Translator: Nox
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: Invitation of the Zhegall Sect
#1
The group finally arrived at the Zhegall Sect.
It wasn’t a towering fortress or vast complex.
Rather, it was a clean, orderly compound nestled deep within the mountains — like a secluded scholarly temple.
“Halt.”
The gatekeeper eyed them sharply.
Zhegall Yeong-yeong stepped forward and showed her token.
“We’ve completed the escort. Requesting entry.”
The man recognized her immediately and bowed.
“Welcome back, Yeong-yeong.”
He looked over at the rest of the group — especially at Hyeon-do.
“And this is?”
“Peng Hyeon-do. Guest escort. Treat him as my direct guest.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
With that, the gates opened.
The interior was just as neat as the exterior.
Stone paths, bamboo groves, training courtyards, and scripture halls.
The disciples they passed all had the same feel: disciplined, quiet, calm.
Hyeon-do couldn’t help but feel impressed.
‘Yeah, the Zhegall Sect is definitely top-tier.’
If the Peng Sect had been the symbol of strength and brute force, the Zhegalls were logic and mastery.
#2
After unloading and official reporting, the guests were led to a guest hall.
Meals were prepared.
Light and clean.
No excess oil. No strong flavors.
Even the food reflected the Zhegall Sect’s ideals.
“Forgive the simplicity.”
“It’s fine. This is nice.”
Yeong-yeong joined them, which surprised the steward.
“Shouldn’t you be reporting to your elders?”
“I did. They’ll convene tomorrow.”
“And you’re free tonight?”
“I requested it.”
The steward exchanged glances with Hyeon-do.
Just what was going on here?
#3
Late at night, a knock came at Hyeon-do’s door.
He opened it to find Yeong-yeong.
“Let’s talk.”
“Now?”
“I don’t sleep early.”
They walked through the moonlit corridors, eventually arriving at a garden behind the hall.
She sat on a stone bench, motioning him to join.
“I’m curious.”
“About?”
“Who taught you martial arts?”
Hyeon-do smiled.
“A ghost.”
She didn’t laugh.
“I see.”
“You believe me?”
“The Peng Sect’s Thunderforce was lost. Yet you wield it. And your style is… old. Very old.”
She was sharp.
Too sharp.
“You’re dangerous,” she said.
“Thank you.”
“Dangerous things... tend to attract others.”
“What, are you attracted?”
She gave him a long look.
And then—
“Possibly.”
Hyeon-do blinked.
Did she just say that?
“You should stay a while.”
“At the Zhegall Sect?”
“We could learn from each other.”
Her eyes were calm, but her voice held weight.
Was she serious?
“I’ll think about it.”
“Good.”
She stood.
“I’ll escort you back.”
“Wow, such manners.”
“Don’t misunderstand. I just want to make sure you don’t get lost.”
Right.
#4
The next morning, the escort party was preparing to return to Hubei.
Yeong-yeong approached Hyeon-do one last time.
“This is a personal token.”
She handed him a small wooden emblem — engraved with the Zhegall Sect’s crest.
“Present this anywhere in the central plains. You’ll be treated as a guest of the Zhegalls.”
Hyeon-do looked down at the token.
“…This is a big deal.”
“I know.”
“And if I lose it?”
“I’ll be disappointed.”
He smiled and tucked it away.
“I’ll treasure it, then.”
She nodded.
And just like that — they parted.
The wagons rolled out.
The Peng Sect would return home victorious.
With stronger bonds.
And perhaps, something even more valuable than that.
【End of Chapter 10】
