Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 897

The Eunha Merchant Guild buzzed with activity. People filled every corner, their voices creating a loud hum. The air smelled of dust and sweat, mixed with the faint scent of tea from a nearby stall.

The Mount Hua Sect was leaving. Groups from the Seoaen region had come to say goodbye.

“…You came in person?”

“Ahem.”

Nam Ja-myeong, the Moon Lord of Seowal, coughed loudly at the question from Dan Byeong-rip, the Lord of Taepyeong.

He composed himself and spoke in a serious voice.

“Although we belong to different groups, we must not forget to be grateful. We have received kindness from Mount Hua, so it’s natural to show our respect.”

“For someone showing respect, you seem to be carrying quite a lot? Are you trying to buy the whole market with those gifts?”

“…Just a small token of thanks.”

“W-Well!”

Nam Ja-myeong glared, and Dan Byeong-rip chuckled, turning his head slightly. He teased him a little, but he understood Nam Ja-myeong’s feelings.

‘It’s something he has to do now.’

It wasn’t just the groups in Seoaen who were grateful. The people of Seoaen also felt thankful to Mount Hua.

Everyone in Seoaen now knew that the evil cult had killed innocent people on their way to Seoaen. They all knew that Seoaen would have suffered the same fate if Mount Hua hadn’t arrived.

So, naturally, the people of Seoaen liked Mount Hua very much. Three years ago, Mount Hua had protected Seomseo’s pride in the Jang River. This time, they had saved their lives, so it would be strange if they weren’t happy.

Which meant…

‘To do business in Seoaen now, you have to be connected to Mount Hua.’

They might be able to protect the disciples they have now, but not in the future. Why would anyone join a Jongnam group when they could join the Hwayoung Gate and other Mount Hua groups?

People’s opinions can change quickly and be unforgiving.

Now, the children in the market no longer wave sticks and talk about the Thirty-Six Swords of the Universe. Now that the words ‘Plum Blossom Sword Technique’ were coming out of the children’s mouths, the public opinion in Seoaen was basically decided.

Even if Jongnam reopened, it wouldn’t be able to change this.

So, naturally, Nam Ja-myeong, who represented Jongnam’s groups, would be feeling troubled.

‘If I switch to Mount Hua, my ties with Jongnam will be at risk. But if I stay with Jongnam, the group will be ruined.’

A martial arts school without students is like a shop without customers.

On the other hand…

“Greetings!”

“Oh, it’s the Young Lord of Somun!”

“Haha. It’s only been a few days since I saw you, but you seem even happier.”

That side was doing very well.

Everyone wanted to talk to Wi So-haeng, who led the Hwayoung Gate. The fact that they were acting so respectful to the Young Lord, who wasn’t even the Moon Lord, clearly showed the Hwayoung Gate’s position in Seoaen.

‘Of course. It’s the Hwayoung Gate, after all.’

The Hwayoung Gate wasn’t just a Mount Hua group. They were true friends who stood by Mount Hua’s side even when no one else in the martial arts world cared about them.

Usually, a friend who supports you in difficult times is treated much better than a friend you meet when things are good.

Those who knew how much Mount Hua valued the Hwayoung Gate had to try to impress them.

‘Seoaen has changed so much.’

No, it wasn’t just Seoaen that had changed.

Now that Mount Hua had returned, the martial arts world would naturally have to pay close attention.

Even before Mount Hua closed for three years, its actions had caused a stir in the martial arts world. But how big of a storm would these people, whose skills had improved so much during the three years, create? It was clear.

It was then.

“They’re coming out!”

“The Mount Hua people are coming out!”

Someone shouted, and everyone looked over. The Mount Hua swordsmen were walking out in formation.

People watched Mount Hua come out, and they looked surprised.

When they fought here before, they were excited by the powerful and sharp energy coming from the Mount Hua swordsmen. But now, they didn’t feel that energy.

They seemed relaxed and calm.

‘It’s like Jongnam.’

‘No, it seems even more relaxed than Jongnam?’

‘Now Mount Hua truly has the presence of a great sect.’

It wasn’t just skill that made people respect them. Those who were newly impressed by Mount Hua greeted Hyun Jong, who was at the front.

“Sect Leader! I heard you’re returning to Mount Hua!”

“I don’t know how to thank you enough for everything you and Mount Hua have done for us.”

“We will visit Mount Hua often, so please visit Seoaen from time to time.”

Hyun Jong, who was a little surprised to see the large crowd, smiled gently.

“I’m just returning home. I don’t know what to do with such a send-off.”

“Of course, we should.”

Nam Ja-myeong, the Moon Lord of Seowal, came forward and bowed to Hyun Jong.

“I want to thank you on behalf of the groups and people of Seoaen for saving Seoaen. I should have thanked you sooner.”

“Please don’t do this, Moon Lord.”

Hyun Jong held Nam Ja-myeong’s hand tightly.

“We know each other, so if you’re too polite, I’ll be embarrassed.”

“Sect Leader…”

Nam Ja-myeong looked surprised at Hyun Jong’s words ‘we know each other’.

“Couldn’t the Seowal Gate also be friends with Mount Hua? You don’t have to be a Mount Hua group to be friends.”

“…Is that possible for a Jongnam group?”

Hyun Jong smiled.

“Of course.”

“Ah. Then Jongnam too…”

Hyun Jong smiled and said nothing, and Nam Ja-myeong felt something was wrong.

Also, the Mount Hua Sect disciples behind Hyun Jong were all saying, ‘Not Jongnam, not Jongnam! You old man!’

“…I made a mistake in what I said. Please forgive me, Sect Leader.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Then Dan Byeong-rip, who was next to him, quickly pushed Nam Ja-myeong away and asked.

“You said friends, Sect Leader?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I understand what you mean.”

Dan Byeong-rip nodded, and Hyun Jong smiled and said.

“You say that Mount Hua protected Seoaen, but that’s not true.”

“…Yes?”

“If you hadn’t put yourselves in danger to stop the evil cult first, Mount Hua would have arrived and had trouble dealing with the problems.”

Dan Byeong-rip couldn’t speak and looked at Hyun Jong. After pausing for a moment, he nodded.

“Thank you, Sect Leader.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Hyun Jong lightly clasped his hands.

“Then I’ll be on my way. I’d love to catch up, but we’ve also been away from our main sect for too long.”

“Yes, yes! You must be busy with work at home.”

The Moon Lords, who wanted to say something, gave up and cleared the way.

Except for one person.

“Master!”

Wi So-haeng ran to Chung Myung, who was at the back. But Chung Myung kept his eyes forward and didn’t turn around.

“Chung Myung, Master?”

Without looking at Wi So-haeng, who was wondering, he pointed with his chin for him to move away.

Wi So-haeng, seeing this, said like he already knew.

“…Did you cause another accident?”

“It’s only been… a few days.”

Then Hyun Jong turned around sharply, and Chung Myung jumped a little.

“The Young Lord is asking. Just answer him.”

“Is that okay?”

Hyun Jong clicked his tongue in annoyance, abruptly turning his head away as if not wanting to say another word. Chung Myung smirked and looked at Wi Soheng.

“Why?”

“Sect Leader! Before you leave, could you tell me when you might visit Mount Hua again?”

“It’s hard to say exactly… We’ll be very busy at Mount Hua for a while now.”

“Yes?”

“We’re going to be quite busy now.”

Chung Myung grinned.

“I’ve been training like mad, so I need to swing my sword a bit. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair to my training if I didn’t get to use my sword a bit, would it?”

Seeing the confidence on Chung Myung’s face, Wi Soheng nodded quickly, as if he couldn’t help it.

“Yes, Sect Leader. Then I won’t disturb you.”

“It’s not a disturbance.”

Chung Myung patted Wi Soheng’s head.

“The Hwayoung Gate is also Mount Hua.”

“…”

“As much as Mount Hua strives to become stronger, the Hwayoung Gate must also become stronger. When we return to Mount Hua, I will quickly set up a training method for the Hwayoung Gate.”

“Then, can I be of help to the Sect Leader?”

“You’re already doing well.”

Chung Myung chuckled.

“Compared to my senior brothers here, you are very mature.”

“Hey, are you calling *him* an adult?”

“Hey. I’m not denying what you’re saying, but I don’t think you’re the one to say that?”

Won-sung protested, but Chung Myung ignored him and spoke to Wi Soheng.

“Soon, a great war that the Hwayoung Gate cannot avoid will come. The only thing that can save you in that war is your skill. So, don’t neglect your training.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Good.”

Chung Myung chuckled and patted Wi Soheng on the shoulder.

“Give my regards to the Gate Master.”

“Yes.”

Seeing Chung Myung comforting Wi Soheng, Jo Gul frowned slightly.

“Why is that guy being so kind?”

Baek Cheon answered casually.

“You don’t seem to know, but he’s secretly nice to kids.”

“Yes?”

“He’s good to young children. He was like that in the Northern Sea before, wasn’t he?”

“Then what about us?”

“Huh? What?”

“When that bastard and us first met, we were also kids, but as soon as he saw me, he raised my chin and slammed me into the ceiling, you know?”

Baek Cheon smiled gently.

“Gul.”

“Yes?”

“First of all, that guy was also a kid back then. Even younger than you.”

Baek Cheon explained kindly.

“And apart from all that…”

“…”

“Well, let’s just say you might have deserved it, Gul.”

“…”

“Actually, he’s just nicer to kids who are well-behaved.”

“Then, was I not a person?”

“Do I have to say it with my own mouth?”

Jo Gul, who was about to protest, quietly closed his mouth. Yoon Jong, next to him, was sending him a look that said, ‘Please, just say one more word so I can speak.’

“Then, Sect Leader. Farewell!”

“Alright.”

As Wi Soheng returned to his place, the Hwayoung Gate disciples lined up around him.

“We wish Mount Hua peace and good fortune!”

Everyone bowed together, seeing Mount Hua off. Seeing this, the other sects also lined up in an organized way and paid their respects to Mount Hua.

Hyun Jong, with a gentle smile, returned the greeting, bowing to each and every one of them.

“May everyone be well.”

As Mount Hua walked through the main gate, a wave of cheers washed over them from the waiting crowd. The air was filled with the sound of clapping and excited shouts. Watching the Mount Hua Sect walk into the cheers, the disciples of the Seoan sects felt a strange sense of emotion and were thrilled.

“Gate Master Dan.”

“Yes, Gate Master Nam.”

“What does the friend that the Sect Leader mentioned earlier mean? Gate Master Dan seems to understand what you mean by ‘friend’.”

Dan Byung-rip smiled at Nam Ja-myung’s question.

“The Sect Leader was referring to the Cheonwoo Alliance.”

“Cheonwoo Alliance? Ah… A friend. Yes. I see.”

Whether it’s Jongnam’s subsidiary or anywhere else, those who join the Cheonwoo Alliance are all friends of Mount Hua.

“Then we should move immediately.”

“Will you join?”

“I want to answer that I have no choice if I want to make a living, but…”

Nam Ja-myung gave a bitter smile.

“To be honest, I also want to become a friend of Mount Hua.”

“The Jongnam Sect might not like that.”

“Parents can’t like all of their children’s friends, so they’ll understand.”

Nam Ja-myung quietly didn’t say, ‘Even if they don’t understand, there’s nothing I can do.’ The gate masters of the Seoan sects, who heard their conversation, looked at the departing Mount Hua Sect with faces that showed they had made up their minds.

Hwang Jong-i, who was watching all of this from behind, smiled.

“I’ll have a lot more to do now.”

But the work he had to do no longer felt difficult.

The disciples of Mount Hua, who had passed through the city gates surrounded by the warm welcome, sighed with tired faces.

“I’m drained.”

“Why are there so many people?”

As soon as they were out of sight, the disciples’ shoulders slumped. Those who had been pretending to be calm slumped their shoulders as soon as the eyes of others disappeared.

“I almost got a cramp in my neck from holding my shoulders up.”

“I kept my eyes open for too long, and they’re not just dry, they’re stinging.”

“But what can we do? They like us so much.”

They were complaining quietly about how tired they were, but they didn’t seem to be in a bad mood. Rather, they had smiles on their faces, as if they were enjoying the situation itself.

Hyun Jong asked cautiously.

“If you’re that tired, shall we rest for a bit?”

“No!”

“Let’s go quickly, Sect Leader!”

“We’ve wasted too much time! We need to arrive before sunset!”

The disciples of Mount Hua shouted as if there was nothing to think about.

“The lads.”

Everyone must feel the same way.

Their bodies have not fully recovered from the long training, so it is not easy to go a long way. Nevertheless, everyone is stamping their feet as if they will run to Mount Hua in one breath.

‘Do they miss it that much?’

The eyes of the Mount Hua disciples turned to the east.

Far in the east, the five peaks of Mount Hua rose against the horizon, looking sharp and rugged even from this distance. To them, it wasn’t barren, but home.

“Then let’s go!”

“Yes!”

The disciples of Mount Hua began to run out at a rapid pace, with a small excitement and deep wish.