Chapter 404
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## Chapter 404. I Order in the Name of the Sect Leader
Upon hearing Yeong Gyeolsang, the Sect Leader’s words, Master Muyang and the elders shut their mouths tightly.
In principle, he was right, but none of them agreed.
The reality was that the soldiers of Huang Busung, the Thousand Chief, were invading the Wudang Sect, and his words were ideal.
After a long silence, Master Muyang said with a confused face:
“I agree with you in principle, Leader, but do you think this matter deserves so much effort?”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Aren’t we in a situation where the main sect must suffer for Yeon Namcheon, an inner disciple? I ask you if Yeon Namcheon is someone who deserves so much.”
“I told you that before discussing the worth of Yeon Namcheon, we must determine right and wrong.”
Master Muyang didn’t give in despite Yeong Gyeolsang’s repeated pleas.
“However, we are not immortals. We are humans who tread the earth. We cannot apply the yardstick of right and wrong to everything. When it thunders and pours, you have to know how to take shelter. Isn’t that right? You?”
When Master Muyang asked, the elders nodded their heads, as if it were obvious.
Yeong Gyeolsang looked at the elders with eyes of sorrow.
Everyone, except him, was against it.
‘Tch, how dare they be so firm!’
If Yeon Namcheon had been just an expert from Nokrim, he would have resigned too.
But he is the best practitioner of mystical techniques in the Five Dragons Palace and the heir to “the law of the word.”
To expel Yeon Namcheon from the Wudang Sect, who has already absorbed the essence of the Five Dragons Palace?
It would be a foolish decision, like kicking one’s own fortune.
If Huang Busung arrived with his army, there would be no battle if they didn’t resist.
It was just a matter of enduring a brief humiliation.
To endure humiliation? To expel Yeon Namcheon and hand him over? If he had to choose between the two options, the first was the obvious one.
Because if they expelled Yeon Namcheon, they would forever lose the “best practitioner of mystical techniques in the Five Dragons Palace” and the “treasure of the law of the word.”
The elders, not knowing what Yeong Gyeolsang felt, said one after another:
“Leader, we agree with Master Muyang. It’s time to give in.”
“We can’t allow Huang Zhengtian’s army to enter the Wudang Sect.”
“If the soldiers trample on the main sect, not only the Wudang Sect, but also the reputation of the Infinite Heaven Alliance will be affected.”
“Even though Yeon Namcheon is Cheongbulno’s named disciple, he is still a practitioner of mystical techniques. There is no point in the Wudang Sect humbling itself for a simple inner disciple.”
“Of course. Even if he were a disciple of the main sect, it would be better to hand him over now.”
“Expel him cleanly.”
“Yes. It’s not a minor offense to have injured a practitioner in the Wudang Sect Palace and insulted the venerable master (尊丈).”
Finally, the elders came to say “expel him.”
Yeong Gyeolsang, who was looking at the elders with complicated eyes, sighed.
“Oh! Can’t you really do anything else? Expel Yeon Namcheon and hand him over to Huang Busung?”
Master Muyang spoke on behalf of the elders.
“It’s better for the Wudang Sect to humble itself. No matter what the Leader says, our opinion will not change. Leader, please listen to our words full of loyalty. It’s not that Yeon Namcheon is not at fault, is it?”
“Yes. He dared to touch Master Cheongseon, a superior. For that alone, he deserves to be expelled. Put yourselves in his place, Leader, or any elder. Could you keep protecting him?”
“Leader, make a decision.”
“It seems that expulsion is the right thing to do.”
Yeong Gyeolsang closed his eyes tightly, hoping that his heart, which was boiling with emotions, would calm down.
Even though he was the Sect Leader, it was difficult for him to act against the will of the Elder Council.
Of course, it was difficult, but not impossible.
‘I didn’t want to use this… but…’
Seeing the situation, it seemed that he couldn’t impose his will without doing so.
Yeong Gyeolsang, after reflecting, slowly opened his eyes.
Then, he took the Wudang Sect Leader’s decree from his pocket and held it up in front of the elders.
“I order in the name of the Wudang Sect Leader. Our Wudang Sect will protect Yeon Namcheon, the named disciple of Cheongbulno of the Five Dragons Palace, but we will not fight Huang Busung Zhengtian. Please abide by my decision, elders.”
“…….”
Master Muyang looked at the Sect Leader’s decree with an expression of disappointment.
The blue jade plaque with the inscription “正法乾坤” (Right Law of Heaven and Earth) on the front was undoubtedly the Wudang Sect Leader’s decree.
The inscription on the back was “邪惡必滅” (Evil Will Be Destroyed).
In the last hundred years, the Wudang Sect had never used the Sect Leader’s decree.
The relationship between the Sect Leader and the Elder Council was so good.
Until recently, the relationship between Yeong Gyeolsang and the Elder Council was also cordial.
But he had broken it.
‘What does Yeon Namcheon have that…’
The Sect Leader had trampled on the pride of the elders to protect a simple inner disciple.
‘They all made that decision out of loyalty to the Wudang Sect…’
The elders also had an expression of bewilderment.
Although they didn’t agree, they couldn’t challenge the Sect Leader’s decree.
Finally, Master Muyang and the elders bowed and responded to the Sect Leader’s decree.
“We will abide by the Sect Leader’s decree.”
When the elders responded, Yeong Gyeolsang put the Sect Leader’s decree back in his pocket.
The elders and Yeong Gyeolsang remained silent with expressionless faces.
It was understandable, as the Sect Leader had made a unilateral decision, unlike the usual search for a reasonable point of compromise.
The consequences of this would last a long time.
The elders left the Taiqing Pavilion without even looking Yeong Gyeolsang in the eye.
Even so, Yeong Gyeolsang didn’t regret his decision.
When the elders found out that Yeon Namcheon is Yeon Jeokha, they would accept his decision.
‘When he’s healed, I can reveal that he is Yeon Jeokha.’
It wasn’t time yet.
He hoped that day would come soon.
***
At noon.
Yeong Gyeolsang, the Wudang Sect Leader, went to the Five Dragons Palace immediately after the meeting ended.
He was going to inform Yeon Namcheon of the situation and seek a solution.
When he entered the Five Dragons Palace, Cheonmyeong, the Palace Leader, came out to greet him.
“Leader, welcome. I was going to see you, but you’ve come.”
“Ha, ha, no problem. As they say, he who hurries digs the well.”
Cheonmyeong smiled indifferently at Yeong Gyeolsang’s words.
As expected, the Wudang Sect Leader would take care of Yeon Namcheon’s problem.
He was glad that he had taken that burden off his shoulders, but he didn’t feel at ease thinking about the Wudang Sect.
“Please come in. I just received a white hair silver needle tea (白毫銀針, a type of white tea made only with new spring buds) that we collected this spring, would you like to try it?”
“I would also like to invite Yeon Namcheon.”
“Yes, the lesson is over, so he will be resting in his lodging. I’ll send someone to get him.”
Cheonmyeong guided Yeong Gyeolsang towards the Golden Purity Pavilion.
————
Golden Purity Pavilion.
About seven minutes had passed since Yeong Gyeolsang and Cheonmyeong had sat down.
A Taoist monk (道童) ‘s voice was heard from the door.
“Leader, young Yeon has arrived.”
“Tell him to come in.”
“Yes.”
A while later, Yeon Jeokha entered the pavilion.
“Did you call me?”
Cheonmyeong stared at his face and said in a kind tone:
“Namcheon, the Sect Leader has come to talk to you.”
“Ah, yes.”
Yeon Jeokha turned his gaze to Yeong Gyeolsang.
Yeong Gyeolsang felt comforted seeing the friendly conversation between the two.
His decision had been the right one.
Seeing Yeon Namcheon’s attitude, he realized that he wasn’t just a disciple of the Five Dragons Palace in appearance, but in truth.
He didn’t know if Sword Emperor Namgung Byeok had taken this into account, but the result was that.
Yeong Gyeolsang told him calmly what had happened in Sibeonjuksan with Magistrate Yang.
He also explained the situation of the Wudang Sect.
“…In the end, I used the Sect Leader’s decree to overturn the Elder Council’s decision. The Wudang Sect will act in a unified and unwavering manner from now on.”
Cheonmyeong couldn’t help but be surprised at Yeong Gyeolsang’s words.
He had gone so far as to use the Sect Leader’s decree to oppose the Elder Council.
It must have been a big blow to the elders, who valued harmony and unity.
“Could we move the Golden Guard Chief to stop him? Do you know anyone on that side?”
Yeong Gyeolsang looked at Yeon Namcheon with shrewd eyes.
He asked him just in case, as he had helped the Golden Guard last time.
“I know someone, but I don’t know how to contact him. It’s always been them who have contacted me.”
“Ah…”
A sigh escaped Yeong Gyeolsang’s lips.
As he suspected, it was like that.
If things continued like this, there would be no way to stop the army from entering.
“What about you leaving here? If they find out you’re not in the Wudang Sect, they’ll retreat.”
Yeon Jeokha shook his head at Yeong Gyeolsang’s words.
“If I do that, Magistrate Yang will harass the Five Dragons Palace.”
That had been the case with Nok Damyeong of Sambomun.
When Nam Sugyeong fled, he destroyed the place where he worked and caused trouble.
It was certain that Yang Hoju, the magistrate of Juksan, would use his power to harass the Five Dragons Palace.
Yeong Gyeolsang smiled seeing Yeon Jeokha worrying about the Five Dragons Palace.
It was a blessing for the Wudang Sect that he cared about their sect without anyone teaching him.
Cheonmyeong, who was nodding his head beside him, asked:
“Then what do you think you’ll do?”
“Well, I’ll act according to the situation. After all, the army they can mobilize only has a thousand soldiers, it’s nothing to me.”
Cheonmyeong was surprised by Yeon Namcheon’s attitude, but he couldn’t blame him.
If the level of “injuring people with sword qi” was able to defeat a hundred enemies, what would the higher level, “sword control technique” be?
Although he spoke with confidence, Yeon Jeokha felt uncomfortable.
He didn’t understand why the Golden Guard was just watching, and he was also worried about how to deal with Huang Busung.
‘I wish Yeon Nuna was here.’
Namgung Yeon, the Incomparable among the Ten, could have made Huang Busung retreat with a single word.
But he was clumsy at strategies, so he had to improvise in every situation.
While everyone was lost in their thoughts, a Taoist monk approached carefully with a teapot.
Cheonmyeong took the teapot and poured tea into the three cups.
The faint aroma spread through the pavilion as the hot water entered.
***
Sibeonjuksan.
Magistrate’s Office.
Seob Wonseng, the Advisor, was organizing backlogged papers when he heard hurried footsteps from outside. The door, which was closed, burst open.
Seob Wonseng’s head turned sharply as he saw the uninvited intruder.
He was about to say something biting, but he swallowed his saliva.
The man in front of him, dressed in an ochre robe, was a member of the Golden Guard, who could make even birds fall from the sky.
“I am Jeong Gokcheon, Chief of the Golden Guard. Are you Advisor Seob Wonseng of Sibeonjuksan?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Is it true that Huang Busung, the Thousand Chief, has gone out with his army on orders from the Ministry of War?”
“Yes, I have seen it with my own eyes. What’s wrong?”
But Jeong Gokcheon didn’t answer, he just asked another question.
“Who approved the arrest warrant for Yeon Namcheon, the inner disciple of the Wudang Sect?”
“It was Han Gyeongdae. What’s wrong?”
“Was it also Han Gyeongdae who requested the Ministry of War to send troops?”
“Yes, but tell me what’s going on. I’m impatient.”
Seob Wonseng stared at the Golden Guard Chief.
Although his opponent was a member of the Golden Guard, he had nothing to lose, as he was not involved in this matter.
But Jeong Gokcheon only asked questions.
“Is anyone else involved in the arrest warrant and the dispatch of troops for Yeon Namcheon?”
“Hmm, I’ve heard that Yang Hoju, the magistrate of Juksan, pleaded with Han Gyeongdae, the Deputy Chief. It was because of the incident where Magistrate Yang’s son was beaten in the Five Dragons Palace.”
“Is anyone else involved besides Magistrate Yang Hoju and Deputy Inspector Han Gyeongdae?”
“As far as I know, no.”
“Understood. Then I’m leaving.”
Jeong Gokcheon, who had finished his mission, left with a cold look.
Seob Wonseng, who was left alone, looked at the closed door with an expression of astonishment. He didn’t understand what was going on in Sibeonjuksan, which had been quiet and silent. ## Chapter 404. I Order in the Name of the Sect Leader
Upon hearing Yeong Gyeolsang, the Sect Leader’s words, Master Muyang and the elders shut their mouths tightly.
In principle, he was right, but none of them agreed.
The reality was that the soldiers of Huang Busung, the Thousand Chief, were invading the Wudang Sect, and his words were ideal.
After a long silence, Master Muyang said with a confused face:
“I agree with you in principle, Leader, but do you think this matter deserves so much effort?”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Aren’t we in a situation where the main sect must suffer for Yeon Namcheon, an inner disciple? I ask you if Yeon Namcheon is someone who deserves so much.”
“I told you that before discussing the worth of Yeon Namcheon, we must determine right and wrong.”
Master Muyang didn’t give in despite Yeong Gyeolsang’s repeated pleas.
“However, we are not immortals. We are humans who tread the earth. We cannot apply the yardstick of right and wrong to everything. When it thunders and pours, you have to know how to take shelter. Isn’t that right? You?”
When Master Muyang asked, the elders nodded their heads, as if it were obvious.
Yeong Gyeolsang looked at the elders with eyes of sorrow.
Everyone, except him, was against it.
‘Tch, how dare they be so firm!’
If Yeon Namcheon had been just an expert from Nokrim, he would have resigned too.
But he is the best practitioner of mystical techniques in the Five Dragons Palace and the heir to “the law of the word.”
To expel Yeon Namcheon from the Wudang Sect, who has already absorbed the essence of the Five Dragons Palace?
It would be a foolish decision, like kicking one’s own fortune.
If Huang Busung arrived with his army, there would be no battle if they didn’t resist.
It was just a matter of enduring a brief humiliation.
To endure humiliation? To expel Yeon Namcheon and hand him over? If he had to choose between the two options, the first was the obvious one.
Because if they expelled Yeon Namcheon, they would forever lose the “best practitioner of mystical techniques in the Five Dragons Palace” and the “treasure of the law of the word.”
The elders, not knowing what Yeong Gyeolsang felt, said one after another:
“Leader, we agree with Master Muyang. It’s time to give in.”
“We can’t allow Huang Zhengtian’s army to enter the Wudang Sect.”
“If the soldiers trample on the main sect, not only the Wudang Sect, but also the reputation of the Infinite Heaven Alliance will be affected.”
“Even though Yeon Namcheon is Cheongbulno’s named disciple, he is still a practitioner of mystical techniques. There is no point in the Wudang Sect humbling itself for a simple inner disciple.”
“Of course. Even if he were a disciple of the main sect, it would be better to hand him over now.”
“Expel him cleanly.”
“Yes. It’s not a minor offense to have injured a practitioner in the Wudang Sect Palace and insulted the venerable master (尊丈).”
Finally, the elders came to say “expel him.”
Yeong Gyeolsang, who was looking at the elders with complicated eyes, sighed.
“Oh! Can’t you really do anything else? Expel Yeon Namcheon and hand him over to Huang Busung?”
Master Muyang spoke on behalf of the elders.
“It’s better for the Wudang Sect to humble itself. No matter what the Leader says, our opinion will not change. Leader, please listen to our words full of loyalty. It’s not that Yeon Namcheon is not at fault, is it?”
“Yes. He dared to touch Master Cheongseon, a superior. For that alone, he deserves to be expelled. Put yourselves in his place, Leader, or any elder. Could you keep protecting him?”
“Leader, make a decision.”
“It seems that expulsion is the right thing to do.”
Yeong Gyeolsang closed his eyes tightly, hoping that his heart, which was boiling with emotions, would calm down.
Even though he was the Sect Leader, it was difficult for him to act against the will of the Elder Council.
Of course, it was difficult, but not impossible.
‘I didn’t want to use this… but…’
Seeing the situation, it seemed that he couldn’t impose his will without doing so.
Yeong Gyeolsang, after reflecting, slowly opened his eyes.
Then, he took the Wudang Sect Leader’s decree from his pocket and held it up in front of the elders.
“I order in the name of the Wudang Sect Leader. Our Wudang Sect will protect Yeon Namcheon, the named disciple of Cheongbulno of the Five Dragons Palace, but we will not fight Huang Busung Zhengtian. Please abide by my decision, elders.”
“…….”
Master Muyang looked at the Sect Leader’s decree with an expression of disappointment.
The blue jade plaque with the inscription “正法乾坤” (Right Law of Heaven and Earth) on the front was undoubtedly the Wudang Sect Leader’s decree.
The inscription on the back was “邪惡必滅” (Evil Will Be Destroyed).
In the last hundred years, the Wudang Sect had never used the Sect Leader’s decree.
The relationship between the Sect Leader and the Elder Council was so good.
Until recently, the relationship between Yeong Gyeolsang and the Elder Council was also cordial.
But he had broken it.
‘What does Yeon Namcheon have that…’
The Sect Leader had trampled on the pride of the elders to protect a simple inner disciple.
‘They all made that decision out of loyalty to the Wudang Sect…’
The elders also had an expression of bewilderment.
Although they didn’t agree, they couldn’t challenge the Sect Leader’s decree.
Finally, Master Muyang and the elders bowed and responded to the Sect Leader’s decree.
“We will abide by the Sect Leader’s decree.”
When the elders responded, Yeong Gyeolsang put the Sect Leader’s decree back in his pocket.
The elders and Yeong Gyeolsang remained silent with expressionless faces.
It was understandable, as the Sect Leader had made a unilateral decision, unlike the usual search for a reasonable point of compromise.
The consequences of this would last a long time.
The elders left the Taiqing Pavilion without even looking Yeong Gyeolsang in the eye.
Even so, Yeong Gyeolsang didn’t regret his decision.
When the elders found out that Yeon Namcheon is Yeon Jeokha, they would accept his decision.
‘When he’s healed, I can reveal that he is Yeon Jeokha.’
It wasn’t time yet.
He hoped that day would come soon.
***
At noon.
Yeong Gyeolsang, the Wudang Sect Leader, went to the Five Dragons Palace immediately after the meeting ended.
He was going to inform Yeon Namcheon of the situation and seek a solution.
When he entered the Five Dragons Palace, Cheonmyeong, the Palace Leader, came out to greet him.
“Leader, welcome. I was going to see you, but you’ve come.”
“Ha, ha, no problem. As they say, he who hurries digs the well.”
Cheonmyeong smiled indifferently at Yeong Gyeolsang’s words.
As expected, the Wudang Sect Leader would take care of Yeon Namcheon’s problem.
He was glad that he had taken that burden off his shoulders, but he didn’t feel at ease thinking about the Wudang Sect.
“Please come in. I just received a white hair silver needle tea (白毫銀針, a type of white tea made only with new spring buds) that we collected this spring, would you like to try it?”
“I would also like to invite Yeon Namcheon.”
“Yes, the lesson is over, so he will be resting in his lodging. I’ll send someone to get him.”
Cheonmyeong guided Yeong Gyeolsang towards the Golden Purity Pavilion.
————
Golden Purity Pavilion.
About seven minutes had passed since Yeong Gyeolsang and Cheonmyeong had sat down.
A Taoist monk (道童) ‘s voice was heard from the door.
“Leader, young Yeon has arrived.”
“Tell him to come in.”
“Yes.”
A while later, Yeon Jeokha entered the pavilion.
“Did you call me?”
Cheonmyeong stared at his face and said in a kind tone:
“Namcheon, the Sect Leader has come to talk to you.”
“Ah, yes.”
Yeon Jeokha turned his gaze to Yeong Gyeolsang.
Yeong Gyeolsang felt comforted seeing the friendly conversation between the two.
His decision had been the right one.
Seeing Yeon Namcheon’s attitude, he realized that he wasn’t just a disciple of the Five Dragons Palace in appearance, but in truth.
He didn’t know if Sword Emperor Namgung Byeok had taken this into account, but the result was that.
Yeong Gyeolsang told him calmly what had happened in Sibeonjuksan with Magistrate Yang.
He also explained the situation of the Wudang Sect.
“…In the end, I used the Sect Leader’s decree to overturn the Elder Council’s decision. The Wudang Sect will act in a unified and unwavering manner from now on.”
Cheonmyeong couldn’t help but be surprised at Yeong Gyeolsang’s words.
He had gone so far as to use the Sect Leader’s decree to oppose the Elder Council.
It must have been a big blow to the elders, who valued harmony and unity.
“Could we move the Golden Guard Chief to stop him? Do you know anyone on that side?”
Yeong Gyeolsang looked at Yeon Namcheon with shrewd eyes.
He asked him just in case, as he had helped the Golden Guard last time.
“I know someone, but I don’t know how to contact him. It’s always been them who have contacted me.”
“Ah…”
A sigh escaped Yeong Gyeolsang’s lips.
As he suspected, it was like that.
If things continued like this, there would be no way to stop the army from entering.
“What about you leaving here? If they find out you’re not in the Wudang Sect, they’ll retreat.”
Yeon Jeokha shook his head at Yeong Gyeolsang’s words.
“If I do that, Magistrate Yang will harass the Five Dragons Palace.”
That had been the case with Nok Damyeong of Sambomun.
When Nam Sugyeong fled, he destroyed the place where he worked and caused trouble.
It was certain that Yang Hoju, the magistrate of Juksan, would use his power to harass the Five Dragons Palace.
Yeong Gyeolsang smiled seeing Yeon Jeokha worrying about the Five Dragons Palace.
It was a blessing for the Wudang Sect that he cared about their sect without anyone teaching him.
Cheonmyeong, who was nodding his head beside him, asked:
“Then what do you think you’ll do?”
“Well, I’ll act according to the situation. After all, the army they can mobilize only has a thousand soldiers, it’s nothing to me.”
Cheonmyeong was surprised by Yeon Namcheon’s attitude, but he couldn’t blame him.
If the level of “injuring people with sword qi” was able to defeat a hundred enemies, what would the higher level, “sword control technique” be?
Although he spoke with confidence, Yeon Jeokha felt uncomfortable.
He didn’t understand why the Golden Guard was just watching, and he was also worried about how to deal with Huang Busung.
‘I wish Yeon Nuna was here.’
Namgung Yeon, the Incomparable among the Ten, could have made Huang Busung retreat with a single word.
But he was clumsy at strategies, so he had to improvise in every situation.
While everyone was lost in their thoughts, a Taoist monk approached carefully with a teapot.
Cheonmyeong took the teapot and poured tea into the three cups.
The faint aroma spread through the pavilion as the hot water entered.
***
Sibeonjuksan.
Magistrate’s Office.
Seob Wonseng, the Advisor, was organizing backlogged papers when he heard hurried footsteps from outside. The door, which was closed, burst open.
Seob Wonseng’s head turned sharply as he saw the uninvited intruder.
He was about to say something biting, but he swallowed his saliva.
The man in front of him, dressed in an ochre robe, was a member of the Golden Guard, who could make even birds fall from the sky.
“I am Jeong Gokcheon, Chief of the Golden Guard. Are you Advisor Seob Wonseng of Sibeonjuksan?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Is it true that Huang Busung, the Thousand Chief, has gone out with his army on orders from the Ministry of War?”
“Yes, I have seen it with my own eyes. What’s wrong?”
But Jeong Gokcheon didn’t answer, he just asked another question.
“Who approved the arrest warrant for Yeon Namcheon, the inner disciple of the Wudang Sect?”
“It was Han Gyeongdae. What’s wrong?”
“Was it also Han Gyeongdae who requested the Ministry of War to send troops?”
“Yes, but tell me what’s going on. I’m impatient.”
Seob Wonseng stared at the Golden Guard Chief.
Although his opponent was a member of the Golden Guard, he had nothing to lose, as he was not involved in this matter.
But Jeong Gokcheon only asked questions.
“Is anyone else involved in the arrest warrant and the dispatch of troops for Yeon Namcheon?”
“Hmm, I’ve heard that Yang Hoju, the magistrate of Juksan, pleaded with Han Gyeongdae, the Deputy Chief. It was because of the incident where Magistrate Yang’s son was beaten in the Five Dragons Palace.”
“Is anyone else involved besides Magistrate Yang Hoju and Deputy Inspector Han Gyeongdae?”
“As far as I know, no.”
“Understood. Then I’m leaving.”
Jeong Gokcheon, who had finished his mission, left with a cold look.
Seob Wonseng, who was left alone, looked at the closed door with an expression of astonishment. He didn’t understand what was going on in Sibeonjuksan, which had been quiet and silent.