Return of Mount Hua Sect - Chapter 544
Seol So-baek, who returned to his room after the banquet, looked very happy.
“I’m glad the story went well.”
“Cla- Clan Leader-nim.”
But Han Yi-myung said with a face as if he had lost his soul.
“Mo- Monopoly is not something to be taken lightly. In order to profit from trade, one must compete with each other at multiple merchant organizations. If we give them exclusive rights, they can set the price for the goods as they please.”
“That’s right.”
“This is such a great loss.”
Seol So-baek shook his head when he heard Han Yi-myung.
“I know that. Father… No, General-nim.”
“But how do you look so comfortable? The Ice Clan is about to be robbed by a sect from Jungwon.”
A light smile hung around Seol So-baek’s mouth.
“If they were self-interested enough to exploit the North Sea, they would have run away from the North Sea as soon as they found out that Magyo was plotting something here. And even if they were caught in the middle of our fight, they wouldn’t have fought for their life.”
“…….”
“It’s because even if his words and actions are harsh and unconventional, I’ve never seen him act against Righteousness.”
‘Right. That’s right.’
‘That’s all right, except we haven’t seen them in over a month!’
“But Clan Leader-nim ……!”
“General-nim.”
Seol So-baek, who decisively interrupted Han Yi-myung, opened his mouth with sparkling eyes.
“General-nim, how much stronger do you think Mount Hua Sect will be?”
“That…….”
Han Yi-myung, who tried to answer something, closed his mouth. And after a brief thought, he answered.
“Until recently, Mount Hua Sect’s reputation did not reach the North Sea, but it will soon become the most famous sect in the North Sea. And it’s probably the same elsewhere.”
“Yes, that’s for sure.”
Seol So-baek and Han Yi-myung nodded together.
Didn’t both of them see Mount Hua’s disciples’ shockingly high level of martial art with their own eyes in the first place?
Now, it may fall short of Shaolin, the most powerful sect in Jungwon. But will that be the case when that Baek Cheon and other disciples of Mount Hua grow up and become the center of Mount Hua?
‘At least one of the most powerful sects in Jungwon.’
Above all, Chung Myung’s presence convinced them of that fact.
Baek Cheon, Yoo Iseol, and other Mount Hua disciples were also talented enough to aim for the next Sect Leader or the next best member of a sect no matter their place.
Among them, however, Chung Myung was definitely different.
It’s not just about discussing his martial art.
The analytical ability to grasp the situation at a glance, the wisdom to find the best countermeasure, the ability to execute decisions without delay, and the boldness and determination not to look back at the outcome.
No matter what they looked at, nothing was lacking.
Above all, isn’t he leading the disciples of Mount Hua Sect, who don’t know what they will do because they are overflowing with personality, with just one hand?
Even if the people behind Chung Myung were worse than Baek Cheon and other disciples, Mount Hua would have no shortage to go after the world’s best sect.
However, there’s nothing to fear as Chung Myung are supported by such talented people.
‘And even the thoroughness of robbing the depths of the Ice Clan.’
As he thought about it, Han Yi-myung, who was in tears, wiped the corner of his so that Seol So-baek wouldn’t see it.
No.
It wasn’t like they didn’t eat anything at all in the first place!
As if the Ice Crystals from the mine weren’t enough, they took all the Ice Crystals that Seol Cheonsang stored, and swept away all the treasures that Magyo had packed!
No matter how much the Ice Crystals were used in the strange ritual of Magyo and not even half of the essence (정(精)) remained, Ice Crystals are still Ice Crystals. That alone would be of no small value… ….
‘But he’s too capable, very much so.’
‘It’s a problem because he’s too capable!’
Seol So-baek grinned at Han Yi-myung, who was lost in thought.
“Connecting with Mount Hua Sect cannot be a loss to the Ice Clan.”
“…….”
“Of course, we may have a little hard time right now. But would it really harm the North Sea Ice Clan to form a close friendship with Mount Hua Sect?”
Han Yi-myung did not immediately answer that question.
He just looked at Seol So-baek with new eyes.
‘The Clan Leader is now truly out of my hands.’
Instead of simply following his opinion, he thinks for himself and considers the direction that Ice Clan should go.
This meant that Seol So-baek was becoming the true Leader of the North Sea Ice Clan, and it was proof that he was now standing alone as a martial artist leaving his arms.
It is a bit bitter to see the shadow of Chung Myung, not him, behind his growth, but…….
‘It’s not bad.’
Chung Myung Dojang was never a bad person to serve as an example for the Clan Leader.
From the standpoint of dealing with Chung Myung, his stomach is rotten and twisted, but if he thinks of Chung Myung as the superior, he cannot be more reliable. So it should be considered a good change… ….
“What’s more, isn’t this what Chung Myung Dojang suggested?”
“…Yes?”
“It can’t be wrong if it’s work done by Chung Myung! I believe in Chung Myung Dojang.”
“…….”
‘No…’
‘I think something’s going a little wrong.’
Han Yi-myung sighed with a confused face. He couldn’t tell whether Seol So-baek grew up or was dragged into Chung Myung.
“Isn’t the exclusive right too much?”
“What?”
“No… the North Sea…….”
Jo-Gol looked at Chung Myung as if he had nothing to say.
As a merchant, he knew very well how great a monopoly would benefit.
He didn’t even have to go that far. How much money did Mount Hua make after gaining a trade monopoly for Yunnan?
Even this case is different from that. Since the trade with Yunnan was a contract signed between Mount Hua and Namman Yasugung Clan on an equal footing, the trade was coordinated at an appropriate level.
However, it is difficult to imagine how much profit will be made if Chung Myung can trade exclusively with the Ice Clan in full control as it is now.
Of course, it won’t be a lot of money right now, but the profit will grow exponentially over the years.
“General Han-nim is never a stupid man. But how the hell does he accept this?”
“That’s a strange thing to say, Sahyung.”
“Huh?”
“It’s not that he accepts this because he’s stupid, it’s that he accepts this precisely because he’s not stupid.” “…….”
Chung Myung grinned and said.
“General Han-nim……No, the Ice Clan can’t help but accept this. As this is never a loss to the Ice Clan.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Ice Clan has seen it with their own eyes. What a scary being Magyo is.”
“…….”
“But there is still another branch of Magyo in the world. And if one branch has done something, it means that the other branch can do the same at any time.”
“Tha- That’s right.”
“But Ice Clan doesn’t have the power to stop that.”
“Oh…….”
Chung Myung shrugged.
“They spent too much energy in this war. And the new Clan Leader Seol So-baek is too young.”
“That’s right.”
“It takes time for the Clan Leader to grow and train the new warriors to have the same strength as before. If something happens in the meantime, the Ice Clan is ruined. They couldn’t even use their hands.”
“…….”
“So what I’m saying is…….”
At that time, Baek Cheon, who was listening silently to their conversation, opened his mouth.
“The Ice Clan needs a roof.”
“That’s what it is. As expected of Dongryong. You understand what I’m saying.”
Baek Cheon, whose veins stood on his forehead as if screaming, sighed deeply and said.
“It’s not wrong. Exclusive rights may be burdensome, but it’s also not easy for the Ice Clan, which has already lost a lot of power, to deal with the forces from Jungwon who will rush like a wild beast.”
“That’s…… true.”
Jo-Gol nodded his head as if he finally understood.
Merchants are greedy. And if they are a merchant who visits the Ice Clan for trade, such groups are bound to have a suitable sect on their back.
It is inevitably a headache and hard work for the current Ice Clan, which can no longer show the same prestige as before, to handle the campaign that such people will drop.
“In order to buy the time to restore the power of the clan and the growth of the Clan Leader, and above all, to protect the Ice Clan from the claws of Magyo, who do not know when they will rise again, they need a sect to act as their shield.”
“Exactly.”
Chung Myung nodded with a satisfied face.
If it were in the past, it would have been necessary to explain it individually, but now they find the answer on their own without saying many words.
In addition to their martial art, their knowledge is growing.
“I understand that, but I feel something’s wrong.”
“Yes?”
“In Ice Clan’s opinion, doesn’t it mean that Mount Hua Sect seems to be a sect that can protect them from other sects or Magyo from Jungwon?”
“Right. What about it?”
“No. Well……..”
Baek Cheon smiled awkwardly.
Mount Hua Sect was plagued by creditors just a few years ago and was almost taken down. He was both proud and awkward that such Mount Hua Sect had become a place where Ice Clan, one of the Five Great Outer Clans, could rely on. “I don’t know if they’ll consider all this right now, but if they take the time to think about it, they’ll end up with only one conclusion.”
“Hum.”
Baek Cheon smiled at Chung Myung’s confident voice.
For some reason, he didn’t covet riches so much, so he must have been thinking about something bigger. “You’re saying it will benefit Mount Hua, right?”
“Of course.”
Chung Myung nodded.
“The North Sea Ice Clan is one of the Five Great Outer Clans, and it is a sect with history and potential. They’ll eventually regain their past status if they just act a little smart.”
“Hmm.”
“Then we will have a strong friend.”
“…In the meantime, we’re trading some money.”
“We’re helping. Each other.”
Baek Cheon grinned at such Chung Myung.
‘I don’t think it’s for each other.’
‘Anyway, it doesn’t matter, so let’s move on.’
“But what I don’t understand is…….”
“What else?”
“Doesn’t that mean we’ll have to defeat the other sects who will eat the Ice Clan?”
“That’s right.”
“But would we be able to do it right now? No matter how strong Mount Hua Sect is, it’s not easy to handle the dissatisfaction of other Ten Great Sect?”
“Sasuk.”
“Yes?”
“I thought you’d become smarter, but you’re talking nonsense again.”
“…….”
“Why do we do that? Originally, other cubs have to monitor the Ice Clan and take care of it so that they don’t get left behind.”
“…….”
“If we’ve done this much, they should take care of the aftermath. Conscience! Do they have any! Huh?!” “…….”
Everyone’s head turned to one place at the same time.
“Ke- Keuhum. Amitabha!”
And Hye Yeon’s face turned red.
Chung Myung snorted.
“Of course, I’m going to let Shaolin Bangjang come forward. If he doesn’t want to lose all of his beard. And Namman Yasugung Clan will also help. It’s no problem if they pressure others in the name of Five Great Outer Clan.”
“Ah……. There’s Namman Yasugung Clan.”
Everyone nodded, recalling Yasugungju Maeng So. Chung Myung added in a determined voice.
“Most of all, it’s all over when a fool joins the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. Mount Hua’s name alone may not be enough to handle Ten Great Sect yet, but the Heavenly Comrade Alliance isn’t.”
“Definitely…….”
Everyone’s face lit up little by little at Chung Myung’s words.
“When the Heavenly Comrade Alliance is formally announced, we can declare that the Ice Clan has decided to participate in the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. Then it’ll be hard to nitpick about trade coming and going within the same alliance.”
“That’s a good idea.”
Baek Cheon, who understood everything Chung Myung had in mind, opened his mouth.
“It means that you’re going to blame Shaolin and Heavenly Comrade Alliance, and you’re going to get Mount Hua Sect out of the picture. By monopolizing all the Ice Crystals and Hancheol needed for Mount Hua Sect right now?”
“…….”
“As expected of our Chung Myung Sajil. Even the devil will cry.”
“At this point, we need to think about who’s worse than Magyo.”
“I vote for Chung Myung.”
“Then I’ll vote for Sahyung along with Sago.” “…….”
Baek Cheon shakes his head.
‘He’s a great guy. In many ways.’
What began with a few light words from Yasugungju grew bigger and eventually, even the Ice Clan became associated with Mount Hua Sect. He didn’t know where that bastard’s plan came from, but it wouldn’t be too much to say that the result was the best.
“So we’re done now?”
“Because only the choice of Ice Clan remained. Whatever the outcome, I think it’s sorted out now. All that’s left is cleaning up.”
Chung Myung said lightly and tapped Baek-ah’s chin on his shoulder.
“…It was hell.”
“I won’t even turn my head towards the North Sea anymore.”
“… Don’t talk so clearly as if it’s over, Sahyung. There’s still a way back to Mount Hua.”
Tang So-so complained, but the others were just laughing.
“Now we have to go back.”
“Yes, Sasuk.”
Mount Hua Sect.
To their homes that they’ve longed for.