Return of the Mount Hua

Take it where you want. (1)

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“We lack personnel in Hebei!”

“But there is Paeng family there! Besides, there can’t be many who have reached Hebei yet.”

“The Paeng family has vacated their headquarters. We need more support. If we’re not careful, those guys could invade Beijing. And if that happens…”

“Then send more units from Henan to Hebei. Henan has Shaolin, so they can hold out longer.”

“Shaolin at Mount Song hasn’t moved yet, have they?”

“It’s fine! Just do as I said!”

“Yes!”

Tang Soso urged quickly.

“Next! What’s next!”

“There is a team with injured medical personnel. They request additional medical staff to be dispatched.”

“They got injured dealing with mere thugs like that?”

“…They were ambushed during treatment.”

Tang Soso bit her lip slightly.

It is human instinct to target those holding a sword before those holding a needle. However, it is also human instinct to finish off the vulnerable who show their backs first.

This failure came from not anticipating this in advance.

If the opponent’s level had been slightly higher, the damage would have increased exponentially.

“We need to reorganize our operational guidelines. First, send personnel to replace the injured ones.”

“There are no personnel left.”

“Combine two smaller teams and support them with one of the remaining medics. If possible, use those who went to the northern regions!”

“Yes, understood!”

All her instructions flowed smoothly, without a hitch.

Those watching from a distance were all left in awe.

“…Incredible.”

“Indeed.”

Sitting and giving orders isn’t particularly difficult. However, making immediate decisions and finding the best solutions in a situation where reports and problems are pouring in sporadically is challenging even for an experienced martial artist.

Yet, it was none other than Tang Soso who was handling it all proficiently.

“Is it innate?”

“Well, her father is her father… She must have learned from a young age.”

“Is it the Tang clan bloodline?”

Everyone marveled at Tang Soso’s composed demeanor.

But in truth, her heart was weathering away inside. She raised her voice slightly.

“What about the Tang clan’s teams that went to support the Yangtze River area?”

“Well… they have arrived, but there’s a bit of a problem.”

“A problem?”

Tang Soso’s eyes instantly sharpened. The one who spoke flinched and quickly replied, almost shouting.

“They, they reached the vicinity to provide support, but some teams encountered small groups of pirates! They seem to have engaged in skirmishes and haven’t been able to join with Hwasan yet.”

Tang Soso clenched her fist tightly inside the wide sleeves that were characteristic of the Tang clan.

“So, what’s their response?”

“They’re asking for orders, saying the sacrifice would be too great if they tried to break through.”

Tang Soso’s eyelashes quivered.

Even if she gave an order from here, by the time they received it, the situation would already be over.

Those on the battlefield surely knew that. Asking for orders essentially meant they didn’t want to charge into the battlefield.

But she couldn’t blame them. Charging through endless enemies with just a ten or so men was nothing short of a suicide mission.

“Then…”

For the first time, Tang Soso’s lips, which had been responding fluently, paused.

She couldn’t show any signs of confusion or anxiety. That was the duty of someone in her position. She knew that… yet sometimes, that duty felt brutally harsh. Just like now.

“For now…”

As she was about to suppress her burning insides and issue an order, it happened.

“Urgent news! Urgent news from the Yangtze River!”

Tang Soso quickly turned her head towards the voice.

“The teams that engaged the enemy! Hwasan’s members have killed the Black Dragon King Jeok Segwang!”

Killed.

The moment she heard that word, Tang Soso’s legs gave out beneath her.

“The remnants of the pirates are scattering in all directions!”

“Ah…”

As Tang Soso staggered, Tang Myeong quickly grabbed her arm to support her. His voice was filled with emotion.

“We did it! We did it, Soso!”

“…”

A sigh of relief escaped from Tang Soso’s lips. She felt like cursing out loud, but she didn’t even have the energy for that right now.

“Honestly, really…”

Her face, which had been tinged with relief, now subtly showed signs of worry again.

“What about the injured?”

“T-That hasn’t been reported yet…”

“If the pirates are scattering, the teams blocking the front will retreat as well! Immediately relay the situation and send medics to the battlefield, hurry!”

“Yes!”

Tang Soso exhaled another sigh of relief.

Though not all her worries had been dispelled without a definite report, she was somewhat comforted by the fact that the worst-case scenario she had imagined was avoided.

“Thank goodness, Soso.”

“…Yes, Uncle.”

Tang Myeong nodded with a bright expression.

“To think they actually did it. Your Sahyeongs really are people of limitless potential.”

“…They also have no limits when it comes to causing trouble. Who would have thought they would take action without Chung Myung Sahyeong?”

“Haha. The disciples of one sect do tend to follow each other’s… Ahem.”

Tang Myeong cleared his throat and subtly averted his gaze as Tang Soso’s eyes sharpened. His lighthearted remark helped to ease the tense atmosphere.

“Anyway, I’ll give them an earful later. What were they thinking!”

Tang Soso gritted her teeth. However, her face was now noticeably more relaxed with relief.

“Then first…”

Just as she was about to regain her composure and issue further instructions.

Beeeeeep!

Suddenly, a high-pitched whistling sound echoed above her head.

Tang Soso hurriedly looked up, spotting a small golden bird circling the blue sky.

Her eyes briefly wavered.

“That’s…”

Reflexively extending her arm, the golden bird quickly descended and perched on it. A message tube was tied to its leg.

Tang Soso swiftly opened the tube and unfolded the message.

“Ah…”

A pained sigh escaped from her lips.

❀ ❀ ❀

“Hey, long time no see.”

“…That crazy bastard.”

“Quick to show up, aren’t you?”

“You look completely fine.”

“Sa… Sago. Why the sword?”

Chung Myung appeared nonchalantly, even waving his hand. Baek Cheon and Yoon Jong cursed him out, while Yu Iseol drew her sword.

Chung Myung shrugged.

“But still, you all managed to survive, huh?”

“Sasuk… Can I kill him?”

“…If I had the ability, I would have done it already.”

“Ugh. If only I weren’t so injured.”

Baek Cheon, who had been glaring, suddenly burst into laughter. Though it hurt as if his body would shatter every time he laughed, he knew better than anyone that feeling this pain was a blessing.

They had come perilously close to meeting their end here.

“This time, I really thought we were going to die.”

“Why say it like it’s something new? It’s always been that way.”

“…That’s true.”

Is this normal? Or is something fundamentally wrong from the start?

At that moment, Chung Myung glanced at the corpse of the Black Dragon King sprawled on the ground. Its state was indescribably miserable. Yet, for someone who had committed countless atrocities, it was a fitting end.

“You guys took down this bastard…”

Chung Myung’s voice trailed off, sounding a bit choked. Baek Cheon let out a small laugh.

“Yeah. We really did it. Now…”

“Just…”

“…What?”

Chung Myung’s gaze suddenly shifted sharply to Five Swords. His eyes gleamed ominously.

Five Swords and Hye Yeon flinched involuntarily.

“You put your bodies through all that just to take down a piece of trash like this?”

“What?”

“For something like this? Just this?”

“…”

“Oh my poor fate… Oh dear! What sin did I commit in my past life to end up with this lot…! How many years have I raised you, and yet you still can’t properly take down someone like this!”

“…You didn’t raise us.”

If you raised me, my feet would drag on the ground. Think about your height…

No, that’s not the point.

“Is that something someone who showed up after everything was over should say?”

“Then you should have waited! Why start without saying anything and then blame me!”

“That’s true.”

“Honestly, that’s your fault, Sasuk.”

“Stupid idiot.”

Grinding.

Baek Cheon ground his teeth fiercely. As for the others, they were used to this routine, but why was he agreeing with them? The person who would probably hold the most grudge against Chung Myung here was Jin Geumryong!

“Why are you glaring? Got something to say?”

Baek Cheon’s face contorted even more.

However, he couldn’t say much, recalling how Jin Geumryong had stood before him without hesitation in the moment of crisis. As much as he disliked it, he needed to erase this memory quickly…

“Anyway.”

Clicking his tongue, Chung Myung turned his gaze to Namgung Dowi. The surviving members of Namgung clan and various medics were tending to Namgung Dowi’s wounds.

While others’ injuries weren’t light, Namgung Dowi looked barely alive, resembling a corpse that was only just breathing.

“Hmm.”

As Chung Myung approached Namgung Dowi, the people surrounding him stepped aside to make way.

Namgung Dowi, who was lying down, noticed Chung Myung and laboriously turned his head.

“Do…jang…”

“Wow, you’ve become quite the looker, haven’t you? Truly a handsome man.”

At those words, Namgung Dowi, whose face was swollen and blue, managed a faint smile. It wasn’t a handsome smile by any means, but it was undeniably one of immense relief.

“I prefer this look too.”

“It’s a pity not to have aspirations. That’s something you might regret right away.”

Chung Myung chuckled.

Though he said that, Chung Myung also liked Namgung Dowi’s current look better. It was the unmistakable face of a true warrior.

“But…”

Namgung Dowi flinched as if trying to look at something. He seemed to want to take in the sight of those who had fallen alongside him.

“I can’t say it was a good choice, even if I die.”

But Chung Myung didn’t let him turn his head and dwell on his guilt.

“At least Namgung Hwang would be proud.”

Namgung Dowi stared blankly at Chung Myung, shocked. Chung Myung spoke roughly.

“…You did well.”

“No, Dojang…”

Chung Myung clicked his tongue as he examined Namgung Dowi’s wounds.

They were glorious scars, but too excessive. He’d have to lie down like a corpse for at least a month to function as a person again.

‘But after that… he’ll definitely be different.’

A warrior who overcomes a mountain becomes a different person from before.

“Chung Myung.”

Baek Cheon approached Chung Myung.

“It’s time to move again.”

“Hmm?”

Chung Myung frowned slightly. Although not as bad as Namgung Dowi, Baek Cheon wasn’t in great shape either, so why so soon…?

“About a third of the fleeing enemies headed farther north. If we don’t deal with them, killing the Black Dragon King will be meaningless.”

“Hmm.”

Chung Myung nodded in agreement to Baek Cheon’s calm words. Then, glancing at the rest of the Five Swords, he said.

“You’re right.”

“Yeah. So let’s…”

“But why do we have to do it?”

“…What?”

Chung Myung gestured with his chin towards the north.

“If you’re going to do everything by yourself, why create the sect? Might as well do it all alone.”

“…”

As Baek Cheon gradually closed his mouth, Chung Myung spoke calmly.

“If you’ve done what only you can do, leave what others can do to them. That’s the right way.”

Baek Cheon’s face slowly registered disbelief.

“Do you live like that knowing it?”

“What did I do?!”

“…Yeah. Talking to you is just a waste of my breath.”

Baek Cheon shook his head.

Despite having just finished an intense battle, the atmosphere was surprisingly good. No, it was exceptionally bright.

Even though they hadn’t explicitly discussed it, it was clear how much advantage disposing of the Black Dragon King would bring in this war.

Baek Cheon quickly calmed his mind.

“First, let’s take care of the wounded…”

Just then.

Kiiiii!

A familiar cry rang in their ears.

Reflexively turning his head, Baek Cheon saw a familiar white figure dashing towards them like a lightning bolt from a distance.

“…Baek Ah?”

“Huh?”

Chung Myung’s face also stiffened slightly.

Baek Ah, living up to his nickname “White Lightning,” quickly dashed over and jumped onto Chung Myung’s shoulder.

Kiiii!

Then, using his small front paws, Baek Ah untied the bundle he was carrying and pulled out a message from inside.

“What’s going on…?”

Chung Myung asked, his face frozen as Baek Ah held out the message to him.

Sapaeryeon is heading north. Deployed for the battle against Shaolin and Gupailbang. Requesting instructions.

Chung Myung’s eyes widened.

“Now?”

The color drained from his face. He turned his head sharply westward, peering beyond the distant horizon.

Toward the ominous lands beyond a thousand li.

❀ ❀ ❀

“Ryeonju.”

“Hmm?”

“…The regular reports from the agent assigned to the Black Dragon King has stopped coming. Most likely…”

“Hmm.”

Jang Ilso’s lips curled slightly upward.

“Tsk tsk. Unfortunately… If we had the leisure, we would have conducted the funeral rites.”

Ho Gamyeong’s expression hardened.

“It’s just that the communication has stopped. Even if one arm is lost, he still has a bit more time…”

“Gamyeong-ah, Gamyeong-ah. Are you so oblivious even after facing this?”

“…”

“Anyway, it’s just a matter of time. Even if the Black Dragon King’s arm were intact.”

Unable to deny the truth in those words, Ho Gamyeong nodded.

The Black Dragon King cannot return alive. From the start, his role was merely a decoy. Since his life successfully lured those who aimed for it, hasn’t he fulfilled his role adequately?

“Bring it here,”

Ho Gamyeong gestured, and one of his subordinates swiftly approached with a liquor bottle, offering it to Jang Ilso. Without even glancing at it, Jang Ilso took the bottle, opened it, and sipped.

“Hmm,”

he hummed softly after savoring the taste slowly, then calmly drank down the liquor.

After a few gulps, he lowered the bottle with a lazy gesture and expressed his appreciation.

“Good liquor.”

“…”

“…Hmm? Why do you look at me like that?”

“No… it’s nothing.”

Ho Gamyeong appeared slightly taken aback. Jang Ilso chuckled.

“Why? Did you think I would pay my respects to the deceased Black Dragon King with this liquor?”

Jang Ilso teased.

Ho Gamyeong remained silent, unable to deny that he had indeed entertained such thoughts.

“No need for that,”

Jang Ilso continued coolly.

“It would be a waste of liquor on such trivial matters.”

At the moment when Ho Gamyeong silently bowed his head.

“Moreover… isn’t there a requiem meant for the ones yet to die?”

“Yes?”

Jang Ilso’s gaze turned towards the vast expanse spread out before him. His eyes, shining fiercely, now seemed to simmer like boiling water.

It was about to happen.

By the time the sun set today, this land would be dyed a deep crimson. Darker than the twilight that stained the sky, deeper than any mere alcohol.

“All the pieces are in place now. It’s time to commence the requiem. Not for those who have died, but for those about to die.”

The voice marked a sinister undertone that flowed ominously through the land.

Next chapter >>>

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