6 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Episode 6 "Someone well-known within our sect..." Beside him, Hyun Cheong continued to speak about something or other, yet none of it resonated in Cheon Hui's ears. Reborn as a disciple of the Hwasan Sect? Though he wasn't entirely sure if it was true, he was beginning to accept it, albeit just a little. Reincarnation somewhat aligns with the notion of eternity. But this wasn't it. ‘What? Three hundred years later?’ His brows furrowed involuntarily. Until now, he only thought it was his condition that had changed. And yet, to suddenly find oneself thrust three hundred years into the future. ‘If I were to be reincarnated, couldn't it have been immediate? What's the meaning of this?’ Three hundred years is by no means a short time. As the old saying goes, even ten years can change the mountains and rivers; so three hundred years would mean they would have changed thirty times over. Just then. Thud. A weight was felt on his shoulder, and a low voice followed. “...Are you alright?” The inquiry pierced his ear, snapping him back to reality. Right in front of him, Hyun Cheong was staring with eyes full of concern while shaking his shoulder gently. Seeing him brought Cheon Hui back to his senses. He brushed away the tumultuous thoughts in his mind and made an effort to move his reluctant lips. “I’m fine.” Hyun Cheong released the grip on his shoulder. “That’s... a relief, then.” Despite his words, Hyun Cheong's face remained clouded with worry as he looked at Cheon Hui. However, Cheon Hui had no luxury to worry about Hyun Cheong's expression now. Instead, he looked back at Hyun Cheong and asked, "Is there perhaps a manuscript in Mangyeong Pavilion that records the history of Kangho?" "...Are you speaking of the history of Kangho?" Hyun Cheong appeared utterly puzzled by the unexpected question but promptly shook his head and replied. "We haven’t specifically recorded the history of Kangho." Cheon Hui's face stiffened momentarily. But it was brief, as Hyun Cheong added further explanation. “Instead, we have the Hwasan Chronicle, which details our sect's history.” Cheon Hui's eyes narrowed. That should suffice. In the blink of an eye, having reached his conclusion, Cheon Hui looked up at Hyun Cheong and inquired, “Do you know where this Hwasan Chronicle is located?” “It should be in the western corner of the second floor.” “Thank you.” After a quick bow, Cheon Hui hurried past Hyun Cheong and descended the stairs with long strides. Perhaps it was due to his growing urgency. Tak-tak― As soon as he arrived on the second floor, he moved towards the west without taking time for a thorough search. When rifling through the bookshelves afterward. ‘Found it!’ It was surprisingly easy to locate. With his eyes gleaming, Cheon Hui zeroed in on the shelves packed with Hwasan Chronicles. Even at a glance, they exceeded several dozens neatly aligned. ‘The most recent one should be...’ His eyes stopped at the right end of the shelf. Could that be it? Without delay, he picked up the pristine and newly written Hwasan Chronicle, presumed to be the latest one located on the rightmost side of the shelf. Thus, he began reading the book. Slam. After a while, he closed the book. “Sigh…” A sigh slipped through his lips. Following that, he scratched the back of his head with a perplexed expression and uttered an exclamation. “Damn, three hundred years really have passed.” * * * The Next Day. At Hwasan Sect's Seonin Peak. Being so high, the snowy white clouds one would expect to be in the sky were awkwardly draped over the summit's peak. And amidst the expansively fluffy clouds. Whirr― There stood a pavilion open on all sides. Hwasan Sect's great meeting was taking place at Wunchong Pavilion, drawing a large gathering. “Everyone’s gathered.” Upon hearing the words of Hyunja Bae's Elder Brother, Hyun Il, who had arrived first, the Headmaster surveyed those seated around. Six individuals seated at a circular table. Most of the masters of Hyunja Bae who uphold the current Hwasan Sect were in attendance. Three were missing. A year ago, Hyun Jin, who set forth with promising Plum Blossom Swordsmen to the Martial Alliance, as well as Hyun Cheong residing in the Mangyeong Pavilion, and Hyun Do, who was devoted to training. “Hyun Cheong sahyeong…” “Ahaha, the sahyeong is the same today.” As Hyun Il awkwardly stroked his beard and chuckled, a few murmured in agreement. “It would have been nice if he could spare a bit of time… such a pity.” While Hyun Jin had a justified absence due to being at the Martial Alliance, the absence of the other two was unfortunate. At least Hyun Do had attended a few times. But not Hyun Cheong. Remaining within Hwasan Sect, he hadn't attended a single great meeting, which left others lamenting. “Shouldn't he come out occasionally?” “I worry he might collapse from overexertion.” It had been eight years since he confined himself to the Mangyeong Pavilion. Since the blow from his youngest brother's death—he hadn’t stepped out since. As the atmosphere grew more somber. “Shall we begin the meeting?” The Headmaster injected a livelier energy into the ambiance. “Everyone knows that in two months, the Wuyue Gathering will be held by our sect.” Everyone’s expressions slightly tensed. The reason why great meetings had been held repeatedly in Wunchong Pavilion recently was exactly because of this event. West Mountain, Hwasan Sect. East Mountain, Taesan Sect. South Mountain, Hyungsan Sect. North Mountain, Hangsan Sect. Central Mountain, Songsan Sect. These five sects, historically known as the Wuyue Sword Sects, gathered every four years to exchange martial arts within each sect. This was the Wuyue Gathering, a grand assembly boasting an ancient tradition and history, now in its fifty-sixth iteration. “Sister. Have all the preparations been made?” All eyes turned to Hyun Ryeo. Being the Master of Jaeryeong Pavilion overseeing the finances of Hwasan Sect, she was responsible for all the arrangements for this year's Wuyue Gathering. "As I mentioned in the previous meeting, we've renovated the previously shabby Maehyang Pavilion, ensuring it's ready to accommodate all soon-to-arrive visitors." At her words, everyone’s eyes widened. “Oh my, is it already done?” “Faster than expected.” Mu Lyeon Pavilion Master, Hyun Yang, who had been quietly listening, asked cautiously. “Weren't we told it would take longer?” “Originally, it would have taken more time, but fortunately, a few days ago, the Bipungsangdan offered their assistance willingly.” “The well-regarded merchant group renowned as the best in Seomseo, why would they...” “The Jeokgeom family, of course.” As if on cue, the Headmaster added to the conversation, and in that moment, everyone nodded in understanding, realizing why the situation had unfolded in such a manner. Jeokgeom was a standout disciple among the second-generation disciples, and he was slated to attend the Wuyue Gathering. "...With this, all the preparations mentioned in the previous meeting are complete." After a brief pause, Hyun Ryeo finished her report. "That's good." The Headmaster smiled with satisfaction. "Hyun Yang." At the call, the Mu Lyeon Pavilion Master bowed his head. "You called for me?" "Have you decided on the disciples attending the Wuyue Gathering?" "I have selected them all." With his reply, he lifted his head. "As we discussed before, Jeokgeom, Jeokun, Jeokjae, and finally Seolran are set to participate." "Very well." The Headmaster smiled at the smoothly progressing preparations for the Wuyue Gathering, but then his expression turned serious as he turned to Hyun Il, who had been observing quietly. "What is the situation around us?" Hyun Il, the Flying Pavilion Master in charge of information across the world, responded as if he had been waiting for this moment. "All is as usual." While this normally would be good news, Hyun Il's dissatisfied expression implied otherwise, prompting him to elaborate. "Even the Jongnam-pa, who would have reacted with fervor at the news of the Wuyue Gathering being hosted by our sect, remains silent." "...Is that so?" The Headmaster's voice faltered. To hear his typically kind and warm voice sink so caught everyone by surprise. Soon, one by one, they began to grasp the underlying meaning of Hyun Il's words and their faces turned cold. The first to react was the Mu Lyeon Pavilion Master. Trembling with indignation, he raised his eyebrows and muttered. "They are treating our sect with disdain." His voice, though tightly restrained, vibrated with anger that everyone could feel. "Haha..." As Hyun Il watched the Mu Lyeon Pavilion Master's struggle to control his temper, he offered a bitter laugh. "What about the Pahaongmun?" the Headmaster quickly interjected to shift the topic. "They are silent as well." "Do you foresee any issues with them?" "Would they engage in pointless conflict?" Contemplating Hyun Il's answer, the Headmaster began to ponder. While other sects might not be a major concern, the Pahaongmun could not be ignored. Excluding the Hwasan Sect, Jongnam-pa, and Baekgui-seong, they had risen in prominence in Seomseo Province and were part of the antagonistic Sahak-ryeon. "Still, be on guard." "Rest assured, I will ensure that." Hyun Il nodded. "Now, regarding the second-generation disciples..." The discussion continued. After about an hour, by the time the sun had begun to set over Seonin Peak, casting a glow in the dusk, the meeting came to a close. "We shall end this meeting." With the Headmaster's words, everyone rose. "Then, I shall take my leave." "Until next time." Bowing to the Headmaster, one by one, they dispersed, exiting Wunchong Pavilion. As Hyun Ryeo was about to leave, she was stopped by the Headmaster. "Sister." "Is there something else, Brother?" Perhaps due to the conclusion of the meeting, Hyun Ryeo's tone and voice were noticeably more relaxed. "Haha, I'm aware of how busy you are, sister. It’s just that I wanted to ask about Cheon Hui." Hyun Ryeo smiled warmly. "If you mean Cheon Hui, he has been frequenting Mangyeong Pavilion every day lately." "Mangyeong Pavilion... you say?" The Headmaster's eyes widened. To his knowledge, Cheon Hui was a child with no interest in martial arts. Yet Mangyeong Pavilion? The Headmaster pondered momentarily, then spoke in understanding. "Now that he's recovered, he must be taking an interest in martial arts. Haha, perhaps we should encourage him to learn the martial arts of our sect..." "No way!" Hyun Ryeo flatly refused his suggestion. "Still, wouldn’t it be beneficial if he is showing interest?" "Brother! Are you in your right mind? Cheon Hui is the child who was dancing between life and death just days ago, and you suggest having him learn martial arts?" Taken aback by Hyun Ryeo's sharp and pointed voice, the Headmaster flinched. Hyun Ryeo, who had grown even more protective since Cheon Hui's serious illness, would not back down. "Moreover, Cheon Hui is already fourteen. It's too late now; it would only harm him further." It was an age considered too late to begin cultivating martial arts. Especially since he had only just recovered from a serious condition, coupled with lack of talent… his future would be rife with hardships. That’s why Hyun Ryeo was determined to prevent him from walking such a path, hoping for a less troubled life for Cheon Hui. "Sister." The Headmaster called her with a calm voice. Seeing Hyun Ryeo's distorted expression, he whispered gently. "Sister, as you said, Cheon Hui is already fourteen. So how long do we plan to dictate his future? Surely you don’t want to see him grow dependent, unable to stand on his own?" "I..." Hyun Ryeo closed her mouth. She knew it herself. Simply opposing was not the best course, but since Cheon Hui’s recent collapse, she had felt anxious. Afraid that he might collapse again. The Headmaster, observing Hyun Ryeo's troubled expression, spoke again. "So, why don't you ask Cheon Hui directly? If he wishes to learn, teach him, and if not, let it be." He smiled gently as he continued. "That is what we ought to do for Cheon Hui's sake, isn't it?" * * * "It's been a while, Brother." As soon as she stepped into Mangyeong Pavilion, Hyun Ryeo greeted him. Seeing her, Hyun Cheong put away his martial arts book and lifted his head. "It has been a while." "Cheon Hui is..." "He should be on the third floor." Hyun Ryeo chuckled at Hyun Cheong's prompt response before she even asked. "Thank you." She turned towards the stairs beside her and spoke softly. "If you could, you really should show yourself from time to time. The brothers are worried." "...I still have work to finish." Hearing his unchanged reply for the umpteenth time, Hyun Ryeo gazed at him with a sorrowful expression before ascending the stairs. Swish― Swish― ‘The sound of wind cutting... There should only be Cheon Hui in Mangyeong Pavilion right now, shouldn’t there?’ Drawn by an inexplicable noise that shouldn't have been there at Mangyeong Pavilion, Hyun Ryeo hastened her steps. When she finally reached the source of the sound. "......!" Her mouth fell open in shock. There stood Cheon Hui. In his left hand, he held a martial arts manual. With his right hand, he executed a technique she knew to be exceptionally rare. ‘That... that’s the Orchid Flower Point Technique (Nanwha Doheol Soo)?’ She was taken aback. What is the Orchid Flower Point Technique, after all? Among all the martial arts known within the Hwasan Sect, it was one of the most powerful techniques, but its key passages had long been lost, rendering it incomplete. ‘When it was found, much of the key methodology was missing, and it was said that only through oral tradition could one vaguely understand how the original Orchid Flower Point Technique was deployed...’ Hyun Ryeo's eyes widened with disbelief. Yet, what was happening now? Cheon Hui was demonstrating the Orchid Flower Point Technique. Exactly as the oral tradition described it, despite only having been passed down by word of mouth.