Episode 240: To Mount Wudang
The next morning, no one could quite pinpoint who first saw Tang Mujin and Mok Wana emerging from the same room. Yet, it took less than half a day for the rumor to spread throughout the entire Tang Manor.
The residents of the manor pretended to know nothing, hovering around Tang Mujin, Mok Wana, and Dan Seolyeong, trying to discern what was happening. The air was thick with tension, as if something explosive was about to occur.
Contrary to everyone’s expectations, Dan Seolyeong showed no particular reaction upon encountering Tang Mujin and Mok Wana.
‘What’s going on here?’
There were two possibilities: either Dan Seolyeong hadn’t noticed the relationship between Tang Mujin and Mok Wana, or she was aware and chose to turn a blind eye.
As people watched the trio with bated breath, a small anomaly was noticed. Three days after Tang Mujin and Mok Wana began sharing a room, there was nothing more than a subtle awkwardness and a tingling atmosphere between them.
However, on the fourth day, the martial artists of the Tang Manor noticed that Mok Wana was walking with a slight limp.
Most of the people staying at the manor were skilled martial artists, their keen eyes missing nothing.
‘Could it be?’
People discreetly observed Mok Wana’s movements. She seemed to carry on as usual, despite her slight limp.
But by lunchtime, another oddity was discovered. Mok Wana was seen heading towards the stream, carrying a small bundle of bedding.
Not to the well where people gathered, but to the more secluded stream.
”···.”
The Tang Manor was undeniably centered around Tang Mujin’s family. However, those outside his family fell into three main groups:
The physicians led by Chu Sam.
The blacksmiths led by Seok Jiseung.
The martial artists gathered around Sam Anbul.
Chu Sam and Seok Jiseung subtly glanced at Sam Anbul, silently requesting him to follow Mok Wana without being noticed, as only a martial artist could do so.
Sam Anbul, however, felt it was inappropriate for him to take action in this situation. Despite being a fallen monk, he had once been a monk.
Instead, Sam Anbul approached Seo Hyang, the only female martial artist from the Demonic Cult, and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Go and see.”
“Understood.”
Entrusted with the task, Seo Hyang discreetly followed Mok Wana.
About half an hour later, even before Mok Wana returned, Seo Hyang was back at the Tang Manor.
People noticed the sparkle in Seo Hyang’s eyes, the look of someone who had witnessed something intriguing.
Seo Hyang succinctly conveyed what she had seen: “There were red marks on the bedding shared by Mok Wana and Tang Mujin.”
“They did it!”
There was no need to explain who or what had been done.
Several people, especially the young men, sighed in unison. One of the few unmarried women in the manor had fallen into the clutches of the manor’s master, Tang Mujin.
Now, the focus shifted from Mok Wana to Dan Seolyeong.
With her husband bringing in a new woman, conflict and rivalry seemed inevitable, and it was expected to start with Dan Seolyeong.
Yet, Dan Seolyeong’s reaction defied all expectations. She began preparing for Mok Wana’s wedding.
People couldn’t comprehend the situation.
When the curiosity of the Tang Manor’s residents reached its peak, Seo Hyang was once again tasked with approaching Dan Seolyeong.
Fortunately, Seo Hyang and Dan Seolyeong shared a close bond.
Seo Hyang asked, “Seolyeong, you’ve seemed busy these past few days. What are you preparing?”
Dan Seolyeong replied calmly, “I’m preparing for a wedding.”
“A wedding?”
“Yes. We can’t invite people from outside, but we should at least hold a simple ceremony within the family. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Feigning ignorance, Seo Hyang asked slyly, “Whose wedding?”
“You know very well. It’s Wana’s wedding, of course.”
It was clear that Dan Seolyeong had accepted the relationship between Tang Mujin and Mok Wana. Seo Hyang cautiously inquired, “But why are you the one preparing the wedding?”
“As the mistress of the Tang Manor, it’s my duty to oversee the household affairs. And since it’s not common to hold a wedding without the bride’s family, I should help out, shouldn’t I?”
Dan Seolyeong’s voice was steady, without a hint of insecurity. Her confidence that Mok Wana’s presence wouldn’t shake her position, and her magnanimity, were evident in her tone.
Both Seo Hyang and those who heard the story through her were impressed.
A couple of months after Tang Mujin and Mok Wana’s simple wedding, on a summer evening when Tang Mujin alternated his stays between Dan Seolyeong and Mok Wana’s quarters, four people met at the entrance of Chengdu.
Two Taoists from the Qingcheng Sect and two nuns from the Emei Sect.
Most people in Chengdu passed by, thinking it was just a chance meeting between a Taoist and a nun.
However, a few recognized them and were left speechless.
None of the four were to be underestimated.
The head of the Qingcheng Sect, Master Ying He, and his disciple, Jin Hae, considered the most promising talent of the sect.
The head of the Emei Sect, Master Hyang Baek, and her disciple, Eun Seonlim. All were remarkable figures.
Master Ying He, having organized the meeting, naturally had to attend, and Jin Hae intended to accompany him to broaden his horizons and interact with peers of similar standing.
In non-urgent situations, it was customary to bring along a junior when visiting other sects.
Master Hyang Baek, upon spotting Master Ying He, greeted him with a bow, and he approached her with a smile.
“I thought we’d meet at the Tang Manor, but here we are. How have you been?”
“Thanks to you, I’ve been well.”
Unlike the cheerful Master Ying He, Master Hyang Baek’s voice lacked energy.
To be honest, Master Hyang Baek wasn’t keen on going to Mount Wudang. The long journey was tiring, and the gathering promised to be uncomfortable.
Compared to other sect leaders, Master Hyang Baek was younger and held a lower rank, as her predecessor, Master Taepyeong, had passed away somewhat early.
While it was unfortunate to assume such a heavy responsibility at a young age, it also had its advantages.
As long as she didn’t upset her seniors, she could wield her authority as a sect leader within the Emei Sect.
However, the situation would change at Mount Wudang.
She would inevitably have to converse with other sect leaders, where she would be outmatched in both age and martial prowess.
Yet, she couldn’t refuse to attend. It would appear as if she were disrespecting Master Ying He and the Qingcheng Sect, their neighbors in Sichuan.
While the two sect leaders conversed, their disciples exchanged nods.
The young Taoist Jin Hae and the short-haired nun Eun Seonlim.
Jin Hae spoke first, “It’s been a while. How long has it been?”
“About three years, I think.”
“Has it been that long already?”
Eun Seonlim adjusted her attire as she spoke. At an age where she wanted to look her best, her outfit was a bit more stylish than that of a typical nun.
Eun Seonlim then asked, “Have you been to the Tang Manor before?”
“No, but I’ve heard a lot about it.”
Both Eun Seonlim and Jin Hae belonged to sects in Sichuan, so they couldn’t help but hear bits and pieces about the Tang Manor.
The problem was that the rumors about the Tang Manor were quite unusual.
It was said to be a mix of various people, including physicians and blacksmiths, rather than a typical martial sect, and that the martial prowess of those residing there surpassed that of many large sects.
Of course, as with most rumors, there was likely some exaggeration, but there were also some confirmed facts.
“···I heard the Blood Rain Guest is at the Tang Manor.”
“That’s true.”
Last New Year’s Eve, both Master Hyang Baek and Master Ying He were at the Tang Manor.
Though it was unclear why a demonic martial artist sought to cleanse his past, it was certain that the Blood Rain Guest was at the Tang Manor. This was information directly from the sect leaders.
Eun Seonlim asked with curiosity, “Is Sam Anbul also at the Tang Manor?”
“That can’t be. It’s probably the Western monk from Kunlun. People must have spread rumors after seeing someone with dark skin.”
“Is that so.”
The four continued their conversation as they walked.
However, as they neared the Tang Manor, the atmosphere became peculiar.
The gazes of those living near the Tang Manor were unusually sharp. While Master Ying He and Master Hyang Baek seemed unfazed, Jin Hae and Eun Seonlim felt somewhat intimidated.
‘Is it because it’s my first time at the Tang Manor?’
The four entered through the gates of the Tang Manor.
The first thing they saw was a one-armed young man sparring with a beggar sect disciple.
Though they appeared to be around the same age as Jin Hae and Eun Seonlim, their martial skills were a step or two ahead.
Jin Hae and Eun Seonlim, being the top talents of the Qingcheng and Emei Sects, had never felt overshadowed by their peers’ martial prowess before.
“Who are they?”
Eun Seonlim asked, and after a moment of thought, Jin Hae replied, “The one wielding the sword is probably the Rising Dragon Sword.”
It was a reasonable deduction.
Slowly but surely, among their peers, individuals were beginning to knock on the door of mastery.
Some of them might have already crossed that threshold.
However, as far as Eun Seon-rim and Jin-hae knew, the only one who had truly reached the pinnacle of mastery was Seung-ryong Sword. It had been seven or eight years since he surpassed that barrier.
Yet, Eun Seon-rim couldn’t shake off her doubts.
“Was Seung-ryong Sword always one-armed?”
“Seems he lost it recently.”
“Then who is that beggar?”
”…I have no idea.”
As the two tried to figure out the identity of the mysterious figure, a young man with a neat appearance approached to greet Yeong Heo-ja and Hyang Baek-sa-tae.
“I thought it was about time for you to arrive, but you’re early.”
Hyang Baek-sa-tae clasped his hands together in a light gesture, while Yeong Heo-ja, with a bright expression, spoke up.
“Ah, Tang So-hyeop, it’s been a while. I know it’s rude to bring this up right away, but when do you think we can set off?”
“We’re ready to go anytime.”
“Impressive as always!”
Judging by the mention of “Tang So-hyeop,” it seemed the young man was Tang Mu-jin, the de facto head of the Tang family.
The issue was that both Eun Seon-rim and Jin-hae sensed something extraordinary about Tang Mu-jin’s movements.
‘I heard Yi-ryong also practiced swordsmanship… Could it be that Yi-ryong has crossed the threshold of mastery too?’
Tang Mu-jin was around the same age as Eun Seon-rim and Jin-hae, yet they felt a peculiar distance from him.
Though he was their age, he seemed more akin to Hyang Baek-sa-tae or Yeong Heo-ja—like an elder or a family head.
Indeed, Tang Mu-jin showed no signs of being intimidated by Yeong Heo-ja or Hyang Baek-sa-tae.
In contrast, he paid little attention to Eun Seon-rim and Jin-hae.
‘Getting close to Yi-ryong might be difficult.’
As Tang Mu-jin led Yeong Heo-ja and Hyang Baek-sa-tae inside, Eun Seon-rim and Jin-hae were left awkwardly standing in the courtyard.
While they hesitated, unsure of what to do, a young man caught their eye.
He wore the attire of the Wudang Sect, which seemed out of place at the Tang family estate. A sword hung at his waist, and his steps were steady, his eyes clear and bright.
Eun Seon-rim and Jin-hae simultaneously recognized him. It was Seung-ryong Sword, Hyeon-gong.
A small question arose in their minds.
‘Then who was that one-armed man we saw earlier? Is there someone among our peers who has achieved such a level of skill?’
Usually brimming with confidence, Jin-hae and Eun Seon-rim felt a bit subdued.
It was only natural. Upon entering the Tang family estate, they had already encountered four individuals who surpassed them.
Just as they had noticed Hyeon-gong, he too had spotted them.
Hyeon-gong’s sharp mind quickly assessed the situation.
‘Young man in Cheongseong Sect robes, young woman from the Emei Sect.’
‘Their skills are at the edge of first-rate. Not quite at my level, but decent enough.’
‘Tang Mu-jin just passed by with Yeong Heo-ja and Hyang Baek-sa-tae.’
‘So these two must be following them to broaden their horizons at Wudang Mountain.’
‘Jin-hae and Eun Seon-rim… was it?’
All these thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.
Hyeon-gong approached them with a friendly smile.
Extending a hand to those who are unsure of what to do or where to go not only earns goodwill but also seizes the initiative.
As he walked, Hyeon-gong continued to ponder.
‘Their backgrounds are about an eight. Their skills, around a six. Two people with a combined score of fourteen. Not bad for young talents.’
His gaze lingered a bit longer on Eun Seon-rim.
‘She has a neat and lively aura. Maybe a two or three… But since she’s from the Emei Sect, no extra points. A pity.’
‘Still, they’re likely to hold key positions in the Cheongseong and Emei Sects in the future. It’s wise to build a rapport with them.’
‘Rapport, huh. Should I become friends?’
Hyeon-gong approached them with a courteous demeanor.
“Hello. You seem to be guests of the Tang family.”
Jin-hae immediately clasped his hands in greeting and asked, “Yes, I am Jin-hae of the Cheongseong Sect, and this is Eun Seon-rim of the Emei Sect. Are you, by any chance, the renowned Seung-ryong Sword, Hyeon-gong of the Wudang Sect?”
Hyeon-gong nodded modestly.
“That’s an overly generous title.”
“Ah, I knew it…!”
A flicker of admiration passed through Jin-hae and Eun Seon-rim’s eyes. It was the look one gives to someone who is not quite a superior, yet not close enough to be a friend.
In that moment, Hyeon-gong made up his mind.
‘No need to be friends. I’ll make them my subordinates.’
He flashed his most charming smile.