Chapter 5: An Unexpected Visitor Arrives

Damho opened his eyes. The fragrant scent of plum blossoms wafted in the wind, but he was oblivious to such details.

His entire focus was on the enormous rock in front of him. Everything else in the world disappeared, and only the small circle drawn on the rock remained visible.

"Whew!"

Damho took a moment to steady his breath. Then, the heavy energy that had been coiled in his dantian began to surge throughout his body along his meridians.

Damho's twisted left leg dug deep into the ground. Just as his calf muscle seemed to swell slightly, he pushed off the earth.

Thump!

Like an arrow released from a bowstring, Damho's body shot forward in a straight line.

It was Chongbo, a straight-line charge like a battering ram breaking down a city gate.

The massive rock seemed to shorten the distance, appearing before him in an instant. Damho's fist stretched out towards the rock like a whip.

Breaking City Drill.

A punch developed alongside Chongbo. It was a strike capable of breaking city walls.

Crack!

With a soft sound, Damho's fist buried itself up to his wrist in the rock. Fragments of the rock, shattered like tofu, fell away.

Damho pulled his fist out of the rock.

His fist, covered in scars and calluses, bore the evidence of a year's worth of effort and tears.

"Finally..."

A mix of emotions crossed Damho's face.

It was a moment when a year's worth of effort and tears bore fruit.

Just then, a familiar voice rang out.

"You've worked hard all this time."

"Master."

It was Hyunso Jinin. A look of deep emotion was also visible on his face.

Hyunso Jinin had watched Damho's efforts over the past year. Therefore, he knew better than anyone how much blood, sweat, and tears Damho had shed.

To others, it might have seemed like just three steps, but for Damho, it was as vast as crossing the wide Yangtze River. It was an area that seemed almost impossible to cross.

Every day, he fell and rolled countless times while mastering Chongbo. Damho's left leg had been trained enough to withstand Chongbo, and his fist had become strong enough to penetrate a rock.

Hyunso Jinin patted Damho's shoulder.

"But don't be complacent. You've just managed to stand on the same level as others."

"I know. But that's enough for me."

Damho had clawed his way up from the very bottom just to stand in the same place as others. That was enough for him.

Damho's determination grew stronger, and his patience became more resilient.

He still had plenty of time, and he was prepared to sprint with all his might during that long period.

'I will never be trampled on helplessly again.'

Damho gritted his teeth. A spark of life naturally flickered in his eyes.

Hyunso Jinin sighed inwardly.

'Damho's fighting spirit is growing stronger over time.'

He wondered if he was creating a monster.

But Hyunso Jinin soon shook his head. Damho was his only disciple. What he had done was for his disciple.

Regretting it now would be denying all his choices and efforts. At least when it came to his disciple, he didn't want to have any regrets.

During the four seasons, not a single person had visited this place. Not the elders, not even the first-generation disciples.

Even though they might have been curious about Damho's injuries, not a single person had set foot here. Of course, they must have had their reasons, but Hyunso Jinin was hurt.

'Damho is not worthless enough to be treated like a nobody. This child will surely become a treasure of Hwasan.'

Hyunso Jinin was certain of that.

The blood and sweat Damho had shed were not in vain. Hyunso Jinin, who had watched him closely, knew this fact better than anyone else.

Hyunso Jinin's gaze turned towards Wundae Peak, where Jinmugung was located. It was where Hyunso Jinin, the master of Jinmugung, resided.

Hyunso Jinin had recently entered seclusion again. This time, he was not alone. He had entered seclusion with his newly acquired disciple.

His new disciple's Daoist name was Myunggyeong, surprisingly, a disciple from the inner sect.

Hyunso Jinin had failed to find a promising talent among the first-generation and second-generation disciples. In the end, he found a disciple he liked among the inner sect disciples who were training at the main mountain and accepted him as his disciple.

Few people in Hwasan knew about Myunggyeong's background. He was that much of an unnoticed existence.

Hyunso Jinin didn't know what he saw in Myunggyeong to accept him as his disciple. However, expectations naturally gathered around Myunggyeong, who had become Hyunso Jinin's disciple.

It was unknown how long the seclusion would last. Hyunso Jinin had declared that he would not come out until Myunggyeong achieved satisfactory progress.

'Brother Hyunso, I hope that Myunggyeong, whom you have chosen, will be a talent who can revive Hwasan.'

At first, he was angry at the existence of Myunggyeong. Simply because he had become Hyunso Jinin's disciple. However, as time passed, his anger significantly faded.

He might have hated Hyunso Jinin, but there was no reason to hate Myunggyeong. He just hoped that Myunggyeong would do well and become a strong pillar for Hwasan.

Hyunso Jinin smiled at Damho.

"You've been practicing Chongbo in this narrow place for a while now. Let's go out and get some fresh air. The plum blossoms are in full bloom all over Hwasan. It's a beautiful sight."

"Yes, Master."

Damho respectfully bowed his head.

Hyunso Jinin took the first step, and Damho followed him.

He had been so focused on his martial arts training that he hadn't noticed the plum blossoms blooming all over Hwasan. The sight of plum blossoms peeking out from between the sharp rocky cliffs was incredibly beautiful.

Just a while ago, Hwasan was covered in snow. All things held their breath and were busy hiding themselves. But with the arrival of spring, they revealed themselves again and spread their presence all over the world.

Hyunso Jinin muttered as if he had realized something.

"The space between heaven and earth is like a bamboo basket. Even though it's empty, it lacks nothing, and the more it moves, the more it produces. It's the same as the principle of all things, so why bother looking for the Dao in the scriptures?"

Hyunso Jinin stood still and stared at Hwasan, where the plum blossoms were in full bloom. Damho quietly watched his master.

The wind blew, scattering the plum blossom leaves.

***

Damho pulled out a book from his bosom. It was the book that Hyunso Jinin had given him. He had

handled the book so much that the yellowed cover was already worn out.

When he opened the book, the notes he had compiled so far were visible. His insights were added on top of the foundation that his master had created.

'I'm still far off.'

He had just managed to execute Chongbo and Breaking City Drill. To achieve the true power he had originally envisioned, he still had a long way to go.

His Blood Sky Corner was still weak, and the other techniques were only in their initial forms. He couldn't actually execute them yet.

An unfinished martial art technique that didn't even have a name yet, and he didn't know when it would be completed.

Damho wrote down his insights from today in the old book and put it away.

The sunlight was good. Damho lay down on the platform and looked up at the sky.

He saw the clouds drifting by. Damho stared blankly at the clouds.

Hyunso Jinin had not come out of his room since their walk earlier in the day. He seemed to have realized something.

Damho didn't disturb Hyunso Jinin. Instinctively, he felt that this was a very important moment for Hyunso Jinin.

If a martial artist improves his achievements through relentless practice, a Daoist improves his Dao power through enlightenment. Damho speculated that Hyunso Jinin was going through such a process.

While Damho was waiting for Hyunso Jinin to open the door and come out on his own, he suddenly felt a presence from beyond the bushes.

Damho quickly got up from the platform. A chilling light flickered in his eyes as he looked beyond the bushes.

At that moment, someone emerged from the bushes.

It was a Daoist boy who looked to be about fourteen years old. Damho remembered his name.

"You are?"

It was Wonyul, a second-generation disciple.

"Disciple Wonyul pays his respects to the Master."

Wonyul bowed to Damho with a reluctant expression. There was no trace of reverence in his face.

"What brings you here?"

"Master Jangmunin urgently requests your presence."

Damho's eyebrows twitched.

Jangmunin, who had been absent for the past year, was now seeking his master. Something felt off.

"Wait."

"But Master Jangmunin said it was urgent."

"I said, wait."

"Master! Jangmunin..."

"I told you to wait."

Damho's voice dropped coldly.

For a moment, Wonyul felt a chill in his heart and was taken aback.

'What?'

Although he was the first disciple, he was also a martial artist who had mastered martial arts. He had enough experience not to be easily shaken. It was impossible for him to be disturbed by a single word from someone else.

Wonyul frowned as he looked at Damho, but when their eyes met, he quickly turned his head.

The cold gaze of Damho was somehow uncomfortable. He dared not meet it.

Wonyul kept his mouth shut and looked at the ground. It was humiliating, but there was nothing he could do at the moment.

Time passed. His heart was impatient, but Wonyul couldn't easily open his mouth. He had already been suppressed by Damho's aura.

Suddenly, he had a thought.

'Wasn't it said that the Master was almost a cripple?'

The first disciples tried to hush up what had happened in Jinmugung, but they couldn't silence the many witnesses. Eventually, all the disciples of Hwasan found out that Damho had become a cripple.

Wonyul also knew this. But he couldn't see any signs of a cripple in Damho now.

"Master?"

Just as Wonyul was about to ask Damho a question.

"Who's outside?"

Hyunso Jinin opened the door and came out.

In a short time, Hyunso Jinin's eyes had deepened. Damho noticed Hyunso Jinin's change at once.

"First disciple Wonyul pays his respects to Master."

"Why are you here?"

"Master Jangmunin has requested your presence."

"Jangmunin?"

Hyunso Jinin's forehead creased.

"Why does Jangmunin seek me?"

"I don't know. I was just ordered to bring you."

"Hmm!"

Although he was puzzled, he didn't hesitate.

It was Jangmunin, the head of Hwasan, who was calling. As a disciple of Hwasan, he couldn't defy Jangmunin's order.

"I'll go now."

"I will accompany you."

Damho approached Hyunso Jinin. Hyunso Jinin nodded without a word.

The two of them, led by Wonyul, left the residence.

It was their first outing in nearly a year. Although Hyunso Jinin had spent his entire life in Hwasan, the surrounding scenery felt strangely unfamiliar today.

They passed Changlongling, which resembled a dragon's spine, and arrived at Owunbong. Although it had been five years since he last visited Owunbong, it seemed unchanged. But as Hyunso Jinin looked around, his heart was not at ease.

'By Buddha! The world hasn't changed, only my heart has.'

Hyunso Jinin let out a small sigh.

As they approached Yeonhwabong, Chuiungung came into view. And in front of Chuiungung, someone was standing.

Damho's expression hardened slightly.

"Brother?"

"Master Cheongyeong?"

The one who recognized Damho was also a familiar figure.

Mugyeong, the elder brother, stuttered as he recognized Damho.

"Master, are you... okay?"

"I've improved a lot."

Damho replied in a voice devoid of any emotion. Mugyeong felt the coldness in Damho's brief reply and made an awkward face.

Not just Mugyeong. Most of the Hwasan disciples gathered in front of Chuiungung had the same expression.

No one had visited Damho in the past year. Of course, there were unspeakable reasons for that, but that didn't mean they didn't feel guilty about Damho.

"How have you been?"

"I've been healing my wounds."

Damho replied simply. Mugyeong felt the indifference in his tone and couldn't find anything else to say.

"Uh-huh!"

Mugyeong couldn't find anything else to say and just scratched his head.

Just then.

"Are you also a disciple of Hwasan?"

A soft voice approached Damho and Mugyeong. Damho and Mugyeong turned their gaze to the owner of the voice.

She was a girl who looked a little younger than Damho. Her delicate features, curvy figure, deep eyes, and profound pupils were impressive.

She was wearing a white dress as white as snow, which made her delicate beauty stand out even more.

A curious light appeared in Damho's eyes. She was someone he had never seen in Hwasan.

'A new disciple?'

But the answer he heard was completely different from Damho's guess.

"I'm Yeonsoha, a disciple of Mudangpa."

"Mudangpa?"

"I visited Hwasan with my master this time. And you?"

"Cheongyeong."

"Are you also a disciple of Hwasan?"

"He is indeed the first disciple of Hwasan."

The one who answered was Mugyeong.

At Mugyeong's answer, Yeonsoha nodded.

"I see. Nice to meet you, Cheongyeong."

Damho bowed his head slightly.

A glint of interest appeared in Yeonsoha's eyes. His atmosphere was somehow different from the Daoists of Hwasan she had seen so far.

Damho looked at Mugyeong. He was asking why Yeonsoha was here.

Mugyeong explained.

"As you can see, someone from Mudangpa has come."

"What for?"

"I don't know. She just suddenly showed up..."

Mugyeong was just as clueless.

Damho's gaze turned to Yeonsoha. Then, Yeonsoha smiled.

"I'm not in a position to say yet."

Her gaze fell upon the Chuiyun Palace.

Inside the palace, Hyuncheon Jinin sat across from a Daoist of similar age. This Daoist exuded an aura distinct from the Daoists of the Hwasan Sect. He wore a Daoist hat and a robe adorned with the Eight Trigrams, emanating an extraordinary dignity.

Hyuncheon Jinin and the Daoist were smiling at each other, but their smiles seemed somewhat strained.

Then, Hyunso Jinin entered.

"Jangmunin, did you call for me?"

"Come in, my disciple."

Only then did Hyuncheon Jinin relax his tense expression and smile.

"What's the matter?"

"First, let's make introductions. This is Cheongheo Jinin from the Mudang Sect."

"The Mudang Sect?"

A puzzled look crossed Hyunso Jinin's face. However, before he could voice his questions, he bowed in greeting.

"I am Hyunso of the Hwasan Sect. Cheongheo Jinin."

"Pleased to meet you, Daoist Hyunso. I am Cheongheo of the Mudang Sect."

Cheongheo Jinin rose from his seat and returned the bow.

"Why has the Mudang Sect come to us?"

"Sit down first. Cheongheo Jinin will explain."

At Hyuncheon Jinin's words, Hyunso Jinin took a seat.

Hyunso Jinin had little interest in the martial world's politics. If he had been a bit more knowledgeable about it, he wouldn't have been able to react so calmly upon seeing Cheongheo Jinin.

Cheongheo Jinin was the most outstanding martial artist the Mudang Sect had produced in decades. He was particularly proficient in the Mudang Sect's swordsmanship, his achievements so great that they rivaled the title of "Best Swordsman of Hubei".

Cheongheo Jinin stared intently at Hyunso Jinin. His gaze was intense, but Hyunso Jinin did not shy away.

Suddenly, Cheongheo Jinin smiled.

"Boundless Buddha! As Jangmunin's disciple, your Daoist energy is truly remarkable."

"I'm just a humble Daoist. To speak of my Daoist energy is not appropriate."

Hyunso Jinin waved his hand dismissively. His clear face flushed, looking like a child embarrassed.

"Those who possess great virtue are like infants. It's natural for one who has accumulated deep virtue to be like a child."

At Cheongheo Jinin's words, a frown creased Hyuncheon Jinin's forehead.

'Is Cheongheo of the Mudang Sect praising my disciple so highly?'

Cheongheo Jinin was a renowned Daoist within the Mudang Sect, not only for his swordsmanship but also for his profound understanding of the Daoist scriptures.

With such a person praising Hyunso Jinin, Hyuncheon Jinin couldn't help but look at him with newfound respect.

A flustered Hyunso Jinin hurriedly spoke.

"But why has the Mudang Sect come to us?"

"I've been rude. Actually, we need the Hwasan Sect's help."

"You need our help?"

"Yes, desperately."

A look of suspicion crossed Hyunso Jinin's face.

The Mudang Sect and the Hwasan Sect were both part of the Nine Great Sects. However, their current statuses were as different as heaven and earth.

While the Mudang Sect was enjoying its golden age, the Hwasan Sect was just beginning to recover from its decline.

In terms of influence and power in the martial world, the Hwasan Sect was nowhere near the Mudang Sect. It was strange that the powerful Mudang Sect would need the Hwasan Sect's help.

"What could possibly require our help?"

"That's..."

A troubled look crossed Cheongheo Jinin's face. Hyuncheon Jinin answered for him.

"It seems traces of the Demon Sect have been found."

"The Demon Sect?"

Hyunso Jinin's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Cheongheo Jinin.

"It's true... It's hard to believe, but it seems their traces have been found."

"What do you mean?"

"The courier station run by your junior disciple was attacked by strange men and annihilated."

"What?"

"Everyone was killed. Only one courier, named Im Horyeong, barely survived and sent a message. 'We were attacked by the Demon Sect'..."

"The Demon Sect..."

Hyunso Jinin slowly closed his eyes. His eyelids trembled slightly.

The word 'Demon Sect' carried countless implications, and beneath it all was a creeping sense of fear.

How could he forget? That name.

Decades ago, the martial world was drenched in blood because of that name. Countless people died, and numerous sects were destroyed.

The sects of the martial world united to drive out the Demon Sect, and after more than a decade of fighting, they finally managed to annihilate it. The blood spilled and sacrifices made were beyond description.

"Is it really the Demon Sect?"

"We need to confirm that."

"What?"

"We can't announce to the world that the Demon Sect has reappeared based on just one message, can we?"

"So, we need to verify it ourselves?"

"Yes."

"But why us?"

"We need your help. The place where the courier station was annihilated is closest to Seomseong here."

"So..."

"We've also sent people to the Jongnam Sect. They'll surely send someone to join us."

"Hmm!"

Only then did Hyunso Jinin understand why Cheongheo Jinin had personally come to the Hwasan Sect.

Whether it was really the Demon Sect that attacked was unknown, but the burden of verifying it alone would have been too heavy for the Mudang Sect.

Hyuncheon Jinin spoke.

"We've decided to accept the Mudang Sect's request and send our disciples."

"But why me?"

Hyunso Jinin looked puzzled.

If Jangmunin had made a decision, that was the end of it. The Hwasan Sect had many powerful martial artists who would undoubtedly be of help to the Mudang Sect.

The problem was that he was a scholar who didn't know martial arts. He couldn't understand why Jangmunin had called for him.

"You need to go."

"What?"

"As you know, the fight with the Demon Sect ended over twenty years ago. The reality is that there aren't many people left in the martial world who remember that time. There aren't many who can recognize the Demon Sect's martial arts from the traces they left."

"So, you're telling me to go?"

"Yes. Even though you haven't learned martial arts, isn't your discernment the best? You can still distinguish it, can't you?"

"Yes..."

How could he forget? He had etched it into his memory while collecting the bodies of countless people, including his master Cheongungja.

He could still distinguish the wounds left by the Demon Sect's martial arts, even with his eyes closed.

Hyuncheon Jinin nodded and looked at Cheongheo Jinin.

"Hyunso is a scholar of our sect, his duty is to record and remember everything. With his discernment, he should be able to determine whether they are truly the

Demon Sect."

"That's a relief. As the Hwasan Sect fought the most fiercely against the Demon Sect, I thought you would know the most about them."

"Your words are truly appreciated."

A cold smile touched the corners of Hyuncheon Jinin's mouth. The moment Cheongheo Jinin saw this, he regretted his words.

Hyuncheon Jinin's voice turned icy.

"I wonder how the elders of your sect are doing?"

"They are... well."

"Take good care of them while they are still alive. Don't lose them all at once and live with regret."

A look of discomfort flashed across Cheongheo Jinin's face. However, it was fleeting, and he quickly regained his composure.

"I will remember your advice, Jangmunin."

"Thank you for tolerating the ramblings of this old man."

"Why wouldn't I? It's all for the sake of our sects."

"You can depart early tomorrow morning. By then, we will have prepared the disciples who will be dispatched."

"If a fight breaks out, our Mudang Sect will take the lead. So, you don't need to worry too much."

"We are grateful."

Hyuncheon Jinin's gaze shifted to Hyunso Jinin.

"Mugyeong and Unkyeong will go together."

"You mean the first and second disciples of the Hwasan Sect? If something happens to them, the future of the Hwasan Sect will be in jeopardy."

"That's why we're sending them. To lead the Hwasan Sect, they must be able to navigate such dangers on their own, don't you think?"

"Hmm!"

Hyuncheon Jinin's firm response silenced Hyunso Jinin.

He saw the determination and resolve in Hyuncheon Jinin's eyes. Aware of his gaze, Hyuncheon Jinin smiled.

"Don't worry too much. The Mudang Sect and the Jongnam Sect will be with us. There won't be any danger."

"I understand. I will leave the mountain now. And..."

Hyunso Jinin paused, appearing hesitant, which drew puzzled looks from Hyuncheon Jinin and Cheongheo Jinin.

After a moment of hesitation, Hyunso Jinin finally spoke.

"I would like to bring my disciple along on this mission."

***

Hyunso Jinin and Cheongheo Jinin left Chuiyun Palace together. The first to approach them was Mugyeong, who greeted them.

"Master!"

"Jangmunin has called for you. Go see him."

"Understood."

With his response, Mugyeong dashed into Chuiyun Palace.

Hyunso Jinin's gaze turned to Damho.

"Let's go."

"Yes, Master."

"May we join you?"

Caught off guard by Cheongheo Jinin's sudden request, Hyunso Jinin looked puzzled.

"You're not staying at the guest house?"

"I'd rather stay at your place than be confined to such a formal setting. Would that be a problem?"

"It wouldn't be a problem, but..."

"Then I humbly ask for your hospitality."

With Cheongheo Jinin insisting, Hyunso Jinin had no reason to refuse.

"If you don't mind the humble accommodations..."

"Thank you. Soha, you come too."

"Yes!"

As if it were the most natural thing in the world, Yeonsoha followed Cheongheo Jinin.

Cheongheo Jinin smiled at Hyunso Jinin.

"This is my disciple."

"I see. This is my disciple. Greet him."

Hyunso Jinin introduced Damho.

Damho bowed to Cheongheo Jinin.

"I am Cheongyeong of the Hwasan Sect."

"It's nice to meet you. You resemble your master, quite a handsome lad."

"Let's go."

Hyunso Jinin led the way. Damho naturally followed, with Cheongheo Jinin and Yeonsoha trailing behind.

Cheongheo Jinin looked around and commented.

"The scenery of Hwasan is truly beautiful. You're lucky to see such a view every day."

"I've heard that the scenery of Mudangsan is also exceptional."

"Ha ha! How can it compare to Hwasan? The rugged landscape of Hwasan seems to reflect the spirit of the Hwasan Sect, don't you think? Right, Soha?"

"That's correct."

Yeonsoha nodded.

The scenery of Mudangsan was also second to none.

With seventy-two peaks filled with spiritual energy and a beautiful landscape, it attracted visitors all year round.

Hwasan was different. The muscular cliffs and sharp peaks that seemed to pierce the sky were more majestic than beautiful. Hence, it gave off a sharp, sword-like spirit.

New scenery always brought new excitement. The excitement she had never felt before made Yeonsoha smile faintly.

Suddenly, her gaze fell on Damho, who was walking ahead. He seemed to be limping slightly.

'Is he limping?'

A slight frown creased Yeonsoha's forehead.

Even with a healthy body, reaching the peak of martial arts was harder than threading a needle. Especially for someone who was limping, it was virtually impossible.

He seemed to have a well-built body, but limping was a fatal weakness. Yeonsoha thought that Damho, who was limping, could not reach the peak.

'Is it okay because he's a scholar's disciple?'

Yeonsoha's gaze suddenly turned to Cheongheo Jinin. He also seemed to have noticed Damho's limp, and his face showed a look of pity.

'Ah! It's a pity. He seems to have a lot of talent.'

For the first time since she came to Hwasan, she felt sorry for Hyunso Jinin's disciple. It was even more regrettable because he was a disciple of a scholar she had just started to like.

But she couldn't show her feelings, so she instead made a sarcastic remark.

"Living in such a wonderful place, no wonder your Daoist power is so deep."

"Daoist power? That's an overstatement."

Hyunso Jinin blushed and waved his hand dismissively. Seeing this, Cheongheo Jinin's smile deepened.

When they finally arrived at Hyunso Jinin's residence, Cheongheo Jinin's admiration reached its peak.

"Oh! Is this the place? What a magnificent view. I feel like I've opened my eyes today. Such a spectacular view."

The rich scent of plum blossoms and the beautiful scenery naturally excited him. Cheongheo Jinin couldn't help but laugh.

As they sat down in the courtyard, the majestic view of Hwasan became even more apparent.

"I'm glad I insisted on coming with you, Hyunso Daoist."

Cheongheo Jinin looked genuinely happy. Seeing this, Hyunso Jinin also smiled.

Hyunso Jinin, who had been avoiding the Hwasan Sect because he was a scholar, had never had anyone visit his residence and show such a sincere smile.

"Please wait a moment. I'll prepare something for you to eat."

"No need to go to such trouble, Hyunso Daoist. The view is good, and the wind is nice. What more could we need? This is enough."

What Cheongheo Jinin took out from his waist pouch was a fairly large gourd bottle. The faint scent wafting from the cork was undoubtedly that of wine.

Hyunso Jinin's complexion changed slightly.

"That is?"

"Have a drink, Hyunso Daoist."

Jin-In of Cheongheo extended a bottle of liquor towards Jin-In of Hyunso, who responded with a troubled expression.

"I don't drink..."

"It's not about the alcohol. It's about embracing nature."

Cheongheo Jin-In's words struck Hyunso Jin-In's heart with a peculiar persuasive power.

Hyunso Jin-In cast a sidelong glance at Damho, who responded with a curt expression.

"I will guide Miss Yeonso to the volcano."

"Is, is that so?"

"Please accompany me, Miss Yeonso."

Yeonso, being perceptive, nodded silently in agreement.

Leaving Cheongheo Jin-In and Hyunso Jin-In behind, the two departed from the dwelling.

"Ha ha ha!"

The sound of Cheongheo Jin-In's laughter echoed from behind.

Yeonso opened her mouth.

"I apologize. Our master has caused unnecessary..."

"It's fine."

"He's generally fine, but he loves his liquor too much."

"You don't need to explain. If your master is fine, then I have no issue."

"Thank you for understanding. Truthfully, there's quite a bit of talk about our master in the main text."

If there was one flaw in Cheongheo Jin-In, it was his love for alcohol. He had been warned several times by Jangmun-In and scolded by the elders, but no one could change Cheongheo Jin-In's drinking habits.

The two walked in silence for a while.

Damho was notoriously quiet. Yeonso, feeling stifled by Damho's silence, initiated the conversation.

"When did you join the Hwasan Sect, Cheongyeong Sohyeop?"

"I joined six years ago."

"That's not very long, is it?"

"That's correct."

"So, you've been with the master since you joined?"

"Yes!"

"Don't you feel lonely? Living in such a remote place must be quite isolating."

"As long as I'm with the master, it's fine."

"I see. You seem to have a deep affection for the master."

"..."

Damho didn't respond, but Yeonso was able to discern a lot from his silence.

'The relationship between Cheongyeong Sohyeop and the Hwasan Sect isn't that good.'

It was evident from their isolated dwelling, and the awkward way the martial artists interacted with Damho.

Yeonso was the first female disciple the shaman had taken in a long time. She possessed exceptional martial talent.

Her intelligence was well-known within the shaman sect, earning her the affection of the shaman elders.

Cheongheo Jin-In didn't bring Yeonso along for no reason. He wanted Yeonso to broaden her horizons by experiencing the volcano firsthand. His expectations for her were high.

Yeonso followed Damho, taking in the sights of the volcano. Her deep eyes sparkled like stars.

Before they knew it, darkness had descended upon the peak of the volcano.

"We should head back now."

"Follow me."

Damho led the way down the dark mountain path.

The terrain of the volcano was treacherous; one misstep could lead to a fall down a thousand-foot cliff. Despite this, Damho navigated the dangerous path with a limping gait.

"Cheongyeong Sohyeop."

"Yes?"

"Are you uncomfortable?"

The subject was omitted, but Damho understood what Yeonso was asking.

"I've gotten used to it, so it's fine."

"That's good to hear."

Yeonso's voice was sincere, but Damho didn't feel any emotion from it.

Everyone looked at his leg with a worried expression. He had felt the underlying pity, sympathy, or even contempt so many times that he had become numb to it.

Whether Yeonso was sincere or not didn't matter. At this point, such words had no effect on him.

Damho led the way, and soon they arrived at Hyunso Jin-In's dwelling.

"Have you arrived?"

The one who greeted them was Hyunso Jin-In, his face flushed and his speech slurred. It was unclear how much he had drunk, but his eyes were glazed over.

"Master."

"Hehe! The master had a bit of a drink. Hic!"

Hyunso Jin-In, who had been hiccupping, suddenly collapsed onto the platform, unconscious.

Cheongheo Jin-In wore a troubled expression.

"I didn't give him much to drink..."

Hyunso Jin-In had only had a few cups, but he had gotten drunk and rambled on.

The one who appeared most in Hyunso Jin-In's ramblings was Damho. It was easy to see how much Hyunso Jin-In cared for Damho.

Cheongheo Jin-In looked slightly uncomfortable.

"I apologize."

"It's fine."

Damho hoisted the unconscious Hyunso Jin-In onto his back and bowed to Cheongheo Jin-In.

"There's an empty room next door. You can sleep there. There are blankets and pillows."

"I don't need them. This is my bed. How could I sleep in a stuffy room with such a view in front of me?"

Cheongheo Jin-In patted the platform where he was sitting.

Damho turned his gaze to Yeonso.

"Then, Miss Yeonso, please sleep inside."

"I will. Thank you."

"Then..."

Damho bowed slightly and went inside.

Once they were alone, the color drained from Cheongheo Jin-In's face. The drunkenness that had been apparent just moments ago had vanished, and he looked as sober as ever.

He turned his gaze to Yeonso.

"So, what do you think?"

"He seems ordinary."

"Ordinary?"

"Despite his crippled leg, he doesn't seem to have any major issues with daily life. He appears quite stoic, but not threatening."

"You still have a long way to go."

"What do you mean?"

Yeonso's eyes shifted slightly.

In response to her questioning gaze, Cheongheo Jin-In turned his head towards a large rock on the opposite side.

"Do you see it?"

"Pardon?"

Yeonso, not understanding, looked puzzled.

A small circle, the height of a person, was drawn on the rock, with a deep indentation in the center. And three steps away, footprints were engraved on the ground.

In Cheongheo Jin-In's eyes, a scene from long ago seemed to play out vividly.

"That boy is not the kind of being who needs the protection of others, as you might think. How can one pity a person who undergoes the Ten Thousand Refinements?"

"I see..."

"Indeed, it's a volcano. High and deep."

Cheongheo Jin-In gazed at the night sky over the volcano.