85 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

**Chapter 85** Deep in the heart of the Murim Alliance. In a serene room, a middle-aged man quietly moved his brush across a blank sheet of paper. Swish― Swish― How many times did the brush glide over the paper, drawing long, elegant lines? Eventually, the once-blank paper blossomed with a vibrant orchid painting. The middle-aged man gazed at his completed work, a satisfied smile curling at his lips. "Hmm. This one turned out quite well." As he laid down the brush and raised his head, his face was strikingly impressive. A slender chin, a prominent nose—features that suggested he might have been a renowned beauty in his youth. This man, exuding an extraordinary aura and presence, was no ordinary figure. The Lord of Murim Alliance, Swordmaster Simutek (心義劍俠)! An iconic figure who rose to the position of leader with just a single sword, a swordsman whose prowess was acknowledged even by the Nine Major Schools. Whoo― A gust of wind disheveled his meticulously combed hair, which slipped between his crown, grazing his face. It only amplified his already distinctive demeanor. Simultaneously, his lips parted slowly. "You can come out now." Even before the echo of his words faded, a man appeared in the empty yard. His hair, part silver and part black, made it impossible to judge whether he was a middle-aged man or an elderly one. He looked at the ink painting with stoic eyes. "It's overflowing with life more than before." He scrutinized the painting in detail. The ink-drawn painting was so vivid that one might mistake it for a genuinely living flower. The lord smiled a wrinkled smile. "I owe it to you, indeed. When I followed your advice to wield the brush like a sword, outcomes like these emerged." "I'm glad to have been of help, my lord." The man who sought out the reclusive lord, CEO of Murim Alliance, was not an ordinary person either. He was Jegal Gong (諸葛孔), the Alliance's strategist. Even when the Jegal family left the alliance, he remained, known as the brain of the Murim Alliance. "Quite intriguing, isn't it?" Spoke the lord, setting the brush aside. Roll— Roll— The ink-stained brush rolled over the paper, smudging the completed painting. Yet, it didn't seem to concern him as he lost interest. Instead, he looked up into the void. Gazing intently at the training grounds, he murmured in a subdued voice. "Who would have predicted a master of Heaven's Martial Realm would emerge from the Mount Hua Sect, and not from the Sword House or Cheongseong Sect?" "It was my oversight." The strategist bowed his head quickly. "I rashly presumed the Mount Hua Sect would continue its decline and stopped monitoring it." "No, I would have thought the same." The lord dismissed the strategist softly. "If you had foreseen this, one would suspect you to be more than mortal." He jested. If a master of Heaven's Martial Realm had appeared from the Sword House, Cheongseong Sect, or the other Nine Major Schools, everyone would accept it. They had gathered strength for a long time, reaching at their peak prosperity. But not the Mount Hua Sect. It was a place on the verge of collapse. After the Yulin Tragedy, losing the preeminent swordsman and many disciples at once, it fell into decline. Thus, even he had written off Mount Hua completely. "Even in decay, a mackerel is still a mackerel. The accumulated strength of the Nine Major Schools cannot be underestimated." Murmured the lord and asked the strategist. "Gaebang has made contact with Mount Hua, I hear." "Yes." "Strategist, do you think Mount Hua can play the roles of Sword House or Cheongseong Sect?" "As you know, the recent collaboration with Jongnam Swordmaster has elevated the fame of the Mount Hua Divine Sword. Moreover, the Plum Blossom Seven under Ilhongmae leads with exceptional skill, gathering renown……." The strategist's eyes narrowed. "While not immediately, given time, it's certainly possible. Especially now that they have allied with Gaebang, that time will shorten." "Is that your final answer?" The lord quietly nodded at the strategist who merely inclined his head in acknowledgment. How long did he gaze at him? "Haha." The lord burst into a boisterous laugh. Then, as the merriment dissipated, he leisurely stroked his long beard. "I tend to agree, now that Mount Hua rivals Sword House and Cheongseong Sect… However." The atmosphere in the room shifted suddenly. The previously gentle aura gave way to a chilling, icy air that surrounded the strategist. "Yet you aren't entirely correct." The strategist's eyebrows twitched subtly. "What do you mean by that?" "Jongnam Swordmaster didn't exert his full power in the duel." "…Are you implying Jongnam Swordmaster went easy on Mount Hua Divine Sword?" "Exactly." The lord's voice was calm. "And the rumors circulating differ significantly from the truth." His eyes deepened, akin to an abyss. He was aware of Baek Sa-sin's true skill level and mentor. Thus, he didn't believe for a second that the Mount Hua Divine Sword had slain Baek Sa-sin. "There must have been someone who assisted Mount Hua Divine Sword from the shadows when confronting Baek Sa-sin." Understanding the gist of the lord's intention, the strategist spoke softly. "I will make discreet inquiries." To which the Murim Alliance lord, erasing his thoughts, replied with a faint smile. "Haha. To think you would move in person, that's reassuring." The lord slowly rose and walked towards the flowering courtyard, gently touching the orchids, he inquired. "What of Sahhakryeon?" "They haven't moved an inch." "Hmm, seems the collapse of Baeksa Fortress isn't enough to shake their leader." Their conversation, continuing, would perplex anyone familiar with the pair's history. After all, the Murim Alliance lord had not stepped outside his residence since becoming the leader for years. Likewise, the strategist, having handed matters to his disciple, Vice Strategist Seol-geom, had also withdrawn from the scene. The two conversed as if they were fully aware of the situation beyond their immediate surroundings. "Do you foresee any setbacks in our plans?" The strategist shook his head. "None. Although there were a few hiccups, everything is flowing smoothly. If things continue at this pace, the Nine Major Schools will be in complete disarray within ten years." The lord, placing his hands behind his back, straightened his posture. "Haha, everything seems to be on track." He spoke in a whispered tone, then looked at the strategist. The strategist's expression remained stoic. Yet, the Murim Alliance lord was able to read the hidden determination and resolve beneath that mask-like composure. "Then proceed as planned." * * * Late at night, Chunhui felt a smirk tug at the corner of his lips as he absorbed the residual chill in his body while practicing the Plum Blossom Divine Art. The daily meditation he practiced while staying at the Murim Alliance had started to show results. ‘Yes, this is how it should be.’ Observing the accumulated internal strength, Chunhui felt a satisfied smile creep across his face. The Yin energy of the Taiyin Divine Constitution, which he had only read about in texts, was pure and immaculate like nothing else. ‘Only about one-fifth remains. I can absorb it all in three or four days.’ Sensing the untouched cold energy nestled in the corner of his lower dantian, Chunhui concluded his meditation session and slowly opened his eyes. A wide grin spread over his lips as he surveyed his spacious room. Just the day before, he had stayed in a shabby room, but now he was greeted by an elegant one. The outcome of the match with the Jongnam sect, although a draw, had allowed him access to accommodation far superior to his previous quarters. "Now it feels like I'm living in a place fit for a person." As he admired the newly acquired room, moonlight spilled beautifully through the window. Mesmerized, his gaze drifted outside. As he watched the silver river stitching the dark sky, memories of today's duel floated into his mind. The internal energy, like a flowing galaxy, and footwork that seemed to traverse that river. Reflecting on the martial arts techniques reminiscent of the Milky Way performed by Jongnam Swordmaster, Chunhui's eyes grew deeply thoughtful, filled with shadows of contemplation. After a pause, he spoke. "Why have you come?" At that moment. Swoosh― A figure emerged under the blue moonlight. It was none other than Jongnam Swordmaster. "So, you sensed me despite my efforts to conceal my presence." "Oh, was that your attempt at hiding?" Jongnam Swordmaster's eyes widened. "You knew from the start?" "Wouldn't it be strange if I didn't?" Jongnam Swordmaster was taken aback. As someone who had entered the Heaven’s Martial Realm, he'd melded seamlessly with nature. Yet here was a young man, barely past coming of age, who had realized his presence from the start—more than surprising, it was astonishing. "Yongju-gae spoke so highly of you, it wasn't an exaggeration." "Pardon? Who was it?" Chunhui’s eyebrows scrunched together in thought. ‘That’s different from the deal we made before, though?’ He recalled the negotiation with Yongju-gae. The past grievances between the two sects were to be settled in exchange for erasing information about him. However, Jongnam Swordmaster seemed to imply that he had learned about Chunhui from Yongju-gae himself. ‘That wily old man wouldn't have just handed over the information violating the deal...’ Recalling the sly Gaebang lord, Chunhui narrowed his eyes. "What did the Gaebang lord say?" "He claimed you might one day contend for the title of the best under heaven. Though, perhaps a bit of an overstatement…" "Well, that's true." Jongnam Swordmaster was momentarily speechless. The future’s top warrior acknowledged by the Gaebang lord. If word of this spread, it could cause quite a stir. Normally, any place of learning would humbly deny such a claim. ‘Haha, does he just accept it?’ In front of him, Chunhui nonchalantly acknowledged it—speaking as if it were a matter of course. "Haha." A faint chuckle escaped. ‘His confidence truly is unmatched.’ Before being a sage, he was a warrior of Jianghu. Perhaps it was because of his youth that such boldness was endearing. ‘Just as the Gaebang lord said.’ Reflecting internally, Jongnam Swordmaster recalled the events of that morning. After the duel, Yongju-gae handed over information about the event, subtly letting Chunhui's story slip, seemingly wanting it to be recognized. Initially, he thought it was another of his tricks and almost ignored his words. ‘It's not the Mount Hua Divine Sword that needs more attention, but that boy.’ After hearing those words, he was swayed completely. And so far, the Gaebang lord's words seemed justified. Recognizing his presence, displaying confidence. If he possessed the martial skills Yongju-gae spoke of… ‘With the recent turbulence involving the Saheukryeon and Bicheon Association, it’s divine intervention.’ The fall of Baek Sa Fortress and the movements of the Bicheon Association. The balance of the longstanding Triumvirate of the Nine Provinces was beginning to crack. ‘War is on the horizon.’ Jongnam Swordmaster felt, nay, was certain, war would erupt. Jianghu was a world of the strong triumphing over all. Peace could never last forever. ‘In such a situation, the emergence of a prodigy in the alliance is a positive omen. But…’ Jongnam Swordmaster's eyes twinkled. One thing remained. "Then, I would like to test whether you truly possess such strength." He said, eyeing Chunhui. Though dressed in the garb of the Mount Hua Sect, his demeanor was more akin to a warrior of Jianghu than a sage. ‘Will his nature prove righteous?’ Though skill was important, in the righteous sects, a virtuous heart was paramount. "A test?" Chunhui's eyes half-closed, intrigued. He had taken an interest in Jongnam Swordmaster ever since their bout. His martial arts and the techniques he employed. And now, Jongnam Swordmaster had brought it up first. Chunhui smiled wide. "Sure. How about a spar?" Jongnam Swordmaster's expression softened at once. "No, a spar would be too much." He declined the suggestion. "Then what do you propose?" Jongnam Swordmaster grinned. He then spoke softly. "Have you heard of a Combat Discussion Training?"