Episode 3: Spring Also Comes to Mount Hua (3)

Light Novel: Volume 1 Episode 3
Manhwa: Chapter 2

Chapter 1 Episode 3. Spring Also Comes to Mount Hua (3)

It was only long after the sun had set when Dam-ho left the Spirit Treasure Palace. Lanterns were hung around Mount Hua, now enveloped in darkness.

The reflection of the lanterns made the plum blossoms sparkle like snowflakes. Dam-ho stood in place and stared at the scene for a long time.

The wind blew, scattering the plum blossom petals. Strangely, this image deeply imprinted itself in his mind.

The day’s activities of the Mount Hua sect did not end just because it was night. The Taoist temples scattered across the area lit up brightly, and the Taoists continued to bustle about.

Then, a group approached Dam-ho.

They wore deluo robes, and their bodies radiated an extraordinary aura.

Dam-ho bowed his head to them.

They were the first-generation disciples of the Mount Hua sect. Leading them was a Taoist in his mid-thirties, Moo-kyung, a disciple of Sage Hyun-cheon, the leader of the Mount Hua sect.

Moo-kyung had been recognized for his exceptional talent from an early age, making him carry the expectations of the entire sect.

His martial arts achievements were so remarkable that rumors were circulating that he had already started learning the Greater Clear Heart Technique,1 a technique usually reserved for elders.

As impressive as his martial arts skills were, he was also a man of great character. There was not a disciple of the Mount Hua sect who did not respect and admire him.

Beside Moo-kyung were his closest associates, Un-gyeong and Han Soyu.

Un-gyeong was Moo-kyung’s junior brother and the head of the Plum Blossom Thirty-Six Swords, the pride of the Mount Hua sect. His cold and settled gaze spoke volumes about his character and personality.

Han Soyu was a rare female disciple in the Mount Hua sect. Her accomplishments were so extraordinary that she was also included among the Plum Blossom Thirty-Six Swordsmen.

Moo-kyung smiled.

“Ah, Cheon-gyeong.”

“Senior Brother.”

“Are you heading back to your quarters?”

“Yes.”

“How is Sage Hyun-so doing?”

“He is in good health.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I’ve been meaning to pay him a visit, but with all the work I’ve been doing, it’s hard to find the time.”

“Master will understand.”

At Dam-ho’s response, Moo-kyung’s smile deepened. However, Un-gyeong, standing beside him, looked at Dam-ho with a cold gaze, seemingly displeased about something.

His gaze, cold as a snake and devoid of emotion, swept over Dam-ho’s entire body.

“How is your leg?”

“It’s the same.”

“And yet you still cling to martial arts, even though your limits are clear? Wouldn’t it be better for you to focus on Taoist studies like Sage Hyun-so instead?”

“Junior Brother!”

Moo-kyung exclaimed in surprise at Un-gyeong’s sharp words, but Un-gyeong’s expression remained unchanged.

“There is nothing more foolish than wasting time on futile endeavors. Mark my words.”

“Thank you for your advice, Senior Brother. I will take it to heart.”

Dam-ho bowed deeply.

Un-gyeong looked at Dam-ho with a cool gaze. When his words seemed to have no effect on Un-gyeong, Moo-kyung shrugged helplessly and looked at Han Soyu.

Han Soyu gently approached Dam-ho, bringing a subtle fragrance with her.

When Dam-ho looked up, he saw Han Soyu’s sweet face, which resembled Mount Hua’s plum blossoms.

“Don’t take Un-gyeong Senior Brother’s words to heart, Junior Brother. He doesn’t mean any harm.”

“I know.”

“If you ever need help with martial arts, come to me. I’ll help you as best I can.”

“Thank you.”

“I believe in you, Junior Brother.”

Han Soyu gave him a refreshing smile, charming enough to stir the hearts of most men. 

“I’ll take my leave now.”

Dam-ho performed a formal bow to the three and walked away.

The three watched Dam-ho’s retreating figure. Moo-kyung’s face showed a hint of pity as he watched Dam-ho limp away.

Moo-kyung turned sharply towards Un-gyeong.

“Do you realize how heartless your words sound sometimes? How can you say such things to someone’s face?”

“I said it for Cheon-gyeong’s sake.”

“What do you mean it’s for Cheon-gyeong’s sake? Imagine how much more heartbroken that child with a limp would be because of your words.”

“What Cheon-gyeong needs isn’t empty comfort or encouragement, but stern advice.”

“You?”

“Honestly, what are the chances of Cheon-gyeong mastering Mount Hua sect’s martial arts properly? A martial artist who can’t learn footwork is only half-complete. And Mount Hua currently doesn’t need a half-complete martial artist.”

“Wow, you’re really cold-hearted.”

“It can’t be helped. It’s my role to think and judge rationally in any situation.”

“Really…”

Moo-kyung shook his head, but his expression was not one of displeasure.

If Moo-kyung symbolized martial power as the chief disciple of the Mount Hua sect, Un-gyeong was in a position where he had to endlessly advise him with his cool rationality.

He was raised that way, believing it to be the best for Mount Hua.

Han Soyu interjected into their conversation with a smile.

“Come on, let’s not talk about Cheon-gyeong anymore. There are more important matters at hand.”

“Indeed…”

Moo-kyung nodded.

Right now, the Mount Hua sect was at a critical crossroads.

They needed to sift through the outer disciples to select those worthy of becoming main disciples. But it wasn’t just about accepting them; they needed to be trained into proper martial artists.

The current Mount Hua was in dire need of new strength. For that, first-generation disciples like Moo-kyung and Un-gyeong had to be actively involved.

“Come on, let’s go.”

Moo-kyung walked ahead. The image of Dam-ho no longer lingered in his mind.

Dam-ho walked through the night, relying on the moonlight. His destination was a small valley below Cloud Terrace Peak.

There was a fairly large pond at the bottom of the valley, but because of its difficult path, it was a place rarely visited by the Taoists of the Mount Hua sect. This was Dam-ho’s favorite hiding place whenever he was feeling overwhelmed.

Dam-ho stripped off his clothes and entered the pond.

Though it was spring, the valley water was still cold. The freezing cold water snapped Dam-ho to alertness. 

‘It’s okay, I can handle this much…’

Dam-ho gritted his teeth.

The biting cold not only seemed to penetrate his skin but also his bones. Yet, he didn’t leave the water, instead, he fully submerged his head.

Dam-ho sat cross-legged underwater.

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

The peacefulness of everyday life, shattered in an instant by a bandit attack. Then the unexpected salvation and his life at Mount Hua.

His limbs were broken, and for the first few months, he couldn’t move on his own. It was his master, Sage Hyun-so, who took care of him and treated him during this time.

Without Sage Hyun-so’s intensive care, he wouldn’t have been able to walk on his own like this. Although he ended up with a limp in one leg, he was still alive.

For Dam-ho, being alive was what mattered. Only if he was alive could he hope for the future.

‘Father, Mother, Gareng.’

The images of them vividly appeared in Dam-ho’s mind.

He couldn’t protect them.

Being young, specifically at twelve years old, being powerless was no excuse. They were gone from this world, but he was still alive.

Being alive meant he had things to do. To do them, he needed strength.

Splash!

Dam-ho emerged from the water, causing water to splash around.

“Huff! Huff!”

He gasped for breath.

His gaze then shifted to his left leg. It looked pitiful in comparison to his healthy, strong right leg. Despite the countless trips up and down the mountain, it still hadn’t gained much muscle. 

With such a leg, he couldn’t properly perform Mount Hua sect’s intricate footwork.

“Mount Hua’s footwork doesn’t suit me. I need something different.”

Over the past five years, Dam-ho had keenly felt this truth.

The problem was he didn’t know the solution.

If only he had a good teacher to guide him at this time, but unfortunately, Sage Hyun-so was the only one around.

In the end, he had to find the breakthrough himself.

“I’ll do what I can for now.”

Dam-ho moved his left foot back and forth in the water, feeling significant resistance due to the water.

His thigh was normal. The problem was the knee.

The cartilage and muscles were damaged, restricting movement. No elixir could heal such a wound. The only possibility was experiencing the legendary transformation, but that was an impossible dream.

“I need to build more strength in my left leg by training it. I’ll think about the next step after that.”

Dam-ho got out of the water.

He dried himself off and got dressed.

He felt the chill, but his mind cleared nonetheless. Memories of being ignored by his senior and junior brothers no longer lingered in his mind.

The next day, Dam-ho climbed up and down the mountain with a sandbag tied to his left ankle.

“Hoo! Hoo!”

Ragged breaths escaped Dam-ho’s lips. The weight had only increased slightly, but the burden he felt was beyond imagination as if his ankle was chained with a heavy iron weight.

Dam-ho gritted his teeth as he continued walking forward. Thick beads of sweat trickled down his back.

“Hoo!”

A person sighed secretly as they watched him. It was Dam-ho’s master, Sage Hyun-so.

“That child’s persistence in pursuit of martial arts knows no bounds. What should I do with him?”

Sage Hyun-so’s sigh dispersed in the wind.

He longed for the days of his own master, the Heavenly Sky Sage.2 


SoundlessWind21’s Notes: 

If there are any errors, whether it be grammatical, spelling, translation, or website-related issues, feel free to let me know. (´◡`) Anyway, thank you for reading! 

  1. Greater Clear Heart Technique. Raws: 태청심결(太淸心決).
    • 太 tài – highest / greatest / too (much) / very / extremely
    • 淸 qīng – clear
    • 心 xīn – heart / mind / intention / center / cor
    • 決 jué – to decide / to determine / to execute (sb) / (of a dam etc) to breach or burst / definitely / certainly
  1. Heavenly Sky Sage. Raws: 천궁자(天穹子).
    • 天 tiān – day / sky / heaven
    • 穹 qióng – vault / dome / the sky
    • 子 zǐ – son / child / seed / egg / small thing / 1st earthly branch

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Reaper of the Drifting Moon
Manhwa = Novel
Chapter 88 = Chapter 137

X
error: Content is protected.
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x
Episode 3: Spring Also Comes to Mount Hua (3)
Georgia Avenir Courier Helvetica