46 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 46 The man burst into hearty laughter. “Hahaha. Since fate has brought us together like this, why don't we introduce ourselves properly?” The man suggested introductions, seemingly uncomfortable with the awkward atmosphere, as he glanced over each of the four. Before the others could respond, the man spoke up with his name. “I am Gwageui.” Hyundo frowned slightly. “Gwageui...?” When Hyundo mumbled absentmindedly, the man, Gwageui, shrugged his shoulders. “What’s the matter?” “It’s just a name I’ve never heard before.” “Well, there are countless people in the world. How could one know them all?” “Still, it’s hard to believe someone like you is an unknown.” “You flatter me.” “I wasn’t intending to.” Gwageui chuckled at Hyundo’s bluntness. “Hahaha, is that so?” “In truth, it hasn't even been a year since I stepped into Jianghu.” Though he felt uneasy, Hyundo found it plausible. Listening to their exchange, the expressions of Haujin and Jin-gae shifted as they absorbed the conversation. Especially Haujong’s expression turned grave. ‘If senior Hyundo speaks of him like this, then at least...’ As Haujin deeply memorized Gwageui’s appearance, Jin-gae stared intently at him from the moment he heard the name. ‘Gwageui? I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere before.’ As Jin-gae racked his brains over the strangely familiar name, he couldn’t pull to mind where or when he had heard it. As the thoughts churned deeper— “And now it’s your turn, isn’t it?” Gwageui, observing the silent four, prompted for their introductions. Hyundo was the first to speak. “…I am called Hyundo.” “Haujin.” Gwageui’s eyes widened. “The First Sword of Mount Hua and the Flying Sword of Zhongnan!” His eyebrows arched like crescent moons while looking between Hyundo and Haujin. “Hahaha! What luck I have. To think I would meet the First Sword of Mount Hua, Hyundo, and the future of the Zhongnan Sect, the Flying Sword, in such a place.” Gwageui beamed with delight. Shortly after, he locked gazes with Jin-gae, who had been silently observing. “I am Jin-gae.” As soon as they made eye contact, Jin-gae quickly introduced himself. “Jin-gae...? Hmm, a nice name.” Gwageui remarked indifferently. In stark contrast to his earlier enthusiasm, his lukewarm response was not lost on Jin-gae. ‘Following introductions like those, what can you expect…’ The difference in prestige was like night and day. At that moment, Gwageui turned his head swiftly. With the most intense gaze yet, he fixed it on Cheonhwi. “And you are…?” “I am Cheonhwi.” “Cheonhwi, is it.” Gwageui repeated the name several times. Then, abruptly shifting his expression, he spoke. “That’s remarkable. Recently, I’ve heard that relations between the Mount Hua and Zhongnan sects aren’t good. Were those mere rumors...?” He trailed off when he noticed Hyundo and Haujin’s displeased expressions, both of them tight-lipped. “Hmm.” Gwageui and Jin-gae deduced the truth behind the rumor from the two’s reactions. “It seems it wasn't just idle gossip.” ‘Perfect!’ While Gwageui verbalized his thoughts, Jin-gae was internally thrilled. ‘Hehehe, it was difficult to ask before, but now I have someone to do it for me.’ Jin-gae felt a growing fondness for Gwageui, who addressed his curiosity. “They aren’t on good terms.” Hyundo admitted without hesitation. He hadn't intended to hide it — the enmity between the two sects was already widely known within the martial world. “They’re certainly not.” Haujin added with a bitter smile. Historically, although the Mount Hua and Zhongnan sects based in Shaanxi didn’t interact much, they maintained a harmonious relationship for a long time. But the relationship soured rapidly. On the day of the tragedy that took the Plum Blossom Sword Hero and warriors from Mount Hua, a Taoist from Zhongnan reached a breakthrough to the transcendental realm. The Zhongnan sect rejoiced at a master appearing after decades, seeing it as a heaven-sent opportunity, and quickly supported his journey through Jianghu, which resulted in success. The Taoist traversed through Jianghu heroically. He claimed the heads of notorious demon cultivators, aided suffering commoners, and thus earned the epithet, the Sword Saint of Zhongnan. The downfall of Mount Hua and the rise of Zhongnan. The shift in the prestige of the two Taoist sects was swift. Mount Hua could only seethe. Despite their silent protest against the Wulin League’s decisions, Zhongnan used the opportunity to elevate their standing. Fortunately, circumstances prevented a large-scale conflict, but the once cordial relations turned icy cold. “Then why are you traveling together?” Gwageui asked with genuine curiosity before quickly adding, “Oh, was that a rude question?” “No, it’s fine.” Hyundo answered with a wry smile. “We have the same objective, so we’re traveling together.” “I see.” Sensing it was best not to delve further, Gwageui stepped back. As silence settled over them— “Where did you learn your martial arts?” It was Hyundo who asked a question this time. “I learned my family’s traditional martial arts.” “Family’s martial arts? Are you with the Bicheon Union?” “Hahaha, just a very small family clan. Even if I told you, no one would recognize it.” Though Gwageui laughed bitterly, someone reacted to his comment. It was Cheonhwi. “It’s strange.” “What do you mean by that?” Gwageui’s eyes twitched slightly. “It’s quite a unique internal energy technique for a so-called family martial art.” At Cheonhwi’s faint smile, Gwageui’s eyes darted nervously. It was then that Hyundo interjected. “What kind of internal energy technique is it?” “That internal energy…” “Impressive insight for one so young. A portion of the internal energy technique's instructions were lost long ago, which is why it remains unstable.” Caught off guard by Hyundo’s question, Cheonhwi began to answer, but Gwageui hurriedly interjected to cut him off. “Hmm, is that so?” Cheonhwi observed Gwageui with apparent skepticism. Gwageui looked at Cheonhwi with a peculiar gaze before hastily changing the subject. “By the way, I’ve heard that the Plum Blossom Sword technique of Mount Hua is unparalleled…” * * * The next day, as the four were busily preparing to depart, Gwageui approached them. “It’s a real shame we’re not headed the same way; otherwise, I would have liked to travel alongside you.” Gwageui seemed to have enjoyed the previous night’s conversation, and he spoke with a warm gaze directed at the four. “May I visit you in the future?” Hyundo and Haujin smiled. “You’re welcome anytime.” “Would you even need an invitation? Feel free to come by whenever you wish.” “Well, it’s not exactly easy…” “Hahaha!” As Jin-gae awkwardly spoke at the end, Gwageui laughed and patted his back. “Then, reach out whenever you think of me.” “Ha, haha. Okay, I will.” “And…” Gwageui turned his gaze to Cheonhwi. He stared at him with a complex expression before speaking in a low voice. “I’d like to see you again.” “If it’s meant to be, we’ll meet again.” Gwageui’s eyes widened in surprise, then he threw his head back and laughed heartily. “Hahaha!” With humor shaking his body, Gwageui wiped tears from his eyes before speaking. “As you say, if it’s destiny, we’ll meet again.” Gwageui turned around decisively. Then, discreetly transmitting a message to Cheonhwi. 『I'll definitely look for you later.』 Without waiting for a response, Gwageui bid farewell, promising a future meeting. * * * Naktown in Shaanxi Province. Perhaps due to its position linking the west, Gansu, and the east, Shanxi, most visitors to Naktown were merchants or travelers. As a result, the town developed differently from other counties, focusing on nighttime entertainment to keep visitors lingering. As the sun was setting, casting its lingering glow and gradually hiding behind the mountains, darkness began to settle over Naktown. Hwaaak! Refusing to succumb to the darkness, the street lanterns came alive, casting light and driving shadows away. Now was Naktown's time to shine. Inside the inns, mouth-watering aromas began to spread, quite different from the wafting scents during the day. The once quiet and peaceful streets transformed at night. Brothels and inns, prepared and ready, lit up with alluring lights. Soon after, their business commenced. People flooded out from the inns, eager for the night’s offerings. Everywhere, brothels and inns stood enticingly, drawing in the crowd, leading to a gathering of all sorts of people. The streets pulsed with life and desire. Clop-clop— Clop-clop— At that moment, a carriage rolled in. The carriage, arriving at Naktown after three days of travel, made its way down the main street between brothels and lavish halls. “So, there’s a place like this.” “...Amitābha.” Hyundo and Haujin frowned. Living their lives as Taoists, Naktown's lively nightlife seemed disagreeable. Unlike the two, who quickly turned their heads, Cheonhwi gazed at the streets nonchalantly. The people roaming around, the red flickering lights reflected with each turn of his head, and the base temptations beneath them. “Come over here.” A woman, wearing only a thin veil, perched on the windowsill of the second floor of a brothel, her eyes radiating seduction. ‘Nothing out of the ordinary.’ Having faced far greater temptations, Cheonhwi felt no stirrings of interest. Only Jin-gae reacted. “Hehehe, this is nice.” Jin-gae, managing the carriage, grinned at the sights, his nose elongating in delight. As the carriage moved forward in such a state— “We’re almost…” “Baekgwi Fortress.” Hyundo and Haujin's expressions shifted. Realizing they were approaching Baekgwi Fortress, their breathing became measured. The carriage rattled and came to a stop. Jin-gae turned his head slightly from the coachman’s seat and whispered cautiously. “This is Baekgwi Fortress.” The trio’s gaze shifted to the outside. Ahead stood a massive wall over two meters tall, and above it, a white, enormous roof subtly entered their sight. Cheonhwi stretched and remarked. “Finally, we’ve arrived.” Hyundo then addressed Jin-gae. “You’ve done well all this time.” Swallowing, Jin-gae acknowledged their words. Through the journey, he’d managed to deduce the trio's purpose. “Are you going in with just the three of you?” Hyundo nodded. After a moment, he looked straight at Jin-gae, speaking in a firm tone. “I have a favor to ask before we go.” “A favor?” Jin-gae's expression grew serious. “It’s nothing severe.” Hyundo reassured him. “Just spread a rumor in Naktown.” “A rumor? What kind…?” “Let them know that Baekgwi Fortress attempted to annihilate Bichun Trading Guild with Grim Squad and Baekgwi Troop.” Jin-gae’s eyes widened. “Is that true?” “There might still be evidence left.” Jin-gae closed his eyes in contemplation, then opened them. “There was a reason for bringing me, then.” “Is that not a mutually beneficial arrangement?” Realizing Hyundo had utilized him for information instead, Jin-gae scratched his greasy head. “Sigh, anything else you need? If you request reinforcements from the Alliance claiming Baekgwi's ambush…” “That won’t be necessary. This is our vendetta.” Hyundo replied sharply. He no longer trusted the Alliance. “Just ensure it’s known we have a reason to attack Baekgwi Fortress.” “Understood.” As Jin-gae accepted the task and swallowed his apprehension— “How dare you speak of the lord!” A sharp voice echoed from outside. Alarmed, Hyundo looked where Cheonhwi should have been, only to find the spot empty. “Could it be…!” He quickly rushed out of the carriage to find Cheonhwi confronting the gatekeeper of Baekgwi Fortress. “No point in hiding.” Cheonhwi, ignoring the gatekeeper’s glare, lifted his left hand, palm open. In that instant— Bang! The gatekeeper flew back like an arrow, crashing through Baekgwi Fortress's solid gate. “…!” Jin-gae stood there, mouth agape. Though he had sensed that Cheonhwi was extraordinary, the display of martial prowess that Cheonhwi had just shown far surpassed Jin-gae's expectations. 'A prodigy like this among the disciples of Mount Hua...' Jin-gae had been so entranced by the scene that he momentarily forgot about leaving. Crrrunch— With decisive steps, Cheonhwi walked towards the shattered gate, lifting his chin as he went. Beyond the expansive courtyard lay the fortress. A fortress fitting the name "Baekgwi Fortress," entirely covered in white and exuding an eerie, ghostly darkness as if inhabited by spirits. “There it is."