99 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 99 Winter had silently departed, ushering in the arrival of spring. Hidden beneath the once rigidly frozen earth, new life eagerly awaited the warm embrace of sunlight, emerging with vibrant green shoots to announce its presence. Alongside this rebirth— Ribbit— Ribbit— Cheonhui glanced at the awakened frogs riveted from hibernation before turning his gaze forward. It had been three months since Jegal Seonghyeon and his party's arrival. During the change of seasons, not only had the realm of Geonwon evolved, but the same rang true for the Seven Plum Blossoms Pavilion. “We’ve barely managed to get the basics in place.” Cheonhui’s eyes were fixed on the Seven Plum Blossoms Pavilion. A small gate adorned the entrance, and beside it, an intriguing inscription captured the eye in an enthralling manner. [Seven Plum Blossoms Pavilion (梅花七館)] It was something they had inscribed with a sword on the first day. ‘How peculiar. I didn’t even imbue it with any energy.’ Could it be that his casual sword strokes inadvertently carried internal energy? Or perhaps, his proficiency with the Plum Blossom Divine Art had naturally extended to his hands and feet? The inscription exuded an inexplicable allure, captivating to any onlooker. ‘Did the Plum Blossom Divine Art have such a mysterious charm?’ As he stroked his chin while staring at the inscription— “So-hyeob!” Jegal Seonghyeon emerged from the entrance, his face brightened with a broad smile. “When we moved just as so-hyeob instructed, the formation activated.” Jegal Seonghyeon’s gaze held profound trust as he watched Cheonhui. And rightly so. For days, they struggled as the formation failed to trigger, only to resolve with Cheonhui’s brief advice. “So, everything is now in place?” “Yes, the first seal has been completed.” Just then, a commotion arose at the entrance. “Ah, finally finished.” “It's finally over.” Members of the Jegal family came pouring out, shaking off dust as they emerged in droves. Indeed, it had to be the Jegal family. Though it was expected to take at least half a year to complete even a single formation seal given the complexity of the mechanisms and the difficulty of the formations required. Yet, completion came sooner than anticipated. ‘There was a reason for their initial confidence.’ “Now, we need someone to test if the formation activates correctly.” “Haha. Testing is fine, but...” Jegal Seonghyeon half-closed his eyes. “It won’t be just anyone who can test it.” Oh, they seem quite confident. “So, what level is required?” “At the very least, they must be a master of supreme skill.” Jegal Seonghyeon spoke with great confidence. ‘Hehe, even the esteemed masters of the Hwasan Sect will find it hard to pass this barrier.’ “Hmmm, at least supreme level, you say?” Hearing those words, Cheonhui’s mind fleetingly raced through the faces of two individuals who served him faithfully. “Very well. Let’s bring them in.” After about a quarter of an hour— “You called for us?” “Yes, did you need us?” Cheonhui looked at Seargyum and Seolran, who he had summoned, and then squinted at the entourage that followed them closely. It was Shinui and the Sovereign Lady, Sohui. “Why have they come?” Cheonhui’s tone, as if regarding unwelcome guests, prompted a sheepish grin from Seargyum. “Haha, well, you see...” While Seargyum glanced at Shinui, the latter stepped forward. “I insisted on coming along.” Shinui said, jostling his way in. “I was curious as to what’s been keeping you so preoccupied lately.” Arms crossed, with a raised chin, he glanced back and forth between Cheonhui and Geonwon with an irritable frown. ‘Hmph. It turns out you were busy creating something bizarre instead of visiting.’ Since the creation of the Dark Fragrance Pill, Shinui had been voluntarily assisting with medical care alongside the head physician, thereby growing closer to Cheonhui. Then suddenly, Cheonhui stopped visiting Doryeom Fortress altogether. “What on earth is this?” Cheonhui casually replied to Shinui's face bristling with complaints. “A gateway.” “A gateway...?” Cheonhui noted Shinui’s puzzled expression and seized the opportunity. “Well, it’s perfect timing. We might need someone in case there are any injuries.” Cheonhui’s gaze shifted to Seargyum and Seolran, and they involuntarily shivered when meeting his enigmatic expression. ‘Senior brother?’ ‘Senior sister?’ They exchanged apprehensive glances as they mentally conversed. ‘It’s astonishing no matter how many times I witness it.’ Jegal Seonghyeon’s expression grew complex as he beheld the entourage. Who was it that stood before them now? The elder, scowling with dissatisfaction was known to roam unconstrained by the martial world’s rules, the unparalleled physician Sungsoo Shinui. And alongside him, the elegant beauty and the girl, as well as the young man, were all individuals of imperial descent. Moreover, the beauty was the daughter of the Blue Sea Lord, Sohui the Sovereign Lady, with impervious nobility. ‘These individuals, far removed from martial affairs, have all gathered here at the Hwasan Sect.’ An unusual combination, one that seemed impossibly unfitting at first glance, was now residing at the Hwasan Sect. And at their center was Cheonhui. Or rather, Cheonhui wasn’t merely the center. ‘The great Sungsoo Shinui, whom the world feared not, and those of the imperial family yielding to Cheonhui So-hyeob’s will... Perhaps I am in no place to comment.’ Reflecting on this brought a wry smile to his lips. On closer analysis, wasn’t he the least compatible among them all? Had he lost his mind? Meanwhile, Cheonhui, who noticed Jegal Seonghyeon smiling wryly alone, spoke up. “Why don’t we commence the test now?” “Yes, indeed!” Startled, Jegal Seonghyeon regained his composure and gently inquired amongst the party. “Which of you will attempt the gateway...?" Before he could finish, Cheonhui gestured toward Seargyum and Seolran. With quick steps, they approached. “Do you desire to grow stronger?” An unexpected inquiry. “Yes.” “Indeed, we do.” “If you wish to become stronger, enter.” “Will entering indeed make us stronger?” “Have I ever lied before?” Seargyum and Seolran exchanged a look. Then, with resolute eyes, they set foot toward the entrance simultaneously. Step— Step— As soon as the darkness of the cave swallowed their forms and they vanished— Rumble— Like a mild earthquake, Geonwon began to shake before a mystical energy poured forth. “Whoa, quite miraculous.” “Wow!” “So this is a formation...” From afar, Shinui and the Sovereign Lady’s entourage reacted variously. Yes. All seems in order. It was quite a satisfactory result. ‘For now, the “Path of Ten Thousand Tribulations Reincarnate” crafted at the entrance holds no issues.’ The "Path of Ten Thousand Tribulations Reincarnate" was a formation from which entrance was possible, but exit was impossible—a point of particular concern the moment plans for the Seven Plum Blossoms Pavilion were conceived. “You’ve kept it triggered for several days now, right?” “If they fail to pass the gate, they’ll be trapped without a chance to escape for at least ten days.” That seemed sufficient for now. There were several reasons for creating the Seven Plum Blossoms Pavilion, one of which was to stand in for actual combat experience. But if one could leave at will? That would be utter nonsense. In such a scenario, even a gate that felt like life or death would lose all its tension and intensity. Therefore, to maintain a level of suspense, they ensured that once inside the formation, escape was impossible for up to ten days until one conquered the trial. “Though I’m a bit concerned.” Jegal Seonghyeon scratched the back of his head. “There’s the risk of losing one’s sanity, unable to distinguish day from night inside the cave while enduring the trial of the gate...” Initially, the successful completion brought only joy, but concern quickly overtook as he considered the ramifications. “To add, as they approach the end of the gate, new mechanisms and formations are activated, furthering the chaos.” The Seven Plum Blossoms Pavilion was a personal hell on earth. With not one but seven mechanisms unfolded, most warriors might find themselves driven to madness. “Well, passing it solves that problem.” Cheonhui, who designed the gate and was aware of its dangers, remained unfazed. In fact, he felt it was a shame. ‘I’d have rather modeled it after the Cheonma Ten Gates where escape took either passing through or perishing within.’ The original Cheonma Ten Gates allowed no middle ground—passing or death by confinement were the only two choices. In comparison, the Seven Plum Blossoms Pavilion was a watered-down version offering a living path, quite peaceful compared to the Cheonma version. But there was no choice. The sect’s master wouldn’t permit it, and attempting such would rapidly deplete the Hwasan Sect’s already limited manpower. 'Though it lacks the extremity of the Cheonma Ten Gates, there will be growth even with this. Facing ten days of continuous trial will naturally lead to improvement.' ‘And there are other advantages.’ The original Cheonma Ten Gates were so perilous that only a select few dared repeat attempts. But the current Seven Plum Blossoms Pavilion posed no mortal threat. What this meant was that anyone with the will could continuously challenge it. And it was perfect for the Hwasan Sect, keen on fostering stronger disciples. ‘If they possess the desire and competitiveness to improve, they will grow stronger.' Everything seemed fine as it was. Then— "Huh?" Jegal Seonghyeon squinted his eyes suddenly. “What’s that? That mechanism should only be activated later…” Sensing something awry, he faltered in disarray. “What is this?” “S-Samgongja nim!” A voice shouted urgently. Startled, Cheonhui and Jegal Seonghyeon turned their heads toward the unexpected cry. One of the Jegal clan members was sprinting towards them, his complexion pale as a sheet. Seeing him approach almost on all fours, Jegal Seonghyeon felt a rising sense of dread. “Is there a problem?” “N-Now!” The man nodded frantically. “The mechanisms inside the formation are going berserk!” “What?!” Jegal Seonghyeon immediately bolted towards the site. Reaching the establishment where the mechanisms were set in Geonwon, his expression turned grave. “…!” His eyes furiously darted, watching the erratic movement of the formations, rattled by what he witnessed. “Damn it!” Jegal Seonghyeon clenched his fist. The mechanisms were supposed to activate sequentially. However, at present— “They’re all triggered at once! This puts the two inside in danger!” Biting his thumbnail in anxiety, Jegal Seonghyeon urgently commanded. “Why’re you all just standing around?! Do something to stop them!” “T-That is….” The reporting man stuttered, clutching his teeth in frustration. Jegal Seonghyeon’s face turned as pale as the man’s. “No way…” “It won’t... stop.” “…Damn.” Jegal Seonghyeon’s shoulders slumped. He couldn’t even utter a curse. ‘If they were to die in there...’ The future darkened before his eyes. A misstep could lead to the deaths of those trapped inside, either through starvation or the rampaging mechanisms. ‘If those two perish, crossing that point of no return is inevitable.’ The impending disaster caused him to tremble with dizziness. ‘If this leads to accountability...’ Caught in thoughts of the worst possible scenario, a voice arose behind him. “What’s going on?” Turning, they saw Cheonhui, who had seemed to appear unnoticed, observing them. “Well…” Faced with a muddled mind, Jegal Seonghyeon struggled with the words before finally detailing the current situation. “…The second set of mechanisms we installed have gone haywire. They were supposed to activate sequentially, but they all went off simultaneously.” What? The situation was more serious than anticipated. If it were merely the mechanisms of the first pavilion, Seolan and Jeokgeom could likely manage, but this complicated matters. “Didn’t you say it was completed properly earlier?” “… I’m sorry.” Jegal Seonghyeon clenched his eyes shut and bowed his head. There was nothing else he could say but apologize for the mishap. “It’s all my fault.” Well, at least he knows he’s at fault. Cheonhui scrutinized Jegal Seonghyeon’s bowed head, then turned around swiftly. “Well, let’s leave it at that for now. We’ll discuss this matter thoroughly later.” “So-hyeob?” As Cheonhui walked away without further questioning, Jegal Seonghyeon was left baffled. Step— Step— Cheonhui headed towards the entrance. “W-Where are you going?” “I need to save them.” “What?” “You can’t go in alone!” Jegal Seonghyeon shouted, panic-stricken. The Path of Ten Thousand Tribulations Reincarnate was a formation that, once activated, did not allow someone who entered to leave until the formation was dispelled. But this was the worst possible scenario. The present malfunction denied even the possibility of dispelling the formation. ‘I can’t let So-hyeob die!’ Just as Jegal Seonghyeon hurriedly moved to stop Cheonhui— Crunch! He froze at the ensuing sight. The Mei Hwa Ilgwan combined the secrets of the Jegal family and newly acquired mechanism formations and strategic techniques, the result of meticulous effort over an extensive period. At that moment, Cheonhui reached out his hand. As if capturing an invisible insect in mid-air, he clenched his fist. Crash! The sound of shattering glass resonated, revealing the interior of the cave shrouded in darkness. "……!" Jegal Seonghyeon’s mouth dropped wide open. And it wasn’t just him. The Jegal family members, Shinui, and even the entourage of the listless looking Sovereign Lady Sohui were struck with astonishment. Step— Cheonhui took a step inside. “Aaaargh!” “Senior Brother! Move this way!” Sounds like it's over there. Hearing the echoing cries of the two, Cheonhui effortlessly pushed off the ground.