Return of the Mount Hua

I can’t afford to lose it. (10)

ROTMHS Glossary || About page

Drip.

The teacup slowly filled to the brim.

Hyun Jong silently gazed at the filled cup. His feelings as he looked down at the tea were quite different from usual.

“Please, have some.”

After a brief silence, Hyun Jong politely extended the teacup to Jongli Gok, who sat across from him. Jongli Gok accepted the cup with proper decorum. 

“Thank you, retired Sect Leader.”

But he too merely set the cup down in front of him without bringing it to his lips. The steam rising between the two remained futilely suspended in the air as both kept their mouths tightly shut.

Hyun Jong spoke heavily.

“First, I apologize if this is impolite, but is what you said really the truth…?”

“There’s no need to apologize, retired Sect Leader.”

Jongli Gok shook his head.

“It’s not something I would call a grave matter, but it is indeed a sensitive issue. Naturally, it must be confirmed.”

“So, then…”

Jongli Gok nodded.

“Yes. It is possible.”

“…”

“I wouldn’t dare say ‘perfectly’… but I can help that child to once again hold a sword and walk his own path. With a seventy percent chance of success.”

“Seventy percent…”

Hyun Jong’s eyelids trembled faintly. That level of probability was not insignificant.

“How is such a thing possible? Even the head of the Tang clan said it was impossible…”

A bitter smile spread across Jongli Gok’s lips.

“Retired Sect Leader, how do you think Gangho will fare in the future?”

“What?”

It was an unexpected topic to bring up in this situation.

Was he perhaps blaming Hyun Jong for clinging to a single disciple in this urgent time? Or was he genuinely trying to discuss the state of affairs?

As Hyun Jong tried to discern Jongli Gok’s true intentions, Jongli Gok spoke once more, uttering something even more unexpected.

“I believe that one day, Gangho will disappear.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“Because it cannot progress. Martial arts have not advanced. In fact, they have regressed. You know this as well, retired Sect Leader, don’t you?”

Hyun Jong’s eyes narrowed slightly. He found it difficult to grasp why Jongli Gok was bringing up such a topic.

“The ancient martial arts texts, mastered by our ancestors, are still stored within each sect, yet today’s disciples struggle even to follow in their footsteps. If this continues, martial arts will eventually become obsolete and fade away from the world.”

“Sect Leader, that’s…”

Unable to endure his frustration any longer, Hyun Jong tried to interject, but Jongli Gok continued speaking.

“I wanted to tell you that medicine is no different. Many in the world discuss the art of healing, but none have yet reached the heights of Hua Tuo or Bian Que from the past. Eventually, even the medicine of the Central Plains will become obsolete, replaced by something entirely different. Such is the way of the world.”

Only then did Hyun Jong understand what Jongli Gok was trying to convey.

“You’re saying that the medicine of the past was far more advanced than what we have today.”

“That’s correct.”

Whether Jongli Gok’s claim was true or not wasn’t particularly important to Hyun Jong. 

What mattered was that by saying this, Jongli Gok implied that he had a means to heal Baek Cheon – something that was created far in the past, long before the present day.

“It’s something passed down as a rare treasure in Jongnam. However, because of its value, it hasn’t been used often.”

“I see…”

If it was such a precious item, it would be difficult to use it on an ordinary disciple. It would only be used if someone like the Sect Leader, or someone of comparable status, suffered a severe injury.

But how often would someone of such standing suffer an injury so severe that it didn’t kill them outright but left them completely incapacitated?

“You’re saying you would use this rare treasure on Baek Cheon?”

“That’s correct.”

Hyun Jong bit down on the inside of his cheek in silence. Jongli Gok, who had been watching him closely, let out a short sigh and continued.

“Baek Cheon, or rather Jin Dongryong, is not only a member of the Jin family, who are the backbone of Jongnam, but he is also the younger brother of Jin Geumryong, who is destined to become the future Sect Leader of Jongnam. Furthermore, on an individual level, he is the Vice Sect Leader of the famous Hwasan Sect and the leader of the renowned Five Swords of Hwasan.”

“…”

“And that’s not all. He is the close friend of Hwasan Geomhyeop, who is certain to become the world’s greatest swordsman, and he has strong ties with the heirs of various sects who will become the pillars of Gangho. Stripped of all superficial titles, Jin Dongryong’s influence surpasses even mine as the Sect Leader of Jongnam.”

Jongli Gok’s voice was utterly calm, as if to emphasize that there was no personal bias in his assessment.

“So… giving such a treasure to someone of his caliber is something our ancestors would not strongly oppose. However,” 

he sighed once more, 

“since this is a treasure of Jongnam, it can only be used by a disciple of Jongnam.”

Hyun Jong closed his eyes. Jongli Gok let out a faint, pained sound.

In the past, he might have taken some satisfaction in delivering such news. But not now. At the very least, Jongli Gok’s concern for Hyun Jong and Hwasan was genuine.

Unfortunately, the responsibilities of the Sect Leader of Jongnam and Jongli Gok’s personal feelings couldn’t always align. Thus, even as he carried out his duties, his heart remained heavy.

That’s why he decided to lay everything bare.

“I don’t know the original name of this treasure. Within Jongnam, it is simply referred to as Heavenly Elixir [상천약수(上天藥水) – or heavenly medicine water].”

“Heavenly Elixir…”

It was a name that carried an almost grandiose weight.

“As far as I know, this elixir has been in Jongnam’s possession since at least before the era of Medicine Immortal. Personally, I believe it might be the Divine Hand Physician’s creation, the Great Luo Divine Water [대라성수(大羅聖水)].”

“The Great Luo Divine Water…!”

Hyun Jong’s eyes widened in shock. He had heard of it as well.

Divine Water of the Divine Hand.

It was a practitioner who had made a significant name for himself in Gangho several hundred years ago. His skills were said to be so advanced that he could reattach severed limbs as if they were never injured and even bring the dead back to life.

If the Heavenly Elixir was indeed the Divine Water it must be revered as the most precious treasure. It was believed to have disappeared along with the Divine Hand Physician.

“…Are you certain?”

“I don’t know.”

Jongli Gok shook his head.

“There’s no one left who could verify the authenticity of the Divine Water.”

“…That’s true.”

“However, the effects of this elixir have been confirmed within Jongnam, and they do not differ much from the legendary Divine Water. It has been used twice so far, and each time it saved someone who was on the brink of death.”

Hyun Jong let out a heavy sigh.

‘The Divine Water…’

If what Jongli Gok said was true, then perhaps Baek Cheon’s body could indeed be healed.

Unlike elixirs that focus on enhancing inner strength, the Divine Water was a life-saving liquid, designed specifically to heal injuries and restore life. 

It might just be able to mend Baek Cheon’s shattered and fractured body, perhaps even restoring him to the image of the proud young swordsman that everyone remembered.

Not in his current state, where he was desperately battling illness and falling apart, but…

A groan-like sound escaped from Hyun Jong’s lips. Hope and despair tangled together, scratching at his throat.

“If… he becomes a disciple of Jongnam, that is.”

Jongli Gok didn’t respond. There was no need to.

“How could…”

An indescribable mix of emotions flickered across Hyun Jong’s face.

He understood.

Even with the condition that Baek Cheon must become a disciple of Jongnam, offering such a precious treasure was the greatest act of kindness Jongli Gok could extend. As someone who had once held a similar position of leadership, Hyun Jong could see that.

But how could such kindness be both so sweet and so bitter?

“This matter… this is…”

Unconsciously, Hyun Jong bit down on his lower lip. Sensing his turmoil, Jongli Gok spoke to ease his burden.

“I apologize, retired Sect Leader.”

“What?”

“I made a mistake, and this matter has already been conveyed to the Vice Sect Leader.”

Hyun Jong’s eyes widened in an instant.

“To Baek Cheon?”

“Yes. His older brother… it seems he couldn’t contain his impatience.”

Hyun Jong’s shoulders trembled. A sudden fear gripped him, and he found himself unable to speak. Yet, he forced himself to ask, knowing he had to.

“What… what did this child decide to do?”

Jongli Gok lowered his head heavily, fiddling with the teacup in his hands.

“I haven’t received a definitive answer, but it seems the Vice Sect Leader… has refused to become a disciple of Jongnam.”

“…”

“Even if he cannot regain his martial arts, it seems he wishes to remain simply as a disciple of Hwasan. Even in… such a state.”

Hyun Jong recalled the moment he had faced Baek Cheon earlier – the way the young man had struggled to appear composed.

He had anticipated this. He knew Baek Cheon was grappling with deep turmoil.

But he had never imagined that Baek Cheon would reject such an opportunity, choosing instead to remain a disciple of Hwasan.

‘Baek Cheon… you foolish boy.’

Hyun Jong’s vision blurred as tears welled up in his eyes.

What is Hwasan, that it means so much to you…

Hyun Jong turned to Jongli Gok and asked again.

“If it’s already decided, why did you feel the need to inform me?”

Jongli Gok let out a short sigh.

“Because it is something you deserved to know.”

“…”

“Whether by mistake or otherwise, we caused great confusion for the Vice Sect Leader through our mistakes. Therefore, it was only right to inform you and offer my apologies.”

After hesitating for a moment, Jongli Gok finally spoke.

“And, I must admit… I don’t want to see such an exceptional individual like Jin Dongryong, or Baek Cheon, fade away like this.”

“…”

“If Hwasan permits, we can prevent the loss of such a promising young swordsman. He is…”

Jongli Gok’s words trailed off into a sigh.

“Isn’t he too valuable to let his light be extinguished like this?”

Hyun Jong remained silent. Jongli Gok hadn’t expected an answer.

“I only wanted to say this. All decisions are yours to make, retired Sect Leader.”

Jongli Gok rose from his seat.

“I apologize for burdening you with this. I will take my leave now.”

With a respectful bow, Jongli Gok turned to go. Hyun Jong didn’t stop him. He had no words of farewell, no proper response to offer.

He simply stared vacantly at the teacup filled with cold, untouched tea.

‘Baek Cheon-ah…’

With trembling hands, Hyun Jong grasped the teacup on the table.

Even this simple task, Baek Cheon cannot do on his own now. He may never be able to enjoy even a single cup of tea with his own hands again.

As long as he remains a disciple of Hwasan, this will be his fate – forever.

Hyun Jong slowly closed his eyes.

The youthful face of Baek Cheon when he first came to Hwasan was still vividly clear in his mind. Back then, he was a boy full of hope and confidence, shining so brightly.

The memory was so dazzling that it made Hyun Jong’s heart ache even more. A dull, persistent pain wrapped around him, a pain that wouldn’t fade no matter how much he tried to brush it away.

❀ ❀ ❀

Beyond the wall, where Hyun Jong’s faint sigh could not reach, a man had slumped to the ground beneath the window. His face was rigid, frozen in shock.

It was Baek Sang.

“Oh…”

He unintentionally let out a sound, quickly covering his mouth in fear that Hyun Jong might hear. But he was still in a daze.

‘What did I just hear?’

He stared blankly into the air for a moment, then scrambled to crawl away from the window. He took a few cautious steps before suddenly breaking into a frantic run.

‘Sahyeong… Sahyeong can be healed?’

He needed to go to Baek Cheon. 

No, that wasn’t right. Baek Cheon wouldn’t agree to see him.

Then what should he do?

‘Who should I tell?’

He knew he couldn’t handle this on his own. He had to tell someone, anyone, about what he had just learned.

Clutching his chest, which felt like it might burst, he sprinted away.

From a distance, Jongli Gok watched Baek Sang’s hurried departure, letting out a brief sigh before turning away.

It was going to be a long night.

Next chapter >>>

________

Wtf. 

________

The latest chapters of the novel – Patreon or Buymeacoffee – caught up to the ongoing there. Currently aligning my blog and my Patreon schedule-wise so the new schedule here soon too.