Return of the Mount Hua Sect Chapter 1238: Who Did You Say Has Come? (3)
“Who has arrived?”
“They announced Mount Hua, the Heavenly Friends Alliance has arrived!”
“What absurd talk is this! A typhoon of this magnitude is raging!”
“This is hardly the moment for debates on truth! They are currently in the guest hall! Have you been living under a rock?”
“...Good heavens.”
The man who received this news pulled open the window.
Whoooooooooosh!
Trees swayed violently, appearing on the verge of snapping under the relentless assault of wind and rain. Several trees had already been dislodged from the earth and were tumbling away.
‘They navigated through this?’
Forget the sea, with a typhoon of such ferocity, even ascending a mountain would present immense challenges. A typhoon encountered at sea possesses a different character entirely compared to one making landfall. And yet, amidst such a tempest, individuals unacquainted with the South Sea…
“Who, precisely, did you say has come?”
“Do not be alarmed! The Five Swords themselves have arrived, the legendary Five Swords!”
“The Five Swords? You must be referring to the Mount Hua Five Swords?”
“Indeed! That very Mount Hua Five Swords!”
“...Heh heh.”
The mere mention of the Mount Hua Five Swords evoked a complex tapestry of emotions among the disciples of the Southern Island Sect.
‘So those were the individuals from back then.’
During the Worldly Murim Martial Arts Tournament held at Shaolin, disciples from Southern Island had a confrontation with disciples from Mount Hua, which escalated into a physical exchange.
Although the intervention of Shaolin prevented further escalation at the time, in retrospect, it could be argued that Southern Island was the catalyst that first drew attention to the emergence of those Mount Hua Five Swords.
Consequently, upon hearing the name Mount Hua’s Five Swords, the Southern Island disciples' sentiments were invariably intertwined. Those who, back then, had seemed unremarkable had, in merely a few years, ascended to become paragons of late-stage martial prowess, achieving unimaginable feats and garnering widespread renown throughout the land.
“Then wait! Has Mount Hua’s Sword Saint also graced us with their presence?”
“That is correct!”
“...It is true. They have genuinely arrived.”
The listener visibly trembled.
The title Mount Hua’s Sword Saint had long since transcended its association with Mount Hua, becoming an emblem of the entire Heavenly Friends Alliance. Who could possibly misunderstand the significance of such a formidable figure making a personal appearance?
“Where are they presently located?”
“They are in the guest hall… Sahyung! Where are you headed? Sahyung!”
“I must witness it with my own eyes!”
“Let us accompany you! Sahyung! Ah, Sahyung!”
The news of the Heavenly Friends Alliance’s delegation arriving at Southern Island disseminated through the island with a speed surpassing the gale itself. Reactions varied among bewilderment, exhilaration, and for some impetuous individuals, an immediate departure without a second thought.
And those who commanded such fervent attention, the envoys of the Heavenly Friends Alliance…
“Rice! More rice, quickly!”
“My! The Southern Island chicken is exceptionally delicious.”
“That is not chicken, Sahyung.”
“Why do the grains of rice here appear somewhat elongated?”
“What does appearance signify? As long as the taste is delightful!”
They were voraciously consuming the Southern Island Sect’s provisions, which had been cut off by the typhoon, at an astonishing pace. An uninvolved observer might easily mistake them for operatives dispatched by the Four Sects Alliance, tasked with depleting Southern Island’s resources.
The head cook of Southern Island observed the chaotic scene at the dining table with a look of utter disbelief.
Ordinarily, a lavish banquet would have been prepared to honor guests who had undertaken such a considerable journey to visit Southern Island. However, Southern Island, having received the unexpected visitors, lacked the adequate capacity for such preparations. Thus, the hastily arranged fare caused him concern – would it meet their discerning palates?
But witnessing the current situation, well…
‘Does a grand banquet even hold significance?’
If it could be mashed and ingested, they would consume every last morsel… presenting rare delicacies to those mouths seemed akin to a wasteful endeavor…
“Is there no more rice available?”
“...You have just concluded your consumption of an entire pot.”
“No more?”
“I shall, I shall procure more. Rice! Expedite the delivery of more rice! Additionally, prepare more of the other dishes!”
The cook retreated to the kitchen, profuse perspiration beading on his forehead.
After a prolonged period of significantly depleting Southern Island’s reserves, the members of the Heavenly Friends Alliance party finally settled into their chairs, clutching their satiated stomachs.
“...I feel as though I could embrace life anew.”
“Indeed.”
Namgung Do-Wei closed his eyes slightly, gazing at his distended abdomen.
To be completely candid, he had previously harbored the impression that the individuals from Mount Hua lacked decorum, devouring food as if possessed.
‘They were not without their proprieties.’
They required sustenance to endure.
Given the rigorous training regimens imposed by Mount Hua’s Sword Saint and the perilous expeditions he invariably led them on, regardless of the extent to which they cultivated their internal Qi, they experienced relentless weight loss.
Had Namgung Do-Wei maintained his typical dietary intake, he would now likely be gaunt, perhaps resembling nothing more than a corpse. This manner of consumption was essential for his survival.
“I genuinely believed I was on the precipice of death.”
“Perhaps we have already departed this world? We have plunged into the ocean’s depths, and this is merely an illusion…”
“...Refrain from uttering such ill-omened words.”
Tang Pae frowned and admonished him.
He could not fathom why Namgung Do-Wei seemed to grow increasingly peculiar with each passing day. Although he had occasionally been somewhat vexing in the past, he had once been a man of considerable seriousness.
“...He truly emerged from the clutches of death, and that is the reason.”
“I understand that feeling.” Tang Pae shook his head, his face ashen. The mere thought of a house-sized wave sent shivers through his bones. ‘We somehow made it through; we truly did.’ Facing a typhoon in the vast ocean was an ordeal that few, no matter how skilled, could withstand. Had Im So-Byeong not urged them to dive deep, they might have expended all their strength and met a terrible fate. “...We are fortunate the outcome was positive.” “Positive?” “...We are fortunate the result was not the absolute worst.” Namgung Do-Wei also shook his head. ‘How did he possibly know that?’ He realized the moment they submerged: the turbulent currents on the surface subsided as if tamed once they were underwater. While diving deep and swimming posed its own difficulties, requiring occasional surfacing for air, it was incomparably easier than battling the waves above. “Where did this scoundrel acquire such precious herbs!” At that moment, Chung Myung delivered a kick to Im So-Byeong, who was cradling a medicinal bowl. Im So-Byeong stumbled but managed to protect the bowl, thrusting his face forward and beginning to drink greedily. “Refusing to give it up? And here I thought an Evil Sect brat was hoarding rare herbs for himself!” “Come now, Sahyung! He’ll truly perish if you continue like this!” “That’s precisely my point! You belong to the Tang Family, yet you’re allowing a brat from an Evil Sect to consume medicine? Such expensive supplies?” “...We save lives. I am a physician, after all.” Namgung Do-Wei exhaled a deep sigh. In many respects, Chung Myung and Im So-Byeong remained remarkably consistent. Tang Pae, though silent, offered a nod of agreement. Suddenly, Namgung Do-Wei’s gaze drifted to the side. Lost in the commotion, he hadn't noticed that quite a number of people were now pressed against the window, their eyes fixed on the outside world despite the raging gale. A peculiar blend of anticipation and apprehension colored their expressions. Namgung Do-Wei murmured in a low tone. “The disciples of the Southern Island Sect do not appear pleased.” “That is understandable. They have lived under the constant threat of a potential strike from the Four Sects alliance for years.” “Then should we not be welcomed even more warmly?” “You are overlooking something crucial.” “Yes?” “We have been equally complicit in our past actions, neglecting and disregarding the Southern Island Sect until now.” Namgung Do-Wei’s expression turned slightly grim at that. “While we could certainly shift blame by invoking the authority of the Nine Great Sects, they will not perceive it that way.” Namgung Do-Wei found himself unable to refute that particular point. Before Namgung Hwang’s demise and Namgung Do-Wei’s decision to direct the Namgung Family’s animosity towards the Heavenly Friends Alliance, the Namgung Family had previously acted in concert with the Five Great Families and the Nine Great Sects. During those three years, they had turned their backs on the Southern Island Sect. This was an undeniable truth. ‘This should not be forgotten.’ Therefore, their arrival was not as saviors. They had come to offer an apology for their neglect of duty and to formally declare their allegiance to the Heavenly Friends Alliance. “To assume that our good intentions should automatically warrant a warm reception would be the height of arrogance on our part. First, we must acknowledge and atone for our past actions.” Namgung Do-Wei nodded in agreement with those words. ‘We must approach with greater humility.’ He believed this would be the key to achieving reconciliation with the Southern Island Sect. And then. Whoooooooooosh! The door to the guest hall burst open, allowing a fierce gust of wind to surge inside. Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, Gwak Hwan-So entered. Step. Step. Gwak Hwan-So walked directly to their table and glanced at the now-empty plates. “The Sect Leader has instructed that our guests be well-accommodated. If you require anything else...” “Oh? I remember now!” At that precise moment, Chung Myung pointed at Gwak Hwan-So. “That’s him, Sahyung! Him!” Yoon Jong swayed back and forth, jostled by Chung Myung’s forceful movements, and calmly inquired. “Who?” “Ah, you know, that time! The guy who got hit by the Sasuk. At Shaolin!” “Ah! That time?” “Yes! The one who got punched by the Sasuk and was crying…” “Who was crying, who!” Gwak Hwan-So indignantly retorted. He had been struck, yes, but he hadn’t cried! Though he did lose consciousness from that single blow! “Well. It is good to see you here.” “...” “However, the hospitality extended to guests here seems rather… lacking?” “Yes?” Chung Myung stated nonchalantly. “Is this how guests are treated in the South Sea region? How can they not offer a bottle of liquor?” Gwak Hwan-So let out a snort of amusement. “Ah, you refer to alcohol. Naturally, the South Sea boasts fine liquors. However, their alcohol content is exceptionally high, possibly too potent for your weary states…” “They would be potent even for you.” “...” “It’s the sort of liquor consumed by pale, frail individuals who faint after a single blow from a Sasuk, in any case.” Gwak Hwan-So’s cheek began to twitch. “...As I mentioned, South Sea liquor is potent. And the men of the South Sea…” “Frail?” “...” At this juncture, Gwak Hwan-So audibly ground his teeth. “...Ja-Yang.” “Yes, Sahyung.” “Go fetch the liquor.” “...Yes?”“Bring all of it. Right now!”
Prompted by the order, several disciples from Southern Island hurried out and quickly returned, bearing large wine bottles and jars.
Jars large enough to contain a person were swiftly filled, dominating the guest hall. A quick count revealed there were at least ten, possibly more.
Thud.
Gwak Hwan-So peeled back the cloth sealing a jar, unleashing a potent spirit aroma that permeated the hall.
“As you requested, the liquor has been brought. However... as the scent suggests, it is quite potent. Therefore, please refrain from...”
“Sasuk, does the aroma strike you as strong?”
“It smells rather fragrant.”
“They are merely villagers, perhaps. Full of bluster.”
Veins, visibly engorged, appeared in Gwak Hwan-So’s eyes.
“Then we shall drink heartily. Those who cannot keep up may leave. Let us enjoy ourselves.”
Unable to suppress his fury, Gwak Hwan-So seized a jar, lifting it as if preparing to hurl it.
“Sahyung!”
“Sa-sahyung! No, you mustn't!”
Thunk!
Nevertheless, he strode forward and slammed the jar down directly in front of Baek Cheon, then sat himself heavily, facing his opponent.
“...These esteemed guests have traveled a great distance, so it is only fitting we offer them a grand toast.”
“Oh?”
Baek Cheon offered Gwak Hwan-So a smirk filled with unspoken meaning. Gwak Hwan-So contorted his lips before speaking.
“However... I harbor a concern. Even those with such pale, unblemished faces—should the drink prove too much and they soil themselves, that memory could haunt them forever.”
Baek Cheon simply responded with a placid smile.
“Is that any more ignominious than being struck once and collapsing, spewing foam?”
“What?”
“Why?”
Simultaneously, sparks seemed to ignite in both their eyes.
“So? Do you possess the courage to attempt it once more?”
“If you still fail to grasp the lesson after that encounter: Mount Hua does not instigate conflicts, but we never falter when a fight finds us.”
Those within earshot began murmuring amongst themselves.
“We don’t start fights?”
“Don’t we seek out trouble wherever we find it?”
“The Sasuk’s fabrications flow as naturally as his breath now. He could probably ascend to the imperial court.”
“Has he no shame?”
Baek Cheon cast a glare, akin to a killing intent, upon those whispering behind him, ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) before re-engaging Gwak Hwan-So’s gaze.
Gwak Hwan-So’s features contorted into a strained smile.
“You will come to regret this.”
“Regret?”
Crack. Crack.
Baek Cheon rotated his neck, cracking it left and right, and then tilted his chin upwards slightly.
“Try your best to make me regret it.”
“Um, Acting Sect Leader?”
“Mind your etiquette...”
“...Perhaps let them be. They have already lost their composure. It is beyond help now.”
Irrespective of the surrounding discourse, the two individuals, solely focused on each other, grasped their respective bowls at the same moment.
“The one who succumbs first!”
“Is the one who bears the fault!”
Two generously sized drinking bowls collided forcefully in the air between them.