Chapter 270: The Orthodox Sect (4)
The Diamond Arhat’s appearance was like that of a monk drawn in a painting.
Though he had left Shaolin and now served in the Murim Alliance, his neatly shaven head, glowing faintly blue, seemed to testify that he was still a disciple of Buddha.
His expression, filled with composure and compassion, wore a faint smile reminiscent of a Buddha statue.
Perhaps he was trying to conceal the oppressive aura naturally exuding from a body honed to its limits—his robe was quite loose, hiding the shape of his physique.
Though the robe appeared somewhat worn, it was well-maintained, spotless and unwrinkled, as if cared for daily.
If I had to compare, he felt like a man who combined Monk Gakjeong’s external martial arts and Master Jeong Hyeon’s compassionate heart.
There’s a reason he had once been considered the next Diamond Guardian Monk.
But even someone like the Diamond Arhat furrowed his brows deeply at my next remark.
“In simpler terms, I’m asking whether you’ve been possessed by inner demons.”
The Diamond Arhat looked at me as if I were the one possessed by demons. Tsk.
Guess that wasn’t the right approach.
Even I felt a bit guilty seeing that expression. But it was a necessary move. At the very least, now I knew that there was nothing currently wrong with him.
That’s the best outcome for me. It meant he wasn’t secretly harboring resentment over some past incident, but that he would be consumed by killing intent due to something that will happen in the future.
Though my reputation seemed to be plummeting in real time, it was a price worth paying.
Clearly flustered and slightly offended, the Diamond Arhat pressed his palms together and spoke.
“Namo Amitabha... I do not know why the White Moon Sword Lord would ask such a thing, but I assure you, I feel no shame before Buddha, nor before myself.”
“Is that so? Then I must have been mistaken.”
With a straight face, I nodded as if it had been nothing important. The Diamond Arhat let out a hollow chuckle.
He sighed and continued.
“If that is all you needed, may I return now? It seems the other benefactors are waiting.”
“Ah, you mean the ones gathered in the martial yard?”
“Yes. Though it may be undeserved, many have come to see me early in the morning. I’d rather not have them leave disappointed.”
“Undeserved? Among martial artists who’ve reached a high realm, few look down to those below, and even fewer reach out to those following behind. You are doing admirable work.”
That was sincere.
Whether orthodox or unorthodox, the higher one’s level, the more arrogance tends to develop. This isn’t unique to martial artists, but a reflection of human nature seen in all kinds of fields.
Even so, being able to reach beyond one’s circle to help others, even strangers—that’s certainly admirable.
It’s no wonder the Diamond Arhat had such a good reputation.
Perhaps my sincerity came through, because his expression softened slightly as he nodded, palms still pressed together.
Given the size of his body, honed through external arts, even a small gesture looked large.
“Thank you. Then I shall take my leave.”
With a brief bow, he returned to the martial yard. I followed behind and joined the martial artists already training hard without guidance, drawing my sword.
“…?”
The Diamond Arhat blinked.
I shrugged at his puzzled look.
“I just happened to feel a little restless, so I thought I’d swing lightly. Am I not allowed to use this martial yard?”
“N-No, that’s not it…”
His expression twisted again, only just having returned to calm. A moment later, he stood with his mouth agape.
And then, he began to look at me as if I were pitiful.
…I wonder what conclusion he’s come to. Not that I really care.
Still, this was likely just his reaction to being asked moments ago whether he was possessed by inner demons.
As for the other martial artists gathered here—they were welcoming me.
“Huh… a newcomer? Or maybe a guest from the Tang Clan. Judging from his sword use, he’s not a direct Tang bloodline.”
“Not even close! I get that you’ve been in closed-door training for a while, but still—how can you not know?!”
“Fine, fine. Just tell me who he is already.”
“Come on! A man in Tang green robes, wielding a sword, and being addressed respectfully by Elder Yi—that’s obviously the White Moon Sword Lord, isn’t it?!”
“…Hurk!”
Though they tried to whisper, to someone with my honed senses, it sounded as clear as if they were speaking right next to me.
And indeed, it soon spread through those standing nearby.
Even if an expert of the Sub-Perfection level helps with training, it’s rare for them to oversee many people at once like a full instructor.
Most of those gathered here hadn’t yet found their path.
Some were late-stage juniors, others were older but still in desperate need of learning.
Maybe that’s why, once they realized who I was, their eyes began to sparkle.
“Do you think the White Moon Sword Lord is here to learn martial arts from the elder?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. They use different weapons, and his martial level is way higher.”
“Then why is he here…?”
“If you ask me, maybe he’s just like Elder Yi, trying to give us a bit of guidance.”
Their growing anticipation was obvious. Eventually, one of them, unable to resist, stepped forward.
A young woman, looking to be about my age or a little younger. Her sweat-soaked training uniform marked her as a member of the Murim Alliance, but bore no symbol of any specific unit.
She was likely someone not yet officially assigned or just recently accepted—someone not yet recognized as a full member.
“U-Um. You’re the White Moon Sword Lord, right?”
“I am.”
“Are you… perhaps here to train us alongside the elder?”
“Hmm. If it’s just a little, I suppose that’s fine.”
I glanced toward the woman who had approached me.
Her build was average, but the calluses and blisters on her fists showed she had trained hard—more than most.
Fists, huh.
“Do you primarily use fist and kick techniques?”
“Eh? Y-Yes!”
“Sorry, but I don’t know much besides the sword.”
“Oh…”
“But, if you promise to transfer to the Seo Mun Clan, I might teach you a few things. If you’re lucky, you might even get to learn directly from Senior Seo Mun-Hwarin.”
“…Not the Tang Clan, but the Seo Mun Clan?”
“Correct. Right now, you could probably get the vice-commander… or maybe even the commander position, depending on how things go.”
She looked a bit intrigued, then hesitantly asked in a restrained voice,
“What commander…?”
“Hasn’t been decided yet. I’ll come up with a name soon.”
“Oh, and the Seo Mun Clan doesn’t have a building yet, so once we construct one, I’ll contact you.”
“…No thanks.”
She flatly refused and returned to her spot.
I had thought, since Seo Mun-Hwarin was beginning to rebuild her clan, I’d lend a hand by recruiting in advance… but I failed immediately. Seems I shouldn’t try things I’m not used to.
I felt a little sulky inside, but not for long. Since the Diamond Arhat used fist techniques, a few of the rare sword-users began to cautiously approach.
“Um, excuse me…”
“Your stance is off. You’re too wary of your opponent’s attacks, which is causing your shoulders to stiffen when you swing. Naturally, your waist rotation becomes slanted, and your legs lose balance. Am I wrong?”
“Y-You’re right! But how… I haven’t even finished explaining, let alone shown you anything…”
“If you can’t even see something this simple, you’d be dead.”
“Is Sichuan really that deadly…?”
“No. I was talking about Zhejiang Province.”
“…?”
He tilted his head, confused. I cleared my throat and continued.
“Ahem. In any case, this is a matter of mindset, so the solution is simple. You can either gradually fix it through long-term sparring and training, or you can overcome it in a single, intense moment—after which most dangers won’t seem so threatening. Which do you prefer?”
“The latter, please.”
The puzzled look vanished, replaced by seriousness. He must’ve steeled himself, considering this a heaven-sent opportunity.
I’m no open-minded leader like the Namgung Clan who tells people to grow stronger and come back, nor someone like the Diamond Arhat who trains dozens daily.
But giving guidance to a passionate junior once in a while—I can manage that much.
Feeling a bit proud, I smiled slyly.
“I won’t ask you to swing recklessly. Just withstand my killing intent.”
“Uh… Wait, just a moment…”
For some reason, his complexion turned pale. And then—
Thud!
I only focused a small amount of killing intent, but he immediately collapsed, foaming at the mouth.
Looks like he had the spirit but not the strength…
Still, once he wakes up, he’ll be better than before.
Feeling awkward under the shocked stares around me, I moved him into the shade. I even used Object-Grasping Through Empty Air to pluck nearby leaves and cover his eyes.
Even though it’s not midday, prolonged sun exposure could lead to dehydration.
Looking around at the stiffened juniors, I asked,
“Anyone else here a swordsman hitting a wall?”
Suffocating silence.
A few more eventually stepped up, but… whether they went flying from light contact or lost confidence after a few comments, none of them lasted long.
Before I knew it, no one was approaching me anymore.
In the end, I had to swing my sword alone until the morning session ended.
After others left for a late meal or went about their business, I also bid farewell to the Diamond Arhat and returned to my room.
There, having just finished her own morning training and lightly washed up, was a slightly more radiant Seol Lihyang.
“Hey, you're already back, Cheon Hwi?”
“I told you it wouldn’t take long. Where are Tang Sowol and Senior Seo Mun-Hwarin?”
“They were talking about something complicated with the clan head, I think?”
“Ahh…”
Judging by yesterday’s conversation, they were probably talking with Tang Jincheon about rebuilding the Seo Mun Clan and what support it would receive.
A guest typically stays in a household, receiving hospitality, and offers their strength when needed.
But Seo Mun-Hwarin had done far more than any ordinary guest during her time with the Tang Clan.
They must be trying to give her something—whether it’s compensation or to smooth future relations.
As I nodded in understanding, Seol Lihyang crept up beside me and whispered.
“Hey, Cheon Hwi. So… it’s just the two of us now?”
“Looks that way.”
“Then…”
Trailing off, she nuzzled her forehead against my shoulder. Even without saying it, I knew what she wanted.
“If I’m being honest, I’d like to fool around with you too. But… there’s something I need to think about.”
“Tsk. What a shame. What’s so serious that you’re being all solemn? Did something go wrong with your plan?”
“No. Not at all.”
If anything, the Diamond Arhat seemed grateful that I helped guide the juniors.
Now that we’ve gotten closer through this event, I’ll have a reason to visit again.
If something is going to happen that drastically twists the Diamond Arhat’s mindset, I need to stay close and intervene.
In that sense, today was a fairly successful day. But—
“Don’t take this the wrong way, just listen.”
“Mmhm. I know you say things that sound bad sometimes, so just say it.”
Seol Lihyang, brushing it off as usual.
To her, I finally shared the thought I’d been carrying since I left the martial yard.
“I think… I just don’t understand people who lack talent.”
“Even when I hit the wall before the Flowering Stage, I didn’t feel this helpless.”
“…Die.”
Seol Lihyang, who had only just entered the Sub-Perfection realm, said with a dead serious expression. Her eyes looked at me like I was the most insufferable creature in the world.
Am I seeing her through rose-tinted glasses?
…Well, even so, I kind of liked it.