The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

The greatest swordsman of Wudang was the greatest swordsman in the world.

Many people sincerely believed in this saying. Not just the orthodox martial artists but even ordinary people believed it more fervently.

Throughout history, there have been many such instances, as martial masters from Wudang were almost treated like immortals by the common folk.

So what about the current top swordsman of Wudang, the Taiji Sword Emperor?

It was said that in his youth, he realized the Way of Taiji while practicing Zhang Sanfeng’s Taiji Fist.

By the time he was of age, he had already defeated more experienced masters.

Even before his beard thickened, he had become a Supreme Peak master, and rumors spread in Wudang that a Divine Dragon had appeared.

But until then, he was only considered an emerging master.

After the expulsion of the Demon Cult, and as he fought against the influx of demonic forces, Taoist Jang Gyeong became the Taiji Sword Emperor.

He was particularly compatible with the Shaolin monk Mu Myung, who roared like a lion while using his Vajra Fist.

One was a Taoist, the other a monk, but their ideals aligned perfectly.

Troubled times bred strong warriors. The two entered the Absolute realm in harmony.

As time passed.

The eccentric Divine Monk Grand Master Mu Myung became the Murim Alliance Leader, while the noble and just Taiji Sword Emperor retired to Mount Wudang.

It was an unexpected turn of events, but the respect and love the Sword Emperor received remained unchanged.

He remained the strongest swordsman and the highest elder of Wudang.

The fact that the Sword Emperor had not taken any disciples was a painful matter for Wudang, but they could hardly dictate his actions.

One day, the Sword Emperor appeared at the Purple Mist Hall with a captivated expression.

Even the sect leader stood up abruptly at the arrival of the retired Great Senior Elder.

But the words that came out of his mouth were even more shocking.

“I… seem to have found the Founder’s hidden cave, Sect Leader.”

The history of Mount Wudang was long.

The mountain terrain was treacherously steep, and hidden caves where previous martial artists had retreated were often discovered.

If lucky, one might find lost martial arts techniques, so the Sword Emperor’s words were welcome news.

The sect leader and the elders also rejoiced, saying, ‘The Great Senior Elder has found a serendipitous opportunity, we congratulate him.’

However, despite the good news, the Sword Emperor’s expression was not bright.

The sect leader cautiously asked if he had found the hidden cave of some deceased person.

The Sword Emperor hesitated for a moment, then carefully spoke.

“It seems to have been the place where Founder Zhang Sanfeng resided.”

The impact of those words was immense.

Zhang Sanfeng was like a spiritual pillar for Wudang.

He was a mystical Great Founder who had slain dragons, confronted the Heavenly Demon, and eventually ascended.

However, he too had chosen to retreat to a place outside the sect after vanquishing the evil dragon.

Even more secluded than the Sword Emperor, it was unexpected that he would have left such a hidden cave. Moreover, he had left a will asking not to seek out his residence.

The news that several of Zhang Sanfeng’s lost peerless divine arts were discovered in that cave was extremely welcome.

The sect leader cautiously asked for the location, but the Taiji Sword Emperor decisively refused, pondering.

“When the time comes, I will inform the sect of the location. But now it seems difficult.”

Even when asked why, the Sword Emperor did not respond.

After several earnest entreaties, he only gave a slight clue.

“The Founder’s martial arts are profoundly intricate and not easy to interpret. I will investigate personally and inform you of the results.”

It meant he intended to learn Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts.

Everyone was happy and wished for the Sword Emperor’s success.

Perhaps the Sword Emperor might enter a new realm. Then a second Zhang Sanfeng would be born in Wudang.

The sect leader and the elders quietly waited.

However, about a year later, the Sword Emperor who appeared had not achieved success.

He had clearly changed. But, it was a very bad change.

Although Zhang Sanfeng’s martial arts were not demonic arts, the Sword Emperor’s mind had weakened.

Senility, dementia. That was the only way to describe his condition.

Initially, it was just a weakening of cognitive functions, but over time the details worsened.

It seemed like his personality changed several times a day, and he often became vicious and suddenly angry.

The second-generation disciples had started attending to the Sword Emperor, but one day, an incident occurred.

One disciple who was struck by the Sword Emperor’s hand had his limbs broken. It was fortunate he didn’t die.

When the Sword Emperor momentarily regained his sanity, he tried to take his own life, but everyone desperately stopped him.

Thus, another year passed.

During this time, Wudang was sealed off. This was because the Sword Emperor, Wudang’s greatest martial master, had become senile, and the martial arts of the legendary Founder Zhang Sanfeng needed to be fully integrated into Wudang’s martial arts techniques.

People who had wept over the Sword Emperor’s illness gradually began to look worse.

Especially burdened were Hyun Cheol, the first-generation disciple taking care of the Sword Emperor, and the two second-generation disciples who were directly attending to him, already exhausted.

A year can be short or long depending on the perspective.

“You came to steal my treasure!” the revered Sword Emperor yelled absurdly.

In the past, it would have been heart-wrenching, but now it was merely suffocating.

“What are you talking about stealing? Please calm down, Senior Elder!”

In the past, Hyun Cheol would not have dared to raise his voice.

“The hidden… ugh!”

The Sword Emperor, while speaking, seemed to explode with anger, grabbing a water basin that was rolling beside the straw hut and hurling it.

Hyun Cheol ducked in horror. Miraculously, the water-filled basin hit him right on the head.

Crash!

As the basin shattered, Hyun Cheol was drenched.

Since becoming senile, the Sword Emperor no longer displayed his former vivid charisma.

Yet even the basins he tossed carelessly contained such inexplicable intricacies.

“If you continue like this…”

Today, the chaos was intense.

Cheong Su, who attended to the Sword Emperor, was hit with a chamber pot, a situation slightly better than Hyun Cheol who got soaked with water.

“I can’t just stand by either!”

Though Hyun Cheol tried to look strong, he was inwardly despairing.

Then, a savior appeared.

“Great Senior Elder! It’s me, Cheong Hye!”

Cheong Su and he were the second-generation disciples attending to the Sword Emperor.

He was still in his late teens, one of the younger among the second-generation disciples.

He was also a child who had his limbs broken by the rampaging Sword Emperor in the past.

“Cheong Hye? Even if it’s you, you can’t take what’s mine!”

Was the memory of that time still lingering?

Usually, the Sword Emperor showed a softer side towards Cheong Hye.

Cheong Hye soothed the Sword Emperor with practiced movements.

“Oh, Great Senior Elder. Why would I take your treasure?”

“I-is that so?”

“Yes! Now, please try this.”

Cheong Hye, who had once endured the ordeal of broken limbs, no one would blame him if he refused to attend to the Sword Emperor.

However, he wanted to stay by the Sword Emperor’s side, so everyone in the sect viewed Cheong Hye with affection.

“These are, pine nuts.”

“You like pine nuts, don’t you?”

The agitated Sword Emperor quickly calmed down.

“I’m, I’m tired. I want to go inside and sleep.”

After munching on the pine nuts, he slowly walked into the room.

Turning to enter, the back of the Sword Emperor looked frail. Cheong Hye followed him in to assist.

“I’ll spread the bedding for you.”

Hyun Cheol breathed a sigh of relief.

“Cheong Hye, I couldn’t have stood it if it weren’t for that kid.”

“Junior Brother’s virtue is great.”

“Why can’t you be as good as Cheong Hye, you being the senior brother?”

Unlike the adorable and bright-eyed Cheong Hye, Cheong Su had a gruff expression.

“I also worked hard, Senior. It’s just that the Great Senior Elder favors Cheong Hye.”

“If you behaved well regularly, wouldn’t that be enough… ugh, you stink, don’t come close.”

“…”

Cheong Su scrunched his face, and Cheong Hye, who had entered with the Sword Emperor, came out.

“The Great Senior Elder wants to have some tea.”

“Has he regained his senses?”

“He came around for a bit. He said he’s sorry to you, Senior Brother.”

Cheong Su pouted but nodded.

“Tea, all of a sudden…”

“He feels that drinking tea might clear his mind.”

It was uncertain whether that would be the case.

But one couldn’t ignore the Great Senior Elder’s words.

Hyun Cheol affectionately patted Cheong Hye on the head as if he was proud of him.

“What tea would be good to bring? The sect leader has some Queshe.”

“He specifically wants to drink Huangshan Maofeng.”

“Huangshan Maofeng? Hmm, to get that, one would have to go down to the base of the mountain.”

Huangshan Maofeng.

It was a famous tea from Huangshan in Anhui Province. Being a very premium product, it was uncertain if it would be available at the store.

Cheong Hye spoke up energetically, “I will go and come back quickly.”

Hyun Cheol thought for a moment and then nodded.

He thought that these children also needed a break.

“Yes, buy yourself a nice meal on the way back.”

He took out a silver coin from his pocket.

It was more than enough to buy Huangshan Maofeng.

Both Cheong Hye and Cheong Su smiled brightly.

Hyun Cheol also smiled, then instinctively covered his nose.

“Cheong Su, make sure you wash up before you go down.”

“Yes, Senior!”

As soon as he finished speaking, they rushed out eagerly.

---

Daojing County below Mount Wudang.

Initially, it wasn’t a large village. However, for a county in these rugged mountains, it had developed remarkably.

It was all thanks to the Wudang Sect. Every day, numerous pilgrims and people associated with the Wudang Sect visited.

Commerce had developed, there were many inns, and even some stores of a caliber hard to find in mountainous areas.

But now, things were different.

Daojing County was deserted. It had been a long while since Wudang sealed its gates and visitors ceased.

It would have been better if the Taoist practitioners of Wudang had come down, but they too rarely left the temple grounds.

As the people grew poorer, the public sentiment towards Wudang also declined.

No one else could be blamed. Even for practitioners, it’s difficult to stay constant when starving.

At the Bright Moon Inn, which offered simple food and lodging, there weren’t many people.

It wasn’t a luxury tavern, so it was occupied by ordinary people.

Especially, many idlers who used to do business targeting visitors to Wudang were there.

Despite it being broad daylight, they were already heavily drunk.

“What exactly are the Taoists doing that they still have their doors firmly locked?”

“…Mr. Jang, lower your voice.”

“Why should I? Did I say something strange?”

Normally, no one in Daojing County would casually mention the name of the Wudang Sect.

But the people inside the inn just took it as usual.

The only ones who seemed alert were two young men in a corner, eating dumplings and noodles.

They were Cheong Hye and Cheong Su, who had come down from the mountain to get tea leaves.

Following the sect’s orders, they concealed their identity as Taoists of the Wudang Sect and wore ordinary robes.

They quietly listened to the conversations of the drunkards while nibbling on dumplings.

“It’s not that I want to criticize the people of Wudang Sect. They must have a reason to have locked the gate.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“But they should only do it for so long. Does it make sense to have been doing this for over a year?”

“You should lower your voice…”

“I worked like a servant for ten years to open my shop, and now it’s gone!”

Cheong Su and Cheong Hye’s movements slowed as they held their chopsticks.

It wasn’t guilt they felt, but a strange feeling gnawed at their insides.

“My five-year-old daughter has a fever and cries out in pain, but I can’t find any medicine. Do you even know when the last time a merchant came to Daojing County was?”

While talking about his sick daughter, the drunkard poured himself another drink.

It was hard to blame the Wudang Sect, considering he too was just drinking while his daughter was ill.

However, for the young Taoists, these words were piercing.

“Why all this nonsense!”

“…Well, this is something I heard somewhere.”

The man sitting opposite squinted his eyes and looked around.

Then, he spoke in a voice that was not exactly quiet.

“Seems like something serious happened at Wudang.”

“What? What happened?”

“Heard that a prominent Taoist has gone completely mad…”

Cheong Su and Cheong Hye’s eyes widened.

Was it possible that this closely guarded secret of the sect had spread even among the public?

“Which Taoist! Who?”

“I’m not sure. It seems like a very disgraceful situation. They say he can’t even control his bowel movements and swings his sword wildly.”

“Pffft…”

Cheong Hye’s face turned pale as he ate his noodles.

The drunkards’ conversation continued, becoming more exaggerated and crossing the line.

“Serves them right, those crazy Taoist fools.”

At that moment, as one of the drunkards commented.

Cheong Su could no longer hold back.

“Don’t speak carelessly!”

He stood up in front of them even before Cheong Hye could stop him.

The surprised drunkards scoffed when they saw Cheong Su’s ordinary attire.

“What does this kid think he’s doing interrupting his elders!”

The smell of alcohol on his breath was foul.

Cheong Su clenched his teeth and suppressed his anger.

“Wudang has… shown you kindness.”

“What? Hahaha. What have they done?”

“Wh-what?”

“What have the Taoists ever done for me!”

Intoxication makes people bold.

Although Daojing County had clearly developed thanks to Wudang, when faced with these words, Cheong Su found himself speechless.

As Cheong Su stood there with a flushed face and lips sealed, the drunkard spat and then pushed him.

“If you have nothing to say, get lost… ugh!”

It was unlikely for a Wudang Taoist to be pushed around by a drunkard, despite his youth.

Instinctively, Cheong Su twisted the drunkard’s arm.

He hadn’t twisted it that hard, but the drunkard squealed like a pig being slaughtered.

“Aaack, this guy is trying to kill me!”

Despite instructions to hide their identity due to the sensitive situation, this was not going as planned.

At that moment Cheong Su’s face turned to confusion.

Crash—

The door was forcefully opened.

Along with that, the smell of blood surged in.

Backlit, the appearances of those who entered were not clearly visible.

The first to come in was a large blade wielder.

Perhaps because his hair was shaven clean, his features appeared incredibly stern.

“What’s this?”

He glanced at Cheong Su, who was twisting the arm of a drunkard, with a booming voice.

Next to him, a young swordsman in a red robe appeared.

He was a man of strikingly handsome features. That was the only way to describe him.

His pale complexion and cold gaze were distinctive.

Smooth nose, delicate facial features. Eyelashes that seemed like they could hold droplets of ice stood out.

A masculine vigor was definitely present.

He was Baek Yi-gang, who had come all the way to Wudang.

Yi-gang glanced at Cheong Su and then spoke, “Continue what you were doing.”

He then walked past Cheong Su.

“Aaaack! Let go! Let me go!”

Only the screams of the drunkard with a twisted arm resonated clearly through the inn.

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