Return of the Mount Hua

It’s a good day. (2) 

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“A-Already?” 

“Sapaeryeon?” 

“Where to!” 

“Did Jang Ilso move personally?”

Voices erupted almost simultaneously from all directions. The slightly excited atmosphere of the meeting room changed in an instant.

Under the pouring gazes, Im Sobyeong nodded heavily. 

“Yes. He moved personally.”

A few people swallowed dryly. Yoon Jong unconsciously clutched his chest. An indescribable pressure washed over them.

Jang Ilso moved himself. Who here wouldn’t understand the significance of those words? 

“Where did he head to?” 

“The destination is not certain yet. But judging by the northern direction…”

Im Sobyeong’s face slightly hardened. 

“It seems the target is Henan.” 

“Henan? Why?” 

Tang Gunak shouted in a surprised voice. 

“He must know we are here, so why start with Henan, which is practically an empty land?” 

“It’s not an empty land.”

“Hmm?” 

Im Sobyeong shook his head cleanly. 

“Have you forgotten? They have already targeted Mount Song once. But they retreated upon realizing the unfavorable situation. This clearly shows their intention to eliminate the remnants of Shaolin.”

Those who had gone to support Shaolin nodded heavily. 

‘Blood Cult…’

Baek Cheon’s face hardened as he recalled that time. If he had not arrived in time back then, Shaolin might have ceased to exist in this world. They had been fortunate to fend off one assault, but Sapaeryeon would not easily give up on prey it once missed.

“Then, is their target Shaolin?” 

“Considering Jang Ilso’s persistence, the first place he would target is undoubtedly there.”

“Hmm. I thought they would aim for this place,”

murmured Hyun Jong, to which Im Sobyeong shook his head again. 

“Jang Ilso is not someone who targets the strong points of his opponent. He is a person who persistently digs into the wounds. He would not attack a place that has already prepared.”

Several nodded in agreement. Thinking back on Jang Ilso’s actions so far, it was indeed a plausible argument. The place most severely wounded at present was undoubtedly Shaolin. Of course, there were places nearly annihilated, but they were no longer considered in the strategic calculations.

The place Jang Ilso would most eagerly covet was, naturally, Shaolin. 

“Then what should we do?” 

“What kind of question is that? Of course, we must support Shaolin. Are we just going to stand by and watch Sapaeryeon’s bastards devour Shaolin?”

“But… Shaolin…”

At that moment, Zhuge Jain, who had remained silent until then, spoke up.

“I understand that everyone here harbors ill feelings towards Shaolin.”

The murmuring ceased as people closed their mouths.

“I too, at this moment… cannot say that my feelings towards them are good.”

Zhuge Jain made eye contact with several people slowly.

“But we cannot let Shaolin be annihilated like this. It’s not just about their symbolic significance. The silent monks of Shaolin are also an excellent force for the Just Sects. Losing them would be too great a loss.”

“…”

“If Cheonumaeng truly aims to serve the world and Gangho, rather than just being a place where a few sects gather to show off their strength, then we must put aside our old grudges and support Shaolin.”

As Zhuge Jain paused briefly, Hyun Jong raised his hand lightly to stop him. Then he slowly shook his head.

“There is no need to say more.”

“Alliance Leader, but…”

“I have never once considered abandoning Shaolin. Are they not also part of Gangho that must fight alongside us?”

It was an unexpected statement. Zhuge Jain, who had been trying to persuade Hyun Jong, slightly opened his mouth in surprise.

If one were to pick the person here who harbored the worst feelings towards Shaolin, Zhuge Jain would undoubtedly choose Hyun Jong and Chung Myung. In terms of intensity of emotions, Chung Myung might be at the top, but in terms of deep-seated resentment towards Shaolin, no one could surpass Hyun Jong.

Yet, Hyun Jong had declared, without a moment’s hesitation, that they would save Shaolin. 

Even Baek Cheon supported Hyun Jong. 

“Alliance Leader is right. We have already helped Shaolin once. There’s no reason we can’t do it twice.”

“Ugh… Sasuk. There are still Beop J… I mean, the Abbot should be there now, so do we really have to…”

“This is not the time to consider such conditions. We are fighting against Sapaeryeon, not dividing between Cheonumaeng and those outside of it, right?”

“…That’s true.”

Jo Geol, having brought up the topic only to get no support, lowered his head dejectedly. But then, 

“Wait a moment. Are you saying we should go help Shaolin now?”

Im Sobyeong asked Baek Cheon as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. 

Baek Cheon tilted his head in confusion.

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“Obvious? Did you just say it’s obvious?”

“Well… Shaolin is in danger, isn’t it?”

Baek Cheon looked around as if wondering if he had thought wrongly. No one particularly gave him a look or answered him. 

“No, Vice Sect Leader!”

Im Sobyeong’s voice rose as if he was frustrated.

“If we go to help Shaolin now, it’s not Shaolin that’s in danger, it’s us, us!”

“…What do you mean?”

“Have you already forgotten how Jang Ilso crushed Paeng and Kongtong?”

Baek Cheon’s mouth shut instantly upon hearing those words.

“He targeted their shaky command structure. In other words, he’s a master at dealing with forces that aren’t properly organized. And how are we right now?”

“Well…”

Baek Cheon’s voice lost its momentum and trailed off, unlike before.

“We have just locked up people who defied our vice-leaders. Even Paeng and Kongtong, who Jang Ilso toyed with like children, weren’t as disorganized as we are.”

Every word hit the mark. Baek Cheon’s shoulders slumped a bit more.

“Right now, the vice-leaders can’t even control one of their own members properly. Going to fight Jang Ilso in this state, the result is obvious.”

“It’s not like Jang Ilso knows our situation,” 

Jo Geol said, trying to defend Baek Cheon. Im Sobyeong’s gaze fixed on him.

“Why do you think he doesn’t know?”

“…What?”

“Do you really think he doesn’t know? We can see how they move so clearly, and you think they can’t see us?”

“That, that’s…”

“It’s possible that Jang Ilso’s move right now is based on observing our situation. If we recklessly rush to Henan now, we’ll be sticking our heads into the tiger’s mouth.”

“Ugh…”

Tang Gunak, deep in thought, let out a groan.

“It’s not exactly pleasant… but there is indeed sense in Nokrim King’s words.”

“He’s someone experienced in handling disorderly troops, so his words carry weight,” 

Maeng So added, with Tang Gunak forcing a bitter smile. Then he asked Im Sobyeong. 

“So, what do you think we should do?”

“We need to buy some time, even if it’s just a few days. The conclusions reached here today need to be communicated to the members of the Alliance, and they need to genuinely grasp the urgency of the situation.”

“A few days, you say…”

“We need to hold out for at least three days. That’s the minimum.”

“In three days, Sapaeryeon could have already trampled Shaolin,” 

Tang Gunak pointed out. 

Im Sobyeong scoffed.

“Why would they?”

“Hmm? What do you mean by that?”

“They won’t get trampled if they aren’t there. Send an urgent message to Shaolin and tell them to flee Mount Song immediately.”

Tang Gunak’s mouth opened slightly in surprise.

“That, that’s…”

“Waiting there knowing the enemy is coming is foolish. If their aim is obvious, just avoid it.”

“Do you think Shaolin will do that?”

“If they don’t, it’s their fault. We bear no responsibility.”

Tang Gunak, at a loss for words, stared blankly at Im Sobyeong. At moments like this, it was clear – there was a definite difference in their way of thinking.

The uniquely free-spirited thinking of the Evil Sect was difficult for Tang Gunak to follow. Im Sobyeong was much more adamant than usual.

“At any rate, it’s absolutely impossible. That damned Jang Ilso has already exploited the chaos in the command structures to crush Shaolin, Kongtong, and Paeng. Repeating the same mistake after witnessing that would be the act of unparalleled idiots.”

“…”

“Shaolin has already tasted defeat once; this time, they will retreat quietly. Isn’t that right?”

Im Sobyeong’s gaze, demanding affirmation, bore into Hye Yeon and Baek Cheon. Unconsciously, Baek Cheon nodded.

“Indeed…”

While the rigid Beop Jong might have resisted, someone like Hye Bang would certainly find a way to avoid the enemy.

“What are you waiting for! Send the message immediately! Given the situation, we need to use the few days Sapaeryeon wastes on a trip to Henan to our full advantage. Vice-leaders and division leaders, gather your members and train them thoroughly.”

Everyone nodded as if entranced. Then, someone who had remained silent until now spoke up.

“I’m having a bit of trouble understanding.”

“Hmm?”

It was Chung Myung.

“What exactly are we discussing right now?”

The attendees exchanged puzzled glances. No one could easily grasp what Chung Myung meant. Eventually, Hyun Jong, representing the group, had to ask.

“…What are you saying, Chung Myung?”

“The conclusion is that since they are targeting Shaolin, we should tell Shaolin to flee, right?”

“That’s… right.”

“What if they don’t flee?”

Hyun Jong looked at Chung Myung with a puzzled expression. Why was he asking again about something that had already been discussed…?

But Chung Myung posed another question.

“Why do you assume it’s Shaolin?”

“Didn’t we discuss this already?”

“Yes, but why is the conclusion that ‘Sapaeryeon is targeting Shaolin’?”

“Because they said they’re heading to Henan, and in Henan…”

At that moment, a thought struck Hyun Jong, and he couldn’t finish his sentence. The others also had similar realizations, their faces hardening.

The dominant sect in Henan is, of course, Shaolin. However, anyone who is part of Gangho, or even those with a basic knowledge of it, knows one thing.

Shaolin isn’t the only sect in Henan.

There’s another sect in Henan that’s just as famous and powerful as Shaolin.

“Could it be…”

“Yes.”

Chung Myung looked at Hyun Jong with darkened eyes.

“To get to Shaolin from their location, they have to pass through Wudang. There’s no way they’d leave Wudang alone.”

“Wait a moment. Wudang is currently in Bongmun…”

“Do you really think they’d leave a sect alone just because it has closed its gates?”

Chung Myung spoke in a chilling voice.

“No, before that. Even if Sapaeryeon intends to do so, do you think that person… would just let them pass?”

Everyone’s expressions hardened as they realized what they had overlooked.

Of course, there are many sects with grudges against Sapaeryeon. However, if one were to pick the person with the deepest hatred towards Sapaeryeon and Jang Ilso himself, there is one name that would undoubtedly come up.

That person is currently in Wudang.

“Shaolin might flee. But ‘they’ won’t. They might have managed it once, but never a second time.”

A person who lost all their prestige because of Sapaeryeon’s treachery.

Someone who has endured, with a heart full of vengeful determination, up to this very moment.

❀ ❀ ❀

“Sect… Leader”

A figure, neatly dressed in martial robes, cautiously called out to the seated man. However, the Taoist, who had a long beard reminiscent of Guan Yu, didn’t move even in response to the call.

After a brief moment of hesitation, assuming the Taoist was listening, the figure conveyed the news.

“Sapaeryeon’s troops… and Paegun are heading to Henan.”

At that moment, the Taoist’s closed eyes slowly opened. In his once-clear and empty eyes, a cold, biting northern wind began to surge.

“Paegun?”

“Yes.”

The Taoist nodded so slowly that it was almost imperceptible.

“Then, it’s time to reclaim what was lost.”

Muttering quietly to himself, the Taoist stood up. The aura he exuded was as sharp and chilling as a blade. This Taoist, known for his frigid presence, was called Heo Do Jinin [허도진인(虛道眞人)*] of Wudang.

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* 眞人 – Jinin – “one who attained the Tao”, immortal, “true man”. A title for Taoist monks. Let’s call him Heo Do Jinin, I think it’s my first time translating about him. 

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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.