Chapter 554: Shaman.

About four days had passed since we began our journey together.

Monsters popped out here and there for us to hunt, but nothing was particularly dangerous. We could have picked up the pace, but we didn’t bother rushing. Not only was there no need, but there were also a few things I needed to look into.

And so, four days passed. Repeating our nightly camps, time flowed, and we found ourselves facing a towering mountain.

“Wow…”

Guryeonghwa let out a sigh of wonder, as if amazed. The mountain before us seemed to fascinate him, but seeing it, I couldn’t help but wear a bewildered expression.

“Isn’t it strange for you to be surprised by a mountain?”

As a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, Guryeonghwa should be familiar with the towering mountains over there. It was truly baffling that he was so astonished by Wudang Mountain.

At my observation, Guryeonghwa pouted.

“…Not all mountains are the same, you know.”

Well, that’s true, but from my perspective, that mountain looked pretty similar to the one at the Mount Hua Sect. A mountain is just a mountain, after all.

I glanced at the mountain ahead, then turned to Yeongpung beside me and asked,

“Where should we go now?”

Hearing my question, Yeongpung replied,

“I’ve already contacted them, so someone should be coming.”

“Hmm.”

After hearing that, I looked back towards the street. So, it meant we had to wait until someone arrived.

“By the way, Young Hero Gu.”

“Yes.”

“You mentioned you had business here, is it alright for you to be accompanying us like this?”

“Ah, yes. Well… it’s not that urgent.”

It was the truth. Knowing how the current situation was unfolding was more important than the task at hand.

I tilted my head back to look up at the towering mountain. This was the place where the sect representing this area resided.

‘Wudang.’

The Wudang Sect. This place was one of the Nine Great Sects, and the Daoist school where the current Murim Alliance Leader, the Sword Saint of Wudang, served as the sect leader.

Furthermore.

‘I should have brought that bastard Woohyeok along.’

It was the place where the guy I could at least call a friend belonged.

What was strange, though, was how different it felt from my past life. The Wudang I had visited in my past life felt considerably different. This was a region directly managed by Wudang. As far as I remembered, it was a region managed directly by one of the Nine Great Sects, so it was a relatively developed area, but…

‘It wasn’t this developed.’

Now, it had changed to a degree incomparable to my past life.

‘Look at all these merchant guilds lined up.’

The increased number of inns and the sheer volume of street vendors, even at a glance. And the crowds, packed with people of all ages, young and old.

‘It’s comparable to Hanam, no contest.’

Currently, Wudang Mountain had grown to a point where it could be compared to Hanam, where Shaolin and the Murim Alliance headquarters were located. Considering it wasn’t much different from the Mount Hua Sect in my past life, this was an enormous difference.

And, the reason for such a disparity was probably…

‘Because of the Murim Alliance?’

It would make sense since the current Alliance Leader is the sect leader of Wudang, but…

‘No, there must be a deeper reason than that.’

Normally, becoming the Alliance Leader wouldn’t create such a significant difference. You could tell just by comparing it to the time of the previous leader, Nakgeom. Even when he took the position of Alliance Leader, the region managed by his home sect, Zhangga, didn’t change this drastically.

So why did Wudang change so much? The reason was simple.

‘Because times have changed.’

Just a few years ago, we were leisurely enjoying an era of peace, but the emergence of the Red Demonic Cult caused a rift. Cracks led to change, and change inevitably leads to anxiety. In a situation where reaching the ‘Peak’ stage alone earned you the title of a master, the Red Demonic Beasts were creatures that even devoured such masters. This meant they were on a different level compared to the Blue Demonic Beasts, which even those at the ‘First-Class’ stage could easily hunt.

Peace was broken, anxiety arose, and people naturally sought stability first.

‘The stability found amidst the fear that demonic beasts could rampage at any moment.’

As I recalled this, I shifted my gaze to the throngs of people filling the streets. Seeing them, it was clear that this place was the stability they had chosen.

‘The place where the current Murim Alliance Leader serves as sect leader.’

That implied, implicitly, that it would be managed reliably. This meant, ‘that if trouble broke out, they would respond the fastest.’ If demonic beasts appeared, their response would be swift, making it relatively safer.

Thanks to the convergence of these societal issues and the position of the Sword Saint of Wudang, the current street has become so active. This was the reason I saw.

‘Actually, it’s not just here.’

Not just Wudang, but Mount Hua in Shaanxi too, and I’ve heard news of changes in Kunlun, as well as other regions with prestigious families. It’s just that this place has changed perhaps excessively.

‘A massive change has already begun.’

It was no different; the world began to change as crises emerged.

I looked at the bustling crowds before turning my gaze away again. It felt like I didn’t want to stare too long at a backdrop that wouldn’t last anyway. Besides,

‘it’s not the time for sightseeing.’

I cast my gaze a little further ahead. Amidst the dense crowd, I sensed a murmur. It seemed they had arrived. The numerous people began to move quickly. The space created by their movement became a path, and I saw a group approaching from afar, walking down the path. Their footsteps converged, creating resonance, and their combined presence intensified, subtly enveloping the air.

Flap.

A light blue robe fluttered with every step they took. Their straight posture, trained bodies, sturdy physiques, and the palpable Daoist energy emanating from them. Furthermore, their confident strides seemed to showcase their lofty pride.

-W-Wudang Sect…!-

Someone’s whispered words echoed unusually loudly. Yes, those walking from afar were indeed them. The descendants of Daoism, called the Nine Great Sects and a prestigious lineage.

‘The Wudang Sect.’

Not long after identifying them, they arrived before us. There were exactly ten of them. Sensing their Ki, I could tell they were composed of considerable masters.

‘All of them have surpassed the Peak stage.’

Several seem to have reached the perfected Peak stage. It seemed too courteous to be a simple welcoming party.

Leaving the curious gazes of the crowd behind, the man at the front stepped forward.

“Are you the guests from the Mount Hua Sect?”

As soon as he spoke, Yeongpung moved. When he tried to perform a fist-and-palm salute, I grabbed his arm to stop him.

Thwack-!

“…!-“

Yeongpung looked flustered by this, but ignoring him, I continued,

“We are.”

“…I am Ji Cheol, the second disciple of Wudang. I was ordered to come escort our guests.”

Only after the person named Ji Cheol introduced himself did I release Yeongpung’s arm.

“I am Yeongpung, the third disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.”

“And I am Guryeonghwa, the second disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.”

Once the two finished introducing themselves, Ji Cheol turned his gaze towards me. His eyes seemed to ask, ‘And who are you?’

“Ah, I’m Gu Yangcheon. This person here is just my porter, so don’t mind them.”

“…!-“

I said this while pointing at Seongyul, who was actually carrying my luggage. Ji Cheol’s eyes widened slightly upon hearing my name. Just as I wondered why he was reacting like that, I heard voices from behind.

-Gu Yangcheon… could it be that Gu Yangcheon? And is that Geomryong next to him?

-Geomryong, huh? He really is as handsome as the rumors say.

-Is that So-Yeomra next to him?

-They say his eyes look demonic, the rumors were true indeed…-

It seemed they recognized not only Geomryong but also me by name.

‘Who the hell was that last guy talking?’

I was dumbfounded by how widespread the rumors were.

‘I’ve been keeping quiet precisely to erase those rumors, yet they still linger.’

As I suppressed the rising irritation, I felt a strange gaze scanning me from the front. It was Ji Cheol. Sensing his gaze, I narrowed my eyes.

‘What is it?’

I thought he was just looking out of curiosity, but somehow, his gaze carried a hint of annoyance. Of course, it was only for a moment. Ji Cheol quickly averted his gaze, but I didn’t miss it.

‘Look at this bastard.’

As I chuckled quietly, Ji Cheol spoke to me.

“So you are the famous So-Yeomra. I’ve heard much about you. They say you’re an outstanding late-stage cultivator.”

I distinctly felt a peculiar emphasis on the word ‘late-stage cultivator’.

“We received word via messenger that you had business here. We hope you have a pleasant stay.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

Ji Cheol nodded slightly at my smiling reply.

“First, you must be tired from your long journey, so perhaps we could escort you to a comfortable place. How about that?”

“We would appreciate that.”

Now that the pleasantries were mostly done, I thought we were heading to the Wudang Sect as planned, but…

“Follow us.”

And so, the place Ji Cheol led us to… was surprisingly, not the Wudang Sect.

---

After following Ji Cheol for about half an hour, we found ourselves inside a building. It was an inn with a somewhat luxurious exterior. Perhaps they had cleared it out, as the interior was quiet and seemed reasonably well-maintained, but I couldn’t help but wear a slightly puzzled expression as we entered.

‘What is this?’

They were supposed to guide us, but instead, we were brought to an inn, not the sect itself. Glancing sideways, Yeongpung’s expression wasn’t exactly pleasant either. It was understandable.

‘After coming all the way to another sect for business, we weren’t even allowed inside the sect grounds and were brought to an inn.’

While they were pretending to offer hospitality, this was clearly a dismissive act. Both Yeongpung and Guryeonghwa knew this, which was why they wore those expressions. Just as their displeased faces began to exude a chilling atmosphere, Ji Cheol, seated at the table, opened his mouth.

“First, allow me to apologize.”

He started with an apology.

“Normally, we should have escorted you to our main sect, but the current situation within our sect is rather unsettled, so we unavoidably had to bring you here.”

Ji Cheol seemed aware that the current situation was improper, as he began explaining.

“The situation?”

Yeongpung asked, frowning more than usual, and Ji Cheol continued,

“That’s right. Under the current circumstances, it’s difficult to bring outsiders in carelessly, so we ask for your understanding, guests.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Once a simple verification process is complete, you will leave this inn and ascend to Wudang. We ask for your cooperation.”

Yeongpung looked quite taken aback. Well, it was an unexpected turn of events, so his reaction was understandable. Seeing that, I too had to tilt my head in confusion.

A verification process?

‘Did something happen at Wudang?’

The way they’re acting suggests something is indeed going on. Separately from that, the current situation didn’t look good at all.

‘I thought their demeanor was sharp, but it seems they weren’t just here to greet us.’

They arrived making such a show of their presence.

‘Are they trying to intimidate us from the start?’

It was irritating right from the first meeting. Ji Cheol deliberately delayed introducing himself. Since Yeongpung was clearly his junior, it would have been proper to show courtesy first, but at the point where it was clear we were from different sects meeting each other, trying to receive courtesy without offering any greeting first…

‘It means they intended to establish dominance from the outset.’

It clearly meant they were trying to secure the superior position from the very beginning. That’s why I stopped Yeongpung earlier.

‘It could simply be a misunderstanding, but…’

Seeing how things are unfolding now, I doubt that’s the case.

‘Just listening to their conversation makes it clear.’

You could tell just from the way Ji Cheol spoke to Yeongpung. While it seemed laced with politeness, there was a clear condescending attitude in his words. Not only did he act this way without prior explanation, but he was also demanding understanding as if it were a given. Moreover, there was even a veiled threat: cooperate with the verification, and they’d ensure proper entry into Wudang. From my perspective, it was no different from deliberately trying to make us look bad.

The problem was,

“…What exactly do you want us to cooperate with?”

Yeongpung wasn’t handling this situation properly.

‘Tsk….’

It was natural for Yeongpung to be naive like that, being new to the Central Plains, but from my perspective, it was simply frustrating.

‘This won’t do.’

Seeing Yeongpung like that, I let out a small sigh. I had intended to watch briefly to see how Yeongpung would handle it, but it seemed leaving it like this would only lead to worse outcomes.

‘I really didn’t want to interfere.’

I was trying to let it slide, but it didn’t seem like that would work. As Yeongpung hesitantly asked Ji Cheol something with a look of unease, Ji Cheol slightly raised the corners of his mouth and continued,

“First, the members of Mount Hua…”

“Before that, I have something I’d like to ask.”

As my words cut him off mid-sentence, Ji Cheol’s face contorted. He clearly didn’t appreciate me interrupting the conversation. Ji Cheol looked towards me, his expression unchanged. His eyes clearly conveyed a ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ sentiment.

“…Are you referring to me?”

His question was filled with discomfort.

“I’ve been curious about it since earlier. I felt I had to ask.”

“What is it?”

Seeing Ji Cheol’s face, I smiled broadly and said,

“Are you perhaps from a demonic sect?”

“…?”

Hearing my question, Ji Cheol wore a dumbfounded expression. It was the look of someone wondering if they heard correctly.

“…What did you say….”

“No, it’s just that the way you’re handling things is exactly like people from those demonic sects, so I asked.”

“What?”

“The way you speak, like you’ve completely disregarded basic manners and are just trying to piss people off, feels exactly like them. Sorry if I’m mistaken. Must have been my imagination. Haha!”

I gestured with a smile, but a moment later, Ji Cheol’s expression, after hearing my words, began to twist into something sinister. Just as he was about to rise, seemingly to yell at me,

“Pfft….”

A short burst of laughter from somewhere suddenly chilled the atmosphere. Everyone’s attention snapped towards the direction of the laughter. There stood Guryeonghwa, covering his mouth with a look of ‘oops’.

“…Ah, sorry… I couldn’t help it…”

Guryeonghwa mumbled sheepishly, but it was already too late to salvage the situation.