Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 278

Jin Geum-ryong’s face was frozen and cold.

Maybe because he looked thinner than at the Hwajong Assembly, Jin Geum-ryong seemed utterly cold.

His usually relaxed face was now frozen, like ice. His slow walk was now fast and sharp.

He moved like a sharp blade. His whole body showed a dangerous power.

Baek Cheon looked at Jin Geum-ryong. He felt mixed feelings.

His brother.

And the one who was once his goal.

Jin Geum-ryong had once been an insurmountable wall for him, a goal he had to overcome someday.

But in just three years, their relationship had changed so much.

Step. Step.

Jin Geum-ryong walked onto the stage. He looked at Baek Cheon, then looked past him to Chung Myung.

The fighter already on stage was waiting. He looked unhappy and spoke sharply.

But even after hearing those words, Jin Geum-ryong did not turn his eyes away. He glared at Chung Myung with eyes seething with cold heat.

“Hey! Jin Geum….”

Jin Geum-ryong retorted coldly without even turning his head.

“Don’t bother me, kid.”

“…What?” Wang Sang-bo from Cheongseong was called a ‘little rascal’. He glared angrily at Jin Geum-ryong.

“You are full of arrogance! I will have to see if you can say that again after facing my sword.”

Only then did Jin Geum-ryong’s gaze turn to his opponent.

Then, he twisted his lips and smiled.

It was a terribly eerie smile.

Wang Sang-bo, who felt goosebumps all over his body at that moment, took a step back without realizing it.

Jin Geum-ryong’s lips parted.

“Go ahead and see.”

“Th….”

“Don’t worry. I will deal with you properly. Because I know.”

Jin Geum-ryong’s gaze turned back to Chung Myung.

His lips curled up even more as he saw Chung Myung nonchalantly picking up a mooncake.

“I have to win against you and go up… I have to win against all the guys I meet and go up, so I can meet that devilish bastard again.”

Wang Sang-bo, pressed by Jin Geum-ryong’s cold and chilling aura, could not answer and tightly gripped the sword in his hand.

Gongchao felt the atmosphere on stage was strange. He frowned a little.

‘How can a disciple of Jongnam have such a strong murderous aura?’

It felt like the deadly anger from assassins in black clothes.

Gongchao tried to ignore the slightly rising anxiety. In any case, he could not stop the sparring for such a reason.

“Begin!” Instead, after giving the signal, he did not retreat as before but maintained a suitable distance, so that he could jump straight onto the sparring stage in case of an emergency.

The crowd grew silent, waiting for the fight to start.

Jin Geum-ryong looked thinner than Baek Cheon remembered. His cheeks were hollow, and his eyes seemed too big for his face.

Jin Geum-ryong slowly drew his sword.

Screeeech. The sound of his sword being drawn was like nails scratching on stone, making everyone’s ears prick up.

Wang Sang-bo’s shoulders shrank a little more at the unsettling feeling.

“Danya!” The warriors of Cheongseong, feeling that Wang Sang-bo’s condition was not normal, shouted words of encouragement.

Only then did Wang Sang-bo nod slightly and take a stance.

Body and mind are connected. As he took his usual sword stance, his worried mind started to calm down.

‘There’s nothing to be afraid of.’

The opponent is Jin Geum-ryong of Jongnam, but it has already been two years since he made his name.

People haven’t heard much about him since Mount Hua’s Divine Dragon beat him, right?

‘Two years is enough time to shake the world.’

Being famous two years ago means nothing now. Skill today is what matters.

He tried to push away and ignore the eerie feeling that kept creeping in.

Finally, he also drew his sword and aimed it at Jin Geum-ryong.

“I will learn a thing or two….”

Jin Geum-ryong lowered his sword.

“You will learn nothing from me. You won’t even understand *why* you are losing.”

Wang Sang-bo’s face became hard. He focused his inner power. Talking to this man was pointless.

It was the moment he was about to rush towards Jin Geum-ryong.

“Have you ever seen a sea of flower petals?”

“⋯⋯.”

What is he talking about?

Wang Sang-bo frowned. No matter how he looked at it, this guy was not normal….

“I’ll show you.”

Jin Geum-ryong raised his sword and aimed it at Wang Sang-bo.

Flutter flutter.

At the same time, the tip of Jin Geum-ryong’s sword began to sway and flutter.

‘Flower petals?’

At that moment, Wang Sang-bo saw it.

He saw pure white flower petals blooming from the tip of Jin Geum-ryong’s sword.

One, two flowers bloomed and floated into the air.

‘Sword energy? Jongnam has such a sword technique…?’

But there was no time to think further.

Because the blooming flower petals flew towards Wang Sang-bo all at once with a fierce gale.

“Ugh!” Wang Sang-bo swallowed a dry breath without realizing it.

In an instant, his eyes were completely covered with pure white flower petals. As he panicked and tried to step back, his back was already full of white flower petals.

Front, back, left, and right.

There were flower petals everywhere he looked. It was as if the world was filled with flower petals.

‘Ah, no!’

Wang Sang-bo, realizing that he would not even be able to try anything if he continued like this, gritted his teeth and swung his sword at the vortex of flower petals in front of him.

One.

Clang!

The flower petals looked soft and light, but they hit his sword like steel.

Wang Sang-bo’s eyes widened in shock.

‘H, how….’

At that moment.

Wham!

The sword energy, shaped like white flower petals, cut into Wang Sang-bo’s body.

“Aaaaargh!” A miserable scream rang out.

“Get away!” A gust of wind, flying from somewhere with a loud shout, blew away the flower petals that were attacking Wang Sang-bo.

“Ugh….” Wang Sang-bo staggered a couple of times with unfocused eyes and then collapsed to the floor.

Plop!

His blue martial arts uniform was instantly stained with bright red blood.

“Th….”

Gongchao, who had rushed onto the stage, glared at Jin Geum-ryong with anger in his eyes. But the reprimand was for later.

First of all, it was a priority to examine the details of the injured.

“Hmm….” Gongchao, who examined Wang Sang-bo’s condition, bit his lip slightly.

Jin Geum-ryong, who was watching the scene, smiled coldly.

“Isn’t it unnecessary to be so angry over a mere flesh wound?”

Gongchao glared at Jin Geum-ryong with eyes full of anger.

Jin Geum-ryong’s murderous intent was real. And the ruthlessness of not showing mercy to his opponent, even in a sparring match, was also real.

But as he said, Wang Sang-bo had only suffered a series of lightly cut wounds.

But this wasn’t enough reason to stop Jin Geum-ryong from fighting.

“Is Jongnam trying to become cruel and unfair?”

“Why talk about being cruel just to beat a ‘little rascal’? I’m just fighting my best.”

Gongchao bit his lip tightly. Jin Geum-ryong slightly twisted his lips and asked leisurely.

“The result?”

“⋯⋯This match is a victory for Jin Geum-ryong of Jongnam.”

As the declaration was made, a huge cheer poured onto the stage.

Gongchao’s brow furrowed.

But there was no point in blaming the cheering crowd. Because they would not be able to see it from there: Jin Geum-ryong’s ruthlessness and the cruelty contained in his technique.

To those watching from afar, only the result that Jin Geum-ryong had instantly defeated Wang Sang-bo with an exceptionally brilliant sword would be visible.

Jin Geum-ryong, who was listening to the pouring cheers with a calm expression, slowly turned his head. Of course, Chung Myung was where his gaze reached.

An invisible pressure seemed to push out from Jin Geum-ryong. People near the stage unconsciously took a step back.

Receiving that gaze full of hatred and malice, Chung Myung shrugged his shoulders and chuckled.

Yoon Jong, who was next to him, said.

“Looks like he’s looking at you?”

“It seems so.”

“Jin Geum-ryong looks much stronger than he did at the Hwajong Tournament, don’t you think?”

“Maybe a little.”

“Doesn’t it worry you at all?”

Chung Myung pointed at himself, a questioning look on his face. “Me? Worry?”

Yoon Jong just shook his head, knowing better than to push it.

Yoon Jong shook his head. *Worry about Jin Geum-ryong?* That was funny. Chung Myung wouldn’t even blink if the leader of the Jongnam Sect himself walked in. He just didn’t care.

Chung Myung grabbed a mooncake from the table. He threw it high in the air and caught it in his mouth with a snap.

*Crunch.* The sweet filling burst in his mouth. He chewed happily, a small chuckle escaping him.

*‘That Jin Geum-ryong has completely lost it.’*

Jin Geum-ryong’s sword moved like lightning, flashing and cutting the air. He looked twice as strong as before, maybe even more. *At least, that’s how it seemed.*

*But it was all show.*

Chung Myung knew the real Jongnam sword was different. It wasn’t about being flashy or sharp.

The true Jongnam sword was like a strong tree, always straight and true. It followed the right way, not just the easiest way.

Jin Geum-ryong was trying to copy the *outside* of Mount Hua’s sword style, like wearing a mask. He might look strong, but he was missing the heart of it.

By forgetting what Jongnam martial arts truly meant, Jongnam was losing its way. It would become weaker and weaker, until it couldn’t even be called a great clan anymore.

The trouble Chung Myung had caused for Jongnam was working faster than he thought. It was like a poison he’d given them, and it was spreading quickly.

*‘It feels a little… strange.’*

He quickly pushed that feeling away. Jongnam deserved everything they got, especially after what they did to Mount Hua. He should be happy to see them suffer.

But watching Jongnam fall apart so quickly, even Chung Myung felt a tiny bit… bad.

*A voice in his head seemed to shout,* “What conscience do *you* have, you rascal!”

Chung Myung suddenly said out loud, “Hey! I didn’t call for you!”

“Huh?” Yoon Jong looked confused.

“Nothing,” Chung Myung said, waving his hand as if brushing away a fly. “Just talking to myself.”

Jin Geum-ryong walked off the stage, looking tired but proud.

“He’s trying hard, I’ll give him that,” Chung Myung said, a smirk playing on his lips.

He turned to Baek Cheon. “But at this rate? He couldn’t even beat Dong-ryong.”

Baek Cheon’s face went pale. “Don’t even say that name.”

Chung Myung grinned wider. “Dong-ryong, Dong-ryong…”

Baek Cheon jumped up, grabbing Chung Myung’s head between his hands and gently squeezing his temples.

“Hey! You little rascal! Hey!”

“Aaaah! Dong-ryong is going to get me! Help! Aaaargh!” Chung Myung yelled dramatically.

Baek Cheon groaned.

*Telling this kid his childhood name was one of the worst things he’d ever done.*

Chung Myung wriggled free and glared at Baek Cheon.

“You’re ashamed of the name your parents gave you!” he accused.

“Please,” Baek Cheon begged, his voice tired. “Just… please be quiet.” He sighed like the world was ending.

Tang Soso focused, her eyes narrowed. Suddenly, she yelled, “HEAD!”

*CRASH!*

The other fighter crumpled to the ground, not moving.

Tang Soso quickly looked at the judge, a little embarrassed.

Gongcho, the judge, stammered, “T-The match… is won by Tang Soso! Tang Soso of Mount Hua is the winner!”

The crowd roared, “Woooaaah!”

“Mount Hua wins again!”

Nearby, a spectator whispered to his friend, “Did she just shout ‘Head’ before she hit him?”

“No way,” his friend replied, shaking his head. “You must have imagined it. A proper martial arts student wouldn’t shout something like that, would they?”

“Maybe not…”

“Wow, those Mount Hua women are incredible, aren’t they? Yoo Iseol just completely destroyed her opponent.”

“Yeah,” the other spectator agreed, a little nervously. “She’s… the fiercest fighter from Mount Hua, isn’t she?”

“Definitely!”

Tang Soso bounced down from the stage, full of energy. She stopped in front of Yoo Iseol and bowed deeply.

“Teacher! I won!”

Yoo Iseol nodded, her face still calm. “Good. Sit.”

“Yes!” Tang Soso quickly sat beside her.

Yoo Iseol’s eyes were still on the stage, but she spoke to Tang Soso. “You left your side open.”

“Yes, Teacher!”

“When you step left, your waist is unprotected. Remember that.”

“Yes! I will, Teacher!”

“Your older brothers are stronger than you,” Yoo Iseol continued. “You are here because you can become even better. If you lose early, they will be… disappointed. Fight hard and win.”

“I will win, even if it kills me!” Tang Soso declared fiercely.

Baek Cheon watched Tang Soso and Yoo Iseol, a small smile on his face. *They were taking this very seriously.* He almost wanted to tell them to relax a little, but… he stopped himself.

*They really were amazing.*

Tang Soso might be the least experienced of the Mount Hua fighters here. There were others back at the sect who were stronger.

But this tournament wasn’t just about being the strongest right now.

If it was only about strength, they wouldn’t have chosen Yoon Jong, Jo Gul, or the rest of the younger students. Even the older students who hadn’t trained as hard were still more powerful.

But the leaders chose the younger group because this was about learning and growing.

Tang Soso, coming from a rich family, had trained hard and used special medicines to improve quickly. In just half a year, she had become very skilled for her age. They needed her here to gain experience.

That’s why their leader, Hyun Jong, had carefully decided to include Tang Soso on the team.

*And she was proving him right. She was doing great.* She had won, even if it was a tough fight and she had been lucky with her opponents. Victory was victory.

“Teacher! When I do the footwork, it feels a bit clumsy. Am I doing it wrong?”

“You’re sliding your feet, not stepping,” Yoo Iseol explained patiently. “Imagine there’s nothing under your feet. Step like you’re walking on air.”

“Ah! I understand!”

Baek Cheon smiled slightly as he watched Tang Soso stick close to Yoo Iseol and ask her questions.

It’s a good thing.

Thanks to Tang Soso’s natural way of talking to her, Yoo Iseol also felt a little softer than in the past.

This was how a sect should be, with each influencing the other for the better.

So⋯⋯.

“I’m hungry! When are we going to eat?”

“⋯⋯.”

Ah.

Except for that rascal.

The second day of the Martial Arts Tournament felt different. The fights were tougher, more serious than the day before. The strongest fighters from each group, who had been waiting to see what would happen, were now stepping into the ring.

Namgoong Dohwi, known as the “Sharp Sword” of the Namgoong Clan, fought with incredible speed.

Jin Geum-ryong of Jongnam won his match too.

Jin Hyun from Wudang also showed his skill, and Peng Cheol-seong, called “Dragon Saber” from the Hebei Peng Clan, fought powerfully.

But even in these tough battles, every fighter from Mount Hua won. They hadn’t lost a single match.

“Are we… are we really going to make it to the next round, all of us?” Jo Gul asked, surprised.

Yoon Jong chuckled. “Usually, people say, ‘Are we going to win the whole tournament like this?’”

“Nah,” Jo Gul said, shaking his head. “That rascal will win the tournament anyway.”

Yoon Jong looked over at Chung Myung and nodded. “That’s for sure.”

No one at the level of these younger fighters could beat Chung Myung. Not even the so-called “Five Dragons” from other famous clans. It was impossible to imagine.

“But we can’t get too confident,” Baek Cheon said, his voice serious.

“We are still the underdogs here. We can’t be sure we’ll keep winning like this. Tomorrow, things might get harder. Everyone, stay focused.”

“Yes, Teacher!” they all replied.

Baek Cheon nodded, pleased with their response.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

Someone was at the door of their pavilion.

Baek Cheon stood up.

“Older Brother, I’ll…” Yoon Jong started to say.

“No, I’ll go,” Baek Cheon interrupted.

He walked quickly to the door and pulled it open.

“Who is…” Baek Cheon stopped, his mouth hanging open.

Two men stood there.

One was Jin Geum-ryong.

And the other…

“…Father?” Baek Cheon whispered, his voice barely audible.

It was Jin Cho-baek, a senior member of Jongnam and Jin Geum-ryong’s father. Jin Cho-baek’s eyes were dark and tired as he stared at Baek Cheon.

He spoke quietly, his voice low. “Can we talk?”

Baek Cheon bit his lip, feeling a knot of worry in his stomach.

“Yes,” he said.