Chapter 105: Chapter 105
Seven days and nights after the mountain gates of the Mount Hua Sect opened.
Screech… Thud!
As soon as the scheduled time passed, the mountain gates of the Mount Hua Sect closed as if they had been waiting.
“A total of seventy people.”
The Pavilion Lord of the Jaeryeong Pavilion, Hyeon-ryeo, pressed her glabella while looking at the documents placed before her.
‘Did we act too greedy…?’
Was it because they were accepting disciples for the first time in a while?
The Sect Leader and Hyeon-ryeo did not think about the aftermath and filled the reconstructed Flowerless Pavilion (Flowerless Hall) to its maximum capacity to accept the third-generation disciples.
“How much money is left?”
When she pressed her forehead and calculated.
Creak.
The door opened, and the haggard-looking Vice Pavilion Lord, Cheon-su, approached powerlessly.
“They have all entered the Flowerless Hall.”
“What about the Taoist uniforms?”
“Not to mention the Taoist uniforms, important things including wooden swords have all been distributed.”
“Then what’s left is…”
“Food expenses.”
Hyeon-ryeo furrowed her glabella.
What would be necessary to operate a sect?
It was precisely food expenses.
The two of them racked their brains and fell into deep thought about how to reduce food expenses.
“Haa, for now, make sure to prepare the provisions we received from the Flying Wind Merchant Guild.”
“Understood.”
“I will figure out the shortfall somehow, so go for now.”
Hyeon-ryeo issued an order for him to leave, but.
“Um, Pavilion Lord.”
Far from leaving, Cheon-su called out to Hyeon-ryeo.
“What is the matter?”
“Are we not accepting new personnel? I heard the Hall of Medicine accepted many second-generation disciples this time.”
Hyeon-ryeo smiled bitterly.
The Hall of Medicine was enjoying an unprecedented boom in the history of the Mount Hua Sect.
The biggest reason for that was.
“Since the elder Holy Hand Divine Physician is at the Hall of Medicine, it cannot be helped, can it?”
As expected, it was the existence of the Holy Hand Divine Physician.
As the Holy Hand Divine Physician, called the World’s Number One Physician, stayed secluded in the Hall of Medicine, the unranked disciples who had no interest in martial arts and were planning to return to the secular world anyway slyly entered the Hall of Medicine.
Of course, Cheon-su also understood.
Even learning ordinary medical skills was enough to make a living, but what kind of treatment would they receive if they said they received teachings from the Divine Physician?
Even he wanted to quit the Jaeryeong Pavilion right now, enter the Hall of Medicine, and receive teachings from the Divine Physician.
However.
“No, Pavilion Lord. The Hall of Medicine has already accepted five new people. On the other hand, what about the Jaeryeong Pavilion? Aren’t you and I pretty much the only ones handling the work?”
It was too unfair.
Wasn’t this wrong?
The Jaeryeong Pavilion was the place that managed the Mount Hua Sect’s most important finances.
But there were only two of them!
Hyeon-ryeo, who was looking at the huffing Cheon-su, spoke in a low voice.
“Even so, a few of the second-generation disciples will be joining this time.”
“I-Is that true?!”
Cheon-su’s eyes widened.
Soon, with a look full of excitement, he urgently poured out words.
“H-How many, no. When is it?”
“…You will have to wait a week.”
“Yes…? A week?”
At the answer that poured cold water, Cheon-su’s brightened expression darkened again.
“No, there is this much work right now.”
“The Sect Leader said there is something that must be done primarily, so it has been slightly delayed.”
“If it is something that must be done…”
“Wouldn’t it be that?”
“Ah…”
Cheon-su let out a sigh.
“Then do you and I both have to resolve all the work in the meantime?”
Hyeon-ryeo nodded her head.
She also had a headache.
She had accepted Rin as a direct disciple, but she barely had time to teach her martial arts.
“Haa.”
“Ehew.”
The two sighed at the same time.
“Let’s endure for now.”
“…Understood.”
Meanwhile, there was one place, no. One person within the Mount Hua Sect who was as busy as the Jaeryeong Pavilion.
“Are you telling me to supervise the exam selecting the Plum Blossom Swordsmen right now?”
“That is correct.”
Hyeon-cheong’s wrinkles deepened at the words of the Sect Leader, who suddenly visited at the crack of dawn.
The Plum Blossom Swordsmen were the face of the Mount Hua Sect.
Thus, exams and screenings were held every year, and the process was strict.
The martial prowess, enlightenment, and character they possessed, etc.
Because they kept a close eye on whether the disciples were truly suited for the position of Plum Blossom Swordsman every day.
So he could not understand.
“Why me of all people?”
As a person supervising, someone who well knew the character, nature, and martial prowess of the Mount Hua Sect’s disciples was suitable.
But what about himself?
“As Sect Leader Junior Brother also knows, I am cooped up in the Ten Thousand Scenery Pavilion, so I do not know much about the disciples. But how can I take on the role of supervisor?”
Hyeon-cheong expressed his intention to refuse.
“How about leaving it to the Martial Training Pavilion Lord or Junior Brother Hyeon Heo rather than me?”
“The Martial Training Pavilion Lord and Junior Brother Hyeon Heo actively recommended Senior Brother.”
However, the Sect Leader did not accept Hyeon-cheong’s refusal.
“And I also think Senior Brother is suitable as this supervisor.”
“…Why do you think so?”
“Do you know how many people are taking the exam this time?”
The Sect Leader emphasized his words.
“A total of ten people.”
It was a surprising matter.
To participate in the exam, one had to meet a condition.
That was precisely emitting sword fragrance.
What those words meant was that one had to reach at least the realm of first-class.
Even last year, there were only four people.
And they all passed and became Plum Blossom Swordsmen.
In other words, it meant that there were ten disciples who had reached the realm of sword fragrance in just one year.
“And eight among them are second-generation disciples who received Senior Brother’s teachings.”
“Cheon-hwi’s strength is greater than mine. If it were not for the Dark Fragrance Squad (Dark Fragrance Pill) that Cheon-hwi brought, this level of results could not have been brought about.”
“However, it is Senior Brother’s skill that grew the second-generation disciples.”
At the Sect Leader’s unyielding attitude.
“…Haa. I understand. I shall act as the supervisor.”
Eventually, Hyeon-cheong conceded.
“Thank you.”
The Sect Leader’s expression softened.
“When is the exam held?”
At the question, the Sect Leader raised his head.
The plum blossoms that were in buds had fully bloomed at some point and were covering Mount Hua.
“It is tomorrow.”
The day the two had a short meeting.
The word that ‘the exam for Plum Blossom Swordsmen will take place tomorrow’ spread within the Mount Hua Sect.
And Jeok-geom was spitting out a passionate speech while sweating cold sweat towards Cheon-hwi, who seemed to have absolutely nothing to do with that exam.
“…For these reasons, it seems I will not be able to come for a few days.”
Cheon-hwi, who was quietly listening to Jeok-geom’s words explaining every detail, spat out the core.
“So you’re saying you can’t come because you became an examiner for the exam selecting Plum Blossom Swordsmen?”
Jeok-geom scratched his head, as if embarrassed.
“That is correct.”
“Seol Ran too?”
“Yes. Including Junior Martial Sister, all the Plum Blossom Swordsmen are taking on the screening this time.”
“I get it.”
Cheon-hwi answered refreshingly.
It was a pity that Jeok-geom and Seol Ran, who waited on him, were disappearing, but what could be done?
The exam selecting Plum Blossom Swordsmen took place every year anyway.
“It is indeed time.”
At that moment, the scent of plum blossoms brushed the tip of his nose.
“Um, Martial Uncle.”
“Why?”
“The Sect Leader has words he asked me to pass on separately to Martial Uncle.”
“What is it?”
Jeok-geom spoke hesitatingly.
“Th-That is, he asked how about observing if you have nothing to do…”
Jeok-geom’s voice gradually crawled inwards towards the end.
Because he well knew how much Cheon-hwi hated bothersome things.
But.
“Fine.”
Cheon-hwi accepted that proposal.
“I-Is that true?”
Cheon-hwi looked at the startled Jeok-geom and let out a chuckle.
“Why? Should I not go?”
“No!”
“When is it?”
“It is tomorrow morning.”
“Morning, I get it.”
Cheon-hwi nodded his head.
‘Shall I see how they pick them?’
* * *
The next day, as soon as the sun rose to the middle of the sky, Cheon-hwi headed to Samongpyeong.
Originally, it would have been a training ground where only a few first-generation disciples were training alone, but today was different.
“Can Senior Brother pull it off?”
“Of course!”
The second-generation disciples, whom he would have normally seen at Dorimpyeong, stood huddled together around the training ground with nervous faces.
Meanwhile, three people were seated at the seats of honor.
The Sect Leader and this time’s supervisor, Hyeon-cheong.
And Cheon-hwi.
“When does it start?”
“It will start shortly.”
Right after the Sect Leader answered.
Whoosh…
A light wind blew gently.
Following that, ten figures flew up from over the high walls surrounding the training ground.
As if with the purpose of seizing the initiative, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen unfolded flashy lightfoot techniques.
“That is Heavenly Dragon Emerging from Clouds (Cheollyongchulun)!”
“There is Dark Clouds Spewing Thunder (Muguntoroe) too!”
The second-generation disciples looked with eyes of admiration at the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, who were flying flutteringly over their heads while unfolding the Mount Hua Sect’s boasted profound lightness arts.
Heavenly Dragon Emerging from Clouds, Dark Clouds Spewing Thunder, Illusion Ring Trackless Footwork, Drifting Clouds Leaping Float, etc.
For a moment while they blankly watched.
Tap. Tap.
As the Plum Blossom Swordsmen landed lightly on the training ground, the feast of blindingly amazing absolute arts also concluded.
“Ah.”
The second-generation disciples spat out regret from their mouths.
Meanwhile, Cheon-hwi was surprised in a different sense.
“My. They are doing useless antics.”
When viewed from the outside, they were flashy lightfoot techniques, but when truly exposed, they were empty inside, mere apricots that looked good but tasted sour.
“Learning other footwork would be more efficient than those footwork, wouldn’t it?”
“Hoho, still, wasn’t morale boosted?”
“They seem a little excited.”
Around the time the Sect Leader and Hyeon-cheong laughed awkwardly at Cheon-hwi’s question that pierced the mark.
‘Let’s see.’
Cheon-hwi turned his gaze to the training ground and swept over the faces of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.
As expected, the ones who first caught his eye were Jeok-geom and Seol Ran.
Next, Jeok Wun, Jeok Jae, and Jeok Bi, who had accompanied them to the Flying Wind Merchant Guild, were also seen.
And that was all.
As for the rest, he only knew their faces; he didn’t know who they were, let alone their names.
And he did not even want to know.
‘How come there is not a single guy who stands out…’
Cheon-hwi’s gaze, which had been sweeping like that, stopped at the woman right in the center at some point.
The woman, who looked to be in her mid-to-late twenties, was quite tall.
‘At least there is one.’
He slowly swept over the woman from top to bottom.
One could not definitely cut it and say she was a beauty, but she had an appearance that anyone would express favorable impressions of.
A perfectly balanced body.
On top of that, was it thanks to the internal energy and momentum that she seemed to have absolutely no thought of hiding?
The sight of her confidently crossing her arms could look arrogant and presumptuous, but it suited her current appearance quite well.
‘Who was it? She looks familiar.’
Step…
At that moment, the woman stepped forward one pace.
“Nice to meet you. I am Cheon-hyang.”
Cheon-hyang? Ah! Eldest Senior Martial Sister?
Only then did Cheon-hwi recall who she was.
However, that was also brief, and he expressed a question.
“Did they not say she was doing closed-door training at the Lion Hermitage recently?”
“I heard she recently finished her closed-door training.”
When the Sect Leader answered the question.
“Immeasurable Life Buddha.”
A young Taoist came up onto the training ground.
The young man, who naturally took a bow and chanted the Taoist chant, looked straight at Cheon-hyang.
“It has been a long time. Senior Martial Aunt.”
Cheon-hyang smiled brightly.
“Who do you want as your opponent?”
“I would like to face Senior Martial Brother Jeok-geom.”
“Good.”
Cheon-hyang refreshingly stepped back.
And a moment later, Jeok-geom, who had been watching from the back, slowly walked over and took a bow.
“This is quite something. I couldn’t have even imagined that Junior Martial Brother Jeok Yeon would choose me.”
Jeok Yeon smiled nicely.
“I felt that if it were not this time, I would never have a chance to spar with Senior Brother again.”
“If it’s sparring, it’s possible anytime…”
“What I wish for is a spar where all our strength is poured out.”
A stung Jeok-geom asked carefully.
“…Did you know?”
Jeok Yeon nodded his head without a word.
“Please do not think of going easy on me this time.”
“Fine.”
Seeing Jeok Yeon emit his momentum, Jeok-geom likewise drew his sword and drew up his Plum Blossom Qi Art.
Passing the exam was simple.
All one had to do was gain the supervisor’s recognition through a spar with a Plum Blossom Swordsman.
Around the time the atmosphere was gradually elevating.
Tap!
At the same time, the two lunged forward.
As the spar between Jeok Yeon and Jeok-geom began, the Sect Leader let out an exclamation of admiration.
“Hoho. I already knew that Jeok-geom was outstanding, but to think Jeok Yeon’s skills would grow like this in a short period of time.”
Jeok Yeon was not such a distinguished disciple even among the second-generation disciples.
Rather, his talent was below average.
However.
“Still, it is Jeok-geom as expected.”
Jeok-geom was overpowering Jeok Yeon.
And unilaterally at that.
“Jeok Yeon is still not ready.”
Hyeon-cheong coldly evaluated Jeok Yeon.
His skills had definitely improved, but he was still far short of becoming a Plum Blossom Swordsman.
“I have lost.”
A moment later, Jeok Yeon conceded defeat.
The two, who smiled as if mutually satisfied, went down the training ground, and Cheon-hyang came up as if she had been waiting and spoke.
“Then, next one come up.”
Soon, a newly come up second-generation disciple and a Plum Blossom Swordsman began to unfold a spar.
Meanwhile, Cheon-hwi, who had watched both of their spars, revealed an astounded expression.
‘This is the end? It drives me crazy.’
He had expected it since it was an exam selecting Plum Blossom Swordsmen, but the tension was deflated to an absurd degree.
“Is this the end?”
“Why? Is there a problem?”
If it was a problem, it was overflowing.
The Plum Blossom Swordsmen were an important power of the Mount Hua Sect, but what kind of striking off was this with just one spar?
It was not a desperate fight either.
It was a spar that could be seen anywhere.
Cheon-hwi asked the Sect Leader.
“Is the Sect Leader satisfied with this?”
The Sect Leader looked at Cheon-hwi with doubtful eyes and then nodded his head.
“Of course. I am fully satisfied.”
It was words containing sincerity.
Could they have even thought that as many as ten people would be taking the exam?
It didn’t exist even in the past when Hyeon-gang was around.
Meanwhile, hearing the Sect Leader’s answer, Cheon-hwi frowned.
‘Doing things in this manner, will the Mount Hua Sect even become stronger?’
No matter how much it was a Taoist sect, this was not it.
Dark Fragrance Squad and the Plum Blossom Seven Crowns, etc.
He had made various preparations, but doing things like this, they could never become stronger.
‘Tsk, do I have to step forward again?’
Why did they require so much looking after?
It felt like he was almost shitting blood.
However, what could be done?
For the Mount Hua Sect to become stronger, he had to persuade these stuffy people.
Having finished his thoughts, Cheon-hwi opened his mouth.
“That is a bit disappointing. To be satisfied with just this.”
“What is so disappointing?”
“Look.”
Cheon-hwi pointed with his index finger at Jeok-geom and Jeok Yeon, who had just finished their martial arts contest.
“What kind of spar has absolutely no desperation, and ends harmoniously with such clean appearances? The way I see it, Jeok Yeon does not seem to have any interest in becoming a Plum Blossom Swordsman at all.”
He shook his head with a sigh.
“Didn’t he grasp that his opponent was strong and concede defeat?”
Looking straight at the Sect Leader, who seemed not to know the context of the words, he opened his mouth.
“If he truly wanted to become a Plum Blossom Swordsman, would he have given up on the spar midway?”
“That is…”
The Sect Leader swallowed his latter words.
“Hmm. Your words also make sense.”
Hyeon-cheong, who had been quietly listening to the two’s conversation while watching the spar, agreed with Cheon-hwi’s words.
Cheon-hwi thought this was the time.
“In order for our sect to experience a revival, shouldn’t there be more experts? But they don’t even risk their lives to become a Plum Blossom Swordsman; like this, will we ever become strong?”
“…Still, it has reached the level of almost catching up to our sect in the past.”
“Are you satisfied with just that?”
Cheon-hwi’s eyes narrowed.
“I find it lacking.”
An earthquake struck the Sect Leader’s pupils.
“To what extent must it reach for you to be satisfied?”
“The World’s Number One Sect.”
Cheon-hwi smirked.
“It should be at least that much.”
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