Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect - Chapter 138

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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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Chapter 138
“Now this is what I’m talking about.”
Cheon Hui tilted his cup and smiled.
The smooth finish of the wine was truly exceptional.
The spirit cradled in his cup was no ordinary vintage—it was a treasure beyond measure.
Moutai Wine.
A refined liquor marked by its distinctive savory bouquet, smooth on the palate with a lingering finish that unfolded across the tongue.
‘It’s been far too long since I’ve tasted this.’
His lips curved upward, and his smile deepened.
Exquisite delicacies paired with precious Moutai Wine.
The combination was more than enough to coax his expression into ease.
“Excellent.”
Cheon Hui’s chopsticks moved faster, and with them, the wine in his cup diminished at an accelerating pace.
……
Across from him, Yang Jo Gang watched in disbelief before slowly shaking his head.
Moutai Wine was a rare treasure.
Even the Shinchangyangga, with their deep military connections, had scarcely a handful of bottles to their name.
He’d brought it out magnanimously in honor of his benefactor, yet rather than astonishment, Cheon Hui displayed only familiarity.
As though he’d drunk it countless times before.
‘I still can’t fathom who this man truly is.’
He withdrew his gaze and fixed it on Peng Cheol Wi.
Then he resumed the conversation that had lapsed.
“After your recovery—what are your intentions? Do you plan to return to the Sa Cheon Tang Family?”
Peng Cheol Wi glanced sidelong at Hu Gi Ji Su and the others.
“I fear I cannot give you a definitive answer at present. If you would permit it, perhaps I might gather everyone’s thoughts and relay a collective response to you later?”
Yang Jo Gang regarded him with widened eyes.
Ordinarily, after enduring such trials, one would scarcely dare to venture back into the Kangho.
Yet judging by his demeanor now, he seemed eager to return to the world of Kangho.
“So you wish to go back, do you?”
“That is my personal inclination.”
“Even after what you’ve suffered?”
“My father once told me that the Kangho has always been such a place.”
Peng Cheol Wi’s eyes grew steely and resolute.
“Ah, a true member of the Pengga indeed.”
Yang Jo Gang laughed heartily.
Yet his amusement faded as quickly as it had come, and his expression turned grave.
“Still, do your utmost to survive.”
His gaze fixed upon Peng Cheol Wi.
“Death erases all—the reputation you’ve built, the martial prowess you’ve cultivated—all vanishes in that single moment. Especially for one as young and full of promise as you, staying alive alone allows you to accomplish far greater things in the years ahead. So tell me, why would you court death?”
His voice dropped low.
Yet the weight of his words pressed slowly through the chamber like an invisible force.
Cheon Hui, too, paused mid-bite.
‘Formidable.’
Cheon Hui’s eyes sharpened.
If an ally, he would be profoundly trustworthy; if an enemy, he would be among the first to eliminate.
Silence descended.
In particular, Hu Gi Ji Su and the others closed their eyes, committing Yang Jo Gang’s words to their hearts.
After a moment, Peng Cheol Wi clasped his fist in salute.
“I shall take your counsel deeply to heart, Great Lord.”
“Then all is well.”
Yang Jo Gang chuckled softly.
The heavy mood lifted slightly with that sound.
“So give it careful thought. Even if it’s the Yongbong Ji Hoe, you need not attend unconditionally. If you cannot bring yourself to go, you’re welcome to remain here. Consider it well.”
“Understood.”
“Should you decide you must return to the family, tell me. I shall arrange an escort for you.”
At his words, light kindled in the faces of Peng Cheol Wi and the others.
“Thank you.”
“No need for that. As fellow members of the assembly, it is only natural, is it not?”
Yang Jo Gang waved his hand dismissively.
“But enough talk. Let us turn our attention to the meal before us.”
With that, the meal resumed in a warm, convivial atmosphere.
* * *
“Yawn.”
Cheon Hui lay in the bedchamber, watching sunlight filter through the window gap as he yawned.
Five days now at the Shinchangyangga.
During that time, Cheon Hui had been savoring his current life more than anyone could.
“Maybe I’ll stay a little longer.”
Originally he’d planned to stay just three or four days, but finding this life so agreeable, he’d been delaying his departure and lounging about the bedchamber.
And for good reason—Yang Se Ryeong had delivered on her promise: not only were lavish feasts served daily, but he was receiving exceptional hospitality.
And that was far from all.
The household staff of Shinchangyangga saw to his every need whenever he appeared.
From their perspective, Cheon Hui was their benefactor—the one who had saved Yang Se Ryeong.
Just then, the door opened.
“Great Hero.”
Yang Se Ryeong entered, opening the door.
Having come to visit each day, she moved with easy familiarity, setting down the bowl she carried beside Cheon Hui as she spoke.
“I’ve brought some sweetmeats. Would you like some?”
“Sweetmeats? I’d love some.”
Cheon Hui glanced at the bowl, then reached out with his left hand to pick up a colorful piece.
The moment it touched his tongue, it dissolved.
A hint of salt mingled through the sweetmeat, making the aftertaste pleasantly both sweet and savory—exactly to his liking.
“These are delicious.”
“I’m glad the Great Hero enjoys them. I’ll bring more next time,” she said with a soft smile.
She smiled gently.
“Is there anything else you might need?”
“Not at the moment.”
“What about wine, then? I’ve managed to procure a particularly fine vintage from the western regions……”
Yang Se Ryeong ventured the suggestion knowingly.
Over four days of daily visits, she’d learned several things about him.
One of them was particularly telling.
While he enjoyed tea, he was far more partial to fine wine.
Even in the middle of the day.
And true to her intuition, Cheon Hui’s eyes brightened as he asked.
“What kind?”
“From the western regions……”
Meanwhile, two figures passing by caught sight of this scene.
Je Gal Seung Ho and Mo Yong Sang.
‘Sesame seeds scattered everywhere,’ Je Gal Seung Ho thought with a wry smile.
Je Gal Seung Ho let out a silent laugh.
Truth be told, the two of them had been in the pavilion when Hwang Bo So Hyeon appeared, and they’d made a tactful exit.
Peng Cheol Wi and Hwang Bo So Hyeon had grown so close that they might as well be lovers—they simply refrained from using the term.
‘I wonder how he’s truly taking this.’
Je Gal Seung Ho cast a sidelong glance at Mo Yong Sang.
The others didn’t know, but Je Gal Seung Ho was aware that Mo Yong Sang harbored secret feelings for Yang Se Ryeong.
He looked at her far more often than he did anyone else—far more often.
“They seem to get along well,” Je Gal Seung Ho observed.
Surprisingly, he said it with remarkable composure.
At that response, Je Gal Seung Ho turned to stare at Mo Yong Sang with wide eyes.
“Are you truly alright with this?”
“Pardon?”
“Didn’t you harbor feelings for Lady Yang?”
“Ha ha, I tried to hide it, but you saw through me already,” Mo Yong Sang said, scratching his head.
Mo Yong Sang rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke.
“Don’t worry about it. I gave up long ago. What place could I possibly have between those two?”
At Mo Yong Sang’s candid words, Je Gal Seung Ho’s eyes widened in astonishment.
‘This isn’t the Mo Yong Sang I knew……’
It was truly a striking transformation.
When they’d first met, he’d been the type to strut about, full of self-importance, but this journey had changed him considerably.
‘And not just Mo Yong Sang, either.’
A smile crossed his face.
After all, not just himself — all of Hu Gi Ji Su had changed considerably from how things began.
“Still, it must be taxing for you, young lady.”
Mo Yong Sang spoke, looking between the two of them.
Where Yang Se Ryeong showed keen interest, Cheon Hui appeared entirely indifferent.
The contrast in their reactions was striking.
It seemed it would be no ordinary feat for Yang Se Ryeong to captivate him.
Some memory flickering across his mind, Mo Yong Sang hesitated and asked Je Gal Seung Ho carefully.
“……Was I the same way back then?”
“Ha.”
Je Gal Seung Ho let out an awkward laugh.
At that affirmative response, Mo Yong Sang laughed awkwardly as well.
“Well. I suppose I should have seen it coming.”
“At least the others didn’t notice.”
“I’m not sure whether to count my blessings on that one.”
As the two of them conversed and laughed together.
“You’re all here, then?”
“Why did you two step out so suddenly?”
Peng Cheol Wi arrived with Hwang Bo So Hyeon.
“That was quick. I’d have thought you’d both stay longer…….”
Je Gal Seung Ho, trailing off with pointed meaning, looked between them alternately.
“Have you finished talking?”
Peng Cheol Wi nodded.
“Young lady Hwang Bo says she’s leaving too.”
“I’m heading out as well.”
The two exchanged a glance and smiled.
At that response, Je Gal Seung Ho smirked.
“But what brought you here first?”
“Ha ha, I wanted to see the Great Swordsman’s face before we departed.”
“The Peng……. Ah! No, Young Master Peng wanted to pay his respects to the Great Swordsman before leaving.”
Hearing Hwang Bo So Hyeon’s slip of the tongue, Je Gal Seung Ho and Mo Yong Sang exchanged knowing smiles.
“Hmm, is that so?”
“Ha, it’s a fine day indeed.”
At their response, Peng Cheol Wi and Hwang Bo So Hyeon’s faces began to flush crimson.
She fanned her heated cheeks with her hand fan.
Je Gal Seung Ho and Mo Yong Sang, amused by their reactions, smirked.
“Then we should accompany you.”
“I should pay my respects to the Great Swordsman as well.”
“Very well.”
Peng Cheol Wi, unable to hide his reddened ears, walked alongside Hwang Bo So Hyeon.
Watching their departing figures, Je Gal Seung Ho found himself smiling softly.
‘I never imagined they’d grow this close.’
It felt strange in a new way.
Without the assault by Ilwol Moon, such a bond would surely never have formed.
A connection woven from chance meeting chance.
A fortune bestowed from heaven — in other words.
‘Is this what they call fate?’
It was a joy he hadn’t felt in a long time.
‘For the first time, I’m grateful for my brother.’
Soon they arrived inside the Pavilion.
The moment they saw Cheon Hui, the two immediately raised their fists in salute, offering their thanks.
“Thanks to the Great Swordsman, we were able to preserve our lives.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s not free — I’ll collect later.”
At Cheon Hui’s words, the two’s eyes widened before they broke into smiles.
Rather, the fact that a price was expected brought them a strange sense of peace.
“We shall prepare a suitable gift and await the day the Great Swordsman graces us with a visit.”
“I’ll mention it to my family as well.”
Cheon Hui barely listened to their response, returning instead to his sweetmeats.
‘Mm, this is good.’
At that moment, Peng Cheol Wi approached carefully.
“Great Master, if it wouldn’t trouble you, might I receive some instruction?”
At Peng Cheol Wi’s earnest plea, Hwang Bo So Hyeon and Yang Se Ryeong’s eyes widened slightly.
Cheon Hui swallowed a sweetmeat.
“Instruction?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Ah, so you’re asking for a sparring match?”
Peng Cheol Wi’s eyes grew wide.
He’d only wanted a bit of teaching, but a sparring match?
Fortune had tumbled into his lap like vines rolling down a hillside.
“If you would, I would be most grateful.”
Cheon Hui considered for a moment at Peng Cheol Wi’s reply, unable to hide his joy.
‘The martial arts of the Pengga, I see…’
He was curious about what they might be.
Besides, Peng Cheol Wi’s skill was the most serviceable among that mediocre lot, so it didn’t seem like a bad prospect.
But he had no intention of making it easy.
“My instruction comes at a price.”
He let the words hang for a moment.
“…Is there something you require?”
“Not now…”
Cheon Hui smiled faintly.
“But you’ll do me a favor when the time comes, won’t you?”
“Of course.”
Peng Cheol Wi accepted without a moment’s hesitation.
Whatever the favor might be, instruction mattered to him far more urgently right now.
‘For my own future, I must cross hands with the Great Master.’
On the surface, he seemed fine, but inside he was in ruins.
The overwhelming martial prowess of Cheon Hui.
After witnessing it, he’d been steeped in a deep sense of defeat and despair.
A being beyond reach, suspended in the heavens.
Having glimpsed such an existence, his sense of loss had grown darker and deeper than ever before.
Of course, he held no certainty that crossing hands would dispel it.
‘Still, I have to try everything.’
I need to pit my body against him and see what happens.
Just how great was the gap between us?
Could he ever close it?
Peng Cheol Wi’s eyes blazed as he spoke.
“I’m in your debt.”
Shortly after, the members of Hu Gi Ji Su assembled together on the Estate Grounds.
“Will he be all right?”
Hwang Bo So Hyeon watched Peng Cheol Wi with concern.
Yesterday’s injuries had healed completely, but his opponent was an extraordinary master.
“It’s a sparring match, so it should be fine.”
“The Great Master will hold back.”
Je Gal Seung Ho and Mo Yong Sang spoke calmly to ease her worry.
Meanwhile, Yang Se Ryeong murmured softly.
“…I envy Peng Cheol Wi.”
There was nothing but envy in her tone.
To spar with a master was a chance meeting—a stroke of fortune—that few warriors ever received.
“Hah.”
Peng Cheol Wi drew a long, deep breath, then released it slowly, closing his eyes before opening them again.
His eyes held a reddish tint as he gazed down at the fair-faced youth before him.
Had he not known him and seen him for the first time, he would surely have looked at him with contempt.
The moment he’d seen the black martial robe and the two swords at his sides, he would certainly have dismissed him as a polished third-rate.
‘Prejudice is truly the greatest enemy.’
Eyes bright, he drew his blade.
The sword he’d carried for so long; drawing it calmed his racing heart.
“I beg for your instruction.”
Cheon Hui regarded him and made a small gesture with his hand.
“Come.”
A master yielding ground to a novice.
Under ordinary circumstances, it would have wounded his pride, but Peng Cheol Wi understood the reality of things.
What was the difference between a master and a novice?
The gap was far greater than that.
“Then… I shall begin.”
Peng Cheol Wi unleashed his Inner Power.
The subtle Inner Power of the Geon Gon Mi Heo Shin Gong wrapped around his blade, manifesting its Sword Qi.
Then his sword swept through the air in a wide arc.
A quarter hour after the sparring match began.
Thud!
Cheon Hui watched as Peng Cheol Wi lay unconscious on the ground, then saw Hwang Bo So Hyeon hurrying over to tend to him, and recalled the match.
‘The O Ho Dan Mun Do hasn’t changed.’
Even though three hundred years had passed, the O Ho Dan Mun Do remained entirely unchanged.
‘So this is the level of Gulong O Bong.’
He glanced casually at Peng Cheol Wi.
His martial prowess was equal to Jeok Geom’s, or perhaps a notch below.
But the difference in Internal Force was considerable.
In terms of Inner Power alone, he was two or three levels ahead.
There was roughly a decade’s difference between them.
‘Perhaps I should make more of the An Hyang Dan.’
Cheon Hui was turning to leave, imagining how the disciples of the Huashan Sect would froth at the mouth if they heard such a thought, when—
“G-Great Master.”
Peng Cheol Wi forced his upper body upright with effort.
He reassured the constantly worried Hwang Bo So Hyeon at his side, then cupped his fist in salute.
“Thank you for your instruction.”
“You haven’t learned anything.”
“Ha, as you say, I was utterly helpless and couldn’t even find time to learn, but…”
Peng Cheol Wi spoke with refreshing candor.
“Still, I gained one thing.”
His eyes burned with resolve.
“One day, I will reach a level where I can draw my blade against yours.”
Determination resonated in Peng Cheol Wi’s voice.
Ever since he’d earned the alias “Sword Dragon,” he had wandered without purpose—and now, in this moment, a new goal had finally taken shape.
‘He wants to fight Jeok Geom.’
Cheon Hui approved.
A forthright nature and respectable martial skill.
He could already foresee that if Peng Cheol Wi were matched against Jeok Geom now, both would grow rapidly.
‘Well, I’ll think about that when the time comes.’
Then Peng Cheol Wi bowed his head.
“Great Master, thank you for all your kindness. We shall depart again tomorrow.”
Cheon Hui waved his hand dismissively.
“Go well.”
At his attitude—as though he cared not whether they stayed or went—Peng Cheol Wi chuckled.
It wasn’t deliberate; he genuinely showed no interest, and that’s what made it amusing.
The man smiled, then cupped his fist in salute.
“Please be sure to visit the Pengga someday.”
“Of course.”
Peng Cheol Wi grinned and withdrew.
Then Hwang Bo So Hyeon, who had been standing behind him, approached hesitantly and offered a greeting.
“We look forward to your visit to our home.”
After her brief words, she too withdrew, and now Mo Yong Sang stepped forward to cup his fist in salute.
“I shall repay this debt of gratitude.”
“Of course you will. Did you plan not to?”
“Ha, how could that be?”
Mo Yong Sang smiled broadly.
“Should you ever not come, I shall seek you out myself to repay what I owe.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Mo Yong Sang made no reply to this, merely maintaining his smile as he stepped back.
“It’s my turn now.”
Je Gal Seung Ho then approached slowly, met Cheon Hui’s gaze, and spoke.
“Will you not travel with us?”
Je Gal Seung Ho’s words startled Hu Gi Ji Su and the others.
It was a proposal none of them had ever heard before.
“Travel together? Do you even know where I’m going?”
“I don’t. But I do know that the great hero intends to head westward.”
Je Gal Seung Ho spoke with perfect composure.
“Great hero, our destination is the western edge of Sichuan—the Sa Cheon Tang Family. If you’re heading that far, there’s no reason we couldn’t travel together, is there?”
Cheon Hui studied him steadily.
There was no wavering in his gaze.
“And you may have heard before that the Shinchangyangga provided us with separate protection. Even the Ilwol Moon wouldn’t dare attack us carelessly.”
Je Gal Seung Ho paused to collect himself.
“If you’re planning to continue westward anyway, wouldn’t traveling together be both safer and more comfortable?”
Cheon Hui let out a soft laugh.
It sounded like he was speaking for Cheon Hui’s benefit, but the intention was transparent.
“Isn’t it more accurate to say I’d be the one ensuring your safety?”
“Precisely.”
Je Gal Seung Ho admitted it readily—almost as if he had no intention of deceiving anyone at all.
That was because he was subtly like a cunning weasel; deceiving him was nearly impossible.
“Still, you’d be able to travel more comfortably. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Cheon Hui’s mouth twisted slightly.
“What do you think I’m going to say?”
When Cheon Hui answered with a question instead of a reply, Je Gal Seung Ho let out a hollow laugh.
Then, in a languid tone, he spoke.
“I think you’ll say ‘No.'”
Watching Je Gal Seung Ho mimic him, Cheon Hui’s lips twitched with amusement.
‘These Je Gal folk are surprisingly entertaining.’
Cheon Hui, who had briefly superimposed Je Gal Seung Ho and Je Gal Seong Hyeon in his mind, finally spoke.
“You know me well.”
“Ha ha ha! I knew it.”
Je Gal Seung Ho burst into hearty laughter.
The others traveling with them were startled by his robust laugh—they had never heard it before.
“Je Gal Seung Ho?”
“Young Master Je Gal?”
Je Gal Seung Ho abruptly cut off his laughter.
Then he looked directly at Cheon Hui.
“So you mean to settle this entirely?”
“If they come.”
“And if they don’t?”
“Not right now—I’ll uproot them later.”
“Later, not immediately?”
“I have something else to do first.”
Je Gal Seung Ho let out a hollow laugh.
“That confidence—that you can uproot them whenever you please—I truly envy it.”
It was remarkable.
The opponent was the Ilwol Moon, and yet he spoke as though he could destroy them at will.
‘I’m different.’
Je Gal Seung Ho smiled bitterly.
Wedged between an older brother called the Heavenly Dragon and a younger brother called a prodigy of the age, he—lacking confidence—was utterly different.
He closed his eyes, then opened them again.
How could all people be the same?
Soon after, he slowly raised his fists in salute.
“In truth, I’d like to invite you to our clan, but I doubt you’d accept such an invitation.”
The man was quick-witted, at least.
When Cheon Hui smiled, Je Gal Seung Ho smiled as well.
“If fate allows us to meet again…”
Speaking as though taking his leave, Je Gal Seung Ho held Cheon Hui in his gaze.
A young man of his own age.
Yet what lay within him was incomparable to what lay within Je Gal Seung Ho himself.
“I hope we’ll meet again someday.”
Cheon Hui let out a soft laugh.
Fate? Their fates were already intertwined.
Aren’t there Je Gal Seong Hyeon and the retainers of the Je Gal Clan staying at Huashan?
“That’s right.”
Je Gal Seung Ho withdrew.
Then Cheon Hui looked toward Yang Se Ryeong.
“Then I’ll be on my way.”
Hu Gi Ji Su and the others made preparations to leave.
And Yang Se Ryeong approached them to bid farewell.
“Travel safely.”
“Miss Yang, please take care of yourself.”
“I’ll come back later, Sister.”
“I won’t forget the kindness of the Shinchangyangga.”
“I’ll be sure to tell our family how much the Shinchangyangga has helped us.”
Wait—she’s not going?
After Hu Gi Ji Su and the others left the Separate Residence, only Cheon Hui and Yang Se Ryeong remained inside.
She, who had been waving her hand, felt his gaze and looked puzzled for a moment.
“Ah!”
Then she realized something and spoke.
“I’m not going.”
Yang Se Ryeong let out a laugh.
“Father prevented me from attending the Yongbong Ji Hoe meeting because of the attack. Of course, I’ve lost all desire to go myself.”
Yang Se Ryeong wore a bitter smile.
It should have been her proper debut into Kangho.
Instead, it had become the worst possible debut—drenched in blood and pain.
For now, she had no interest in venturing into Kangho, let alone even looking at it.
“But, Great Hero.”
Yang Se Ryeong approached carefully.
“Would it be possible for me to have a sparring match with you?”
Cheon Hui gazed at her, holding the three-section staff carefully in both hands.
It was a request he would normally have refused.
‘But I’ve been comfortable here.’
Cheon Hui, who had enjoyed his time at the Shinchangyangga recently, nodded his head.
“Very well.”
“Really?”
Yang Se Ryeong’s expression brightened.
She had made the request without much hope, so she was startled by his unexpected acceptance.
“Just a moment, please.”
She quickly took out a cord.
And as she gathered her long, flowing hair into a neat bun, her eyes sparkled.
“I’m ready.”
Cheon Hui, watching her look of anticipation, rose to his feet with a calm composure.
‘I’ve been curious about this, truth be told.’
Now the Shinchangyangga was known in Kangho, but in his previous life, it had been a family whose name was unknown to Kangho.
That made sense—until then, the Yang family had been far more entrenched in the military establishment.
‘They withdrew from the military and only relocated their base to Kangho two hundred years ago, if I recall.’
It was quite remarkable growth.
Two hundred years was long, but for a clan, that history was different.
After all, the history of most clans usually exceeded five hundred years.
Yet here was the upstart Yang family, less than two hundred years old, sitting firmly as one of the Eight Great Clans.
It was proof of exceptional Secret Family Martial Arts.
‘And I’m still curious about why they’re specifically called Shinchangyang, too.’
A faint smile crossed Cheon Hui’s lips, then vanished in an instant.
‘It’s a shame she’s not the family head.’
His smile twisted slightly.
‘But since I’m here now, I might as well see what she’s made of, shouldn’t I?’

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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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