Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 288

Alright, alright! Hurry and place your bets! No bets will be accepted once the match begins! This is your last chance!

Wi Rip-san shouted to be heard.

The crowd was very loud. People waved money at the betting table.

Hey! Why aren’t you taking my money? I’m betting on Jong Seo-han!

I’ll bet a hundred *nyang* (coins) on Baek Cheon!

Get out of the way! I’ll bet five hundred nyang on Jong Seo-han!

Five hundred nyang? Get out of here! This is for big money! Hey! I’ll bet a thousand nyang on Jong Seo-han! A thousand nyang!

Fifty nyang! Fifty nyang!

What’s with the fifty nyang? Go buy some candy!

Quiet, you rich bastards! I have the right to bet too! What kind of gambling is this for you rich folks!

Hey, owner! Where are the tickets?!

People rushed in like madmen, shaking the money in their hands.

So-haeng, quickly collect the money and hand out the tickets! Don’t forget to stamp them!

Yes, Father!

And just in case, record the personal details of those who bet! The tickets might get stolen.

Yes!

Wi So-haeng and the lay disciples of the Hwayeong Gate rushed to take the money from those who were running in, recording the amounts and personal details in a ledger. They were all sweating because of the chaotic situation.

Hurry! Hurry up! The martial arts competition will start soon!

Hey, you bastard, what are you doing cutting in line! Are you trying to get hurt?

Ah, I told you not to push! Don’t push!

The excited gamblers pushed and shoved, their faces red and sweaty. The air smelled of dust and excitement as they yelled and waved their money.

Someone watched the commotion with a satisfied smile.

What do you think?

Hyun Young looked at the betting table with Baek Sang and smiled brightly.

This is how you make money. What do you think?

Baek Sang frowned, his eyebrows pulled together. He looked around at the shouting crowd and the piles of money. *Is this really right for Hwasan?* he wondered. He couldn’t shake off a strange feeling of discomfort.

Um… Elder.

Hmm?

Is this alright? Hwasan is a Taoist sect, in a Taoist sect…

Do Taoists not eat?

Yes?

Hyun Young said calmly.

Money doesn’t fall from the sky just because you’re holed up in the mountains training in Taoism. From now on, you have to feed the good-for-nothings who can’t do anything but swing swords. If you’re picky about easy jobs, noble jobs, or jobs you want to do, you’ll soon be peeling tree bark to survive.

It was a heartfelt statement born from experience.

However you earn it, money is just money! As long as it doesn’t harm people or involve illegal activities, it’s always better to earn even a penny more!

Baek Sang sweated as he looked at Hyun Young, whose eyes were wide with passion.

The Elder seems to have changed more than I thought.

This must be because of that rascal, definitely!

So, you’re saying we need money to train in Taoism?

Of course. Why is Shaolin the greatest sect under heaven?

Their martial arts…

Because they have a lot of money!

Hyun Young said with bloodshot eyes.

Other places have martial artists who have reached a certain level act as bodyguards or solve requests to earn a penny, right? But Shaolin can just open its doors and money piles up in the donation box, so they can train without any worries! That’s why they’re so strong! Damn it, I’m so jealous!

So we have to make money! Keep that in mind! How much money you earn will determine how much stronger Hwasan can become! Don’t underestimate your role!

I understand!

Overwhelmed by his force, Hyun Sang nodded, thinking that the work of the Jae Kyung Hall might be a little different from what he had imagined.

It was then.

Whoosh!

Plop!

A large bundle of paper flew from somewhere and landed on the betting table.

Huh?

Wi Rip-san’s eyes widened as he checked what had flown in.

The paper was filled with numbers and a large seal was stamped on it.

A bank note?

That whole bundle of paper?

Then how much is that in total?

A familiar voice clearly penetrated Wi Rip-san’s ears, who couldn’t even dare to check.

Ten thousand *nyang* (coins) on Hwasan’s Baek Cheon.

Suddenly, the noise seemed to vanish. Everyone turned, surprised by the loud voice and the huge bet.

Wi Rip-san shouted in surprise.

Chung Myung Dojang!

Chung Myung walked out of the crowd with a grinning face.

Can I bet?

Wi Rip-san’s mind raced.

Of course. But where did you get all this money…

I have a lot of money.

Wi Rip-san’s mouth dropped open at his confident words.

And he wasn’t the only one who opened his mouth. The people filling the front of the betting table, and Baek Sang, who was watching the situation from the back, couldn’t hide their astonishment.

That crazy bastard!

A Taoist is gambling?

Ah, no. Of course, Hwasan is running a gambling den right now, so I can’t blame him…

But we’re doing this behind the name of the Hwayeong Gate.

He’s gambling while wearing the uniform of Hwasan, with the plum blossoms embroidered on it?

That crazy bastard! Elder, I’ll…

Hehehe. How much is the commission for ten thousand *nyang* (coins)? As expected of our Chung Myung! He knows how to expand the game. That clever boy!

Elder?

It looks like something has possessed you…

Clever boy, you say?

Shouldn’t we stop him?

Why?

Why? Everyone’s watching…

Hyun Young snorted as Baek Sang hesitated.

If a gambling den is being run in Shaolin, what’s wrong with a Taoist gambling!

Besides, look.

Yes?

Baek Sang turned his head to the direction Hyun Young was pointing.

The people who had gathered at the betting table were shouting as they looked at the pile of bank notes.

Is that real?

Yes?

I mean, are those real bank notes?

Before Wi Rip-san could answer, someone rushed forward and grabbed the bundle of bank notes without anyone stopping him, and began to check them.

These are bank notes from the Dae Ryuk Bank! They’re genuine!

Who are you?

I’m someone who makes a living from working with bank matters! I’m an employee of the Habuk Bank!

Oh, now that you mention it, I’ve seen that person at the Habuk Bank!

That short conversation ended the situation.

As soon as it was confirmed that the ten thousand *nyang* (coins) bet on Baek Cheon was genuine, people’s eyes began to burn like crazy. It was pure madness.

Ten thousand *nyang* (coins)!

The game instantly grew several times larger. The gamblers’ eyes were turned upside down as they calculated the amount they could receive if they won.

Ten thousand *nyang* (coins) on Hwasan’s Baek Cheon?

Baek Cheon’s opponent is Jongnam’s Jong Seo-han! Baek Cheon’s reputation is higher, but Jongnam’s Jong Seo-han is also a well-known figure. It’s not certain that Baek Cheon will win.

Jongnam is also a sect that competes for the title of the greatest sword sect under heaven. There’s a possibility.

Finally, a riot broke out.

Even those who had been hesitant rushed to the betting table, foaming at the mouth. Those who had bet money earlier also came running with more money.

Aaaargh! Shut up and take my money!

A hundred *nyang* (coins)! A hundred *nyang* (coins) more!

What’s the payout ratio! Can’t you check it right now?!

Hyun Young smiled contentedly at the scene.

Yes, yes. Pour it all in.

The larger the game, the higher the commission. If things go well, today’s business alone could cover Hwasan’s operating expenses for several months.

That’s how you grow the game. If you’re thinking of leading the Jae Kyung Hall, you should watch what Chung Myung is doing.

Baek Sang was realizing why Hyun Young favored Chung Myung so much.

The betting area was buzzing as the martial arts competition was about to start.

“Alright, I’m only taking bets up to here!” someone shouted.

“Take my money too!” another voice called out.

“Why are you stopping here?!” a third person complained.

“That’s it for bets! Fight’s starting soon! There’s always next time, okay?” the betting manager said.

“It hasn’t even started yet!” someone protested.

“Is he new to betting? You gotta take bets till they actually draw swords!” another voice added.

“Just take this! Hey, just this!” someone pleaded.

Wi Rip-san, sweating a lot, carefully looked at Chung Myung. Chung Myung smiled kindly and nodded, and Wi Rip-san nodded back, relieved.

“Then I’ll only take from those who are here!” the manager announced.

After another moment of chaos, the bets were finally settled.

Wi Rip-san wiped his sweat and walked over to Chung Myung, whispering, “The betting pool grew thanks to you, Chung Myung. Thank you.”

Chung Myung turned his head slightly. Hyun Young, the Sect Leader (the leader of our group), was already looking at him with a pleased expression.

Chung Myung grinned. “What are you talking about? We’re all doing this for the best.”

The Hwayoung Sect was managing this game, but it was actually Mount Hua, our martial arts school, who started it. Mount Hua took a commission and shared it with the Shaolin. The bigger the game, the more money Mount Hua earned.

So, Hyun Young couldn’t help but be so happy.

“But Chung Myung, are you really sure about this? If we lose, all that money will be gone, won’t it?” Hyun Young asked.

“Lose?” Chung Myung smirked. “My Sasuk (senior martial brother) Baek Cheon will win.”

“Of course, I’m not thinking Baek Cheon is weak. But isn’t it true that you never know the outcome of a match until it’s over?” Wi Rip-san said.

“That’s true, when the two are evenly matched,” Chung Myung replied.

“Yes?”

“A tiger doesn’t lose to a rabbit just because it has a cold and a runny nose,” Chung Myung said confidently. (He means Baek Cheon is much stronger, even if he’s not perfect today.)

“That much⋯⋯.” Wi Rip-san was still unsure.

“And well, it’s okay even if we lose. I’ll sell my Sasuk to get my money back!” Chung Myung joked.

Wi Rip-san shook his head, seeing Chung Myung’s excited eyes.

“But where did you get all that money? Perhaps⋯⋯?” Wi Rip-san asked.

“Ah. I’m originally rich,” Chung Myung said casually.

“⋯⋯Yes?” Wi Rip-san was confused.

To be exact, the Sect Leader was rich.

But what does it matter? Our Sect Leader isn’t petty enough to say anything about this admirable disciple spending some money!

Right? Sect Leader?

– ⋯⋯I’ll deal with you later.

See? He likes it!

Chung Myung chuckled and looked at the martial arts stage. The stage was made of wood and stood in the sunlight.

“Now, it’s my Sasuk’s turn to earn some money for me,” he said to himself.

On the martial arts stage, Jong Seo-han snarled and snapped at Baek Cheon. “I’ll twist that mouth of yours. Just because you’re the Sect Leader’s brother doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you.” Jong Seo-han’s eyes showed he looked down on Baek Cheon.

Baek Cheon couldn’t help but scoff at those absurd words.

Go easy because he was someone’s brother?

“You’ve been around him for so long, and you still don’t know my brother,” Baek Cheon said.

“⋯⋯What are you talking about?” Jong Seo-han asked, confused.

“That man isn’t someone who would go easy just because of blood relations. Rather, he’s someone who can be more ruthless because of it,” Baek Cheon explained.

Jin Geum-ryong was that kind of person.

Of course, that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It just didn’t suit Baek Cheon.

‘My family is Mount Hua,’ Baek Cheon thought.

Baek Cheon looked at Jong Seo-han with lowered eyes. And he said quietly, “Enough talk. Swordsmen prove themselves with their swords.”

Jong Seo-han pursed his lips. He couldn’t agree with Baek Cheon as a person, but he had to agree with those words. He was also a swordsman.

Jong Seo-han lightly shook his sword and adopted a fighting stance. He laughed dismissively, showing his arrogance.

Baek Cheon, confirming the trajectory of that sword, gripped his sword hilt tightly.

‘Snowflake Twelve Sword Style, is it?’ Baek Cheon thought.

It was a sword style he had seen several times before.

The sword style that Jin Geum-ryong and other fighters from Jongnam used to beat Mount Hua fighters like Baek Cheon in the past.

‘And it’s also the sword that was completely shattered by Chung Myung,’ Baek Cheon remembered.

But that didn’t mean he could ignore it. He wasn’t Chung Myung.

Baek Cheon took a deep breath. He remembered being beaten before, and he felt a strong determination to win now.

Three years ago, he couldn’t even resist the Snowflake Twelve Sword Style that Jin Geum-ryong unleashed and was completely beaten.

So now, he had to prove it.

‘How much stronger Mount Hua has become,’ he thought.

And how much stronger I have become!

To surpass that Snowflake Twelve Sword Style!

“Taaah!” Jong Seo-han shouted.

From the tip of Jong Seo-han’s sword, which rushed forward with a shout, pure white flower buds began to bloom and sway. The white flowers were beautiful, but sharp like ice.

‘Indeed,’ Baek Cheon thought.

It wasn’t a fully developed sword style, but he could clearly see it.

The flowers blooming from Jong Seo-han’s sword now were clearer and sharper than what Jin Geum-ryong had shown in the past.

The gently blooming pure white petals came crashing down on Baek Cheon with the wind.

It was exceedingly impressive.

It was an incredibly beautiful sword technique, dazzling to the eyes. If it were the old him, he would have been confused and very interested and watching closely.

But⋯⋯.

‘⋯⋯What is it?’ Baek Cheon wondered.

Baek Cheon frowned without realizing it.

It was gorgeous and beautiful. The scene before his eyes was a series of sword movements so sharp they gave him goosebumps.

Nevertheless, he felt an unknown emptiness from Jong Seo-han’s sword.

A sword aura as red as fire instantly soared from Baek Cheon’s sword.

Whoosh!

As Baek Cheon lightly swung his sword, the flying petals were immediately torn apart with a sound like tearing silk.

“T-This is⋯⋯!” Jong Seo-han, who had been rushing in, was so surprised that he involuntarily took a step back.

Baek Cheon, looking at him with a serious expression, shook his head. “It’s empty,” Baek Cheon thought. ‘It looks beautiful, but there’s no real strength behind it, just show.’

“⋯⋯This, this bastard?” Jong Seo-han was angry.

“I now understand what Chung Myung meant. People focus on the beautiful flowers of the plum blossom, but it is the solid roots that dig into the earth that bring those plum blossoms to life,” Baek Cheon said.

Mount Hua has undergone very hard and constant training to create those roots. And that process will continue in the future.

Not the visible impressive look, but to possess the weight that supports that impressive look.

But Jongnam was not.

They were merely decorating the blooming flowers to make them more bright and beautiful.

Without even knowing that the tree was withering away as they did so.

– Jongnam is finished.

‘A terrifying fellow,’ Baek Cheon thought of Chung Myung.

Baek Cheon, now understanding what Chung Myung’s short words meant, slowly released the tension in his shoulders.

And he put more strength into his lower body, which was rooted to the ground. In order not to make the same mistakes as them.

“I’ll show you,” Baek Cheon said.

“⋯⋯.” Jong Seo-han didn’t reply.

“I don’t know if you can understand just by seeing it,” Baek Cheon added.

Baek Cheon’s sword slowly slashed through the air.

The plum blossoms of Mount Hua bloom, wither, and bloom again.

The reason why plum blossoms can wither and bloom again is because the plum tree exists.

What they should pursue is not the exceedingly impressive flower. But the tree that blooms that flower.

Life itself.

From the tip of Baek Cheon’s sword, aimed at Jong Seo-han, red petals began to bloom. The red petals were warm like the sun and powerful and strong like the roots of a tree.

One blossom. And another blossom.

The endlessly blooming petals spread and spread, soon filling the entire martial arts stage with red petals.

An overwhelming and red sword aura surged.

‘T-This?’ Jong Seo-han’s eyes widened.

It was similar.

It was definitely a similar technique to the Snowflake Twelve Sword Style he had unleashed.

But it was different.

He couldn’t express it in words, but something was definitely different. Something that didn’t exist in the sword he had unleashed was contained in that sword.

‘What’s different?’ Jong Seo-han wondered.

Jong Seo-han gritted his teeth and shook his sword.

The pure white petals blooming from the tip of his sword collided with the red plum blossoms that were closing in on him.

But his white flowers couldn’t withstand Mount Hua’s plum blossoms.

The pure white petals that collided with the plum blossoms melted away like snow meeting the warm spring sun.

“T-This can’t be happening! Damn it!” Jong Seo-han screamed.

Jong Seo-han gripped his sword, screamed, and plunged into the forest of plum blossoms.