Chapter 360 – How Joyful This Long-Awaited Reunion (1)
The mountain gate of Shaolin Temple was always open.
Even now as the threat called the Demon Cult swept across the world, Shaolin Temple kept its mountain gate open rather than locked. This was partly due to martial artists coming to lend their strength to the Martial Alliance and Shaolin Temple, but it was also an expression of will to never retreat or act cowardly.
However, just because the mountain gate was open didn't mean their guard was weak or they were defenseless. Rather, forces several times greater than usual were stationed at the mountain gate maintaining thorough vigilance.
The monks guarding the mountain gate were warrior monks belonging to Dharma Hall.
Dharma Hall was one of the two pillars symbolizing Shaolin Temple's military power along with Arhat Hall.
If Arhat Hall was deep, then Dharma Hall was broad.
This was what people said when evaluating the two halls within Shaolin Temple.
Arhat Hall, led by Gwang-mun, learned only Shaolin Temple's martial arts. Their thinking was that time was insufficient just to learn and research the martial arts passed down for over a thousand years at Shaolin Temple.
Therefore, they devoted themselves solely to Shaolin's martial studies. This tendency became even stronger after their proud One Hundred Eight Arhat Formation was broken by Geom Yul-cheon three years ago.
In contrast, Dharma Hall studied and analyzed not only Shaolin Temple's martial arts but also the world's excellent martial arts. They thought their mission was to graft the insights gained this way onto Shaolin's martial arts to develop them further. Therefore, they boasted the broadest martial arts knowledge and skills within Shaolin Temple.
Arhat Hall and Dharma Hall had been in competition for a long time. They hated falling behind each other more than death. Such competitive spirit elevated each other's levels even higher.
Therefore, the pride of Dharma Hall warrior monks was indescribably great. Their pride was evident from their posture standing on both sides of the mountain gate.
They squared their shoulders and straightened their backs. The steel monk's staff in their left hand and the one hundred eight prayer beads in their right hand made them look even more imposing. They looked like divine generals protecting the Buddhist gate.
The martial artists who came to the Martial Alliance and Shaolin Temple couldn't help but admire the dignity of such Dharma Hall warrior monks.
"Ooh!"
"Indeed, Shaolin Temple. With this level, they should be able to sufficiently block the Demon Cult no matter how strong they are."
"How can this be all? This is Shaolin Temple with a thousand years of history. Where would such foundation go?"
"Seeing them gives me courage. I really did well to come here."
People gained courage from the appearance of the Dharma Hall warrior monks. In fact, Shaolin Temple had also stationed Dharma Hall warrior monks at the mountain gate with this point in mind. It would be troublesome if the heroes' morale dropped before they even fought the Demon Cult in earnest.
However, the Dharma Hall warrior monks who had to stand at the mountain gate all day were spending quite a troublesome time.
They had to stand motionless all day long. Under the pretext of boosting the heroes' morale.
It was regrettable to waste time like this. It would be much more productive to train martial arts even for a moment longer instead.
They felt bad as if they had become a spectacle. But since it was the stern abbot's order, they had to endure without showing any displeasure.
Thus time passed, and the sun was blazing at its highest point. Even martial artists who had learned martial arts were tormented by heat too difficult to endure.
Thick drops of sweat flowed down their spines, and their gray monk robes became damp. Still, they didn't waver and maintained their positions.
That's when a group climbing the stairs came into their view.
"So this is Shaolin."
"The energy felt from the mountain gate itself is extraordinary."
"We've finally arrived."
Those who made emotional expressions looking at Shaolin Temple were young martial artists. Two men and one woman. Their faces still retained traces of youth.
Behind them, two more men could be seen. A young martial artist appearing to be in his mid to late twenties and a boy appearing to be in his mid to late teens.
"This is Shaolin Temple, called the martial world's last fortress?"
"Last fortress what? Do you think the martial world is such a simple place?"
The young martial artist scolded the admiring boy.
"That's just a way of speaking. Still, it's impressive anyway. The bricks that seem to have years carved into them and the dignified pavilions."
The young boy rubbing his nose tip while looking at Shaolin Temple was precisely Bang Jin-bo. And the young man was Cho Yeon-woon.
The two men and one woman making emotional expressions in front of them were Seo Woo-jong, Ju Jin-gwang, and Gyeong Ha-jin, whom they had met by chance and traveled with.
Cho Yeon-woon chuckled looking at them. After all, during the journey here together, both good and bad feelings had developed.
That's when one of the Dharma Hall monks approached them and asked:
"Amitabha! This humble monk is called Seol-cheon, a first-generation disciple of Shaolin. Where have you come from?"
Instantly Cho Yeon-woon's eyes lit up.
He hadn't expected a first-generation disciple of Shaolin Temple to be guarding the mountain gate.
He cupped his fists toward Seol-cheon.
"Greetings, Master Seol-cheon. I am Cho Yeon-woon of the Hundred Battles Sect."
"Cho Yeon-woon? Could it be the Drunken Cloud Dragon?"
Seol-cheon unconsciously widened his eyes.
Drunken Cloud Dragon Cho Yeon-woon had disappeared after the battle three years ago. But many in the martial world still vividly remembered Cho Yeon-woon and the Hundred Battles Sect.
The Hundred Battles Sect was a legend of the martial world.
The story of how they gloriously sacrificed themselves fighting against the Demon Cult to the end, with not a single person from sect leader to lowest disciple retreating, served as a model for countless martial world people.
Seol-cheon's voice rose.
"Are you truly the Drunken Cloud Dragon Cho Yeon-woon, Great Hero of the Hundred Battles Sect?"
"Great Hero is a bit much, but I am indeed the Drunken Cloud Dragon."
"Amitabha! Amitabha!"
Seol-cheon couldn't properly continue speaking and closed his eyes tightly. Such was the extent of his surprise.
His expression of irritation from the heat until just moments ago had long disappeared. This was the same for the other warrior monks of Dharma Hall as well.
The Drunken Cloud Dragon had once been considered just one of many rising talents. But after the incident three years ago, no one confined the Drunken Cloud Dragon within the term "rising talent" anymore.
He was already a great hero of the martial world and a martial artist receiving respect from many. Especially among young martial artists, many idolized him.
Seol-cheon was also one of such martial artists.
The martial artists of the Hundred Battles Sect and Cho Yeon-woon, who had thrown away their lives like grass before the martial world's crisis, deserved respect.
"We sincerely welcome your arrival at Shaolin, Great Hero Cho!"
Seol-cheon bowed his head while cupping his fists toward Cho Yeon-woon. Then the other warrior monks shouted in unison.
"We sincerely welcome the arrival of Great Hero Cho."
Woom!
Their shout resounded thunderously through Shaolin Temple's mountain gate. At this, the gazes of martial artists waiting to enter Shaolin Temple all focused on Cho Yeon-woon at once.
"The Drunken Cloud Dragon?"
"Really him?"
"Great Hero Cho has joined us. Wow!"
People's murmuring grew louder. Those who were flustered were Seo Woo-jong, Ju Jin-gwang, and Gyeong Ha-jin who had come here with Cho Yeon-woon.
They too respected Cho Yeon-woon, but they hadn't expected him to receive this level of recognition from other people.
Cho Yeon-woon found such people's attention and cheers burdensome. But his cultivation wasn't shallow enough to show it outwardly.
"Amitabha! This humble monk will guide you to your quarters."
"No need. Just tell me where and I'll find it myself."
"We cannot do such a thing to a hero of the martial world. Please give this humble monk the opportunity to guide you."
When Seol-cheon came out like this, Cho Yeon-woon could no longer refuse.
"Understood. Then I'll trouble you."
"Amitabha! Please follow me."
Seol-cheon led the way and Cho Yeon-woon and others followed behind. Bang Jin-bo naturally walked shoulder to shoulder with Cho Yeon-woon as if it was natural.
Seo Woo-jong, Ju Jin-gwang, and Gyeong Ha-jin looked at each other's reactions. They had somehow been able to follow Cho Yeon-woon by pestering him up to here, but following into Shaolin Temple itself was burdensome even for them.
That's when it happened.
"What are you doing? Not coming?"
Bang Jin-bo shouted looking at them.
"Ah!"
"Mm!"
At Bang Jin-bo's beckoning figure, Gyeong Ha-jin was the first to move. Behind her, Seo Woo-jong and Ju Jin-gwang followed like ducklings following their mother.
Shaolin Temple was more magnificent and antique than it appeared from outside the mountain gate. Even the blue stones laid on the ground and the pebbles scattered about seemed to have the weight of years carved into them.
The place Seol-cheon guided them to was Shaolin Temple's guest quarters. The guest quarters near the mountain gate were where Shaolin Temple provided lodging for external visitors.
Seol-cheon showed Cho Yeon-woon the largest and cleanest room among them.
"Please rest here for now. I'll report to the abbot and prepare better quarters for you."
"This much is sufficient. You don't need to worry too much."
"No. This place is too humble for Great Hero Cho. Please rest here briefly until I return from reporting."
"This is…"
"This is all I can do for Great Hero Cho. So please don't refuse."
At Seol-cheon's earnest gaze, Cho Yeon-woon could no longer refuse.
"Then I'll trouble you."
"Thank you, Great Hero Cho. You may look around the vicinity until I return. I'll tell the disciples."
"Understood."
When Cho Yeon-woon nodded, Seol-cheon withdrew with a bright expression. Only after Seol-cheon left could Cho Yeon-woon let out a sigh.
"Whew!"
Both Seol-cheon's gaze and the heroes' attention were a great burden to him. The more interest they showed, the more his dead master and fellow disciples came to mind.
Though he had come into the world to help Dam Ho, the wounds in his heart weren't yet completely healed.
Cho Yeon-woon looked at Bang Jin-bo.
"Jin-bo."
"Yes! Brother."
"I have no intention of going outside, so you go sightseeing."
"Is that okay?"
"One of me sitting here doing nothing is enough. Since we're here, don't miss the opportunity and tour the temple grounds. There will be much you can feel just by looking."
When Cho Yeon-woon said this much, Bang Jin-bo could no longer refuse. And honestly, he wanted to see with his own eyes the magnificence of Shaolin Temple he had only heard about.
"Alright. Then rest well. I'll go look around Shaolin Temple."
"Do that."
Cho Yeon-woon waved his hand while leaning his back against the wall. At this, Bang Jin-bo and others went outside.
As soon as they came out, a cool breeze that cooled their sweat blew.
"So this is Shaolin?"
Bang Jin-bo was curious.
About this place called the North Star of the martial world.

The Martial Alliance headquarters, which had unintentionally become freeloaders at Shaolin Temple, was modest. At least the alliance leader and other leadership managed to maintain appearances as Shaolin Temple provided them with a large pavilion, but other martial artists had to stay in hastily constructed quarters. Because of this, there were many inconveniences.
The quarters where Namgung-chang was staying were also recently built in haste. Since the military advisor's personnel were so numerous, they couldn't stay inside Shaolin Temple. Namgung-chang thought that even if somewhat crude, they needed to be together in an independent space to establish efficient plans.
"Sigh!"
Namgung-chang let out a sigh.
It was incomparably shabby quarters compared to before. Still, he liked this place. Here he didn't have to watch the moods of Shaolin Temple and the alliance leader.
That's when it happened.
"Military Advisor."
A trusted subordinate's voice was heard from outside.
"What is it?"
"There's something urgent to report."
At the unusual voice, wrinkles formed on Namgung-chang's brow.
"Come in."
"Yes!"
With the answer, his subordinate entered.
"What is it?"
"They say the Drunken Cloud Dragon has entered Shaolin Temple now."
"Drunken Cloud Dragon?"
Namgung-chang blinked his eyes.
At first he wondered what problem there could be with the Drunken Cloud Dragon entering Shaolin Temple. But the moment he realized that Drunken Cloud Dragon was Cho Yeon-woon's nickname, his complexion turned pale.
"Isn't Cho Yeon-woon a friend of the Fist Demon?"
"That's right."
At his subordinate's answer, Namgung-chang gripped the chair's armrest with crushing force.
Cho Yeon-woon was no longer just some rising talent.
He was the owner of the Hundred Battles Victory Flag symbolizing the Hundred Battles Sect, and a martial artist who resisted the Demon Cult to the end. Above all, he was the only friend of Mount Hua Fist Demon Dam Ho.
The incident where Dam Ho, who hadn't had good relations with Mount Hua Sect, ran to Mount Hua through a path of blood and death just to save that one person was famous enough that everyone knew it.
"Does Cho Yeon-woon entering mean the Fist Demon is also coming to Shaolin Temple?"
Namgung-chang's complexion, which had been pale, turned even whiter.
Namgung-chang trembled just thinking of the two characters of Dam Ho's name.
"That bastard is coming? That bastard…"

Mu-gak said to the Arhat monks.

“Let’s go to our seats… Since the rule at this inn is to eat noodles… we should follow it.”

The Arhat monks pushed two tables together and placed Mu-gak’s palanquin on one side of the table to take their seats.

Though the Shaolin Temple monks had cleared the entrance they were blocking, no one moved rashly. The martial artists in the inn still had the obligation to witness the story regarding King of Hell’s personal letter.

The only ones free from that obligation were Southern Sea Sword Sect’s Im Yi-eon and Son Bi.

Son Bi finally stood up after being urged several times by Im Yi-eon.

Son Bi went in front of Ham-geun.

Ham-geun shook his head.

It meant he couldn’t send away his poisoned disciple So-min.

Ham-geun sat cross-legged and entered breathing meditation as if he had no intention of conversing further. It was dangerous behavior, but no one here was vile enough to disturb him in this situation.

An Ryeong held Son Bi’s hand. Son Bi nodded, bit her lower lip, looked back once, then soon left the inn.

Even after Son Bi left, there wasn’t much change in the movement within the inn.

Time continued flowing throughout. The one moment Mu-gak mentioned wasn’t a very long time.

Yuk Ha-seon hadn’t come down from upstairs yet, and Namgung Geol only continued sharpening his sword blade with a bowl of water beside him.

Finally, Jin Ja-gang came out of the kitchen carrying eight bowls of noodles.

Jin Ja-gang placed the bowls in front of the Shaolin Temple monks with an indifferent face.

The Shaolin Temple monks only glared at Jin Ja-gang with fierce eyes.

With noodles placed before him, Mu-gak said to Jin Ja-gang.

“Let me… warn you in advance.”

“I will listen respectfully.”

“After I finish eating the noodles, one moment will have passed. After that, there’s no need for you to remain here. Do you understand what I mean?”

When Jin Ja-gang didn’t answer and only looked, Mu-gak raised a trembling finger.

“From now on, what you need to do is return with King of Hell’s personal letter as it is.”

Jin Ja-gang smiled faintly. It was an attitude showing he had known all along what Mu-gak would say.

Seeing Jin Ja-gang’s smile, Mu-gak also realized this and laughed while chattering his teeth.

“Wicked fellow. If you remain after I finish eating noodles… I’ll send you back loaded on a cart in the same wretched state as me.”

Namgung Geol and Im Yi-eon couldn’t help but admire.

“Huh…”

They learned what Shaolin Temple’s response to King of Hell’s personal letter was.

If they received the personal letter, whatever its contents, Shaolin Temple would face difficulties.

So Shaolin Temple planned to refuse to receive it at all without even looking at the contents.

Then they wouldn’t need to make a choice of acceptance or rejection!

It truly had to be called an excellent choice.

Namgung Geol muttered.

“So that’s why they didn’t put Poison Dragon on the life and death list from the beginning.”

It was the same logic as not including the An family medical house initially, then immediately including them upon confirming evidence.

Though Shaolin Temple’s life and death list seemed to have no standards, it meant they had their own complex and meticulous standards.

Im Yi-eon also said like talking to herself.

“Let Poison Dragon live and send him back… kill the rest…”

It was a difficult task. Especially since Poison Dragon was currently the most attention-grabbing newcomer in the martial world. He had survived by killing numerous masters.

They had to let such a Poison Dragon live and send him back to confirm to Tang family that the personal letter wasn’t received. It wasn’t an easy task for Shaolin Temple either.

That was precisely why the Demon Exterminating Monk had stepped forward.

Soon Mu-gak suddenly began reciting the meal prayer.

“Considering the merit and measuring where it came from, think of how many… sentient beings put effort into making this food.”

In Buddhism, even the act of eating is practice. Following protocol, when Mu-gak recited the meal prayer, the monks put their palms together and bowed to observe the ritual of offering.

“Examining whether one’s virtue and conduct are complete or lacking to deserve this offering, think honestly whether your virtue and conduct were complete enough to receive this offering or lacking. Guard the mind from faults…”

Then when the meal prayer ended, the monks began eating noodles silently without making any sound.

One Arhat monk assisted Mu-gak’s meal. He put a strand of noodles into Mu-gak’s mouth.

Slurp.

Mu-gak sucked the noodles one strand at a time like a child.

Perhaps to match Mu-gak’s pace, the Shaolin Temple monks’ meal proceeded very slowly. It was slow enough to feel tedious.

Already more than half the allotted time had passed. At this rate, they would consume the entire time just eating.

But Jin Ja-gang only watched from the side without taking any action.

This was so even though fighting would immediately begin after finishing the noodles.

Namgung Geol now stopped sharpening his blade and began wiping it with cloth.

And not long after, Yuk Ha-seon came down from upstairs.

“Hmm?”

Namgung Geol glanced over and was startled, while Im Yi-eon frowned with all her might. An Ryeong also looked at Yuk Ha-seon in surprise and couldn’t close her mouth.

Just moments ago, Yuk Ha-seon had been dressed like a man in martial attire.

But now, facing battle, she had actually come out fully adorned.

Just her clothing was different. She wore a vest-like half-sleeve garment that exposed her arms and a long skirt, but even that was made of thin silk in semi-transparent layers of silk gauze.

Not only did her figure show through, but the inside was faintly visible, and each time she came down the stairs, the silk gauze skirt hem would lift slightly, revealing even her bare skin.

Not only that, she had applied heavy makeup.

She had applied white powder to her face for a pure feeling, drawn her eyebrows long with ink for a delicate eyebrow appearance. On her forehead she had dotted three thin red lines with flower ornaments like orchids blooming to give a unique feeling, and had sprinkled red powder on her cheeks to make them blush like a shy bride. She had also applied rouge to her lips to make them particularly glisten and stand out.

It was a tremendous transformation.

Earlier she had an androgynous appearance, but now she was a completely different person. She looked like a fairy descended from heaven.

This one appearance was enough to fully explain why she had become famous in the martial world as Red Flower Immortal. She was truly beautiful enough to bewitch souls.

Even her gaze had become mysterious. She had a charm that drew people in, making not only men but even An Ryeong, another woman, feel her heart flutter.

If her earlier appearance had been blank drawing paper, now it was as if that paper had been colored with various hues to paint autumn foliage.

While appearing to be in her early to mid-twenties, she possessed mature charm that only an adult could have, different from the pure charm of Son Bi or An Ryeong. It seemed no one could resist being captivated.

An Ryeong unconsciously muttered.

“Too beautiful…”

When Yuk Ha-seon smiled with her eyes and slightly raised the corners of her eyes, even Namgung Geol blushed and cleared his throat.

“Ahem, ahem! Really. Whose daughter melts this person’s heart with just one eye smile?”

At Namgung Geol’s jest, Yuk Ha-seon laughed.

“Ho ho ho ho!”

Even her laughter was different from before. It was soft yet clear like rolling jade beads on a tray. It gave goosebumps and made the fine hair on shoulders and neck stand up.

Of course, this wasn’t an ordinary voice.

It was Pleasure Heaven’s vocal technique that contained internal energy to shake people’s heartstrings.

The faces of the Shaolin Temple monks who had been quietly eating noodles became grim.

But the monks couldn’t speak and could only glare at Yuk Ha-seon, while it was actually Im Yi-eon who scolded Yuk Ha-seon.

“Wicked… It’s fortunate I sent Son Bi away first. Your clothing and behavior are utterly vulgar. Do you want to act like this before a great battle?”

“What’s wrong with my clothing and behavior?”

Even her speech pattern had changed greatly.

“Originally women cannot match men in physical strength. But women also have weapons that only women can possess. My current appearance is proof that I’ve done my best.”

Her voice was seductive. Though Namgung Geol had spoken in jest, it was truly a voice that melted people’s hearts.

Im Yi-eon knew too. Yuk Ha-seon’s makeup and clothing – though it was a short time, there wasn’t anything she hadn’t put effort into. This was the appearance most suited to Pleasure Heaven’s fighting style.

But Im Yi-eon walked a different path from Yuk Ha-seon.

Im Yi-eon tried to compete with men using pure power martial arts, while Yuk Ha-seon used martial arts that leveraged advantages as a woman as her weapon.

That was the part Im Yi-eon could least tolerate.

Yuk Ha-seon coaxed in a seductive voice.

“How about it? Would the Sword Empress like to learn makeup from me too?”

Im Yi-eon shouted angrily.

“Shut up and go to your seat! I can’t stand listening to your voice anymore because it’s so irritating!”

“Hmm.”

Yuk Ha-seon made a nose sound and walked gracefully past Im Yi-eon. Even from Yuk Ha-seon came a subtle musk scent.

Im Yi-eon was about to say another word when, suddenly.

Zing! Zinnnng!

Tremendous killing intent covered the inn.

This was on a different dimension from the killing intent of orthodox masters Jin Ja-gang had experienced.

It was rough, unrefined killing intent full of death’s aura.

It was the kind of killing intent that brought to mind scenes of throwing hundreds of living people into boiling lava while they screamed and wailed.

The source of the killing intent was Mu-gak.

All the martial artists in the inn looked at Mu-gak.

Though Mu-gak had twisted limbs and a small frame, the moment you met his eyes, nothing around was visible and only two golden pupils could be seen.

Like Jin Ja-gang’s, this wasn’t artificial killing intent refined with internal energy, but raw killing intent that had seeped out from killing countless people.

When the martial artists’ attention focused on him, Mu-gak finally put away his killing intent and spoke in a very angry tone.

“During meals… you should remain quiet.”

Im Yi-eon immediately apologized.

“I was rude.”

But Jin Ja-gang asked back casually.

“Is this a temple?”

It was obvious who he was asking without saying.

The Arhat monks glared at Jin Ja-gang again. Mu-gak also narrowed his small eyes and showed displeasure.

Jin Ja-gang continued regardless.

“This is an inn.”

Mu-gak glared at Jin Ja-gang while not stopping his meal.

At a glance, it seemed contradictory for someone who had killed countless people to talk about rules for eating.

But that was how it appeared from the outside. Shaolin Temple, Mu-gak, was still carrying out his justice from when he was young until now.

Distinguishing good and evil, justice and injustice would be completely meaningless to the current Mu-gak.

Slurp. Slurp.

Mu-gak focused solely on continuously sucking noodles. Though it was impossible to know without words, his expression gradually relaxed as if it tasted quite good.

Finally the noodles in Mu-gak’s bowl began to show the bottom.

Since he was eating noodles one strand at a time, it was fully possible to predict how much time remained in the allotted moment based on how many noodles were left.

It was about time to start preparing.

Namgung Geol didn’t even put his sword in its sheath but placed it on the table with the blue blade exposed. He positioned his hand in front of the handle so he could grab it at any time.

Yuk Ha-seon also raised her internal energy while holding her sword around her waist.

Ham-geun also now stopped his breathing meditation, stood up, laid So-min in a corner of the inn, and prepared.

Im Yi-eon also took position to grip her sword by lowering her hands under the table while sitting.

Slurp… slurp…