Chapter v10c23

“Oh! Yerin! This isn’t a dream, is it?”*

Na Baekcheon, with an expression of disbelief, gently touched Na Yerin’s cheek. She was indeed real, not a ghost.

“Yes, Father! I’m back.”

Na Yerin embraced her father.

“Oh! Heaven and Earth, thank you!”

Na Baekcheon shed tears of joy. It was a touching reunion between father and daughter. Bi Ryu Yeon watched her with a hint of envy, but that feeling quickly vanished.

When Na Yerin regained consciousness, Bi Ryu Yeon realized they needed to dry their clothes. While looking around, he noticed the fire here. He had hidden the blood serpent in a secluded spot and brought Na Yerin here. However, he hadn’t realized that the fire was burning their coffins.

Bi Ryu Yeon also had people who welcomed him back.

“We’re glad you returned safely, Master!”

Yeomdo said with a peculiar smile.

“You’re disappointed I didn’t die, aren’t you?”

Bi Ryu Yeon winked.

“No, not at all…”

Yeomdo’s feelings were very complicated. He couldn’t tell if he was happy or sad.

‘Considering all the mistreatment and hardships, I should be jumping with joy at his death…’

When he heard that Bi Ryu Yeon had died, he felt an inexplicable emptiness. But that didn’t mean he was overjoyed at this moment. It was a complex and subtle emotion. Binggeom, standing beside him with a sour expression, felt the same way.

“Welcome back. Congratulations on your safe return. We’re glad you’re unharmed.”

Whether they were truly happy or not was something only they knew…

Bi Ryu Yeon decided to believe that they were genuinely happy about his return. As soon as Yeomdo and Binggeom finished their greetings, Hyo Ryong, Jang Hong, and other friends gathered around. And from the other side, the members of the Jujakdan came running. They had various expressions of joy, sorrow, resentment, and frustration as they approached him.

Bi Ryu Yeon smiled at them. He decided he would definitely address the issue of the condolence money.

“How was it inside the cave?”

Majinga asked. He wanted to speak directly with the miraculously returned Bi Ryu Yeon.

“It was quite comfortable, actually. It was an interesting experience. Spending such a long time in a confined space with an unparalleled beauty is not something easily experienced. Some might even pay a million gold taels to have that experience.”

Bi Ryu Yeon’s words made the men listening twitch and squirm, their imaginations running wild. They struggled to maintain their composure, barely holding onto their sanity while grappling with jealousy and Bi Ryu Yeon’s martial prowess. The flames of the pyre still burned fiercely. They probably wished they could throw Bi Ryu Yeon into the fire, but who among them had the skill to do so?

“Your return is nothing short of a miracle. Heaven must have been on your side. I should bow to the heavens a hundred times! And you even brought back my beloved niece safely! You have my deepest gratitude!”

Majinga said in awe.

“You’re too kind. Luck played a part, but skill was more important.”

Bi Ryu Yeon replied with a smile.

“But may I ask you one question?”

“Of course. Ask anything!”

“Did we pass the test?”

Having been in the cave for quite some time, Bi Ryu Yeon was curious. Coming out so late, and in a different manner from others, might have disqualified them. He wanted to confirm. After all, if they had passed, he was eager to explore the martial world.

“What did you see inside?”

Majinga asked before revealing whether Bi Ryu Yeon and Na Yerin had passed or failed.

“I saw someone I must surpass! And I saw myself.”

Bi Ryu Yeon answered without hesitation. Majinga nodded. But that wasn’t all. Bi Ryu Yeon had seen something else. After a moment’s thought, he spoke again.

“Oh! And one more thing, I met a beautiful fairy who smiled at me in there.”

Majinga nodded with a satisfied smile.

“You’ve passed! And so has Na Yerin!”

After a brief pause, Majinga cautiously asked,

“But may I ask one more thing?”

“Yes, ask anything.”

Majinga leaned in and whispered seriously,

“Did nothing really happen in there?”

***

“Yerin!”

“Yes, Father!”

Na Yerin replied politely to Na Baekcheon’s call.

“I have something I’m curious about.”

Na Baekcheon’s words were cautious, like someone walking on thin ice.

“What is it?”

“Did anything happen while you were trapped in there?”

Na Yerin’s face stiffened as she understood the implication behind her father’s question.

“……”

She couldn’t find the words to answer immediately. Seeing her tense reaction, Na Baekcheon jumped to conclusions without waiting for her response.

“Did that rascal try to take advantage of you? Did anything happen?”

Na Baekcheon’s only concern was that. He knew well how men, infatuated with his daughter’s beauty, had lost their self-control and attempted things, even if they had failed. So his worry was understandable.

Na Yerin blushed slightly and replied,

“Nothing happened, Father!”

But Na Baekcheon found it hard to believe. His suspicion only grew. Na Yerin blushing while answering… It felt like a layer of ice had melted from her face. A parent’s intuition can be surprisingly sharp.

“If anything happened, tell me without hiding it! I’ll tear that rascal limb from limb and feed him to the wolves.”

It was another moment proving that the leader of the martial world was a doting father blinded by love for his daughter.

“Nothing happened, Father! Please don’t make this difficult for me. I’ll be going now.”

An angry Na Yerin turned and disappeared from Na Baekcheon’s sight.

“Something definitely happened…”

A father’s intuition was at work. But he couldn’t pinpoint what it was. However, the most important thing was that his daughter had returned safely without a scratch.

It was a miraculous return after 44 days.

**Selection**

A few days later, it was time for the representatives to depart for the Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference.

All that remained was the announcement of the candidates.

Majinga announced the candidates for this year’s Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred Year Agreement Conference in the presence of several elders gathered at Cheonmu Hall.

As soon as the announcement ended, everyone began to murmur. The selection of candidates this time was significantly different from previous years, causing the commotion.

“May I ask a question?”

The one who asked was Elder Neok Gi han.

“What is it? Speak freely.”

Majinga nodded calmly.

“Why are there so many candidates?”

No matter how one thought about it, fifty candidates were too many. The final number needed was less than ten. Even with the rule changes, this was excessive. In the history of the Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference, this was the first time so many candidates had been selected. It was a number that couldn’t be counted on fingers and toes combined.

“It’s because it’s necessary.”

Majinga’s words carried no doubt, hesitation, or indecision. It was clear how much he believed in the necessity of the situation. It was a deflating answer.

“Why? Could you explain in more detail?”

“It’s a precaution against any unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, this year’s conference, marking the centennial, will be conducted in a completely different manner.”

“That… can’t be!”

None of the elders present had been informed of this.

“Therefore, there will be no retraction.”

Majinga answered firmly.

When Majinga’s piercing gaze swept across the room, everyone fell silent.

“This year’s Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference holds more significance than any previous conference. I can’t explain the reasons yet, so I ask for your understanding. Moreover, although everyone keeps quiet about it, you all know how many incidents and accidents have occurred on the way to Mount Hua. For reasons unknown, there have always been incidents involving the representatives heading to the conference. Unidentified corpses have often been found. As a result, the promised number of representatives has never arrived at Mount Hua. However, we couldn’t blame the Black Heaven Alliance because they also suffered casualties. So, we couldn’t protest.”

The representatives heading to the Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference always faced the risk of death. They never knew when they might be ambushed. A moment of carelessness could result in death before even reaching the destination. It was likely that the Black Heaven Alliance or the Demon Heaven Pavilion was involved, but without evidence, they couldn’t protest. Moreover, the presence of the Heavenly Tribulation, which belonged to neither the righteous nor the evil factions, made it difficult to solely blame the Black Heaven Alliance.

In the martial world, dealing with other factions requires more than just suspicion; concrete evidence is necessary.

“What about escorts?”

Given the recurring incidents, escorts were necessary for safety. However, the problem was that escorts were not allowed.

“As per tradition, there will be no escorts.”

Majinga said.

“As you know, only the participants are allowed to travel to Mount Hua, the venue of the conference. No other individuals are permitted to accompany them. Although the Mount Hua Sect is present, the conference is held at Cheonmu Peak, which is quite a distance away and guarded as a restricted area. This tradition was established by the great martial artists Taeguk Shingun Hyuk Wolrin and the martial demon Pae Cheondo Gal Jung Hyuk.”

While representatives couldn’t have escorts, invited observers were allowed. However, for some reason, participants had to arrive at Mount Hua a month before the conference. That was the rule, and failing to arrive on time meant disqualification.

“Don’t worry too much. While there are no escorts, there will be a leader!”

Majinga said, looking at Neok Gi han. Given the circumstances, the leader had to be exceptionally capable.

“Please allow me to go!”

Neok Gi han said without hesitation. Majinga nodded.

“I was planning to appoint you, Elder Goyakhan, Elder Yeomdo, and Inspector Binggeom as the leaders for this year’s conference.”

Neok Gi han frowned at the inclusion of Goyakhan as a leader but decided to be content since he was also chosen. Yeomdo and Binggeom exchanged glances and quickly looked away.

They were two people who kept getting entangled despite trying to avoid each other.

**That Night!**

“You called for me, Master?”

Jegal Nosa stood in Majinga’s private office late at night, having been summoned secretly. The past month had been the busiest of his life.

“Thank you for coming, Jegal Nosa! Sorry to trouble you again!”

“No trouble at all. Please, give your orders!”

Jegal Nosa replied respectfully.

“Tomorrow is the departure day!”

“Yes!”

“But I can’t shake this uneasy feeling! We still haven’t found the culprit behind the Phantom Demon Cave collapse, and now we have to send the children to Mount Hua!”

“I deeply apologize for that. Despite mobilizing all our resources, including the Shadow Pavilion, we haven’t found a single clue… I am ashamed. Please forgive me.”

“No, you’ve done well, as always! The enemy is just too meticulous. Don’t worry too much!”

“Thank you, Master!”

Jegal Nosa sincerely appreciated Majinga’s generosity.

“Jegal Nosa, do you think the children will reach Mount Hua safely this time?”

Majinga’s face suddenly grew serious. This was the main issue.

“It won’t be easy. There’s a high possibility that spies from the Black Heaven Alliance or the Heavenly Tribulation are among the selected candidates.”

Majinga’s eyes widened.

“Really? But they are all descendants of prestigious sects. How could that be…”

It was hard to believe.

“Just because they are from prestigious sects doesn’t mean they are trustworthy. Haven’t we learned that painfully from this incident? Their influence runs deeper than we think.”

“Do you have any measures in place? From what you’re saying, it seems you have something planned.”

Jegal Nosa smiled.

“Indeed, I have already placed a few trustworthy individuals among the candidates.”

“Oh! As expected of you! Truly one of Cheonmu Academy’s finest minds!”

Majinga’s face brightened.

“You’re too kind. I have also made several other arrangements. Rest assured, I will ensure the children reach Mount Hua safely and identify any spies.”

“Thank you!”

“Don’t worry.”

**Departure to Mount Hua**

– Leaving Cheonmu Academy!

“Finally, it’s time to depart.”

For Yoon Junho, today was a very significant day. His heart was filled with pride.

He was so excited last night that he couldn’t sleep a wink. But it didn’t matter.

Because today was the day they were departing for Mount Hua. Surprisingly, Yoon Junho had passed the Phantom Demon Cave test, and although he was just a candidate, he was allowed to participate in the Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference. Due to the sudden collapse of the Phantom Demon Cave, resulting in nearly 150 injuries, Yoon Junho had the fortune of being selected as a candidate. Many skilled martial artists were bedridden due to the accident.

In addition to Bi Ryu Yeon, Mo Yong Hwi, Hyo Ryong, and Jang Hong had all passed. All members of the Jujakdan were also selected as candidates. Among them, Namgung Sang and Hyun Woon were chosen as main representatives.

Yoon Junho was excited about the prospect of traveling to Mount Hua with his friends and visiting his sect.

‘I wonder what expressions my senior brothers, masters, and my master will have when they find out I’ve been selected as a representative for the Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference?’

They would probably be furious, thinking someone was playing a prank on them. But it didn’t matter. No matter what anyone said, he was part of the selected delegation for the Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference. He couldn’t wait to arrive at Mount Hua and see his grandmaster’s face. The thought of how proud his grandmaster would be made Junho’s heart swell with happiness.

“This is just the beginning.”

Yoon Junho steeled his resolve and picked up his sword. He was no longer the immature, ostracized Yoon Junho of the past. Though he still hadn’t cured his plum blossom allergy, that didn’t matter.

“Snore… mumble mumble… Yerin… mumble mumble…”

Bi Ryu Yeon was still buried in his bed, wandering in dreamland, despite the alarm ringing loudly.

It seemed it would take several people to wake Bi Ryu Yeon today as well.

Cheonmu Academy’s Master, Iron Fist Majinga, stood on the platform, giving his final instructions to the young representatives departing for Mount Hua. The honor of the righteous path and the balance of power rested on their shoulders.

“This year’s Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference will be conducted in a completely different manner from any previous conference held in the past hundred years. Forget any common knowledge you had about the conference. Just remember that the honor and fate of the righteous path are at stake in this centennial conference. The balance of power for the next ten years will be decided. Many eyes will be watching your courage, wisdom, and martial skills.

From now on, you can only rely on your own strength, courage, and wisdom. Once you leave here, there will be no helping hand. You must solve everything on your own. I have only one thing to say: You are the proud disciples of the glorious Cheonmu Academy. Act with confidence and dignity! I wish you good fortune in your martial endeavors!”

Majinga concluded his speech.

“Then, we’ll be off, Master.”

Binggeom, the chief leader, bowed to Majinga.

“Take care.”

“Yes.”

“See you at Mount Hua. I hope you arrive safely. Beware of unseen hands.”

“Of course.”

Binggeom remembered the cautionary advice.

“A flower that grows in a greenhouse is easily broken by wind and rain. Don’t let them rely on you too much.”

Majinga gave one last piece of advice. Binggeom nodded. A flower in a greenhouse cannot grow strong! Only those who face harsh realities and storms without breaking can truly become strong. Majinga didn’t want to raise his disciples like delicate flowers in a greenhouse. Now was the time for strong individuals. He could only show them the way; he couldn’t walk it for them. This applied not just to him but to everyone in the world.

Now, they were leaving to test their abilities and uphold the honor of the righteous path. Binggeom looked at the young representatives lined up and shouted,

“Depart!”

As the dawn broke over the horizon, driving away the darkness, they set off for Mount Hua.

“Finally, they are coming.”

A figure shrouded in darkness spoke in a low voice. The eerie tone resonated unsettlingly within the room. This was a secret chamber within the Demon Heaven Pavilion.

The figure, seemingly one with the shadows, was the Grand Prince.

Whoosh!

A letter in his hand burst into flames and turned to ash. It was the report from Cheonmu Academy about the departure of the participants for this year’s Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference.

“If I had sent a congratulatory gift of coffins last time, it would have been useless.”

Though his voice was low, Chi Sa Han trembled with immense fear. He prostrated himself on the ground.

“I… I apologize.”

Chi Sa Han’s plan hadn’t been very successful in the Phantom Demon Cave. Although there were many injuries, there were no fatalities. His scheme had ended in failure.

“What are you apologizing for?”

The Grand Prince’s emotionless voice made Chi Sa Han even more terrified. His survival instincts sensed the breath of death.

“I apologize for failing to meet your expectations. I deserve to die a hundred times.”

“Is that so?”

Chi Sa Han was horrified by the Grand Prince’s cold, emotionless response. He knew his lord was very angry. He was terrified because he couldn’t handle his lord’s wrath.

“But please give me one more chance. This time, I will definitely… definitely take care of the obstacles.”

After a moment of thought, the Grand Prince spoke.

“…Then I must ask you to guide their way.”

“Guide… their way?”

The Grand Prince nodded.

“The road ahead might be treacherous.”

Chi Sa Han’s cunning mind quickly grasped the hidden meaning behind the Grand Prince’s words. A sly smile appeared on his face.

“Hehehe. Indeed. The roads aren’t in good condition these days. Traveling can be quite difficult. Without a guide, they might get lost.”

“Such a pity…”

The Grand Prince murmured.

“A pity indeed. And quite unfortunate. Hehehe.”

But judging by Chi Sa Han’s demeanor, he didn’t seem to feel any pity.

“Send a guide.”

Chi Sa Han replied.

“Send a good guide. And make sure the Black Heaven Alliance doesn’t find out.”

“Of course. I’ll send the Twelve Blood Demon Squad.”

“They are reliable guides.”

The Grand Prince seemed satisfied with Chi Sa Han’s response. Chi Sa Han sighed in relief and let out a sinister laugh.

“Hehehe, indeed. The Twelve Blood Demon Squad will be the perfect guides to lead them to the underworld. With swords, blood, and fire!”

This time, he vowed not to fail.

“Many prominent figures from both the righteous and evil factions will attend this year’s Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference as witnesses. The Master of Cheonmu Academy, the Martial Alliance Leader, and those cursed Cheonmu Three Stars!

If a major incident occurs at this gathering of the pillars of the righteous path, it will be a great tragedy.”

A fierce killing intent exploded from the Grand Prince’s eyes. Chi Sa Han and his subordinates, overwhelmed by the terrifying aura, felt both fear and reverence.

The Grand Prince’s killing intent was like a concentrated darkness. Chi Sa Han thought to himself,

‘Even if the representatives of the righteous path reach Mount Hua safely, they won’t be able to match this man’s power.’

It was a belief bordering on faith. The Grand Prince’s martial skills and aura were exceptional. The Grand Prince stood up and looked at his subordinates standing guard.

“Let’s remind them of the blood-soaked terror that disappeared a hundred years ago. Let’s recreate the most dreadful nightmare they tried so hard to forget. This year’s Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference will be the beginning of a tragedy that will drench the world in blood.”

His subordinates, kneeling on either side, shouted in unison,

“Chaos and bloodshed! The Blood God returns! The Heavenly Tribulation rules the world!”

Their voices, filled with ominous and foreboding energy, echoed powerfully. It seemed that Bi Ryu Yeon and his companions’ journey would be anything but smooth. No one could confidently predict what fate awaited them as they left Cheonmu Academy.