104 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 104 “Is that all there is to it?” Danmok Lin couldn't hide her disappointment as she cautiously asked again. "Is there something more?" Cheon Hui's response was not what she had hoped for. “But my senior saved me and…” “That was because of a deal, wasn’t it?” “……” Danmok Lin was at a loss for words. She truly believed that Cheon Hui, her savior from the brink of death, was a destiny sent from the heavens. However, Cheon Hui, supposedly her fated counterpart, didn’t seem to care about her at all. ‘...He doesn’t even pay attention to me.’ Danmok Lin’s expression became sullen. “Is that so...” She mumbled, letting her shoulders droop dejectedly as she left in a hurry. “You’re a mean man.” Sohee Gunju’s voice came from behind. “She was clearly showing affection towards you, even someone like me who knows nothing could see that. Yet, you rejected her so bluntly…” Cheon Hui chuckled softly at this comment. Even he was aware of her feelings. ‘It's not like I’m clueless.’ Who wouldn’t notice when someone looks at you with eyes full of admiration? “I’m a Taoist.” “I heard that the Taoists of the Mount Hua Sect are quite open-minded about betrothal.” “So, I should propose?” “No, not to that extent...” Seeing Sohee Gunju flustered, Cheon Hui glanced at the retreating figure of Danmok Lin. ‘Her mind is like a field of flowers.’ Danmok Lin was a woman so pure and innocent, unaware of the world's affairs. She must have misunderstood. When she was in deep despair, he happened to appear. To her, it seemed like fate. ‘It was just a coincidence, though.’ * * * The next day, as the Steel Sword Clan Leader was about to leave the Mount Hua Sect, Danmok Lin and Hyunryeo came out to see him off. “Haha, I was planning to leave quietly.” “How could we let you leave like that?” Hyunryeo, smiling softly, looked up at the Steel Sword Clan Leader and bowed politely. “Boundless blessings. Thank you for bringing Lin all the way to the Mount Hua Sect.” “Oh, it’s nothing worth mentioning…” The Steel Sword Clan Leader scratched the back of his head awkwardly and assumed the fist-palm salute. “...Thank you.” He laughed heartily, grateful toward the Mount Hua Sect. Honestly, he didn’t expect them to accept Danmok Lin as a disciple. Even though Danmok Lin had exceptional talent and cut ties with her family, there were still more disadvantages than benefits—expectations and suspicions from other sects, to name a few. Not to mention, the Mount Hua Sect had announced its return to the martial world. “Thank you for accepting Lin as a disciple.” “It’s only natural.” A smile crossed the Steel Sword Clan Leader’s lips. He appreciated this attitude, acting as though they weren’t fazed by what might happen in the future. ‘Is this what a true Taoist is like?’ The Mount Hua Sword, Cheon Hui, and the Sect Leader. The Taoists of the Mount Hua Sect he observed over three days were clearly different from secular monks and Taoists. They embodied the Way (道), Chivalry (俠), and even Emotion (情). Neither rigid nor soft. They were the epitome of flexible Taoists. ‘I wish I could become closer with them.’ But then he shook his head. ‘But that won't be possible.’ In the past, it might have been possible when righteous sects were united, but not in reality. The Danmok family and the Mount Hua Sect were enemies. It was difficult to get any closer. For both Hyunryeo and Danmok Lin. ‘I hope nothing unfortunate happens...’ He couldn't be too sure. All he could do was pray that they wouldn't become enemies. Chuckling bitterly, the Steel Sword Clan Leader reached out and patted the head of Danmok Lin, who had been bowing her head silently. “What’s wrong?” “Uncle...I’m sorry. If only I hadn’t been so stubborn…” “What are you apologizing for?” “For severing ties…” “Are you regretting it?!” The Steel Sword Clan Leader’s voice rose. “Did you sever ties and become a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect with just that level of resolve?” “That’s…” “What do you expect to gain with such half-hearted determination?” The Steel Sword Clan Leader glared at Danmok Lin. He had only been at the Mount Hua Sect for three days, but he could see through the relationship between Danmok Lin and Cheon Hui. In truth, anyone could tell if they saw them conversing. Danmok Lin’s unrequited love was obvious. “Do you want to lose him?” Danmok Lin bit her lip hard. The person she saw yesterday, named Sohee, and the way the female disciples of the Mount Hua Sect looked at Cheon Hui was also unusual. Danmok Lin raised her head promptly. Beneath her slightly arched eyebrows, her eyes were filled with determination. “No.” “That’s the spirit.” Reminding Danmok Lin of the unfavorable situation, the Steel Sword Clan Leader withdrew his hand from her head. “Then I’ll be on my way before the morning becomes too late.” “...Take care.” “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself, hoping to hear good news in the future.” Laughing playfully, he passed by the shy Danmok Lin and stood in front of Hyunryeo. He bowed respectfully, like a father entrusting his daughter, as he requested. “Please take care of Lin.” Touched by his heartfelt request for Danmok Lin, a warm smile naturally appeared on Hyunryeo’s face. “Do not worry.” Hyunryeo smiled gently and bowed. “Boundless blessings. I pray that nothing out of the ordinary happens on your way.” “Hahaha, you don’t have to worry about that.” The Steel Sword Clan Leader laughed boldly. “I also pray for your health, Lady仙子.” Shortly after, when the Steel Sword Clan Leader left the Mount Hua Sect, a bittersweet silence enveloped the atmosphere. Hyunryeo and Danmok Lin stood still like stone statues. Eventually, after the Steel Sword Clan Leader disappeared. “Let’s head back.” “Yes.” Responding to Hyunryeo, Danmok Lin, who had been watching until he vanished entirely, slowly turned away. ‘I must not be selective about means and methods.’ After parting with the Steel Sword Clan Leader, Danmok Lin’s campaign, which had been briefly quiet, began again. “Master!” Every morning she would go to find Cheon Hui and began a temptation stronger than anything known under the heavens. “I read a martial arts book called Sŏkp’ung T’wi (朔風腿), would you like to hear about it?” It was martial arts. And that choice proved effective. “Sŏkp’ung T’wi? What kind of martial arts is that?” Cheon Hui, who wouldn’t have paid attention to Danmok Lin’s words on ordinary days, was utterly captivated. "Long ago, there was a mysterious vagabond known as Sakpunggaek (朔風客), who came from the north and demonstrated a unique foot technique..." Cheon Hui perked up his ears. Foot techniques, similar to kicking techniques, involve using the feet as a form of martial arts that prioritize destructive power and speed over precision. ‘Foot techniques, it’s been a while since I’ve heard of them.’ Most martial arts focus on the hands—sword, dagger, spear, fist—making techniques that utilize the feet rare. While the hands can move freely, it’s not as easy with the feet. Among the few transmitted kicking techniques, foot techniques are almost nonexistent. This is partly because they are too simple—swinging, stamping, extending. And Sakpung T’wi, which Danmok Lin was now explaining, was no different. ‘It looks simple, but when combined with footwork, it can display unimaginable destructive force.’ He recalled an old man who rose from a mere disciple to an elder within the Heavenly Demon Church. Ma Ilseok, known as the Demon Who Calls forth the Dark Winds. Even in his eighties, his body was rock-solid like a boulder, covered in muscles—his arms, chest, and back, especially his renowned legs. ‘The Gaesan T’wi performed with those legs was truly exceptional.’ His legs were like those of a horse, thickly muscled, capable of slicing through air and splitting mountains with a single swing. Of course, Sakpung T’wi wasn’t to that extent. While not outstanding as a martial art for ascension, it was a sound technique to master. ‘Especially compared to the Mount Hua Sect.’ Mount Hua had few kicking and foot techniques. And those that existed were basic, like Pyo Mi Gak (豹尾脚)—utilized through Gugungbo, or So Yeop T’we. Even for a sect that specializes in swords, it was concerning. ‘What if they have to fight without a sword?’ While unrelated to swordplay, one could never predict an injury to the shoulder or an inability to use one’s arms. ‘Should I create one?’ In the past, Cheon Hui would have ignored it out of inconvenience. But now, he considered taking action. He disliked the idea of the Mount Hua Sect being underestimated. Lost in thought, Cheon Hui asked Danmok Lin, “What is the mnemonic verse?” The glow on Danmok Lin’s face was as bright as the sun when she saw Cheon Hui showing interest. “The mnemonic for Sakpung T’wi is…” As Danmok Lin began reciting the mnemonic, others were observing the pair. “What do you think, Wijeon?” Sohee Gunju furrowed her brows. Cheon Hui, who used to dismiss anything as bothersome, was now actively engaging in conversation. “They seem quite close.” Shim Wijeon, who was also watching them with a surprised expression, spoke softly. “Why do you think that is?” “Perhaps it’s because of martial arts…” “Is that how you see it too, Wijeon?” Sohee Gunju’s eyes sank. Her eyes soon flared with a black flame as she spoke. “You know a lot of martial arts, right?” “Well, as an imperial martial artist, I do know quite a bit…” Shim Wijeon was startled, sensing the intention behind the question. “But, my lord, if I disclose the imperial martial arts recklessly, the consequences…” “Who asked you to reveal the imperial martial arts?” Sohee Gunju’s eyes widened. “Surely, you’ve learned other martial arts as well.” Shim Wijeon straightened up. The martial world and the imperial court were in a non-aggressive relationship. Thus, there were martial arts learned separately to leave no imperial trace when active in the martial world. “Follow me.” Sohee Gunju took the lead. “Young hero.” The pair, who were deep in conversation, turned their heads at her call. “Are you interested in imperial martial arts?” Interested? That was an obvious question. “I’m very interested.” “Excellent.” A smile spread across Sohee Gunju’s face. “Wijeon.” “I understand.” Shim Wijeon immediately drew his sword. The well-maintained blade moved with great fluidity. Whiiisssh— A lightly swung sword. Yet it created a vortex around the drifting plum blossoms, sharp enough to cut flesh. Hm? Cheon Hui’s eyes narrowed momentarily. It was Song Pung Swordsmanship (松風劍法). A legacy of the Song Pung Clan, which once dominated the martial world, before its unexpected annihilation. ‘Was the imperial court involved?’ After swinging the sword a few more times, Shim Wijeon stopped and caught his breath. “How was it?” “It’s an impressive sword technique.” Witnessing Cheon Hui’s interest, Sohee Gunju was inwardly pleased. ‘But one isn’t enough.’ To cement Cheon Hui’s interest, Sohee Gunju spoke again. “The imperial palace martial archives contain much more. Would you like to come take a look?” Despite her subtle tone probing Cheon Hui, his response was firm. “No.” What tour? Although curious about what the imperial palace martial archives held, he had no desire to get involved with the imperial family. ‘I’d rather sneak into the imperial palace myself.’ Recalling the bothersome mosquito that was the imperial family, Cheon Hui shook his head. He avoided them not out of fear, but because they were bothersome. Sohee Gunju, initially flustered by his unexpected refusal, quickly composed herself. “Is that so?” She withdrew swiftly. ‘There’s no need to rush.’ It was the very moment Cheon Hui showed interest. “Then how about seeing other martial arts?” “That sounds good.” Sohee Gunju signaled Shim Wijeon again. With a resigned expression, Shim Wijeon nodded and picked up his sword once more. ‘...This guy.’ Meanwhile, Danmok Lin recalled Sohee Gunju’s previous words, glaring at her. ‘…Trying to take my senior?’ Quickly, she stood beside Cheon Hui. “Senior, instead of that, I know other martial arts.” Cheon Hui turned his head immediately. “What kind of martial arts?” “It’s an external martial art…” Not to be outdone, Sohee Gunju interjected. “If it’s external, we also…”