Chapter 107
107th Chapter: Martial World Prominence Journey
“Ugh.”
As soon as I regained consciousness, my eyes fluttered open.
My hazy vision gradually cleared. Despite having been lying down for a long time, my body felt refreshingly light, not stiff at all.
“Master! You’re awake!”
The first person to welcome me was my disciple.
He half-raised himself from the bed and hugged me tightly. The scent of wildflowers brushed my nose.
To wake up and find my disciple’s face first…
I guess I’ve been on a lucky streak lately.
“…I was really worried… Master…”
My disciple sniffled.
His tears soaked my chest again.
Why does this guy have so many tears?
I thought that as I gently patted his back.
“Yes, I’m awake, my disciple. But what happened to my clothes…?”
Now that I mention it, my outfit had changed. Of course, after reaching a peak state, my body’s impurities had to be expelled, and I might have needed new clothes.
But who on earth changed me?
I said this while naturally separating from my disciple’s embrace.
Yeah, I guess this was a bit too long for a guy to hold on.
Wiping his tears with his sleeve, he answered, “Your clothes? I changed you into new ones. After all, I’m your disciple!”
Right.
I heard a truth I didn’t really want to know.
“…How long have I been out?”
I wanted to forget the dreadful memory.
I changed the subject. My disciple replied,
“Today is exactly the third day, Master. How are you feeling?”
I closed my eyes, reflecting on my body as he spoke.
The serious injuries I had before collapsing seemed to have vanished completely.
“…I’m fully recovered. You don’t need to worry anymore.”
“…That’s a relief. Master. You mustn’t be in pain.”
He spoke in a concerned tone.
“Thank you for your worry, my disciple. While I was out cold, was there anything noteworthy happening in the sect?”
“Well, about that… Firstly…”
My disciple, being the kind-hearted one he is, began to recount what had happened while I was down.
The first thing that came up was Geumhu Bidong.
The fact that my disciple and I discovered the existence of Geumhu Bidong was immediately spread throughout the land. The Supreme Technique discovered in Geumhu Bidong and the Shimhyeong Sword were transferred and securely stored in the Hangshan Sect’s main base under strict security.
In the process, my identity as the successor of the Primordial Sword Technique was kept under wraps.
It looks like they decided to keep it quiet, except for my accomplice and Seomun Cheong-ha, among the Gongdong Sect Members.
Thanks to that, the public believed that I had stumbled upon Geumhu Bidong during a midnight stroll and reported it to Geumhu, and we both tackled the cave together.
“…Thanks to you discovering Geumhu Bidong, the Hangshan Sect has decided to treat you as a benefactor.”
And the most crucial information regarding the Blood Sect was privately passed on to the Martial Alliance’s direct intelligence agency, Cheonan Pavilion, without public announcement by Geumhu.
Well, I wouldn’t know when or where the Blood Sect’s spies might be hiding, even as a reincarnator.
Making a public declaration that the Blood Sect had returned would have been a dumb move.
Spies hiding or getting purged would be probable.
In martial arts terms, it would be akin to committing a blunder that would lead to disastrous consequences.
Thus, discreetly tracking down the tail and taking down the body in one swift motion was the way to go.
Geumhu must have good judgment.
“And today, we’re holding a memorial service for the former Geumhu.”
Finally,
The term Dabi means the cremation service of a Buddhist monk. Originally, it referred specifically to monks, but as Buddhism became more popular, lay believers also began to conduct dabi. The Hangshan Sect has its roots in Buddhist household sects.
Moreover, as a member of the Gudaimun Sect, the former Geumhu was a hero who fought against the Blood Sect, so it seems they planned to hold a ceremony for him.
“I understand.”
I nodded.
“Oh, and Master. You broke through to the peak state, right? Congratulations on achieving great success.”
My disciple smiled brightly at me.
It’s not exactly a remarkable achievement but well, being praised feels good.
They say compliments can even make a whale dance.
“Not at all. In comparison to you, I’m still far from sufficient.”
“No, no… I still… am still lacking… To protect you…”
Upon hearing my humble words, my disciple’s face turned dark.
He hung his head low.
His hands tightly clutched his own pants.
What’s up with him all of a sudden? Why the serious mood?
“So, Master. I’ve… decided. I will set out on a journey through the Martial World alone to train in real combat until the Yongbong Society opens.”
My disciple lifted his face.
I could see a glimmer of moisture in his eyes.
He’s going solo?
“I already informed Master. I was going to tell you when you wake up. During this Martial World Prominence Journey, I’ll elevate the name of our sect… and become stronger. I’ll be a disciple that won’t bring shame to you.”
He wiped his tears slightly and spoke.
He suddenly decides to roam the Central Plains alone for a whole year? What a surprise!
I’m worried. Wait, worried?
Am I out of my mind? No, of course not. My disciple is too naive and gullible. Of course I should be worried. As a business partner, I have to be!
My disciple is pure-hearted to a fault. Would I really let him go roam the Martial World on his own? If anything goes wrong, it’ll be a miracle. Is this how it feels to send a child off to the river?
It’s strange not to be worried. If my disciple doesn’t grow up safe and become a Geomseong, how will I fulfill my dream of a legendary coin fortune?
“Disciple. It’s okay. You’re already a proud disciple to me. The Martial World Prominence Journey is dangerous. At the very least, I should accompany you…”
Upon my words, Yujinhwi shook his head.
He wiped his tears with his sleeve.
“No, I’m in my prime now. I need to stand on my own. I appreciate your feelings, but… I want to go alone.”
His eyes grew heavy with resolve.
Having spent a long time with him, I knew this expression means I couldn’t stop him. I still wonder who he takes after to be so stubborn.
“…I understand. But if it gets dangerous, do contact me through Hao Mun whenever. I’ll come to help.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
He smiled brightly.
Well. He’s talented, so he won’t run into trouble wherever he goes.
Yeah, he’s right. I can’t always clean up after him; it’s natural that he learns to stand on his own.
I’ve grown fond of him, so perhaps it’s worry. Maybe he’ll be fine? After all, he’s a Cheonmuji-che.
My disciple’s face came into view.
Good grief, talk about being handsome! He’s far too good looking! He won’t end up becoming some mountain side Samcheosacheop, would he?
Just when I felt a slight ache in my stomach like a relative snagging a future urban development site for a bargain price…
Rattle.
“Disciple, are you okay?”
As the door opened, a platinum blonde maiden entered.
It was Seoharin.
“Sir? Hmph. You are okay, right? I mean, I wasn’t really worried or anything, just that lying around would unnecessarily worry others!”
From behind her, Seomun Cheong-ha peeked in.
“You’re awake, Sir.”
Finally, a familiar voice chimed in. It was So Geom-hu Cheon Sobin.
Her black-and-silver hair glistened in the sunlight.
She naturally grabbed my wrist and said, “Or should I call you Eungong? I’ve heard from the Master. Our sect’s wish has been fulfilled by you, Eungong. We are grateful from the bottom of our hearts on behalf of our sect.”
Cheon Sobin bowed to me respectfully.
I could see her cheeks trembling slightly.
Right.
Now that I’ve become a benefactor of the Hangshan Sect, there’s no way they can hold back anymore.
Not just So Geom-hu.
The Hangshan Sect disciples, who are fans of Geomhu, can no longer oppose my advancement or challenge my qualifications.
I’m a benefactor who fulfilled the sect’s wish. I’m more than enough to be Geomhu’s partner.
Hoohoohoo.
This is why reincarnators are OP.
Just as I was grinning with a grown man’s smile within,
Thud!
Cheon Sobin held my hand tightly.
“So, dear Eungong, I have fallen for you once more. It truly feels like destiny — that the man I admire is the benefactor of our sect. I will definitely be marrying you, my benefactor!”
Cheon Sobin held my hand with a dolled-up tone and acted dramatically.
To an average person, her voice would sound genuinely heartfelt. But I’m no fool.
A genius actor who has tricked the bureaucrats of the Beijing court, I’m the legendary actor who has surpassed the Cannes Best Actor award.
To me, Cheon Sobin’s performance felt as clumsy as writing letters in front of a sage.
Thwack!
I flicked her forehead.
“Ah, ow!”
“Practice your acting more. What was that?”
“…Eungong, that was mean… I was just…”
Just as Cheon Sobin began to rub her forehead and looked hurt,
Rattle.
The door swung open again.
Hhm hhm.
Soon, a familiar clearing of the throat sounded.
The Gongdong Sect Leader Jeonyeong.
He stroked his beard and said, “You’re awake, huh?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Glad to see you’re in good shape.”
“Thanks to you, Master, and my disciple and sister’s care.”
“Geomhu called for you. Head to Wol Eun Pavilion.”
Jeonyeong delivered a brief message.
Geomhu is calling for me?
“Make sure to thank Geomhu when you meet her. She has given you the Supreme Spirit Elixir…”
Jeonyeong added.
Wait, that spirit energy was really from the Supreme Spirit Elixir?
Supreme Spirit Elixir.
It is an elixir made by dissolving the spirit energy between heaven and earth, said to grant ten years of martial power per drop, a remarkable treasure.
In martial arts, it’s often mentioned alongside the likes of Inhyeongseolsam and Cheonnyeonhasoo as common-grade elixirs. Unlike Mita Sacred Water, which only stores extreme negative energy, it has a well-balanced mix of yin and yang.
If the elixirs of Geumhu Bidong were really Supreme Spirit Elixir, and she made me consume it…
Well, it healed my injuries and allowed me to reach a peak state, but for Geomhu, that was quite a hefty expenditure.
“I understand.”
I got up from my seat, adjusted my posture, and bowed my head to my Master.
If she provided that much elixir, it’s right to express my gratitude.
Of course, in my past life, I drank it like water, but not this time.
I left the place and set off to Wol Eun Pavilion.
Was the rumor that the competitions were halted true, or was the atmosphere at the Hangshan Sect’s main base a completely different scene when I woke up?
The mood was stern and serious, likely due to the preparations for the memorial service.
I made my way across the main base and finally arrived at Wol Eun Pavilion.
“It’s you, So Hyup. Allow me to guide you.”
At the entrance of Wol Eun Pavilion, there stood a disciple of the Hangshan Sect, perhaps informed in advance, ready to lead me to Geomhu’s office.
Rattle.
As the door opened, her figure appeared.
With silvery hair and striking silver eyes, the mystic beauty was Geomhu.
“Welcome, Eungong.”
As Geomhu greeted me with a soft smile,
Flash!
An inexplicable image surged in my mind. It was a scene of Geomhu and I kissing. Not just a kiss, but a deep kiss, our tongues swirling together.
Suddenly, my lips felt heated and aflame.
Why does this memory exist…