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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: Iron Lion Sect
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"Second Brother!"
Iron Mountain shouted.
The man collapsed at Man Gwa-hae's feet was unmistakably their second brother. He looked like he'd been through hell in just a few days. Crusts of blood covered him here and there, and he hadn't even opened his eyes, as if he'd lost consciousness.
"You sons of bitches, you're all dead!"
The moment Iron Mountain yelled in fury, Man Gwa-hae lifted one foot and stomped down on their second brother's head.
Iron Mountain's eyes bulged in rage.
"I'll kill you!"
"Don't lose your head!"
Just as Iron Mountain was about to charge, Do Cheon's iron club pressed firmly against his shoulder. Iron Mountain couldn't budge an inch from that alone, but to the Sky-Spanning Gang members, it looked like he'd reined in his excitement at Do Cheon's mere word.
"So you're the eldest brother. You've got some real presence."
Man Gwa-hae said.
He meant it sincerely. Do Cheon's calm demeanor in this situation and his ability to easily hold back his rampaging junior made him seem quite capable.
But Do Cheon's gaze remained fixed on Man Gwa-hae's foot.
'Yeah, you're just a hot-blooded young punk too, aren't you?'
Man Gwa-hae smirked.
His face said he knew exactly what was coming next.
In that instant, Do Cheon's eyes shifted.
Toward Man Gwa-hae.
"I'll make sure that foot of yours never works again."
As soon as Do Cheon finished speaking, Man Gwa-hae laughed.
"Fine by me. Let's see whose legs end up useless! What are you lot doing? That bastard's legs are too stiff!"
Man Gwa-hae's voice boomed through the grand hall.
Inside the hall were over twenty Sky-Spanning Gang members—the elite of the elites. On top of that, there were three of Man Gwa-hae's bodyguards. They were sword experts properly trained, hired at great expense.
The ones who moved first were those twenty elite Sky-Spanning Gang thugs. They drew their gleaming blades and rushed toward Do Cheon and Iron Mountain in the center of the hall.
Do Cheon kept glaring only at Man Gwa-hae.
But the moment the first thug's blade swung to slice Do Cheon's leg, the air in the hall changed drastically. It was as if the atmosphere compressed and thickened, turning the pressure so intense it felt like being submerged deep underwater.
The movements of those charging at Do Cheon and Iron Mountain slowed to a crawl. Amid that, only Do Cheon's swinging iron club moved at full speed.
Crack!
Blood sprayed from the head of the man aiming for Do Cheon's leg.
Crack!
The next one's skull shattered too.
Crack!
The one targeting Iron Mountain's side had his head smashed, and the one after him met the same fate.
Those with crushed skulls toppled over, gushing red blood and writhing in agony.
Do Cheon moved slowly.
But his iron club swung fast and merciless. One strike per man, smashing their heads without fail. By the time he'd crushed all twenty, he stood right in front of Man Gwa-hae. And at that exact moment, the heavy pressure filling the hall dissipated.
"Urk!"
"Guh!"
Over twenty men groaned on the floor, blood pouring from them.
Man Gwa-hae's face filled with shock, unable to comprehend what had happened.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Man Gwa-hae's bodyguards collapsed in a heap, still in the midst of drawing their swords. Their skulls were smashed too, spilling red blood as they groaned in pain just like the others.
"Wh-what the... Ack!"
Man Gwa-hae, who had jolted to his feet, screamed and crumpled right there. Do Cheon's iron club had shattered his leg.
"Argh! I'm dying! I'm gonna die! Aaaagh!"
Man Gwa-hae rolled across the grand hall floor.
Do Cheon turned his gaze from him to the steward.
"Sp-spare me, please."
The steward prostrated himself flat.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Do Cheon swung his iron club, striking several spots on the body of the Iron Lion Sect's second disciple lying on the floor.
"Urgh..."
The Iron Lion Sect's second disciple, Yi Yeol.
He groaned and opened his eyes.
"Second Brother!"
Iron Mountain, finally snapping out of it, rushed over and supported Yi Yeol.
"Who... It's you, Mountain! What happened...!"
Yi Yeol spotted Do Cheon.
"Eldest Brother...!"
Shock rose on Yi Yeol's face.
Seeing it, Do Cheon nodded.
"You did well. Hang in there."
"Oh, right. The Sky-Spanning Gang!"
Only then did Yi Yeol realize where he was and looked around the hall, his eyes widening.
"Eldest Brother's handiwork. He picked up some weird technique from who-knows-where. I'm worried it might be some demonic sorcery, so Second Brother, check it out."
Iron Mountain whispered, glancing at Do Cheon.
Yi Yeol laughed.
He'd been like this since they were kids, but Iron Mountain really didn't know Eldest Brother at all. He might seem to act on whims, but he always thought things through first.
Back when they were young, he'd beaten up street punks left and right, but he never charged at Sky-Spanning Gang members. He'd spot them first and steer clear.
Do Cheon had said something back then that Yi Yeol never forgot.
- There are people in this world that even evil, guts, or sheer force can't handle. Charging at them isn't courage; it's recklessness. Only idiots do stupid shit like that. Even if you beat them down, it'll cause problems. They'll use it as an excuse to come after Master. Remember this: everything we do falls back on Master.
A guy like that learning demonic sorcery?
Eldest Brother, who knew from childhood what harm that could bring to the sect?
No way in hell.
"This won't end here."
"I know."
Yi Yeol said, and Do Cheon replied.
Yi Yeol nodded. He'd expected as much, but Eldest Brother had already considered what would come next. Good enough.
Yi Yeol took the iron club from Do Cheon's hand. Then he bashed the head of the steward, who was still prostrated on the floor.
Thwack!
The steward clutched his head, screaming that he was dying, and curled up. But Yi Yeol had no strength left, so not even blood splattered.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
Yi Yeol swung the iron club with all his might.
As he kept bashing, the injustices and ordeals he'd endured came flooding back, fueling his own rage.
"Aaaah! I'm dying! Spare me!"
The steward begged, shielding his head with both hands.
Yi Yeol's face twisted savagely as he squeezed out every last bit of energy to pummel away. He looked like a wrathful demon.
"That's enough."
Unable to watch, Do Cheon grabbed the iron club mid-swing.
Yi Yeol turned to Do Cheon.
His eyes darted wildly.
"You'll get your chance when your body's whole again."
Do Cheon stared steadily, and Yi Yeol blinked, forcibly regaining his senses.
"Ah, did I get a bit carried away?"
"Yeah, you did."
"I need to stay calm..."
Shaking his head, dissatisfied with himself, Yi Yeol swayed badly but managed to steady himself and said to Iron Mountain.
"I'm beat. Carry me."
"Got it."
Iron Mountain quickly turned and knelt.
As Iron Mountain stood with Yi Yeol on his back, Do Cheon approached Man Gwa-hae, who was groaning off to the side. Man Gwa-hae shrank back in fear as Do Cheon neared.
Do Cheon stopped.
Just one step away.
Man Gwa-hae, curled up tight, peeked up at him. Do Cheon looked down at him coldly and said.
"The Iron Lion Sect always repays what it receives. You tried to swallow our main sect, so I'll devour your Sky-Spanning Gang in turn."
"Pl-please...!"
Man Gwa-hae begged at Do Cheon's words.
But it wouldn't work on Do Cheon.
"Tricking a foolish junior into picking a fight and using that as an excuse to swallow the main sect—that alone deserves death. But just killing you would leave me shortchanged. My clever junior's a mess now; I can't settle for offing trash like you."
"...!"
"You know that? Long before the Sky-Spanning Gang put down roots here, everything in this merchant city belonged to the Iron Lion Sect."
"...!"
"Do you even realize the protection money you were collecting rightfully belonged to the main sect?"
"What are you talking abou—"
"Longer ago than you can imagine, back when this wasteland was just barren fields, the Iron Lion Sect was built here, and people started gathering. The sect built them houses, tilled fields for them, taught them how to make and sell goods. For those wanting to do business, we cleared paths and connected them to other cities. That's how the city of Merchantville came to be."
"...!"
"As Merchantville prospered, people didn't forget the sect's grace and offered tributes. It continued until a few decades ago. But you dared to steal it."
Do Cheon's face seemed calm. But his gaze on Man Gwa-hae burned with unconcealed fury.
"I'll come back in ten days. Have all the Sky-Spanning Gang's assets neatly sorted so I can take them easily. Then maybe I'll consider sparing you."
Do Cheon turned and left those words behind.
Ten days.
Not out of mercy. Certainly not stupidity.
He gave ten days so Man Gwa-hae could muster every ounce of power he had. That way, Do Cheon could wipe them out in one go, leaving no loose ends.
He knew well: for scum like Man Gwa-hae, who couldn't buy their way out, snatching things by force was their specialty. And if they survived the immediate crisis, they'd always stab you in the back later—that was their trademark.
So he'd take both the weed and the seed, plus the Sky-Spanning Gang's wealth, all at once.
"Let's go."
Do Cheon led the way, and Iron Mountain followed, carrying the now-sleeping Yi Yeol. Worry filled Iron Mountain the whole way.
'Damn, where'd he learn that sorcery? Is it okay for the Iron Lion Sect's eldest disciple to do that?'
Iron Mountain fretted, but Do Cheon walking ahead was smiling.
A pure white smile that looked thrilled.
'The initial funding problem's solved.'
***
As soon as they carried Yi Yeol in, Little Sparrow threw a fit, demanding they fetch a physician or go to a clinic.
"He's fine. A good night's sleep, and he'll be good as new."
"This is fine? Look how much he's suffered—his face is half-gone! Check out these scabs! We need to go to the clinic now!"
Little Sparrow nagged with a face full of worry.
Do Cheon smiled faintly and turned to Master.
"Yi Yeol's energy is depleted; he'll need to sleep straight through till morning."
"Make it so."
Master's eyes on his second disciple showed urgency too. Still, since the eldest said he was okay, Master just nodded.
Master was always like that. He'd nod first at whatever his eldest disciple said. He believed if he treated his own disciple well, the juniors would follow suit.
Even if not, he trusted his firstborn disciple implicitly. He never did anything half-assed.
"I'll be at Lion Hall."
"I'll check on Yi Yeol once more and head right over."
"Do that."
Master turned first.
Do Cheon watched him go for a moment, then headed to the disciples' quarters. Iron Mountain followed, carrying Yi Yeol just fine.
Once Iron Mountain laid Yi Yeol on the bed, Do Cheon reached out and pressed a few acupoints. After watching briefly and confirming a faint heat rising from Yi Yeol's lower dantian, slowly circulating through his body, Do Cheon stood.
"Don't touch him till he wakes on his own."
"Got it."
"Little Sparrow, don't wipe his sweat either. He'll wash himself tomorrow. Understand?"
"For real?"
"For real."
"He's really okay? If it's about clinic money, I've got some."
"Kid, you think we'd come here like this if Second Brother was critical, money or no?"
Only then did Little Sparrow shut her mouth like a dumbstruck bee, looking relieved. Do Cheon patted her head and stepped out.
"Let him sleep."
Iron Mountain and Little Sparrow followed outside. Little Sparrow kept looking back.
***
Iron Lion Hall.
The three-story central building of the Iron Lion Sect.
When its glory days reigned, it brimmed with iron-blooded warriors. Now, in the grand hall, only one man stood alone, staring at the ancestral tablets.
"Pay your respects."
Master said.
Do Cheon approached the tablets, lit incense, and bowed deeply. Then, as if speaking for Master to hear, he addressed them.
"Just as you did, I will fill this place with Iron Lions and shake the world with the Iron Lion Sect's spirit alongside them. Please watch over your descendants' steps with interest."
Do Cheon bowed once more and turned to Master.
Master watched silently, then went to a chair nearby and sat. Do Cheon stood respectfully before the seated Master.
"Thank you for returning safely."
"I'm sorry. I won't leave the sect again."
"Sometimes you must leave if you have purpose. Staying in one spot makes you a frog in a well."
Do Cheon bowed his head at Master's words, paused briefly, then spoke of the Sky-Spanning Gang incident.
Master's lips trembled at the explanation: they'd baited Iron Mountain on purpose, used his brawl with their man as an excuse to target the Iron Lion Sect. Master's grip tightened on the chair arm.
"I'm sorry. This all happened because I'm lacking."
Do Cheon didn't want to see Master sink into self-recrimination. He brought up what he'd pondered the whole way back.
"Master."
"Yes."
"Three years—a short time, but your disciple gained much."
Do Cheon spoke gravely and knelt right there.
Master's eyes widened at the sudden action.
"I dare to ask something."
"What is it that makes you kneel like this? The Iron Lion Sect's eldest disciple must not kneel lightly."
"It's a request that dares tarnish your dignity."
"Speak."
"Entrust the entire sect to me from now on."
Do Cheon prostrated fully.
"...!"
"What nonsense! Coming back after three years and eyeing Master's seat!"
Master was shocked by the unexpected words, Iron Mountain jabbed a finger excitedly, and Little Sparrow just gaped anxiously, glancing between Do Cheon and Master.
"You bastard! Eldest Brother's gone completely—"
"Quiet!"
Master's roar made Iron Mountain shrink and shut up.
Master glared sternly at Iron Mountain.
"If I gave the Iron Lion Sect to you, Iron Mountain, what could you even do?"
"Huh?"
"What does the Iron Lion Sect have left but a name? Why would Eldest ask for it?"
"That's..."
"Eldest is offering to shoulder this struggling burden for me. And you, his junior, can't even grasp that intent? Where do you get off spouting such drivel!"
"No...!"
Iron Mountain just blinked between Do Cheon and Master.
Master turned back to Do Cheon.
"Is this out of concern for me, or confidence in yourself?"
"Confidence."
"Then do it."
At Master's permission, Do Cheon raised his head.
Master's face was full of apology. No trace of wounded pride as sect leader—just regret at passing such a heavy burden to his disciple.
So Do Cheon felt apologetic.
'I'm sorry. But just bear with it a little longer, and I'll make sure you're satisfied, Master.'
Do Cheon kept his thoughts hidden and spoke respectfully.
"I have a question."
"Ask."
"Is our sect righteous or evil?"
Do Cheon's question came out of left field. But Master answered without hesitation.
"The Iron Lion Sect is neither righteous nor evil. It is simply the Iron Lion Sect. No one dared call it righteous, and none dared brand it evil. That is the Iron Lion Sect."
His answer brimmed with pride in the Iron Lion Sect.