Return of the Mount Hua Sect

“Namgung Family!”

“Damn those pirate bastards! You thought it was your world, didn’t you?”

Under the Black Dragon King’s orders, the pirates had not harmed the local merchants. Nevertheless, all the enmity suffered by the pirates for decades could not have been resolved.

In fact, seeing the pirates suffer was satisfying, but the merchants were excited for another reason. Thanks to the Namgung Family, the fear of a series of defeats has disappeared.

In the past, Evil Sects, which they hadn’t particularly cared about, organized the Evil Tyrant Alliance, pushed the Ten Great Sects into the pit of defeat, and even advanced into Gangbuk.

They’re afraid that if things continue like this, Gangbuk will really fall into their hands. The fear that they might have to live their whole life under those pirates was quickly resolved by this one victory.

“Yes, of course! The Ten Great Sects wouldn’t just stand by!”

“Gosh! This man, what do you mean Ten Great Sects? It’s Namgung Family, one of the Five Great Family!”

“Ah! Isn’t that the same thing!”

The sight of the Namgung Family’s ships advancing towards Plum Blossom Island swelled the hearts of the onlookers. The sight of the Righteous Sects immediately killing Evil Sects and protecting them was exactly what they had hoped for for the past three years.

Although the Namgung Family was also responsible for the shameful Yangtze Tragedy, that resentment no longer resided in the hearts of those present here.

“But… Is it okay to go that far? It’s still an island.”

“What a foolish thing to say! Wouldn’t the Namgung Family know what you think? They have a plan, that’s why they’re doing it!”

“Yes, I guess so?”

As they watched the majestically advancing ships, hope filled the merchants’ eyes.

“Go forward at full speed!”

Namgung Hwang, standing on the deck, shouted in a loud voice.

“Don’t give the enemy a chance to adjust their formation. We’ll strike quickly while they’re like drowned rats in the water!”

“Gaju-nim!”

At that time, Namgung Myung, who was looking around with a concerned face, spoke urgently.

“The enemy is pirates! Even moving cautiously could be dangerous! Please slow down!”

Namgung Hwang glanced at Namgung Myung with a disapproving face.

“Do we really have to be so wary of those insignificant pirates?”

“Being careless against ‘insignificant’ foes can lead to mistakes. Is it hard to be wary of them? Or is it difficult to restore the reputation of the Namgung Family, which could fall due to a momentary mistake?”

For a moment, as if anger was welling up, Namgung Hwang glared at Namgung Myung as if he were getting angry at the moment.

This time, however, Namgung Myung did not back down easily. After glaring at Namgung Myung for a while, Namgung Hwang’s head slowly nodded.

“Slow down the speed! Advance carefully so the ship isn’t damaged! Azure Sky Sword Squad, keep watch on the water surface! Some of you dive into the water and prevent the pirates from approaching the ship!”

“Yes!”

Upon receiving the command, the Azure Sky Sword Squad loudly acknowledged. And some jumped into the Janggang without hesitation.

“Thank you, Gaju-nim!”

Namgung Myung bowed deeply. Looking at that, Namgung Hwang briefly clicked his tongue.

“Azure Sky Daeju!”

“Yes, Gaju-nim!”

He spoke heavily, nodding his head.

“Don’t stop speaking your mind.”

“….”

“And don’t bow your head carelessly. Azure Sky Daeju is in a position to speak directly to Gaju. This isn’t something to be thankful for!”

“I understand, Gaju-nim!”

Namgung Myung’s face brightened.

This is why he couldn’t help but follow Namgung Hwang. Despite being more aggressive than anyone, Namgung Hwang wasn’t a tyrant.

Namgoong Hwang is a person who has open ears to sensible and logical advice.

If there were shortcomings, either he would fill them, or Namgung Dowi would. That’s what a family and a sect are for, right?

“Gaju-nim.”

Then Namgung Dowi, surveying the front, spoke.

“There are cannons installed on the island. From what I heard, that Plum Blossom Island… It is said that the place called is armed with Hundred Thunder Cannon that was used by Tiger Blockade Sect (???(壁虎門)) in the past.”

“Hundred Thunder Cannon, huh.”

Namgung Hwang snorted.

“It would be helpful if it was a war between the pirates. But cannons won’t reach the ships I’m protecting!”

He looked sharply at the island and continued.

“The only things to be wary of are the Black Dragon King and the Black Dragon Water Fortress. If they’re not on Plum Blossom Island, those bandits can’t stop the Namgung Family. No, even if they were there, it would be the same!”

What Namgung Hwang really wanted wasn’t just to reclaim Gangbuk.

What he truly wants is to completely obtain Plum Blossom Island and create the image of aiming a dagger at the enemy’s neck. He wanted to make the enemy feel the same emotions he felt when he heard that Plum Blossom Island had been occupied by the pirates.

‘There is only about a month left until the three-year deadline.’

If that deadline is passed, Namgung Family will advance to Gangnam without looking back. In order to punish Evil Tyrant Alliance.

“What’s the situation?”

“The pirates are not moving.”

“There seems to be no one approaching from downstream either.”

“Hmph. At least they’re not complete fools!”

Namgung Hwang twitched the corner of his mouth and laughed.

Water Arts?

Obviously, the Water Arts learned by the pirates demonstrate their power in the water. However, even then, it is impossible to completely overcome the gap in skills.

If two people with the same skill level who have mastered the Water Arts and those who have not mastered it compete in the water, the results will be obvious. However, the skills of Azure Sky Sword Squad and those clumsy pirates couldn’t be the same.

That fact had already been proven three years ago.

As the words ‘three years ago’ came to mind, Namgung Hwang’s face suddenly hardened.

“Azure Sky Daeju!”

“Yes, Gaju-nim!”

“Be on the lookout for the perimeter! The pirates might set up camp in the distance and surround us after we land on the island!”

“I will do so!”

“After landing on Plum Blossom Island, some of them stay on the ship and wait! In case there’s trouble, we can retreat immediately!”

“Yes!”

The bitter scars of three years ago taught Namgung Hwang the meaning of ‘caution’. But in other words, it was no different from saying that the wounds that Jang Ilso inflicted to Namgung Hwang are still causing him vivid pain.

‘Black Dragon King! Jang Ilso!’

Eudeuduk.

Namgung Hwang ground his teeth.

He couldn’t escape the pain that gnawed at his bones constantly. Unless he cut off the head of Black Dragon King and grind Jang Ilso, this agony would not abate.

“Crush them at once!”

“Yes!”

And then, as their ship neared Plum Blossom Island.

“Fireeee!”

Kwaaaaaang!

Hundred Thunder Cannons fired fire at the ship they were on. Cannonballs with a power that was incomparable to that of an ordinary cannon flew in as if it would destroy the ship at once.

“They’re playing tricks!”

Namgung Hwang leaped forward swiftly and swung his sword like a beam of light. The white Reinforced Sword Energy emanating from his blade deflected the incoming cannonballs.

Poooong!

A huge column of water erupted where the cannonball hit. The white foam spread out resembling a firecracker.

“Don’t be afraid! Advance!”

“Understood!”

At that sight, the high-spirited Azure Sky Sword Squad let out a roar.

Paaaaaat!

Although the Hundred Thunder Cannons fired one after another, the cannonballs couldn’t evade Namgung Hwang’s sword. His eyes twisted momentarily as he repelled every cannonball.

“Ooooooh!”

His sword then released Reinforced Sword Energy.

Reinforced Sword Energy, which had advanced through the greatly turbulent waters, strike the Hundred Thunder Cannons installed on the shores of Plum Blossom Island.

Kwaaaaang!

Not only the Hundred Thunder Cannons but also the pirates gathered to fire them were instantly crushed.

“Azure Sky Sword Squad! Land!”

“Gaju-nim! We are still at a distance!”

“We must press the advantage now! Just in case, Azure Sky Daeju remains on the ship and secures the escape route!”

“Yes!”

“Dowi!”

“Yes!”

“Lead the Azure Sky Sword Squad and follow me! We attack swiftly!”

“Yes!”

Namgung Hwang kicked off the deck and leaped towards the water.

Paaaaat!

As soon as his feet touched the water, he kicked off the water surface, moving forward.

Walking on Lotus Leaves (???? (登萍渡水)).

It was a nimble and excellent Lightness Art that put to shame its huge physique and ferocious sword. It was to the point where others would suspect that what he was running on was not water but solid ground.

The sight of Namgung Hwang rushing across the water left the pirate dumbfounded and confused.

It was a scene that extremely showed how much influence a single absolute martial master could have on the battlefield.

Then!

Kwaaaaang!

Namgung Hwang, after kicking off the water surface again, landed on Plum Blossom Island like a cannonball. The pirates were unable to run away and froze, looking at the absolute master in front of them in shock.

“Ah…. Aah….”

Namgung Hwang gazed at the pirates with his sword hanging down. His eyes were filled with a murderous intent that seemed ready to tear them apart at any moment, yet he remained motionless.

Perhaps he was giving the bandits a chance to prepare themselves, but Namgung Hwang’s actions clearly had a significant effect.

The pirates, petrified and losing their will to resist, were proof of that.

“I can assure you.”

Namgung Hwang’s loud voice spread to Plum Blossom Island.

“From this moment on, no one who sets foot on this island and tries to withstand us will survive. This is the last mercy I offer to you, who can do nothing but follow orders. Leave this island immediately!”

Chwaaaak.

At that moment, Azure Sky Sword Squad, who had jumped off the ship following Namgung Hwang, with Namgung Dowi at the forefront, set foot on Plum Blossom Island. The Azure Sky Sword Squad, which was lined up behind Namgung Hwang while cutting through the waves along the riverbank, was imposing.

“Namgung Dowi!”

“Yes, Gaju-nim!”

“The warning is over! Annihilate the enemy! Leave no one but those who bear the name of Namgung on this island!”

“Understood!”

Demolishing Mountain Sword Namgung Dowi took the lead and rushed in. When Azure Sky Sword Squad followed and drew their swords in unison, the sense of reason of the pirates, which had been barely maintained until the end, was lost.

“Eu- Euaaaaak!”

“This is a dog’s death!”

“Ju- Jump into the water!”

They couldn’t even think of fighting back and started running away.

“Stop, you f*cking bastards! Can’t you stop right now! Where are the heroes of the water fortress, showing their backs to the enemy? You’re worse than cowards! Stop right now!”

Nine Abyss Old Monster Yeo Dal was furious and shouted until veins started to form on his neck, his voice hoarse with anger, but it seemed his voice did not even reach the ears of the pirates.

Perhaps it was inevitable. Even as the protector of Yangtze River Sipchal Water Fortress, he was nothing but a firefly in front of the sun that is Namgung Hwang.

There was no way any pirate would dare confront Namgung Hwang, believing in him. It was a choice impossible to make unless out of one’s mind.

“This… This…”

Yeo Dal’s eyes trembled as if hit by an earthquake.

If this place is also taken away, Black Dragon King would surely tear him to pieces. But if he stayed here now, it was certain he would be torn apart by Namgung Hwang instead.

A situation in which one has no choice but to choose between a faster death or a slower death. It was only natural that he couldn’t easily move.

“Namgung Hwang! Namgung Hwaaaaaang! Do you realize what you have done?”

Yeo Dal, unable to make any choice, vented his anger at Namgung Hwang.

“The Black Dragon King will be furious! He will be greatly angered. Do you understand what that means? Your actions will turn this Yangtze River red with blood…”

At that moment, Namgung Hwang flew across the distance in a flash and struck down Yeo Dal’s head with his sword.

Kwaaaaang!

Yeo Dal was struck and fell, blood spraying.

Under normal circumstances, even against Namgung Hwang, Yeo Dal wouldn’t have fallen so easily with one blow. But already defeated in spirit, he couldn’t even defend properly, let alone counterattack.

“The wrath of Black Dragon King?”

Namgung Hwang gritted his teeth toward Yeo Dal, who was twitching.

“Before that, you should have thought about my long-endured wrath! I have been angry continuously since three years ago.”

“Keuhu… You idiot….”

Yeo Dal’s eyes were bloodshot.

“Paegun will surely take your head. You have done something you shouldn’t have…”

Sogok!

Finally, Yeo Dal’s head rolled onto the ground.

“Keep talking. That is if you can talk.”

Namgung Hwang, who cut Yeo Dal’s throat at once, raised his head and looked around Plum Blossom Island without hesitation.

“Hmph!”

The wrath of Black Dragon King? That was exactly what he had hoped for.

“It doesn’t matter who the opponent is. The Evil Sects will tremble at just the name of the Namgung Family from now on!”

On that day, the Azure Sky Namgung Family drove out the water fortress and completely occupied Plum Blossom Island.