Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 148

Yoon Jong’s eyes kept twitching.

Hundreds of warriors stood before him. They were packed together tightly, showing their teeth, a sight that could make anyone shiver.

“What is this!”

“Stop them! Stop those bastards first!”

The warriors, excited and with bloodshot eyes, charged toward Chung Myung and his group.

Was he afraid?

Of course, he was afraid. But he wasn’t scared of the warriors charging at them. He was afraid of what Chung Myung might do!

“Eurachaah!”

Chung Myung swung his scabbard, hitting those who charged at him and sending them flying.

Wham!

‘Eek!’

“Aaaaargh!”

The warrior whose face was hit by Chung Myung’s scabbard flew into the sky. Yoon Jong felt sorry for him, knowing how painful it was to be struck by Chung Myung’s scabbard.

‘He won’t be eating meat for a month.’

No, maybe he would only be able to eat soft food forever. It was a harsh price to pay for seeking treasures, but what could he do?

Chung Myung was like a force of nature.

People swept away by a typhoon or struck by lightning don’t ask ‘why.’ They just regret their bad luck and lack of preparation.

It was their fault for coming here and standing before Chung Myung.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

Chung Myung’s scabbard kept striking, sending anyone in front of him flying.

“Aaaaargh!”

“Uaaaargh!”

All those struck by the scabbard could do was scream. Even in this urgent situation, Yoon Jong briefly closed his eyes to offer condolences to those flying away.

It was unfortunate for them, but it couldn’t be helped because Chung Myung had almost lost his mind.

“Sword Tomb! Sword Tomb! Elixir! Inner strength!”

Chung Myung shouted these words each time he struck someone down. Yoon Jong knew Chung Myung was shouting about the treasures they were seeking in the Sword Tomb – weapons, special medicines, and power.

‘Well, he’s been holding it in for a long time.’

Chung Myung was not a patient person. Waiting must have been torture for him.

Chung Myung exploded into action, smashing through the crowd like a storm. He seemed to be releasing all his pent-up frustration.

Even those who hadn’t noticed Mount Hua Sect’s arrival turned to look when they saw people flying into the sky.

“What is that?”

“Why are people flying?”

The crowd’s eyes widened. The sight of people flying like birds was absurd and made them forget about the Sword Tomb for a moment.

‘What on earth is that?’

That was the general feeling. Those in the front couldn’t see what was happening in the back. All they saw were people being thrown around.

But everyone there had some experience. The confusion didn’t last long, and soon everyone understood the situation.

They might not know who the newcomer was, but they knew he was strong. Seeing Chung Myung strike people down with his scabbard made it clear that a powerful competitor had arrived.

“Forget him! Get into the Sword Tomb!”

They decided that stopping Mount Hua Sect wasn’t the most important thing. The strong ones quickly broke through and went into the Sword Tomb. Those who were just there to grab an opportunity were pushed aside and couldn’t even get close.

And Mount Hua Sect was among the strong, at least compared to those gathered there.

“Eurachaah!”

Chung Myung struck down those in front of him again.

“Focus and follow me closely!”

“Alright!” Yoon Jong shouted back, trying to hide his nervousness.

Yoon Jong, right behind Chung Myung, quickly saw the change.

‘A path is opening?’

The warriors who had been packed together were now moving aside because of Chung Myung, creating a path to the left and right.

‘Seriously, this bastard!’

Yoon Jong stared at the back of Chung Myung’s head.

If they had tried to enter carefully, they would have faced strong resistance. But by making a big scene, the warriors around the Sword Tomb started to hold back.

They weren’t just fighting Mount Hua Sect. The inside of the Sword Tomb was unknown. They didn’t know how much more they would have to fight once they were inside.

Because of this, they didn’t want to waste energy fighting a strong enemy from the start. They chose to open the way and save their strength.

‘Did he plan this to make such a spectacle?’

He didn’t know what Chung Myung was thinking, but that was the result. And Yoon Jong would soon find out if his guess was right.

As the path opened, Chung Myung shouted.

“Advance! Advance and destroy the entrance!”

“Huh?”

There was no such thing…

And then, before Yoon Jong could understand, some people reacted. The strongest warriors, who had been waiting, suddenly rushed into the Sword Tomb with amazing speed.

Yoon Jong’s eyes widened.

‘What is he planning?’

The warriors rushing into the Sword Tomb were definitely among the strongest. Their speed proved it.

If that was the case, they should be stopping them. So why was he letting his competitors into the Sword Tomb?

“Advance! Now!”

As the strong warriors advanced, the sects followed. They swung their swords at each other, still rushing forward. Some sects pushed others aside and entered the Sword Tomb.

“Hey, Chung Myung, shouldn’t we try to stop those guys from going in first?” Yoon Jong asked, worried.

Chung Myung glanced back, a smirk on his lips. “And why would we do that, Sahyung? Let them go ahead and clear the path for us.”

“Sahyung.”

“Hm?”

“You’re still far from being a sect leader.”

What are you talking about?

Just as Yoon Jong was about to ask, Chung Myung flicked his sword and dashed forward. Yoon Jong pursed his lips and followed.

“The weak, move aside!”

Some tried to stop Chung Myung, but they were swept away like dry leaves in a hurricane.

“Keep up!”

Yoon Jong shouted as he chased Chung Myung. Jo Gul and Yu Yiseol, guarding his rear, and Baek Cheon, at the very back, swung their swords, desperately staying close to Chung Myung.

Then, Yoon Jong’s face hardened.

Something squelched under his foot.

Blood.

The floor was soaked with blood.

‘This isn’t a sparring match.’

He felt every hair on his body stand up. He hadn’t noticed because Chung Myung was in front, but this place was a scene of killing and being killed.

Yoon Jong bit his lip and stayed close to Chung Myung.

Those trying to attack from the rear were blocked by Baek Cheon’s sword.

The disciples of Mount Hua Sect had almost reached the entrance of the Sword Tomb.

Chung Myung glanced around.

Dust swirled in the air as the last of the crowd pushed towards the dark opening. ‘Almost everything that needed to go in, went in,’ someone muttered. ‘Any more than this is meaningless.’

‘Everyone jump in…’ Baek Cheon called out, ready to follow. But just as he moved, a shout ripped through the air.

‘Volcanic Spirit Stone!’ a voice yelled. Chung Myung jumped and spun around. A beggar he knew, face red and wild-eyed, sprinted from the trees, legs pumping like pistons.

‘Hey! You heartless jerk!’ the beggar shouted, running closer. ‘If you’re going to trick us like this, you should at least take us with you!’

Sweat streamed down the beggar’s face as he ran, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Chung Myung watched him, and a flicker of pity, which he thought he’d buried long ago, stirred within him.

Chung Myung shook his head, then winked at Baek Cheon. ‘Senior Brother! Take the others and go in first. I’ll deal with these beggars.’

‘Are you sure you’ll be okay?’ Baek Cheon asked, concern in his voice.

‘Don’t worry about me!’ Chung Myung replied confidently.

‘Understood!’ Baek Cheon nodded quickly.

Baek Cheon didn’t argue. He knew that in moments like these, questioning orders was pointless. Even if Chung Myung told them to jump into fire, they had to trust him and find a way to succeed.

‘I’ll go first!’ Baek Cheon shouted. ‘Junior Sister Yu, watch our backs!’

‘Yes!’ Yu Yiseol replied. Baek Cheon plunged into the entrance of the Sword Tomb, which looked like a dark, hungry mouth. He didn’t hesitate for a second. Yoon Jong, Jo Gul, and Yu Yiseol followed quickly behind.

‘Hey! Where do you think you’re going?’ Someone tried to sneak past while everyone was distracted, but Chung Myung saw him. With a swift kick, he sent the man flying backwards.

Chung Myung clicked his tongue.

‘Faster! Faster!’

‘Ah, no! You cursed…!’ Hong Daeguang was furious.

‘Those Mount Hua guys got through so easily! Do you think we’re stupid? We are the Beggars’ Sect!’

The people who had moved aside for Chung Myung now stood firm, blocking Hong Daeguang’s path. Hong Daeguang felt rage building inside him as he stared at the growing wall of people.

‘You cursed beggars! Move aside now! The Sword Tomb! It’s right there!’ Hong Daeguang yelled.

‘Huff! Huff!’ a beggar gasped, out of breath. ‘Branch Leader! I’m too tired to move anymore!’

‘Is that all you can say?! The Mount Hua youngsters are already inside!’ Hong Daeguang roared.

‘Aigo… We can’t… move…’ the beggar wheezed.

Hong Daeguang’s face went red with anger. ‘Did those guys eat iron for breakfast or something?’ he thought furiously. How could they have pushed through this crowd so easily? Even if Chung Myung was strong, this was unbelievable.

Suddenly, Chung Myung moved. ‘Eura-cha!’ he yelled, bursting forward. He charged into the crowd blocking Hong Daeguang, shoving people aside with surprising force, just like he had done before.

‘He’s incredible,’ Hong Daeguang thought, eyes wide as he watched Chung Myung. Chung Myung was using his sword scabbard like a weapon, pushing through the crowd with ease. These weren’t weak fighters. Hong Daeguang recognized some faces – tough people, even for him. Yet, Chung Myung was making it look easy.

Hong Daeguang’s assessment of Mount Hua and Chung Myung began to skyrocket…

‘What are you doing! There’s nothing to pick up there! Hurry up and come!’

No. It began to plummet.

‘I’m going! You crazy jerk!’ Hong Daeguang shouted, pushing aside his thoughts. Now was the time to get inside.

‘You have to bring the others with you!’ Chung Myung called back, sounding annoyed. He clicked his tongue in irritation, but then charged forward.

Wait, what? Rushed forward? Instead of going in himself, Chung Myung grabbed the beggars closest to him and started throwing them towards the entrance!

‘Aaaaargh!’

‘No, why are you throwing… Aaaaaaargh!’

Hong Daeguang stared, jaw dropped. It looked completely random, but somehow, each beggar flew straight into the opening of the Sword Tomb. ‘Like throwing balls,’ Hong Daeguang thought, a strange amusement bubbling up. If these weren’t his own men, he might have actually enjoyed the show.

Chung Myung, having launched the beggars into the tomb in seconds, turned to Hong Daeguang. The cold look in Chung Myung’s eyes made Hong Daeguang’s blood run cold. He knew what he had to do.

‘I-I’m going!’ Hong Daeguang stammered, biting his lip. He leaped into the Sword Tomb entrance. He didn’t dare wait another moment, not knowing what that terrifying youth might do to him.

Once the last of the Beggars’ Sect had disappeared inside, Chung Myung stood at the entrance, scanning the area. ‘Hmm,’ he murmured. It looked like everyone who wanted to enter had gone in. Only stragglers remained outside. ‘Maybe more will come if I wait,’ he thought. ‘But speed is key. Lingering here is a waste of time.’

Chung Myung stood alone, blocking the entrance. The crowd, stunned by his sudden, powerful charge, had been caught off guard. Now, they stared at him, realizing he was isolated. A murmur rippled through the crowd as they exchanged glances. Even for someone as strong as Chung Myung, facing all of them alone seemed impossible. Slowly, they began to move towards him.

Chung Myung ignored the growing crowd, as if they were nothing more than dust. He carefully looked around the clearing, his brow furrowing slightly. ‘This place… it’s like a fighting arena,’ he thought. The clearing was perfectly round, carved out of the thick forest. Even the soil had a faint red tint. It felt like a place where countless battles had been fought. ‘But no matter,’ Chung Myung muttered to himself.

With a cold, emotionless face, Chung Myung drew his sword. *Clang!* The sharp, ringing sound echoed through the clearing. Those who were approaching froze, some even stumbling back. ‘The party’s over,’ Chung Myung said, a cruel smile spreading across his face. ‘See you all later.’ He leaped into the dark opening. As he jumped, his sword flashed out, swinging in wide arcs.

*Scritch! Scritch!* The sound of his sword slicing through the air was surprisingly soft, yet sharp. Then, Chung Myung vanished into the darkness. *Rumble!* The ground shook as the entrance to the Sword Tomb began to cave in.

‘No!’ ‘Stop him!’ Those who had been closing in on Chung Myung now went white with panic and scrambled forward. But they were too late. With a final crash, the entrance to the Sword Tomb vanished, sealed shut by tons of rock and earth. ‘Dig! Dig it out now, you fools!’ someone roared. ‘That backstabbing monster!’ others yelled. The crowd surged towards the collapsed entrance, desperation in their eyes. But it was hopeless. Clearing that much rubble would take hours. They stared at the solid wall of earth, defeated. The image of the young man who had trapped them outside was burned into their memories.