Return of the Mount Hua

You can think of this as me blowing off some steam. (1)

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Tang Gunak, the head of the Sichuan Tang Clan, looked at the man seated before him.

“Alliance Leader.”

Hyun Jong, the retired Sect Leader of Hwasan and the Alliance Leader of Cheonumaeng.

What was slightly unusual was that there was nothing between them. 

Hyun Jong was known for his hospitality, to the point where there was a joke circulating that he would offer a cup of tea even to the Heavenly Demon. Within Cheonumaeng, he had even earned the affectionate nickname Tea-Loving Elder [다정노군(茶情老君)]. 

A play on words meaning both ‘affectionate with tea’ and ‘overflowing with emotion’.

But now, Hyun Jong did not offer Tang Gunak any tea. This was a clear sign of how deeply troubled Hyun Jong was at the moment.

Tang Gunak, understanding the gravity of the situation, knew he had to voice his concerns, even if it meant saying something unpleasant. After letting out a brief sigh, Tang Gunak spoke again.

“There’s no more point in continuing this search. It must be stopped.”

Hyun Jong, who had been silent, looked quietly at Tang Gunak.

“The voices of dissent are growing louder.”

“…”

“I fully understand your feelings. But the Vice Sect Leader… No, if Jin clan’s Jin Dongryong has decided to hide himself, he won’t be easily found. You, of all people, know his capabilities best, Alliance Leader.”

Even as he spoke, Tang Gunak suppressed his own emotions.

Why is it not regretful, then? However, now is the time to set all of this aside.

“Cheonumaeng is an alliance.”

“…”

“Some are desperately waiting for news about Vice Sect Leader, but others don’t even care. In such a situation, it’s not good to force everyone into a search. This might lead to resentment towards the Alliance Leader.”

Tang Gunak sighed deeply as he finally voiced what he had been suppressing.

“So now, a decision must be made…”

At that moment, a faint, bitter smile briefly crossed Hyun Jong’s lips, who had been silent the entire time.

“Isn’t it strange? It’s not something to boast about, but… I have never once given an order to search for that child.”

Tang Gunak closed his mouth instantly. Indeed, that must be true. As a proof, Hwasan has not participated in the search until now.

“The ones who initiated the search were the heads of other sects.”

It’s only natural.

Cheonumaeng is an alliance where various sects gather, and therefore, the Alliance Leader cannot unilaterally exercise decision-making power over everything. In cases of life-threatening or urgent matters concerning the fate of Gangho, perhaps he could exercise authority, but it’s difficult to enforce something as trivial as searching for a person.

“But… it falls on me to clean up a mess I didn’t even create.”

Tang Gunak let out a small sigh. At this moment, more than a person in a high position, he wanted to console Hyun Jong as one person to another. But even that seems like a luxury in the current situation.

“Isn’t that the nature of being in a position of power?”

“…”

“Even though the order didn’t come directly from you, those who are searching will naturally think it did. Especially since this matter is related to Jin Dongryong.”

Tang Gunak let out a short sigh.

“Those who are forced to do things they don’t want often just look for someone to blame, regardless of the truth.”

As a fellow human, Tang Gunak felt sorry for Hyun Jong in this situation.

Hyun Jong, at least, would feel that all the responsibility for this matter rested on his shoulders. Yet, he had to be the one to suggest stopping the search for the person most hurt by all this.

He even had to bow his head to retract an order he never gave. How could this not be painful?

“Alliance Leader.”

“Let’s do it.”

Tang Gunak was somewhat surprised by the unexpectedly prompt response.

“…It’s what must be done.”

Hyun Jong’s voice was hollow. Because of that, Tang Gunak couldn’t help but ask again, despite how foolish it seemed, even to him.

“…Are you alright with this?”

“What choice do I have? I no longer know what is right, so I have no choice but to believe in what others say is right.”

Tang Gunak’s face stiffened slightly.

“Alliance Leader.”

“Don’t look at me like that. I’ve just come to realize that I’ve never truly accomplished anything on my own.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“It was all the children. The children… Baek Cheon, it was that child who achieved it.”

Tang Gunak couldn’t say anything. All he could do was unconsciously clench his fists tightly.

“Yet, I believed that I could find a better path than them.”

A hollow, bitter laugh escaped Hyun Jong.

“I forgot my own incompetence. All I ever did was rely on what those children accomplished. Experience should not be a refuge for the old, but I deceived myself with that word.”

“Please don’t say such things, Alliance Leader. It’s just that things didn’t go as planned. It’s something anyone could experience.”

Tang Gunak spoke seriously, his face still hardened. It seemed that Hyun Jong’s despair was deeper than he had anticipated.

This won’t do. The enemy is still not far off, their blades gleaming menacingly, and the leader cannot afford to be like this.

Just as Tang Gunak was about to say something more, Hyun Jong spoke first.

“Lord Tang, please take the position of the Alliance Leader.”

“A-Alliance L-Leader!”

Caught off guard, Tang Gunak stammered, his voice rising in shock. But Hyun Jong remained calm.

“It would be the right thing to do for the alliance.”

Tang Gunak was about to tell him to calm down, but he stopped himself.

Calm down? Were those words really spoken out of a momentary lapse in emotion? Could there be even a hint of agitation in those downcast eyes?

“……Alliance Leader. First, we should…”

“I’ve long known that this position was beyond my capabilities. But since everyone said it was fine, I let myself believe it. I shouldn’t have deceived myself.”

“…”

“Please do as I ask. It must be done, even now.”

Tang Gunak sighed deeply.

Just then, a sudden commotion erupted outside. Tang Gunak frowned slightly, pausing as a thought flashed through his mind.

Could it be that they’ve found some trace of Baek Cheon?

“Just a moment.”

Tang Gunak quickly stood up and headed outside.

As he opened the door, he saw that the wide training grounds were already filled with many people. Just by looking at their expressions, it was clear that something serious had happened.

“What’s going on…?”

“Lord! It’s an attack!”

Before Tang Gunak could finish his question, a voice filled with panic interrupted him. His eyes widened in an instant as he asked sharply,

“An attack?”

“Those who went out on the search are under attack right now. We need reinforcements, quickly…!”

Sapaeryeon launched an attack? In a situation like this?

“Have you identified the number of the enemies?”

“For now, we’ve only received word that they’ve been ambushed. We have no information on the enemy’s numbers or their identity!”

Tang Gunak’s face suddenly changed.

‘A full-scale war? Or…?’

Without knowing the enemy’s numbers, it was impossible to predict the scale of the battle.

‘No, if their entire force had moved, we would have known. It’s not a full-scale war.’

But can he be sure of that?

“Lord! Please give the order!”

Just as Tang Gunak was frozen in contemplation, someone shouted.

“Damn it, everyone, follow me!”

“What do you intend to do?”

“What do you mean? We’re going to provide support, of course! Hurry up!”

“But the enemy…”

“I’m going ahead!”

“Hey, you bastard!”

Tang Gunak quickly turned his gaze towards the commotion.

All he could see was the retreating figures.

‘Jo Geol?’

But he immediately recognized that the source of the commotion was Jo Geol. Behind him, the swordsmen of Hwasan were rushing down the mountain

‘……Right.’

The critical issue is that the members of the alliance under attack are there.

Right now, most of Cheonumaeng’s forces are scattered all over Mount Wudang, engaged in the search. If the enemy’s forces manage to break through in this situation…

A chill ran down his spine at the mere thought. It was possible that what Hwasan had done to Sapaeryeon before could now be done to them in reverse.

‘This cannot happen!’

It would be a disaster. Cheonumaeng is already riddled with invisible cracks. A single, well-placed strike could cause the entire structure to collapse.

“Where is it?”

“Near the border of the Fang county [방현(房县)]!”

“Mobilize all forces from every division stationed at Wudang. And those here, head to support the attacked location immediately. Go!”

“Yes!”

Tang Gunak shot down the mountain like lightning.

“I’ll go ahead! Hurry with the reinforcements!”

“Yes!”

As he leaped forward, he bit his lip hard.

‘This must not be allowed to fall on Alliance Leader’s shoulders. Never!’

The dark green hem of his robe fluttered violently in the wind as he surged forward.

❀ ❀ ❀

“An ambush!”

“It’s Sapaeryeon’s attack!”

Zhuge Gwanoe’s [제갈관외(諸葛觀外)] face turned deathly pale. Even as he kicked off the ground to retreat, his heart pounded as if it would burst.

‘Why is Sapaeryeon here?’

Hadn’t they already retreated long ago? Why have they suddenly appeared here? They shouldn’t have even recovered from the losses they suffered in the last battle!

‘Then what happened to the others ahead?’

Zhuge Gwanoe had already entered the territory of Mount Wudang. However, the rest of Zhuge family members were still scattered throughout the villages at the foot of the mountain, continuing the search.

If the enemy had reached this far, what could have happened to the family members in the villages?

Zhuge Gwanoe clenched his teeth so hard that they ground together.

But now was not the time to speculate about their fate. He could barely manage the situation unfolding right before his eyes.

“R-Retreat! Fall back!”

Zhuge Gwanoe was not someone who easily spoke of retreat. But now, there was no other choice. The number of Zhuge family’s members with him was barely over ten, while the eerie figures charging at them were at least three times their number.

Moreover, the aura each of them exuded was anything but ordinary. If they engaged recklessly, they would be overwhelmed and slaughtered.

“Retreat! Reinforcements will come! Fall back!”

Zhuge Gwanoe shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice cracking.

But even those who have dedicated their lives to martial arts cannot retreat while fending off attacks faster than they can charge forward. Especially when the ground behind them is a steep mountainside.

Thwack!

“Ugh!”

“Hyahhhh!”

Zhuge Hae, unable to avoid the enemy’s blade, had his head severed, sending it flying into the air. The head spun, the confusion and despair still vivid on his face, engraved into Zhuge Gwanoe’s eyes.

“Fall back! Don’t try to fight them! Sacrifices are inevitable!”

Though a deep sense of frustration welled up in his chest, Zhuge Gwanoe spoke words contrary to his feelings. He had to save as many as he could.

Whoosh!

Two attackers in blood-red robes charged at him.

Their clothes fluttered, revealing short, hook-like, deformed swords that gleamed menacingly.

Clang!

Zhuge Gwanoe struck the grotesque sword aimed at his face with his longsword.

Clang, clang, clang!

But the deformed blade didn’t retreat easily – it clung to Zhuge Gwanoe’s sword, producing a chilling scraping sound.

“Haaap!”

Thud!

Zhuge Gwanoe instantly summoned all his inner strength, forcefully pushing back the enemy. He wasn’t thinking of exploiting any opening – he had no such luxury. Now was not the time to fight. It was the time to flee.

Just as Zhuge Gwanoe was about to leap back again, the blood-robed warrior’s deformed sword descended upon him with even greater speed from above.

“Agh!”

Zhuge Gwanoe twisted his body and raised his sword to counter.

His target wasn’t the deformed sword itself but the arm of the enemy holding it.

Thwack.

The sword embedded itself into the blood warrior’s arm. But at that moment, Zhuge Gwanoe. sensed something was wrong.

‘What?’

It didn’t feel like cutting through flesh. If anything, it felt like thrusting his sword into something tough and sticky, like hardened glue. The sensation was unsettling, sending chills through his entire body.

Slash!

Before Zhuge Gwanoe could react, the blood-robed warrior took advantage of his hesitation, driving the deformed sword into his side.

“Aaaah!”

A scream burst from his lips.

This wasn’t just the pain of being stabbed.

The irregular blade tore into his flesh, and blood gushed out through the deep grooves etched into the sword.

Bang!

Zhuge Gwanoe instinctively kicked out at the enemy, managing to push him back.

However, the force of the kick sent him sprawling to the ground as well.

“Hah! Hah! Ugh… Ugh…”

He clutched his side with trembling hands, trying to stop the flow of blood from the gaping wound.

“Aaaaargh!”

“Kraaagh!”

Even in that moment, screams erupted from all around. Zhuge Gwanoe struggled to lift his fallen body and surveyed his surroundings.

“Ah…”

His relatives, once proud and strong, now lay sprawled in grotesque state, staining the earth red with their blood.

“Tough one, aren’t you?”

“Ugh…”

Zhuge Gwanoe’s face twisted in fury, resembling that of a vengeful spirit.

“Should we rip out his heart?”

“Not a bad idea. He’ll make a fitting sacrifice.”

Despair flooded his eyes.

‘Blood Palace!’

Why hadn’t he considered the possibility that they would attack?

“Hurry up. If we fall behind the others, the Cult Leader will rip your head out and use it as a cup.”

“Understood.”

The blood cultist’s deformed sword once again gleamed with a sinister red light.

“Consider it an honor.”

Swish!

Zhuge Gwanoe instinctively raised his sword. But in that instant, he knew.

There was no way to block this.

Sensing the end of his life, he widened his eyes in defiance. Even if he were to die, he resolved himself not to die shamefully.

And because of that, Zhuge Gwanoe was able to see it.

The bizarre deformed sword, which Zhuge Gwanoe was certain he couldn’t fend off, was suddenly sliced cleanly in half right before his eyes.

‘What?’

A crimson sword aura flashed like an illusion before him.

It was different from the blood-red hue that cloaked the enemy warriors. This aura was much more vivid, and it not only cleaved through the deformed sword but also pierced straight through the body of the blood cultist.

Boom!

The force carried by the sword energy was so immense that the blood cultist’s body exploded, with pieces of flesh scattering in all directions.

“Ah…”

Footsteps echoed behind him. 

Step. Step.

Zhuge Gwanoe slowly turned around, unable to resist, despite knowing there were still enemies in front of him.

And when he saw the face of the person approaching from behind, Zhuge Gwanoe realized the truth.

‘Hwasan…’

There were enemies before him, but they might as well have been nonexistent now.

‘…Geomhyeop?’

Step.

Chung Myung, who had stepped forward past Zhuge Gwanoe, cast a cold, icey gaze over the scene. He took in the sight of those who were already dead, those groaning in pain from their injuries, and the enemies hesitating, wary of him.

“How unlucky.”

Scrape.

The tip of Chung Myung’s sword harshly dragged across the ground.

“I’m not in a good mood right now.”

“Maehwa Geomgwi! R-Retrea-“

“So… you can think of this as me blowing off some steam.”

Chung Myung’s eyes radiated a chilling, murderous intent as he shot forward like an arrow towards the enemies.

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