Chapter 376: To Mount Dabie (1)

“The Heavenly Central Sect supports the Lady of Mount Lu.”

That declaration rang throughout the Assembly Hall.

Following that, the Pang Clan, Tang Clan, Namgung Clan, Danmok Clan, Seomun Clan, and others stood up one after another, and those who had been hesitating until then began to rise awkwardly.

Soon, the number of people standing had easily surpassed a hundred.

Seeing this, Dong Seonja closed his eyes tightly and suppressed his rising anger.

One could tell how flustered he was from the way his beard trembled.

‘Master…’

I bowed my head as I watched my master.

If I had stepped forward in the Three Demonic Heavens Duel, he wouldn’t have had to suffer such disgrace.

Reverend Gongwoo once again counted the numbers and declared,

“There are one hundred and thirty-two standing. With this, I solemnly declare the Lady of Mount Lu as the first Alliance Leader of the Hundred Justice Alliance. Furthermore, once the Alliance is established, each sect must commit all its strength upon request. Failure to do so will result in appropriate sanctions.”

As the Lady of Mount Lu became the inaugural Alliance Leader, those who supported her rejoiced.

Though the Twelve Noble Clans had backed her as a compromise, they consoled themselves, thinking it was better than letting Dong Seonja win.

On the other hand, the Nine Great Sects left the Assembly Hall with sullen expressions.

And the Wudang Sect departed from Shaolin Temple immediately.

Even though their Sect Leader had stepped forward himself, he hadn’t been elected—now, he could no longer walk with his head held high.

After the election of the Alliance Leader ended, I accompanied the Lady of Mount Lu to her quarters.

“Congratulations, Lady.”

“It’s all thanks to Young Master Yong.”

“Now I worry that you’ll be buried under a mountain of responsibilities.”

“I trust that you’ll assist me.”

“I’ll help as much as I can.”

The Lady of Mount Lu knew better than anyone that I was the one most responsible for her rise as Alliance Leader.

“If I call, you must come at once.”

When I only smiled gently and didn’t answer, she continued pressing,

“This is an order from your Alliance Leader.”

“Understood.”

She couldn’t help but laugh as I quietly slipped away.

“You’re here to say goodbye before leaving, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Truthfully, I should’ve left earlier, but I stayed to witness your appointment as Alliance Leader.”

“Something’s happened? You seem to be leaving in a hurry.”

I hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“There are those raising their swords against my family. It seems my clan is on the verge of war.”

“Who dares such a thing?”

“To be frank, I hold deep grudges with the Heavenly Demon Castle and the Blood Demon Castle.”

“I’ve heard. They say you disrupted their plans.”

“It seems they’ve incited other sects to act. I must leave now to track their movements.”

“I see. If I can be of help, don’t hesitate to call on me.”

“No, from now on, you must act with great caution.”

The Lady of Mount Lu grabbed my hand and said,

“No. Not as the Alliance Leader—but as a friend, I offer this. In the name of the Lady of Mount Lu. If I cannot go myself, I’ll send Saenghui.”

“I gratefully accept your heart.”

She didn’t let go of my hand for a while, reluctant to part.

“It was a short time, but to me, you don’t feel like a stranger.”

“I’m honored that you feel that way.”

When she finally let go of my hand, I gave a clasped-hands greeting and did the same to Priestess Saenghui.

“Until we meet again, please stay well.”

After parting with the Lady of Mount Lu, I went to find my companions.

As I passed by, Go Jin muttered under his breath,

“He sure is full of himself. Those demonic types…”

Still clinging to his narrow-mindedness, Go Jin sneered at me.

“How can a sect with the daughter of the Blood Demon Castle’s Lord and those trained in demonic arts call itself orthodox?”

Some of the later-generation disciples of the Nine Great Sects agreed with him.

They were boiling with jealousy after I had so decisively crushed those said to be the greatest prodigies of the Three Demonic Heavens.

I had intended to walk past quietly, but upon hearing those words, I decided it was better to end things here and now.

I radiated fierce intent and called out to Go Jin.

“Jealousy and envy—are those what make someone demonic? Even if I’ve trained in demonic arts, if I walk upright and hold chivalry in my heart, how does that make me demonic? Righteousness and evil are not found in martial arts but in one’s heart! How can you so-called Taoist priests not understand that? The martial world has always been a place where strength defines justice. From now on, if anyone calls my clan demonic or refers to my people as demon practitioners, I’ll personally make you answer for those words—with my sword!”

My voice, infused with energy, echoed thunderously for all to hear.

“If you’re dissatisfied, come to me and challenge me to a duel. But know that duel will be to the death! Taoist Go Jin, if you want a life-and-death match, I’ll do it right here and now!”

As I stepped toward him, Go Jin began to back away.

“Come now! Let’s see whose sword decides what is justice!”

The murderous aura and fury I released surged directly toward him. In the end, Go Jin stumbled and fell on his backside.

Faced with my overwhelming killing intent, even the will to fight had vanished from him.

From afar, an elder of the Zhongnan Sect clicked his tongue.

“Tsk tsk, useless brat. He’s disgraced the entire sect. I’ll have to lock him up for ten years of isolated training.”

That elder decided Go Jin would not be allowed to set foot in the martial world again.

“From now on, anyone who slanders my clan from the shadows—I’ll find you myself and hold you accountable!”

I swept my gaze around as I spoke with commanding presence. Those who had been slandering lowered their eyes.

They feared ending up like Go Jin.

Mo Biyoung and Jong Seok were overwhelmed with emotion.

It was the first time they’d seen their sworn brother so enraged.

Their noses stung as they realized just how deeply I cared for them.

I changed direction, abandoning the path I had taken to avoid them, and walked straight toward where they were gathered.

They had been blocking the path.

As I approached, the later-generation disciples and martial artists of the Nine Great Sects instinctively stepped aside.

The martial artists of the Twelve Noble Clans watched in amusement as I humiliated the Nine Great Sects.

The Nine Great Sects had always looked down on the Twelve Clans from their high pedestal—but I had shattered that illusion. It was a sweet sight.

“Why is it we never even have time for a drink?”

Pang Giyok looked at me with regret.

“Sorry.”

I explained the situation with the Heavenly Central Sect and asked for understanding.

“Given the circumstances, I suppose you can’t afford any delay. Is there any way I can help?”

“Having your help would be great, but I don’t like the idea of even the Pang Clan getting dragged into this war.”

“Do you think our Pang Clan is some weak martial household? We’ve been forged through dozens of wars.”

Pang Giyok continued speaking, his face showing a hint of hurt.

“I’m your friend. A friend doesn’t just stand by and watch another get caught in hardship.”

“The war hasn’t broken out yet. There are only signs. If it becomes necessary, I’ll contact you.”

“You promised.”

“I understand.”

Grateful for Pang Giyok’s determined support, I gave him a warm smile.

“And look after Miss Shangguan. She’s probably not in her right mind right now.”

“Still, after seeing you thoroughly defeat Sanbi, she seems more at ease. She believes you’ve avenged her.”

“It won’t be easy for her to recover. Her clan’s been pushed to the edge.”

“Leave Miss Shangguan to me. You just take care of yourself.”

As I was preparing to leave, Namgung Yoo spoke.

“Don’t ever forget that we’re friends, no matter where you go.”

I nodded.

“See you next time.”

I said farewell to the renowned martial artists who were close with Reverend Mang Wu.

The atmosphere was one of unified respect. Even among other later-generation disciples, I stood out.

Yong Biyang was so proud of the sight that even after we left Shaolin Temple, he couldn’t stop smiling.

“Father, please stop smiling.”

“Why? I’m in a good mood.”

Even as we passed through Deungbong County, his grin remained. Embarrassed, I spoke.

“What are you so happy about?”

“I’ve been dying to say something, but I couldn’t while we were at Shaolin Temple. It was driving me crazy.”

“What is it?”

“Can I say it now?”

“Just say it and stop laughing. You’re losing your dignity.”

“Alright.”

Then, from atop his horse, Yong Biyang shouted,

“Yong Hwarin of the Heavenly Sword Hero is my son! I am Yong Biyang, father of Yong Hwarin!”

Hearing such a brazen, embarrassing declaration, my face turned bright red.

“You’re unbelievable.”

I said that and galloped ahead of him.

But I still smiled at my father’s words.

In my past life, I had caused my father no end of heartache.

My frailty worried him, and I never acted like a proper son. I always carried that guilt.

But now, seeing my father itching to brag about me, it felt like I’d finally shed the burdens of my previous life.

After leaving Deungbong County, we came to a fork in the road, and I stopped my horse.

“Father, I’ll be heading straight to Mount Dabie.”

“Why there? You should return to the main house and prepare fully.”

“I plan to observe the movements of the Dabie Sect. And there’s a place I must visit. It’s very important.”

“Really? Then take your junior and Warrior Deung with you.”

I shook my head.

“I’ll only take Instructor Mo. My junior and Warrior Deung should escort you back to the main house.”

“I can manage alone. If it’s something important, don’t you need someone by your side?”

“Father, trust me. I’m not someone who’ll be caught off guard.”

When I spoke firmly, Yong Biyang scratched his head.

“Hahaha, that’s true. Whose son are you? Alright. Go, then. When will you be back?”

“It might take some time. If anything happens, I’ll send word, so don’t worry too much. I’ve already told everything to the Ten Prodigies of the Heavenly Central Sect and Leader Mu. As long as everything proceeds as planned, there should be no issues. Also, when you arrive, Elder Ha Deokgong and Elder Masa will be there. Please get along with them—they could become good friends to you.”

“Got it. Don’t worry about me. Just take care of your mission.”

I parted ways with Yong Biyang and headed for Mount Dabie.

Watching me disappear, Yong Biyang muttered with pride,

“Whose son is that? Truly impressive.”

Hearing that, Jong Seok and Deung Ae smiled.

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