Return of the Mount Hua

Good things are good, right? (1)

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“So what’s going to happen?”

“The structure will change.”

“Structure? Did Cheonumaeng even have a structure worth mentioning?”

“That’s what they’re changing this time. They’re going to completely overhaul the Alliance’s system.”

“What do you mean?”

“They plan to establish several new factions and mix up the members from each sect, regardless of their original sect affiliations.”

“What? Really?”

“Yes, really.”

The news of Cheonumaeng’s imminent restructuring heated up the already bustling atmosphere of Hwaeum.

Since it was neither very large nor very expansive, it didn’t take long for the word to spread to every corner. No need for fast horses or swifter rumors to carry the news.

“Why would they do something so crazy?”

“Exactly. It sounds like those esteemed members are just going to sit around playing with their ledgers while the Evil Sects might attack tomorrow.”

“How is that supposed to help the current situation? Spending that time swinging a sword would be ten times more beneficial.”

Some people were negative.

“Thinking about it, it might be necessary.”

“After all, wasn’t the same true for Sapaeryeon? Those disorganized ragtags became stronger after they aligned under a single leader. How else could they have defeated Shaolin and Gupailbang? I think it’s a reasonable move.”

“Anyway, if it’s a measure to reduce sacrifices, shouldn’t we be willing to accept it?”

Others were positive.

“…Will it get better?”

“I’m not sure. Whether this will be effective or not.”

“Even if it is effective, there will be problems adapting to the new structure. Whether it will run smoothly is uncertain…”

“Aren’t the higher-ups supposed to have considered all this?”

“They should have.”

But most people… were simply vaguely uneasy.

Discussing success and failure is only possible when outcomes are predictable. For decades, Gangho had clearly defined its boundaries. The lines were so distinct that it was rare for sects from different regions to interact closely.

Now, to mix with unfamiliar people and back each other up? It was natural to be unable to predict the results of such a bold decision.

The only fortunate thing was…

“What kind of nonsense is this!”

Bang!

A solid fist slammed the tea table forcefully.

“I’ve spent my whole life working in sync with my sworn brothers, and now you’re asking me to work with people I’ve never seen before? Does that make any sense?”

“Just calm down for now…”

“And mixing in Just Sects with bandits and outsiders without distinction? Are you telling me to trust those bandits or these outsiders with my back? Who knows what they might do behind our backs?”

“Calm down! Others will hear you!”

“This is not something to calm down about!”

The man, fuming, bit his lip tightly.

“I absolutely refuse to accept this. It’s nonsense. It’s just making things easier for those Sapaeryeon’s bastards! What on earth are the higher-ups thinking?”

“…If you’re so dissatisfied, why don’t you go and say it directly?”

“What?”

“Can’t you just ask the person who pushed this through?”

“Who’s the person who pushed this through?”

“Hwasan Geomhyeop.”

“…Who?”

“Hwasan Geomhyeop. The General of Cheonumaeng.”

“….”

“Why? Are you not planning to confront him?”

The man, who had been fuming, awkwardly averted his gaze and slightly turned his head.

“Well… thinking about it, it might not be such a bad plan after all.”

“Just a moment ago, you were ranting about it being nonsense?”

“I-I never said that! Do you have proof?”

“…How pathetic.”

In the ongoing debate, negative voices generally grew louder, but at least in Hwaeum, they were not able to gain much ground.

Remarkably, the reputation of Chung Myung’s notoriously erratic and harsh demeanor had effectively stifled all complaints. With the possibility of Hwasan’s Sword Demon storming into their quarters if they so much as misspoke, who would dare voice their concerns?

One’s life is precious.

In the end, everyone watched the military preparations with anxious eyes. After all, they needed some basic announcement about the structure to facilitate proper exchange of opinions.

“How many days will it take?”

“At least ten days, I’d say.”

“Ten days?”

“No, Sahyeong. Think about it. They have to sort out all those sect members, and they need to consider the strength of each sect and ensure proper representation. How could that be easy?”

“Now that you mention it… But taking ten days during such a time seems excessive.”

“It’s fortunate if it finishes within ten days. It might even take up to fifteen days.”

“Ugh.”

Anxiety filled everyone’s hearts. Yet, some found solace in that fact. At least they would have time to prepare mentally.

However… as always with Cheonumaeng, things were not going as expected.

❀ ❀ ❀

“Here it is.”

“Oh! So it’s finished?”

“…Yes.”

“It took longer than expected.”

Longer? Zhuge Jain barely managed to hold back a torrent of curses that almost slipped from his lips.

If others had been in charge, the workload, which would have required at least fifteen days from close to a hundred people, would have taken that long. But to hear it took longer from someone who finished in just two days! That sneaky little…

“Still, well done. At least you saved face. Thank you for your hard work.”

Chung Myung nodded at Zhuge Jain, then turned to glare at Im Sobyeong with a look of scorn.

“Compared to that incompetent bandit, you really did put in the effort.”

“Incompetent where!”

Im Sobyeong erupted with anger.

“Watch your words! Incompetent, you say! I can tolerate everything, but I can’t stand that!”

“Am I wrong? With Lord Zhuge stepping in, the work gets done quickly. This is why bloodlines can’t be deceived – here’s a guy who’s perfectly suited for banditry trying to use his head! The essence is different, the essence!”

“Is it that I’m incapable? Do you know how many factors I have to consider while working? Even if there’s just one thing to criticize, there’s no shortage of bandits with a grudge who’ll foam at the mouth and come after me!”

Im Sobyeong aggressively pointed at Zhuge Jain.

“If my surname were Zhuge or Sama, I wouldn’t be suffering like this! It’s not that I’m incompetent!”

“Well, why didn’t you just be born as Zhuge or Sama?”

“Ugh, ugh…”

“Calm down, please.”

Zhuge Jain wiped his cold sweat, struggling to restrain Im Sobyeong’s outburst. He was trying to calm Im Sobyeong, knowing full well that stopping Chung Myung’s anger was futile, as he had realized long ago.

Im Sobyeong’s fury was far from over.

“And what about you?”

“What about me?”

“What help have you been? What? Suggesting drawing lots instead of wasting time? Is that something to say?”

“Well, if we had done that, it would have been over quickly. And, honestly, there’s no faster and fairer method than drawing lots.”

“Fair, maybe. But everyone ends up in hell evenly!”

“Still, it is fair, though.”

“Huh?

Zhuge Jain, seemingly realizing something, nodded instinctively. Indeed, there was no fairer outcome than that.

Im Sobyeong shot a pleading look, as if to say, ‘Please, say something!’ but Zhuge Jain coldly turned away. He had learned through overexposure that speaking out of turn only caused unnecessary trouble. The more sane person always ended up worse off here.

“It’s not perfect, but… the basic structure is set. From here, we need the approval of the Alliance Leader.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll get it right away.”

Chung Myung gathered the five completed documents and started to leave. Zhuge Jain hurriedly tried to stop him.

“Wait, just a moment. Please listen to what I have to say…”

“Oh, what now? I’m swamped.”

“We can decide on other matters, but we can’t choose the leaders of each division ourselves. This part needs to be settled through consultation…”

Hearing that, Chung Myung smiled as if it were nothing.

“Ah, don’t worry. What consultations? I’ve already got something in mind.”

“You’ve got something ‘in mind’? Are you serious?”

It was a question that could be seen as quite rude, implying whether he had ever actually thought things through. But there was no longer any concern for manners – those close to Chung Myung all seemed to end up just like him.

“You’re overthinking it. It’s true, I assure you.”

With a smirk, Chung Myung set the documents down and picked up a brush. He then opened the first page of each document and quickly wrote a few names in the empty slots for division leaders.

“Uh…”

“Uh, uh?”

“W-Wait! Just, wait a moment! This is really…”

“Enough! I’ll go get approval now.”

“Stop! No, wait a second! You crazy excuse of a human being!”

Im Sobyeong’s desperate pleas were in vain. Chung Myung, clutching the documents to his chest, flung open the door and rushed away like the wind.

A moment of silence followed.

Afterward, the two people who had been gripping empty air lowered their hands weakly and looked at each other. For this moment, the distinctions between the Just and the Evil, the prestigious and the lowly, were all meaningless.

“Will it… be alright?”

“…I don’t think so.”

A simultaneous sigh escaped both of their lips.

At that time, Hyun Jong’s face remained etched with deep concern, which showed no sign of easing.

By now, the best minds of Cheonumaeng must be deeply engrossed in devising the new organization structure. Understanding how critical this task was, Hyun Jong felt anxious. However, sadly, he lacked the ability to assist with the task.

So, all he could do was support them in spirit.

‘It surely isn’t as easy as they say…’

Bang!

“Please stamp this, Alliance Leader!”

Pfft!

Hyun Jong spat his tea into the air.

“Ch-Chung Myung-ah!”

“The new structure of the Alliance is here! The new one!”

“Ah, no… already?”

“Yes.”

What kind of lightning-speed work is this? Even appointing new teachers at the new school would take longer than this.

“Here! Just review and stamp it.”

“Ah, no, this can’t be rushed like this…”

“Oh, it’s not such a big deal. Just get it done quickly.”

Hyun Jong, half-dazed, took the directory that Chung Myung thrust at him.

‘Is this really how it’s done?’

Is it supposed to be decided this quickly? He should know if this is right or wrong…

As Hyun Jong flipped through the documents with a blank stare, he suddenly jolted.

‘Wait a minute.’

Did he see something wrong?

Hyun Jong quickly flipped through, only to find a series of names that shocked him. In the beginning… There were supposed to be names of division leaders [당주 – Dangju].

“…Baek…Cheon?”

Chung Myung nodded enthusiastically.

“Dongryong might be a bit unreliable, but he listens well.”

Hyun Jong, with trembling hands, opened another volume.

“Yoon…Jong?”

“Similarly.”

“…”

He turned to the next volume, where he saw Jo Geol’s name, and his heart sank even further as he opened yet another volume…

“So…So?”

“Oh, yes. I honestly debated it a bit. I was even considering giving a seat to Geumryong as well.”

Cheong Myung laughed mischievously.

“But it’s a bit annoying. After all, the point is to work with a unified mind, right? So it’s better to have people who can communicate well, don’t you think?”

Hyun Jong was utterly at a loss for words. As Chung Myung approached with a sly grin and whispered in his ear, Hyun Jong’s face lit up with a warm smile.

“This is a chance to get something good out of this, isn’t it? Good things are good, right? You know, retired Sect Leader? You understand, right?”

Lost in thought, Hyun Jong finally smiled broadly.

“Hey, you little rascal!”

“Aack! Why! Why are you hitting me!”

“Get out of here! You damned evil spirit!”

The documents Hyun Jong hurled struck Chung Myung squarely on the back of his head. The events of the day became a subject of frequent discussion, often ending with the saying, ‘Even the grand and benevolent Hyun Jong, who forgave Jongnam, couldn’t tolerate Chung Myung.’

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