Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 415

Cheong-myeong held up three fingers, his expression firm.

“This much,” he stated, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet room.

Hwang Jong-i met his gaze. Cheong-myeong’s eyes were as cold and sharp as ice from the Northern Sea in winter, studying Hwang Jong-i intently.

A low “Hmm” rumbled from Hwang Jong-i’s throat. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the weight of Cheong-myeong’s stare pressing down on him.

Finally, with a heavy sigh that sounded almost like a groan, Hwang Jong-i countered, “Five portions.”

The atmosphere was tense, like two powerful animals facing each other.

The less important people had left, and now only the true masters remained to face off.

“Cheong-myeong,” Hwang Jong-i’s eyes gleamed with an uncharacteristic coolness.

“This much is too little. Considering the money the Eunha Merchant Guild is investing, you must guarantee at least five portions.”

He spoke with the determined attitude of the heir to the Eunha Merchant Guild.

But who was he dealing with? None other than Cheong-myeong, who was very experienced and cunning.

“Investment?” Cheong-myeong glared.

“You’re talking like you’re not a merchant. Who can’t make money by spending money they already have? The important thing is to come up with a business that can earn money.”

“But capital is…”

“Mount Hua has plenty of money.”

Hwang Jong-i flinched.

“If it doesn’t work out, we can just do it in Mount Hua. We’re even including the Eunha Merchant Guild out of loyalty, but if you act like this, I’ll be disappointed.”

Hwang Jong-i groaned lowly, feeling poked at his weakness.

But he was also the one practically leading the Eunha Merchant Guild. He couldn’t back down this easily.

“Even if Mount Hua has funds, it can’t create a distribution network…”

“Ah, that’s alright.”

“Pardon?”

“There’s a perfectly good son of a wealthy family staying in Mount Hua. He himself isn’t very useful, but that fellow’s family is a fairly successful merchant family.”

Cheong-myeong’s gaze turned to Jo Gul, who was sitting in the corner. Jo Gul asked with a slightly complicated expression.

“Do I not earn my keep?”

“How so?”

“Never mind.”

He had a lot to say, but Jo Gul knew enough not to open his mouth carelessly in this situation.

“Ummm.”

Hwang Jong-i’s worries deepened even further.

‘Certainly, Jo Gul’s family was one of the Ten Great Families of Sichuan, a wealthy area known for merchants.’

A family like that would be able to build a distribution network no less impressive than the Eunha Merchant Guild.

Confidence is good, but arrogance is not. There’s no reason why another merchant family couldn’t do what the Eunha Merchant Guild can do.

“Or…” Cheong-myeong slightly rolled his eyes and spoke again.

“Are you thinking that Mount Hua won’t be able to trade with anyone else if it’s not the Eunha Merchant Guild?”

“N-No, how could I think that?” Hwang Jong-i quickly waved his hands.

Negotiating is good, but he shouldn’t carelessly provoke him. Especially not that Mount Hua Divine Dragon.

‘Like a viper!’

When he’s an ally, there’s no one more reliable, but if you part ways, there’s no one more terrifying. If he tried to take a little more and the negotiations fell through, only the Eunha Merchant Guild would be left chasing after a chicken.

“Ugh. But Cheong-myeong, as you know, this matter requires interaction with high officials and wealthy people. So the Eunha Merchant Guild will be much more helpful than any merchant family in Sichuan.”

“That’s why I’m giving you this much.”

Hwang Jong-i’s hand, which was holding the teacup, trembled.

‘We’re providing all the money, and we’re doing all the work, but you’re saying you’ll sit still and eat eight portions! You’re worse than a mountain bandit!’

The Eunha Merchant Guild would even have to provide the manpower for the brokerage or branch offices needed for the work.

According to Cheong-myeong’s argument, Mount Hua was just going to sit back and gobble up free money just for setting up the game.

Hwang Jong-i felt a burning in his stomach.

“If you don’t like it, then forget it.”

“W-Who said I didn’t like it! What kind of nonsense is that!” Hwang Jong-i shouted in surprise.

Cheong-myeong grinned at the reaction and drove in the final wedge.

“Then let’s sign the contract.”

“Ugh.”

The conditions were hellish. But this was a lifeline he couldn’t afford to miss. He had to take it, even if it killed him.

“Hey, why are you making that face? The Eunha Merchant Guild is getting something more important than money, you know.”

Hwang Jong-i sighed instead of answering.

In fact, Cheong-myeong’s words weren’t entirely wrong. He didn’t know how big the profits from this place would be, but what was important to the Eunha Merchant Guild wasn’t the profits.

‘I have to make my move around here.’

The Eunha Merchant Guild had invested a huge amount of money in Mount Hua. But so far, only Mount Hua had been gobbling up the fruits of that investment, not the Eunha Merchant Guild.

‘I don’t care about the money.’

What mattered was the position!

In order to become the greatest merchant guild in the world, they had to pursue things that other merchant guilds couldn’t, and make them successful. And they had to instill in everyone in the world the perception that the Eunha Merchant Guild was different from other places.

To do that…

“Alright!” Hwang Jong-i nodded firmly.

If he signed the contract under these conditions, he would miss out on a large profit, but he could give up as much money as he wanted for something bigger.

However…

“Kuh! You’ve thought this through well!”

It just pained him to see that cheerful and happy expression.

But what could he do? He couldn’t help it, as long as it was something involving that Cheong-myeong.

“Instead, Mount Hua must manage the Ghostly Demonic Sect well.”

“Ah. Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of it perfectly.”

“Oh.” Hwang Jong-i nodded greatly at the welcome news. He took out the contract. Cheong-myeong’s eyes widened.

“Huh? You prepared it in advance?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to be sure?”

As if he’d let you write the contract and get backstabbed again!

“Tch. You’re so thorough!”

Look at him. Look at him.

He was definitely trying to do something again, that guy!

How did the world turn out so that he couldn’t trust a Taoist more than an ordinary civilian! A Taoist!

Hwang Jong-i sighed, wrote the percentages in the contract, and stamped it with his seal. Then he handed it straight to Cheong-myeong.

“Here you are.”

“Hmm.” Cheong-myeong began to read the contract carefully.

His careful attention was extraordinary, as if he was savoring each and every word. Hwang Jong-i frowned.

“Cheong-myeong?”

“Wait a moment. This is here, umm… It looks good on the surface…”

Is this bastard?

Cheong-myeong glanced back and forth between the contract and Hwang Jong-i, checking whether his face was distorted or not. It was obvious that he was checking for any hidden unfair parts in the contract.

Good heavens.

How much had he given to Mount Hua so far, and he was suspecting the Eunha Merchant Guild, not any other place? And a contract prepared directly by the Little Head of the sect!

After glancing back and forth for a long time, Cheong-myeong finally smiled brightly and put the contract down with a hearty laugh.

“Haha. Well, do we really need to look at something like this so carefully? Between us?”

“You scoundrel.”

“Pardon?”

“Ah, it’s nothing.” Hwang Jong-i put on a bright business smile.

Anyway, this contract must be concluded! Somehow!

“Elder. I think this is alright?”

“Let’s have a look.” Hyun Young received the contract with a nonchalant face, as if he wasn’t very interested. Then, just like Cheong-myeong, he began to check each and every word with a piercing gaze.

Watching the two old and young men act, one would believe they were grandfather and grandson.

Hyun Young, having finished his review, finally handed the contract to Hyun Jong.

“Head of the sect. You can stamp your seal here.”

Hyun Jong looked down at the contract with a reluctant face.

“Hyun Young.”

“Yes, Head of the sect.”

“Is this really the right thing to do…”

“It’s something Cheong-myeong is doing. Do you think he’d do it without knowing what he’s doing? Just stamp your seal.”

“Ugh…”

A look of sorrow appeared on Hyun Jong’s face as he looked down at the contract.

He had taken away the Head of the sect’s seal from another sect and started a business, and now the entire Mount Hua was getting swept up in it.

‘Can I really trust these guys?’

In the past, Hyun Jong would have believed Hyun Young and Cheong-myeong even if they said a dragon had ascended from a well, but now he couldn’t shake off his distrust in everything they did.

“Ugh.” He groaned and reluctantly stamped his seal on the two copies of the contract and handed them over.

“Let’s do well!”

“Of course.” Hwang Jong-i and Cheong-myeong shook hands.

Before the contract, they were enemies, but now that they had a contract, they were comrades walking the same path. Both of them knew this fact better than anyone else.

“The management of the Ghostly Demonic Sect is essential for the success of this project.”

“Don’t worry. I’m planning to go there myself anyway.”

“Oh.” Hwang Jong-i nodded greatly at the welcome news.

“Master, if you could do this for us, we wouldn’t ask for anything more. But Master, are you sure you have time? I’m sure you’re busy,” someone said.

Chung Myung waved his hand. “It’s fine. Sichuan is on my way. I was planning to go there anyway.”

“Sichuan?” Hwang Jongi looked confused. Chung Myung shrugged.

“Yes, I have some business to take care of at the Tang Family.”

Hwang Jongi’s face remained blank. “Business? Why the Tang Family?”

The Mount Hua disciples gathered behind the Head Disciple’s residence. The sun shone brightly on the hill, casting long shadows as the disciples gathered.

Since this was Mount Hua, there was nothing strange about the Mount Hua disciples gathering. However, everyone was holding a shovel.

Yoon Jong asked Baek Cheon, “Uncle-Master.”

“What?” Baek Cheon responded.

“Why did you tell us to bring shovels?”

“How would I know?” Baek Cheon sighed. “He’s probably going to make us do something weird again.”

They looked at each other and sighed deeply. They were used to Chung Myung’s strange requests. If anyone else asked them to do this, they would be very surprised.

“But after calling us here, where is Chung Myung… Ah, he’s coming over there,” Yoon Jong said.

Chung Myung was walking towards them from a distance. “Is everyone here?” he asked.

“Yeah. But why are we gathered here? And what’s with the shovels?” Yoon Jong asked.

“Why are you asking the obvious? What do you use shovels for?” Chung Myung retorted.

“For digging?”

“You know it well,” Chung Myung said, pointing his chin at the hill behind the Head Disciple’s residence. “Dig.”

Everyone’s eyes turned to the hill at once. A moment of silence followed.

Dig what? That mountain? Surely not?

Gazes mixed with confusion, surprise, and fear returned to Chung Myung all at once.

“What did you say?” Yoon Jong asked.

“I said dig,” Chung Myung replied.

“What?”

“Are you people deaf? Dig that. That mountain!” Chung Myung said, getting angry.

Baek Cheon stared at Chung Myung with a pale face. “Chung Myung.”

“What?”

“That’s a mountain,” Baek Cheon stated.

“I know. That’s what I said. A mountain,” Chung Myung confirmed.

‘This madman!’ one disciple thought.

‘Why suddenly dig up a perfectly good mountain?’ another wondered.

“I don’t know if I’m crazy, or if you’re crazy… No. It must be you who is crazy,” Baek Cheon said. That was certain.

“Why are you suddenly telling us to dig that up?”

“To dig out what’s underneath,” Chung Myung answered.

“Underneath that? What’s underneath that…” Baek Cheon’s eyes shook violently.

‘Come to think of it?’ he thought.

What was under that hill? Mount Hua’s Bigo, the special storage place for precious materials in their sect. So…

“The Myriad Year Ice Iron Bigo?” Baek Cheon asked.

“Yeah,” Chung Myung confirmed.

“Wh, what are you going to do with it?” Baek Cheon asked.

‘What kind of trouble are you trying to cause this time, you madman?’ he wondered.

“I’m going to take it to the Tang Family,” Chung Myung said.

Baek Cheon tilted his head, confused. “You’re taking the Bigo to the Tang Family? To have it modified?”

“Tsk tsk tsk. Sometimes you should use your head, Dong Ryong,” Chung Myung chided.

“You little punk!” Baek Cheon tried to rush forward, but Yoon Jong and Jo Gul locked their arms around him.

“Please stay still, Uncle-Master,” Yoon Jong said.

“It’s a common occurrence, why are you getting so upset?” Jo Gul added.

“Let go! Won’t you let go?” Baek Cheon struggled, but the arms holding him were as tight as locks. Chung Myung clicked his tongue.

“What if you rush at me? Are you going to fight with a wooden sword?”

Baek Cheon looked down at the wooden sword hanging from his waist, then quietly turned his eyes away and became silent.

“Tsk tsk tsk,” Chung Myung clicked his tongue and continued. “This is all for the Senior Brothers.”

“What about us?” Yoon Jong asked.

“The Senior Brothers are too weak, so they keep breaking their swords,” Chung Myung explained. “If you meet a real expert, your sword will fly away and your head will be cut off in one go.”

“So!” Chung Myung’s eyes shone blue. “If we make a sword that never breaks in the first place, that’s it! I’m going to take that out and take it to the Tang Family. And I’m going to ask them to make a Myriad Year Ice Iron Sword!”

“Make what?” Baek Cheon asked.

“A Myriad Year Ice Iron Sword,” Chung Myung said casually.

“If you meet a guy who can cut through that, just die. There’s no reason to be upset,” Chung Myung added.

Baek Cheon stared at Chung Myung with his mouth open, unable to find the words to say. After a long time, he asked in a trembling voice, “So, you’re going to take out the Bigo of the sect and make a sword out of it?”

“Yeah,” Chung Myung confirmed.

Baek Cheon didn’t even have the will to argue. He didn’t even know where to start. He was wondering what to say to resolve this situation when it happened.

“Oh? Then are we each getting a Myriad Year Ice Iron Sword?” Jo Gul asked. At his words, everyone’s heads turned.

“That’s very expensive. Even the elders of most sects can’t afford it,” one disciple said.

“Come to think of it…” another murmured.

Even a sword with a little Myriad Year Ice Iron mixed in is treated as a treasure. But… if it’s that big!

More than Musangji! The Mount Hua disciples began to exchange glances.

“Wa, wait a minute! You guys…” Baek Cheon started to say.

“Dig!” Jo Gul shouted.

“Dig that up!” another disciple yelled.

Jo Gul was the first to pick up a shovel and charge forward bravely. Following him, the other disciples also rushed forward, shouting loudly.

“Keep your distance! Dig it up in one go!”

“Let’s finish it today!”

“Take one more scoop instead of talking! Don’t even think about stretching your back until you’ve dug it all up!”

“Myriad Year Ice Iron Sword! Myriad Year Ice Iron Plum Blossom Sword!”

“Oooooh!”

Shovels hit the earth with a rhythmic thud. Dirt flew into the air, creating a brown cloud that hung heavy in the air. Sweat dripped from the disciples’ foreheads as they dug with frantic energy.

Meanwhile, cold sweat began to flow on Baek Cheon’s forehead as he watched the scene. Then Chung Myung came to his side and tilted his head.

“What are you doing?”

“Uh, uh?” Baek Cheon stammered.

“Uncle-Master breaks the most swords, so what are you doing still standing here? Go and dig quickly,” Chung Myung urged.

Baek Cheon moved his lips several times and asked, “Is, is this really okay? If a swordsman becomes obsessed with his sword…”

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Chung Myung scoffed.

“Huh?”

“Who’s going to praise you if you break your sword and die while saying that kind of thing? That’s what guys who don’t have good swords say out of jealousy! Equipment is always better the better it is! If you don’t have the skill, at least your weapon should be good!”

Baek Cheon was speechless.

“Stop talking and go dig!” Chung Myung ordered.

“Yes, sir!” Baek Cheon replied.

Chung Myung smiled contentedly as he looked at the hill where clouds of dust were rising. “What’s the point of having a Bigo if there are no treasures to put in it?”

‘It should be used!’ he thought.

‘Isn’t that right, Head Disciple?’

That’s right! You did well this time!

‘Huh?’

‘Why are you being so positive today?’

‘How strange,’ Chung Myung thought.