Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 612

Heo Sanja bit his lip hard.

What on earth is this sect doing?

An agreement between sects was always more important than a personal promise. So, how could they break their promise about the time and act like it’s nothing?

He took a deep breath to calm down.

Then, he looked at the elders behind Chung Myung with cold eyes, completely ignoring Chung Myung himself.

I didn’t expect Hwasan, a once-respected sect, to break promises so easily.

Hyun Sang’s face showed embarrassment at the sharp words. However, Hyun Young, standing beside him, stepped forward and answered calmly.

We apologize for being late.

Hmm.

However, there is one thing to correct.

What is it?

Hwasan is not a sect that was once called respected, but is still respected now.

I hope you remember that.

Heo Sanja laughed in disbelief.

The Hwasan Divine Dragon at the front was indeed the biggest problem, but those behind him were no different.

They don’t even know shame!

Even though he was a Taoist, a person who should be calm, Heo Sanja was furious inside.

This isn’t some clever trick!

Are they acting this well just to provoke him? They are better actors than fighters! If they started a theater group, they would be famous and invited by the Emperor!

How could so many outstanding actors gather in one place!

He didn’t know what kind of people they were, but one thing was certain.

Wudang and Hwasan could never mix, like water and oil.

Still…

Having realized that fact again, Heo Sanja said something he would never have said normally.

Although you are late, I am grateful that you came. I was worried about what would happen if today’s competition was canceled.

His tone was soft, but the hidden meaning was closer to, ‘Good thing you didn’t run away and showed your faces here.’

Hearing that, Chung Myung chuckled and answered instead of the elders.

As if we’re dealing with anything special.

Little Taoist, I usually don’t speak up about other sects’ affairs, but it’s not right to keep interrupting when adults are talking.

Ah, we’re fine with it.

What did you say just now?

Hwasan is allowed to. We’re not that old-fashioned. Why are you people with such a short history being so fussy? If you’re going to be so strict, you should pay respects to the sects that are your ancestors.

Heo Sanja’s face instantly turned to stone.

How could he not be furious when they kept bringing up that damned Hwaryong Jin?

That rumor…!

Just as Heo Sanja was about to say something, Mu-jin, who was standing behind him, lightly tugged at his sleeve.

Realizing his mistake with that small gesture, Heo Sanja controlled his anger and quietly closed his mouth. If he was going to get drawn in the longer he talked, it was best not to talk at all.

A proud but foolish person would argue with a young person, but fortunately, Heo Sanja cared more about the sect’s interests than his pride.

Let’s not get so red-faced.

Chung Myung smirked and continued.

You said this was a place to strengthen the friendship between the two sects. But looking at you getting so worked up, I’d think we were having a life-or-death duel with our pride on the line. Surely you didn’t come here with that intention?

Of course not.

Then you should smile.

Heo Sanja, watching Chung Myung smile brightly as if to show off, closed his eyes tightly.

Only after calming his mind for a moment was he able to open his eyes again. He clearly ignored Chung Myung and turned his gaze to Hyun Sang.

May we begin the competition now?

We are always ready.

Then there’s no need to drag it out. I look forward to working with you.

The same to you.

The two men exchanged formal greetings. As soon as they lowered their hands, Heo Sanja turned sharply and returned to his seat with a cold air.

However, Mu-jin, who had been guarding his back, did not return to his seat with Heo Sanja, but stood and stared intently at Chung Myung’s face.

It’s been a while, Taoist.

Huh?

Chung Myung pointed to his face and tilted his head.

Do you know me?

Mu-jin’s face hardened. But there was no particular hostility in his voice.

I am Mu-jin, who competed with you before.

Mu-jin… Mu-jin… Ah!

Chung Myung clapped his hands as if something had come to mind.

The first disciple who came after I beat up those second disciples!

That is correct.

Wow, it’s been a while! It’s really nice to see you.

Chung Myung smiled brightly and waved his hand, and Mu-jin responded with a gentle smile.

It seems my sword didn’t leave a strong impression back then.

Ah, it’s not that. I just don’t remember other people’s faces very well. Besides, it wasn’t a situation where we could comfortably introduce ourselves.

Well, you were wearing a mask.

Ah, that… Huh?

Chung Myung’s eyes shook violently.

But how did you know I was that guy back then?

Who wouldn’t know unless they were an idiot?

Chung Myung, flustered, turned around with surprised eyes, and Baek Cheon and his group shook their heads in unison.

Did you really think we wouldn’t know?

You must have thought everyone’s eyes were as small as pinholes.

Turn your head. You’re embarrassing us.

Chung Myung pouted with a sulky face and looked back at Mu-jin.

So? Are you going to bring up the past and complain?

What’s the point of complaining about something that’s already happened? In the end, there was nothing there.

Chung Myung nodded awkwardly and smiled.

Then why?

I just wanted to have a conversation with you, Little Taoist.

Mu-jin’s eyes, looking at Chung Myung, were very serious.

If I could face you in this competition, nothing would be better, but it seems I am not your match.

Hoo, is that so?

But that doesn’t mean our relationship is over. I hope you don’t lose that sharp sword until the day I challenge you.

At the polite but determined words, Chung Myung curled up the corners of his mouth with an amused face.

It’s going to be hard to keep up?

I can’t not go just because it’s hard.

Moo-jin bowed deeply, turned, and walked away.

Baektian and his friends had been listening nearby. They came to Chung Myung and whispered.

Baek Cheon leaned closer, his voice a low whisper. “…Moo-jin is one of the famous Wudang Three Swords, right?”

Chung Myung nodded once. “He is.”

Un-gum’s eyes widened. “…You fought *him* too?”

Chung Myung shrugged, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Didn’t I tell you?”

Baek Cheon and the others just stared, their faces frozen in surprise, mouths hanging open. *What trouble has this boy gotten into now?* Baek Cheon thought, a headache starting to form.

“He looks strong.”

“Indeed.”

Chung Myung nodded in agreement.

“Hmph, Moo-jin.”

The memory of Moo-jin’s sword flashed in Chung Myung’s mind – a silver streak, fast and deadly.

But the Moo-jin he met today was different from the one he knew. If the past Moo-jin was like a quiet pond, still and clear, the current Moo-jin was like a vast lake hidden in mist, deep and mysterious.

“I can’t underestimate him after all. Wudang is Wudang, I suppose?” Chung Myung grinned and turned around.

“Well, the preparations are done. You’re ready to fight, right?”

But the response to his words was far from pleasant.

“You’re the one who created this situation, yet you dare to talk like that!”

“If you weren’t sleeping on the roof, we’d be on time!”

“I’m so ashamed, I can’t live! I can’t live! What is this spectacle? How can you be late when you’ve promised a martial arts contest, huh?”

Complaints rained down like a storm, each word a sharp drop of rain, stinging Chung Myung’s ears. Chung Myung just scratched his ear, acting like he couldn’t hear well.

“Why fuss over such trivial things? People can be late sometimes.”

“He’s the type to beat someone to death if they’re late.”

“How can his brain only work in his favor like that…? That’s a talent, a talent.”

Hyun Young smiled and stopped his disciples.

“Calm down, everyone. Shouldn’t we be focusing on the martial arts contest now?”

“Keugh… Yes, Elder.”

“Tsk.”

Even as he sighed, Hyun Young was inwardly pleased.

‘They still had the calmness to joke around even when facing Wudang in a martial arts contest.’

Whether it was because they had big guts or confidence in their skills, it wasn’t a bad thing in the current situation.

“You said it’s a Ten-Match Series, right?”

“That’s right.”

Hyun Young nodded.

Not ten matches, but a Ten-Match Series.

It was a system where the side that won ten matches first would take the victory. This meant that there could be a minimum of ten matches and a maximum of nineteen.

This method was better at revealing the superiority of one sect over another than simply fighting ten times.

“A Ten-Match Series without designated opponents. It seems they’re serious.”

Chung Myung grinned.

The Wudang of just a while ago would never have taken such a method. But the fact that they were suggesting this method and showing so much power showed their bad plan to beat Mount Hua down on this occasion.

“Well, it’s not bad.”

Baek Cheon and Un-gum approached Chung Myung, who was constantly grinning, and asked.

“Who are you planning to send out first?”

“We have fewer people to send out than they do. We need to think carefully about who we send.”

“First?”

“I mean the first one to go out.”

Chung Myung smirked as if he had heard an obvious question.

“Why are you even asking that?”

“Huh?”

“This is a series of matches. That means momentum is much more important than in a normal contest.”

“That’s right.”

“So, wouldn’t it be advantageous to completely suppress the opponent’s momentum from the start, or make them so angry they want to die?”

“Yes. That’s right. So, who are you going to send?”

“Aish, even you, Martial Uncle. Who among us can annoy them the most if they lose the first fight to us?”

“That would be…”

Chung Myung shook his head at the pointed gaze of Un-gum.

“Except for me.”

“Hmm. Then it’s a bit difficult to decide…”

“Aish. There’s only one person.”

Chung Myung turned his head, and everyone’s gaze followed.

And the moment they saw the person at the end of that gaze, everyone had no choice but to nod in agreement.

“…He’ll definitely get angry.”

“If he keeps his mouth shut, he might not get that angry, but he won’t keep it shut.”

“…I agree. I agree.”

“Huh?”

The person receiving the attention tilted his head, looking clueless.

“You go out there.”

Jin Hyun frowned at Heo San-ja’s words and replied.

“I am prepared. But I am worried if it is appropriate for me to stand as the first when there are Senior Uncles present.”

“The opponent is Mount Hua. It would not look good if a first-generation disciple steps forward from the beginning. The outcome is already decided anyway. Then we must choose the most impressive way to do this.”

“…I understand.”

Jin Hyun nodded with a stiff face.

“You must win. Your victory is most important.”

“Yes, Elder. Do not worry.”

He spoke with a determined voice, gripped his Songmun Ancient Sword, and stepped onto the martial arts stage. Or, he was about to.

Hop.

“…Huh?”

But someone else lightly jumped onto the martial arts stage first and strode towards them. Jin Hyun’s brow furrowed slightly.

‘I’ve been beaten to the punch.’

But it didn’t matter. If he could win the first match, he could seize the initiative.

“I believe in you.”

“Yes, Elder!”

It was the moment he was about to step onto the martial arts stage.

“Hey, no, that’s not right.”

Huh?

The Wudang disciples, who were about to cheer for Jin Hyun, all raised their heads to look at the martial arts stage.

“That side is a bit boring, and we should have a proper match if we’re going to do this.”

The Mount Hua swordsman, his wild curly hair bouncing as he moved, stepped forward and stared at Jin Hyun with a sulky look, then suddenly turned his gaze to Moo-jin.

“Hey, you, the one who seems to be famous as the Wudang Three Swords, I happen to be called one of the Mount Hua Five Swords, so let’s have a match between swordsmen.”

“…”

Mount Hua’s Jo Gul grinned and pointed his finger straight at Moo-jin.

It was truly unbelievable behavior. The faces of the Wudang disciples began to fill with the strongest anger they had ever shown.