Return Of The Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 409

“You shouldn’t have any more problems now.”

Un-geom quietly nodded at Tang Soso’s words.

“It will take more time for the wound to heal completely, but now, as long as you don’t overdo it, there’s no risk of it getting worse.”

“Thank you.”

“As long as you don’t overdo it.” Tang Soso said, her voice sharp.

Un-geom gave an awkward smile. Tang Soso was younger than Un-geom, but she was his student. He knew she was right to scold him, so he just smiled.

“Patients need to rest. If you hadn’t overdone it as soon as you got out of bed, you would have recovered twice as fast. Why did you do that?”

Un-geom only smiled silently.

Looking at him, Tang Soso sighed deeply. Both Cheong-myeong and Un-geom were troublesome from a physician’s point of view.

“I’ll say it again, you mustn’t overdo it. You are forbidden from even holding a sword for at least fifteen days.”

“That might be a little difficult.”

“Grand Uncle! They say the slower you go, the faster you arrive. I know you’re anxious, but if you overdo it, you might really never be able to hold a sword again.”

Un-geom quietly smiled.

Tang Soso shook her head, seeing his quiet stubbornness.

“Grand Uncle, Cheong-myeong isn’t an idiot either. Even if Grand Uncle tries to pretend to be okay, he won’t cause trouble.”

“My heart is just anxious.”

“…Really….”

Un-geom, now dressed in his robes, rose from his seat.

“Thank you.”

“Where are you going?”

“The Sect Leader has called for a meeting. I should go. I wasn’t summoned, but there’s no reason I can’t go just because I wasn’t summoned, is there?”

“…”

Un-geom smiled and left the medical hall, and Tang Soso sighed again. Everyone in Hwasan is just a fool.

“So….” Hong Dae-kwang’s eyes shifted nervously to one side.

“Well… um… Sect Leader… about… about me… personally…” His voice trembled, showing his anxiety.

“As you know, I don’t have great fighting skill… so, uh… rather than coming and being a problem, uh….” Hong Dae-kwang scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

“Bringing the Beggars’ Sect experts would be more helpful….”

“Erai!” At that moment, Cheong-myeong rushed in and kicked him in the side.

“Kyaoul!” With a bizarre scream, Hong Dae-kwang flew like a kicked ball, crashing into the wall and sliding down.

“Is he serious? Is he making fun of us?” Cheong-myeong’s face turned red with anger. His eyes were wide, and his fists clenched.

“Where did he go? Everyone else is ready to fight, but he runs away like a rabbit! Then he comes back, slinking in like a snake! Experts? He calls those people outside experts? Are they really experts? It’s like bringing people who can’t fight to a war! He brings a group of weak people and calls them experts? I can’t believe it!”

“Well, what else would a Beggars’ Sect beggar bring but beggars?”

“Seriously, is this bloke for real?”

As Cheong-myeong growled and tried to pounce on Hong Dae-kwang again, Baek Cheon and his group sprang into action, grabbing him and holding on tight.

“Cheong-myeong! Calm down!”

“He’s still an adult, isn’t he?”

“What adult? He is still a beggar!”

“Even so, you can’t do this with the person right in front of you!”

With his fellow disciples dangling from him, Cheong-myeong gnashed his teeth and glared at Hong Dae-kwang.

“What kind of Beggars’ Sect beggar runs away before a fight? This is a first for me!”

“I didn’t run away!” Hong Dae-kwang shouted, jumping to his feet. Resentment welled up on his face. He was genuinely aggrieved.

‘No, how was I to know they’d wipe them out so easily?’

Objectively speaking, it was nearly impossible for Hwasan to deal with the Myriad Man House so easily. Even considering Cheong-myeong’s incredible fighting, he thought they’d be lucky to achieve a win but with difficulty.

So, he decided it was better to bring even one more person, rather than adding his own insignificant strength. This wasn’t such a wrong idea. Rather, it was the best decision he could make.

But the problem was that, unlike what Hong Dae-kwang thought, Hwasan had captured all those blokes without much damage.

‘Just how strong have they become in the meantime?’

He could understand that Cheong-myeong was strong. And he could understand that the Hwasan Five Swords were strong.

But one sect waging war against another was a slightly different matter.

Even though the war of the Jianghu was dominated by one absolute master, wasn’t that only when the basic strength was somewhat equal?

Only a few years ago, Hwasan was considered to have lost its history and disappeared into history. Who would have imagined that such a sect could not only put up a good fight against the Myriad Man House but completely wipe them out?

‘There would be countless sects in the history of the Jianghu that were stronger than Hwasan. But was there ever a sect that grew stronger faster than Hwasan?’ Hong Dae-kwang couldn’t easily answer this question.

Anyway, that’s not important now!

“I thought about it rationally! Huh? I thought about it rationally! What good would it do for me to join in but to get stabbed and die?”

“That’s right! You know it well! Since you were going to get stabbed and die anyway, let’s die now!”

As Cheong-myeong fumbled for his sword at his waist, Baek Cheon and his group became even more horrified and clung to Cheong-myeong.

“Ah, please calm down!”

“Seriously, this bloke never changes!”

“Someone go get some candy! Bring a lot!” Baek Cheon shouted, and at that moment—

The door burst open. The person who came in looked at the situation and tilted his head quietly.

“…”

Everyone lost their words and just stared at the person who came in.

“Cheong-myeong.”

“Yes?” As if his earlier struggles were a lie, Cheong-myeong answered docilely.

“Let’s keep it moderate.”

“Yes!” Cheong-myeong turned and sat back in his seat.

“…”

Hong Dae-kwang, who had barely escaped with his life, watched Cheong-myeong with a stream of cold sweat. ‘That bloke is completely insane.’

How can someone’s emotions change so drastically? It’s hard on the people watching.

Un-geom, who had entered the room, silently found his seat.

After a moment of silence, Hyun Jong opened his mouth.

“Un-geom.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

Sadness filled Hyun Jong’s eyes as he looked at Un-geom’s empty sleeve.

“Are you alright, already?”

“I know my body well. I won’t overdo it and harm myself, so you don’t need to worry too much.”

“Alright, I understand.”

Sweat was beading on Un-geom’s forehead as he spoke resolutely. Hyun Jong couldn’t hide his pitiful expression.

But he soon remembered that there was a guest present and composed himself.

“Sit down.”

“Yes? Ah… yes!” Hong Dae-kwang quickly sat back in his seat.

The main figures of Hwasan were seated on either side, led by the Sect Leader in the head seat. Sitting alone among them, the pressure was immense.

In particular, the importance felt from Hyun Jong, who occupied the head seat, made Hong Dae-kwang tremble.

‘The seat makes the man.’ No, it’s not the seat that makes the man, but the achievements that make the seat.

This wasn’t the first time he had faced Hyun Jong. But the Hyun Jong he had seen until now and the Hyun Jong he was seeing now were the same person but could only be different people.

Had Hyun Jong changed? No, he had not.

What had changed was Hong Dae-kwang’s attitude towards him.

The previous Hyun Jong was also the Sect Leader of a promising sect with some of the best upcoming talents in the world, but now, having fought off the attack of the Myriad Man House and proven his own strength, his position was different.

Whether he knew Hong Dae-kwang’s feelings or not, Hyun Jong smiled with the same gentle face as before.

“Thank you for your efforts.”

“No, Sect Leader! How can you say such a thing! Hwasan and the Beggars’ Sect’s Hwaeum Branch are like one family!” Hong Dae-kwang’s voice, filled with passion, echoed sincerely.

But it seemed there was someone who didn’t quite like those words.

“Family? Hah! More like doing nothing at all!”

Hong Daeguang desperately ignored Chung Myung’s grumbling. That’s why he kept his head fixed forward, not even twitching.

“Our Branch also does not consider the Mount Hua Branch as outsiders.”

“Thank you, Sect Leader!”

Hong Daeguang bowed his head deeply again, thinking, *It’s important to choose who you support!*

He remembered when he first left the Nakyang Branch to join Mount Hua. People had called him crazy.

He recalled the faces of those who pointed fingers at him, saying, ‘That beggar bastard has finally gone mad.’

How jealous would those bastards be now, seeing Mount Hua and its branch doing so well?

This was why a person should see good things early and act on them. Choosing Mount Hua without question would surely be the best choice of Hong Daeguang’s life.

However, a voice spoiled Hong Daeguang’s proud mood.

“No, Sect Leader. We need to discuss that a bit…”

He thought, *It would be perfect if only that bastard wasn’t in Mount Hua.*

Hyun Jong smiled gently and continued.

“Since the Mount Hua Branch does not consider Mount Hua as outsiders, I have a rather difficult request to make. As you know, with the situation as it is, it is not easy to predict how ‘they’ will react. If possible, could the Beggars’ Sect lend us their strength?”

“Of course, Sect Leader! How could that be a difficult request! I have already spread beggars all over Guangxi!”

Of course, it was a bit of a lie, or at least, a *very* strong way of putting it. He hadn’t *exactly* spread beggars everywhere… yet. But he would! Soon!

The Beggars’ Sect headquarters was in chaos when they saw the Ten Thousand People Clan charging into Shanxi.

Perhaps a special alert had already been issued before Hong Daeguang even spoke.

“Hmm. If we can monitor ‘them’ like that, it seems there won’t be any major problems.”

Hong Daeguang tilted his head, confused about why Hyun Jong kept calling the Ten Thousand People Clan ‘them’.

“Yes. I also think the Ten Thousand People Clan is…”

“…Grrrr.”

Hong Daeguang slowly turned his head, which had been forcibly fixed, to the side.

Chung Myung, held by Baek Cheon and Yiseol on both shoulders, was fidgeting. You could almost feel the restless energy buzzing off him.

“…So, the Ten Thousand People Clan is…”

“Grrrr.”

Chung Myung, the Mount Hua member. Let’s act like a human. Like a human. Please.

“Ahem.”

Hong Daeguang cleared his throat awkwardly and quickly continued.

“The fact that a villainous group is leading troops into Shanxi is a matter of great concern to other sects as well. This time, the response was delayed because it happened like a surprise attack, but if such a thing happens again, we will be able to receive support from other sects before they arrive in Shanxi.”

“Hmm.”

“So, don’t worry too much. No matter how powerful the Ten Thousand People Clan is…”

“Keuk.”

As soon as the words ‘Ten Thousand People Clan’ came out again, Chung Myung grabbed the back of his neck and started to fall over.

“We, we have to kill them. Those bastards! Those Ten Thousand People Clan bastards!”

Chung Myung’s face went white. The Ten Thousand People Clan. Just the name brought back terrible memories. He tried to jump up, but Baek Cheon and Yiseol grabbed him and pushed him down again.

“Whoa, Chung Myung!”

“You promised not to freak out! Now is not the time!”

“Please, stop it! Huh? Please!”

But Chung Myung still rolled his eyes while being suppressed.

“No! I know, but I can’t stand it! Let me go! I’ll just go and beat up one of them! If I just smack that Ten Thousand People Clan leader or whatever just once, it’ll be fine, I tell you?!”

“Ah, stay still, you bastard!”

Hyun Jong smiled contentedly as he watched the unfolding chaos again.

‘Nothing changes.’

A person should move forward a little and change as they experience various things, but somehow that guy hasn’t changed at all even after going through so much.

Then, Hyun Young, as if watching his grandson’s antics, laughed out loud, “Hehe.”

Hyun Young chuckled. “He’s like an evergreen tree, always causing trouble!”

Chung Myung constantly rolled his eyes and gnashed his teeth.

“The more I think about it, the more pissed off I get? Those bastards are probably sleeping soundly right now! I need to cut off their ankles so they can’t even stretch their legs!”

“…Chung Myung, we won.”

“Is it something to be happy about that we won after getting hit first? If we get hit, we have to beat them until they die!”

“…”

Oh, Heavens. This bastard is beyond help.

But then, a gentle voice echoed.

“Chung Myung.”

“Yes?”

“Your mind is restless. Calm down.”

“Yes!”

Chung Myung became quiet again as if by magic.

Everyone in the room, who had been sweating to stop Chung Myung, looked at Un Geom with surprised eyes.

‘Good heavens, he silenced that mad dog with a single word.’

‘Is that what they call dignity?’

‘Amazing.’

Un Geom had accomplished an achievement that no one had ever achieved since Chung Myung entered Mount Hua in one fell swoop.

As the room became quiet, he opened his mouth in a low voice.

“Sect Leader.”

“Yes. Speak, Un Geom.”

“Mount Hua has achieved a great victory.”

A calm voice. It was a voice that came with even more strength because of that.

“To have won against that Ten Thousand People Clan without great sacrifice is a remarkable feat that will remain in the history of Mount Hua.”

Until now, no one had dared to say those words. Only Un Geom could say it.

“We must properly rejoice in what we should rejoice in and move on. But the atmosphere now is too heavy. The Sect Leader should be more joyful, and the elders should show more signs of joy so that the children can rejoice without worry.”

“…Hmm, that’s right.”

“Achievements must lead to rewards in order to leave something behind. This victory will be a great experience and stimulus for the children. So, I hope you will stop looking so grim.”

“Huh? Did my complexion darken?”

Hyun Jong joked and touched his face.

Un Geom smiled gently as he watched the scene.

“It’s much better, Sect Leader.”

Un Geom’s hair was getting wet, as if he was having a hard time just sitting. Hyun Jong closed his eyes quietly as he watched the scene.

‘Thank you.’

Knowing about Un Geom’s injury, everyone couldn’t fully rejoice even after achieving a great victory. Who would dare to discuss victory in front of a swordsman who had lost an arm?

But thanks to Un Geom coming out like this, everyone was relieved.

Hyun Jong was once again realizing that each and every one of them was supporting Mount Hua.

He cleared his throat because it was slightly hoarse and opened his mouth.

“Disciples, listen.”

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

“We have successfully repelled the enemy. Of course, it is not all over. But we can be proud of what we have achieved.”

The disciples’ faces flushed, not just with embarrassment, but with a dawning pride. Their eyes shone with a new light.

“We can honestly rejoice in the victory we have achieved, and painfully reflect on the mistakes we have made. Stand tall. You were all excellent.”

Hyun Jong looked at the disciples and smiled gently.

“Hyun Young.”

“Yes.”

“It’s okay to relax for a day, right? Give the children some alcohol. Let’s eat and drink to our heart’s content tonight!”