Return of Mount Hua Sect - Chapter 217
“Remember, everyone. We are not disciples of Mount Hua. We are just here to buy Jamokcha as a merchant of Peace Association.”
“That’s so lame.”
“You must not do anything that would reveal that you are a disciple of Mount Hua. Secrets are the lifeblood of this mission.”
“Did you all hear that?”
“So no matter what happens, twice! Three times! Think and think again!”
“Yes, think about it thoroughly!”
Baek Chun finally yelled at Chung Myung, who exclaimed after each of his words.
“You, you punk! You! Not someone else, but you!”
Chung Myung blinked open his eyes.
“Me?”
“Yes! Who else is supposed to hear this right now? Who’s the only one who’s going to get in trouble!”
“Tsk, tsk. Sasuk has a strange bias. Did you see me make a mistake?”
“… don’t talk.”
Baek Chun exhaled heavily.
‘I’m worried.’
It was somehow successful in getting here, but as they approached Kunming with Chung Myung, he felt as if my legs were twisted.
‘But I can’t abandon him.’
He would do something if a guy listened to his words, but it was too much to control Chung Myung even as his Sasuk.
“Yoo Samae.”
“Yes, Sahyung.”
“Stay close to Chung Myung and make sure he doesn’t get in trouble!”
“Yes!”
Yoo Iseol gave Chung Myung a determined look.
Then he opened his mouth with a dissatisfied expression.
“What the hell do you think I am? Do I look like I’m gonna get in trouble in a dangerous place like this?”
“Yes.”
“That is for sure.”
“It’s even weird not to.”
“…….”
Chung Myung twisted his body in rage, but his Sahyung didn’t flinch.
‘At least Yoo Samae is more cautious, so it’ll be better.’
It cannot, however, be a fundamental measure. Baek Chun does not believe Yoo Iseol can stop Chung Myung.
The best way is to get information about Jamokcha as soon as possible, before Chung Myung gets into an accident and gets out of trouble.
Jo Gol and Yoon Jong exchanged glances with Baek Chun.
Whether or not they share the same sentiment, their expressions were determined.
“Let’s go!”
“Yes!”
Mount Hua’s disciples marched proudly through Kunming’s gates. They pass through the gate, but no one is guarding it, and no one is coming or going.
Baek Chun walked through the gates with a subtle look in a slightly gloomy atmosphere.
“……What?”
“What’s wrong with this place?”
It was even worse inside the gates. The unexpected sight caused everyone to raise an eyebrow.
“……is there a plague?”
“I don’t think so……?”
To put it simply… a lack of vitality.
There were few signs of people on the road ahead of them. They could only see people leaning against the wall in every corner, heavily breathing.
“…… That’s too much.”
Baek Chun frowned as he looked around.
A city with a developed upward movement should be alive and well. A city where money moves cannot be silent.
But, as they can see now, Kunming is a ghost town.
“Hmm.”
Even Chung Myung couldn’t hide his displeasure.
Yoon Jong, who was looking around at the dark scenery, opened his mouth at that moment.
“It didn’t look so good on the way here, but……. at least I thought Kunming would be different, but it seems to be worse here.”
“……I see.”
Baek Chun remained silent.
Jo Gol, who was standing in the back, added.
“I’ve heard that the situation in Yunnan has become difficult as they quit the tea trade, but I didn’t expect it to be this much.”
“Is that the only reason? I heard there was a drought, and it probably had a huge impact.”
“Yes, I think so too.”
Chung Myung rubbed the back of his neck.
“Anyway, this isn’t important, let’s get some information on Jamokcha.”
“Um, yes.”
Baek Chun agreed with a nod.
“Let’s split up and inquire about the whereabouts of Jamokcha, and meet here again when the sun goes down.”
“Yes, Sasuk.”
“Be careful.”
Chung Myung smiled with delight as the Sahyung were scattered in perfect order.
“Well, now we’re going to have to look into the whereabouts of Jamokcha!”
Excited and filled with determination.
There is only one issue.
“…But what and how should I ask?”
“…….”
Yoo Iseol was stunned as he looked at Chung Myung.
——
“Keuh.”
Chung Myung sets the teacup he is holding down.
“As expected of Yunnan.”
Chung Myung, who knows nothing about tea, could also understand. The scent of this tea is unmistakably Jungwon.
Whether for the better or for the worse, it felt different.
“It’s understandable that Yangban loves it.”
Chung Myung smiled lazily.
However, some people were dissatisfied with the seemingly idle appearance.
“Jamokcha.”
“…….”
Yoo Iseol casts a glum look at Chung Myung.
In her few words and stare,
‘Everyone else is out in the scorching sun looking for information about Jamokcha, but the youngest is stuck in a teahouse eating tea.’
That was full of meaning.
But who exactly was Chung Myung? This type of pressure is easily avoidable.
“Then get out?”
“…….”
“Look around? Do you think I’m going to stop you?”
Yoo Iseol’s expression was conflicted.
She can’t stand seeing Chung Myung have fun.
But she can never let Chung Myung get into mischief.
In her mind, these two ideas are colliding.
Yoo Iseol, who was debating which was more important, fixed her gaze on Chung Myung as if she had made her decision.
“Do you want another cup of tea?”
“…….”
It’s kind of depressing.
Chung Myung smiled and averted his gaze. Then he looked out the teahouse window at the Kunming scenery.
‘It’s going to be destroyed.’
The city itself is devoid of vitality. Kunming, as far as he knows, is the Sichuan equivalent of Chengdu. It refers to Yunnan’s capital city.
The fact that such a place is so lifeless is equivalent to saying that the entire Yunnan region is dying.
Chung Myung’s eyes are slightly narrowed.
‘It’s like looking at an ancient Mount Hua.’
This place would have been alive with energy once upon a time. Everything fell apart, however, when Magyo chose Yunnan as the invasion’s first target. And, as a result of poor management, it will never regain its former glory.
Mount Hua had the good fortune to have Chung Myung return. What would be the difference between here and Mount Hua if Chung Myung hadn’t been resurrected for some unknown reason?
“Tsk.”
Chung Myung looked down and lightly clicked his tongue.
Mount Hua is Mount Hua, and Yunnan is Yunnan.
It’s not that he doesn’t sympathize with a similar situation, but it’s not something Chung Myung should be concerned about.
What he needs to focus on now is……
“Owner!”
“Yes, yes!”
The teahouse owner, who had been staring from one side, dashed toward Chung Myung.
“Is there anything else you need, customer nim?”
“Bring me something to eat for now.”
“Yes, what would you like?”
“I’d like you to bring me a decent one. And another kettle of cold tea, please.”
“Aigoo! Yes! I’ll bring it right away!”
The teahouse owner was ecstatic and quickly turned around to get the tea.
Chung Myung’s mouth then reopens.
“Before that.”
“Yes!”
The owner’s body spins once more. The posture dropped sharply and unexpectedly.
The teahouse’s operation has recently deteriorated due to the lack of money in Kunming. Meanwhile, a pushover orders an expensive tea that costs as much as a kettle…… How can he not lower his posture when such an important person is present?
“About tea leaves. Have you ever heard of a leaf called Jamokcha?”
“Hmm, Jamokcha?”
“Yes.”
The teahouse owner pondered and tilted his head.
“Well, I know all the tea that comes and goes here, and I’ve never heard of a tea leaf called Jamokcha.”
“Then do you know anyone who knows much about medicinal herbs?”
“Medicine, medicine…….”
The teahouse’s proprietor nodded.
“One of my acquaintances is a medicine dealer who is recognized in Kunming.”
“Oh, really? Where is that place?”
“Aigoo, customer nim. Why such a bother? I’ll call him here.”
“……can I?”
“Hahaha. Of course. But… it would take a little more time to come…”
Chung Myung smiled and took a silver coin from his arms, which he placed on the table.
“Are there any simple dishes here?”
“Of course!”
The teahouse owner quickly grabbed the silver coin. Then he bowed his head, as if he was about to break his back.
“I’ll prepare tea right away! Please wait a little longer. And I’ll call the apothecary right away!”
“……Oh, yes.”
Chung Myung smiled at the teahouse owner’s vicious response.
Yoo Iseol looks at Chung Myung strangely as the owner rushes to the kitchen.
“Are you thinking of doing this from the beginning?”
“Where am I? I’m just a wanderer. What do I know about the surrounding?”
Chung Myung grins.
“I’m going to leave the problems about this neighborhood to the town’s people. If we ask them like a nice guy, they’ll answer you, but can you compare it tio someone who’s paid for it?”
Yoo Iseol remained silent.
“Smart.”
“…….”
“Unmatched.”
“Drink tea.”
Chung Myung began sipping tea.
Yoo Iseol then looked at him with fresh eyes.
This is a minor detail.
One of the most common misconceptions about Chung Myung exists. “Chung Myung only proceeds with his fists and doesn’t think deeply.”
‘That’s just how it appears.’
Yoo Iseol has been watching Chung Myung and believes it is not.
Chung Myung, when viewed objectively, is the most thoughtful of Mount Hua’s disciples. What he appeared to have done carelessly resulted from several careful considerations.
‘That’s why we traveled all the way here.’
“Aren’t you drinking?”
At Chung Myung’s words, Yoo Iseol grabbed the teacup.
Anyway, she felt sorry for the Sahyung, who must be suffering from the scorching sun, so she held the teacup slowly.
——
Jo Gol groaned.
He’s been inquiring about Jamokcha here and there, but no one in Kunming knows anything about it.
It was an item that Sichuan had previously handled, so it was strange because there wasn’t much information.
‘Should we have asked more people in Sichuan?’
He was only thinking about what would happen once they arrived in Yunnan because it was said that Jamokcha grows there. They appear to have become complacent.
What can he do now, even if he is sorry? Inadequate information should be filled in with footwork.
“But even if you use your feet to fill in the information…….”
Jo Gol sighs.
At first glance, the Kunming situation did not appear promising. Most stores have closed their doors, and the people they encounter are starving and lack vitality in their eyes.
There were even times when people grabbed their hems and begged.
As a result, accurate information cannot be obtained.
‘I should probably find another way…’ … .’
It was back then.
“Huh?”
Jo Gol shakes his head.
“Sahyung?”
Yoon Jong was standing in front of him.
Of course, this is not unusual. Even though Kunming is large, it’s natural that they’ll run into each other a few times while exploring.
The strangest thing about the encounter was Yoon Jong’s state.
Small children swarm around him.
Jo Gol approached, his head cocked.
“What are you doing?”
“……ah? Jo- Is it Jo Gol?”
Yoon Jong makes an awkward face at Jo Gol.
“Why are you with the kids… huh?”
Jo Gol’s pupils constrict.
Yoon Jong’s hand held a grain bag and a slew of dumplings the size of a child’s fist.
“…… Sahyung?”
“I know, this isn’t the time for me to be like this, I need to get information quickly. But… ha…”
Yoon Jong had a sheepish expression on his face as he looked down at the children. Everyone rushed in when he handed out dumplings to the drooling children while looking only at his hands.
“Give it to me, too!”
“Me!”
“My brother is starving! Give me one more!”
Yoon Jong bit his lower lip.
“I’ll buy you more if it runs out, so calm down. You’ll get hurt!”
He distributed dumplings with one hand while organizing the children into the crowd with the other to avoid injury.
All of the filthy kids rush to Yoon Jong, their eyes wide open.
When what they had in their hands ran out, the children looked at Yoon Jong, stunned.
“Eat it first, then take care of your family. I’ll get you some new food soon, so come back here!”
The kids nodded and walked away without saying anything.
Jo Gol frowned as he observed the situation.
“……they should at least thank you for your help.”
Yoon Jong returned the look with a slightly stiffened expression.
“They can’t afford it.”
“……Yes?”
“Moral come out once you’re full. How can children who are starving to death argue about that right now? They may have weaker siblings in their house, or their parents may be lying down. Don’t blame the kids so easily!”
“……yes, Sahyung. I’m sorry.”
Yoon Jong’s almost angry appearance made Jo Gol flinch inwardly. He has known Yoon Jong for a long time but has never seen him so angry.
“By any chance…”
It was back then.
“Argh! I’m telling you, I’m not!”
“How dare you steal things? Come here! I’ll teach you a lesson today!”
“I didn’t steal it! Argh! Aargh! It hurts!”
Yoon Jong and Jo Gol’s expressions hardened in an instant.
The two flew quickly to the location of the scream.