-geom off guard. "Why not?" "Wouldn't you like to hear more details?" "I’ll find out when I get there." "But don't you need to prepare transportation for the Plum Blossom Swordsmen?" "No, I'll be going alone." "What?" "It's just easier that way." With those words, Cheon-hui departed. Once Cheon-hui had left, Seol-geom confirmed his departure with a subtle smile. "Haha, I was planning to change their accommodations anyway, but this is just fortunate." Long ago, he had already arranged separate accommodations through a deal with Hyun-jin. The mission being taken care of on its own was a bonus for him. But then— "That person..." Black Crow's quivering voice echoed. His gaze remained fixed on the spot where Cheon-hui had been, his expression growing stern. "Who is he?"