97 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Episode 97 The sudden visit from the Jegal Family stirred a great wave of commotion within the previously serene Hwasan Sect. “The Jegal Family has come to the mountain?” “What on earth are they here for...?” The Taoists of the Hwasan Sect openly displayed their suspicion and hostility as they eyed the party from the Jegal Family. One of the Eight Great Clans and the Nine Great Schools. They were enemies who had already crossed the point of no return, so the reaction was only natural. The tense atmosphere lingered. “Everyone, remain calm.” But the quiet order soon brought an end to the uproar. The Sect Leader, who had appeared unnoticed, brushed past the Taoists and approached the Jegal Family’s party, inquiring directly. “What brings the Jegal Family to our mountain?” His tone, completely devoid of warmth, caused a moment of confusion among the Jegal Family members before Jegal Seonghyeon stepped forward. "I am Murim Scholar Jegal Seonghyeon, here to greet the Sect Leader of the Hwasan Sect." Offering a respectful bow, Jegal Seonghyeon introduced himself. "I come before you as Jegal Seonghyeon of the Jegal Family, in response to your request for collaboration." “A request?” The Sect Leader’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean by ‘request’?” “Did you not send a letter directly to our family head?” The moment he mentioned a letter to the head of the Jegal Family, the Sect Leader's expression shifted. A letter to the Jegal Family head? No such thing had ever occurred. “I’ve never sent such a letter.” As the Sect Leader expressed his unawareness, Jegal Seonghyeon appeared momentarily flustered. “But the Hwasan Sect’s Cheonhui…” “I was the one who called them.” Cheonhui stepped forward from between them. The members of the Jegal Family, upon witnessing Cheonhui’s astonishing presence, were taken aback. But the one most shocked was Jegal Seonghyeon. ‘Is this really Cheonhui?’ The youthfulness of the figure defied Jegal Seonghyeon's expectations. The designs on the blueprint sent in the letter showcased an aged wisdom. Not to mention, the detailed mechanisms suggested they were drawn by someone who had spent a lifetime studying formations. Yet this youth appeared similar in age to him. ‘Who could have taught someone like him?’ Meanwhile, Cheonhui scrutinized Jegal Seonghyeon in return. ‘The representative is younger than expected.’ Their thoughts aligned momentarily. The gate based on the Heavenly Demon Ten Orders he designed was quite complex. ‘I expected at least a senior elder to come.’ Casting a glance over the people behind Jegal Seonghyeon, none seemed particularly exceptional. Will they really be able to construct it properly? As Cheonhui’s expression turned skeptical, the Sect Leader's voice cut through the air. “What is the meaning of all this?” The Sect Leader’s question was now pointedly formal, unlike before, as if chastising Cheonhui. ‘Should I have told him earlier?’ Understanding the Sect Leader’s concerns, Cheonhui nodded internally. The Hwasan Sect and the Jegal Family were foes. Inviting their adversaries into their very heart without a word would naturally cause the Sect Leader to worry. “I requested the Jegal Family’s expertise.” “What kind of request?” The Sect Leader’s brows furrowed. “We intend to build a training gate for enhancing the disciples of the Hwasan Sect and need their skill in mechanisms.” “...This is the first I’ve heard of it.” “I must have forgotten to mention it.” At Cheonhui’s words, the Sect Leader massaged his temple with a headache-ridden sigh. “Was it truly necessary to involve the Jegal Family?” “It’s essential if the Hwasan Sect wishes to become stronger quickly.” Hearing Cheonhui’s calm voice, the Sect Leader’s emotions swirled like a tempest. ‘He truly believes this is essential for Hwasan to strengthen.’ The fact that Cheonhui didn’t confide in him was irksome, but understanding the reason behind it soothed his temper. ‘If Cheonhui insists...’ None of Cheonhui’s previous actions failed to benefit the Sect. Reflecting on Cheonhui’s deeds — completing missions, vanquishing Bai Gui Fortress, crafting elixirs for the Plum Blossom Swordfighters — each act had strengthened and prospered the Hwasan Sect. The Sect Leader nodded faintly to himself. All actions by Cheonhui, they warranted blind trust — such was his conclusion. “We will discuss this matter in detail later.” Turning his head, the Sect Leader addressed the Jegal Family with a nod. “Namaste. Welcome to our abode.” “Oh, not at all.” As Jegal Seonghyeon found himself startled by the Sect Leader’s sudden change in demeanor, Cheonhui spoke up, surveying the group. “Is this everyone who’s come?” “Yes, but…” Cheonhui's expression twisted with dissatisfaction. With just twenty people, completing the gate design he had in mind seemed poised to take much longer than initially anticipated. “Will it be possible to complete this within the designated time frame with this team?” “What on earth are you saying...!” “Do you know who we are?” As the Jegal Family party flared with indignation, Jegal Seonghyeon calmly interceded, meeting Cheonhui’s gaze. “These are some of our family’s most skilled members. They can swiftly complete any task.” “The task I requested as well?” “Yes.” Interesting. Cheonhui regarded him with a curious look. His martial skills were unimpressive, scarcely above second rate. Yet he exuded confidence, irrespective of his martial prowess. ‘I like his confidence. But if they fail to meet the deadline...’ Cheonhui's lips curled slightly. “I'll trust you for now.” * * * Sitting opposite Cheonhui, Jegal Seonghyeon unrolled the blueprint he had carefully carried in his robes. Handled and perused numerous times during the journey, the stiff parchment had become crumpled and stained from wear. “I have reviewed the blueprints.” Jegal Seonghyeon hardened his expression. “Can the mechanisms detailed here truly function as intended?” Cheonhui answered with a nod as Jegal Seonghyeon posed his question in a firm tone. “Yes.” “Everything here?” “You can verify once it’s fully constructed.” Jegal Seonghyeon clicked his tongue in disbelief. “Very well. Then let’s begin discussing this gate.” His expression brightened drastically. The severity from moments ago vanished as his demeanor shifted to one of childlike fascination. “I have a rudimentary understanding of the design, but there are several points of confusion. Let’s start here...” Jegal Seonghyeon continued to speak, pointing at the seven unfolded blueprints. Cheonhui’s eyes narrowed as he observed. ‘As expected of the Jegal Family.’ Not only did Jegal Seonghyeon instantly grasp the complex blueprints at a glance, but he also quickly identified the core issues and asked insightful questions. In contrast, Jegal Seonghyeon found himself involuntarily clicking his tongue and shaking his head in disbelief. ‘They say a sky above a sky exists.’ He had always been revered as a genius within the Jegal Family, and he believed it too. But today, he encountered a true genius. “Do you think it's okay to proceed like this?” Jegal Seonghyeon asked cautiously, his face tense. “If we proceed as planned, people might get seriously injured if something goes wrong.” While traveling to the Hwasan Sect, he continuously marveled at the unique mechanisms and tactical formations detailed in the blueprints. But as time passed, he became increasingly shocked. ‘For a Taoist gate, it's brutal.’ The intricate mechanisms and formations resembled something more akin to the gateways used by sects obsessed with martial dominance rather than Taoist schools. ‘It’s almost like the Demonic Cult...’ Jegal Seonghyeon shook his head vigorously. This was the Hwasan Sect. How could he liken it to the Demonic Cult? “Wouldn't it be better to make it a bit safer?” “No.” Cheonhui cut him off abruptly. “As long as they don't die, it's fine.” “A-as long as they don't die?” “Yes.” Jegal Seonghyeon was bewildered by the response. What kind of Taoist would say such a thing? And look with such cold, calculating eyes? Jegal Seonghyeon swallowed hard, taken aback by Cheonhui's piercing gaze. “Fine. We'll start construction tomorrow as per the original plan. For some of the mechanisms, we might need your direct oversight.” Jegal Seonghyeon spoke smoothly. “I intended to do that.” Cheonhui responded nonchalantly, prompting Jegal Seonghyeon to carefully tuck the blueprints back into his robes. “Then, I'll take my leave now.” He stood to leave but hesitated for a moment. “By the way, have you decided on a name for this gateway?” Cheonhui smiled brightly. “The Seven Plum Blossom Gates.” * * * The Sect Leader studied the sheets filled with intricate drawings and notes. “This is what you call the Seven Plum Blossom Gates?” “Yes.” “I'll take a good look at it then.” The Sect Leader unfolded the pages at once. “What? This is…!” His eyes widened significantly. As he alternated between the images and notes on the paper, his hands began to move faster, flipping through the pages with increasing speed. ‘Hah! To think martial skills could be mastered this way! But with this, one might be left crippled before even passing a single gate! Yet, if instilled this way…’ The more he read, the more dazed he became. The total of seven gates were all incredibly complex, and the outcomes seemed overwhelmingly severe. ‘This isn’t just an ordeal (苦行) — is it truly necessary?’ To call it an ordeal felt lacking. This seemed to focus purely on achieving strength, forsaking all else. His hands trembled as they held the pages. “Did you really create this?” “Yes.” “Do you think it will yield the expected results?” “It’s more than possible.” Cheonhui’s confident response left him speechless. The gates were undoubtedly harsh, but the results promised were nearly overwhelming. ‘I thought nothing Cheonhui did could surprise me anymore.’ His mind was a whirlwind. From martial prowess to medical aptitude, now to even architectural ingenuity. It bordered on laughable. “What do you think? Not bad, right?” Cheonhui asked, breaking the Sect Leader’s contemplation. Certainly, crafting these gates as outlined seemed the surest way to yield rapid achievements from their disciples. However. “Each gate is a marvel, but they are far too focused on martial prowess.” “These are gates specifically for martial cultivation.” “There’s something you’re neglecting.” The Sect Leader fixed his gaze sternly on Cheonhui. “Our sect is Taoist.” “And it’s also a sect in the martial realm.” His counter caused the Sect Leader's eyes to narrow. After a moment of regarding Cheonhui with a piercing gaze, the corners of his eyes crinkled into a smile. “Indeed. You have a point.” Cheonhui looked surprisingly taken aback. ‘I didn’t expect you to agree so readily.’ Cheonhui shrugged. “So you’re granting permission?” “Haha, did you anticipate I would refuse?” “Given your principles, I thought you might.” “Haha. As you said, in the past, I might have refused, but not anymore.” The Sect Leader's voice grew serious. “To cultivate Dao and to act chivalrously both require power. How can one without strength preach virtue and path in the martial world?” His voice carried a significant weight. Without strength, no matter how virtuous one's path, death was inevitable. ‘Now you truly resemble a Sect Leader.’ As Cheonhui absorbed the new facets of the Sect Leader, he found himself further impressed. “But Cheonhui.” The Sect Leader addressed him again. “If you plan something like this in the future, inform me first.” “Ah, I’ll make sure to do that next time.” Hearing the assurance, the Sect Leader softened, stroking his beard with a gentle smile. “By the way, you'll need quite a few materials to build these gates.” “I planned on visiting to arrange for them.” Cheonhui’s gaze shifted toward one direction. The financial center of the Hwasan Sect, Jaeryeonggak. Meanwhile, Hyunryeo, inside Jaeryeonggak, pressed her temple with her index finger, weary from the mountain of paperwork on her desk. “Phew.” A deep sigh escaped her lungs. “At least there's some good news.” She picked up the luxurious letter, embroidered with golden threads, prominently stamped with the seal of the Cheonhae Province Lord. “One hundred gold wonbo.” A smile involuntarily curled on Hyunryeo’s lips. To reopen the halls of the Hwasan Sect, they had scrimped and saved, tightening their belts. Yet a windfall of funds was unexpectedly on the way, naturally inducing joy. Knock— Knock— “What is it?” “I need to discuss something.” The voice behind the door wasn’t the expected robust voice of the division head, causing Hyunryeo to rise and promptly open it. Standing there was none other than Cheonhui, the source of the voice. Without hesitation, Hyunryeo pulled Cheonhui into an embrace. “Cheonhui!” “It’s been a while.” Cheonhui responded with a calm demeanor. Having been embraced by Hyunryeo more than once, Cheonhui had grown accustomed to it. After releasing him from her embrace, Hyunryeo looked up. "When did you return?" "About three days ago." "Three days?" Hyunryeo raised her eyebrows sharply. Glaring somewhere intently, she gritted her teeth before shaking her head. ‘No, it's best not to dwell on it.’ Recently, she had consciously started to distance herself slightly from Cheonhui. It was partly due to the request of Senior Brother Jangmun and Senior Brother Hyeondo. But it was also because she realized something when seeing Cheonhui, who grew more formidable by the day. He had become far too significant to be confined within her care. So she had decided to let him go. "Alright. You said you had something to discuss?" "Yes." “Rather than talking outside, come in.” Hyunryeo led Cheonhui into her chambers. ‘Feels like entering the Demon Lord’s office.’ Cheonhui surveyed the room. At a glance, there were processed documents with stacks of paperwork piled high atop them. It was evident how much she had been enduring on her own. ‘This is quite a hassle of a task.’ Recalling Manweol, who used to handle most of the sect leader’s duties, brought a smile to his face. In his previous life, where everyone was an enemy, Manweol was one of the few he could trust. As he was lost in reminiscence, Hyunryeo's voice grounded him. "...Hey, Cheonhui!" Her call snapped him back to reality. Settling into what seemed like a worn-out chair, Cheonhui got straight to the point. “I need to procure some items.” “Items? What items?” “Supplies needed to build the Seven Plum Blossom Gates.” “Seven Plum Blossom Gates?” “It’s a new gate we're constructing. We got the Sect Leader’s permission.” “…Understood.” Concealing her surprise, Hyunryeo grabbed a brush, ready to take notes. Seeing this, Cheonhui began. “First, two hundred arrows without arrowheads…” “A-arrows? Two hundred?” Startled, Hyunryeo paused her writing. “Do you really need that many arrows?” “There’s a purpose for them. If you're really curious, you can ask the Sect Leader.” Mentioning the Sect Leader, Cheonhui continued. “Next, five hundred doses of wall-encompassing pills, and five torches…” With each addition, Hyunryeo found it more challenging to mask her bewilderment. Finally, at Cheonhui’s last request, she completely froze, her hand stopped in mid-air. “And lastly, two luminous pearls.”