Return of the Mount Hua

Who came to Gangnam? (1)

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“Ah!”

With the boat cutting through rough currents, they pushed forward, again and again.

Usually, Yu Gong felt a strange excitement when riding the waves like this. Perhaps it was because the blood of Haenam and the sea flowed in his veins.

But now, Yu Gong didn’t feel joy as he steered the boat through the waves. No, he felt dismal. Because the people onboard, whom he had ferried, were the enemies of Haenam who had tormented it for so long.

“Are you steering properly?”

Those with swords at their waists glared coldly, frequently questioning him. Yu Gong clenched his teeth and nodded.

“…Of course.”

“It’s better not to mess around.”

“…I’m not that foolish.”

“You sure about that?”

The members of Maninbang chuckled, mocking him openly.

But despite their blatant mockery, Yu Gong couldn’t even respond. From the moment he boarded this ship, his life was at the mercy of these people. No, perhaps even before he boarded the boat.

“Remember this. Erasing a village is any easy task. If you dare to cause trouble, your village folks will suffer the most agonizing deaths imaginable. Actually, they’d be lucky if death is all they receive.”

“I… I said know.”

“Tsk tsk tsk.”

Yu Gong knew. They weren’t threatening him out of anxiousness. It was merely a form of entertainment to alleviate the boredom of their journey.

He knew he couldn’t rebel against them.

“It seems we have quite a luxurious life. Who would’ve thought I’d end up on a boat steered by a bastard from Haenam?”

“Well, isn’t he excommunicated? Means he is not from Haenam anymore?”

“That too is a unique experience. Because excommunicated disciples of Haenam are even more rarer than those of Haenam.”

“I suppose so.”

The one who had thrown the word “rare” openly mocked and scrutinized Yu Gong.

“The Just sects are quite merciful, aren’t they? To think an excommunicated disciple can roam around unscathed like this. If there was someone discussing excommunication in Maninbang, their throat would’ve been slowly sliced with a saw.”

“No one would dare have such thoughts.”

“That’s true. Yet they let you go without a scratch. The Sect Leader of Haenam is truly foolish.”

“Indeed. In the end, if I were a Sect Leader of Haenam, wouldn’t I have torn my hair out in distress?”

“Hahaha, that’s right.”

Yu Gong’s lips, tightly pressed together, turned pale. Each word they carelessly threw at him pierced him deeply.

What made it even more agonizing was the fact that he had no retorts to their words. Right now, he was nothing more than a hunting dog chasing after those who bestowed mercy upon him.

Even more thoroughly than anyone else…

Yu Gong’s gaze trailed off to the back. On the deck, he saw the figure of Ho Gamyeong, flying the crimson falcon. Yu Gong’s face involuntarily stiffened.

‘Damn it.’

Those falcons hunted down every messenger pigeon Haenam sent to the mainland. And now they would be conveying the fact that Haenam sect was heading south, to those Sapaeryeon bastards entrenched in Gangnam.

If it weren’t for those falcons…

“Argh!”

At that moment, Yu Gong’s face turned to the side as blood trickled down his lips.

“Where does this guy come from, stirring up trouble with commander!”

“Stop it. Didn’t commander say not to touch him!”

“Tsk.”

Even the members of Maninbang seemed displeased, glaring at Yu Gong. Yu Gong wiped the blood from his lips with his sleeve.

‘Damn it.’

He lowered his head. In his heart, a darkness so heavy that it was difficult to describe enveloped him.

Paddddeuk.

The falcon, released from Ho Gamyeong’s fingertips, soared into the sky like an arrow. Then, it immediately changed direction and flew towards the mainland.

Watching quietly, Goe Ryang spoke up.

“Where is it being sent? The message has already been delivered to the intended destination, hasn’t it?”

“Haomun.”

“Haomun?”

Goe Ryang asked with a puzzled expression. Ho Gamyeong nodded slowly.

“To achieve a perfect encirclement, there must be many watchful eyes. It’s risky without cooperation from Haomun.”

“Hmm.”

Goe Ryang looked at Ho Gamyeong with a tinge of interest.

He knew that Ho Gamyeong didn’t particularly like Haomun. Yet, here he was, seeking cooperation from Haomun in his own name. This was akin to proving how seriously Ho Gamyeong regarded this matter.

“What about the headquarters?”

Ho Gamyeong remained silent. Goe Ryang’s lips twisted into a smirk.

“Surely you’re not planning to keep this information from Ryeonju?”

“…”

“This could be considered insubordination. You’re aware of that, right, commander?”

“Of course.”

Ho Gamyeong replied without hesitation to this question.

“Of course, once Ryeonju learns of this news, it’ll be no big deal to end their lives.”

“But?”

“But Ryeonju has a bad habit. Instead of taking advantage of easy tasks lightly, he twists them to gain greater benefits.”

“…”

“However, in that process, small benefits can slip away. I want to prevent that.”

“Oh. Does a mere commander dare to judge the Supreme Leader of Sapaeryeon?”

“Hmph.”

Ho Gamyeong chuckled briefly and stared at Goe Ryang intently. Goe Ryang responded with a meaningful smile.

“It’s arrogant to assume that Ryeonju’s protection will always remain with you.”

“I have never entertained such thoughts. I am merely proving my worth.”

“Well, even if you prove your worth, does an owner truly appreciate the horse that moves on its own?”

Ho Gamyeong couldn’t refute that statement.

He also knows. Deception or exclusion with intent, this is the behavior that Jang Ilso hates the most. If someone other than Ho Gamyeong commits it, they will be torn limb from limb, and even if it’s Ho Gamyeong , he won’t be able to escape punishment.

Moreover, Jang Ilso has warned Ho Gamyeong about this matter before. Ignoring it would come at a considerable cost.

Yet, Ho Gamyeong proceeded with the task without hesitation. Even now, there was no wavering in his determination.

“…Sometimes there are things that must be done.”

“Hmm?”

“…He’s too dangerous.”

“Are you talking about Hwasan Geomhyeop?”

Ho Gamyeong nodded silently. At that, Goe Ryang frowned.

“I don’t understand.”

“…”

“…He’s a monster, of course. To us criminals, he’s nothing less than a walking disaster.”

Goe Ryang readily referred to himself as a criminal. He is the Danju of Maninbang. There must be considerable pride in that. However, he felt no hesitation in calling himself a mere criminal. If the opponent is Hwasan Geomhyeop, there is no room for doubt.

“But that’s our standard.”

“…”

“As for the Leader…”

“Ryeonju.”

“Yes, Ryeonju. It’s different when it comes to Ryeonju. If we refer to him instead of us, the situation changes. No matter how much he flies or crawls, from Ryeonju’s perspective, he’s just a toy placed on the palm of his hand. From Ryeonju’s point of view he is nothing more than a bug. You know that, don’t you?”

“…”

“But I don’t understand why you’re making such a fuss. Do you really think Hwasan Geomhyeop’s fangs can reach even Paegun Jang Ilso? That man?”

Ho Gamyeong chose silence. A rare expression of surprise flickered in Goe Ryang’s eyes.

“…Is that so.”

“…”

“Why?”

Ho Gamyeong hardened his expression. He couldn’t find an answer to this question himself, so he couldn’t convince Jang Ilso to get rid of Hwasan Geomhyeop.

So, once again, he had no choice but to answer like this.

“…It’s a feeling.”

“A feeling?”

“Yeah. Or maybe it’s anxiety.” 

Goe Ryang looked at Ho Gamyeong with a blank face and asked. 

“Did I hear you wrong?”

“…”

“From the mouth of Ho Gamyeong , known as the most rational man of Sapaeryeon, comes ‘feeling’? ‘Anxiety’? It doesn’t seem like my ears are playing tricks on me.”

“If you want to ridicule me, go ahead.”

“I’m not ridiculing. I just don’t understand. The commander I know would be the furthest from such things.”

Instead of answering, a sigh escaped from Ho Gamyeong’s lips.

Goe Ryang’s words were correct. Ho Gamyeong was naturally someone who despised arguments without basis. But now, he was relying solely on intuition to make what could be one of the most important decisions in his life.

It’s something even he finds hard to understand.

“…It’s difficult to explain.”

“…”

“But the reason is simple. Whatever the nature of that anxiety, if it could potentially harm Ryeonju even slightly, it must be eliminated early on.”

Ho Gamyeong stated as if spitting out the words.

“Even if it means defying Ryeonju’s orders in the process.”

“…”

“Hwasan Geomhyeop must be killed. If possible, before reaching Ryeonju’s ears, and before they reach the Yangtze river!”

Goe Ryang tilted his head slightly with a moderately confused expression.

It was the first time he had seen Ho Gamyeong come out so emotionally. Just by looking at him now, no one would think that this person was Ho Gamyeong, the most respected and ruthless venomous man in Maninbang.

“Will you stop it?”

“Me?”

Goe Ryang laughed.

“If what you say is true, the moment his actions are known to Ryeonju, there is a high chance Ryeonju will let him go.”

“…Probably.”

“In that case, I’ll just pretend I don’t know anything.”

When Ho Gamyeong glanced at him, Goe Ryang twisted the corners of his mouth, revealing his thoughts.

“Although I don’t have the courage to defy Ryeonju, it’s still a blow to my pride if the prey I’ve marked escapes my territory. And I’m curious. What expression will he have when he dies?”

He licked his lips with his tongue, his eyes gleaming. Ho Gamyeong’s face slightly frowned.

Among the Sapas, there are some who are reluctant to commit murder, but Goe Ryang is an extreme opposite. He enjoys the act of killing itself more than the benefits it brings, savoring the tension during the hunt for a strong opponent and the satisfaction of finally bringing down the prey.

However, at this moment, Ho Gamyeong needed Goe Ryang the most. This fact was undeniable.

Goe Ryang asked.

“So, what about the encirclement?”

“It’s already somewhat prepared. It’ll be complete within a few days. So make sure to kill him, even if you have to risk everything.”

“Don’t bother with unnecessary worries. That’s my specialty.”

Ho Gamyeong snorted as he looked into Goe Ryang’s intense eyes, filled with murderous glint. Soon, his gaze shifted to the land of Gangnam, the very ground that would become Hwasan Geomhyeop’s grave.

No matter what he said, could he really understand? Even though he was the ruthless Ho Gamyeong, the military commander of Sapaeryeon, and the right-hand man of Jang Ilso, there were thoughts he couldn’t bring himself to voice.

‘He has the same aura as Ryeonju.’

Nobody in the world would think that, but Ho Gamyeong, who had been by Jang Ilso’s side for so long, could tell. They were different to the extreme, yet strangely alike. So…

‘If there will come a day when even the invincible Paegun falls at someone’s hands… it would be…’

But that can’t happen. It’s absurd.

Ho Gamyeong, who had been lost in thought for a moment, quickly snapped out of it.

‘No. That’s impossible.’

It’s an unthinkable event. However, a true strategist considers every possibility, no matter how unlikely. Even if it’s just a gut feeling, Ho Gamyeong will do what he can.

‘Hwasan Geomhyeop Chung Myung.’

Ho Gamyeong ’s eyes darkened.

‘If you were truly of the same caliber as Ryeonju, I wouldn’t be able to catch you. But you are not Ryeonju.’

That difference will cost Chung Myung his life.

‘But I am also curious.’

If the news of Chung Myung’s death at the hands of Ho Gamyeong were to reach Jang Ilso, how would he react? Would he be angry? Or would he simply brush it off as unavoidable? What exactly is Hwasan Geomhyeop’s existence to him?

‘These are questions beyond my concern.’

Ho Gamyeong cleared his mind of these thoughts.

He could defy orders, but he must never dare to challenge Ryeonju. If he fails to uphold that boundary, Ho Gamyeong will cease to be Ho Gamyeong.

‘It’s all for Ryeonju.’

Ho Gamyeong’s gaze sank into deep darkness.

Next chapter >>>

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Why are they not calling him Maehwa Geomgwi, I wonder. Even Ho Gamyeong in his thoughts thinks of Chung Myung as Hwasan Geomhyeop. 

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