Heavenly Demon Cultivation Simulation

Chapter 448: A Noble Guest Of Qingcheng (2)

Early morning.

Qingcheng Sect elders began gathering one by one inside the Ceremonial Palace.

Since there hadn’t been a gathering outside of annual events for a while, everyone was curious about what was going on.

“Hey there. What’s happening this morning?”

“I heard a rumor on the way… that a famous figure from the Wudang Sect is coming.”

“A famous figure from the Wudang Sect?”

Some elders, who had caught wind of the agenda, leaked a bit of the meeting’s content.

And soon, they gathered at the Ceremonial Palace, where it was revealed that the Wudang figure was the Training Hall Leader Jin Mu.

A message had been sent asking if it was possible to visit Qingcheng Sect directly.

“Shouldn’t we personally welcome them?”

“For someone at the level of a Hall Leader, they might find it more uncomfortable.”

All the Qingcheng Sect elders gathered at the Ceremonial Palace appeared excited.

It was understandable, as it had been so long since an important figure from Wudang had personally visited.

Above all, the Training Hall Leader was known as a warrior representing the Wudang Sect.

Moreover, they had recently heard something through the Beggars’ Union—Rumors that the Training Hall Leader Jin Mu had reached an entirely different level.

So, they wanted to know what brought him here, and whether those rumors were true.

“Elders, instruct the disciples to treat the Training Hall Leader Jin Mu with utmost respect if he visits.”

The sect leader’s meeting ended with anticipation.

A sect known as the foremost in swordsmanship.

Interaction with Wudang was an unconditional advantage for Qingcheng.

“They said they would warmly welcome him whenever he visits.”

A beggar from the Beggars’ Union, dressed in ragged clothes, scratched his head as he spoke.

“Thank you. Please convey that I will visit at dawn tomorrow.”

As he handed over the bundle of money with his response, the man was so thrilled that he even bowed. Then, he swiftly left the room.

Seol-Hwi and Jin Mu spent another day near the Qingcheng Sect, departing the place at dawn.

The path up Qingcheng Mountain was quite rugged, but it posed little challenge to them.

“When we arrive at the Qingcheng Sect… it will be quite a commotion because of Training Hall Leader Jin Mu.”

While traveling, Seol-Hwi casually broached the topic.

“Oh ho. I believe the Great Warrior Seol’s presence will be more significant. Aren’t you known as the Great Sword Master of the Era?”

“They won’t recognize me.”

“…What?”

When he looked at him puzzled, Seol-Hwi spoke.

“In fact, recently, there’s a widely spread rumor by the Beggar Union that a person, who was once renowned as the Great Sword Master in the Era was defeated by Training Hall Leader Jin Mu and went into seclusion. So, there might be less interest in me. If it’s a sect in Sichuan, not Hubei or Henan, they might not recognize me.”

“What kind of absurd…”

At the outrageous story, Training Hall Leader Jin Mu stopped walking and looked at Seol-Hwi.

“Please don’t mind it. Actually, I spread that rumor intentionally.”

“Pardon? You, great warrior? Why would you…”

“What significance does a rumor have for us? I feel more at ease not being known. So…”

Seol-Hwi paused for a moment before continuing.

“I informed the Qingcheng Sect that I am visiting as a guest with a connection to Training Hall Leader Jin Mu. Also, I appear young on the outside.”

Training Hall Leader Jin Mu thought for a moment and then spoke.

“Although the Great Hero may have some thoughts, I do not know. Didn’t you say that someone you once called master, someone you had a connection with, is in Qingcheng?”

“That person will not recognize me as I am now. And for now, it is better for us not to know each other.”

“Ha… I understand.”

Training Hall Leader Jin Mu asked no further.

He was someone already beyond a human.

Even though he should have no qualms in any situation, there must be a reason for approaching so cautiously like this.

Wouldn’t he reveal it at the right time as they spend more time together?

“Then, Great Hero, how about visiting with me as a fellow disciple?”

“A fellow disciple?”

Seol-Hwi looked at Training Hall Leader Jin Mu with a puzzled gaze.

With a decades-wide age gap, not a disciple but a fellow disciple?

“Yes. If you say disciple, they might view you as slightly younger. But if you mention the same rank, even in Qingcheng, they will treat you equally. And in fact, in Wudang, there are often master-disciple pairs with such age differences.”

The suggestion that Seol-Hwi would be seen as a member of the Wudang Sect rather than a guest was quite intriguing.

“Then, what would my Taoist name be?”

“Use the ‘Myung’ character and add ‘Seol.’ How about Myung Seol?”

Seol-Hwi responded with a smile.

“I prefer Myung Hwi.”

“Ah. Then, for practice, I’ll speak informally now.”

“……”

“Ah, if that displeases you…”

“No, it’s fine. Please do so, Myung sahyung.”

At those words, this time Training Hall Leader Jin Mu smiled.

Approaching the entrance to Qingcheng’s gate, Seol-Hwi was filled with emotions.

A path in his past life where he had lived a somewhat meaningful life.

For half a lifetime, he had lived as a disciple of the Qingcheng Sect amidst this greenness before his eyes.

‘There was nothing to worry about.’

As if experiencing someone else’s life, it was, in a way, a life spent quietly alone.

Sometimes pretending not to know even when he did, and at times revealing the skills he had hidden for Qingcheng.

The streets he walked with his master, the bonds that blossomed with his companions.

Even the philosophy of life.

Above all, he learned warmth.

The memories of that time still remained intact in a corner of his heart.

“You have arrived.”

Upon reaching the entrance of the Qingcheng Sect, several elders and many Taoists were there to greet him.

Training Hall Leader Jin Mu might not know, but Seol-Hwi did.

One was an elder in charge of education, and the other was a figure who liked to take the lead externally.

“Oh, there’s no need for such courtesy…”

“It’s nothing. Since Training Hall Leader Jin Mu has come all this way, how could we remain idle? Shall we escort you inside? And…”

The elders glanced at Seol-Hwi.

Training Hall Leader Jin Mu, having coordinated with Seol-Hwi beforehand, responded skillfully.

“He is a fellow disciple I particularly cherish. May I show him around here for a moment?”

“A fellow disciple?”

“Ah.”

Perhaps it was because the age difference was evident at a glance.

Though slightly taken aback, they did not doubt Training Hall Leader Jin Mu’s words.

“Then we will escort you both.”

The elder of Qingcheng led the way, and Training Hall Leader Jin Mu and Seol-Hwi followed behind.

As soon as Seol-Hwi entered the Ceremonial Palace, he examined the faces of the people.

And then he quietly murmured to Training Hall Leader Jin Mu.

“May I step away for a moment?”

“Indeed.”

Training Hall Leader Jin Mu, roughly sensing Seol-Hwi’s intention, allowed him to go.

He had nothing particular to do in Qingcheng anyway.

“Is there anywhere you wish to go?”

As he stepped out of the Ceremonial Palace, a Taoist greeted him with respect.

‘It’s Seok Hoon.’

According to his memory, he was a first-class disciple of Qingcheng, trusted by the elders.

He was an unforgettable kid with an optimistic personality and an affable nature.

Seol-Hwi felt pleased but didn’t show it and spoke.

“Is there a place where you can see the peaks, where it’s lush below, and where the birds sing particularly often?”

“Of course. Please follow me.”

Seol-Hwi followed Seok Hoon’s guidance.

The place that Seok Hoon led him to was below the Ceremonial Palace, quite far from the main building of Qingcheng.

Strangers might not know, but Seol-Hwi knew it better than anyone.

A place distinct from the main building where the elders resided.

The mountain birds thrived, and though the sun shone well, it was a place rarely visited by people.

“Ha! Hahaha!”

As he drew closer, he heard someone’s voice.

And soon, he witnessed a Taoist practicing.

‘It’s Hyuk Jin.’

Seol-Hwi felt a sense of joy, but he did not show it this time either.

“Please wait a moment.”

Seok Hoon seemed to be approaching Hyuk Jin to explain the situation.

And soon, Hyuk Jin hurriedly approached and paid his respects.

“I apologize. I heard that esteemed members of the Wudang Sect had visited, but due to circumstances, I couldn’t come out.”

“Don’t worry about it. By the way, are you alone?”

“No, I am accompanied by a Taoist. However, his health isn’t good, so if you wish to meet him, you must go to him directly…”

“It wouldn’t be polite to come this far without at least greeting him. If you lead the way, I will greet him personally.”

“Will you really?”

Hyuk Jin seemed to be gauging Seok Hoon’s reaction. Then Seok Hoon looked over here, seemingly assessing the situation.

“Then, I’ll take my leave now.”

Perhaps there was more to the story, but he left the scene like that.

Swoosh.

Hyuk Jin entered the shabby thatched house and slid open the paper door.

Inside lay an old man resting quietly.

“Sir. You have a visitor.”

“Who?”

The old man who sat up appeared mentally sharp.

Yet, to Seol-Hwi’s eyes, he seemed much older than the last memory he had of the old man.

He should have been younger than back then.

‘Master.’

Upon seeing the Taoist Cheong Heo, Seol-Hwi was overwhelmed with inexplicable emotions.

Despite being in a state of complete emotional desolation, his internal feelings were stirred by learned memories.

“Who are you?”

He sensed it immediately upon seeing his condition.

Not only was his face older than he remembered, but his body had also generally weakened.

“Ah. This guest is from the Wudang Sect. He wanted to see a beautiful view, so Taoist Seok Hoon brought him here.”

“Aha.”

Only then did Taoist Cheong Heo bow his head in understanding.

“I heard that an esteemed person from the Wudang Sect was coming… but this humble Taoist’s health is poor, so I could not come out.”

“Please don’t worry. I came here to pay my respects.”

“Oh. Is that so.”

After a brief pause, Cheong Heo spoke again.

“Even within the Qingcheng Sect, I am someone without any renown place. If you go to the Ceremonial Palace, there will be many Taoists with fame…”

“The precious thing is time, not people.”

“…….”

“This moment is very meaningful to me.”

For a moment, Cheong Heo’s eyes seemed to tremble slightly.

Seeing that, Seol-Hwi felt even more conflicted.

He had heard the rumors that Qingcheng was persecuting Cheong Heo through the Beggars’ Union.

But now, it seemed that they were treating him even more harshly than the recent rumors suggested.

“If it’s not too much trouble, could you spare me a moment of your time?”

“Time, you say…”

“I would like to have a brief conversation with you, Taoist.”

Cheong Heo shook his head.

“Regrettably, my body is in such a state that I cannot move freely…”

“Do you have a carrier, Taoist Hyuk Jin?”

Hyuk Jin, who had been quietly holding his breath beside him, suddenly widened his eyes.

Then he awkwardly responded.

“Yes. I do.”

“May I use it for a moment?”

At those words, Hyuk Jin looked back and forth between him and Cheong Heo with a flustered expression.

He realized what it meant. So, Cheong Heo opened his mouth but…

“Excuse me, Taoist of the Wudang Sect…”

“I heard that the Moonlight Lake of Qingcheng is quite deep.”

Seol-Hwi interrupted his words.

“I’d like to hear more about Qingcheng. If possible…”

“……”

“Along with the story of your life, Taoist.”