32 – 03# A Needle in a Sack (3)

Sword Demon.

A title that anyone involved in the martial world, regardless of their affiliation with the Righteous or Demonic Sects, would have heard at least once. Though the individual was closer to a legend, having operated decades ago.

Nevertheless, the reason for the Sword Demon’s widespread fame, surpassing even the Demonic Sect to reach the Righteous, lay in the ruthless path he had forged. In the past, the relationship between the Righteous and Demonic Sects was far from friendly.

But it wasn’t the concept of worthy rivals. Before the Sword Demon’s emergence, the Demonic Sect merely possessed greater numbers than the Righteous. The difference in quality was immense.

The Righteous Sect boasted formidable foundations such as the Five Great Families and the Nine Sects, whereas the Demonic Sect had only the Demonic Path Alliance, and even that was not of a high standard.

Rather, the Demonic Sect was a group oppressed by the Righteous. The martial artists affiliated with the Demonic Sect were mostly bandits from the Janggang Water Fort or Green Forest groups.

[Who dares to obstruct the path I walk? He who bars my way, be it even the Jade Emperor of Heaven, shall be cleaved asunder!]

It was then that the Sword Demon appeared within the Demonic Sect like a comet. Despite his youth, barely past coming-of-age, he had reached the pinnacle of mastery. A genius who may never be seen again.

The pinnacle of mastery was known as something to be attained with years of constant diligence, and this was not wrong. But there were exceptions.

That exception just happened to be the Sword Demon, a martial artist hailing from the Demonic Sect. With overwhelming strength, the Sword Demon united the disjointed Demonic Sect, and taught them the martial Way.

Formidable Demonic Sect clans such as the Black History Clan, which was once equal to Sichuan Dangga, a member of the Five Great Families and a symbol of poison techniques, were founded by the Sword Demon.

The martial world casually said that the history of the Demonic Sect was divided into before and after the Sword Demon. In reality, these words were never empty.

The only one who could stop the Sword Demon who walked the Path of Domination was the Sword God, the leader of the Martial Alliance at the time, amongst the masters that the Righteous Sect possessed.

The strength he wielded became a humiliation that the martial artists of the Righteous Sect could never forget and a sense of respect.

[Although he may not be at the same level as the Sword God, the Sword Demon is a worthy opponent.]

[Those who lost to him need not be ashamed.]

[From the beginning, the Demonic Sect were martial artists.]

Of course, not all of them were trying to reduce the shame of defeat. To deny the sword demon meant denying the worth of those who had failed to him.

Truly, a disposition worthy of a righteous sect.

Thanks to it, there wasn’t a soul who dabbled in the martial world who didn’t know the name of the Sword Demon, or so it could be said. That was why Yang Miyeon herself was taking action.

The Azure Jade Pavilion was the finest pleasure house in Henan, boasting a dignity and formality befitting its renown. Even for the Five Great Clans or the Nine Sects, securing a place within its walls was no easy feat.

But when the opponent was the Sword Demon, things were different. A legend of the Demonic Path, an existence that carved a pivotal mark in history. Now that he had returned, rushing out barefoot to greet him would hardly be enough.

‘The only place that can properly accommodate a figure like the Sword Demon, without a doubt, is our Azure Jade Pavilion.’

As the Pavilion Lord, Yang Miyeon possessed immense pride in the Azure Jade Pavilion she managed. The reason she was so fastidious in selecting her clientele stemmed from that very same, mountain-like pride.

With a grace and decorum evident in her every subtle movement, Yang Miyeon turned to Moomyung and offered a smile. But Moomyung, without so much as a blink, spoke:

“My apologies, I shall seek lodging elsewhere.”

“Is there perhaps something that makes you uncomfortable?”

“I simply do not care much for pleasure houses.”

‘It’s hardly a suitable place for children in the first place.’

Naturally, for Moomyung, the notion of visiting a pleasure house with children was bordering on utter nonsense. But Yang Miyeon interpreted his words differently.

‘So, the Great Hero treats women as if they were stone. Truly… he is on a different level entirely from the self-proclaimed masters of the righteous sects.’

“In that case, I shall find you suitable accommodations to stay in Henan.”

Despite being refused her services by Moomyung for the first time in her life, Yang Miyeon betrayed no sign of displeasure. Rather, she was earnestly trying to assist him.

Knowing that even a minor offense stemming from pointless bravado could result in the entire house being burned to the ground. The existence of the Sword Demon was, undeniably, akin to a natural disaster.

How could a mere mortal dare to defy a calamity that turned the world upside down? One could only read the ebb and flow, protect oneself from being swept away, and drift along with the current.

Even this small encounter, if the opponent was the Sword Demon, would surely prove useful someday.

◇

The place Yang Miyeon ceded to them was closer to an academy than an inn. Beyond the walls was a spacious training ground, and behind that, dwellings for people to reside.

However, its scale was so small that it could be derisively dismissed as trivial compared to the Seonmuhakgwan. But it was more than enough for Moomyung and his disciples to hone their martial skills.

Moomyung had never anticipated receiving such a precious gift from someone he had just met. But this was, from the very beginning, one of the gifts Yang Miyeon had considered.

“Is it truly alright for us to use this place?”

“Indeed. No compensation is needed.”

“I do not understand. What is the reason for assisting us so much?”

At this point, even Moomyung couldn’t help but be wary of the other party’s hidden intentions. This much kindness was too good to be true. There was surely some scheme at play.

“Surely the Great Hero does not believe I desire anything from you. I merely ask that you grant me one favor someday.”

“If that favor exceeds the bounds, I will have no choice but to refuse.”

“That promise alone is enough for me.”

Her demeanor hinted at some hidden agenda, but Moomyung couldn’t reject such favorable conditions. For now, he had no choice but to accept Yang Miyeon’s kindness.

She explained that, from what she’d heard, this place was originally one of the many remnants of attempts by the unorthodox factions to establish academies in opposition to the orthodox martial clans’ Seonmu Schools.

The unorthodox factions had aimed to establish academies in over ten provinces, including Henan, but due to a lack of talent, funding, and various other issues, they had failed, leaving only this one.

“However, since Great Hero has disciples, I thought this place would be more useful than some mediocre inn and decided to offer it to you.”

“Your consideration is appreciated.”

“This is nothing.”

Following that, Yang Miyeon had her people fill the place with essential necessities before departing. As a result, only Mumyeong, Sua, and Seolhwa remained in the vast space.

“There’s definitely an ulterior motive, Master.”

“I don’t like that woman.”

“I know that. But we can’t just throw away such a good opportunity, can we?”

Mumyeong couldn’t even guess Yang Miyeon’s hidden agenda, but he couldn’t bring himself to rudely refuse such a generous gift. It wasn’t a bad place to hone his martial skills.

Moreover, the residence wasn’t some dilapidated thatched-roof hut, but a proper house. They wouldn’t have to suffer through sweltering summers and freezing winters anymore. Of course, he could endure it if he were alone.

But Mumyeong now had two children under his care. He decided to put aside his troubling thoughts for now and instead tour the residence with his adorable disciples.

It certainly had everything they needed. There was even what appeared to be a small study, and the warehouse was piled high with straw dummies and old wooden swords for practice.

“We should be able to use this without any problems for a while.”

“Master, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Are you perhaps thinking of taking on more disciples here?”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Mumyeong looked at Sua. But Sua’s expression as she looked at Mumyeong was more serious than ever. Taking on new disciples, huh?

He hadn’t planned on taking on any more disciples in the first place. And even if he wanted to, he wasn’t in a position to do so right now. Mumyeong’s cultivation was only at the pinnacle stage at best.

He needed to at least reach the Hwagyeong realm where he could freely manipulate Geombang before even considering it. In his current state, only capable of using Geomgi, he would only embarrass himself.

“Is there really a need to take on more?”

“That’s a relief… I was a little worried, Master.”

“I like Sua Sahyeo and Master the best!”

“Yes, Seolhwa. I like you both the best too.”

Sua let out a sigh of relief at Mumyeong’s confirmation. The moment she stepped into this academy, she had been worried that she might be pushed aside.

“…Is anyone there?”

At least, that’s how it was until the next day.

Until someone knocked on the front gate.