Chapter 225: Chapter 225

Shaolin’s Guest Hall.

Trickle-

Cheon-hwi looked at Won-gyeon, who was pouring an unknown tea into a teacup.

‘Is this person the Sect Leader Abbot of Shaolin?’

In the Central Plains, the Sect Leader Abbot of the Shaolin Temple was often considered a very noble figure.

Wasn’t he the abbot of Shaolin of the current generation, and the figure responsible for the sect?

‘But he doesn’t look as strong as I thought.’

Of course, he was strong.

Even without raising his internal energy, the presence exuding from him was heavy.

However.

‘Compared to the Supreme Lord, he is lacking.’

Having met the Supreme Lord right before, Cheon-hwi’s standards had been raised significantly.

At that time, Won-gyeon handed the teacup, shaking with tea full to the brim, toward Cheon-hwi.

“Since these are tea leaves I dried myself as a pastime, I don’t know if they will suit your taste.”

“I’m already used to it since I’ve drank a lot of things like that.”

Cheon-hwi, who replied casually, thought of the Sect Leader.

He too had preferred tea dried himself rather than tea bought from other places.

Did one have an overflow of time once they became a Sect Leader?

Cheon-hwi, who was having useless thoughts, took a sip after receiving the teacup.

“How is it?”

To Won-gyeon’s question filled with anticipation, Cheon-hwi answered with an indifferent expression.

“It’s just so-so.”

It was an answer that shattered expectations, but Won-gyeon did not stop smiling, as if something was good, and lifted his own teacup to drink.

“Just as the Little Taoist said, it is just so-so. However, doesn’t it still have a clean taste?”

“Normally, they call that bland.”

“Haha, it could be taken that way.”

Cheon-hwi watched him speak with a smile before putting down the teacup in his hand.

“So, what is it about?”

“It is nothing much.”

Won-gyeon also put down his teacup.

“I just wanted to properly convey my words of gratitude.”

“Yes? Gratitude?”

“Haha, there is no need to keep pretending not to know. There is no one else here, is there.”

“Pardon?”

What had he been saying since earlier.

As Cheon-hwi stared with a look of incomprehension, Won-gyeon, who met his gaze, made an expression showing he was thoroughly pleased.

‘He is pretending not to know until the end.’

His eyes looking at Cheon-hwi deepened.

Not only did he resolutely move past it even when Won-ho, who couldn’t control his emotions, flared his killing intent, but he also spoke for him and protected him.

Even though it was a situation where his relationship with Shaolin could have become awkward because of it.

It was a broad tolerance like the vast ocean.

If he had been in that situation, would he have done so?

Won-gyeon, who was thinking, shook his head.

No matter how much he thought about it, he was not confident.

‘My cultivation is lacking.’

A bitter smile naturally formed.

What if this exact same thing happened in another of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang?

They might have rather used that attitude as an excuse to reprimand them.

No, they probably would have done so.

Yet, the young Taoist in front of him had stepped forward, braving that risk.

As if that wasn’t enough, he was now telling him to forget his merit.

‘It’s astonishing at such a young age.’

It was an astonishing tolerance.

Even though he had already revealed that he knew the hidden meaning, the young Taoist named Cheon-hwi in front of him remained consistently ignorant to the end.

The reason for that was probably…

‘To protect Won-ho’s pride.’

For a moment, the wrinkles around his eyes deepened.

To think he had a heart that considered Won-ho even when he was not right in front of his eyes.

How many people in Shaolin possessed such integrity and self-restraint.

‘…I don’t know.’

Meanwhile, Cheon-hwi drank the tea as he looked at Won-gyeon, whose expression changed every moment.

For a moment, the subtle tea fragrance lingered in his mouth along with the tea water, and after a brief appreciation, he immediately swallowed it down his throat.

“If you have nothing more to say, I’ll be going.”

Just as Cheon-hwi, who was grumbling internally that he had no idea what he had been called for, was about to stand up.

“I fell into thought for a moment.”

Won-gyeon only then came to his senses.

And then, he tried to say something more, but shook his head and gave up.

‘I tried to reward him for it, but he would not wish for it.’

Won-gyeon, having a thought that Cheon-hwi would have called bullshit on if he knew, placed his hands together in prayer while looking at Cheon-hwi.

“Amitabha. If you go outside the Guest Hall, someone will attach to you to guide the Little Taoist to your room.”

“Is that so? It seems you have prepared in advance.”

Won-gyeon nodded his head and asked in a low voice.

“But how long do you plan to stay?”

“I haven’t thought of anything in particular.”

“Then won’t you stay for as long as possible?”

“Hmm, I’ll see.”

“Understood.”

Cheon-hwi, who heard Won-gyeon’s final words, left the Guest Hall without lingering attachment.

Won-gyeon, looking at the spot where Cheon-hwi’s back had disappeared as the door closed, gently closed his eyes.

The words Cheon-hwi had spoken were pinpointing the problem of the current Shaolin.

‘Did he say a frog in a well.’

Could there be a phrase that expressed the current Shaolin more accurately than that.

Shaolin was currently stagnant, stagnant.

In the past, when doing alms-begging training, they had also taken on the task of punishing the demonic factions, accumulating real combat experience.

But now, it was difficult to do so.

‘Because it is the era of the Nine Provinces Three Supreme Powers.’

As the era of peace continued, the demonic factions hid their presence, and because of that, it became difficult to accumulate real combat experience.

Wasn’t determining the authenticity of the Shadowless Divine Thief’s secret cave, which was their most recent mission, already an event well over a year ago.

Even so, a few Arhat Monks who stepped forward to perform the mission at that time seemed to feel the crisis.

But the majority did not.

And one of that majority.

‘Was my Junior Brother.’

Won-gyeon thought of Won-ho.

A genius among geniuses who rose to the position of the Arhat Guild Leader at the age of forty was him.

However.

‘He has been stagnant for already ten years.’

Currently, Won-ho was blocked by a wall.

It was because his confidence that his level of skill was enough had blocked his growth.

That was quite a serious matter.

If he settled like this, no matter how much of a genius he was, he would eventually be caught up to.

However, Won-ho did not know the seriousness of that.

Thinking that he was sufficiently strong himself, the position of Arhat Guild Leader was added, and he came to settle.

But right on time, an opportunity came.

Namely, the appearance of the young Taoist named Cheon-hwi.

An appearance that looked as if he had just passed twenty.

However, his martial might and character were already not lacking to be called an Immortal.

‘I wish my Junior Brother would come to his senses like before.’

Naturally, he came to recall the past Won-ho.

The past him, who had no conceit and poured everything solely into martial arts and Buddhism.

Won-gyeon opened his closed eyes.

In the Guest Hall where a tranquil silence settled, only the faint tea fragrance remained, tickling the tip of his nose.

It was subtle, but its depth was considerable.

Just like Cheon-hwi who had disappeared a moment ago.

‘This is the first time I’ve been envious of Mount Hua.’

* * *

After the short conversation with Won-gyeon, Cheon-hwi, who came outside the Guest Hall, discovered two familiar monks.

Aren’t they those Arhat Monks?

They were Gong Mun and Gong Jin, two of the three who had disrupted the flow of the Eighteen Arhats Formation.

As soon as the two also discovered Cheon-hwi, they bore bright smiles and ran over breathlessly.

“Amitabha. It has been a long time.”

“Amitabha.”

The two placed their hands together and beamed at Cheon-hwi.

“We were waiting to guide you to the place where the Young Hero will stay while residing in Shaolin.”

Gong Mun spoke in an excited voice.

“But I was truly surprised. To think that the Young Hero was a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect…”

Gong Mun, who was speaking excitedly, trailed off.

In truth, there were many things he was curious about.

At that time, Gong Jin asked carefully.

“Perhaps the name Gu Yeon is your name before receiving your Taoist title?”

“That’s right.”

Cheon-hwi spoke casually.

Because it was indeed his name from his past life.

Cheon-hwi, seeing the two with shining eyes, revealed an annoyed expression and spoke.

“By the way, when are we going?”

“Ah! I am sorry.”

The two, coming to their senses, walked hastily and led Cheon-hwi to a monk’s room.

“…Is this the right place?”

Cheon-hwi, looking around the room he arrived at following the two, narrowed his brow.

Unlike its antique exterior, the interior of the monk’s room was very modest and shabby.

It felt like he had returned to his residence in Mount Hua.

“Why are you like that?”

“Is it originally this shabby?”

Gong Mun nodded as if it was obvious.

“That is so.”

Where did they spend the money they earned?

It was absurd.

Just as Cheon-hwi, thinking of the worshippers overflowing in Shaolin, shook his head and let out a sigh.

“Then we will take our leave now.”

“We will see you next time.”

Gong Mun and Gong Jin politely placed their hands together and carefully moved their steps.

Because he couldn’t grab them who had left and ask them to change the room to stay in, Cheon-hwi just unfastened his sword and leaned it to the side.

At that moment.

Creaak-

With a sound that felt unpleasant the moment he heard it, the door of the monk’s room opened.

Following that, Won-eum entered.

“Mm, what is the matter?”

“I am sorry.”

As soon as Won-eum came, he spat out words of apology first.

“I invited you and then ended up being a bystander.”

It was his own blunder.

Normally, stepping forward in the middle to handle it so that such a thing didn’t happen was his job as the one who invited him.

However, he could not do so.

To be exact, he couldn’t hold back his curiosity.

Just how he would fare against the Eighteen Arhats Formation.

As a result of not being able to hold back his curiosity, the matter grew big.

Cheon-hwi scratched his chin as he looked at Won-eum, who revealed his apologetic feelings all over his face.

He was apologizing, but rather he himself liked it.

Since he got to face the Eighteen Arhats Formation.

Of course, it was a disappointing result, though.

It was then.

‘Ah!’

At a thought that momentarily flashed across his mind, Cheon-hwi’s eyes snapped open.

“If you are that sorry, I would like to experience the Hundred Steps Divine Fist later.”

Cheon-hwi, recalling the intense footprints he had seen in the Shadowless Divine Thief’s secret cave, spoke with a smile.

“How about it?”

Won-eum’s eyes grew wide.

“Is that enough?”

“If you show me other Shaolin martial arts, it’s great for me. Shaolin’s martial arts are famous for being the best in the world, aren’t they.”

Cheon-hwi smoothly worked his tongue.

It was to elevate Won-eum’s mood while praising Shaolin’s pride.

‘Since I came anyway, I should extract everything I can.’

Cheon-hwi continued to move his mouth.

“I consider it a huge loss if I come all the way to Shaolin and don’t get to see that…”

“Hahaha!”

Just as expected, Won-eum burst into laughter with a pleased face.

“I understand.”

He spoke as if he was willing.

It made sense, as the young man in front of him now was a rising expert called the Plum Blossom Divine Hero.

Added to that, how were his skills and character.

Yet, such a young Taoist was making a fuss wanting to experience Shaolin’s martial arts.

How could he not be in a good mood.

“We will do that tomorrow. Please rest for today.”

“Yes? Not now?”

“Did you not have a matter today. But how could I show my martial arts right away.”

“Tsk, that’s true too.”

“Then tomorrow I will separately visit…”

Won-eum, who was about to finish his words, changed his words with an oops expression.

“No, I will come at evening almsgiving time.”

Cheon-hwi sneakily looked behind him.

Through the open window, the dusky sunset glow was slowly filling the monk’s room.

‘Wait, if it’s almsgiving…’

Cheon-hwi’s eyes furrowed.

‘Ey, still, it should be better than Mount Hua.’

Cheon-hwi, recalling the tasteless greens he had eaten day and night at Mount Hua, smacked his lips, hoping that Shaolin would be even a little better.

However, when it became evening almsgiving time, Cheon-hwi had no choice but to change that thought.

‘Aren’t they the exact same greens?’

Whether it was Mount Hua or Shaolin, there was no difference.

‘I’ll just watch the martial arts and quickly leave.’

Cheon-hwi resolved as he chewed and swallowed the greens still left in his wooden bowl.

It was his palate, which had been tamed by luxurious foods through the journey so far.

But to suddenly eat tasteless greens, his mouth felt dry.

It was then.

“Where are you trying to go?”

Turning his head to where the voice was heard, he saw Won-eum roughly grabbing the collar of Heavenly Ear Beggar, who was leaving food behind and abruptly standing up.

“…It’s because I have an urge to urinate.”

“Eat everything and go.”

Heavenly Ear Beggar’s face instantly distorted.

“Not just me, but those two also…”

Heavenly Ear Beggar, who spoke while pointing at Cheon-hwi and Danmok Rin, firmly shut his mouth.

“The two ate well.”

Won-eum replied with a soft smile.

The two were already standing up from their seats, having cleanly emptied their wooden bowls.

‘Oops! Those guys were Taoists!’

Heavenly Ear Beggar, who recalled the forgotten fact, eventually flopped down onto his seat at Won-eum’s expression glaring like an evil spirit.

A moment later, Cheon-hwi stood in front of Heavenly Ear Beggar, who came out after barely finishing his evening almsgiving.

“What is it?”

A blunt voice naturally came out.

It made sense, as his stomach was still feeling bad.

‘Those damn greens, bleh.’

He felt like throwing up.

Towards him like that, Cheon-hwi opened his mouth.

“Tasteless, right?”

“Are you asking the obvious?”

“Do you want to eat food separately?”

“What?”

Cheon-hwi smiled sinisterly.

“If it’s you, Elder, you can avoid Shaolin’s eyes and perform your footwork, can’t you?”

“Oho.”

The corners of Heavenly Ear Beggar’s mouth, who grasped Cheon-hwi’s intent, also began to slowly rise.

“Are you saying we should go out, eat, and come back?”

“No.”

Cheon-hwi spoke flatly.

Going all the way there was annoying.

“Please buy some and bring it back.”

“What? Are you crazy?”

Heavenly Ear Beggar was dumbfounded.

Bringing outside food into Shaolin?

Such nonsense…

‘But it sounds fun.’

For a brief moment of making a baffled face, Heavenly Ear Beggar’s lips twisted.

“What are you going to do if we get caught?”

“We just have to not get caught.”

* * *

Won-ho walked toward the monks’ rooms with a restless heart.

‘He protected me?’

Having come out after having a conversation with the Sect Leader Abbot, his head was complicated.

He had thought of him as a guy with no manners whatsoever.

However, he was actually a great person.

Although his speech and actions were sharp, the intent contained within them was exceedingly deep.

‘Did I fall too much into conceit?’

He looked back on his past.

When he recalled his lazy martial arts training and arrogance after becoming the Arhat Guild Leader, he frowned naturally without realizing.

‘The Little Taoist’s words might be right.’

He, who had been walking for a long time down the corridor lined with monks’ rooms, stopped his feet at some point.

He, who confirmed the light seeping out through the door, knocked on the door.

Knock knock.

“Little Taoist. Are you inside?”

Soon, an answer was heard from inside.

“What is the matter?”

“I came because I wanted to apologize.”

“At this late hour?”

“I wanted to apologize right away after realizing.”

“Tsk, I understand.”

Shortly after, the door opened, and Won-ho could see the inside of the room.

“Ahem, ahem.”

“We meet again.”

Inside there was his party.

Heavenly Ear Beggar was sitting on a chair, sipping tea, and opposite him was…

Won-ho’s eyes opened wide.

There was a beautiful woman under the moonlight.

‘That woman wearing a veil?’

At his sight blankly staring at Danmok Rin, Cheon-hwi momentarily had a pathetic expression.

‘He’s shaken up like that despite being a monk?’

He opened his mouth with a small sigh.

“What are you doing?”

“Hmm. Hmm.”

Only then did Won-ho, who came to his senses, fire off fake coughs while covering his mouth with his fist.

Then he looked at Cheon-hwi and placed his hands together.

“I apologize for the previous matter. I flared up too excessively at the Little Taoist’s words.”

“Yes, yes. Let’s say so.”

Cheon-hwi answered as if he was annoyed.

At the behavior that seemed to say not to mention it anymore, Won-ho admired internally.

‘It is a broadmindedness incomparable to mine.’

Just when he felt he understood why the Sect Leader Abbot had praised Cheon-hwi so much.

“Hm? Sniff, sniff.”

Won-ho sniffed his nose.

“This smell is… alcohol?”

He, furrowing his brow, approached Heavenly Ear Beggar, chasing the scent of alcohol piercing his nose.

And he wrinkled his face.

It was because a thick scent of alcohol was rising from what he thought was tea.

He sharply turned his head and looked at Danmok Rin this time.

“Why are you doing that?”

Danmok Rin spoke, slightly flustered.

Discovering the oil smeared around her mouth, he quickly moved his head, and upon discovering the bowl in the corner, glared with both eyes.

“Five-spice sliced meat…?”

“Tsk, we got caught.”

Cheon-hwi, who was speaking while clicking his tongue, met eyes with Won-ho, who roughly turned his body.

“What kind of act is this now! Alcohol and meat in the sacred grounds of Shaolin…”

Just as the bewildered Won-ho was about to yell out abruptly.

Plop!

Something entered his mouth.

‘This is…’

It was a taste that melted softly in the mouth.

His face naturally relaxed.

‘To think there would be such a taste in the world.’

Won-ho, who was chewing what entered his mouth without realizing, belatedly came to his senses.

“Gasp! What did I…”

“It’s delicious, right?”

Cheon-hwi’s face, holding a smile all over, filled all of his vision.

“Now we are accomplices.”