Return of the Mount Hua Sect

The news of Mount Hua Sect’s return had drawn sects from all around Xi’an, eager to bid them farewell.

“…Did you come in person?”

“Hmm.”

In response to Taepyung Munju Danbyong Nip’s question, West Moon Sect Munju Nam Jamyong cleared his throat loudly.

He calmed his complexion and spoke in a solemn tone.

“Even though our affiliations are different, isn’t it true that humans should never forget to be grateful? Since we have been blessed by the volcano, it is only natural to show respect.”

“For something like that, don’t you think you carry a lot in your hands?”

“…It’s just a token of appreciation.”

“If you show your sincerity twice, wouldn’t you end up uprooting the entire pillar? I never knew West Moon Sect was so wealthy.”

“Th- This guy!”

When Nam Jamyong glared, Danbyong Nip smiled and slightly turned his head. e teased a bit, but it’s not that he doesn’t understand Nam Jamyong’s mind either.

‘I guess it’s an inevitable choice now.’

Not only the sects of Xi’an but also the people of Xi’an all benefited from Mount Hua.

Now everyone in Xi’an knows that those Evil Sects bastards killed innocent commoners on their way to Xi’an. Everyone could easily imagine that Xi’an would have suffered the same fate if Mount Hua hadn’t arrived.

So, naturally, Xi’an’s affinity for Mount Hua has skyrocketed. It would be even more strange if Mount Hua, who protected Shaanxi’s pride on the Yangtze River three years ago, was not willing to do so, as he saved their lives this time.

This meant…

‘Now, if we want to do business in Xi’an, you have to go under Mount Hua.’

Perhaps current disciples could be retained. But not in the future. Would anyone bother to visit Southern Edge Sect’s subsidiary sect, leaving behind Huayin Sect and Mount Hua’s subsidiary sect?

Public sentiment is sometimes cruelly cold.

Now the children no longer wield sticks while discussing the Thirty-Six Swords Under the Heaven. Now that the word Plum Blossom Swords Technique has come out of the children’s mouths, public sentiment in Xi’an is virtually over.

Even if Southern Edge Sect comes out of Bongmun, they will not be able to reverse this trend.

So Nam Jamyong, the representative of Southern Edge Sect’s subsidiary sect, must have felt complicated.

‘If I change affiliation to Mount Hua cleanly, our relationship with Southern Edge Sect will be affected, but staying under Southern Edge Sect’s name could mean the demise of our sect.’

A sect without disciples is no different from a store without customers.

On the other hand…

“Good morning!”

“Ooh, Somunju!”

“Hoho. I’ve only seen you for a few days, but it seems like you’ve become more elegant to me.”

That place literally hit the jackpot.

Everyone was anxious because they couldn’t talk to Wei Sohaeng, who led the Huayin Sect. The fact that he appears in such a low manner to Somunju, who is not even the Munju, clearly shows Huayin Sect’s current position in Xi’an.

‘Of course, it’s Huayin Sect after all.’

Huayin Sect is not simply Mount Hua’s subsidiary sect. They are a true friend who steadfastly stayed by Mount Hua’s side even when everyone in Kangho showed no interest in him.

A friend who stays by your side in difficult times receives incomparably warmer treatment than a friend you meet in good times.

Those who know how special Mount Hua considers Huayin Sect have no choice but to make an effort to look good in their presence.

‘Xi’an has changed so much.’

No. It won’t be just Xi’an that’s changed.

Now that Mount Hua is back, the whole Kangho must be on alert.

Even before Mount Hua entered the three-year Bongmun, each of his actions brought a storm to Kangho. Isn’t it obvious how big of a storm it will be since they have improved their skills to an unbelievable level after three years of intense training?

It was then.

“They’re coming out!”

“Mount Hua is here!”

Everyone’s eyes were focused when someone shouted. Indeed, Mount Hua’s sword warriors were seen walking in line.

As they swallowed dry saliva and looked at the scene, a look of puzzlement flashed in their eyes.

During the battle here, they had shivered under the killing intent and blade-like aura of Mount Hua’s sword warriors. But now, none of that momentum was felt.

A relaxed ease and softness replaced the former intensity.

‘It’s like Southern Edge Sect.’

‘No, I think they’re more relaxed than Southern Edge Sect.’

‘Now Mount Hua has truly attained the dignity of a great sect.’

It’s not just strength that makes people look up to you. Those who were once again amazed by Mount Hua opened their mouths and greeted Hyun Jong, who was at the forefront.

“Sect Leader! We heard you are returning to Mount Hua!”

“We don’t know how to repay the kindness Sect Leader and Mount Hua have shown us.”

“We’ll make sure to visit Mount Hua frequently. Please also visit Xi’an from time to time.”

Hyun Jong, who was slightly surprised to see the people gathered so tightly, soon smiled softly.

“It’s just us returning home, yet you all offer such a grand send-off; I don’t know what to say.”

“Of course, we should.”

Nam Jamyong, Munju of West Moon Sect, stepped forward and bowed to Hyun Jong.

“On behalf of the sects and commoners of Xi’an, I express our deepest gratitude for saving Xi’an. We should have come to thank you sooner.”

“Please don’t be like this, Munju-nim.”

Hyun Jong grasped Nam Jamyong’s hand firmly.

“We are not strangers to each other, so if you show such excessive respect, I will be embarrassed.”

“Sect Leader….”

Nam Jamyong looked at Hyun Jong with a blank face when he heard that he was not a stranger.

“Couldn’t West Moon Sect be friends with Mount Hua? Friendship isn’t limited to a subsidiary sect of Mount Hua.”

“…Is it possible even for a subsidiary sect of Southern Edge Sect?”

Hyun Jong smiled brightly.

“You are stating the obvious.”

“Ah. Then Southern Edge Sect too….”

“…….”

When Hyun Jong smiled and said nothing, Nam Jamyong’s senses sent a danger signal.

Moreover, the disciples of Mount Hua standing behind Hyun Jong were all giving a look that said, ‘Not Southern Edge Sect, definitely not Southern Edge Sect! This yangban!’.

“…I was short-minded and made a slip of the tongue. Please forgive me, Sect Leader.”

“There’s nothing to forgive.”

Then Danbyong Nip, standing nearby, quickly pushed Nam Jamyong aside and asked.

“A friend, you said, Sect Leader?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I understand what Sect Leader means.”

When Danbyong Nip nodded, Hyun Jong grinned. Then he said.

“It’s said that Mount Hua saved Xi’an, but that’s not entirely correct.”

“…Yes?”

“If all of you hadn’t risked your lives to block Evil Sects first, even Mount Hua’s arrival would have been too late to prevent catastrophic damage.”

“…….”

“You all did wonderfully.”

Danbyong Nip could not bear to continue speaking and looked at Hyun Jong. After hesitating for a long time, he nodded.

“Thank you, Sect Leader.”

“It’s nothing.”

Hyun Jong gave a light wave.

“Then I’ll be on my way. We are very eager to clear up the chaos, but we have also left the sect unattended for too long.”

“Yes, yes! The construction is coming to an end, so of course you should.”

The Munjus, who were anxious to say a word, soon gave up and cleared the way.

Except for one person.

“Dojang-nim!”

Wei Sohaeng rushed to Chung Myung at the back. But Chung Myung kept his gaze forward, not turning around.

“Chung Myung Dojang-nim?”

And without paying attention to the puzzled Wei Sohaeng, he gestured with his chin to signal him to move away.

Wei Sohaeng, who saw that, said in a tone as if he understood.

“…Did you cause another accident?”

“…….”

“That… It’s only been a few days.”

At that time, when Hyun Jong looked behind sharply, Chung Myung flinched greatly.

“Somunju is asking you. Don’t worry and answer.”

“Is that okay?”

“…Hng.”

Hyun Jong turned his head away as if he didn’t want to talk anymore. Only then did Chung Myung reluctantly face Wei Sohaeng.

“What?”

“Dojang-nim! Do you mind if I come to Mount Hua when you have time?”

“It doesn’t matter, but… well, I’m not sure. How long will you be in Mount Hua?”

“Yes?”

“We’re going to be quite busy soon.”

Chung Myung smirked.

“Well, since I’ve trained so hard, I need to swing my sword a little bit. Otherwise, it would be unfair, right?”

Seeing confidence on Chung Myung’s face, Wei Sohaeng quickly nodded as if he was fascinated.

“Yes, Dojang-nim. Then I won’t disturb you.”

“It’s not a disturbance.”

Chung Myung placed his hand on Wei Sohaeng’s head.

“The subsidiary sect is also part of Mount Hua.”

“…….”

“Mount Hua has become strong through hard work, so naturally, Huayin Sect should become stronger too. Once we get back to Mount Hua, we’ll set up a plan as soon as possible so that Huayin Sect can train as well.”

“Then can I be of any help to Dojang-nim?”

“You’re already doing great.”

Chung Myung grinned and said.

“Compared to my Sahyung behind me, you’re practically an adult, an adult.”

“But that bastard?”

“Hey, I’m not disagreeing, but I don’t think you’re the one to say that?”

There was a flurry of resentment, but Chung Myung completely ignored them and spoke to Wei Sohaeng.

“Soon, a war so big that even Huayin Sect cannot avoid it will come. The only thing that can save you in a war is your own strength. So don’t neglect your training.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Yeah.”

Chung Myung laughed and patted Wei Sohaeng on the shoulder.

“Give my regards to Munju.”

“Yes.”

Jo-Gol, who watched Chung Myung comfort Wei Sohaeng, said with a slight frown.

“Why is that bastard so caring?”

Then Baek Cheon answers nonchalantly.

“You don’t seem to know, but he’s surprisingly nice to kids.”

“Huh?”

“I said he’s nice to young kids. He was like that in the North Sea too.”

“What about us then?”

“Huh? What about you guys?”

“When that bastard first met us, we were kids too. But the first thing he did was punch me in the jaw so hard I hit the ceiling.”

Baek Cheon replied with a smile.

“Gol-ah.”

“Yes?”

“First of all, he was a kid, too. Younger than you were, even.”

Baek Cheon’s voice explaining everything one by one was extremely kind.

“And regardless of anything else.”

“…….”

“It’s okay to treat you that way.”

“…….”

“To be precise, he’s weak against human kids.”

“Then what, am I not a human?”

“Do I really have to say it with my own mouth?”

Jo-Gol, who was about to protest, closed his mouth quietly. This is because next to him, Yoon Jong was giving a look that said, ‘Please say just one more word so I can put in words too.’ (xoxo: Yoon Jong waiting for a chance to scold him lol)

“Then, Dojang-nim. Take care!”

“Yeah.”

As Wei Sohaeng returned to his original position, disciples of Huayin Sect lined up around him.

“We wish strength and prosperity to Mount Hua Sect!”

And everyone waved in unison to see Mount Hua off. Other sects who saw this also lined up neatly and paid their respects to Mount Hua.

Hyun Jong returned each salute with a gentle smile.

“May everyone be well.”

As Mount Hua Sect disciples exited the gates, the cheers of the waiting common people erupted. As they walked through the cheers, the disciples of the Xi’an sects felt a new sense of emotion and thrill.

“Dan Munju.”

“Yes, Nam Munju.”

“What does it mean to be a friend that Sect Leader mentioned earlier? However, Munju seemed to have an inkling.”

Danbyong Nip smiled at Nam Jamyong’s question.

“Sect Leader was referring to Heavenly Comrade Alliance.”

“Heavenly Comrade Alliance? Ah… Close friends. Right, I guess so.”

This means that everyone who joins Heavenly Comrade Alliance, regardless of whether they are Southern Edge Sect’s subsidiary sect or not, are Mount Hua’s friends.

“…Then we must act promptly.”

“Are you going to join?”

“I’d like to answer that it’s a necessity for survival…”

Nam Jamyong chuckled bitterly.

“To be honest, I would like to become that Mount Hua’s friend for once.”

“I don’t think Southern Edge Sect will like it very much.”

“There’s no way parents can be fond of all of their child’s friends. They’ll understand.”

Nam Jamyong swallowed the next sentence that says ‘And it doesn’t really matter even if they don’t’. Listening to the conversation between the two, Munjus of Xi’an watches Mount Hua Sect moving away with a determined face.

And in the back, watching everything, Hwang Jongwi smiled broadly.

“There’s much work to be done now.”

However, the work that had to be done no longer seemed as burdensome.

Mount Hua’s disciples, who came out of the castle gate amidst the hospitality, sighed with tired faces.

“…I’m drained.”

“Why are there so many people?”

Those who disguised themselves as calm swordsmen when other people’s eyes were on them dropped their shoulders as soon as other people’s eyes disappeared.

“I almost got a cramp from tensing my shoulders.”

“I kept my eyes open so much that they felt stiff and stinging.”

“But what can we do? They were so happy to see us.”

Though they grumbled about being tired, they weren’t actually upset. Rather, there was a smile on their face, as if the situation itself was enjoyable.

Hyun Jong asked implicitly.

“If it gets too hard, would you like to take a break?”

“No!”

“Let’s go, Sect Leader!”

“We wasted too much time! We must arrive before the sun sets!”

But Mount Hua’s disciples shouted as if there was no need to consider.

“Guys.”

Everyone would have the same feelings.

Their body has not yet fully recovered from the long training, so it is not easy to walk a long distance. Nevertheless, everyone is stomping their feet as if they are running in harmony.

‘Do they miss it that much?’

The eyes of Mount Hua’s disciples turned eastward.

Towards the distant, barren peaks of the five mountains.

Towards Mount Hua, from where they had departed.

“Then let’s go!”

“Yes!”

Mount Hua’s disciples began to run at a rapid pace.

Filled with a mix of excitement and deep longing.