Return Of The Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 31

“Hmm,” Chung Myung murmured, watching the Head of the sect and the merchants from the roof.

“So, you’re going to play it like that?”

Chung Myung, watching the Head of the sect with careful eyes, chuckled.

He wasn’t sure if the Head of the sect was trying to hurt them or if he was being kind even now.

It could be seen in different ways.

One thing was clear: Hyun Jong, the Head of Hwasan, was more clever than he looked.

‘That’s right.’

He remembered seeing the Head of the sect holding onto the door of the secret room, crying sadly.

Even though he was suffering inside, he still acted like the Head of Hwasan.

He was carrying the failing sect, and he kept going. He was still kind and respected.

Chung Myung narrowed his eyes and looked at the Head of the sect.

‘But Chung Myung thought there must be more to Hyun Jong than just patience.’

He had proven his patience enough. But a Head of a sect needs more than just character and patience.

He needs to be calm and in control.

The Head of the sect is such a position.

Even if it is a place where Taoists live, the essence of Hwasan is a martial sect.

No matter what kind of person he is, the Head of a sect must be calm. To protect Hwasan’s honor, he must be ready to face both wins and losses.

Had Hyun Jong become the strong leader Hwasan needed?

Chung Myung was lying on the roof, his chin in his hand. He sat up a little.

Crack!

Then, a bone-breaking sound came from his back.

“Augh…”

Chung Myung, groaning, grabbed his waist and lay flat on the eaves again.

‘I’m going to die.’

His body was very hurt. Everywhere hurt. He was trying to heal himself, but his inner strength was still weak.

He thought he could be strong again in three months, but waiting that long was hard. He was already annoyed that he was in a weak child’s body. Now, he couldn’t even use this weak body properly?

“Ugh… I need to come up with a plan.”

Chung Myung sighed deeply and slightly raised his head.

For now, his body was a problem for later. He had to watch how that situation ended.

“You asked to postpone the repayment date?”

Gong Mun-yeon frowned.

He thought there would be something. He knew Hwasan could still be strong. Many groups start and fail quickly. Hwasan has lasted for hundreds of years in this tough world. That’s not easy.

Hwasan is not as strong as before, but a group with such a long history must still have some strength.

But…

‘Is that potential just this?’

A hollow laugh escaped him.

‘Maybe I thought Hwasan was stronger than they are?’

If they were still strong, they wouldn’t be in this trouble. Gong Mun-yeon sighed deeply.

“Head of the sect. I clearly told you before that we cannot postpone the repayment date any further.”

“Please understand,” Hyun Jong said. “I am not asking you for a favor, Gong.”

“Huh?”

Hyun Jong quietly looked at Gong Mun-yeon and opened his mouth.

“I know the Hwaeum Merchant Alliance’s situation. That’s why I’m asking all of you directly. Even if it’s 100,000 silver coins, each of you is owed a certain amount, right?”

“That is true.”

“So, I’m asking if anyone here can agree to wait longer for their money.”

Gong Mun-yeon frowned.

‘A weak trick.’

He couldn’t understand what this meant.

“So, you can pay back the people who can’t wait?”

“That is correct.”

“Yes?”

Gong Mun-yeon’s eyes widened.

“Even though Hwasan is weaker now, some people still want to help us. I don’t have all 100,000 silver coins, but I have some money ready. If you all help, Hwasan will survive. I ask you now. Those who are kind to Hwasan today will be thanked by Hwasan in the future.”

The Head of the sect put his hands together again, bowing slightly. He looked humble, but still respected.

Gong Mun-yeon frowned as he watched.

“What nonsense……”

“That’s right.”

At that moment, Yoo Jong-san, who had been watching the situation, interrupted Gong Mun-yeon’s words. It wasn’t intentional, but Gong Mun-yeon, whose words were abruptly cut off, couldn’t help but frown.

“If we postpone the repayment date, will you repay us later?”

“That is correct.”

“Head of the sect. Let’s be honest.”

Yoo Jong-san continued with a bitter face.

“We know, and you know, Head of the sect, that Hwasan might fail tomorrow. But asking us to wait for our money just because you say so is risky. We might not get our money back, right?”

“……That’s what it means.”

“Does that make any sense?”

Gong Mun-yeon looked serious again. It was true that Yoo Jong-san had cut off his words, but in any case, he was saying what he couldn’t say because of his face. Then, it would be better for Yoo Jong-san to step forward.

Usually, he would have calmed Yoo Jong-san down and stopped the problem. But this time, Gong Mun-yeon stayed quiet. Now, it was necessary to push the Head of the sect a little further.

‘It’s all over now.’

Hwasan will declare the end of its long history in this place.

People might be sad to see Hwasan, a group known for fighting, lose because of money, not battles. But that shows something important.

“Shopkeeper Yoo.”

“Yes, Head of the sect.”

“What can I offer you?”

“……Yes?”

Hyun Jong straightened his shoulders.

A cool breeze blew from somewhere. Hyun Jong smiled gently as he felt the breeze.

“Hwasan has nothing left. All we have now is our honor from helping Hwaeum and Seoseo for so long. The only thing I can promise is Hwasan’s name.”

“Tha-that……”

“If you ask what you should trust, it’s this: Hwasan’s name. Hwasan’s history. Isn’t that enough?”

Yoo Jong-san closed his mouth as if he had nothing to say.

The name of Hwasan.

The history of Hwasan.

Yes. Perhaps those words are meaningful. If those gathered here were not merchants.

Names and history have no meaning to merchants. The only thing that has meaning to merchants is money. Whether it makes money or not. Those who bet everything on that one thing are merchants.

But can you ask merchants to take honor and history instead of money?

“Haha.”

Yoo Jong-san couldn’t stop the laughter from bursting out.

“Head of the sect, aren’t you being too unreasonable?”

“Did you say unreasonable?”

Hyun Jong quietly looked at Yoo Jong-san. Yoo Jong-san stepped back, surprised by Hyun Jong’s stare.

“Yes, maybe it is unreasonable.”

But unlike that heavy gaze, the voice that came from Hyun Jong’s mouth was only gentle.

“Yes, maybe it is unreasonable. But I want to be unreasonable. Because I believe Hwasan’s name, after protecting Seoseo and Hwaeum for so long, still means something.”

“……”

“I want to ask in return. What does Hwasan mean to you? Does the name of Hwasan, the history of Hwasan, really not have that much value?”

No one could open their mouths.

Hwasan.

Who would dare to say that name is light? And who would dare to say that history is in vain?

Now it’s just a shadow of its former self, but no one can disrespect Hwasan’s name. Especially for people who have lived in Hwaeum for a long time, they should respect Hwasan even more.

That is why no one could easily continue the conversation.

Except for one person.

“It seems like the story has gone off track a bit.”

Gong Mun-yeon stepped forward to change the atmosphere. Hyun Jong looked at Gong Mun-yeon. Hyun Jong’s eyes were sad, but Gong Mun-yeon’s eyes were very sharp.

“So, to be clear, those who can wait for their money will wait, and those who can’t will get paid here today. Is that right?”

“That is how it will be.”

“Good.”

Gong Mun-yeon nodded.

“Normally, as part of the Hwaeum Merchant Alliance, I should say no. But I also know what is right, so I will allow it. If there is anyone who wants to, they can postpone the repayment personally. But!”

Gong Mun-yeon turned around with sharp eyes.

“You must take responsibility for that. Those who postpone the repayment date will not be protected separately by the Merchant Alliance. Even if you get cheated out of your money.”

It was a subtle pressure.

“You can choose. Those who want their money now, stay here. Those who are thinking of waiting for their money, go over there.”

Gong Mun-yeon’s hand pointed to the side.

“Is that all right? Head of the sect?”

“That is correct.”

Hyun Jong nodded readily.

“I don’t understand why you are doing this. But I will respect your decision as the Head of the sect. Even if Hwasan is failing, the Head of Hwasan should still be respected, right?”

Hyun Jong smiled silently.

“Thank you for your concern.”

Gong Mun-yeon frowned. Even though he had tried to anger Hyun Jong, Hyun Jong didn’t change.

‘I’ll break down that attitude.’

Gong Mun-yeon, who had paused for a moment, said with a smirk.

“How is it? Unfortunately, it seems like there is no one who will postpone the repayment date?”

“……”

“Look.”

Gong Mun-yeon pointed behind him. Hyun Jong’s gaze turned to the merchants following Gong Mun-yeon. Those whose eyes met Hyun Jong’s all turned their eyes away.

“Do you need more time?”

Hyun Jong did not answer. He just closed his eyes.

“No matter how long you wait, nothing will change. No one will give up a lot of money just because of Hwasan’s weak name now. So, let’s stop now, Head of the sect. Hand over the building and step down. You have done enough, Head of the sect.”

Gong Mun-yeon felt like he had won. He spread his arms.

“Now, with this……”

“Tsk.”

It was that moment.

Footsteps came slowly from behind.

Gong Mun-yeon turned around.

“……Shopkeeper Yoo?”

Yoo Jong-san was walking to the side, looking unhappy.

To the place where those who would postpone the repayment date had decided to go.

“What the……”

Yoo Jong-san sighed deeply as he saw Gong Mun-yeon’s dumbfounded expression.

“……Hey. Shopkeeper Yoo. What are you thinking?”