"W-what is this?"
Un Geom, who was shocked, stared blankly at Hyun Jong. Hyun Jong gazed off at the distant mountain, seemingly at a loss for words.
"Equilibrium of Six…"
As if his mind was tangled, things seemed out of order.
The Equilibrium of Six technique is the most fundamental lesson taught in Mount Hua and was supported for many years. Just as those who hold a sword for the first time must learn to grip it, just as those who learn to read must memorize the characters first. All the martial arts in Mount Hua began with The Equilibrium of Six.
But time has passed, and things have changed. Mount Hua was no longer in a situation where they could afford to teach a slow technique with a methodical approach. They had to prepare things faster and advance quickly.
Wasn't that why everyone put their heads together and invented the True Equilibrium of Six Sword?
Unlike the Equilibrium of Six, it can be learned faster and is more practical for new recruits.
"Sect leader. Haven't we all come to a conclusion together that we had to move faster for Mount Hua?"
"Right."
"But this…"
Hyun Jong let out a sigh.
"That's why I came here to hear your opinion. As you said, it was the will of Mount Hua which redefined our foundation into the True Equilibrium of Six Sword. But the words of our ancestors are also important, right?"
"…"
Un Geom nodded his head.
It wasn't some advice given randomly, but the words of their ancestors which laid the path for them. All sects work hard to follow the path set by those who came before.
So, how could they deny the clear will of those who built the sect?
"Hmmm."
"What do you think?"
"How can I—"
"You teach the children of Mount Hua. When it comes to their future, I can't help but consider your opinion. Don't think about anything unnecessary; simply speak from your heart."
Un Geom took a deep breath.
'It is difficult.'
Whether to follow tradition or choose to change was something people always contemplated. Because it wasn't a question that had a correct answer.
"Sect leader, the reason we created the True Equilibrium of Six sword technique was that we didn't have much time in Mount Hua."
"Right."
In the end, the original method took time. Who didn't know the superiority of the original technique? However, Mount Hua didn't have the time to leisurely raise their disciples. Right now, they were on the verge of collapse, so they couldn't opt for a slow method.
"Which is why I ask you. Do you believe Mount Hua has a future now?"
Hyun Jong frowned; this was a difficult question too.
'Future.'
Mount Hua has just solved one of the most horrendous problems. Although it was the most urgent issue, many problems still remain.
"There isn't an easy answer. Please understand that it cannot be answered clearly."
"Sect leader."
As if he had made the decision, Un Geom opened his mouth.
"Then, I am against it."
"How come?"
"Because it isn't easy."
Un Geom sighed.
Although the two techniques came from the same root, they were still different. In the first place, the fundamentals that they taught were different.
The Equilibrium of Six was slow and methodical, gradually developing the individual's foundation by advancing one step at a time. On the other hand, their new technique allowed rapid advancement and quick growth, but it lacked stability.
"Children learn quickly; these children have already learned the martial arts with their bodies. It will be difficult to overwrite what's been taught and re-teach them from the ground up. Failure to do so properly may have disastrous results. Above all else, it takes a stable lower body and strength for the past technique. It's too late now."
Un Geom shook his head.
"I don't think that the words of our ancestors were wrong. If possible, I would also like to follow their instructions. But realistically, that is impossible."
"That's what you really think?"
"Yes, sect leader."
"What did you say was necessary for the Equilibrium of Six?"
"A stable lower body and strength…."
Un Geom blinked dumbfoundedly as Hyun Jong turned his head to observe the childrens' training.
"Stable lower body?"
"…"
"Strength?"
"…"
"Their training seems to have gone well, hasn't it?"
He didn't train them like that.
That… Did that child do it?
Un Geom looked at Chung Myung, who was swinging his wooden sword in the back.
'No!'
No. This situation was complicated, but it seemed too unreasonable. Chung Myung wasn't from a martial arts family, and there was no way he could have predicted it in advance.
"It seems to me that the children wouldn't have much difficulty in re-learning their techniques, right?"
"… Well… but the children might get confused."
"Un Geom, isn't it our job to manage the chaos and confusion as we lead them down the right path?"
Un Geom nodded his head.
"Is it the children who are confused, or is it you?"
"S-sect leader. Could you give me a moment?"
"Hm?"
"I want to ask one of the children."
"One of the children?"
"It isn't me who will be learning the technique. To truly know the best way, I think it is better to directly ask the children who will be learning the martial arts."
"That's a good idea."
Teaching is something that flows from top to bottom. The ones receiving the teaching would be the children. What they think is also important.
"Then, Yoon Jong—"
"Chung Myung!"
Before Hyun Jong could finish, Un Geom called loudly for Chung Myung. Chung Myung, who was swinging his sword, flinched at the sudden call.
"Come here."
At those words, Chung Myung lowered his sword and approached the elders.
"You called?"
"I have something to ask you."
"Yes."
Un Geom exhaled and opened his mouth.
"Which do you think is better, going slower and higher or faster with certainty?"
Hyun Jong, who listened from the side, had an expression of disapproval. The question was too cryptic. It wasn't asked in a way a child would understand.
'Ah. Right. It's Chung Myung.'
This child certainly had a unique side to him, so maybe he could understand and come up with an answer.
As if in deep thought, Chung Myung frowned. Then, as his thoughts cleared up, he raised his head and looked at Un Geom.
"Going higher is the better choice."
"Why?"
"Because it's Mount Hua."
"…"
Un Geom looked at Chung Myung with a stiff face. The corners of his eyes twitched as if the answer was shocking.
Because it is Mount Hua.
'Huhuhuhu.'
Un Geom slowly turned his head and looked at Hyun Jong. Hyun Jong had closed his eyes. It wasn't difficult to guess what he was thinking, although his thoughts couldn't be entirely understood from just his expression.
It didn't matter if the answer was right or wrong. The important thing was that the answer came out of this child's mouth.
'Right. We are Mount Hua.'
What they lost.
Mount Hua's pride.
Fragments of that distant past were now flowing from the mouth of the youngest child in Mount Hua.
"Any other sect can choose the latter, but not Mount Hua. In order to restore the glory of the past and make Mount Hua's name resonate around the world, we cannot compromise with reality."
It was an answer which cut directly to the heart of the matter. Although Un Geom asked a cryptic question, Chung Myung answered while revealing his hidden intentions. It was something the adults should be ashamed of for trying to directly avoid.
"You mean we shouldn't compromise because it is Mount Hua?"
"I see."
Un Geom nodded.
"Go back and train."
"Yes."
As Chung Myung went back. Un Geom sighed. But before he could speak, Hyun Jong spoke.
"I am ashamed."
"Yes, sect leader."
"To hear such words from a child. Hehe hehe. Because it is Mount Hua. Because it is Mount Hua… who in Mount Hua could even say such a thing in our current situation?"
Hyun Jong closed his eyes.
Even he, the sect leader of Mount Hua, was unable to say anything. He had hesitated to answer when questioned about the future. Perhaps, he could answer so innocently because he was a child who didn't know.
But the important thing was that the answer had left him feeling ashamed.
"Mount Hua. Mount Hua."
"Sect leader."
Un Geom said.
"It may be the words of a child. But a child is someone who can't be swayed aside by reality."
"I know."
"It may be difficult, but I don't want to fall short of the child's expectations."
Hyun Jong let out a sigh.
It wasn't a small matter. Determining the basic techniques of the sect was vital. But even more important was selecting the direction Mount Hua would take in the future.
The small conversation grew like a snowball urging Hyun Jong to make a choice.
A decision of which path Mount Hua should follow.
"Listen, Un Geom."
"Yes, sect leader."
"In the name of Mount Hua, as of this moment, the basic technique of Mount Hua will be changed to Equilibrium of Six Sword."
"I will follow your orders!"
"I will give an official order in consultation with the elders, but before the official order comes, I want you to understand it and pass it on to the children."
"Yes!"
Un Geom's eyes turned sharp.
Mount Hua is Mount Hua.
It can't stay as a poor sect anymore. If they are under the name Mount Hua, they should be the best and aim for the best. Even if one is trapped within a small stream, they must wait for the day that they can ascend to heaven and become a dragon.
That was the duty of those who bear Mount Hua's name.
"Not just that one technique. You need to consider all the martial arts of Mount Hua. Your role as the head of the White Plum Blossom dorms will be more important than ever."
"Yes, sect leader. If we can repay the kindness we received from Mount Hua, what more could we wish for?"
Hyun Jong smiled as he looked at the kids.
'These children are the future of Mount Hua.'
Perhaps not in Un Geom's generation, but by the time these children take the lead, they may be able to redeem Mount Hua's name.
For that ideal, there was nothing that Hyun Jong wouldn't do. Perhaps, the ancestors were watching from above and smiling at him with pride.
Clearly.
'Pathetic bastard.'
Chung Myung, who had returned to his training spot, clicked his tongue.
It seems like two elders couldn't even come to a simple decision on their own.
'Did you really have to ask me that? THAT? I put rice in front of them, and now they are asking me how to chew it!'
"Ugh!"
"Why are you sighing all of a sudden?"
"Do you know what I mean?"
"… nope."
In response to Jo Gul, Chung Myung frowned.
'I need to think. These idiots can't do anything right.'
He decided to head down to Hua-Um.
He was worried about how these people were handling the businesses down there. If he left it to the sect leader, Chung Myung was certain Mount Hua would die for sure.
"Haaa. This sect would never make a comeback if not for me."
"…what is with him, sahyung?"
"Leave him be. This isn't the first or second time he's been like this, right?"
It was a moment that caused everyone to sigh in unison.
----
After a long period of hardship, peace had come to Mount Hua.
The financial problems which plagued Mount Hua the most were resolved through Chung Myung, and new martial arts were provided, allowing the sect to move forward.
Just as spring comes when winter passes, Mount Hua's vitality was blossoming like a vibrant spring, and everyone was lost in blissful happiness… at least that's how it should be.
"Peace my ass!"
Chung Myung's face contorted.
The broom he was holding bent as if broken as he clenched his hands tightly.
Peace?
It is chaos!
"Uh? Calculation? T-this… wait. Jo Gul Sahyung! Jo Gul Sahyung! How much is this?"
"That! That! be careful!"
"It all depends? Huh? It depends on the items. A refund? Huh? Ah."
The third-class disciples of Mount Hua, who had white robes on, were profusely sweating as they dealt with a rushing influx of customers.
'Shit, shit!'
It was pure chaos.
It was good that the ledger was found, and the businesses returned to Mount Hua. Since they acquired ten new businesses that were profitable and doing well, wasn't the only thing left to do just sit back and make money?
… that naïve thought was the beginning of all the problems.
Chung Myung hadn't even thought about it, but these people had no experience running a proper business for nearly a hundred years. So, an awkward situation arose where greenhorns who have never earned a single penny on their own were now in charge of running ten businesses.
And the result?
As seen.
"No! I already said I ran out of ingredients a while ago! Why aren't more coming?"
"What the hell are you doing?"
"What is that idiot doing grabbing the customers? Hey! Hey!"
Chung Myung tried to smile.
'Do well. Do well.'
The disciples of Mount Hua, who did nothing in life but train their bodies and swords, came down to Hua-Um and were sweating hard dealing with customers.
If the ancestors saw this scene, they would have a few stern words… no, they would have grabbed the elders by their necks and flung them around wildly.
Among the disciples was Chung Myung. The customers, of course, did not respond well to his performance.
"No! What kind of tea is this!"
"Tea comes from leaves! Don't you know what tea is? How can you call this tea?"
"How can you just mash the leaves in the pot? Where is the owner of this place?"
It was a living hell.
Chung Myung sighed as he looked around.
Well, this was better.
The third-class disciples, who began working for the first time, experienced hell. No, the people who were here to do business were going through hell as well.
A guy selling silk accidentally rips the cloth.
A man asks for a rod and gets a pickaxe.
The third-class disciples, who were only serving customers, were enough to torment the flow of business; and the upper-level staff of Mount Hua felt like they were losing their heads.
Those who have spent their whole lives on the mountain teaching now lacked the common sense of how things worked outside of Mount Hua.
"Hey, you! What are you doing! Get to work!"
"Kuak! Ah! Yes!"
Chung Myung soon began to sweep the pavilion again.
'Sweep this, sweep that. All the customers are going home anyway!'
In Chung Myung's eyes, he saw all the guests storming out the doors stamping and throwing dust in their wake.
Seeing their displeased faces, as if to spite his hard work, he wanted to yell.
'Crush them completely!'
But he couldn't do as he wanted because he was the youngest of Mount Hua.
Chung Myung just brushed dust aside with the broom and slowly fell back. Jo Gul, who was busy carrying refreshments, stood out.
"Sahyung."
He didn't listen.
"Sahyung~"
Jo Gul continued to act as if he couldn't hear.
"Hey! Jerk!"
Were his ears blocked?
"Jo Gul, you bastard!"
"Yes! The third-class disciple Jo Gul… what?"
Jo Gul glared at Chung Myung. He was still just a Sajae and the youngest at that. Talking nonsense and insulting a Sahyung wouldn't be tolerated…
"What?"
Jo Gul glanced around and then approached Chung Myung.
"Sahyung"
"Why?"
"Let's just speak as humans, with no ranks dividing us. I've heard that you are the youngest son of a famous merchant. The youngest son of the continent's greatest…something or other?"
"Continent my ass. We're just a small merchant family."
"Still, you have to be able to see what's going on and understand. The youngest son of an influential family is an immature problem child, but secretly harbors an otherworldly talent just waiting to be utilized. Isn't that how it usually goes?"
"… what the hell are you talking about?"
Jo Gul took a deep breath. He couldn't understand what Chung Myung was trying to say.
"You see…"
Chung Myung pointed to the scene of chaos.
"How the hell did this happen?"
"Huh."
Jo Gul sighed.
"Do you remember the people who used to be in charge of this place?"
"Yes?"
"It turns out that they had pretty good reputations. As those people moved or quit, a lot of their employees quit with them."
"Huh? Reputation?"
Those scamming bastards seemed popular with their employees.
"Reputation? What sort of dog shit is that Sahyung?"
"To be precise, it seems that they were too thorough with their relationships and ties. Most of the employees who worked for them were their relatives or family members, so they immediately quit."
Shit.
Is this the downside of a family-owned business? This was why professional managers… no, forget it.
"So, this is an employee issue, right?"
"That's only the first thing."
"Huh? Do we have more?"
Jo Gul subtly frowned and then looked around, confirming that there was no one listening in, he said.
"As you can see, the biggest problem is that the adults of Mount Hua don't have the ability to run these businesses."
"Is that a problem?"
"Those who live without studying and those who spend their lives on the martial arts tend to have difficulties making a living. It isn't as easy as people want it to be. If it was easy to make money, then everyone would be rich."
"Yeah, that is right."
Chung Myung took a deep breath.
"So, now Mount Hua is incapable of managing these businesses?"
"That's a bit of an over-exaggeration, but it is like tying a pearl around a pig's neck. I didn't expect it to be this bad…."
It was then.
A loud voice was heard.
"No! I asked for Pu'er tea! Why would you bring this instead?"
"Isn't that what it is?"
"This is Oolong tea! Sahyung! I am already in a ton of trouble; do you want me to die! How can you suddenly change it?"
"Why are you raising your voice! As if I've ever had to deal with such an expensive tea before! I obviously wouldn't know anything about it!"
"Who here would have ever had the chance to drink it?"
Chung Myung shook his head.
People were fighting merely over the change of tea leaves.
"Look."
Jo Gul clicked his tongue.
"You have to choose a good product, then you need to have good materials to make the product. If your materials are too expensive then the cost may exceed the returns, and if you choose to use cheap materials then your customers won't trust the product."
"… and if we start learning the business now?"
"Would you want to teach a forty-year-old geezer, with no experience, martial arts?"
"I wouldn't."
Jo Gul shook his head and continued.
"Honestly, I think that if it continues like this, we will be ruined in less than half a year. I don't know what the old Mount Hua was like, but the current Mount Hua doesn't have the ability to operate these businesses."
"But wouldn't learning it make a difference?"
Jo Gul looked at Chung Myung with a blank face.
"Chung Myung. Look, do you know the characteristics of our current businesses?"
"…. Uh?"
"It is all about bringing things in and selling them off."
"Okay?"
"Silk, cloth, metals, tea etc. all of them require materials so they can be made into a product to be sold. Do you know where I am going with this?"
"If I could figure that out, wouldn't I be rich?"
"It's said that each material chosen can influence the prosperity of a business. Consider that. Then, if a naïve disciple, who knows nothing of the world or money, tries to purchase the raw material from a wholesaler, what do you think would happen?"
"We'll be ripped off."
"Not just that. They would suck the bones dry too."
"…"
"Forget it. This was bound to fail from the start."
Chung Myung turned his head, looked at the distant sky, and smiled.
'Sahyung!'
He only now realized his Sahyung's greatness. All these businesses operated effortlessly with him in charge.
'Eh, damn it. I'd rather die than suffer.'
Chung Myung thought.
"Then, what's the solution?"
Jo Gul looked at Chung Myung.
"Why are you asking me!?"
"Sahyung is the child of a merchant family! There must be some solution, right?"
"You idiot! If there was one, would I be sitting around like this! If I had the ability to do it, I wouldn't be at Mount Hua at all! I would have already inherited the family business and made a fortune."
"… is this situation that severe?"
"There's no solution."
Jo Gul had a bitter smile.
"At least, I would have tried to contact my home. But it's too far away and my household couldn't afford it. To smoothly run an operation like this we would need a giant, knowledgeable in all kinds of goods. But there isn't anyone like that in Mount Hua."
There used to be one.
His Sahyung.
But now?
Jo Gul spoke with a wry smile.
"If only Elder Hwang was fine, we wouldn't have to worry about this."
"Elder Hwang?"
"Yes, Elder Hwang."
Chung Myung tilted his head.
"Come to think of it, this man called Elder Hwang gets mentioned frequently. Who is he?"
"A colossus."
"Colossus?"
Jo Gul nodded his head.
"He's one of the merchants based in Shaanxi. He handles things from Yunnan and the west too."
"But what does that person have to do with Mount Hua?"
"He's supported Mount Hua for a long time. It is a famous story. Because of him, Mount Hua wasn't completely destroyed and could keep afloat."
"…I don't see him here."
"Well. I don't know but…."
Jo Gul shrugged his shoulders.
"I heard that he supported not just Mount Hua, but also many other places. Anyway, if it were him, there wouldn't be any problems. We could have requested advice and gotten a lot of help."
"Then, we just need to ask him for help."
"No. Elder Hwang has been sick for a year now. There's even a rumor that he's in a coma."
"Hmm."
"So…"
"Chung Myung! Where is Chung Myung?"
Chung Myung raised his head towards the voice that was looking for him.
"Here!"
A familiar face came into Chung Myung's gaze.
---
"There you are!"
Un Am approached Chung Myung with an urgent look upon his face.
"Sasuk, I greet you."
Jo Gul and Chung Myung bowed their heads and offered greetings.
"Right."
Un Am slightly nodded his head and then looked at Chung Myung.
"Chung Myung."
"Yes, Sasuk."
"I think you should head to our main mountain."
"… Huh?"
Our main mountain?
Mount Hua?
'No, does he think going to Mount Hua is that easy?'
What kind of errand is he asking about? Even birds could die ascending Mount Hua!
Where did their consciences go!
"Mount Hua?"
"Yes."
Chung Myung turned his head to the side with a sullen face. Jo Gul swiftly avoided his gaze.
"No, there are so many vigorous and strong sahyungs, why me…?"
"Aren't you the youngest?"
"Because I am the youngest, my legs are thin, and my footwork is weak."
"You also aren't doing anything here."
"…"
Ah.
He didn't like working, so he decided to clean this place instead. Who would have known it would backfire like this.
"Ugh."
Chung Myung sighed deeply.
Now he was turned into an errand boy. How did the Plum Blossom Sword Saint Chung Myung end up like this?
"So, what's the errand?"
"You need to deliver a letter to the sect leader."
"Sorry?"
A letter?
He wanted to ask more but questioning a sasuk and fretting over every detail wasn't polite. It hurts their pride if someone young, like Chung Myung, questions them.
"Yes. I will go."
"Good. Normally, it would be fine to just wait until someone is returning and let them deliver it, but the businesses here are quite chaotic and it's a fairly urgent matter. I hope you understand."
Shit.
He has such a good personality.
Chung Myung would have torn their snout off if it had been a third-class disciple issuing this request.
Un Am pulled out a letter and gave it to Chung Myung.
"This is the one."
"Yes."
Also, Un Am kindly explained what the letter was, in case Chung Myung was curious about it.
"This is a letter from Eunha merchant guild, so treat it with respect."
"Uh? Eunha?"
Jo Gul quietly explained.
"That's the merchant association that Elder Hwang is a member of."
"Eh?"
Chung Myung was shocked.
Un Am continued to explain while ignoring Chung Myung's shock.
"This letter was sent to the sect leader because of an emergency. I happened to be in Hua-Um, so I was able to intercept it early. Otherwise, it would take another two days for it to be delivered along with the other goods to Mount Hua. So, you will have to take this and deliver it to the sect leader immediately."
"Yes, I get it."
"It's urgent, so don't delay and leave right away."
"Yes!"
Jo Gul, who watched Chung Myung take the letter into his hands, unwittingly reached his arm out as Chung Myung dashed away towards the mountain.
"That… that!"
Then, he mumbled with anxious eyes.
"Couldn't we send anyone else but him with that?"
"Hm? Did you say something?"
"N-Nothing at all. Sasuk."
Jo Gul quickly said. But his eyes didn't leave Chung Myung's back.
'I'm probably just feeling too sensitive.'
But ominous premonitions were rarely wrong.
"Hmm."
Chung Myung, who was climbing Mount Hua, took the letter in his hands.
"Hmmmm."
'So, this is a letter from Elder Hwang of the great Eunha Merchants, right?'
'No, since Elder Hwang is battling illness on his deathbed, this must be a letter from his subordinates.'
"Ah… really."
Chung Myung sighed.
"Morally, it isn't right for a Taoist to open letters meant for other people and pry into their private matters; but isn't this letter addressed to Mount Hua where Taoists are plentiful? Whether sect leader or disciple, it should be fine for me to peek inside since we're all family on Mount Hua. Isn't that right, Sahyung?"
-What shit are you spewing!
"… however, my sahyung is dead, so it doesn't matter."
Chung Myung always touched others' stuff.
With Mount Hua's businesses as they are, it seems like they will remain a mess unless Elder Hwang steps in to help make things easier. But with this situation… Was there some kind of emergency in the guild?
Something must have happened to Elder Hwang.
How could he know for sure if he doesn't peek inside, though?
Chung Myung took a close look at the letter.
An inscription on the surface clearly stated, 'For the eyes of the Great Mount Hua Sect leader only.'
So, they say no one other than the sect leader should open it.
"It's okay. It's fine. To be honest, even if the sect leader was here, he would have told me what it says anyway."
If other people were around to hear him, they would have pulled their hair out yelling at him; unfortunately, no one was around.
"Let's see,"
A letter sealed securely with a wax stamp. No matter how carefully it was torn, marks were bound to be seen.
But it wasn't very difficult for Chung Myung, who had plenty of experience raiding other peoples' property.
"Well, that's a good thing."
Shhh!
A sharp qi rose from Chung Myung's fingertips and accurately separated the boundaries between paper and wax. Then, as if it had never been waxed from the beginning, only a complete envelope remained.
Chung Myung opened the envelope, took out the letter inside, and began to read it.
"Let's see…."
Chung Myung crossed his legs and scanned the contents.
Chung Myung's face distorted. Chung Myung fought back an urge to crush the letter, neatly folded it instead, and pushed it back into the envelope with trembling hands.
He took a deep breath.
"Phew!"
After taking several deep breaths, he calmed his raging mind.
"Isn't this that damned Demon Flower?"
Demon Flower.
Literally a demon's flower.
Chung Myung clenched his teeth.
"There's no way ordinary physicians can cure this!"
Because these were the symptoms of that flower.
On the surface, the symptoms are similar to being severely poisoned. Therefore, people would spend their time searching for an antidote.
However, the Demon Flower is a poison that occurs when a particular technique of the Demonic sect is used.
The reason why Chung Myung couldn't be calm was simple.
'Demonic bastards!'
Those bastards, who he thought had been eradicated, were alive and working behind the scenes!
'No! No! No!'
Chung Myung slapped his cheeks to calm himself.
"The one I killed was their Heavenly Demon. I didn't kill all the demonic bastards."
It was natural for the remnants of the Demonic Sect to be alive. Didn't they say the demonic sect remnants had rushed over to Mount Hua after their Heavenly Demon was killed?
There must have been some who survived the war and grew up. There would have been even more hiding out in the Hundred-Thousand Mountains. It's no wonder they're still around.
The problem wasn't them being alive but them plotting something.
A blazing fire ignited within Chung Myung's eyes.
"I don't get it; do they still hold any grudges against Mount Hua?"
Why does everything they do damage Mount Hua?
There were so many people in this world, yet, why did they have to touch Elder Hwang?
"Ah! My head hurts!"
Chung Myung took a deep breath.
'Nothing else can be done.'
He would have to go and see it for himself.
It wasn't possible to say with certainty based on what was written. Chung Myung would have to see it with his own eyes.
Furthermore…
"Reward! A huge reward!"
At the end of the letter, what was written shone in Chung Myung's eyes.
According to Jo Gul, only the best of the best could join the Eunha guild, and Elder Hwang was famous even in the guild. A massive reward from such a place, he couldn't even imagine how much it would end up being.
"I can't miss this!"
Chung Myung's heart skipped a beat.
Nearly a hundred years have passed, so not many would know of the Demon Flower.
If they hadn't waged war a hundred years ago, not even Chung Myung would know of it. There was no way they could imagine that these symptoms came from a demonic technique.
Anyone who could recognize these symptoms died in the hands of Heavenly Demon and the other Demonic Sect disciples on the day Chung Myung died.
But the world doesn't know.
'Those who survived that fateful day might know.'
If they were alive, they would have been a sect leader. But it didn't seem like there were any survivors. But if they'd survived, would they have passed the knowledge on? What if one of the others receiving this letter actually has a cure?
"I must have lost it! I can't even imagine it!"
Chung Myung's eyes flared in excitement.
Who could try and snatch away one of Chung Myung's opportunities? …Was he really shamelessly targeting patients? But this was money… no, Chung Myung must solve this dying man's illness for the sake of morality!
"I'm busy."
Chung Myung grabbed the letter and placed the seal back on it. Then melted the wax a little to fix it and moved to the top.
"Let's give this to them first."
That way, even if Chung Myung resolved the situation, the sect leader would have some understanding of the current situation.
Hyun Jong seemed to have close ties to the guild.
The letter read thusly.
Sect leader. The long winter is over, and spring is coming. By the time this arrives, the spring plum blossoms will be in full bloom, even where the sect leader resides.
The beautiful view of Mount Hua, which I visited with my father, is still etched into my memories. I am full of desire to revisit it some time, but it is a pity that circumstances do not permit me.
Unfortunately, I am ashamed to be writing to you like this in hopes of a request. I am contacting you because my father's condition keeps worsening with the passage of each day.
As you know, my father has been in bed since last year as his health began failing. Considering his age, it was understandable. But strangely, in recent days, other symptoms started to appear instead of the usual signs of old age.
Father is currently unconscious and unable to move. His body is dyed red, and a black light or something ominous circulates on his forehead while his heart beats erratically.
We, the Eunha Guild, invited various people to check on my father's condition, but no one made a proper diagnosis.
So, as if grasping at straws, I'm trying to find some clue about this illness by sending these letters out to anyone I know is capable. If you know anything about my father's symptoms, we would appreciate it if you could contact us back in any way.
I promise to give a massive reward in the name of Eunha Guild to those who provide information that would help improve my father's health.
Waiting for a reply.
Hwang Jongi, the minor Lord of Eunha Guild.
-----
"Kuak."
"I can't do this anymore."
The third-class disciples groaned and passed through Mount Hua's gate.
It was impossible for them to do business in Hua-Um. These Taoists needed to achieve peace through meditation; they couldn't relate to those obsessed with worldliness and fleeting desires.
"Everything is fine, but…."
It was understandable.
They also understood how important money was and how hard it was to earn. Until recently, weren't they forced to endure by surviving off only porridge due to a shortage of money?
Even if they were Taoists, it was impossible to live off the bark of trees and cultivation alone. Whether it was a mountain, a field, or a city, people needed money.
So, they had no complaints there.
The problem was…
"Can't we just get a dorm in Hua-Um? What kind of treatment is this?"
"If we have to go up and down Mount Hua each day and night, I really might die. Sahyung…"
Yoon Jong closed his eyes tightly.
Usually, he would have yelled at the children to stop their whining, but he didn't say anything because even he was out of breath now.
"… think of this as training…."
"What kind of training…."
"If not, go to sasuk directly and ask him."
"…"
Everyone shut up immediately at that.
It wasn't because they were afraid. It was because their suffering was insignificant compared to the hardships of their elders.
They only did it today, but the elders had been going up and down the mountain every day for the businesses.
"Sahyung. I have no time to train these days."
"We are here to learn martial arts, not do business. If it was going to be like this, I'd rather have stayed home and not joined Mount Hua at all."
Yoon Jong sighed as the whining kept going.
"I know what you are trying to say. But things don't always work the way you want them to, right? That's just how it is, so endure for now."
"… Yes, sahyung."
"Alright."
Still, everyone nodded their heads. Yoon Jong sighed once more in secret.
'That's what I said, but when will this situation get better?'
He couldn't imagine.
No, it wasn't that he couldn't. In Yoon Jong's eyes, things wouldn't get better; rather, they would worsen.
Fortunately, the merchants who sided with Mount Hua came to their aid. Otherwise, they would have already experienced dramatic losses.
For things to get better, the path to improvement must be visible. But Yoon Jong could only see bad things.
'Sect leader must have a plan.'
As Yoon Jong continued his thoughts, he flinched.
'I'm worried about Mount Hua.'
Until recently, that was rarely the case. Although he was one of the third-class disciples, he barely worried about Mount Hua. It was because he had always thought that even if Mount Hua collapsed, he could simply go elsewhere.
But before he knew it, he had grown seriously concerned for it.
This is all part of the change that occurred after he showed up…
"Sahyuunnngggg!"
Yoon Jong closed his eyes tightly.
'Everything has been changing for the better, but why does that guy keep getting more and more immature each day?'
Yoon Jong looked at Jo Gul, who was running towards him.
"Sahyung! Sahyung! We are in trouble!"
"Calm down. You are Taoist so don't rush and be—"
"C-Chung Myung…"
Chung Myung?
The moment that name came out of Jo Gul's mouth, Yoon Jong's face turned a ghastly pale.
It was truly amazing how one name was enough to shake another to their core.
"No! You need to see this! Hurry!"
As Jo Gul started to run ahead, Yoon Jong followed behind without saying a word.
'What is he up to this time?'
Yoon Jong didn't have time to think. He ran with all his strength and followed Jo Gul into the dorms, swiftly rushing into Chung Myung's room.
"Not here?"
An empty room.
"Is he out?"
"No, that isn't it! Look at this!"
"Huh?"
This?
Yoon Jong narrowed his eyes and looked at where Jo Gul pointed.
'A sheet of paper?'
A sheet of paper was left on the bed with a message written on it.
Something came up, so I will be away at work for a few days. You can handle it. Also, if you skip training, I will fold your spine backward, so don't even think of skipping out!
"… this crazy bastard."
Yoon Jong's hand trembled.
What? A few days?
Did that mad man think that he could run around anywhere he wanted?
"W-what do we do, Sahyung?"
Yoon Jong sighed.
"First, we need to make sure the others stay silent about this."
"… but if he gets caught..."
"Even if we go and tell them, it won't change anything. He said he'll be back in a few days, so we need to try and hide his absence until then."
Unless it was the same as today, when someone came searching for him specifically, nobody would notice if Chung Myung went missing for a short while.
"What will happen if we get caught?"
"Are you worried about that?"
"Yes, aren't you worried about it?"
"… I'm worried about something other than that?"
"What?"
Yoon Jong sighed and spoke.
"I'm worried about how many days he will be gone and what new mess he is going to cause this time."
"…"
Jo Gul, at a loss for words, agreed in his mind.
"Huak! Huak! Huak! I need to take a breather!"
Chung Myung sat down on the tree trunk next to him to catch his breath. He ran a great distance straight from Mount Hua without resting and was out of breath. It seemed like he would die.
"Oh! How far have I fallen from my prime!?"
He could jump from one mountain to another in one step. He could even jump from one side of a river to another in two jumps!
If it had been him in the past, it would have taken less than two hours to reach Xian city from Mount Hua. It would have been like taking a leisurely walk.
However, Chung Myung couldn't do it at his current level, so he had to run like a crazy dog, sweating until his body hurt.
"Oh my… If I could have just one glass of cold water, life would be worth living."
Each time this happened, he would think of the past. Taking a deep breath, Chung Myung raised his head and looked at Xian.
"It's been a long time since I've been here."
Although Hua-Um developed quite a bit, it cannot be compared to Xian city.
Xian was the largest city near Mount Hua. As a result, whenever there was a need to visit a big city, the first place anyone would consider was Xian.
Chung Myung, feeling alive and rested, stood up while reminiscing.
"Quite a lot used to happen here."
Ordinarily, the disciples of Mount Hua wouldn't come here.
The reason was simple. The closest faction to this city was actually the Southern Edge sect.
Southern Edge Mountain, home of the Southern Edge sect, was only a few kilometers away from here. So, their disciples would often come here when they were bored.
What would happen if the disciples of both Mount Hua and Southern Edge met?
'One of the two will be destroyed.'
Southern Edge Sect and Mount Hua weren't on good terms.
No, it's not enough to say they simply weren't on good terms. They just couldn't bear being close to each other; they were closer to being enemies.
Why do we have such a bad relationship?
It has to be asked the other way around… what reason do we have to get along?
Like neighboring nations don't have good relations, the big sects never liked getting along with their neighbors. First, there are always border disputes and interests to be contested. Not to mention a constant competition to recruit local disciples with talent.
Above all, when asked who's mightier, swords are drawn and wielded before the question finishes escaping their lips. It's a matter of pride.
Moreover, both Mount Hua and Southern Edge were from the same province, and they even had the same kind of teaching, which focused on swordplay.
'Haha. The ancestors must have had similar personalities. Maybe they thought that if they settled their clans near one another their descendants would get along.'
Well, that may be what they thought, but the successors came to regard each other as enemies.
As a result, Mount Hua had no choice but to reluctantly get along with the Southern Edge Sect.
At least, until Chung Myung appeared.
As everyone knows, Chung Myung has quite a temper and is more than a little rebellious. The more his Sahyung tried to stop him, the more he wanted to come to Xian.
Were there disputes?
Of course.
'I hit them a lot.'
Chung Myung wasn't such a boor that he would visit the city just to pick fights. At that time, he only focused on eating one more piece of meat and drinking one more glass of alcohol.
He couldn't enjoy himself and indulge in drinking and dancing within Mount Hua because of his ever-present Sahyung's watchful eyes keeping him tied down. But, he could avoid his Sahyung's nagging by hiding in the city.
However, those Southern Edge fools seemed to enjoy fighting rather than drinking and dancing. After being beaten by Chung Myung once or twice, whenever they found out that Chung Myung was in town, they would come rushing after him.
Chung Myung acknowledged the Southern Edge sect's tenacity as well. Regardless of how many times they were beaten to a pulp, they would always come back, chasing after Chung Myung in greater and greater numbers whenever he showed his face.
Even when Mount Hua was in the midst of collapse, weren't they still trying to drag Mount Hua down tenaciously?
"So…"
Chung Myung glanced at his clothes. He couldn't take off his uniform because he was in a hurry. The plum blossom symbol embroidered on the chest stood out brilliantly.
Should he get a change of clothes?
Chung Myung was a little worried.
"Eh, whatever."
He doubted that he would run into those damn bastards in this wide city. It isn't like they would be searching for him as they did in the past.
"It's not like anything will happen."
Once he got to the Eunha Guild, he wouldn't have to worry about this sort of thing.
"And then I can get my money!"
With a sinister smile, Chung Myung crossed into Xian.
Completely unaware of the storm he was about to create.
---
Hwang Jongi couldn't hold back his disappointment.
'So, you're saying that it can't be helped?'
Hwang Mun-Yak was Eunha Merchant Guild's prominent leader and Hwang Jongi's father. With every passing day, Hwang Mun-Yak's health continued to deteriorate. Until recently, he was at least conscious, but a couple days ago, he ceased even waking up as the severity of his symptoms increased.
An unconscious man couldn't even eat food to nourish his body.
If this continued, it was clear that his breathing would end within a few days.
In a hurry, Hwang Jongi had invited influential people the world over. Now he had even begun to seek help from prominent Taoists, whom he had a relationship with, but not a single answer had come back yet.
Today, he had a glimmer of hope when a figure of the Sichuan Tang family, who boasts about their knowledge in poisons, came to him. However, what happened had left Hwang Jongi wallowing in disappointment.
"It is difficult."
Unsurprisingly, Hwang Jongi sighed at the negative comment he heard.
"Are you saying that even the sect known as the 'master of poisons' is unable to help my father?"
"It is true that we pride ourselves as the foremost experts on poison in this world. We can assist in matters related to any poison."
"But?"
"But, your father's malady isn't caused by poison."
Hwang Jongi narrowed his eyes at this statement.
"Even after seeing these symptoms, you're saying that?"
Tang Myung, the elder of the Tang Sect, shook his head.
"Although the symptoms are similar, this hasn't been done by poison. There seems to be a fundamentally different cause."
"Ugh."
Hwang Jongi's complexion darkened to the point where it couldn't get much darker.
Even though he invited the best and most influential people in their fields and wielded his financial power to promise the greatest compensation he could, he still couldn't find someone to cure his father's illness.
"Are you certain that this isn't simply his age catching up to him?"
"These symptoms aren't natural."
"Then, then what the hell is going on?"
Tang Myung slightly lowered his gaze, visibly troubled.
Seeing that, Hwang Jongi sighed.
"I am sorry. I know that you did your best, I am just a little frustrated."
"I am sorry for being unable to help."
"Not at all. Forgive me for not seeing you off."
Tang Myung got up and left outside with a bitter expression.
"What am I supposed to do?"
Hwang Jongi held his head as he mumbled.
His father's illness was getting worse day by day. How could he stop this? Despite having so much money, was he unable to do anything for his father?
'What sin did my father commit for this to happen?'
Hwang Mun-Yak had devoted his life to helping the poor. He knew that Heaven's will is not necessarily executed in retribution, but wasn't this too harsh?
To die after suffering from an unknown disease for over a year…
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
"May I come in?"
"Ah… yes. Elder."
The door opened, and a man came in. It was a white-haired man in an impressive white uniform.
"I just saw Elder Tang Myung leave."
"Yes."
"Young master, I am embarrassed to keep saying the same thing, but now is the time to admit it. The only way to save Elder Hwang is through Taoist Ritual."
Hwang Jongi's face grew bleak upon hearing what was said.
"I understand what the elder is saying, but I don't want to rely on it just yet."
"Young master. Didn't I tell you? The elderly's symptoms are because he went against the flow. He collected too much negative qi and twisted his foundation. If you can make the decision to let us handle it, there might be a chance."
Hwang Jongi turned his head and looked at the man.
The man nonchalantly continued as if the gaze piercing him wasn't burdensome at all.
"It isn't common for the sect leader of the Great Southern Edge Sect to personally offer help. This privilege is only being extended to you because he is Elder Hwang of the Eunha Merchant's Guild. Time is running out. Please, don't do anything you will regret."
"… I wish to wait longer."
"No use."
The man clicked his tongue. It was as if he considered Hwang Jongi's actions to be pathetic.
Hwang Jongi bit his lower lip.
The reason he ignored this man's rude remarks was simple. This man here was the Southern Edge Sects' Elder, Ki Mok-Seung.
The Southern Edge Sect has been famous as one of the Ten Great Sects for a long time, and in recent years, their name has soared to even greater heights throughout the world. He wasn't sure about this generation, but Hwang Jongi was sure that this sect would occupy the highest peak at the top of the world within the next few generations.
Besides, Xian is a place that has been under the influence of the Southern Edge Sect since ancient times. With the elder of such a sect offering to help them, Hwang Jongi couldn't afford to sever their ties and had no choice but to refuse politely.
'They will probably ask for a fortune in return.'
Giving money wasn't the issue.
If they could really save his father, he was willing to give up all his possessions. However, if they had the confidence to save his father, they wouldn't have asked for the payment in advance but would ask for it later after truly saving him.
Having lived his life with his father as a merchant, Hwang Jongi knew what the other party would aim for in this situation.
"We haven't yet received replies for the letters I sent out. I will make a decision after receiving the responses."
"This is really frustrating. How could they cure this disease when all those doctors and healers you've already invited failed? Did you not hear a word the Tang sect elder said?"
Hwang Jongi's eyes twitched.
This man spoke as if he had heard the conversation between Hwang Jongi and Tang Myung. He might not have realized, but didn't this man just admit to eavesdropping on them?
'Shameless.'
Hwang Jongi sighed deeply.
Unfortunately, he lacked the confidence and strength to the point that out now. If Hwang Mun-Yak's condition deteriorates further, his role in the Eunha Merchants will shrink. Then, it would be necessary to maintain a relationship with the Southern Edge sect, which holds great influence within the city.
Even if that meant that he would have to use a lot of money.
"I ask for a little more time. It isn't that I lack faith in the Southern Edge Sect. It's because, as a son, I hope to do something more for my father."
"There isn't much time left. If he dies, you shouldn't forget that it was the result of the young master's vain obsession."
Hwang Jongi clenched his fist.
"I'll keep that in mind."
It was then.
"Young master!"
An urgent voice came from outside.
"What's going on?"
"Mount Hua! A man has come from Mount Hua."
"Mount Hua?"
"Yes! From Mount Hua!"
Hwang Jongi's eyes trembled.
He did send a letter to Mount Hua. However, since there wasn't much to expect from a sect on the verge of ruin, he sent the letter rather late.
Judging by the time, the letter must have only reached them one or two days ago. Yet, they already sent someone here?
'Perhaps?'
Did they know something about Hwang Mun-Yak's symptoms and decided to send a person rather than a letter?
Hwang Jongi, who saw a ray of hope, was about to get up from his seat when he heard a cold voice.
"Mount Hua?"
Ki Mok-Seung's eyes opened wide. His expression hardened by the word Mount Hua and then let loose a harsh voice.
"They're merely a ruined mess, what can they even do! How dare they come here!"
Hwang Jongi bit his lip.
He knew that Ki Mok-Seung was speaking with his sect in mind, but Hwang Jongi had the impression that this man was speaking as if the Southern Edge Sect was already in control of the Eunha Merchants.
"Young master. There's no need to meet such people. What does Mount Hua know that would allow them to cure this?"
Hwang Jongi's face hardened.
"Even so, they traveled here after receiving my call for help. Do you think that I would send them away without even properly greeting them?"
"You need to listen to me—"
"Elder."
Hwang Jongi cut him off.
"This is the Eunha Merchants Guild. Don't forget that this isn't the Southern Edge Sect."
"Ahem!"
Ki Mok-Seung tried to hide his discomfort, but Hwang Jongi ignored it and got up. He hurriedly opened the door and went outside.
'We never know.'
No one in the world could even name the disease; even famous sects had given up on helping them. Then, maybe, just maybe, the answer would come from an unexpected place.
Hwang Jongi came out and looked around.
"Where are the guests from Mount Hua?"
Hwang Jongi's subordinate deeply bowed while responding.
"At the entrance."
"Are you saying that you left visitors who traveled from afar at the gate? What sort of disrespect is that! No matter how horrible the situation within is, such rudeness is unacceptable!"
Hwang Jongi yelled with a fierce bellow; the subordinate didn't ask for forgiveness and simply looked at the gate.
"I was going to ask him to come… but I couldn't understand that situation at all…."
"Move. I will go there myself."
"Young master. But…"
Hwang Jongi's face hardened as he moved. He didn't like his subordinate's awkward attitude.
'Since when did the Eunha Merchants Guild divide their guests according to status?'
If his father was conscious, he would have scolded everyone involved.
Those who do business should treat everyone equally. Elder Hwang's theory was that those who divided customers by their names and status weren't qualified to do business.
People might say that the might of Mount Hua had weakened, but it was rude to ask them to wait at the gate when they came to help!
'Um! I need to set things straight!'
Hwang Jongi resolutely moved to the entrance.
Soon, a small child, leaning with his weight on one leg, came into his sight at the entrance.
'Well, it is Mount Hua.'
The pure white robe and the plum blossom pattern on the chest. This kid was undoubtedly a disciple from Mount Hua.
Hwang Jongi looked at Chung Myung and spoke.
"We have been rude."
The young man raised his head slightly.
"No, well, you were."
"I am Hwang Jongi of the Eunha Merchants Guild. It was my negligence for not properly educating my subordinates, so please hold me responsible."
"It's fine. I didn't come here hoping to be treated well."
Wasn't this answer a bit too old-like?
Hwang Jongi continued, maintaining his expression.
"Thank you for understanding. But what about the others in your party?"
"I came alone."
"Ah, I see. The party… sorry?"
Hwang Jongi shook his head.
"What are you saying?"
"I said that I came alone."
The young man shrugged his shoulders, smiled mischievously, and spoke.
"I have a way to cure Elder Hwang, so please guide me in. Oh, and I'd like to check out the huge reward that you mentioned. Is that fine?"
"…"
Hwang Jongi's eyes trembled.
Who the hell was this little bastard?
This was the first meeting between Hwang Jongi of the Eunha Merchant Guild and Chung Myung.