Chapter 265 – When People Change, Their Environment Changes Too (3)

"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."

Dan Ryeong-gyeong paused to think, then nodded.  

She had grasped what was happening.  

“The Tang family’s daughter has returned to her clan.”  

“As expected of the Fairy Maiden! That’s right. Tang Ha-ran went back to the Tang family. The Tang family withdrew only after that.”  

Bloodlines of the Tang clan always took precedence over any external matters.  

Children were already precious to them, but if the relative was with child, even more so.  

And if that child was fathered by Poison Dragon, then it was a matter of even greater weight.  

“The Tang family made a bold choice.”  

“In the first place, that Thunder Brand Sword fellow underestimated the Sichuan martial community. When he went after Qingcheng, he ignored both the Tang family and Mount Emei. So the Tang family seized the excuse to protest against the Martial Alliance. It’s a case of killing two birds with one stone.”  

“But just because the Tang family withdrew, is there any guarantee that we can live?”  

“If we can just push Mount Emei back, the rest are rabble from medium or small sects. Then we can fully escape Sichuan. As long as no unexpected outsiders interfere.”  

“Unexpected interlopers…”  

“Ah well, no use worrying about that. If they’re unexpected, there is no point thinking ahead, right?”  

Dan Ryeong-gyeong chuckled faintly.  

“What about Mount Emei?”  

Mang Ryo pointed to himself.  

“That depends on me.”  

“You would help us without any price?”  

“Not exactly. A mangy cur’s life like mine isn’t worth more than a blade of grass, but the lives of Shandong sect elites, and yours, Fairy Maiden, aren’t cheap, are they?”  

“Stop evading. Tell me exactly what you want.”  

“Just live. That’s all. Since I dragged this decrepit body here to save you, then at least try your best not to die. Can you do that?”  

If he had said such a thing in ordinary times, Dan Ryeong-gyeong would have been furious. But now, what he said was not unreasonable.  

“So in the end your true goal is the Martial Alliance?”  

“More accurately, Baek Li-jung.”  

“He fell from the cliff.”  

“You think he died like that? That old man with golden eyes said he hasn’t appeared because he’s gone into closed-door cultivation to prepare for what is to come. Do you think someone like that would die so easily?”  

If the Martial Alliance Leader, Master Hae-weol, had said it, then…  

Dan Ryeong-gyeong’s face hardened.  

“He’s… alive?”  

If only she could go now and search to confirm. But surrounded as they currently were, they couldn’t spend days combing cliffs.  

“Now that I remember, before he passed on, Venerable Woo-am suddenly yelled for us to flee, saying he sensed something strange in Baek Li-jung.”  

At Dan Ryeong-gyeong’s words, Mang Ryo clicked his tongue.  

“If he was going, he could at least have told us more clearly. Tsk.”  

Dan Ryeong-gyeong’s gaze turned frightening as she glared at him.  

“Do not insult our Master’s death!”  

But Mang Ryo wasn’t frightened.  

“To you, he’s precious. To me, he was just some fool who couldn’t even protect Qingcheng. Let’s make this clear. If you don’t like my words, I’ll just withdraw right now.”  

“How dare you!”  

Dan Ryeong-gyeong’s eyes flushed with blood. She threw the gourd in her hand to the ground, smashing it, and leapt to her feet. Mang Ryo also stood, facing her.  

The killing intent emitted from Dan Ryeong-gyeong spread through the Supreme Pure Palace.  

The very pillars of the palace shook. Dust fell from the beams.  

Mang Ryo’s body shivered, but instead of retreating, he grinned. His body hair stood on end, making his appearance eerie.  

The Evil Sect warriors outside were alarmed and rushed in.  

“Fairy Maiden!”  

Dan Ryeong-gyeong ground her teeth, glaring at Mang Ryo.  

“If you insult our Master one more time, I’ll tear open your mouth and hang it from this palace roof.”  

Mang Ryo bared his teeth in response.  

“You want to know what that golden-eyed bastard of a Martial Alliance Leader gave me as reward for betraying him? Hong-yeong Pill. Do you think I have a future after that? Damn it, when someone treats you kindly, you’d better accept it properly. Otherwise, whether you’re Poison Dragon or whatever, you’ll all just die.”  

The Evil Sect warriors growled at Mang Ryo for being so insolent to their Fairy Maiden.  

“This filthy wretch! How dare you speak to Fairy Maiden like that?”  

“You think saving us once gives you the right to belittle us?”  

But Dan Ryeong-gyeong, still glaring at Mang Ryo, raised her hand to stop them.  

“Enough.”  

“Fairy Maiden! He is too arrogant!”  

Dan Ryeong-gyeong remained silent for a moment, then spoke.  

“He has cause. Leave him.”  

Hong-yeong Pill.  

One of the Taoist elixirs created for eternal life. It purifies the meridians, prevents illness, and maintains health. For martial artists, continuous strengthening, and growth of internal power.  

But the end was almost always disastrous.  

Hong-yeong means “Rainbow Bloom.” When rainbow-colored blossoms began forming at the glabella, the user would go insane. They wandered and then died.  

Thus, it was a banned elixir.  

Master Hae-weol had given this pill to Mang Ryo.  

Go, rampage as you wish, then die miserably in the streets, a death befitting a monster.  

That was the meaning.  

Back then there had been no choice. Mang Ryo could escape only after taking the pill under the eyes of the Alliance Leader’s men.  

In the end, he had no choice.  

“Heh heh heh, damn old man,” Mang Ryo laughed with a chilling face.  

Dan Ryeong-gyeong looked at this sight with complexity.  

* * *  

Jin Ja-gang had entered Sichuan.  

Tang Ha-ran had already returned to her clan. As a result, the Tang family lifted the siege at Qingcheng.  

An unavoidable choice. But it was the safest for Tang Ha-ran.  

Jin Ja-gang set his path directly to Qingcheng Mountain.  

But unexpectedly, someone was waiting for him on the road.  

Shin Yung.  

From a vassal family of the Zhuge clan, he had once been Zhuge Yon’s guard. The only one who saw the assassin.  

But Jin Ja-gang felt an ominous aura from Shin Yung’s expression. And the same for Shin Yung toward him.  

Circumstances were too different now.  

“It has been a long time.”  

At Jin Ja-gang’s greeting, Shin Yung spoke without turning.  

“Since the Tang clan withdrew, the Zhuge clan has decided to end our pact with them and resume pursuing you. You’re heading to Qingcheng, aren’t you?”  

“Yes.”  

“If you go, you won’t come out alive.”  

This meant the Zhuge family was also involved now.  

Though the Tang withdrew, the Zhuge family entered. Truly layer upon layer of obstacles.  

But he could not refuse to go.  

“Thank you for giving me this warning.”  

Only then did Shin Yung glance at him. There was turmoil in his eyes.  

“Why did you do it?”  

Jin Ja-gang stayed silent.  

Shin Yung clenched his jaw against emotions and continued.  

“Was it Tang family assassins who killed my lady?”  

Before Jin Ja-gang could reply, Shin Yung answered himself.  

“It must have been the Tang family.”  

“Yes.”  

“Then why… why were you with Tang family blood?”  

Jin Ja-gang could not answer.  

“The Tang family is my enemy, and my lady’s killer. I trusted you when you said you’d uncover the black hand behind it all. And yet, knowing the Tang clan was the cause, you betrayed me and dallied with Tang family blood.”  

Shin Yung pressed again.  

“Were you allied with them from the start? Did you deceive me?”  

That was why Shin Yung had come alone, to confirm.  

When Jin Ja-gang didn’t answer, Shin Yung shouted.  

“Speak! If you remain silent, I’ll kill you here and now!”  

Jin Ja-gang slowly shook his head.  

“No.”  

“You’ll silence me with death?”  

“There is no reason to.”  

Jin Ja-gang looked directly into Shin Yung’s eyes.  

“I finally understand a little of your heart. That is all I can say.”  

“And yet you killed Silent Dragon?”  

Shin Yung’s face twisted.  

“That contradiction in your words and deeds, I cannot understand!”  

He drew his sword and rushed like a gale. His slash seemed meant to bisect Jin Ja-gang.  

But the slash never reached him. Mid-swing, he halted. Jin Ja-gang had already bound his arms, shoulder, and torso with Soul Seizing Thread and moved behind him.  

Shin Yung was tied, unable to move.  

“Urgh! How… how did you get this strong so quickly…!”  

Behind him, Jin Ja-gang held the thread’s loop and then released it, retrieving the thread. Once freed, Shin Yung attacked immediately, whipping his hilt bottom toward Jin Ja-gang’s temple.  

Jin Ja-gang seized his nape and shoulder, flipping him over. Shin Yung spun once and landed flat on the ground. Jin Ja-gang stepped on his back and wrenched his arm behind.  

Shin Yung dropped his sword. Jin Ja-gang shoved him away to create distance.  

Yet Shin Yung still tried to rush in, unable to accept the huge difference in strength.  

Jin Ja-gang raised his hand, holding a hidden weapon. The gesture was clear: If Shin Yung came, he would kill him.  

“Do you want to die?”  

In response, Shin Yung spat contemptuously.  

“Kill me. If I cannot avenge her, I’ll rather die and follow my lady.”  

“Then you won’t see the vengeance completed.”  

“What?”  

Jin Ja-gang spoke.  

“My vengeance is not over.”  

“Don’t talk nonsense. The Tang clan has your…”  

But Jin Ja-gang was earnest. He stared into Shin Yung’s hatred-filled eyes without flinching.  

“If you wish to exact revenge, I won’t stop you. But I have not yet come to terms enough to consider this vengeance complete.”  

Shin Yung slowly picked up his sword and stood.  

“Ridiculous words.”  

But calmer now, his voice was low.  

“If you survive Qingcheng Mountain, you will not only be my lady’s enemy but also the enemy of the entire Zhuge clan.”  

Jin Ja-gang sensed something dangerous.  

“Stop!”  

“I will watch from hell, to see how far you walk.”  

Shin Yung turned the blade and stabbed his own heart.  

Crunch!  

The sword pierced through, bursting out his back. Blood poured from his mouth.  

Shin Yung staggered, fell to his knees.  

Jin Ja-gang rushed to hold him as he collapsed. He had never imagined Shin Yung would go so far as suicide.  

“Why… why did you do this?”  

Shin Yung smiled, blood spilling.  

“You said you understood me? I lost what was precious. This world holds… no meaning for me… no strength to avenge… then what do I have left? A world without what I cherished… it’s nothing but darkness.”  

If Tang Ha-ran were gone, would Jin Ja-gang feel the same?  

Shin Yung’s breathing faded, his body went cold.  

Jin Ja-gang’s heart ached sharply.  

These tangled threads of hatred and grief.  

This was perhaps the weight of fate he would forever carry, so long as he walked the path of revenge.  

The burdens of people’s stories, of their lives, heavy, painful, sometimes despair itself.  

“Darkness…”  

Jin Ja-gang felt heavier than ever before.  

“Go well…”  

He laid Shin Yung’s body down.  

“I’ll see you… in hell.”