Return of the Mount Hua

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I’m suddenly 62 chapters ahead on my Patreon, so I’ve decided to post 10 chapters on my blog here today.

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We won’t be by his side. (5)

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Jang Ilso’s boat drifted further away from the riverbank. As he sat there, gazing at the flowing river, Ho Gamyeong’s voice reached his ears.

“Ryeonju.”

“Hmm?”

Jang Ilso turned his gaze, and Ho Gamyeong, who had been rowing, spoke calmly.

“May I ask you one thing?”

Jang Ilso nodded, looking somewhat annoyed. “Once again, I’ll say it, just ask. No need to make a big deal out of it.”

After some hesitation, Ho Gamyung continued,

“I understand you’re looking for someone proficient in Taoist martial arts to face the Demonic Cult.”

“Yes. But what’s your point?”

“I’m just wondering why it has to be Hwasan Geomhyeop?“

“Hmm.”

Instead of answering directly, Jang Ilso smiled as if he found it amusing. But that smile alone wasn’t enough of a response for Ho Gamyung.

“If you simply desire it, you could even involve Wudang or draw in Shaolin.”

“Indeed… it might be possible.”

This wasn’t just about relationships. The matter of the Demonic Cult was a grave concern for those living in Gangho.

However, that being said, it could be said that Jang Ilso now held a trump card in his hands. Once he put it to use, perhaps he could truly make Shaolin move.

“If you need a sharp sword, wouldn’t it be better to align yourself with that side? It’s true that Hwasan Geomhyeop cut off Black Dragon King’s arm, but to call him the sharpest sword in the martial world…”

“Tsk.”

Jang Ilso clicked his tongue, displeased with what he heard. In response, Ho Gamyeong lowered his head quickly as if in apology.

“Gamyong-a.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“You always manage to avoid the essence of the matter.”

Ho Gamyeong looked at Jang Ilso with a puzzled expression, then quickly realized his mistake.

“In my opinion, the orthodox sects possess sharper swords than that. And there are swords that are easier to control. No matter how sharp Hwasan Geomhyeop’s sword may be, it can’t be called a renowned sword if it can be wielded by anyone who grabs the hilt.”

Jang Ilso chuckled and nodded quietly.

“You’re right. Your words are correct.”

“However…”

“Undoubtedly, the orthodox sects probably have more manageable swords. Moreover, there are likely sturdier and safer swords.”

“Yes.”

“But Gamyeong-a, why don’t you understand? When something is not dangerous to me, it means it’s not dangerous to others as well.”

“…”

“If it’s an opponent that can be easily dealt with, there would have been no need for me to cross this river. What I desire is not a safe and sturdy sword. It’s Yogeom [요검(妖劍) – A Monster Sword]* that can perfectly cut through the enemy’s throat, even if it means risking my own arm.”

Jang Ilso’s eyes, which drew a gentle curve with a smile, gleamed.

“So, that’s why it has to be Hwasan Geomhyeop. Do you understand?”

Ho Gamyeong nodded slowly without a word.

However, despite his acquiescent gesture, his expression showed that he didn’t quite agree. His thoughts remained unchanged.

‘Hwasan Geomhyeop is just too dangerous.’

By Jang Ilso’s side, Ho Gamyeong had fought through countless battles and overcame numerous crises. Perhaps, except for Jang Ilso, there would be no one among Sapaeryeon who had experienced as much of the chaos of the battlefield as he had.

What his intuition was saying was that, more than any opponents they had faced so far, this young swordsman was even more dangerous. Much more dangerous, in fact.

‘No, there’s no need to dwell on it to that extent.’

It is said that there is no other sect that has expanded its influence in such a short time as Maninbang. That may be true. Except for Hwasan.

Maninbang, too, is a martial arts faction that has risen from being a small group in Guangxi to a position of a leader within Sapaeryeon. But Hwasan, once evaluated as a third-rate sect on a brink of destruction, climbed its way up to the position of Cheonumaeng’s leader.

If one were to ask who holds the higher position, it’s undoubtedly Maninbang. But if one were to consider which path was more challenging…

Ho Gamyeong bit his lip slightly.

‘How many years has it been?’

In a mere period of less than a decade, Hwasan, which was just a small ruined sect in Shaanxi, had come this far.

At its center, regardless of what anyone said, stood Hwasan Geomhyeop.

That’s why he was dangerous. More dangerous than anyone else in the world.

‘Of course.’

Jang Ilso must have thought about all of this as well. Even considering all of that, he still intended to use Hwasan Geomhyeop as a sword to cut Bishop’s neck.

But Ho Gamyeong didn’t agree with that thought.

‘Because what we pursue is different.’

To Jang Ilso, everything was merely a means to place Gangho beneath him. Whether it was Maninbang or Sapaeryeon, Hwasan Geomhyeop or Ho Gamyeong, or perhaps even Jang Ilso himself, all of them could be sacrificed.

For him, the goal was something irreplaceable with anything else.

But not for Ho Gamyeong.

The most important thing for Ho Gamyeong was not to place power above all else but to ensure Jang Ilso’s safety.

He can do anything to protect Jang Ilso. Even in the past he defied Jang Ilso’s orders. He tried to eliminate Hwasan Geomhyeop when he entered Gangnam. Wasn’t that because he thought Hwasan Geomhyeop could become a threat to Jang Ilso?

“And…”

As if reading Ho Gamyeong’s thoughts, Jang Ilso opened his lips with a subtle smile.

“Just that alone isn’t all.”

“Yes?”

“Well, that’s not everything…”

Jang Ilso slowly raised his hand and wiped his lips. His lips, as red as blood, yielded to the rough touch. Jang Ilso’s eyes were filled with a depth that was hard to fathom.

Unconsciously, Ho Gamyeong let out a sigh. Is there anyone in the world who can guess what is contained in Jang Ilso’s inner thoughts?

The lord he had chosen was exceptionally outstanding, but that also meant that he occasionally made things difficult for those who followed him.

Ho Gamyeong’s expression gradually hardened.

‘It’s dangerous.’

Certainly, Jang Ilso’s words might be right in that they might need a Monster’s Sword to deal with Magyo. But what about after defeating Magyo?

In a situation where there are no enemies, a Yogeom or similar weapon becomes useless. It is inevitably reduced into unsightly object to be disposed of.

The more confident someone is in themselves, the more likely they are to be hurt by such a weapon. This is because they have the confidence that they alone can control the Yogeom.

So…

A chilling darkness settled in Ho Gamyeong’s eyes as he continued to row in silence.

***

Hyun Jong, who had been silently watching Jang Ilso’s departing boat from a distance, let out a deep sigh.

‘He’s immense.’

Each time he faced Jang Ilso, Hyun Jong felt as if a massive mountain was bearing down upon him. Despite this, the reason he could stand confidently in front of Jang Ilso was quite simple: there was another mountain behind him.

Hyun Jong turned his head to look at Chung Myung.

He thought of many things in that moment but ultimately lowered his head without saying anything. There were so many things he wanted to say, but there were things he could not say. Only one thing remained.

“Do you really intend to go?”

Chung Myung gave a slight smile at those words.

The anguish he had felt just moments ago had already washed away. His eyes were so clear they seemed almost transparent, and his face was filled with playful mischief. This was the usual Chung Myung.

“Well, after all that rain, it wouldn’t be proper to stay away, would it?”

Hyun Jong, who had been staring at Chung Myung’s smiling face for a while, let out a deep sigh.

He knew he shouldn’t feel this way, but having that self-assured face of Chung Myung in front of him dispelled his unease. But he knew well how much was hidden behind that smiling face.

“Then Hwasan, too…”

“No, Sect Leader.”

When Chung Myung suddenly spoke Hyun Jong frowned.

“Why not?”

“Because it’s dangerous.”

“So…”

“It’s not Hwasan that should be in danger, it’s us who will be in danger.”

“Hmm?”

Chung Myung shrugged.

“That bastard Jang Ilso is like a venomous snake – if there’s an opportunity, he can strike at any time.”

“…That’s true.”

“So, it’s risky for the entire Hwasan to enter his territory. If any problems arise, reinforcements should be available at any time.”

Hyun Jong fell silent.

It might be better to have the majority of Hwasan waiting on the other side of the river, with just few keeping a close eye on Jang Ilso to disrupt his plans. There’s certainly some logic to it.

But… there was one thing Chung Myung didn’t reveal.

“Just answer one question.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

“The reason you’re not taking the other Hwasan disciples with you… is it because you’re worried about them, or is it because it’s easier for you to withdraw in case of an emergency?”

“The latter.”

A strange fervor flickered in Chung Myung’s eyes.

“This time…”

The corners of his mouth twitched.

“I really want to go wild.”

Observing Hyun Jong’s apparent hesitation, Chung Myung shrugged.

“Don’t worry, Sect Leader.”

Chung Myung glanced at the people standing behind him.

“Frankly, I don’t find them all that trustworthy, but it’s not like I’m going alone.”

Hyun Jong reluctantly nodded.

“I…”

He sighed as he looked at Chung Myung and the others behind him.

“I still don’t fully understand what’s right and what’s wrong.”

“…”

“But one thing is clear.”

A smile appeared at the corner of Hyun Jong’s lips for the first time.

“What I should do when I can’t make a choice… is simply to believe.”

“Sect Leader.”

“Remember one thing, Chung Myung.”

Chung Myung silently stared at Hyun Jong.

The hesitation was gone from Hyun Jong’s face. He gazed at Chung Myung with profoundly understanding eyes.

“If, by any chance, something happens on the other side of the river…”

“…”

“Hwasan will undoubtedly hold Sapaeryeon, Maninbang, and Jang Ilso accountable for all their sins. Even if you don’t want it, even if that decision leads Hwasan to a greater downfall than ever before.”

Hyun Jong’s voice was no longer shaking or trembling.

“I won’t hesitate.”

He looked at those standing in front of him one by one. The sharpness in his gaze proved that his words were not empty promises.

“So…”

A mixture of faith and worry, concern and trust.

Hyun Jong’s voice carried all of these emotions heavily.

“Make sure to come back alive.”

Chung Myung straightened his posture. Simultaneously, the other Hwasan disciples in this place also stood straight.

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

Unfinished conversations, lingering regrets, and renewed determination. Chung Myung’s gaze, carrying all of these, turned toward the land beyond the Yangtze river.

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*What Jang Ilso said about Yogeom could possibly be translated as demons sword, but we already have demons in the novel, so here is the difference. “마ma[魔]” and “요[妖]” represent supernatural or magical entities. However, they are often used in different contexts:

1. “마[魔]”:

– “마[魔]” refers to “demon” or “evil spirit.”

– It is often used to describe malevolent or wicked entities and is associated with dark magic or evil forces.

– “마[魔]” is commonly used in words related to demons or dark magic in literature and folklore.

2. “요[妖]”:

– “요[妖]” refers to “monster” or “supernatural being.”

– It is used in a broader sense to describe various supernatural or mythical creatures.

– “요[妖]” is often associated with beings that have extraordinary abilities or characteristics, not necessarily evil.

So, while both can refer to supernatural entities, “마[魔]” tends to have a darker and more malevolent connotation, while “요[妖]” is a broader term that can encompass a range of supernatural beings, not all of which are necessarily malevolent.