Mount Hua gains a fortune

The place was narrower than expected.

It was natural. It would have left a large hole in Mount Hua's finances if they had created a massive warehouse out of Thousand-Year-Old Cold Iron; they would have never lasted this long.

"… he kept whining every day that he had no money. Yet he kept spending it to make things like this."

Chung Myung felt a surge of anger, but what could he do? He could do nothing to a dead person.

Chung Myung went inside and looked around.

There were a lot of things stored here. What should he check for first?

"Money!"

Chung Myung blinked his eyes and scanned the room.

It had to be here! The slush funds which Sahyung was saving! Some shining piece of gold! Riches shining brilliantly…!

"It must be here."

Chung Myung continued to survey the room.

Why? Why couldn't he see them?

Chung Myung once again scoured the inside of the storeroom. No matter how many times he rubbed his eyes, however, he couldn't find anything shiny, let alone treasures.

It shouldn't be this way.

"N-No."

With how frugal his Sahyung was, he must have accumulated a lot more money than any other sect leader!

It would be common sense for him to plan and keep aside a certain amount of wealth to prepare Mount Hua for any unexpected scenarios.

"But there is no money!"

A great sense of defeat came over him.

Haaa, fucking bastard. Didn't he keep any slush funds?

Chung Myung rubbed his face.

If there had been an emergency stash of money, he could have used them for any number of schemes.

For the revival of Mount Hua, for buying drinks, and for buying more drinks…

"Ah no! I am purely focused on the revival of Mount Hua!"

"Ehh!"

Chung Myung abandoned his lingering desires and turned his head. There were things more important than wealth.

"This is it!"

Books lined up one after another on a bookshelf on one wall.

Chung Myung gulped and walked over to it.

"This has to be it."

He pulled out a book from the middle and scanned the contents. As he read each line, a bright smile slowly appeared.

"Right!"

There can be no other way!

As expected, the books displayed on the first shelf were books of Mount Hua, which Sahyung kept. These documents were generally supposed to be stored in the sect leader's house, but it seemed like copies were made and stored here in case of emergencies.

And there weren't just ledgers from Chung Myung's time, but even from the previous generations too. With just this information, he would be able to slap those rotten jerks in the back of the head.

"Those bastards are so dead!"

These ledgers were worth the painstaking effort he went through to open the door.

And on the second shelf…

"Oh!"

No way!

Chung Myung nearly screamed without realizing it.

The authentic secret arts of Mount Hu are here…

"Huh?"

Chung Myung tilted his head.

"Are these the real deal?"

Chung Myung frowned. These things were a bit different from the martial arts he studied. In Mount Hua, the secret arts, which were almost as good as dead, were gathered there!

"Hmm."

Chung Myung scratched his cheek.

"Those foolish old bastards."

It had been decided not to pass these down to the future disciples, but it was clear that they didn't abandon them. It seemed that Sahyung was reluctant to completely throw them away.

Maybe he thought that it would negatively impact Mount Hua's future if they were abandoned, so he kept them here.

If the first shelf full of ledgers showed the old sect leader's obligations and responsibilities to the sect, this second shelf represented his compassion and dedication.

"… Sahyung."

Chung Myung felt a rising surge of tears sting his eyes.

"Don't worry. I will definitely revive Mount Hua to its original state."

No, he would make it more prosperous than in the past.

Chung Myung regained his ambition and turned.

There was no rush, and it will be fine. After all, the important thing was that Chung Myung knew how to use all the techniques. It was annoying to write it down for others, but he didn't plan on keeping the information a secret either.

And finally…

There was virtually nothing on the third shelf.

There was only a single rolled scroll.

"What is this?"

Without hesitation, Chung Myung reached out, opened it, and immediately began to read it.

[From the sect leader (Sahyung)]

If anyone is reading this, it means that the next generation's sect leader has been decided. Sometimes, a single line of writing conveys more than a hundred words, so I leave my meaning in this humble form.

The position of sect leader within Mount Hua isn't a position to lead.

As anyone who becomes the next sect leader would naturally come to know, the ones who lead Mount Hua are the precious disciples, and they are the ones who bring growth to Mount Hua. A sect leader's role is to protect and support them to carry out their own will without restrictions.

Now that you are the sect leader, I hope you will put aside your own impatience and work for the sake of the sect. Mount Hua is simply Mount Hua. No one person can lead or wield it.

Remember this when you are tired from life's difficulties and the heavy burden on your shoulders; Mount Hua will not fall.

Mount Hua is Mount Hua. Whether it declines or flourishes, it will stay as Mount Hua. As sect leaders, we merely protect the spirit of the sect in our generation.

Pray that the will of Mount Hua, which our ancestors protected, be passed onto future generations. And nurture our descendants to continue our will so that we remain eternal.

I leave you a heavy burden as the sect leader of the previous generation.

The 21st sect leader of the Great Mount Hua, Jang Mun.

[End]

"…"

Chung Myung looked at the scroll silently.

He knew.

He knew that this wasn't a letter written by his Sahyung to him, but, weirdly, he was the person who needed to read this more than the others.

"Right… that man really nagged a lot."

Chung Myung sighed and put away the scroll in his hands.

The other things will be returned to Mount Hua, but not this scroll.

"Okay then…"

Chung Myung turned around with a smile.

"There wasn't much, but this should be enough."

First, he had the ledgers, which were the most essential items. If he had them, the businesses could be retrieved. Then Mount Hua would be able to get out of the debt.

So then…

Chung Myung, who was about to walk outside, stopped walking.

'Wait a minute.'

It was strange.

'Why does it feel like something's off?'

He couldn't pinpoint what was so strange, but he felt something was wrong.

Why was he feeling that way?

"Wait!"

Third shelf?

Chung Myung turned his head.

Sect leader, his Sahyung.

Jang Mun was the 21st sect leader of Mount Hua; that man had been obsessed with neatly organizing things.

It wasn't just the cleanliness. Even if the furniture in his room were off by a slight angle, he couldn't stand it.

But...

Two full shelves and one empty shelf?

"No. No. That man would have lost his mind."

He knew it because he had been with that man for a long time.

Chung Myung rushed to the empty shelf.

'Something has to be here!'

Surely!

That empty shelf kept bothering him. Isn't it awkward to use an entire bookshelf for just one scroll? The Sahyung that he knew wasn't that kind of a person.

If the one who came here wasn't Chung Myung but someone else, they wouldn't have thought much of it. But now Chung Myung was there.

He grabbed the shelf without hesitation and moved it to the side.

'There's nothing else around.'

There was nothing behind the shelf except for the cold iron wall. But what about below?

It could be. The floor seemed to be covered with iron. But?

Chung Myung, who moved the shelf, put his hand on the floor and soon infused it with energy.

'If it was the old man that I knew, then it must be here!'

If there is a suspicious place, then something must be there.

Wooong!

Nothing happened. He wondered if his internal energy wasn't strong enough, he couldn't feel anything.

"Maybe I am wrong?"

It was the moment when he was flustered and thought about giving up.

Tuk!

"…!"

Right!

"Ahhhhhhhh!"

As Chung Myung felt himself being sucked below where the floor once was, something gave way.

Rumble!

Eventually, with the sudden feeling of something falling, Chung Myung lost his balance and collapsed backwards, rolling away from where he stood before.

"Ouch!"

After hitting his head several times, it felt like the night stars were flashing in front of him.

'Wasn't it too loud?'

He instinctively turned towards the entrance. However, it didn't seem like anyone noticed it. Although it was connected, it didn't seem like it could be heard because of the long corridor.

More than that!

Chung Myung jumped up and ran forward.

Something opened for sure.

Chung Myung ran to observe the hole which had formed.

"Then?"

Sahyung!

"You really are a nasty bastard!"

A hidden double floor was made in case someone other than the sect leader had come in.

After all of the hard work it takes to find and open this place, nobody would have imagined that there was another secret hidden here. Even Chung Myung wouldn't have known if he didn't understand his Sahyung so profoundly.

Light shone from the entrance.

Light!

It seemed like the light was made to show the path to Chung Myung.

Without hesitation, he threw himself into the opening. The entrance was small, even for a child's body. As he went down through the entrance, he found a space so small that straightening his back was difficult.

In that place…

Chung Myung stretched out his hand and decided to close the door which opened.

"Slowly. Slowly."

He made sure that no sound came of it.

And…

Chung Myung's eyes opened wide. His breathing became rapid, and his heart began pounding. Blood rushed to his face as excitement colored his vision.

"Hahahahaha!"

He was dying of joy~

There was happiness right in front of him.

Gold bars were neatly stacked on one side.

And various other treasures arranged at another side.

And…

"Is this my tomb?"

Even unknown gems were in there!

"Hehehehehe!"

Laughter kept coming out. Even when he tried to not laugh, he couldn't control it.

"Uhahahahaha!"

Right, smile! Laugh!

"I'm finally rich!"

The situation which the 21st sect leader, Jang Mun, desperately sought to avoid by taking extreme measures to guard this wealth.

This was the moment when the fate and fortune of Mount Hua firmly passed into the hands of the one person who should absolutely not have it.

---

"Hmm."

Hyun Jong softly sighed as he watched the sunlight peering through the window.

For some, that sunlight may be the start of a pleasant day. But for those living on borrowed time, there was nothing more resentful than the sunlight which brings forth another day.

'It's morning again.'

Yet again, a new day has started.

Two days have already passed. And five more days were left to pay back the enormous debt.

Five. Just five more days.

Hyun Jong quietly closed his eyes.

'Five days.'

If he could not prepare 100,000 nyang within this short period, then Mount Hua would fall into their hands.

There are three things essential in life: food, clothing, and finally, shelter.

Although they could live even if they lost their residence, those who stayed in Mount Hua would need to try and find a different way to lead their lives. Mount Hua could no longer be called Mount Hua.

There may be some who wish to carry its name and succeed the will of Mount Hua. For many years, Mount Hua was considered a prestigious sect; surely, some would wish to hold onto it.

If a towering sect with thousands of disciples one day crumbles and can only shelter a few dozen students, and if it then loses its home and is exiled, can we not say that it has been thoroughly destroyed?

Those who can't stay here will have no choice but to disperse. There will be people who follow him for a time, but as their lives grow more difficult, wouldn't they simply find other work?

And gradually…

'No.'

Hyun Jong shook his head violently.

'This isn't the time to think so weakly.'

He still had five days left. He could protect Mount Hua if he found some way to raise the amount needed.

He is the sect leader. And he will not give up until the day Mount Hua disappears. Everyone else has the luxury to give up, but he cannot falter.

Hyun Jong raised his hand and rubbed his face.

Perhaps he could reach out to everyone who had so much as a needle-thin relationship with Mount Hua. Stories of Mount Hua's decline have circulated throughout the world. He only needed to find one capable person who would be willing to help them.

Just one person…

Hyun Jong chuckled softly in derision.

'Help us?'

If someone wanted to help, they would have done it already. Even when Mount Hua had higher hopes than now, not one person helped them.

And now, who would come and lend a vast sum of 100,000 nyang to a ruined sect?

'It's so burdensome.'

It couldn't be avoided or ignored. But Hyun Jong had to feel the weight each day as it grew on him.

The ever-present fear that Mount Hua's life would be cut short with his generation. He prayed and prayed that the sun would fail to rise each morning as he struggled through another sleepless night.

It was then.

"Sect leader!"

Hyun Jong adjusted his expression. No matter how depressed he was, he couldn't show that to his disciples. Even if Mount Hua collapses tomorrow, he must be remembered as the noble sect leader who carried the woes of his students as he stood by their side.

"What is it?"

"I-I think you need to come out and see."

"Hmm?"

Hyun Jong tilted his head.

He moved right away and went outside. Right outside, Un Geom stood there waiting with a blank face.

"Un Geom?"

Hyun Jong frowned.

It wasn't Un Am but Un Geom. Wasn't Un Geom in charge of the White Plum Blossom Boarding House? If he came here, it meant that something had happened in the dorms.

But what could happen in the dorms which required the sect leader's direct attention?

Isn't it still so early in the morning?

"What happened?"

"S-sect leader."

Un Geom had a strange face. He seemed surprised, yet a bit exhausted too.

'Just what could have happened?'

He knew that gathering children and disciplining them was exhausting and required patience. Being chosen for this task, Un Geom was generally a very calm and composed person.

However, if even Un Geom struggled to keep his composure, he couldn't understand what happened.

"I will tell you about the details on the way. Sect leader! You need to see this for yourself!"

"… guide me."

Hyun Jong followed without question.

He was curious; however, since Un Geom asked in such a serious manner, he decided to simply follow him first.

"Yes, sect leader!"

Un Geom moved quickly, and Hyun Jong followed him without delay.

'Where are we going?'

Hyun Jong frowned as he looked around. The place they were heading wasn't the dorms. It was a place behind the dorms, the Lotus Peak.

Why there?

However, Un Geom kept climbing up with all his might without saying a word.

'I'll know once I see it.'

Halfway up the path with Un Geom, he saw third-class disciples sitting, scattered, on the side.

'Huh?'

Why were those kids here? And why were they all over the place…?

Hyun Jong's eyes widened.

Kids were lying left and right as they kept climbing. Even though their sect leader came, they couldn't even raise their heads to greet him and kept gasping for air sprawled out on the ground.

"W-what is this?"

Un Geom, who came to a realization, yelled out.

"You lot! The sect leader is here; can't you show manners!"

"Leave them be."

"But sect leader!"

"Rather, why are the children in this condition?"

"That…"

Un Geom looked around and then asked.

"Chung Myung! Where is Chung Myung?"

Chung Myung? Why was that name coming out here?

Hyun Jong looked at Un Geom with a face that said he couldn't understand at all. Chung Myung referred to the child who recently entered the sect, so why was he called?

"I'm over here."

The answer came before his questions were answered.

Hyun Jong's eyes widened when he turned to see where the voice had come from.

"You, why? Huh?"

A bizarre, almost grotesque young child walked out from behind a tree.

Face whiter than a blank sheet of paper with bluish lips like a corpse. The shadows under his eyes seemed to stretch down to his chin.

He didn't seem like a human.

It wouldn't seem strange if that child collapsed and died on the spot.

"What happened?"

"Ah, I am sorry. I trained a little too much….'

What was that?

If a person could take on such an appearance simply by training, no disciples would have survived until now! Training should make you stronger, not weaker. Make excuses that are believable!

At that moment, Un Geom spoke.

"That's not the point right now."

Hyun Jong blinked his eyes for a moment.

Doesn't matter?

"What are you talking about!"

The man in charge of looking after the children says such a ridiculous thing!

The White Plum Blossom Boarding House is the future of Mount Hua. Weren't they the disciples who would lead Mount Hua into a new future? How could someone who was training the kids say that…

"You need to see this. This one, Chung Myung, has found something strange."

"Strange?"

"H-Hurry, sir."

Un Geom seemed serious.

'What…'

If it had been someone else showing such an attitude, Hyun Jong would have yelled and cursed them right away, but he had a deep understanding of Un Geom's character. If such a calm individual behaved in such a way, it must be serious.

Hyun Jong finally followed Chung Myung and Un Geom and went into the forest.

"What the hell is he…."

Hyun Jong couldn't continue.

A small section of the earth came into his view; it had been dug out and held an old box within. The box was halfway open.

Hyun Jong's eyes nearly burst from their sockets.

He could see it.

Inside the box was a shining gold light. And there was only one metal that could emit such a golden light.

But it wasn't simply the gold that caught his attention. It was the books next to gold.

The title of the books seemed to pull his soul from his body.

[Great Mount Hua's Hua-Um village ledgers]

A long title.

"This, this, this…?"

Hyun Jong couldn't come to his senses. Where did it come from? Why was gold here?

He was too scared to approach this unbelievable reality. He was afraid that the items would disappear like a mirage if he reached out to grasp them.

"H-how did you find them?"

"That child found them"

"Child?"

Hyun Jong turned his head to the corpse-like figure. With a half-dying face, Chung Myung opened his mouth.

"I-I was… training at dawn…."

"What?

Listening to the mosquito-like voice, Hyun Jong titled his head. Un Geom decided to help him out.

"He seems to have come to Lotus Peak at dawn to train."

"Training at dawn? When did you start that?"

"We started it a while back. From the day that child entered."

"Hmm."

From the day the child entered?

How long has it been since he joined?

'Ah, no. I shouldn't be thinking about such a thing now.'

He could ask for the details later.

"So, you mean you found this while climbing the Lotus peak for morning training?

"To be precise, I was too tired and decided to take a rest inside the bushes, but the place I sat on was strangely hard, and when I looked more intensely, something was sticking out. So, I dug it out just in case…."

"Oh, my!"

"But… the stuff inside was so…. unusual, so I thought that I had to inform the elders… rather than check it myself."

"T-take your time. What kind of kid even trains so hard that they can barely speak?"

"Training… is the root…."

"I-I get it. You should go back and rest. I will check it myself."

Hyun Jong swallowed back dry saliva as he approached the box. Trembling, he placed his hand on the box. However, what he touched wasn't the gold, but the books next to it.

"Great Mount Hua's Hua-Um Village ledgers."

Hyun Jong murmured to himself as if he had lost his mind as he took the books out one at a time. His trembling hands clearly spoke to the state of his turbulent mind.

He didn't even open the books. He was terrified that if he opened the book clumsily, it would crumble to dust before his eyes.

"Great Mount Hua Records."

It was a book dealing with the history of Mount Hua. Although it may not play a functional role, it was still significant.

Hyun Jong carefully laid down the books and gazed at each of their titles.

"S-S-Se…"

His eyes twitched.

"Seven Sages Sword…."

His whole body shook.

"This is, is, is…. This…."

"Se–sect leader!"

"Ugh!"

Hyun Jong felt himself losing consciousness.

"Sect leader!"

"Sect leader, calm down!"

Hearing the people call for him, Hyun Jong smiled as he closed his eyes.

What came out of the box wasn't just some wealth and books.

It was hope.

---

"Sect leader!"

"Sect leader! Open your eyes!"

Hyun Jong opened his eyes in shock.

'A dream?'

He got up and saw that the box was still in front of him. Fortunately, it wasn't a dream.

"Un–Un Geom!"

"Yes! Sect leader!"

"Call the merchants. Move the box to my residence! And have the older disciples guard the perimeter."

"Yes! Sect leader!"

"No–No! I will move it myself! Right now!"

Hyun Jong took a breath and calmed himself.

Nothing was certain yet. To accurately understand the situation, he would have to check everything first and see if the items were genuine.

But.

'They must be genuine!'

If these things were buried here, along with such enormous wealth, they had to be genuine.

'No, no, no! Still, I need to be certain.'

Hope and anxiety battled against one another as his emotions surged. Has he felt like this anytime in recent decades?

"Un Geom!"

"Yes! Sect leader."

"Bring your things and come down the mountain."

"Yes!"

Hyun Jong jumped up and then suddenly looked at Chung Myung.

"Chung Myung!"

"Yes. Sect leader."

"You have worked hard. We will discuss this later."

"Yes."

When Chung Myung stepped back without saying a word, Hyung Jong hurriedly lifted the entire box. Then, he made a request to Chung Myung.

"Take the other children and head back to the dorm."

"I will."

"Good!"

With that, Hyun Jong headed down the peak. And Un Geom followed him with the other valuables. The children who were there looked at them with blank eyes.

"What was that?"

"… huh?"

Amid the confused children, Chung Myung smiled.

'This should be enough for now.'

The wealth and supplies contained in the box were only a portion of what was in the warehouse.

Why did he only give a portion?

It's not Mount Hua's, It's Chung Myung's….no, that's certainly not why

'It is because the first bite vanishes fast.'

If you give a buffet to a dying man, his body may not be able to withstand it and waste what's been given. Rather than overfeed him, you must give him enough to sate his hunger so that he would no longer starve.

It's not necessarily a good thing to give someone more than they need.

Chung Myung judged that the current Mount Hua couldn't handle the burden of a large sum of wealth. It was unreasonable for them to be handed an enormous sum of money at once. All the sect needed to do was start over.

Of course, this was a trial for the sect, but it wasn't one for Chung Myung.

Yoon Jong approached him,

"Sajae."

"Huh?"

"We were asked to go down; shouldn't we head back to the dorm?"

Chung Myung nodded his head.

"We should"

"But why does Sajae look like that?"

"Ugh, something happened."

Chung Myung waved his hand and dismissed the concern.

'I know what he is asking about.'

Thanks to using his pure internal qi, the condition of his body deteriorated.

'I should have been more careful.'

This wouldn't have happened in the past, but now he wasn't even in a stable body. So, everything changed when he tried to over-exert himself with a child-like body.

It was foolish to think he could control it perfectly using this new and inexperienced body. It was only natural that he ended up using more of his true internal qi than he intended.

"You look like you are going to die."

"I won't die."

"Really?"

"… would you prefer that I die?"

Yoon Jong turned his head away without answering.

Huh?

Not answering? Did he really want Chung Myung to die? Such a bastard!

"You aren't going to die anyway, so why were you expecting me to say that I hope you don't die?"

"Expect! Expect what? Khuem."

Chung Myung clicked his tongue at that.

'I really might be on the bed for a month or two.'

It wasn't easy to recover from such things. Even if Chung Myung tried living carefully, he could only struggle until his body returned to normal unless he could find some medicinal pills.

"By the way, how did you find that? It didn't seem like something normal, especially seeing how shocked the sect leader was."

"Live a good life, and the heavens will look after you. So be a good boy from now on."

"…"

If someone like Chung Myung was blessed by God, then the other children should already be guaranteed a blessed life. Yet, no one retorted.

Chung Myung glanced down and looked at the sect leader descending the mountain.

'If he's been given this much, he should be able to handle it; things will go well.'

'If he isn't stupid.'

"Come on, let's go down."

"Right. But… where are you going?"

"What?"

"To go down, shouldn't we head down from this way?"

Yoon Jong pointed at the path leading down.

"Are you seriously asking something so obvious?

"Then, why are you walking up?"

"tch, tch, tch."

Chung Myung clicked his tongue at Yoon Jong's question.

"Sahyung."

"… huh?"

"To be a warrior, you need to have a flexible way of thinking. Don't think that there is only one way down. Climbing to the top and descending the other side, there are many ways to go down."

'What sort of bullshit is he saying? That idiot!'

"Come on, the sect leader and the others are gone, but we still have the training to do. The last ten people won't get their meals today. Run!"

Yoon Jong's feet began to move as he hurriedly ran towards the peak, even before he had a chance to express his dissatisfaction. The other kids followed him, running to the top in a panic.

'That devilish bastard!'

'Fucking shit! I don't think I can catch up to him!'

Seeing the kids running with their might, Chung Myung smiled.

"I will give a present to whoever finishes first."

What should he prepare for the next time?

The items he placed in that box and gave to the sect were just a little of what he had. The wealth brought out was less than one-tenth of the wealth in the storehouse.

Chung Myung glanced up at the sky. It felt like his Sahyung was looking down at him with a distorted face.

"Ehh. Don't tell me, you think I'm going to eat it all alone?"

Healthy! Just enough, in moderation. Right, moderation!

"heheh!"

Chung Myung smiled as he moved.

"It's genuine."

He could feel his heart pounding. Of course, this answer was expected, but the impact didn't diminish even though it was expected.

Hyun Jong asked, unable to hide his trembling.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I am sure. The ledgers are genuine, and we also secured the deed lying underneath the gold. Sect leader."

"Huhuh! Huhuhu."

He wanted to speak, but words weren't coming out. He couldn't help but laugh in a hoarse voice.

"H-How did this…."

"We have it! Sect leader!"

"Huh… huhuhuhu."

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop smiling.

It was said that no one knew what would happen in life, but do such precious things really happen?

What if this was discovered a week late?

He didn't even want to think about it.

'The heavens have not forsaken us!'

No, it's not the heavens, but the ancestors of Mount Hua, who kept looking after and helping them.

Hyun Jong closed his eyes, unable to hide his burning passion.

"Then can we prove the contents in the ledger?"

"These certificates were issued by the nation! Of course, we can prove it! We can bring the businesses of Hua-Um under us once more and even Tae-Hua Pavilion as well."

"Good. That's good."

It's a miracle.

In just a few days, the disciples of Mount Hua would have been thrown out to live on the streets. But with these books, they could not only protect their home, but they could even recover the businesses they lost so long ago.

A jackpot!

The head of financial affairs, Hyun Yeong, laughed.

"It is improbable, but even if they are fake, we can overcome the immediate crisis. Even if these ledgers don't work, the wealth in the box is worth well over 100,000 nyang. It is more than enough to pay it back."

"Thank god. It's a relief."

"With this money, we can solve all the financial problems of Mount Hua at once. And if we can take back the businesses, we won't ever have to worry about money again."

He could hear such honeyed words flowing nonstop. To Hyun Jong, it sounded like the most beautiful symphony.

"That's not all."

Hyun Sang, the head of martial arts, smiled and said,

"This Seven Sages Sword is the real thing. I will have to examine it more later, but there wasn't a single error written in this book."

"Oh oh!"

"It is also encouraging that the Falling Flower Sword is correct. Although it isn't on the same level as the other ones, it is perfect for learning along with the Seven Sages Sword. It will serve as an intermediate step into the more advanced arts."

"R-right."

"The Bamboo Leaf Sword seems to be legitimate too."

He was losing it.

Hyun Jong couldn't keep up. If he spoke now, it would only make him look stupid.

"It's an indescribable feeling; the Seven Sages Sword has fallen into our hands once again. In the past, it was practiced as the basis for all of Mount Hua's martial arts. Finally, it will be like it was in the past."

"It wasn't like that for us, right?"

"Yes, sect leader."

"This is the treasure of Mount Hua."

The sect leader noticed that Hyun Sang had opened his mouth to say something and then closed it, but Hyun Jong didn't miss it.

"Is there some problem?"

"N-No. it was nothing."

"Is it about the martial arts?"

"Not at all. They are genuine. I can guarantee that."

"I am glad."

As the sect leader nodded, Hyun Sang spoke.

"Wasn't it said that a third-class disciple found them?"

"Right. A child called Chung Myung joined recently."

"He needs to be rewarded."

"We should give him something. Thanks to that child, Mount Hua…."

"I didn't mean that, sect leader."

Hyun Yeong cut short Hyun Jong's words.

"He is a child who just entered Mount Hua. How long has it been since we saw someone have such a heart for Mount Hua?"

"… right."

"Even if that child didn't know the value of the books, he would clearly recognize the value of the gold and jewels. If it were me, the moment the box was opened, I would have taken a few items and hid them somewhere else. If not, I would bury the box itself and hide it from others."

There were horrible words. But what Hyun Yeong said was the truth.

"Right. I didn't think of that."

"A unique child, truly strange and unique. That's a wealth that could shake the heart of any man in Mount Hua. If I had seen it, I wouldn't have spoken about it right away…."

"I'll remember that."

"… S-sect leader?"

Hyun Yeong was a bit flustered, to which Hyun Jong said.

"It is wonderful. But Mount Hua got a blessing."

Hyun Jong smiled.

Although it was a coincidence, he was really thankful that this box was discovered at the right moment. He thought that changing his mind and bringing in the beggar was the right decision as it was going to save Mount Hua.

"Hyun Yeong."

"Yes. Sect leader"

"Are the ledgers real?"

"I will put my neck on the line."

"I see, then there are people we need to call right away."

Hyun Jong's eyes were serious.

Now was the time to punish those who tried to aim their arrows at Mount Hua.

"All those involved, bring them to Mount Hua."

Hyun Jong, the sect leader, was finally able to stand tall.

---

"Oh my, this is tough."

Yu Jong-San, clearly suffering, groaned aloud.

The mountain leading up to Mount Hua was so steep that even people living in the village below couldn't climb it with ease.

Fortunately, they had escorts to help them climb the mountain; but ordinary people wouldn't dare it.

The fact that they were climbing the mountain again less than a week after their last trek was making him uncomfortable both physically and mentally.

"Ugh."

"Owner Yu. Be strong!"

"I am trying to be strong!"

Yu Jong-San was annoyed. Despite the escorts encouraging him, he struggled greatly to climb each step. He was being asked to climb a sheer cliff, which no ordinary person could pass through, by relying on a worn-out old rope. This was why Mount Hua didn't develop!

'Once I get the money back, I will never come to this place again.'

Because he didn't want to see Mount Hua ever again.

As they climbed the cliff, a smooth and flat area greeted them. Owner Kong, who confirmed that everyone had come up, opened his mouth.

"We will take a break here."

"Oh my. Owner Kong. That's a good idea. My legs are shaking…."

"Owner Yu needs to work out more often."

"Huhuhu. I am no stranger to exercise, but I don't think my body will ever get used to climbing this mountain."

"It isn't that bad."

Owner Yu shook his head and sat down on a rock.

"But owner Kong."

Owner Pang approached Owner Kong.

"What is it?"

"Why is the sect leader suddenly asking us to come to Mount Hua?"

Those who were rubbing their aching legs all turned their focus toward the man.

"Maybe he came up with some money?"

Owner Kong smiled softly.

"Is that possible? One hundred thousand isn't a small amount."

Owner Kong spoke bluntly.

"But if it is borrowed…."

"There is no one in the world who would willingly lend a hundred thousand to a dying sect. A person with such a kind heart could never become rich."

"Surely…"

Yu Jong-San shrugged his shoulders.

"Then what does Owner Kong think? Why do you think the sect leader has called us?"

"To give up."

"Give up?"

Owner Kong looked at the summit, where Mount Hua stood.

"Likely, he must have tried to reach out for assistance and been denied at every turn. It would be distasteful to drag out the suffering until the last moment, so he called us ahead of time to concede."

"Huh."

Yu Jong-San clicked his tongue at it.

"This is the first time I've heard of someone calling their debt collectors to their door, without anything to pay, just to get rid of them more quickly. What a stiff debtor."

"Well, he is in a difficult situation because of the debt. Still, he is the sect leader of Mount Hua; don't speak too rashly about him."

"Owner Kong is such a kindhearted person. How can you think so well about someone who borrowed money and hasn't paid it back for decades?"

Owner Kong smiled.

"What I meant was for us to keep our manners. The name of Mount Hua will soon disappear; why make it more painful for them than it needs to be?"

"The whole world should know of Owner Kong's benevolence."

"We have such different attitudes."

"It was nothing."

Seeing that, Yu Jong-San clicked his tongue and thought to himself.

'Spouting pleasantries while sitting around doing nothing.'

They were planning to confiscate the sect and kick them out of their homes; who would care about your courtesy?

'But…'

Yu Jong-San looked at the summit.

'Will we really get the money?'

He was always worried whether the sect would be sold for a reasonable price. Indeed Owner Kong spoke quite confidently, but any merchant would be worried when money was on the line.

But Yu Jong-San wasn't worried about that.

'If a member of the Southern Edge sect came here, doesn't that mean they are interested in this?'

In the past, the entire world knew what kind of relationship existed between Mount Hua and the Southern Edge sect.

It was now a faded story since Mount Hua's name vanished and the Southern Edge Sect ascended too high up for the others to reach.

However, the Southern Edge Sect leaders would certainly remember their rivalry with Mount Hua, right? If they continued to hold onto their resentment, then it was evident that they wouldn't want even a fragment of Mount Hua to remain in the world.

'Owner Kong must be thinking of selling it to the Southern Edge sect.'

Out of the total debt of 100,000 nyang, Yu Jong-San was due to receive 5,000 nyang.

How much was 5,000 nyang? Even if the money was squandered and spent frivolously, it was an enormous sum that would still be enough to leave for the next generation to live comfortably.

The long tug-of-war is finally coming to an end. Yu Jong-San's heart began to flutter at the thought of finally getting his hands on such wealth.

'I wonder what the sect leader's face would look like.'

The thought of seeing that old man's solemn face being distorted made Yu Jong-San feel a bit bitter, but he quickly suppressed the rising feelings of sympathy. After all, isn't it true that there are no friends or family when it comes to matters of money?

"Let's start climbing now."

"Yes."

All of them got up with a push, despite having a hard time, they didn't say anything.

With their eyes blinded by money, they started to climb again.

"Each time I see it, it feels strange."

Someone in the crowd voiced their thoughts.

"It's just a building barely holding itself together."

A sense of reluctance could be heard in the voice.

Falling buildings and walls and the front gate where the door had been broken through already.

An obviously ruined sect appeared before them, either destroyed by someone else or neglected for years due to bankruptcy. Still, something was captivating about it.

The weight of Mount Hua protected the Shaanxi for years.

Despite not saying a word, they all shared similar feelings.

Now, they were here to suffocate Mount Hua's final breath. Today, the sect leader was going to finally give in.

Mount Hua, which protected this land for hundreds of years, was finally coming to an end.

"Khuem!"

"Uhm!"

Did everyone feel the weight of their actions? Everyone coughed in silence.

They had no intention of turning away from so much money, but still, they were people born in Hua-Um village. So, they couldn't help but feel bad that they were killing their guardians with their own hands.

"Let's go in."

Only owner Kong seemed fine. When he took the lead, everyone hesitated and then followed him.

"Is everyone here?"

As they entered, Un Am greeted them.

"Elder Un Am. Nice to see you."

"I am still not good enough to be called an elder. Please, just call me Un Am."

"As you wish."

Un Am smiled and spoke.

"The sect leader is waiting. This way."

"Hm."

Owner Kong frowned.

'Are they able to pay it back?'

When they arrived the other day, the others stopped them. But now, they were asking them to come in with casual expressions.

Even if the sect leader had informed them that these merchants would come, wasn't it strange how much their attitude had changed?

Owner Kong looked cautiously at Un Am's back and followed behind him.

'We'll know soon enough. Maybe this is the true nature of Mount Hua.'

Perhaps, they acknowledged their fate and decided to meet the end in peace. Rather than look like cowards begging for more time, they've chosen to die standing with their heads held high.

'I feel worried.'

Perhaps, it was because the moment he had waited so long for was finally coming true. Ordinary people tend to let their guard down as soon as their goal is within sight, but Kong Mun-Yeon is a shrewd man who becomes more nervous at these times.

As they quietly walked, they reached the residence of the sect leader. Standing in front of it was Hyun Jong waiting for them.

"We greet the sect leader."

When owner Kong issued his greetings, the others followed.

It was the last step; he wanted to be as polite as possible.

"Welcome. You must have gone through a lot while coming up here."

Hyun Jong smiled softly and greeted everyone.

"I am sorry to take your time. I hope you understand that I had to ask you to come up here instead of me coming down to meet you all."

"It's no issue at all. We are busy but not busier than the sect leader. So, it is obvious that we should come."

Owner Kong responded with a smile.

"Rather than that, what…?"

"Haha. Such a hurry? You must have had a hard time climbing the mountain, so maybe a cup of tea—"

"Sect leader."

Owner Kong cut the sect leader's words off with a resolute tone.

"It is good to have a cup of tea and talk. But we are merchants, so we would like to discuss the business affairs first."

"Hmm."

"We merchants are people who deal with problems first and then eat or drink later. I hope the sect leader understands that."

"Of course. I see I was only thinking of myself."

Hyun Jong smiled and then said.

"Then, let's get to the point without wasting time."

"Thank you."

Owner Kong smiled.

"I have brought you all here today to convey the position of Mount Hua."

"Position of Mount Hua?"

Hyun Jong looked at Owner Kong.

Owner Kong was already playing out the situation in his head.

"I have tried every method available, but I haven't been able to find anyone willing to lend money to Mount Hua. In other words, it doesn't seem like I can repay the money within the given date."

"Hmm."

Owner Kong frowned at those words.

"Sect leader. We have given you enough time. We also need to earn enough to make a living. We can't extend your deadline any further."

"Which is why I am saying this."

Hyun Jong made eye contact with each person.

"I know that it cannot be delayed any longer. But it is impossible for Mount Hua to make the full payment before the due date. Please understand."

Hyun Jong bowed.

"I can't pay back all of that money, but I can pay a portion of it. So, if anyone here would be fine with personally delaying their repayment date, it would help us greatly.

As the sect leader lowered his head toward them, everyone was shocked and embarrassed.

A strange atmosphere began to flow amidst the crowd.

---

"Hmm?"

Chung Myung, resting on the eaves of a building from a distance, seemed to be enjoying himself as he spied on the sect leader and merchants.

"So, that's how he plans on attacking?"

Chung Myung's eyes, which looked at the sect leader, gleamed.

He didn't know.

Was the sect leader seeking to push them into the hellfire, or was he giving them one last chance at redemption?

It could be interpreted either way.

However, one thing was certain, Hyun Jong, the sect leader of Mount Hua, wasn't as simple of a man as he seemed.

'This is how it should be.'

Didn't he see it?

The figure of the sect leader, hunched over and trembling in sadness within the dark corridor, clinging to the door he couldn't open.

He was the one who maintained Mount Hua, even as the burden grew, and the pain tore away at him from the inside out. He carried the collapsed sect on his fragile back without sacrificing his gentleness or dignity.

Chung Myung narrowed his eyes.

'But that shouldn't be all.'

He proved his patience. However, that wasn't the only trait a sect leader should possess.

Of course, that is important too. But Mount Hua… no, there are certain qualities essential to being a successful sect leader in any force.

'To remain cool-headed and composed.'

That is how a sect leader needs to be.

Although a sect is where martial artists are born, the essence of discipline is remaining calm and keeping a cool head.

Regardless of their original personality, a sect leader must have this trait. For the sake of Mount Hua, you must be able to trust your decisions with all of your mind and body, making decisions while rationally thinking out your course of action.

So, did Hyun Jong have the heart of a sect leader?

Chung Myung, lying down, rested his chin on his hands and slightly raised his body.

Crack!

The sound of bones breaking in his back.

"Ack…"

He immediately grabbed at his waist and fell back down to his original position.

'I am going to die.'

There wasn't a single part in his body that felt fine, probably because his body wasn't trained properly. Even though he was constantly practicing, his body wasn't recovering quickly enough.

He had calculated that it would be possible to restore his body in a month or two, but the problem was that he would have to endure this pain for those months. He resurrected into the body of a young, weak child and was constantly exhausted to the point of dying, and now he couldn't even lift his body.

"Ugh… I need to do something about this."

Chung Myung took a deep breath and shook his head.

His body's condition could be dealt with later; first, he had to see how this situation resolved itself.

"Did you ask us to delay your repayment?"

Owner Kong frowned subtly.

This was something he didn't expect. He never underestimated the power of Mount Hua. Dozens of sects emerge and disappear every day. So, he knew that a sect running for a hundred years wouldn't be an easy target.

Although the situation wasn't good for Mount Hua, it was still a sect with a long history.

But…

'Is this all that is left of them?'

He wanted to laugh.

'Did I overestimate Mount Hua?'

If they had potential, they wouldn't have arrived at such a desperate situation at all.

"Sect leader. I clearly told you before that there is no way we can delay the payment any longer."

"Don't get me wrong. I am not asking owner Kong right now."

"… huh?"

Hyun Jong looked at owner Kong and spoke.

"I am well aware of Hua-Um's position. This is why I am asking all of you directly now. Even if it's 100,000 nyang, doesn't each of you have a different amount to receive?"

"That is true."

"So, I am personally asking if there is anyone fine with being paid at a later time."

Owner Kong frowned.

He didn't understand what the man meant.

"So, you're saying you can pay back those who can't afford to delay any longer?"

"That's right."

"Sorry?"

Owner Kong's eyes widened.

"Even if Mount Hua isn't what it used to be, there are still those who are willing to help us. We didn't get the whole 100,000 nyang, but we might be able to pay back a few of you. With your help, Mount Hua won't lose its name. So, please. To those who will show mercy in Mount Hua's current situation, in the name of Mount Hua, I will surely repay you."

Sect leader swore again, but he had a confident expression now.

Seeing that, Owner Kong had a bitter face.

"What nonsense—"

"So."

At that moment, Yu Jong-San, who was watching from the side, cut off Owner Kong's words. It wasn't intentional, but Owner Kong stopped talking and frowned.

"So, if we delay the payment date, we will still get the money?"

"Yes."

"Sect leader, let's be honest now."

Yu Jong-San continued.

"We all know that Mount Hua may very well collapse tomorrow; the sect's condition isn't a secret, nor is it unknown to any of us, even the sect leader should understand. If we trust what you said and postpone the repayment date, doesn't that mean there is also the risk of your sect collapsing and us receiving nothing?"

"… that is right."

"Does that make any sense?"

Owner Kong calmed himself. It was true that Yu Jong-San cut his words off, but he was doing a fine job of cornering the old man.

Normally, owner Kong would have soothed the situation, but he didn't do it this time. He wanted to push the sect leader a little farther.

'It is finally done.'

Mount Hua's long history is coming to an end.

It may seem bitter that the once-great Mount Hua sect has ultimately been crushed by the power of money, but it was more meaningful for Owner Kong who had much to gain through this.

"Owner Yu."

"Yes. Sect leader."

"What should I offer you?"

"… huh?"

Hyun Jong shrugged. A calm wind blew in from somewhere, and he smiled.

"There is nothing left of Mount Hua. Now, all that remains of Mount Hua is the honor of supporting Hua-Um down below for many years. All that I have to offer is Mount Hua's name."

"That…"

"If you ask about the risk and what to trust, then this is my answer. The name of Mount Hua. The history of Mount Hua. Wouldn't that be enough?"

Yu Jong-San went silent.

The name of Mount Hua.

History of Mount Hua.

Right. Such meaningful words. But the people gathered here were merchants. Merchants had no reason to care about name or history, only money. Would it make money or lose money?

But to ask merchants to give him time by offering their name and history as collateral?

"Haha."

Yu Jong-San couldn't stop his laugh.

"Sect leader, aren't you being too stubborn?"

"Was it too much to ask?"

Hyun Jong just asked quietly. At the heavy emotions held within his eyes, Yu Jong-San stopped laughing.

"It could be too much."

But unlike his serious and heavy eyes, the voice which came out of his mouth was soft.

"But I would like to ask for at least this much. I believe in the name of Mount Hua, which has been protecting Shaanxi and the Hua-Um village for hundreds of years, and I know it hasn't been in vain."

"…"

"Let me ask the other way around. What does Mount Hua mean to you? Do you feel that there is no real value in the name or history of Mount Hua?"

No one could answer it.

Mount Hua.

Who would dare call the name lightly? Who would dare say its history was meaningless?

Now, only a few traces of the past remained, but no one would take the name so lightly. Moreover, it will be even more so for those who lived their lives at the foot of Mount Hua.

So, no one was willing to continue the conversation except for one person.

"I feel that our discussion has drifted a bit off-topic."

Owner Kong spoke. He looked at Hyun Jong. Unlike Hyun Jong's eyes, his eyes were sharp.

"In summary, those who wish to personally delay the payment date will be repaid later, and those who don't will receive payment now."

"Yes."

"Good."

Owner Kong nodded.

"Ordinarily, this is something that should be opposed in the name of Hua-Um Merchants Association, but I am a man with a sense of propriety, so I will allow it. Anyone who wishes to do so may personally delay their repayment. But!"

He looked back and spoke.

"You must take responsibility for your own actions. The Merchants Association will not provide any help or protection to those who delay the reimbursement date. Even if they lose their money."

A subtle pressure.

"You may choose. Those who will be paid now stand here, and those who are fine with delayed payment, go over there."

Owner Kong pointed to the other side.

"Is that all? Sect leader?"

"Yes."

"Although I disagree, I shall respect the sect leader's thoughts until the end. Although Mount Hua doesn't have much time left, it is still worthy of at least this much respect."

Hyun Jong nodded his head.

"Thank you for this."

Owner Kong frowned without realizing it. Despite his provocation, Hyun Jong didn't change.

'I'll break that composure of yours.'

Owner Kong, who thought that, said.

"How is it? Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be anyone who can delay their repayment?"

"…"

"See."

Owner Kong pointed behind himself. Hyun Jong looked to see the merchants. All those who met Hyun Jong's eyes turned their heads and looked down to avoid his gaze.

"Do you need more time?"

Hyun Jong didn't answer and closed his eyes.

"No matter how long you wait, nothing will change. No one will give up so much money because of the name of Mount Hua, which faded long ago. So, let's stop this sect leader. Step down now. you have done enough."

Owner Kong was intoxicated with the sense of victory.

"Now, with this…."

"Tch."

It was at that moment.

He could hear footsteps behind him. Unknowingly, he turned back and looked.

"… Owner Yu?"

Yu Jong-San was walking to the other side with a sour expression.

He placed himself alone in the area designated for those fine with receiving delayed payments.

"What the hell…."

Seeing the absurd expression on Owner Kong, Yu Jong-San sighed.

"… look here. Owner Yu. What are you thinking!"

Kong Mun-Yeon's furious bellow spread sharply in all directions.