Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 443

“Hahahahahaha!”

The Mount Hua disciples exchanged confused glances as the Green Forest King laughed loudly.

He was huge and imposing.

Considering the aura he gave off, one might expect to be trembling at that laughter…

‘Nostalgic.’

‘I wonder if the Palace Lord returned safely?’

‘It must be a long journey to Naman.’

The Mount Hua disciples felt strangely nostalgic.

The Green Forest King, who had been laughing heartily, seemed to notice their reactions and stopped awkwardly.

“Um…”

A slight embarrassment flickered in his eyes. The Mount Hua disciples understood him perfectly.

‘I suppose so.’

‘He must be meeting people who react like this for the first time.’

The Green Forest King cleared his throat loudly and spoke in a weighty voice.

“Which one of you is the Divine Dragon of Mount Hua?”

“Me?”

“Hmm, you?”

The Green Forest King scanned Chung Myung up and down.

“Doesn’t look very strong.”

“Yeah. I was thinking the same thing!”

“What did you say?”

“I said we think alike. We might get along unexpectedly well.”

Chung Myung chuckled. The Green Forest King stared at him with strange eyes.

“You’re as arrogant as I’ve heard.”

“Oh? You’ve heard rumors about me?”

“Stories about the Divine Dragon of Mount Hua are everywhere now. Even in the mountains, I hear tales of you!”

“Hehehe. I’m not that great.”

‘Don’t enjoy it so much!’

‘Was he possessed by a ghost who died without receiving praise in his past life?’

At that moment, the Green Forest King’s eyes narrowed slightly. The smile that had been on his face disappeared.

‘He’s angry.’

‘I’d be angry too.’

“So, I heard that if I want to keep being a bandit, I should come find you?”

“Me?”

“That’s what I heard.”

Chung Myung turned to look at Baek Cheon and his group, then tilted his head.

“Did I say that?”

“…”

“…”

“I think I remember…”

The ends of the Green Forest King’s beard began to tremble.

“This bastard! I’ve been holding back, but how dare you mock me?”

The Green Forest King roared. The sound was so loud that the building shook and dust fell from the ceiling.

“I was going to be nice to you because you defeated those damned Myriad Man House bastards! How dare you!”

“Ah, calm down. People can forget things.”

“This bastard?”

“Does it matter whether I said it or not? What’s important is that I have something to say to you.”

The Green Forest King glared at Chung Myung with eyes that looked as if he would tear him to pieces. But Chung Myung, without being intimidated, stared right back.

After a moment, the Green Forest King released his energy with a sigh.

“You’ve got guts.”

He leaned back in his massive chair again.

“Alright. What do you want to say? I’ll listen, considering your merits.”

“It’s not a big story. But it’s a tempting one.”

“Hmm?”

“Have you ever thought about making some money?”

“Money?”

“Yes, money. Of course, you’re interested, right? After all, the Green Forest is doing this to make money.”

“Hmph.”

“So, what I’m saying is…”

“Wait!”

“Huh?”

The Green Forest King waved his hand dismissively.

“That kind of story isn’t for me. Yuk So-byeong!”

“Yes!”

“Huh?”

Chung Myung turned his head towards the voice. The door burst open, and a man rushed inside.

“You called… Cough! Cough! Augh, this cough! Cough!”

The man covered his mouth and coughed as he ran.

“Cough! Ehehehe. Achoo!”

Chung Myung stared at the man, blankly.

‘What is this?’

He was a figure who clearly didn’t belong in this mountain stronghold.

The scholar’s robe he wore was old but clean. The fan in his hand was tattered but fluttered elegantly.

The slightly crumpled hat on his head was a minor flaw, but usually not a single strand of hair was out of place…

“Achoo!”

Ah. It fell out.

In any case, he was neat.

But what was more striking was his pale face and the dark circles under his eyes.

“Are you sick?”

“Cough cough! Don’t worry about it. I’ve always been a bit weak…”

“…”

He looked so weak that he couldn’t even wring a chicken’s neck. Except for that, he looked like a typical failed civil service candidate.

“You called?”

“These guys are talking about money or something. I hate dealing with troublesome things, so you handle them.”

“Yes! Isn’t that what I specialize in! Even though I look like this, I’m proficient in everything from arithmetic to astronomy and calendar-making, and…”

“Quiet! Stop spouting nonsense and get to work!”

“Yes.”

The man turned his gaze towards the Mount Hua disciples with a dejected expression. Then, as if nothing had happened, he smiled brightly.

“Oh my! Welcome, esteemed Taoist masters. I am Yuk So-byeong, a military strategist assisting the Green Forest King!”

“Assisting?”

The man spread his fan wide, covered his mouth, and whispered softly.

“The Green Forest King is so magnanimous that he doesn’t pay attention to trivial matters like calculations. So, you can talk to me.”

“…”

Baek Cheon smiled.

‘He looks like a drowned rat.’

No, in fact, if you look closely, he’s not without his charms. His delicate facial features and pale skin lack a masculine touch, but they exude a strange allure.

“Hehehehe! It’s an honor to meet the heroes of Mount Hua like this! You have no idea how much my heart fluttered when I heard the rumors about you. Moreover, the story of you wiping out those damned Myriad Man House bastards almost made me soil myself!”

But that charm was ruined by his servile attitude and sly smile. His constantly bowing waist, slightly hunched legs, and desperately clasped hands made the viewers feel drained.

“You don’t seem like someone who should be in a place like this?”

At Baek Cheon’s words, Yuk So-byeong looked sad and gazed towards the small window.

“Well, aren’t there many people in the world with stories?”

“Stories my foot.”

The Green Forest King, who had been watching from behind, snorted.

“I saved a guy who was about to hang himself because he couldn’t pass the civil service examination, and now he’s talking about stories.”

“No, I asked you to keep that a secret…”

“Be quiet and get to work!”

“Yes! Of course!”

The Mount Hua disciples squeezed their eyes shut.

‘This is hopeless too.’

‘What a mess.’

It seemed that this place wasn’t a proper sect either.

“So, you’re saying you want to do business with us?”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“Hmm. Hmm. Mount Hua, I know it as a Taoist temple where noble Taoists live, but you want to do business with us ignorant people. That’s a strange thing.”

“Ignorant people?”

The Green Forest King glared, and Yuk So-byeong flinched and turned around.

“Hehe. I just mean it as a figure of speech.”

“Has this bastard not been beaten enough?”

“I’m sorry.”

Yuk So-byeong asked Chung Myung again, looking gloomy.

“So… about this business you mentioned?”

Chung Myung shrugged.

“We’re planning to start a transportation business.”

“Transportation! A transportation business? Are you starting a security group in Hwasan? We always work well with security groups. Money can make friends, right?” Yuk So-byeong asked.

“Ah, it’s not exactly a security group. It’s just a transportation business, like I said. We want to deliver small items quickly.”

Yuk So-byeong’s eyes sparkled.

“Small items… quickly. Hmm?”

He grinned.

“That’s a very interesting idea. It seems your goal is to deliver things quickly over long distances.”

“Oh! You understand right away. That’s right!” Chung Myung replied.

“Hmm. So, the Hwasan disciples will do it themselves?”

“Other people will be doing the moving,” said Chung Myung.

Yuk So-byeong frowned, surprised.

“Speed is crucial for such items, so why not do it yourselves?”

“We’ve found someone with fast footwork.”

“Ah, yes! Yes, of course!” Yuk So-byeong nodded.

“I understand. To travel the shortest distance, you need to ignore official roads and cross mountains and rivers in a straight line. Are you worried because our territory is in the way?”

“You hit the nail on the head!” Chung Myung exclaimed.

“I’m surprised you came up with this idea. It must be for high-ranking officials and the wealthy.”

Chung Myung stared at Yuk So-byeong, amazed.

“Wow. You’re really smart.”

“Hahaha! Just average,” Yuk So-byeong said, puffing out his chest and raising his chin. Chung Myung’s eyes sparkled as if he were about to clap.

“Wow. It’s been a while since I’ve met someone I like. Ever thought of leaving the bandits and coming to Hwasan? I can offer you a better salary.”

“Haha. I appreciate the offer, but I know my place. I must stay loyal to the Green Forest. It’s an old saying, meaning I must stay loyal,” Yuk So-byeong said.

“I could give you a gold piece every month.”

Yuk So-byeong grabbed Chung Myung’s hand.

“How can I only eat pine needles? Sometimes I eat other things too. Can we leave right now?”

“You rascal!” The Green Forest King jumped up from his seat.

“Can’t you do your job properly before I beat you to a pulp!”

“I’m, I’m sorry,” Yuk So-byeong whispered to Chung Myung, shrinking back.

“Sorry about that. He’s a bit impatient.”

“…It’s a wonder you haven’t been beaten to death yet,” Chung Myung said.

“It’s been a life of hardship,” Yuk So-byeong stared blankly into the air with a wistful look.

Baek Cheon, who had been watching them, suddenly shivered.

‘What is this?’

‘Why are these two getting along so well?’

The other senior brothers seemed to feel the same.

‘This is the first time I’ve seen anyone get along so well with Chung Myung.’

‘They’re practically a perfect match.’

‘This is different from the Beast Palace Lord.’

The Beast Palace Lord and Chung Myung were a perfect match in generosity, but this guy was a perfect fit in slyness.

“So… cough! Oh, again… cough! Cough! Ahem! Damn cough, cough! Like!” Yuk So-byeong coughed, pulled a gourd from behind, and gulped down water.

“Kaa! Cold water is good.”

Baek Cheon’s eyes twitched. They seemed like brothers.

“Anyway!” Yuk So-byeong grinned at Chung Myung.

“So, you want the Green Forest’s permission to do business, right?”

“Yes, exactly.”

“Good, good. What difference does it make? The Green Forest protects people so they can safely pass through dangerous mountains, right?”

“…Protecting?” Chung Myung asked.

“Let’s just say that. Why are you being so picky?” Yuk So-byeong shrugged.

“As long as you pay, we can help you. So, how much are you thinking of paying? To pass through all seventy-two Green Forest camps, and the smaller camps… Whew, this won’t be cheap, you know?” His eyes gleamed as he looked at Chung Myung.

“This business will make you rich, won’t it?”

Chung Myung grinned.

“What, is money that important?”

“Of course, of course. Confucius said a gentleman doesn’t talk about money when making friends! That’s it! It’s refreshing to meet someone so generous… Kroooooh, cough! Cough!” The sickly scholar coughed, wiped his mouth, and grumbled.

“Tsk, tsk. You’ll die like this.”

The sickly scholar folded the handkerchief, his eyes sparkling again.

“Alright, alright. Make an offer. I’d like to give you a discount since I like you, but I work for the Green Forest King, so I can’t lower the price.”

“Hmm.” Chung Myung looked at the sickly scholar with a strange smile.

“I’ve changed my mind a bit.”

“Yes?” Yuk So-byeong asked.

“I was going to give you some money and tell you not to bother us, but I think I can make it bigger.”

“Hoo.” The sickly scholar smiled, fanning himself.

“A big game is always welcome. What kind of game?”

Chung Myung’s lips curled up.

“This isn’t for a ‘strategist.’ I need to talk to the Green Forest King.”

“Ah… Our Green Forest King isn’t good at this kind of thing…”

“You don’t understand,” Chung Myung said.

“Yes?” The sickly scholar tilted his head, folding his fan.

“I want to talk to the Green Forest King. The Green Forest King.”

The sickly scholar stared at him.

“The Green Forest King?”

“Yes.”

“You know what you’re saying, right?”

“Yes.”

“Since when?”

“A little while ago?”

The sickly scholar sighed, pushed the fan into his hat, and scratched his head.

“Ha, that’s strange. Usually, they don’t know.”

The Hwasan disciples watched, confused.

‘What are they talking about?’

The sickly scholar Yuk So-byeong turned and walked toward the Green Forest King, who was a large, rough-looking man.

The Green Forest King glared at him.

“You! I told you to finish the job…”

“Hey. You’re caught, you idiot! Stop messing around and come out!”

“What are you talking about…”

“I said you’re caught, you bastard! Come out!” The sickly scholar kicked the Green Forest King hard.

“Aigo!” The giant Green Forest King was thrown from his chair and rolled across the floor.

“Tch, really.” Yuk So-byeong grumbled and threw down his hat, his hair falling down.

He sat on the tiger-skin chair, a different energy coming from him.

“Let me introduce myself again,” Yuk So-byeong said in a dignified voice.

The Hwasan disciples swallowed hard.

‘So, that guy is?’

Nothing had changed, but Yuk So-byeong on the throne seemed different. His expression and posture changed him completely.

Yuk So-byeong sat up straight, his eyes now sharp and commanding. His voice, no longer weak and cough-filled, boomed in the room.

“I am Lim So-byeong, the Green Forest King, master of the seventy-two Green Forest camps. The young disciple of Hwasan… Cough! Cough! Aaa-choo! Aish, this is killing me! This damn cough! Cough! Aheeee! Water! Bring me water! Water!”

Baek Cheon stared at Lim So-byeong, dazed.

‘I thought something was going too well.’

Of course.

Sigh.