Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 271

Important leaders from many different groups filled the grand hall. They sat in a wide circle, all their attention on Abbot Beopjeong, who sat in a raised, ornate chair at the head. A heavy silence hung in the air, making the large room feel even bigger and colder. The only sound was the soft rustle of robes as people shifted in their seats, their faces serious and expectant.

Abbot Beopjeong of Shaolin, sitting at the head of the hall, looked at everyone and slowly began to speak.

“Thank you all for accepting the invitation from our monastery. I know it must have been a long journey to get here.”

Beopjeong bowed his head, his hands together in a respectful gesture.

The leaders of each sect, after receiving the Shaolin Abbot’s greeting, exchanged friendly words with smiles.

“How could we not come when Shaolin calls? We should be thanking you for inviting us.”

Beopjeong briefly spoke a few words of prayer with a serious expression.

“The reason our monastery has called this Grand Martial Arts Assembly is that the different sects haven’t gathered together often enough in the last hundred years. The Demonic Sect hurt the martial arts world deeply in the past, and it has taken a long time to recover.”

The mention of the Demonic Sect made everyone serious.

Which of the sects gathered there had not suffered because of the Demonic Sect?

“However, a century has passed, and the martial arts world has regained its strength. But this has also led to some problems.”

At those words, several sect leaders cleared their throats quietly.

Like a cup that’s too full, problems were starting to spill over.

Conflicts between the sects, now that they were strong again, and their neighbors had become common. Having gained enough power, they were starting to want to take over other groups’ land.

They were still pretending to be friendly, so there were no big fights, but if things continued, a major problem would happen sooner or later.

“So, I hope that through this Grand Martial Arts Assembly, the sects can come together and build good relationships. Those gathered here have a big responsibility.”

He spoke gently, not like he was ordering them around.

“Of course, Abbot.”

That was why his authority was even more powerful. A warm and friendly atmosphere continued.

At that moment, a man quietly spoke up.

“I have a question for the Abbot.”

All eyes turned to one person.

He had a flushed face and a long, black beard. He looked like Guan Yu, the famous warrior from stories. It was Heo Do-jin, the leader of Wudang.

“If the Wudang Sect Leader has something to say, he should say it.”

“You are too kind.”

Heo Do-jin quietly looked at Beopjeong.

As the two most important leaders in the martial arts world faced each other, the atmosphere in the hall became heavy.

“Calling the sects together is a good idea. I thank the Abbot for doing something I could never have thought of.”

“How can the Wudang Sect Leader say that? I am embarrassed.”

“I am grateful for your kind words. However…”

His eyes, full of sharp light, stared right at Beopjeong.

“I don’t think the Abbot called such a big meeting just to strengthen ties. There must be another reason for gathering all the respected and powerful sects in one place…”

Seeing Heo Do-jin stop speaking, Beopjeong smiled slightly.

“Indeed, the Sect Leader sees things very clearly. I am not as insightful. Amitabha.”

“Then…?”

Beopjeong nodded seriously.

“I was going to talk about this after the meeting was over. But since we’re here, I will talk about it now.”

Beopjeong quietly chanted a Buddhist prayer twice. Those who saw his serious face couldn’t help but tense up.

“News has arrived that demonic figures have been seen in Daesan.”

“Demonic figures!”

“Daesan!”

Daesan. The Ten Thousand Great Mountains.

Heo Do-jin frowned and asked Beopjeong.

“Is this true?”

“The Beggars’ Sect has reported finding signs of demonic figures.”

“Hmm. This means that the remaining members of the Demonic Sect have started to move again.”

“Amitabha.”

Beopjeong chanted a Buddhist prayer again.

“As everyone here knows, the martial arts world has never completely destroyed the Demonic Sect. We only beheaded their leader and forced them to retreat.”

Hyun Jong, who had been quietly listening from one corner, closed his eyes.

‘Did they retreat?’

No. That was not true.

The Demonic Sect, having lost their leader, had attacked Mount Hua for revenge.

Their war might have ended in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, but the war of Mount Hua had not ended.

But that terrible battle on Mount Hua was not even mentioned in the history of the martial arts world.

Even those who knew the past were ignoring it, as if that bloody fight had never happened.

The Hyun Jong of the past could not have handled this conversation.

But he was different now.

‘Just as we are regaining our strength, we can also reclaim our past.’

Hyun Jong, clenching his fist, quietly listened to their conversation.

“To repeat, the Demonic Sect did not lose all their strength and retreat. They have been secretly planning their return. Everyone here should know this.”

“Hmm. That is correct, Abbot.”

“We cannot ignore this.”

Beopjeong looked at everyone with serious eyes and said.

“We haven’t found many signs of them yet. We have only seen a few demonic figures. But the fact that they have reappeared in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, which they had left, is important. Maybe they are preparing for another war.”

The atmosphere became heavy.

Demonic Sect.

Those who didn’t understand the weight of that name didn’t belong in this place.

“We need to prepare.”

Beopjeong nodded at Heo Do-jin’s words.

“However, this is still just a guess.”

“When it comes to the Demonic Sect, we shouldn’t ignore even guesses, should we?”

“That is why I have gathered everyone here.”

Beopjeong chanted a Buddhist prayer and spoke with serious eyes.

“Perhaps the time is coming when the martial arts world must unite again. So, I hope that you will put aside your personal problems and strengthen your friendships. We are all sects with different names, but we are all part of the martial arts world. Amitabha.”

Everyone quietly nodded at Beopjeong’s words.

But no one knew what they were really thinking.

Heo Do-jin also narrowed his eyes and looked at Beopjeong.

‘The return of the Demonic Sect.’

If it was true, it was very dangerous.

But no one here was naive enough to believe that this was all about worrying about the Demonic Sect.

‘He wants to take control again.’

He wanted to become the leader of the martial arts world again by using the excuse of the Demonic Sect’s return and showing his skills at the Grand Martial Arts Tournament.

‘Things won’t go your way, Great Master.’

Heo Do-jin’s eyes narrowed even more.

“From tomorrow, we will have the Grand Martial Arts Tournament. It’s a good chance to see each other’s progress and strengthen friendships.”

“That is correct, Abbot.”

“I hope this tournament will also help us build friendships. Amitabha.”

The sect leaders nodded with friendly faces.

But none of them thought the tournament was just for fun.

It was hard to know which sect was the best.

Unless they actually fought each other, they could only guess at each other’s skills.

So, the tournament, where even the younger disciples would participate, was a good way to test each other’s strength without a real war.

A master’s skill could be seen through the skill of their disciples.

The Grand Martial Arts Tournament would be an important event to decide who the most powerful groups were now.

‘The winning sect will become the most famous and respected group in the martial arts world for a while.’

Everyone’s eyes were full of desire.

Except for one person.

The next morning, the disciples of Mount Hua finished their preparations and gathered in front of their rooms. Hyun Jong stood in front and looked at the disciples.

“Indeed,” Hyun Jong said slowly. He sounded thoughtful. He cleared his throat loudly, the sound echoing in the quiet training hall.

“Is everything ready?” Hyun Jong asked.

“Yes, Sect Leader,” came the reply.

Baek Cheon stepped forward and bowed respectfully. Hyun Jong smiled, seeing Baek Cheon’s strong stance.

“I want to say a few words before the competition,” Hyun Jong began, his voice warm but clear. “This day is important for all of you.”

Everyone listened closely.

“Think about this,” Hyun Jong continued. “If you win today, will your life really change?”

The disciples looked at each other. Some frowned, some looked unsure. They shifted their feet, their confidence seeming to waver.

Seeing their faces, Hyun Jong spoke gently, “And if you lose? Will your life truly change then?”

Baek Cheon nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes.

Hyun Jong shook his head a little. “Winning and losing are not the main things today. Getting a good result is not the main thing. What truly matters is all the hard work you did to get ready for this. That effort is worth more than any win.”

Hyun Jong’s eyes were serious and kind. “I’m not saying winning is bad. Winning brings honor. But the training you’ve done has already given you something much better – real skill. I hope you will value skill more than just quick praise that fades away.”

“We understand, Sect Leader!” the disciples said together, voices stronger now.

“Good, good.” Hyun Jong nodded, pleased. “I don’t want to keep you waiting too long before your battles. Let’s go. Win or lose, you are my proud disciples, the proud disciples of Mount Hua. Never forget that.”

“Yes!” they answered with spirit.

Hyun Jong turned slightly. “Hyun Sang, Head of the Martial Hall, say a word.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.” Hyun Sang looked a little unsure, but then he faced the disciples. “Focus on showing everything you can do. If you lose after trying your hardest, you will learn and grow. But if you lose because you didn’t try, you will only feel bad afterwards.”

“We will remember that,” they replied.

“Ahem, that’s all from me, Sect Leader. Un-geom will speak now.” Hyun Sang seemed relieved to pass the task on.

Un-geom stepped forward quietly. As he did, the disciples’ faces changed. They looked at him with deep respect. Hyun Jong and Hyun Sang were elders, but Un-geom was their true teacher, the one who trained them every day.

Un-geom looked at them calmly. “You have trained hard. You know how to use your swords. Today, just trust in that training. Trust in yourselves. The skills you have learned will guide you.” He smiled slightly. “Believe in your sword, and believe in yourselves.”

Everyone nodded, feeling more confident after Un-geom’s words.

Suddenly, Hyun Young strode forward. “Right, let’s go!” he declared to the three elders.

“Huh?” Hyun Jong blinked, surprised.

Before anyone could react, Hyun Young grabbed Hyun Jong and Hyun Sang by their sleeves and started walking quickly towards the arena, pulling them along. “Un-geom, you too!” he called over his shoulder.

“Yes, Elder,” Un-geom replied, following with a small smile.

Hyun Sang stumbled, looking completely bewildered as he was dragged. “Wait, what about the disciples?” he managed to ask. “Aren’t we going with them?”

Hyun Young just kept walking, pulling them along. “They can follow. No need to all walk together, let’s go!”

“Huh? Huh?” Hyun Sang mumbled, tripping slightly.

As the elders, including the Sect Leader who was trying to keep his balance, were pulled away by the energetic Hyun Young, a figure emerged slowly from behind.

All eyes turned to the person who stepped out from the shadows. A few disciples shifted nervously. It was Chung Myung, of course. He strolled forward, a slight smirk already playing on his lips.

“So, everyone heard the Sect Leader,” Chung Myung said casually. “Uh… what was it again he said?” He tilted his head, pretending to think, then shrugged. “Ah, doesn’t matter.”

He looked over the group, his eyes sharp and assessing. Most of the disciples were clearly tense. Their shoulders were tight, their hands clenched at their sides. Some were breathing too quickly.

Chung Myung’s smirk widened. *Yep, just as I thought.* He knew they would be nervous. Except for the few who had trained directly with him, most of them had never fought in front of so many people from other sects. Even at their own sect meetings, they sometimes messed up their moves.

“Anyone here actually think they might win?” Chung Myung asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

The Mount Hua disciples avoided each other’s eyes.

“Really? No one?” Chung Myung raised an eyebrow.

*It’s obvious you’re going to win everything,* they thought glumly. *How can we even hope to compete with you?* Their faces fell.

Chung Myung continued, completely unfazed. “Well, why are you all so jumpy then? It’s not like any of *you* are going to win anyway.”

“Hey!” one of the disciples protested, but without much force.

“Relax, relax,” Chung Myung waved a hand dismissively. “No need to relax. Stay nervous. It doesn’t matter.”

“Huh?” They looked confused.

Chung Myung grinned, showing his teeth. “Because I’ve made you so good, you can’t lose even if you *are* nervous. Seriously, try to lose. It’s actually hard to lose at this point.”

A few disciples chuckled, a little disbelievingly, but also with a flicker of hope. They knew Chung Myung wasn’t just boasting. They had all felt the brutal intensity of his training.

“See all those people waiting?” Chung Myung pointed towards the distant arena. Baek Cheon nodded for everyone. “Yes.”

“Let’s go show them what we can do.” Chung Myung’s voice was low and serious now.

“Let’s make them remember Mount Hua.”

Those words struck deep into the hearts of the Mount Hua disciples. They stood taller, their nervousness replaced by a burning determination. Their eyes shone with new resolve.

“Let’s go!” Chung Myung said, starting to walk forward. “Let’s take back our place as the greatest sword sect!”

This time, there was no silence. A low murmur of agreement rippled through the group. Behind Chung Myung, who was now striding purposefully ahead, the disciples of Mount Hua followed, their steps firm and united.

Even Chung Myung’s usual carefree smirk was gone. His face was set, his eyes focused. A deep, long-held purpose burned in his gaze.

*They’ve forgotten, haven’t they?* he thought fiercely. *Forgotten Mount Hua?*

*Fine. I’ll make them remember. I’ll carve the name of Mount Hua into their minds so they never forget. They’ll remember what Mount Hua truly is.*

Chung Myung glanced back at Baek Cheon and the others, then looked up at the sky for a moment.

*It’s… a bit different this time, isn’t it?* he thought, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. *But it’ll be fine. It has to be.*

*Too different, you little rascal!* a voice seemed to grumble in his head.

*Ah, shut up!* Chung Myung thought back irritably. *Come back to life yourself if you’re so bothered!*