Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 659

It truly looked like a miracle. *Tap! Tap!* The sounds were quick and sharp.

‘We need a pillar right here!’ one voice called out. ‘Got it! I’ll take this side, you take the other, brother!’ another replied instantly.

In the blink of an eye, a pillar was standing tall, and a wall seemed to grow as if by magic. If you looked away for just a moment and then looked back, something new had been built. Work that would take many skilled workers days was being done by just two people, and they made it look easy.

The Dang Family could do more than just make buildings bigger.

‘Hmm, I don’t really like this,’ one artisan said, looking at a wall. ‘It looks a bit old.’

‘Yes, but we can’t change everything,’ another replied. ‘We need to keep the old style.’

‘Exactly. Let’s keep the style, but use better materials, more luxurious ones. Bring those stones we brought!’ ‘Yes, sir!’

As soon as they started working on it, the outside walls of the plain building began to change. The roof lines shifted slightly. It didn’t seem like they were doing much, but by changing small things like the materials and how they built it, the buildings slowly became much more beautiful and grand.

And then…

‘We can carve plum blossoms here!’ one artisan exclaimed. ‘And here too, on this side!’ another added.

‘Let’s make it like a garden of flowers! We were given this chance, we should make it truly special!’

Plum blossoms, the famous symbol of Mount Hua, began to appear on the pillars. The artisans carved them so quickly and with such detail that the flowers looked like they might float away in a gentle breeze.

‘Wow…’ one disciple breathed. ‘Good heavens…’ another whispered. ‘This is why they are called true artisans,’ a third said in awe.

The Mount Hua disciples, who had been doing simple, tiring work themselves, could only stare, mouths open, at this amazing sight. It was like watching magic happen before their eyes.

The thirty artisans from the Dang Family were truly changing all of Mount Hua.

‘Uncle Pyo! Please don’t touch that one!’ a Mount Hua disciple called out.

‘Huh? But this pillar is very old, isn’t it?’ Uncle Pyo asked.

‘Yes, but it’s a pillar with the history of Mount Hua! We need to keep it as it is!’ the disciple explained.

‘Hmm, I see. Then we won’t carve it. We can paint it and then add patterns. It would be even better if we added words that represent Mount Hua,’ Uncle Pyo suggested.

‘That sounds wonderful! Please wait, I’ll go ask the Sect Leader!’ the disciple said, running off.

‘Alright,’ Uncle Pyo replied. Tang Soso was also there, ready to gently guide the artisans if they changed things too much or in the wrong way. She was good at making sure everyone was happy.

‘They are truly amazing,’ one disciple said, shaking his head in wonder. When the Mount Hua disciples had been working on the renovations, it felt like it would take forever. But now, just half a day after the Dang Family artisans started working, so much had changed it was hard to believe your eyes.

And the Dang Family had brought more than just skilled workers.

‘These are high-quality tea sets and beautiful boxes for the gifts at the event,’ Tang Gunak announced, showing them to Hyun Young.

‘Good heavens…’ Hyun Young gasped, staring at the luggage Tang Gunak was opening.

‘Such beautiful, expensive things…’ he murmured.

‘Mount Hua’s plum blossom tea and the best tea from Yunnan will be perfect gifts. And they will look even better in these boxes.’

‘Thank you so much, Family Head Dang,’ Hyun Young said, deeply grateful.

‘You are very welcome,’ Tang Gunak replied with a smile. ‘This event is not just for Mount Hua, it’s for the whole Heavenly Union. It’s only right that we help.’

‘Yes, that’s true, but still…’ Hyun Young was overwhelmed by their generosity.

It was clear that experience mattered a lot in this kind of work. Mount Hua and Hyun Young were working hard and with great energy, but they simply couldn’t compare to the Dang Family. The Dang Family was known as one of the best in the world at this, and Mount Hua knew they couldn’t even try to compete.

‘And we should also let Hwayeom know what’s happening, ahead of time,’ Tang Gunak said thoughtfully.

‘Inform Hwayeom?’ Hyun Young asked, surprised.

‘Yes,’ Tang Gunak nodded calmly. ‘Events like this always attract more people than just the invited guests. Many people will come to watch. We won’t have enough space for everyone here in Mount Hua. So, we need to warn the inns in Hwayeom town. Hwayeom is not very big, and I doubt there are enough inns there. I think we should prepare some temporary places for people to stay, just in case.’

‘Temporary places to stay?’ Hyun Young repeated, thinking hard.

‘Temporary places to stay, like…?’ Hyun Young asked again.

‘Yes, usually people use tents. But Mount Hua will probably have many guests in the future. So, it might be a good idea to use this chance to build some simple rooms, just for sleeping, where people can pay to stay, but without food.’

It was a surprising idea. Hyun Young nodded slowly, still thinking.

‘I’m sorry, we usually ask the Eunha Merchant Guild to take care of these things…’

‘The Merchant Guild is busy with their own work,’ Tang Gunak explained gently. ‘Besides, it’s different to plan for slow growth over time, and to do things quickly for a big event. The Eunha Merchant Guild probably hasn’t done something like this before.’

Hyun Young nodded again, unable to speak, realizing Tang Gunak was right.

‘You are right, Family Head. It’s such a big help that you are here.’

‘It’s only natural for me to help. I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner,’ Tang Gunak said kindly.

‘What are you saying? We are just so grateful,’ Hyun Young replied sincerely.

Tang Gunak smiled, looking around at Mount Hua. Then he gave more instructions to the artisans.

‘We’ll have the opening ceremony in the main training area. But I’m worried the platform there is too low.’

‘Should we take it down and build a new, bigger one?’ one artisan asked.

‘This training ground is where our sect’s martial arts are practiced. Its height and size are important for a reason. How can you even suggest tearing it down so carelessly?’ Tang Gunak replied, surprised.

‘…I didn’t think it through,’ the artisan admitted, feeling a bit foolish.

‘No, instead, build a temporary platform on top of it,’ Tang Gunak instructed. ‘We can carry it easily, so don’t worry about the weight. Make it grand and impressive. It should be something we can move away and store when we don’t need it, covering the original platform underneath. Choose materials that will last a long time and don’t need much care.’

‘Yes, Family Head!’ the artisans replied quickly. The saying ‘as fast as lightning’ seemed perfect for this moment. Tang Gunak was giving orders clearly and confidently from the moment he arrived at Mount Hua, showing everyone the authority and dignity of the Family Head of the Sichuan Dang Family.

‘I don’t know how to thank you enough,’ Hyun Jong said, his voice full of gratitude.

Tang Gunak shook his head gently. ‘No, Sect Leader. I’m actually worried that I’m making too much noise and disrupting the peace of Mount Hua, a place with such a long and important history.’

‘Nonsense! There’s no way that could happen. Our ancestors in Mount Hua would be delighted by this,’ Hyun Jong assured him. Hyun Jong didn’t realize it, but his words were actually very true.

Across the courtyard, Chung Myung was watching the changes to Mount Hua with his mouth hanging open in amazement.

‘Um, can’t we add gold leaf? Did you bring any gold?’ he asked loudly.

Hyun Jong sighed deeply. ‘…Chung Myung. Just go stand over there, please.’

‘Or platinum would look good too! Or jade, maybe?’ Chung Myung continued, ignoring Hyun Jong.

‘I said, go over there!’ Hyun Jong repeated, pointing firmly.

‘But the Dang Family is rich! Much richer than us!’ Chung Myung protested.

‘Please… just be quiet for a moment…’ Hyun Jong pleaded, rubbing his temples.

‘It’s quite alright, Sect Leader,’ Tang Gunak chuckled softly, amused by Chung Myung’s antics. ‘I’m glad you like it.’

‘Hehe! Of course! Work like this should always be done by experts!’ Chung Myung grinned, finally turning away from the artisans.

Nearby, other members of the Sichuan Dang Family, who were not artisans themselves, were working just as efficiently. They were carefully arranging all the supplies that the Eunha Merchant Guild had delivered. They were thoughtfully planning where everyone would sit, considering who was important and who should be seated near each other – something the Dang Family was much better at than Mount Hua.

‘What about the Beast Palace Lord?’ Chung Myung asked.

‘He’s on his way. I told him to come in three or four days, but knowing how impatient he is, he’ll probably be here tomorrow,’ Tang Gunak replied.

‘…He’s not bringing those beasts again, is he?’ Chung Myung asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

‘I told him not to, so he should stop himself this time… but I can’t promise anything,’ Tang Gunak admitted with a small smile.

Chung Myung smiled again, a genuine smile this time. He liked this about Tang Gunak. Many people would want to show off how much they were helping, but Tang Gunak acted as if this was just something normal and expected. It meant he saw Mount Hua and the Dang Family as one.

*’One family…’ * Chung Myung thought to himself, glancing sideways at Tang Gunak. *’Dang Bo would have been happy to see this.’*

In the past, the Dang Family and Mount Hua had been quite close, but not as close and friendly as Dang Bo had always wanted with Chung Myung. Now, a hundred years later, the kind of relationship Dang Bo had dreamed of was finally becoming real. Chung Myung casually wiped his nose, a small, thoughtful smile still on his face, and then spoke again.

‘When will all this be finished?’ Chung Myung asked, curious.

‘It won’t take more than two days at most,’ Tang Gunak replied confidently.

‘Two days?’ Chung Myung repeated, surprised again.

‘Yes. Renovating the buildings, arranging all the supplies, and building the new rooms for guests – that’s all easy. Making the kitchen bigger will take a little longer, but we can still finish that today.’

They had the energy and skill to build two or three buildings in half a day! The leaders of Mount Hua, feeling the incredible power and efficiency of the Sichuan Dang Family, had to stop themselves from bursting into applause.

‘But why two days then?’ Chung Myung asked, confused.

‘The real problem comes after all this work is done. This is about welcoming guests, isn’t it?’ Tang Gunak said, his voice changing slightly.

‘Yes?’ Chung Myung replied, tilting his head. Tang Gunak looked at the Mount Hua disciples, who were still covered in dust and dirt from their earlier work, with a worried expression.

‘But the ones who have to welcome and entertain these guests are Mount Hua, the Beast Palace, and the Bukhae Ice Palace.’

‘…’ Chung Myung went silent, finally understanding.

‘It will be a miracle if they don’t start fighting each other…’ Tang Gunak muttered under his breath.

‘…’ A deep line of worry appeared on Tang Gunak’s forehead.

It was true. Even the infamous Demonic Sect might run away, saying they didn’t want to be involved with *this* group.

‘So, will it take two days to teach those who have to welcome the guests how to behave and control their tempers?’ Tang Gunak asked, half-joking, half-serious.

‘…Or should we just tell them that if they cause any trouble, we’ll throw them off a cliff?’ one of the Mount Hua leaders suggested grimly.

‘And that will stop them from causing trouble?’ Tang Gunak asked, raising an eyebrow.

‘Nope!’ Chung Myung answered brightly and cheerfully. ‘Our senior brothers aren’t scared of being thrown off a cliff! They are all very brave!’

‘…That’s not really what bravery means,’ Tang Gunak sighed again, shaking his head.

‘So, we really do need to educate them beforehand. The main goal of this event is to finish it with as few problems and accidents as possible.’

Tang Gunak then mumbled quietly to himself, ‘But I really don’t know if that will actually work,’ but Chung Myung was too busy thinking about something else to hear him.

Tang Gunak straightened up, his expression becoming serious again. ‘This event will be how the Heavenly Union shows itself to the world. Everything must be perfect.’

Chung Myung nodded, agreeing with Tang Gunak’s words. In this world, the meaning is important, but how things look is also very important. It’s always better to make a good impression if possible.

However…

‘Hey! What about here?’ one artisan called out. ‘Where?’ another replied.

‘I don’t like these plain stone floor tiles! Let’s carve plum blossoms here too!’

‘On the floor? Isn’t it enough that we’re carving them on all the walls?’

‘No, no! The more, the better! Let’s carve them!’ ‘Good idea!’

Chung Myung’s cheek twitched slightly as he watched.

‘Roof tiles! Let’s carve plum blossoms on the roof tiles too!’ another artisan shouted.

‘And I don’t like this garden! It’s too boring! Go find some more plum trees! We can plant them here!’

‘It’s too narrow here! Too cramped! Tear down this wall! We can build a new one and make it wider!’

‘…’ *Is this… going a bit too far?* Chung Myung wondered, glancing at Tang Gunak. The artisans seemed even more obsessed with plum blossoms than the Mount Hua Sect itself!

Tang Gunak coughed awkwardly, hiding his mouth with his hand, looking slightly embarrassed. ‘Ahem, well, you did carve plum blossoms on the pillars back then, didn’t you?’ he said to Chung Myung.

‘Yes, I did,’ Chung Myung replied, a bit flatly.

‘Well, ever since then, it’s become strangely popular to put plum blossom designs on everything in the Dang Family… At this rate, the symbol of the Dang Family might actually become plum blossoms,’ Tang Gunak chuckled nervously.

‘…’ ‘They are just very enthusiastic, let’s just let them be,’ Tang Gunak suggested with a weak smile.

‘…’ Chung Myung stared at the artisans, who were now excitedly carving plum blossoms everywhere, his face still a little grumpy. But then, slowly, a small smile started to spread across his face. *’Oh well, maybe it’s not so bad.’*

The more plum blossoms, the better, he decided. And so, the two days of frantic renovation and… education (?) passed quickly. Soon, the heroes of the world began to arrive at Mount Hua, now beautifully prepared, coming like clouds gathering in the sky.