Return of the Mount Hua Sect

“Eup!”

Mount Hua’s disciples all covered their mouths.

Even Hyun Jong covered his mouth with his cheeks fluttering, but his shoulders and body were shaking.

Only Chung Myung’s face was horribly distorted by the intense reaction.

“So… So what…….”

Hyun Jong forced himself, barely managed to open his mouth calmly.

“…what did you say again?”

Whether he really didn’t hear properly or just wanted to hear it again, it was unclear. But Hong Dae-gwang answered sincerely again.

“So I’m saying, a new title has been attached to Mount Hua Divine Dragon.”

Amid everyone’s attention, Hong Dae-gwang waved his arms with an exaggerated face like a dramatic actor.

“Keuu! To praise the lofty martial artist that rivals Jang Ilso! The unbending will that doesn’t back down an inch! the spirit of not losing Chivalrousness when everyone else abandons virtue for their own survival…”

Everyone’s bodies started to shake again like a trembling aspen tree.

“To praise that excellence, the world calls you by that title!”

Four words struck the ears of those twitching almost to the point of collapse!

“Mount! Hua! Chivalrous! Sword!”

“Euahahahahahahahak!”

“Pfft! Pffffffft! Pft! Stop! I’m dying! Aigoo, I’m gonna dieeee!”

“Chivalrous Sword, he said! Chivalrouuus!”

“Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword (????(華山劍俠))! Keuuuu! How cool! Enviable!”

Chung Myung’s face was flushed red and blue. His fists were shaking.

“This….”

The moment he heard it, he knew. He knew who had spread this title.

“This… This bastard… There’s a limit to humiliating someone!”

Jang Ilso.

It must be a title given by that damn bastard.

There was no need to check. Because the title contains very blatant intentions.

Usually, when praising the swordsmanship of people from Mount Hua, the nickname often includes ‘Plum Blossom’. Hence, it was not Mount Hua Sword Sovereign but Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign.

Jang Ilso might not have known, but if he wanted to praise Chung Myung’s swordsmanship, it should have been Plum Blossom Chivalrous Swords. But the new nickname has ‘Mount Hua’ in it.

It is meant to announce that Chung Myung is a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.

Besides, isn’t the word attached to it none other than ‘Chivalrous’?

In the current situation, there is a clear intention for the name with the word ‘Chivalrous’ to spread throughout the world.

That’s why he felt like his insides were turning…

Tap.

Just then, a hand rested on Chung Myung’s shoulder.

“I, I look forward to your kind cooperation, Chivalrous Sword!”

“….”

“Pfffftttt! Chivalrous! Oooh! Chivalrouuuuus……. Aaaaagh!”

Jo-Gol, who was playing around and then kicked by Chung Myung, flew off and lodged on the wall. However, even as he writhed in pain, laughter kept coming out of his mouth.

“…Oh my gosh, they call him Chivalrous Sword!”

“I never thought there’d be such an ill-fitting nickname.”

“Wow, it’s Chivalrous, Chivalrous! Chung Myung is a Chivalrous person! Sect Leadeeeeer! Mount Hua has produced a Chivalrous person! This is the auspicious event of Mount Hua Sect!”

Hyun Jong covered his face with both hands.

It was an usual behavior of his, but the intention was clearly different today. Chung Myung blankly stared at Hyun Jong’s shoulders, which were constantly trembling.

Maybe his saliva is even dripping between those hands right now.

“…Is it funny?”

“Pffffttttt!”

“Heuuuuuuup!

Even Yoo Iseol was trembling slightly as she turned her head and looked into the distance, and the solemn Tang Gun-ak was facing down and gritting his fist tightly while holding back something.

“Ha….”

Sect Leader Sahyung.

Look at how they treated me….

– Pffft….

This yangban?

You’re not supposed to laugh, you Great Virtuous Sword (???(大賢劍))!

It was undoubtedly a good title. However, anyone who knew Chung Myung could not help but lament the fact that the title had been attached to that ‘Chung Myung’.

“…Keuhuhum!”

Hyun Jong coughed loudly, trying to suppress his laughter.

“That……what a good…… Pfffft! Pfft!”

“…Just laugh. Just….”

“N- No. My disciple is receiving such a good, pfft, good title, so I should congratulate you.”

“Sure you are…”

Chung Myung’s soul seemed to have left his body.

Even Chung Myung just found out for the first time that there was a way to screw people up in such a sophisticated way.

“Anyway.”

Hong Dae-gwang cleared his throat before continuing.

“The name ‘Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword’ is spreading rapidly. Weirdly fast.”

“…It’s spreading fast because someone is spreading it on purpose.”

“And at the same time, Mount Hua Divine Dragon…. No, Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword’s chivalrousness is also spreading very quickly. Usually people get suspicious of such a title, but since the source of the title is from the Evil Sect, there is no way to be suspicious. Those punks won’t undermine their status for no reason.”

“Anyway….”

Chung Myung cleared his throat.

“The madman really does one mad thing really well……”

In Kangho, the status of Paegun is tremendous.

Therefore, just by mentioning the names Paegun and one of the rising stars of Mount Hua Sect side by side, Paegun’s name is relatively disparaged. But Jang Ilso was actually encouraging such a situation.

“Could it be that he doesn’t care about his fame?”

“No way.”

Chung Myung snorted at Baek Cheon’s question.

“There’s no way he isn’t obsessed with fame, that bastard. To be exact, he just deems degrading others more important than elevating oneself.”

“Others?”

“Ten Great Sect.”

“Ah….”

The Ten Great Sect and Five Great Family did something the opposite of Chivalrousness. Right at the very moment that fact made the world uneasy, a new chivalrous martial artist appears like a deity?

The more the name shines, the more the reputation of Ten Great Sect and Five Great Family will be dragged through the mud in contrast.

“With the name of Mount Hua Chivalrous Swords, the names of Mount Hua Sect and the Heavenly Comrade Alliance are increasingly being magnified. The commoners of Jungwon are praising the “Heavenly Comrade Alliance ” who stabilized the Yangtze River instead of the Ten Great Sect and the Five Great Family, and opened the new trade routes while confronting the pirates.”

Hong Dae-gwang scratched the back of his head after saying this.

“From my standpoint, I’m not sure if this is something to be happy about or not……”

Since Beggar Union belongs to the Ten Great Sects, his feelings must’ve been complicated.

“Anyway, at least at this moment, it is true that the name representing Kangho’s Righteous Faction is not Ten Great Sect, but Heavenly Comrade Alliance.”

“Hmm.”

Hyun Jong nodded heavily.

Things continued to grow and eventually came to this point. Who would have imagined something like this would happen when they first set off for the Yangtze River?

Chwaak!

At that moment, Im Sobyong spread his folded fan and said,

“People tend to seek something to rely on when they feel anxious. So, the more bad news comes from Gangnam, the more people will seek sanctuary. In such a situation, Heavenly Comrade Alliance and Mount Hua…. Pfft! Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword’s name will undoubtedly carry significant resonance.”

“What’s that pfft in the middle? that pfft?”

Im Sobyong continued, ignoring Chung Myung’s words.

“Even a large dam collapses from a small hole. If this situation persists, and the Evil Tyrant Alliance spreads their infamy, intensifying the atmosphere…!”

Ttaak!

Im Sobyong slammed his folded fan onto the table.

“Defection will begin.”

“Defection?”

“Yes.”

Im Sobyong nods his head.

“The group that underestimates the Heavenly Comrade Alliance the most is, ironically, the Heavenly Comrade Alliance itself. Even before this, Sichuan and other sects in the western regions of Jungwon were pondering whether to an alliance with the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. But now, the Heavenly Comrade Alliance proved its cause and strength. With a little more rein, those who previously aligned themselves with the Ten Great Sect and Five Great Family may soon approach the Heavenly Comrade Alliance with open arms.”

Tang Gun-ak nodded as if to validate.

“Such movements could already be seen.”

Im Sobyong nods.

“That’s right. So now I just have to coordinate well.”

“Why are you coordinating that?”

“Hahaha. Am I not the most suitable candidate? Of course, the individuals here are undoubtedly exceptional, but they usually only rule over the sects in their own territory and have never presided over sects spread across the world! However, this Nokrim King! I alone managed the strongholds that scatter throughout Nine Provinces (??(九州))” (Administrative division established in ancient China.)

“I’m asking why you? You Evil Sect punk!”

“Hnggg. As expected of Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword, mountain bandits aren’t to your liking….. Ho- Hold him down properly! I’m gonna die!”

When Chung Myung tried to leap with his overturn, Baek Cheon and Jo-Gol quickly held him down.

Tang Gun-ak smiled brightly.

“Perhaps your title will spread even further.”

“…Why?”

“Don’t we need heroes in times of trouble? Those who are looking for something to rely on prefer stories of heroism to reality. A young gallant chivalrous swordsman who fought a neck and neck battle against the demons of the Evil Sects. There is no story that suits people’s tastes as much as this one.”

“…Uuugh.”

“And the story was not necessarily a lie.”

“Except for the chivalrous part.”

“Except for the gallant chivalrous part.”

“Shouldn’t we also exclude the neck and neck part?”

‘Which bastard said the last part?’

“From the beginning, Heavenly Comrade Alliance was in a situation where he had to build up a track record. Making a name for yourself in this situation is a good thing. The Heavenly Comrade Alliance should actively use this title.”

“This title?”

“That’s right.”

“This one?”

“I told you so.”

“Why?”

“….”

Watching Chung Myung’s face tremble, Tang Gun-ak hold back his smirk.

He seems to really dislike it.

“Generally, having the word ‘Chivalrous’ in a title is an incredibly glorious thing.”

“You laughed too!”

“Keuhum.”

Tang Gun-ak covered his mouth, unable to deny it.

Everyone laughed at this absurd situation, but the most delighted was Five Swords.

“Keuu, my Sajil is Mount Hua Chivalrous Swords! Mount Hua Chivalrous Swords! This Sasuk has no regret left even if I were to die!”

“…Stewp iht.” (“Stop it” said while gritting his teeth.)

“Excellent. I’m proud.”

“….”

Ignoring Baek Cheon who laughed slyly despite his handsome face for a moment, who would have imagined they would see that Yoo Iseol suppressing laughter with an expression like that?

“Keuu! I’m jealous! I wish I got a new title too!”

“Ugh….”

But the cost of mocking his Sajil came faster than expected.

“Ah.”

Hong Dae-gwang smirked subtly at Baek Cheon.

“You have nothing to be jealous of. You’ve also received a new title.”

“Yes?”

At the sudden news, Baek Cheon’s eyes widened to the size of a ball.

“W- Why? What did I do?”

“I don’t know. Usually, a title is something given by others. Why would there be a reason for it?”

“….”

Beads of cold sweat started to run down Baek Cheon’s back.

“Wha- What’s the title?”

“There’s nothing to worry about. Yours hasn’t changed that much. You are no longer Baek Cheon the ‘Flower (Hua) Righteous Sword (???(花正劍))’ but Baek Cheon the ‘Mount Hua Righteous Sword’ (????(華山正劍)) now’”

“….”

“A righteous man who helped Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword against evil enemies…”

“E- Enough!”

Please spare me! Stop it! Please, just stop!

He couldn’t bear to look. He couldn’t bear to see his Saje and Sajils who quickly stare at him like demons and began to smile with their eyes curved like crescent moons.

‘Was it something this embarrassing?’

Just hiding in a rat hole is not enough. He’d even throw himself into big rushing waves as long as he could escape this situation.

“Mount Hua Righteous Swooooooord?”

Especially that guy. He didn’t want to catch his eye. In the eyes of that little devil, who was probably looking for an opportunity…!

Then Hong Dae-gwang opened his mouth again.

“And another one… That… Yoo Iseol’s title….”

Boltok!

Yoo Iseol stood up like a streak of light and flew towards the door. No, she tried to. However, she was stopped. Tang Soso had grabbed her hand tightly.

“Ei. You have to listen, Sago.”

“….”

“Yoo Iseol the Ice Sword Plum Blossom (????(氷劍梅花))! A peerless swords master who showed icy sword energy and lofty will!”

Yoo Iseol violently tried to run away like a stray cat being held by a human hand, but Tang Soso’s grip was firm.

“Please stay still, Sago! What’s wrong! The title is pretty and good!”

It would’ve looked like a good intention if only the mouth and the ears hadn’t looked very unusual….

Yoo-Esul, who turned red not only in her ears but also in her neck, fixed her eyes on the wall. Seeing how her shoulders rise and fall, she seemed really embarrassed.

“…Has Sago’s face always been able to change colors like that?”

“How could it be? Sahyung is seeing things.”

“Right?”

Yoon Jong nodded.

“Chivalrous (?(俠)) and Rigtheous (?(正))…. They went and attached everything that’s good.”

As Chung Myung muttered with a hollow laugh, Jo-Gol shone his eyes and shook his buttocks.

“Buntaju-nim! What about me?”

“Huh?”

“What’s my title? My title! Am I Mount Hua Sacred Sword (????(華山聖劍))?”

“Have you gone mad?”

“How dare you attach ‘Sacred (?(聖))’? You’re being ridiculous!”

“Ah, hold still! There must be something!”

Jo-Gol looked at Hong Dae-gwang with eyes full of expectation.

“Um… That…”

“Yes, me, me!”

At that moment, Hong Dae-gwang discreetly averted his gaze.

“….”

“… none?”

Hong Dae-gwang smiled awkwardly and offered words of consolation.

“That… You’ll get one soon? Ahem.”

“….”

The soul seemed to have left Jo-Gol’s eyes for a moment.

“…what a dirty world. We fought the same, yet some people are Chivalrous Sword, Ice Sword, and Righteous Sword, while I am just a passing Mount Hua swordsman A… Even though I was beaten the most….”

“If you feel wronged, try being handsome.”

“Is that something Sahyung should say! Sahyung also doesn’t have a title!”

“That’s why I’m keeping my mouth shut.”

“…..Wipe your tears before speaking.”

“….”

Jo-Gol and Yoon Jong once again realized how unfair the world could be.