Chapter 896: I Thought You'd Become a Dragon (Part 1)

[fixed]

Within the Eunha Guild, a festive atmosphere reigned.

People from Xi'an flocked over to bid farewell to the group returning to Mount Hua, having heard the news.

"Did you come personally?"

"Ahem."

Nam Jeon, the sect leader of Seowol Sect, cleared his throat at the Taepyeong sect leader Dan Byeonglib's inquiry and spoke with a dignified tone. 

"Though our affiliations are different, as human beings, is it not proper to express gratitude? Since we have received favors from Mount Hua, it is only natural to show respect."

"For someone expressing respect, you seem to have a lot in your hands."

"It's merely a token of gratitude."

"If you express gratitude twice, you might end up pulling out the entire pillar, would you? I didn't realize the Seolwol Sect had that much money until today."

"But this person!"

When Nam Jeon tried to rebuff, Dan Byeonglib averted his gaze and feigned annoyance. He was teasing, but it was not that he did not understand Nam Jeon's sentiments.

'Now, there is no other choice.'

Not only the martial sects within Xi'an but also the people of Xi'an knew of Mount Hua's favor.

Everyone now knew that the followers of the Evil Sect killed innocent civilians on their way to Shaanxi. It was easy for everyone to guess that the Xi'an would have suffered the same if the Mount Hua Sect had not come.

Thus, naturally, the favor the people of the Xi'an held for Mount Hua soared to immeasurable heights. Three years ago, Mount Hua had defended their pride at Yangtze River, and now they had saved their lives. So, it would be more unusual if the people of Xi'an did not welcome Mount Hua with open arms. To put it simply...

'If you want to do business in Xi'an from now on, you have to go under Mount Hua.'

The disciples currently there may or may not be able to keep the situation under control. But in the future, it would be different. Who would willingly go to Southern Edge and risk division with the Hwayeong Sect and Mount Hua's other branches?

Public opinion can be as harsh at times.

Now, the children didn't discuss the Heavenly Thirty-Six Sword Strokes while wielding sticks. Ever since the term 'Plum Blossom Swordsmanship' emerged from their mouths, public sentiment in Xi'an was virtually over.

Even if Southern Edge Sect unsealed Bongmun, they wouldn't be able to reverse this current.

So naturally, a representative of the Southern Edge Sect, the man named Nam Jeon, had mixed feelings.

'If we make a clean transition to Mount Hua, our relationship with Southern Edge Sect will be strained, and yet, if we stay in the Southern Edge Sect, it could spell the ruin of the sect.'

A martial art sect without disciples was no different from a store without customers.

On the other hand...

"Hello!"

"Oh, we've heard rumors!"

"Heh-heh. It's only been a few days, but it seems you've gotten even more profound."

Over there, it was like a jackpot exploded.

Those who had accompanied Wei Xiaoxing from the Hwayeoung Sect were all dissatisfied because they couldn't get a word in. The fact that even the Somunju [sect leader to be, heir, little sect leader] and not even a sect leader came out in such a dignified manner clearly demonstrated the Hwayeoung Sect's standing in Xi'an.

'Of course, because it's Hwayeoung Sect.'

Hwayeoung Sect was not just an ordinary branch of Mount Hua. It was a true friend who had protected it steadfastly, even when no one showed any interest in Mount Hua.

A friend who stays by your side when you're in trouble deserves a far more elaborate treatment than a friend you meet only when things are going well.

How highly Mount Hua valued the Hwayeoung Sect was something that everyone knew, so they had to make an effort to show it.

'Xi'an has changed a lot.'

No. It wasn't just Xi'an that had changed.

Now that Mount Hua had returned, Kangho naturally had to be on guard.

Even before Mount Hua entered a three-year Bongmun, their every move had caused a stir in Kangho. But these individuals, who had improved unbelievably during the three-year journey, would undoubtedly become a tremendous storm.

That was when...

"They're coming!"

"The Mount Hua disciples are coming out!"

Someone shouted, capturing everyone's attention. Indeed, the sight of Mount Hua's disciples walking in formation was visible.

As they observed them with bated breath, a puzzled expression briefly flickered across the eyes of those who watched.

When they had fought here before, they had been thrilled by the vitality and sword-like aura exuding from Mount Hua's disciples. However, now, there was hardly any such energy in the air.

Just a suitable degree of ease and gentleness.

'They seem just like the Southern Edge Sect.'

'No, they appear even more at ease than the Southern Edge Sect.'

'Now it's clear that Mount Hua has truly elevated its standing among the major sects.'

What captivates people is not just martial prowess. Those who were deeply impressed by Mount Hua that they voiced their admiration, each addressing Hyun Jong, who stood at the forefront.

"Sect Leader! We heard you're returning to Mount Hua!"

"We're unsure how to repay the kindness that Sect Leader and Mount Hua have bestowed upon us."

"We will visit Mount Hua frequently, so please come to Xi'an as well."

Hyun Jong, who was a little surprised by the gathered crowd, responded with a warm smile.

"I'm just going back home, but receiving such a farewell, I'm not sure how to react."

"Naturally, it's the way it should be."

Seowol sect leader Nam Jeon man stepped forward and bowed to Hyun Jong.

"On behalf of Xi'an's martial clans and the common people, we express our gratitude for the salvation of Xi'an. We should have expressed our thanks much earlier."

"Don't say that, Sect Leader."

Hyun Jong firmly grasped the man's hand.

"We are all one another's friends. Showing excessive courtesy makes me feel embarrassed."

"Sect Leader..."

At the mention of being friends, Nam Jeon looked at Hyun Jong with a puzzled expression.

"The Seowol Sect could also become friends with Mount Hua, don't you think? It doesn't have to be a Mount Hua branch to become friends."

"....Is that possible with a Southern Edge branch?"

Hyun Jong smiled slyly.

"You're stating the obvious."

"Ah. Then, Southern Edge..."

"..."

When Hyun Jong didn't say anything while smiling, Nam Jeon's senses sent a signal of danger.

Moreover, the disciples of Mount Hua behind Hyun Jong were all sending looks that said, 'Not Southern Edge, not Southern Edge! Sir!'

"I misspoke due to my limited thinking. Please forgive me, Sect Leader."

"No need to apologize."

Just then, Dan Byeonglib, who was standing nearby, quickly pushed the man aside and asked.

"Did you call us 'friends,' Sect Leader?"

"Yes, I did."

"I understand what you mean."

Dan Byeonglib nodded, and Hyun Jong smiled. Then he said.

"Saying that Mount Hua saved Xi'an is incorrect."

"…What?"

"If you all hadn't put your lives on the line to stop the Evil Sect, we would have had a hard time dealing with the damage even after Mount Hua arrived."

"…"

"You were truly amazing."

Dan Byeonglib stared at Hyun Jong without being able to continue the conversation. After hesitating for a while, he nodded.

"Thank you, Sect Leader."

"Not at all."

Hyun Jong lightly waved it off.

"Then, we'll be on our way. We're eager to talk more, but we have also neglected the main sect for too long." [not sure]

"Yes, yes! Our sect is in ruins. Of course, you should do so." [not sure lol]

The disciples, who had been longing to say something, finally gave in and made way for them, one by one, except for one person.

"Dojang-nim!" 

Wei Xiaoxing rushed towards Chung Myung, who was at the back. However, Chung Myung kept his gaze fixed ahead and didn't turn around.

"Chung Myung Dojang?"

Without giving attention to the puzzled Wei Xiaoxing, Chung Myung signaled him to move away with a chin gesture.

Understanding what he meant, Wei Xiaoxing spoke with a resigned tone.

"...Have you gotten into trouble again?" [CM's being punished and can't speak]

"..."

"For how many days now?"

At that moment, when Hyun Jong turned around, Chung Myung flinched.

"Isn't the Somunju asking you? Don't worry about it and answer."

"Is it alright then?"

"...Agh."

Seemingly fed up with mixing words any further, Hyun Jong turned his head sharply. Only then did Chung Myung look at Wei Xiaoxing, who had been fidgeting.

"What?"

"Dojang-nim! Can I come to Mount Hua when I have time?"

"I don't mind... But, well, I don't know. We might be quite busy at Mount Hua."

"What?"

"We're about to get busier."

Chung Myung chuckled.

"We've trained so hard; it's time to wield a sword. Otherwise, it'd be unfair, would it not?"

Seeing the confidence in Chung Myung's face, Wei Xiaoxing nodded eagerly.

"Yes, Dojang-nim. I won't disturb you."

"You won't be a disturbance."

Chung Myung put his hand on Wei Xiaoxing's head.

"The Hwayeong Sect is like Mount Hua too."

Wi Sohaeng remained silent.

"As Mount Hua grows stronger through effort, naturally, Hwayeong Sect will also grow stronger. When you return to Mount Hua, we will establish a way for Hwayeong Sect to practice as soon as possible."

"Can I be of help to you, Dojang-nim?"

"You're already doing well."

Chung Myung said with a faint smile.

"Compared to the Sahyungs behind me, you're an adult, an adult."

"That bastard?"

"Yeah. I'm not denying that, but I don't think you're the one to say that, right?"

An angry retort followed, but Chung Myung neatly ignored it and spoke to Wei Xiaoxing.

"A significant war that the Hwayeong Sect can't avoid is approaching. In that war, the only thing that can save yourself is your strength. So don't neglect your training."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Good."

Chung Myung chuckled and patted Wei Xiaoxing on the shoulder.

"Please send my regards to Sect Leader."

"Yes."

Watching Chung Myung's interaction with Wei Xiaoxing, Jo Gol scowled and spoke.

"Why is that bastard being so nice?" 

In response, Baek Cheon casually replied.

"Seems like you don't know much, but he's secretly kind to the kids."

"Really?"

"He treats the young ones well. He was the same when we were in the North Sea."

"What about us?"

"Huh? What about us?"

"When we first met that guy, we were kids too. But the moment he saw me, he struck my chin and pinned me to the ceiling. What about that?"

Baek Cheon chuckled in response.

"Well..."

"Yes?"

"At that time, that guy was also a kid. Even younger than you."

The voice explaining things patiently, one by one, was incredibly kind.

"And then he left." [not sure]

"..."

"But it's different with you."

"..."

"That guy is actually weaker towards people who are more like humans."

"Am I not human then?"

"Do I really have to spell it out myself?"

Jo Gol, who was about to argue, fell silent instantly. Yoon Jong, beside him, was sending a message with his eyes, 'Please, just say one more thing so I can talk.'

"Alright then, Dojang-nim, please take a look!"

"Sure."

Upon Wei Xiaoxing's return, the disciples of the Hwayeong Sect also formed a line around him.

"We wish prosperity for the Mount Hua Sect!"

Then, they all bowed and sent off the Mount Hua Sect. Seeing this, the members of other martial sects also followed suit, showing their respect to the Mount Hua Sect.

With a gentle smile, Hyun Jong personally returned each greeting.

"May you all be prosperous."

As the Mount Hua Sect left the main gate, the cheers of the waiting common people erupted. Watching the Mount Hua Sect members walking into the cheers, the martial arts masters from Xi'an seemed to be deeply moved by the new emotions they were experiencing.

"Sect Leader Dan."

"Yes, Sect Leader Nam."

"When Hyun Jong mentioned 'friends' earlier, what did it mean? Sect Leader Dan, you seemed to have an idea."

In response to Nam Jeon's question, Dan Byeongrip smiled.

"Hyun Jong was referring to the Heavenly Comrade Alliance."

"Heavenly Comrade? Ah, I see... a friend. Right."

Whether they were inner or outer sects of Southern Edge or anywhere else, all those who joined the Heavenly Comrade Alliance were considered friends of the Mount Hua Sect.

"Then, I suppose we should take action soon."

"Are you considering joining?"

"I would like to answer that it's hard to survive without some luck, but…"

Nam Jeon chuckled.

"To be honest, I'd like to try being a friend of Mount Hua at least once."

"It doesn't sound like something Southern Edge would appreciate."

"I'm sure you understand that parents can't be happy with all of their children's friends."

Dan Byeongrip swallowed the words he wanted to say, 'Even if they don't understand, there's nothing they can do.' Hearing their conversation, the martial arts masters from Xi'an looked at the Mount Hua Sect members as they walked away, each with a determined expression.

And, observing the entire situation from behind, Hwang Jongui grinned.

'Now we have a lot of work to do.'

However, the growing list of tasks no longer felt burdensome.

The disciples of the Mount Hua Sect, who had left the province amidst warm welcomes, let out sighs, their faces showing signs of exhaustion.

"...I'm so tired."

"There were so many people."

They had skillfully concealed their calm composure in front of others, but as soon as they were out of sight, they slumped their shoulders.

"I almost pulled a muscle by tensing my shoulders."

"I was squinting so much that my eyes hurt."

"But, what can we do? They like us so much."

Despite complaining about the hardships, there was no sign of discontent. Instead, there was a hint of a smile on their lips. The whole situation seemed enjoyable.

Hyun Jong asked subtly.

"After this, are you planning to take a rest?"

"No!"

"Hurry, Sect Leader!"

"We've delayed it too long! We need to arrive before sunset!"

But the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect shouted as if there was no time for rest.

"Hey, guys."

Their hearts were probably all in agreement. They hadn't fully recovered from the extended training, and traveling such a long distance wasn't easy. Nevertheless, they all rolled their feet forward as if they were racing toward Mount Hua.

'Do they miss it that much?'

The gaze of the Mount Hua disciples turned eastward.

In the distance lay five rugged peaks.

The Mount Hua they had left.

"Let's go, then!"

"Yes!"

The disciples of the Mount Hua Sect began to run at a rapid pace, filled with a mix of excitement and deep yearning.