21 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

### Chapter 21: “Is this really such a shocking matter?” Cheon-hwi stared silently, mouth agape, at Hyeon-cheong, whose eyes were wide with astonishment. He couldn’t comprehend the elder’s reaction. Was simply restoring a martial art text so astonishing? “Most people can't even begin to interpret the cryptic chants of these manuals.” For someone like him, who had once reached the pinnacle of martial arts, the techniques housed within the Man-kyung Pavilion were as clear as seeing the lines on his palm. In particular, among these advanced martial arts, there were styles like the Jade Loop Mythical Steps or the Plum Blossom Swordsmanship—arts he had personally encountered in the past—making the restoration process child's play for him. But this was his standard. For someone who was not a martial artist—or rather, was not him—it was a different story altogether. One needed to either reach supreme mastery or become proficient through years of dedication to even think about restoring a martial art. Yet, even then, one could never be truly confident of success. It was then that... “M-most of them, you say?” Snapping out of his daze, Hyeon-cheong hurriedly shook his head and spoke up. “Yes.” Cheon-hwi replied nonchalantly. And at that moment, Hyeon-cheong realized that Cheon-hwi wasn't exaggerating—he was speaking the truth. “Most of them? Not even a single one, but most?” Hyeon-cheong, still reeling from the shock of Cheon-hwi’s answer, asked again. “Does that mean you’ve read all the martial manuals in the Man-kyung Pavilion?” “Not all of them yet.” Ha! Hyeon-cheong let out a baffled chuckle. Those words seemed even more credible. “To think he has read them all.” The martial arts texts stored in the Man-kyung Pavilion weren’t just one or two books. There were easily over hundreds of them. It took him at least four years to read through all of them. “And yet, he says he’s read most of them.” Cheon-hwi looked at Hyeon-cheong, who could hardly hide his amazement, with an indifferent gaze. That face again. Hyeon-cheong’s expression was all too familiar. Most of the looks directed at him ranged from being unable to conceal shock to eyes filled with reverence or even fear. “To be so surprised by such a thing.” Cheon-hwi was unfazed. “I read every single martial art text in the Heavenly Demon Library in less than six years, after all.” The Heavenly Demon Library was his measure of comparison. Yet, he was unaware. The Heavenly Demon Library was the largest repository of martial arts texts in all the lands. Not only did it contain every known demonic art, but it also housed techniques seized from the central plains when the Heavenly Demon Cult once dominated the martial world. While Cheon-hwi was dwelling on this, Hyeon-cheong was still grappling with confusion about whether Cheon-hwi’s claims were true. Then an idea occurred to him. “If I compare it to the recently restored martial arts chants, I could verify the truth.” He soon moved his trembling lips. “Then, do you know the chants for the Great Luo Sword (Dae La Geom)?” “The Great Luo Sword?” As soon as Cheon-hwi heard its name, the chants of the Great Luo Sword flowed through his mind. The Great Luo Sword was a legendary sword technique that had brought fame to the Mount Hua Sect ages ago, but it had become obsolete after vanishing over five centuries ago. “Oh, that one? Yes, I do.” “Then could you show it to me?” “...” Cheon-hwi disapprovingly glanced at Hyeon-cheong, who seemed to be testing him. “What a bother.” In the past, he might have shouted, “Are you trying to test me?” However... What could he do? He was the pupil and the other was his elder in the sect. “Sigh, alright.” With a sigh, he rose to his feet. Seeing Cheon-hwi suddenly stand, Hyeon-cheong was slightly startled and opened his mouth. “Why are you getting up?” “You wanted to see the Great Luo Sword, didn’t you?” “...!” Hyeon-cheong’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you really planning to demonstrate it?” “How else would I show it?” Cheon-hwi replied calmly, causing Hyeon-cheong’s eyes to widen once more. He had expected to hear the chants, not witness the execution of the martial art itself. “Reciting the chants and demonstrating the art are vastly different levels...” Cheon-hwi looked down at Hyeon-cheong, who couldn’t hide his surprise. Unlike reciting the chants, Cheon-hwi found it more convenient to perform the techniques. “Why bother with the chants?” The chants for the Great Luo Sword were unnecessarily lengthy. It felt like it would take days to recite them all. “Are you not going to watch?” As Cheon-hwi glanced down with impatience, Hyeon-cheong quickly placed his hands on the floor to help himself up and asked. “Can you truly perform it?” Growing wearied by the same question, Cheon-hwi finally let his exasperation show. “You’ll see for yourself.” Cheon-hwi promptly exited the pavilion. A short moment later, the two stood facing each other in the courtyard. Even though thick darkness veiled the garden, rendering it hard to see a foot ahead, it posed no obstacle for Cheon-hwi and Hyeon-cheong. “I’ll begin.” Cheon-hwi casually announced, and Hyeon-cheong swallowed nervously in anticipation. Swoosh— Cheon-hwi picked up a wooden sword he had brought with him. He soon spread his feet shoulder-width apart and brought the tip of the sword to his eye level. In that instant, Hyeon-cheong’s eyes quivered. “Th-this is! Exactly the same!” He was astonished. This stance was completely different from what was recorded in the martial arts books. Yet, it matched perfectly with the restored initial position of the Great Luo Sword he had rediscovered. Dry saliva gathered in Hyeon-cheong’s throat. And then the wooden sword moved with great momentum. Swoosh! As it cut through the darkness, the wooden sword pointed towards the brightly shining full moon above. In a flash, dozens of sword lights appeared. Flash! The sword lights twinkled like lightning in the dark, splitting into multiple strands that snatched the full moon as if trapping it in an elaborate web. Great Luo (大羅), like a grand net. “This... it’s more intense and perfect than the restored Great Luo Sword...” Lost in awe, Hyeon-cheong watched as Cheon-hwi unleashed the Great Luo Sword upon the moon. Crumble! Fragments of the full moon, divided into dozens, broke free from the net and fell like shooting stars. As Hyeon-cheong watched in a daze... “Is that sufficient?” Startled! Hyeon-cheong snapped back to his senses, having been entranced by the spectacle of celestial fragments falling from the sky. “An illusion...?” The shooting stars that filled the sky moments ago were no longer there. No, they were never there to begin with. “It was true, after all.” Having witnessed the fantastical execution of the Great Luo Sword, Hyeon-cheong spoke shakily, still unable to fully grasp its reality. “...!” His eyebrows shot up in sudden realization. He turned swiftly to face Cheon-hwi, his beard trembling in shock. “If the Great Luo Sword is of this caliber, could it be that the other martial arts...?” Gulp— Hyeon-cheong's throat moved visibly. He cautiously asked, “Have you really restored most of the martial art manuals you read to such a state as the Great Luo Sword?” “Do you still not believe me?” Cheon-hwi's indifferent reply made Hyeon-cheong unintentionally clench his fists. The sensation of sweat soaking his palm reminded him of the tension, and he nodded with understanding, muttering softly. “...Hwi-ya.” “Yes?” As Cheon-hwi turned to look at the elder who called his name, Hyeon-cheong carefully requested, “Could you help in restoring the martial arts?” “Restoring martial arts?” “Yes.” For a second, Cheon-hwi's expression twisted. “So that was the purpose all along.” Though restoring martial arts themselves was simple for him, assisting in it was a different matter. Just having it committed to memory wasn't enough. He'd need to transcribe it, annotate the chants, and interpret the annotations. What a tedious ordeal it would be. “I'm sorry. I need to focus on mastering my own skills.” Rather than outright rejecting Hyeon-cheong, Cheon-hwi politely declined, veiling his refusal with an excuse. “Besides, I have no intention of returning to the Man-kyung Pavilion anytime soon.” Hyeon-cheong, who was initially restless, began strategizing. “With Cheon-hwi's help, it would be possible to rapidly restore the sect’s lost martial arts manuals. I must find a way to entice him... with something he might find intriguing...” In his desperation, the notion of 'temptation'—a thought unbefitting a sage—came to his mind. As he pondered, a lightning bolt of insight struck him. “That’s it!” There was only one thing Cheon-hwi would likely be interested in. He put his realization into words, “Wouldn’t you be interested in seeing new martial art manuals that you haven’t encountered at the Man-kyung Pavilion?” Cheon-hwi’s body stirred. His eyes sparkled like stars shining in the night sky, and he murmured in a low voice, “New martial art manuals...?” * * * Following the conclusion of the Five Peaks Gathering, the usually deserted Unjung Pavilion was bustling with Taoists as a grand council meeting was held for the first time. “Recently, have there been any rumors in the martial arts world about our sect?” The low, resonant question from the Head Master was met with a collective shaking of heads. “It’s quiet.” “Other sword sects seem to be exercising restraint regarding the outcome of the Five Peaks Gathering.” Hearing the replies, the Head Master’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. “It appears the rumors have not spread as much as we feared.” “It’s all thanks to Cheon-hwi.” Hyeon-ryeo, who had been quietly listening, beamed brightly, and the others agreed with her sentiments. Indeed, it was all thanks to Cheon-hwi. Despite their victory at the Five Peaks Gathering, they couldn’t afford to boast. Cheon-hwi had outright dominated the strongest young martial talents at the gathering. If they flaunted their victory, it would be like sullying their own reputation. The Head Master spoke again, “It’s just as well.” With a visibly relieved face, he stroked his beard, adding calmly, “We must avoid becoming like Hyeon-gang.” “Hmm…” Everyone let out a collective breath of relief, reminded of Hyeon-gang’s situation. Hyeon-gang’s prowess had attracted envy and resentment, resulting in many adversaries. While everyone quietly felt reassured... “I’ve heard rumors of smoke rising from Nak-an Peak lately.” To lift the slightly sober atmosphere, the head of the Operations Division changed the topic. ‘Ah, Cheon-hwi…’ Hyeon-do paled at this revelation, recalling his trips to Nak-an Peak about a month ago where he had first noticed the smoke. He had already deduced what Cheon-hwi was doing. Cheon-hwi’s penchant for cooking meat. Witnessing such a seemingly impossible act, he was taken aback and tried to dissuade Cheon-hwi, but clearly, Cheon-hwi had been resolute. “Eating meat is forbidden.” “Why?” “Taoists must abstain from killing...” “Is that so? Then I won’t be a Taoist.” “What do you mean by that?” Hyeon-do trembled upon seeing Cheon-hwi, as though he might up and leave if meat-eating were prohibited. In the end, he relented. “Just don’t get caught.” Hyeon-do felt his throat go dry. “There’s no way I can inform anyone of this.” Yet, unaware of Hyeon-do's predicament, the others exchanged puzzled looks. “Smoke?” “Did you see the smoke?” “No, I didn’t see it.” “Did someone start a fire?” While others, unaware of the hidden truth, felt confused, Hyeon-do squeezed his eyes shut. “Sometimes Cheon-hwi boils water when he feels cold.” “Cheon-hwi?” “Are you talking about Cheon-hwi?” “Yes.” In the midst of the discussion, Hyeon-ryeo, who shared the inside knowledge with Hyeon-do, interjected smoothly, sending him a knowing glance. “Come to think of it, Cheon-hwi did mention feeling a bit chilly recently.” Reading her imploring look, Hyeon-do didn’t miss a beat and chimed right in. “He’s still in recovery...” “He must still feel cold then.” The Taoists showed sympathetic expressions. To them, Cheon-hwi was still largely remembered in his convalescent state, despite his recent extraordinary displays of martial proficiency. “Senior Brother Hyeon-do, is Cheon-hwi alright?” The Operations Division head, maintaining his cool demeanor, showed concern. Hyeon-do responded with a gentle smile. “It’s nothing serious.” “That’s a relief.” Having their minds set at ease, thoughts about the smoke vanished from the Taoists’ consideration. “Whew.” Hyeon-do discreetly glanced at Hyeon-ryeo, and they exchanged satisfied nods. “Well done, junior sister.” “It was about Cheon-hwi.” With the matter set aside, the Head Master turned his attention to Hyeon-il and asked, “...What was the purpose of convening this meeting?” All eyes turned to Hyeon-il, the master in charge of gathering all intelligence pertaining to the Mount Hua Sect. Ever since the start of the meeting, Biga Master Hyeon-il had been silently observing with a grave expression. Now, the countenance of everyone shifted to a state of tense anticipation. This council meeting was convened at the strong request of the Biga Master. Having been granted the floor, the Biga Master nodded slightly and half-closed his eyes, his demeanor grave. As he began to speak, a chill seemed to permeate the air. “The Hundred Ghost Sect has begun to make their move.”