When Sami Seung, who was standing in front of Mount Hua’s gate, saw Hye Bang, he immediately joined him.
“Did you finish your work well, Master?”
Hye Bang gave a light nod.
“Um. Yes. Let’s start.”
“Yes.”
The two started down the steep Mount Hua right out of the gate.
“How was Mount Hua?”
“Amitabha…….”
For a brief moment, Hye Bang, who had slightly blurred the end of his speech, immersed himself in a subtle expression. Then he murmured softly and closed his eyes.
“I don’t know what to say.”
Sami Seung looked at the expression and asked again, this time with doubtful eyes.
“Is there anything ambiguous about them, Master?”
“I’m a human being too, so how can I know everything clearly?”
“Does that mean that Mount Hua is such a strange place that even Master can’t figure it out?”
Hye Bang holds the claim.
“It’s strange……”
I’m not sure, but it’s certainly not what I heard. The energy felt by each disciple or the atmosphere flowing through the mountains did not belong to a declining sect.”
“It means that the public’s assessment that Mount Hua is reviving is not wrong.”
“It is and it is not.”
It was an odd response.
Hye Bang appears to pause for a moment before continuing to speak.
“Mount Hua’s momentum is indeed greater than I anticipated, but it will be a long way from regaining its former status.” I suppose it’s nearly impossible.”
“May I ask why?”
“Well, there are three main reasons.”
He remained silent, as if gathering his thoughts before speaking.
“First, Mount Hua’s advanced martial art has been implemented. Those who have mastered advanced martial arts and those who have not are bound to be at odds with the flow of momentum. The Elders of Mount Hua, on the other hand, did not inspire me in the same way.”
“That’s fatal.”
It is cruel, but no matter what anyone says, martial arts is the most important requirement for a prestigious sect.
A prestigious sect’s existence is based on advanced martial arts. But Mount Hua has no such source.
“Second, because the upper disciple couldn’t stand straight because there was no advance martial art, so it is difficult for those who follow them to gain achievements. Martial arts are said to be completed by one’s own training, but the presence of a teacher who will guide the direction of the training and lead the right path is required.”
Sami Seung slowly nodded.
“And now for the third. Mount Hua may have recovered their strength, but they may not have recovered their strict discipline. The hierarchy did not stand upright and the disciple’s discipline was not established, so the status of the Plum Blossom Sword Gate (매화검문(梅花劍門)), which was aimed at the best in the world in the past, will never be recovered.”
After finishing his speech, Hye Bang returned to Mount Hua with a slightly sad expression.
‘I’m scared….’
He can’t come up with an answer no matter how hard he thinks about it.
“If that so, Master.”
“Hm?”
Hye Bang cocked his head and looked at Sami Seung.
“If Mount Hua could solve all of those problems, would they be able to revive as a prestigious sect?”
“Solve the problem?”
“Yes, if they can regain their true martial arts…….”
“It would be too much, though.”
Hye Bang gently shook his head.
“Even if Mount Hua takes back those ancient swords of the past, there is no one left in Mount Hua to understand and pass on its martial arts.”
“Can a genius like Sahyung appear in Mount Hua?”
“There is no way that there will be two geniuses like him, and even if there is one, how long will it take for that genius to understand all the martial arts of Mount Hua and reach a point where he can pass it on to someone? Mount Hua would have lost a lot of things by then.”
“Ah…….”
Sami Seung bemoaned, as if sorry.
“That means that Mount Hua will never regain its past glory.”
If the master of the previous generation, who has mastered the martial arts of Mount Hua, suddenly appears, there may be a ray of hope. Mount Hua, on the other hand, has lost all those who were able to carry on the blood spirit in the past.”
“It’s really unfortunate.”
“Amitabha.”
Hye Bang cast a scornful look into the air.
“Rise and fall is beyond human power Although the current Sorim is said to have the most power, as the sun sets and the moon rises, this power will eventually diminish. It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing to regret. Everything, in the end, becomes part of the law.”
Hye Bang, who was speaking alone and doing his own asking and answering, shook his head as if it were pointless.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, Master.”
Hye Bang, who was walking ahead of Sami Seung, returned his gaze to Mount Hua.
‘The ascension and fall….’
Hye Bang had never seen anything like Mount Hua’s atmosphere before.
He wonders how far they could go if that atmosphere was supplemented with great martial arts…
He quickly shook his head again.
‘It was just a passing thought.’
Even one sect is now in trouble, but the chances of Mount Hua becoming the “one” did not appear to be high.
He slowly walked down the mountain after erasing Mount Hua from his mind.
* * *
The people who remained in the Sect Leader’s residence kept a deafening silence after Hye Bang left.
Hyun Jong, who was seated in the upper seat, murmured quietly as he touched the golden plaque in his hand.
“World Martial Art Competition…….”
His eyes were very dark.
“What do you think, Sect Leader?”
When Hyun Young asked, he quietly closed his eyes and thought for a moment. It was a concerned expression on her face.
After a while, Hyun Jong finally opens his eyes and looks back at the Elders.
“What are the Elders’ thoughts?” Is Mount Hua’s participation in this global competition a curse or a blessing?”
Hyun Sang frowned, who was also in pain.
“I don’t dare to guess.”
“Hmm.”
It’s a massive undertaking.
The World Martial Art Competition will bring together all of the world’s most prestigious sects. In that type of place, there is also sparring competition.
‘It means that the abilities will be displayed in front of all the world’s prestigious sects.’
It’s a significant opportunity.
At the same time, it is a major crisis. Mount Hua will never recover its former glory if they are humiliated there.
“What does Hyun Young think?”
“…….”
Hyun Young closed his mouth slightly. Hyun Young, who has always been open about his intentions, also appears to be concerned.
Even the Un appeared wary.
“Sect Leader.”
Hyun Sang, who had been deep in thought for a long time, was the first to open his mouth.
“Doesn’t the fact that we’ve been sent an invitation mean that we’re already being recognized by other sects?”
Then Hyun Young, who was listening, frowned slightly.
“Acknowledgement is a little excessive. “It’s appropriate to be interested.”
“Right. That would be more correct. Is there, after all, any reason not to participate in such a situation?”
“Um, then.”
Hyun Jong gave a firm nod.
“We, Mount Hua, must now proclaim our triumphant resurrection.” The World Martial Art Competition would be ideal.”
Hyun Jang nodded broadly in response to Hyun Sang’s words.
However, Hyun Young did not appear to agree with the viewpoint.
“I have a slightly different opinion.”
He said it in a cold tone.
“It may have a hint of bravado. We may be able to put strength on our shoulders now that Mount Hua has progressed this far.”
“Hum.”
“But what do we get out of it? Now is not the time for Mount Hua to make a name for itself, but rather for internal stability. Do we really need to participate in such a place that has made other sects suspicious of us?”
Hyun Young returned his gaze to Chung Myung as he spoke.
“We fare quite well even now…… I’d rather…….”
His speech became increasingly hazy. Chung Myung’s body trembled.
With a determined look to eat something to the bone.
“Hmmm. Opinions are split. Chung Myung-ah, to that end. What do you think?”
Chung Myung, who had turned away from Hyun Young’s gaze, replied with a sour expression.
“I don’t think there’s any reason not to participate.”
“Hm?”
Chung Myung shook his head.
“If it goes well, it’s good, even if we’re humiliated…”
He then raised his head and took a look around. His mouth opened with a growling sound.
“Does Mount Hua have anything to lose?”
The obvious question had them all perplexed.
“When a man has nothing to lose, he is fearless. But they become terrified when they begin to have something. They are afraid of losing what they have.”
Chung Myung, who had slightly lowered his voice, looked at Hyun Jong and said,
“Of course, Sect Leader wanted to make a careful decision, but sometimes I think you have to be bold.”
“Did you mean that I was afraid of losing what I have now?”
“That wasn’t exactly what I meant. I just have a question. Why are you hesitating?”
“Hoho. Why am I hesitating….?”
Hyun Jong beamingly smiled.
Then he fixed a determined look on Unam.
“Call the disciples to gather.”
“Yes!”
All of Mount Hua’s disciples gathered back in the Training Hall.
“What else is going on?”
“Well?”
Bewildered by the sudden call, they glanced ahead, whispering.
“I heard someone visited, is it because of that?”
“Well, anyway, I’m sure Sect Leader has something to tell.”
“Shh. Here he comes!”
Three people walked out in front of the lined disciples of Mount Hua.
Hyun Jong, the Sect Leader, and Hyun Sang and Hyun Youn, the Elders.
Hyun Jong stared at everyone and slowly opened his mouth.
“Are you all here?”
“Yes! Sect Leader!”
Hyun Jong lightly nodded his head.
“A little while ago, Shaolin’s monk visited. It is said that the Murim World Martial Art Competition will be held in Seongsan in the near future.” (I will refer to it as Murim Competition in the next chapter)
The disciples’ eyes widened slightly.
Hyun Jong continued his speech as he saw the reactions of the disciple.
“And it is said that there will be martial arts competition for any rising star. Anyone below the age of 30 can participate. In all, 15 people from Mount Hua decided to participate.”
Rumble.
As soon as the words ended, there was a commotion here and there.
Hyun Jong waited for the children to talk freely without trying to appease the disturbance.
Waiting for the disturbance to subside, he explained in detail.
“It will be a place where not only the Ten Great Sect and the Five Great Family but also all the influential people of the major sect will participate. It’s even hosted by Shaolin, so there aren’t many places that would refuse. You must prove yourself in the presence of all those people.”
The gaze of the disciples was filled with warmth and concern at the same time.
“Can you do it?”
The lined Un looked at the second and third-class disciples in unison.
If only the aged 30 and lower can participate, they are the ones who have to answer the question.
Then,
Baek Chun, who can be called their representative, took a step forward without saying a word. And he replied calmly.
“I will prove to the world that plum blossoms still bloom on Mount Hua.”
A calm remark.
It was a clear voice that excluded spirit and determination.
That’s why it’s more reliable.
Hyun Jong nodded as he smiled at Baek Chun.
“Yes. I’m relieved to hear that. There may be people who are anxious, but there is no need to be. I don’t know if you have heard it, but we have recovered the old Mount Hua’s sword. If you can master the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword for the rest of your time, no one in the world will be able to ignore you.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
The disciples’ eyes were filled with a strange heat.
Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword technique of Plum Blossom Sword Saint.
No one was surprised because the rumors had already spread, but hearing it through the mouth of the Sect Leader himself, the expectation was amplified.
“It will take at least six months before the competition. So make sure you concentrate on your training for the next six months. I will take the 15 who show the most outstanding achievement to Seongsan Mountain. Do you understand?”
“Yes! Sect Leader!”
Hyun Jong nodded pleasedly as he looked at the disciples who were full of enthusiasm.
“Hyun Sang.”
“Yes!”
“Teaching the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword technique before any other martial arts.”
“I will, Sect Leader.”
Hyun Jong nodded with a proud face.
‘Heaven allow them to show off Mount Hua’s sword.’
The competition is held at the right time.
As Chung Myung says, Mount Hua has nothing to lose. Just knowing that Mount Hua has regained their Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword technique would change how the world looks at them.
“There is a great responsibility on yours. I and the Elders will do our best to help you, so do it with all your heart!”
“Yes!”
The elder and the elder who stand by him firmly proclaimed. The first-class disciples regret not being able to participate and the third-class disciples who are burning with enthusiasm.
It’s a beautiful picture up to here, but…….
“Then go and practice!”
“Yes!”
“Hohohoho.”
Hyun Jong and the Elders left their seats.
And then the Un left the Training Hall. However, the second and third-class disciples still remained in their seats, unable to leave the Training Hall.
At that time, Baek Chun walked out and chinned toward White Plum Dormitory.
“That way.”
“…….”
Then, the eyes of the second and third-class disciples changed.
Until a while ago, their eyes, which seemed like a motivated beast, turned into a tearful cow being dragged to a slaughterhouse.
“Hurry.”
“……Yes.”
Those who rushed to the secluded place behind the White Plum Dormitory looked at the person sitting there in advance.
Chew.
Chung Myung, crouching down and chewing a stick of sweets with his molars, frowned at the people standing before him.
It looks like the older brother playing in the neighborhood gathered the children together.
“You’ve heard from Sect Leader, haven’t you?”
“……uh.”
“Ptoo.”
Spitting the stick from his mouth, he shook his head left and right and got up from his seat.
“World Martial Art Competition…….”
A chill leaked out of his voice…
Those who read the atmosphere trembled in unison.
“Of course, Sect Leader would think that just doing your best was worth it…”
Chung Myung shook his head.
“I’m a little different.”
“…….”
His eyes are usually full of madness but now are completely bloodshot.
“Experience? Experience can be gained in other places. Competitions aren’t about gaining experience. It’s a place to prove how strong we are! This competition! We’ll win unconditionally. Overwhelmingly!”
“Is there anyone who doesn’t know what those rotten Ten Great Sect bastards did to Mount Hua?”
“The-There isn’t.”
“I was thinking about when to break the head, but they’re laying the groundwork for me. We must win all the top places in this competition and let the world know about Mount Hua’s revival. I’m sure you’re all ready, right?”
“O-Of course!”
“Of course!”
“Yeah.”
It was the moment when Chung Myung nodded.
Baek Sang, who had been silent, raised his hand slightly.
“Tell me.”
“I’m asking just in case… just in case.”
“Ask me then. Don’t waste time.”
He gulped down dry saliva and opened his mouth with difficulty.
“Wha-What happens if we lose to the other disciple in the competition?”
It was a question that everyone wanted to ask but couldn’t. It became quiet as if the surroundings were wet with cold water.
Chung Myung smiles brightly with his mouth wide open.
“Do you want to know?”
“N-No, I’m not saying I’m going to lose…….”
“Really…….”
Gloomy voice.
“…….”
Chung Myung’s head bends strangely to the side.
“…Do you really want to know?”
“…….”
‘No.’
‘It’s better not to know.’
The second and third-class disciples looked up at the sky simultaneously.
‘That…….’
‘The sky is so clear.’
‘Haaa…’
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
THANKYOUU.