"…"
Wei Soheng looked around with a puzzled face.
'These are the people of Mount Hua.'
It was common for sub-sects to keep the same disciple distribution as the main sect. In that sense, Wei Soheng could also be considered a third-class disciple.
Until he arrived at Mount Hua, he thought that there would be nothing special about being a disciple of the main sect. However, seeing those gathered here, he could see how wrong his thoughts were.
'Every single one of them feels like the blade of a sword, such a sharp essence.'
Now he seemed to understand why his father always emphasized Mount Hua's prestige.
Despite being similar ages, there was a clear difference between them and him. There was dignity in each of their movements and the subtle taste of Taoism in each gaze.
Even when eating.
It wasn't easy to maintain an air of modesty while eating; that's why he believed the sect lived up to its prestige.
Nom! Nom! Nom!
Nom! Nom! Nom!
"…"
Wei Soheng turned his gaze to the side.
While everyone was eating in a well-mannered fashion, only one person in the corner was violently binging on his food.
'I don't understand.'
Chicken legs vanished into that man's mouth in an instant. It was impossible to understand just how he could clean the bone so well.
'Did he hear me?'
Even stranger was the fact that no one criticized the person for eating so loudly. Everyone simply acted as if that ravenous glutton in the corner didn't exist.
'Is that person really Mount Hua's Divine Dragon?'
Wei Soheng looked at Chung Myung in disbelief.
Of course, his appearance is fine. No, just looking at his appearance, the title suited him very well.
The problem was that only his appearance was acceptable.
Chung Myung's personality lacked the majesty to match his glorious title.
'Were the rumors wrong?'
That was impossible.
Rumors were typically more exaggerated than reality, but they couldn't be this time. The Southern Edge sect wouldn't sit still if the rumors were exaggerated.
The Southern Edge sect's silence was evidence that this man's achievements were true.
'So, he must be the person that beat up the Southern Edge sect's second-class disciples.'
Wei Soheng scratched his head.
Of course, each person had their own inclinations, but shouldn't there at least be a certain level of dignity that a warrior should maintain?
However, Chung Myung seemed to lack even the slightest poise of excellence befitting a warrior. If he was stripped of Mount Hua's uniform, then he could easily be mistaken for a common thug from the back alleys.
'Is it really okay to take that person with me?'
Just then, the door opened, and a man entered.
Yoon Jong.
Wei Soheng unconsciously sighed as he watched him approach.
'I'd rather believe that he's the Divine Dragon.'
Wei Soheng would have raised his hands and cheered for him!
That man called Yoon Jong had everything Wei Soheng hoped for from Mount Hua's Divine Dragon. The refined bearing of a young disciple, the vigorous energy felt in his presence, and his soft yet relaxed expression.
Wasn't this the ideal appearance that anyone would expect?
'But why did that guy have to be the Divine Dragon?'
Yoon Jong approached Chung Myung and frowned.
"Waah. You're going to get a stomachache. Eat slowly."
"I'm trying to make up for the months I missed."
"… did you starve yourself for three months?"
Chung Myung gulped down his food and drank a glass of cold water that was next to him. After putting the glass down, he patted his stomach and responded.
"I lived off those pills for three months straight, now even the air tastes like those pills."
"…"
"Oh, man. People should eat meat! I don't know how those Shaolin bastards survive on grass!"
'We also used to live off grass just two years ago, you bastard!'
Well, it was Chung Myung who changed that.
"So, did you have any success?"
"Success."
Chung Myung smiled.
He just needed some time.
Chung Myung's martial arts were a bit different from his previous life. Since his foundation changed, the development built on that foundation must also take a different shape from the past.
So, he needed a little time to sort those things out without worrying about other matters.
"Did the training go well while I was away?"
"…"
Yoon Jong looked around with a sullen face.
The resentful gazes of his sajaes fell on.
'I thought there were still a few days left, why did you bring that guy out!?'
'For three months I got to live like a human! Those good old days are gone, damn it!'
'We should have blocked that cave with something stronger!'
Yoon Jong sighed deeply and said,
"Everyone trained hard."
"Huh? Is that so?"
As Chung Myung started to get riled up, Yoon Jong decided to change the topic.
"That's not important now. Huayoung Gate is what's important."
"Ah, yes! Those Wudang bastards."
Chung Myung's face contorted.
"We need to break those bastards' heads! Sahyung, when do we leave?"
"Sect leader told us to leave tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow? That's earlier than he said."
"The situation there is probably urgent. If someone from the Wudang sect has already departed, they might arrive soon. If we arrive too late, you won't be able to hit their heads, right?"
"Right!"
"So, when you are done eating, go pack your bags. We need to leave as soon as possible!"
"Okay!"
Chung Myung got up from his seat and went outside, and the third-class disciples around all let out a sigh of relief.
"… I thought I was going to die."
"This isn't living. Seriously."
The back door to the cafeteria opened, and someone slightly poked their head inside. They briefly glanced around before quietly asking.
"Did he leave?"
"… Yes."
"Haaa…"
Baek Sang opened the door and walked inside. Behind him, two second-class disciples followed behind with gloomy faces.
"I can't even eat a single meal in peace! A single meal!"
"I don't get it! There were a couple more days before he was supposed to come back! Why did he get out early!?"
"Peace is dead. I want to die."
"…"
Watching this, Wei Soheng couldn't understand what was happening at all. He was about to burst from curiosity.
'What the hell is going on?'
From the looks of it, Chung Myung was the youngest of them all. The sahyungs clearly understood that, but even the second-class disciples seemed uncomfortable with Chung Myung.
'I'd heard that the difference between junior and senior was very clear."
Wei Soheng's shaky gaze met with Yoon Jong.
"Uh… disciple Yoon Jong."
"Oh."
Yoon Jong looked at Wei Soheng and scratched his head.
"I wonder how this works…."
Yoon Jong responded while looking at Wei Soheng with a strange look in his eyes.
"You don't have to try to understand, young trainee Wei."
"What?"
"Because soon you'll understand even if you don't want to."
"…"
An unfamiliar sense of unease began to grow in Wei Soheng's chest.
The next morning.
Wei Soheng patiently waited to depart in front of the sect leader's residence. Beside him, both Yoon Jong and Jo Gul were already waiting for the others to arrive. Carrying additional luggage as well.
"He should be coming soon…."
"There he is."
Wei Soheng turned to where the others were looking.
"Ah…"
He exclaimed without realizing it.
A man dressed in a white robe, with the bearing of a hero, was approaching them.
'Amazing.'
He couldn't think of any other word to describe him.
Yoon Jong gave off the refined atmosphere of an expert, but this man coming toward them felt different. It was like seeing a hero straight from a story.
It was a bad habit to judge people by their appearance, but anyone who saw this man would feel the same way.
Yoon Jong bowed his head.
"Baek Cheon sasuk. Did you rest well?"
'Baek Cheon? Then he is…?'
'Righteous Sword of Hua, Baek Cheon?'
If Mount Hua's Divine Dragon was the most mysterious disciple in the sect, then the Righteous Sword of Hua was the most famous one. It was a story that everyone had heard; this man led his fellow disciples to clear out a horde of wicked bandits to save countless people.
'Didn't the people he saved commend him for being eye candy?'
'Indeed, he really looks like a hero.'
Baek Cheon approached them with a soft smile and said,
"Would you be able to rest peacefully if you were me?"
"…"
Baek Cheon's face distorted
"Damn it, it's terrifying that he's back out again, and I need to go with him too. What the hell did I do to deserve this?"
"Still, Sasuk can at least express your dissatisfaction. We're just stuck with it."
"Yes."
Baek Cheon scratched his head.
"Even the sect leader is ignoring this."
"That's true."
The three sighed together.
"I… I am Wei… ak! Oh, my god!"
When Wei Soheng began to hesitantly introduce himself, he suddenly found a person standing next to him, panicked, and backed away.
'When!?'
He couldn't feel anyone approaching, so how long was this person standing next to him? But alas, Wei Soheng was the only one surprised; the others didn't seem bothered at all.
'A woman?'
Wei Soheng observed the woman standing next to him and slightly dropped his jaw unconsciously.
'Beautiful.'
Wei Soheng would swear that he had never seen anyone as beautiful as her.
A woman whose cold expression seemed to be coated in a layer of ice.
Normally, that cold expression would reduce the original beauty, but it only seemed to amplify this woman's attractiveness.
"Yu Samae. Did you bring your things?"
"Yes, sahyung."
"There is no need for samae to even come on this journey."
"I said I'd go."
"Well..."
Baek Cheon, who wanted to say something, just nodded and remained silent.
Wei Soheng, who watched from the side, realized one thing.
'It might not be a sect with many people, but no one here is ordinary.'
Everyone seemed unique.
But there was a reason he only realized it now, and that 'reason' was currently trudging towards them from afar.
"You're early, aren't you?"
Chung Myung waved at the crowd as he approached. Everyone's expression became distorted, except for Yu Yiseol.
'Sleep a little more, being late doesn't matter.'
'Needlessly diligent!'
Chung Myung looked at the people gathered and tilted his head.
"Sasuk, you too?"
Baek Cheon answered with a shaky face.
"That's how it ended up."
"Well, sasuk is fine…."
Chung Myung slightly frowned.
"Sago too?"
"Yes."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"…"
Just as Chung Myung was about to continue, the door opened, and Hyun Jong came out.
"Everyone has gathered?"
"Yes."
Hyun Jong came out and took Wei Soheng's hand.
"Young trainee Wei."
"Yes, sect leader."
"I know there are a lot of things you are worried about. But these children are trustworthy, so they will surely help you."
"Thank you, sect leader."
Wei Soheng bowed his head.
Even though Huayoung Gate was connected to Mount Hua, he didn't think they would help this wholeheartedly. The warmth that Wei Soheng felt from the elder's hand made him want to cry.
"And… Baek Cheon."
"Yes."
"Lead the children well. I believe in you."
"Yes!"
"Yiseol, Yoon Jong, and Jo Gul help Baek Cheon."
"Don't worry sect leader!"
"We will."
"Yes."
Finally, Hyun Jong looked at Chung Myung.
"…Chung Myung."
"Yes!"
"Please don't create trouble."
"… well, I think the concept of trouble differs from person to person."
"Please!"
"… Yes."
Thus, the second and third-class disciples from Mount Hua began their journey to Huayoung Gate.
Hyun Jong's eyes, as he watched the party leave through the gate, contained an undeniable sense of unease.
"Will they be fine?"
"We sent Baek Cheon and Yoon Jong along with him for that reason."
"Isn't there anyone else we can send with them?"
"… We don't have anyone, sect leader."
Hyun Jong looked at Un Am. Un Am turned his head with a slightly nonchalant expression and avoided meeting Hyun Jong's eyes.
"You don't want to keep an eye on them?"
"It isn't a grown-up thing to do. Also, if we do something wrong, things may spiral out of control."
"If we let them go, won't things get worse?"
… It was a difficult question to answer.
To be honest, it's not strange for situations to explode when Chung Myung is involved.
"I am worried. Very worried."
Hyun Jong took a deep breath.
Hyun Sang, who was watching from the side, burst into laughter.
Hyun Jong looked back at him with a sour face.
"Sajae seems to find this situation funny."
"I'm sorry, sect leader. But how can it not be funny?"
"What's so funny about it?"
Hyun Sang smiled brightly.
"Just two years ago we were worried that our disciples would be disgraced by the Southern Edge sect. But now, aren't you worried that those same children are going to beat the Wudang disciples too harshly?"
"…"
Right.
If you were to see this situation from anywhere other than Mount Hua, then people may say that the sect leader was simply making excuses out of fear for the Wudang sect after they got lucky once against the Southern Edge sect.
However, it was natural to believe in the young disciples after seeing what kind of training the second and third-class disciples endured over the past two years.
"Trust and wait. They aren't thoughtless children. They will return after increasing Mount Hua's fame."
"Fame is sometimes evil."
"Yes?"
"Infamy is just another side of fame."
"…"
Hyun Jong deeply sighed as he watched his students move farther and farther away.
"I hope they come back safely."
Hyun Sang couldn't bring himself to guarantee that they wouldn't be hurt.
At first, Wei Soheng thought it was reasonable.
Young trainee. Shouldn't we get to Nanyang as soon as possible? We don't have any problems, but your stamina seems to be a bit of an issue here. So, why not try moving in a better way?
As a matter of fact, Wei Soheng had to agree.
First, he wasn't in his best state. From Nanyang to Hua-Um, he had run the entire way and was exhausted.
Even if that wasn't the case. Wei Soheng couldn't catch up to them; even in his best condition, he would never be able to keep pace with Mount Hua's true disciples.
However, they couldn't possibly carry him on their back, could they?
It's fine. It's fine. I'll take care of it. Don't worry.
Until then, they seemed reliable.
When they got two horses and a cart as soon as they reached Hua-Um, Wei Soheng began to feel guilty about judging others based on a shallow understanding of their personality.
Hey! Hey! I'll take care of everything!
By the time the cart was full of food and ready for the journey, Wei Soheng believed that he could trust the man named Chung Myung.
No, I said I will handle it all! Can't you understand me?
Unidentified bottles had piled up next to the food. It was only later that he found out that they were alcohol. But it was too late to turn around.
Thanks to that…
"Kuak!"
Chung Myung was drinking while lying in the cart.
"…"
Wei Soheng stared at the absurd scene and turned to Baek Cheon.
"The disciple is drunk…."
"Mount Hua doesn't forbid alcohol."
Ah, he knew that since he's also a member of Mount Hua. But his seniors were here; isn't it a bit unusual for this man to drink and laze about in front of them?
'…and what the hell is that?'
Yu Yiseol, who was sitting next to Chung Myung, was tossing a piece of jerky into his mouth. And that bastard would chew it as if this was natural.
"…."
It was a bizarre sight.
Seeing this gorgeous woman serving him jerky, no, she was actually his senior…no, perhaps this is a beautiful display of friendship between disciples. But still, wasn't this jerky thing a bit too strange?
It wasn't like tossing a dog some snacks.
The person who gave it was doing it with care, while the other one took it for granted.
Wei Soheng was utterly baffled as he watched while Baek Cheon called for him.
"Young trainee Wei."
"Huh? Ah, yes!"
"Don't worry about it. Just because you see it, doesn't mean you'll understand it."
Wei Soheng glanced at Yu Yiseol.
He couldn't understand what that woman was doing.
"Right."
"…."
Although they had already departed for Nanyang, Wei Soheng couldn't help but doubt whether it was right to bring them along.
"We should get there in a couple days."
Wei Soheng's gaze shifted to the front.
Two horses were pulling the carriage, and Yoon Jong and Jo Gul were sitting on the coach seat.
'Those horses look expensive.'
Even at this moment, the cart is speeding forward at an incredible pace. It was definitely much faster than what Wei Soheng could run at full strength.
With the carriage, there was no need to take a break either. This certainly seemed to be the correct choice.
However…
Gulp.
"Kua, it's so great to be alive!"
Wei Soheng felt his stomach twisting as he watched the disciple gulping down alcohol.
Wei Soheng never thought of himself as the sort of person that would disparage someone else for what they found enjoyable. For some reason, though, when he saw Chung Myung, a strange and twisted feeling rose within him.
"Young trainee Wei."
"Yes. Disciple Baek Cheon."
"What kind of place is Huayoung Gate?"
When Wei Soheng hesitated at the sudden question, Baek Cheon added.
"I'm not asking for any particular reason. However, I didn't get to hear the details as I needed to leave in a hurry. I know that the Gate is a part of Mount Hua, but I think I need to know a bit more to take care of everything properly."
"N-no, it's no problem. I was just wondering how to tell you…."
Wei Soheng shyly scratched the back of his head.
"There's nothing special about the place."
"It's special enough."
Baek Cheong answered in a serious tone.
"Until recently, Mount Hua's name had no meaning. Nevertheless, your Gate has proudly declared itself to be a sub-sect of Mount Hua. Even if we searched the whole world, there would never be another place like Huayoung Gate."
Even Chung Myung, who was lying down, turned his gaze towards Wei Soheng.
"I didn't do it with some great sense of duty. It's just that my father was very proud to be a disciple of Mount Hua."
Wei Soheng's face wasn't very bright when he spoke.
'He must have suffered a lot.'
Chung Myung, who was lying down, lightly clicked his tongue as he listened.
Wei Soheng must have wanted to give up on Mount Hua countless times. Such is the way of the world. Students learn martial arts, but nobody wants to learn fading techniques from a dying sect.
Those who knew about Mount Hua would want to learn because they knew how far they had fallen, while those who didn't know had no reason to choose such an obscure sect.
"I can't even tell you how much my father loved hearing about the last Southern Edge conference. Even though he never drinks, he downed two entire bottles of alcohol and started talking about how Mount Hua is beginning to spread its wings again."
"Hmm."
Baek Cheon quietly nodded his head.
"You said your father was proud to be a disciple of Mount Hua?"
"Yes. To be precise, it was my great grandfather who was a disciple of Mount Hua, not father… Well, it's exactly as you thought. He often said that being unable to enter Mount Hua as a disciple was his lifelong regret."
Baek Cheon nodded his head.
"Anyway, my father is very proud to manage Huayoung Gate. Besides, I was lucky enough to live without ever having to starve. If only those Path's Edge bastards hadn't shown up…."
"Did you say that the Gate leader was defeated in a fight?"
"Yes. But… frankly it's strange."
"Strange?"
Wei Soheng nodded his head.
"Father has never neglected his training. It's a bit strange for me to say, but there's no way that he would be defeated by young disciples."
It was natural.
Those who learn martial arts grow stronger over time. Ordinary people grow weaker and weaker with age, but warriors have no choice but to gradually become stronger by steadily developing their bodies and refining their qi.
Therefore, in the Murim, the elders are strong.
"But the leader of the training center was too young. I can't understand why my father lost to that young man."
"Hmm."
Baek Cheon frowned.
'There's more than just one or two things that seem out of place.'
At first, he thought that it was a simple argument between two sub-sects, but now that he heard more about it, there are a couple of things that seemed strange.
Whatever it was, it was enough for the sect leader to call him separately and give some advice.
Wei Soheng glanced at Baek Cheon and then spoke.
"Actually, I should apologize."
"For what?"
"My father did tell me to ask for help from Mount Hua, but I honestly didn't think Mount Hua would be willing."
"Oh."
Baek Cheon nodded.
"It isn't easy to handle the Wudang sect. That's why we were so desperate. But to help us out so quickly…."
Wei Soheng paused for a moment as if he choked on his words. Baek Cheon waited silently until he spoke. Covering his mouth, Wei Soheng started speaking with an emotional voice.
"I think I can understand why my father liked Mount Hua. No matter what the outcome is, I will live my life feeling grateful for it."
A heartwarming declaration.
Unfortunately, there was a person in this cart who had a disease that made him feel goosebumps when he had to listen to such flowery words.
"Whatever the outcome?"
Chung Myung raised himself up with shining eyes. Yu Yiseol pressed her fingers against his head, and his rising body began to lay down again. However, his words continued.
"Whatever the outcome!? There's only going to be one outcome! We'll have to split the heads of those bastards!"
"Didn't the sect leader tell us not to do that?"
"Will we stop just because of that? I'm sure he wants it as well! The sect leader doesn't have much time left to live, so I'll show him how we crack the skulls of those Wudang bastards! That way, the sect leader can smile when hears about it before he heads across the river!"
'How can you talk about respecting the sect leader at the same time you're cursing him?'
It felt wrong just listening to Chung Myung speak.
"And honestly, aren't we here to beat up the Wudang bastards anyway?"
'What?'
'Uh… that is true, though.'
"And we have this opportunity!"
A fire was raging in Chung Myung's eyes.
"I was trying to live as quietly as possible."
'Ah, I doubt you were aiming for that.'
"Those bastards touched us first. Then they should be punished! Great sahyung! What are you doing!? Speed up!"
"We're already moving as fast as we can! If we rush anymore the horses will get tired."
"How much did they cost us!? It's fine, it's fine! We can go twice as fast as normal horses, so don't worry, and speed up!"
"Yes."
Yoon Jong shook his head and patted the horse's ass.
As the cart's speed increased, Chung Myung's body shook.
"I don't know why you did it, but I'll show what happens when you touch Mount Hua!"
Hearing that triumphant voice, Baek Cheon sighed.
'The other side can't even imagine what they've caused.'
It was a fact that the unprecedented asshole that even Mount Hua could not handle was heading to Nanyang.
Baek Cheon, innocent and hopeful, sent heartfelt condolences to the disciples from the Wudang sect who were going to arrive in Nanyang full of hope.
"Has there been any news from Soheng?"
"… no news yet."
"I see…"
Wei Lishan let out a low sigh; despondent, his face seemed to have lost all its vitality.
"Gate leader. You need to be patient a little while longer."
"… I know. I know, but…."
Seeing Wei Lishan struggle to find words to express himself, the other person, Yeom Pyeong, sighed.
'He can't even relax properly.'
The Path's Edge training hall has no desire to coexist with Huayoung Gate. They've constantly been arguing since the training hall opened. Now, even after defeating Huayoung's leader, Path's Edge is unsatisfied and has been demanding that Huayoung Gate leave and never return.
It's incredibly heavy-handed, excessive treatment.
However, Huayoung Gate lacked the strength to complain about such abusive acts.
Kangho is a world where the strong prey upon the weak. Those who lack power cannot retaliate against the strong. Despite living in the Kangho their entire lives, they were only now understanding this heartbreaking reality.
"Did you say that Wudang's disciples have arrived?"
"Not yet. But given the time, they should arrive soon."
"Right…. Cough! Cough!"
"Are you alright? Gate leader!?"
"… I'm fine."
"You are seriously injured. Please lie down."
"I will."
That was how Wei Lishan responded, but he and Yeom Pyong both knew that this was a dire situation where the gate leader couldn't afford to simply lie down and rest.
If the Wudang sect's disciples arrive, they will immediately be kicked out of their homes. How could Wei Lishan bear to lie down and rest when Huayoung Gate, which had taken care of him for his entire life, was about to be forcibly disbanded.
"What about the disciples?"
"… they seem agitated."
"I'm sure they are. Right… they must be..."
A low sigh escaped Wei Lishan's mouth.
Even though he heard the disciples were agitated, he couldn't blame them at all. Despite the looming threat of confrontation with the Wudang, the disciples were all still maintaining their posts and guarding the sect.
'I haven't lived in vain.'
This loyalty alone felt rewarding enough for Wei Lishan.
"Gate leader."
Yeom Pyong sighed after calling out.
Yeom Pyong is the great disciple of Wei Lishan. He had followed Wei Lishan for a long time, and they led Huayoung Gate together; but now, they were struggling and unable to find any other solutions.
"… Gate leader. Why don't we talk to the Path's End leader again?"
"It's no use."
Wei Lishan shook his head.
"If there was anything else that they wanted, we may have been able to resolve this through conversation. But their only desire is to drive us out of Nanyang. What could we even hope to accomplish by trying to negotiate with them? There's only one thing they want, our goals run parallel to each other but they never cross or intersect."
"Are you saying that we have to bear this happening before our eyes?"
"… The main sect's answer will come soon."
"Gate leader…"
Yeom Pyong's face contorted.
Wei Lishan was a smart and reasonable man, but his judgment would cloud over whenever Mount Hua's name entered the picture.
This was Wei Lishan's disease.
"Our opponent is the Wudang sect. Even though Mount Hua has begun to make a name for itself recently, the Wudang sect is an unparalleled giant. How could Mount Hua help us?"
"…"
"It would be nice if they sent help; but if Mount Hua had any understanding of the situation, they wouldn't intervene. Would any good come from clashing with the Wudang? Gate leader, you need to be rational. There's no one coming to help us. This is something we need to deal with ourselves."
Wei Lishan stared at Yeom Pyong.
He knew that this man wasn't wrong.
"Still…"
"That's why I told you to stop sending money to Mount Hua. Why put so much effort into something that won't help when needed? Would this have happened if you'd sent that to Wudang or Shaolin instead?"
He was right.
Still, Wei Lishan couldn't agree.
"We are Mount Hua."
"…"
Yeom Pyong stayed silent.
"Our roots aren't something we can abandon; they must never be thrown away. Do you think it would be better to deny our heritage and cast aside Mount Hua's name?"
"Gate leader…"
"If we did that, it would be the same no matter where we go. If the Wudang sect loses their name, we would abandon the Wudang; and if the Shaolin sect's influence declines, then we'd abandon them as well. No, absolutely not! I don't want to live like that."
"No one knows..."
"I don't need anyone to know. I will protect what I have to protect."
Yeom Pyong sighed.
He was frustrated and felt stifled.
But…
'This is why he's the leader.'
After all, the reason for Yeom Pyong's nagging was because he respected this man. If Wei Lishan was the sort of man that would easily cast Mount Hua aside, then Yeom Pyong would have never respected him this much.
"And I believe."
"What?"
"Mount Hua will not forsake us."
Yeom Pyong shook his head.
"Gate leader, it's not a matter of sincerity or intent, it's a matter of ability. Is Mount Hua capable of dealing with the Wudang sect?"
"… There are times when the heart is enough on its own."
Yeom Pyong was about to respond when...
Knock knock knock!
Someone was knocking on the door.
Wei Lishan and Yeom Pyong's faces quickly hardened. They had locked the gates and refused to see any visitors. Nevertheless, if someone was knocking on the gate, then it meant that they had business with them.
At this time, the only one who had any business here was…
"Gate leader Wei! Are you there? I have matters to discuss with you, come out!"
Yeom Pyong's face contorted.
It was the leader of Path's Edge training hall's voice.
'Damn it, already!?'
They wouldn't have come here without reason. So, he must have brought the Wudang disciples with him.
"What do we do? Gate leader?"
"Do we have any choice?"
Wei Lishan sighed.
"I have to go out. He came here to see me, if I don't go, they'll think that I'm a coward."
Wei Lishan was trembling as he rose from the bed.
"What is it?"
"You obviously know why I'm here. As I said, I'm here to discuss matters with you."
Watching the leader of the Path's Edge pushing his way inside like a boar made it hard to believe that he was really a disciple of Wudang once.
At least anyone who studied Taoism shouldn't behave like this.
"I have nothing more to say."
"You have nothing to say!? If you've lost the battle, you are supposed to leave Nanyang. What are you still doing here?"
"What law says that we need to leave just because we lost a match?"
"There's no such thing! But don't you have any pride?"
Wei Lishan sighed.
There was no law that said one needed to leave after a lost match. Unless, of course, they had bet on the outcome.
However, if the situation had escalated into a battle between two sects, it was an unwritten rule that the defeated would leave without a word.
No, to be precise, it would be more accurate to say that the losing side lacked the strength to hold out against the victor.
The leader's ability is the metric by which a sect is measured. How could a sect survive after it's been clearly revealed which side is superior? Isn't it obvious that new recruits would choose to become disciples of the stronger sect?
"I have nothing to say. Please leave."
"No, I don't think that I will."
The eyes of the Path's Edge leader shone.
"Will you only come to your senses after blood has been drawn?"
As the atmosphere suddenly turned heavy, one of the men watching from the back slowly walked forward.
"Training hall leader, let me speak for you."
"Ah, you? This is such a trivial thing…."
"It's fine."
"Then, I am grateful!"
It was a completely different and very polite attitude compared to how the Path's Edge leader dealt with Wei Lishan. Naturally, Wei Lishan's eyes focused on the man that stepped forward.
A black robe.
A prestige that made the training hall leader bow.
Embroidered on his chest was the shape of a pine tree, symbolizing wealth and indicating this man's identity. There are many sects in the world, but there was only one that engraved a pine tree on their chests.
'A Wudang sect disciple.'
The man who came forward bowed.
"Nice to meet you, I am Jin Hyeon, a second-class disciple of Wudang."
"Wei Lishan."
It was a dignified gesture and a respectful attitude. If they hadn't met in such a situation, Wei Lishan would have admired this man. But now, behind that modest attitude was a man aiming for Wei Lishan's downfall.
Wei Lishan observed this man for a moment before going stiff.
"Wait! Did you just say Jin Hyeon?"
"Yes, Gate leader."
"Then you are… the Indestructible Sword, Jin Hyeon?"
"It's embarrassing to hear such words."
Wei Lishan's face darkened upon learning the man's identity.
'The indestructible sword. Today isn't going to be a good day.'
Jin Hyeon is considered to be one of the best disciples produced by the Wudang sect. The world calls him the Sword Dragon and doesn't hesitate to praise his abilities.
He's likely to become the First Sword of the Wudang Sect. Perhaps, in the future, he may be the greatest swordsman in the sect's history.
The Wudang sect choosing to send Jin Hyeon testified to how seriously they considered this matter.
"I've heard about what happened from our training hall leader. You said that you wished to stay in Nanyang?"
"Yes."
Jin Hyeon lightly shook his head.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
Despite being soft, his voice carried a powerful weight.
"Nanyang isn't a large area and if there are two sub-sects in such a small place, problems will only continue to rise. It's difficult because we would have to share the potential disciples."
"It's not as if I don't understand that. But why must we leave when our sect was here first?"
"It doesn't matter. What's important is that these two Gates cannot coexist without harming one another, and Huayoung Gate is the sect that will suffer more damage."
"…"
Jin Hyeon grinned.
"How about this?"
"Huh?"
"It's true that Wudang's sub-sect recently opened and damaged your reputation, so we will compensate you for it. If you move away from Nanyang, we will bear all the expenses."
Yeom Pyong, who listened from the side, frowned.
'These bastards!'
'Did they think we refused because of money?'
Settling in a new place meant starting over from scratch. Huayoung Gate is a sect belonging to Nanyang. All the disciples are from Nanyang, and all of the sect's history resides here!
Leaving this place meant throwing everything away and starting from the bottom.
"Thank you for your offer, but…."
Wei Lishan shook his head.
"Huayoung Gate has no intention of doing that."
"Well."
JIn Hyeon had a sly smile as if he didn't appreciate Wei Lishan's response.
"Gate leader."
"…"
"If you really want to remain in Nanyang, there is one other option."
Wei Lishan glanced at Jin Hyeon. He was truly hoping that they could find some other way to resolve this situation.
"What could that be?"
"If you wish to stay here… remove the Plum Blossom from your signboard."
Wei Lishan's face hardened.
Seeing Wei Lishan's lack of response, Jin Hyeon leisurely continued.
"The two Gates are compatible, but the main sects aren't. No matter how faded the color of Mount Hua's influence is, it remains unacceptable for Wudang's sub-sect to coexist alongside it."
"W-what…"
"Choose."
Jin Hyeon spoke coldly.
"If you remove Mount Hua's name, then we will accept Huayoung Gate. If you want, we can even take you under Wudang's wing. Then both Huayoung Gate and Path's Edge can get along. Otherwise!"
Jin Hyeon's words turned sharp, like a dagger stabbing at their eardrums.
"The name of Huayoung Gate will forever disappear from Nanyang."
The weight of these words felt so much heavier when they were spoken from Jin Hyeon's mouth.
Seeing Wei Lishan in shock, Jin Hyeon smiled.
"What is your answer?"
"… we…"
Wei Lishan's lips were trembling.
It was only a short time, but his expression changed innumerable times. As he pondered over and over again, he eventually sighed in lament and spoke.
"We cannot abandon Mount Hua."
"…"
"Even if the day comes when we take down our signboard, we will still be a part of Mount Hua. That isn't something we can abandon."
"Haa…"
Jin Hyeon shook his head.
"There's nothing more I can do for you; you've refused both options that I've given. If you don't leave within six hours, then we will clear you out ourselves."
Wei Lishan bit his lip.
"Isn't this behavior too shameful for a famous sect like Wudang?"
"You're mistaken."
"…"
Jin Hyeon said in a cold voice.
"It's not that Wudang is abusing its fame to do this. Rather, it's because we do this that Wudang's name resonates throughout the world. What's more, we've already tried everything we could. You were the one that refused our offers."
"We…"
"That's enough. I have nothing more to say. You have six hours."
Jin Hyeon then spoke in a quiet voice so that only Wei Lishan could hear him.
"If you're going to beg for help, I'd search for a better place. Do you think Mount Hua will help Huayoung Gate? Against our Wudang sect?"
"… I…"
Wei Lishan couldn't say anything.
Jin Hyeon's face had a wide and demeaning sneer plastered across it.
'Horrifying.'
The Wudang sect is protecting the Path's Edge training hall and persecuting Huayoung Gate. But Mount Hua was doing nothing to help them.
What had Wei Lishan's devotion amounted to after all these years?
"Mount Hua doesn't dare to come. If the Gate leader was a bit wiser…."
At that moment...
"What is he saying? That two-faced bastard?"
"…"
Jin Hyeon turned his head toward the muffled voice coming from the back.
"Who are you?"
"Ah, move! Why are you blocking the gate!?"
His sahyungs, who were standing in front of the gate, were pushed away.
And a man came walking through the gap between them.
'Who?'
Before Jin Hyeon could even gather an impression about this sudden stranger, he was struck with words he had never heard before.
"It's me. You unscrupulous little bitch."
"…"
Jin Hyeon's mouth fell agape without him realizing it.
-
Two-faced and unscrupulous.
Profane insults derived from the fact that the sect would speak righteously while acting deviously.
Simply put…
'He's cursing me?'
It was an insult to the disciples.
Of course, Jin Hyeon understood that such insults existed, but he never thought that he would be called out so directly in his lifetime.
It was a normal thought to have.
Inside the Wudang sect, there was no need for such abusive language. It was even less likely that he would hear such profanity when venturing out into the world. After all, who in their right mind would risk cursing a disciple of the Wudang sect?
One wouldn't dare to say such a thing unless they had ten lives.
What sort of place was the Wudang Sect?
Along with the Shaolin Sect, they are known to be the oldest of the Nine Great Sects, One Union. There are many sects throughout the world, but Shaolin is the only sect that can boast about being equal to the Wudang Sect.
But this unknown man was insulting a disciple from Wudang?
'Is he crazy?'
But the man that entered didn't look like he'd gone insane. His behavior was calm, and his eyes were lucid with a glimmer of intelligence.
No, judging solely by his appearance, he almost seemed commendable.
He had a slightly tilted posture with an annoyed expression on his face. It was like this man had taken all of the world's burdens upon his shoulders.
"Who are you?"
"What good would knowing that do for you?"
"…"
'Is he really just a mad man?'
Jin Hyeon had no choice but to seriously contemplate the identity of the man in front of him.
Since ancient times, it's been said that a heavy-handed beating is medicine for the insane. But that was just a saying. In fact, a beating works the same whether a man is crazy or perfectly sane.
"That—"
The moment Jin Hyeon tried to speak, another commotion began from behind.
"I need to pass. Let me through."
"Why is everyone blocking the door?"
"Jo Gul, enter quietly."
From the entryway, a new group of people entered.
'Huh?'
Did people usually enter like this?
Even if these people were unaware that the ones blocking the gate were Wudang's disciples, it didn't seem normal to risk pushing aside a group of burly men wielding swords.
However, this group was currently slithering their way into Huayoung Gate, gently pushing their way through the disciples of the Wudang sect as if they were making their way through a busy market.
'Who the hell?'
It was then.
"Father!"
The last person to enter quickly ran towards Wei Lishan. Seeing this man, Wei Lishan delightedly called out.
"Soheng!"
"Father! I brought people from Mount Hua!"
"Ah!"
Everyone clearly heard what he said.
'Mount Hua?'
Jin Hyeon's face hardened. So, the people in front of him were from Mount Hua?
'Now that I think about it.'
There was indeed a plum blossom pattern on their chests.
Since they had given such a powerful first impression, Jin Hyeon had forgotten to inspect them any closer.
"Ah, Mount Hua!"
Wei Lishan's emotions began to overflow, especially since Jin Hyeon had just declared that Mount Hua would never come to their aid.
'No, wait a moment, Mount Hua?'
Jin Hyeon carefully observed the faces of those who appeared.
A swordsman in white that appears wary at first glance, a man that gives a soft impression, and a man next to him that feels sharp and ready to assist.
And
'Infinite beauty.'
There was a woman so beautiful that Jin Hyeon's eyes went wide; he had to quickly recall his teachings to stabilize his mind.
It was all good until then.
However…
One man remained that still bothered Jin Hyeon.
'What the hell is with him?'
Despite its collapse, Mount Hua had once been one of the central pillars of the Nine Great Sects and had a prestigious reputation. So, how could a man like this be accepted into such a sect?
Compared to the other disciples, the difference was extreme.
"Are you also from Mount Hua?"
"Then are you from Shaolin?"
"…"
Jin Hyeon was about to say something before simply shutting his mouth.
Then the swordsman in white, who was watching from the side, stepped toward Wei Lishan and spoke.
"I greet the leader of Huayoung Gate. After hearing that the Gate was experiencing difficulties, the sect leader sent us to assist."
"Ah… the sect leader."
Wei Lishan tightly closed his quivering eyes.
He felt a deep rush of emotion inside his chest.
Although he had sent his son to Mount Hua, he felt that he was grasping at straws. He didn't really think Mount Hua would come to help. What he said to Yeom Pyong was just his own feeble means of escaping from the harsh reality.
But Mount Hua really did send their disciples.
Wei Lishan looked at Baek Cheon and trembled.
Devotion.
Even with Jin Hyeon, the Indestructible Swordsman, right next to him, this man looked strong.
Then…
"Then, are you Mount Hua's Divine—"
"No."
Before he could even ask, Baek Cheon cut off Wei Lishan's words. Baek Cheon quickly continued, but not without Wei Lishan noticing his slightly distorted expression.
"I'm Baek Cheon, a second-class disciple of Mount Hua."
"Ah! The Righteous Sword of Hua! I've heard a lot about you!"
'They sent the Righteous Sword of Hua!'
It seemed like the sect leader was truly appreciative and sent their finest disciples!
'Ah, no. then….'
'They didn't send Mount Hua's Divine Dragon?'
Just then...
"Kua!"
One person, who had just been doing something incomprehensible, approached Wei Lishan with a look of admiration and grabbed his hand.
"Ahh. Gate leader.
"…"
"I've heard so much about you! Thirty years! I was told that you've been consistently sending money to the sect for thirty years! Is that right?"
"R-right, but…"
"Kuaaak!"
The man looked like he was moved by Wei Lishan's actions. He seemed so moved that his eyes were moist and on the verge of tears.
But why?
"I can't believe such a wonderful man exists. You constantly sent money to the sect that even beggars had turned their backs on. I thought that all the good people in the world were dead, but there's still one that survived right here."
"…"
Wei Lishan was a thick-skinned man.
Since he had protected Huayoung Gate for several decades, the number of people he met had easily exceeded hundreds or even thousands.
But of all the people Wei Lishan had met, there had never been a person like this.
'He seems to be a disciple from Mount Hua. How could such a person come from there?'
Wei Lishan gently pulled his hand away from the man and asked.
"…And who are you?"
"Ah. My name is Chung Myung. The sect leader sent me."
"Ah. Chung Myung means you're a third-class…. Wait. Chung Myung?"
"Yes. Please call me like that! Hahaha! You can call me that! Our excellent Gate leader!"
Chung Myung?
Was this THE Chung Myung?
Wei Lishan opened his eyes wide.
From what he knew, there was only one person named Chung Myung in Mount Hua.
'Ah, no, I cannot know everything.'
Wei Lishan quickly spun toward his son. Wei Soheng, who received his gaze, trembled while nodding his head with an indescribable expression.
'It's true?'
'Then, this guy that looks like a common neighborhood thug is…?'
"Chung Myung?"
It seemed like Wei Lishan wasn't the only one that harbored doubts. Even Jin Hyeon called the name with a flustered tone.
Chung Myung titled his head.
"… then are you saying that you're Mount Hua's Divine Dragon, Chung Myung?"
"I don't leave Mount Hua, so I don't know what you're talking about. But I am Chung Myung"
"You?"
Jin Hyeon couldn't believe his eyes.
In an instant, Chung Myung's face twisted.
"What? Do I need to show you some identification?"
"…"
Chung Myung then shifted his gaze from Jin Hyeon back to Wei Lishan, whom he looked at with a soft smile. The difference in attitude that he showed when dealing with these two men was absurd.
"Don't worry. We'll take care of everything now. Sect leader said that Huayoung Gate is the best among Mount Hua's inner circle."
That was true.
Because this was the only Gate that helped them when they needed it most.
Chung Myung smiled and turned away. Looking at Baek Cheon, he tilted his head and asked.
"What are you doing, sasuk?"
"… are you done?"
"Yes."
Baek Cheon sighed and looked at Jin Hyeon.
"I'm Baek Cheon from Mount Hua."
"Jin Hyeon from Wudang."
"We came here because there seemed to be a problem with the subsect. It seems like you were speaking directly with the Gate leader, but now you can discuss these matters with me."
"Are you saying that Mount Hua will be getting involved?"
"Is there a reason we shouldn't?"
Hearing Baek Cheon's response, Jin Hyeon narrowed his eyes.
'How dare they.'
Mount Hua was a broken and ruined sect that only recently started to re-establish itself. Such a sect was getting involved in the Wudang sect's matters over a small sub-sect?
This was unacceptable.
Furthermore…
Jin Hyeon looked at Chung Myung.
'That's Mount Hua's Divine Dragon?'
It was absurd.
Mount Hua's Divine Dragon Chung Myung.
The Divine Dragon had suddenly made its name two years ago and rose to prominence overnight.
That name has echoed painfully in Jin Hyeon's ears, and there was a specific reason that he remembered that name so clearly.
Jin Hyeon, Wudang's Sword Dragon.
And Chung Myung, Mount Hua's Divine Dragon.
There were four others with similar titles and were collectively referred to as the Six Dragons. In the Kangho, the Six Dragons referred to the six strongest disciples that would become masters and lead the world of martial arts.
Jin Hyeon wasn't interested in titles like 'Six Dragons' or 'Sword Dragon.' There was only one thing he cared about. Among the Six Dragons, the evaluation of Mount Hua's Divine Dragon was greater than him.
'This guy is supposed to be stronger than me? That's nonsense.'
Of course, the evaluations take age into account. Chung Myung is anticipated to be stronger than Jin Hyeon at the same age.
But Jin Hyeon refused to acknowledge that assessment.
And…
'Sect leader was right.'
- Perhaps Mount Hua's disciples will come to the Nanyang. If the disciples of Mount Hua come, then Mount Hua's Diving Dragon, Chung Myung, will also be there. If that's the case, let the world know that Mount Hua's disciples cannot compare to the disciples of the Wudang Sect.
Jin Hyeon smiled.
"How do you plan to intervene?"
Jin Hyeon arrogantly looked down on Baek Cheon.
Rather than the Divine Dragon, he was more concerned about this man. Baek Cheon's momentum and sense of presence from before was no joking matter.
'I guess his reputation wasn't in vain.'
Unlike Mount Hua's Divine Dragon.
"It would be best if we could pleasantly discuss this matter, but…."
Baek Cheon smiled.
"You don't seem to want to do that, right?"
"Haha. That's a misunderstanding. It would be great if this could be resolved through diplomacy. However, the difference in ideals is too great to narrow. So, conversation seems fleeting."
"Isn't that the same thing?"
Baek Cheon urged him with a sharp tone, a fishy smile formed on Jin Hyeon's lips.
"Then how should we resolve this? A match? We won't back down."
"It seems like Wudang's methods are rougher than I expected."
"Rather than rough, it's efficient. There's no need to waste each other's time…."
It was then.
"Ah, your time isn't worth shit."
"…"
"…"
Baek Cheon and Jin Hyeon turned their heads at the same time and looked at Chung Myung, who had interrupted.
However, the expressions of these two were completely different.
Baek Cheon thought to himself.
'Please just stay still, you damned bastard!'
He was trying to express that sentiment to Chung Myung through his facial expression, while Jin Hyeon's face was beginning to overflow with indescribable fury.
Chung Myung was clearly from a junior generation, but he dared to speak so disgracefully to his seniors.
"Mount Hua must not teach any courtesy."
"Courtesy?"
Chung Myung laughed.
"What a bunch of shit."
"You!?"
"You invade another's sect and demand they shut their doors and leave, or risk being harassed and beaten, then have the nerve to talk about courtesy? For you, courtesy only enters the picture when it's convenient, right?"
"…"
Jin Hyeon bit his lip.
It was hard to counter Chung Myung's words. Jin Hyeon knew that what he said wasn't wrong.
"What is there to talk about? You guys can do whatever you want."
"What do you mean?"
"You were planning to come back in six hours, right?"
"…"
"So, come back then. Feel free to show off your best skills as much as you want. But…"
Chung Myung smiled.
"You'd better be prepared to have your skulls broken when you come back. Remember, I warned you what would happen."
Blood drained from Jin Hyeon's face.
And then, from his pale face, rose a terrifying rage.