Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 796

“Senior Brother.”

“Huh?”

While rushing towards the Black Dragon Corps, Jo Gul cautiously spoke.

“That… the Mount Hua Sect Leader, I mean.”

“Heo Do-jin?”

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“What about him?”

“Doesn’t he seem… gentler than I imagined? I always thought the Mount Hua Sect Leader would be a very skilled swordsman, maybe even a bit scary. But seeing him in person, he seems like a very kind Taoist… so calm and peaceful.”

Of course, this wasn’t the first time he had seen the Mount Hua Sect Leader.

He had seen Heo Do-jin sitting on a high platform at the Murim Tournament before. But that was just a quick look from far away. This was the first time he had really seen what kind of person Heo Do-jin was up close.

“A kind Taoist, you say…”

Yoon Jong repeated the words for a moment, then looked at Jo Gul with a pitying expression.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Geol-ah.”

“Yes?”

“You were right to come to Mount Hua.”

“Hehe. Why are you saying such things? It’s embarrassing.”

“If you had followed in your father’s footsteps and become a merchant, you would have bankrupted the family.”

“⋯⋯.”

Yoon Jong clicked his tongue and shook his head.

Tang Soso, who was listening, chimed in.

“That’s right, Senior Brother Jo Gul. You shouldn’t believe the Sect Leaders of big groups just because they seem nice. You never know what they are really thinking. They always hide their true feelings, like keeping a secret weapon hidden.”

Jo Gul tilted his head, looking completely confused.

“Are you saying the same goes for the Dang Clan Head?”

“My father is very friendly towards Mount Hua, but he’s not like that with other groups. Everyone who becomes a leader learns to hide what they really think. It’s second nature to them.”

“Hmm.”

“That’s right.”

Baek Cheon also nodded.

“It sounded like just friendly words, but coming all this way to talk to us wasn’t just for polite talk. He probably understood things we haven’t even noticed.”

“⋯⋯In that short amount of time?”

“That’s why he’s the Mount Hua Sect Leader.”

Baek Cheon’s eyes gleamed.

“Learn what you can, copy what is good to copy. But always be careful, no matter what.”

“Yes, Sasuk!”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Meanwhile, Cheong Myeong, who had been watching the disciples talking like little chicks from behind, chuckled to himself.

‘They’ve grown well.’

These were the same kids who would have been excited just to meet the Mount Hua Sect Leader. But now they were careful and thinking about things themselves.

“Focus on what’s in front of you first. Our enemy right now is the Black Dragon Corps, not Mount Hua.”

“Yes, Sasuk!”

They ran forward with great energy. Cheong Myeong grinned.

“They’re doing great.”

Well, even if they’re still young, they should be able to do at least this much.

Thud.

Heo Do-jin, at the head of the group, ran forward quickly. The gentle smile he had shown to Hyun Jong and the Mount Hua disciples vanished. His face became hard, like stone. His eyes were cold and sharp.

“What did you think?”

Heo San-ja cautiously approached and asked.

Heo Do-jin spoke without even changing his expression.

“Are you talking about Mount Hua?”

“Yes.”

He had heard many opinions about Mount Hua before. But those were mostly about what Mount Hua did. Heo San-ja wanted to hear Heo Do-jin’s own thoughts about Mount Hua, now that he had seen them himself.

“It is clear that we must be careful of them. But…”

Heo Do-jin stopped talking for a moment. He seemed to think, closing his mouth, and then slowly spoke again after a while.

“Mount Hua is definitely a strong group. Seeing them today, I can really feel how great they are.”

It was a compliment, almost praise. Heo San-ja wondered if Heo Do-jin had ever praised anyone so highly before. He thought for a moment.

“But that makes the time they lost all the more sad.”

“⋯⋯.”

“It was lucky that I could see Mount Hua with my own eyes.”

Heo Do-jin’s eyes darkened.

The Mount Hua he had seen was more dangerous and more impressive than he had thought. There was something special about Mount Hua that was different from other groups.

But…

‘That also means their weaknesses are clear.’

It was lucky he had a chance to look closely at a group that wasn’t yet an enemy, but could become one. That alone made this trip worth it.

‘Once you fall behind, it’s hard to catch up.’

The problem now was because they had underestimated them for too long. But if they recognized Mount Hua and were careful of them, he was sure they could stay ahead.

This time proved it.

In the past, the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families would have just watched as Mount Hua got all the support from the people near the Yangtze River and took all the benefits. But this time, as soon as they heard Mount Hua was on the Yangtze River fighting bandits, they rushed in quickly.

That’s what it means to be watched carefully.

‘Sect Leader. Those who become leaders must handle the pressure.’

It’s not hard to go from a hundred to ten. But for those ten to become two, it takes much more effort. And to become number one again, it takes even more effort than that.

Mount Hua, which was now being watched by other groups, would not be able to get all the advantages as easily as before.

“However…”

“Yes?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Heo Do-jin’s face hardened in a strange way. He felt a sudden tension.

‘If things stay as they are now, we will stay ahead. But…’

What if the world becomes more dangerous? Would Mount Hua really be able to stay ahead of Mount Hua even then?

Heo Do-jin’s eyes shone coldly.

‘I’ll be busy when I return to Mount Hua.’

To do that, he had to deal with the Black Dragon Corps first.

Heo Do-jin focused his energy in his legs and pushed off the ground with all his strength.

“Oh…”

The disciples of Mount Hua, who had been running non-stop, finally arrived at the Black Dragon Corps. They stopped suddenly, their eyes wide at the sight before them. Before them stood a wall of men in black armor, their faces hidden by helmets. Black banners with a snarling dragon flapped in the wind. The air felt heavy with menace. A shiver ran down Jo Gul’s spine, but he stood firm, ready for whatever was to come.

“Sect Leader,” someone said quietly.

“Hmm,” was the reply.

*What should I call this?* he thought. *Amazing? No, that’s not right. It’s not a happy sight.*

Many warriors from different groups stood close together on the riverbank.

The Shaolin monks were easiest to see first, in their bright yellow clothes. In front of them were the Wudang disciples.

Next to them were people in sky-blue uniforms.

“Sky-blue clothes…” someone murmured.

“Ah, Azure! Those must be the Azure Sword Unit from the Namgung Clan!” another person replied.

“Namgung Clan, huh?”

Even at a glance, you could see how skilled the Namgung swordsmen were, gazing across the river.

“If that’s the case, those in blue robes must be the Qingcheng Sect.”

Shaolin, Wudang, Namgung, Qingcheng.

The four great sects that dominated the world were gathered on the riverbank. It was truly a breathtaking sight.

*Has there been such a big meeting since the last war with the Demonic Sect?* he wondered.

Then he understood. Things were changing.

Even though those gathered here didn’t seem hostile to Mount Hua, Hyun Jong felt a crushing pressure. If that was the case for them, how much greater would the burden be for the Demonic Sect, who had to face them all?

These were the sects that anyone involved in the Jianghu would hear about constantly, and they had resolutely drawn their swords and left their gates.

“Sect Leader.”

Hyun Jong nodded.

“Yes, let us go.”

His hand, hidden in his sleeve, trembled a little. *I must be strong,* he told himself. *I am the Sect Leader of Mount Hua.* He straightened his shoulders and stepped forward, trying to look calm even though his heart raced.

The disciples of Mount Hua began to move again.

They, too, understood the meaning of joining that gathering, and their steps were filled with determination.

Seeing Mount Hua approaching, Beopgye slowly walked out to meet them.

“Amitabha.”

With a solemn face, he bowed in greeting.

“I greet the Sect Leader of Mount Hua.”

“Elder Beopgye. It has been too long.”

“Do you remember me?”

“How could I ever forget? I have not forgotten the kindness you have shown to Mount Hua.”

Beopgye slowly nodded.

He hadn’t exactly shown kindness to Mount Hua, but personal matters were not important in a meeting representing the sects. What mattered was that the Sect Leader of Mount Hua was offering friendly words to Shaolin.

“Thank you for coming. Everyone will see how right Mount Hua is.”

At Beopgye’s words, Hyun Jong smiled gently.

However, the moment Chung Myung heard those words, his eyes flipped.

“No, that monk, you little…” Chung Myung started to shout, but his words were cut off.

“Hahaha! Yes, Chung Myung! You are saying everyone will thank Mount Hua! How great you are, Chung Myung! You even know about Buddhist ideas! Haha!” Baek Cheon laughed.

Even Hae Yeon, with a pale face, grabbed Chung Myung’s neck and quietly tightened his grip.

“That monk… That…”

“Yes, yes. You saw it again! That’s a duck! It’s your first time seeing a duckling, isn’t it? I find it quite fascinating too!”

In that gap, the Five Swords quickly rushed over, tightly gagging Chung Myung’s mouth with cloth and wrapping his body up.

Chung Myung, who had instantly become a cocoon, struggled desperately, but no one pitied him.

“Move him far away to the back. No, no. Let’s just bury him while we have the chance.”

“Shall we?”

“⋯⋯No. Don’t kill him.”

Baek Cheon sighed deeply as he watched Chung Myung being dragged away.

From the beginning, it was Mount Hua that initiated the subjugation of the Demonic Sect. Therefore, Mount Hua should be in a position to welcome them. However, Beopgye subtly and naturally expressed gratitude to Mount Hua.

As if they were the main players, and Mount Hua was helping Shaolin’s intentions.

*A monk, doing that!*

One couldn’t say that his desire to help his sect was wrong, but wasn’t that too cowardly and petty?

Perhaps understanding that feeling, Hae Yeon’s face was also flushed red.

At that moment, Beopgye glanced at Hae Yeon and said to Hyun Jong.

“Sect Leader.”

“Yes, Elder.”

“I am very grateful that you took in a Shaolin disciple and taught him. But because of what’s happening now, we need to take our disciple back.”

“⋯⋯As you wish.”

As Hyun Jong’s permission was given, Beopgye quietly called out to Hae Yeon.

“Hae Yeon.”

“⋯⋯Yes.”

“Come here and join Shaolin.”

Hae Yeon’s face stiffened at the unexpected situation.

“Elder. The Abbot⋯⋯.”

“I am well aware that the Abbot has permitted you to travel. But now is not the time to seek teachings.”

“Also, the Abbot has given me full power to decide. That’s all I will say.”

With that, there was nothing more to be said. Hae Yeon’s shoulders drooped.

Turning around with a dejected face, Baek Cheon patted him on the shoulder.

“It’s alright, Monk.”

“Baek Cheon, Benefactor. I am⋯⋯.”

“Shouldn’t you follow the orders of your sect?”

Hae Yeon’s large, innocent eyes trembled slightly. But he soon offered a greeting in a slightly subdued voice.

“⋯⋯I will see you again.”

“Take care of yourself.”

Hae Yeon respectfully bowed towards the disciples of Mount Hua. In response, the disciples of Mount Hua also clasped their hands in kind, showing their respect to Hae Yeon.

It was the greatest respect they could show to someone who was not a disciple of Mount Hua, yet was no different from one.

“Don’t act like we won’t see each other again!”

“Come visit again, Monk!”

“I’ll hide some meat separately for you!”

“What are you saying! You crazy bastard!”

Leaving the friendly voices behind, Hae Yeon sighed quietly and walked towards Shaolin.

“My disciple has caused trouble.”

“Not at all. We have received great help from Hae Yeon. As the Sect Leader of Mount Hua, I express my deep gratitude to Hae Yeon and Shaolin.”

Hyun Jong looked at Hae Yeon with slightly sad eyes.

Even though Hae Yeon wasn’t really a Mount Hua disciple, Hyun Jong felt like he was losing one of his own. His heart felt heavy, like saying goodbye suddenly.

Confirming that Hae Yeon had crossed over, Beopgye suddenly looked to the side. And he said to Hyun Jong.

“More importantly, it seems you should exchange greetings.”

From the direction Beopgye was looking, the head of the Namgung Clan and the Sect Leader of Qingcheng were walking in a straight line.