Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 701

Jin Yang-geon swallowed hard, his throat felt dry.

‘This is going to be expensive, for sure.’

The orchid in the painting on the wall looked almost alive. Jin Yang-geon didn’t know much about paintings, but even he could tell this one was very expensive.

And there was more.

The chair he was sitting on was special too. It was a black chair with a slight red glow, clearly made of famous zitan wood.

Just by looking at the zitan wood chair, which only the imperial family or high-ranking officials used, you could guess how wealthy the owner of this room was.

‘This is also going to be expensive, for sure.’

Jin Yang-geon watched the teacup in front of him, his fingertips trembling.

The beautiful pattern on the white porcelain caught his eye. He was afraid to touch the teacup. He thought if he dropped it, he would have to pay a lot of money.

‘They say the Gold Sword Bureau’s wealth is amazing, and that’s true.’

Even the things he had seen on his way to the Deputy Bureau Chief’s office inside the Gold Sword Bureau were impressive. He tried hard not to stare with his mouth open.

But the luxury of the Deputy Bureau Chief’s office was even more impressive than what he had seen before.

He swallowed hard again and quickly tried to look calm, so no one would notice.

‘I’m almost there.’

From now on, he couldn’t make any mistakes. If he wasn’t careful and things went wrong, he felt he would never forgive himself.

He took several deep breaths, trying to calm his face. Then, he heard footsteps outside the door. Soon, the door opened, and three people came in.

Jin Yang-geon slowly looked up from the teacup.

He tried to look as relaxed as possible, without showing any worry.

Two men were following behind the middle-aged man in blue. Anyone could tell that the man in the center was Sang Man-hui, the Deputy Bureau Chief of the Gold Sword Bureau, known as the ‘Golden Sword Late Bloom’.

Sang Man-hui walked in confidently and bowed deeply.

“Welcome, Great Warrior,” he said. “I’m Sang Man-hui, Deputy Bureau Chief. Sorry I couldn’t greet you sooner. Things have been a bit hectic.”

Jin Yang-geon shook his head slightly and bowed back.

“Everyone knows you are a champion of justice, Great Warrior Sang,” he said. “People who fight for justice are always busy. If I blamed you for being busy, people would think I was a fool.”

“Indeed. You look like a great warrior, as I’ve heard,” Sang Man-hui replied.

“It’s just on the surface,” Jin Yang-geon said.

Sang Man-hui smiled warmly and sat down across from Jin Yang-geon.

“I have always admired Mount Hua,” he said, “and when I heard that a hero from Mount Hua was visiting Nanchang, I had to invite you.”

“Thank you for your kind words,” Jin Yang-geon replied.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what is your rank in Mount Hua?” Sang Man-hui asked.

Jin Yang-geon smiled slightly, as if embarrassed, and lowered his head.

“As you know, Mount Hua doesn’t like to show off,” he said.

“Indeed, indeed,” Sang Man-hui agreed.

“So, Mount Hua doesn’t allow its disciples to reveal their rank when they are out in the world. Ranks are only known for those in official events, but…” Jin Yang-geon explained.

“Ah… That’s unusual,” Sang Man-hui said.

Jin Yang-geon kept his face calm, even though his heart was racing. He watched Sang Man-hui carefully and then added, in a relaxed voice.

“Please understand. As you know, Mount Hua has become very famous recently,” he said.

“Indeed, indeed. Everyone praises Mount Hua, right?” Sang Man-hui asked.

Jin Yang-geon smiled quietly.

“When people become famous, they can easily become too proud. The Head Disciple wants to prevent the disciples from becoming too arrogant, so I hope you understand,” he said.

Sang Man-hui nodded in admiration.

‘Mount Hua is truly a righteous sect,’ he thought.

Every word showed humility and respect for others. He understood why Mount Hua had become so well-known.

“How can we fully understand the Head Disciple’s wisdom? We can only trust that it is the right thing to do,” Sang Man-hui said.

“Thank you for understanding,” Jin Yang-geon replied.

He smiled gently but sighed inside.

‘So far, it’s going as planned,’ he thought.

If he was questioned too closely, something would eventually go wrong. So, it was better to move past it quickly by saying it was ‘the intention of a high-ranking person’.

The Gold Sword Bureau Chief wanted to please Mount Hua, so he wouldn’t question anything done in the name of the Head Disciple.

“By the way…” Jin Yang-geon said, changing the subject to sound more relaxed. It was better to talk as little as possible. He tried to make his voice as calm as possible so they wouldn’t notice he was in a hurry.

“I don’t think the busy Gold Sword Bureau Chief invited an ordinary person like me for no reason. Is there something you want to tell me?” he asked.

“Haha. How can you call yourself an ordinary person!” Sang Man-hui exclaimed. “The story of Great Warrior Jin defeating the Three Swords of Taehaeng yesterday has spread throughout Nanchang. Also, I know you have done many kind and brave actions before coming here, which has made Mount Hua even more famous.”

“I have only followed the teachings of my sect,” Jin Yang-geon replied.

The Gold Sword Bureau Chief nodded repeatedly.

“That’s right. Mount Hua is famous for its honorable deeds,” he said. “I’ve heard that even the famous Divine Dragon of Mount Hua and the Hwajeong Sword do good deeds as naturally as breathing.”

Jin Yang-geon smiled and nodded.

“They are still young and have much to learn,” he said.

“Ah… Is that so?” Sang Man-hui asked.

Sang Man-hui’s eyes flashed for a moment, and Jin Yang-geon hesitated and waved his hand.

“Ah, I’m sorry. Please forget what I just said,” he said.

“Of course! I didn’t hear anything,” Sang Man-hui replied.

He said he would pretend not to have heard, but Sang Man-hui’s eyes were shining even brighter.

‘To call the Hwajeong Sword a child means that his rank is at least above that,’ he thought.

The plum blossom pattern on his clothes, the skill to defeat the Three Swords of Taehaeng with one sword, and the statement that the Hwajeong Sword is a child—the evidence was clear.

Besides all that, why would a master who could defeat the Three Swords of Taehaeng in one strike pretend to be a disciple of Mount Hua? With that level of skill, he could become famous even without belonging to a sect.

‘With that level of rank, a discussion is possible!’ Sang Man-hui thought, delighted.

Sang Man-hui quietly spoke.

“Great Warrior Jin,” he said.

“Yes, Deputy Bureau Chief?” Jin Yang-geon replied.

“I have something I would like to ask of you,” Sang Man-hui said.

“If you need a favor…” Jin Yang-geon began.

“First of all… Does Mount Hua truly try to do what is right?” Sang Man-hui asked.

Jin Yang-geon smiled slightly.

“How can I, as a disciple, define Mount Hua?” he asked.

“Ah… I shouldn’t have asked…” Sang Man-hui said.

“But I hope you know that Mount Hua tries harder than any other sect to walk the right path,” Jin Yang-geon replied.

Sang Man-hui nodded repeatedly, looking impressed.

“Then I will trust you and speak honestly,” he said. “I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we are at war with the Iron Spear Clan nearby.”

“Hmm. I’ve heard something about it,” Jin Yang-geon said.

“The Iron Spear Clan and our Gold Sword Bureau have never been friendly. But until now, there have only been small fights, not a full war. Recently, the problem has become bigger because the Iron Spear Clan has invited masters from the Myriad Man Clan,” Sang Man-hui explained.

“Did you say the Myriad Man Clan?” Jin Yang-geon asked, his eyes narrowing. Sang Man-hui secretly rejoiced.

‘The rumor that Mount Hua and the Myriad Man Clan are bitter enemies is true. I can tell by his reaction,’ he thought.

“Yes. Masters from Maninbang are helping them now. We don’t know who these masters are. And I think Maninbang is giving them a lot of help, not just a few people.”

“Hmm.”

Jin Yang-geon’s expression became serious, and Sang Man-hui sighed deeply. Sang Man-hui’s office was small and dusty. Sunlight came through the window, showing the dust dancing in the air.

“Jin Dae-hyeop, I am not trying to protect the Geumgeom Sect for my own benefit. As you know, there is no good group in Nanchang. If the Geumgeom Sect falls, those Cheolmobang thugs will take over Nanchang, and Gangseo might fall to Maninbang.”

“That would be very bad. But were the other groups just watching?”

“Who would help?” Sang Man-hui shook his head.

“The big groups, with their rich cities, don’t care about small places like Nanchang. Even if they did, they run away when they hear it’s Maninbang.”

“That’s terrible…”

“Jin Dae-hyeop!” Sang Man-hui clutched Jin Yang-geon’s hand, his fingers tight.

“Please, help us!”

“……”

“Now, Nanchang’s only hope is Hwasan. I’ve heard that Hwasan hates injustice. Please, protect Nanchang from the evil Maninbang.”

“Hmm…” Jin Yang-geon still seemed unsure. Sang Man-hui secretly slipped his hand inside his sleeve.

“We will pay you for your help.”

He quietly took out a voucher from his sleeve. Jin Yang-geon looked at the vouchers, then looked away, as if he didn’t care about money. He looked out the window. Jin Yang-geon looked out the window, his face calm. But a small smile played on his lips, and his eyes were sharp as he watched the street below.

“…Jin Dae-hyeop?”

“Vice-Chief, you are wrong.”

“…Yes?”

Jin Yang-geon shook his head. “Hwasan doesn’t work for money. You can’t talk about Hwasan being good and then offer money. It makes it seem like Hwasan is not really good.”

Sang Man-hui’s face turned pale. He realized his mistake.

“I… I just wanted to show I’m serious…”

“Do you really want to show you’re serious?” Jin Yang-geon looked right at him.

“We can’t just watch the evil plans of Maninbang. The Sect Leader will draw his sword. But we need a reason.”

“R-Reason?”

“Bring five times the amount of these vouchers.” Jin Yang-geon’s eyes gleamed with an idea.

“Five times?”

“Yes, five times.”

Sang Man-hui stared at Jin Yang-geon. Money is an insult to Hwasan, but he wants more? What was he talking about?

“Have you heard about what happened in Wuhan?”

“Ah…” Sang Man-hui nodded.

“The money from the Geumgeom Sect will help the poor in Gangseo and Nanchang. Then, the Geumgeom Sect will become famous. We won’t take any of that money.”

“I-In that case?”

“Yes. The Geumgeom Sect will be known for helping the poor. Then we will have a reason to fight for them.”

Jin Yang-geon spoke seriously. “So, if you give us the money to help the poor, I will call Hwasan and ask for disciples from the main group. Can you do that?”

Sang Man-hui looked worried for a moment. Jin Yang-geon smiled gently.

“The Cheolmobang will take your money if you lose. Wouldn’t it be better to give it to the poor people who are starving?”

Those words convinced him. Sang Man-hui nodded firmly.

“I will do it!”

“You made a good choice.”

“But… it will take time to get that many vouchers. Can I give them to you after it’s all over…?”

“No, you can’t.”

Jin Yang-geon shook his head. “Like I said, this isn’t a reward. It’s money for the poor. It only makes sense if we help the poor people first. We will do it in the names of Geumgeom Sect and Hwasan. Then Hwasan can join the fight.”

“Ah… Y-Yes, that’s right.”

“When can you have it ready?”

“…That is…”

Jin Yang-geon narrowed his eyes. “It seems the Maninbang aren’t as dangerous as I thought. Take your time. But if you wait too long, I might have other things to do…”

“Ah, no! They are very dangerous! Please wait a little longer! Two hours! I’ll get it in two hours!”

“You don’t have to rush…”

“No! We have to do it quickly! Please wait!”

“If you say so, I’ll wait here.”

Sang Man-hui stood up quickly. He looked at the vouchers on the table. But Jin Yang-geon didn’t even look at them, as if the money wasn’t his.

“Thank you for your help, Dae-hyeop! And thank you to Hwasan!”

“It’s no problem. We are just doing what’s right.”

“Then, goodbye!” Sang Man-hui rushed out.

He ordered the officers, “Go to the treasury and get the vouchers! Now!”

“V-Vice-Chief, I know it’s urgent, but we don’t know if he’s really from Hwasan. We don’t know if Hwasan will help. Why give the vouchers now…?”

“That’s foolish!” Sang Man-hui shouted.

“We might find someone who can beat the Taehaeng Three Swords! But it’s hard to find someone who can beat them with one strike. And why would someone like that say they’re from Hwasan, not Shaolin or Wudang?”

“…That is…”

“It’s not much money to get Hwasan to help. If we can use those good but silly Taoists with that money, it’s a great deal! Stop talking and get the vouchers!”

“Yes, sir.” The officers bowed and hurried away. Sang Man-hui smiled to himself.

‘Foolish Taoist. He’s so naive. I have to beat those Cheolmobang thugs completely.’

But he didn’t know that Jin Yang-geon, alone in the office, had the same expression. (Jin Yang-geon thought: *Money is not what Hwasan wants. But money can be useful.*)

“Hooo…” White steam poured from Cheong-myeong’s lips like smoke in the cold air. His eyes burned with a fierce light.

Cheong-myeong, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent, looked around and said in a voice like a demon, “Is this Nanchang?” A cold wind seemed to blow through the room, even though the windows were closed. Outside, a dog started to howl.

Two snakes were waiting to attack each other. But a hungry beast was coming.