Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 1485

Un-am put down the heavy load from his shoulders and sighed, “Hoo.”

‘Is this the end?’

It seemed he had moved all the items that needed moving today. Of course, after a short night, there would be other tasks cropping up, no doubt.

“Are you finished?”

At the voice from his side, Un-am turned his head. Tang Gunak, the head of the Sichuan Dang Family, was approaching with a smile.

Un-am quickly clasped his hands in respect.

“Greetings, Clan Lord⋯⋯.”

But Un-am couldn’t bow deeply. He felt like something invisible was holding him back, stopping him from bending.

“You are being too polite. I can’t accept such respect from the Mount Hua Sect Leader.”

Un-am looked awkward.

“I apologize. I know it in my head, but my body just isn’t used to it.”

Tang Gunak smiled faintly. It must indeed be uncomfortable. Un-am had watched him converse with Hyun Jong as an equal, after all.

Besides, when Tang Gunak had first become Clan Lord, hadn’t he found it incredibly difficult to deal with those connected to his predecessors?

“Have you finished all your work?”

“I barely managed to.”

Tang Gunak shook his head as if utterly exhausted.

“How did things get so busy?”

“Indeed.”

Both men sighed simultaneously. The arrival of many people was decreasing, barely allowing them a moment to breathe. The previous few days had been a whirlwind.

“No one in the world can keep up with those fellows when it comes to making things bigger.”

At Un-am’s words, Tang Gunak smiled with a sad smile, then suddenly frowned.

“It’s a problem when I think about it. Those fellows are away from their posts right now.”

“⋯⋯.”

“Who knows what they’re up to? And the work here isn’t even finished yet.”

Tang Gunak spoke seriously and then watched Un-am carefully to see how he would react. Surprisingly, Un-am’s expression was perfectly calm. Tang Gunak spoke cautiously, as if surprised.

“Sect Leader, you don’t seem worried.”

“Of course, when those fellows threw out a word and ran off as if escaping, I was also taken aback.”

“⋯⋯.”

“However, Clan Lord, I trust those children.”

“You believe they will do well and return?”

“No.”

Tang Gunak looked doubtful.

“Then what do you believe?”

“I trust what those children have learned and experienced so far.”

Tang Gunak frowned a little. Un-am’s answer was a bit unexpected. But before he could ask anything, Un-am added.

“Those fellows are pursuing the Dao. The world only focuses on their swords, but those children are finding their own Dao in this world.”

“Ah⋯⋯.”

Tang Gunak let out a small exclamation. Un-am smiled gently.

“If the children’s thoughts and actions do not deviate from the Dao discussed in Mount Hua, what problem could there be in whatever they do? I am merely waiting for the children to return.”

Tang Gunak stared at Un-am with a rather intrigued expression.

Hyun Jong would probably be very worried about the disciples who left. But Un-am was definitely different from Hyun Jong. Worry and concern existed, but above them was a clear trust.

“They would have liked to hear these words.”

“Haha. They would just laugh it off.”

Un-am smiled faintly and looked over the distant east.

‘I trust you, you fellows.’

May all their actions be accomplished on the Dao they have established themselves.

On the Dao named Mount Hua.

“Wow,” breathed Yoon Jong, his eyes wide.

“I think my eyes are going to fall out,” Jo Gul whispered, staring upwards.

“This is… unbelievable,” Baek Cheon murmured, shaking his head.

The Mount Hua disciples stood just inside the huge gate, their mouths hanging open. Even Jo Gul, who had seen his share of fancy things in his merchant family, and Dang So-so, used to the Dang Family’s wealth, were speechless.

Jo Gul nudged Baek Cheon. “Senior Brother,” he stammered, “is that… is that cat’s eye stone?”

Baek Cheon squinted. “No… it can’t be. Who would be crazy enough to use cat’s eye stone to decorate a *building*?”

“But… it looks like it,” Dang So-so said softly, her voice full of awe.

“Oh, my goodness…” Jo Gul shivered, a mix of excitement and disbelief running through him. Dang So-so looked equally stunned.

The entire first floor was adorned with lavish jewels and silks. It was more extravagant than anything the Four Seas Commerce Guild and the Dang Family could imagine.

“What would Elder Hyun Young say if he saw this?”

“Wouldn’t he curse them, saying they were throwing money into the toilet, and that even beating them to death wouldn’t be enough?”

“Right?”

Baek Cheon and Yoon Jong also couldn’t close their mouths. Even Hae Yeon, who was a Buddhist monk and didn’t care about fancy things, looked like he might faint from surprise.

“How can such a place exist in this world⋯⋯.”

Even from outside, the building was breathtaking, its golden roof gleaming in the sunlight like a king’s crown. Everything glittered and shone. There was a sweet smell in the air, soft music playing, and happy laughter. It felt like they had stepped into a different world.

“Is this the realm of the immortals?”

“Oh, Martial Uncle. Then it would be worth ascending to immortality, wouldn’t it?”

“You lot are going to be struck by lightning.”

“⋯⋯Yoon Jong-ah. I am your Martial Uncle.”

“⋯⋯.”

As everyone was mesmerized by the splendor, a woman dressed in elegant palace attire approached.

“Welcome.”

She gave a gentle smile to the awkwardly standing disciples of Jongnam, no, Mount Hua.

“It is an honor that heroes like you have come to visit Cheonsangru.”

The woman bowed politely. The Mount Hua disciples felt even more awkward and stepped back a little.

“Martial Uncle. If you keep shrinking like that, you’ll become smaller than So-so.”

“Look at your own state before you speak.”

The woman raised her head and asked.

“How did you come to visit this place?”

“Well, that is⋯⋯. We are⋯⋯ up here⋯⋯.”

“Ah, get out of the way!”

Baek Cheon started to speak, but Cheong Myung was impatient. He grabbed Baek Cheon’s face, pushed him aside, and stepped forward.

“We came to the brothel to drink, what other business would we have? Guide us to a high place with a good view.”

“Ah.”

The woman, hearing Cheong Myung’s words, let out a sigh as if she was sorry. “I am sorry, guests. Our Cheonsangru is not a place that can be entered so easily. Only those with confirmed identities can enter⋯⋯.”

“What? Identity?”

As soon as the word identity came out, Cheong Myung glared.

“Identity! Who has a more confirmed identity than us? Don’t you know Jongnam, Jongnam?”

“Hic.”

“No, even if this is Gaebong! You don’t recognize the Great Jongnam Sect? Should I show you the Thirty-Six Swords of the World here today?”

“Kheu-euk.”

Lee Song-baek, standing behind, clutched his chest as if he was in pain. He looked like he was about to have a heart attack.

‘He’s going to spit blood soon?’

‘But I would be the same. Anyway, that bastard has no sense of moderation.’

The Mount Hua disciples moved little by little, covering Lee Song-baek and giving awkward smiles.

The woman, who had been slightly embarrassed, wore a bright smile as if nothing had happened.

“Even if I am not very smart, I can see the beautiful cloud design on your uniforms.”

“Right? Then can we go in?”

“I am sorry, guests.”

“Huh?”

“Please forgive me for not finishing my words. Our Cheonsangru only accepts those with confirmed identities and high reputations in the world⋯⋯.”

“Reputation? Does anyone here have a better reputation than him?” The man pointed dramatically. “This is Jin Geum-ryong! Jin Geum-ryong, the Golden Dragon!”

Baek Cheon, who had been staring into space, blinked and quickly hid his smug look. Jo Gul leaned close to Yoon Jong and whispered, “Golden Dragon was Jin Geum-ryong’s nickname? So, it’s Golden Dragon Jin Geum-ryong? Like Chung Myung, the Mount Hua Sword Master, and… Golden Dragon Jin Geum-ryong?”

Yoon Jong frowned. “…I don’t think so. It sounds weird.”

Yoon Jong thought, shaking his head. *Why pick a nickname without thinking it through?*

“And don’t you know him? That one from Jongnam… Oh, right! Lee Song-baek! He doesn’t have an alias yet, but he’ll probably be called something like the Invincible Sword of Jongnam later on.”

Chung Myung pulled Lee Song-baek forward. Lee Song-baek looked miserable, like he had lost everything. Chung Myung proudly declared,

“Still no reputation?”

“That’s…”,

“Wow! This place is amazing, truly amazing. Completely disregarding Jongnam, Jin Geum-ryong, and Lee Song-baek. A truly remarkable tavern!”

“N-no. Please let me finish speaking…”

By this point, a vein was slowly throbbing on the woman’s pale forehead.

Chung Myung could see the woman’s polite smile tighten. *She’s definitely losing patience,* he thought, a small smirk playing on his lips. *Good.*

The woman’s voice sharpened, like a blade being drawn. “Welcome, but this tavern is for members only. Only those with verified identities and high reputations throughout the land can become members, and only members may enter our tavern!”

Chung Myung scoffed, as if he found it absurd.

“What kind of tavern requires membership? This isn’t a sect.”

“Please do not forget where you are, esteemed guest. This is Gaebong, a city known for its beggars.”

“…”

“Surely, important matters cannot be discussed in a place where just anyone can come and go?”

“Ah. Is that how it is?”

Certainly, with so many beggars swarming around, some people would seek a place free from eavesdroppers. They couldn’t very well leave Gaebong every time they needed to discuss something important to avoid the beggars’ prying ears.

Chung Myung let out a ‘Ha!’ and said, as if throwing something away,

“Well, then I’ll just become a member. Jin Geum-ryong should suffice, right?”

“Of course. The esteemed Great Warrior Jin from the renowned Jongnam is certainly qualified to become a member of our Celestial Loft.”

“Then sign me up.”

At that moment, the woman wore a subtle smile as she said,

“Certainly. Which level of membership would you like to apply for?”

“…Huh? Level?”

“The Celestial Loft allows access to different floors depending on the level of membership you choose. For example, to dine on this floor, you must first become a ‘Gi’ level member.”

“…Eh? What about the top floor?”

“The top floor… You wish to ascend to the top floor?”

“Yeah.”

The woman’s eyes slightly narrowed.

“I see. To reach the top floor, you must become a ‘Gap’ member.”

“Then I’ll go with Gap level. Do that one.”

“Actually, to become a member of our Celestial Loft, you must pay a membership fee commensurate with the level.”

“Membership fee? Money?”

“Yes, an appropriate…”

Whoosh. At that moment, the money pouch Chung Myung threw flew towards the woman. She instinctively caught the pouch.

“Take what’s there, and give me back the change. Got it?”

The woman quickly glanced at the money inside the pouch and smiled brightly.

“Esteemed guest, this amount will only purchase a ‘Byeong’ level membership. Is that acceptable?”

“Alright. Take one nyang and buy some food… What?”

Chung Myung’s eyes went wide, like saucers. How could she say such ridiculous things with so much money inside!

“B-Byeong level? Not even Eul, but Byeong?”

“That is correct.”

“How much is a Gap level membership?”

“One million gold nyang.”

“…How much?”

“One million nyang.”

“…You said how much?”

“One million…”

Chung Myung’s eyes trembled as if an earthquake had struck. The emotions that had been building from shock to bewilderment quickly surged and reached the point of fury.

“Are these crazy bastards trying to scam me! What kind of membership costs a million nyang! Do they think a million nyang is some dog’s name?”

“C-calm down, you rascal!”

“You can’t cause trouble here!”

“Wow, I’ve been called a heartless bastard countless times, but I’ve never seen such crazy people in all my years! You’re trying to take us for fools today, but guess what? You’ve messed with the wrong people! Bring out your boss right now!”

Chung Myung screamed. But the woman calmly smiled.

“I’m afraid that won’t do, esteemed guest.”

“Won’t do? What are you going to do about it if it doesn’t? Are you going to hit me if you don’t like it? What can you do if I try to go up by force?”

“We would have no choice but to call the police.”

“Go ahead. Try it… Huh?”

Chung Myung’s head tilted to the side.

“Call who…?”

“The police. The government office.”

“…Huh?”

Chung Myung was confused. *Wait, shouldn’t martial arts places stay out of government stuff? Why are they calling the police?*

“Of course, I know. But this is not a martial arts school; it is a tavern doing business. Naturally, if a problem arises, we must call the authorities. Isn’t that so?”

Baek Cheon, who had been observing the situation, cautiously walked over and whispered into Chung Myung’s ear.

“Hey, up until now, it’s been half a joke, right?”

“Huh?”

“But if you get into trouble with the government? You’ll really get your hide peeled. The sect leader will test the performance of his newly sharpened Hancheol Sword on our scalps.”

As the two whispered, the woman smiled and asked,

“Well, are you still planning to cause trouble?”

“Ha. Hahaha. Hah.”

Murderous intent flared in Chung Myung’s eyes. The Mount Hua disciples, startled, instinctively rushed to grab him, but in that instant, Chung Myung seemed to vanish from the spot.

‘Ah, no…!’

“Excuse me.”

Those who had rushed forward collapsed in a heap where Chung Myung had disappeared, while Chung Myung himself had retreated far back. He was bowing at a perfect ninety-degree angle, looking very proper.

“Uh…”

“Uhh?”

“Goodbye. Come on, everyone, let’s go back.”

Chung Myung waved his hand.

“What are you all doing sitting there? Let’s go. The police are coming!”

…Wow. So, there are things this bastard can’t do. Heh…

“Hurry, let’s go, hurry!”

“Y-yes, we’re going.”

Just as the Mount Hua disciples were about to turn around and leave the tavern, despondent, it happened.

Someone hurried down the ornate staircase leading to the upper floors. They whispered something small into the ear of the woman who was frowning.

The woman’s mouth opened.

“Wait.”

“Huh?”

Chung Myung, who had been trudging towards the exit, turned sharply. The woman lowered her head.

The woman’s eyes widened in surprise *before* she bowed. “I apologize. It seems I have mistaken you for someone else. Please forgive the rudeness of this humble servant.”

“…Ehhh?”

What’s with this sudden change?

From the woman’s deeply bowed head, an exceedingly polite voice emerged, as if the commotion from just moments ago had never happened.

“Thank you for visiting the Celestial Loft, Mount Hua Sword Master Chung Myung. We will guide you to the top floor immediately.”

In that instant, Chung Myung’s eyes turned chillingly cold.