The courtyard of the famous Shaolin Temple was buzzing with tension. Disciples from different martial arts groups, including Hainan and Hwasan, had gathered, and tempers were flaring.
“Hehe! See? I knew you’d understand, Abbot!” Chung Myung grinned, leaning back slightly.
“Abbot!” Gonghwa’s voice was sharp with disbelief. “Abbot, how could you…?”
Bae, the young master of Shaolin, stared at Beopjeong, his eyes wide with shock. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Beopjeong, the Abbot of Shaolin, remained calm. His face was gentle, as always, despite the rising tension in the courtyard. He turned his peaceful gaze to Gonghwa and asked softly, “Is there something wrong with what the young leader from Hwasan has said?”
“…They insulted Shaolin!”
“What was insulted was not Shaolin, but your own pride, wasn’t it?”
Beopjeong slowly shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
“The young leader is right. The disciples of different groups have gathered here to compete. We can’t blame them just because the timing and method aren’t what we wanted.”
“But haven’t the Hainan disciples been hurt?”
Chung Myung chuckled at Gonghwa’s words.
“Well, Hainan should speak for themselves if they have a problem. I don’t know why you’re getting angry, Master. Hainan isn’t even a part of Shaolin. Doesn’t Hainan have a say in this?”
Gonghwa was so shocked that he forgot to blink as he stared at Chung Myung. His mind raced. ‘What is that guy?’
A hush fell over the crowded courtyard. The only sound was the rustle of robes as everyone strained to hear what Chung Myung would say next.
If Shaolin helps Hainan and blames Hwasan, people will think Hainan is weak and needs Shaolin to solve their problems.
People who love to gossip would not miss such a good opportunity to spread rumors.
Gonghwa was angry but tried to hide it. He stared at Chung Myung, confused. Chung Myung had changed the situation so much with just a few words.
But sadly for him, Chung Myung’s words were not over yet.
“Ah, no. Now that we’re talking about it, shall we ask them directly? Hey, you guys!”
Chung Myung turned his head sharply towards the Hainan disciples. Everyone flinched.
“Are you going to take revenge for being beaten up earlier, or are you going to ask Shaolin to beat them up for you because you lost?”
The Hainan disciples’ faces went white as sheets.
If Chung Myung said that, there was only one answer they could give.
It was better to be a weakling who gets beaten and plans for the future than to be someone who relies on others for revenge.
For those who claim to be disciples of prestigious families, it is a very natural choice.
“Of course, we will take revenge with our own hands!”
“If we had our swords, you guys would be nothing!”
“You better be prepared! We will never forgive you!”
Chung Myung looked back at Gonghwa with a nonchalant look.
“That’s what they say.”
Gonghwa was utterly speechless.
If the person involved said that, Shaolin had nothing to say.
Chung Myung said nonchalantly.
“When kids play together, they can get into fights, and sometimes people get hurt. Why are you all rushing over here? When did Shaolin become like this? Isn’t that right, Abbot?”
“Haha. That’s not wrong.”
“Abbot!” Gonghwa called out to Beopjeong desperately, his face frustrated.
But the moment he saw the gentle smile on Beopjeong’s face, Gonghwa had no choice but to lower his head silently.
“I will explain Shaolin’s position,” Beopjeong said, turning to Hyun Jong.
“Fighting in Shaolin’s territory is wrong, but those who have gathered for the competition are bound to be on edge. It is Shaolin’s fault for not managing that properly, so I apologize to Hainan and Hwasan in the name of Shaolin.”
Beopjeong put his hands together and bowed deeply.
Hyun Jong was horrified, and the Hainan disciples froze, not knowing what to do.
“Please don’t do this, Abbot! I don’t know what to do when you do this.”
Beopjeong raised his head and smiled gently again.
“Each group will resolve their own issues from the competition. Shaolin will not interfere further.”
“Hmm,” Hyun Jong groaned.
“However,” Beopjeong continued, looking back and forth between the two sides.
“If this keeps happening before the competition, everyone will become agitated, so I ask everyone to act appropriately.”
“I’m sorry…” Beopjeong put his hands together lightly.
Then, as he turned around and walked away slowly, the Shaolin disciples, who had been glaring at Hwasan, quickly followed him.
“Indeed, it is Shaolin.”
“Excellent!” The crowd nodded, relieved that the matter was settled without any problems.
“Still, Shaolin is Shaolin, huh?” Chung Myung muttered and smiled faintly.
Anyway, it’s been resolved well…
Thud.
At that moment, someone put their hand on Chung Myung’s shoulder.
Chung Myung slowly turned his head.
He saw Hyun Jong with an expression he had never imagined, and he flinched.
“…Follow me.”
This is strange.
This is Shaolin Temple… Why is there Asura here?
Gonghwa, who followed to the right of Beopjeong as he slowly moved, opened his mouth with a dissatisfied voice.
“Abbot, why are you handling things this way?”
The other disciples also seemed to have the same thought, as they could not hide their dissatisfaction.
“They insulted Shaolin. Those young children are fighting in Shaolin’s territory. Isn’t this a complete insult to Shaolin?”
“They should have been punished!”
Beopjeong’s expression slowly changed.
His gentle face was replaced with a face full of dignity and integrity befitting the Abbot of Thousand Year Shaolin, and he coldly rebuked.
“So, are you saying that it is okay to use a sword with Shaolin’s permission in front of so many people, but it is a sin to punch without permission?”
“Th, that’s…”
“Foolish, foolish. You can’t even keep up with the schemes of that young child.”
Beopjeong chanted a low Buddhist prayer.
‘It was like a blade.’
There was a sharpened blade hidden in the words Chung Myung threw playfully.
‘What if I wasn’t there?’
Gonghwa would probably have taken them into custody. If that had happened, they could have been arrested without resistance, but…
‘The word that Shaolin is oppressing other groups by using their authority would have surely spread.’
He had already warned the leader of Hwasan.
He said that a group with good momentum is always followed by envious eyes.
If that were the case, the group that would be most envied would inevitably be Shaolin.
This would have been a good opportunity for those who are ready to attack Shaolin at any chance they get. And in the end, Shaolin would have been called hypocrites as a price for arresting those whom they could not properly punish.
Beop Jeong chuckled softly.
Did he plan all of this so far in advance? Just a young child?
He paused, lost in thought, before speaking.
Gong Hwa.
Yes, Abbot.
Do you know anything about this child, Cheong Myeong?
Hmm.
But the answer came from a different monk, not Gong Hwa.
If this is Cheong Myeong from Mount Hua, people call him the ‘Divine Dragon of Mount Hua’. They say he is the best young talent in Jianghu right now.
Divine Dragon of Mount Hua?
Yes. I heard that he easily defeated Jin Geum-ryong of Jongnam, and also won against Wudang. Rumors even say he beat Mu-jin from Wudang and even the leader of the Sichuan Tang Family in a fight…
Don’t speak such foolishness to the Abbot!
…My apologies.
The speaker flinched and shut his mouth at Gong Hwa’s rebuke.
Even if we believe the story about Mu-jin, the Tang Family leader is too unbelievable!
It’s just what the rumors say…
Enough.
Beop Jeong silenced their conversation.
Divine Dragon of Mount Hua.
The name stuck in Beop Jeong’s head.
Mount Hua has been doing well recently. And they have this amazing child. It’s truly something. If there is such a child, the children around him will naturally be drawn to him.
…Even though they fought without swords, Hainan’s complete loss is important. We can’t ignore it. Perhaps…
Gong Hwa trailed off.
Even without hearing the end, Beop Jeong knew what he wanted to say.
Perhaps even the Shaolin could face difficulties.
Gong Hwa probably wanted to say that the Nine Great Sects, including Shaolin, forced Mount Hua to leave before.
Mount Hua would probably be angry at the Nine Great Sects.
If Mount Hua became stronger and threatened the Nine Great Sects, people would start talking about Mount Hua coming back.
That was something no one wanted, something that made everyone uncomfortable.
But…
Beop Jeong glanced back almost unconsciously. In the distance, he could see the disciples of Mount Hua.
Mount Hua.
His side throbbed.
Gong Hwa worried about that matter, but for Beop Jeong, it was merely a small concern.
Rather, something deeper.
The old wrong from the past felt heavy to Beop Jeong.
How long must I hide the sky with my hand?
Abbot?
No, it’s nothing.
Beop Jeong shook his head.
It’s past.
It was an event that had occurred not in his generation, but several generations ago.
Gong Hwa.
Yes, Abbot.
Keep a close watch on Mount Hua and that child, the Divine Dragon of Mount Hua.
I will do so.
Let us go.
Beop Jeong quickened his pace slightly.
But his steps now felt heavier than before.
Words can be heavy. Cheong Myeong was learning something new about that.
I think I’d rather be scolded.
Hyun Jong knelt three steps away, staring at him.
Since they arrived at his room, Hyun Jong had just glared at them. He hadn’t said a word. And he was still doing it.
Because of this, Cheong Myeong and the other disciples felt like they might faint.
Baek Cheon’s back was soaked with sweat.
Please, just hit us, Sect Leader!
I’d rather be beaten by Cheong Myeong.
S-scary…
After a long while of that.
Hyun Jong, who had been glaring at Cheong Myeong and his group without a word, finally twisted his lips and spoke.
I…
I won’t ask for anything, just… don’t cause any trouble…
I only asked that one thing and left for a moment.
A fierce light flashed in Hyun Jong’s eyes.
Cheong Myeong smiled at the sight.
He’s becoming more human.
When Cheong Myeong first met him, Hyun Jong was kind and gentle. But now, his eyes showed anger that could kill.
You couldn’t even wait that long before causing trouble! You little mudfish! Raaah!
Finally, Hyun Jong got so angry he was foaming at the mouth and jumped up.
But he couldn’t reach them. The Hyun disciples grabbed his arms from both sides.
Calm yourself, Sect Leader!
Come now. Why are you so angry? Take a deep breath. Deep breath. Inhale, exhale!
What kind of deep breathing is that?
Ah, was that not it?
Raaah! You bastards! You damned bastards!
Hyun Jong kept kicking at Cheong Myeong. But the Hyun disciples held him tight, so his feet just waved weakly in the air.
Not just anywhere! In Shaolin! In Shaaaooolin, you bastards! I can’t even lift my face in shame! Shame!
Huh?
Cheong Myeong tilted his head as if he didn’t understand.
Isn’t it a little weird? We beat those Hainan kids! You should be proud! Stand up tall!
Raaaaaaaaaah!
Hyun Jong finally took off his shoes and threw them at Cheong Myeong. Cheong Myeong dodged the flying shoes with a sly grin.
Hehe. You don’t need to praise me so much. I just did what any student should do.
Get ooooout!
Really?
Ah, no! Don’t go out! No, absolutely don’t go out! Don’t go anywhere!
Hyun Jong tore at his hair with a pale face.
Ugh… I shouldn’t have come here! Coming here! It’s only the first day! How will I deal with what happens next? Ancestors, please give me strength!
Cheong Myeong glanced up as he watched him pray to the heavens.
I don’t know if that ancestor is this ancestor, but…
This is good enough, right? Senior Brother Sect Leader?
– Just shut your mouth.
Eh.
Those are harsh words.
Hee hee hee!