Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 121

Chung Myung was taller than I thought he would be.

I knew the famous Divine Dragon of Mount Hua was young, but he seemed even taller than Wi Sohaeng. (Mount Hua was a famous mountain known for its martial arts schools, and ‘Divine Dragon’ was a title for a very skilled person.)

But he wasn’t thin and weak-looking. He looked strong and solid. And…

“‘Is he… handsome?'”

Yes, quite good-looking.

His body was well-built, and his face was pleasing to look at. You would naturally nod in agreement.

…It was just a shame he always looked annoyed. His face was set in a constant frown.

“‘Cough! Cough! Ehe! Why is there so much dust! Aish!'”

You’re the one who made it.

Why are you the one making it and then getting annoyed?

Chung Myung, wearing faded martial robes, waved his hand to brush away the dust. With a sulky face, his mouth turned down and eyebrows furrowed, he glared at Yoon Jong.

“‘Is it today?'”

“‘No.'”

“‘Huh? Not today?'”

“‘There are probably three days left.'”

“‘Then why?'”

“‘The Sect Leader is looking for you.'”

“‘Kuh. The Sect Leader must have taken pity on me and is telling me to end my seclusion! Sahyung, Sahyung, don’t do seclusion. After eating nothing but Byeokgokdan (a special type of food for training) for three months straight, I feel like sprouts are growing in my stomach.'”

“…It seems like something has happened.”

“‘Huh? What happened?'”

Chung Myung tilted his head and looked at Wi Sohaeng.

“‘Who is this person?'”

“‘This is Wi Sohaeng, a young hero from Hwayeong Gate.'”

“‘Hwayeong Gate?'”

“‘Do you know them?'”

“…How would I know them?'”

Even as he said that, Chung Myung looked at Wi Sohaeng with intrigued eyes, wide and focused.

‘Hwayeong Gate, huh.’

There was definitely a Hwayeong Gate among Mount Hua’s related groups in the past.

‘I thought all of Mount Hua’s related groups had disappeared, but there are still some surviving.’

Groups connected to Mount Hua become strong or weak depending on Mount Hua itself. Because Mount Hua became weak, it was hard for these groups to operate. So, it’s surprising that Hwayeong Gate still exists.

“‘Hwayeong Gate is a related group of Mount Hua.'”

“‘Ah, really? Then why is someone from the related group here?'”

“‘Let’s go to the Sect Leader and hear it first.'”

“‘Sure, let’s do that.'”

Even as the two were talking, Wi Sohaeng was staring at Chung Myung with wide eyes. After a while, he turned his head towards Yoon Jong and blankly asked.

“‘That… Could it be that this person is?'”

“‘This is Chung Myung.'”

“‘Ah, yes. Haha. I thought so… Huh?'”

This bastard… No, this person?

This person here?

Wi Sohaeng’s eyes twitched.

When he saw Yoon Jong, he clearly felt the deep feeling of Mount Hua. Wasn’t he the very person who seemed to be saying with his whole body that this is a Taoist and this is the depth possessed by a disciple of Mount Hua?

In contrast, this person now…

‘He just looks like a thug spitting on the streets.’

He felt like if Yoon Jong wasn’t there, he would be grabbed by the scruff of his neck and dragged into a cave. He would have to empty his money pouch to get out unharmed.

Wi Sohaeng remembered sad times from his childhood and looked at Chung Myung with a strange gaze.

‘Is there something wrong with the rumors?’

No matter how he looked at it, it didn’t seem like this person was the one who defeated the disciples of Jongnam and brought down Jin Geum-ryong.

“‘First, go wash up a bit. You can’t meet the Sect Leader looking like that.'”

“‘What’s wrong with my appearance?'”

“‘Please, just do it.'”

“‘Alright, alright. I’ll wash up quickly.'”

As Chung Myung quickly walked ahead, Wi Sohaeng asked Yoon Jong.

“…Is that person really the Divine Dragon of Mount Hua?'”

“‘I don’t know about the Divine Dragon of Mount Hua or whatever, but if you’re talking about Chung Myung, that’s him.'”

“…Really?'”

“‘Young hero.'”

“‘Yes?'”

“…Don’t be surprised yet. There’s still a long way to go.'”

A wave of fear washed over him, and Wi Sohaeng couldn’t bring himself to ask what else was left.

“‘So.'”

Chung Myung, having tidied his clothes and sat before the Sect Leader, frowned.

“‘Not only did the related group of Wudang attack our related group, but they also called in the bigwigs from the main mountain?'”

“…You’re a Taoist too, you rascal.'”

Why are you talking about bigwigs! Bigwigs!

But Yoon Jong’s words didn’t reach Chung Myung’s ears.

“‘So, they requested assistance.'”

Chung Myung nodded quietly. A serious light flashed in his eyes.

“‘Sect Leader!'”

“‘Hmm!'”

“‘Don’t worry! I’ll go sort it out and be back quick.'”

Everyone’s eyes flickered slightly.

Did that rascal finally come to his senses after not seeing the light of day for three months while training? How can he say such trustworthy things?

But even if everyone else was fooled, Yoon Jong wasn’t.

“…How exactly are you going to sort it out?'”

“‘What else would I do! I’m going to rush to that Nanyang or wherever it is right now and smash the heads of those Jong… Jong, what? Jongnam Gwan?'”

“‘Jongdo Gwan!'”

“‘Oh, right! I’ll smash the heads of those Jongdo Gwan bastards, and then smash the heads of the Wudang bastards! And then, I’ll set fire to the Taoist hall (a religious building for Taoists, like a temple) so they can never set foot in Nanyang again! That’s how it becomes clean!'”

“‘That’s a Taoist hall, you crazy bastard!'”

“‘Doesn’t a Taoist hall burn? Doesn’t a Taoist hall burn? In front of fire, all buildings in the world are equal! Even Mount Hua was equal.'”

“‘Why is Mount Hua coming up there!'”

“‘Why? We all burned down, didn’t we? Don’t you know?'”

Hyun Jong smiled, looking very pleased. Then, he looked at Un-geom, who was sitting next to him.

‘Can we really send that rascal?’

‘I think we need to reconsider.’

How can a person not improve day by day as they get older?

It’s not easy to be so consistently crazy.

Yoon Jong grabbed Chung Myung’s waist and pulled him back.

“‘Calm down a bit. Please.'”

“‘Calm down? How can I calm down right now?'”

Chung Myung rolled his eyes.

“‘Hwayeong Gate is the only place that consistently pays support money, right?'”

Originally, the boss has to protect the kids who pay support money in their territory! Otherwise, who would pay and follow!

“‘That’s right! Money is involved!'”

Hyun Young clapped as if he felt relieved.

Then, as everyone’s attention turned to him, he cleared his throat and quietly lowered his hand.

Chung Myung pushed forward forcefully once again.

“‘They’re the ones who started the trouble! Then we have to accept it! Just leave it to me! I’ll go and smash their heads!'”

Hyun Jong said with a pleased smile.

“‘Chung Myung-ah.'”

“‘Yes, Sect Leader!'”

“…You can’t smash their heads.'”

“‘Then their waists?'”

“‘It means you can’t cripple them or cause serious injuries.'”

Hyun Jong, letting out a deep sigh, looked at Chung Myung with eyes that said, ‘Is it really okay to send this bastard?’

But no matter what the method, since disciples of the second generation and below can provide support, it’s impossible to exclude Chung Myung. And in fact, aside from his personality, Chung Myung is the most reliable person.

“‘Anyway, since things have turned out this way, you’ll have to go.'”

“‘Don’t worry. I’ll handle it cleanly and return. Should I leave right now?'”

“‘Some children will go with you. So, let’s leave tomorrow or the day after.'”

“‘Does it take that long?'”

“‘We need to find out more about the situation, and there are a few things I’m concerned about. So, be aware of that.'”

“‘Yes.'”

Whether he left today or tomorrow, Chung Myung didn’t care as long as he could arrive and beat up the Wudang bastards.

“‘Alright. Then, since you’ve been in seclusion, your body must be tired, so rest well and recover.'”

“‘I understand, Sect Leader.'”

“‘Alright. Go now. I’ll decide who will go with you soon and let you know.'”

“‘Yes, then.'”

Just as Chung Myung got up from his seat and was about to go outside, Hyun Jong subtly called him back.

“‘Chung Myung-ah.'”

“‘Yes?'”

As Chung Myung turned his head, Hyun Jong quietly looked at him and opened his mouth.

“‘Were there any results from your seclusion?'”

Chung Myung grinned.

“‘The Wudang bastards will find out with their bodies.'”

“‘Alright. I understand.'”

Chung Myung bowed his head and went outside.

“‘Yoon Jong, prepare a place for Wi Sohaeng and help him have a meal since he must be hungry.'”

“‘Yes, Sect Leader. I will make sure he is comfortable.'”

As Yoon Jong and Wi Sohaeng went outside, Hyun Jong wore a subtle expression.

“‘Hyeon-sang.'”

“‘Yes, Sect Leader Sahyung.'”

“‘I don’t know if I’m being overly cautious, but do you think it’s a coincidence that the related group of Wudang came into the Nanyang territory, which had no problems until now, and picked a fight with Hwayang Gate?'”

Hyeon-sang couldn’t easily answer.

If you think about it, it could be something that happened by chance. But the more you think about it, the more coincidental it seems.

“‘I don’t know if sending Chung Myung is the right thing to do. Maybe what they’re aiming for is…'”

“‘That’s not true, Sect Leader.'”

Un-am shook his head.

“‘Attacking the related group to call out Chung Myung is too much of a stretch. Aren’t they Wudang? They don’t need to pick a fight with Mount Hua. There’s no benefit to be gained, is there? What great interests could be at stake in that small Nanyang territory?'”

“‘Hmm.'”

Hyun Jong let out a groan. But within that groan was the unspoken feeling that he couldn’t easily agree with Un-am’s words.

“‘Since the last Hwajong Assembly, Chung Myung’s reputation has become very high. Now, when discussing the greatest late-stage disciples in the world, he’s mentioned at the very top.'”

“‘That’s right.'”

“‘The title ‘Divine Dragon of Mount Hua’ is too flashy and excessive. Wudang may not be concerned with small interests, but they’re not a place that would tolerate another Taoist sect taking a greater reputation. Maybe…'”

It was then.

“‘Then what about it?'”

“‘Huh?'”

Un-geom smiled and said.

“‘Sect Leader, do you know what nickname the children of Mount Hua have given Chung Myung?'”

“…There’s such a thing?'”

“‘The Mad Dog of Mount Hua.'”

Oh… That’s a bit too much…

Un-am, who had been listening quietly, let out a groan.

“‘Mad dog is too harsh, let’s just say fierce dog.'”

That’s still a dog.

No, why can’t we get away from dogs?

Whether it’s a mad dog or a fierce dog.

Then Un-geom continued with a smiling face.

“‘Over the past two years, our children have really put in a bloody effort. Now, whether it’s Wudang or Shaolin, they can never ignore our children.'”

“‘That’s true.'”

“‘Hmm. That’s right.'”

There’s no one here who doesn’t know how much the second and third generation disciples have suffered over the past two years. Honestly, everyone has thought at least once that it’s a relief they’re higher in seniority than Chung Myung.

“‘Among them, that rascal is, well…'”

Un-geom scratched his head awkwardly, with a face that said he didn’t know how to explain Chung Myung’s two years.

“‘Anyway, that’s how it is. Those who carelessly try to challenge the Divine Dragon of Mount Hua will know why he’s called that.'”

“‘Divine Dragon?'”

“‘No. Mad dog.'”

Well, um… This shouldn’t be happening, but I empathize a lot.

“‘Send Baek Cheon and Yoon Jong along. If it’s those two, they can stop that rascal appropriately when he goes too far.'”

“…Really?'”

“‘Among them, they’re the most likely to be able to.'”

“‘Then how about sending Lee Seol too? He doesn’t hit her because she’s a Sajae.'”

Isn’t that too obvious?

“‘Sect Leader.'”

Hyun Young opened his mouth, organizing the noisy hall.

“‘Sending the children isn’t everything. Sending the children means that our Mount Hua is stepping back into the world. There will be many things to do.'”

“‘Hmm!'”

Hyun Jong nodded heavily.

“‘Listen.'”

“‘Yes, Sect Leader.'”

“‘If the main mountain is the face of Mount Hua, then the related groups are like the hands and feet of Mount Hua. Hwayeong Gate has contributed greatly to the main mountain until now. Use all possible methods to support Hwayeong Gate and let the world know that Mount Hua has not abandoned its related groups.'”

“‘We will keep that in mind! Sect Leader!'”

Looking at the disciples bowing their heads in unison, a firm determination was cast on Hyun Jong’s face.

‘Two years is not a short time.’

Now is the time to announce the changed appearance of Mount Hua to the world.