Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 398

Damn it, the Plum Blossom Sword Saint?

The one who defeated the Crimson Blood Demon.

It seemed they had finally arrived at Mount Hua.

Yado’s face visibly hardened.

Of course, the arrival of a few youngsters wouldn’t reverse the situation, but…

This can’t be the end.

The Plum Blossom Sword Saint’s arrival meant that all the Mount Hua disciples from Seo-an were returning. And there were quite a few of them, he’d heard.

If they all arrived, the situation would undoubtedly become more unfavorable.

Haaah!

Growing impatient, Yado abruptly swung his sword at Hyun Jong.

I need to reduce their numbers!

Yado knew winning wasn’t just about having more fighters left at the end. If they lost too many people to win, it wouldn’t be a real victory, just surviving.

They were much more united than other groups. This strong unity was their power, but it also meant…

If someone like the Sect Leader dies, the impact would be enormous!

Yado roared, and his sword, glowing with a dark red energy that crackled like lightning, crashed down towards Hyun Jong.

Kwaaaang!

Hyun Jong reflexively raised his sword, barely managing to block the attack. However, he couldn’t fully withstand the force behind the blade and lost his balance, stumbling backward.

“Die! You old man!”

The sword mercilessly flew towards Hyun Jong’s exposed neck.

But then-

Kaaaang!

The sword was blocked by another that had suddenly intervened.

“…You’d better watch your mouth.”

Baek Cheon was a blur of motion, his sword already drawn as he leaped in front of Hyun Jong. His face was like ice, his eyes fixed on Yado with a chilling fury.

“Before I tear that mouth of yours apart.”

“…This brat?”

Without answering, Baek Cheon poured his inner energy into the sword that was clashing with the enemy’s.

Tooong!

“Kugh!”

Yado, knocked back by the inner energy erupting from the sword, immediately lowered his stance and tensed up.

This one.

He’s not to be underestimated.

At least his inner energy is beyond the level of a late-stage disciple. His wrist was tingling from the inner energy that had penetrated it.

So he really did defeat the Crimson Blood Demon.

It wasn’t just luck, it seemed.

However, unlike Yado, who was on high alert, Baek Cheon first helped Hyun Jong up.

“I’m sorry, Sect Leader. I was too late.”

“Baek Cheon-ah…”

Seeing the wounds all over Hyun Jong’s body, Baek Cheon bit his lip again.

If I had been just a little later.

The wounds were so severe that it wouldn’t be strange if he died from blood loss. Imagining what would have happened if he had been any later sent a chill down his spine.

Something began to bubble up from deep within him.

“I will handle things from now on.”

“It’s too dangerous. I…”

“Sect Leader, please take care of yourself. If something were to happen to you, we would be as good as dead.”

Hyun Jong silently nodded.

“Tend to your wounds and lead the disciples.”

With those words, Baek Cheon immediately stepped forward, in front of Hyun Jong.

Hyun Jong silently watched his back.

When did this child grow up so much?

He knew that Baek Cheon was growing stronger. But the emotion Hyun Jong was feeling now wasn’t just because of Baek Cheon’s physical strength.

He was realizing that Baek Cheon, whom he had only thought of as a child to be guided, had become a confident swordsman, supporting him.

Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, though he fought them back. Pride and a deep, fatherly love swelled in his chest. His child had become a man.

However, Yado, watching the scene, wasn’t pleased at all.

“You dare to face me?”

At the blatant mockery, Baek Cheon coldly replied as he pointed his drawn sword.

“Is there a reason why I shouldn’t?”

“You’re just a pup playing with a grown tiger.”

“That’s not right.”

“…What?”

Baek Cheon smirked.

“I’m a tiger cub, and you’re just a dog. You might be a bit bigger and stronger, but you’re still just a dog.”

Yado stared blankly at Baek Cheon.

With a face that seemed more suited to reciting poetry, he was spouting such outrageous insults so smoothly.

“Are there no sane people in Mount Hua?”

“I’m usually sane. You’re the one who drove me crazy.”

Baek Cheon gritted his teeth.

“You dared to hurt the Sect Leader! You won’t die easily, I promise you that!”

“Th-That…”

Just as Yado was about to retort, Baek Cheon charged at him without another word.

An angry face and explosive momentum. But in contrast, the swordplay he displayed was incredibly sharp and precise.

Damn it!

Yado’s body began to cool as he parried Baek Cheon’s sword, which was rapidly approaching his neck.

Perhaps today will bring more misfortune than fortune.

Yado gritted his teeth and relentlessly blocked Baek Cheon’s continuous attacks.

“Amitabha.”

The Poison Blood Hand hardened his face as he looked at Hae Yeon, who was blocking his path in front of Hyun Sang.

“Are you from Shaolin?”

“I am Hae Yeon.”

“Why is Shaolin helping Mount Hua?”

“That is a strange question.”

Hae Yeon quietly shook his head.

“Why would one need a reason to help someone? One simply follows where the heart leads. Moreover…”

Hae Yeon’s eyes, which had seemed calm and gentle, gradually turned cold and stern.

“There is even less need for a reason to stop someone who reeks so strongly of blood.”

“How tiresome.”

The Poison Blood Hand licked his lips.

Hae Yeon.

So that was the name of the one Shaolin had poured their heart into raising. The winner of the World Martial Arts Competition, and the one who would one day become the Abbot of Shaolin.

“If you die here, Shaolin will shed tears of blood.”

“Amitabha. That will not happen.”

Hae Yeon’s voice was utterly calm. But even so, his fingertips were trembling slightly.

Calm down.

No matter how skilled Hae Yeon was, this was his first time experiencing a real battle. The killing intent and the smell of blood that had been pressing down on him since a while ago were disturbing his composure.

His gaze instinctively searched for someone.

“…Amitabha.”

After briefly catching sight of someone’s back, he looked at the Poison Blood Hand with a face that was noticeably calmer than before.

“Too far.”

“…What are you talking about?”

Hae Yeon sighed softly.

I have trained my whole life to attain an unwavering mind. Yet, I cannot maintain my composure even in this small matter.

On the other hand, the one he sought to emulate maintained an icy, unwavering mind even in this situation.

Hae Yeon, recalling the back of Chung Myung that was etched clearly in his mind, quietly took his stance.

I’m glad I came to Mount Hua.

What he was looking for was definitely here.

Now, he would simply…

“He would not falter. He would be as unwavering as Chung Myung. He would protect Mount Hua.”

“Just see how far I can follow!”

“What are you babbling about!”

“Come.”

Thud!

Golden light burst from Hae Yeon’s fists, warm and bright against the grim, blood-stained battlefield as he powerfully stomped the ground with his heel.

“Le-Let me down, you rascal!”

“Be still.”

“I haven’t… yet!”

“Be still. Please.”

Hyun Sang’s face contorted in pain. But he had no strength to resist. The poison that had seeped into his body had already turned his flesh black, reaching his heart.

“Lee Seol-ah!”

“Don’t get agitated. The poison will spread.”

Yoo Iseol, carrying Hyun Sang on her back as if subduing him, ran across the battlefield. Hyun Jong’s visible wounds were far more severe, but it was Hyun Sang who was truly in danger.

The others hadn’t noticed, but Yoo Iseol had accurately assessed the situation.

Yoo Iseol jumped quickly and stood in front of Tang Soso.

“Poison!” Tang Soso cried, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at Yoo Iseol.

Yoo Iseol, her face still showing no emotion, spoke quickly and clearly. “Soso.”

“Yes, it’s poison!” Tang Soso repeated, her voice shaking.

“Antidote,” Yoo Iseol said.

Tang Soso nodded quickly. “Yes! I can make one!”

“Can you do it?” Yoo Iseol asked, her voice urgent.

“Who do you think I am?” Tang Soso said, clenching her fist. “I’m a Dang! We know poison!”

She was a daughter of the Dang Clan, a family unmatched in the world when it came to handling poison.

A family well-versed in poison was bound to be equally well-versed in antidotes.

Even though women in her family weren’t always taught about poison, she was sure she was the best at making antidotes.

“Lay him down over here!” Tang Soso ordered.

Yoo Iseol carefully placed Hyun Sang on the ground.

Hyun Sang started to speak, but Yoo Iseol gently put a hand on his shoulder.

“Elder,” she said softly.

“…Iseol-ah,” Hyun Sang whispered, his voice weak.

“Trust her,” Yoo Iseol said, looking at him with firm eyes. “Soso will help.”

Hyun Sang looked at Tang Soso, then back at Yoo Iseol. He nodded slowly. Yoo Iseol took her hand away and stood up.

Hyun Sang slowly turned his head. He saw Un Geom lying still and unconscious.

“…Geom-ah,” he whispered.

Hyun Sang’s hand trembled slightly, and he bit his lip hard.

“Soso-ya,” he said to Tang Soso, his voice strained. “Un Geom is…”

“He won’t die,” Tang Soso said firmly.

“He can’t die,” Tang Soso repeated, her voice louder now. “Senior Brother said so. He promised he would never die!”

Hearing this, Hyun Sang’s eyes became red with tears. He knew what “he can’t die” really meant: Un Geom was in terrible danger.

He wanted to reach out and touch Un Geom, to comfort him, but he couldn’t. The poison in his own body stopped him.

*Un Geom, you foolish fellow,* he thought sadly.

He couldn’t understand why Un Geom would do this. Why would he risk his life so much for the disciples? Should he be proud of Un Geom’s bravery, or angry at his recklessness?

Tears welled up in Hyun Sang’s eyes, tears he could no longer hold back.

“Well done,” he choked out, tears streaming down his face. “Well done… you did so well, you foolish, brave bastard.”

Un Geom could have been selfish, could have stayed back and been safe…

Hyun Sang looked at Un Geom, who was lying there pale as death. Then he turned his head to the sounds of battle. He murmured, his voice filled with emotion.

“Look, Un Geom-ah.”

“The disciples you taught, the disciples you protected, are fighting for Mount Hua now.”

“Right here.”

*Boom!* The sound of clashing swords echoed.

A Mount Hua sword, which had just blocked a strong attack, suddenly seemed to soften, swaying like a willow branch. Then, it exploded with energy, scattering bright, swirling patterns like plum blossoms made of light. This was the Plum Blossom Sword Energy.

“Damn it!” yelled a Murim Alliance warrior.

“What the hell is wrong with these guys!” shouted another.

The warriors, now covered in cuts and bleeding from the sharp energy petals, stumbled back in fear.

The Mount Hua disciple who had unleashed the attack, his eyes burning with anger, showed no mercy. “Where do you think you’re going, you bastards!” Jo Gul roared, jumping forward to chase them.

But then, a powerful roar cut through the noise. “Hold your position!”

Jo Gul froze and stepped back. He turned to see Yoon Jong, his face hard and cold, glaring at him. Yoon Jong, who was usually so gentle, looked completely different.

“Is chasing after the enemy more important than protecting our own?” Yoon Jong demanded, his voice sharp.

“Ah, no, Senior Brother!” Jo Gul stammered.

“Is it okay if our fellow disciples are killed while you are running off?”

“No!” Jo Gul said firmly.

“Then hold your position! We must hold the front line!” Yoon Jong commanded.

“Yes!” Jo Gul straightened up, ready to fight.

Even in the chaos of battle, Yoon Jong’s sword moved like a flash of light. *Clang!* It struck and pierced the shoulder of a Murim Alliance warrior who was attacking a younger Mount Hua disciple.

Jo Gul stood firm at the front, blocking the enemy, while Yoon Jong supported from behind. Without needing to speak, they worked together perfectly.

“Don’t get carried away!” Yoon Jong shouted to the others. “Stay focused! Keep calm!”

“Yes!” the disciples replied.

Jo Gul gripped his sword tightly, his eyes fixed on the enemy.

Yoon Jong, usually the kindest of Baek Cheon’s group, was now showing a fierce side no one had seen before. Seeing his fellow disciples hurt had changed him. Jo Gul was so impressed, he didn’t dare to argue.

In terms of sword skill, Jo Gul was definitely better than Yoon Jong. He had always been stronger, and now the difference was even bigger.

But then Yoon Jong shouted, “Senior Disciples! Fall back!”

“Ah, alright!” Baek Ja and the others obeyed immediately, without question. Jo Gul knew he could never command such respect, even if he tried his hardest.

*Senior Brother is truly a Senior Brother,* Jo Gul thought with admiration.

That’s why Yoon Jong was meant to lead Mount Hua in the future, and Jo Gul was meant to be his strong right hand. And that was okay with him.

“Geol-ah!” Yoon Jong called.

“Yes, Senior Brother!” Jo Gul replied, his eyes shining with excitement as he faced the rushing enemies.

His sword flashed, drawing bright lines in the air.

*This is what I’m good at!* he thought.

If Yoon Jong and Baek Cheon were the leaders of Mount Hua, then Jo Gul would be their sword. The sharpest sword in Mount Hua. That was the path he wanted.

Yes, just like… Jo Gul’s eyes flickered towards Chung Myung’s back as Chung Myung walked towards the wall.

“Just you? Alone?” Heuksi asked, surprised.

“Enough,” Chung Myung replied simply.

“…The fighting on the other side looks tough,” Heuksi said, glancing at the chaotic battlefield.

Chung Myung looked back too. He saw his disciples fighting hard, facing enemies who were stronger. They would have to hold on until Hyun Young and the reinforcements arrived.

But Chung Myung just smiled. “They’ll be fine.” His voice was full of confidence.

“I didn’t raise them to be weak. And…” Chung Myung looked at Baek Cheon and his group, fighting fiercely. “…These days, even *I* can barely keep up with them.”

*My tiger cubs have grown up,* he thought. *It’s time to let them show their claws.*

“And,” Chung Myung turned back to Heuksi, his eyes sharp. “I’m not stupid enough to bring a pack of wolves to fight puppies.”

He knew it instantly. The men in front of him were dangerous. Letting them loose on the main battlefield would cause terrible losses for Mount Hua. They weren’t just ordinary thugs. They had a dark aura, a *stench* of death and violence that reminded Chung Myung of the worst battlefields of the past.

“I agree,” Heuksi said, a cruel smile twisting his bandaged mouth. “I have no interest in those weaklings. Killing them is too quick, too easy.”

“Death should be savored,” Heuksi continued, his voice low and menacing. “It should be slow and painful.”

Chung Myung grinned, showing his teeth. “Lucky for me, then.”

“…What’s lucky about that?” Heuksi’s smile faltered slightly.

Chung Myung’s grin widened. “Because I also enjoy dealing with scum like you.”

*Because I can kill you without a second thought,* he thought coldly.

Plum Blossom Sword Saint Chung Myung, the man once called a demon by the Demonic Sect, unleashed a wave of chilling killing intent. He stared at the Black Cloud Unit, his eyes like ice.

Heuksi felt the terrifying pressure and gasped, “Are you… are you really a Taoist priest?”

“Of course,” Chung Myung said, his grin sharp and dangerous. “Killing evil bastards like you is exactly what a Taoist priest *should* do. I’m tired of pretending to be nice anyway. So, let’s begin. One of us dies here today.”

Chung Myung, finally letting go of all restraint, launched himself at the Black Cloud Unit with a terrifying, chilling smile.