Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 1038

Mangeum Daebu looked down at his shoulder.

He looked at where his shoulder used to be. His eyes were cold. Then, a bitter smile touched his lips.

“What a sight I am.”

This was the price of arrogance.

He believed he could negotiate with anyone. He thought no power in the world couldn’t be swayed with money. He paid the price for that arrogance with one arm.

He slowly raised his hand and pressed down on the unhealed stump of his shoulder. The intense pain made him clench his teeth.

‘Not bad.’

Of course, he wasn’t saying that because he was out of his mind.

Losing an arm was terrible. Especially for a swordsman, losing the arm he used to wield his sword was an immeasurable loss.

But…

‘It doesn’t matter.’

It was better than losing his life.

As long as he lived, opportunity would come. The price for his arrogance was cheap.

The problem was from now on.

If he didn’t deal with that Demonic Sect, he wouldn’t be given another chance. He had to eliminate them at all costs.

To do that…

Thud!

At that moment, the door to the main hall opened, and a man walked in. Even without turning his head, Mangeum Daebu knew who it was.

Jang Il-so walked in. With every step, his many bracelets and necklaces jingled loudly. It was a sound as recognizable as Jang Il-so himself. Mangeum Daebu turned to look at Jang Il-so approaching him.

Jang Il-so stared at Mangeum Daebu and asked,

“What’s the situation?”

“They still seem to be in Hangzhou.”

“Slower than I thought. I expected them to have cleared Hangzhou by now and started moving elsewhere.”

Mangeum Daebu closed his mouth. Seeing the expression that suggested he had a different opinion, Jang Il-so narrowed his eyes slightly and said,

“Speak.”

“What is there to say?”

“Why do you think their advance is slow?”

Mangeum Daebu seemed to be thinking deeply before he spoke.

“It’s not slow.”

“Hmm?”

It was an unexpected answer. Jang Il-so tilted his head slightly.

Mangeum Daebu elaborated.

“Their speed is faster than I expected.”

“They haven’t even managed to deal with Hangzhou after a whole day, and you say they’re fast?”

“Yes.”

Mangeum Daebu nodded with a dark face.

“Because their purpose is completely different.”

“Purpose?”

“If the Four Great Evils were trying to occupy Hangzhou, our goal would be neutralization. We would quickly massacre those who resist and place Hangzhou under our feet.”

“That’s right.”

“But their purpose isn’t that. Their purpose is, literally, annihilation. To erase everything living in Hangzhou.”

For the first time, Jang Il-so’s mouth closed. He had been moving so quickly after receiving the report that he hadn’t accurately confirmed this part.

“Annihilation, you say?”

A hollow laugh escaped his lips.

“Are you saying they’re going to kill every living person?”

“That seems to be the case.”

“Then their goal isn’t to dominate the Central Plains, but to kill all the people of the Central Plains, is that what you mean?”

“I can’t say for sure. However…”

Mangeum Daebu spoke with a face that suggested he didn’t even want to think about it.

“What is certain is that whatever their purpose, it won’t be limited to the Central Plains. Already in the war a hundred years ago, they turned not only the Central Plains but also the lands beyond against them.”

As he spoke, the High Priest’s eyes vividly flashed through Mangeum Daebu’s mind.

“I don’t know. I can’t know for sure, but…”

It wasn’t the look in a person’s eyes. What was contained in those eyes was not hatred but contempt. It seemed closer to a duty than hostility.

The tip of his one remaining hand trembled slightly. He felt like he finally understood why the Demonic Sect had become such an object of fear.

However, Jang Il-so’s reaction was a little different.

“Annihilation, is it…”

Jang Il-so pondered for a moment, then began to chuckle.

“I thought they were completely insane, but they’re more boring than I thought.”

“Boring?”

“Yes.”

Jang Il-so twisted the corners of his lips.

“If there’s nothing to rule, there’s no reason to fight. What’s the point of a world where there’s no one to hold onto?”

“Maybe they’re trying to create a world only for the Demonic Sect. A paradise of their own where there are no opponents…”

“A foolish story.”

Jang Il-so flatly dismissed it. A look of disgust even flashed across his face.

“There’s no such thing as paradise where people live anyway.”

Mangeum Daebu shuddered. The terrible murderous intent that Jang Il-so emitted made him flinch.

“This one and that one, they’re all saying silly things.”

Jang Il-so lightly swept his face. Then, the murderous intent and distorted expression disappeared as if washed away, leaving only his usual relaxed face.

“Well, whatever. I don’t care what they’re thinking. They’re all going to die anyway.”

“What about the Orthodox Sect?”

Mangeum Daebu, who had been silent, subtly changed the subject. Jang Il-so answered briefly.

“They’re coming soon.”

Mangeum Daebu looked at Jang Il-so with a surprised face.

‘This is no ordinary matter.’

Jang Il-so is a member of the unorthodox. Moreover, he is the leader of the Four Great Evils, who holds the reins of power in the unorthodox factions. The fact that such a person has received a promise of support through consultation with the Orthodox Sect is no ordinary matter.

No. Before that… No matter how necessary it is, the very idea of reaching out to the Orthodox Sect first is a remarkable thing.

Perhaps this is something only Jang Il-so can do.

“It’s not really support. I’d like to drag all those Orthodox Sect people in and use them as shields, but it doesn’t seem like we have that much time.”

“Indeed.”

“So, you need to prepare, Mangeum Daebu.”

Jang Il-so’s eyes turned cold for a moment.

“This is originally what the Black Ghost Manor should be doing. Just because I’m stepping in doesn’t mean you can back out. You have to play your part.”

Mangeum Daebu slowly nodded. This was unavoidable.

“I’m prepared.”

“Then move. Accurately identify their location and gather all the remaining forces to concentrate in Hangzhou.”

“Understood.”

Mangeum Daebu nodded and moved his feet. His eyes, glancing at Jang Il-so and heading out, were already coldly sunken.

‘Demonic Sect, Orthodox Sect, and Myriad Man Clan.’

A merchant must always consider how to make a profit, even right after suffering an immense loss that can’t be recovered.

The best strategies he could take were beginning to emerge in the expressionless Mangeum Daebu’s mind. Choosing the most realistic one among them was what he had to do.

But was it because he was too deeply immersed in that thought?

Mangeum Daebu didn’t know.

He didn’t know about the strange gaze that was piercing into his back, that bizarre gaze that seemed to be teasing, tightening around its prey.

The main forces of the Myriad Man Clan were lined up along the river.

Generally, those who use the name of the unorthodox tend to be free-spirited. But the forces of the Myriad Man Clan lined up now contained a firm discipline within that freedom.

“Is everything ready?”

“It is, sir.”

Ho Gamyeong, standing next to Jang Il-so, answered and looked at the river with uneasy eyes.

“Lord. Even though the control over the Water Faction isn’t complete, with just these men…”

Jang Il-so smiled brightly.

“It’s alright, Gamyeong-ah. This isn’t a matter where numbers are important. The Black Ghost Manor will fill the ranks.”

“I understand that much. But is it really necessary for you to go to Hangzhou yourself? You are the axis of the Four Great Evils. How can you be involved in such a thing…”

Jang Il-so sighed deeply.

“Gamyeong-ah, Gamyeong-ah. You’re trying to ruin me at every moment.”

“…”

“I know well enough what you’re thinking. But you must remember.”

Jang Il-so’s eyes gleamed eerily.

“The moment you become happy with a roof that blocks the rain and wind and warm straw, even the wolf that used to sink its teeth into the deer’s neck becomes just a dog satisfied with the bones thrown to it, doesn’t it?”

“…”

“Whether you’re the head of the Myriad Man Clan or the leader of the Four Great Evils, only the shell changes. Tell me, who am I?”

“You are…”

A subtle pressure began to press down on Ho Gamyeong’s entire body. Trembling at the sensation, Ho Gamyeong spoke.

“You are the Overlord, Jang Il-so.”

“That’s right.”

Jang Il-so’s blood-red lips parted, revealing his pure white teeth. He looked like a wolf hungry for blood.

“I am Jang Il-so.”

What more could be needed beyond this?

At that moment, Jang Il-so’s gaze turned to the river.

A boat was approaching. Jang Il-so smirked.

“Yes, it has to be me. It can’t be helped. That sword is too sharp. No one but me can handle it properly.”

Ho Gamyeong watched the approaching boat. A slight tension flashed in his eyes.

‘I don’t know if it’s right to say this to the enemy, but… they’re amazing guys.’

That was his honest impression.

This is Gangnam. It’s enemy territory for them. And the elites of the Myriad Man Clan are gathered in front of them. Nevertheless, it’s not possible to approach this boldly with ordinary courage.

They were enemies, but he couldn’t help but acknowledge them.

A man with a cold impression stood at the front. He was a little unfamiliar to Ho Gamyeong. He came right in front of Jang Il-so and bowed with precision.

“Yun-geom, the first disciple of Hwasan, greets the leader of the Four Great Evils.”

It was a polite but never humble greeting.

Jang Il-so’s gaze went to Yun-geom’s empty sleeve. With a strange smile, Jang Il-so slowly spoke.

“You’ve come a long way. I express my gratitude.”

“You’re welcome.”

Soon, Jang Il-so’s gaze turned to Cheong-myeong, who was standing behind Yun-geom.

“Well, well.”

An eerie smile spread across his face.

“How does it feel to be in the enemy’s belly, Hwasan Sword Saint?”

“I was just thinking about that.”

“Hmm?”

“I was wondering if I should take your head as a souvenir on the way back. It’s a rare opportunity, isn’t it?”

Jang Il-so laughed as if he found it amusing.

“Hahaha! Yes, yes. That’s why I like you.”

Just as Cheong-myeong was about to say something, an annoyed voice came from behind.

“If you’re here to chat, can I just go back?”

Jang Il-so’s gaze turned to where the voice came from.

“Oh? This is a welcome face?”

Jang Il-so, looking at Im So-byeong with smiling eyes, chuckled.

“I didn’t expect the Green Forest King to visit in person. It seems I haven’t lost my popularity yet?”

“Does a snake get popularity? I thought that was something only people could get?”

“Oh, my. You’re still rough around the edges.”

The two men’s gazes intertwined.

But their brief confrontation was cut off by Cheong-myeong’s words.

“If you’re done talking, let’s go.”

Everyone’s eyes were on Cheong-myeong.

“Right now.”

Jang Il-so smiled, narrowing his eyes.

“If you wish.”

Jang Il-so’s eyes seemed to be boiling, and Cheong-myeong’s eyes were chillingly cold.

The moment the sun rose in the east, the elites of Hwasan and the Myriad Man Clan kicked off the ground.

The destination is Hangzhou. They were ready for the fight of their lives.