Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 234

Chung Myung’s head tilted to the side, like a curious bird looking at a worm. He blinked slowly.

Maeng So’s thick eyebrows furrowed, making deep lines on his forehead. He didn’t like that look. “I know this isn’t simple,” Maeng So said, his voice a low rumble, “but I need to say it again.”

*Not simple?* Chung Myung thought, a dry chuckle escaping his lips. *This is a disaster waiting to happen.* He almost groaned aloud. “Hee hee hee,” he managed, a nervous sound.

“It *has* to be Hwasan,” Maeng So repeated, his gaze steady.

“Uh…” Chung Myung shifted in his chair, the rough wood digging into his back. He needed to understand this. “Can I ask you something?” he said, tilting his head again.

Maeng So spread his large hands on the table. “Ask anything you want.”

“First of all… you know that things in Yunnan aren’t good, right?”

Maeng So chuckled.

“Do you think I’m blind? I have eyes, so of course, I know.”

“Then why haven’t you done anything until now?”

At Chung Myung’s question, Maeng So looked a little sulky.

“Well, I guess you think I was blocking trade between Yunnan and the Central Plains.”

“Uh… it’s not that…”

“No need to make excuses. It’s natural to think that. But…” Maeng So shook his head, looking a little sad.

“That’s not it. I didn’t block trade between Yunnan and the Central Plains. It was my ancestors’ decision. Even though I’m the Beast Palace Lord, I can’t just ignore what they wanted.”

“Hmm, I guess so.”

Authority isn’t just about power.

The Beast Palace is very old. Respect for past leaders is important there. Authority isn’t just about power. If the Beast Palace Lord goes against his ancestors, he loses respect. A leader without respect can’t lead the group well.

Yunnan is in a bad situation. If the Beast Palace weakens, who knows what could happen.

“Also, the people in Yunnan don’t like the Central Plains. If I force trade to start again, many people will speak out against it. I can’t do anything.”

“…Even though it’s about how they live?”

“People need more than just food. Sometimes, other things are more important.”

“Hmm.”

Chung Myung frowned, looking confused. Maeng So explained, as if he understood.

“The Central Plains has betrayed us, looked down on us, and called us barbarians for a long time. Even if we’re hungry, we can’t be the first to ask for help.”

“I think I understand.”

“If they had said sorry first, things might be different… But the government doesn’t care about Yunnan. And the Nine Great Sects, who should say sorry, don’t even come here. So what can I do?”

His words showed how frustrated he was.

“You’ve been through a lot.”

Maeng So sighed deeply at Chung Myung’s kind words.

“I’m not a king, but I need to feed the people of Yunnan. We don’t grow enough food here. So I have to buy it from somewhere. I’ve been trading with the Western Regions, but I can’t do that anymore.”

“Hmm.”

“That’s when you showed up.”

Chung Myung nodded.

“Ah, so that’s… No, wait.” Chung Myung’s eyes widened.

‘So that’s all it was?’

From the start, Maeng So had praised them as descendants of the Plum Blossom Sword Saint. He had laughed when they destroyed the pavilion…

Chung Myung had thought he was just a nice, simple fool.

“Wow… Palace Lord, you’re a scary person.”

“Don’t look at me like that.” Maeng So smiled bitterly.

“I didn’t plan anything big. People think I’m an idiot because of how I look and sound. If I looked more normal, you wouldn’t think that way.”

“That’s true. I was surprised.”

“Heh heh heh.”

Maeng So chuckled softly. His muscles twitched.

‘Who would think this man is so smart when they see him?’

Maybe Maeng So was using his appearance on purpose. Maeng So was the most unique person Chung Myung had met since he came back to life.

“Then, what about mentioning the Plum Blossom Sword Saint?”

“Ah. Don’t get the wrong idea. The Plum Blossom Sword Saint is a true hero of Yunnan. He helped Yunnan without wanting anything for himself.”

“…”

Well, let’s just say that.

Since Chung Myung was saying it, who could argue?

“But I praised you as descendants of the Plum Blossom Sword Saint on purpose.”

“You’re amazing.”

“I had to do it.”

Maeng So smiled bitterly.

“I needed someone who would agree. I needed a reason why the people of Yunnan wouldn’t be against trading with the Central Plains again. If it’s Hwasan, the descendants of the Plum Blossom Sword Saint, they might complain, but they won’t fight it.”

‘He’s a fox.’

Chung Myung had thought he was a bear, but he was a fox.

Chung Myung chuckled and nodded.

“I understand how things are.”

“So, I’m asking you.”

Maeng So bowed deeply to Chung Myung.

“I love the people of Yunnan. They are simple but honest. I can’t watch them starve. I’ve tried my best, but I can’t do it anymore. Please, help me. It will be good for you too.”

Chung Myung leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

He looked relaxed, and a happy smile spread across his face.

‘What a lucky break!’

He came to ask for help, and they were making it easy for him?

If they could control the tea trade in Yunnan, they would make a lot of money. Chung Myung imagined Hwasan covered in gold and grinned.

“Cough…”

“Huh?”

“Ah, nothing.”

Chung Myung covered his mouth, trying not to laugh. But Maeng So looked disappointed.

“Will it be hard?”

“Yes?”

Maeng So frowned.

“I know it’s not easy. I’ve heard Hwasan isn’t doing well. I know it must be hard to trade with those mean people in Sichuan watching you.”

The Beast Palace Lord thought this way because it was normal to think so.

Hwasan had only started growing quickly a few years ago. People in the Central Plains didn’t even know about it yet. So, people in Yunnan wouldn’t know either.

Chung Myung had shown his power by catching Muk Lin-hyeol, but strong disciples didn’t always mean the sect was rich.

So, the Beast Palace Lord thought Hwasan was poor and barely surviving.

Also, because of the problems in Sichuan, it would be hard for Hwasan to start the tea trade.

Of course…

Chung Myung squeezed his thighs to stop himself from laughing.

“Oh, it’s hard.”

“Hmm.”

Chung Myung clapped his hands together, a wide grin on his face. “Exactly! It’s amazing!” He continued excitedly, “Think about it! Mount Hua will become rich from the volcano! We even made friends with the Tang Family from Sichuan, a very powerful group, on our way here! And me? I made it so easy to bring tea from Yunnan. It’s like pushing carts on ice – so smooth! It was really hard work, you know!” He chuckled softly, pleased with himself.

A voice called out, “Senior Brother! Senior Brother!” Chung Myung beamed. “It’s true what they say – be kind, and good things happen! I helped that snake, and now I’m getting so many blessings!”

Maeng So looked confused. “Blessings? What blessings?”

Chung Myung waved his hand dismissively. “That’s for later, Senior Brother! I’ll be living like a king soon!”

Seeing Chung Myung’s excited face, Maeng So sighed heavily. “…If it’s too hard, then maybe it’s impossible. It’s a shame, but we can’t force it.”

Maeng So sounded truly disappointed.

Suddenly, Chung Myung jumped onto the table with a loud thump, startling everyone. He grabbed the Beast Palace Lord’s large hands with both of his own, holding them tightly.

Chung Myung looked at the Beast Palace Lord with an eager stare. The Beast Palace Lord was surprised and quickly pulled his hands back a little. But Chung Myung held on tight, like he had caught something very valuable – which, in a way, he had.

“Does it really matter if it’s difficult?” Chung Myung asked, his voice full of energy. “What truly matters is that Mount Hua and the Beast Palace are friends!”

The Beast Palace Lord raised an eyebrow. “Friends?”

“Yes! Real friends!” Chung Myung grinned widely. “Think about all the trouble you’ve been through! Those terrible Nine Great Sects! They are so unfair!”

Maeng So nodded quickly, agreeing. “That’s exactly right!”

The moment the words ‘terrible Nine Great Sects’ came out, Maeng So agreed without question.

“When you think about it, there’s no place that understands Yunnan’s situation as well as Mount Hua. Those bastards risked their lives to defeat the Demonic Sect, and they don’t even know gratitude!”

“Yes, that’s right! I know that feeling well! They’re the kind of people who don’t know what duty is!”

“We’re in the same boat, the same boat!”

“Yes. I didn’t think of Mount Hua as just anyone.”

“If we don’t help each other, who will? The Beast Palace and Mount Hua may not be blood-related, but we can call each other brothers. Brothers!”

“Huuuuh! Those are truly pleasing words!”

It was a moment when those abandoned by the Jianghu felt friendship, comforting each other’s wounds.

“So, don’t worry about anything. I’ll sell the tea even if I have to use all of Mount Hua’s strength.”

“Oh, to that extent…!”

A look of deep emotion was evident in Maeng So’s fierce eyes.

What? A scam?

Hey! Don’t say such things!

You shouldn’t call something good a scam. This is cooperation! Cooperation!

Chung Myung chuckled and shook Maeng So’s hand vigorously.

“So, don’t worry about anything. I’ll take care of it.”

“If you do that, Yunnan will consider Mount Hua its benefactor.”

“I don’t care about being a benefactor.”

“Huh?”

“I just need solid proof that we can work together.”

“Huh?”

Chung Myung shook his head. Finding writing tools in a corner of the room, he dashed over and brought them back.

“Keeuh. It’s good to go together with trust and faith, but if such a relationship is to continue, there must be evidence that can be clearly verified.”

“…Evidence?”

“Yes, yes. It’s nothing much. Just, well…” Chung Myung shrugged. “A small promise that you’ll give Mount Hua the exclusive rights to the tea trade for at least a hundred years.”

“……”

“A promise that no other merchant group can trade in Yunnan for those hundred years.”

“……”

“Well, it’s just that such a small story should be written down. If we even put the Palace Lord’s seal on it, who would dare doubt the relationship between Mount Hua and the Beast Palace!”

The Beast Palace Lord tilted his head.

“That… you’re quite proactive, aren’t you?”

“Ahem! Am I not a Taoist? How could I hesitate to help those in need?”

“……”

“……”

Maeng So, the Beast Palace Lord, felt that something was going seriously wrong, but for now, he had no other choice.

“So, if I hand over the exclusive rights, is that all?”

“Hehe. If there’s anything else you want, you can tell me separately.”

“I’ll ask just one thing before I write it down.”

“Yes?”

The Beast Palace Lord looked at Chung Myung with the utmost sincerity.

“The reason I’m saying this to you is because I’ve seen you as someone who is at least not evil. If you had killed Muk Lin-hyul and come out, I would never have brought this up.”

“……”

“So, promise me. No matter what benefits you take, you must resolve the hardships of the people of Yunnan.”

Chung Myung also looked back at the Beast Palace Lord with sincere eyes.

“I promise.”

No more words were needed.

“I understand.”

Hearing Chung Myung’s answer, the Beast Palace Lord picked up a brush from the table. It was a thick brush, worn smooth with use. He dipped it in ink from a small stone dish, the black liquid thick and shiny. Without hesitating, he began to write on a long roll of paper. The brush moved quickly and confidently across the paper, making a soft scratching sound. The words flowed from the brush in perfect lines, forming a contract that looked strong and unbreakable.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“No. This is enough.”

Chung Myung smiled and scanned the contract again.

“Shall I call my martial uncle? He’s currently acting as the sect leader.”

“No. I need your fingerprint.”

“Why do you trust me?”

“The name of the future greatest person under the heavens is heavier than that of the sect leader. Stamp it.”

“Keueung.”

Chung Myung smacked his lips and stamped his fingerprint on the contract.

Finally, the two people, each holding a copy of the contract, looked at each other with faces full of mixed emotions.

“Is it over now?”

“Yes. However… I have one personal request.”

“Yes?”

The Beast Palace Lord scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed expression.

“This is a rather embarrassing request.”

The Beast Palace Lord sighed and spoke with difficulty.

As his words ended, Chung Myung curled up the corners of his lips into a grin.

“Oh, don’t even mention such a thing as a request. Don’t worry! I’ll do it perfectly for you.”

Then, he chuckled triumphantly. Maeng So asked again with a worried voice.

“Are you sure it’ll be alright?”

“Why are you so worried! I’m Chung Myung! Chung Myung!” Chung Myung thumped his chest.

‘I don’t know if this is the right thing to do.’

Maeng So, watching him with a mixture of worry and unease, let out another heavy sigh.