102 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 102 The early dawn before the break of day. As always, Cheonhui woke up from his slumber, lightly cleansed his body with cold water, and was about to step out of the hut when— "Hm?" His footsteps came to an abrupt halt. "Ah..." Unwanted guests were waiting for him at the door. "What brings you here?" Hyeonryeo stood with Dan Mok-rin by her side. "I'm here to introduce a new disciple," Hyeonryeo replied. Cheonhui tilted his head in curiosity. "Didn't you mention before that you weren’t taking on any more disciples?" Recalling those words from long ago, he questioned her. Hyeonryeo smiled gently. "I've had a change of heart." Her eyes, filled with warmth, were fixed on Cheonhui as she looked at him intently. The reason she hadn't taken any disciples lately was that she had no one to handle the finances of the Hwasan Sect besides herself. But now, things were different. Thanks to Cheonhui, she had some breathing space. So, when she was pondering whether to take on a disciple again, Dan Mok-rin had appeared. Someone similar to herself, who had severed ties for a single person. 'She moved my heart.' Typically, she would never involve herself in such complicated matters, but she saw it as fate and decided to step in. Dan Mok-rin was like her, yet different. Unlike herself, Dan Mok-rin was overflowing with talent. A talent extraordinary enough to be compared to the Sword Master. 'Unlike me, she could be a pillar for Cheonhui in the future.' Hyeonryeo's lips relaxed into a smile. "I hear you know each other." "We do, somewhat." "Then it's perfect timing. Would you be able to stay with Rin while handling matters for the Hwasan Sect?" "It's a bother." "Please. There's no one else I can trust but you." Cheonhui sighed. From past experience, he knew full well that she wouldn't back down when she showed such determination. "Alright." "Thank you. I'll be on my way then." After Hyeonryeo left, the hut became silent, leaving just the two of them. "Benefactor." Dan Mok-rin approached with a bright smile, but then suddenly twisted her body awkwardly before speaking to Cheonhui. "Oh! Should I start calling you Senior Brother now?" Cheonhui looked at the embarrassed Dan Mok-rin with a displeased gaze. 'What a waste...' Why had he made a deal with her? It was for the power of the Danmok Clan. Yet Dan Mok-rin had severed ties with her clan, reducing a potential ally when help was needed. Now, there was just Dan Mok-rin in front of him. No, there were two if he counted the Iron Sword Knight. 'At least the Iron Sword Knight is useful.' The Iron Sword Knight was a master of the Unrestrained Realm, someone useful, but Dan Mok-rin was not. At least not yet. If it were before, it might have been different. She would have been a master herself then. But what did it matter now? She had overcome the obstruction of the Constellation Body impediment, scattering her accumulated internal energy, leaving her strength akin to that of an average third-rate martial artist. 'The only fortunate thing is that her talent is exceptional, so she might become a master again.' That was the one aspect he could trust. Her innate martial talent was already among the best in the land. And now, having overcome the Constellation Body impediment, her body had become flawless. She was sure to rapidly learn and achieve success in anything she pursued. 'But that's a thing far in the future.' Whoosh— Ignoring the bashful Dan Mok-rin, Cheonhui stepped forward. "...Senior Brother!" Realizing her lapse, Dan Mok-rin chased after the departing Cheonhui, and shortly after, they arrived at a rocky cliff. "What a beautiful view!" As Dan Mok-rin marveled at the breathtaking scenery of the Hwasan Sect below, Cheonhui plopped onto the ground. Seeing this, she was momentarily flustered, but soon her eyes widened at Cheonhui’s subsequent actions. "Meditation breathing exercises...?" These exercises required one to cut off mental and physical ties, leaving them defenseless. Yet here he was, meditating right in front of her. It was an act that could only be done if he trusted her completely. Moved, she clasped her hands together. "He trusts me." With her words laced in emotion, she assumed a protective stance, focusing her gaze intently. "Ah, so here you are." The Iron Sword Knight ascended the hill. "Uncle!" Dan Mok-rin had been poised to greet him with joy but straightened her posture again. "Why don’t you come over?" In slight surprise, the Iron Sword Knight noticed that Dan Mok-rin had remained still where she stood instead of rushing up to greet him as she normally would. "I'm acting as his guardian." It was then that the Iron Sword Knight finally spotted Cheonhui concealed behind her and laughed. "Haha! To think he'd trust you as his guardian. It looks like you've gotten quite close." "Yes!" Dan Mok-rin replied confidently. Entrusting her with this task implied his trust in her, or so she thought. And the Iron Sword Knight thought likewise. However, they both overlooked one thing. Cheonhui was capable of perceiving his surroundings and responding immediately even while meditating. For that reason, he had been intently listening to their entire conversation. 'Guardian, indeed.' With a soft scoff, Cheonhui refocused on his meditation. 'First, I'll finish my exercises and then think about what's next.' Meanwhile, the Iron Sword Knight had a smile like a plum blossom emerging in winter as he watched Dan Mok-rin gaze fondly at Cheonhui. 'This is a sight to behold.' Merely seeing her without the somber, world-weary air she once had filled him with joy every time he saw Dan Mok-rin. He had prayed earnestly for this view. 'All this is thanks to young master Cheonhui.' His gaze upon Cheonhui naturally shifted to one of unspeakable gratitude. 'Now, all that's left is for her to end up well with Cheonhui...' Then, recalling the events from the day before, he asked Dan Mok-rin, "Is your mentor a good person?" "An incredibly wonderful person." Dan Mok-rin beamed with joy. As she described, Hyeonryeo was truly a good person. Both in character and personality. Not only that— 'Moreover, she agreed to help after hearing about my relation to young master Cheonhui.' Recalling the reason she confided to Hyeonryeo about joining the Hwasan Sect last night, Dan Mok-rin blushed. With Hyeonryeo's unwavering support now backing her, Dan Mok-rin clenched her fist in determination. “Hm?” Startled by an unexpected voice, both turned simultaneously and froze upon seeing the old man's face. "Master Shini?" "...Grand Master Shini?" Shini, who had come up the hill, looked at the two with a curious expression. "What brings you here?" "It's been a while, sir." The Iron Sword Knight quickly clasped his hands in salute, but Shini furrowed his brows. "That's enough with the formalities. What are you doing here? If I remember correctly, you said you were returning to the Danmok Clan." "Rin wanted to join the Hwasan Sect, so we came to visit." "What? Join the sect? Have I gone deaf?" Shini dug into his ears in disbelief, then turned his gaze to Dan Mok-rin. "Did you say you wanted to join the Hwasan Sect?" "Yes." As he watched her answer with pure, innocent eyes, Shini turned away. "What nonsense is this girl talking about?" he muttered incredulously to the Iron Sword Knight. "But it’s true." The reply left him shocked. "Is such a crazy thing even possible?" "...She severed ties with her clan." "What, severed?" Shini's eyes widened in disbelief. Who would cut ties with their clan to join a sect they are at odds with? "I thought no one in the world was more reckless than me, but it seems I was wrong." Shini muttered while shaking his head, before turning back to the Iron Sword Knight. "So, did you sever ties too?" "No, I'm just here as a guardian." "Then you're going to leave her alone at Hwasan?" "Indeed." "You're more restrained than I expected." "In fact, not being here makes it safer for Rin. Without me, her whereabouts will remain unknown." "Tsk, you've had your share of hardships." "Ha, it's nothing worth mentioning." "Even so, those bastards'... hmm?!" Suddenly, Shini cut himself off mid-sentence, flinging his body elsewhere as if desperate. "Are you done now?" Having completed his meditation, Cheonhui rose, looking annoyed as Shini clung to him. "Why are you here today?" "Why else? Didn't you say you'd learn medicine if you ever had the time?" "There isn't much free time these days." Shini hurried to persuade him, sensing the need to pique his interest somehow. "How about taking a look at this? It'll definitely catch your eye." "What is it?" "It's needlework from my sect..." Meanwhile, Shini and the Iron Sword Knight watched the scene in surprise, rubbing their eyes in confusion. "What's going on here?" "Seeing Grand Master Shini hang on like that…" Who was Shini? A man feared by nothing in the world. Yet here he was, fretting. All in the name of teaching. "Wait a moment." After scanning his surroundings, Shini gestured to the pair to come over. "What? Ah, alright," they replied, bewildered at being called over suddenly. Once they were close enough, Shini fixed his gaze on Cheonhui and asked, “You noticed the change in this girl's condition, right?” Pointing at Dan Mok-rin, Shini questioned. Cheonhui glanced her over briefly. "Not much has changed." "Nothing changed? Look here, she's grown in various ways, hasn't she?" Shini pointed out different aspects of Dan Mok-rin, while Cheonhui's eyes followed. Yes, she had grown. While traces of her youthful appearance lingered, she now seemed to have matured into a sixteen-year-old young woman. Under the scrutiny of Cheonhui and Shini, Dan Mok-rin blushed. "Grand Master Shini..." She spoke out bashfully, but Shini was unfazed, absorbed in his explanations. “You’ve helped her overcome the congenital condition of her body, which is commendable. But!" He was more intent on continuing his explanation. "Her meridians were so blocked that it would have been extremely difficult for her to grow this much under normal circumstances." "Hmm, that's true." Cheonhui partly agreed. Even though the impediment of the Constellation Body was cured, Dan Mok-rin's condition back then had been critical. "How's your body now?" Shini asked Dan Mok-rin. "It's better." "No more lingering pain?" "My stomach feels full sometimes..." "What about the medicine?" "Well, it's all gone..." "Tsk, I'll make more for you." With that, Shini massaged Dan Mok-rin's shoulders and head and swiftly inserted acupuncture needles. "Now, relax and close your eyes." As Dan Mok-rin closed her eyes, “Phew.” Shini focused intensely. At that moment, a cold frost began to form at the tip of the needles as he conducted energy work. Qi manipulation...? Cheonhui observed Shini carefully. The extraordinary technique, with its intricate hand movements, directed the energy flow through the needles in Dan Mok-rin’s body, stimulating her meridians and organs into active movement. After a while, Shini extracted the needles. The frosted needles emitted a cold mist, their pristine white appearance showcasing the residual yin energy. Casting away the frozen needles, Shini furrowed his brow deeply. "Tsk! You haven’t been taking care of your body these past few days!" Finally coming to her senses, Dan Mok-rin appeared embarrassed. "I’ve been busy lately..." "No matter! Now that the accumulated yin energy has been expelled, just maintain your body, and you’ll be fine. But this alone isn't enough, so come to see me periodically for acupuncture." "Is that alright?" "Once I commit myself to a treatment, it bothers me if it's not done properly." Dan Mok-rin's face lit up with joy. Receiving treatment from Shini was as rare as plucking stars from the night sky. That he offered regular sessions was a dream. "Thank you." Bowing her head in gratitude, Dan Mok-rin expressed her appreciation. "There's no need to make a fuss over something so trivial." Though Shini spoke nonchalantly, the sweat dotting his brow revealed the effort it required, as he wiped it away with his sleeve. Turning his confident gaze to Cheonhui, who had been watching from afar, Shini asked, "So, what do you think? Aren't you interested in learning?" The fusion of energy work and medical techniques was intriguing. ‘It’s certainly fascinating.’ But that was all there was to it. Having accomplished much more on his own, Cheonhui remained unimpressed. "No, I’m busy today." Hearing the same indifferent response as before, Shini’s expression twisted. "You said you’d learn!" “I said I’d learn if I had time." "Then now's the..." "I have to go to the Plum Hall." "What? Plum Hall... did you say?" Shini's face instantly turned a deep red. "You said that last time, too!" "That was then, this is now." "...This rascal! Again!" Unable to contain his frustration any longer, Shini erupted, while Cheonhui swiftly pushed off the ground. Watching Cheonhui's shrinking figure in the distance, Shini stomped his feet in exasperation and shouted, "You thunderous brat! Stop right there!"