Fist Demon of Mount Hua - Chapter 38

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 38. Taking Rest to Journey Far—Part 1
In the distance, Bakgyeok Dalbong rose into view. Though warmth carried on the wind, the eternal snow crowning its peak showed no sign of melting.
Bakgyeok Dalbong, situated at the eastern edge of the Tianshan Mountain Range, was revered by the people of the region as a Sacred Mountain.
What else would explain why they had given the name Tianchi—Heavenly Pool—to the massive lake nestled on the mountain’s slope?
From the pavilion in the rear garden of Seocheon Mountain Manor, Bakgyeok Dalbong’s true form came into sharp relief.
It was precisely because the mountain appeared most striking from this vantage that Eun Haseong, the lord of Seocheon Mountain Manor, had chosen to build his residence here.
Eun Haseong was sixty-two years old this year. Yet his appearance was nowhere near that of a man past forty.
A tiger’s fierce, gleaming eyes hunting for prey, a blunt nose, tightly sealed lips, and a sharp, angular jaw all combined to lend his face an air of fearsome intensity.
Eun Haseong stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing upon Bakgyeok Dalbong. He loved the snow-draped landscape of the peak so deeply that he had built Seocheon Mountain Manor on this very spot where it could be viewed most brilliantly.
Behind Eun Haseong stood a man in his early fifties—middle-aged, with a weathered frame. His face and neck bore grotesque scars scattered here and there, as if earthworms had crawled across his skin.
The old man’s name was Jo Hyeolsan, Eun Haseong’s trusted aide of many years and steward of Seocheon Mountain Manor.
After a long silence spent gazing at Bakgyeok Dalbong, Eun Haseong suddenly spoke.
“And Gyeong Cheonsaeng?”
“No word yet, sir.”
Jo Hyeolsan replied with deference.
“Hmm! He’s running late this time.”
“Surely there’s nothing amiss?”
“Perhaps not.”
Eun Haseong nodded.
Gyeong Cheonsaeng was among his most trusted lieutenants. He had been the chief architect in founding Seocheon Mountain Manor, and his loyalty ran so deep that he would unhesitatingly lay down his life for his lord.
“When Cheonsaeng returns, see that he is given rest.”
“Understood, sir.”
“And what of Hyeolma Chong?”
“We still face difficulties with personnel allocation. But once Cheonsaeng returns, matters should ease considerably.”
“Manage it well as you see fit.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jo Hyeolsan bowed deeply.
Eun Haseong’s gaze returned to Bakgyeok Dalbong.
“Xinjiang alone will not suffice. You understand this?”
“Of course, sir. How could I fail to grasp your intentions?”
“The day our dream is realized draws near. It is precisely at times like these that we must redouble our vigilance.”
“I shall take greater care, sir.”
“Good.”
Eun Haseong had just nodded when—
“My lord.”
A warrior from Seocheon Mountain Manor came running toward the pavilion.
Jo Hyeolsan’s brows furrowed as he watched the man approach. This was a space where the lord Eun Haseong sought respite, a place where utmost care must be observed. He disliked seeing subordinates come rushing in with such haste.
Yet he knew they could hardly be ignorant of this protocol. The fact that one would come charging in so carelessly must mean something significant had occurred. Holding his tongue, he studied the warrior with measured eyes.
The warrior reached the foot of the pavilion and dropped to one knee.
“Forgive the intrusion, my lord. But the matter is most urgent.”
“It’s fine. What is it?”
“A guest has come seeking you, my lord.”
“Seeking me?”
An expression of surprise crossed Eun Haseong’s face.
Eun Haseong rarely revealed himself to outsiders save in matters of utmost importance. Over the years, countless individuals had sought him out, yet precious few had been granted an audience—precisely because of this habit.
The issue was that his subordinates understood this practice all too well. Most visitors were filtered out at their level. That a warrior had come running to summon him meant whoever sought an audience was likely far more significant than average.
“Who is it?”
“The Deputy Chief of Hyeolrin Salmak, sir.”
“Hyeolrin Salmak?”
Light flashed in Eun Haseong’s eyes—a word so unexpected warranted such a reaction. Jo Hyeolsan’s expression mirrored his lord’s surprise.
“My lord?”
“Hmm! Have they caught the scent?”
At Eun Haseong’s murmur, Jo Hyeolsan’s face grew grave.
“If they’ve truly caught wind of it, we face grave danger, sir.”
“Indeed. But perhaps the time has come. In truth, it would be strange if they’d failed to catch the scent by now.”
“What would you have us do, sir? We could dispose of them now—”
“Let me meet with them first. I need to know how much they’ve uncovered before we can formulate a proper response. Bring them to the Guest Hall.”
A cold smile played at the corner of Eun Haseong’s mouth.
“Very good, sir.”
The warrior acknowledged the order and rushed away.
“Hyeolrin Salmak…….”
Twenty years ago, a remarkable wanderer named Sim Sumyeong emerged in Xinjiang. Among wanderers, Sim Sumyeong possessed exceptional martial skill and formidable leadership.
Though fierce before his enemies, his natural generosity of spirit drew countless followers. The organization formed by those who gathered around him became Hyeolrin Salmak.
Though founded by wanderers, no one dared dismiss Hyeolrin Salmak. Their strength rivaled that of any respectable sect in the Central Plains.
Five years ago, when Hyeolsa Pung swept through Xinjiang, Hyeolrin Salmak mysteriously remained idle. That absence gave Seocheon Mountain Manor the opportunity to punish Hyeolsa Pung.
Had Hyeolrin Salmak acted first, Seocheon Mountain Manor would never have grown as it has today.
“How delightful! At last they’re making their move?”
Eun Haseong’s smile deepened.
Lanterns were hung in the Guest Hall, which had stood empty and forlorn. Sim Ok and Heugno entered the Guest Hall while martial artists stood watch in its courtyard.
Sim Ok murmured softly, observing the guards.
“The martial artists here have quite formidable bearing.”
“You must be cautious, Miss.”
“I know, Heugno.”
The two opened the door and stepped into the Guest Hall. There they found Eun Haseong and Jo Hyeolsan waiting for them.
Despite their arrival, neither man spoke.
‘A test?’
Sim Ok’s eyes gleamed.
She regarded the two men in turn before fixing her gaze on Eun Haseong.
“Sim Ok of Hyeolrin Salmak greets the Master of Seocheon Mountain Manor.”
“Welcome. I am Eun Haseong, master of Seocheon Mountain Manor. How did you know?”
“Your aura felt noticeably stronger than his. And I sensed the bearing of a true ruler.”
“The bearing of a true ruler—Hyeolrin Salmak has appointed a sub-leader with keen insight. I envy your father.”
“Thank you.”
“Please, sit.”
Eun Haseong gestured for Sim Ok to take a seat.
Both settled simultaneously, with Jo Hyeolsan and Heugno each positioned behind their respective masters.
“What an honor—to receive the sub-leader of Hyeolrin Salmak in this hall.”
“The honor is mine, to meet the renowned Master of Seocheon Mountain Manor.”
“Is that so?”
A subtle smile played at Eun Haseong’s lips—one that appeared infinitely benevolent.
Had Sim Ok not gathered advance information about him, she would have been utterly deceived by such warmth.
“Let us have some tea.”
The moment Eun Haseong spoke, Jo Hyeolsan brought the tea service.
Eun Haseong himself set the water on the flame and placed the leaves in the pot.
“This tea grows only here in Tianshan. I trust you’ll find it worth drinking.”
“What an honor—to be served tea prepared by your own hand.”
“Among outsiders, you are only the second to receive such courtesy. You may count yourself truly honored.”
“I’m curious who the first was.”
“Someone you couldn’t possibly imagine.”
“All the more reason I’m intrigued.”
“Excessive curiosity can sometimes invite misfortune.”
“I confess I have a troublesome habit of pursuing whatever captures my interest. Father has scolded me for it many times.”
Sim Ok offered an enchanting smile. Eun Haseong smiled in return.
“Though youth’s curiosity can often become the engine of progress.”
“I appreciate your understanding.”
“It appears ready now.”
Eun Haseong poured the tea into a small cup and offered it to Sim Ok. She raised the cup to her lips.
“The fragrance is exquisite.”
“Most people believe Yongjeong Tea and Biluochun are supreme, yet this tea from Tianshan is no less their equal. Since it cannot be cultivated, we employ herbalists to gather it. It is that precious.”
“Thank you for allowing me to taste such a rare treasure.”
“You are as a niece to me—why would I begrudge it? I have plenty of tea. Drink freely without restraint.”
Eun Haseong’s smile grew warmer still.
“It truly is wonderful.”
“I’ll have some packed for you when you depart.”
“Thank you.”
“By the way, is your father well? I’ve meant to visit him for some time now, but duties keep me occupied.”
“Father has said the same—that he wishes to meet you properly.”
“That is indeed an honor.”
“He has always said that if the Master of Seocheon Mountain Manor walks the righteous path, he could well become Xinjiang’s true ruler.”
“The righteous path…….”
Her words hung in the air for a long moment, lingering with an almost delicate weight. Yet Eun Haseong’s expression had grown noticeably strained.
Sim Ok did not miss the shift in his features.
“And he also asked me to convey this: that he trusts you without doubt.”
“How gracious of him. With such trust, I must surely find a way to repay it. But did he send you specifically to deliver this message?”
“That’s essentially the purpose of my visit.”
“Do arrange a meeting between him and me sometime. With such kind words, I couldn’t possibly remain idle in my junior position.”
“Very well.”
“We’ll prepare supper this evening. Stay the night, won’t you?”
“I’m grateful for your consideration.”
“No need for such formality between us. Jo here will show you to your quarters. We’ll speak again at dinner.”
“Very well.”
“Then off you go.”
At Eun Haseong’s gesture, Sim Ok rose from her seat.
Jo Hyeolsan stepped forward to address her.
“Allow me to escort you. Please, follow along.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you again at dinner.”
Sim Ok made a respectful salute to Eun Haseong, then followed Jo Hyeolsan outside. Heugno trailed quietly behind them.
Once the door closed and he was alone, Eun Haseong muttered softly.
“Presumptuous.”
The place Jo Hyeolsan led them to was a small annex tucked deep within Seocheon Mountain Manor.
“You may rest here tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll send someone to fetch you for dinner. Please, get some rest.”
“I will.”
“One more thing—and forgive an old man’s caution—but if possible, I’d prefer you didn’t wander outside.”
“Why is that?”
“There are wild beasts about. Should anything happen to a precious jewel of Hyeolrin Salmak here at our manor, the consequences would fall squarely on our shoulders. I would greatly prefer that both sides consider their positions carefully enough to prevent any such incident.”
Jo Hyeolsan fixed his gaze upon Sim Ok, his eyes cold and sharp.
Sim Ok nodded in acknowledgment.
“I understand. If wild beasts are about, I certainly shouldn’t venture out. I’ll stay put.”
“Thank you for understanding. Then I’ll see you this evening. If you’ll excuse me…”
Jo Hyeolsan withdrew with a smile.
Sim Ok watched his receding figure for a long moment.
“Wild beasts? That’s rich.”
Her quiet laugh dissolved into the breeze.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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