Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 46

It was barely morning, more like the last moments of night, when the doors of the Baekma Hall swung wide open with a loud creak. The air was still cool and dark, carrying the faint scent of pine from the mountains.

“Ugh, morning already?” one voice groaned, breaking the silence. “Is it even morning yet?”

“Aaaah,” another disciple sighed heavily. “So tired. My legs feel like lead.”

“I…” a third started, his voice trailing off in exhaustion. “Goh… at this rate… I’m going to… die…”

It was the start of a day like any other, filled with the usual complaints.

But today, something was different.

There was a subtle strength in their steps, a hidden energy in their voices. It was clear that something had changed within them.

They exchanged quick glances, a secret understanding in their eyes.

“Alright, we must train hard today as well,” one of them said.

“Ummm. That’s right. It’s tough, though,” another replied.

“Yes. It’s tough, but we must train ‘hard’,” the first insisted.

Without a single complaint, they headed to the storage and easily carried their training tools to the training grounds.

‘Heh heh heh. It’s light. So light.’

‘My muscles, usually stiff in the morning, felt strangely light and springy!’

‘Is it alright for only me to eat something like this? I feel sorry for my senior brothers.’

‘Heh heh heh heh. To think that Disciple Chung Myung thought so highly of me. To give me such a precious spirit pill.’

The third-generation disciples glanced around nervously.

‘If my senior brothers find out that only I received a spirit pill, they’ll be upset, right?’

‘I feel a bit sorry, but spirit pills aren’t common, and only those who need them should take them.’

‘Could there be anyone else besides me who received one?’

Each of them was lost in their own thoughts. Chung Myung had told them never to reveal that they had taken the spirit pill, so they couldn’t let the truth slip out, even by accident.

They wore awkward expressions, unaware that every single third-generation disciple present had also taken a spirit pill.

Why? Because it seemed impossible. Spirit pills were too rare and expensive. To give enough to all the third-generation disciples would cost a fortune, and even then, there was no guarantee of finding them.

‘That precious spirit pill for me!’

‘Kuh! Something feels like it’s surging!’

Those who had taken the spirit pill felt its effects keenly. A warm energy pulsed within them.

They hadn’t even fully absorbed the spirit pill’s energy yet, but already their fatigue was fading, and they felt stronger than ever before.

Their motivation soared, and their hearts pounded with excitement.

Thump!

Just then, the doors of the Baekma Hall burst open, and Chung Myung walked out. Spotting Chung Myung, the third-generation disciples straightened up and stood in perfect formation.

“Hmm.” Watching the scene, Chung Myung smiled contentedly.

‘Good.’

Their eyes were bright with excitement, like eager puppies waiting for a treat.

Why wouldn’t they be?

From Chung Myung’s perspective, the spirit pills were useless, and selling them was too much effort. But for the disciples, they were precious medicines they couldn’t afford.

If they knew that the spirit pill Chung Myung had given them was the Plum Blossom Pill, a treasure of Mount Hua’s history, their reaction would have been even more intense.

‘Come to think of it, he was a good guy.’

‘Kuh. Such generosity. That precious spirit pill.’

‘Loyalty! Loyalty!’

The third-generation disciples gazed at Chung Myung with such fervor that even the mighty Chung Myung faltered with an embarrassed expression.

‘So that’s why the Senior used to give spirit pills to the disobedient ones once in a while?’

Chung Myung realized that you couldn’t manage people with just a whip.

“Well, shall we start cleanly today too?”

“Ooh!”

Chung Myung gestured with his chin towards Yeonhwa Peak.

“Go tag it.”

“Euraaaah!”

“I’m first today!”

“Move! I’m going!”

Chung Myung chuckled as he watched his senior brothers rushing towards Yeonhwa Peak.

‘It’ll be peaceful for a while.’

❀ ❀ ❀

‘Something’s strange.’

Un Geom’s eyes narrowed.

Before him, the third-generation disciples were swinging their wooden swords as usual. It looked the same as always.

But Un Geom’s sharp eyes had spotted a difference.

‘The swordplay is more stable.’

They were performing the same sword forms, but with a new sharpness and stability.

Un Geom watched them closely.

‘Their lower body has changed.’

He could feel the strength in their steps. With strong feet, their upper bodies remained steady, adding weight to the tip of their swords.

It was a good thing.

A steady sword tip meant they could finally do what they were supposed to.

Considering that the endless practice of the same sword forms was meant to achieve perfection, this was a significant improvement.

But something bothered him.

‘Is it possible to achieve this so quickly?’

Un Geom estimated it would take at least another year to reach this level, and realistically, two or three years wouldn’t be surprising.

But…

“Taat!” The sword sliced through the air.

‘Oh ho?’

“Euracha!” The stance rooted to the ground resonated through the earth.

“Huh?” Un Geom laughed softly, without realizing it.

He was happy with the disciples’ progress, but he couldn’t understand how it had happened.

‘Could it be that early morning training?’

Un Geom’s eyes turned to Chung Myung, who was swinging his sword at the very back.

“⋯⋯.”

That was the only explanation. The third-generation disciples’ martial prowess had improved suddenly since Chung Myung had arrived, specifically after he started training them.

Un Geom’s brow furrowed.

‘Does that training have such an effect?’

He hadn’t expected much when he allowed it. Chung Myung had given various reasons, but Un Geom had agreed mainly because he was pleased with the disciples’ enthusiasm.

‘I just thought it would be fortunate if they gained a little more motivation.’

But it was producing results far beyond motivation.

Moreover, the third-generation disciples seemed aware of their improvement, training with a level of motivation he had never seen before.

“Heh heh.”

It was a strange feeling.

How long had it been since he had seen disciples learning the sword with such shining eyes after running from Baekma Hall?

‘I’m ashamed.’

A wave of shame washed over Un Geom. The disciples were training with such passion, but did he, their teacher, share that passion?

Hadn’t he been annoyed by the burden of his duties?

Un Geom sighed softly. It was undeniable.

‘Even though I knew that the disciples were the future of Mount Hua, I neglected the task of caring for Mount Hua’s future.’

The more he thought about it, the more ashamed he felt. He felt ashamed before the disciples, and even more so when he thought of the Sect Leader who had trusted him with this task.

“Taaaaat!” The swords all pointed to the sky in unison.

Watching the scene, Un Geom nodded.

“Good!” It was an exclamation that came from the heart.

“Everyone’s sword tips are alive.”

He didn’t know what else to say. Un Geom’s gaze turned to Chung Myung, who was at the very back.

Something strange was happening.

Mount Hua hadn’t changed, but since Chung Myung had arrived, everything was changing.

The financial problems had been solved, the third-generation disciples were training with unprecedented passion, and their skills were visibly improving.

Was it all a coincidence? Or…?

After pondering for a moment, Un Geom opened his mouth.

“As you all know, the rules state that you must master the Seven Sages Sword before learning the Taeul Mire Sword. However, I see how hard you’ve been training. If you continue like this, I will make an exception and teach you the Taeul Mire Sword in advance.”

“Oh!”

“The Taeul Mire Sword at the Baekma Hall!”

As the third-generation disciples buzzed with excitement, Un Geom smiled.

Reward those who work hard, and they will work even harder. If this cycle continues, these children will become great swordsmen of Mount Hua.

“Therefore, do not be lazy for even a moment in your training!”

“Yes! Hall Lord!”

“Good. Then, this time, let’s train the Jin Yuk Hap Sword.”

A spirited response echoed through the training grounds, and Un Geom smiled contentedly.

Just then, someone approached the training grounds with quick steps.

“Is Un Geom here?”

Un Geom turned his head, startled.

“Sect Leader?”

Un Geom quickly paid his respects, looking at Hyun Jong with puzzled eyes. It was rare for Hyun Jong to visit the Baekma Hall’s training grounds, as he was usually busy with official duties.

“You’ve worked hard. I need to talk to you. Do you have some time?”

“Yes! Sect Leader.”

Un Geom turned to the third-generation disciples and shouted:

“You are practicing the Jin Yuk Hap Sword…”

“Practice the Seven Sages Sword.”

“⋯⋯.”

Un Geom, seeing Hyun Jong interrupt him, looked puzzled but nodded, assuming there was a reason.

Leaving the children behind, Un Geom went behind the Baekma Hall and waited quietly for Hyun Jong’s words.

“Un Geom.”

“Yes! Sect Leader.”

“It seems there’s a problem.”

“Yes?” Un Geom’s heart quickened. Hyun Jong’s face was grave.

Hyun Jong took out a book from his sleeve and handed it to Un Geom. His complexion was dark. Un Geom received the book and asked:

“This is?”

“It’s the secret manual that came from that chest.”

“Ah…” Un Geom looked from Hyun Jong to the book, then began to read it quickly at Hyun Jong’s gesture.

“Sect Leader, isn’t this… the Yuk Hap Fist?”

“That’s right. It’s the Yuk Hap Fist.”

Un Geom narrowed his brow.

Yuk Hap was a martial art that was the foundation of Mount Hua, but it had been replaced by the Jin Yuk Hap Fist. The Yuk Hap Fist no longer had meaning in Mount Hua.

“But why are you giving this to me…”

“Have you seen it all?”

“Yes.”

“When I first discovered it, I only read the contents like you did, because I was so distracted and flustered.”

“⋯⋯Yes?”

“Check the last page. There are words on the back as well.”

“Ah?” Un Geom quickly reopened the secret manual. A frown deepened on Un Geom’s face, lines appearing around his mouth as he scanned the words.

Un Geom’s hand holding the letter trembled.

To the successors:

It is not to be blamed if the successors develop and transform the martial arts of Mount Hua. Martial arts must constantly change and develop.

However, Yuk Hap is the foundation of Mount Hua and the framework of Mount Hua. Transforming Yuk Hap is no different from twisting the spirit of Mount Hua.

The successors must keep this fact in mind. If there is a seed that transforms Yuk Hap, it would be best to be prepared when we meet in the immortal realm in the future.