Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 438

Chung Myung slumped back in his chair, a deep frown etching lines on his forehead. “Ugh.”

Tang Gun-ak rubbed his temples, his face tight with frustration. “Eugh.”

Maeng So crossed his thick arms, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as if searching for patience there. “Tsk.”

The air in the simple guest room crackled with unspoken annoyance. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing above the worn wooden table, but doing little to brighten the mood.

“…Someone should know when to give in a little,” Maeng So finally said, his voice rough.

“Give in? That’s exactly what *I* should be saying to *you* two!” Tang Gun-ak retorted, his voice rising.

Chung Myung clicked his tongue, his eyes darting between the Beast Palace Lord and Tang Gun-ak. “Honestly, you’d think people old enough to know better would act with a bit more sense.”

“What does age have to do with anything?” Tang Gun-ak snapped, his cheeks flushing a deeper red.

“Sense won’t fill our stomachs,” Maeng So grumbled, his frown deepening. “We need practical solutions, not pride.”

“⋯⋯.”

*They really are something,* Tang Gun-ak thought, a small, almost hidden smile flickering at the corner of his lips. *If they can argue like this and still agree on the big things, maybe this alliance will actually work.* Despite the rocky start, their strange teamwork was… promising.

Beast Palace Lord Maeng So slightly frowned, then suddenly let out a deep sigh.

“Tsk. An alliance should be made with mutual understanding from the start. If we only talk about benefits like this, what difference would making an alliance make from the existing ones?”

“Hmm.”

“Ugh.”

Tang Gun-ak and Chung Myung slightly lowered their heads at those accurate words. Maeng So sighed once more and said,

“So, you two should concede like men.”

“What’s with this fellow?”

“Nonsense!”

The three men glared at each other again with bloodshot eyes. Then, they sighed simultaneously.

“Ugh. Let’s talk about this later.”

“⋯⋯Very well. We can decide on the alliance leader anytime.”

Eventually, the three men, exhausted from trying to persuade each other, fell back.

Tang Gun-ak poured the now cold tea and gulped it down in one go. He wasn’t usually one to shout and argue like this, so today’s conversation seemed particularly difficult.

He cleared his throat as he drank the tea and said,

“In any case, it is truly meaningful that these three sects have come together.”

“Now you say that?”

“Suddenly?”

But the reactions he received were very unenthusiastic. Tang Gun-ak’s eyes twitched.

‘What are these people…’

He was already struggling to handle Chung Myung alone, so why did another stubborn fellow appear to torment him like this?

“Ahem!”

He tried to gather his wits, clearing his throat repeatedly. If he got swept up in it too, this place would truly become a mess. It seemed like he was already somewhat caught up, but he could still turn things around.

“Hwasan Shinryong.”

“Yes?”

He opened his mouth with a slightly subdued voice.

“Creating an alliance isn’t that difficult. If there is a will and a desire, all that’s needed is a justification and formality. But the problem is that the moment an alliance is formed, there will inevitably be ways to limit each other’s power.”

“Hmm. From the Five Great Families?”

“That’s right. And the Nine Great Sects (powerful groups of martial artists) and the Four Outer Palaces will likely be the same.”

Maeng So laughed heartily at those words.

“That’s only natural. People never want to let go of even a single grain of rice in their hands. They would never allow anything that threatens their power to exist.”

As the lord of the Four Outer Palaces, Maeng So knew this fact better than anyone. For example, how much had the sects of the Central Plains checked and restrained the Four Outer Palaces?

When they needed them, they approached them and discussed the greater good, but when they no longer needed them, they branded them as barbarians and oppressed them. That was what the Four Outer Palaces had experienced countless times.

However.

‘It’s not just because the Four Palaces are located outside the Central Plains.’

For example, Kunlun is located in a place that can hardly be called part of the Central Plains, and its disciples are also mostly not from the Central Plains. But it has firmly established itself as one of the Nine Great Sects.

So, in the end, there is only one difference between Kunlun and the Beast Palace.

Whether they respect their order.

“They only acknowledge those who are within their order. If Hwasan forms an alliance with the Sichuan Tang Family and the Southern Barbarian Beast Palace, they will recognize us as beings who oppose their order.”

Tang Gun-ak nodded in agreement with Maeng So’s words.

“They won’t openly cause trouble for a while. But in the end, they will have no choice but to be hostile. It will be difficult to find a compromise like the one that currently exists between the Nine Sects and the Five Great Families.”

“Hmm.”

Chung Myung nodded without much reaction. Tang Gun-ak asked,

“Have you thought about this issue as well?”

“Yes? What issue?”

“…Didn’t I say? We will inevitably be at odds with the Nine Sects and the Five Great Families. But with the strength of our three sects alone, it will be difficult to face them. Surely, you don’t have some absurd plan to become stronger from now on and face them all, do you?”

“Ehh, surely not.”

Chung Myung waved his hand at Tang Gun-ak’s suspicious gaze.

Of course, Hwasan becoming stronger was a given, but even Chung Myung wasn’t so reckless as to do that.

“Then do you have something else in mind?”

At that question, Chung Myung turned his head and looked at the map of the Central Plains attached to the wall of the guest room.

“Well, isn’t it obvious? If we are not strong enough alone, we need to get more allies.”

“Get more allies, you say…”

“We even grandly named it an alliance, but it wouldn’t look good if only three sects were part of it.”

“That’s also true.”

Maeng So nodded.

“Then which sects are you thinking of persuading to join?”

“Of course, the sects near here.”

“…So simply?”

“It’s not simple.”

Chung Myung wiggled his fingers.

“What do you think is the reason why the Nine Great Sects, the Four Outer Palaces, and the Five Great Families maintain a subtle distance from each other?”

“Isn’t it ways to keep each other in check?”

“Not at all. It’s distance.”

“Distance?”

“Yes.”

Chung Myung nodded and explained in detail.

“To put it simply, take the Five Great Families as an example. The Tang Family is in the southwest of the Central Plains, and the Namgung Family is in the east. The Peng Family is even in the northeast. The other sects are similar.”

“Hmm.”

“So, if something happens to the Tang Family, it takes ages for the Namgung or Peng Family to come to their aid. What’s the point of an alliance that’s useless in times of emergency? That’s why they maintain the way things are now with a subtle sense of distance.”

“Hmm.”

Maeng So nodded as if he agreed.

The Four Outer Palaces were also located around the Central Plains. That’s why it was difficult to receive proper support when something happened to the Beast Palace.

“A close neighbor is better than a distant relative. First of all, we need sects that can definitely come running when something happens. Now, instead of prioritizing tendencies like the Nine Sects or the Five Great Families, we should prioritize region.”

Tang Gun-ak looked at Chung Myung with thoughtful eyes.

“So, the West?”

“Yes.”

Chung Myung smiled and nodded.

“So, first, we need to coax the sects in the West. It would be even better if they were from the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Families.”

“The reason?”

“It’s obvious. Then they’ll become weaker. What could be better than taking away someone else’s power?”

Tang Gun-ak nodded understandingly and looked at Chung Myung with a smile.

“Then let me ask you one thing.”

“Yes?”

“According to you, there is one place that perfectly fits the criteria of being located in the West, being able to rush to our aid first in case of danger, and, above all, being able to greatly weaken their power.”

“…Yes?”

“Jongnam. What are you going to do about them?”

Grind.

“⋯⋯.”

The moment the word Jongnam came out, Chung Myung’s teeth involuntarily grinded.

“Th-Th⋯⋯ Ugh⋯⋯. Th-Th⋯⋯ Jongnam⋯⋯. Jongnam⋯⋯.”

Chung Myung, who had been making groaning noises for a while, scratched his head irritably.

‘Those eyesores, those things!’

This is the problem, this is!

Chung Myung’s grand plan was to gather sects centered around the West and create an alliance that would truly be helpful to each other, unlike the old order.

But the place that best met all these conditions happened to be Jongnam.

It was right next to Hwasan, one of the Nine Great Sects, and had great power.

In other words, just bringing in Jongnam would lay the foundation for the alliance. And conversely, it meant that if Jongnam wasn’t brought in, the meaning of the alliance would be diminished.

“The Emei and Qingcheng sects can participate depending on the situation. Kunlun is further away than the West, so whether they participate or not won’t have much of an impact. But Jongnam is different.”

“⋯⋯.”

“If we can’t bring in Jongnam, our voice won’t have any power.”

A low growl rumbled in Chung Myung’s chest. “Ggrrrrr,” he ground his teeth, his fists clenched on the low wooden table.

Tang Gunak watched him, a wry, humorless smile touching his lips. He usually didn’t find amusement in others’ frustration, but being around Chung Myung seemed to be bringing out a less serious side of him. He found himself strangely entertained by Chung Myung’s simmering anger.

“Jongnam…” Chung Myung muttered, his voice low and dangerous. “Jongnam, those Jongnam fools.” He glanced at Tang Gunak and Maeng So, a flicker of calculation in his eyes, before speaking carefully. “Wouldn’t it be simpler if we just went to Jongnam and settled things with them once and for all?”

“Are you thinking of changing our sign to a Demonic Sect or something?”

“Hahaha! What fiery words! Fiery words indeed!” Maeng So burst into loud laughter, then suddenly turned serious. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“Yes,” Chung Myung said, utterly deflated, staring at the cupboard with a blank expression.

“Anyway, I’ll think about it a bit more.”

“I know enough about the relationship between Mount Hua and Jongnam, so I won’t press you further, but this is something that needs to be decided soon: whether to work with Jongnam or completely ignore them.”

“Ugh. I understand.”

Tang Gunak nodded. “Then it seems the basic framework is set. We’ll create the Alliance and persuade the surrounding major sects before officially launching it. The Sichuan Tang Family will take charge of Emei in Sichuan.”

“The Beast Palace will try to contact Mount Qingcheng.”

Maeng So and Tang Gunak simultaneously looked at Chung Myung. “So, Mount Hua will handle Jongnam…”

“Kaaah! I said I understood!” In the end, as Chung Myung hissed like a furious wildcat, a refreshing smile spread across Tang Gunak and Maeng So’s faces, as if a great weight had been lifted from them.

Maeng So chuckled and glanced at Chung Myung. “Hey, Divine Dragon of Mount Hua.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know if it’s in your plans, but the Four Outer Palaces are also a force to be reckoned with. It might not be a bad idea to get them on board as well.”

“Hmm.”

Chung Myung scratched his cheek. “I won’t force you. I know better than anyone how hostile they are to the Central Plains. Persuading them to join is definitely not an easy task.”

Even the Naman Beast Palace wouldn’t have joined hands with Mount Hua like this if they hadn’t respected the Plum Blossom Sword Saint. It could be said that they were very lucky.

“We can’t even enter their territory for now, though.”

“That’s why…” The Lord of the Beast Palace shrugged and began to speak. “I’ve already sent letters to the other Outer Palaces, except for the Blood Palace, among the remaining Five Outer Palaces.”

“Asking them to join?”

“No, I don’t have the ability to do that much. I just asked them not to mistreat you or the disciples of Mount Hua if you happen to visit, out of respect for me.”

“…”

“Considering the bonds the Four Outer Palaces share, they won’t chase you away just because you’re from the Central Plains. So, if you have time, you should pay them a visit.”

“I understand for now. But I don’t know if I’ll have time.”

“Then there’s nothing we can do about it.”

After that, the three men made further adjustments on several points, establishing a rough framework.

“Aigo, I’m tired,” Chung Myung sighed deeply and scratched his head vigorously. “I’m really not suited for this kind of brain work.”

“Hahaha! Then leave it to me!” The Lord of the Beast Palace said heartily, thumping his chest. Chung Myung looked at him with mournful eyes and thought, ‘Isn’t there a way to coax the Zhuge Family over?’

Damn it, there should always be a strategist who can handle these things smoothly!

When that bastard Cheongjin was around, everything went smoothly without having to worry about this.

A memory flashed in Chung Myung’s mind: Cheongjin, face red with frustration, yelling, ‘Aaaargh! Senior Brother! I told you not to do that!’

‘How many times do I have to tell you to think before you swing your sword!’

‘What’s even in that head of yours… Ack! Why are you hitting me! Why! What did I do wrong!’

No. I need to hear Cheongjin’s side of the story too.

“Well, that’s roughly it.”

Tang Gunak also drank tea continuously with a tired face. Then, with a slightly hoarse voice, he opened his mouth. “Now, there’s one most important thing left.”

He looked tired, but his eyes were as serious as could be. “The most important thing?”

“Simple, but the most important thing. It’s the name of the Alliance.”

“Ah…” Come to think of it, we haven’t decided on a name.

Tang Gunak asked Chung Myung, who was nodding. “Do you have any suggestions?”

Then Maeng So shrugged. “Is there any need to think about it? Since the sects of the Western Central Plains are gathering, we can just call it the Western Alliance.”

“Lame.”

“It feels too carelessly named.”

“Is that so?” Maeng So scratched his head awkwardly with his thick fingers.

Tang Gunak narrowed his eyes and said. “In my opinion, it would be good to include the character for ‘West.’ As for other characters, um…” Tang Gunak glanced at Chung Myung and continued. “How about using the character for ‘Friendship’ and calling it the Western Friendship Alliance?”

“The name implies that we are bound by the Alliance, but we become friends who don’t simply discuss benefits or hierarchy?”

“Something like that.”

“It doesn’t sound too bad.”

Maeng So and Tang Gunak looked at Chung Myung as if seeking his agreement. “Hmm.”

But Chung Myung still frowned as if he didn’t like it. “But, you know.”

“Speak.”

“Just because we’re starting in the West, does that mean we necessarily have to include the character for ‘West’? We’re not going to end in the West just because we’re starting there.”

“Hmm.”

“If we name it the Western Friendship Alliance, the sects in the East might be reluctant to participate. Let’s just remove the ‘West.’”

“Then?”

“Let’s tell everyone under the heavens who wants to come to come. Let’s use ‘Heaven’ and call it the Heavenly Friendship Alliance.”

“The Heavenly Friendship Alliance.”

Tang Gunak smiled. “Not discussing righteousness or justice under the heavens, but discussing friendship. A truly unique alliance will be born.”

“Are you saying we won’t focus on big, important goals, but instead on smaller, more personal benefits?”

“I don’t really know much about the greater good,” Chung Myung shrugged. “The Nine Great Sects will take care of the greater good, so let’s just gather among ourselves and live well. What do you think?”

At Chung Myung’s words, Tang Gunak and Maeng So curled up the corners of their lips. “Good.”

“That’s what I wanted!” The three men looked at each other with fervent eyes.

“Then we’ll name the Alliance the Heavenly Friendship Alliance and prepare to launch it as soon as possible. Please prioritize preparing for your respective roles.”

“We will.”

“Yes.”

Tang Gunak finally sighed with relief and tapped the table. “Then, let’s call it a day…”

“Just a moment!” Maeng So and Tang Gunak turned sharply to look at Chung Myung. Their faces clearly asked if he had anything else to say.

“So, who’s going to be the Alliance Leader?”

“We decided to talk about that later…”

“No. It seems you don’t understand.” An unquenchable fire began to blaze in Chung Myung’s eyes. “No one is leaving here until we conclude that our Sect Leader will be the Alliance Leader! Not one step!”

“…”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“…” Having met the most stubborn man in the world, the two men silently covered their faces.