Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 850

Hyun Jong stared at the monk sitting before him with a confused feeling.

It was a very strange story.

But looking into those large, innocent eyes, like those of a baby deer, he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

Each time he tried to speak, those sparkling eyes filled with tears, and he was left speechless.

Unable to meet that gaze, Hyun Jong looked away and muttered quietly.

Well… my heart wants to, but…

He felt strangely unable to speak freely.

The thing is, closing the gates… there are rules, and bringing in an outsider…

Hae Yeon’s face fell, looking utterly sad. As he lowered his head, his round, gleaming scalp was so visible that Hyun Jong flinched once more.

Seeing Hae Yeon’s sad state, the disciples behind him quickly nudged Baek Cheon.

Because they pushed him, Baek Cheon cleared his throat softly and began to speak.

Sect Leader, it’s true, the rules say no outsiders in a closed sect, but…

He glanced at the sad Hae Yeon and continued.

Isn’t Hae Yeon considered… not an outsider in Hwasan?

That’s right!

Indeed, Sect Leader! We’ve never thought of Hae Yeon as an outsider!

Wouldn’t it be helpful to train together? It’s too difficult to find someone as strong as Hae Yeon.

The disciples cried out in unison, their voices filled with conviction.

Touched by the Hwasan disciples’ concern for him, Hae Yeon turned around, his face moved.

It’s better to get beaten together!

If he has enough endurance, one less fist will come my way.

I can’t stand seeing him living comfortably outside while we suffer.

…Of course. These little devils.

Maybe they were kind, maybe not. But the Hwasan disciples were helping him.

Sect Leader…

Baek Cheon, emboldened by their support, spoke again.

As you know, Hae Yeon has declared that he will not return to Shaolin. Of course, that period may not be forever, but you know that it is difficult for him to return to Shaolin in the current situation.

…That’s true.

Hae Yeon has lived his entire life in Shaolin. If he cannot stay in Shaolin or Hwasan, he has nowhere else to go. Considering this situation, wouldn’t it be wise to make an exception this time?

It was a splendid argument, delivered very well.

He really is useful at times like this.

Really useful in times like these.

The Sect Leader looked worried. Baek Cheon stood confidently. Hae Yeon looked sad, like a lost puppy. The disciples were sure their plan would work.

That is, until a man who knew nothing of compassion appeared.

Very…

A twisted voice rang out.

At that voice, which instinctively made listeners shrink back, the disciples cowered in unison.

The Sect is doing just fine.

…

What saddened the disciples was that it wasn’t Chung Myung who had spoken. If it were Chung Myung, they could at least argue back, but arguing was utterly impossible with the one who was glaring at them with a murderous look.

Now, Elder…

Hyun Young chuckled dryly.

Closing the gates is one of the most significant decisions a Sect Leader can make.

Y-yes, that’s right.

And yet, the second and third-generation disciples dare to tell the Sect Leader to make exceptions to the closing of the gates? The Sect Leader has been too lenient, and now they’re crossing the line! What is this, swarming in to tell the Sect Leader what to do?

The heads of the Hwasan disciples sank lower and lower.

They knew very well that what he said was not wrong. In any other sect, it would be unthinkable for disciples to make demands regarding such a major event as closing the gates.

Give them an inch, and they take a mile!

As Hyun Young glared and scolded them, the disciples were not just bowing low; they were practically bowing very low.

Who suggested we all go to the Sect Leader together?

I think it was Senior Brother Jo Gul.

Tell that weak person to stay behind after this. What? If we all go together, he won’t be able to ignore us? I’m going to kill him, seriously!

They came as a group, and now they were getting beaten as a group.

Just as everyone was giving up and sighing, unbelievable words followed.

That’s what I should be saying, not you lot!

…

Sect Leader.

Incredibly, Hyun Young bowed deeply and said.

The sect has rules, but there are also exceptions. Hae Yeon has risked his life alongside Hwasan on several occasions. It would not be an exaggeration to call him a friend and guest of Hwasan.

Hmm.

Therefore, I suggest that we make an exception this time and allow him to join us in closing the gates.

The disciples of Hwasan widened their eyes in astonishment.

No way… the Elder?

I thought he’d say it’s better to reduce even one mouth that only eats?

Of course, he only eats grass, so it doesn’t cost much…

No. Hae Yeon eats meat, doesn’t he?

Quiet, you imbecile!

The disciples, surprised, whispered among themselves before gradually turning their gaze towards Hyun Jong.

Hyun Jong looked at Hyun Young with a somewhat uncomfortable expression.

If that’s how you felt, wouldn’t it have been better not to step in at all?

Rules are rules, Sect Leader. We have to think about the right way to do things.

…Keugh.

Hyun Jong sighed deeply and spoke to Hyun Sang.

Chief Monk.

Yes, Sect Leader.

Has Hwasan ever closed its gates with a guest or outsider before?

…Hwasan has no history of closing its gates at all, Sect Leader.

…

Good. That’s our ancestors for you. Different from those Shaolin bastards who close their gates at the drop of a hat!

Ah, no. That’s not the important thing right now.

Then what about other sects?

I’m not sure about that…

…Is that so?

It was a difficult decision to make on the spot.

Chung Myung.

Yes?

When you have a headache, using that Chung Myung bastard is the best.

What do you think?

Hmm.

Chung Myung pondered for a moment, then clicked his tongue and turned to Hae Yeon.

According to the rules, it wouldn’t work, but…

…

Tsk. Just by looking at him, it’s clear he wouldn’t even be able to beg properly and would starve to death outside, so let’s just take him with us. If we leave him, some beggar will come running and take him in, and we can’t just feed a dog… no, a beggar.

…

And if that coward gets hungry and runs back quickly to Shaolin, it’ll be just as annoying. I can’t stand seeing others do well. Nope.

Hyun Jong smiled faintly.

How consistently awful his heart is. Consistently…

Still, it’s closing the gates…

It’s not like we’re closing the gates because we did something wrong. We’re just locking the doors and training, so who’s going to complain about that?

…Now that I hear it, it seems that way.

And!

At that moment, Chung Myung’s eyes rolled back in his head.

If anyone does complain, it’ll be those Nine Sects bastards, and if those bastards have even a hair of conscience left, they shouldn’t complain at Hwasan. Let them try. I’ll run over there that day, pour oil, and set it on fire! Thinking about it makes me angry again! Those bastards need to feel that everyone is equal before the fire…

Whoa, whoa, Chung Myung, calm down.

There, there, good boy.

Good thoughts. Good thoughts.

Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!

Chung Myung took several deep breaths, trying hard to calm himself.

Hoo. I’m a little calmer now.

Yes. That’s a relief…

If anyone tries to object, we can lift the closure and go beat those bastards first, Sect Leader. I hope someone objects.

Yes, Chung Myung.

This Sect Leader is very happy that that’s what you consider calming down.

Perhaps this closure will be a blessing for the world. That wild person is imprisoning himself.

Anyway, if that’s the case…

Hyun Jong sighed and looked around at everyone.

Since everyone seems to agree, let’s have Hae Yeon join us in going to Hwasan.

Th-thank you, Sect Leader!

Great, Monk! Now let’s roll together!

…I wonder if this is something to be happy about…

Hey. Of course, you should be happy!

…Amitabha.

Hyun Jong smiled briefly and instructed.

Now that all the important matters have been decided, everyone prepare. We will depart.

Yes?

Right now?

Hyun Jong nodded.

Act quickly. There’s no point in waiting longer any longer. Let’s set off while we’re at it. Every day is important now.

Yes, Sect Leader!

The disciples of Hwasan rose without hesitation and rushed out. They had to hurry to pack their belongings.

Watching them, a small smile appeared on Hyun Jong’s face.

Then, we’ll be going.

Please take care of yourselves.

We’ll see you again!

The disciples of Hwasan greeted the gathered members of the Tang family, the Green Forest bandits, and even the pirates waving from afar.

Family Head Tang.

Hyun Jong looked at Tang Gun-ak with a sorry look.

I’m sorry that things have turned out this way.

Don’t apologize, Alliance Leader. I know that this choice is not just for Hwasan, but for everyone.

…

Leave the rest to us. Aren’t friends those who share each other’s burdens?

At those words, Hyun Jong closed his eyes slightly.

In the past, even when Hwasan was almost destroyed, no one offered a helping hand. But now, it was different. There were those who willingly stepped forward to share the burden. There were friends.

Beside him, Hyun Young was giving Im So-byeong responsibility with matters related to the Plum Blossom Bank.

Please take good care of it.

Don’t worry, Elder. I will send the record book to Hwasan every three months.

There’s no need to go that far.

It’s always better to be sure. How can someone who entrusts money to bandits feel at ease? Don’t worry. all the money will be safe.

…Thank you for your concern.

Im So-byeong subtly approached Hyun Young and whispered.

…Isn’t there someone who will chase after us to kill us if even a single coin is missing?

That’s true. Hee hee hee.

The two who shared a smile stepped back.

Then, we’ll see you next time.

As Hyun Jong bowed in front, everyone bowed towards those who remained.

We will definitely meet again!

Please take care of the Yangtze River!

We will become so strong that you won’t recognize us!

Good luck!

As the Hwasan disciples conveyed their hearty greetings, those who remained responded with loud laughter.

Then!

The Hwasan disciples bowed their heads and turned around.

As they slowly began to move away from the Yangtze River, Tang Gun-ak lightly stomped his foot.

Huh?

As the Hwasan disciples turned back, Tang Gun-ak extended his hand forward. In unison, everyone remaining on the Yangtze River bowed.

Good fortune!

The loud shout was filled with warmth. The Hwasan disciples tightly closed their lips.

No answer was needed. They had already said their goodbyes.

They simply turned back and quickened their pace.

…They’ve gone.

Indeed.

Im So-byeong, nodding, glanced at Tang Gun-ak and asked.

Why are you smiling?

Tang Gun-ak, who had been twitching his lips, cleared his throat briefly and composed himself.

I’m already looking forward to it.

Yes?

His gaze was fixed on the departing Hwasan disciples.

I can’t help but look forward to how much they will have grown when they break out of the closure.

Im So-byeong also nodded. He certainly agreed with that.

We must work hard. To avoid seeing the demon who broke out of the closure charging at us with eyes rolled back. It’s already hard to handle them now, but how much more will it be then…

…That’s a bit scary to me too.

Tang Gun-ak smiled and watched the departing Hwasan until the end.

I’ll be waiting.

For the day when they return, even more grown.

The world will truly remember forever.

The names of Hwasan and Cheonwoo Alliance.