Chapter 107
Jeon Woo-chi trembled like a tree struck by lightning.
‘The three great demonic tools of the Udo-bang?!’
Demonic tools.
In other words, it was a term that collectively referred to rare tools containing special abilities, such as magical instruments, magical treasures, treasured artifacts, and treasured tools, and was a word that symbolized treasures with mysterious abilities.
Jeon Woo-chi also possessed a demonic tool called the ‘Seon-yo-jong.’
Long ago, when he was defeating the jiangshi with So-ah, hadn’t he performed exorcism with the bracelet-shaped Seon-yo-jong?
But compared to the three great demonic tools of the Udo-bang, the Seon-yo-jong was nothing more than a child’s toy.
“The three great demonic tools… aren’t they treasures that are second to none in the world? How can you give such a rare item to me…”
“Woo-chi-ya.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Who am I?”
“A sorcerer, a martial artist, a Taoist, an exorcist. Aren’t you a strange person who cannot be defined in one word?”
Baek In-hwa burst into a hearty laugh and opened his mouth.
“Hohoho! You brat, why are you being so long-winded?”
“…Master.”
“Woo-chi-ya. I am the head of the Udo-bang.”
“That’s right.”
“And I am a Goryeo person.”
“Ah…!”
Jeon Woo-chi let out a sigh.
For some reason, he felt like he knew what his master was about to say.
“I was born in Goryeo, and I grew up in Goryeo. So, I plan to spend my last moments in Goryeo. Therefore, even if the Evil King Star has risen in the Central Plains, the time I stay will be short.”
“Master…”
“So, you must assist Young Master Jin, uncover the reality of the Evil King Star, subjugate the wicked and cunning, and save the world. Therefore, I, this old man, intend to give you the three great demonic tools, as well as the ‘Heavenly Secrets Manual (Book of Heavenly Skills).’”
“Master!”
“Please, be prudent in all things, do not neglect your training, and become a benevolent Taoist who defeats evil and carries on the value of good!”
Jeon Woo-chi’s heart was overwhelmed.
‘I…!’
He wanted to live in a big world.
He hated the life of being cooped up in a deep mountain valley.
Watching his senior and junior brothers leave one by one for success, he himself had left Mount Baekdu without a plan for happiness, and it had been ten years…
His master, whose wrinkles had deepened, had suddenly appeared and was bestowing grace upon him once again.
“Actually, I thought I wouldn’t be able to meet you. But seeing you like this, it’s all the will of heaven. Let’s accept it humbly.”
“I… am not qualified. Am I not a wicked person who has turned his back on our school? I am not qualified to receive the treasures of the Udo-bang.”
Thud—
Jeon Woo-chi knelt down.
It seemed he couldn’t endure it without kneeling.
But.
“Woo-chi-ya.”
Baek In-hwa helped him up and gently held his hand.
“It is said, ‘Do not transmit to one who is not the right person.’ If you were truly a wicked person, I would never have taught you. You are a disciple with a brilliant and good heart.”
“Master…”
“This is the arrangement of heaven. Accept your destiny with courage and fulfill your responsibility.”
At the same time, Baek In-hwa took out several items from a large bag.
Among them, he handed over a rolled-up carpet, a brush, and a single fruit that was jade-colored and shone brilliantly. Only then did Jeon Woo-chi realize that he could not break his master’s stubbornness and humbly accepted them.
“Woo-chi-ya. Your magical power is still not enough to handle the magical instruments properly. First, at noon, when the yang energy is most abundant, go to a deserted place, take the ‘Baekdu-jeong,’ and circulate your ki. Then, you will be able to achieve a dramatic increase in your magical power.”
“Master…”
“After that, read and ponder this Book of Heavenly Skills and purify your mind.”
This time, Baek In-hwa took out a small book from his bosom and handed it to Jeon Woo-chi.
It was a very small size, so it seemed it wouldn’t take long to read it completely.
“If you completely memorize the Book of Heavenly Skills' and engrave it in your heart, you will be able to experience another growth. When that time comes, you will be able to use the Heavenly Will Brush and the carpet freely.”
“I will keep that in mind, Master.”
Jeon Woo-chi.
The man who had been Gu-yang Seon just a shichen ago, his eyes were now burning like a volcano with firm resolve and hot will.
***
The next day.
Martial Alliance, Conference Hall.
“Now! This is the last one. This time, we will conduct the hearing for the head of the Emei Sect, the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon.”
From early in the morning, the Martial Alliance was bustling.
It was because the hearing for the five candidates for Alliance Leader was in progress.
Ye Jong-do of the Huashan Sect, Jong-ryeo of the Wudang Sect, Yeong-chun of the Kongtong Sect, and Namgung Won of the Namgung Family.
Their hearings were nothing special and were quickly concluded.
‘Those guys are just…’
‘For show, nothing more than a formality…’
‘The main event starts with the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon!’
But.
‘There’s nothing to find fault with.’
‘Whether it’s martial arts… or her track record.’
‘Has the Emei Sect ever done anything wrong?’
‘The Sword Empress’s hand may be ruthless, but that’s limited to the wicked. There’s nothing to question. It seems the Sword Empress prevailing theory cannot be overturned.’
Although the hearing for the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon, which they had been looking forward to, had begun, the people in the room could not continue with any particular questions.
Originally, a hearing was a process that started with questioning and ended with questioning.
But the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon had lived a neat life without any superfluities.
Although she had not lived a selfless life like Moyong Cheon, she had always stepped up when she needed to, held back when she needed to, and had always acted with foresight.
No one could use the ‘hearing’ as an excuse to argue about trivial matters.
In the midst of such formal and lukewarm questions and answers.
“With all due respect, I know that you, the head of the sect, once recommended Young Master Jin So-ah of the Moyong family as the chief instructor of the White Martial Academy. At that time, I know that you were the most ardent supporter of him. Is that correct?”
A strange question came out of the mouth of the elder of the Hengshan Sect, Won Il-ryong.
At that, the gazes of the people in the room crossed between Won Il-ryong and the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon.
“That is correct.”
“I have a question about that. At that time, what did you see in such a young man to support him so ardently? By any chance, was there some kind of secret agreement between the Moyong Family and the Emei Sect?”
Murmur, murmur—
In an instant, the room became noisy.
Certainly, Won Il-ryong’s words were nothing more than speculation.
But even in the minds of the people in the room, the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon had always favored So-ah.
Also, the matter at that time was quite unconventional, and whenever an unfavorable rumor about So-ah spread, the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon would always step up and defend him…
Although it couldn’t be a sharp remark that would turn the tide, Won Il-ryong’s question had its own logic.
‘What is that person saying…’
Meanwhile, Moyong Baek was bewildered.
Why was So-ah’s name being mentioned out of the blue?
In addition, the Beggars’ Sect Chief, Hong In-geol, who had also recommended So-ah at that time, and the former Alliance Leader, Ha Won-sang, were just as dumbfounded.
But since this was a hearing to elect the Alliance Leader.
Any question and questioning was the questioner’s prerogative, so they could not interfere recklessly.
Just then.
A single word that shattered the expectations of the crowd came out of the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon’s mouth.
“It is true that a few promises were exchanged between the esteemed God of War and myself.”
“…!”
‘No! What is the Sword Empress saying right now?’
‘This is going to be interesting.’
‘A few promises with the God of War…!’
It was the moment when the hearing, which was expected to end without any particular event, became lively.
The attention of the people in the room was focused, and those who had even felt bored opened their ears and began to listen to the debate between Won Il-ryong and the Sword Empress.
“What were those promises? You must reveal them in detail.”
“First. I once asked the esteemed God of War in his lifetime to recommend me to become the next Alliance Leader.”
“…”
“Second. I was entrusted with a child by the esteemed God of War. That child was in a serious condition, suffering from the Nine Yin Severed Meridians like myself. As requested, I took the child in, taught her martial arts, and helped her control the Nine Yin Severed Meridians. The person who has now become a respectable official of the Alliance, Myo-seon of our sect, is that child.”
“…”
“Lastly, I was also asked by the esteemed God of War to look favorably upon So-ah. As you all know, I have cherished So-ah very much since then.”
“Sword Empress. May I see this as a solicitation with a clear quid pro quo?”
At the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon’s confession, Won Il-ryong, with a stern, heavy, and sharp expression and tone, pushed her.
Whisper, whisper—
The ripple effect was not small.
The people in the room, who had thought that the hearing would end without any trouble just a shichen ago, began to whisper with different looks in their eyes.
But.
“Hohohot! A solicitation. Great Hero Won, your speculation is excessive.”
“Sword Empress Hong-ryeon! Depending on the interpretation…”
“No.”
The Sword Empress Hong-ryeon cut off Won Il-ryong’s words with a relaxed expression.
“At that time, the esteemed God of War did not hold any position related to the Martial Alliance. Therefore, my request cannot be established as a solicitation. It was nothing more than a private conversation between a close senior and junior.”
“…”
“Also! My taking Myo-seon as my disciple and treating her Nine Yin Severed Meridians was something I had to do as a martial artist. Isn’t it the duty of the Orthodox Path to destroy evil and save lives?”
At the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon’s question, Won Il-ryong was silent with a troubled expression.
Because, certainly, hearing her words, his argument was forced.
‘That’s right… if the God of War didn’t have a position in the Martial Alliance, it can’t be seen as a solicitation.’
‘Isn’t it just a private conversation?’
‘Great Hero Won misjudged.’
The Sword Empress Hong-ryeon had succeeded in turning the hearts of the people in the room with just a few words.
But her words were not yet over.
“Furthermore. The reason I looked favorably upon So-ah and recommended that young child as the chief instructor was to realize a ‘personnel appointment based on ability.’ Great Hero Won may not know, but So-ah, at the tender age of fifteen, had a life-and-death struggle with the Right Heavenly Demon Sword, No Yeong-myeong, one of the three great masters of the Unorthodox Path. You must also know the anecdote of his catching the Ghost Demon Jiangshi, Great Hero Won.”
Won Il-ryong became a mute who had eaten honey.
The appointment of So-ah as the chief instructor was a huge shock at the time, but the martial prowess and several anecdotes that So-ah had proven were more than enough to offset that shock.
‘That’s right. It was Young Master Jin who survived a confrontation with the Right Heavenly Demon Sword, No Yeong-myeong, and defeated the Ghost Demon Jiangshi at the age of fifteen.’
‘He wrote the letter of recommendation based on that achievement…’
‘It’s unreasonable to see it as corruption. To be honest, I would have recommended him too.’
Before long, the seeds of distrust that had been sprouting in the hearts of the people in the room had completely disappeared.
“That is the kind of child our So-ah is. I do not regret my decision in the slightest. If it is a sin to recommend someone with ability, and if that is a disqualifying reason for the election of the Alliance Leader. I will not be such an Alliance Leader.”
“Ah…!”
Won Il-ryong’s long sigh.
And.
‘Ah…!’
A great ripple that cut through Moyong Baek’s heart.
The Sword Empress Hong-ryeon’s words were definitely a strong move among strong moves.
It was no exaggeration to say that it was an unreasonable move for a candidate for Alliance Leader to say that they would not become the Alliance Leader during a hearing.
But.
“Hohoho! As an elder of the Martial Alliance’s council of elders, I shouldn’t interfere, but the Sword Empress is right. So-ah’s abilities were already proven. So, this old man also willingly wrote a letter of recommendation.”
In addition.
“Also!”
This time, Ha Won-sang opened his mouth softly.
“The decision at that time was solely the judgment of the Martial Alliance and myself. It was a personnel appointment to successfully graduate the first students of the academy, so I hope Great Hero Won has no unnecessary misunderstandings.”
At the successive supporting fire from the Beggars’ Sect Chief and the former Alliance Leader, Won Il-ryong had no choice but to lose his will to fight.
“I have been very rude. Sword Empress.”
“Not at all. It is something a candidate should endure.”
The Sword Empress Hong-ryeon did not make an issue of Won Il-ryong’s questioning.
Because, all things considered, this could be called a fairly favorable hearing.
Just then.
Won Il-ryong seemed to be deep in thought about something, and soon, with a voice full of firm resolve, he performed a polite cupped fist salute and said to the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon.
“Abbess. Please, become a firm, upright, and righteous Alliance Leader.”
Only then did the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon curl up the corners of her mouth.
‘This is the end… Esteemed Sword Empress! Congratulations!’
‘Hohoho. Sword Empress. I have high expectations for you.’
‘Kekeke! So-ah would have been so happy if he had seen this.’
Moyong Baek, Ha Won-sang, and Hong In-geol.
With the pleased looks of the three, the hearing of the Sword Empress Hong-ryeon came to an end.
That was.
It became the opening of the election of the first female Martial Alliance Leader.
(End of Chapter)