Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 303

Namgung Dowhi tightened his belt and looked down at his cherished sword.

*Creak!*

He slowly pulled the sword out. It shone bright white in the sunlight. He slid it back into its sheath, then turned to the mirror, checking his appearance carefully.

Today, his sky-blue clothes looked especially good. The cloud pattern on his chest and the words ‘Azure Sky’ stitched there seemed to glow. He took a deep breath.

“Hoo.”

A small smile touched the corners of his lips, just a hint. In the mirror, a handsome man stared back, a very proud smile on his face.

“Have I not told you to control your face?”

Namgung Dowhi spun around. His father stood behind him.

“Father.”

It was his father, Namgung Hwang, the head of the Namgung Clan.

“People don’t care if you are arrogant inside,” his father said. “But I have told you many times: the moment you show it, those who followed you will become your enemies.”

Namgung Dowhi lowered his head slightly at Namgung Hwang’s loud voice.

Namgung Hwang clicked his tongue and continued.

“That’s what it means to be a leader.”

Each word carried weight.

“The world ignores my big mistakes, but they won’t forgive even a small mistake in someone who is a leader. So, someone in a position to lead others must always behave well. That is how someone born with the Namgung name should act.”

“I will keep that in mind, Father.”

Namgung Hwang nodded, looking satisfied.

But only for a moment. His face hardened again, as if he was displeased.

“Anyway, those Nine Sects are playing silly games. They say they want a re-draw to prevent cheating. That sounds good, but really, they want you to lose somehow.”

Namgung Dowhi nodded slightly.

“What do you think? If you want, even now…”

“Father.”

Namgung Dowhi shook his head slightly. Then, with a small smile, he said, “Whether it’s Hae Yeon of the Shaolin or Chung Myung of the Mount Hua Sect, they are just people I must beat to win. What does it matter if it’s a little sooner?”

“Yes, that’s right. That’s how a Namgung should be.”

A slight sneer crossed Namgung Hwang’s face.

‘The Nine Sects leaders mean they don’t care if Mount Hua or Namgung wins or loses.’

Those cunning Nine Sects fellows.

“And…”

Namgung Dowhi spoke calmly. “Even if we are not happy about it, Namgung can’t complain if Mount Hua doesn’t. Wouldn’t that make it seem like I’m worried about the Mount Hua Divine Dragon?”

“That’s true.”

Namgung Hwang slowly nodded at his son’s words. Then he asked, “What do you think? Are you sure you can win?”

Namgung Dowhi smiled slyly and replied, “Chung Myung of Mount Hua is certainly strong.”

“Indeed.”

“But his light sword cannot stand against the sword of a king. Today, I will prove that the greatest sword clan in the world is not Mount Hua, or Wudang, but Namgung.”

“Yes.”

Namgung Hwang smiled gently.

“That’s all I need to know.”

As Namgung Dowhi left the main hall, the members of the Namgung Clan, dressed in sky-blue martial robes, stood in lines around him.

“How are you feeling?”

“Great.”

“Brother! We believe in you!”

“Of course.”

“The honor of the Namgung Clan is on your shoulders, Young Lord. Never underestimate your opponent!”

“Of course, Uncle.”

Namgung Dowhi replied to each word of encouragement, then walked towards the sparring arena with Namgung Hwang.

Leaving the main hall and walking a short distance, they reached a large plaza. The people there all looked at them.

“It’s the Namgung Clan!”

“The Azure Sky Namgung Clan has arrived!”

“Oooooh!”

Admiration and praise poured over them.

This was the power of a famous clan.

The Namgung Clan was very famous. For hundreds of years, they were the most respected family in Jianghu. Everyone in Jianghu knew the name ‘Azure Sky Namgung Clan’.

So, everyone looked at them with admiration.

But Namgung Dowhi wasn’t very happy with the cheers.

‘I don’t like it.’

His brow furrowed slightly.

He couldn’t completely change his expression because his family taught him to look calm in front of people, but his heart sank.

The reason?

It was simple.

“It’s Mount Hua!”

“Waaaah! Mount Hua has arrived!”

“Mount Hua Divine Dragon! It’s the Mount Hua Divine Dragon!”

“Chung Myung and the Mount Hua Sect have arrived!”

The cheers for Mount Hua were like thunder, making the ground tremble, much louder than the polite clapping for the Namgung Clan.

Namgung Dowhi bit his lip without realizing it.

After the sparring match between Jin Geum-ryong, Baek Cheon, Chung Myung, and Lee Song-baek yesterday, Mount Hua’s popularity had exploded.

From the start of the tournament, Mount Hua had been quite popular. Mount Hua Sect, once one of the Nine Sects but now fallen, had made a great comeback after working very hard. This was a story that touched the hearts of the people watching.

Everyone was secretly hoping that Mount Hua would beat the Nine Sects and Five Great Clans.

That hope exploded in the sparring match against Jongnam.

Baek Cheon’s name, who had shown Mount Hua’s beautiful Plum Blossom Sword Technique, was constantly on people’s lips. Chung Myung’s name, who had impressed everyone against Lee Song-baek of Jongnam, was talked about even more.

So, no matter how great the Namgung Clan was, they couldn’t beat Mount Hua in popularity.

Namgung Dowhi frowned slightly and looked at the Mount Hua Sect walking in.

“Hehe. It’s a big deal that someone great has come. Hehehehe.”

Seeing Chung Myung smiling brightly at the front, he felt twisted inside.

‘He’s so silly.’

A master should be serious.

But Chung Myung was sillier than anyone he had ever seen. He couldn’t think of him as a rising master making a name for himself in Jianghu.

‘That’s only until today.’

A bad reputation will hurt him.

Even for Chung Myung’s sake, he had to let him lose today.

Namgung Dowhi, having made up his mind, glared at Chung Myung with sunken eyes.

Namgung Hwang looked at Namgung Dowhi and said quietly, “He is not an easy opponent.”

“…”

“Don’t underestimate your opponent.”

“But there’s no need to be afraid either. That’s what you want to say, right?”

Namgung Hwang nodded, as if he liked the answer.

“Go and show them what the sword of a king is.”

“Of course.”

Namgung Dowhi grabbed his sword and slowly walked up to the sparring arena.

He stepped onto the arena as cheers poured down and frowned as he looked at the empty space across from him.

‘How rude.’

No one had ever made Namgung Dowhi wait like this.

Even though Chung Myung knew who his opponent was, he didn’t seem to be in a hurry.

He saw Chung Myung chatting with his fellow disciples, then walking towards the arena in a relaxed way.

His fellow disciples were glaring at Chung Myung’s back or giving him fist bumps.

‘What a mess.’

Namgung Dowhi couldn’t help but frown.

How could a martial sect be so silly?

From ancient times, martial arts began with good posture. But Mount Hua seemed like a group of mountain bandits.

How were they different from the Black Faction?

“Were you waiting?”

Was I waiting?

Namgung Dowhi frowned and looked at Chung Myung, who was standing across from him.

One leg was stretched out to the side.

His body looked strong, but because his posture was crooked, he didn’t seem strong at all.

Also, despite his handsome face, the spite and annoyance on his face made people frown.

Namgung Dowhi now understood his father’s teachings that a leader must pay attention to their posture and expression.

What would subordinates learn from someone like this?

“Hoo.”

Namgung Dowhi took a deep breath and politely clasped his hands towards Chung Myung.

“I am Namgung Dowhi of the Namgung Clan.”

“I’m Chung Myung from Mount Hua.”

Unlike his casual look, Chung Myung clasped his hands back with some respect.

A strange light flickered in Namgung Dowhi’s eyes as he looked at him.

‘So, he has some manners.’

Namgung Dowhi could tell the difference between someone who paid respects without feeling and someone who paid respects with sincerity.

Even if he didn’t mean it, Namgung Dowi knew how to be polite.

Slightly appeased, Namgung Dowi slowly drew his sword.

“The swords of Hwasan seem quite sharp,” Namgung Dowi said, his voice smooth and confident.

“Well, they’re average,” Chung Myung replied.

“But don’t think that sword will work on me.”

He paused, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“The sword of Namgung is not swayed by mere flashiness. Today, you will learn that there is a sky above the sky.”

“Ah. Yes. Yes,” Chung Myung replied listlessly and drew his sword.

“I know, so let’s start quickly. I’m a bit impatient right now.”

“It would be wise to regain your composure. I will be different from the enemies you have faced so far.”

“Yes. Very different. Truly.”

Chung Myung sighed deeply.

Chung Myung thought, ‘This guy looks like he’d faint if he saw a real fight, but he’s picking one with me.’

‘Should I just smash his head in from the start?’

He seriously considered it for a moment but eventually shook his head.

‘No, no. The Sect Leader told me to pretend to spar with him for a little while.’

Chung Myung sighed deeply.

From the morning, Hyun Jong had given him strict instructions.

He was told to at least pretend to exchange blows because the gazes of the other Sect Leaders towards him these days were quite unusual.

If it weren’t for that, he would have just kicked that kind of guy away.

Better to die than to suffer…

“You do not understand.”

At that moment, Namgung Dowi spoke in a slightly subdued voice.

“Yes?” Chung Myung asked.

“I said that I am on a different level from those you have faced so far.”

A subtle sneer appeared on Namgung Dowi’s lips.

“If you think my sword is like theirs, you’re wrong. You’ll be in trouble. Because I have what they do not.”

“Oh?” Chung Myung scanned Namgung Dowi with strange eyes.

“Ah, you mean you’re on a different level?”

“I have no intention of belittling them. But if you look at it coldly, there are countless swordsmen like them in the world. There are only a few who are qualified to rise to the top in the future.”

Namgung Dowi pointed at Chung Myung with his chin.

“You and I are probably among them.”

“Hoo?” Chung Myung tilted his head a couple of times and asked.

“I’m just asking in case…”

“Hmm?”

“Is your real name perhaps Eun-ryong?”

“…What do you mean?”

“No, it’s just your name sounds like someone I know who is very unlucky. I was just wondering if you were related.”

“Unlucky?” Namgung Dowi, feeling offended, distorted his face.

But Chung Myung was genuinely wronged.

‘If you’re handsome and unlucky, you’re from the Jin family.’

Geum-ryong is like that, Dong-ryong is like that, so Eun-ryong must be too.

Namgung Dowi composed himself and said.

“I fully understand your arrogance. You probably haven’t met a proper opponent until now. Hwajung-geom, Jin Geum-ryong of Jongnam, and Lee Song-baek couldn’t satisfy you.”

Chung Myung, who had been listening quietly, began to tilt his head slightly.

“Ah, so you’re different?”

“You’ll know once you experience it. But I will definitely make you realize what the difference in level is.”

Chung Myung smiled faintly.

“Ah, so Jin Geum-ryong, our Baek Cheon Sasuk, and Lee Song-baek are not your match. Is that it?”

Chung Myung’s words naturally became shorter little by little.

“That’s obvious,” Namgung Dowi replied.

“Because you’re a genius?”

“Of course, that’s not what I mean. However…”

“Get to the point,” Chung Myung cut off Namgung Dowi’s words, slightly raising the corner of his mouth.

“You are a genius. Well, I admit it.”

“Hmph. I’m embarrassed.”

“Bullshit.”

“Hmm?”

The face of Namgung Dowi, who had been smiling leisurely, hardened. In addition, his eyes narrowed.

Chung Myung was cracking his neck from side to side.

“Kids these days are strange. Why are you talking so indirectly? So, you’re saying that because you’re a genius, everyone here looks the same to you, isn’t it?”

“It’s just that we have different things.”

“This guy is funny, isn’t he?” Chung Myung chuckled.

“Well, fine. I want to ask you one last thing.”

“Speak.”

“Do you have any siblings?”

“…I don’t know why you’re curious about that, but I do.”

“Then that’s enough.”

Chung Myung put his sword back into its scabbard and lifted it up, scabbard and all.

Voices of astonishment erupted from the Hwasan disciples, but Namgung Dowi had no idea what that action meant.

“Well, we’re going to start anyway. Don’t say anything later about a surprise attack or anything.”

“Of course. You may strike first.”

“Wow. You’re even letting me attack first. I’m so grateful that I have to attack you properly,” Chung Myung began to sneer.

The faces of Baek Cheon’s group, who were watching the scene from afar, turned pale.

“Sasuk! Shouldn’t we stop him?”

“…How can I stop him? It’s a sparring match.”

“That bastard is going to die.”

“…Surely he won’t kill him, will he?”

“Yes.”

“…Yeah. That could happen.”

Baek Cheon looked at Chung Myung with uneasy eyes. But there was no time for him to try anything.

Chung Myung raised his sword and charged towards Namgung Dowi like a ray of light.

Whoosh!

The sword emitted a tremendous tearing sound as it fell towards Namgung Dowi’s head.

But Namgung Dowi was not at all flustered by the speed and momentum, and he raised his sword.

“Typical move!”

He had already seen his opponents attack with this upward strike several times.

For some reason, this guy seems to have an unusual obsession with attacking the head.

He had already calculated that if he yielded the first move, he would aim for the head.

‘To fall for such a provocation. How shallow!’

Namgung Dowi’s sword accurately blocked Chung Myung’s sword.

‘When our swords hit, I’ll push his sword away and attack his side…’

Thwack!

At that moment, a gruesome sound spread beyond the sparring arena to the entire Shaolin Temple.

“Eeeeek!”

“Aaaaaaargh!”

“Ah. Ah… Ahhhh…”

At the same time, screams of agony erupted from the audience. Some covered their mouths, and some lowered their hands to clutch their groins.

No matter how they reacted, everyone looked in one direction.

Namgung Dowi’s gaze was also the same, slowly turning downwards.

A foot.

Chung Myung’s extended foot was lodged precisely in Namgung Dowi’s groin.

“…Ggrk.”

Namgung Dowi collapsed as he was.

And…

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!”

He began to roll on the floor, clutching his groin with both hands.

The men in the audience could not bear to watch the sight any longer and turned their gaze away from the desperate screams.

The disciples of Hwasan also gathered their hands in front of them and shuddered with pale faces.

“Ugh… I’d rather he just kill me.”

“I thought he would just kill him. Yeah, there’s no way that bastard would end it there. Ugh…”

“That devilish bastard. He’s really vicious, really vicious.”

But Chung Myung, ignoring their comments, tapped Namgung Dowi’s side with his sword scabbard.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. You said you have siblings. You can still have kids.”

Huh?

That’s not the problem?

That’s none of my business.

Hee hee hee hee.