Chapter 795: Only He Holds the Value (Part 5)

 

“Senior Brother.”

“Yes?”

As they were rushing toward the Black Dragon Stronghold, Jo Gul cautiously opened his mouth.

“You know… about the Wudang Sect Leader.”

“You mean Heo Do-jin?”

“Yes, him.”

“What about him?”

“Don’t you think he’s different from what we expected?”

“Huh?”

Yoon Jong looked at Jo Gul with a puzzled expression as Jo Gul pondered for a moment before speaking.

“I thought that as the head of the Wudang Sect, he would be a sharp and severe swordsman. But seeing him up close, he seemed like a kind-hearted Daoist.”

Of course, this wasn’t the first time they had seen the Wudang Sect Leader.

They had seen Heo Do-jin sitting on the high stage during the recent martial arts competition. But that was simply from a distance.

This was the first time Jo Gul had directly encountered the person himself.

“A kind-hearted Daoist, huh…”

Yoon Jong repeated the words for a moment, then looked at Jo Gul with a disappointed expression.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Gul-ah.”

“Yes?”

“It’s a good thing you joined Mount Hua.”

“Hehe. What’s that supposed to mean? You’re embarrassing me.”

“If you had followed in your father’s footsteps and gone into business, you would have ruined your entire family.”

“…”

Yoon Jong clicked his tongue and shook his head.

Tang Soso, who was listening nearby, joined in.

“That’s right, Senior Brother Jo Gul. You can’t believe everything you see about the leaders of the great sects. You never know what’s really inside them.”

Jo Gul tilted his head, still not quite understanding.

“Does that mean it’s the same for Master Tang?”

“It’s only because my father is particularly friendly toward Mount Hua. But when it comes to dealing with other sects, he’s very different. Those who reach such high positions breathe deception as easily as they breathe air.”

“Hmm.”

“That’s true.”

Baek Cheon also nodded.

“We only exchanged some pleasantries, but coming all the way here to speak with us wasn’t just for idle chit-chat. He probably gathered more information than we could imagine.”

“…In such a short time?”

“That’s why he’s the head of Wudang.”

Baek Cheon’s eyes gleamed.

“Learn what you can, and emulate what’s worth emulating. But never let your guard down, no matter the circumstances.”

“Yes, Martial Uncle!”

“We’ll remember that.”

Chung Myung, who was watching the young disciples’ conversation from behind, chuckled quietly to himself.

‘They’ve grown well.’

In the past, these kids would have been a chaotic mess, just thrilled at the chance to meet the Wudang Sect Leader. Now, they were wary and reflective.

“Focus on what’s in front of you. Right now, our opponent is the Black Dragon Stronghold, not Wudang.”

“Yes, Martial Uncle!”

Their energized stride as they ran forward was impressive. Chung Myung smirked.

“You’re doing well.”

Well, no matter how much they’re like hatchlings, they should at least be capable of this.

 

Heo Do-jin, leading the front, dashed forward swiftly.

The gentle expression he had shown in front of Hyun Jong and the disciples of Mount Hua had long disappeared. All that remained was a cold, stern resolve.

“How was it?”

Heo San-ja approached carefully and asked.

Without a change in expression, Heo Do-jin finally opened his mouth.

“Are you asking about Mount Hua?”

“Yes.”

Heo San-ja had heard enough assessments of Mount Hua.

However, most of them were simply comments about Mount Hua’s achievements. What he wanted was Heo Do-jin’s personal evaluation, having witnessed Mount Hua with his own eyes.

“There is definitely reason to be wary. But…”

Heo Do-jin trailed off, pondering for a moment before speaking slowly.

“Mount Hua is certainly an impressive sect. Seeing it in person, I could feel their greatness firsthand.”

It was almost like praise. Heo San-ja thought for a moment, trying to recall if he had ever heard such high regard from Heo Do-jin.

“But precisely because of that, it’s even more poignant. The time they lost…”

“…”

“It’s fortunate that I had the chance to see Mount Hua with my own eyes.”

Heo Do-jin’s gaze grew darker.

The Mount Hua he had seen was more formidable than expected and remarkable beyond measure. It possessed something that Wudang lacked.

But…

‘That also means it has a clear weakness.’

Though he couldn’t exactly call them enemies yet, it was indeed fortunate to have the opportunity to scrutinize a potential adversary. That alone made this expedition worthwhile.

‘The gap that once formed is not something that can be easily closed.’

Because Mount Hua had been underestimated, situations like this arose. However, if Wudang recognized Mount Hua for what it was and remained cautious, he was confident they could maintain their lead.

Even now…

If Mount Hua had reaped all the public support and benefits along the Yangtze, the Nine Great Sects and Five Clans would have done nothing but watch from the sidelines in the past.

But this time, as soon as they heard that Mount Hua had entered the Yangtze to confront the pirates, they had rushed forward, putting everything else aside.

To become a target of vigilance is precisely this.

‘Sect Leader. Those who rise to the top must bear that weight.’

It’s easy for ten to become a hundred, but for a hundred to become a thousand, far greater effort is required. And to rise to the very top requires even more.

Now that Mount Hua was beginning to attract the attention of other sects, it would no longer be able to take unilateral advantage as it had in the past.

“However…”

“Yes?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Heo Do-jin’s expression hardened slightly, almost as if tension had surfaced.

‘If the world remains as it is, this gap will not close. But…’

If the world were to become unstable, could Wudang still maintain its lead over Mount Hua?

Heo Do-jin’s eyes gleamed coldly.

‘Once I return to Wudang, things will get busy.’

But first, they had to deal with the Black Dragon Stronghold.

Heo Do-jin pushed his strength into his legs and launched himself forward with full force.

 

“Oh…”

The disciples of Mount Hua, who had run tirelessly, finally arrived at the Black Dragon Stronghold.

They all widened their eyes in astonishment at the sight before them.

“Leader.”

“Hmm.”

How could they describe this scene?

Spectacle?

No, that wouldn’t be appropriate for something so grim.

Countless martial artists were gathered densely along the riverbank.

The most noticeable were the Shaolin monks in yellow robes. Beyond them stood the disciples of Wudang.

Alongside them, men clad in sky-blue attire caught their eyes.

“Sky-blue…”

“That’s the Azure Sky Sword Unit of the Namgung Family.”

“So, it’s Namgung.”

It was clear at a glance. These swordsmen, exuding an intense, sharp aura, stood in perfect formation, gazing across the river. And…

“Then those in blue robes must be the Cheongseong Sect.”

Shaolin, Wudang, Namgung, Cheongseong.

Four sects that commanded respect across the world had gathered along the riverbank. It was a breathtaking sight.

‘Since the last war with the Demonic Sect, have this many great sects gathered in one place?’

For the first time, the changing times felt real.

Though they weren’t displaying hostility toward Mount Hua, the oppressive weight of their presence alone was stifling. If they felt such pressure, how unbearable must it be for the pirates who had to face them all?

Sects that people in Jianghu couldn’t avoid hearing about now stood, swords drawn, ready for battle.

“Leader.”

Hyun Jong nodded.

“Yes, let’s go.”

His hand, hidden in his sleeve, was trembling slightly, but now was the time to stride forward with dignity. He was, after all, Mount Hua’s Sect Leader.

The disciples of Mount Hua resumed their march.

They understood the significance of joining the gathering, and each step they took was filled with purpose.

Seeing Mount Hua’s approach, a Shaolin elder, Beopgye, stepped forward to greet them.

“Amitabha.”

With a solemn expression, he clasped his hands together in greeting.

“I greet the Sect Leader of Mount Hua.”

“Elder Beopgye, it’s been a long time.”

“Do you remember me?”

“How could I forget? We will always remember Shaolin’s kindness to Mount Hua.”

Beopgye nodded slowly.

Although he hadn’t shown Mount Hua particular kindness, personal concerns didn’t matter when representing a sect. What was important was that Mount Hua’s Sect Leader was expressing friendly words toward Shaolin.

“Thank you for coming. The entire world will be in awe of Mount Hua’s righteous spirit.”

Hyun Jong smiled gently at Beopgye’s words.

But Chung Myung’s eyes flared upon hearing them.

“No, that monk is… mmp!”

“Hahaha! Yes, Chung Myung! Beopgye says that everyone will be grateful to Mount Hua! It’s wonderful! You even know Buddhist terminology now! How thoughtful you are!”

Baek Cheon laughed as he desperately covered Chung Myung’s mouth. Even Hye Yeon, with a pale face, gripped Chung Myung’s neck, quietly squeezing.

“Mmph! Mmph! That monk… that…”

“Yes, yes. You’ve seen something else now! Look, there’s a duck! Have you ever seen a duck chick before? I find it quite fascinating too!”

In the chaos, Oh Gum quickly wrapped a cloth around Chung Myung’s mouth, binding him tightly.

“Grrrrmph! Mmph!”

Chung Myung, now cocooned, struggled furiously, but no one felt any pity.

“Whew. Put him far in the back. Or better yet, bury him here.”

“Shall we?”

“…No, don’t kill him.”

Baek Cheon sighed deeply as he watched Chung Myung being dragged away.

It had been Mount Hua that initiated the campaign against the pirates. Therefore, they should be the ones to be thanked.

Yet Beopgye subtly and naturally expressed his gratitude, as if Shaolin were the primary actors and Mount Hua was merely supporting Shaolin’s noble intentions.

‘A monk, of all people!’

Though there was nothing wrong with devotion to one’s sect, it felt far too petty and cheap.

Seeing this, Hye Yeon’s face flushed bright red.

Then Beopgye glanced at Hye Yeon and turned to Hyun Jong.

“Sect Leader.”

“Yes, Elder.”

“We deeply appreciate you taking in our disciple and imparting guidance. However, given the circumstances, we must now reclaim our disciple.”

“As you wish.”

With Hyun Jong’s permission, Beopgye called softly to Hye Yeon.

“Hye Yeon.”

“…Yes.”

Stiff with surprise, Hye Yeon’s expression hardened.

“Elder, the Abbot…”

“I’m aware that the Abbot allowed you to study abroad. But now is not the time to seek teachings.”

“…”

“The Abbot entrusted me with full authority. Say no more.”

Hye Yeon’s shoulders slumped, with no choice left.

With a crestfallen look, he turned to Baek Cheon, who patted his shoulder.

“It’s alright, Monk.”

“Baek Cheon… I…”

“A disciple should follow the order of their sect.”

“…”

Hye Yeon’s gentle, large eyes quivered, but he soon whispered a soft farewell.

“…I’ll see you again.”

“Take care of yourself.”

Hye Yeon bowed respectfully to Mount Hua’s disciples. In turn, they all cupped their fists in farewell.

It was the highest courtesy they could show to someone who, though not a disciple, was as close as one.

“Don’t act like we won’t see you again!”

“Visit us again, Monk!”

“I’ll hide some meat for you!”

“What are you talking about, you crazy fool!”

As he left the cheerful voices behind, Hye Yeon sighed softly and walked over to stand with Shaolin.

“I’m sorry if my disciple has been a burden.”

“Not at all. Having Hye Yeon with us was a great help. As Mount Hua’s Sect Leader, I deeply appreciate Hye Yeon and Shaolin.”

Hyun Jong gazed at Hye Yeon with a look of mild regret.

Though Hye Yeon wasn’t truly a disciple of Mount Hua, it felt as if he had just lost one. The sudden parting weighed on his heart.

Once Hye Yeon had joined them, Beopgye glanced to the side and spoke to Hyun Jong.

“More than that, it seems you have other greetings to attend to.”

The direction Beopgye gestured toward was where the Namgung Family Patriarch and the Cheongseong Sect Leader were approaching in a straight line.