Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 1533

As if asking, ‘Why? Did I say something I shouldn’t have?’ Baek Cheon leaned back in his chair.

Considering the leaders of all the important groups in the Heavenly Union were gathered, Baek Cheon’s relaxed way of sitting was very surprising.

But people didn’t care at all. No, they couldn’t. All their eyes were fixed on Tang Gunak.

His mouth, which was always firmly shut, was gaping open like an idiot. Like someone who had seen a meteorite falling on their head while sleeping.

Tang Gunak making such an expression?

I bet not even his daughter, Dang So-so, or even his parents had ever seen it.

People watching this rare sight felt fear growing inside them.

Jo Gul imagined tiny, poisoned needles flying from Tang Gunak’s sleeve. He grabbed his chair, legs scraping loudly on the floor, and slowly moved away from Baek Cheon. *Better safe than sorry,* he thought, his heart pounding.

“Uh oh…” Jo Gul mumbled to himself.

He quickly glanced sideways, suddenly worried. Yoon Jong might be angry that he was moving away from their senior brother.

But Yoon Jong was already far away.

‘Senior Brother?’

He always emphasized how important the loyalty between senior and junior brothers was….

*Creak!*

The sudden, sharp sound of a chair scraping against the floor cut through the silence. Everyone’s heads snapped towards the noise. Yoo Iseol, who was already far away from Baek Cheon, said with an expressionless face.

“It’s hot.”

“Really.”

This wasn’t betrayal, of course. It was just… caution.

If Tang Gunak got this angry, there would be no turning back.

Even if Tang Gunak rushed at Baek Cheon in front of Hyun Jong and tried to beat him to death, Hyun Jong would have to say, ‘Hehe. How can you stab someone to death with a needle? Use my sword,’ and release the Plum Blossom Sword.

But while everyone, even Dang So-so, was desperately watching Tang Gunak’s mood, Baek Cheon, the person involved, was looking straight at Tang Gunak with a face that said he couldn’t be bothered.

The air in the room was thick with tension. It felt like you could cut it with a knife. Every breath was held, every muscle tight.

“…Do you claim to know better because you have *lived* through it?” Tang Gunak’s voice was low, almost a growl.

Baek Cheon met his gaze directly. “Yes, Family Head. I do.”

“Haa…”

“Hoo.”

“Kkeueung.”

At the same time, sighs of relief erupted from all directions.

Hae Yeon chanted the Buddha’s name repeatedly, sincerely grateful that hell had not unfolded in the world. Perhaps Tang Gunak looked like the Bodhisattva of Compassion in his eyes now.

And Baek Cheon, who must have looked almost like Asura in his eyes, opened his mouth.

“I am not ignoring the Sichuan Tang Family. I guarantee that the Mount Hua Sect is the place that recognizes the Sichuan Tang Family the most in the world.”

“That’s…”

Before Tang Gunak could finish speaking, Hyun Jong’s voice interjected quietly and quickly.

“Please be advised that all statements made by the Deputy Sect Leader are personal opinions and may differ from the official position of the Mount Hua Sect.”

Tang Gunak, who was once again at a loss for words, blankly looked at Hyun Jong.

Hyun Jong only stared out the distant window as if his neck was crooked, not making eye contact with Tang Gunak.

“…Yes. That’s… right. Deputy Sect Leader.”

Tang Gunak thought.

If Mount Hua were to burn again someday, it might not be the work of the Demonic Sect, but his own.

Baek Cheon continued.

“It is not I who underestimates the Tang Family’s abilities, but rather the Family Head himself.”

“…Me?”

Doubt crossed Tang Gunak’s eyes. Baek Cheon looked at him and answered firmly.

“Yes. So-so’s words are not wrong. The Tang Family can exert great power even with a small number, and we can fight twice as hard when they are behind us.”

“Hmm…”

“If So-so’s proposal does not fit the Tang Family’s methods, it is natural to reject it. But it is difficult for us to accept that it cannot be accepted because So-so’s words are wrong. That is…”

Baek Cheon’s gaze turned to Dang So-so and Dang Pae.

“…because it is an insult to those who protected our lives in that hellish place.”

The Five Swords nodded in unison. And they stared at Tang Gunak with a gaze that could be seen as a bit provocative.

Tang Gunak looked into their eyes. He felt a sudden heat rise in his chest. It wasn’t pride, or even respect. No, this was something darker, hotter. Anger. And something close to hatred, sharp and unexpected.

If he were an ordinary person, he would have flared up and poured that anger out on them without thinking. But fortunately, Tang Gunak was no ordinary person.

Instead of getting angry, he was momentarily bewildered by the emotion that had swept over him. He questioned it.

Is this something to be so angry about? To the point where murderous intent arises momentarily?

And soon he figured out the cause of his emotions.

This is not an emotion that arose because they ‘opposed’ him. It is an emotion that arose because ‘they’ opposed him.

To put it simply…

‘They are no longer children.’

If a baby wolf clings to the leg of a large wolf, the large wolf licks the baby wolf or bites it lightly enough not to hurt it to discipline it.

But if a wolf that is no longer a baby bites its leg, then a fight breaks out that ends only when one of them yields.

People are no different.

There have been frequent arguments with them before. However, the reason why his emotions are so different this time is evidence that he is now accepting them as equal beings.

“Deputy Sect Leader.”

“Yes.”

“Is the Deputy Sect Leader’s statement now to commend the hard work of your disciple? Or…”

“No.”

Baek Cheon shook his head without even listening to the rest of the words.

“I am not stepping forward as a martial uncle. I am stepping forward as a martial artist. Dang So-so, and the Young Lord Dang, are martial artists who I must respect. Not because of their status, but because of their ability.”

The Five Swords, and even Chung Myung, nodded as if it were natural. At the same time, Dang So-so’s eyes turned red.

Tang Gunak quietly watched this scene with his own eyes. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly. Those whom he recognized at the same level were acknowledging his daughter and son.

That means…

“I will ask one last time.”

“Yes.”

“As the one who has experienced the most battles within the Heavenly Union, as the one who has overcome the adversities from Hainan to this place, and as the Deputy Sect Leader of Mount Hua, what do you think of their claims?”

“Do you see a reason why the Tang Family should choose that path?”

Baek Cheon’s eyes became a little clearer and sharper.

“It is not for me to dare to discuss the affairs of the Tang Family.”

“…Is that so?” Tang Gunak said as if muttering. Baek Cheon added.

“But if I were the Head of the Sichuan Tang Family, I would not ignore the experience and opinions of the one who will lead the Tang Family in the future.”

He asked with Dang So-so in mind, but the answer came back with Dang Pae at the forefront. But it doesn’t matter. Dang So-so and Dang Pae have both gathered their opinions.

Tang Gunak’s expression was heavy. Everyone was silently watching and waiting for his decision.

Tang Gunak’s gaze briefly turned to Chung Myung.

He is talkative, noisy, and likes to step forward anytime, anywhere.

He hadn’t said anything since this conversation started. He was just watching with his arms crossed. Behind the Five Swords.

Tang Gunak gave a slightly awkward smile.

“Then I…”

“Ack!”

Jo Gul screamed and jumped. Again, a needle was stuck in the tip of his finger. Yoon Jong said without giving him a glance.

“Stop exaggerating. You’re the type who wouldn’t even groan if a knife pierced your stomach.”

“Ugh. This and that are different kinds of pain, you know?”

“…I’ll never be able to win against Danggamun.”

“Pardon?”

“Never mind.”

Yoon Jong shook his head.

In the end, Tang Gunak decided to accept Dang So-so’s suggestion.

Tang Gunak agreed, but with one rule: they would try it until just before the war. If it didn’t work, they would stop immediately. But really, this meant he agreed.

“Honestly, isn’t this absurd?” Jo Gul asked, looking dumbfounded at Yoon Jong.

Jo Gul was confused. “Dividing the clan means the Clan Lord can’t give orders to everyone directly. We’d be following orders from other groups!”

“That’s about right.”

“Could you make such a decision, Senior Brother?”

“Is that such a big deal?”

“It is a big deal! Can you die according to the orders of the Ice Palace Lord?”

“The Ice Palace Lord is a wonderful person, so of course I would follow her orders…”

“What about General Manager Han?”

Yoon Jong shut his mouth, his eyebrows twitching.

“No, what if it’s not General Manager Han, but one of the heads of the Ice Palace?”

“Ugh.”

Yoon Jong sighed.

“Alright. You’re right. It’s definitely something unimaginable with the previous methods.”

“Right?”

“‘Isn’t that why the Clan Lord is so great?’ Yoon Jong asked. ‘He agreed to this plan without question!'”

“…Is there a possibility it could be withdrawn even now?”

“You’re not saying that because you don’t want to sew, are you?”

Seeing him hesitate, Yoon Jong knew he was right.

“Don’t be lazy and work diligently. Remember what So-so said about dragging those who can’t do it properly to the Swift Physician Unit?”

“…What did she eat to grow up so heartless?”

“Poison.”

“Ah…”

Jo Gul grumbled under his breath. Meanwhile, this new training was all thanks to the ‘Swift Physician Unit’.

This was a separate group in the Heavenly Union. It was started because of Dang So-so and Dang Pae’s ideas.

Right now, Dang So-so was teaching the Dang Clan warriors (except for the elders). She was also teaching the Dang Clan daughters medicine and divine techniques. She was busier than ever.

Officially, the head of the Swift Physician Unit was the young Clan Lord, Dang Pae. Tang Gunak was the real head. But Dang So-so was really in charge, just like she was at Mount Hua.

Jo Gul was still upset.

“No, everything turned out as I said, so why are they making us do this!”

“Haven’t I said it ten times already? No matter how many doctors are behind you, there’s a world of difference between a fighter knowing how to do simple first aid and not knowing. If you can do just that, you can save three out of ten people.”

“Ugh…”

Jo Gul scratched his head.

He couldn’t win with logic, so he had to do it even if he didn’t want to. It didn’t suit him at all.

“Seriously!” Jo Gul groaned, throwing his needle down. “What’s so fun about this for you, Uncle-Master?”

Yoon Jong looked up, a small smile playing on his lips. “…It is surprisingly addictive, Jo Gul, once you get into it.”

“Addictive?” Jo Gul scoffed. “What a great *lady* you’ve become, really!”

They were in a large training hall, usually used for sword practice. Now, long tables were set up, covered with cloth, needles, and thread. Sunlight streamed in through the high windows, lighting up the dust motes dancing in the air.

Across the room, Baek Cheon was indeed in his element. He was like a fish in water, completely focused. Warriors around him watched in awe.

“Wow…” one whispered. “Look at this. The spacing is really no more than a hair’s breadth apart.”

“And look how dense it is!” another exclaimed. “It’ll even filter rainwater.”

“Uncle-Master Baek Cheon,” a younger warrior asked eagerly, “Can you embroider plum blossoms? Plum blossoms next!”

“This isn’t embroidery!” Baek Cheon said, but a hint of pride was in his voice.

Jo Gul just threw down his tattered cloth. It looked like a bird’s nest gone wrong. He pouted like a child. “Seriously, what good is this going to do us? We should just be good at wielding our swords!”

“Do this *if* you want to wield your sword well,” Yoon Jong said calmly.

“Huh?” Jo Gul blinked, confused.

Yoon Jong carefully unfolded the cloth he was working on and laid it flat on the table. His stitching, like Baek Cheon’s, was perfect – dense and even, stitch by stitch. “I’ve noticed something,” Yoon Jong continued, his voice thoughtful. “There’s a common thing among those who are struggling with this, those who are yelling they can’t do it.”

“…What common thing?” Jo Gul asked, leaning in slightly.

“Impatience. Violence. They are the ones who want to swing their swords wildly, without control, instead of following a set pattern.”

“Huh,” Jo Gul said again, starting to understand.

“Yes, that’s right. Guys like you,” Yoon Jong said, clicking his tongue lightly. “This is about patience before skill, Jo Gul. And the sword is no different. A sword that you can’t control, that just wants to swing fast and hard, is just a weapon of the Demonic Sect.”

“…” Jo Gul was silent for once, actually thinking.

“If you want to become truly stronger,” Yoon Jong finished, “you must learn to control your sword first. And maybe… start with a needle.”

“That’s right.”

Even Baek Cheon agreed with Yoon Jong.

“How can those who can’t even handle a needle properly handle a sword properly?”

“…”

“Whether it’s a sword or a needle, it must be perfect in the hands of a Mount Hua swordsman. So, everyone, stop grumbling and do your best. Because that will save your lives and mine.”

“Yes!”

“I will keep that in mind, Uncle-Master!”

Baek Cheon nodded and was about to look at the cloth again when he suddenly turned his gaze. There was something that caught his eye.

He jumped up and went to the next table. What caught his eye was a cloth that was almost like a rag. It was literally a mess.

“Whose is this?”

“…Uh, that’s…”

“Tell me the truth. Which guy sewed like this! I clearly told you to do it as meticulously as I do swordsmanship! Which one is it!”

“Uncle-Master. That is…”

“Don’t tell me straight…”

“T-That’s Chung Myung’s, Uncle-Master.”

“…”

Baek Cheon quietly looked down at the cloth, which looked like a child had scribbled on it, and returned to his seat without a word.

And he quietly started sewing again.

“How is it?”

“Aaaargh!”

Surprised, Tang Gunak flinched and stepped back.

He just asked how it was, but his cute and pretty… but sometimes even he, her father, found her difficult, his daughter, had a fit.

“Why don’t you listen! Why!”

“…”

“No, so what if they know more medicine! Have they ever been on the battlefield? Have they ever treated someone while knives are flying? Anyway, did they catch some disease where they’ll die if they don’t say something? They can’t keep their mouths shut!”

Still, they are the family’s older brothers and sisters, so isn’t ‘those guys’ and ‘mouths’ a bit much… Tang Gunak only thought that in his heart.

“It seems difficult.”

“It is difficult!”

Thump!

Dang So-so slammed the floor hard. Then, with eyes blazing, she shouted,

“But we have to do it!”

“…Hmm.”

“It’s not something we’re doing because it’s easy, but because we have to do it! Because being troubled now is better than crying in front of someone who is dying!”

Her words hung in the air, showing how serious she was. Tang Gunak smiled faintly as he looked at his motivated daughter.

“That’s my daughter.”

It was a statement as the Clan Lord and as a father.