Episode 19: Rising from a Fall (1)
Light Novel: Volume 1 Episode 19
Manhwa: Chapter 16
Chapter 7 Episode 19. Rising from a Fall (1)
Sage Cheon-heo traveled far from Wind Dust Guest House to a secluded area. Once he arrived at a desolate place, he finally spoke.
“I am Cheon-heo of the Wudang Sect. I know you are already watching. Show yourself.”
“……”
“Escort Warrior Im.”
No response came, but Sage Cheon-heo remained patient and waited.
After a brief silence, the rustling of movement broke through the still air, and the ground about ten paces away began to shift.
A glimmer of interest flickered in Sage Cheon-heo’s eyes.
At that moment, a figure emerged from beneath the earth’s surface.
“Escort Warrior Im?”
“I apologize, Sage. I had to ensure no pursuers were following me.”
The man who spoke as he discarded the cloth he used for camouflage to hide on the ground was none other than Im Ho-ryeong, an escort warrior from the Northern Road Escort Agency.
Im Ho-ryeong was in a wretched state. His left arm was missing, severed entirely, and his body was covered in old scars. His dust-laden clothes were tattered like rags.
“Are you alright, Escort Warrior Im?”
“I am fine. But the other members of the escort agency…”
Thick tears streamed down Im Ho-ryeong’s cheeks.
He was the sole survivor. Every last member of the Northern Road Escort Agency had perished. If not for Chief Escort Leader Mak Gwang desperately drawing the enemy’s attention, he too would have been slain.
He had seized a moment of distraction to bury himself in the sand, evading detection. An ordinary man would have focused solely on preserving his own life. But Im Ho-ryeong was not an ordinary man.
He had survived for one reason alone—to avenge his fallen comrades.
Sage Cheon-heo comforted him.
“It’s fortunate that you managed to stay alive.”
“Sage… Krgh!”
Im Ho-ryeong’s shoulders trembled with grief.
Sage Cheon-heo merely watched him in silence. He knew that at a time like this, no matter what he said, no words could truly ease his sorrow.
After some time, once he had regained his composure, Im Ho-ryeong finally spoke again.
“I’m sorry.”
“There is no need. If you are able, I would like to hear what happened.”
“I tracked them all the way to their base.”
“Really?”
“I staked my life on it.”
Im Ho-ryeong gritted his teeth, his eyes red and bloodshot.
The attackers had vanished north with the Northern Road Escort Agency’s cargo. Though he could have fled, Im Ho-ryeong had chosen to track them instead.
He believed that only by uncovering their identities and punishing them would he be able to avenge the grudges of his dead Northern Road Escort Agency members.
Im Ho-ryeong risked his life to track them down for two days, and in the end, he was able to discover their destination.
“Are you certain they are remnants of the Demon Sect?”
“I overheard their conversation, and I clearly heard them mention the term ‘our cult’. As far as I know, the Demon Sect is the only one in Jianghu that uses that term. And the outfits they were wearing bore patterns resembling Holy Fire.”
“Hmm…”
Sage Cheon-heo let out a low hum.
It was not definitive proof. But just the fact that words reminiscent of the Demon Sect came out of their mouths was enough to make their journey here worthwhile.
“You have done well.”
Sage Cheon-heo patted Im Ho-ryeong’s back.
A slight tremor ran through Im Ho-ryeong’s body.
The smell of his comrades’ blood on his body still seemed to be hovering around him, unable to dissipate. It seemed as if the smell would not fade until he could settle their grudges.
The corners of Sage Cheon-heo’s eyes twitched.
‘I really hope it’s not the Demon Sect…’
He silently wished that Im Ho-ryeong was mistaken.
* * *
Late at night, while everyone else was asleep, Dam-ho was circulating his internal energy under Sage Hyun-so’s watchful eyes. By now, even without taking the Surging Yang Elixir, he had no problem practicing the Heavy Sky Heart Technique.
Dam-ho’s mastery of the Heavy Sky Heart Technique had already reached the fifth level. This was a result of both the Surging Yang Elixir’s assistance and his relentless training.
On the way here, Dam-ho hadn’t missed a single day of circulating his internal energy. While others spent their time chatting or drinking, he remained focused on his training and circulated his internal energy. As a result, he gained a profound understanding of the Heavy Sky Heart Technique.
Sage Hyun-so muttered to himself.
“The Heavy Sky Heart Technique provides a firm foundation. Just as Mount Hua’s internal arts were built upon the Heavy Sky Heart Technique, once you refine your mastery of it, you will be able to develop your own unique inner technique.”
Watching his disciple’s rapid progress brought Sage Hyun-so great joy.
At that moment, Dam-ho opened his eyes, signaling the end of his internal energy circulation.
“Master.”
“Oh! Have you finished your internal energy circulation?”
“Yes!”
“Well done.”
Dam-ho unfolded his legs and stood up.
Despite having traveled relentlessly to this place almost without rest since leaving Mount Hua, there was no sign of fatigue on Dam-ho’s face. It was a testament to the benefits of the Heavy Sky Heart Technique.
In contrast, Sage Hyun-so’s face was clouded with concern.
“Is something troubling you, Master?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Master.”
“Truly, it’s nothing. I simply have a lot on my mind. Don’t concern yourself with it.”
“Okay.”
“You stubborn boy.”
Just as Sage Hyun-so forced a smile, a voice called out.
“Junior Uncle!”
From outside, Moo-gyeong’s voice rang through the air.
“Come in.”
As soon as Sage Hyun-so granted permission, Moo-gyeong and Un-gyeong hurriedly opened the door and stepped inside.
“What’s the matter?”
“Sage Cheon-heo has ordered us to leave urgently.”
“At this hour?”
Sage Cheon-heo glanced out the window. The early dawn still held onto its darkness.
“He said it was a pressing matter.”
“A pressing matter?”
Sage Hyun-so’s brows twitched.
There was only one thing that could be urgent at this point.
‘The Demon Sect.’
Sage Hyun-so quickly rose from his seat and turned to Dam-ho.
“Hurry up and get ready. Once you’re done, follow me.”
“Yes, Master.”
Sage Hyun-so and Moo-gyeong rushed outside first.
As Dam-ho was gathering Sage Hyun-so’s belongings, Un-gyeong spoke.
“Would it not be better for you to stay behind?”
“What?”
“If they truly are from the Demon Sect, no one will have the luxury of looking after you.”
“Senior Brother.”
“It would be better if you stayed here instead of being a burden to everyone.”
Un-gyeong’s gaze was cold, so cold it could send chills down to anyone’s spine. But it was not enough to shake Dam-ho’s resolve.
“Why do you assume I would be a burden?”
“Do you really not understand?”
“Regardless of what Senior Brother says, I’m still going.”
“Cheon-gyeong!”
“I cannot let Master go to such a dangerous place alone.”
Seeing Dam-ho’s unwavering stance, Un-gyeong had no more words to offer.
“I’m clearly warning you.”
“And I heard you clearly.”
“Stubborn fool.”
Un-gyeong shook his head and turned away. Just as he was about to leave, he hesitated and glanced back.
“Still… be careful.”
Without waiting for Dam-ho’s response, Un-gyeong walked out of the door.
Dam-ho stared at the door through which Un-gyeong had disappeared. But only for a moment. Soon, Dam-ho quickly gathered his belongings and headed out.
In front of the Wind Dust Guest House, all the young warriors from various sects had already gathered. Seated on horseback, their expressions were taut with tension.
A short while later, Sage Cheon-heo, Sage Hyun-so, and Yeom Jong-hwa of the Southern Edge Sect appeared. Alongside them stood Im Ho-ryeong, whose arm had been cut off.
Sage Cheon-heo addressed the gathered warriors.
“There is no time, so I have summoned you all urgently. From this moment, we will leave Yumen Pass and head directly to Xinjiang. Everyone, make sure to pay special attention to your own safety and ensure you do not get left behind. Now, let us depart.”
With that, Sage Cheon-heo mounted his horse and took the lead. The disciples of the Wudang Sect, including Yeon Soha, followed closely behind.
“We’re moving out as well.”
Yeom Jong-hwa led the disciples of the Southern Edge Sect forward.
The last to move were the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect.
Moo-gyeong urged his horse forward until he was riding beside Sage Hyun-so.
“Junior Uncle.”
“What is it?”
“Please, just confirm whether the martial artists truly belong to the Demon Sect and then withdraw.”
“But…”
“Master has instructed us to leave the fight to the Wudang Sect. He told us to put your safety above all else. So if a battle does break out, do not hesitate to withdraw.”
“I understand.”
In the end, Sage Hyun-so nodded.
Although he was the most senior in terms of position and age, the real authority within the Mount Hua Sect rested with Moo-gyeong. Sage Hyun-so had to follow his orders.
‘Could it really be the Demon Sect?’
Sage Cheon-heo had arranged for both Sage Hyun-so and Yeom Zhong-hwa to meet Im Ho-ryeong. Im Ho-ryeong recounted the battle that had taken place near Lop Nur.
Im Ho-ryeong’s explanation was so detailed that it felt as if they were witnessing the fight firsthand. The martial techniques used by the enemies Im Ho-ryeong described closely matched those of the Demon Sect, which Sage Cheon-heo was well-acquainted with.
In particular, the sword technique displayed by the enemy leader closely resembled the Nine Desolate Severing Blades, one of the Demon Sect’s most infamous sword arts.
More than anything, the fiery emblem embroidered on their garments was unmistakably reminiscent of the Holy Fire—the very symbol of the Demon Sect.
Sage Hyun-so’s face darkened.
How much had they sacrificed twenty years ago? The peace of Jianghu had only been restored at the cost of countless lives.
If they were truly the remnants of the Demon Sect, Jianghu might have to make an even greater sacrifice.
‘Amitabha Buddha! Please, let it not be the Demon Sect…’
Sage Hyun-so prayed earnestly, over and over again.
In the distance, Yumen Pass came into view.
The soldiers guarding the pass appeared to have already been informed, as they promptly opened the gates.
A blood-red wasteland stretched out before them.
* * *
The man’s chamber was exceptionally large.
Rows upon rows of bookshelves lined the room, and the shelves were filled with countless books.
The man’s desk was positioned at the very center. He could reach out and grab a book at any time.
The man, who appeared to be in his late forties, had a strikingly refined appearance. His unusually white skin, piercing eyes, and tightly sealed lips left a strong impression.
As the man was deeply engrossed in his reading—
“Master.”
A quiet voice echoed from the empty space.
The man, referred to as ‘Master,’ lifted his head. The voice spoke again.
“It is Noe Gong.”
“What is it?”
“A tail has attached itself to us.”
“A tail?”
“It seems that the meal we consumed earlier was spoiled. It turns out that a survivor from the Northern Road Escort Agency remains.”
“Didn’t you say Captain Jong took care of it?”
“My apologies.”
At Noe Gong’s response, the man’s brows furrowed.
“Who are the ones tailing us?”
“We have confirmed that it’s the Wudang, Mount Hua, and the Southern Edge Sect.”
For a moment, the man’s gaze turned icy. He closed the book he had been reading and slowly rose from his seat.
If three of the Nine Great Sects were moving, then it was only a matter of time before the rest followed.
And when the Nine Great Sects moved, the Five Noble Families would too— and soon, all of Jianghu would be in motion.
“We do not have the power to face the whole world yet.”
“What should we do?”
“We abandon this place.”
“What? You’re truly willing to give up the Celestial Forbidden Infernal Prison so easily?”
“It was something I had to do at some point, it’s just that the time has come sooner.”
“Understood.”
“I will report this to the Cult Leader myself. Begin preparations.”
“As you command!”
Noe Gong’s presence vanished.
Left alone, the man muttered to himself.
“Even if we have to give up the Celestial Forbidden Infernal Prison, we must at least leave them a gift.”
His eyes gleamed with a chilling light.
SoundlessWind21’s Notes:
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