55 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

### Chapter 55 “So you're saying that the Martial Arts Alliance invited Chunhui and me to confirm the truth behind the rumors?” Hyun-do’s brow furrowed deeply. He had rushed to the summit of Jahagak at the call of the headmaster, only to hear this? An invitation from the Martial Arts Alliance? His frustration surged, unbidden. “And now they extend an invitation?” He spoke, allowing his irritation to seep through. To him, what was the Martial Arts Alliance these days, anyway? They were the target of a profound grudge, having ignored the need for revenge for his youngest disciples. “They paid no heed when we sought help from our sect.” The grimace deepened on Hyun-do's face. His words were anything but pleasant. It hadn’t been long since their last visit, yet rumors of them toppling Baekgwi Fortress made the Alliance come running. He was thoroughly disgusted. “So, did you accept?” “I called you to hear your opinion.” “My opinion?” Hyun-do was bewildered. Despite his displeasure, he assumed the headmaster would insist on accepting the Alliance’s request. After all, it was still the Martial Arts Alliance. “But are we alright with this? They propose to intervene if the Dark Union bares its fangs...” The Alliance’s proposal was quite radical. They sent a decree promising support should the Dark Union take issue with the downfall of Baekgwi Fortress. It was a perfectly timed offer, as there were growing concerns about the Dark Union's retaliation. However… “No need to worry. It’s an enticing offer, but if you're unwilling, there’s no need to go.” The headmaster respected Hyun-do’s opinion. “Do as you wish.” “But to secure their aid...” “When have we ever truly relied on their help?” Hyun-do was at a loss for words. The headmaster looked at him warmly. “There's no need to fret. Now that it's confirmed we dismantled Baekgwi Fortress, they can't press us if we refuse. They’ll fear we might break our ties with them.” “…Sigh.” Hyun-do let out a deep sigh, pressing his fingers to his temples as if nursing a headache. He appreciated the trust from the headmaster, but it also felt burdensome. “Isn’t the proposal too tempting to just refuse?” His instincts screamed to decline, but reason whispered otherwise. The time to soar was now upon them. Yet the threat of the Dark Union lingered. 'With support from the Alliance...' His stomach churned. The offer from the Martial Arts Alliance was too alluring, especially when considering the future of their sect. After deep thought, Hyun-do finally forced the words from his lips, albeit with difficulty. “…I will accept the invitation.” “Are you sure about this?” “The past is the past. It’s time to think of the future.” “I apologize.” The headmaster gently closed his eyes. He had given Hyun-do a choice but knew what decision he would make. “It’s alright. But what about Chunhui…” “Why did you call?” Right on cue as the saying goes, Chunhui's voice drifted in, and both turned their attention to him. Until just moments ago, the chair was vacant, but Chunhui now sat there. “Have you arrived?” “There you are.” Neither the headmaster nor Hyun-do was startled by Chunhui’s sudden appearance. They were already accustomed to such stealth from him. “There’s something I need to discuss.” The headmaster met Chunhui's gaze and explained the negotiations with Seolgeom. “So the Alliance wants to invite me and Master Baek, huh?” “To summarize, yes.” Chunhui stroked his chin thoughtfully. ‘The Martial Arts Alliance, huh…’ The intricately woven details in the letter didn’t catch his interest. All he saw was the term ‘Martial Arts Alliance.’ That alone sparked his curiosity. ‘Perhaps it’s time to have a look?’ With a swift decision, he promptly responded. “Alright, I’ll go to the Martial Arts Alliance as well.” “Are you sure it’s fine?” “It’s perfect timing; I’ve always wanted to see the Alliance.” “Thank you.” Ten days later, two monks from Hwasan sect discreetly departed the mountain, unnoticed by anyone. * * * The strings of beads hanging from the door of the guesthouse chimed musically as they were drawn apart. The small beads rattled loudly, yet few paid attention in the bustling interior. The clatter of conversations, clinking of tableware, and the melodies drifting through the open windows created a cacophony. “It’s quite crowded in here.” “I hope we can find an empty seat.” As Chunhui and Hyun-do surveyed the busy guesthouse, a cheerful voice greeted them. “Welcome!” The innkeeper’s eyes widened upon noticing Chunhui and Hyun-do, likely recognizing them immediately. “Oh! You’re monks from Hwasan!” Instantly, the previously noisy guesthouse fell into a hushed silence. “Hwasan monks…?” “The Hwasan sect?” Hyun-do, accustomed to such reactions, spoke calmly. “Are there any vacant seats?” The innkeeper, who had been startled by the sudden quietness, quickly gathered themselves. “Yes, definitely!” “Please lead the way.” Following the innkeeper’s competent guidance, Chunhui and Hyun-do sat down at an empty table. “What can I get for you?” “I’ll have the plain noodles, please.” “I’ll have the five—” Chunhui caught himself mid-order. Gulp! Hyun-do's sharp gaze bore into him, silencing him immediately. “Just the plain noodles, please.” “Coming right up!” Watching the departing innkeeper, Hyun-do whispered to Chunhui. “Well done. Just endure it for the journey.” “Yes, yes.” Chunhui replied curtly. He itched to accost the passing innkeeper to change his order. But he had to restrain himself. How many times had Hyun-do earnestly pleaded with him, daily, to discreetly sneak food if necessary, but never to get caught? “I’ve brought you some tea.” Another server appeared with a teapot and cups, placing them before them. Pouring the tea, Chunhui cast his gaze around the inn. The hubbub had resumed, but there was a noticeable change. ‘Because of us, most are discussing Hwasan.’ Chunhui’s keen ears picked up snippets of conversations floating around, all revolving around their sect. “...So the Hwasan Sect that was holed up in the mountains has finally come down here. I guess the rumors might be true after all.” “Bah! Can’t you see? Even the Jongnam Sect, always dismissive of Hwasan, is keeping an eye on them.” As Chunhui listened closely to these conversations, he recalled the day before they departed. ‘Just like the headmaster informed us.’ Before setting out, the headmaster had briefed them with various pieces of information. The Jongnam Sect had begun to watch them warily, and even the Bicheon Society had started showing interest in the Hwasan Divine Sword. While these were surprising, they paled in comparison to the news about the Dark Union. The six now reduced to five predominant sects of the Dark Union—referred to as the Five Martial Houses—had shown no interest in them. It was typical of the evil sects; unaware or perhaps uncaring, they had turned inwards, disputing amongst themselves over the scraps of Baekgwi Fortress's lost influence, ignoring the Hwasan Sect altogether. For Hwasan, worried about retaliation from the Dark Union, it was a relief for now. But complacency was not an option. The sect knew that at any time, their adversaries could use this as an excuse to launch an attack on them. ‘That was probably why the headmaster urged me so...’ Chunhui recalled the headmaster’s earnest warning before they parted: — "No matter what occurs, never reveal the full extent of your abilities. Hide at least thirty, no, seventy percent of your strength." The attention of the martial world was currently fixed more on Hyun-do, who had defeated the White Ghost, rather than the Hwasan Sect. Initially, many found it hard to believe the famed White Ghost had been defeated, but accepting that Hyun-do was the opponent made it easier to digest, given his longstanding reputation as Hwasan's top swordsman. In truth, if it became known that Chunhui, rather than Hyun-do, had been the one to defeat the White Ghost, the outcome would have been drastically different. Instead of internal squabbling, the Dark Union would have quickly targeted Hwasan and attempted to eliminate Chunhui, and the Bicheon Society would not have remained idle observers. At that moment, the server arrived with their ordered noodles. “Enjoy your meal.” Once the noodles were placed on the table, both picked up their chopsticks and began eating. *Slurp—* Shortly thereafter, they finished their meal and were led to their rooms by the innkeeper’s assistant. “See you tomorrow, then.” “Yes, see you tomorrow.” After watching Hyun-do enter his room, Chunhui flashed a sly grin. ‘Time to check this out.’ Once in his room, he opened the closed window. Taking in the sight of the bustling streets illuminated by lanterns under the dark sky, he swiftly leaped out. Thud! Kicking off the railing, he bounded across the rooftops, heading west. Soon, he arrived at a particular building. ‘Is this the place?’ He spotted a plaque reading ‘Ilsim Merchant Group’ as a guard approached. ‘Hmm? A monk? That attire...!’ The guard quickly scanned Chunhui from top to bottom, eyes alight with recognition. “What brings a monk from the Hwasan Sect to our merchant group?” “I’m here to collect some money.” The guard politely asked again. “Are you here for business dealings?” “Nope.” Chunhui rummaged through his sleeve, producing a golden token he had received from the leader of the Bipung Merchant Group. “I was told they’d give money if I showed this.” The guard frowned in suspicion, studying the golden token, before his eyes widened in shock. “Gasp!” His hands trembling, the guard quickly bowed his head. “I-I’ll report this to the merchant leader immediately.” The guard briskly opened the door and disappeared inside. ‘Hmm? Is this token more valuable than I thought?’ Chunhui examined the token. Apart from being made of gold, it seemed quite unremarkable. But the guard’s reaction suggested it was no ordinary token. ‘Guess I'll find out eventually.’ He shrugged it off. To him, the token was merely a means to get money. After a brief wait, the guard returned. “You’re invited inside.” Guided by the guard, Chunhui entered a room. “Welcome.” The plump merchant leader stood from his seat and hurried over. “I’m Son Mu, the leader of Ilsim Merchant Group.” He greeted respectfully, his voice cautious. “If it’s not too much trouble, may I verify the golden token?” “Here you go.” Chunhui handed over the token without hesitation. “Thank you.” Carefully examining the token, the merchant leader nodded vigorously. “What would you like?” Chunhui reclaimed the token and replied. “Money.” “Money, you say?” For a second, the merchant leader’s heart raced. After all, Chunhui possessed a token claimed to be given only to a select few by the Tianxia Merchant Union. As a group not yet wielding substantial influence, Ilsim could hardly afford to turn down any of his requests, even if he demanded rare elixirs. ‘There aren’t many silver ingots on hand…’ Cold sweat trickled down his back when he recalled recently depleting their reserve due to a major transaction. “Swallow. A-And how much would you like?” Chunhui stroked his chin. He hadn’t considered how much to ask for, only that he was here to collect money. He’d never needed to handle money personally; in his former life as the Absolute Heavenly Demon, subordinates managed such matters. In recent days, living secluded within the Hwasan Sect, he hadn’t learned the value of money. ‘How much did Jukgeom spend last time?’ Recalling the amount Jin Geom spent during their journey, Chunhui answered. “Ten silver coins, perhaps?” “What, what? Ten silver coins?” The merchant leader stammered, bewildered. ‘Just ten silver coins?’ Certainly, ten silver coins was not a trifling sum given that a single silver coin could support a family of four for a month. But for someone possessing a rare golden token, this sum was strikingly modest. The merchant leader glanced at Chunhui. But his expression remained unchanged. ‘Phew, lucky!’ Relieved, he chuckled to himself. “Then I shall have ten silver coins prepared for you.” Chunhui nodded, then had another thought. “Oh! Is there a well-known guesthouse around here?” “What sort of place are you seeking? One known for Hubei cuisine, perhaps…?” "If possible, I'd prefer a place with good meat dishes and fine liquor." "Excuse me?" The merchant leader momentarily thought he’d misheard and cleared his throat in disbelief. "Ahem, pardon me. Perhaps I'm tired and hearing things. A monk asking for alcohol..." "No, you heard right." The merchant leader’s eyes widened in astonishment. A monk from the Hwasan Sect requesting meat and alcohol was beyond his comprehension. "A-Are you sure this is appropriate? Regardless of how close to worldly ways your sect may be, meat and alcohol are forbidden in Daoism..." "Oh!" Chunhui glanced down at his monk’s robe. "Do you have any regular clothes here?" "We do, but..." "Then just give me one set." "Regular clothing, you say?" Chunhui nodded. "If I take off this robe, who's going to know I'm a monk? Isn’t that right?" He locked eyes with the merchant leader. "And even if someone knew, it would only be between you and me, right?" The merchant leader was stunned. This was the first time he had ever heard a monk openly suggest breaking their tenets. A chill suddenly swept through him. Just what those final words implied... His adam's apple bobbed noticeably. It was a subtle warning not to disclose his visit to the guesthouse. "Y-Yes, that's correct." Wiping perspiration that had somehow formed on his forehead, the merchant leader nodded. Sometimes it was best to pretend ignorance, especially in the world of commerce where understanding subtleties was crucial. ‘As expected, he’s quick on the uptake for a businessman.’ Chunhui gave a satisfied nod, acknowledging the merchant leader’s grasp of the situation. “So, then, which guesthouse would you recommend?”