Chapter 467

Chapter 467 – When Plum Blossoms Bloom, Guests Arrive (2)

The meeting didn't take long.

Zhongnan Sect also held deep-rooted enmity toward the Demon Cult, so they decided to cooperate wholeheartedly.

It was a meaningful moment when Mount Hua Sect and Zhongnan Sect, who'd repeated rivalry and envy for over hundreds of years in Shaanxi Province, united as one again.

Even after the meeting ended, Go Il-won didn't return to Zhongnan Sect. Because he had a place to visit with Taoist Hyeon-so and others.

Myeong-gyeong attached himself as escort preparing for any situation. For Myeong-gyeong, Mount Hua's First Sword, to serve as someone else's escort was never common. It was only possible because the subject was Taoist Hyeon-so.

Taoist Hyeon-so said there was no need, but Myeong-gyeong deliberately came along using escort as an excuse.

Light of admiration appeared in Go Il-won's eyes looking at Myeong-gyeong.

"I heard he's the new Mount Hua's First Sword, and indeed his aura is tremendous. Even Taoist Hyeon-geom from years past wasn't to that degree."

Slightly envious feelings arose.

Though both suffered great damage from the Demon Cult, Mount Hua Sect united solidly around the reliable spiritual pillar of Taoist Hyeon-so overcoming tribulation, and raised an outstanding martial artist named Myeong-gyeong.

On the other hand, Zhongnan Sect lacked much. Though Go Il-won led managing most matters, the number of masters was drastically insufficient. Masters weren't something that could be raised overnight. Especially absolute masters who'd reached Myeong-gyeong's level were like gifts from heaven.

Therefore he felt regretful yet envious. Regretful that Zhongnan lacked such masters, and envious that Mount Hua Sect possessed such masters. Too great a gap had formed in an instant.

"Still, someday we'll catch up. Though it can't be helped right now, if we safely pass this tribulation, we'll possess strength not inferior to Mount Hua Sect. Because Zhongnan Sect certainly has such potential."

Go Il-won resolved to definitely achieve Zhongnan Sect's revival, following behind Taoist Hyeon-so.

Taoist Hyeon-so descended Mount Hua heading north. Toward a small mountain existing north of Mount Hua. Therefore toward the place called Lesser Mount Hua.

As Lesser Mount Hua approached, excitement appeared not only on Go Il-won's face but also Taoist Hyeon-so and Myeong-gyeong's faces. Because it had been quite a long time since they'd entered Lesser Mount Hua.

"Stop."

"Identify yourselves."

The moment they entered Lesser Mount Hua's entrance, sharp voices immediately were heard. Then Myeong-gyeong stepped forward speaking.

"I am Myeong-gyeong of Mount Hua."

"Ah! Great Hero Myeong-gyeong. Please come in."

A group appeared from left and right of the bushes.

Young martial artists with sharp aura, cold gazes, and refined energy. Their eyes uniformly contained eerie killing intent.

"How did you come without even giving notice?"

"My senior-uncle and Sect Leader Go of Zhongnan Sect, a Great Hero, said they wanted to see this place, so I brought them."

"Then?"

"Our sect's Taoist Hyeon-so and Zhongnan Sect's Great Hero Go Il-won."

At Myeong-gyeong's introduction, the young martial artists hurriedly saluted them.

"Jangsan Sect's Ha Hu-myeong greets Taoist Hyeon-so and Great Hero Go."

"Seol Hyeong Gate's Yi Cheom-ui greets the two Great Heroes."

"Great Moon Sword Gate's Yu Geum-hyeong pays respects."

They were uniformly all disciples of sects trampled by the Demon Cult. Taoist Hyeon-so spoke to them.

"Everyone has worked hard. Is there anything inconvenient?"

"Thanks to Mount Hua Sect, everything is abundant. We'll never forget this grace."

At Ha Hu-myeong's solemn words, Taoist Hyeon-so made a troubled expression.

"It's naturally what should be done, so there's no grace. Aren't we all fellow martial world companions?"

"Words are easy but not something anyone can do."

"Well…"

At Ha Hu-myeong's inflexible attitude, Taoist Hyeon-so made a troubled expression. But Ha Hu-myeong paid no mind continuing to speak.

"I'll escort you inside. Everyone will be glad."

He led the way without even listening to Taoist Hyeon-so's words.

Taoist Hyeon-so and others quietly followed such Ha Hu-myeong. Following Ha Hu-myeong climbing Lesser Mount Hua for a while, an unbelievable scene appeared.

On a wide clearing created by carving the mountain, countless barracks and huts stood densely packed.

"This is?"

Go Il-won's pupils shook.

Befitting Zhongnan Sect's Sect Leader, he was knowledgeable about Shaanxi Province's geography. Lesser Mount Hua was famous for being precipitous. Such clearings where numerous people could stay didn't exist. That meant precisely that those here had carved the mountain creating flatland. A truly tremendous undertaking.

There wasn't just one clearing. Several large clearings of similar scale existed nearby. In the clearings, young martial artists gathered in small groups taking rest.

Though he didn't know what happened, large and small wounds filled their entire bodies, and fatigue clearly showed on their faces. But only their eyes vividly shone alive.

Each person radiated aura like well-sharpened blade edges. Their aura surpassed the young masters Go Il-won had devoted heart and soul to raising in recent years.

"How?"

Go Il-won made an unbelieving expression.

The young martial artists here were those who'd escaped when Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance fell last year. When they had nowhere to go in the world, they'd entered Lesser Mount Hua near Mount Hua Sect.

The one who led them into Lesser Mount Hua was precisely Cho Yeon-woon. Because it was also where he'd secluded himself when his legs were cruelly severed and he wandered, and also an advantageous place where he could receive Mount Hua Sect's support.

Go Il-won had also heard the story that young martial artists had settled at Lesser Mount Hua, but was too busy rebuilding Zhongnan Sect to pay attention. No, deliberately not paying attention was correct. Because of thoughts that they were merely defeated soldiers anyway, so was there need to support them? But never in his dreams did he imagine they'd developed to this degree.

Gulp!

Go Il-won unknowingly swallowed dry saliva.

"What on earth happened here?"

Though he didn't know what the actual martial power of the young martial artists taking rest was, just from the aura and gazes outwardly expressed, they'd already surpassed ordinary. Go Il-won was dying to know the reason.

Then Ha Hu-myeong's voice was heard.

"From now on you must be especially careful. If careless, mechanisms and barrier formations might activate, so only step where I step and follow."

"Mechanisms?"

"All of Lesser Mount Hua is covered with death mechanisms and barrier formations."

"What does that mean?"

Light of shock appeared on Go Il-won's face. Because Ha Hu-myeong's words were hard to believe easily. Then Myeong-gyeong explained instead.

"His words are true. They've created death mechanisms here and daily drive themselves into life-threatening crises."

"Such nonsense… How does that make sense logically?"

"Survivors from Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance spared nothing offering their sect secrets, barrier formations, and mechanism secrets. They wove them together creating one training hall."

The name was Iron Blood Hell Training Hall.

That's what they called the death barrier formations and mechanisms spread throughout Lesser Mount Hua.

The one who first suggested it was a young martial artist. He thought more systematic and harsh training methods were needed. He gathered various people's opinions installing mechanisms and barrier formations needed for training throughout Lesser Mount Hua.

The beginning was modest. But with repeated improvements and brainstorming together, it gradually became more sophisticated. When each sect's secrets were added, a hellish training hall was born.

Martial artists gathered at Lesser Mount Hua hated more than death for checkpoints with their sect secrets added to be broken through by other sects' martial artists. Because of that, checkpoints inevitably became more vicious, and dangerous enough that passing even risking life wasn't easy.

Martial artists challenged the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall daily. But those who passed were only an extremely small portion, and even they routinely sustained serious wounds.

When someone passed a checkpoint, leadership immediately supplemented the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall's insufficient points. Then martial artists challenging next sought ways to pass with utmost effort, and leadership again supplemented weaknesses. Through such virtuous cycles, the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall gradually completed as an impregnable fortress.

Martial artists gathered at Lesser Mount Hua were growing rapidly while challenging the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall.

"You mean after creating hellish checkpoints, they train risking their lives?"

"That's right."

"Hmm!"

"What leadership does is simple. Somehow prevent them from passing the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall. And what martial artists do is somehow find ways to pass the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall."

Go Il-won made an expression of being completely dumbfounded at Myeong-gyeong's explanation.

He'd never once heard of such training methods. Methods he couldn't dare imagine at Zhongnan Sect. But after hearing the explanation, he understood why their martial prowess had dramatically risen in a short time.

"Perhaps even Mount Hua Sect disciples?"

"Yes! They regularly come here challenging the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall."

"Hmm!"

At Myeong-gyeong's answer, Go Il-won unknowingly let out a groaning sound.

Because suddenly regretful thoughts arose.

"If I'd known this fact sooner, I'd have sent our sect's disciples here too for training."

He thought that would have greatly shortened the time for disciples to become strong. But now sending disciples here wasn't permitted by his pride.

Though he'd decided to cooperate with Mount Hua Sect, Zhongnan Sect had long competed with Mount Hua Sect. Therefore readily bringing up words to use this place first wasn't easy.

Because Myeong-gyeong guessed Go Il-won's heart, he raised the suggestion first.

"How about Zhongnan Sect's disciples also try challenging here once?"

"Our sect's disciples?"

"That's right."

"However…"

"With Zhongnan Sect's potential, they'll sufficiently be able to pass the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall. Then it'll be great stimulus for others too."

"If you say so, I'll try sending our sect's disciples here too."

When Myeong-gyeong laid the groundwork, Go Il-won answered with a smile.

Taoist Hyeon-so smiled warmly watching such Myeong-gyeong.

During the past few years, Myeong-gyeong had grown much. Not simply martial arts growth, but also matured character-wise and thought deepened enough to think broadly.

Previously he'd have viewed Zhongnan Sect as competition and kept them in check, but now was the time when all the martial world must unite forces. Zhongnan Sect growing strong was good for Mount Hua Sect and for the martial world.

"Good."

Taoist Hyeon-so nodded moving steps.

A gentle breeze blew caressing Taoist Hyeon-so's body. Spring energy was clearly felt.

He savored, felt, and conversed with the wind.

Go Il-won felt a refreshing fragrance flowed from such Taoist Hyeon-so.

"Perhaps this is the immortal energy those who've attained the Dao are said to emit."

Admiration dwelt in Go Il-won's eyes looking at Taoist Hyeon-so.

Whether his guess was true or mistaken, anyway just smelling such immortal fragrance made Taoist Hyeon-so worth sufficient respect.

That was when.

"This is it."

Ha Hu-myeong's steps stopped. Where he stopped was atop a small peak overlooking the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall.

At the summit, a large barracks was installed, and over ten martial artists were looking down at the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall.

They uniformly radiated eerie aura. Enough that Go Il-won flinched the moment he saw them. But they were actually so focused on the Iron Blood Hell Training Hall they didn't notice Taoist Hyeon-so had come at all.

Ha Hu-myeong told them.

"Mount Hua Sect's Taoist Hyeon-so and Taoist Un-gyeong, plus Zhongnan Sect's Sect Leader Great Hero Go Il-won have come."

"Ah!"

Only then did they notice Taoist Hyeon-so and others had come, acknowledging them.

"You've come?"

"How without even notice."

The murderous aura from just before disappeared without trace, approaching with smiling faces. At the forefront was a man radiating exceptional aura.

Though his build wasn't large, he was a man with a heavy atmosphere like mountains. His gaze was deep like a lake, and his tightly pressed lips seemed to contain stubbornness intact. But the moment he confirmed Taoist Hyeon-so and Myeong-gyeong, he approached smiling broadly.

"Haha! How did you come without even contact?"

"Can I trouble someone doing great work? Great Hero Go just said he wanted to see this place, so I tagged along."

"Where is this someone else's neighborhood? Coming to Mount Hua's inner courtyard, yet Taoist shows consideration."

"What a person. That brazenness is unchanged."

"Haha!"

At Taoist Hyeon-so's casual words, the man burst into hearty laughter. Then Myeong-gyeong spoke smiling.

"Brother Yeon-woon, I came too."

"Right! Welcome. You've changed aura again already."

"Those are my words. Brother seems to have gained new insights again."

"Just learned small tricks."

"Those tricks defeat me daily."

Myeong-gyeong smiled bitterly.

The man conversing happily with him was named Cho Yeon-woon.

If someone who knew Cho Yeon-woon saw him after a long time, they absolutely couldn't recognize him, so much had Cho Yeon-woon changed.

Though appearance hadn't changed greatly, the atmosphere and gaze he emanated richly exuded a battle-hardened veteran's aura.

Now he was no longer a rising junior of the martial world. Martial artists here at Lesser Mount Hua called him "Alliance Leader." Though Cho Yeon-woon said he disliked it, martial artists paid no mind calling him so.

Cho Yeon-woon's devotion and martial power shown in the great escape two years ago drew martial artists' true respect, and from then martial artists called Cho Yeon-woon Alliance Leader following him.

It wasn't a title forced by anyone. Because it was a title called from deeply welling respect, even Cho Yeon-woon couldn't reject it entirely.

Myeong-gyeong's gaze suddenly went toward a large flag fluttering behind Cho Yeon-woon. On the flag, three characters reading Blue Sky Alliance were clearly embroidered with gold thread.

Now the Martial Alliance had disappeared from the world. And a new organization called Blue Sky Alliance was emerging.

The Blue Sky Alliance's first Alliance Leader was Azure Dragon Divine Hero Cho Yeon-woon.

Did the saying go that position makes the person? Now Cho Yeon-woon was showing dignity befitting Blue Sky Alliance's Alliance Leader.

Taoist Hyeon-so watched such Cho Yeon-woon with an admiring expression, then suddenly asked.

"By the way, Ho?"

"Still there."

"Hmm!"

"Really such bad taste."

Boom!

That moment, an explosion burst from beneath the earth.

"Kreuk!"

"Uwek!"

Consecutively, someone's desperate screams flowed out.

"Again?"

A sigh naturally flowed from Cho Yeon-woon's mouth.