Fist Demon of Mount Hua ( Novel ) - Chapter 265
Chapter 265 – When People Change, Their Environment Changes Too (3)
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“Kuhk!”
“Argh!”
“Damn it!”
Screams rang out continuously from the training ground. Mount Hua Sect disciples were rolling on the ground one after another.
Dam-ho’s attacks were truly terrifying. Though he was clearly holding back, the Mount Hua Sect disciples couldn’t withstand even that much.
“Next!”
“Disciple Won Myeong.”
Won Myeong, who had guided Eun So-cheong up Mount Hua, rushed toward Dam-ho.
Swoosh!
Won Myeong’s sword drew a gentle arc in the air. It was a completely different sword technique from what the disciples had shown before.
“Hmm!”
Eum Yu-kyung’s eyes widened.
Though all the disciples had shown excellent martial arts, Won Myeong’s sword was on a different level. His sword contained the essence of Mount Hua Sect’s martial arts.
Swoosh!
The sword cut through the air.
The sword energy Won Myeong created was truly beautiful. Like a plum blossom blooming in snow, it was both beautiful and dangerous.
Eum Yu-kyung’s eyes widened seeing this sight.
‘This is the Twenty-Four Forms Plum Blossom Sword?’
The Twenty-Four Forms Plum Blossom Sword was Mount Hua Sect’s most famous martial art. But the Twenty-Four Forms Plum Blossom Sword Won Myeong was unleashing was different from what she knew.
Though the essence was the same, it was more refined and contained more killing intent. It was a sword technique optimized for killing.
Dam-ho moved.
Swoosh!
Dam-ho’s body seemed to melt into Won Myeong’s sword. His movements were so natural it was hard to believe he was facing a real sword.
“Kuh!”
Won Myeong gritted his teeth and swung his sword faster.
Swoosh swoosh swoosh!
His sword moved like a living being, constantly targeting Dam-ho’s vital points. But Dam-ho’s movements were even more mysterious, avoiding Won Myeong’s sword by a hair’s breadth each time.
“Kuhk!”
Won Myeong’s face twisted.
The sword was moving exactly as he intended. But it couldn’t touch Dam-ho at all.
“Hah!”
Won Myeong gathered all his strength and unleashed the ultimate move of the Twenty-Four Forms Plum Blossom Sword.
Plum Blossom Blood Storm Wind.
Numerous sword energies gathered to form a single plum blossom in the air. The plum blossom scattered in the blood wind and flew toward Dam-ho.
Dam-ho didn’t avoid it. He just stood there.
Bang!
A tremendous explosion rang out.
Dust clouds rose, and when they cleared, Dam-ho was still standing in the same spot. But Won Myeong was rolling on the ground vomiting blood.
“Kuhk!”
Won Myeong’s face was pale from the severe internal injuries he had suffered. But his eyes still contained fierce venom.
“Next!”
Dam-ho’s voice rang out again.
But no one stepped forward. Because all the disciples who had been standing were now rolling on the ground.
“Is it over?”
Dam-ho looked around at the disciples rolling on the ground. His eyes were still beast-like.
“Kuhk!”
“Ugh!”
The disciples groaned in pain. But not one of them had dead eyes. They all had eyes full of venom.
“That’s enough for today.”
Dam-ho turned around.
“Wait!”
A voice rang out. It was Won Myeong, who had been rolling on the ground.
“I can still…”
“Enough.”
“But…”
“I said enough.”
Dam-ho’s voice was cold.
Won Myeong bit his lip and lowered his head. Dam-ho walked past the disciples rolling on the ground.
“Divine Doctor.”
“I know.”
Jong Ri-yeon, who had been watching from the side, nodded and approached the disciples. She took out silver needles and began treating them.
“Kuhk!”
“Ugh!”
The disciples groaned as Jong Ri-yeon’s silver needles entered their bodies. But they didn’t avoid the treatment.
Eum Yu-kyung watched this scene with wide eyes.
‘Is this how Mount Hua Sect regained its strength?’
The sight before her eyes was truly shocking.
Mount Hua Sect disciples were fighting Dam-ho with real swords. And Dam-ho was responding with his bare hands.
This was a scene that couldn’t be seen in any other sect.
In other sects, disciples practiced with wooden swords or blunt weapons. Real weapons were only used in life-and-death situations.
But here, they were using real swords in daily training. And they were fighting Dam-ho, who was responding with his bare hands.
‘This is madness.’
Eum Yu-kyung thought.
But the results were clear. The Mount Hua Sect disciples’ martial arts were truly extraordinary. They had reached a level that would be difficult to achieve even with decades of normal training.
‘So this is how Mount Hua Sect regained its strength.’
Eum Yu-kyung finally understood.
Dam-ho had walked past the disciples and was heading toward her.
“You’re awake.”
“Yes.”
“Let’s talk.”
Dam-ho led Eum Yu-kyung to True Warrior Palace. Eum Yu-kyung followed silently.
As they walked, Eum Yu-kyung looked back at the training ground. Jong Ri-yeon was still busy treating the disciples.
‘This happens every day?’
Eum Yu-kyung couldn’t help but be shocked.
If this happened every day, how many times had the disciples been injured? How many times had they suffered internal injuries?
The fact that they were still alive was a miracle.
‘No wonder they’re so strong.’
Eum Yu-kyung finally understood why Mount Hua Sect disciples had such extraordinary martial arts despite their young age.
They had been forged in the fires of real combat against Dam-ho.
Dam-ho and Eum Yu-kyung arrived at True Warrior Palace. Dam-ho sat down and looked at Eum Yu-kyung.
“You said Geom Yul-cheon is looking for me?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know the details. But he said the fate of the martial world depends on it.”
“Hmm!”
Dam-ho’s eyes sank deeply.
Geom Yul-cheon was the Martial Alliance’s Sword Demon. He was one of the few people Dam-ho acknowledged.
“When did you meet him?”
“About a month ago. I was being chased by the Demon Cult’s pursuit squad when I ran into him. He saved me.”
“And he told you to find me?”
“Yes. He said to definitely find you and bring you to Sichuan Province.”
“Did he say why?”
“No. He just said it was urgent.”
“I see.”
Dam-ho fell silent for a moment. Then he asked:
“Where in Sichuan Province?”
“Mount Emei.”
“Mount Emei?”
“Yes. He said to meet at Mount Emei’s Bright Moon Pavilion.”
“When?”
“The fifteenth day of the seventh month.”
“That’s in a month.”
“Yes.”
Dam-ho fell silent again. He seemed to be contemplating something.
“I’ll go.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Eum Yu-kyung let out a sigh of relief. She had fulfilled her mission.
“Thank you.”
“No need to thank me. I’m just curious what Geom Yul-cheon wants.”
Dam-ho stood up.
“Rest here for now. We’ll leave when your injuries are healed.”
“Alright.”
Dam-ho left True Warrior Palace. Eum Yu-kyung watched his departing figure with a complicated expression.
‘He’s changed.’
The Dam-ho she remembered was cold and emotionless. But now he seemed to have gained something. Though still cold, there was a subtle warmth in his actions.
‘What happened during these three years?’
Eum Yu-kyung was curious.
***
“Wow!”
Eun So-cheong exclaimed in admiration.
The food Bang Jin-bo had prepared was truly extraordinary. It wasn’t just delicious, but also beautiful to look at.
Various dishes were arranged on the table. Each dish had its own unique color and shape, creating a harmonious whole.
“This is amazing.”
“Hehe! It’s nothing special.”
Bang Jin-bo smiled shyly.
“Nothing special? This is art.”
“It’s just food.”
“No, it’s definitely art. I’ve never seen such beautiful food before.”
Eun So-cheong’s eyes were shining. She had visited many famous restaurants in her life, but none had presented food like this.
“Please try it.”
“Yes!”
Eun So-cheong picked up her chopsticks and tried the food. The moment the food entered her mouth, her eyes widened.
“This is…”
“How is it?”
“It’s delicious. No, delicious doesn’t even begin to describe it. It’s… it’s…”
Eun So-cheong was at a loss for words. The food was so delicious it defied description.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Bang Jin-bo smiled happily.
Eun So-cheong continued eating with a blissful expression. Each dish was more delicious than the last.
“How did you learn to cook like this?”
“I’ve been learning from the Supreme Elder.”
“The Supreme Elder taught you cooking?”
“Yes. The Supreme Elder knows a lot about food. He taught me the principles of Five Elements mutual generation and how to incorporate them into cooking.”
“Five Elements mutual generation?”
“Yes. Everything in this world is composed of the Five Elements – metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. By understanding how they interact, you can create harmony in food.”
Bang Jin-bo explained enthusiastically. His eyes were shining as he talked about food.
“The Supreme Elder taught me that food isn’t just for filling the stomach. It’s medicine for the body and soul. By understanding the principles of the Five Elements, you can create food that not only tastes good but also nourishes the body and spirit.”
“That’s amazing.”
“The Supreme Elder is truly amazing. He knows so much about everything.”
Bang Jin-bo’s voice was full of respect when talking about Sage Hyeon-so.
“By the way, where is the Supreme Elder?”
“He’s probably at his hut. He rarely comes to eat with everyone. He usually eats alone or with Brother Ho.”
“I see.”
Eun So-cheong looked around. The large hall was filled with Mount Hua Sect disciples eating Bang Jin-bo’s food. They were all eating with expressions of pure bliss.
“Everyone seems to love your food.”
“Hehe! They have no choice. I’m the only cook here.”
“But they genuinely seem to enjoy it.”
“Well, I do try my best.”
Bang Jin-bo smiled modestly.
“By the way, where’s Brother Ho?”
“Brother Ho? He’s probably at True Warrior Palace. He rarely comes to eat with everyone.”
“I see.”
“Do you want to meet him?”
“Ah, no. I was just curious.”
Eun So-cheong quickly shook her head. Though she was curious about Dam-ho, she was more interested in Bang Jin-bo right now.
“Jin-bo.”
“Yes?”
“You’ve really changed a lot.”
“Have I?”
“Yes. You’re completely different from how I remember you.”
“Well, three years is a long time.”
“That’s true.”
Eun So-cheong looked at Bang Jin-bo with gentle eyes. The chubby boy she remembered had become a handsome young man.
“You’ve become quite handsome.”
“What? No, I’m just ordinary.”
Bang Jin-bo’s face turned red. He wasn’t used to being complimented on his appearance.
“No, you’re definitely handsome. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“Well, I did lose a lot of weight.”
“It’s not just that. You’ve changed in other ways too.”
“Really?”
“Yes. You seem more… confident.”
“Do I?”
Bang Jin-bo scratched his head in embarrassment. He wasn’t aware of how much he had changed.
“Yes. The Jin-bo I remember was always nervous and unsure. But now you seem very confident.”
“Well, I guess I’ve found my place here.”
“Your place?”
“Yes. At Mount Hua, I’m not just a burden. I’m needed here. Everyone appreciates what I do.”
Bang Jin-bo’s voice was full of pride. It was clear he had found his place at Mount Hua.
“I’m glad.”
Eun So-cheong smiled warmly. She was genuinely happy for Bang Jin-bo.
“What about you, So-cheong? How have you been?”
“Me? I’ve been busy with Silver Family Castle’s business.”
“I heard Silver Family Castle has grown a lot.”
“Yes. We’ve expanded our business to many new areas.”
“That’s amazing.”
“It’s nothing compared to what you’ve achieved.”
“What do you mean? I just cook.”
“No, you’ve found your place. That’s a great achievement.”
Bang Jin-bo smiled at Eun So-cheong’s words. They continued chatting while enjoying the food.
As they talked, Eun So-cheong realized something. The reason she had been drawn to Bang Jin-bo wasn’t just his sincerity. It was also his passion.
Bang Jin-bo had always been passionate about cooking. And now he had found a place where his passion was appreciated.
‘He’s truly happy here.’
Eun So-cheong thought with a smile.
That’s when it happened.
Suddenly the hall’s door opened, and a man entered. The moment he appeared, the atmosphere in the hall changed dramatically.
Everyone stood up and greeted respectfully.
“Brother Ho!”
Bang Jin-bo called out happily.
The man who had entered was Dam-ho.
Dam-ho looked around the hall with cold eyes. Then his gaze stopped on Bang Jin-bo and Eun So-cheong.
“Jin-bo.”
“Yes, Brother Ho?”
“Prepare for a journey.”
“A journey?”
“We’re going to Sichuan Province.”
“Sichuan Province? When?”
“As soon as possible.”
“Alright.”
Bang Jin-bo nodded without hesitation. Then he looked at Eun So-cheong with an apologetic expression.
“I’m sorry, So-cheong. It seems I have to go on a journey.”
“It’s alright. I understand.”
Eun So-cheong smiled, though there was a hint of disappointment in her eyes.
Dam-ho looked at Eun So-cheong for a moment, then turned and left the hall.
The atmosphere in the hall, which had become tense with Dam-ho’s appearance, relaxed again after he left.
“He’s as intimidating as ever.”
Bang Jin-bo sighed.
“Is he always like that?”
“Yes. But he’s actually a good person. He just doesn’t show it.”
“I see.”
“So, Sichuan Province… I wonder what’s there.”
Bang Jin-bo muttered to himself. Then he looked at Eun So-cheong.
“I’m really sorry about this.”
“It’s alright. You have your duties.”
“Yes, but still…”
Bang Jin-bo looked troubled. He had been looking forward to spending more time with Eun So-cheong.
“When will you leave?”
“I’m not sure. But knowing Brother Ho, probably soon.”
“I see.”
“Will you stay at Mount Hua for a while?”
“I planned to stay for a few days. But if you’re leaving…”
“You should still stay. The Supreme Elder would be happy to have you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. And… maybe when I return, we can meet again.”
Bang Jin-bo’s face turned red as he said this. Eun So-cheong smiled.
“I’d like that.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Bang Jin-bo’s face brightened. Despite the sudden journey, he seemed happy at the thought of meeting Eun So-cheong again.
“Then it’s a promise.”
“Yes, it’s a promise.”