Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect - Chapter 148

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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 148
Jeok Geom and Seol Ran stared at the massive stone bearing the inscription Maehwa Chilgwan.
“Do you think it will be all right this time……?”
“Our master said it would be.”
Both of them murmured, remembering their last ordeal inside.
The memory remained vividly fresh.
Blunt arrows pouring down relentlessly from all sides without pause, flickering lights dancing in the darkness.
It had been dizzying beyond measure.
Yet Cheon Hui’s command was absolute.
‘Refusing when our master orders us would only make things worse. Forcing through the Great Circulation was already agonizing…….’
‘Our master told us to go in.’
Both of them shuddered.
Neither could fathom what alternative training would befall them if they refused.
Beyond that.
“……I also want to see how much the Spirit Medicine we took is actually helping.”
“That’s right.”
Their eyes met.
Thanks to Cheon Hui forcing them through the Great Circulation, they had absorbed the Spirit Medicine rapidly.
Even with half of it still remaining, they could feel their Lower Dantian brimming with abundance.
Entering Maehwa Chilgwan now would let them experience that change firsthand.
Soon both wore expressions of steely determination as they walked toward the entrance.
Unlike the two wrestling with their thoughts, Dan Mok Lin and Cheon Hyang’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.
“Maehwa Chilgwan…….”
“This is a gate that our master created?”
Their motivation was simple.
‘Our senior brother asked us for the first time.’
‘If we get through there, we’ll grow stronger, right?’
Just as the four were stoking their respective flames of determination to fever pitch, Hyeon Ryeo turned to Cheon Hui.
“You want me to guide them?”
“Yes.”
Hyeon Ryeo hesitated before speaking.
“Wouldn’t it be better to send someone else?”
“Why?”
“Shouldn’t you send someone whose Martial Arts are superior for something like this?”
“That would be ideal, but who do we have?”
“There’s exactly one person perfectly suited for it.”
With those words, Hyeon Ryeo departed somewhere and soon returned with the Wulian Pavilion Master.
‘Oh, the Wulian Pavilion Master?’
Cheon Hui smiled.
So he was indeed the perfect fit.
‘I did need someone to oversee Maehwa Chilgwan anyway.’
Cheon Hui addressed him.
“It’s been a while.”
“I’ve completed my mission and returned.”
The Wulian Pavilion Master smiled warmly.
But only briefly.
“The Sect Master told me I was needed……. What is this about?”
It seemed Hyeon Ryeo had been in too much of a hurry to explain, for the Wulian Pavilion Master’s expression grew serious as he asked.
“It’s nothing major…….”
Cheon Hui went on to explain Maehwa Chilgwan and the reason the Wulian Pavilion Master had been summoned.
“Masters? Hmm, I see.”
As he listened, the Wulian Pavilion Master’s eyes brightened with occasional surprise and admiration.
“It sounds like a promising place indeed.”
“So I’m thinking of opening it for just one day to see how it goes. Would you like to go in and check it out?”
“Isn’t that the obvious choice?”
The Wulian Pavilion Master straightened his back.
“I shall be in command.”
Shortly after, five people gathered at the entrance of Maehwa Chilgwan.
The Wulian Pavilion Master regarded the four ahead of him.
Cheon Hyang and Jeok Geom, Seol Ran.
The three of them could be said to bear responsibility for the Huashan Sect’s future as its foremost martial artists.
But the fourth one.
Dan Mok Lin was different from those three.
He’d heard her aptitude was exceptional, but hadn’t she only recently taken up new martial arts?
‘I wonder if it will be all right.’
Concern flickered through him, but he let it pass.
After all, it was Cheon Hui himself who had included her, wasn’t it?
He soon turned to the four of them with a question.
“Is everyone prepared?”
“Of course!”
Beginning with Cheon Hyang’s spirited reply, the other three nodded slowly in agreement.
“Then let us enter.”
As the Wulian Pavilion Master led the way forward, the four followed him inside.
The moment they vanished into the darkness, Je Gal Seong Hyeon turned to Cheon Hui with a question.
“When shall we open the passage?”
“Tomorrow at this hour would be best.”
Arriving at Maehwa Chilgwan the next day at the same hour, Cheon Hui’s brow furrowed.
“Why are there so many gathered here?”
At the entrance to Maehwa Chilgwan stood a considerable number of Taoists in sect robes.
Yet they were not disciples of the Huashan Sect—they were elders from the Hyeon lineage, whom one rarely saw.
“You’ve come?”
“Cheon Hui!”
The Sect Master and Hyeon Cheong spotted him and greeted him with beaming smiles.
“Why has everyone gathered like this?”
“I gathered them after hearing from Hyeon Ryeo.”
The Sect Master surveyed the assembled elders of the Hyeon lineage, then opened his mouth to speak.
“I summoned them so they might see for themselves what kind of place the Plum Blossom Gateway Trial is, and hear directly from the Wulian Pavilion Master, who has experienced that gate.”
His eyes gleamed with purpose.
When he had heard Cheon Hui’s detailed plans for the Plum Blossom Gateway Trial, he had recognized at once that this was what the Huashan Sect needed.
Not only for the way it produced masters.
But what he deemed truly important was preserving the Huashan Sect’s legacy and lineage.
And the Plum Blossom Gateway Trial—above all else—could transmit the sect’s traditions and lineage to future generations.
So he wished to show it to everyone.
And to make them understand.
What Cheon Hui had accomplished while they had remained still.
That to maintain the status quo without change was no different from decline.
“Only by impressing this upon them can we ensure that none will harbor doubts about the Plum Blossom Gateway Trial.”
Cheon Hui let out a soft laugh.
‘In the past, he deliberated so carefully before embracing change.’
From some point onward, the Sect Master had ceased to fear pursuing transformation.
Rather, he actively implemented it, and now he made preparations even before being asked.
‘Now I can proceed more easily.’
Watching the Sect Master survey the elders of the Hyeon lineage, Cheon Hui felt the weight lift somewhat.
Thump—thump—
Footsteps sounded from the entrance.
“They’ve finally emerged.”
The moment all those who had entered came back out.
……
Silence fell.
The condition of the four who emerged first was dire.
Jeok Geom bore a dark bruise around one eye and looked in poor shape, while Seol Ran’s hair hung disheveled, her face obscured.
And what of Dan Mok Lin beside them?
Her eyes blazed with poisonous intensity as she surveyed her surroundings with vigilant wariness.
Cheon Hyang looked the least injured.
Yet despite his outward appearance, shock had left his eyes unfocused and vacant.
“What in the world happened inside……?”
“What could be in there to leave them in such a state?”
As the elders of the Hyeon lineage looked on in astonishment.
“How was your experience?”
“Most satisfactory. Is the next gate similar to the Plum Blossom Gateway Trial?”
“This gate is a bit different.”
“How different…….”
Je Gal Seong Hyeon and the Wulian Pavilion Master emerged.
“The Wulian Pavilion Master doesn’t look well.”
“Heh, seems the ordeal inside was quite demanding.”
The elders were startled at the sight of the Wulian Pavilion Master.
His face, fortunately, was as unmarred as the others’, yet his Sect Robe bore such vivid sweat stains—hadn’t they noticed?
“It’s rare these days to see our Pavilion Master perspire like this. This gate must be far from ordinary.”
As the Vice Pavilion Master and Hyeon In whispered with hardened expressions, the nearby elders’ faces grew grave in turn.
‘Excellent. The beginning works perfectly.’
The Sect Master, who had been watching their reactions carefully, approached the Wulian Pavilion Master.
“You’ve emerged.”
“Sect Master.”
“Sect Master, we greet you.”
The two cut their conversation short to receive him.
The Sect Master nodded, observing Je Gal Seong Hyeon as he took a respectful stance.
“It’s been long, Young Master Je Gal.”
“An honor to see you again.”
After exchanging greetings with Je Gal Seong Hyeon, the Sect Master met eyes with the Wulian Pavilion Master.
Though his expression appeared impassive at first glance, the Sect Master—who had observed the Wulian Pavilion Master for so long—read his heart now.
‘He’s quite impressed.’
The Sect Master asked him.
“Well? What did you think?”
“This is precisely what our Pavilion needs.”
The Wulian Pavilion Master spoke with intensity in his gaze, then shook his head rapidly side to side and asked, “But where is Cheon Hui…….”
“Why are you looking for me?”
Cheon Hui appeared before them suddenly, and the Wulian Pavilion Master widened his eyes as if startled.
But only for a moment.
“The Plum Blossom Gateway Trial seems designed to cultivate Eye Strength—is that correct?”
Cheon Hui smiled wryly.
‘As expected. Excluding Hyeon Do, he’s still the best in Huashan Sect.’
“Yes. Is it satisfactory?”
“More than satisfactory—as a training method, it approaches perfection.”
The Wulian Pavilion Master couldn’t conceal his excitement.
The Plum Blossom Gateway Trial he’d experienced in a single day operated on an entirely different level from his training thus far.
“Small iron spheres fired at tremendous speed, alternating flashes of light. And then the repetition of pauses and resumption to maintain tension…….”
The Wulian Pavilion Master’s words flowed without cease.
As he enumerated to Cheon Hui the trials he’d endured in the Plum Blossom Gateway and continued his praise.
“To that degree?”
“What kind of gate would produce such results…….”
The elders looked on in amazement.
They’d never seen the Wulian Pavilion Master speak with such unreserved admiration.
Then, finishing his explanation, the Wulian Pavilion Master met Cheon Hui’s eyes and asked, “……Are the other gates similar in nature?”
“They differ somewhat. For the details, you can ask Je Gal Seong Hyeon.”
Too lazy to elaborate, Cheon Hui glanced at Je Gal Seong Hyeon and passed the matter entirely to him.
“Understood.”
The Wulian Pavilion Master replied and met Cheon Hui’s eyes squarely before grasping his shoulder.
“You’ve done well.”
The Wulian Pavilion Master spoke with genuine feeling.
It had been no small effort.
To design such an extraordinary gate and even request the aid of the Je Gal Clan.
“This should have been my responsibility…….”
He offered a bitter smile as he spoke.
Honestly, it was shameful and embarrassing.
He’d done little for Huashan Sect despite his proclamations, yet Cheon Hui had already accomplished not one but several feats.
From spreading word that Huashan Sect survived the Five Evil Sword Assembly, to restoring Martial Arts and addressing the Poison Fragrance Sect, to completing assignments.
He had given far too much.
‘The youngest disciple has truly proven his worth.’

He looked Cheon Hui up and down.
The frail boy the youngest disciple had brought back was gone; in his place stood a giant who now sustained and nourished the Huashan Sect itself.
“Well, yes.”
Cheon Hui nodded casually in response.
The Sect Master spoke then.
“Let us talk now, shall we?”
His eyes glinted as he spoke.
“About the Maehwa Chilgwan.”
* * *
Two days later, the Huashan Sect buzzed with talk of the Maehwa Chilgwan.
“They say anyone who enters that place becomes a tremendous master?”
“Huh? I heard you can learn martial arts if you go in there.”
“I was told it’s pure suffering.”
Their conversations—all of them ignorant of what the Maehwa Chilgwan truly was—diverged in every direction.
But there was one thing.
The reason they had all begun speaking of it was the same.
‘Everything changes once you enter that place.’
Meanwhile, as the Huashan Sect buzzed with talk of the Maehwa Chilgwan,
“What are you doing here?”
Cheon Hui regarded Je Gal Seong Hyeon, who had suddenly appeared at his quarters.
His appearance had changed.
His beard was clean-shaven, and his hair was tied back to reveal his face.
“I intend to depart now.”
Je Gal Seong Hyeon spoke quietly.
Now that he had completed the Maehwa Chilgwan, there was no reason for him to remain at the Huashan Sect.
“You told everyone?”
“I informed the True Immortal. How to activate the Mechanism Array and how to stop it. And the Array chamber as well.”
“Then that’s enough.”
Cheon Hui spoke without concern.
Once he had informed them, that sufficed.
Je Gal Seong Hyeon then cupped his fist in salute.
“I have learned much from you.”
“I know.”
At Cheon Hui’s words, Je Gal Seong Hyeon laughed.
“Would you ever consider visiting the Je Gal Clan?”
“Why would I?”
At Cheon Hui’s reluctant tone, Je Gal Seong Hyeon let out an exasperated chuckle.
“Then why did you send such a letter to the clan?”
“The Mechanism Array belongs to the Je Gal Clan.”
“Ha, that’s the most pleasing thing I’ve heard you say.”
“You can be proud of that. It’s rare for me to offer praise.”
“I know.”
Je Gal Seong Hyeon’s expression grew serious.
“Still, please visit. If you came wearing martial robes instead of a sect robe, no one would mistake you for a Huashan Sect priest.”
“Why should I go to such lengths?”
“I would receive you most respectfully.”
“You seem rather desperate.”
“I truly wish to introduce you to my brothers.”
“Your brothers?”
“Yes.”
Cheon Hui let out a quiet laugh.
Hadn’t he recently met one of those brothers he spoke of?
Come to think of it, didn’t he also ask me to visit?
Well, I might as well stop by someday.
Cheon Hui opened his mouth.
“I’ll think about it.”
Je Gal Seong Hyeon’s face brightened.
“Please do come.”
“We’ll see.”
“That’s enough for me.”
Je Gal Seong Hyeon rose to his feet and cupped his fist in salute.
“I shall take my leave now.”
“Yes, go well.”
Cheon Hui waved his hand lazily.
“Mind yourself on the road.”
Je Gal Seong Hyeon stepped outside.
Shortly after, he descended Huashan with the retainers who were already waiting at the mountain gate.
“It truly was a fine place.”
As he glanced back over his shoulder at Huashan, a smile traced across his lips.
During his stay, far from feeling any discomfort, the days had been pleasant ones.
He could have wished to continue their connection.
And yet.
“That will be difficult.”
He murmured softly to himself.
To do so, he would have had to sever ties with the Je Gal Clan.
“If only the worst never comes to pass — that we might one day find ourselves with swords drawn against each other….”
As he gazed back at Huashan and whispered these words, he began his descent once more.
Thud — thud —
He crossed paths with a youth climbing the mountain.
The young man, ascending with hurried strides as though seized by urgency, spared no glance for those of the Je Gal Clan.
His mind was pressed with haste.
‘I must hurry.’
Moments later, the youth reached the mountain gate of Huashan and approached a Huashan Sect Taoist.
“Infinite Buddha. What brings you to our humble sect, honored visitor?”
“I am Zhou Gu Lü of the Ilwol Moon.”
The Huashan Sect Taoist’s eyes widened.
The Ilwol Moon — was it not an affiliated sect under Huashan, one that had continued to send offerings even during the sect’s greatest trials?
He cupped his fist in salute.
“Infinite Buddha. So you have come from the Ilwol Moon.”
As he spoke, he regarded the youth and asked,
“What brings you to us?”
“…I have come seeking aid.”
The Huashan Sect Taoist, caught off guard by the abrupt plea for help, pressed further.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Our sect is in danger right now!”

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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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