Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 437

The sound of tea being poured echoed in the quiet room. Tang Gunak, Lord of the Dang Clan, carefully filled three small cups. His hands, surprisingly slender for a man of his powerful build, moved with practiced grace. He offered a cup to Chung Myung, then to Maeng So. The air filled with the light, floral scent of the tea.

Chung Myung eyed the teacup with a slight frown. He tilted his head and shook the bottle of liquor he’d brought along. The liquid sloshed inside. “Tea?” he asked, a hint of playful challenge in his voice. “I thought this was a serious meeting. Shouldn’t we be drinking something stronger?”

Tang Gunak’s eyebrows rose. He frowned, as if Chung Myung had suggested something truly outrageous. “Drinking liquor during a meeting? Is that really appropriate, Master Chung Myung?”

Maeng So, the imposing Lord of the Beast Palace, let out a *tsk* sound. “Chung Myung,” he said, his voice a low rumble, “sometimes you really don’t know when to be serious. Know your place.”

“Huh?” Chung Myung blinked, a genuinely surprised look on his face. He stared at Maeng So. *Of all people, Maeng So is telling me this?* He felt a little stung.

Tang Gunak chuckled softly. “Liquor is for later, when business is done. Put it aside for now, Dojang.” His tone was gentle, but firm.

Chung Myung sighed dramatically and lowered the bottle, a picture of disappointment. Tang Gunak shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. He could see Chung Myung had been completely serious about starting the meeting with a drink.

Ahem.

Tang Gunak cleared his throat loudly to change the atmosphere. He looked at Maeng So and Chung Myung.

“Chung Myung Dojang.”

“Yes.”

“Speak.”

“Yes? Why are you asking me when the Clan Lord called me here?”

Tang Gunak chuckled at Chung Myung’s jest.

“I may have called you here, but wasn’t it Dojang who created this situation?”

“Hahaha. That’s right.”

The Lord of the Beast Palace, Maeng So, nodded his head emphatically. His eyes, as he looked at Chung Myung, were quite meaningful.

“Living with animals, you learn a lot about people too. They’re not so different, you know.”

“Is that an insult?”

“No, no. Not that kind of talk.”

He smiled, as if he found it fascinating.

“If you live with animals your whole life, you see their characteristics. But the funny thing is, you start seeing similar animals in people too.”

Maeng So subtly turned his gaze towards Tang Gunak.

“For example, the Dang Clan Lord resembles a black leopard. The occasional sharpness and the hidden nobility within the looseness, things like that.”

“Oh?”

Tang Gunak cleared his throat slightly.

“You are praising me too much, Palace Lord.”

Hearing those words, Chung Myung’s eyes sparkled as he raised his voice.

“Then what about me? Me? A tiger? A dragon?”

Maeng So stared at him for a long time before opening his mouth.

“…A snake?”

“…”

“Well, yes. A snake or a viper… Yes, well. That’s closer.”

“A, a viper?”

Chung Myung’s eyes flared up, and Tang Gunak smiled, trying to stop Maeng So.

“Let’s just say an Imoogi, a mythical Korean serpent.”

“…A great serpent. Yes, that’s similar too.”

Eventually, Chung Myung, unable to bear it any longer, burst out.

“No! If you’re going to go with a snake, just say a dragon! I’m the Hwasan Divine Dragon, after all!”

“A dragon is a bit…”

“He has a hidden side.”

“Yes, a very hidden and perhaps not so pleasant side.”

What, these guys?

Chung Myung glared with all his might, but because of who they were, his glare had no effect.

“You’re saying I have a hidden side?”

“Very hidden.”

Oh, really?

The two of them are really hitting it off?

Then, Maeng So frowned slightly and said.

“To be honest, it’s fortunate that you belong to the Taoist sect. If you had drifted into the Demonic sect, you would have become a great figure of the world.”

“I agree.”

“No, but these guys, really!”

What do they think of this Plum Blossom Sword Saint Chung Myung!

I’m a person who has dedicated my life to the Taoist sect!

What do you think, Sasuk?

– Every word is right.

Kaaack!

As Chung Myung had a fit, Maeng So laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder.

“Hahaha! Well, what can I do if that’s the truth?”

“Ah! That hurts!”

However, the look in Maeng So’s eyes was slightly subdued compared to his expression.

‘An Imoogi…’

I wonder. Can he be expressed with such words?

‘He’s gotten stronger again.’

Chung Myung was strong when he came to Yunnan in the past. But seeing him again after nearly a year, he was emitting an even more refined and clear energy than before.

An absurd growth rate.

At least among the beasts he knew, there was nothing suitable to express this monster. Unless a divine being was born among humans.

“So, let’s talk now.”

Maeng So picked up the cup in front of him and emptied it in one gulp.

Thud!

And he slammed the cup down violently, staring at the two.

“Let’s drop the innocent faces.”

As Maeng So’s voice sank quite seriously, Chung Myung shrugged nonchalantly.

“It’s a bit awkward for an innocent Taoist to interfere with what you two are saying.”

“A dark-hearted Taoist, you mean.”

“…”

This old man… he’s become even better at talking since Yunnan.

As Chung Myung pouted and closed his mouth, Maeng So stared at the two for a moment before speaking.

“If the esteemed Taoist and the excellent Clan Lord find it difficult to speak, I’ll go first. I’m not someone who cares about face or anything like that.”

He continued without giving the two a chance to answer.

“As trade with Sichuan has resumed, money has begun to flow into Yunnan. Moreover, the rice urgently supported by Hwasan has solved the starvation of the Yunnan people to some extent.”

“It’s just a temporary measure.”

“That’s right. It’s a temporary measure. But a sip of water is precious to someone dying of thirst. Moreover, that temporary measure has bought time to spend the money earned from trade.”

Maeng So looked at Chung Myung and bowed his head slightly respectfully.

“Thank you, Hwasan Divine Dragon. I express my gratitude on behalf of the people of Yunnan.”

“…Why are you doing this? It’s awkward.”

Chung Myung cleared his throat with an embarrassed face. Maeng So smiled at the sight.

“Anyway, seeing money circulating and Yunnan coming back to life, I’m human, so I’m greedy.”

“What kind of greed?”

“You ask an obvious question. I want to expand the board a little more. And if possible, I want to make this awkwardly connected alliance a little stronger.”

Maeng So’s eyes, as he looked at Chung Myung, were deeply meaningful.

“Just as the dark-hearted Taoist wants.”

“…Hey, these people have been cornering me since earlier.”

Maeng So chuckled and turned his gaze to Tang Gunak.

“Of course, the current situation is very good. But as you know, Yunnan is not a very good land for farming. In the end, this situation can only be maintained if the money earned from tea trade can be steadily exchanged for grain…”

Maeng So smacked his lips bitterly.

“The more dependent we become on the grain of the Central Plains, the greater the risk. If one day the Central Plains suddenly refuses to sell grain, then there will be great chaos in Yunnan. People will rise up with farming tools when they are deprived of what they had, unless they never had it in the first place.”

Tang Gunak quietly stared at Maeng So.

Indeed, he is a clever and intelligent person. It’s easy to misunderstand him because of his large size and voice, but Maeng So was far from being dull.

“Therefore, Yunnan needs a friend who will not betray us no matter what.”

Tang Gunak nodded in agreement.

“The Sichuan Dang Family is the same. The Dang Family is also making huge profits by mediating trade between Yunnan and Hwasan. It cannot be denied that the situation is better than before.”

And he looked at Chung Myung slyly and said.

“If possible, I hope this situation lasts for a long time. We are also thinking of increasing the items of trade, not just trading tea.”

Chung Myung, who had been listening to their conversation, scratched his cheek.

‘Good.’

The key is money.

In the last war with the Demonic Sect, he saw too much and experienced too much. When a truly urgent situation arises, people will eventually chase after profit.

Soft things like agreements or loyalty cannot be completely trusted. Isn’t it said that you can know the depth of ten fathoms of water, but you can’t always trust people’s words?

To make a lasting relationship, everyone must benefit. It needs to be a win-win situation. Just like Hwasan, the Dang Family, and the Beast Palace are now linked by the medium of tea trade.

“But we’re doing well now. What are you going to do here…”

At Chung Myung’s words, Maeng So and Tang Gunak looked at Chung Myung with strange expressions at the same time.

“That’s why they say he’s like a snake.”

The wooden door creaked open, and Maeng So’s loud voice filled the room. “Well, well, well,” he said, stepping inside with Tang Gunak quietly behind him. “Look who it is. Hiding away like a fox in its den.”

Chung Myung looked up from the map on the low table. He raised an eyebrow at Maeng So. “Yes?” he asked simply.

Maeng So chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest. “How sly you are, Divine Dragon. Making us come to you.”

Chung Myung just smirked and leaned back against the wall, saying nothing.

“Didn’t we agree this was a private gathering?” Maeng So asked. “Unless you still don’t trust us, please tell us what’s on your mind.”

Chung Myung started to say something, but then he smirked, looking at their faces.

“Good,” he said, nodding as if pleased.

He thought it would be good if Chung Myung took the lead, but he wanted them to start the conversation. If they agreed on their goals, it would be easier to talk.

“Then, before we talk…”

“Hmm?”

Chung Myung looked at them carefully. “Do you two believe in Mount Hua?” he asked.

“I do.”

“I don’t believe in Mount Hua.”

Their answers were different. Chung Myung didn’t get the answer he wanted from Tang Gunak.

But then Tang Gunak spoke again. “I don’t believe in Mount Hua, but I believe in you.”

Tang Gunak’s eyes were sincere. Chung Myung shrugged. “Well, that’s the same thing. I follow the will of Mount Hua.”

“And not the other way around?” Tang Gunak asked.

“Let’s forget I said that,” Chung Myung said.

Chung Myung stopped smiling. “As you know, things aren’t good right now. The Demonic Sect is moving, and Shaolin is losing power. Even the Five Great Families, who have been quiet, are starting to become active again.”

“So, a fight will happen soon,” Tang Gunak said.

“Yes,” Chung Myung agreed. It was obvious.

“At times like these, things can happen that one sect can’t handle alone. So, the sects we trust must work together.”

“An alliance of three sects?” Maeng So asked.

“Something stronger,” Chung Myung said firmly.

“The answer is what you just said, Dang Family Head. You trust me, but not Mount Hua. If we feel that way, how can we expect the disciples of Mount Hua or the Dang Family to trust each other? That’s too hopeful.”

“Indeed,” Tang Gunak said.

“The Beast Palace is the same. They like Mount Hua, but they like the Mount Hua of the past. And their relationship with the Dang Family isn’t very good.”

“That’s right,” Maeng So agreed.

“No matter how much we say we’re friends, it doesn’t really connect with everyone. We need to create a clear connection that everyone can see.”

“So, they feel like one family?” Tang Gunak asked.

“Yes,” Chung Myung said.

He had seen it before. Even the Jongnam people, who he hated, became comrades when they fought the Demonic Sect together. They trusted each other and fought side by side.

To make people feel like family, they need to belong to the same group first.

“A league, then,” Maeng So said.

“The stronger, the better!” Chung Myung said.

Tang Gunak looked at Chung Myung suspiciously. “Chung Myung, Head Disciple,” he said.

“Yes?”

“That’s a good idea. But I don’t think that’s all you want,” Tang Gunak said.

“Is that really all?”

Chung Myung didn’t answer. He looked at the map of the Central Plains on the wall and smiled slyly.

“The Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families…”

“Hmm?”

“I’m going to crush them all and create a new order,” Chung Myung said. “I’m tired of Shaolin acting important, Wudang showing off, and the Namgung Family acting too proud.”

Tang Gunak laughed. “We’ll build our strength from the west of the Central Plains. Our goal is to take over the leadership of the Central Plains.”

Crush Shaolin? Wudang and Namgung?

It was a crazy idea, very strange.

Many sects in the Central Plains had tried to beat them. But they only fought for a better ranking. No one had tried to destroy them and create a new system.

And now Mount Hua, which had fallen, was saying this…

“Do you really think that’s possible?” Tang Gunak asked.

“Yes,” Chung Myung said with confidence.

“Why not?”

“Hahaha! You’re right!” Maeng So said, nodding. “A man should have big dreams.”

“But it takes more than just dreams,” Tang Gunak said.

“So, are you backing out?” Maeng So asked.

Tang Gunak sighed. “I can’t back out, but…” He looked straight at Chung Myung. After a moment, he nodded. “I will regret having a bad friend like you.”

“Hey. You’re lucky to have a good friend,” Chung Myung said.

“I hope so,” Tang Gunak said.

They didn’t need to say much more.

Tang Gunak and Maeng So probably had similar ideas when they came here. Chung Myung just confirmed it.

Chung Myung picked up the bottle of liquor and poured it into Maeng So’s empty cup.

Tang Gunak drank his tea and handed the cup to Chung Myung. Chung Myung poured liquor into it, passed the bottle over, and held out his own cup.

The three of them raised their glasses together.

“A new world is coming,” Maeng So said.

“No,” Chung Myung said. “A new world isn’t coming, we’re creating it.”

The other two looked at him silently.

They suddenly wanted to see the new world that Chung Myung would create.

“Well, then, to our…”

“Wait!” Tang Gunak interrupted.

“If we form a league, who will be the leader? We need someone in charge,” he said.

Maeng So laughed loudly. “Why worry about that? It’s obvious! It’s the Beast Palace, of course!”

“The Dang Family!” Tang Gunak shouted.

“Mount Hua!” Chung Myung declared.

The three of them stared at each other. Sparks seemed to fly between them.

They could give in as individuals, but as leaders of their sects, they couldn’t.

“The Beast Palace is the largest!” Maeng So argued.

“The Dang Family is the strongest!” Tang Gunak countered.

“But Mount Hua has history!” Chung Myung insisted.

The faces of the three men twisted.

“These Central Plains jerks! Of course, the Beast Palace should lead!” Maeng So yelled.

“It’s not right to act like this after we helped your weak sects,” Tang Gunak said.

“These positions should belong to the Taoist Sect! Not to those who only care about money!” Chung Myung shouted.

The other two turned to him and shouted, “Aren’t you the one who cares most about money?!”

“Yes, I care the most!” Chung Myung admitted.

“What’s wrong with these guys?” Tang Gunak wondered.

The first meeting of the Western Alliance, which would change the history of the Jianghu, was off to a shaky start.