Chapter 236 – The Small Forest Where the Giants Reside, Shaolin Temple (2)

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Dam-ho and the Morning Fire Merchant Group climbed Mount Song.

 

The first thing that greeted them at Xiaoshi Peak was a massive mountain gate. Dozens of monks were lined up in front of the gate, maintaining a state of full alertness.

 

The monks with staffs and clubs had distinct blue-tinted precept marks on their foreheads. They were the monks of Shaolin Temple.

 

The monks scrutinized everyone trying to enter Shaolin with wide, stern eyes. Their vigilance was at its peak following the recent fall of the Shouzhou branch.

 

Anyone even slightly suspicious couldn’t pass through the gate and had to undergo strict questioning in isolation. This was a measure to catch any potential spies from the Demon Cult.

 

While their inspection applied to everyone, there was one exception: the Morning Fire Merchant Group.

 

“Master Yoon.”

 

A middle-aged monk recognized Yoon Sa-il.

 

“Hello, Monk Yucheon.”

 

“It’s been about a month since we last met, Master Yoon.”

 

“Indeed it has. You seem to have become more devoted to your prayers.”

 

“Amitabha! You flatter me.”

 

The monk called Yucheon smiled slightly, showing a pleasant expression.

 

“As promised before, we’ve brought fifty carts loaded with grain and other essential supplies. Please verify them.”

 

“Though I trust you’ve brought everything properly, it’s still my duty to check at least briefly.”

 

“Yes! We’ll wait in the meantime.”

 

Yoon Sa-il had the Morning Fire Merchant Group’s warriors step away from the carts. Despite his words, Yucheon thoroughly checked the cargo.

 

It was a time when they needed to stockpile as many supplies as possible. Any problem with supplies could endanger the lives of the numerous warriors staying at Shaolin.

 

While the inspection of supplies was thorough, the examination of the Morning Fire Merchant Group’s warriors was somewhat relaxed, due to their familiar faces from previous trades.

 

After checking everyone from Won Seol-hwa to the lowest-ranking warrior of the Morning Fire Merchant Group, Yucheon’s final stop was Dam-ho’s group.

 

“And these visitors?”

 

Suddenly, a strong look of wariness appeared on Yucheon’s face.

 

The moment he noticed Dam-ho, a powerful scent of blood assaulted his senses. The blood scent was so strong it made him dizzy, causing him to unconsciously grip his staff tightly. The other monks reacted similarly.

 

*Clang!*

 

Yucheon pointed his staff at Dam-ho and shouted.

 

“Who are you, visitor? How dare you bring the stench of blood to this sacred Buddhist ground?”

 

“He is…”

 

Just as Yoon Sa-il was about to answer.

 

“Where is Gwanghae?”

 

Dam-ho’s cold voice echoed at the mountain gate.

 

“How do you know Master Gwanghae?”

 

“I’ve met him before. Call him.”

 

“Before that, you must identify yourself. Even if you came with the Morning Fire Merchant Group, we cannot call anyone without confirming your identity.”

 

Yucheon raised his voice.

 

By now, dozens of monks had gathered around him, pointing their staffs and clubs at Dam-ho.

 

The warriors waiting to enter Shaolin watched the unexpected commotion from a distance.

 

Yucheon and the monks pressured Dam-ho with their imposing aura. Dam-ho scanned each monk’s face one by one.

 

*Shudder!*

 

The monks who met his gaze trembled. Dam-ho’s indifferent gaze shook their souls to the core.

 

‘What is this?’

 

‘This person must be a great demon of the murim.’

 

Their hands unconsciously tightened on their staffs and clubs as sweat trickled down their spines.

 

It was a powder keg moment where anyone could strike at the slightest sound.

 

Then Dam-ho spoke.

 

“My name is Dam-ho. Tell Gwanghae I’m here.”

 

“Ah!”

 

“The, the Fist Demon?”

 

Exclamations burst out from everywhere.

 

Yucheon’s eyes widened.

 

“Are you really the Fist Demon Dam-ho?”

 

“Yes, he is the great hero Fist Demon Dam. Our Morning Fire Merchant Group vouches for him.”

 

Yoon Sa-il finally stepped forward to confirm Dam-ho’s identity. Only then did Yucheon and the monks lower their weapons.

 

“Ah, Amitabha! My apologies, Visitor Dam.”

 

Yucheon apologized with a half-bow. Dam-ho didn’t respond, just staring at him indifferently. Unable to bear his gaze, Yucheon unconsciously lowered his head.

 

One of the monks hurriedly ran inside the mountain gate.

 

The weight carried by the title “Fist Demon” was truly immense. The combined reputation of everyone present couldn’t match up to that title. The monk’s steps were naturally hurried as he rushed to report Dam-ho’s arrival to his superiors.

 

‘That’s the Fist Demon?’

‘He’s truly terrifying, just as the rumors say.’

 

Outside the gate, numerous warriors observed Dam-ho with furtive glances. However, none dared to approach him.

 

His all-black attire made him appear even more ominous. Everyone present knew of his notorious reputation, which made him all the more intimidating.

 

‘Incredible. All these masters are overwhelmed just by brother’s presence.’

 

As Muk Il-gwang was looking at Dam-ho with renewed respect,

 

“Great Hero Dam.”

 

An elderly monk with a white beard reaching his chest came running from beyond the gate. The nine distinct precept marks on his forehead proved he was a Shaolin elder.

 

The elderly monk who arrived like the wind was Elder Gwanghae of Shaolin Temple.

 

“Amitabha! It’s been a long time, Great Hero Dam.”

 

Gwanghae treated Dam-ho with utmost respect. People were once again surprised by this sight.

 

A Shaolin elder was equivalent to the head of a major sect – not someone easily met without special connections or circumstances.

 

Yet such an important figure had rushed out barefooted to receive Dam-ho with great courtesy.

 

‘Was the Fist Demon’s influence this great?’

‘To think someone called a demon would receive such treatment at Shaolin. Truly astonishing.’

 

The warriors couldn’t hide their amazement.

 

Now the title “Fist Demon” was no longer just a name for one of many martial arts masters. It was a title symbolizing someone even the heads of the Nine Great Sects couldn’t treat carelessly.

 

“Let’s not stand here – please come inside. I’ll escort you personally.”

 

None other than Shaolin Elder Gwanghae himself offered to guide Dam-ho. Even Shaolin disciples were greatly surprised by this.

 

Dam-ho entered Shaolin, bringing Muk Il-gwang and Bang Jin-bo with him.

 

Won Seol-hwa watched everything from inside her carriage.

 

‘Indeed, he is the Fist Demon.’

 

A secretive smile played on her lips.

 

Her heart swelled at the thought that such an extraordinary man would soon be hers. Despite Yoon Sa-il’s concerns, Won Seol-hwa believed in her Brain Control Technique.

 

Though it might take some time, Dam-ho would surely return to her. Thinking this, Won Seol-hwa closed her carriage window.

 

Shaolin Temple had a thousand years of history. The weight of those millennia could be felt in everything from its halls to the smallest ornaments.

 

“All martial arts under heaven come from Shaolin.”

 

There was a saying that all martial arts in the world originated from Shaolin. Perhaps that’s why Shaolin’s atmosphere felt somehow both sacred and solid.

 

Muk Il-gwang and Bang Jin-bo were overwhelmed by the sturdy atmosphere that suggested it would endure another thousand years, just as it had for the past millennium.

 

Crushed by the weight of a thousand years of history, they quietly followed Dam-ho without daring to breathe loudly.

 

“You must be tired from your long journey. Please rest here first and recover from your travel fatigue.”

 

The place Gwanghae led them to was a separate building among Shaolin’s guest quarters. It was a place usually reserved for heads of the Nine Great Sects, yet it was offered to Dam-ho without hesitation.

 

Dam-ho nodded and entered the building.

 

The separate quarters were very modest. There were no fancy decorations, and it wasn’t particularly large. However, it possessed an undeniable elegance and gravitas that commanded respect.

 

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival. I’m truly moved to see your face, Great Hero Dam.”

 

“I didn’t come to hear such empty flattery.”

 

“Then?”

 

“I heard you’re protecting people who fled from the Shouzhou branch.”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

“Help me find someone among them.”

 

“Just tell me who.”

 

“Cho Yeon-woon… Find out if Cho Yeon-woon, the Drunken Cloud Dragon is here.”

 

“Understood. I’ll check right away.”

 

Gwanghae responded clearly without frowning at Dam-ho’s request.

 

He immediately called a subordinate monk to check if Cho Yeon-woon had entered Shaolin.

 

“Amitabha! News will arrive shortly if you wait a moment.”

 

As he spoke, Gwanghae observed Dam-ho carefully. Something seemed different from when he last saw him, though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what.

 

‘One thing is certain – he has grown stronger again. Truly frightening.’

 

Gwanghae shook his head.

 

Then Dam-ho’s voice broke through his thoughts.

 

“What’s Shaolin’s current military strength?”

 

“Counting both temple disciples and lay disciples, we have about 3,500. Adding the warriors from Shouzhou and those who joined from Henan Province, it exceeds 5,000 in total.”

 

“Five thousand…”

 

“Soon, forces sent by the Murim Alliance will join us. Then we’ll likely reach six to seven thousand.”

 

Muk Il-gwang was internally amazed at Gwanghae’s explanation.

 

‘A single sect like Shaolin commanding over five thousand warriors. Truly incredible.’

 

And these weren’t just any warriors, but those who had reached a certain level of skill. It was clear why they were called the Northern Star of the martial world.

 

He realized Shaolin alone could probably annihilate most of the green woods sects. That made it even more chilling.

 

‘And even Shaolin fears the Demon Cult. Just how powerful is the Demonic Cult?’

 

The more he thought about it, the more frightening it became. So Muk Il-gwang stopped thinking about it.

 

As if reading Muk Il-gwang’s thoughts, Gwanghae smiled and continued his explanation.

 

“We’ve gathered forces just in case, but it’s unlikely the Demon Cult will actually attack Henan Province. They must know that clashing with this many forces would lead to mutual destruction.”

 

However, his words provided no comfort to Muk Il-gwang or Bang Jin-bo.

 

Just then,

 

“Master!”

 

A young monk’s voice came from outside.

 

“Come in.”

 

When Gwanghae gave permission, the young monk opened the door and entered. Behind him was a familiar warrior.

 

Dam-ho’s eyebrows twitched. He recognized the warrior.

 

It was one of the Hundred Battles Sect disciples who had accompanied Cho Yeon-woon. The man knelt before Dam-ho.

 

“Great Hero Dam!”

 

“What about Yeon-woon?”

 

“Senior brother is now…”

 

Cho Yeon-woon’s junior disciple hesitated. Instantly, Dam-ho’s eyes turned cold.

 

“Don’t stammer. Is Yeon-woon safe?”

 

“Yes! Yes! Though seriously injured, fortunately he survived.”

 

“Then why isn’t he here?”

 

“We got separated in the crowd while retreating from the Shouzhou branch. We were supposed to retreat to Mount Zhongnan, but only I and a few fellow disciples ended up here.”

 

“So he’s still alive?”

 

“Yes. Our master and fellow disciples protected him desperately, so he should be safe.”

 

“That’s good enough.”

 

At Dam-ho’s indifferent words, Cho Yeon-woon’s junior disciple fell silent. Though the words might have seemed cold, he had caught a momentary flash of relief in Dam-ho’s eyes.

 

It moved him deeply that the man known as the most ruthless in the world had come all this way out of concern for his senior brother.

 

*Drip*

 

Thick tears rolled down his cheeks. He lowered his head and sobbed.

 

Dam-ho watched Cho Yeon-woon’s junior disciple impassively.

 

‘As long as he’s alive, that’s enough.’