Chapter 10
Flame Moon The Abbot Said So (3)
Chunyo and Baek Sang-ah walked side by side, following Hyunmu. A short distance behind them, like a shadow, came Jeokha.
Dressed in red, she walked quietly with her arms crossed, observing Chunyo from behind.
The overwhelming martial prowess he had just displayed—
In fact, it wouldn’t have been particularly difficult for Jeokha to defeat the monks of Daewoon Temple. But the technique Chunyo had shown in the process was still undeniably overwhelming. He crushed his opponents so completely that even brushing against them seemed impossible.
He subdued them cleanly, without killing a single one.
Watching his smooth, efficient movements, Jeokha thought:
Could this man be an assassin?
But no.
An assassin’s martial arts focus entirely on killing. They would end the life of a single opponent in one strike. That was the most effective method.
But Chunyo’s techniques were different.
He pressed his opponents down with immense, mountain-like strength, all built on a foundation of unwavering fundamentals.
Jeokha couldn’t discern his true identity, but…
“He said he’s confident in protecting someone… could he really be a bodyguard? But a bodyguard with skills like that?”
The martial prowess he displayed was far too exceptional for a mere bodyguard. It made her wonder what exactly he was capable of.
As their curiosity about Chunyo grew, Hyunmu, who led the three of them, stopped walking.
They had arrived in front of a large Buddhist hall.
A grand signboard hung above its entrance.
“This is Daemyeongjeon, the greatest hall in Daewoon Temple.”
“Is this a place for prayer?”
“Yes. But outsiders are not usually allowed in. You could say it’s a place where our monks cultivate their minds.”
Two monks stood at the entrance of Daemyeongjeon, bowing respectfully to Hyunmu.
“Greetings, Abbot.”
“You’ve done well. Come in for a moment.”
“But they’re outsiders…”
“It’s fine. The previous abbot permitted them to enter Daemyeongjeon.”
“Understood.”
The two monks stepped aside, and Hyunmu walked in first. The three of them followed.
Inside, Daemyeongjeon was quite spacious.
What caught everyone’s attention, however, was the massive Buddha statue at the innermost part of the hall. Golden and radiant, it was larger than three fully grown adults standing side by side.
While everyone else’s gaze lingered on the statue, Chunyo fixed his eyes on a specific spot—
The hands, placed as if in meditation, resting on its lap.
And on those hands lay a sword, sheathed in black.
Chunyo whispered softly as he looked up at the sword.
“Flame Moon (炎月)…”
Hyunmu then spoke.
“Take it. We will return it to you.”
With that, Chunyo stepped forward a few paces, kicked off the ground, and leapt into the air.
Fwoosh!
As he swung his hand, the sword on the Buddha’s palm seemed to be drawn into his grip, flying straight into his hands.
Snap.
Chunyo landed, tightly holding the sword. Slowly, he opened his hand.
The sword bore red flame patterns etched along its sheath—a weapon with an unmistakably mysterious aura.
Chunyo drew the sword.
Shhhrrr.
It gleamed brilliantly, as if rejoicing at being reunited with its owner after so long.
“…It’s been a long time, Flame Moon.”
He had thought he would never hold this sword again. That it would remain in Daewoon Temple for the rest of his life.
But fate had other plans, and it drove Chunyo back into the martial world.
Holding Flame Moon, he spoke quietly.
“I ask of you once again.”
Zzziiiing.
As if in response, the sword’s blade reflected the flickering candle flames within the hall, shimmering as if alive.
Baek Sang-ah, walking up beside him, spoke.
“Is that sword yours?”
“Yes. An old friend of mine.”
“Friend? Can you just leave it here like this?”
“It’ll understand. It’s you, after all.”
Chunyo gently caressed the sword, as if meeting an old companion. Even after ten years, it felt as familiar as if they had just been together yesterday.
“This sword has many memories.”
“Want to see something interesting?”
“What is it?”
“Bring me one of those candles over there.”
Baek Sang-ah ran to fetch a candle. Chunyo pointed to the sword.
“Drop it onto the blade.”
“Just like that?”
“Yes.”
She did as told.
Thunk.
The candle bounced off the sword.
Baek Sang-ah looked puzzled, unsure of what Chunyo intended to show.
“Try again.”
She lifted the candle and dropped it onto the blade a second time.
Shing.
The candle split perfectly in two, cleanly as if cut by a master’s blade.
Her eyes widened.
“Whoa! Why is it different?”
“This sword can cut anything, but it can also cut nothing.”
“Cut nothing?”
“It’s about internal energy. Without it, Flame Moon is just a solid stick. The moment you channel energy into it, it regains its sharpness.”
“Really? That’s amazing.”
“And one more thing.”
Chunyo sheathed the sword and quickly drew it again, infusing it with internal energy. Flames erupted along the blade.
Fwoosh!
Baek Sang-ah watched in awe as the blade blazed.
Chunyo raised the flaming sword.
“A sword of fire. That’s why it’s Flame Moon.”
Standing there, engulfed in flames, Chunyo looked like a god of fire.
Hyunmu, silently observing, approached.
“The sword has been returned.”
Chunyo sheathed Flame Moon and replied,
“Thank you for keeping it safe all this time.”
“The night is late. Rest here for a day. I’ll prepare a room.”
“That seems a bit unnecessary…”
Haha, are you concerned about having roughed up our monks?
“I’m only human.”
“Enough. We did not aim weapons first. You acted mercifully toward our monks. I, too, would be rude to aim first, so this is my repayment.”
Chunyo glanced at Baek Sang-ah.
The child, weary from the unfamiliar journey and cold nights, needed rest.
“Well, if you insist, we’ll stay just for one day.”
“I’ll guide you to the room.”
They followed Hyunmu to a lodging area for guests.
“I’ll prepare three rooms so everyone can be comfortable…”
“Two will be enough.”
“Three people, and two rooms?”
Baek Sang-ah tugged at Chunyo’s sleeve, whispering,
“You’re going to have me and that girl share a room? I don’t want to.”
Thinking she would be put in the same room as Jeokha, Baek Sang-ah frowned. Chunyo lightly tapped her forehead with a finger.
“Who do you think your bodyguard is? You’ll share the room with me.”
“Eh?”
Baek Sang-ah blinked, surprised.
“Is that really necessary?”
“Do you forget the situation you’re in?”
She was a target of all factions—orthodox, heretical, and even the demon cult. Chunyo needed to stay close to protect her. Even though Daewoon Temple was currently safe, anything could happen.
If an attack came while she was alone in a room, her life would be at risk.
So Chunyo insisted on sharing the room.
Baek Sang-ah had no words.
Then Jeokha, who had been silently following them, spoke.
“She’s still a girl. Does it make sense for her to share a room with you?”
“Does a bodyguard care about gender? We only have who to protect and who not to. That’s all.”
“But…”
“Do you want to leave her alone then?”
Jeokha had no answer. Chunyo’s concern was justified. Any threats could not always be intercepted in time, and some wanted her dead.
So his actions were correct—indeed, the right choice.
“But…”
“Abbot.”
“What is it?”
Jeokha held up one finger.
“One room is enough. One room.”
“One room for all three of you?”
“Yes. Please prepare a slightly larger room.”
“And I’ll join too.”
“Sure, whatever you like.”
Though Hyunmu didn’t fully understand, he led them to the largest room.
“Here you go. Rest comfortably.”
The room was simple but sufficient to keep out the cold. There was one bed.
Baek Sang-ah murmured anxiously,
“But there’s only one bed…”
“Don’t worry. Lie down quickly. We leave early tomorrow.”
“And you?”
“There’s plenty of space for me. Don’t worry and rest.”
Chunyo leaned by the window, while Jeokha positioned herself on the opposite wall.
Baek Sang-ah lay on the bed, muttering about the hard floor.
“Did you forget camping yesterday? Compared to that, this is like sleeping on silk. Don’t worry.”
Chunyo closed his eyes. Jeokha did the same.
Both silently positioned themselves to guard Baek Sang-ah.
Watching them, Baek Sang-ah sighed.
Finally feeling safe, she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
