Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 366

The man stared at Baek Cheon, his eyes cold as ice.

“What do you want?” he asked sharply.

Baek Cheon stood his ground. “I asked what you are doing.”

A smirk twisted the man’s lips. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, mocking tone. “Listen here, *young master*,” he emphasized the title with a sneer.

Baek Cheon nodded, keeping his face calm. “Yes.”

“Do you really think I need to explain myself to you?” The man raised an eyebrow, challenging him.

Baek Cheon was momentarily speechless at the man’s brazen response.

Then, the man smiled slyly and slowly said, “Huhu. Have you Hwasan disciples been away from the cities for too long? You seem to have forgotten how things work in the real world. You can’t seem to distinguish when to step in and when not to.”

Baek Cheon’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Do you mean we need to consider qualifications and circumstances even when someone is unilaterally using force?”

“Wouldn’t anyone discussing justice be unable to turn a blind eye, of course?”

“Then why do you speak like that?”

At Baek Cheon’s words, the man curled the corner of his lips.

“It just means you are still young, young master.”

“Don’t you know that your words imply that I might be committing atrocities?”

“That’s…” Baek Cheon closed his mouth.

“I am the head of the Seoyueol Clan, a family connected to the powerful Jongnam Clan. How could I possibly do something that deviates from the honorable way in the middle of Xi’an?”

The man’s eyes narrowed like crescent moons.

“Or perhaps…” The man smiled and looked at the Hwasan disciples.

“Are you saying that the Hwasan disciples think I am oppressing the common people here? That is truly disappointing.”

Baek Cheon bit his lip.

‘This guy…’

If he answered carelessly here, he would give the branch families of Jongnam in Xi’an a reason to openly antagonize Hwayoung Gate.

It could appear as though he was accusing the man, who represented the Jongnam branch families in Xi’an, of being a rogue committing atrocities in broad daylight.

So, every word, every syllable, had to be careful…

“Well,”

‘Eek!’

Baek Cheon was startled and turned around.

Chung Myung was slowly coming forward with a sulky expression.

‘What are you doing?’

Baek Cheon desperately gestured to Yoon Jong and Jo Gul, but they were just as perplexed.

‘How can we openly stop him when there are eyes watching?’

‘We still have to stop him!’

But before they could take any action, the man opened his mouth.

“Hooh. For the Chung Myung, known as the ‘Hwasan Divine Dragon,’ to speak to me directly, this is truly an honor. It seems I have something to boast about to future generations?”

It was a very exaggerated sneer. Anyone else would have immediately hardened their face upon hearing those words.

However, Chung Myung’s reaction was completely different from what he expected.

“Hehe. There’s no need to go that far. You’re making me blush.”

The man stared at Chung Myung with a blank look.

‘Doesn’t he understand sarcasm?’

No, that couldn’t be.

There could be a strong idiot. But there couldn’t be a martial arts master who was an idiot. To master martial arts beyond a certain level, a high level of comprehension was absolutely necessary.

For the famed Hwasan Divine Dragon to be an idiot was no different than saying a scholar who passed the civil service exam was an idiot.

But…

‘No, he really seems to like it?’

He wondered if he had been too sarcastic and checked the Hwasan Divine Dragon’s face again.

But no matter how he looked at it, it wasn’t an act. If that mixture of embarrassment and pride was acting, he could jump into a very dramatic performance and draw crowds like clouds.

“Hehe.”

What an incomprehensible fellow.

The man cleared his throat and composed his expression.

“Yes, what are you curious about, Hwasan Divine Dragon?”

“Well, I know that the great head of the Jongnam branch family wouldn’t do anything against chivalry. But could you at least tell me what’s going on right now?”

But despite managing his expression well, his brow furrowed again.

“As I said before, do I have a reason to explain that to you?”

“There’s no reason not to explain it, either.”

“Huh?”

Chung Myung shrugged.

“If it’s something you can be proud of, there’s no reason to hide it, but I don’t know why you’re so reluctant to tell us. And…”

And as he spoke, he glanced around.

The people who had been gathering little by little had already swelled to a large crowd.

“It seems we’re not the only ones curious about what’s going on here?”

At those words, the man frowned slightly.

The gathered people were alternating between looking at him and the person collapsed on the ground, wearing awkward expressions. It was a situation where bad rumors could easily spread if he glossed over it.

He wouldn’t normally care about such things, but the situation wasn’t good right now. He shouldn’t give those Hwasan disciples a chance to play a good role in these times.

The man hardened his resolve and gestured with his chin towards the fallen man.

“This man borrowed a large sum of money from our Seoyueol Clan.”

“Money?”

At the man’s words, Baek Cheon frowned without realizing it.

He had expected some grand story, but the reason was too base and blatant.

“So… are you saying you’re collecting the debt right now?”

“That is correct.”

“So violently? For the head of the Seoyueol Clan to oppress someone so much for money, like a street gang?”

“Hahahahaha.”

But instead, the man burst into loud laughter.

Baek Cheon frowned at the blatant laughter.

“What are you laughing about?”

“Isn’t it funny?”

“What do you mean?”

The man’s face was full of ridicule.

“Those who came all the way to Xi’an to earn that small amount of money, even performing sword demonstrations that no prestigious clan would dream of doing, are now talking as if money is nothing. How can it not be amusing?”

Baek Cheon’s face flushed slightly at the man’s words.

He certainly couldn’t deny what the man said.

“I don’t know how it sounds to those training in martial arts far away, but to those living in the real world, money is quite a big problem. Naturally, they can be sensitive about it, wouldn’t you agree?”

Baek Cheon bit his lip tightly at the man’s sly words.

“But this is…!”

“Well. That’s true.”

But then Chung Myung interrupted Baek Cheon and spoke in a nonchalant tone.

“But I definitely think it’s a bit extreme for someone who’s just here to collect money. Unless the Seoyueol Clan Head isn’t really in the moneylending business, they must know each other quite well.”

“Hooh. You’re quite sharp for someone who looks so simple.”

The man looked at Chung Myung with a glint in his eyes.

‘He’s a completely unpredictable fellow.’

He seemed utterly foolish just a moment ago, but now he was pointing out the core issue with ease. Thanks to that, he was spared the trouble of avoiding the main point.

“Of course, I know this man very well. Otherwise, why would I lend him money?”

“But to be so heartless despite that, he must have not paid back the money for quite a while.”

“That’s not the case.”

“Yes?”

The man shrugged.

“It’s true that some time has passed since he borrowed the money, but it wasn’t long enough to exhaust my patience. I am a much more benevolent person than you think.”

“Then why?”

“Why don’t you hear the reason directly from him?” The man pointed with his chin at the fallen man.

Yiseol was already helping the fallen man to his feet, but the man’s body went limp, as if he had already lost consciousness.

“Eep!”

A cry of astonishment burst from Yoon Jong’s lips.

“Why?”

“That, that man…”

Yoon Jong pointed a finger, his face twisted.

“…He’s the one who came to enroll his child in the Hwayoung Sect.”

“Hmm?”

Chung Myung and Baek Cheon’s faces hardened at the same time. They understood what was happening immediately.

Baek Cheon glared at Namjamyung, his face full of anger. Namjamyung simply grinned back, unperturbed.

“Why? Are you going to tell me off?”

Namjamyung shook his head, speaking with pity.

“Look here. I’m not so heartless. That’s why I lent this man grain and money. Isn’t that so?”

“……”

“The one who did something wrong is this man right here.”

A cold gaze turned towards the man who was being helped up.

“To receive help from the Jongnam family and then enroll his child in the Hwasan family. Even beasts know gratitude. Isn’t this fellow’s behavior worse than that of a beast?”

Yoon Jong bit his lip and asked.

“So, how much money did this man borrow?”

“Ho? Hwasan will repay the debt for him?”

Namjamyung laughed, as if amused.

“Good. That wouldn’t be bad either. But will you be alright?”

Laughter dripped from his voice.

“How many people in this Seoan do you think owe money to the Jongnam family?”

“……”

“And how many do you think have received kindness from Jongnam, not just the family? I’ve heard that Hwasan has come into some money recently, but can you handle all of that?”

“This…”

“As the representative of the Jongnam family in Seoan, and now on behalf of Jongnam, which has gone into hiding, I intend to collect their debts.”

“In this way?”

“What’s wrong with doing it this way?”

A brazen response returned, and Baek Cheon’s face hardened.

“If there is a problem with money, it is proper to solve it at the government office. How can someone who leads the Jongnam family solve matters in this way, ignoring the law of the country?”

“Hahahaha. This is why those who only cultivate in the mountains…”

“……What did you just say?”

Namjamyung clicked his tongue with a look of pity and gazed at Baek Cheon.

“Do you think this will end with them being dragged to the government office?”

“……”

“If they are taken to the government office, they will be beaten and forced to give up everything they own. You seem to have read many stories about good officials who help people, but the world is not so easy.”

He glanced down at the unconscious man.

“If I’m wrong, that man will run to the government office as soon as he wakes up. But think again. Do you think he will?”

As Baek Cheon flared up, trying to retort, Chung Myung subtly raised his hand to stop him.

“Chung Myung-ah.”

Baek Cheon called Chung Myung’s name in a low voice filled with anger. But Chung Myung, far from backing down, curled up the corners of his lips and looked at Namjamyung.

“Do you think you can stop the Hwayoung Sect by doing this?”

“Well. That’s something I don’t know.”

Namjamyung smiled gently.

“And don’t misunderstand. I’m not doing this specifically to stop the Hwayoung Sect. I’m simply discussing how people should act.”

“How people should act.”

Chung Myung’s eyes narrowed.

“Those words don’t seem right coming from someone who’s doing this sort of thing.”

“Haha. That’s just your opinion. Opinions differ from person to person, don’t they?”

“That…”

“Don’t need to talk anymore. I’m not close enough to talk to you like this.”

Namjamyung waved his hand as if he didn’t want to talk anymore. Turning to the man who had regained consciousness with a faint groan, he coldly declared.

“Jutae. I won’t say much, so make sure to repay everything you borrowed from Seowolmun by tomorrow. If you can’t, you will be beaten.”

“M-Master… Please…”

“I won’t say it twice.”

The man called Jutae squirmed, his body still unmoving, and pleaded, but Namjamyung merely looked down at him coldly. Then, he spoke to Chung Myung and his group.

“I hope the Hwayoung Sect does well. This is my sincere wish.”

With those words, he laughed and turned. The disciples of Seowolmun, who had been waiting for him nearby, followed him. As they walked with their shoulders puffed out, the crowd quickly stepped aside to make way.

Baek Cheon bit his lip.

“…How small-minded.”

“Sasuk.”

“Hmm?”

Jo Gul approached, his face full of worry, and said.

“This is serious.”

“Hmm?”

Everyone looked at him, surprised that he seemed so worried. Jo Gul sighed deeply.

“Normal people are always scared of martial artists. The only reason they can live together is because they believe that strong martial arts families will never hurt ordinary people without a good reason.”

“…That’s right.”

“But now, the Jongnam families have crossed that line. If this happens, the people of Seoan will quickly become terrified. If a family crosses the line, the main clan should fix it, but Jongnam has gone into hiding, so it’s difficult.”

“…That’s right.”

Indeed, this was no ordinary matter. The most troublesome thing was that money was involved. If it were about fighting, it could be solved with force. But a money matter cannot be solved with force alone.

‘I should talk about this with the Elder first.’

Baek Cheon turned to Chung Myung, feeling uneasy.

‘But… why is this guy holding back so well?’

Normally, the scabbard would have been shoved into Namjamyung’s head many times before even half of the conversation had taken place. But today, Namjamyung hadn’t been beaten and was walking away.

“Chung Myung-ah. What do you think…”

“Sasuk.”

“…Hmm?”

“Sasuk, take the kids and go back first. I have a place to stop by.”

“Where are you going?”

“Just a quick stop at the fabric store. Go on ahead.”

“Fabric store? Why a fabric store all of a sudden…”

Chung Myung didn’t answer and quickly moved. Baek Cheon’s face turned pale.

“Hey! Grab him!”

At his shout, the disciples of Hwasan pounced on Chung Myung. Chung Myung began to thrash wildly.

“No! Wait, let me go! I’m just going to the fabric store, why are you all clinging to me again!”

“You’re going to make another mask, aren’t you! No way, you maniac! This isn’t something you can solve like that!”

“Is there some other way to solve it?! Just go and smash them! If the guy causing the problem disappears, the problem disappears too!”

“I’m telling you, absolutely not!”

Baek Cheon ran at Chung Myung, who was thrashing wildly, and clung to him.

“If Namjamyung falls now, who do you think people will suspect! No way! This is absolutely not allowed! Venerable Hae Yeon! Don’t just stand there, help me!”

“…Yes?”

“Hurry!”

Hae Yeon, who had been standing blankly, didn’t know what was going on but ran and pinned Chung Myung down.

“S-Sir, please calm down.”

“Grrrr.”

Chung Myung made a beast-like sound and glared at Namjamyung, who was already far away. The sound of his grinding teeth leaked out.

“So, you want to try it, huh?”

“Alright.”

“Let’s see the end.”