Chapter 329 – The Tree Wants to Stand Still but the Wind Never Stops Shaking (1)

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The news that the Martial Alliance had fallen to the Demon Cult spread throughout the world in an instant. Those most shocked by the news of the Martial Alliance’s collapse were the prestigious families represented by the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families.

 

Upon hearing the news of the Martial Alliance’s fall, they first confirmed the truth of the rumor. The first emotion they felt upon learning the rumor was true was fear and chaos itself.

 

With the Martial Alliance fallen, there was no longer an organization to protect them. They had no choice but to protect themselves with their own strength.

 

Each sect recalled all disciples who were outside and reinforced their defenses. While righteous sects were hiding themselves like this, demonic sects began to run rampant.

 

Demonic sects that had been suppressed by the prestige of righteous sects began expanding their influence as if they had been waiting. Naturally, they couldn’t avoid clashing with sects that proclaimed righteousness.

 

Conflicts arose everywhere in the world, and the wind of chaos rapidly spread to all regions.

 

The focal point of the chaos was Sichuan Province.

 

Due to its characteristically closed terrain, news from inside Sichuan Province originally wasn’t well known to the Central Plains. Since the Tang Clan, Emei Sect, and Qingcheng Sect, represented as the Three Lords of Sichuan, also had closed tendencies, such trends were even stronger.

 

But this time was different. News from inside Sichuan Province was conveyed without filter.

 

The biggest shock was the Tang Clan’s betrayal.

 

Though they used poison and hidden weapons, the Tang Clan that still pursued righteousness joining hands with the Demon Cult delivered a huge shock to the martial world. The news that the Emei Sect and Qingcheng Sect suffered great damage because of them and chose to close their gates drove martial world people into fear and chaos.

 

The reason why the prestigious orthodox Tang Clan joined hands with the Demon Cult was unknown. But the shock reached its peak from the single fact that they had joined hands with the Demon Cult and seized Sichuan Province.

 

The Demon Cult had seized Hunan Province’s Martial Alliance, and the Tang Clan had seized Sichuan Province in the west. If the Tang Clan had continued to control Sichuan Province, the world would have been trapped in the encirclement of the Demon Cult and Tang Clan.

 

If not for Dam-ho.

 

Mount Hua Fist Demon Dam-ho.

 

Though the reason wasn’t known, when the Tang Clan was seizing Sichuan Province, he happened to be in Sichuan Province. And he clashed with the Tang Clan as if by fate.

 

The result was the Tang Clan’s crushing defeat.

 

Clan Head Tang Sa-il died, and numerous elites suffered damage close to annihilation. Due to this incident, the Tang Clan suffered irrecoverable damage and chose to close their gates. And the Emei Sect and Qingcheng Sect, which had closed their gates to avoid the Tang Clan, resumed activities again.

 

It was truly an unbelievable reversal.

 

A giant sect called the Tang Clan had been subdued by a single person.

 

The Tang Clan wasn’t a simple sect. Though temporary, it was a giant sect with tremendous strength enough to dominate Sichuan Province. Especially because they handled poison and hidden weapons, they had no choice but to be even more difficult to deal with. Therefore, many sects feared the Tang Clan. The Qingcheng Sect and Emei Sect also had no choice but to make the humiliating choice of closing their gates.

 

Such a Tang Clan suffering fatal damage by a single person and closing their gates was a major event that had never once existed in martial world history.

 

People comforted their wounded hearts from the Martial Alliance’s collapse by watching Dam-ho’s progress.

 

Dam-ho was no longer simply an individual martial artist. Nor was he weak enough to be disparaged for having the character for demon in his nickname.

 

The only individual who could check the super-massive force called the Demon Cult.

 

An individual whose martial power and influence encompassed the world was precisely Dam-ho.

 

People’s attention was now focused on Dam-ho’s movements.

 

At that time, an emergency meeting was taking place at Mount Hua as well.

 

Under the leadership of Grand Elder Master Hyeon-so, the leadership gathered in the Upper Palace. Sect Leader Woon-gyeong, Myeong-gyeong, Jong Ri-yeon, Bang Jin-bo and others gathered in one place.

 

Master Hyeon-so said to Woon-gyeong:

 

“Now that everyone has gathered, let’s begin the meeting, Sect Leader.”

 

“Yes! Grand Elder.”

 

Woon-gyeong bowed his head to Master Hyeon-so, then looked around at the leadership.

 

“Everyone has heard the news. The Demon Cult has finally revealed its true colors. The Martial Alliance has collapsed, and the Demon Cult has taken its place. Now Hunan Province has become the Demon Cult’s territory, not the Martial Alliance’s.”

 

“Mm!”

 

Groans naturally flowed from people’s mouths. Though it was news they already knew, the weight felt different hearing it through Woon-gyeong’s mouth.

 

“The Demon Cult has now established a base in the Central Plains. They will certainly expand their influence using Hunan Province as a base.”

 

“Isn’t Hunan Province a key strategic point even within the Central Plains?”

 

“That’s right. Since land and water routes extend in all directions, movement is easy and there’s no difficulty securing supplies. It’s also the reason why the Martial Alliance was established there.”

 

People’s complexions darkened.

 

The shock from the fact that the Martial Alliance had collapsed and that a Demon Cult branch had entered where the Martial Alliance collapsed was truly tremendous.

 

“Fortunately, over the past three years, our sect has been able to steadily reinforce our strength. But that doesn’t mean we can be completely free from the Demon Cult’s threat. The Demon Cult won’t simply be satisfied with just Hunan Province. They will certainly target our sect someday. Therefore, we must reinforce our defenses.”

 

People listened carefully to Woon-gyeong’s words.

 

These were the words of Woon-gyeong who had become Mount Hua Sect’s sect leader. They carried weight befitting his position.

 

“Speak freely about how we can raise our sect’s strength.”

 

“May I say something?”

 

The first to raise his hand was Won-myeong, the leader of the Thirty-Six Plum Blossom Sword Masters.

 

“Speak, Won-myeong.”

 

“Thanks to Grand Elder, Divine Physician, and Jin-bo’s help, our sect was able to recreate the Plum Blossom Divine Pill. And thanks to that, the internal energy of the Thirty-Six Plum Blossom Sword Masters and first-generation disciples could dramatically increase. First, I express my gratitude for this.”

 

Won-myeong expressed gratitude to Jong Ri-yeon and Bang Jin-bo. Bang Jin-bo didn’t know what to do at that.

 

Watching him, Won-myeong smiled briefly before his expression soon changed to resolute.

 

“However, since internal energy explosively increased in a short period, there are side effects of the body not being able to keep up. Therefore, I want to enter closed-door training with the Thirty-Six Plum Blossom Sword Masters and first-generation disciples.”

 

“Closed-door training.”

 

“Given the situation, I’m very sorry to say this. But I think we must invest in the future especially at times like this. If we stabilize internal energy through closed-door training and adapt the body to it, martial power will dramatically increase. This will lead to an increase in Mount Hua Sect’s overall strength.”

 

“Mm!”

 

“So though I know it’s unreasonable, I’d like to ask the Sect Leader. Please permit closed-door training.”

 

At Won-myeong’s words, Woon-gyeong frowned briefly. But he soon nodded.

 

“I’ll permit it. We’ll somehow fill the gap left by the Plum Blossom Sword Masters and first-generation disciples with the remaining disciples and ourselves.”

 

“Thank you, Sect Leader.”

 

“Not at all. Rather, I’m grateful for your choice.”

 

Woon-gyeong knew. How harshly Won-myeong would drive the disciples once they entered closed-door training.

 

Won-myeong was never an easygoing person. He would probably drive the Plum Blossom Sword Masters and first-generation disciples to their limits. And the Plum Blossom Sword Masters and first-generation disciples would willingly follow.

 

Won-myeong’s junior Won-jin said:

 

“Don’t worry. While senior brother is in closed-door training with the Plum Blossom Sword Masters, we will protect Mount Hua Sect. We’ll protect it with our lives, so don’t worry and enter closed-door training. However, if you don’t become strong enough to satisfy us, be prepared.”

 

“Thank you, junior brother! I’ll definitely come out stronger.”

 

“When senior brother and the Plum Blossom Sword Masters come out, it’s our turn. We’ll become as strong as the Plum Blossom Sword Masters too.”

 

“Of course. Since you also received the Plum Blossom Divine Pill, you’ll definitely become strong.”

 

Won-myeong smiled. It was a smile of trust.

 

They had now become first-generation disciples. That much great responsibility weighed on their shoulders. In the old days, they might have been crushed by the tremendous weight and not known what to do.

 

But now was different. Numerous hardships had tempered them. Going through all kinds of trials and tribulations, they had become strong. If there was something stronger than martial arts, it was precisely their hearts.

 

Their hearts had become harder than steel, so now they wouldn’t be shaken by ordinary matters.

 

‘Don’t we have a dependable Grand Elder and an excellent sect leader? On top of that, Divine Physician and Jin-bo assist with all their might. Moreover, we have Uncle Master Dam-ho. So what is there to fear?’

 

If there was just one person to lean on and rely on, there was nothing to fear. But Mount Hua Sect had several such people. Therefore, they couldn’t help but feel reassured.

 

Watching the two, other leaders smiled broadly. It was because their enthusiasm was transmitted.

 

Master Hyeon-so said:

 

“Yes! Just do that. The Sect Leader and Myeong-gyeong will protect Mount Hua. You just steadily build up your internal strength like that. No matter how strong the wind blows from outside, if only you don’t shake, it’s no different from a light breeze. Excellent.”

 

Master Hyeon-so’s words gave the leadership a strange sense of stability.

 

If it was the same words, when he said them, strangely they felt reassured and trusted. That’s why many disciples believed and relied on Master Hyeon-so.

 

Master Hyeon-so was Mount Hua Sect’s spiritual pillar. No one denied that fact now.

 

Master Hyeon-so’s words continued:

 

“Our Mount Hua has never once yielded to foreign invasion. Even though we were driven to the brink of annihilation because of that. It was like that during the first Orthodox-Demon War, and three years ago too. We always became strong in the face of crisis, and the stronger the external pressure, the more fiercely we rose.”

 

“That’s right. Our Mount Hua will never be broken.”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

Myeong-gyeong and other disciples agreed with Master Hyeon-so’s words.

 

Though they had gathered to establish countermeasures, there was no need. They were already mentally and physically prepared. This gathering was merely confirming that.

 

The meeting ended anticlimactically, and the leadership returned to their respective places.

 

“Phew!”

 

Jong Ri-yeon, who had come outside, quietly let out a sigh. Bang Jin-bo said:

 

“Elder brother, you’re thinking about it, right?”

 

“Does it show?”

 

“A lot.”

 

“Really? Ugh! I can’t control my expressions the way I want.”

 

“Still, that’s doing well.”

 

At Bang Jin-bo’s words, Jong Ri-yeon smiled faintly.

 

“Jin-bo has grown up. You even know how to say comforting words now.”

 

“Do I?”

 

“Thank you! Thanks to you, I feel a bit better.”

 

“Hehe!”

 

Bang Jin-bo let out his characteristic lighthearted laugh.

 

Though his laugh was still the same, now a mature atmosphere was emanating from his face.

 

“Don’t worry. Elder brother will return soon.”

 

“I suppose so?”

 

“Of course. The only place elder brother has to return to is here.”

 

Bang Jin-bo answered confidently.

 

Mount Hua Sect wasn’t a simple sect. To Bang Jin-bo, Mount Hua Sect was a haven and home for his heart. He thought Dam-ho would be the same.

 

This place where Master Hyeon-so was located was Dam-ho’s only support. So he was confident he would definitely return.

 

Jong Ri-yeon said:

 

“I don’t doubt that he’ll return. I just hope he doesn’t get hurt too much and comes back. I hope he only has wounds I can heal.”

 

As long as he doesn’t die. As long as he’s breathing, she was confident she could somehow save him.

 

“Elder brother will definitely return safely. Don’t worry. Elder brother knows that elder sister is waiting here. So he’ll definitely return.”

 

“Thank you! Great Uncle Master. Thanks to you, I’m greatly comforted.”

 

“Then let’s go make Plum Blossom Divine Pills again, Divine Physician.”

 

“Pfft!”

 

At Bang Jin-bo’s banter, Jong Ri-yeon burst out laughing again. She headed toward the Medicine King Hall with Bang Jin-bo.

 

There were people watching those two. Master Hyeon-so, Woon-gyeong, and Myeong-gyeong.

 

Master Hyeon-so smiled warmly.

 

“I’m so grateful to those two.”

 

“That’s right. Because those two were here, our sect could recover its strength in such a short time.”

 

“It’s truly great fortune for our sect.”

 

Woon-gyeong and Myeong-gyeong agreed with Master Hyeon-so’s words.

 

Mount Hua Sect was becoming stronger day by day. Disciples were passionately learning martial arts, and Mount Hua Sect provided sufficient support.

 

Especially the Plum Blossom Divine Pills distributed sequentially greatly boosted the disciples’ morale. The fact that anyone could receive the Plum Blossom Divine Pill if they worked hard made them even more passionate.

 

“They are Mount Hua Sect’s true treasures.”

 

“That’s right.”

 

Woon-gyeong and Myeong-gyeong exchanged words.

 

They didn’t think of Jong Ri-yeon and Bang Jin-bo as outsiders. Affection dripped from their conversation.

 

Master Hyeon-so watched the two with a smile.

 

With Dam-ho absent now, they were the pillars supporting Mount Hua. Because they were here, Master Hyeon-so could make a big decision.

 

“Sect Leader, Myeong-gyeong.”

 

“Yes!”

 

“Please speak, Uncle Master!”

 

“I will also enter closed-door training for a while with this opportunity.”

 

“What? You, Uncle Master?”

 

Woon-gyeong and Myeong-gyeong looked at Master Hyeon-so in surprise.

 

“The world is only keeping the Demon Cult in check. But they still don’t know that an even greater threat exists.”

 

“Do you mean the Heavenly Evil Cult?”

 

“That’s right. To counter their evil arts, I too need greater enlightenment.”

 

Master Hyeon-so’s gaze turned toward the sky.

 

The sky that looked ordinary to others’ eyes only felt ominous to him.