Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 351

351. Hwasan Sect Elder Council

Hwasan, one of the Five Great Peaks, is a prominent mountain in the Central Plains [the main setting of the story, often referring to China].

Hwasan, with its five sharp and beautiful peaks mysteriously harmonizing, is known as the hand of a celestial being (仙人) [a Taoist immortal]. Along with its rugged terrain, it was widely known as a sacred site of Taoism.

However, among the numerous Taoist temples of Hwasan, only one could claim the name of the Hwasan Sect.

It was the Hwasan Sect located on Yeonhwa Peak.

“Wow, this is amazing!”

Dam Soha exclaimed, looking down at the mountain.

“The sharply rising mountain shape is really magnificent. Oh, that side looks terrifying just to look at!”

“That’s why there’s a gallery road over there.”

Younghojun, who was walking ahead, said.

A gallery road (棧道) [a path built along the side of a cliff] is a path precariously hanging on a cliff. In reality, it was more like a wooden platform.

“If you go around the back, there are places where you can barely climb up by holding onto steel ropes.”

Step, step.

Younghojun moved his feet without rest.

Younghojun, familiar with Hwasan, led the way, followed by Jo Gwan, Dam Soha, and Woonhyun.

Dokseon was so relaxed that he seemed to be taking leisurely steps, yet he was walking ahead.

How long had they been walking like that?

The group soon arrived at the Hwasan Sect’s gate.

A large stone gate stood tall, seemingly piercing the sky.

The disciples guarding the gate were momentarily tense at the sight of Woonhyun’s group, but soon recognized Younghojun and showed surprised expressions.

“Senior Brother!”

They said with surprised expressions.

“When did you go down the mountain? And who are these people…….”

Only the elders and some key figures within the Hwasan Sect knew that Younghojun had gone down the mountain.

“They are pilgrims I have brought. Where is Tae-eul Jin-in?”

Younghojun asked.

“The elders have been gathered in the Jaha Pavilion since morning.”

The Jaha Pavilion, along with the Sang Palace, is a very important place in the Hwasan Sect.

The fact that the elders were gathered there meant that the situation was serious.

“I understand. Ah, I’ll take care of these people, so don’t worry.”

“Ah, yes.”

While the disciples guarding the gate were flustered, Younghojun led the group into Hwasan.

Step, step.

Passing through the towering gate, the scenery of the Hwasan Sect unfolded.

The sight of large red buildings built here and there up to the mountain peaks was truly like a palace built on a mountain.

“This is amazing.”

Dam Soha exclaimed.

“This is why everyone talks about the Hwasan Sect.”

Woonhyun also agreed.

The large stone steps and soaring buildings seemed to speak of the Hwasan Sect’s power.

“But is it okay for a Taoist sect that practices asceticism to be this extravagant?”

“Please say magnificent, if you’re going to say anything.”

Younghojun said with a bitter smile.

“Originally, the Hwasan Sect is more of a combination of a secular clan and Taoism rather than a pure Taoist temple. Compared to the Wudang Sect, the precepts are lax, and they don’t bother to hide their secular appearance.”

Woonhyun nodded.

Certainly, the atmosphere of the Hwasan Sect was different from that of the Shaolin or Emei Sects.

“But it’s definitely a Taoist sect. They even call themselves Taoists.”

Younghojun quickly crossed the grounds.

There were quite a few pilgrims in the front, but as they went inside, there were fewer people.

Only the disciples who occasionally passed by recognized Younghojun and greeted him.

“Uh, are there usually so few people?”

Dam Soha said.

Compared to the size of the Hwasan Sect, there were too few disciples passing by.

Younghojun bit his lip.

“……It doesn’t seem so. It seems the situation is more serious than I thought.”

How long had they been walking, following Younghojun?

After climbing numerous stone steps here and there, the group arrived in front of a large building located quite high up.

This majestic building, which looked quite antique, was the Jaha Pavilion of Hwasan.

Younghojun approached the disciples guarding the door.

“Senior Brother.”

The sturdy disciples bowed politely to Younghojun.

After returning their greeting, Younghojun said.

“I would like to see Tae-eul Jin-in.”

“He is already waiting for you. Please come in.”

“Thank you.”

Younghojun nodded and entered the Jaha Pavilion with the rest of the group.

As if they had already been informed, no one stopped the group.

Thud.

The door closed behind them.

Dam Soha asked Younghojun in a small voice.

“Who is Tae-eul Jin-in?”

“He is my teacher.”

Younghojun said quietly.

“He has a deep connection with Shinseung. He is also an elder of Hwasan.”

The interior of the building was larger than expected.

Amidst the scent of incense, the figures of people sitting in the front could be seen.

Younghojun walked forward.

The group followed behind him.

Step, step.

Elderly Taoists were sitting on chairs placed on the front and side of the building.

The appearances of the Taoists varied.

Some were severely obese, some were emaciated, and some held swords to ward off evil spirits or fly whisks to clear away vain thoughts.

But they all had in common that they were old and that their expressions were filled with astonishment.

Thud.

Younghojun stopped.

“I am your disciple, Younghojun.”

Younghojun bowed deeply with his hands clasped together.

However, no one responded to his greeting.

“No, surely…….”

“No, how on earth…….”

“Good heavens!”

A fat Taoist who had been sighing shouted loudly.

“Why are you here! Dokseon!”

The eyes of the Taoists were all fixed on Dokseon.

Amidst the gazes filled with confusion and astonishment, Dokseon said calmly.

“I am a guest elder.”

The Taoists’ gazes were filled with confusion.

“What?”

“What does that……!”

Dokseon’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Swish.

Dokseon said, extending one hand forward.

“Too noisy.”

The Taoists’ faces changed simultaneously.

It was then.

“Elder.”

Woonhyun said in a soft voice.

Dokseon, who was about to flick his fingers, turned his head to look at Woonhyun.

Woonhyun said with a smile.

“It’s quiet now.”

As if it had never been noisy, a heavy silence fell inside the building.

It couldn’t be helped.

The Taoists were preparing for the moment Dokseon flicked his fingers amidst the tense atmosphere.

“……Hmm.”

Dokseon looked around at the Taoists and slowly lowered his hand.

Swish.

Only when he put his hands behind his back could the Taoists feel relieved.

“Hoo.”

Some people sighed openly, and some Taoists chanted lightly.

It was only natural that their gazes soon turned to Woonhyun.

“Ahem.”

A scholarly Taoist with a long beard and holding a fly whisk asked.

“Are you the Azure Dragon Sword Lord?”

“Yes, I am.”

Woonhyun bowed politely.

“I am called Woonhyun.”

“I am Tae-eul.”

Tae-eul Jin-in returned the greeting to Woonhyun.

He was Tae-eul Jin-in, who was Younghojun’s teacher and had a deep connection with Shinseung.

“Please sit this way first.”

A seat was prepared for the group on one side.

Woonhyun, Dokseon, Jo Gwan, and Dam Soha sat on the chairs, and Younghojun stood next to Woonhyun.

Tae-eul Jin-in said to Woonhyun.

“First, I offer my condolences. It is truly regrettable that Shinseung has passed away.”

The other Taoists also nodded.

Woonhyun bowed politely.

“Thank you.”

“Also, congratulations on establishing the Azure Dragon Alliance and saving Emei. This is truly a blessing for the Kangho Murim [the martial arts world].”

Several Taoists chanted Taoist names.

They were still glancing at Dokseon, but much of their bewilderment had disappeared.

Tae-eul Jin-in smiled and said to Woonhyun.

“You may have already guessed, but our Hwasan Elder Council has formally decided to join the Azure Dragon Alliance.”

Woonhyun was slightly surprised.

Younghojun also seemed surprised, with a clear look of surprise on his face.

Tae-eul Jin-in let out a bitter smile.

“In fact, Hwasan’s joining was planned to be delayed a little longer. At least until the sect leader, Cheongpung Jin-in, regained consciousness.”

The Hwasan Sect’s Elder Council is, in effect, the highest decision-making body.

However, with the sect leader vacant, deciding on major affairs of the sect was quite a burden for the Elder Council as well.

“But with the discovery of the Giheondan [likely a place or organization causing trouble], we could no longer postpone it.”

Tae-eul Jin-in said with a serious expression.

“That’s right.”

A fat Taoist said with a determined look in his eyes.

“If we do not rise up against the enemy, this danger will not end.”

The Hwasan Sect is a sect well-versed in swordsmanship, to the point of being called the Hwasan Sword Sect.

They clearly knew that if they did not fight back, no matter how sharply the enemy’s sword shone, there would be no future.

The only problem was the timing.

The elders, who had been thinking of lying low and observing for the time being, became greatly alarmed when the Emei Sect was nearly destroyed and the Giheondan incident broke out.

We can’t stay like this. No, we can’t stay like this.

The conclusion that came out of that was the ‘Azure Dragon Alliance’.

Tae-eul Jin-in said to Woonhyun with shining eyes.

“Therefore, we will fight against the enemy together with the Azure Dragon Alliance.”

Grit.

Even Tae-eul Jin-in, who had accumulated years of training, gritted his teeth.

“And we will clearly show what the price is for daring to touch the disciples of Hwasan.”

Even though there were side effects caused by excessive competition, the disciples of the Hwasan Sect were like the body of Hwasan.

No one would not be angry if their own body was cut by the enemy.

The other elders were also shining their eyes with the same intention.

“I understand.”

Woonhyun said with a serious expression.

“As the leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance, I permit the Hwasan Sect to join.”

Thump.

More than ten Hwasan Sect elders stood up from their seats at once.

Woonhyun also rose to his feet.

Tae-eul Jin-in said in a clear voice.

“Hwasan pays respects to the Alliance Leader.”

The elders bowed and paid their respects to Woonhyun.

Woonhyun bowed politely and accepted their respects.

“Thank you.”

With this, Hwasan officially became a member of the Azure Dragon Alliance.

But there was no time to share congratulations.

The Hwasan Sect elders and Woonhyun, who had taken their seats, began to talk about the current situation.

“Ahem, first…….”

Tae-eul Jin-in glanced at Dokseon and asked Woonhyun.

“What about this person…….”

The biggest concern of the elders was not the Heroic Alliance or the Taepyeong Alliance, but Dokseon.

How could they not be when Dokseon, the symbol of terror during the Righteous-Evil War, was sitting right in front of them?

“Ah, Guest Elder is with me personally. You don’t have to worry.”

“……’Personally’?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Tae-eul Jin-in quickly understood the meaning contained in those words.

Tae-eul Jin-in, who glanced at Dokseon, no, Guest Elder, once more, said to Woonhyun.

“I understand. Then, how will the Alliance Leader deal with the Heroic Alliance and the Taepyeong Alliance in the future…….”

“Before that.”

Woonhyun interrupted Tae-eul Jin-in’s words.

“Can I hear about the Giheondan?”

Tae-eul Jin-in, as well as the other Taoists, had dark expressions.

Tae-eul Jin-in, who had been chanting Taoist names for a while, said.

“……It would be better to see it directly.”

***

Woonhyun’s group headed to a small stone hermitage, following Tae-eul Jin-in.

After passing the hermitage with a name meaning to contemplate past mistakes and going down, there was a gallery road dangerously hanging on a thousand-foot cliff.

Just looking at it made one’s eyes dizzy, but Tae-eul Jin-in and Younghojun moved their feet lightly.

Guest Elder also walked along the gallery road without any difficulty, but the steps of Jo Gwan, Dam Soha, and Woonhyun could not help but be delayed.

How long had they been going down like that?

A fairly large cave, about the height of a person, appeared in the middle of the cliff.

The entrance of the cave was firmly blocked by a large stone door.

“This is Hwasan’s Repentance Cave.”

Tae-eul Jin-in said in a low voice.

“This Repentance Cave has not been used even once in the past few decades.”

Tae-eul Jin-in, who had unlocked the iron lock, opened the stone door.

Clunk.

The heavy stone door moved slowly.

It seemed difficult to even open the door without considerable inner strength.

Step.

Tae-eul Jin-in picked up a torch hanging at the entrance and lit it with a fire starter.

Flap.

“Hmm.”

Dokseon frowned. But it wasn’t because of the stench.

It was because some eerie energy was flowing out from inside the cave.

Woonhyun also felt it and his face hardened, but the other members of the group did not seem to feel it, only frowning.

Tae-eul Jin-in walked ahead with the torch.

Step, step.

The Repentance Cave was deeper than expected.

After passing through a few empty cells, the group soon arrived at the deepest part of the Repentance Cave.

“This is.”

Tae-eul Jin-in brought the torch close to the iron bars.

Flicker.

“Krrr.”

A low, beast-like growl leaked out.

Tae-eul Jin-in said with a hardened expression.

“This is the appearance of those addicted to Giheondan.”

“Krrr.”

Shiny red eyes, collapsed face.

It was exactly the same as the Silhondaes [likely a type of monster or corrupted being] that appeared in the Murim Alliance.