Bop Kye reappeared and moved the coffin.
The three looked at each other with a heavy atmosphere in the room where the corpse stench had not gone.
“Amitabha.”
Bop Jeong chanted, then turned to Hyun Jong and said,
“As you may know, the traces of Magyo has already been found in the Hundreds Thousand Mountains.”
Chung Myung glanced back at Hyun Jong.
“Really?”
“Hum. Before the start of the Murim Competition, there was a time when such a story came up in a place where all Sect Leaders gathered separately.”
“The sign of Magyo…….”
For a brief moment, Chung Myung was lost in thought.
That is an extremely important story.
On the other hand, finding Magyo’s traces and finding Mahwa’s traces in the dead are two entirely different issues.
“Shaolin was one step ahead of the other and get this information. And now that we has found it out, we have had to take action on our own.”
“It sounds like you’ve commanded other people to look around there again.”
“Yes. In collaboration with Beggar Union, we started chasing the Magyo. It was before the competition that he fell. But… I lost contact with the person who was looking around the North Sea Ice Palace, so I checked……. Amitabha.”
It must imply that they discovered a disciple who Magyo murdered.
Chung Myung cocked his brow slightly.
‘Magyo in the North Sea?’
No. It’s not a good idea to jump to conclusions.
This information alone reveals nothing.
Nothing should be assumed until a thorough understanding of the situation is obtained. Magyo is that kind of person.
“It’s a matter of great importance to discover the trace of Magyo. We’ve already had a terrible war. If we ignore this incident, it may eventually lead to another war. Therefore, Jungwon must investigate the North Sea and the North Sea Ice Palace.”
“Humm.”
Hyun Jong gives a firm nod.
No one in Kangho can afford to ignore the work related to Magyo.
This is particularly true of Mount Hua. Can there be a place with a deep resentment toward Magyo as deep as Mount Hua, no matter how many sects there are in the world?
“But…….”
Hyun Jong made a slight frown, coughed low, and opened his mouth.
“It’s obviously important that Magyo’s trace has been discovered. But I don’t understand why Bangjang telling us this story…..”
“Sect Leader.”
Bop Jeong spoke in a determined tone.
“As the Sect Leader of Shaolin, I wanted to ask Mount Hua for one thing, so I wanted to see you.”
He glanced at Hyun Jong and Chung Myung. The eyes sank darkly, and they couldn’t even guess what he was thinking.
At last, he opened his mouth heavily.
“Wouldn’t Mount Hua please look into the North Sea?”
“…Yes?”
Hyun Jong opened his eyes wide.
“…the North Sea Ice Palace?”
“That’s right.”
Bop Jeong nodded slowly. Then he chanted in a low voice and continued.
“Of course, I know it’s not easy. But there’s no other place that able to do this except Mount Hua.”
“That…….”
Hyun Jong blurted out the end of his words as if he was a little perplexed. It was a question that was difficult to give a clear answer to.
“I think Bangjang has overestimated Mount Hua.”
“It’s not an overestimate.”
Bop Jeong stares at Hyun Jong with deep eyes.
“As you know, the relationship between Great Five Clan and the Ten Great Sect is not good. To be precise, it should be said that we are close to enemies.”
Hyun Jong sighs quietly.
To be exact, the Great Five Clan has a one-sided grudge against Jungwon, not between enemies. But there is no need to the point that out now.
“The Great Five Clan has a grudge against the people of Jungwon beyond the Ten Great Sect. Because of this, it has been 100 years since the Jungwon people were not allowed to enter the area of the Great Five Clan.”
Chung Myung’s eyes narrowed slightly as he was listening.
Now he understands why Bop Jeong bent his pride and wanted to see him. Sure enough, Bop Jeong added.
“However, there is a sect that recently stepped into the territory of the Great Five Clan. It’s not just a simple greeting, but a sect that has established a good relationship with them and started exchanges with them.”
Hyun Jong’s eyes narrowed.
“You mean Namman Yasugung Clan and us, Mount Hua.”
“That’s right.”
Bop Jeong nodded loudly.
“Sect Leader, I know it’s not easy. However, Mount Hua is the only one who has developed a good relationship with Great Five Clan among the sects in Jungwon.”
Hyun Jong tried to say something, but Bop Jeong didn’t give it a chance.
“Of course, I know that the North Sea Ice Palace and the Namman Yasugung Clan are different. But they have bond with each other as Great Five Clan. If you are a friend of the Namman Yasugung Clan, the North Sea Ice Palace will not be able to treat you completely hostile. Only Mount Hua has the potential to enter the North Sea Ice Palace without collisions.”
Bop Jeong lowered his hands and bowed his head to Hyun Jong.
It was manners used by a normal human being, not the one used by monks.
“Please. Please make a bold decision for the world, Sect Leader.”
“Heumm.”
Hyun Jong let out a sigh.
No matter how bad the relationship is, it is not reasonable to refuse when Shaolin’s Bangjang has even lowered his stance. Besides, isn’t this work for the whole world?
‘What should I do?’
Just as Hyun Jong was about to be troubled by the unexpected suggestion, he heard a firm voice next to him.
“What happened to the Magyo’s trace? Is that all?”
There was a slight difference in Bop Jeong’s eyes looking at Chung Myung. From the moment the word “Magyo” is spoken of, the child who had been showing obvious hostility to Shaolin has been pushing his enmity aside and showing hostility to Magyo.
“Nothing is certain yet. The only thing I can guess, is that the skill of the person who could leave this level of Mahwa is very high.”
Chung Myung tapped his finger lightly on the cheek.
‘Well, it’s not really that great.’
But it’s not something to ignore.
The important thing is that someone who has mastered that level of Demon Art moves through the North Sea.
And maybe Magyo is taking advantage of the situation in which relations between Jungwon and the North Sea have been severed.
“What about the worst situation?”
“The North Sea Ice Palace itself was taken over by Magyo. Then next, the Magyo will move south from the north toward Jungwon.”
“Hmm.”
Chung Myung opened his eyes dimly.
It’s not an unlikely story. but…
“Yes, well, I understand.”
He stretched his back straight.
And he alternately looked at Hyun Jong and Bop Jeong with lively eyes as usual.
“If you’re done talking, can I go now?”
“…… hmm?”
The startled d Bop Jeong raised his head.
‘You’re leaving?’
“So- Sodojang. The story isn’t over yet.”
“Yes. Well, I know.”
Chung Myung replied, picking on his ears.
“I understand it roughly. So Magyo appeared in the North Sea, and Bangjnag asked Mount Hua to go and check it out. Other Jungwon people are not allowed to enter the Great Five Clan area, but Mount Hua has gained friendship with Namman Yasugung Clan and thus could use it to enter North Sea Ice Palace.”
“That’s right. That’s what I mean.”
“But.”
Chung Myung blew his finger.
“Why us?”
“…….”
Bop Jeong’s face went blank as if he had lost his mind.
“…why? Didn’t I say that Magyo has appeared?”
“Ah. I heard that too. I mean, why should Mount Hua go when Magyo shows up? There’s Shaolin, there’s Wudang, and there’s a lot of other sects. Why does it have to be Mount Hua?”
“Didn’t I already explain that already?”
“Oh, because we have experience?”
Chung Myung smirked as if he had seen something funny.
“Have you tried it?”
“Hm?”
Chung Myung opens his mouth looking at Bop Jeong with a deep look.
“What’s so great about Mount Hua being friends with Namman Yasugung Clan? It just happened somehow.”
“…….”
“Then Shaolin can do it, too. I know because I’ve done it, but there’s nothing you can’t do if you try. So if you work hard, you’ll definitely be able to do it.”
Bop Jeong unknowingly opened his mouth wide.
‘What the hell is this guy talking about?’
“E- Effort?”
“Yes, compared to hard-working Shaolin, Mount Hua is as good as nothing. I’m afraid that things will go wrong if we step out on such an important task for no reason. So we’d better go back to Shaanxi and watch Shaolin take care of things and applaud them. I think it will be better. Is that right, Sect Leader?”
Hyun Jong looked back and forth at Chung Myung and Bop Jeong with a slightly puzzled face.
But soon after, Hyun Jong’s face also regained its usual tranquility.
“It is right, Bangjang.”
Bop Jeong spoke to the two, pretending to be calm. But he couldn’t hide a sigh mixed in his words.
“It’s for the sake of the world.”
“Yes, I know. It used to be like that, too, isn’t it?”
Chung Myung’s words penetrated Bop Jeong’s chest.
And Bop Jeong couldn’t refute the statement.
“I won’t waste my time. I’ll be on my way. Their territory (빙궁도) is also a place where people live, so if you do well, you’ll be able to communicate. Then.”
“Wait a minute.”
When Chung Myung rose halfway, Bop Jeong raised his hand firmly to dissuade him.
“Please wait a little bit more.”
The eyes looked quite serious.
Chung Myung put his butt back without question. Bop Jeong nodded quietly and chanted low.
“I know. No, I really understand. I, as the Sect Leader of Shaolin, is not the one who dares to say that we will repay Mount Hua for their act in the future. So I understand the reaction of Sect Leader and Sodojang.”
Chung Myung’s eyes narrowed slightly with suspicion.
‘What the hell is this bald head doing?’
To be honest, at this point, it’s worth leaving. No matter how calm he may be, Bop Jeong shouldn’t have a good eye for Mount Hua.
But is he going to continue the conversation here?
That means there is still a hidden card.
“In order for a person who has lost trust to ask for a favor, the reward must be taken out first. It was the right thing to do but this monk couldn’t keep the order.”
“Reward?”
“That’s right.”
“Hooh.”
Chung Myung smiled slightly.
So far, it’s just a dog’s tongue, but there’s room to consider if there’s a reward.
“So what is the reward?”
“Bop Kye.”
When Bop Jeong called, the door opened again without any delay and Bop Kye came inside.
‘He’s really busy.’
He came in with a coffin earlier, and now…….
“Huh?”
Chung Myung tilted his head.
It’s about sending Mount Hua’s disciples all the way to the North Sea. If that is the case, the conversation will not be established unless the reward is substantial. But what was in Bop Kye’s hands seemed too small and shabby to be a reward.
A box.
The long box wasn’t that big. Even if it was filled with gold, it would not reach the reward Chung Myung thought.
“Here it is. Bangjang.”
“Hm.”
Bop Jeong received the box that Bop Kye gave out and put it on the table in front of him.
“Then.”
Bop Kye went out. As if he didn’t dare to see that box opened.
The pious manner made it all the more inconceivable. Chung Myung stared at the box.
‘What the hell is it?’
Up to now, their actions have not deviated much from Chung Myung’s palm. Obvious words and actions. But at this moment, it was hard to interpret even Chung Myung.
What the hell is in that box?
“The reward is this.”
“The box?”
“It’s exactly what’s in the box.”
“……not money, but things.”
Chung Myung’s eyes were once again dimmed.
Recognizing that he was struggling with something, Hyun Jong insinuated on his behalf.
“Bangjang, don’t make fun of people too much, and show us what’s in the box.”
“Of course, I will.”
Bop Jeong grabbed the lid of the box. Then instead of opening the lid immediately, he smiled significantly.
“If it’s this masterpiece, of course, Sect Leader will accept this offer. Because it’s such a big deal.”
“…….”
Before Hyun Jong could answer anything, Bop Jeong opened the box.
‘What?’
Hyun Jong frowned when he saw the item.
There was no dazzling glow, no surprises.
Inside the box covered with silk was just an old-fashioned sword with its scabbard inside.
‘What is written on it?’
Some words were engraved in calligraphy, but it was difficult to read them accurately because they were worn out, perhaps because of the years.
“Bangjang, what is this sword…….”
It was then.
“Huh?”
Chung Myung flinched with a sound.
‘What?’
At the same time, Hyun Jong flinched. It was the first time he saw Chung Myung so flustered and surprised.
Chung Myung stared blankly at the sword in the box, blinking his eyes. Then he murmured as if he was speechless.
“N- No…Why is this crawling out of here?”
Hyun Jong had no choice but to tilt his head.
What the hell is this sword that makes the child so perplexed?
Then Bop Jeong reached out quietly and lifted the sword. And slowly pulled it out of the scabbard.
Hyun Jong covered his eyes with his hands at that moment.
Unlike the old-fashioned scabbard, which was full of traces of time, bright and pure light poured out from the exposed blade.
Seeing this light, no one could deny that this sword was a Divine Sword.
Bop Jeong stared at the two and grinned.
“The sword’s name is Zaha (자하(紫霞)).”
Also.
Chung Myung’s eyes sank deep in an instant.
And Hyun Jong, who heard the name, also hardened his face. Bangjang looked at the faces and added.
“The Zaha Sword (紫霞神劍/Zaha Divine Sword). It is a sacred weapon that symbolizes Mount Hua Sect. It is the favorite sword of Great Virtuous Sword (대현검(大賢劍)) Cheon Mun, who was a Sect Leader of Mount Hua Sect in the past.”
“Ah……. Ahh…….”
Hyun Jong’s passionate eyes shook like reeds in a storm.
Either hes gonna be really p***** does it have that Sword
Or he’ll immediately agree with their request