Book 12 Chapter 20

Ascending Mount Hua

- Three Gates

That night, in a room at the Plum Blossom Inn.

"Eeeeek! Th-that's absurd…!"

No one knew when it all began. However, things had progressed so systematically that they had now reached a point that would shock both Yeomdo and Binggeom. The one who had just screamed was Yeomdo.

It was due to an absurd proposal from an old man. And the bigger problem was that the person who mediated this proposal was none other than Biryuyeon.

Even as Yeomdo and Binggeom, with their jaws agape in shock, looked on, Biryuyeon remained unfazed.

"What's so impossible about it?"

The words were a slap in the face to their attire!

"Absolutely not!"

For some reason, Yeomdo and Binggeom were of one mind as they shouted in unison. Yet, they couldn't point fingers at the old man sitting before them, calling him a lunatic, because the unique aura surrounding the elder made them instinctively unable to treat him disrespectfully.

It was when they first met, through Biryuyeon's introduction.

With a discerning gaze, the old man first looked at Yeomdo, then shifted to Binggeom, scrutinizing them as if dissecting them. Both felt as if the gaze's blade had pierced through their entire bodies. And they intuitively sensed that this old man was no ordinary person.

"Hehehe, I meet interesting youngsters here. Is this another destiny guided by heaven?"

The old man, finding something immensely amusing, let out a hearty laugh, his wrinkled lips curving into a wide smile.

"?"

The old man's sudden outburst of laughter only presented Yeomdo and Binggeom with a bundle of riddles. Regardless of age, it could be seen as quite rude. However, neither of them could bring themselves to stop the old man's laughter. It was due to an instinctive sense of repulsion. But it was merely a vague premonition, the precise reason unknown.

From then on, these two maintained a respectful posture before the old man, unable to treat him disrespectfully. And this continued even now, as the old man made an absurdly preposterous proposal.

"Did you perhaps receive a lump of gold?"

Considering their history, Yeomdo, who had lived with Biryuyeon for much longer than Binggeom, asked pointedly. For a moment, Biryuyeon seemed startled but quickly replied with composure.

"I don't think I'm obligated to answer that."

It was true. A master didn't need to answer every question from a disciple. Unless, of course, he felt like it…

However, as Yeomdo had astutely pointed out, there seemed to be a financial transaction with the old man behind the scenes. Yeomdo couldn't help but regret not being able to expose the truth hidden behind the fictitious veil.

"But this matter is too important. Moreover, it's not a game. You can't make such an important decision lightly."

To Binggeom's resolute words, the old man replied,

"Don't worry, no one will care."

Was the old man related to Biryuyeon? His shamelessness was enough to arouse such suspicion. Listening to his nonchalant, optimistic outlook, such doubts only deepened.

With the character for 'endurance' (忍) being hammered into his heart with iron nails, Binggeom shouted,

"They will care!"

Yeomdo and Binggeom, these two impudent individuals, were speaking respectfully to the mysterious old man with ash-gray hair because of the unknown feeling they sensed from him. Somehow, from the moment they first met, it had been very difficult for them to deal with the seemingly unimpressive, diminutive old man. This was not because the feeling was alien, but because it was incredibly familiar. Somehow, they vaguely sensed the aura of their deceased master. It was only natural that their tone became polite. (Here, 'master' is obviously not the current master, Biryuyeon.)

No matter how difficult the old man was to deal with, these two steadfastly refused to accept his proposal. Their firm defense was like a steel fortress with an impregnable wall.

Then, the old man, who had been silently observing, opened his mouth and said one thing. It was a question that plunged Yeomdo and Binggeom into true shock and confusion, fundamentally different from the absurdity they had felt until now.

"…But you two! Have you found the talents of Tai Chi?"

The imperial guards had no idea why this old man, who had suddenly appeared, was accompanying them to Mount Hua. In fact, they even doubted if such a thing was even possible. However, Yeomdo and Binggeom's sharp glares did not permit any resistance or questioning. Their explanation was simply that he was an important figure related to the Hua Mountain Branch meeting.

Obey superiors, obey inferiors! This implied a 'know your place' attitude, a fierce spirit that warned of severe consequences if they didn't comply, radiating like a tightly woven net.

In such an atmosphere, it was nearly impossible to ask questions or raise objections unless one had several spare lives. Thus, the old man's accompanying them to Tianwu Peak was decided. Tianwu Peak was originally the southernmost of the five highest peaks of Mount Hua, and its original name was Luoyan Peak, meaning "where even wild geese fall." It was also the peak with the most rugged terrain and numerous ravines among the five peaks. However, at some point, after the Hua Mountain Branch meeting began to be held here, it started to be called Tianwu Peak by martial artists, and no one called it Luoyan Peak anymore.

"Tomorrow, we will ascend Tianwu Peak of Mount Hua."

Binggeom said as if declaring it. And the final meeting was adjourned, leaving many questions and doubts lingering.

Day broke.

The entire delegation of the Tianwu Academy, bathed in the slowly brightening dawn amidst the ash-gray darkness, renewed their resolve and meticulously prepared their weapons with careful hands.

Most of these were treasured weapons passed down from their respective schools or families, or from elders, and were no different from extensions of themselves. Only they knew what kind of resolve and vows were instilled in their hearts as they prepared their only friends and extensions that would protect their lives and bring them honor and glory.

There had been many hardships along the way. The journey was by no means as easy as they had thought. But they had finally come this far. Now, Mount Hua's Tianwu Peak, their destination, loomed before them, looking down on them arrogantly. Today, at last, they would ascend it. Undoubtedly, a new world and amazing experiences awaited them.

It was natural to be so nervous that their hearts felt like they would burst.

"Mmmph, mmmph, mmmph…"

However, in this solemn moment of resolve, there was one person completely out of place, unaware of the atmosphere, curled up in bed under the covers. He was disrupting the solemn and reverent nature of this quasi-religious ritual. It was none other than Biryuyeon.

Some looked at him with eyes filled with displeasure, frowning, while others, with awe and envy at his carefree indifference, regarded him.

He finally stirred and got out of bed around breakfast time. The inn had been entirely booked by the Tianwu Academy delegation, so the dining hall was empty. (This was to provide the utmost convenience to the delegation and to prevent any unforeseen incidents. Furthermore, they were so famous that drawing too much attention was awkward and burdensome.)

Unlike their usual harmonious atmosphere, they finished their meal in silence, not exchanging a single word. It was impossible for breakfast to go down properly.

"Have you all finished eating?"

Binggeom asked, looking around.

"Yes!"

Everyone replied with vigor.

"Then let's go!"

The delegation members rose from their seats in unison. Everyone had a resolute expression on their faces.

Finally, it was time to depart.

"That's not the way!"

Binggeom stopped the imperial guards in their tracks.

"What…?"

The one who turned around, his voice trailing off, was Yeomdo, still in a clumsy posture, having not fully completed the step he was taking. Binggeom sighed as if in exasperation and then shook his head.

"Huh? Then which way should we go?"

Instead of Yeomdo, who was still standing awkwardly, Namgung Sang quickly asked. He did this to preempt the potential explosion of Yeomdo's temper.

Binggeom pointed to the entrance of the dense woods to the left, where there were few people and no proper path. It was a stark contrast to the well-maintained road they had been walking on.

Yeomdo's already grim expression, which didn't require any effort to look menacing, contorted even further. The words that came out of such a face could hardly be pleasant.

"Uh, hello?"

Binggeom nodded. At first glance, it looked like a difficult and bothersome place to climb.

"Are we supposed to go on this arduous, narrow path that only squirrels would use, ignoring the clearly visible, wide-open main road?"

Binggeom, too lazy to reply, simply nodded once.

"Why? What's the reason? If there's something I don't know, please tell me now, won't you?"

Despite Yeomdo's confrontational tone, Binggeom slowly replied,

"That is the path for ordinary people, invited guests, and supplies. The Hua Mountain Branch delegates cannot use that paved road. We have not come here for a leisurely tour but to endure trials. Therefore, these children must pass the test."

The place Binggeom indicated was overgrown with undergrowth, casting deep shadows, and had rough ravines and rocky slopes scattered throughout, making it look difficult at first glance. Naturally, elements that would make the journey arduous were present everywhere.

"A test?"

Yeomdo's voice rose.

"I didn't hear about that! Besides, I didn't hear anything about tests or gates in the last competition!"

It was truly the first he had heard of it.

"You may not have heard, but I certainly did. And as far as I know, the gates are new for this competition. From what I heard, one can only reach the desired location after passing through three gates, enduring three hardships, and conquering three fears."

"Why didn't I hear about it, but you did? Does that make any sense? It's unfair!"

Suddenly feeling ignored, Yeomdo burst into anger.

"Of course. It's because you lack credibility. Also, you seem to have forgotten, but my rank is higher than yours. I hope you won't forget that! It's extremely *unpleasant*!"

Binggeom spoke clearly and unflinchingly in a detached tone. In reality, Yeomdo was just a warrior-class disciple, while Binggeom was a member of the General Affairs Department, which oversaw all warrior-class disciples. However, that didn't quell Yeomdo's temper. If it weren't for Biryuyeon in the first place, Yeomdo wouldn't have thrown himself into such an organizational structure. Biryuyeon was the culprit behind all of this.

The boiling kettle finally overflowed.

"What?!"

Yeomdo's anger finally exploded. It was obvious that the delegation's departure was delayed considerably due to the two of them bickering and fighting.

The fight ended. The fight between the two, which seemed like it would never end, concluded solely due to the efforts of one person.

"Now that it's all over, can we please depart?"

As if imbued with mystical power, Biryuyeon's single sentence caused the two to stop fighting as if by magic. Binggeom and Yeomdo, who was still panting, a short distance away, glared at Shin Yu-seong, a participant in the last Hua Mountain Branch meeting, and said,

"Hey! Yu-seong! Did you take this path last time too?"

"Ah… no. This is the first I'm hearing of it!"

Startled by the terrifying aura, Shin Yu-seong replied hastily.

"Then, where did you go last time you climbed?"

Still simmering with anger, Yeomdo asked again.

"That path," Shin Yu-seong said, pointing to the well-maintained, wide main road. "Of course." The road looked truly wide and comfortable compared to the one Binggeom had pointed to. It seemed like one could reach the summit in less than an hour using Qinggong.

Originally, that road was built to transport various goods to Tianwu Peak. Many martial artists who wanted to witness the rumored Hua Mountain Branch meeting wished to ascend Tianwu Peak via this road. However, even that was only possible for a select few who had received an invitation. Of course, their numbers were by no means small.

"Hmm, this is just a personal premonition, but I have a strong feeling that this Hua Mountain Branch meeting might be on a different level compared to any previous competitions."

Shin Yu-seong said seriously, organizing his thoughts with a grim expression.

'Something might be going on?'

A sense of unease kept bothering Yeomdo.