101 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 101 “Wow! The Mount Hua Sect!” “I’m going to be a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect!” The rumor that the Mount Hua Sect was opening its gates spread just two days ago, yet a long line had already formed on the mountain. The faces and eyes of the many boys and girls climbing the mountain path were filled with an undeniable sense of anticipation. However, not everyone shared the same sentiment. “Aww, I don’t want to become a Taoist.” “Enough with the whining! Just come quickly!” It seemed that some were dragged to the mountain against their will, grumbling as they went. Creeeaak— At that moment, the gate of Mount Hua opened, and an elderly Taoist appeared. It was none other than Hyun Sang, the sect leader of the Mount Hua Sect. “Who is that Taoist?” “Who could it be? A senior perhaps?” Most of the crowd didn’t recognize the sect leader’s identity. Naturally so. The sect leader had rarely shown himself in the martial world, and most of the recent fame the Mount Hua Sect garnered was due to Hyun Do—the Mount Hua Divine Sword. People knew the impression of the Mount Hua Divine Sword but not much about the sect leader. Given this, one might expect the sect leader to feel disappointed, but instead... ‘This is wonderful.’ There was no sign of disappointment on his face. Or rather, he was too overjoyed to be disappointed. Just seeing the crowd gathered to join the Mount Hua Sect filled him with happiness. ‘Who would have thought we’d revive during my time…’ A surge of emotion filled his heart. ‘I can now face our ancestors.’ Honestly, though he never showed it outwardly, he had silently borne the weight of responsibility for a long time. The guilt of Mount Hua’s decline being his fault haunted him, giving him nightmares. ‘But now...’ The sect leader looked ahead. Before him was a multitude! People from all over the world seeking to become disciples of Mount Hua. As excitement bubbled within him. ‘No. This isn’t the time to be satisfied.’ He quickly calmed himself. It wasn’t time to celebrate just yet. ‘This is only the beginning.’ The sect leader steadied his mind, clasped his hands together, invoking the Zahashin Art. “Amithabha.” Instantly, a profound and powerful resonance, carrying the essence of Zahashin, enveloped the crowd like a tidal wave. Whooosh! At the same time, a gentle glow resembling the evening glow began spreading from the sect leader, coloring the gate, the mountain, even the sky. “Ahh.” “...!” The crowd was mesmerized. When had they ever witnessed such a spectacle? The sky itself was transforming! “A celestial being!” “They say immortals reside in Mount Hua.” Just as this current scene imprinted deeper than anything else in their minds. ‘Observe well.’ Scanning the crowd, the sect leader carved a gentle smile upon his lips. All of this was meticulously planned. He who normally acted with frugality had deliberately displayed the Zahashin Art and unleashed the Lion’s Roar to awe them and issue a warning to hidden observers simultaneously. Those affiliated with the Nine Great Schools. Or even those from the Eight Great Clans or the Bicheon Association were surely among them. ‘Henceforth, our sect will no longer be easy prey like before.’ The sect leader slowly turned his head. “I thank you all for making the long journey for Mount Hua. I am Hyun Sang, the sect leader of Mount Hua.” The crowd stirred. “Gasp! The sect leader!” “Is that the leader of the Mount Hua Sect?” The appearance of the Mount Hua sect leader, who was nearly an enigma, heightened the tension. Noticing the quieting surroundings, the sect leader nodded. ‘Finally, the day has come.’ A warm smile spread across his face. He then cast a glance at the Taoists guarding the gate and spoke in a solemn tone. “Is everything ready?” “Amithabha. All is ready.” The Taoist humbly replied. “Good.” With a light gesture of his hand, the sect leader stirred Mount Hua to life. The cheer that erupted shook the very mountain. Watching their enthusiasm, the sect leader felt his heart swell with emotion. The scene he’d dreamed of his entire life. Its beginning was now. ‘From today, Mount Hua shall soar.’ His eyes glowing with determination, the sect leader declared to the crowd with a resounding voice. “The gates shall open.” With the sect leader’s welcoming announcement, boys and girls gathered in the open training ground prepared at the gate. “Who do you think will come?” “Could it be the Plum Blossom Sword Master?” The young ones, their baby fat yet to fade, stood there jittering with excitement, their faces flushed with eagerness. Soon— Thud, thud— Two young Taoists approached. Wearing contrasting black and white Taoist robes, Chunhui and Jeokgeom studied the bright-eyed children before them. Chunhui’s brows knitted. “Why are there only children?” “Ha, haha.” Jeokgeom chuckled awkwardly. “…It is by the command of the sect leader.” Oh, they’re really laying it on thick. Beside them, there were many to select disciples for the sect, but here, the ages ranged noticeably below fourteen. It was clear they were searching for the future talents who would bear the Mount Hua Sect’s legacy. “Can I leave once we’re finished?” “Yes.” “Good.” Chunhui stood before the leading boy. “What’s your name?” “Jo, Jo Woong.” “Martial arts learned?” “None!” “I see. Then let me see your right hand.” “Here it is!” Gripping the boy’s stiffened hand, Chunhui examined his pulse before speaking. “Ordinary potential. But you’ll excel if you learn martial arts.” “Y-Yes!” As Chunhui evaluated the appropriate martial arts and potential, Jeokgeom swiftly jotted it down. “All recorded?” “Yes!” Once assured everything was noted, Chunhui waved dismissively, somewhat weary. “You may leave now.” “Yes, yes sir!” As the boy scurried off, Chunhui turned to the girl behind him. “What’s your name?” “I-I am…” And so the process continued repeatedly. After verifying all the children, who had numbered in the dozens, Chunhui spoke up again. “Are we done now?” “Yes. You’ve worked hard.” Sweating, Jeokgeom wiped his forehead with his sleeve and reviewed the registry. "Phew, out of all the children we assessed today, it seems only these two stand out," Jeokgeom said, reviewing the densely written names and attributes on his list as he identified two remarkable candidates. “Eun Gong!” A sharp voice rang out from outside. Huh? This voice? At the familiar sound, Cheonhui turned his head to see a well-known woman running towards them from a distance. "Danmok Rin?" Why is she here? Cheonhui watched her sudden appearance curiously. “Who is she?” Jeokgeom asked from beside him. “Someone I met briefly in the past.” “Really?” Jeokgeom scratched his head, perplexed by the woman's bright expression, which seemed too familiar for someone just briefly met. ‘I'm sure the teacher will handle it wisely.’ Danmok Rin, now panting but still beaming, stopped right in front of Cheonhui. Looking up at him, she spoke. “It’s been a while, Eun Gong.” “It has,” Cheonhui replied, his tone indifferent despite her enthusiastic greeting. “I came to see you because I heard the gates of the Mount Hua Sect were opening today.” “Is that so?” Cheonhui didn’t probe further, taking it at face value. ‘Looks like she’s completely recovered.’ Though still petite, Danmok Rin had shed some of her youthful appearance. “You’re fully healed now.” “Yes! Thanks entirely to you.” As she spoke with a bright smile, Jeokgeom, who had been silently observing, turned beet red. ‘Such a beauty…’ Her sweat-dampened hair clinging to her cheeks made Jeokgeom's heart flutter, shaking his composure even though he’d been sequestered at Mount Hua. “Excuse me, teacher, who is this young lady...?” Danmok Rin answered with a bright smile and a polite bow before Cheonhui could reply. “Oh! I am Lin.” “Ah, Amithabha. I’m Jeokgeom.” “Oh! You’re Jeokgeom.” “Yes, I am!” Jeokgeom stood upright, visibly flustered. “What a splendid person.” Her compliment left Jeokgeom gaping at her, utterly spellbound. This was a first for him. True, he’d encountered beautiful women before. Seolran and Sohee Lord were considered among the most beautiful in the world. But Danmok Rin was different. Just seeing her seemed to melt away rational thought, leaving his mind blurred. ‘Tsk. Getting swayed so easily by just this?’ Cheonhui cast a disapproving glance at the starstruck Jeokgeom. ‘If this is all it takes, he’d fall easily for any expert who uses enchanting arts.’ The reason Jeokgeom was so entranced was simple. Danmok Rin was indeed a beauty, but there was more to it. Having overcome her innate cold aura, a powerful yin energy now saturated her being, captivating anyone she encountered. Especially for someone like Jeokgeom, filled with youthful vigor, it wasn’t surprising that just one glance at her could turn his world upside down. Danmok Rin then approached Cheonhui, speaking softly. “I came to fulfill our promise.” Cheonhui’s mind raced. ‘Promise? Ah, that!’ He recalled the agreement he’d made with her—to dedicate everything. “At the moment, I don’t really need anything.” “No!” Danmok Rin shook her head adamantly and spoke with bright eyes. “I’ve already resolved everything and came prepared.” Resolved? What was she talking about? He was puzzled. All he had asked was for the Danmok family’s support if needed. That was it. But she quickly clarified his confusion with her next words. “I’ll become a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect so I can stay by your side!” * * * “Young lady, I greet the Grandmaster of the Mount Hua Sect.” “I greet the Grandmaster of the Mount Hua Sect.” “Amithabha.” The Grandmaster looked at Danmok Rin and the Steel Sword Knight, feeling a bit troubled. ‘Haha, the famous Iron Sword Knight of the Danmok family and their cherished youngest daughter.’ The Danmok family, one of the core pillars of the Eight Great Clans, had long been in opposition to the Mount Hua Sect. Though their interactions had ceased long ago, here they were, visiting him. 'And it’s not just a visit.' “…You wish to become a disciple of this sect?” “Yes.” Danmok Rin's bright smile left the Grandmaster with a throbbing headache. ‘This is quite complicated.’ Who could have imagined the esteemed youngest daughter of the Danmok family would want to join the Mount Hua Sect? “Are you aware of the relationship between your family and our sect?” “Yes, I am well aware.” “And yet, you wish to become a disciple here?” “Yes.” Danmok Rin responded with a firm, confident voice. The Grandmaster's head throbbed even more. “But if you enter our sect, how will the Danmok family…?” “It doesn’t matter.” Before he could finish, Danmok Rin cut him off with an astonishing declaration. “I’ve already severed ties with my family.” “Severed ties…?” Unable to believe his ears, the Grandmaster looked at Danmok Rin in disbelief, then at the Steel Sword Knight, who wore a slightly awkward smile. “Is what she says true?” “It is.” Hearing the Steel Sword Knight’s confirmation made the Grandmaster’s mind even more muddled. “So, you’ve severed all ties with your family to become a disciple here?” “Yes.” “Sigh.” Pressing his forehead, the Grandmaster tried to process the improbable situation. The fact that a member of the Eight Great Clans would sever family ties to join the Mount Hua Sect seemed beyond understanding, even to him as the sect leader. “What is the reason you want to join our sect to such an extent?” “That is…” As she began to answer, Danmok Rin blushed, fidgeting with her fingers, and whispered. “To stay near Cheonhui.” The mention of Cheonhui’s name took the Grandmaster by surprise. “He’s the benefactor who saved my life.” Danmok Rin’s expression bloomed like a flower. Even speaking about Cheonhui seemed to bring her immense joy, brightening her entire demeanor. “Haha, I see.” Seeing Danmok Rin’s shy expression, her cheeks flushed, the Grandmaster chuckled in disbelief. ‘This is quite something. Cheonhui’s charm has captivated a daughter of the Eight Great Clans.’ It was indeed an unexpected reason. Yet, it made perfect sense. Such was the allure of Cheonhui! Ah, yes. Considering Cheonhui's talent and looks, it's certainly within the realm of possibility. “For now, I understand.” The sect leader then shifted his gaze to the Steel Sword Knight. “Then do you intend to stay at our sect...” “Not at all.” The Steel Sword Knight shook his head decisively. “I’m only here to escort Lin. I’ll be leaving shortly.” “I see.” The sect leader felt relieved. ‘That's quite reassuring.’ If the Steel Sword Knight had also severed ties with his clan, things would have gotten complicated. “Very well then.” The sect leader rose from his seat. “I will consider this matter carefully.” The Steel Sword Knight immediately stood and bowed deeply to the sect leader. “I entrust Lin to your care.” Danmok Rin also clasped her hands together. “Please take good care of me.” The sect leader smiled at the pair. “I’ll do my best.” After the brief encounter with them, the sect leader promptly summoned the core members of the Mount Hua Sect. “You’re all gathered.” His eyes scanned the room as he spoke. Despite the sudden meeting, many had assembled in the conference hall. “Have you heard the news?” “About the Danmok family’s daughter?” “Yes, we have.” The rumor had evidently spread, as everyone responded immediately. “I’d like to hear your thoughts.” Barely had the sect leader finished speaking when— “I oppose it.” Muryun Gakju announced sternly. “Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Senior Brother Hyun Do and Junior Brother Hyun Jin, our relations with the Martial Arts Alliance have improved. Accepting the Danmok’s daughter as a disciple risks undoing all their hard work.” “He’s right.” “She could be a spy, after all, couldn’t she?” “Just when we’ve opened the gates of Mount Hua, we can’t afford to create new problems.” Others chimed in, agreeing with the logical argument presented. The Mount Hua Sect was at a point of rising once more. To get entangled in a problematic situation now would be inviting trouble. However, not everyone felt the same way, and Hyun Rye spoke up in rebuttal. “They are a respectable faction. They wouldn’t be foolish enough to blatantly plant a spy.” Those who had sided with Muryun Gakju fell silent at her counterargument. The sect leader addressed them quietly. “I intend to accept her as a disciple.” This statement caused those who opposed the idea, including Muryun Gakju, to rise from their seats in surprise. “But that's…!” “How could you…!” The sect leader met their protests with calm. “How could we, as Taoists, refuse someone who sincerely wishes to join our sect?” “But that alone….” “Her talent is exceptional.” This statement made everyone pause. “Talent?” “What do you mean?” “In the future, the greatest female martial artist might emerge from Mount Hua.” The room buzzed with shock, as if an earthquake had just struck. It was a truly groundbreaking claim. “Are you saying she has talent comparable to the Sword Empress?” Muryun Gakju asked incredulously, and the sect leader nodded silently. “……” The eyes of the opposing faction wavered upon seeing his nod. “She might even surpass her….” The sect leader's words left a lingering impact upon the assembly, though few believed it. “That’s ridiculous!” “The Sword Empress, even at her young age, roamed the martial world.” “We’ll know once we see for ourselves.” The sect leader replied confidently. “She is a talent that the world will not see again.” He had already heard of Danmok Rin’s talent from Cheonhui. ‘Cheonhui's judgment is infallible.’ Addressing the room once more, the sect leader asked. “Is there anyone opposed?” With a sudden movement, Hyun Rye raised her hand. Everyone was taken aback, for she had been in favor until now. “Weren’t you in support?” “Yes, I was.” The sect leader’s eyebrows furrowed. “Then why raise your hand?” “I raised it to make a suggestion.” “What suggestion?” “With such remarkable talent, wouldn’t it be fitting to not just admit her as a third-generation disciple?” “Hmm, that’s true.” The sect leader stroked his beard. Both her family background and innate talent made it inappropriate to classify Danmok Rin simply as an ordinary disciple. “If she trains with our younger disciples, they might be overwhelmed.” All present understood her point. Witnessing someone with immense talent often evoked feelings of inadequacy rather than admiration. Many here had experienced such sentiments at least once. “So, I propose a small suggestion.” “Do you have a solution?” Eagerly awaiting this moment, Hyun Rye's eyes brightened, and she spoke with a slight smile. “I would like to take her as my direct disciple.”