16 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 16 Whether long or short, depending on one’s perspective, the Oakhui Gathering concluded with a shocking result. The first defeat of the Hwasan Sect. Since the gathering began, it was the first time Hwasan Sect had faced such humiliation. However, most spectators of the event spoke more of the young boy who appeared later, displaying exceptional prowess, than of the sect's defeat. “…The plum blossoms bloomed with the wind, filling the arena,” someone said. “Yes, it was such a beautiful sight.” Recalling that scene, the female disciples watching murmured with dreamy eyes, causing another disciple, who had missed the event, to tilt her head in curiosity. “Is that really true?” When faced with doubt, the two women immediately pounded on their chests. “Oh, how frustrating.” “You really should have seen it yourself.” Despite their frustration, the disciple seemed more curious than discouraged. “But isn’t Cheon Hui only fourteen? I heard he’s always been sickly and just resting…” At that, the two disciples flinched. Indeed, before seeing him in the gathering, they had only heard about Cheon Hui, likening him to a mythical creature like a dragon or a qilin. All they heard were rumors of his convalescence and they had hardly seen him. “Wasn't he supposed to be sick?” “Could it be that the elders were hiding him as the sect's secret weapon by pretending he was ill?” “A secret weapon?” “Lately, the sect's prestige and fame have been declining. To reclaim our former glory, they might have been secretly nurturing him. Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense!” Clap! The two clapped their hands in agreement. “That does make sense.” “That’s just how our sect operates!” Amidst the Hwasan Sect, as distorted rumors about Cheon Hui continued to spread, a chill lingered in the chamber of Jang Moon-in's abode, the Jahagak. In the center of the cold atmosphere was Hyeon Ryeo. With eyes as cold as ice, she alternated her gaze between Jang Moon-in and Hyeon Do, who sat across from her. Sip— “Hmph, hmph.” Jang Moon-in, avoiding her piercing eyes, sipped his tea, while Hyeon Do beside him wiped the sweat off his brow. Amidst the awkward tension, Hyeon Ryeo opened her mouth slowly. “Senior Brother.” The call made Jang Moon-in and Hyeon Do exchange glances and laugh. “Ha ha, Junior, it seems she’s calling you.” “Ho ho ho, my Senior, if she calls so seriously, she must mean you, the sect's head!” Their attempts to deflect made Hyeon Ryeo raise her eyebrows fiercely. “Senior Brothers.” “Hahaha.” “Khem.” Her clipped tone made Jang Moon-in laugh awkwardly while Hyeon Do cleared his throat and turned his gaze aside. “Why didn’t you tell me about Cheon Hui's skills?” Faced with the question they wanted to avoid, both closed their eyes tightly. Hyeon Ryeo’s words, sharp as a quick sword, continued relentlessly. “Also, how could you push someone not fully recovered into a duel? What did you do to the child...” Her voice, piercing like a needle, prompted Jang Moon-in to speak swiftly. “Junior Sister.” “Yes... Speak.” As soon as Hyeon Ryeo paused, eyes narrowed, waiting for his response, Jang Moon-in continued with a calm assertion. “It was all for Cheon Hui’s sake.” “For Cheon Hui’s sake... You say?” Despite her voice growing sharper, Jang Moon-in remained composed. “This allowed us to introduce Cheon Hui to our sect and the Oakhui Sword Sect. When would another opportunity arise to enhance his fame?” Though it was an absurd explanation—Cheon Hui had been summoned in a hurry to resolve a worsening situation—the results spoke for themselves. "But Cheon Hui hasn't been fully recovered for long." In response to her counter, Jang Moon-in spoke in a low, serious voice. “After witnessing Cheon Hui’s prowess that day, can you still say that?” At his undeniable point, Hyeon Ryeo fell silent. Indeed, Cheon Hui’s skill during the event was overwhelming. Yet, her dissatisfaction remained. “Then why didn’t you tell me?” Jang Moon-in subtly glanced at Hyeon Do. ‘You handle this one.’ At his look, Hyeon Do flinched and, parched, quickly gulped down the cold tea. “Weren’t you busy with the Oakhui Gathering, Junior Sister?” “We intended to tell you after it ended.” “Is that true?” As Hyeon Ryeo looked at them skeptically, Jang Moon-in and Hyeon Do nodded nonchalantly. “Haha, indeed. Why wouldn’t we tell you?” “It was at your request, so how could we not inform you?” As Hyeon Ryeo tried to comprehend, puzzling over their explanations, they sighed in relief inwardly. ‘What is this about?’ Cheon Hui, the central figure in the commotion, couldn’t help but scowl at the unexpected situation. With a sidelong glance— Though they kept a distance of about three chapters away, they scrutinized his every move. Frowning under the intense gaze akin to the sun's scorching rays, Cheon Hui’s forehead wrinkled further. ‘What are they staring at?’ As Cheon Hui glared back at them, they hastily looked away, some even jamming their noses into the wrong side of books in their rush. His expression crumpled involuntarily. At that moment, the female disciples hiding behind their books lit up with glee from observing him. Seeing their faces change, Cheon Hui couldn’t help but look incredulous. Do they like it when I frown? Have they gone mad? In the past, his frowns usually scared others off, or they’d cower in fear. And yet, they seemed to enjoy it. Shaking his head, bewildered, he passed by the giddy disciples. “Oh...” As he dismissed the disappointed sighs of the female disciples, Cheon Hui strode purposefully away, descending the stairs swiftly. Just as the piercing gazes finally vanished, he heard someone call out. “Hui!” It was Hyeon Cheong, who had grown considerably closer to him through their daily meetings at the Mangyeong Pavilion. With a curious look, he questioned Cheon Hui about the unexpected crowd. “It’s the first time I've seen so many disciples at the Mangyeong Pavilion. Do you know what's going on?” “I do not,” Cheon Hui replied firmly, continuing to leave the pavilion, prompting Hyeon Cheong to tilt his head in confusion. The link between the current situation and Cheon Hui was undeniable, given how the eyes and attention of the disciples were all directed at him. ‘What on earth is happening?’ Hyeon Cheong puzzled silently to himself, glancing at the disciples above, and finally closing the book he was holding. * * * Eventually, after leaving the Mangyeong Pavilion behind and climbing a narrow mountain path for a while, a faint voice caught Cheon Hui’s ear, making one of his eyebrows twitch. Is that coming from the vicinity of my hut? He hurried his steps. Step— Step— “Please teach me martial arts!” Again came the loud exclamation. The closer he got to his hut, the clearer and more intense the voice pierced his ears. Then the hut came into view, along with a shadow in front of it. The source of the noisy pleas was kneeling before his hut, hands politely clasped together. Once more, the figure lifted his head. “Master!” Master? Cheon Hui narrowed his eyes. The back of the head seemed familiar. Where had he seen it before...? He recalled a nervous fool who had frozen during a duel. Ah! Was it Jeok Geom or something like that? That guy. Once again, Jeok Geom shouted, “Please teach me martial arts!” Does he think someone is inside? Watching Jeok Geom's unwavering gaze at the hut, Cheon Hui approached him. Standing behind Jeok Geom, he asked, “What are you doing?” “Hup!” Suddenly hearing a voice from behind, Jeok Geom inhaled sharply, startled. “Sa, Master?” Highly flustered, he looked at Cheon Hui and then rapidly at the hut. Alternating his gaze between Cheon Hui and the hut, his face and ears gradually turned crimson. Did he really think I was inside? Peering down at the embarrassed Jeok Geom with a disdainful look, Cheon Hui stepped past him toward the hut. Thump! He felt a rough grip seize his pant leg. “Master!” Almost lying on the ground from the urgency, Jeok Geom clung to Cheon Hui's pants with a desperate look. “Could you offer this humble disciple some guidance?” Facing Jeok Geom’s imploring eyes, Cheon Hui parted his lips. “Why would I?” “…Pardon?” At the unexpected question, Jeok Geom replied in a deflated voice. While Jeok Geom stood there speechless, Cheon Hui moved. Swoosh— In less than a heartbeat, displaying his Seven Stars Step, he slipped from Jeok Geom’s grip and entered the hut. Jeok Geom watched, dazed as if bewitched, and only after Cheon Hui disappeared inside did he return to his senses and shout. “Ma, Master!” Though urgent, Cheon Hui simply ignored the plea, eyebrows furrowing. Is this because of the duel? Pondering the sudden focus and attention on him, he nodded. There was no other explanation. “Well, it won’t last long.” Assuming it was just a fleeting interest that would fade over time, Cheon Hui sat cross-legged. About an hour passed. “I shall return another time.” A low voice reached his ears. Soon after, Cheon Hui could sense that Jeok Geom, who had been waiting outside, finally left. Even managing the martial arts books from Mangyeong Pavilion is overwhelming enough—why on earth teach anyone? He immediately cast aside the thought. “Let’s focus now.” Relieved that the nuisance had gone, he smiled contentedly. “Of what I read today...” Enjoying the brief moment of peace, he recalled the Soeop Taebeob (掃葉腿法), one of the intriguing texts he delved into at Mangyeong Pavilion. But, as fate would have it, his peace was short-lived. Step— Step— The distant sound of footsteps grew, and Cheon Hui's expression tightened with unease. Then, a voice called out. “Master.” This time, it was a woman’s voice. “I am Seol Ran, your humble disciple.” Having formally introduced herself, she took a brief pause and then, with an unmistakable internal strength, voiced her request. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you teach me martial arts?” With her request, identical to Jeok Geom's, Cheon Hui scratched his head furiously and lay sprawled out. “Oh, for goodness’ sake.” Today just wasn't his day.