Return of the Mount Hua Sect

As his gaze shifted, the early morning sunlight was seeping through the window.

Chung Myung, who was looking at the window with dull eyes, suddenly grabbed his left shoulder in pain.

Throb! Throb!

He shivered briefly under the pain that felt like his arm had been torn off. Even though he knew it wasn’t true, he undid his clothes to check his shoulder.

He knew it. There was no wound. The engraved scars were just minor injuries, certainly nothing that could cause such intense pain.

“…”

Chung Myung looked at his arm for a long time in silence, as if he were looking at an unfamiliar object. Then he slowly got up and went to the window. As he opened the window to either side, the still chilly early morning air rushed into the room.

The sound of birds chirping.

The sound of a grass bug squeaking and crying somewhere.

The quietude settled over the spacious courtyard devoid of people.

In the distance, he could hear a short sound of yells and the clashing of weapons, as if someone had already started training.

‘It’s peaceful.’

Right. It’s infinitely peaceful.

Chung Myung slightly raised his head and looked up at the sky. The sky was so blue that the term ‘clear’ didn’t do it justice, with white clouds drifting by. After staring at the scene for a long time, Chung Myung’s mouth slowly opened.

“…Once again.”

The world was still peaceful.

* * *

Namgung Dan looked around with a grim expression.

Excluding those who had not yet recovered, all members of Namgung Family who could move their bodies were lined up here.

‘What is all this?’

It all started with a word from Namgung Dowi.

– From today, we practice with Mount Hua.

‘I can’t understand it.’

Although he said it differently, the meaning behind his words was no different from saying that Mount Hua was teaching Namgung Family. Otherwise, there would be no reason for them to practice with Mount Hua.

Everyone’s faces hardened instantly upon hearing those words.

What kind of place Namgung Family is? It was a place that had risen to the position of the foremost sect in the world with just its swordsmanship.

Namgung Family was a place where they had something to teach but nothing to learn about swords.

Of course, everyone knows that Namgung’s situation is not easy right now. However, bowing down because of weakened strength and asking for guidance from other sects are two different things.

‘What on earth is Sogaju thinking?’

Namgung Dan glanced at Namgung Dowi standing in front.

Still, the reason they showed their goodwill by coming out here and lined up was because the person who said these words was none other than Namgung Dowi.

Because he is Sogaju? Because he is going to be the Gaju?

No. It was because Namgung Dowi had risked his life for the people here, returning to that hellish Plum Blossom Island of his own volition.

‘I don’t know.’

He wondered if Namgung Daowi, who was publicly his Sogaju and privately his cousin, was perhaps too hasty.

‘If this matter became known to the outside world, we would definitely be ridiculed.’

It will certainly be said that a young man who does not know anything about the world ascended to the position of Gaju, took away Namgung’s pride, and bowed his head to Mount Hua Sect.

“Haa….”

An uncontrollable sigh escaped his mouth.

‘It can’t be helped. Pretend to go along for a while, then let it quietly fizzle out.’

This is absolutely not for them to rebel against Namgung Dowi. Conversely, it was precisely because they understood Namgung Dowi’s position too well that they had to do this.

Right now, there is a very heavy burden on Namgung Daowi’s shoulders. It is quite possible for such a person to misjudge the situation.

From the position of family members, if the Gaju makes a wrong judgment, isn’t it natural to steer that judgment to the right one?

Namgung Dan exchanged glances with his colleagues around him. Without saying anything, they all nodded, seemingly sharing his thoughts.

‘Forgive me. Sogaju.’

They apologized in their hearts and hoped that Namgung Dowi would not misunderstand their intentions.

At that time, a group appeared on one side of the yard, which was so vast that it would be a little awkward to call it a training ground.

The moment he saw the person standing in the lead, Namgung Dan swallowed dry saliva without even realizing it.

‘Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword!’

His back suddenly stiffened.

He felt an indescribable sense of pressure from Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword walking toward his side with sharp eyes.

Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword Chung Myung.

Who in the current Kangho doesn’t know that name?

He has gone beyond being a symbol of Mount Hua Sect and has become a symbol of Heavenly Comrade Alliance. And the name was inevitably a little more special to Namgung Family.

Because they had seen it with their own eyes.

The image of Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword cutting off the arm of Black Dragon King, and the image of him boldly standing up to Jang Ilso, Ryeonju of Evil Tyrant Alliance, and Bop Jeong, Bangjang of Shaolin.

‘That Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword directly?’

Namgung Dan’s heart was slightly shaken as he looked at Chung Myung and Mount Hua Five Swords walking from his left and right.

He doesn’t know if it’s anyone else, but if it’s Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword, there’s definitely something to learn. After all, that’s what teaching from a master is about.

‘N- No.’

But he quickly composed his wavering mind.

This is for Namgung Family, who are driven to the brink (????). No matter how coveted the gains are, they should not go in the wrong direction. (Standing on a pole as tall as 100 feet)

Namgung Dan gritted his teeth and looked at Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword.

It was just as he strained his muscles all over, recalling the figure the man showed in Plum Blossom Island.

Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword, who was walking forward with a cold gaze, spotted Namgung Dowi at the front and suddenly broke into a wide smile.

“Aigoooo!”

And then, he even ran towards him with his arms wide open.

That appearance resembled that of a dupe… No, rather like a greedy merchant welcoming the son of a wealthy family who has come to make a deal.

Chung Myung ran up to Namgung Dowi and grabbed both of Namgung Dowi’s hands enthusiastically.

“Did you sleep well last night?”

“Ha… ha… Thanks to Dojang’s concern, I slept well.”

“Considering the state of our manor, I’m truly embarrassed! If you just wait a little longer, I will order them to build accommodations worthy of a palace for you!”

“N- No, there is no need for that.”

“How can you say that! It’s only natural!”

“I- It’s really okay.”

Namgung Dowi was sweating profusely.

“Keueu, you’re so kind.”

Chung Myung held his hand tightly as if he was moved. Watching this, the swordmasters of Namgung Family were all agape.

‘That’s Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword…?’

‘Is that really the person we knew?’

It couldn’t be helped.

Among them, there were only a few who had directly witnessed Murim Competition held at Shaolin.

No, even if they had seen it with their own two eyes, the impression they witnessed after was so strong that they would have completely forgotten it.

Three years ago, Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword that fought Jang Ilso at Black Dragon Water Fortress, and Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword that cut off the arm of Black Dragon King at Plum Blossom Island.

To those who remembered the cold and sharp swordmaster, the sight of Chung Myung repeatedly bowing and laughing was a shock and horror in itself.

‘Was that person’s personality like that originally?’

‘That can’t be possible?’

They clearly remember him cutting off Black Dragon King’s arm without any hesitation and cruelly punishing him, but the Chung Myung light back then couldn’t overlap with the Chung Myung now.

“Hehehehehe!”

With a shiny face, Chung Myung held Nangung Dowi’s hand and repeatedly shook it.

“Dojang.”

Namgung Dowi bows his head and says.

“I look forward to your kind cooperation.”

As Namgung Dowi became somewhat serious, Chung Myung grinned.

“Sure, sure!”

“Then.”

Namgung Dowi returned to his spot at the back. As if to say, from now on, he’s not Sogaju of Namgung but just another swordsman. Seeing the scene, Chung Myung nodded slightly and turned his head to look at everyone.

‘….’

‘No, what is it now?’

Under the gaze of Chung Myung, the sword masters of Namgung Family began to break into a cold sweat again. The lively demeanor he had just a moment ago was gone without a trace. Now a clear look of annoyance was dripping from Chung Myung’s face.

“Tsk.”

No… Is it okay for people to change so quickly from one moment to the next?

At that time, Chung Myung clicked his tongue lightly and cracked his neck from side to side.

“I am a person who is not really interested in other sects.”

“…”

“Still, there should be least respect. I’ll do as much as I’ve been fed, so just do as you’re told. Just as you’re told. Then there shouldn’t be any problems. Got it?”

At that moment, the gaze of Namgung Family’s swordmasters slowly turned to Namgung Dan.

Namgung Dan, who received the gaze, swallowed dry saliva.

Here now, excluding Namgung Dowi, he, being the son of Namgung Myung, has the highest rank among his direct lineage. It seemed they expected him to speak up.

‘Alright.’

Namgung Dan steeled his will and opened his mouth.

“Dojang. May I ask something?”

“What?”

Chung Myung glanced back at Namgung Dan.

“Although we are in this situation and are asking Mount Hua for teaching, I believe a minimum level of respect is necessary.”

“Yes?”

Chung Myung tilted his head, puzzled. Namgung Dan gathered even more courage and continued.

“We are not disciples of Mount Hua. These are the people bearing the name Namgung. Please show respect and courtesy due to another sect.”

“…”

“Furthermore, I believe the teachings we seek from Mount Hua should be limited to the stance of using the sword. Namgung does not need teachings beyond that. Please consider this.”

It was truly a confident tone.

Namgung Dan clenched his fists slightly.

He did his everything so deliver his piece without trembling before Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword. It should have been enough to show what the spirit of Namgung was.

Of course, he respects Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword. Moreover, which young martial artist wouldn’t admire him? But establishing clear relations was necessary. After all, the pride of Namgung Family rests on their shoulder.

The others seemed to be satisfied with Namgung Dan’s words, nodding their heads in support.

However…

“Sasuk.”

“Hm?”

“What is he saying?”

“They ask you to respect them?”

“So what does that mean?”

“Hmm.”

Chung Myung asked Baek Cheon, who was standing next to him, again, as if he didn’t understand.

Baek Cheon pondered briefly, searching for the most appropriate words to explain to his somewhat language-challenged companion.

“He’s asking to be treated properly, considering they are of Namgung Family.”

“Treated properly?”

“Yes, treated properly.”

“Ah, I thought it was something else. So that was it, treatment.”

Chung Myung looked at Namgung Dan and smiled.

“Keuh. That I can definitely do. So, you want to be treated properly, huh?”

Chung Myung’s smile became increasingly bizarre.

“I was just planning to give back as much as I’ve received, but since you’re so passionately asking for treatment, I have no choice but to put in my best effort.”

“…”

“Now, shall we see if you have the skills worthy of being treated well?”

An even more wicked smile appeared on Chung Myung’s lips.