Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 259

The monk attendant, who had been standing guard before the gates of Mount Hua, deeply clasped his hands together as soon as he spotted Hyebang.

Did you complete your task well, Master?

Hyebang nodded lightly.

Yes. Very well. Let us be off, then.

Yes.

The two left the mountain gate and began to walk down the steep slopes of Mount Hua.

How was Mount Hua?

Hyebang paused, saying ‘Amitabha,’ a Buddhist expression of contemplation. He seemed lost in thought.

I know not what to say.

The monk attendant, seeing his expression, asked again with questioning eyes, “Is there something even you find ambiguous, Master?”

Am I not but a man? How could I know all things clearly?

So, Mount Hua is really that strange? Even you can’t figure it out?

Hyebang smiled faintly. “Strange, you say… Perhaps. However, it is certainly different from what I had heard. The atmosphere flowing within the mountain, and the energy felt from each disciple, was not that of a declining sect.”

So, what people are saying about Mount Hua reviving isn’t so wrong after all.

It is and it isn’t.

It was a peculiar answer.

Hyebang paused for a moment before continuing. “It is true that Mount Hua’s momentum is greater than expected, but it will be a long road to recover its past glory. One could consider it almost impossible.”

May I ask why?

Hmm. Three main reasons.

He paused, as if organizing his thoughts, before opening his mouth. “Firstly, Mount Hua’s supreme martial arts have been lost. There is bound to be a difference in the flowing energy between those who have mastered supreme martial arts and those who have not. Yet, I did not sense the presence of supreme martial arts from Mount Hua’s elders.”

That is a critical matter.

It was a cruel, if truthful, statement, but the greatest condition for a famous clan was, without a doubt, martial prowess.

Supreme martial arts were the very foundation that allowed a famous clan to exist as such. But Mount Hua lacked that foundation.

“Secondly, since they lost the best martial arts and the leaders are not strong enough, it is difficult for those who follow to achieve greatness. Martial arts are completed through one’s own training, but the presence of a master to guide the direction of that training and lead one down the right path is absolutely necessary.”

The monk attendant slowly nodded.

“And thirdly, Mount Hua may be regaining its strength, but it seems it has not regained its strict discipline of the past. Without a clear order of who is in charge and strong rules in the sect, it will not be able to reclaim the status of the Plum Blossom Sword Sect that once aimed for the pinnacle of the world.”

Having finished speaking, Hyebang looked back at Mount Hua with a slightly regretful expression.

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t see a clear solution.

Then, Master.

Hmm?

Hyebang turned his head slightly to look at the monk attendant.

If Mount Hua could solve all those problems, could it revive as a famous clan again?

Solve the problems?

Yes. If they could recover the lost martial arts…

Even then, it would be difficult.

Hyebang quietly shook his head. “Even if Mount Hua were to recover those noble swords of the past, there would be no one left in Mount Hua who could understand and pass on those martial arts.”

Couldn’t a genius like you appear in Mount Hua?

“It is unlikely that there would be two geniuses like that fellow in one generation, and even if there were, it would be the same. How long would it take for that genius to understand all of Mount Hua’s martial arts and reach a level where they could pass it on to someone else? By then, Mount Hua would have already lost much.”

Ah…

The monk attendant lamented, as if saddened.

So, you mean Mount Hua can never regain its past glory.

“If a former master who had mastered Mount Hua’s martial arts were to suddenly appear, there might be a sliver of hope. But Mount Hua lost all those who should have carried on the spirit in the past bloodbath.”

It is truly a regrettable thing.

Amitabha.

Hyebang gazed at the empty sky and recited the Buddha’s name in a low voice.

“Rise and fall are beyond human control. Although the Shaolin are now enjoying unparalleled power, just as the moon rises when the sun sets, there will come a day when this power declines. There is nothing to regret or be disappointed about. Everything is ultimately within the Buddha’s law.”

Hyebang spoke in a calm, measured tone, like a teacher imparting wisdom, then shook his head as if it were futile.

Let’s go.

Yes, Master.

Hyebang, walking ahead of the monk attendant, glanced back at Mount Hua once more.

The atmosphere of Mount Hua was so unique that Hyebang had never seen anything like it before.

I wonder how far they could go if excellent martial arts were added to that atmosphere…

He shook his head.

Although they were in a situation where even one more sect was welcome, the probability of Mount Hua becoming that ‘one’ did not seem high.

Having cleanly erased Mount Hua from his mind, he slowly walked down the mountain.

After Hyebang left, a heavy silence filled the Sect Leader’s office. Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight that slanted through the high windows, illuminating the worn wooden table where the elders sat. The room, usually filled with the sounds of training, felt strangely still.

Seated at the head of the table, Hyun Jong fiddled with the golden invitation in his hand and muttered quietly.

The Great Martial Arts Assembly of the World…

Hyun Jong’s eyes were shadowed, and lines of worry etched his face. He closed his eyes, his brow furrowed as he wrestled with the decision.

So, Sect Leader, what do you think?

At Hyun Young’s question, he quietly closed his eyes and pondered for a while. His face clearly showed deep contemplation.

After a while, Hyun Jong finally opened his eyes and looked at the elders. “What do the elders think? Will participating in this Great Martial Arts Assembly of the World be a misfortune or a blessing for Mount Hua?”

Hyun Sang, who was also lost in thought, furrowed his brow.

I dare not guess.

Hmm.

It was truly a heavy matter.

All the famous sects of the world would gather at the Great Martial Arts Assembly of the World. And to hold a martial arts competition in such a place?

It means we will have our skills tested in front of all the famous sects of the world.

It was a great opportunity.

But at the same time, it was a great crisis. If we go there and are embarrassed, Mount Hua would never be able to recover its former status.

What do you think, Hyun Young?

Hyun Young pursed his lips slightly, a habit he had when he was worried. Even Hyun Young, usually so quick to speak his mind, seemed troubled.

Even the Yun generation were wearing cautious expressions.

Sect Leader.

Hyun Sang, who had been silent for a long time, opened his mouth first. “The fact that we received an invitation means that we are already being recognized by other sects, does it not?”

At that, Hyun Young, who was listening, frowned slightly.

The word ‘recognition’ is a bit much. ‘Interest’ is more appropriate.

Yes. That word is more accurate. In any case, is there any reason not to participate in such a situation?

Hmm, that’s right.

Hyun Jong nodded heavily. “Now, our Mount Hua must confidently declare its revival. The Great Martial Arts Assembly of the World would be a perfect venue for that.”

Hyun Jong nodded greatly at Hyun Sang’s words.

However, Hyun Young did not seem to agree with that statement.

I have a slightly different opinion.

He spoke in a cold tone. “There might be some pleasure in showing off. We might be able to puff up our shoulders and say that our Mount Hua has come this far.”

Hmm.

“But what would we gain from that? Now is not the time for Mount Hua to make a name for itself, but to focus on getting stronger inside Mount Hua, training our disciples and fixing our problems. Is there a need to participate in such a place and invite other sects to watch us closely and judge us?”

While speaking, Hyun Young glanced at Chung Myung.

His words trailed off, glancing at Chung Myung with a worried look. He hesitated, not wanting to directly criticize the youngest disciple in front of everyone.

Chung Myung’s fists clenched under the table, and a slight tremor ran through his body – not of fear, but of barely contained eagerness. His eyes burned with fierce determination.

Ahem. Opinions are divided. Speaking of which, Chung Myung, what do you think?

Chung Myung, having avoided Hyun Young’s gaze, answered with a slightly indifferent face. “I don’t think there’s any reason not to participate?”

Hmm?

Chung Myung shrugged. “If things go well, that’s good, and even if we are embarrassed…”

He raised his head and looked around at everyone. A growling voice came from his frowning lips.

Does Mount Hua have anything to lose?

At that direct question, everyone was silent, unable to answer, as if they were surprised by his words.

“A person who has nothing to lose has no fear. But when they start to have something, they become afraid. Afraid of losing what they now have.”

Chung Myung, lowering his voice slightly, said to Hyun Jong.

“Of course, Sect Leader, you may want to make a careful decision, but I think that sometimes you have to be bold.”

Are you saying that I am afraid of losing what I have now?

“Not exactly. I’m just asking. Why are you hesitating?”

“Why am I hesitating, you wonder…?”

Hyun Jong smiled faintly.

Then, he looked at Un Am with a determined look.

“Summon the disciples.”

“Yes!”

All the disciples of Mount Hua gathered again in the training grounds.

“What’s going on again?”

“Who knows?”

They were surprised by the sudden call. They whispered to each other and looked around, wondering what was happening.

“I heard someone visited. Is it because of that?”

“Maybe. Anyway, the Sect Leader must have something to say.”

“Shhh. They’re coming out!”

Three people walked out in front of the lined-up disciples of Mount Hua: Sect Leader Hyun Jong, and the two elders, Hyun Sang and Hyun Young.

Hyun Jong looked at everyone and slowly began to speak.

“Is everyone here?”

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

Hyun Jong nodded.

“A monk from Shaolin visited recently. He said that a Grand Martial Arts Tournament will be held on Mount Song soon.”

The disciples’ eyes widened in surprise.

Hyun Jong watched their reactions and continued.

“There will be a competition for the younger generation at the Grand Martial Arts Tournament. Anyone under thirty can join. Mount Hua will send fifteen people.”

Whispers broke out among the disciples. Some looked excited, nudging each other and pointing towards the front. Others seemed nervous, their eyes wide with worry.

Hyun Jong waited for them to quiet down before explaining more.

“The Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families, and all the important people of the Jianghu, will be there. Shaolin is hosting, so almost everyone will come. You must prove yourselves to all those people.”

He looked at the disciples. His eyes showed he cared about them and was also a little worried.

“Can you do it?”

The Yun-輩 disciples looked at the Baek-輩 and Cheong-輩 disciples.

Only those under thirty could join, so they were the ones who had to answer.

At that moment, Baek Cheon, their clear leader, stepped forward without a word. He stood tall and straight, his eyes calm as he answered.

“I will show the world that plum blossoms still bloom in Mount Hua.”

His voice was calm and simple, without anger or pride.

This made his words sound more true.

Hyun Jong smiled at Baek Cheon and nodded.

“Yes. That makes me feel better. Some of you may be worried, but don’t be. You may have heard, but we have the sword skills of the old Mount Hua again. If you learn the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Techniques of the Plum Blossom Sword Saint in time, no one will ignore you.”

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

The disciples’ eyes filled with excitement.

The Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Techniques of the Plum Blossom Sword Saint.

Everyone had heard the rumors, but hearing it from the Sect Leader made them even more excited.

“The tournament is at least six months away. You must train hard during those six months. I will take the fifteen who do the best to Mount Song. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

Hyun Jong nodded, looking pleased with the enthusiastic disciples.

“Hyun Sang.”

“Yes!”

“Make teaching the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Techniques more important than other fighting styles.”

“I will, Sect Leader.”

Hyun Jong nodded, looking proud.

He thought, *Heaven is allowing them to show off the sword of Mount Hua,* a thrill of hope mixed with a familiar worry in his heart. Could they really do it? Could they bring back the glory of Mount Hua?

The tournament was happening at the perfect time.

Like Chung Myung said, Mount Hua had nothing to lose. Just knowing that Mount Hua had the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Techniques again would change how the world saw them.

“Your shoulders are heavy. The elders and I will help you as much as we can, so do your best!”

“Yes!”

The Sect Leader spoke strongly, and the elders stood beside him. The first-generation disciples wished they could join, and the second and third-generation disciples were burning with excitement.

From afar, watching Hyun Jong and the elders, it looked like a scene of hope and unity.

“Then go and train!”

“Yes!”

Hyun Jong and the elders left.

The Yun-輩 disciples followed them out of the training grounds. But the Baek-輩 and Cheong-輩 disciples had to stay behind, standing there awkwardly.

Then Baek Cheon walked forward and pointed towards the Baekmae Hall.

“That way.”

The disciples’ eyes changed instantly.

The eyes that had been burning with excitement now looked like the tearful eyes of cows being led to slaughter.

“Hurry up.”

“Yes.”

They walked slowly to the back of the Baekmae Hall, to the most hidden spot, and looked at the person already sitting there.

Chung Myung was squatting and chewing on a candy stick. He frowned as he looked at the people in front of him.

It was like a neighborhood bully gathering the kids.

“You heard about the tournament from the Sect Leader, right?”

“Yeah.”

He spat out the stick and cracked his neck as he stood up.

“The Grand Martial Arts Tournament…”

His voice became cold.

The disciples trembled.

“The Sect Leader thinks it’s a good chance to do your best…”

Chung Myung shook his head.

“I think differently.”

His eyes were already wild, but now they were bloodshot.

“Experience? You can get that somewhere else. The tournament is not for getting experience. It’s for showing how strong we are! We will win this tournament, no matter what! And we will win by a lot!”

“Are there any of you who don’t know what those rotten Nine Great Sects bastards did to Mount Hua?”

“Uh, no.”

“I was wondering when I should break their heads, and now they’re setting up the stage themselves. In this tournament, we must win all the top prizes and let the world know Mount Hua is back. Are you all ready?”

“Of course!”

“Definitely!”

“Okay.”

Chung Myung nodded.

Baek Sang, who had been quiet, raised his hand slowly.

“Speak,”

Chung Myung said, his voice impatient.

“I’m just asking in case… I’m really just asking…”

He swallowed hard and spoke with difficulty.

“What happens if we lose to the other sects in that tournament?”

Everyone wanted to ask this question, but no one dared to. The surroundings went silent.

Chung Myung opened his mouth wide and smiled brightly, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. His voice dropped, becoming low and almost too soft to hear.

“Do you really… want to know?”

“N-No, I didn’t mean we were going to lose…”

“Really…?”

His voice was eerie.

Chung Myung’s head tilted to the side.

“Do you really want to know?”

No.

It’s better not to know, kid.

The Baek-輩 and Cheong-輩 disciples looked up at the sky.

The sky is really clear.