Return of the Mount Hua

In my past life, what sin did I commit? (4)

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Silence lingered for a while. The words themselves weren’t particularly shocking – partly a joke, partly a casual remark that they had heard quite a bit before. However, depending on the timing and circumstances, the weight of those words could vary significantly.

The one word, ‘destruction,’ felt like a heavy burden pressing down on them. Especially for those who had witnessed the tragedy in Hangzhou with their own eyes, this statement resonated more profoundly.

“Destruction…”

A solemn tone flowed from Baek Сheon’s lips.

They had seen it – the once glorious and beautiful city of Hangzhou, known as the gem of the Central Plains, turned into a scene of devastation. The weight of the word ‘destruction’ felt even more significant for those who had witnessed the aftermath of the massacre in Hangzhou.

“’Destruction’ in the entire Central Plains…”

Suddenly, Baek Сheon’s teeth clenched involuntarily. 

They had to prevent that at all costs.

“Well, this is something.”

Breaking the serious atmosphere, it was none other than Im Sobyeong. Scratching his head with the fan’s tip, his face revealed a sense of distress.

“It seems a bit too serious to just let it pass.”

In this solemn atmosphere, Im Sobyeong, who usually wore a carefree smile, seemed devoid of his usual composure.

“If the Demonic Cult, as predicted by Dojang, gains full strength and invades the Central Plains, it means we can’t stop it with the current state of the Central Plains, doesn’t it?”

Im Sobyeong’s gaze, unlike usual, was sharp and cold. Chung Myung nodded in agreement.

“Most likely.”

“It’s a headache.”

Im Sobyeong let out a deep sigh. External threats tend to bring internal conflicts under control. No, they must be brought under control. However, he knew it wasn’t as easy as it sounded. While there were historical instances where external invasions led to the resolution of internal strife, there were countless cases where internal conflicts persisted, eventually leading to the downfall of the nation.

Im Sobyeong sighed once again and shrugged his shoulders.

“Of course, the timing of when the Demonic Cult will make its move is a concern, but the situation is not favorable.”

The faces of Beop Jong and Jang Ilso naturally came to everyone’s minds.

Gangho was currently divided into three main factions. 

Gupailbang [구파일방(九派一幇) – our “favorite” Nine sects one union] centered around Beop Jong, Sapaeryeon [사패련(邪覇聯) – Evil sect union] led by Jang Ilso, and Cheonumaeng [천우맹(天友盟) – Heavenly friendship alliance] with Hwasan at its core.*

Each faction exerted significant influence from its center.

Im Sobyeong scratched his cheek. The situation made him uncomfortable.

‘Perhaps…’

Yes, perhaps it would have been better if the Demonic Cult had made its move five years ago. Back then, there was no Cheonumaeng or Sapaeryeon.

If the Demonic Cult had acted back then, regardless of whether it was Hwasan or Jang Ilso, they would have had to gather around Shaolin. Well, they would have to see how things unfolded.

But now everything is different. 

Over the past five years, Shaolin had lost too much. Comparing the status of Shaolin five years ago with its current state would be embarrassing. Back then, Shaolin was considered a martial arts sect that protected the world under the banner of the Northern Star. Now, Shaolin had lost all of that prestige, and even managing the internal conflicts of Gupailbang was a challenging task.

On the other hand, Maninbang and Hwasan had flourished beyond comparison. The disparity in their status over the past five years was so significant that comparisons seemed almost meaningless.

‘Accompanied by bitter feelings…’

Human attitudes are influenced by temperament and emotions. If Beop Jong, Chung Myung, and Jang Ilso had met in the same place five years ago, they might have found each other peculiar, but the thought of thrusting a knife into each other’s throats would not have crossed their minds.

However, imagining these three individuals sitting in the same space now seemed almost impossible. The accumulated bitterness and animosity between them were too wide and deep.

‘An alliance of these three factions…’

From Im Sobyeong’s perspective, the resurrection of the Heavenly Demon or an invasion of the Demonic Cult seemed less unreal compared to the thought of an alliance between these three factions.

His gaze shifted towards Chung Myung.

‘What is he thinking right now?’

Chung Myung was known for always looking beyond what others saw. Even Im Sobyeong, who prided himself on holding everything in his hands, was left astounded more than once when he realized what Chung Myung’s plan was after some time had passed.

“Chung Myung-ah.”

As if Hyun Jong shared similar thoughts with Im Sobyeong, he called Chung Myung subtly.

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

“I want to ask you one thing. If the situation is truly dire, what do you think we should do from now on?”

Hyun Jong sighed deeply.

“Whether we know it or not, we can’t just stay silent when we know. Regardless of what happened, shouldn’t we try to minimize the damage even a little?”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

Others nodded in agreement with Hyun Jong’s words. However, Chung Myung remained silent, seemingly indifferent.

“If what you say is true, it seems like the central factions need to unite for any chance of success. Is that correct?”

“…Yes.”

Hyun Jong nodded with closed eyes. As he reopened them, filled with vigor, he looked straight at Chung Myung.

“In that case, I’ll ask….”

“….”

“In your opinion, what are the chances of the Gupailbang, the Sapaeryeon, and us forming an alliance?”

At his words, the surrounding disciples immediately reacted.

“I refuse, Sect Leader.”

“We cannot join hands with Jang Ilso!”

“That guy is absolutely not acceptable.”

Shocked by their vehement opposition, Hyun Jong looked around at them. At that moment, Un Geom spoke on behalf of everyone present.

“Sect Leader, we understand what you’re thinking. I, too, cannot help but respect your intention to unite even with Sapa for the greater good of the people. However…”

Un Geom spoke with firm resolve.

“Jang Ilso is not someone we can negotiate with. We have clearly observed what he’s capable of in Hangzhou.”

“Hmm.”

If someone other than Un Geom had said such words, there might have been room to consider them lacking a sense of justice in their youthful vigor. However, Un Geom was not that kind of person. Even an exaggeration to call him the calmest person in Hwasan wouldn’t be far off. For him to say such things meant there was something felt only by those who had directly experienced Jang Ilso.

At that moment, Tang Gunak also spoke up.

“And, Alliance Leader. Negotiating with Gupailbang is also a difficult task.”

Tang Gunak nodded with a solemn expression.

“What they value most is their pride and the benefit of their sect. Will they accept the alliance proposed by Cheonumaeng?”

Hyun Jong couldn’t deny it, unable to speak.

“Even if we form an alliance, it won’t be as solid as you envision, Alliance Leader. It might turn into a situation where people with different thoughts end up in a state of confusion, just like in the past with Shinjuopae.”

As he listened, a sigh escaped involuntarily. This statement, too, wouldn’t be far from the truth.

At that moment, Chung Myung spoke up.

“No. It may not be as difficult as you think.”

“Chung Myung!”

“Hey! What are you saying?”

Startled disciples of Hwasan looked at Chung Myung in disbelief. However, he merely stared at Hyun Jong with an indifferent expression.

“Forming an alliance with the Gupailbang and bringing in Jang Ilso might not be as challenging as you imagine.”

“No, it’s not as easy as it sounds…”

“If they want something, give what they want.”

Chung Myung decisively cut off Im Sobyeong’s words. Im Sobyeong closed his mouth like a clam.

After scanning everyone in the room, Chung Myung continued.

“If they want legitimacy, then give legitimacy.”

“…”

“If they want benefits, provide the benefits.”

Hyun Jong’s gaze sank heavily for a moment.

“If they desire the honor of leading the Sohlim and Gangho, simply bow before them in the name of Cheonumaeng. With just the pretext of receiving the surrender of Cheonumaeng, the Abbot will be more than willing to overlook everything that was done so far. They will readily comply with any request.”

“Well, that…”

Tang Gunak seemed about to say something but stopped abruptly.

In reality, this was an exceptionally practical suggestion. What the Abbot currently desires most is to restore the tarnished honor of Shaolin. If the esteemed leaders, representing Cheonumaeng, and Hwasan Geomhyeop, were to bow before Shaolin, the situation would become a minor flaw at best.

This Abbot would willingly join hands even with the enemy of one’s parents for such gains.

“If Jang Ilso wants practical benefits, fulfill his ambitions. What he desires is expanding into the northern territories and extending the influence of Sapaeryeon. If you hand over the territory controlled by Cheonumaeng in the Yangtze River basin and reasonably yield the area extending to Sichuan and Shaanxi, Jang Ilso will also accept a proposal claiming he can’t refuse us.”

“…Fine.”

This time, Im Sobyeong made a groaning sound.

Certainly, from Jang Ilso’s perspective, this might not be a satisfying outcome. However, it’s more than enough bait to lure Jang Ilso to the negotiation table.

With the prospect of gaining something for free without shedding a drop of blood, that stubborn guy wouldn’t withdraw his foot. Especially when considering the significant cost of taking control of the Yangtze River basin and the western lands of the Central Plains.

“So… if you wish, an alliance is possible.”

Hyun Jong didn’t speak rashly and silently looked at Chung Myung. He knew well by now that when this child says such things, there’s hidden meaning behind it.

“One thing, Sect Leader.”

Sure enough, Chung Myung spoke with a serious tone.

“That implies we must sacrifice ourselves for the cause.”

“At that level…”

“Of course, you can start with something small initially. However, once an alliance is formed in that way, to maintain it, you’ll have to give up more. If no one is willing to sacrifice, ultimately, we will have to sacrifice. In the beginning, perhaps just a finger.”

A chilling coldness began to seep into Chung Myung’s voice.

“Then, maybe an entire arm.”

“…”

“Someday, you’ll have to give up your limbs, and ultimately, your neck.”

Chung Myung’s gaze, scanning everyone, was icy.

“It’s for the justice and peace in the Central Plains.”

Hyun Jong hardened his expression. He understood better than anyone else what Chung Myung meant by these words.

“By doing so, perhaps the peace in the Central Plains can be preserved. However, Sect Leader… There’s one thing you must know.”

Chung Myung’s voice felt like a blade. It carried advice, concern, and even a deep regret that others might not perceive.

“With the peace you guard in such a way, Hwasan will cease to exist in the peaceful Central Plains. Sect Leader, you might end up watching Hwasan, without a trace left… or perhaps not even being able to perish, becoming an object of disdain and mockery in the afterlife.”

Hyun Jong’s eyes trembled lightly.

“Yet, if that is the justice you wish to uphold.”

Chung Myung paused for a moment. Then, one by one, he looked at the disciples around him as if engraving their faces into his eyes.

“…”

“I will simply follow.”

Chung Myung closed his eyes in silence.

In the darkened world, one person gazed at him shedding bloody tears.

‘Sect Leader Sahyeong…’

Chung Myung’s fist, resting on his thigh, clenched tightly.

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*I don’t know why the author included hanja for these terms again. I guess it was time to revise and remember what they were.