Chapter 66

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Translated by Seoulbound

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
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The person who shouted my moniker at the very front.

It was a familiar face.

‘Zhuge Beom, the Flowing Dragon of Fengshui, from the Zhuge Clan.’

Even when I had returned after completing the mission in Guangxi before, he was one of the renowned masters who had stepped out to the mountain gate and made eye contact with me.

‘There was also an aura of wariness mixed in his gaze.’

When I had returned after completing the mission, one of those who had sent a wary look was Zhuge Beom.

At that time, I had thought of it as natural.

Because the Zhuge Clan shared Hubei with our Wudang Sect—of course, due to the Zhuge Clan’s one-sided competitive spirit—their relationship had not been smooth since before.

So the very first thought that came to mind was.

‘Are they trying to check me?’

I had no choice but to have such a thought.

‘Even if that is so, there is no way they would have staged such a thing without a justification?’

The moment that thought occurred to me.

“Is the rumor true that the Wudang Sect is taking the lead in stealing the secret arts of other sects!”

The justification popped out of Zhuge Beom’s mouth.

**

The noisy mountain gate could be cleared up by the appearance of the Shaolin Temple’s Guest Hall Master.

-If you wish to make an issue of it, it would be best to table it as an official agenda item at the Murim Alliance meeting. If Shaolin’s mountain gate is cluttered, will it not obstruct the passage of people?

Hearing those words, several renowned masters, including Zhuge Beom, backed down while keeping their suspicious gazes toward me and the Wudang Sect unextinguished.

After entering the Shaolin precincts like that, I came to learn.

The reason Zhuge Beom was able to say such things was, funnily enough, because of people’s praise.

-I gained achievements thanks to Young Hero Yeon of the Wudang Sect.

-He is truly an unprecedented genius, as I was able to reach the secret art with just a small piece of advice.

-Martial Uncle, how about striking up a friendship with the Wudang Sect as well?

Back when we were attacking the Chaotic Heaven Green Forest’s counterfeit poison manufacturing workshop in Guangxi, the ones who had gained achievements through the martial discussions shared with the unit members returned, and it was a natural step for the related contents to reach the ears of the renowned masters of each sect.

Although the unit members had merely said good things about me due to the achievements gained from the small advice, those good words spread from mouth to mouth among the renowned masters inside the Shaolin Guest Hall.

-Young Hero Jeon of your sect too?

-They say the reason the sword of our Won-jin became a level heavier was also thanks to that young disciple of the Wudang Sect.

-They say his moniker is the Bringer of Chaos.

-How a young Taoist who has not even reached twenty can be so thoroughly versed in such martial principles. I truly wonder if it is not a mistake of heaven.

Instead of traveling a thousand miles, the word without feet circulated inside the narrow Shaolin Guest Hall and inflated its size enormously.

-They say he severed the arm of the Red Yang Demonic Immortal with a single hand-sword strike, which is indeed an unbelievable talent.

-According to the children who belonged to the same unit, he blocked the sword of the Young Spirit Slayer with his bare hands…

-They say he destroyed the water wall of the Great Sage Who Overturns Seas with lightning energy, and at that level, would his talent not be comparable to Bodhidharma, the patriarch of Shaolin, or Immortal Sanfeng, who ascended to heaven?

Although they were words with a bit of exaggeration added based on facts.

They were rumors that were hard for any sensible martial artist to believe.

A young elite who is not even twenty severs the arm of a predecessor devil in a single blow?

Blocks the sword of an assassin star with his palm?

A young boy breaks the protective energy of the world’s greatest pirate?

Since all of them were clearly hard-to-believe rumors.

People who raised questions about those rumors gradually began to appear.

-Is such a thing possible?

-It seems there has never been such a talent throughout all of history?

-Is it not strange that a talent that never existed throughout history suddenly appeared?

Suspicion creates monsters.

The doubts harbored in the mind are bound to create a ghost out of nothing.

When actual facts were added to that, the situation spread out of control.

-…Come to think of it. Did you hear the talk that the Wudang Sect’s Bringer of Chaos killed all the River of Three Crossings assassins before?

-Was there not a huge stir because the third young master of the Yan Clan fell, but the young disciple of the Wudang Sect repelled the assassins alone?

-There is testimony that among the corpses that fell at that time, there were many corpses of assassins who suffered sword wounds.

-?!

-Then the Wudang Sect spread false rumors…?!

-Tsk!

-…Could it be?

A typical situation where the protruding nail gets hammered was unfolding.

**

The claim that appeared at the end of rumors added upon rumors was none other than Zhuge Beom’s claim.

-The Wudang Sect is collecting the martial arts of other sects to teach them to their young disciples! And they are mobilizing disciples with superior senses for that!

Those who agreed with this were the renowned masters of several sects whose relationships with the Wudang Sect were not very good, including the Zhuge Clan.

Of course, a significant portion of the renowned masters gathered at the Murim Alliance meeting naturally observed the situation with a cautious attitude, but that did not mean there were people who actively defended the Wudang Sect in this matter.

It was only natural.

Because no one knew the truth.

Observing without stepping forward until things became clear was the best policy for them.

However, his fellow disciples were different.

The first to grow angry was Senior Brother Myeong-hun, who had returned from the Group Yizi mission.

“Treating a person like a thief should have its limits! I have not liked them since the cleanup of the Blood Selling Cult remnants.”

Senior Brother Myeong-hun still kept in mind the fact that they had requested help from the Zhuge Clan in Wuchang but were rejected.

And that seemed to be the same for Senior Sister Yi Chae-yang as well. She nodded with a stiff face, which was unlike her usual self.

“It is unexpected for the Zhuge Clan to step forward in this kind of matter. They are famous for always handling things cautiously, but this time they are somewhat blatant.”

No matter how much they were the two tigers that divided Hubei’s martial world, revealing their teeth this blatantly was unusual.

On the other hand, I thought.

‘Indeed. I expected it to some extent.’

I had thought that such a thing could happen.

Because there was already the incident where the Qingcheng Sect had come to find me.

The problem was, while the Qingcheng Sect coming to find me was something that happened before I left Shaolin—that is, before the misunderstanding deepened—now the misunderstanding had deepened without my knowledge, which was a problem if it was one.

Thankfully, while I was talking with my fellow disciples regarding this issue, my Group Bingzi comrades came to find me.

“What is this!”

“Our Taoist Yeon stealing the secret arts of other sects?”

We were those who had performed missions together and entrusted our backs to each other.

Could there be anything greater than a trust that risked life?

However, that trust was also excessive, so.

“Rather, he developed the secret arts…!”

I quickly covered the mouth of my comrade who was trying to speak.

-…As you know, the imagery, concept, and operation of cultivation power that the young hero figured out regard the secret arts of the Qingcheng Sect. I earnestly request you to keep silent about it.

It was because the request of the ‘Sword Tree’ Immortal Cheong-in from before came to mind.

Although the Group Bingzi member had spoken out of goodwill, it was because he could get embroiled in needless rumors.

“I am fine.”

Looking at me, the Group Bingzi member Tang Si-hyeok let out a sigh and said.

“It is not that we do not know Taoist Yeon possesses the air of a Great Hero, but a clear explanation is needed for this kind of matter. If necessary, we will step forward and testify.”

“Just call upon us.”

Though my chest grew warm at their goodwill, I politely shook my head.

“This matter does not seem like it will be resolved in that manner. If things go wrong, you might end up in an awkward position instead.”

It was a matter that arose because of rumors.

They could be misunderstood as having handed over their sect’s secret arts to another sect by needlessly stepping forward for me. In fact, Taoist Su-gyo had also received such a misunderstanding.

Since it was a matter that arose because of rumors, my desire not to add needless rumors was strong.

After sending away the regretful Group Bingzi members in that manner.

I met my master.

“You do not look very worried?”

“It seems the same is true for Master as well, though?”

At my reply, the corners of my master’s expressionless mouth twitched.

Then he suddenly threw a random question.

“Do you know what the purpose of this Murim Alliance meeting is?”

Why did the purpose of the Murim Alliance meeting suddenly come up in my issue? Although puzzled, I replied calmly.

“Is it not for the Righteous Jianghu to become one and check the movements of the Six Great Evils?”

At my words, my master nodded.

“Indeed. That was the purpose.”

Then, although expressionless, my master continued in an somehow bitter voice.

“But look now. See how they are split and torn apart by a single minor rumor, trying to slander each other.”

“Could it be…? Are you saying that one of the Great Evils is behind my rumor this time?”

“I do not know that. I do not know, but it means that at this rate, there is no meaning in holding the Murim Alliance.”

At my master’s words, I thought.

Even though unintended, a situation where the Righteous Jianghu was divided because of me. In addition, a situation where I was receiving a ridiculous misunderstanding.

‘I must resolve it.’

Seeing my eyes making a decision, my master nodded and said.

“Only now do your eyes look ready to fight properly.”

“Then what should we do from now on?”

My experience was too short to skillfully respond to the dark schemes of the Jianghu. Even if I added the experiences inside the butterfly dream, this kind of thing was not something commonly experienced.

“A situation divided by suspicion. A frontal breakthrough is the answer to this kind of thing.”

Along with those words, my master explained what to do in the future, and while listening to that explanation.

‘A situation divided by suspicion… resolution?’

I suddenly recalled a historical event within the butterfly dream.

“Master. Would you listen to my words for a moment?”

I shining my eyes, I conveyed my thoughts to my master.

**

Not many days later.

A meeting was convened as an unofficial agenda item at the Shaolin Temple, the site of the Murim Alliance.

The topic was regarding the Wudang Sect’s theft of the secret arts of other sects.

Since it was a sensitive topic, there were opinions that it should be tabled as an official agenda item, but if tabled officially, the matter could blow up. It meant that the Wudang Sect could easily be driven into being the public enemy of the Jianghu.

Since it was a Murim Alliance meeting gathered to check the movements of the Six Great Evils, spreading into such a matter was a situation everyone wished to avoid, which was why it was tabled as an unofficial agenda item.

Naturally, I also had to attend the meeting.

Because I was the primary party of this matter.

Prominent faces were sitting in the meeting I attended in that manner.

Naturally, the first to open his mouth was Zhuge Beom, the Flowing Dragon of Fengshui, who had taken the lead in raising the doubts.

“I believe everyone knows well about the rumors, but.”

After words like expressing regret that a Murim Alliance meeting was held over such a matter were exchanged.

“If by any chance all those suspicions were in fact all true, it would rather be a good thing since it means a young hero is appearing in the Jianghu. So I mean this matter is rather a good thing for Young Hero Yeon of the Wudang Sect.”

Zhuge Beom’s,.

It was a statement made to dig an escape hatch just in case his words were proven wrong.

The one who spoke next was the Mount Hua Sect Elder, Immortal Hyeon-gyeong, the Wind and Cloud Sword. He was a junior brother of Immortal Hyeon-ryo, the Auspicious Cloud Sword who had come to Ado, and was a person who agreed with Zhuge Beom’s doubts.

“Honestly, everyone here knows what kind of existences disciples under twenty are. The age at which they are praised just for being able to resonate with natural energy through boxing Jin release is precisely the age of Young Hero Yeon of the Wudang Sect.”

Although it was a statement that seemed like praise.

“Yet, such a young hero gives advice to seniors who are at least five years, and at most over ten years older than him, and through this they achieved accomplishments in martial arts? Do you think this makes sense?”

Immortal Hyeon-gyeong did not hide his suspicion.

“I mean, it is something that cannot possibly exist without having learned the martial arts of other sects beforehand!”

At the words of the Jianghu renowned master, several martial arts renowned masters nodded their heads.

At that moment, my master opened his mouth.

“Then what about the matter of defeating the Red Yang Demonic Immortal?”

“What?”

Like a Mount Hua elder who felt an unknown inferiority complex toward the Wudang Sect, he frowned and asked back.

My master looked around at Immortal Hyeon-ryo, Zhuge Beom, and the others and said.

“How will you explain the matter of being drafted into the Murim Alliance mobile unit and repelling the Young Spirit Slayer and the Great Sage Who Overturns Seas? Could it be that you are trying to say my disciple knew and learned the formulas of the Young Spirit Slayer’s killing sword and the Great Sage Who Overturns Seas’ water arts in advance? Although our Wudang Sect’s Sea Fog Pavilion is competent, we are not to that degree.”

At those words, Zhuge Beom nodded and said.

“Young Hero Yeon was not alone on that mission, was he?”

A nasty smile hung around Zhuge Beom’s mouth.

“I understand that the Greedy Wolf Squad Leader was also in Guangxi. Would everyone not wonder whose achievement it truly is to have faced the Young Spirit Slayer and the Great Sage Who Overturns Seas?”

So what he meant was.

That I had stolen Martial Aunt Hye-won’s achievements.

Although it was a mind-boggling statement.

I calmly recalled the purpose of this place.

‘Dispel the misunderstandings and unite the Jianghu as one.’

Harboring a needless grudge against the Zhuge Clan, who seemed to check the Wudang Sect, was not right at present.

‘Because a gentleman’s revenge is not too late even if it takes ten years.’

While I was composedly resolving my mind in that manner, my master lightly patted my head.

The moment the meaning that I was enduring well was transmitted, my boiling heart calmed down.

Making eye contact with me, my master showed a smile unseen by others, and immediately looked at Zhuge Beom and spoke calmly.

“Do you think our Wudang Sect needs the martial arts of other sects, Great Hero Zhuge?”

Zhuge Beom flinched at my master’s words.

“What does that mean, Immortal Gangwon.”

“I am asking whether the Southern Wudang needs the secret arts of other sects.”

“What arrogance!”

Those who had cast suspicion all frowned and spoke up.

“Is Immortal Gangwon saying that our sect’s martial arts are inferior compared to the Wudang Sect?”

“How arrogant! Apologize!”

“That is not my meaning.”

Along with those words, my master stood up from his seat as if brushing off.

Instantly, my master’s energy wave spread in all directions, and a refreshing energy cleared our heads.

“The martial studies of other sects naturally help the development of our Wudang Sect’s martial arts. However, I mean, do you think completely taking that secret art is truly a good thing for the Wudang Sect?”

There was no one who did not know the true meaning of those words.

A sect’s martial arts were the symbol of that sect.

Imitating the martial arts of other sects was, in fact, no different from saying they would pull down their own sect’s signboard.

“Our Wudang Sect has a short history. The phrase written on the very first page of the Wudang Sect’s Five Great Sword Arts manuals by Patriarch Sanfeng and my master, the Sword Immortal, regarded the origin of the martial arts.”

What came out of my master’s mouth like that were words regarding how the Five Great Sword Arts had applied the strengths of which sect’s martial arts.

It was practically the same as disclosing the reference materials of a thesis.

“…I mean, all of Wudang Sect’s Five Great Sword studies are martial arts completed by referencing the martial arts of other sects to assemble their strengths, and combining them with Wudang’s own secret arts.”

And looking around at everyone gathered in that place, my master threw a question.

“So I shall ask. Can the elders of each sect here place their hands on their hearts and swear? That there is not a single inch of similarity between each sect’s martial arts and those of other sects.”

At my master’s words, no one stepped forward confidently.

In the meantime, the one who first broke the silence was none other than.

The words of the Namgung Clan’s Firmament Sword Squad Leader.

“I declare that the Namgung Clan’s sword art was able to develop a step further under the influence of the Wudang Sect’s Four Symbols Wind and Thunder Palm.”

In his words, I could detect the influence of the Group Bingzi Namgung Hyeok and the Affectionate Swordsman Namgung Hyo-sin.

The next was Great Master Goeng-song of the Shaolin Temple.

“The original form of our sect’s Maitreya’s Three Heavens Exposition was different from what it is now. I confess that it became the current Maitreya’s Three Heavens Exposition under the influence of Immortal Sanfeng, who founded the Wudang Sect.”

Exchanging martial arts with each other.

A matter that was kept quiet but carried out implicitly in the Jianghu.

Bringing that matter above the surface.

That was the plan that my master and I had first thought of.

The one who put the finishing touch on that plan was.

“I disclose at this place that Wudang Sect’s Young Hero Yeon gave decisive help in restoring our sect’s lost Qingyun Chixia Sword not long ago.”

Since it was Immortal Cheong-in, the ‘Sword Tree’ and one of the Eight Eminences of Qingcheng.

“Although I have not disclosed it until now because I was reluctant to go around saying that I recovered our sect’s secret arts with the help of a disciple of another sect, I publicly declare on the name of Qingcheng. Wudang Sect’s Taoist Yeon Baek-jung is a genius of the Jianghu born with the qualities of a grandmaster, regardless of age. I believe he should not be embroiled in such a scandal.”

After saying those words, Immortal Cheong-in briefly locked eyes with me and sat down. At Immortal Cheong-in’s words, the hall, which was already buzzing, began to stir.

“A lost martial art?!”

“That young hero?!”

“Then you mean all those rumors are true?!”

The gazes of the renowned masters focused on me.

Hearing it merely as rumors was on a completely different level of gravity from having one’s talent publicly declared by an elder of another sect in an official setting.

On the scale of thoughts inside the heads of the renowned masters who had been unable to confirm the truth of the rumors.

Between the scales of suspicion and trust, the weight was bound to tilt toward trust in me.

Seeing the changing atmosphere, Immortal Cheong-in continued his words.

“So how about the Flowing Dragon of Fengshui apologizes to Young Hero Yeon?”

Demanding a responsible apology for spreading false rumors. Since the words of a Jianghu renowned master carried gravity in their own right, if the words of a figure of the level of the Flowing Dragon of Fengshui were false, that was a problem in itself.

Eventually, as the gazes that had been aimed at me turned back toward Zhuge Beom and looks urging an apology poured down.

Zhuge Beom’s head slowly bowed down.

If he did not apologize properly here.

It was a matter that could lead to a clash between the Zhuge Clan and the Wudang Sect. It was not something he could escape from with excuses like saying the rumors were hard to believe.

“…I am sorry, Young Hero Yeon. I was… rash. I slandered the young hero because I was deceived by rumors floating in the Jianghu… Indeed, I have no face to lift.”

The Flowing Dragon of Fengshui, who had passed forty and was close to fifty, bowing his head to a young boy who had not even reached twenty?

With this alone, the life of the moniker the Flowing Dragon of Fengshui was finished in the Righteous Jianghu, where saving face and reputation were everything. Since he had stained the name of the Zhuge Clan with this event, it was also obvious that his position within the Zhuge Clan would vanish in the future.

Although they say a gentleman’s revenge takes ten years, my revenge did not take even a brief moment.

There was no need to drive him even more fiercely at a time like this.

“It could happen. In fact, even if it were me, I would have found it hard to believe if I heard my own rumors.”

At the sight of me receiving the apology with a smile, the renowned masters nodded their heads.

“They said the young Bringer of Chaos of the Wudang Sect possessed the air of a Great Hero, and indeed.”

The moment the gazes that had suspected me changed to trust and admiration.

I realized that the moment had come to bring out the plan I had told my master about last night.