Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 1037

Baek Cheon breathed in deeply, trying to calm his racing heart.

“The Demonic Sect.”

His heart beat very fast, like a drum in his chest.

The words ‘Demonic Sect’ brought back terrible memories of the Northern Sea. He remembered the crazy followers, so wild they seemed mad. And then there was their leader, the ‘Bishop’ – his power was so great, it was hard to believe he was even human.

Baek Cheon slowly clenched and unclenched his fists.

He couldn’t pretend he wasn’t scared.

People who had fought the Demonic Sect knew their fear wasn’t just because they were strong.

It was the horrible feeling of facing people who looked human but felt completely inhuman. It was very hard to deal with that.

He had chosen to do this, but now, as they were about to cross the Yangtze River and face the Demonic Sect, he felt cold and tense all over.

“Well.”

It was Jo Gul, naturally, who spoke first.

“Are only the people here going?”

“…Huh?”

Baek Cheon looked again at the people around him.

Himself, Yu Yiseol, Yoon Jong, Jo Gul, Tang Soso, and Hae Yeon. And if they included Chung Myung, that made seven in all.

“‘Seven people…’ He realized again how few they were. Against the Four Great Evils and the Demonic Sect, they would be like tiny grains of sand.”

But…

‘Chung Myung has a point.’

If everyone from Mount Hua went to Jiangnan, it would be hard to retreat if something unexpected happened. Since it was enemy land, it was better to go with just a few people.

“Chung Myung.”

“Yeah?”

“…What about Baek Sang or Gwak Hwee? I think it would be worth taking a few more?”

He knew the people here were much stronger fighters than the other Mount Hua disciples. But some of those who were staying behind had improved a lot recently.

“No.”

But Chung Myung shook his head firmly, as if there was nothing to consider.

“We’re not taking any more.”

“…Is that so?”

“Remember, Martial Uncle. This isn’t a sightseeing trip. We’re going to fight and win.”

“Hmm.”

Then Chung Myung said calmly.

“I’m still uneasy unless it’s the people here. This battle isn’t something we can do while protecting someone.”

Baek Cheon looked at him for a moment, then nodded firmly.

“I understand.”

Baek Cheon turned his gaze to the others.

“Those who want to stay can stay…”

“Stop talking nonsense and let’s get going, Martial Uncle.”

At Jo Gul’s words, Baek Cheon shut his mouth. Yoon Jong smacked Jo Gul on the back of the head, scolding him.

“What kind of language is that to use with a Martial Uncle, you rascal!”

“No… but isn’t it true, Senior Brother! Would anyone here back out? That guy always says weird things when he’s doing well.”

“That’s true.”

Huh? Yoon Jong? What did you say?

“Let’s go.”

Yu Yiseol stepped forward. Tang Soso stood beside her as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and Hae Yeon also stepped forward, clasping his hands together.

“Amitabha. Although I am not a disciple of Mount Hua…”

“No, let’s just go with that.”

“Let’s just say you’ve joined.”

“Venerable Monk. No one believes you’re a Shaolin disciple anymore.”

Hae Yeon coughed dryly, his face flushed.

“Anyway, I’m coming with you. The people of Jiangnan are suffering, and as a Buddhist… Yes. I can’t just do nothing.”

There was a hint of bitterness in his words. Everyone here understood the reason for that bitterness, so they didn’t bother to point it out.

“Then that makes seven…”

“Eight.”

Everyone turned to the voice that suddenly spoke. It was someone they knew well, walking towards them.

“Let’s make it eight.”

“Martial Uncle.”

Baek Cheon looked surprised and confused as he saw Un Geom walking towards them with a gentle smile.

“I didn’t mean to listen in, but… it’s about the sect, so please don’t be angry.”

“How could I ever do that.”

“Someone I can trust to leave things to. What do you think, Chung Myung? Am I someone who meets that condition?”

Chung Myung frowned slightly.

“Martial Granduncle…”

“Let’s not talk about teaching the children. After all, we’re going back alive, not to die, are we?”

Un Geom smiled gently once more.

“This isn’t your job. It’s Mount Hua’s job.”

“There’s no way I can let a junior disciple lead a mission into enemy territory. If I can’t come, I will stop you from going.”

Chung Myung shook his head.

“There’s no need for that. I would be honored to have Martial Granduncle watching my back.”

“Thank you.”

Un Geom nodded and looked at Hyun Jong.

“…Geom-ah.”

“Please don’t worry, Sect Leader.”

Un Geom said with a calm expression.

“I will bring the children back alive, no matter what it takes.”

Hyun Jong stared at him before nodding. Then, he patted him on the shoulder.

“I’m counting on you.”

“Leave it to me.”

He couldn’t possibly leave such a dangerous mission to the children alone.

Of course, both Hyun Jong and Un Geom knew that these children were strong enough not to need Un Geom’s help.

But it wasn’t just about fighting skill. It was important that they, the older members of the sect, shared this difficult task, no matter how strong or weak the younger ones were.

“Martial Uncle.”

When Baek Cheon opened his mouth, Un Geom grabbed his head tightly with his one remaining hand and pressed down.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you. I’m just worried I’ll get frustrated waiting here for you.”

“Yes, Martial Uncle.”

Baek Cheon nodded. He didn’t need to show off. He knew having Un Geom there would make everyone feel safer.

If Baek Cheon felt this way, the others would feel it even more. He knew that even as the best disciple of Mount Hua, he couldn’t replace Un Geom’s experience.

Having an older member of the sect with them would make everyone feel much better on this trip.

“Then that makes eight.”

At Baek Cheon’s words, Un Geom smiled gently.

“I don’t think everyone agrees with that.”

“Yes?”

Just then, a clear voice called out.

“Please wait a moment.”

“Huh?”

Everyone’s heads turned to one side. Namgung Dowi, wearing white fighting clothes, was walking towards them.

“…No, Young Master Namgung?”

Namgung Dowi stood before Hyun Jong and Chung Myung and bowed deeply.

“Please take me with you.”

“…Young Master.”

Hyun Jong frowned without realizing it.

The words hung in the chilly morning air. “This is dangerous,” Hyun Jong murmured, his breath misting slightly. He watched Namgung Dowi closely, his brow furrowed with concern.

“I know,” Namgung Dowi replied, his voice quiet but steady. He met Hyun Jong’s gaze, his expression serious.

Hyun Jong pressed on, “And you know the Namgung Clan can’t afford any more risks right now, don’t you?” He emphasized each word, hoping to make the young man understand the gravity of the situation.

“Yes, but…” Namgung Dowi hesitated for a fraction of a second, then lifted his chin slightly.

He looked directly at Hyun Jong, his eyes holding a spark of defiance. “Isn’t Hwasan in the same position?” he asked, his voice now carrying a firmer tone.

Hyun Jong fell silent. He couldn’t easily answer that. The truth was, they were all walking a tightrope.

Which was more valuable to the Namgung Clan, Namgung Dowi or these disciples to Hwasan? No one could easily say the former.

Hyun Jong looked at Chung Myung with a troubled expression. His heart was heavy. He knew the risks, and he cared deeply for both Hwasan and the Namgung Clan. He wrestled with the weight of responsibility for them all.

Chung Myung, receiving his gaze, stared at Namgung Dowi with cold eyes.

“Let me ask you something,” Chung Myung said.

“Yes,” Namgung Dowi replied.

Namgung Dowi nodded slowly, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously as he swallowed. He avoided direct eye contact for a moment, then forced himself to meet Chung Myung’s gaze.

“Namgung has lost its Clan Lord,” Chung Myung stated.

“⋯⋯”

“You’ve also lost elders, so you’re in crisis. It’s obvious how difficult the situation would become if even the Young Clan Lord were lost in this situation.”

Namgung Dowi nodded heavily.

“Knowing this, going to Gangnam just seems like you are pleasing yourself and avoiding your duty. Is that right? As the Young Clan Lord, no, as the Clan Lord of the Namgung Clan, shouldn’t your first thought be for the safety of your clan?”

It was a heavy, heavy question.

But Namgung Dowi did not avoid Chung Myung’s gaze and answered calmly.

“I didn’t step forward without thinking, Dojang.”

His face, taking a deep breath, already showed conviction. Namgung Dowi stood tall, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. His voice, though calm, resonated with a deep resolve.

“So, I thought about it. What would my father have said if he were here?”

“⋯⋯”

“The conclusion came too easily. What is done when there is ample time and no need to risk great harm is neither cooperation nor anything else.”

Namgung Dowi stated firmly, his face set. “I want to make the Namgung Clan the same sect as before. But what I am trying to regain is not the prosperity of Namgung, but the spirit of Namgung.”

“⋯⋯Young Clan Lord.”

Namgung Dowi deeply clasped his hands.

“So, please give me a chance. Namgung’s life was saved by Hwasan’s cooperation. So, at least don’t cut off the chance to extend cooperation myself. I ask you this.”

Having said this much, Chung Myung had no choice but to nod.

If possible, he wanted to stop him. Chung Myung now knew well the struggles of those left behind. But…

“Know one thing clearly,” Chung Myung said sternly.

“⋯⋯What?”

“You’re not going to die. If you have a spirit to protect, come back alive and deliver it yourself, with your own hands.”

Namgung Dowi nodded with a determined face.

“I will definitely do so.”

“If you slow us down, I will leave you behind. I don’t have time to take care of you as well.”

“I will follow you with the determination to die.”

Chung Myung nodded. Baek Cheon took a long breath and organized.

“Then that makes nine.”

“No, ten.”

“Huh?”

Baek Cheon’s face was puzzled at Chung Myung’s sudden words. There’s more?

“Come out,” Chung Myung called out.

“⋯⋯”

“Ah, come out quickly. I don’t have time.”

“Ugh.”

After a while, the dense thickets of willow and reeds that lined the muddy riverbank stirred with a slight groan. And from within, two people poked their heads out.

“⋯⋯Green Forest King?”

“Ah, no. Clan Lord Tang?”

Im So-byeong looked like he was about to die, and Tang Gun-ak cleared his throat with a flushed face, looking embarrassed.

“Father! What are you doing there without any dignity!” Tang So-so shouted in surprise. Tang Gun-ak covered his mouth with his hand and kept clearing his throat.

“It’s not like… it’s not like I wanted to do this,” Tang Gun-ak mumbled.

“Then why?” Tang So-so asked.

Im So-byeong told her instead.

“No, suddenly there was an overwhelming murderous aura from the riverside, and the sound of an unlucky bastard laughing! How could I not come out and see?”

“⋯⋯Ah. That’s right,” Tang So-so said.

Everyone nodded in agreement in an instant. Ah, that explains why you two were hiding there.

Then Tang Gun-ak opened his mouth as if to quickly escape this situation.

“By the way, does that tenth person mean me?”

“No,” Chung Myung said.

Chung Myung shook his head firmly this time as well.

“Clan Lord must stay here to open a path in case of an emergency.”

“That’s possible with the Alliance Lord alone…” Tang Gun-ak protested.

“There may be situations where Clan Lord is needed,” Chung Myung countered.

Tang Gun-ak, who had been thinking about something silently for a moment, slowly nodded.

“I understand what you mean,” Tang Gun-ak conceded.

“Yes.”

Tang Gun-ak raised his hand and patted Im So-byeong’s shoulder.

“Then be careful on your way.”

“⋯⋯Yes?”

“If not me, then you, right?”

“Yes?”

“⋯⋯”

“Yes?”

Im So-byeong, who was chuckling as if it was nonsense, looked around. When he met Chung Myung’s gaze, his already pale face turned blue.

“Ah, no, I’m a strategist…!”

“Strategists are needed there too,” Chung Myung said with a smirk.

“I have to protect the Green Forest…” Im So-byeong protested weakly.

“If you die, anyone will become the Green Forest King. That’s what the Green Forest is like anyway,” Chung Myung retorted.

“No, that doesn’t make any sense…!”

“You seem to have forgotten,” Chung Myung said.

Chung Myung smirked.

“The Green Forest is now part of the Heavenly Union.”

“⋯⋯”

“If you have gained rights, you must also bear obligations. Don’t complain and stick with it. Or tear up that contract.”

“Damn it…” Im So-byeong muttered.

Im So-byeong hung his head with a face as if he had lost everything in the world. He realized that there was no way to escape.

“⋯⋯I knew something was going too well. That’s just me. Ugh.”

Im So-byeong spat on the floor, pressed down on his crumpled hat, and trudged over.

“You devilish human,” he grumbled.

And he stood behind Chung Myung with his shoulders drooping. Im So-byeong’s mind raced. *Strategist? More like scapegoat!* He groaned inwardly, his shoulders slumping as if carrying the weight of the world. Each step towards Chung Myung felt like a step towards his doom.

“Everyone, ten,” Chung Myung announced.

The disciples of Hwasan, Namgung Dowi, and Im So-byeong.

Exactly ten people were gathered.

It hadn’t increased much from the originally expected seven, but somehow it felt different just knowing that there were ten. The expressions on the faces of the ten people showed their determination and apprehension as they prepared to leave. A stronger sense of anticipation filled the air.

“Then…” Chung Myung began.

Chung Myung looked at everyone around him.

“Let’s go. To kill those damned Demonic Sect bastards.” Chung Myung said, a wide grin spreading across his face.