Chirp chirp chirp.
Soft sunlight streamed in through the window.
And the soothing ringing of birds.
Hyun Jong slowly opened his eyes and looked out the window, which let in a lot of light.
Then he removed the white blanket and sat down, looking around for reassurance.
‘It’s today.’
Finally, the morning of their departure for Seongsan Mountain arrived.
Hyun Jong examines the clothes in front of him after lightly washing his face.
Colorful plum blossom patterns on a black robe. At first glance, the color of the clothes reflected by the light appears luxurious.
It was the work of Hyun Young, who insisted on making new clothes even though they were unnecessary.
Hyun Jong gave a quiet smile.
‘That’s how important this event is.’
Mount Hua has appeared in front of the other prestigious sect in Murim for the first time in decades. Why can’t he see that they don’t want to be dismissed?
Srarak.
He tied up his belt and dressed more reverently than usual.
And he closed his eyes quietly.
‘What preparations do we have more to do?’
None.
Everything has been meticulously prepared.
“Huu.”
He exhaled a small sigh.
Hyun Jong and the Elders have been through a lot in the last six months.
As a result, he felt confident that they were fully prepared to participate in the event.
But why…
“Um.”
Hyun Jong looked at the door with blemished eyes. He then sighed deeply and walked away.
Squeak.
He sighed again as he stared at the clear sky as the door slowly opened.
“Sect Leader, are you ready?”
“Um, yes.”
Unam greeted him as he stood in front of the door.
“The disciples are ready and waiting for Sect Leader.”
“Already?”
“It seems that they couldn’t sleep as well waiting for the day.”
“Hoho. They still have a long way to go.”
It’s best to begin with a good night’s sleep, but he didn’t want to blame the disciple.
The same can be said for Hyun Jong. Because he was excited and nervous, he couldn’t sleep well.
This is the case with Hyun Jong, whose emotions have worn thin. How could the young disciple be unconcerned about it?
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
Unam took the lead and started walking.
Hyun Jong quietly followed him and looked up at the sky once more.
‘The weather is also fantastic.’
‘Chung Myung…… No, I’d prefer not to use this expression……. A very clear sky appears to be blessing our path.’ (Chung Myung can mean either clear sky or blue clarity.)
So, at first, the steps should be very light……
“Ugh.”
“What?”
“No. Nothing.”
Hyun Jong waved his hands, unknowingly making a groaning sound.
‘My forefathers.’
He took a deep breath and climbed onto the stage when he finally arrived at Daeyeonmujang.
The Elders were already anticipating it.
Up to that point, everything is fine.
It’s been so good up until that point……
In front of the podium are second and third-class disciples.
Without moaning about the arduous training…… No, there were many complaints, but when he sees the disciples who didn’t give up and followed him, he can’t help but be proud…..
He stumbled to the podium, staring at the second and third-class disciples. And he tightly closed his eyes.
‘How could that be the appearance of Taoist disciples?’
As he slowly opens his eyes, he notices Mount Hua’s disciple with rugged features.
Shoulders are broad.
Above the clothes, strong arms can be seen.
Up to that point, everything is fine.
Those bursting chest muscles, tanned skin, and even a horrifying face at first glance……
‘Besides, why are the Taoist disciple’s eyes gleaming?’
‘Who would have guessed these guys were Taoist disciples?’
When someone who knows nothing enters Mount Hua now, they will throw everything they own on the ground and beg for their life.
‘Otherwise, he’ll hear that Mount Hua has morphed into something other than Mount Hua.’ D*mn… Muryangsubul, no!’
Hyun Jong fixed his gaze on the person responsible for all of this.
Looking at Chung Myung, who was sitting on a chair behind the row, it felt as if the discipline he had built up over the years was crumbling all at once.
“Ughh.”
“Sect Leader, straighten your face, face. What’s with your expression on this fine day?”
“…….”
‘You’re the issue, punk!’
He is irritated by Hyun Young’s smile.
“Right, are you all ready?”
“Sect Leader, you are correct. Please say something.”
‘A word?’
‘Which word?’
‘Let’s have a drink and meat tonight because we’re sure to succeed in the job? Catching every passerby?’
‘Ugh.’
Hyun Jong fought back the tears as he saw the proud disciple of Mount Hua who was far from human in appearance. The sky is overcast.
‘Is this all right?’
‘Is this really all right?’
“Sect Leader.”
‘Ahh, my Mount Hua…….’
“Sect Leader.”
“Hmm, yes.”
Hyun Jong coughed loudly and spoke hoarsely.
Whatever the circumstances, today is an auspicious day for a trip to Seongsan Mountain. He needs to encourage the children who have worked hard.
“Everyone worked so hard.”
They certainly worked hard.
They went through a lot. Even the vivacious one resembled a veteran standing on the battlefield which had been there for ten years.
“No, it isn’t. Sect Chief!”
“There was nothing to struggle.”
“I will destroy the heads of those Ten Great Sect bastard!”
The unfortunate thing is that Chung Myung did not speak those final words.
‘It’s not Mount Hua’s color.’
‘Isn’t this a hand-made result by Chung Myung?’
It will take less than a month to take over all the back alleys if they send roughly to Nakyang or anywhere and stay.
“……This Murim Competition is a place to strengthen friendship. First of all, with the idea of having a meeting…….”
Then Hyun Young smiled and interrupted him.
“Sect Leader.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t say anything that doesn’t work. The kids are laughing.”
“…….”
‘Hey there, punk!’
‘How can a Taoist say such a thing? ‘How can you?’
“Let’s get it over with. People might think that Sect Leader isn’t going. We’re going to go together. What are you on about?”
“…… you finish it then.”
“Oh, should I?”
Hyun Young took a quick step forward and looked around.
“Today we are going to Seongsan Mountain. I’m sure you’re all confident, right?”
“Of course!”
“Don’t worry, Elder!”
Hyun Young simply nodded.
“Make sure you have everything you need, and the instructor of each distribution check your junior luggage once more.”
“Yes!”
At the same time as the response, the Un on one side began to move.
Hyun Young, who had caught a glimpse of the scene, raised his eyes wide and said firmly.
“The place we’re going now is where all sects gathered. Every action and gesture of yours will be a factor in evaluating Mount Hua. So everyone, take care of yourself….. Where are you looking, guys?”
Everyone’s gaze returns at the same time.
Of course, Chung Myung Myung was at the other end of that stare.
“Huh? Why me?”
“…No, it’s just.”
“I thought I’d have to take a look.”
Chung Myung grins.
“Come on, Ei. There is no other person as gentle as me.”
‘That filthy snout!’
‘I really want to bury it,’
Perhaps because Chung Myung had thoroughly tortured them for the previous six months, the disciples’ eyes that were glaring at him were even more venomous.
Tang Soso, who had only recently arrived on Mount Hua, was also staring at Chung Myung.
Hyun Young observed the tragic scene of life between the disciples with warm eyes.
“If you’re ready, let’s go.”
“Yes!”
“Have a safe trip!”
As the disciple standing at the front walked forward, the disciples standing at the back cheered for them in a loud voice.
“Don’t think about coming back if you lose.”
“Crawl from Seongsan to here. Got it?”
“Lose. Just lose once. I’ll treat you as a branch and hang you on the plum tree!”
Those who represented the warm support smiled brightly.
“Come on, you weaklings.”
“Sweep the yard well.” (Wow, I see many Chung Myung.)
It was simply a heartwarming sight. Hyun Jong smiled warmly.
‘Mount Hua is ruined.’
It’s no longer here.
How did they become like this in just six months?
“How am I supposed to see my ancestors when I’m dead?”
“What are you talking about? Everyone is going to compliment you.”
“Huh?”
“Look at the kids.”
Hyun Jong lifted his head slightly and looked at the disciples.
“Isn’t that the momentum like a disciple of a prestigious sect?”
“…….”
‘Hyun Young-ah…….’
‘I think the prestigious sect you know and the prestigious sect I know are slightly different…’
Hyun Jong sighs deeply.
However, there was one reason why he could stretch his shoulders.
‘Certainly, the momentum is great.’
He feels great confidence in my those broad shoulders. And it wasn’t just groundless confidence.
Blade-like momentum.
They can be proudly introduced as “Swordsman/woman/Warrior” anywhere. (There is a character for sword hence swordsman/swordswoman. Wanted to use martial artists tho.)
Something that was unimaginable in the past Mount Hua.
“Even the Ten Great Sect have no choice but to admit when sees them. Mount Hua is no longer a declining sect.”
Hyun Jong nods heavily.
“Everyone, go ahead.”
The gold plaque they received from Shaolin.
The number of people who can accompany them with the gold plaque is 40. Since everyone could not go together, they had no choice but to elect a representative among them.
There were many concerns, but in the end, Hyun Jong chose to bring one more second and third-class disciple.
For Mount Hua, this Murim Competition is not just an opportunity to show off.
It’s an opportunity for Mount Hua’s children to experience a wider world.
Therefore, Hyun Jong filled all the remaining seats with a second and third-class disciples, except for the minimum number of people to manage the children that stayed in the sect.
“Unam.”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, Sect Leader.”
Unam smiled brightly.
“Going to Soengsan and making a name for Mount Hua is of utmost importance, but protecting Mount Hua is no less important. Don’t worry about it and please go. This disciple will do his best.”
“Yes, I’ll trust you.”
Hyun Jong, who was smiling as if he was relieved, suddenly opened his ax eyes slightly and glanced to the side.
“…meanwhile, even though you already old enough.”
“Where are you going to leave me out!”
“Hng.”
Then he shook his head as if he had given up.
Originally, Hyun Young, who had to take care of Mount Hua in place of Sect Leader, insisted on following thus leaving Unam to see Sect Leader off.
In the end, four adults were going to Shaolin, including three Elders and Un Gum to manage the children. The rest were second and third-class disciples.
“Isn’t there too few people in charge of the children?”
“Wouldn’t that be enough?”
“……right.”
Hyun Jong smiled sadly and looked at the children carrying the load.
‘But….’
Baek Chun is standing at the front.
It warms his heart when he sees Baek Chun wearing the newly made plum blossom robe and wearing a hero gun on his head. Wasn’t that the form of the swordsman of Mount Hua that he had dreamed of?
The images of Yoon jong and Jo Gol standing next to him is truly historical.
‘Right, it’s not just a bad thing.’
One should look at the disciples with good eyes if one is a Sect Leader.
‘First of all, I believe in those kids…….’
“Aren’t you going?”
‘… I can’t.’
Seeing Chung Myung sticking his head out at the back, the pride that had soared fell down Mount Hua cliff.
“……Chung Myung-ah.”
“What?”
“Why didn’t you change your clothes?”
“It’s a new outfit.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
Chung Myung smiles.
“It’ll get dirt on the way. I would prefer to wear the new clothes there.”
“…….”
‘Smart.’
‘Our Chung Myung is so smart. Right.’
‘Since you’re so smart, it’d be nice to know what communal living is.’
However, knowing that it was futile to expect such things from Chung Myung in the first place, Hyun Jong closed his eyes and turned his head.
“Hmm, let’s go!”
“Yes!”
He turned and stepped toward the gate of Mount Hua.
The Elder, the Un, and the disciples including Baek Chun, followed too.
Step, step.
Hyun Jong, who was going with a firm step, stopped in front of the gate. And he looks quietly over the gate.
Hyun Young and Hyun Sang shut their mouths.
This is because they can guess why the Sect Leader stopped.
It’s already been several decades since he became Mount Hua’s Sect Leader.
But he has never been out of Mount Hua to attend an event as the Sect Leader.
So far, all he’s done is leave Mount Hua to beg for money or to meet with debtors and plead.
So the feeling is bound to be new.
This is no less than Hyun Jong’s first step out of the gate as the Sect Leader for Mount Hua.
Knowing that, no one urged Hyun Jong.
A little time passes.
Hyun Jong, who had been looking beyond the gate for a while, heard a low voice in his ears.
“Sect Leader.”
Hyun Jong didn’t look back.
Because he knows who the owner of the voice is all too well.
“It would be a historic step for Mount Hua.”
A smile forms on Hyun Jong’s mouth.
‘That jerk.’
“Let’s go.”
He finally takes a step without hesitation.
Cheers poured out toward the disciples who crossed the gate and left Mount Hua.
“Win and come back!”
“Sect Leader! Elder! Please come back safely!”
“You must come with the name of Mount Hua all over the world!”
“Chung Myung! Sweet snacks on your way home!”
“Who the hell was that?”
The disciples start walking down Mount Hua proudly.
But for Kangho, it will be the starting point of a big change.
The steps were headed in Seongsan Mountain, where Shaolin is located.