Reincarnated Sword Ghost-Chapter 12 : Mount Hua

Mount Hua
However, it was quite some time after the duel had ended before Jeong-un and Cheong Jin actually had a conversation.
Both sides, as if out of sorts, cleared up the dueling grounds, and the Yu household hastily prepared to return.
Since Jeong-un, as a clear member of the Yu household, had to join the returning group, he excused himself to Cheong Jin, who nodded graciously.
The members of the Yu household looked at Jeong-un as though he were a ghost, watching how he conversed with Cheong Jin so comfortably and even postponing his request.
But Jeong-un took such gazes in stride.
'Well, they used to call me Lazy Ghost anyway.'
And right before leaving Five Star Gate, Cheong Jin spoke to Jeong-un in front of everyone with completely unexpected words.
"Come to Mount Hua."
"... Wh-what!"
Even when he heard sounds coming from behind, Jeong-un did not turn his head.
No doubt it was the sound of Yu Dong-ryong.
After the duel ended, while everyone looked at Jeong-un as if he were a ghost, Yu Dong-ryong alone glared at him with eyes full of disbelief.
He was likely now staring in the same way as ever.
"What do you mean, come to Mount Hua...?"
"...?"
At Jeong-un's question, Cheong Jin opened his eyes wide and stared at him in silence for a moment.
Then, seeing Jeong-un's clear eyes, he smiled softly and spoke again.
"I'm asking how you would feel about becoming a disciple of Mount Hua."
"Is that something you can decide so easily?"
"If the young master is willing, I'd like to take you in as an inner disciple of the main sect."
At Cheong Jin's follow-up, everyone's mouth fell agape.
What kind of sect was Mount Hua?
When speaking of the greatest sword sects under heaven, it was always mentioned alongside Wudang.
Furthermore, Mount Hua wielded influence in the martial world comparable even to Namgung.
And now, one of Mount Hua's elders personally offered discipleship.
And not just any disciple—a true inner disciple.
It was no wonder that everyone present had to use their hands to close their mouths.
'......'
Jeong-un looked quietly at Cheong Jin's face.
Had anyone ever looked at him with such genuine kindness in his life?
That warm gaze felt so unfamiliar, it was almost jarring.
'To become a disciple of Mount Hua...'
Surely Cheong Jin himself had grown up in Mount Hua and learned his martial arts there.
He was a man who could manipulate true ki as easily as moving his own limbs.
If Jeong-un went to Mount Hua, he would certainly progress greatly in a short time.
'No matter what I learn, it's got to be better than the Ascending Dragon Sword Technique.'
He was also curious about learning proper martial arts.
And this was Mount Hua, rivaling Shaolin and Wudang in the struggle for leadership among the Nine Great Sects.
But Jeong-un's actual reply was entirely different from such thoughts.
"I appreciate your goodwill, but I can only accept the spirit of your offer."
"...!"
"H-he's out of his mind...!"
Everyone inhaled sharply with their mouths still open.
Finally, Yu Dong-ryong let out a curse, but even though it was extremely rude, no one even noticed.
In fact, some people subconsciously nodded along.
"May I ask why?"
This time, even Cheong Jin looked a little perplexed.
No matter the answer, he had not imagined he would be rejected without even a moment's hesitation.
"Is it that my age bothers you?"
"It's not really that..."
"Granted, it's normal for children to join at a very young age. Those children go on to be the strength of the sect. But not all things in the world follow the same rules. I've never taken a disciple before, so if you were to become my disciple, you'd receive even greater support than the others."
It was a stunning offer, getting more generous by the minute.
Cheong Jin wasn't just inviting him to join Mount Hua—he was offering him the position of his personal direct disciple.
When he mentioned an inner disciple, he wasn't exaggerating.
This would make Jeong-un Cheong Jin's foremost disciple in Mount Hua.
And presently, those in Mount Hua who had not even reached their thirties were acting as second-generation disciples—meaning the support Jeong-un would receive at his age was almost unprecedented.
"... I am grateful for your words."
But Jeong-un looked troubled.
Not only had he not expected such an offer, but he hadn't even dreamed he would be urged again after declining.
At this point, it was the people around him who were getting restless.
'What is he doing, seriously?'
'Is he out of his mind?'
The shock of Jeong-un defeating the Five Star Gate Leader in the duel was already completely forgotten in the wake of this conversation.
Instead, they stared anxiously ahead, already picturing how much more influential the Yu household would become if Jeong-un joined Mount Hua.
'... Just what kind of child is this?'
Cheong Jin too was just as taken aback.
He'd thought Jeong-un might hesitate, but only faintly considered that he might refuse.
The main reason he hadn't taken on any disciples for so long was that, despite being away from the sect for external affairs, he hadn't met anyone worthy of being trained.
But this boy in front of him was undeniably tempting.
In fact, Cheong Jin was already thinking seriously about what and how to teach him.
Yet he never suspected he would be refused so flat-out.
"......"
After a moment's silent gaze at Jeong-un, Cheong Jin, sounding resigned, spoke again.
"Of course, I don't mean to force you. But could I at least hear your reason?"
Pausing as if considering, Jeong-un slowly replied,
"Mount Hua is a mighty sect that has long held a prominent place among the Nine Great Sects, hasn't it?"
"Indeed."
"Then, how many people in Mount Hua are stronger than you, elder?"
"......?"
This time, Cheong Jin even parted his lips a little, staring straight at Jeong-un.
He was trying to understand the intention behind a question that could well be considered rude.
Meanwhile, those nearby seemed about ready to have their eyes pop out.
"Well, it's hard for me to say, but I suppose I might be in the top ten on my fingers."
Jeong-un nodded, deep in thought, and then asked again.
"How many such people are there in the martial world as a whole?"
"In the martial world, you say? Perhaps around a hundred or so."
"Then, I would rather go to the martial world."
"......?!"
Cheong Jin gaped, words caught in his throat, then broke out in laughter.
"Hahaha!"
He speaks of going out to the martial world.
Their perspectives had been at entirely different heights from the start.
"So that's how it is, I see."
Everyone stared curiously at the suddenly laughing Cheong Jin, some worried whether they had offended him.
Jeong-un too thought it wouldn't be strange if Cheong Jin became offended.
'But I can't say something I don't mean.'
He had merely answered the question.
He sincerely believed that staying with the Yu household would suit him better than going to Mount Hua.
'A place like that would only bring endless trouble.'
To belong to a sect meant to bear its name upon your back forever.
If anyone slandered the sect, you would draw your sword without hesitation.
That was more than simple belonging—it was closer to staking your life in loyalty.
'Could I live like that?'
Without any hesitation, he shook his head.
He felt an aversion even to the idea of forming a disciple-master relationship.
Especially with a great, systematic sect like Mount Hua, he would naturally be subject to many restrictions.
At least as far as he knew, the student-to-master relationship always came with constraints.
'It won't help me right now.'
There was certainly the appeal of broadening his experience in new martial arts, and his curiosity about the strong, but that much could be satisfied by watching.
He still remembered vividly the way Cheong Jin manipulated his true ki.
He was itching to go back and practice at once.
At that moment, Cheong Jin, smiling no longer, nodded slowly and spoke.
"I admit, I misjudged your capacity. Still, how could I let such words pass without response?"
"...!"
At those words, the atmosphere froze over instantly.
Cheong Jin was an elder of Mount Hua.
His words carried real weight.
Jeong-un, too, looked at him with a tenser face.
'Is he going to punish me?'
In the end, the Yu household and Five Star Gate were just small military halls in a countryside town like Hanzhong.
And now, the son of such a place had refused the offer of an elder from Mount Hua.
Even if Cheong Jin drew his sword in anger, none present would have dared protest.
But contrary to everyone's fears, there was still a faint smile on Cheong Jin's face.
"I too hope the path you have chosen remains as free as the wind. But even the wind sometimes needs a guide."
"...?"
"If that's your destination, there is a certain place that comes to mind."
He reached into his robe and handed Jeong-un a wooden token.
"Go to Heavenly Martial Hall. If you are a young hero, you'll be able to pass through their gates."
"...?"
On the wooden token was beautifully engraved the rather grand name 'Cloud Dragon Token(雲龍牌)'.
Jeong-un looked at Cheong Jin again, a little confused, but he simply smiled.
"That too is your choice. But with my meager insight, I can't think of a faster way to reach the wider martial world."
Thud─!
Suddenly, something crashed from behind.
Looking back, Jeong-un saw Yu Dong-ryong had collapsed backward with foam at his lips.
Jeong-un closed his eyes in embarrassment.
"Family head."
"...?"
Cheong Jin approached Yu Jungho, who was still dazed from the impact of the duel with Five Star Gate.
All Yu Jungho cared about was preparing and returning home as soon as possible.
But with another surreal event unfolding in front of him, he was barely holding himself together.
"The young master's talent is exceptional—truly a prodigy. I envy you greatly."
"I— I hardly know what to say... I don't know what's happening..."
"I hope the ties between my sect and the Yu household remain strong for a long time."
"...!"
"Then I'll take my leave."
When Cheong Jin gave a slight bow, Yu Jungho hurriedly answered with a deep martial salute.
Immediately, the Yu household members all followed in bowing as well.
Eventually, Cheong Jin walked toward the main gate.
He stopped, turned, and looked back at Jeong-un.
"Now that I think about it..."
"...?"
Their eyes met, and Jeong-un stared at him curiously.
"I feel like I boasted a bit in front of you."
"What do you mean...?"
"How could Mount Hua have only ten people stronger than me? There are dozens I could never defeat, even if I were reborn time and again."
"I see."
"I forgot that 'highest level of martial art' cannot be the only measure of true strength."
"Thank you for your precious advice."
As Jeong-un bowed deeply, Cheong Jin smiled broadly and walked away again.
* * *
The moment they left through the main gate was utterly silent.
Normally, after a duel, a formal banquet for harmony between sects would be held, and the return journey would begin the following day.
But not a single person found it odd that the Yu household was hastily preparing and heading out at once.
Of course, from Five Star Gate, no one came out to see them off either.
Jeong-un turned his head for a moment to glance back in Five Star Gate's direction.
It was as quiet as a funeral home.
He almost felt a bit apologetic.
"......"
All that could be heard now was the shuffling of their group's footsteps and the rough clatter of horses' hooves striking the ground.
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
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