Chapter 148: Chapter 148
Jeok-geom and Seol Ran stared blankly at the giant stone engraved with ‘Seven Plum Blossom Gates’.
“Will it really be alright…”
“Since Martial Uncle said it would be fine.”
Recalling the ordeal they suffered when they entered last time, the two muttered.
It still came to mind vividly.
Blunt arrows pouring in from all directions without a moment to rest, and blinking lights.
It was enough to make one’s mind go faint.
However, Cheon-hwi’s command was absolute.
‘It’s even more of a hell to refuse what Martial Uncle tells us to do. Forcefully going through the Grand Circulation was painful enough…’
‘Since Martial Uncle told us to enter.’
The two shuddered.
They couldn’t even guess what kind of training they would receive instead if they didn’t go in.
Moreover.
“…I also want to confirm how effective taking the elixir this time was.”
“That’s right.”
The two met each other’s eyes.
Thanks to the Grand Circulation that Cheon-hwi forcefully induced, they quickly absorbed the elixir.
Even though about half of it remained, they felt their lower dantian was abundant.
If they entered the Seven Plum Blossom Gates now, they would be able to experience that change personally.
Soon, the two walked toward the entrance of the Seven Plum Blossom Gates with expressions as if they had made a firm resolution.
Unlike the two who made firm resolutions while having various thoughts, Danmok Rin and Cheon-hyang had sparkling eyes.
“Seven Plum Blossom Gates…”
“You’re saying this is the gate our Junior Brother made?”
The reason the two moved was simple.
‘Senior Brother asked me for the first time.’
‘So you’re saying I can become stronger if I pass through there?’
By the time the four each greatly raised their own enthusiasm, Hyeon-ryeo looked at Cheon-hwi.
“Are you saying I should lead them?”
“That’s right.”
Hyeon-ryeo pondered before speaking up.
“Can’t it be someone else other than me?”
“Why?”
“Wouldn’t it be better to send someone with outstanding martial arts for something like this.”
“That is true, but is there anyone?”
“There is exactly one suitable person.”
With those words, Hyeon-ryeo left for somewhere, and after a while, brought the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion.
‘Oh, the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion?’
Cheon-hwi smiled.
He said he was a suitable person, and he was right.
‘I actually needed someone to be in charge of the Seven Plum Blossom Gates anyway.’
Cheon-hwi looked at him and spoke.
“It’s been a while.”
“You’ve returned from your mission.”
The Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion smiled gently.
However, that was only for a moment.
“I heard from Senior Sister that I was needed… What is the matter?”
Perhaps because Hyeon-ryeo couldn’t explain it as she brought him in a hurry, he asked with a very serious expression.
“It’s nothing much…”
Cheon-hwi then explained about the Seven Plum Blossom Gates and the reason he was called.
“An expert? Hmm, is that so.”
As he listened to the story, the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion occasionally looked surprised or marveled with sparkling eyes.
“It’s a place to look forward to.”
“So I’m planning to open it for just one day to check, do you want to try going in?”
“Of course I do.”
The Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion straightened his back.
“I will lead them.”
A moment later, the five people who decided to enter the Seven Plum Blossom Gates gathered at the entrance together.
The Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion looked at the four in front.
Cheon-hyang, Jeok-geom, and Seol Ran.
The three could be said to be the rising stars who were responsible for the future of the Mount Hua Sect right now.
But the other one.
Danmok Rin was different from those three.
He had heard and knew that her aptitude was outstanding, but didn’t they say she recently learned new martial arts?
‘I’m not sure if it will be alright.’
He was worried, but soon erased it.
The one who included her was none other than Cheon-hwi.
He soon asked the four.
“Are you all ready?”
“Of course!”
Starting with Cheon-hyang’s energetic answer, the three slowly nodded their heads.
“Then let’s go in.”
As the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion took the lead and walked, the four also followed him inside.
When they disappeared into the darkness, Zhuge Seong-hyeon asked Cheon-hwi.
“Then when should we open the passageway?”
“This time tomorrow would be good.”
The next day, Cheon-hwi narrowed his brows upon arriving at the Seven Plum Blossom Gates at the same time as yesterday.
“Why are there so many?”
Quite a few Taoists wearing Taoist robes were gathered at the entrance of the Seven Plum Blossom Gates.
Furthermore, they were not disciples of the Mount Hua Sect but Taoists of the Hyeon generation whom were usually hard to see.
“Are you here?”
“It’s Cheon-hwi!”
The Sect Leader and Hyeon-cheong spotted Cheon-hwi and welcomed him with broad smiles.
“Why is everyone gathered like this?”
“I heard from Hyeon-ryeo and gathered them.”
The Sect Leader looked at the widely gathered Taoists of the Hyeon generation and opened his mouth.
“I called them with the thought of letting them directly see what kind of place the Seven Plum Blossom Gates is, and hear the words of the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion who experienced the gate.”
His eyes half-opened.
When he heard the detailed plan for the Seven Plum Blossom Gates from Cheon-hwi, he thought this was exactly what the Mount Hua Sect needed.
The fact that it created experts was one thing, too.
But what he considered more important than that was maintaining the legacy of the Mount Hua Sect.
And this Seven Plum Blossom Gates could pass down the tradition and legacy of the Mount Hua Sect to future generations more than anything else.
So he wanted to show it to everyone.
And he wanted to let them know.
Just what Cheon-hwi had achieved while they had been staying still all this time.
That continuing to maintain things as they are without making changes was no different from regression.
“If I engrave it in their minds like this, won’t their thoughts of rejecting the Seven Plum Blossom Gates disappear.”
Cheon-hwi chuckled.
‘In the past, he used to deliberate carefully when accepting changes.’
Since when did the Sect Leader not fear seeking changes.
He actively reflected them instead, and now he even prepared before he was told.
‘I can take it a bit easier now.’
As Cheon-hwi was looking at the Sect Leader who was scanning the elders of the Hyeon generation.
Thud… Thud…
Footsteps could be heard from the entrance.
“They’re finally coming out.”
The moment everyone who had gone inside came out.
“…”
Silence flowed.
The condition of the four who came out first was serious.
Jeok-geom didn’t look good with a bruise on one eye, and Seol Ran’s hair was disheveled, hiding her face.
What about Danmok Rin next to them.
She was keeping a thorough lookout on her surroundings with eyes full of malice.
Cheon-hyang was the better one, but.
It was only her outward appearance; her two pupils were unfocused as if she had received a shock.
“What on earth happened inside…”
“Just what is inside there for them to be in such a mess.”
When the elders of the Hyeon generation looked in surprise.
“How was it?”
“I am very satisfied. Aside from the First Plum Blossom Gate, are the next gates similar to this one?”
“The Second Gate is a little different.”
“How is it differ…”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon and the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion came out.
“The Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion’s condition is not good.”
“Heoheo, the inside seems to be quite difficult.”
The elders who saw the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion were surprised.
Fortunately, his face was very clean unlike the four, but weren’t there clear sweat stains left on his Taoist robe!
“The instances where Junior Brother sweats like that are countable on one hand recently… It means it’s not just some ordinary gate.”
When the Pavilion Lord of the Secret Pavilion, Hyeon In, whispered with a stiff expression, the expressions of the nearby elders also changed seriously.
‘The beginning is good.’
The Sect Leader, who had been closely observing their reactions, approached the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion.
“Have you come out.”
“Sect Leader Senior Brother.”
“I greet the Sect Leader.”
The two cut their conversation and welcomed him.
The Sect Leader nodded his head as he looked at Zhuge Seong-hyeon who cupped his fists.
“It’s been a while, Young Master Zhuge.”
“It’s been a long time since we’ve met.”
Having exchanged greetings with Zhuge Seong-hyeon, the Sect Leader met the eyes of the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion.
At a glance, he looked expressionless, but having watched the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion for a long time, he was currently reading his feelings.
‘Did he like it quite a bit.’
The Sect Leader asked him.
“How was it?”
“This is absolutely necessary for our sect.”
The Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion, who spoke with strength in his eyes, whipped his head left and right and asked.
“More importantly, where is Cheon-hwi…”
“Why are you looking for me?”
At Cheon-hwi who popped up in front of him, the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion opened his eyes wide as if he was truly surprised.
However, that was only for a moment.
“The First Gate seemed to be a gate for developing eyesight, is that correct?”
Cheon-hwi grinned.
‘As expected, excluding Hyeon-do, he really is the best in the Mount Hua Sect.’
“That’s right. Was it alright?”
“It went beyond being alright, it was perfect for training.”
The Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion could not hide his excitement.
The First Plum Blossom Gate he experienced for a day was on a different level from the training he had done so far.
“Small iron balls fired at a rapid speed, and repetitive lights. Furthermore, repeating resting and firing to give a sense of tension…”
The Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion’s mouth did not rest.
As he continued to express his admiration to Cheon-hwi by listing the things he experienced in the First Plum Blossom Gate.
“To that extent?”
“Just what kind of gate is there for…”
The elders looked with surprised eyes.
They had never seen the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion praise something so highly that his mouth went dry.
At that time, the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion, who finished his explanation, met Cheon-hwi’s eyes and asked.
“…Are the other gates similar?”
“They’re a little different, but… You can ask Zhuge Seong-hyeon for the details.”
Cheon-hwi, who was too lazy to explain, glanced at Zhuge Seong-hyeon and passed everything off.
“Understood.”
With that answer, the Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion looked straight into Cheon-hwi’s eyes and grabbed his shoulder.
“You’ve worked hard.”
The Pavilion Lord of the Martial Training Pavilion said with sincerity.
It was not ordinary hard work.
To design such an amazing gate and even request help from the Zhuge Clan.
“Such things are originally what I should have done…”
As he spoke, he held a bitter smile.
Honestly, he felt embarrassed and ashamed.
He had done absolutely nothing while claiming it was for the Mount Hua Sect, but there was more than just one or two things Cheon-hwi had already accomplished.
Starting with letting the Five Sacred Mountains Gathering know that the Mount Hua Sect was not dead, to restoring martial arts and the Dark Fragrance Pill, and on top of that, fulfilling missions.
He had done far too much work.
‘Youngest Junior Brother’s eyes were correct.’
He scanned Cheon-hwi up and down.
When the youngest Junior Brother brought him, that fragile kid was nowhere to be seen, and there existed a giant who was supporting and raising the Mount Hua Sect.
“Well, I suppose so.”
Cheon-hwi answered with a rough nod.
At that time, the Sect Leader spoke.
“Let’s share our stories now.”
As he spoke, his eyes flashed.
“About the Seven Plum Blossom Gates.”
* * *
Two days later, the Mount Hua Sect was in full swing with talks about the Seven Plum Blossom Gates.
“They say if you enter a place called the Seven Plum Blossom Gates, you’ll become an incredible expert?”
“Huh? From what I heard, they said you can learn martial arts if you go in?”
“I heard you’d suffer like a dog.”
Their stories were all divided as they still didn’t know what the Seven Plum Blossom Gates was.
But just one thing.
Only the reason they started talking was the same.
‘If you enter that place, you will change.’
Meanwhile, around the time the Mount Hua Sect was in an uproar with content about the Seven Plum Blossom Gates.
“Why did you come here?”
Cheon-hwi looked at Zhuge Seong-hyeon who suddenly came to his residence.
His appearance was different from before.
He had cleanly shaved his beard and tied his hair together to reveal his face.
“I plan to leave now.”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon said quietly.
Now that he had completed the Seven Plum Blossom Gates, there was no reason to stay in the Mount Hua Sect.
“Did you teach them everything?”
“I relayed it to Immortal Hyeon-yang. How to activate and stop the traps and formations. And the Trap and Formation Room as well.”
“Then that’s it.”
Cheon-hwi spoke nonchalantly.
It was enough if he relayed it.
At that time, Zhuge Seong-hyeon cupped his fists.
“I learned a lot from you, Young Hero.”
“I know.”
At Cheon-hwi’s words, Zhuge Seong-hyeon laughed.
“Could you perhaps visit our clan sometime?”
“Why would I?”
At Cheon-hwi’s annoyed words, Zhuge Seong-hyeon let out a dumbfounded laugh.
“Did you send such a letter to our clan while thinking that way?”
“Since traps and formations belong to the Zhuge Clan.”
“Hahaha, that’s the most pleasing thing I’ve heard from you, Young Hero.”
“You can take pride in that. It’s hard to see me give compliments.”
“I am aware.”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon’s expression turned serious.
“Even so, please visit. If you visit in martial arts uniform rather than a Taoist robe, no one will think you are a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect.”
“Why do I have to go that far?”
“We will treat you with utmost hospitality.”
“You’re quite desperate.”
“I really want to introduce you to my older brothers.”
“Older brothers?”
“Yes.”
Cheon-hwi let out a chuckle.
Didn’t he meet one of the people he called older brothers recently.
Come to think of it, that guy also told him to come, right?
Well, maybe I’ll drop by sometime.
Cheon-hwi opened his mouth.
“Then I’ll think about it.”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon’s expression brightened.
“Please do come.”
“We’ll see.”
“That is enough.”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon stood up and cupped his fists.
“I will take my leave now.”
“Yeah, bye.”
As Cheon-hwi waved his hand dismissively.
“Please take care of yourself.”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon went outside.
Afterward, he descended Mount Hua with his retainers who were already waiting at the mountain gate.
“It was a truly good place.”
A smile formed on his lips as he casually turned around and looked up at Mount Hua.
Rather than feeling discomfort while staying, wasn’t it a succession of days that made him feel good instead.
It was to the point where he wanted to continue maintaining their connection.
However.
“That would be difficult, I suppose.”
He muttered quietly.
Since doing so meant he had to cut ties with the Zhuge Clan.
“I pray that the worst situation where we point our swords at each other doesn’t happen in the future…”
When he, who was whispering while looking at Mount Hua, started to descend Mount Hua again.
Thud… Thud…
He crossed paths with a young man climbing Mount Hua.
The young man, who was climbing the mountain with quick steps as if he was anxious about something, didn’t even glance at the people from the Zhuge Clan.
It was because his mind was urgent.
‘I need to hurry.’
A moment later, the young man who reached the mountain gate of Mount Hua approached a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect.
“Immeasurable Life Buddha. For what matter has the benefactor visited our sect?”
“This lowly one is called Ju Go Yul of the One Flower Sect.”
The Mount Hua Sect Taoist’s eyes widened.
If it was the One Flower Sect, it was a lay sect of the Mount Hua Sect, and wasn’t it a place that sent offerings every year even when they staggered greatly.
He cupped his fists.
“Immeasurable Life Buddha. You have come from the One Flower Sect.”
Along with his words, he looked at the young man and asked.
“For what reason have you come?”
“…I have come to seek help.”
The Mount Hua Sect Taoist was slightly flustered by the sudden request for help and asked.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Our sect is in danger right now!”
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