19 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 19 They say time flows faster than anything. It had already been over two months since Jeok Geom and Seol Ran had been attending to Cheon Hui's needs. Crackling— Crackling— Perhaps because of this, they were not only able to finish hunting before the sun set but also started kindling a fire. 'Finally, they're getting more efficient.' As Cheon Hui watched them, stroking his chin, Jeok Geom and Seol Ran exchanged a glance with an exaggerated gesture. 'Senior brother! Hurry up and say it!' 'I know, junior sister. Just wait a little longer.' Jeok Geom communicated with Seol Ran through their eyes and then began gauging Cheon Hui's reaction. Over that time, they had only learned the skills of hunting and grilling meat. Of course, thanks to that, they had grown stronger. They could confidently say that no matter what situation arose, they wouldn't feel pressured or nervous. They had been hunting diligently every day for those two months, so it was understandable. Now, they sought guidance. Guidance in martial arts. But... 'Will our master fulfill our request?' It was difficult to ask outright. Through their hunting experiences and learning from Cheon Hui, they realized something. That he was precocious for his age, and far more impressive than they had initially thought. Especially surprising was the relationship with Hyeon Do Sajo. At first, they couldn't understand the conversation between the two when they first met and didn't know what was happening, but now it was clear. 'He was discussing matters with Hyeon Do Sajo as equals, rather than as a disciple.' They were initially shocked. Hyeon Do Sajo was known as the greatest master of Mount Hua, yet he was sharing discussions with Cheon Hui, who was only fourteen. Moreover, Cheon Hui had not long ago been on the brink of life and death. But before long, they admitted it. No, they couldn't help but admit it. After witnessing Cheon Hui's talent in executing the martial skills Hyeon Do explained right away. And it wasn't just that. The Jang Mun In, who visited only once, and Hyeon Ryeo Sajo, who came several times, would check in on him. In the expressions and tones of those who looked at Cheon Hui, one could sense the affection and esteem. His extraordinary talent, martial prowess, and personal magnetism. It was no coincidence that he was called the treasure of Mount Hua. Having gone through such experiences, they thought they were lucky to serve Cheon Hui, but... 'He dislikes troublesome matters.' There were many tasks at hand. They had to carry water to the hermitage, prepare his robes daily, and unexpected orders came now and then. Like fetching salt, for instance... 'If we ask for guidance, he might find it troublesome and chase us away.' Over the two months, they had become cautious in understanding Cheon Hui. While they remained silent and brooded, Cheon Hui, observing them, narrowed his eyes. 'Oh?’ Thanks to their two-month acquaintance, he instantly grasped their intentions. 'Looks like they’re getting a bit greedy now.' He could see their thoughts as clearly as if they were in the palm of his hand. At that moment, Jeok Geom, making a resolute expression, carefully spoke to Cheon Hui. "Master, we've gotten used to hunting now..." "Would you like to learn martial arts?" Their faces lit up at Cheon Hui's seemingly psychic words. “Yes, yes!” “That’s correct!” Cheon Hui looked at the two, who were full of expectation. 'They’ve been serving me for a while now.' If it were in the past, he might have found the request bothersome and ignored it, but he pondered for a moment, recalling how things had become more comfortable since then. Though not as much as when Gui Ma and Bi Ma attended to him, life had become noticeably easier thanks to their help. They provided him with proper meals, clean robes every day, and diligently fetched water. Taking care of tasks he found tedious was a rather satisfying situation. 'Shall I teach them a little?' Feeling a whimsical impulse, Cheon Hui met the eager gazes of the two. "Alright." Their faces brightened in an instant. Surveying the hopeful duo, Cheon Hui approached Seol Ran first and spoke. "Have you gotten familiar with footwork?" Seol Ran nodded. "I’ve improved compared to before." "Really? Let's see you demonstrate." Immediately, Seol Ran clenched her fists and channeled the internal energy of Oknyeo Sim Gong into her feet. Swoosh! Her footsteps left an impression on the dirt, and she moved swiftly. “You’ve reached there so quickly...” Jeok Geom exclaimed in awe at Seol Ran’s footwork. Previously, her footwork was far behind compared to her swordsmanship. Yet now, her footwork was impressive enough to rival her swordsmanship in just twenty days. While Jeok Geom marveled in amazement. “Hoo, how is it?” After presenting the best footwork she could showcase at that moment, Seol Ran looked at Cheon Hui expectantly. After a moment, Cheon Hui spoke. "The basics are there." His response was concise in contrast to her expectations. While Seol Ran was about to feel down about it, Cheon Hui recalled her footwork. 'It's not yet on the rise.' Cheon Hui sized up Seol Ran. The internal energy accumulating in her lower dantian had a fairly strong yin energy, yet the footwork she demonstrated was basic. After observing her, Cheon Hui asked. "Any other footwork?" Seol Ran turned a bit shy under his scrutinizing gaze but quickly composed herself and replied. "Other footwork?" She tilted her head. Footwork alone was a challenging martial art to master. Another form of footwork? “I only know the Saeryupyo technique...” “Only one?” Cheon Hui looked at her with a reproachful gaze and sighed as he spoke. “Sigh, then forget the Saeryupyo technique.” “What?” Cheon Hui stood before her, who was confused. “I’ll teach you footwork that suits you better from now on.” “But the Saeryupyo was taught by Mu Ryeon Gak Ju...” “Is that so? If you don’t want it, never mind.” As Cheon Hui turned away, thinking ‘perfect timing,’ Seol Ran urgently shouted. “I-I’ll forget it!” “Really?” Cheon Hui stopped turning back and gazed intently at her. 'Then what would be good?' He began recalling various footwork styles that matched her internal energy. Seon Un Hyeo Go Bong? No, you could execute it with your current skills, but it wouldn't be efficient. It’s better not to learn it. Then how about the Amhyangpyo technique? That’s not right either. It doesn’t really mesh with the sword technique you’ve learned. So what would be suitable? As he mentally scrolled through techniques, dismissing one after another, he finally settled on one. 'It really comes down to that.' He concluded his thoughts and locked eyes with Seol Ran, who watched nervously. "The footwork you'll be learning next is Okhwan Myobo." "O-Okhwan Myobo?" Seol Ran's eyes wavered intensely. The Okhwan Myobo was a footwork technique meant for elite disciples, something only Hyeon Ryeo had mastered among the current Mount Hua sect. "But I haven't even earned a formal title..." "Don't worry about that." Cheon Hui cut her off decisively. "The Okhwan Myobo I’m going to teach you is different from the one you know." "What? What do you mean by that..." "You'll find out soon enough." Cheon Hui interrupted her. With that, he started moving. Step— In an instant, he was navigating in all directions. In the blink of an eye, his steps became diverse. In no time, the ground beneath where he had stood was imprinted with dozens of footprints. As deep as a swamp, as smooth as water. As vigorous as fire, as fast as thunder. Swaying like the wind or steadfast like a mountain. As Cheon Hui blended his inner energy into the Okhwan Myobo he had previously demonstrated, it showcased a beauty almost impossible to be seen in this world. "Is this the Okhwan Myobo…?" Seol Ran's eyes widened in shock. She immediately understood the intent behind Cheon Hui's earlier words. The Okhwan Myobo that Cheon Hui demonstrated was entirely different from the one she knew. It was both soft yet powerful. And also... “Beautiful…” It wasn’t just her; even Jeok Geom, standing beside her, was mesmerized. Though he hadn’t paid much attention to footwork before, the demonstration was as shocking as a hammer to the back of his head. “Immeasurable is Buddha’s light…” Jeok Geom involuntarily paid his respects. Cheon Hui's movement seemed akin to a celestial being descending and dancing on earth. While the two were lost in thought, Thud. A moment later, Cheon Hui, who had been moving tirelessly in all directions, halted his steps. He then addressed Seol Ran, who looked dazed. "Now, try it yourself." Seol Ran tilted her head to the side. “What…?” Regaining her senses, Seol Ran uttered in a deflated voice. Seeing her, Cheon Hui realized something. What was merely Okhwan Myobo to him was a significant leap in footwork for the two. He then recalled a method he had once seen and lifted his foot. "Wait." As he spoke, he imprinted clear footprints into the dirt with his energy-laden foot. ‘This…!’ Seol Ran's eyes opened wide. She was determined to miss nothing as Cheon Hui demonstrated a basic method of learning a footwork technique. After etching a total of sixty-four footprints, he nodded. “Remember the sequence?” “Yes!” “Then follow the steps exactly.” “Understood!” With a firm response, Seol Ran resolutely went over each footprint slowly. 'That should be enough.' Watching her, Cheon Hui turned away. Jeok Geom, who was equally mesmerized, snapped to attention when his eyes met Cheon Hui’s, feeling a sudden tension. '…That was an incredible footwork.' His chest thumped with anticipation. At that moment, Cheon Hui spoke. “List the martial arts you’re currently practicing.” “Maehwagigong, Nakyeong Sword Technique, and the Ohaeng Maehwabo.” Watching Jeok Geom deliver his response crisply, Cheon Hui frowned slightly and said, "Very well, show me." “Yes, sir!” Jeok Geom shouted boldly and drew his sword. He then proceeded to display his swordsmanship. “Huff, huff. How was that?” Exerting all his strength in his performance, Jeok Geom looked at Cheon Hui, trying to catch his breath. At that moment, Cheon Hui opened his mouth. “It’s a mess.” Expecting praise, Jeok Geom felt as if he’d been hit over the head with a hammer by Cheon Hui’s unexpected answer, and his jaw dropped. “A… mess?” Cheon Hui clicked his tongue as if it was unbelievable. “Tut, you haven’t even fully digested it.” “What do you mean by that?” As his question hung in the air, Cheon Hui snatched the sword from Jeok Geom’s hand. “Huh!” Jeok Geom gasped at losing his sword, eyes wide in astonishment. ‘An incredible sword-snatching technique!’ Despite Jeok Geom’s shock, Cheon Hui raised the sword high. He assumed the same stance Jeok Geom had shown and spoke lightly. “Watch closely. This is how you properly execute the Nakyeong Sword Technique and the Ohaeng Maehwabo.” Swoosh! The sword descended like lightning, splitting the air with a tearing sound. Pang! The intense soundwave scattered Jeok Geom's hair in all directions. “This is the Nakyeong Sword Technique and the Ohaeng Maehwabo…?” Astounded, as if witnessing the unbelievable, Jeok Geom stared at Cheon Hui. Then Cheon Hui tossed back the sword. Startled, Jeok Geom hastily caught the flying sword, and Cheon Hui commanded him. “You saw, right?” “Yes, yes!” “Can you replicate it?” “I’ll try!” Empowered by the task, Jeok Geom's eyes sharpened. He began mimicking the sword strokes Cheon Hui had showcased. But Cheon Hui immediately pointed out, “Focus your energy here.” Acknowledging the advice with a nod, Jeok Geom gritted his teeth and followed through with Cheon Hui’s advice. “What are you doing? Focus on the footwork too.” Cheon Hui continued to critique. After about twenty corrections, Jeok Geom’s sword posture significantly improved from before. “Hm, that’s better.” Murmuring under his breath, Cheon Hui stepped away, putting some distance between them to focus on something else. On the other side, Seol Ran seemed lost in her practice, diligently following the etched footprints. Still, this will take quite some time. As Cheon Hui tried to estimate how long it would take them to become proficient in martial arts, "Huh?" He abruptly turned his head. Sensing a familiar presence approaching, he tilted his head in curiosity. 'Why are they coming here?' At that moment, both Jeok Geom and Seol Ran awoke from their concentration. “Master?” “What’s wrong?” “Something’s come up.” Cheon Hui, who usually found everything bothersome or paid little mind, tilted his head in curiosity. This simple gesture was enough to startle Seol Ran and Jeok Geom. They followed his gaze towards the hill. Moments later, as the sun set over the hill, a head appeared, gradually approaching them. Soon, as the sun dipped further and their visitor became fully visible, both Seol Ran and Jeok Geom were taken aback upon recognizing an old Daoist. "The head of Mangyeong Pavilion?" "Hyeon Cheong Sajo?" Stunned by the appearance of Hyeon Cheong, who was not known to leave the confines of Mangyeong Pavilion, they struggled to contain their bewilderment. "The disciple greets the master." "The disciple greets the master." Quickly regaining their composure, Seol Ran and Jeok Geom bowed respectfully. "Hahaha. Yes, it's good to see you." As the approaching Hyeon Cheong noticed their surprise, he smiled gently. At that moment, Cheon Hui stepped forward and asked, "What brings you all the way here?" Without any preamble, Cheon Hui directly inquired about the reason for Hyeon Cheong's visit. Hyeon Cheong, clearing his throat, wiped the usual light-hearted expression off his face, replacing it with a solemn look as he met Cheon Hui's gaze directly. "Could you spare me a moment of your time?"