Return of Mount Hua Sect - Chapter 732
Baek Cheon’s eyes shifted slightly to the left.
These were familiar faces.
Yoo Iseol, Yoon Jong, Jo-Gol. These days, Tang Soso and Hye Yeon are missing, but they are the faces that he meets most often, so it wasn’t that awkward.
His gaze rolled back to the right.
This side was undoubtedly unfamiliar.
Un Gum and Un Am.
Of course, they were always facing each other in Mount Hua, so the term unfamiliar was not appropriate. To be exact, it wasn’t their faces that were unfamiliar. but the fact that they are standing side by side in the same line with him.
And….
“What are you looking at like that?”
“….”
That one certainly wasn’t unfamiliar, that one.
A very familiar son of a beast.
In front of the lined-up group, Chung Myung was standing while leaning on one leg.
“Chung Myung-ah.”
“Huh?”
“That…. There’s your Sasuk here, isn’t it wrong to stand like that?”
“Ah. It’s hard for me to stretch out my leg because of the stab wound I got when I fought with the Magyo bastards back then. Ugh.”
Baek Cheon was so dumbfounded that he lost his words.
Hey. If you’re still hurting from that time, you wouldn’t be able to walk. Does this guy who was turned into a rag like a stuffed toy struck by lightning is hurting only on his legs? Just the legs? now out of all other times?
“Anyway.”
“Look at him smoothly changing the subject, that bastard.”
“You can say that again.”
Voices of dissatisfaction leaked out here and there, but Chung Myung seemed to turn a deaf ear as if he wasn’t bothered at all.
“Everyone here probably knows why they gathered, so I’ll skip the unnecessary explanations and get to the point.”
Then Jo-Gol raised his hand with a flash. Chung Myung frowned slightly and nodded.
“What?”
“Why are we here?”
“….”
For a moment, contempt and irritation passed through Chung Myung’s eyes staring at Jo-Gol. Jo-Gol looked around with a wronged face, but he had no choice but to bow his head a beat later. Chung Myung’s eyes looked gentle instead compared to those around him.
“…I’m sorry.”
“Gol-ah. Let’s just think before we open our mouths.”
“It would be difficult.”
Yoon Jong sighed deeply. Baek Cheon, who also sighed deeply, asked Chung Myung.
“Is it the Violet Mist Divine Art?”
“Of course.”
What else could there be?
“Uhm……”
A hint of worry crossed Baek Cheon’s face.
While it wouldn’t be a big problem to learn with two generations, it was inevitable to think that it went beyond the line with three generations gathered. From the point of view of Un generation, isn’t it like learning new martial arts with your grandson?
No matter how there is no top and bottom in learning, it is nothing but a very idealistic thought.
But even before Baek Cheon could say anything, Chung Myung cut in.
“For your information, I didn’t choose the people gathered here, so it’s useless to tell me.”
Baek Cheon’s mouth clamped shut like a clam.
‘He doesn’t let us say anything.’
Un Gum smiled brightly and opened his mouth.
“Is this an order by Sect Leader?”
“Yes, to be exact, Sect Leader and Elders.”
“Um, I see.”
Baek Cheon took a quick look and whispered quietly enough to be heard only by the ear of Un Gum.
“Sasuk. If it’s uncomfortable, I’ll speak to Sect Leader and ask to divide the generation.”
Un Gum looked at him with a bright smile.
“Thank you for your concern. But there’s no need to do that.”
“Hngg, I feel a little pressured.”
Unexpectedly, it was Un Am who complained. Un Gum looked at him with a slightly odd look.
“Then should I send the kids back?”
“It’s not the kids that should be sent back, it is me who should step back. Who am I to learn Violet Mist Divine Art with you? With my ability, it’s not even possible.”
Un Gum burst out laughing.
“Don’t play sick. Is there anyone in Mount Hua who doesn’t know that you’re not weak?”
“Who said I’m not weak. That’s a story of the past. Anyway, I’m not comfortable with it. I’m going to step out by talking to Sect Leader….”
“If you do so, you’ll definitely get scolded.”
“Hngg. Right?”
As Un Am grumbled, Un Gum looked at him with a warm smile.
In fact, Un Am can sit in the seat of the next generation of Mount Hua Sect Leader whenever he wants. Even if it’s Hyun Jong, there was no way to push out Un Am, who had been serving him for decades and protecting Mount Hua.
The time when Un Am wanted to take over as the Sect Leader was when there was no hope for Mount Hua. No one would want the position of Sect Leader in Mount Hua at that time.
When everyone avoided it, he quietly stepped forward and tried to carry the future of Mount Hua. At a time when the future of Mount Hua has brightened, he is willing to give up his position to the next generation.
How can one not respect such a man?
The reason why Un Am is complaining now is likely because it is burdensome for him to learn the Violet Mist Divine Art, which was traditionally mastered only by the successive Sect Leader.
Now, thanks to Hyun Jong’s instructions, all of Mount Hua’s disciples can learn Violet Mist Divine Art as long as they have the ability, but human perception does not change so easily.
Therefore, it was clear that he wanted to give up the Violet Mist Divine Art and completely block any comments from behind.
Un Am scratched his head and asked Chung Myung.
“So, Chung Myung. Did Sect Leader tell us that we should learn from you?”
“No, not exactly.”
Chung Myung smiled bashfully.
“Of course, if the situation requires, I’ll have to do it regardless of the procedure, but now is not the situation. There are other people who can teach beside me.”
“Huh? Then…….”
“Here they come.”
Just then, the sound of someone walking came from the bottom of the training field. Everyone, who was lined up, turned their eyes toward where the sound was coming from at once.
“Oh, Sect Lea-….”
Un Gum, who tried to pay respect to Sect Leader, tilted his head for a moment.
‘Sect Leader?’
It was the Sect Leader alright…
It’s definitely Hyun Jong, but why does something seem different?
He blinked his eyes, but the person standing in the center was definitely Hyun Jong. And those who stood on the left and right were Hyun Sang and Hyun Young.
Although these were the people he had been watching almost all his life, there was a strange feeling of seeing unfamiliar people.
Ttududuk!
“Eh. Tsk!”
Hyun Young distorted his eyes when he heard a cloth ripping sound.
“No, I told you to wear something loose! Who do you think would have to mend it and give out new clothes?”
“I’m wearing a bigger one.”
“Is your body solved by just wearing a bit bigger? Please wear the size you used to wear when you were young. No, something even bigger than that.”
“…Okay.”
Un Am also tilted his head at the conversation between the two.
‘The clothes are small? Why?’
‘He had been a little thin for a while, did he gain weight in the meantime…….’
‘Huh?’
Un Am, who had been looking at the three people quietly, flinched. It wasn’t just a feeling, it seemed that Hyun Jong’s body looked bigger than before.
‘Is that what they call a Spiritual Aura (영기(靈氣))?’
‘That’s why he looks bigger……. Huh?’
With every step he took, Hyun Jong’s chest was bulging. Looking at it, even his shoulders… No, his thighs looked thicker…
Un Am’s cheeks began to tremble.
‘He actually looks bigger.’
Not only Hyun Jong but also the Elders next to him looked noticeably bigger than before.
‘No, how can a person suddenly grow up like that?’
Of course, as they age, straightening a bent back could have the same effect as being tall, but can their bodies get bigger to that extent and they look different? It doesn’t make sense.
Before they knew it, Hyun Jong and the Elders who had approached were standing in front of them.
“Everyone’s here.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
Mount Hua’s disciples look at Hyun Jong with new eyes. Of course, for them, who are martial artists, how intimidating can the physical presence be…
‘No, no matter how I look, it’s impressive?’
‘It looks different?’
Everyone swallowed dry saliva while looking at Hyun Jong. It was not just because he grew a little bigger, but his atmosphere seemed to have changed too.
If they were to find a word to describe it… The leisure of a strong person could be felt…
What? The leisure of the strong?
Then Hyun Jong smiled and opened his mouth.
“Now I will pass on the Violet Mist Divine Art to you. It’s an exceptionally difficult and complicated martial art, so learning it won’t be easy, but I hope you will all do your best to follow.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
Mount Hua’s disciples answered loudly with excitement on their faces.
Right. Why is it so important that the appearance of Sect Leader changed? The important thing was that they now learn Violet Mist Divine Art for themselves.
‘Mount Hua’s best martial art!’
‘Legendary martial art that has been practiced!’
‘The strongest Energy Art that only the Sect Leader of Mount Hua of the past learned!’
Not a single adjective is unimpressive. It was now finally possible to learn Violet Mist Divine Art, which can be considered the essence of Mount Hua’s martial arts.
“First of all….”
It was just then.
“Sect Leaadeeeeeeer!”
“Hm?”
The sudden voice made Hyun Jong look in the direction of the voice. A few people were running towards him from a distance.
“Soso?”
“…Baek Sang?”
Back Cheon tilted his head to the familiar faces leading the group.
Why are they here?
Those who came running at once paid respect to Hyun Jong and the Elders.
“What’s the matter?”
When asked for the reason, Baek Sang hesitated and looked around Hyun Jong. Then, he opened his mouth firmly as if he had made up his mind.
“Sect Leader!”
However, even before his words continued, Un Am frowned and yelled at him first.
“It’s true that Mount Hua is a comfortable place for its disciples, but is it reasonable to flock to the Sect Leader without saying a word in advance?”
“Forget it.”
Hyun Jong, who smiled lightly and dissuaded Un Am, looked at Baek Sang with warm eyes.
“Tell me. Why are you hesitating?”
“Se- Sect Leader. By any chance, are those gathered here learning Violet Mist Divine Ar?”
“That’s right.”
“Sect Leader!”
Baek Sang hurriedly shouted and lay flat on the spot. Then, those who came with him also fell to the ground.
When Hyun Jong was surprised and tried to lift the disciples, Baek Sang shouted in a determined voice.
“We understand that we are lacking compared to those gathered here. We are not saying that Sect Leader’s choice was wrong. Even if I had to select someone, I would have certainly chosen my Sasuk, Sahyung, and Sajil who’s present here.”
After swallowing a dry lump in his throat, he resumed his words.
“That’s why, Sect Leader. Please don’t misunderstand and listen to me. We’re not arguing that the decision is unfair, but we’ve come here, disregarding any rudeness, in a desperate desire to have the same opportunity.”
“Did you say an opportunity?”
“Yes!”
Baek Sang lifted his head abruptly. Both eyes glistened with eagerness.
“Of course, I know we are lacking. But we have also tried hard. So please, do not assume that the skills you knew of us before are all we have. We boldly ask for the opportunity to fully demonstrate our abilities and be evaluated.”
“Hmm.”
Hyun Jong stroked his beard as if in deep thought.
Then, Tang Soso, who had been watching carefully, spoke up.
“Sect Leader. We all know that the decision of Sect Leader and the Elders is fair. But it’s too regrettable to just wait behind.”
“Regrettable?”
“Yes, because we are also… we are also martial artists.”
Hyun Jong smiled softly and asked Tang Soso.
“You don’t want to be left behind?”
“I’m very inadequate. I haven’t yet mastered the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Techniques, nor have I fully learned the martial arts of Mount Hua compared to the others. I know that best myself. However!”
Dang-Soso’s eyes staring straight at Hyun Jong were as clear as they could be. Only pure aspirations without blemishes filled the eyes.
“If I were to always stand back because I acknowledge the gap between me and them, I would never be able to catch up to Sahyungs and Sasuks. Therefore, please give me a chance to prove myself.”
Listening to the conversation, Un Am sternly rebuked with a stiff face.
“Even if you had such thoughts, is this the place to rudely gather in groups and say such things! Is this how I taught you?”
“I’m sorry, Sasuk.”
“Step back quickly.”
“Un Am, wait a moment.”
However, Hyun Jong stopped Un Am and smiled again this time.
“I don’t think that’s too wrong. In fact, it might be cruel to those who were not chosen if we just discuss and choose someone amongst us. Then we need a method that everyone can accept.”
And he looked at Hyun Sang and asked.
“What do you think?”
“Hmm. Certainly, we can’t always select in such a brute-force manner. But not this time. We can’t immediately set a standard for them. We should dismiss their request and advance the next selection process a bit.”
Hyun Jong nodded as if he had a point. This time, he looked at Hyun Young and asked.
“And you?”
Hyun Young snickered as if it was silly to ask such a question.
“Let them do it.”
“Elder-nim!”
“Elder Hyun Young!”
The eyes of the disciples began to sparkle.
It was unbelievable. No one expected that Hyun Young, who always casually waved his hand as if annoyed by everything, would support the disciples.
“Will it be all right?”
“Well, if they want to learn so much, there’s no reason not to let them. However…”
“However?”
Hyun Young glanced meaningfully at the gathered disciples.
“There’s no need to create a ‘standard’ later. If we just work them hard now and only teach the ones who persevered, no one will complain.”
“…Only the ones who persevered?”
“Yes.”
“What are you going to make them do?”
“We can make them do anything, anything. The method isn’t important. The important thing is something else.”
“What is it?”
“That….”
Hyun Young’s lips slightly twitched.
“Traditionally, challenging the decision of a sect’s senior is equivalent to violating the hierarchy. Even more so if it’s the choice of the Sect Leader. Strictly speaking, all of these guys should be flogged and thrown into the Repentance Cave.”
“… T- To that extent?”
“I’m not suggesting that. But… they forced their way in even while knowing the punishments, so they should take responsibility.”
Hyun Young looked at everyone and said,
“I’ll give you the opportunity. However!”
“….”
“Those who have no skills but have forced their way in will pay the price. Never! Never quit halfway. If you give up, I will make sure you regret it, definitely!”
At that moment, Un Am and Un Gum shuddered at the surge of coldness.
It was a chill brought by memory.
A long, long time ago.
Before Hyun Young took his hands off the disciples and took over Finance Hall and full responsibility for the affairs of Mount Hua’s survival, that time.
It occurred to them who it was that was called the devil of Mount Hua before Chung Myung.
When the wide-eyed disciples raised their heads, they saw Hyun Young and Chung Myung who were standing behind him.
Chung Myung, smiling brightly like a happy child, caught the attention of the other disciples by raising his hand. And he pretended to cut his throat with his thumb silently.
‘You guys are done for.’
“….”
At that moment, everyone had a hunch. Something… Even if something is wrong, this one is absolutely wrong.