Return of the Mount Hua Sect Chapter 1275: A Tiger Trapped In Poison, I Suppose. (5)
Previously on Return of the Mount Hua Sect...
“This is nothing...... Aaaah!”
Chung Myung shrieked, his gaze fixated on his leg. Tang Soso, her knuckles white, was tightening the thread that stitched his wound with utmost force. The prominent blue veins on the back of her hand spoke volumes of her inner turmoil.
“Tha... Soso.....”
“Why? Does it hurt?”
“...No.”
With a pout, Tang Soso completed the stitching on Chung Myung’s leg. The long gash on his calf was swiftly and neatly closed.
“All done.”
Wiping her hands on a cloth, Tang Soso glanced down at Chung Myung’s leg.
“The treatment is finished. The real issue is......”
“If the treatment is done, then it’s done.”
“...No, sahyung is...!”
“Ah, this is so frustrating! Being confined to this cabin is making me feel stifled. I’m going for a walk to get some air!”
“Your leg! Don’t use that leg! Hey!”
Chung Myung hopped out of the cabin, using his one good leg, resembling a Jiangshi (zombie). Tang Soso let out a heavy sigh.
“What on earth is that man......”
A wave of sympathetic glances washed over her from those present.
“How is he?”
On the surface, the treatment appeared complete, and Chung Myung seemed to be in good spirits. However, Yoon Jong was not one to overlook details, even when Chung Myung feigned nonchalance.
Tang Soso clicked her tongue and replied.
“He’s fine. The detoxification is complete, and the wound itself isn't nearly as severe as the injuries sahyung typically sustains.”
Namgung Do-Wei's eyes widened in disbelief as he heard Tang Soso’s assessment.
‘This is less severe than usual?’
His leg had been slashed so deeply that the bone was exposed, and over ten needle-like poisons, each longer than a finger, were lodged within his body.
Just what kind of injuries did he commonly return with? Did that man possess multiple lives?
“Isn’t that something to be thankful for?”
“It is a relief. Truly, it is, but......”
Tang Soso paused, a sigh escaping her lips before she continued.
“From a physician's standpoint, the most challenging patient isn't the one with a massive external wound. Those individuals, provided they are conscious, can often be tended to effectively.”
“But?”
“The truly problematic patient is the one whose old injuries re-open and worsen. This transforms the issue into an internal one, beyond external treatment. When the blood of a living person begins to decay, it becomes beyond repair.”
“I understand your meaning.”
Yoon Jong nodded slowly, his expression grave.
Up until this point, as long as Chung Myung remained alive, no matter the severity of the wound, it could be managed. They always attended to his injuries once the battle had concluded.
But now?
‘This is merely the beginning.’
They had only just managed to escape the Southern Island. Their next objective was to traverse the Southern Lands and make their way to the Yangtze River. The number of further battles of this magnitude remained an unknown.
“So, it will be challenging for him to achieve full recovery before the next engagement.”
“Yes.”
Tang Soso confirmed bluntly, then added.
“Therefore, sahyung.”
“Huh?”
“If Chung Myung attempts to go berserk again, you must stop him at all costs. Use a rope, grab his pant leg, do whatever is necessary to restrain him.”
“...Understood.”
“Do not simply half-listen.”
Yoon Jong’s face hardened at the subtly chilling undertone in Tang Soso’s voice.
“I am aware that I cannot physically stop Chung Myung. However, this situation is not one we can afford to ignore. Perhaps one more incident might be manageable, but a second? A third?”
“......”
“He may seem to forget each time, but he is still human. Severe injuries can be fatal. Naturally, he will push himself too hard again, and this time, it could be truly...”
“I know.”
Yoon Jong calmly interjected, cutting Tang Soso off. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but his expression remained unwavering.
“Do not worry. What you fear will not come to pass.”
“Sahyung......”
“I did not unsheathe my sword just to stand idly by. On the coast, we had no choice but to exercise restraint. From this point forward, I will not allow only that man to act recklessly.”
Yoon Jong’s resolve was more pronounced than usual. Tang Soso regarded him with a newfound intensity.
By nature, Yoon Jong possesses a gentle and moderate disposition. However, at times, he can exhibit a firmness that rivals anyone within Mount Hua, precisely as he is demonstrating now.
“...Understood. Sahyung.”
Tang Soso nodded without further comment.
As the atmosphere settled, Jo Gul stretched his arms, which had been clasped behind his head, and quipped.
“Ugh. Easier said than done. Just contemplating stopping that beast is already making my stomach churn.”
“Still, we are relatively fortunate.”
“...Yes?”
Yoon Jong chuckled and remarked.
“Consider who would normally nag Chung Myung relentlessly. He can’t even be here right now—imagine how irritated he must be feeling.”
“Ah.”
Jo Gul let out a short exclamation and snorted with laughter.
“That would certainly get to him—given his personality.”
Within another cabin.
Baek Cheon was seated. Geum Yang-Baek’s expression flickered with surprise at the sight.
Despite having just emerged from a brutal battle, Baek Cheon’s attire was completely free of bloodstains. This indicated that his combat had been conducted with remarkable composure.
‘Mount Hua......’
He believed he had held them in high regard, set aside as much of his prejudice as possible, and judged them to the best of his capabilities.
Yet, the might of Mount Hua displayed in true combat rendered Geum Yang-Baek’s endeavors utterly futile.
A person who has never gazed upon the vast ocean cannot comprehend its immensity, no matter how eloquently it is described to them. Similarly, one who has not personally experienced the presence of Mount Hua finds it impossible to grasp its true power, irrespective of how many tales they hear.
'What if more than a hundred such individuals were to convene… '
No, to be entirely accurate, what he had just witnessed was not even the full might of Mount Hua. They were merely the exceptional accomplishments of a select few of Mount Hua’s most celebrated figures.
If the individuals fighting behind them were not from Southern Island, but rather those who had endured trials and tribulations alongside them, what kind of formidable power would they unleash? The mere contemplation sent an involuntary shiver down his spine.
'My evaluation of the Heavenly Friends Alliance requires immediate revision.'
It must be stated that Geum Yang-Baek held no disdain for the Heavenly Friends Alliance. On the contrary, his inclination was to regard them with considerable esteem.
Even if they had not risked their lives in the perilous quest for Southern Island, he would still have recognized the inherent value and noble ideals that the Heavenly Friends Alliance embodied.
Nevertheless, a deeply ingrained prejudice persisted within him, a lingering belief that the Heavenly Friends Alliance was composed of those who had been unable to secure a place within the primary ranks of the Nine Great Sects.
However, his observations during the recent coastal engagement compelled him to reconsider this perspective.
'That isn't the case.'
They had not been relegated to the sidelines; rather, they had chosen to stand united. The sight of that particular swordplay and the warrior wielding it made this abundantly clear.
“...First.”
At that precise moment, Baek Cheon uttered a word. Geum Yang-Baek’s shoulders involuntarily tensed.
From the very instant they first encountered each other, Geum Yang-Baek had held Baek Cheon in high respect as the Acting Sect Leader of Mount Hua. However, after witnessing his martial prowess firsthand, an undeniable shift in his demeanor was inevitable.
“I extend my deepest condolences for the loss of your disciples.”
Geum Yang-Baek slowly inclined his head, responding with a voice imbued with solemnity.
“Please, do not trouble yourself with such sentiments. It was an anticipated risk inherent in our endeavors.”
“……”
“Furthermore, those young ones were likely prepared for such a possibility as well.”
Baek Cheon offered a silent nod in acknowledgement. Geum Yang-Baek suddenly cleared his throat, becoming aware that he had been intently observing Baek Cheon’s reaction.
No, the phrasing ‘observing his reaction’ felt inadequate.
To await another’s judgment on one’s own actions before deeming them right or wrong—is that not what the world terms ‘reading the room’?
Although no one was actively scrutinizing his inner thoughts, an unusual sense of embarrassment washed over him.
Yet, any individual in Geum Yang-Baek’s position, having witnessed the same events, would undoubtedly react in precisely the same manner.
This very reason underscores why sects throughout the murim world invest such considerable effort to ensure the presence of at least one warrior of unparalleled skill within their ranks.
Concealing his embarrassment and the ensuing awkwardness, he deliberately adopted a composed tone before continuing.
“Acting Sect Leader, my gratitude extends to you as well. It appeared that Mount Hua’s Sword Saint had sustained injuries, yet you prioritized reaching out to us before attending to his condition…”
“It is only proper. Even though I was wounded, how could it possibly compare to the profound loss experienced by those who have perished?”
Is that truly the case? Hmm. I remain uncertain.
What if the other Nine Great Sects had been present in this situation instead of the Heavenly Friends Alliance?
Among those various sect leaders, could even a single one be found who would offer comfort to the disciples of the Southern Island Sect regarding their deceased comrades before attending to the wounds of Mount Hua’s Sword Saint?
‘It is highly unlikely.’
While it might seem a somber reflection, such is the nature of the world.
Yet, Baek Cheon did not attend to his own disciples’ injuries first; instead, he offered solace to the Southern Island Sect’s disciples before coming to console Geum Yang-Baek. He may refer to this as natural behavior, but the world at large recognizes an individual capable of such natural acts as a true hero.
Geum Yang-Baek contemplated anew that the formidable strength of Mount Hua might originate not from brute force, but from actions of such profound character.
“However, Sect Leader.”
At that critical juncture, Baek Cheon’s gaze lifted, fixing directly upon Geum Yang-Baek.
“This is merely the commencement.”
“……”
“The disciples from Southern Island are likely experiencing significant emotional distress at this very moment. There exists a substantial disparity between making a vow to fight with one’s life on the line and the actual harrowing experience of doing so.”
Geum Yang-Baek’s expression grew stern. It was a statement of absolute truth, undeniably factual. He himself perceived that reality with poignant clarity; how much more acutely would the younger disciples feel it?
“All the more reason, Sect Leader, for you to diligently soothe and fortify the spirits of your disciples now.”
The typical Geum Yang-Baek, under normal circumstances, would have responded at this point by assuring Baek Cheon that they would manage everything and that he need not worry unnecessarily.
However, in this altered state, Geum Yang-Baek simply offered a nod of complete agreement. He was compelled to concede that his own level of experience paled in comparison to theirs.
“The Four Sects Alliance will undoubtedly initiate their pursuit without delay. If that occurs, sustained combat will erupt incessantly from the very moment we set foot within the Southern lands' territory.”
“……”
“Please endeavor to prevent your disciples’ morale from collapsing. We, too, shall fulfill our part in this endeavor.”
“Mm.”
Geum Yang-Baek inclined his head with grave sincerity.
“I shall exert my utmost effort.”
“Thank you.”
Observing Baek Cheon execute a polite bow, Geum Yang-Baek managed a forced smile.
“The current situation presents considerable difficulty… yet, there remains one distinct advantage.”
“An advantage?”
Baek Cheon’s brow furrowed slightly in puzzlement. Geum Yang-Baek’s smile gradually relaxed, brightening just a touch.
“Fortunately, there’s a headwind.”
A slight frown creased Baek Cheon’s brow, his understanding not quite catching up.
“To you, as the Acting Sect Leader, they might all appear to be from the South Sea. However, the cultures and customs of Guangdong and Southern Island are vastly different. The same applies to their boat designs.”
“Ah.”
Geum Yang-Baek let out a self-deprecating laugh.
“The people of Southern Island are familiar with Guangdong boats, but those from Guangdong rarely know how to handle Southern Island vessels. Therefore, even if they confiscate ships, it will take considerable time to overcome this headwind.”
“So, we can anticipate a bit more time in hand.”
Geum Yang-Baek beamed at Baek Cheon, yet Baek Cheon’s expression remained grim.
“If I may be so presumptuous, Sect Leader.”
“...Hmm?”
He shook his head vigorously, addressing Geum Yang-Baek.
“If you hold such a view, you are underestimating the Four Sects Alliance and the Ten Thousand People Clan.”
“……”
“They will not ease their pursuit, regardless of the means they employ.”
His words carried an undeniable conviction. Geum Yang-Baek fell silent for a moment.
And at that exact moment.
The unfolding events on Southern Island served to validate Baek Cheon’s grim prediction.