Return of the Mount Hua Sect

His appearance at the gathering of the heads of the sects had honestly made him frown.

Of course, he did not misunderstand Namgung Hwang’s ill feelings towards Mount Hua, but even so, it was an image that did not suit the leader of the Namgung Family, called the world’s most powerful family.

However, the appearance Namgung Hwang had shown now was enough to blow away all of Hyun Jong’s thoughts at once.

‘Dignity?’

It seemed as if Namgung Hwang was speaking to him.

In Kangho, trivial things like tolerance and harmony are not important. What is needed for the leader of the Namgung Family is the strength to carry its name on his back and move forward. That’s enough.

“…That’s an absolute martial master.”

Baek Cheon’s palms were soaked with cold sweat.

‘How does it compare to the Bishop?’

It’s hard to compare.

The Bishop was indeed terrifyingly strong. But at that time, Baek Cheon did not have the ability to measure the Bishop’s strength. He simply charged with the determination to die, and all he could do was leave the rest to Chung Myung.

But that’s not the case right now.

Seeing the height of an absolute martial master from a cool, one-step distance, his spine felt numb and his hands trembled.

‘The Ten Great Sect. And the Five Great Family.’

Baek Cheon realized at that moment.

How lightly he had taken those names.

“Kkureureuk!”

The blue water of the Yangtze River turned red in an instant.

Azure Sky Sword Squad, who jumped into the water, was unilaterally killing the pirates.

The menacing sword energy couldn’t split the river like Namgung Hwang, but it split the current without difficulty. Moreover, the internal strength built up solidly from an early age allowed them to maintain their movements in the water as well as outside.

Then all that was left was a huge difference in skills.

Chwaak!

The sword that cut through the current lodged itself in the heart of the pirates. Those who had quickly approached were even more quickly repelled and sank into the water.

“Hmph!”

Namgung Hwang swung his sword forcefully, watching the spectacle.

“It seems the peace has lasted so long that these trivial pirates dare to attack the flag of Namgung!”

Then he must let them know.

It’s not because they lack the power that they’ve only watched the Evil Sect so far.

Guooooo!

An enormous Reinforced Sword Energy began to swell in Namgung Hwang’s sword. It was so amazing that one couldn’t even dare to guess how much internal strength it contained in his Dantian.

“That… That…”

As Baek Cheon, who was watching, spoke in awe, Chung Myung said coldly.

“Sasuk.”

“Huh?”

“Open your eyes and watch carefully.”

Chung Myung gestured toward the ship Namgung Hwang was on.

“Do Sasuk know why the Namgung Family is called the world’s best?”

“…Why?”

At that moment, various thoughts flashed Baek Cheon’s mind. Because of their strong influence, the good quality of the descendants, because they can pour out pills with their enormous wealth, and they can stably concentrate on training…….

But Baek Cheon knew that none of that was the answer Chung Myung wanted.

Chung Myung said quietly.

“The Namgung Family is home only to fools. In fact, if they wanted to pursue the power of Domination (Overpowering (?(覇))), it’s better not to use blades instead of swords. Yeah, just like Hebei Peng Family.”

Baek Cheon nodded, agreeing.

If you’re going to use Powerful Sword, it’s much easier to use a thick and strong sword than a thin and slender sword.

“But those guys pursue the Dao of Domination path while still holding swords. They are greedy fools who hold both strength and sophistication, two things hard to coexist with, and finally succeed in harmonizing them.”

“….”

“If Sasuk is a swordsman, watch that man’s sword carefully. Sasuk will see a sword different from Mount Hua’s.”

“Got it.”

There is even more seriousness on Baek Cheon’s face. Nodding his head, he stared at Namgung Hwang. All the other disciples watched Namgung Hwang seriously as if they had heard the conversation.

Chung Myung nodded, satisfied with that sight.

‘Good.’

In fact, the reason Chung Myung had thought he would back off was not just because he didn’t want to fight alongside them.

What is lacking for Mount Hua’s disciples is experience.

But experience doesn’t just mean fighting with your own hands and going through it with your body. Seeing how others fight and what martial arts they use, and contemplating about it, is also an excellent experience.

Mount Hua, Wudang, Namgung Family.

In the days when Chung Myung was the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign, the three sects were called the Three Greatest Sword Sect of the world side by side. And wasn’t the highest disciple of each sect referred to as the World’s Three Greatest Sword Warriors?

Mount Hua pursues the glamorous Illusion Sword. Wudang pursues the gentle Soft Sword. And Namgung Family pursues things that are hard to find in the weapon called sword, the fierce Power Sword and Domination Sword.

‘Mount Hua’s sword is the best.’

But the best does not necessarily mean perfection. If they could get more out of Namgung Hwang’s sword, Mount Hua’s disciples’ swords would be more perfect.

“Taaaat!”

Namgung Hwang’s sword was once again swung loudly.

The river split and surged into two sides. It was as if the legendary Horned Dragon (??(蛟龍)) said to be living in the Yangtze River was flexing its muscles.

The flying sword energy, cutting through the river, soon swallowed a giant ship.

Kwaaaaang!

It was a destructive force that could not be compared to any cannon. It blew up the ship whole and then destroyed several more in succession.

A straight path began to form between the tightly packed pirate ships.

Literally, Sword of Emperor. (????(帝王之刀))

The emperor only walks forward. He knows how to advance but does not know how to retreat or detour.

And Namgung’s sword is the Sword of Emperor. The Sword of Emperor destroys everything in its way.

“Kill them all! Don’t you dare let those who don’t know the subject and block Namgung’s path pay the price!”

“Yes!”

The ships that followed Namgung Hwang from left to right increased speed and moved forward.

Seureurung.

Namgung Hwang slowly sheathed his sword and turned his head slightly.

“Hmph.”

From the beginning, the pirates blocking his path were not in his eyes. What he was keeping a close eye on was Wudang, Qingcheng, and Shaolin who were following him on board.

Namgung Hwang, staring at them with cold eyes, suddenly turned his gaze to the riverside.

The astonished faces of Mount Hua Sect could be seen.

‘Hmph.’

The glimmer of astonishment on their faces was evident.

‘Stupid fools.’

He did not like those brats who acted like they were something just because they had gained some fame. Namgung Hwang did not like Mount Hua because of that. True strong people should not move recklessly and must develop their strength silently.

“Watch closely. The power of Namgung Family.”

“Hmm.”

Heo Dojin smiled as he slightly twisted the corners of his mouth.

“Namgung Gaju seems very excited.”

“Isn’t that so? A warrior who has no reason to use a sword will feel empty after all.”

“That’s right.”

Peace has continued for far too long.

Enough time had passed to replenish the strength that had been exhausted during the war with Magyo… No, it’s been enough time to build up even more power.

He who has gathered strength must want to prove themselves. However, there was no way or opportunity to do so in Kangho so far. The proof of strength is possible only when there is an enemy. It’s not like you can run out onto the main street and prove the level of your martial arts by performing a sword dance.

“Anyway, the martial arts of Namgung Gaju are beyond my expectations.”

“That’s right. Namgung Family must have been sharpening its teeth like us.”

Heo Dojin’s eyes shone cold. It felt like his stomach was boiling a little. Aside from the completeness of the sword, its exhilarating energy had an aspect that stimulated people.

Sure enough.

“Amitabha!”

A thunderous cry of Buddhist chant came from a ship on the right, and then a golden fist energy erupted.

It’s like a golden waterfall is pouring down the river, an enormous fist force! The enemy ships that were swept by it were crushed in an instant and lost their shape.

It’s not an attack that breaks and explodes like Namgung Hwang’s. However, it is a blow that crushes the ship itself with its enormous weight.

The method may be different, but the power it carries is never inferior to that of Namgang Hwang’s sword.

“It seems that great monk Bop Kye’s discipline is not as deep as great monk Bop Jeong.”

“Even though he’s a monk, he’s still a martial artist. He’s eager to win.”

Heo Dojin chuckled quietly.

If Bop Jeong were here, he would have only smiled and watched Namgung Hwang run wild. But Bop Kye, however excellent, is just an elder after all. There is bound to be an impatience that Shaolin, whom he led, must not fall behind Namgung Family.

“What would you like to do?

“The stage is not good.”

Heo Dojin smacked his lips a little bitter.

It is by no means lacking in ability, but they have different aspects of martial arts. No matter how hard they try, it is difficult to follow the exhilarating swordsmanship and power that are displayed.

‘There’s nothing we can’t do if we overdo it, but there’s no need to do so now.’

This place is not the stage prepared for them. The real stage is right inside that valley.

“Namgung and Shaolin will open the way. As soon as we get inside, we will disembark and sweep the pirates.”

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

Namgung Hwang’s ship, which just happened to take the lead, finally made a straight path.

The enemy ships, which had been firmly positioned with confidence in the numbers, got scared and started to turn their bows to the left and right. Of course, they would know that without the Black Dragon Water Fortress, they would have no future, but the majesty of Namgung Hwang, who swung his sword right before their eyes, was enough to blow away their reason and instill fear.

Just two strikes of the sword.

With only those two strikes, Namgung Hwang succeeded in creating a massive path between the gathered ships, where even the water was not visible.

“Never mind the little ones! The following factions will take care of them. We’ll break through and enter the Black Dragon Water Fortress!”

Yes!”

Namgung Hwang smiled.

‘You’ve given me the lead?’

They must have had their own calculations to obediently place Namgung Family at the forefront, but…

‘Your miscalculation is that you underestimated the power of the Namgung Family.’

He has no intention of allowing the name that follows to be credited. As long as they were there, there would be no obstruction in the retreat. They would enter at once and smash everything at once.

So that only the name of Namgung Family would resonate throughout the Yangtze River.

“Dowi!”

“Yes, Gaju-nim!”

Namung Hwang glanced back at Namung Dowi. His face was flushed, and he was already fully prepared to fight.

“When you disembark, take the lead. Regain the reputation you have lost with your own hands!”

“I will certainly do so!”

“Good!”

Now, the path to the valley was unfolding before Namgung Hwang’s eyes.

“Increase the speed! We will enter at once! Do not worry about traps! I will smash them with my hands!”

“Yes!”

The entrance of the valley rang loudly as the members of the Namgung Family, whose morale rose to the top of their heads, burst out in unison.

Numerous ships cut through the currents of the Yangtze River and surged into the deep and dark valley all at once.