Return of Mount Hua Sect - Chapter 755

“Wait! Wait!”

A beggar sprinted towards the pier at full speed.

“Heok, heok, heok!”

Upon reaching the pier, he bent over to catch his breath. But as if this moment of respite was a luxury, he quickly looked around and grabbed a random person.

“H- Hey, let me ask you a question!”

“Yes?”

“Wa- Wasn’t there a ship leaving this afternoon?”

“Oh, that ship?”

“Yes!”

“What’s the use of the ship to a beggar like you?”

“That…. It’s because someone I know is aboard. What happened to that ship? It doesn’t seem like it’s departure time yet?”

“They left early because everyone gathered ahead of time.”

“Huh?”

“It left a while ago. It must have left the harbor by now. If you’re looking for a ship, you better look for the next one.”

At these words, the beggar despondently collapsed on the spot.

“Aigoo….”

In his hand was a letter in a red envelope.

“No, what am I supposed to do now that the ship has left? How am I supposed to deliver this? Wang Cho is gonna kill me now…”

His gaze, which looked at the Yangtze that runs relentlessly enough to be heartless, was filled with dismay.

* * *

The ship was moving smoothly, going down the Yangtze River.

Nothing particularly special about the sight. After all, hundreds of ships cross the Yangtze every day.
But there was a man standing on the deck who made the common sight uncommon.

“He must be a young master from a noble family.”

“Why did such a young master get on a ship like this? Shouldn’t he be on a Pleasure Ship?” (These boats are typically designed and used for entertainment purposes, such as sightseeing, parties, or recreational cruising. They often feature luxurious amenities and provide a pleasant experience for passengers.)

“I’m sure he had enough of it.”

“Anyway, he’s quite handsome,”

Baek Cheon’s face trembled at the murmurs reaching his ears.

‘I wanted to avoid attracting attention.’

But not only are they not avoiding the eyes, they are even gathering people. But he couldn’t bear to express his dissatisfaction.

“The one next to him must be a servant.”

“If he’s a young master, of course, a servant will follow.”

“You can tell he’s a servant just by looking. What are you asking?”

Baek Cheon’s eyes looking at Baek Sang were filled with sorry. But Baek Sang, with a face of someone who almost reached enlightenment, spoke in a low voice.

“……Don’t say anything.”

“…Sang-ah.”

“If I get comforted, I might want to cry.”

“….”

These cruel people.

Their whispers were inaudible to others, but to the hearing of a martial artist, they were painfully clear. But, he couldn’t blame them…

Huh?

Guys? Why are you whispering in there together with them?

‘What are those devils…’

He was sweating as he looked at the disciples of Mount Hua, including Yoon Jong, who pointed their fingers his way.

All Baek Cheon could do was pat Baek Sang on the shoulder….

“Don’t touch me. You’ll get the servant’s filth.”

“….”

This sulky bastard.

“By the way, do you think the pirates will come?”

“Shh. You’re too loud.”

“……No. Why are you being so cautious? We’re on the deck, and the ship has already departed. No matter how good the pirates’ hearing, they can’t hear what we’re saying here, can they?”

“There might be pirates on this ship.”

Surprised by the remark, Baek Sang shrank his neck slightly.

“On this ship?”

“No matter how well they know the river, they can’t know all the ships that go and come. They could have planted one on the target ship to send signals.”

“…I couldn’t see anyone who was skilled in martial arts.”
“Just because they cooperate with pirates doesn’t necessarily mean they’re skilled in martial arts. If it were me, I’d capture a merchant or a crew member.”
“Ah….”

Baek Sang nodded loudly.

Times like this reminded him of the old days’ Baek Cheon.

“So, do Sasuk think the pirates will come?”

“We’ve laid the bait, so I assume they will. They’ll likely come unless something unforeseen occurs.”

“How come?”

“It won’t be so common for a Special Delivery to cross the Yangtze River. They won’t want to miss this opportunity.”

Baek Sang nodded as if he had understood.

They can’t know whether they’re really after the precious items in the special shipment, or if they have other intentions. However, no matter the reason, the chances were high that they would grab the Special Delivery when the opportunity presented itself.

If the situation in Kugang was utterly unknown, they might not come, but if they’ve heard the news, they’ll definitely come.

“What if they don’t come?”

“That would be fortunate.”

“Huh?”

Baek Cheon said, casting his gaze into the distance.

“If they don’t come even after we’ve tried this a couple of times, it would mean that they’re not specifically targeting the Special Delivery, but that our paths have just coincidentally crossed. That would make our job easier.”

“I see.”

“But… Well…”

If things in the world went smoothly, there would be no need for all this trouble.

“Anyway, everything will probably be quiet for a while. It’s more likely that they’ll show up when the current slows and people are scarce. Just don’t let your guard down until then.”

“Yes, Sahyung.”

Baek Sang answered quietly and looked back.

Seeing the crew members conversing amicably with the passengers, he felt strange.

‘Indeed, they are reliable…’

Now, it can be said that Mount Hua’s disciples are among the proud martial master.

He wasn’t at that level yet, but the Five Swords had already proven themselves as martial master, whether by their accomplishments or their skills. They could hold their own anywhere in Kangho.

It’s just…

‘I wonder if their skills will be as effective on the water.’

It was difficult to predict.

Considering Five Sword’s skills, it may not be a big issue, but considering the fact that even the great martial arts sect hesitates to deal with pirates, it’s not something to be taken lightly.

‘I hope nothing happens.’

Baek Cheon seemed to think that something was bound to happen, but Baek Sang just hoped that everything would remain peaceful.

With those two different thoughts, the ship slowly made its way along the river.

“….There’s nothing to do.”

“I agree.”

Yoon Jong’s face was full of boredom. Even the scenic view of the Yangtze River from the boat had lost its charm.

Since Chung Myung’s arrival at Mount Hua, he had rarely experienced such a dull moment. That guy just couldn’t stay still for a second.

“Should we train?”

“No way. There’s too many eyes looking. Right now, you and I are ordinary merchants.”

“…Hngg. I’m going to die of boredom.”

Jo-Gol looked extremely frustrated.

While some people might enjoy the leisure sail and the scenery of the Yangtze River, it just didn’t suit them.

If they wanted to enjoy the scenery, the mountains were a better option, as they could run up and down with their own two feet.

“I wish the pirates would come sooner.”

“Don’t jinx it….”

“What’s wrong with you? After all, we set out to find pirates.”

“Still, it’s better to avoid them if we can.”

“Why?”

“Hngg, it’s long to explain. It’s better if problems don’t occur.”
“Is it because Chung Myung is not here?”

At Jo-Gol’s question, Yoon Jong suddenly fell silent.
It wasn’t exactly what he had in mind when he said it, but now that Jo-Gol asked him, he was at a loss for words.

‘Is that really the case?’
If Chung Myung had been here, everyone would have been preoccupied with trying to stop him from running around as he claimed that he would take on all the pirates.

But at least they are afraid to meet the pirates.

‘There’s no need to voice such thoughts, anyway.’

Yoon Jong pretended to be calm and opened his mouth. But Jo-Gol spoke before he could say anything.

“Honestly, I’m a little nervous, Sahyung.”

“Hm?”

“…About Chung Myung.”

Yoon Jong looked at Jo-Gol with a slight surprise. If he had to pick someone who wouldn’t say this among the Five Swords, the first was Yoo Iseol and the second was Jo-Gol.

“When he’s around, I really… just want to smack him in the face…”

“Don’t badmouth him when he’s not around…”

“But it’s the truth. I just want to turn everything upside down if it were up to me.”

“No, you mean ‘if only you had the power.’”

“Yes, that’s right. Anyway, since he’s not here…….”

Jo-Gol’s words trailed off.

“How should I put it…. I can’t explain it well.”

“Nevermind. I know what you mean even without you saying it.”

Yoon Jong smiled and waved his hand dismissively.

It was unexpected that Jo-Gol said this, but he understood the sentiment. He was feeling the same thing.
As expected, Chung Myung’s absence felt much larger than expected.

“But don’t say such weak things. Unless you want to be made fun of by Chung Myung when we get back.”

“Yes, Sahyung.”

Jo-Gol nodded with an uncharacteristically solemn expression.

“What are you thinking about, Sago?”

Yoo Iseol standing on the railing and looking out over the river, answered briefly, turning her head at Tang Soso’s question.

“Mount Hua.”

“Do Sago still think about Mount Hua even after coming all the way here?”

“Because it’s home.”

A slightly strange expression passed over Tang Soso’s face.

‘Home.’

Tang Soso is a disciple of Mount Hua, but she doesn’t think of Mount Hua as much as Yoo Iseol do yet. No, maybe none of Mount Hua’s disciples think of Mount Hua as much as Yoo Iseol.

“Is Sago worried about leaving Sahyung behind?”
“That troublemaker. He can handle himself anywhere.”

“…That’s true.”

“I’m worried about Sect Leader.”

“…That makes sense.”

Yoo Iseol asked Tang Soso with an expressionless face.

“Are you worried?”

“No, I’m not worried. I’m not.”

“No, I’m not talking about Chung Myung.”
“….”

When Tang Soso couldn’t answer immediately, Yoo Iseol let out a small sigh.

“Don’t worry.”

“Yes, Sago will protect me when I’m in dange-…..”

“You are also a proud warrior of Mount Hua.”

“….”

“You’re not weak. So, it’s okay.”

Tang Soso, who was staring blankly at Yoo Iseol for a moment, bit her lip. Then a moment later, she lifted her head and smiled.
“Yes, Sago! I’ll protect you this time!”

A small smile appeared at the corners of Yoo Iseol’s mouth.

“Yes.”

It was then.

Hye Yeon approaches Baek Cheon, who is standing on the deck and speaks quietly.

“Baek Cheon Siju.”

“Yes, Monk.”

“There’s something odd about the ship approaching us from the front.”

“Yes?”

Hye Yeon said with a stiff face.

“The ships that have passed so far have turned their heads in advance when approaching this much, but that ship shows no signs of doing so. It’s still quite far away so I can’t say for sure, but…”

Baek Cheon frowned slightly and examined the ship that Hye Yeon pointed out.

‘It doesn’t look particularly special.’

But that is a matter of course.

If one could identify a pirate ship in advance, they would naturally flee as soon as they confirmed it from a distance. It’s common sense to approach while concealing one’s identity until escape is difficult.
“Baek Sang.”

“Yes, Sahyung.”

“Call the kids.”

“Yes!”

Baek Sang carefully called out to the disciples scattered around the ship. A light tension passed over the faces of everyone who quickly gathered around Baek Cheon.

“Have they arrived?”

“I’m not sure yet. But….”

Baek Cheon was lost in thought, still focusing on the ship.

‘It still hasn’t changed course.’

Basically, the side receiving the headwind finds it difficult to change direction. So it’s basic for the side receiving the tailwind to change direction. Therefore, if it were a normal ship, it would have changed course by now.

However, even though it had approached close enough for them to see clearly, that ship showed no signs of changing direction.
The helmsman moved to change our course since the other ship was not turning. But then, a new sail spread out on a ship approaching from the other side.

“Heok!”

“Tha- That!”

Everyone gasped in shock.

A vivid black dragon pattern as if ready to dive into the river and swim any moment. It was the mark of the Yangtze River Pirates.

“It’s a pirate!”

“Here comes the pirate!”

Screams or shouts, hard to tell which, burst out all over the ship. Baek Cheon breathed a long breath and opened his mouth with an unperturbed face.

“It seems….”

But even before his instructions fell, everyone had already pulled out their Plum Blossom Swords hidden in their bundles.

Baek Cheon, having received his own sword, slightly unsheathed it and nodded his head.
“It seems we’ve been spotted. Get ready, here they come!”

“Yes!”

Everyone watched the steadily approaching pirate ship with sharp eyes.