Chapter 373
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**Chapter 373. Please, Call Me Yeon Namcheon**
**Wudang Mountain.**
**Sangcheong Palace.**
On the day the first snow fell on Wudang Mountain, two high-ranking officials of the Empire arrived at the *Wudang Sect*.
They were Dong Yuso, a commander of the *Jinyiwei* (*Golden Guard*) from the southern region (*Namjin*), and Wang Muyang, a *Baekho* (*centurion*, commander of one hundred soldiers) from the same region.
To escort these two figures, a detachment of 300 soldiers was mobilized, demonstrating that this was not a mere ceremonial visit to the Taoist temple, but an official matter.
The Taoists of the *Sangcheong Palace* debated whether this arrival was a good omen or a bad sign.
—
**Leader of the Sect’s Office.**
The leader of the *Wudang Sect*, Yeong Gyeolsang, welcomed the two officials with a warm smile on his face.
—Welcome. I am Yeong Gyeolsang, leader of the *Wudang Sect*. What brings you to Wudang Mountain?
Dong Yuso, displaying the straightforward demeanor typical of a high-ranking official, got straight to the point:
—I am Dong Yuso, commander of the *Jinyiwei* from the south. I know that young master Yeon is residing here in the *Wudang Sect*. Allow us to see him.
—Ah, I see. So you are Commander Dong. Are you referring to young master Yeon, who is also known as Yeon Jeokha, the Great Protector of *Nokrim*?
Yeong Gyeolsang carefully observed Dong Yuso’s expression.
Although Yeon Jeokha was technically a disciple of the *Wudang Sect*, he needed to know why they were looking for him. If it was something harmful, he intended to offer an excuse and avoid the meeting.
—Indeed. In the entire martial world (*Murim*), who else could be called young master Yeon?
—May I ask what matters you have with him?
Dong Yuso frowned, annoyed by the question.
He did not appreciate the *Wudang Sect* leader trying to meddle in his relationship with Yeon Jeokha. However, he knew that without the leader’s cooperation, he could not see him.
Finally, clearing his throat to calm himself, he replied:
—I have known young master Yeon for a long time. Moreover, his brother-in-law is also part of the *Jinyiwei*. There is no need for concern; it is nothing bad.
Hearing this, Yeong Gyeolsang’s expression brightened.
He had been worried about the possibility of clashing with a high-ranking imperial official, but it seemed there was no reason to be alarmed.
—Understood. Young master Yeon recently joined our sect as an external disciple. That is why I dared to inquire about your intentions.
Yeong Gyeolsang’s words surprised Dong Yuso.
He would never have imagined that someone like Yeon Jeokha would become an external disciple of the *Wudang Sect*.
Quickly, his attitude changed.
—It is an honor that young master Yeon has been accepted as an external disciple. That can only mean that the reputation of the *Wudang Sect* will continue to grow.
His tone became much more formal, aware that Yeon Jeokha, as an external disciple, was under the jurisdiction of the sect leader.
It was crucial to win the leader’s favor if he wanted Yeon Jeokha’s cooperation.
Yeong Gyeolsang noticed the change in Dong Yuso’s attitude but chose to ignore it. Instead, he felt a slight internal satisfaction.
—Young master Yeon is the official disciple of the late master Cheongbulno. He is currently training at the *Five Dragons Palace*.
—…
Dong Yuso’s eyes widened upon hearing the words “official disciple.”
That Yeon Jeokha was accepted as an external disciple was already shocking, but being the sole official disciple of master Cheongbulno was something he could never have imagined.
—Do you mean he inherited the complete teachings of master Cheongbulno?
—Indeed. Before leaving this world, master Cheongbulno accepted him as his first and only disciple, even leaving him his *Tao Treasure* (*Beopbo*). He is undoubtedly an invaluable talent for the *Wudang Sect*.
—Understood.
Dong Yuso realized that Yeon Jeokha’s position was not something to be taken lightly.
Not only was he an external disciple; he also had an exceptional status as the heir to Cheongbulno’s legacy.
—It is incredible that Yeon Jeokha has become a disciple of the *Wudang Sect*. I do not know whether this is good or bad for us.
If Yeon Jeokha were still part of *Nokrim*, Dong Yuso could exert pressure on him using the campaign against the bandits as an excuse.
But now, as a disciple of the *Wudang Sect*, the situation became much more complicated.
After a brief pause, Dong Yuso spoke again:
—Sect Leader.
—Yes.
—This is not something most people know, but young master Yeon has been fighting against the *Yoomyung Cult* alongside us in the *Jinyiwei*. The reason *Nokrim* joined the *Heaven and Earth Alliance* was thanks to the efforts of Yeon Jeokha and the *Jinyiwei*.
—Ah!
Yeong Gyeolsang could not help but exclaim in surprise.
It was astonishing to learn that the *Jinyiwei* and Yeon Jeokha had been working behind the scenes to oppose the *Yoomyung Cult*.
—The Empire has been aware of the threats posed by the *Yoomyung Cult* and has worked to contain it. The northern region has borne great sacrifices, and that responsibility has now shifted to the south. With the help of young master Yeon, we have managed to keep the cult under control, something the clans and sects of *Murim*, with their pact of “no aggression for three years,” have failed to achieve.
Upon hearing about the *Three-Year Pact*, Yeong Gyeolsang could not help but show a bitter smile.
The pact among the major clans and sects of *Murim* forced them to refrain from conflict with the *Yoomyung Cult* for three years, leaving the *Jinyiwei* and people like Yeon Jeokha in charge of the fight.
—Sect Leader, do you intend to restrict Yeon Jeokha’s actions using the pact as an excuse?
—What do you mean?
—As I mentioned, young master Yeon has been aiding us in our fight against the *Yoomyung Cult*. Now that he is an external disciple of the *Wudang Sect*, do you plan to use the pact to prevent him from continuing to fight?
—Hmm…
Yeong Gyeolsang pondered for a moment, considering the implications of the question.
The *Three-Year Pact* forced the major sects to refrain from confronting the *Yoomyung Cult*. If the *Wudang Sect* forced Yeon Jeokha to follow those rules, it could hinder his efforts against the cult.
But, on the other hand, Yeon Jeokha held a unique position. Although he was an external disciple, he could not be treated like the others.
Finally, Yeong Gyeolsang gave a diplomatic response:
—Traditionally, our sect does not impose strict rules on external disciples.
In other words, he did not plan to restrict Yeon Jeokha.
Dong Yuso’s face lit up.
—So, there is no problem if the *Jinyiwei* and young master Yeon continue to work together?
—That will depend on Yeon Jeokha’s decision. In the *Wudang Sect*, we always respect the choices of our external disciples.
—That eases my mind greatly. Thank you.
Dong Yuso offered a respectful bow to Yeong Gyeolsang.
—
The visit of Dong Yuso and Wang Muyang to Wudang Mountain could not have come at a better time. If the *Wudang Sect* had decided to obstruct Yeon Jeokha’s support, the plans for the *Yuanxiao* festival (15th of the first lunar month) would have faced serious complications.
—You don’t have to thank me —Yeong Gyeolsang replied humbly—. Rather, I hope you understand that we cannot help openly due to our commitments. But, if you wish, should I have young master Yeon come right now?
—Yes, we would appreciate it.
Dong Yuso’s attitude, which had initially been haughty, turned much more respectful. He could not afford to treat the *Wudang Sect* as beneath the *Jinyiwei (Golden Guard)*, especially now that Yeon Jeokha was officially one of their disciples.
—
Half an hour later.
A Taoist from the *Sangcheong Palace* returned with Yeon Jeokha, who had been training at the *Five Dragons Palace*.
Yeon Jeokha, upon seeing Dong Yuso and the stranger accompanying him, first greeted Yeong Gyeolsang with a slight bow.
—Did you call for me?
—Yes. How is your training going?
Yeong Gyeolsang, in a deliberate gesture, spoke to Yeon Jeokha with familiarity in front of Dong Yuso, making it clear that this young man was not just any ordinary external disciple.
—Well, I continue to work hard.
—Commander Dong has told me how much you have done alongside the *Jinyiwei (Golden Guard)*. It seems you have made significant contributions.
—Well, the opportunity arose.
—Introduce yourself to Commander Dong. He has traveled a long distance just to see you.
Yeon Jeokha turned to Dong Yuso and greeted him:
—Commander Dong, it has been a while.
Dong Yuso observed Yeon Jeokha with a mix of disbelief and surprise. The face full of marks of the person in front of him made it hard to believe he was the same young master Yeon he knew.
—Are you really young master Yeon?
—Yes. These marks are the remnants of a poisoning, but do not worry, I am fully cured of the poison now.
—How did this happen?
Yeon Jeokha briefly explained how he ended up facing Tang Unmang.
—So you sent Tang Unmang to the *Namyeon Inn* because of this?
—I thought there might be some trace of the poison left, but later, when I visited *Namamgun* and met a doctor from the *Yaksa (Medicine Immortal)* order, they told me it was not due to the poison.
—If it wasn’t the poison, then what caused this?
—My master says it was likely a curse of *word sorcery* cast by the leader of the *Yoomyung Cult*. I made a promise with her and, unfortunately, did not fulfill it.
—A *word curse*?!
Dong Yuso was taken aback. At first, he hesitated, but Yeon Jeokha’s voice and words confirmed that it was indeed him.
—My master says that if I fulfill that promise, my condition will improve. It is a curse linked to the remnants of the poison, but since I have already been detoxified, I just need to fulfill the promise to return to normal.
—Does this affect your combat abilities?
—Not at all. This only affects my face.
Dong Yuso let out a sigh of relief.
—Hah, at least it is a relief that it does not affect your strength. But, what promise did you make with the leader of the *Yoomyung Cult*?
There was a slight trace of concern in Dong Yuso’s voice. If the promise involved something that could harm the *Jinyiwei*, it would be a serious problem.
—She asked me to capture one of the Great Demon Generals (*Baekdu Magun*) of the *Myeongwang Cult* alive.
—Did she want revenge on one of her own traitors?
—That seems to be the case. For some reason, she hated him a lot.
—Are you sure there wasn’t another reason?
Yeong Gyeolsang also turned his head toward Dong Yuso, intrigued by the possibility that the leader of the *Yoomyung Cult* had a hidden motive.
—She must have needed something from him. If she just wanted revenge, it would have sufficed to ask for his head, wouldn’t you agree?
Dong Yuso’s perspective reflected his experience as an imperial official, and Yeong Gyeolsang considered that it made sense. Asking for the *Baekdu Magun* to be captured alive suggested there was more behind it.
When they finished discussing Yeon Jeokha’s situation, Dong Yuso returned to the main topic.
—We spoke with the sect leader before you arrived. We wanted to know if, now being an external disciple of the *Wudang Sect*, you would be obligated to respect the *Three-Year Pact*. The leader was clear on this: external disciples are not subject to the rules of the mountain.
Dong Yuso looked at the leader, seeking confirmation, and Yeong Gyeolsang calmly replied:
—That is correct. Not only in our sect, but in all major sects, external disciples are not bound by the internal rules of the temple.
Indeed, major sects allowed their external disciples to live freely, as it would be unreasonable to demand they lead a Taoist or monastic life.
—That is why we come back to request your help.
—I was already expecting you to seek me out. You arrived just in time, didn’t you?
Yeon Jeokha knew that, considering the distances and the winter, the time to prepare was limited.
It was then that Wang Muyang, who had been silent until now, spoke:
—The *Jinyiwei* always adjusts its itinerary to maintain confidentiality.
Yeon Jeokha did not ask further. If confidentiality was the priority, there was nothing else to add.
—Are you sure that my help won’t put the *Wudang Sect* in a difficult position because of the *Three-Year Pact*?
Yeon Jeokha wanted to ensure that his participation would not harm the sect that had accepted him.
Yeong Gyeolsang smiled slightly, pleased with Yeon Jeokha’s concern.
—I already told you. External disciples are not subject to the sect’s rules. You are not a Taoist of our sect; you are a common person with freedom of action.
Of course, that also meant that the sect would not be responsible for what happened to an external disciple.
With those words, Yeon Jeokha nodded and turned to Dong Yuso.
—For the sake of my brother-in-law, I will help you. But I would like you not to mention who I really am.
—Not even to Jin Wuseong?
—No. I prefer to be called simply an external disciple of the *Wudang Sect*.
—Understood. We will not tell anyone. In any case, we need a sorcerer, so no one will suspect.
—That is convenient. My title is *Namcheon*. Call me Yeon Namcheon.
—Alright. For the details and logistics, please speak with centurion Wang Muyang.
The next day, Taoist Master Cheonmyeong from the *Five Dragons Palace* ordered Yeon Jeokha to carry out a mission of “*virtue practice*” (*Jeokseon Suhaeng*), which involved doing good deeds in the secular world.
Thus, Yeon Namcheon left the *Five Dragons Palace* and descended the mountain to begin his task.