Return of the Mount Hua Sect Chapter 1264: I Will Not Send You Alive. (4)

The silence that blanketed the previously clamorous battlefield was, one must state, an oddity.

Warriors, mid-clash and sword-swinging, ceased their actions due to the arrival of a single individual and a solitary phrase.

'Is such a thing permissible?'

Gwak Hwan-So experienced not only bewilderment at the turn of events but also profound shock and unease stemming from Chung Myung’s utterance.

Who precisely is Ho Ga-Myung? He stands as the commander of the Ten Thousand People Clan and its undeniable second-in-command.

Indeed, at this juncture, one might even assert, with a slight exaggeration, that he holds the position of second-in-command for the Four Sects Alliance, the ruling power of the Southern lands.

Regardless of how many prominent figures grace the martial world, he is an individual whose significance, when ranked by importance across the entire martial community, would place him not merely within the top ten but at least within the top twenty.

And yet, what? Who?

'Is that fellow truly of sound mind?'

No matter how peculiar an individual might be, prolonged observation typically leads to a degree of comprehension. However, the more Gwak Hwan-So observed, the less he could fathom him.

"...I believe I possess a recollection of his appearance."

He continued to tilt his head, his gaze fixed upon Ho Ga-Myung. Witnessing Chung Myung in this state prompted a fundamental, existential inquiry into the very meaning of 'understanding.'

"Um... Chung Myung."

Yoon Jong, having advanced slightly amidst the palpable tension, lowered his voice and murmured to Chung Myung.

"He is Ho Ga-Myung, Ho Ga-Myung."

"...Ho, who?"

"Ho Ga-Myung!"

"And who might that be?"

Yoon Jong’s expression contorted strangely.

"Ho Ga-Myung! You incorrigible lout! Ho Ga-Myung! His name was frequently mentioned whenever we convened! Ho Ga-Myung, the commander of the Ten Thousand People Clan!"

"Ah!"

Chung Myung’s eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands together.

"I now recognize the individual!"

"You finally recalled?"

"That subordinate who constantly follows Jang Ilso, serving him!"

"......"

For a moment, Yoon Jong covered his eyes with his hand.

'Indeed. It is fortunate that he retains at least that much information.'

It is preferable to complete ignorance.

However, where does that lead... that...

"Ah, my apologies."

Chung Myung snorted, then tossed a jibe at Ho Ga-Myung.

"I am not typically someone who fails to recall visages..."

"You possess a poor memory for them."

"You truly lack the ability for it, Chung Myung."

"No. That scoundrel’s facial recognition is quite adept. He simply does not deem individuals of that ilk as worthy of consideration."

"...That perspective does possess some validity."

Irrespective of the commentary from his companions, Chung Myung scoffed and declared.

"It is because he is perpetually in the company of some flamboyant figure who commands attention. My apologies for the oversight."

"......"

"To be candid, it is the unvarnished truth. When some fabricated individual takes center stage, who would deign to notice him? It is not my failing."

A peculiar silence descended once more.

It felt, how does one articulate it, fundamentally incorrect, yet...

'I can accept it.'

'Frankly, that is an error attributable to Jang Ilso.'

'Possessing an unremarkable appearance is hardly a punishable offense, though...'

Chung Myung smirked, his gaze fixed on Ho Ga-Myung.

"It appears you occasionally venture forth without Jang Ilso. Are you managing adequately? When unaccompanied?"

All gazes shifted towards Ho Ga-Myung.

In essence, that statement constituted a profound insult. Ho Ga-Myung, undeniably, occupies the position of the unassailable second-in-command of the Ten Thousand People Clan. Such words were unequivocally offensive, an affront delivered directly to his person.

Particularly... within the domain of the Evil Sects, where martial prowess reigns supreme, Ho Ga-Myung—who exhibits no remarkable aptitude in combat—attained his current standing solely due to Jang Ilso's absolute endorsement; this was also an undeniable fact.

Though seemingly minor, Chung Myung’s words conveyed a subtle derision, implying, 'you are merely a subordinate that clings to the power of the tiger known as Jang Ilso.'

Upon closer examination, the statement was not entirely inaccurate, which would only serve to intensify Ho Ga-Myung’s feeling of humiliation.

All observers awaited Ho Ga-Myung’s reaction, curious as to how he would manifest his anger.

Yet, despite the collective attention, Ho Ga-Myung remained impassive. His gaze, typically cold and analytical, assessed the situation before his lips parted indifferently.

"Those are exceptionally discourteous remarks... however, when the adversary is the Sword Saint of Mount Hua, rudeness transcends mere impoliteness."

His voice, though subdued, resonated with a clarity that pierced the ears. Chung Myung’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

Ho Ga-Myung inclined his head slightly, his countenance serene, and continued.

"Conversely, it is an honor that the Sword Saint of Mount Hua acknowledges my presence."

Not a trace of sarcasm was present in his tone. He absorbed Chung Myung’s provocation with remarkable composure.

And that declaration prompted those assembled to reassess the individual known as the Sword Saint of Mount Hua.

The commander of the Ten Thousand People Clan—or perhaps more accurately, he should now be recognized as the commander of the Four Sects Alliance—Ho Ga-Myung expressed it as an honor that Chung Myung recognized him. This revelation impressed upon them anew the considerable stature of the person standing alongside them.

"However... this is somewhat unexpected."

Ho Ga-Myung’s gaze shifted from Chung Myung, sweeping across each member of the Heavenly Friends Alliance, his eyes seeming to penetrate their very beings.

“Tell me, what thought brought all of you to this faraway land of the South Sea?”

The atmosphere immediately turned frigid. Chung Myung clicked his tongue.

“What a dullard.”

He had intended to provoke them a little, but they remained completely unfazed.

Chung Myung knew from past encounters that this particular type of person was the most difficult to handle.

“There’s not even any fun in startling them.”

“No.”

Ho Ga-Myung unexpectedly shook his head.

“I am actually quite surprised. I never imagined I would encounter you here.”

“......”

“The Alliance Lord’s words were not mistaken. He said the truly frightening individuals are not the powerful, but the truly mad…”

He couldn't grasp the situation. Nor could he understand the intentions of the Heavenly Friends Alliance.

No, saying he couldn’t understand their intent was perhaps not entirely accurate.

He did comprehend their objective. They likely sought to rescue the Southern Island Sect—whether for leverage in negotiations or to bolster their strength against the Four Sects Alliance later.

What left Ho Ga-Myung bewildered was not that aspect.

“May I ask a single question?”

“Go ahead.”

“The Southern Island Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects, is undoubtedly a significant sect. However… do you truly value the lives of the people here less than those of the Southern Island Sect?”

Those words caused the expressions of several individuals to shift.

Delivered calmly, the question struck at their core with even greater force.

“To demand that one must never err is, frankly speaking, incorrect. Anyone can make mistakes. What matters isn't avoiding errors in life, but rather avoiding fatal ones.”

“......”

“I believe your actions now constitute such a fatal mistake. Don’t you agree?”

Were they surprised?

Not at all—Ho Ga-Myung’s words held no falsehood. He couldn’t recall the last time he had felt so taken aback.

Even when the signal sounded behind them, he had assumed it was merely a ploy by the Southern Island Sect, never anticipating he would witness the Heavenly Friends Alliance and Mount Hua’s Sword Saint present.

However, a single moment of astonishment is sufficient.

“I don’t particularly enjoy stating this, but…”

For the first time, a subtle smile graced Ho Ga-Myung’s lips.

“This is precisely what they mean by reaping unexpected rewards. Who could have possibly foreseen that while intending to deal with insignificant foes like the Southern Island Sect, I would end up encountering you?”

Baek Cheon’s face grew rigid.

‘Ho Ga-Myung… Jang Ilso’s commander.’

He had certainly expected them to be greatly shocked.

He had anticipated they would be terrified by the battlefield and retaliate in a panic.

Instead, Ho Ga-Myung had calmly halted the engagement and observed them. This fact placed a different kind of pressure on Baek Cheon than he had previously experienced.

Jang Ilso was a capricious fiend.

And the Demonic Cult was a fiend steeped in sheer madness.

That was generally the perception. Those they had encountered thus far were unpredictable in their actions; terrifying, far exceeding the measure of ordinary human reason.

But Ho Ga-Myung was different.

Within his cold, steady gaze, there was no hint of the madness observed in the High Priest or elsewhere.

All that was discernible was a sharp intellect and an unnervingly profound composure.

‘…Is he a hunter?’

A starving beast relentlessly pursuing you from behind is truly terrifying.

But what about someone stalking you from behind with the intent to hunt you down?

Could that truly be considered preferable to being pursued by a starving beast?

It was at this moment, as Baek Cheon contemplated that Ho Ga-Myung’s presence might represent the gravest misfortune, that…

“A mistake?”

Chung Myung’s sardonic voice echoed.

“Well, that is a possibility.”

He snorted and advanced a step.

“But you seem to be unaware of one crucial detail.”

“Hm?”

“A mistake, you see…”

Chung Myung’s lips parted slightly, revealing his pristine white teeth.

“Only matters to the one who can perceive and capitalize upon it!”

Fwoooosh!

In an instant, Chung Myung’s Dark Fragrant Plum Blossom Sword blazed like lightning. Blood-red sword qi erupted into the air.

Screeeetch!

The sword qi surged directly towards Ho Ga-Myung’s throat with tremendous velocity. However, Ho Ga-Myung, without any inclination to evade, coldly observed the incoming qi.

“Ha!”

At that exact moment, with an excited cry, an individual positioned very close to Ho Ga-Myung sprang forth with frightening speed.

The instant he moved to block the path in front of Ho Ga-Myung.

Kraaaang!

Blade and sword qi collided, and the crimson qi dispersed like a shower of fireworks in every direction.

“Retreat!”

“Understood!”

Baek Cheon, now fully alert, seized the collar of a dazed Southern Island Sect disciple and forcefully pushed him backward.

“Get on the ship! Immediately!”

“Yes? Ah… yes!”

It was only then that the Southern Island Sect disciples seemed to regain their senses and sprinted towards the ship at full speed. From the moment Chung Myung unleashed his sword qi, the disciples of Mount Hua had been swiftly leaping over and piercing through anyone obstructing their path to the ship.

“Do not permit them to escape!”

“Yes!”

At a command issued from somewhere, the main contingent of the Ten Thousand People Clan also propelled themselves from the ground and charged forward.

The once tranquil battlefield instantly erupted into chaos once more.

Gwi Yang, the Blood Sword troops' captain, observed Chung Myung's relentless advance, idly flexing his wrist.

"...Mount Hua's Sword Saint, is it."

He voiced this thought quietly, and a sharp voice cut through the air.

"He is not a foe you can confront."

"Heh heh heh."

A chuckle escaped Gwi Yang's lips.

As the captain of the Ten Thousand People Clan, he wouldn't normally expect to hear such a warning unless it involved Jang Ilso. Yet, far from being offended, he seemed amused.

"Indeed, that might be the case. He's a monster."

The throbbing ache in his wrist served as proof of this.

Even a casual burst of sword Qi had clashed with his full-powered strike, and miraculously, his side had borne the brunt of the impact. While this alone might not signify absolute mastery, it undeniably highlighted the opponent's formidable strength.

"However... such strength is hardly necessary."

Gwi Yang grinned, revealing his teeth.

"Even a tiger can be brought down by a pack of jackals; our objective isn't a duel, it's a hunt."

Ho Ga-Myung's head bobbed in agreement at these words.

"Precisely."

"Employ any tactic you deem fit."

This desolate spot was the Southern Island, the furthest reaches of the Central Plains. Regardless of whether one was a tiger, a dragon, or even something far more formidable, any who dared set foot here were destined for a singular outcome.

"Eliminate them without exception."

"Should we not inform the Alliance Lord of this situation?"

"...There will be ample time for reports once they are deceased."

The Blood Sword captain responded with a peculiar smirk.

"If someone is willing to shoulder the blame, I am in complete agreement."

His gaze shifted back towards Chung Myung, and an intense killing intent flared within his eyes.