Return of the Mount Hua

So, are you enjoying this? (4)

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“I understand what Sect Leader is saying, but isn’t war a reality?”

The sharpness in the voice of an old swordsman was unmistakable. While it might be an exaggeration to call it animosity, it was certainly not a friendly tone. There was overt wariness and a hint of rivalry.

Or perhaps, as irreverent as it might sound, it was a feeling that could be called jealousy.

“Reality, you say?”

“Yes.”

The old swordsman in blue martial arts robes looked coldly at the person sitting in front of him.

“The disciples of each sect follow their master’s way. Where would young birds without a mother go? They would simply fall from the nest and die, wouldn’t they?”

“Of course, no one denies that the elders of the sect are best suited to lead their disciples. However, given the current situation…”

“Even if the situation is difficult, there are things that can be done and things that cannot. The disciples of each sect have dedicated their lives to their sects. How could we demand such a thing from them?”

Listening to the voice filled with anger, the man closed his eyes. The old swordsman spoke firmly again.

“I cannot speak for the other sect leaders, but at least we cannot spare any disciples. Even if it were my own will, the disciples would not agree.”

As the listener quietly nodded, another person spoke up. It was a Taoist monk wearing a formal headdress*.

“Indeed, it is a difficult request… but there is merit in what the Sect Leader of Hwasan is saying.”

“Sect leader!”

The old swordsman was taken aback and exclaimed, but the other person responded with a gentle smile.

“Then how about this?”

His voice, unlike the old swordsman’s, was filled with ease.

“To gain the support of many, it is important to set an example. In that sense, how about the Sect Leader making a decision and offering the disciples of Hwasan? If the swordsmen of Hwasan were to follow Wudang’s command, I am confident that I could achieve tangible results.”

“…Sect leader.”

“If that happens, wouldn’t it clearly strengthen the efforts of the Sect Leader of Hwasan as well?”

With a look full of leisure, though certainly not with any kindness.

A faint sigh escaped from Chung Mun’s mouth as he stared at the man’s nonchalant expression.

“Aren’t you well aware that the current situation does not allow for the withdrawal of Hwasan’s disciples?”

“Isn’t it the same for both sides?”

Chung Mun’s face hardened slightly.

The same? What does he mean by ‘the same’? Hwasan is breaking the enemy’s sharp attack at the forefront, while they are merely in a position of support behind.

Is it really such a difficult request to ask other sects to send their disciples to support, given the significant losses Hwasan is incurring at the forefront?

As Chung Mun struggled to suppress his despair, the words continued to flow.

“If it’s for the sake of Gangho and a way to reduce sacrifices, then naturally we would do so. But it seems now is not the time for such drastic changes.”

Reluctantly, Chung Mun nodded in agreement.

It wasn’t because he agreed with the logic. It was because it was difficult to raise his voice alone in a situation where everyone opposed.

“In any case, Wudang cannot support the Sect Leader’s wishes. Originally, a sect is like a family and a home. Its strength can only be fully realized when fighting together.”

“…If so.”

“Is there anything else you would like to say?”

Chung Mun, who had seemed about to say something, shook his head instead.

“I understand the Sect Leader’s words well.”

Even though the proposal was outright rejected without a proper discussion, Chung Mun showed neither disappointment nor discomfort. He simply seemed to accept the situation with calm resignation.

Under the weight of the inscrutable, serene atmosphere, those present cleared their throats awkwardly as if unsure of how to proceed.

“Well, it seems we’ve covered everything that needed to be discussed today, so I’ll be taking my leave.”

The Sect Leader of Wudang, perhaps feeling awkward, added casually.

“It’s only natural to reduce the time for discussions during war.”

Having made this unwarranted excuse, the sect leader stood up, and the others quickly followed suit, rising without reluctance. They marched out in a display of their influence but walked briskly toward the door as if eager to run away.

At that moment, Wudang’s Sect Leader, who had reached the door, stopped and turned to look back at Chung Mun still seated.

“If I may offer a word of caution, just to be considerate.”

“…”

“Though everyone acknowledges the prowess and wisdom of the Sect Leader of Hwasan, there are times when he may seem overly advanced. Us ordinary folks find it difficult to keep up with such insight, so I ask for your understanding and consideration.”

Numerous gazes pierced into Chung Mun like arrows.

“If I’ve caused any discomfort, I apologize. It’s due to my own shortcomings.”

“…No need to mention it.”

Wudang’s Sect Leader gave a brief nod of courtesy and completely turned away. A small smirk of triumph appeared on his lips.

With a decisive motion, he flung open the door and was about to step forward with a commanding presence. Or rather, he intended to.

“Eh?”

“What’s this…?”

Those who were about to rebuke the impudent visitor who dared to enter the meeting of Gupailbang and Five Great Families were momentarily silenced, their mouths closing like clams.

The person blocking the door stared coldly at the Sect Leader of Wudang. There was no overt display of force or killing intent, but his body immediately tensed up.

The man who had given the frosty glance spoke slowly.

“You seem to be quite clean.”

At his words, the gaze of the assembled leaders shifted. First to their own attire, and then to the clothes of the one blocking the door.

Unlike the pristine garments without a speck of dust, the clothes of the one blocking the door were stained with indelible splotches. The nature of these stains was apparent to those who recognized them, and they could only clear their throats awkwardly or remain silent.

“Sometimes, it’s good to train a bit as well, Sect Leaders. If martial artists like yourselves are so well-fed, even demonic cultists might mistake you for some landlords and simply pass by.”

“…”

The statement that they had gained weight was obviously false. They were already peak martial artists, and a slight lapse in training would not alter their physique.

Yet, no one there dared to point this out or question the rudeness.

“T-That….”

Those who had been glaring at the man blocking the door finally spoke with restrained voices.

“……G-Geomjon.”

Maehwa Geomjon Chung Myung glared at the speaker without responding. The one who spoke flinched and shut his mouth, avoiding Chung Myung’s gaze.

A sneer escaped from Chung Myung’s lips.

“You’re making a fuss like a mother bird.”

“…”

“Even a mere creature like a small bird would risk its life fighting a snake if its chicks were in danger. They don’t just watch from the sidelines.”

“G-Geomjon, we….”

Those who had been about to speak found themselves at a loss for words and turned to look back in confusion. The only person capable of handling Maehwa Geomjon. Receiving that gaze, Chung Mun sighed and spoke up.

“Chung Myung-ah, refrain from showing rudeness to the sect leaders.”

“…”

“Step aside. Quickly.”

Chung Myung glanced at Chung Mun and took a step to the side, creating just enough space for one person to pass through.

He then stared intently at the sect leaders, as if daring them to pass.

“Chung Myung!”

Only after another sharp reprimand did Chung Myung fully clear the way. Yet, he made no effort to hide his displeasure, crossing his arms and leaning nonchalantly against the doorframe.

“Ahem.”

The Sect Leader of Wudang awkwardly muttered a meaningless phrase.

“Well then.”

Everyone quickly left the meeting room in a rush. Among all those people, no one made eye contact with Chung Myung standing beside the door.

Stiffly, they barely managed to exit the meeting room, then fled without looking back.

“Phew.”

Only when they were far enough that the meeting room was barely visible did they turn around and sigh.

“Such rudeness…!”

“How can he be so insolent?”

At last, the complaints erupted.

“Sect Leader! Will you really continue to tolerate this? Isn’t that person’s rudeness beyond the limit?”

A look of bitterness crossed the face of Wudang’s Sect Leader.

“Well, what can we do?”

“Shouldn’t we take action against the rudeness so far?”

“Take action, you say…”

The Sect Leader of Wudang sighed briefly.

“Punishment can only fall on those who are willing to accept it, don’t you agree? You know what kind of person he is.”

With that, the other sect leaders had no choice but to remain silent.

Punishment can only fall on those who are willing to accept it. It was a somewhat peculiar statement, but at least in the current situation, it was accurate.

Maehwa Geomjon Chung Myung.

Though the world calls him one of the Three Greatest Swordsmen of the World, everyone here knew how hollow that title really was.

The difference between the others included among the Three Greatest Swordsmen of the World and Chung Myung’s prowess was so great that words alone couldn’t describe it. The others were not even in a position to discuss swords with Chung Myung.

Who could possibly hold him accountable for his actions?

Not through skill, for that could not impose guilt. Instead, one would need to suppress him through authority and justification, but Maehwa Geomjon Chung Myung was not someone who could be influenced by such means.

He was precisely the type that could be called a notorious delinquent.

If not for Chung Mun of Hwasan keeping him in check, there would have been numerous incidents by now.

Seeing the deep discontent on the faces of the other sect leaders, the Sect Leader of Wudang spoke.

“Moreover, such punishment would not necessarily benefit us.”

“Hmm….”

A few nodded in agreement with that statement.

In truth, if Geomjon were to be punished and stepped away from his position, the ones who would suffer the most would be Gupailbang and the Five Great Families. Knowing this, no one there could afford to express dissatisfaction beyond mere complaints.

“Don’t worry too much. A hunting dog that is skilled in its trade may be a bit fierce, but it needs to be fed good meat. However, we all know what happens to a hunting dog that no longer hunts, don’t we?”

Gradually, the expressions of the sect leaders softened.

“For now, just focus on providing quality meat. It’s the best path for everyone.”

“Understood.”

After exchanging what was essentially a predictable venting of frustrations, an awkward silence began to settle in. Just as everyone was about to hastily exchange their farewells and disperse.

“But, is it really okay?”

“You mean Geomjon?”

“No, not that… I mean what the Sect Leader of Hwasan said.”

The Sect Leader of the Beggars Sect, with a somewhat uneasy expression, spoke up.

“It’s not false that there are casualties at the front lines in Hwasan and that they need manpower and support…”

“Of course, Hwasan’s Sect Leader is not someone who would lie.”

“That’s why I’m asking.”

“But support won’t be necessary.”

“…Why is that?”

The Sect Leader of Wudang slowly stroked his long, flowing beard.

“The sects that can stand at the front line aren’t limited to Hwasan. If Hwasan’s strength is exhausted, other sects can step in. There’s no need for other sects to divide their resources just to assist them. Isn’t that a more reasonable course of action?”

A peculiar expression appeared on the beggar’s face. On the surface, it seemed like a valid point.

But could other sects really play the same role as Hwasan? Was this person truly convinced that it could happen?

Perhaps…

“A sect weakens the more it is divided. As long as Demonic Cult still has considerable strength, we must not recklessly expend our own resources.”

“Indeed, that is correct.”

“If Hwasan’s strength falters, then Jongnam will step forward.”

“No, that is our shared responsibility.”

Seeing the boastful declarations of the sect leaders, the Beggars Sect’s Sect Leader’s expression darkened.

‘It would be a blessing if even one of them actually stepped up when the time comes.’

But he couldn’t openly sigh. Disagreeing with these people was a difficult matter in itself.

His gaze unconsciously drifted back toward the meeting room.

‘Sect leader… Geomjon.’

In his eyes was an inescapable sense of regret.

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*The word for Taoist’s hat was 관. I assume it’s a guanjin (冠巾) or 混元巾 – hard-shelled hat with holes in the top of the hat to reveal the hair bun. The upper back is slightly raised to symbolize transcendence.

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Small mass upload since I have nearly caught up to the ongoing on my Patreon (and Buymeacoffee). But still 80+ more chapters translated there.