Return of Mount Hua Sect - Chapter 455

“You’re very quick with intelligence, huh?”

Bop Jeong gave a light smile in response to Chung Myung’s words. It was a smile that appeared to be supremely benevolent, but in Chung Myung’s opinion, it was anything but.

“My position enabled me for something like this. I know a lot without having to ask.”

“A beggar, aren’t you?”

“No, I’m not.”

Bop Jeong shook his head.

“It’s true that Beggar Union does a lot of things, but Beggar Union isn’t everything.”

Chung Myung examined Bop Jeong’s face, as if to confirm the authenticity. He then let out a soft sigh.

‘There’s no reason to lie here.’

Information will inevitably leak in some way. Furthermore, the fact that Namman Yasugungju visited Sichuan and that the Tang Family welcomed Mount Hua is unmistakable.

“But what does that matter?”

Bop Jeong shook his head quietly at Chung Myung’s question.

“I didn’t say it was a problem.”

“Then?”

“It’s just a little disappointing. Wasn’t Mount Hua Sect a member of the Ten Great Sect, a sect that looked down on the world?”

“Yes, you kicked us out.”

“To be exact, it’s the work of the predecessor.”

“Yes, your ancestors kicked us out.”

Chung Myung and Bop Jeong’s gazes met fiercely in the air once again.

“Amitabha…….”

Bop Jeong, who chanted as if he was in a bit of trouble, sighed.

“Mount Hua Divine Dragon. Siju, please understand this Head Monk’s position. How can we argue with judgment just because the ancestors made a mistake?”

Chung Myung opened his eyes wide at the words.

Although it is not a direct apology, Bop Jeong’s use of the word “mistake” is significant. Because it means that the world’s most stiff-necked person admitted their error, albeit indirectly.

‘That alone is great.’

Indeed, from Bop Jeong’s perspective, it was something that burned and rotted his insides. Even if he did not commit any crimes, he must have accepted full responsibility for what his predecessors did.

If Chung Myung had been in the same situation as Bop Jeong, rushing to Shaolin’s main hall and smashing them all would have been the least of their worries.

‘Right? Cheon Mun Sahyung?’

– Do it, you punk! Try it!

“Why are you so excited about it?”

“What are you saying now……?”

“N- No.”

Chung Myung waved his hand lightly.

Bop Jeong stared at Chung Myung for a moment and continued with a sigh.

“Anyway…… That was way too long ago. It’s too old to be an excuse on this matter.”

“Do we really need an excuse? It’s not like we have to get Shaolin’s permission every time we do something.”

“Of course, that’s true. But as I said earlier, the world isn’t that simple.”

Chung Myung grinned.

“It’s not the world, it’s Bangjang-nim who sees it like that, right?”

Bop Jeong’s eyes twitched.

Chung Myung’s words were more irritating than he thought. Sure enough, Bop Jeong’s voice was quite harsh.

“Look, Siju.”

“Yes.”

“How much do you know about the world?”

Chung Myung looked at Bop Jeong as if he had been stabbed in the back of his head.

‘I….. I’ve been through more than you have, you fake monk!’

He couldn’t bear to swear inside.

‘These days, I’ve adjusted to my body and doing well, but I always hang my legs like this!’

‘I should’ve slapped the heads of those fake monk pups back then!’

‘You bastards!’

‘You don’t take care of your descendants, huh? Do you really want to collapse the Daeungjeon Hall?’ (The main hall of any Buddhist temple.)

When Chung Myung was silent, Bop Jeong gently shook his head and spoke lightly.

“The world is a more scary place than you think. Do you know what the reason is?”

“I do not know?”

“Because profits are at stake.”

“…….”

Bop Jeong didn’t get angry when he saw Chung Myung with his head slightly tilted. Rather, his voice became softer as if he were scolding a disobedient child.

“No matter how much, Ias the leader of Shaolin, I can’t handle everything in the world according to my will. And even more so in this day and age.”

“What’s wrong with the current situation?”

“Did you forget? What is going on in the North Sea.”

“…….”

Bop Jeong chanted with a somber face.

“Amitabha. Kangho has not yet escaped from the horrors of the last war. The sects who were on the verge of extinction were still frightened just by listening to the word ‘Magyo’.”

“Hum.”

Hyun Jong, who was listening to their conversation, quietly opened his mouth.

“What does that have to do with this?”

“Sect Leader.”

Bop Jeong sighed with frustration.

“The biggest lesson we Righteous Faction learned from the last war is that the power of one sect alone will never be enough to deal with Magyo. We can reduce the damage as much as possible when we gather together, even if it’s Evil Sect or Five Great Clans.”

“That means…….”

“Yes.”

Bop Jeong nodded.

“The leaders of Kangho do not want division. Since there were disturbing movements in the North Sea, they wouldn’t want a new force to emerge in a situation where another war might break out. If necessary, they would try to stop it at all costs.”

Bop Jeong’s face looked bitterly at Hyun Jong.

“And unfortunately, that movement is already happening.”

“Ugh.”

Hyun Jong frowned and raised his voice slightly.

“What authority do they have to interfere in Mount Hua’s affairs? Who has the authority to do so!”

“Sect Leader……. It’s all meaningless in the face of profit.”

“…….”

“As long as there is a justification to prepare for the tribulation and the real damage to be caused by the emergence of a new force, no one will easily step down.”

“You mean the Ten Great Sect?”

“Why you don’t think of Five Great Family, too?”

“…….”

“This is not as simple and straightforward as you might think.”

It was just the moment when Bop Jeong said that. A crooked voice flew in.

“The word goes round and round.”

Chung Myung tilted his head and asked.

“So what do you want to say? You wouldn’t have come all the way here to tell us to stop what we’re doing, right?”

“Of course, I’m not qualified to suggest that.”

Bop Jeong shook his head.

“…and you won’t listen to me either. Isn’t that so?”

“I guess so?”

Bop Jeong closed his eyes unknowingly at the response that was so nonchalant.

There are countless people in the world, but the only one who can be so nonchalant in front of him would be Mount Hua Divine Dragon.

‘Really, it’s new every time I see him.’

Sect Leader is such a calm and serious person, how did such a ghost come from under him?

But regardless of Bop Jeong’s opinion, Chung Myung was nonchalant. Then Chung Myung thought.

‘It’s obvious.’

The degree of backlash between the Ten Great Sect and the Five Great Family was already expected. Didn’t he actually talk about this with Tang Gun-ak and Maeng So?

People don’t want to put down their vested interests.

But the backlash was faster than he thought.

Bop Jeong brought it up again seriously.

“Then there is only one way.”

“Way?”

“Yes, a way. Everything needs a cause. Mount Hua needs a cause to assert its rights, and I need a cause to protect it.”

The unexpected remark made Chung Myung’s eyes dim.

‘Protection?’

“Just now, did Banjang offer to help Mount Hua?”

Bop Jeong smiled brightly.

“There’s no reason not to, is there?”

“Whoa?”

There was a look of interest in Chung Myung’s eyes.

“So, what are the conditions for that cause?”

“Haven’t I already told you?”

“Yes?”

Bop Jeong looked at Chung Myung with an upright posture that did not waver at all.

“Go to the North Sea.”

“…….”

In comparison, Chung Myung’s face became slightly curt.

No wonder…..

‘No, what kind of rice cake did they hide in the North Sea?’

‘This North Sea, that the North Sea! Why do all the problems lead to the North Sea?’

Bop Jeong, who looked at Chung Myung’s expression, slowly rolled the beads in his hand.

“As I said before, the situation in the North Sea is dire. I tried to solve the situation on my own, but I couldn’t see a way.”

“Are you saying it’s impossible to even with the power of the Shaolin?”

“It’s not something you can do by force in the first place.”

Bop Jeong let out a faint groan as if he was in trouble.

“Of course, it could have been possible if you tried to pierce it with great force. But if that happens, the North Sea and Jungwon will be separated forever. It’s the worst of the worst.”

“Hum.”

“I heard you’re very close to Namman Yasugung Clan. Then why don’t we use that friendship to get to the North Sea?”

Chung Myung’s eyes narrowed.

‘How far do you know?’

Surely, Shaolin’s intelligence power could not be ignored.

“Mount Hua Divine Dragon.”

“Yes.”

“Go to the North Sea. And find out what’s going on there. Then I’ll do my best not to interfere with what you’re doing.”

Hyun Jong frowned at Bop Jeong’s words.

“Bangjang.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

“What’s the point of doing this? In my brief opinion, I don’t think the head of the Ten Great Sect would want a union of Western Region more than anyone else.”

“Of course.”

Bop Jeong nodded solemnly.

“But even so, it is not unusual. I don’t want the union of the Western Region, but more than that, I don’t want the resurrection of Magyo. The position of Shaolin’s Bangjang is where you must strive for the safety of the world, whether you want it or not. So even if you throw away a small thing, you have no choice but to take a big one.”

“Ugh.”

Bop Jeong, closed his eyes slightly at the end of the remark and chanted.

On the surface, he looked nervously waiting for the other person’s answer, but his heart was a little different.

‘They won’t refuse this.’

Mount Hua Sect is putting its life and soul into creating a new force by weaving the Western Region sects together. Then, before the issue materializes, the most reluctant thing to do is to be held by other sects.

If Chung Myung has even the slightest thought, this is a proposal that he has no choice but to accept.

However.

“Well, I’ve felt it before, but you tend to be a bit manipulative.”

“Hm?”

Bop Jeong opened his eyes wide. Chung Myung made sarcastic remarks with a curt face.

“A yangban who proclaimed himself a monk shouldn’t be trying to sneak around and scam others like that. The Buddha would be angry.”

“…….”

‘What the hell does this mean?’

Bop Jeong blinked his eyes without knowing what to say.

Trick?

Did he just accuse Shaolin’s Bangjang of scamming? (Imagine seeing a pro scammer accusing an average scammer. It’s as if he was nurturing a newbie.)

“What are you saying….?”

“Even if your mouth is crooked, you have to speak right. It doesn’t make sense.”

“… which part that doesn’t make sense?”

When asked by Bangjang, Chung Myung grinned and said.

“A while ago, you said you couldn’t do whatever you want even if you were the leader of Shaolin, and you couldn’t ignore the opinions of other sects. But now, you’re going to take care of everything for us if we go to the North Sea?”

“… I will try.”

“Cat got your tongue, huh?”

“…….”

Bop Jeong looked at Chung Myung with a puzzled look on his face.

“You keep saying that as if you are sacrificing for the sake of all people under the world, but isn’t Shaolin the most difficult when traces of Magyo appeared in the North Sea?” (It’s all about face and honor. Imagine being the best employee in the last month but screwed in the next month. Would you still have the title by then? Thanks to Shen and RHS for the explanation.)

“…….”

“Was humiliated at the world’s Murim Competition and has its footing fallen to the ground, but if the signs of Magyo has revealed and Shaolin can only do nothing, their authority will be stuck on the ground for real.”

“……Amitabha.”

Bop Jeong just chanted. However, unlike before, there was a somewhat urgent feeling.

Chung Myung smiled, twisting the corners of his mouth.

“So, once the North Sea issue is resolved, the place that will benefit the most is none other than the Shaolin. Besides, it’s even better if Mount Hua Sect is the one who comes out and solves it.”

“……… what does that mean?”

“Look, Mount Hua is now reeling in another sect to make a new force, but didn’t they listen to Shaolin and go to the North Sea anyway? Mount Hua is still under the influence of Shaolin. Isn’t it a good time to say something like this?”

“…….”

Eventually, Bop Jeong, who was speechless, stared at Chung Myung.

If there were others here, they would have accused Chung Myung of being overthinking. Or he may be disparaged because it was a groundless guess.

But Chung Myung was a person who had already gone through all of that with his body.

‘To hell with the safety of Kangho.’

‘You bastards, if you’re the kind of bastard like that, you should have stopped Magyo when they came to Mount Hua. You were just watching from the back and now that you’re here. What? Safety? Safetyyyyy?’

‘Nonsense.’

Chung Myung snorted.

He does not believe in words full of such cause.

“In the end, Shaolin’s loss of the leadership of Kangho must be the beginning of all the problems. Bangjang wants to take care of the North Sea and regain the lost leadership. It would be a great achievement to solve Magyo’s work. Isn’t that why Bangjang rushed all the way here?”

Bop Jeong smacked his lips.

“…certainly.”

The eyes staring at Chung Myung were slightly resigned.

“Siju has an overly sharp sense.”

“It’s obvious.”

Chung Myung shrugged.

At this point, Bop Jeong also pointed to the main point with a sharper eye, as if he had no intention of hiding his intentions.

“So what would you do? Are you going to refuse it?”

“Let’s make it clear. Definitely.”

“Hm?”

Chung Myung rolled up the corners of his mouth.

“It’s not that Mount Hua is listening to Shaolin’s suggestion to resolve the situation, it’s that Shaolin is asking Mount Hua to resolve the situation. We have to make sure of this.”

“……what’s the difference?”

“No, did you run a business just once or twice? How is that the same!”

Chung Myung jumped and glared.

“Request comes with a commission fee! Who wants to do it for nothing?“

“…….”

“Wow, you really tried to pay us with just a few words, didn’t you? Tsk tsk tsk. Shaolin used to have a business plan!”

‘How do you know the old Shaolin?’

‘No, this isn’t important right now.’

“That’s why I’m holding the Ten Great Sect in check…..”

“Do you think Mount Hua’s gonna be freaked out just because they’re keeping us in check? Even if they keep an eye on us, they won’t storm here with swords anyway. So what does it matter?”

Chung Myung waved his hand.

“…….”

“So, instead of saying such a lame thing, offer a proper reward. Anyway, holding back the Ten Great Sect, or taking care of everything or whatnot, don’t try to talk this out with words.”

As Bop Jeong listened to the pouring words, sweat began to flow from the back of his head.

Has he ever been so embarrassed in his life this much?

“Then… N- No. What reward did Mount Hua want?”

At that question, Chung Myung’s body leaned back. He leaned arrogantly on his chair and opened his eyes as if smirking a little.

“Bangjang.”

“Hm?”

“How much do you know about the world?”

“…….”

Bop Jeong’s eyes shook violently.

It was the question he threw a while ago.

“There’s nothing much in the world. There are various rewards, but in the end, there is only one thing that is most certain.”

“…one?”

“Yes.”

Chung Myung raised his hand, attached his thumb and index finger, and rolled it in a circle.

‘That’s…’

“Money.”

“…….”

“How convenient is it to just set the amount regardless of conditions? Right?”

“…….”

“How much do you want to pay?”

Bop Jeong’s eyes were now fluttered as if they had lost their way.

So far, no one has asked Shaolin’s Bangjang to pay.

“I- I think Mount Hua has enough wealth.”

“Hahaha, it seems that Bangjang doesn’t know about it because he only practiced the Dharma in the mountains… … .”

“…….”

Chung Myung smiled pleasedly.

“The more money, the better.”

“…….”

“It’s good to have more, and it’s better to have more.”

The speechless Bop Jeong glanced at Hyun Jong for help.

Contrary to his expectations, however, Hyun Jong simply smiled and avoided his gaze.

Bop Jeong looked like he had been beaten hard in the head.

‘They’re in the same group.’

‘It’s one bundle.’

Chung Myung grinned.

“It’s not a waste of money if it’s to save Shaolin’s face, right? Let’s hear how much Bangjang thinks Shaolin is worth.”

A groan leaked out of Bop Jeong’s mouth.

But who is he? He was the leader of Shaolin. He wasn’t the kind of man to be beaten so easily.

“…Did you say money?”

“Yes.”

“Then it’ll be a treasure, right?”

“Yes?”

Bop Jeong reached out his hand and lifted the wooden chest that had been left on the ground. Then he took out things they had seen in the past and put it on the table.

“This may not be all, but wouldn’t it be possible to cut the price to some extent?”

Zaha Divine Sword.

As soon as Mount Hua’s Divine Weapon came up on the table, Hyun Jong’s eyes sparkled.

But.

“Oh, that?”

Chung Myung was utterly gloomy.

“I don’t think so.”

“…… You can’t?”

“Yes.”

Bop Jeong was somewhat bewildered and looked at Chung Myung over and over again. It was to see if it was a bluff or not.

“………I’m not saying that I’m going to pay with this, but I want to cut the reward a little bit. Are you saying Mount Hua’s Divine Sword is not worth it?”

“Well, a month ago, I would have given you a discount.”

“……what’s the difference between a month ago and now?”

Chung Myung smiled and pulled the sword that was tied around his waist and placed it on the table.

Tok!

Seurung!

And he drew half of it out and showed it to Bop Jeong.

“I apologize, Customer-nim. But we no longer deal with the existing product.”

“…….”

Bop Jeong opened his mouth wide at the sight of the Dark Fragrance Plum Blossom Sword emitting an unbelievably brilliant light.

“Leave it and use it for yourself, and bring the money.”

“…….”

Bop Jeong hung weakly on the spot.

Here, there was a Taoist who tried to devour the monk.