Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect - Chapter 105

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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 105
Seven weeks after the gates of Huashan had opened.
Creak—Bang!
The moment the appointed time arrived, the mountain gates shut as though they’d been waiting for it.
“Seventy in total.”
Hyeon Ryeo, keeper of the Jaeryeong Pavilion, frowned as she looked over the documents before her.
‘Perhaps I was too greedy.’
It must have been because they hadn’t accepted disciples in so long.
The Sect Master and Hyeon Ryeo, without thinking of the consequences, had filled the Wuhua Pavilion—rebuilt to accommodate third-generation disciples—to its maximum capacity.
“How much money is left?”
As she pressed her fingers to her temples in calculation,
the door burst open.
Cheon Su, the assistant keeper, approached with a haggard expression.
“They’ve all been settled in the Wuhua Pavilion.”
“The sect robes?”
“Of course the robes, and we’ve distributed the wooden swords and all the essentials.”
“Then what’s left is…”
“Food expenses.”
Hyeon Ryeo’s brow deepened.
What else did one need to run a sect?
Simply: food expenses.
The two of them fell into worried deliberation over how to reduce the costs.
“Well, let’s prepare the provisions we’ve already received from the Bi Poong Trading Company first.”
“Understood.”
“As for what we lack, I’ll find a way somehow. Now go.”
Hyeon Ryeo issued her dismissal,
“Um, keeper.”
but Cheon Su didn’t leave—he called out to her instead.
“What is it?”
“Don’t we accept new people? I heard the Medical Pavilion took in quite a few second-generation disciples this time.”
Hyeon Ryeo smiled wryly.
The Medical Pavilion was experiencing a prosperity without precedent in Huashan’s history.
The greatest reason for this was,
“The Medical Pavilion has the esteemed Senior Shin Ui, so there’s nothing to be done about it.”
Indeed, it was the existence of Shin Ui.
Since Shin Ui, called the greatest physician under heaven, had secluded himself in the Medical Pavilion, the unnamed disciples who had no ambitions in martial arts and were planning to return to the secular world were quietly slipping into the Medical Pavilion instead.
Of course, Cheon Su understood this too.
If one could earn a living just by learning ordinary medicine, what kind of treatment wouldn’t one receive if it became known they’d studied under Shin Ui?
He himself wanted so badly to abandon the Jaeryeong Pavilion and enter the Medical Pavilion to study under Shin Ui.
But.
“No, keeper. The Medical Pavilion already has five new arrivals. Meanwhile, the Jaeryeong Pavilion—what of us? Isn’t it just you and me handling nearly everything?”
The injustice burned in him.
This wasn’t right.
The Jaeryeong Pavilion was where the most crucial financial matters of Huashan were managed.
Yet there were barely two of them!
Hyeon Ryeo, watching Cheon Su’s indignation, spoke in a low voice.
“Several of the second-generation disciples will actually be joining us soon.”
“Really? Is that true?!”
Cheon Su’s eyes widened.
At once, he poured out his words in urgent excitement.
“H-how many? No, when?”
“You’ll have to wait about a week.”
“A week…?”
At this sobering answer, Cheon Su’s brightened expression darkened again.
“But we have so much work right now.”
“The Sect Master said there was something he needed to do first, so it was delayed a bit.”
“Something he needed to do…?”
“What else would it be?”
“Ah…”
Cheon Su let out a sigh.
“Then everything that’s happened so far—you and I will have to handle it together?”
Hyeon Ryeo nodded.
She had her own headaches about it.
Taking Lin on as a Direct Disciple meant she barely had time to teach martial arts.
“Sigh.”
“Ugh.”
Both exhaled at the same moment.
“Let’s just hold on for now.”
“…Very well.”
Meanwhile, there was one person in the Huashan Sect who was just as busy as Jaeryeong Pavilion.
“You’re telling me to oversee the examination for selecting Maehwa Sword Masters?”
“Yes.”
Hyeon Cheong’s brow furrowed at the Sect Master’s words, who had shown up at the crack of dawn.
The Maehwa Sword Masters were the face of the Huashan Sect.
Because of this, examinations and evaluations were held every year, and the process was rigorous.
Martial prowess, talent, character—all of it.
The disciples were watched closely each day to see if they truly deserved the position of Maehwa Sword Master.
So he couldn’t understand.
“Why me, of all people?”
The ideal overseer would be someone who knew the disciples’ character, deportment, and martial prowess well.
But what about him?
“As the Sect Master knows, I’ve been shut away in Mangyeong Pavilion and don’t know the disciples well. How could I possibly take on the role of overseer?”
Hyeon Cheong made his objections clear.
“Wouldn’t it be better to entrust this to the Wulian Pavilion Master or Hyeon Heo instead of me?”
“Both the Wulian Pavilion Master and Hyeon Heo actively recommended you, Senior.”
But the Sect Master would not accept Hyeon Cheong’s refusal.
“And I, too, believe you are the right choice for this overseer role.”
“…Why do you think so?”
“Do you know how many people are taking the examination this time?”
The Sect Master spoke with conviction.
“Ten in total.”
It was remarkable.
To participate in the examination, candidates had to meet certain conditions.
Specifically, they had to cultivate Sword Fragrance.
That meant reaching at least the First-class realm.
Last year, there had been only four.
And all of them had passed and become Maehwa Sword Masters.
In other words, ten disciples had reached the realm of Sword Fragrance in just one year.
“And eight of those are Second-generation Disciples who studied under you.”
“Cheon Hui’s influence is greater than mine. Without the Dark Fragrance Pills he brought, we could never have achieved such results.”
“But it was your skill that developed those Second-generation Disciples.”
Faced with the Sect Master’s unwillingness to yield,
“…Fine. I’ll take on the overseer position.”
Hyeon Cheong finally conceded.
“Thank you.”
The Sect Master’s expression softened.
“When is the examination?”
At the question, the Sect Master lifted his head.
The plum blossoms that had once been budding were now in full bloom, covering the mountain in their fragrance.
“Tomorrow.”
On that day when the two men had their brief meeting,
word spread through the Huashan Sect that the examination for selecting Maehwa Sword Masters would take place tomorrow.
And Jeok Geom, seemingly unrelated to that examination, was pleading earnestly with Cheon Hui, beads of cold sweat rolling down his face.
“…For these reasons, I’m afraid I won’t be able to visit for several days.”
Cheon Hui, who had been listening quietly to Jeok Geom’s lengthy explanation, cut to the heart of it.
“So you’re saying you’ll be too busy as an examiner for the Maehwa Sword Master selection to come?”
Jeok Geom scratched his head awkwardly.
“Yes.”
“What about Seol Ran?”
“Yes. Along with the other senior sisters, all the current Maehwa Sword Masters are serving as examiners this time.”
“Understood.”
Cheon Hui answered without hesitation.
It was a shame to lose Jeok Geom and Seol Ran’s attendance, but what could be done about it.
The trials to select the Maehwa Sword Masters happened every year regardless.
“The time has come, then.”
In that moment, the scent of plum blossoms brushed against his nostrils.
“Um, Teacher.”
“Yes?”
“The Sect Master asked me to relay a message to you.”
“What is it?”
Jeok Geom hesitated before speaking.
“He asked whether, if you had nothing to do, you might observe the trials instead…”
Jeok Geom’s voice grew increasingly quieter as he spoke.
He knew all too well how much Cheon Hui detested tedious matters.
And yet.
“Fine.”
Cheon Hui accepted the proposal.
“Really, sir?”
Cheon Hui laughed softly at Jeok Geom’s astonished expression.
“What, would you rather I didn’t?”
“No, not at all!”
“When is it?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Morning, then. Very well.”
Cheon Hui nodded.
‘Might as well see how they do the selecting.’
* * *
The next day, as soon as the sun reached its zenith, Cheon Hui made his way to Samong Field.
Ordinarily, the Training Grounds would have held only the sparse first-generation disciples in their routines, but today was different.
“Do you think our senior will make it?”
“Of course!”
Second-generation disciples—the sort one usually saw at Taorin Field—gathered nervously around the edges of the Training Grounds.
Meanwhile, three figures occupied the elevated seats.
The Sect Master and the judge for this trial, Hyeon Cheong.
And Cheon Hui.
“When will it start?”
“It will begin shortly.”
The Sect Master had scarcely finished his reply when—
Whoooosh—
A gentle breeze swept across the grounds.
The next moment, ten figures vaulted over the high wall encircling the Training Grounds.
As if intent on establishing dominance right from the start, the Maehwa Sword Masters deployed elaborate light-body techniques.
“That’s the Heavenly Dragon Emerging from Cloud!”
“There’s the Ink Cloud Spitting Thunder too!”
The second-generation disciples watched in wonder as the Maehwa Sword Masters soared overhead, displaying the Huashan Sect’s celebrated ascending lightness skills.
The Heavenly Dragon Emerging from Cloud, the Ink Cloud Spitting Thunder, the Phantom Ring Mysterious Trace Step, the Floating Cloud Leap Drift—
For a moment, all eyes remained transfixed.
Tap. Tap.
As the Maehwa Sword Masters descended lightly to the Training Grounds, the dazzling exhibition of technique came to its conclusion.
“Oh.”
The second-generation disciples let out sighs of disappointment.
Cheon Hui, however, was amazed for an entirely different reason.
“Tch. Such pointless theatrics.”
On the surface, the light-body techniques were impressive, but stripped down to their essence, they were hollow—all glitter and no substance.
“Wouldn’t it be more efficient to master other methods instead of all that showmanship?”
“Hah, but didn’t it lift their spirits all the same?”
“They look a touch too excited, wouldn’t you say?”
Just as the Sect Master and Hyeon Cheong laughed awkwardly at Cheon Hui’s cutting observation,
‘Let’s see, then.’
Cheon Hui turned his gaze to the Training Grounds and began surveying the faces of the Maehwa Sword Masters.
As expected, the first to catch his eye were Jeok Geom and Seol Ran.
Next came Jeok Un, Jeok Jae, and Jeok Bi—those who had accompanied him all the way from the Bi Poong Trading Company.
And that was all.
The rest were mere acquaintances; he didn’t know their names or faces at all.
Nor did he wish to.
‘Strange. Not a single one that stands out…’
As Cheon Hui swept his gaze across the crowd, it came to rest on a woman in the center.
She appeared to be in her mid-to-late twenties and had an impressive height.
‘Well, at least there’s one.’
He examined her slowly from head to foot.
She couldn’t be called beautiful outright, yet her features were such that anyone would regard her favorably.
Her frame was perfectly balanced.
And perhaps it was her Inner Force and bearing, which she made no attempt whatsoever to conceal.
The way she stood with arms folded could have looked arrogant, yet it suited her present demeanor entirely.
‘Who is she again? Her face seems familiar…’
Step.
Just then, the woman took a stride forward.
“I’m pleased to meet you. I am Cheon Hyang.”
Cheon Hyang? Ah! The Elder’s wife?
Only then did Cheon Hui recall who she was.
But that clarity was short-lived, replaced by doubt.
“Haven’t you been in closed-door retreat at Saja Cave recently?”
“She has recently completed her closed-door training.”
The Sect Master answered the question.
“Amitabha Buddha.”
The young Daoist ascended onto the Training Grounds.
He offered a respectful bow and displayed his Sect Token in a fluid motion, his eyes fixed steadily on Cheon Hyang.
“It has been a long time since I last laid eyes on you, Master.”
Cheon Hyang smiled warmly.
“Who would you like to face?”
“I would like to face Senior Jeok Geom.”
“Very well.”
Cheon Hyang stepped back without hesitation.
Shortly after, Jeok Geom, who had been watching from the rear, walked forward slowly and offered his bow.
“I must say, I never imagined Jeok Yeon would choose me.”
Jeok Yeon smiled slightly.
“It seemed that without this opportunity, I would never have another chance to spar with you, Senior.”
“A match can be arranged at any time…”
“What I seek is a match where both of us pour all our strength into it.”
Jeok Geom flinched slightly and asked with caution.
“…You knew?”
Jeok Yeon nodded silently.
“Please don’t hold back this time.”
“Understood.”
As Jeok Yeon released his martial aura, Jeok Geom likewise drew his blade and channeled his Maehwa Energy Technique to its fullest.
Passing the test was straightforward.
All one needed was to gain recognition from an observer through a match against the Maehwa Sword Masters.
As the atmosphere began to build steadily.
Crack!
The two rushed forward simultaneously.
The moment Jeok Yeon and Jeok Geom’s match began, the Sect Master let out an exclamation.
“Remarkable. I already knew Jeok Geom was exceptional, but who would have thought Jeok Yeon’s strength would grow so much in such a short span of time.”
Among the Second-generation Disciples, Jeok Yeon was hardly the most gifted.
His talent was, if anything, below average.
Yet.
“Still, it seems Jeok Geom is proving to be the superior one.”
Jeok Geom was dominating Jeok Yeon.
Completely and utterly.
“Jeok Yeon is still not ready.”
Hyeon Cheong assessed Jeok Yeon coldly.
His martial prowess had certainly improved, but he remained far short of what it would take to become a Maehwa Sword Master.
“I have lost.”
After a moment, Jeok Yeon conceded defeat.
The two descended from the Training Grounds wearing satisfied smiles, and as if on cue, Cheon Hyang climbed up and spoke.
“Come up next then.”
Soon a newly arrived second-generation disciple and the Maehwa Sword Master began their bout.
Meanwhile, Cheon Hui, who had watched the entire exchange, wore an expression of disbelief.
‘That’s it? This is maddening.’
He had expected a rigorous test to select a Maehwa Sword Master, but it had fizzled out with embarrassing anticlimax.
“Is that all there is?”
“What? Is there a problem?”
Problems? There were plenty.
The Maehwa Sword Master was a vital force for the Huashan Sect, yet they were settling it with a single casual bout.
It wasn’t even a desperate clash.
It was just an ordinary sparring match—the kind you could see anywhere.
Cheon Hui turned to the Sect Master.
“Are you satisfied with this, Sect Master?”
The Sect Master regarded Cheon Hui with puzzled eyes, then nodded slowly.
“Indeed. Quite satisfied.”
He spoke with sincerity.
Would he have ever imagined testing ten candidates in a single day?
It had never happened even in the old days, when Hyeon Gang was alive.
Cheon Hui, hearing the Sect Master’s answer, narrowed his eyes.
‘How is the Huashan Sect supposed to grow strong with this kind of approach?’
No matter how traditional, this was wrong.
The Dark Fragrance Pills, the Maehwa Seven Crown, and more.
He had prepared so many things, yet approached like this, the sect could never become truly powerful.
‘Tch. So I have to step in again?’
Why did everything require his hand?
It felt as though he were bleeding dry.
But what choice did he have?
For the Huashan Sect to grow strong, he would have to convince these rigid, old-fashioned minds.
Having made his decision, Cheon Hui spoke.
“I must say, I’m disappointed. Satisfied with just this?”
“What is there to be disappointed about?”
“Look.”
Cheon Hui pointed with his index finger at Jeok Geom and Jeok Yeon, who had just finished their match.
“There’s no urgency in that bout at all. They ended it with such clean movements and cheerful harmony. From what I can see, Jeok Yeon doesn’t seem truly interested in becoming a Maehwa Sword Master at all.”
He shook his head with a sigh.
“He simply recognized his opponent’s strength and acknowledged his loss.”
He spoke directly to the Sect Master, whose words seemed to miss the point entirely.
“If Jeok Yeon truly wished to become a Maehwa Sword Master, would he have abandoned the match midway?”
“That is……”
The Sect Master swallowed the rest of his words.
“Hmm. You make a fair point.”
Hyeon Cheong, who had been watching the bout and quietly following their exchange, voiced his agreement with Cheon Hui’s argument.
Cheon Hui felt the moment had come.
“For our sect to revitalize, don’t we need more masters of skill? Yet if men won’t stake their lives on becoming a Maehwa Sword Master, how can we ever grow strong?”
“……Still, we have come nearly to match our strength from times past.”
“You’re satisfied with merely that?”
Cheon Hui’s eyes narrowed to slits.
“I find it insufficient.”
The Sect Master’s pupils trembled.
“Then what level would satisfy you?”
“The Number One Sect Under Heaven.”
Cheon Hui smiled thinly.
“Nothing less will do.”

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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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