Return of the Mount Hua Sect

Slash!

“Gurgle…”

The moment the neck was cut, the body grew weak. However, the warriors managed to avoid decapitation by contorting their bodies in a desperate attempt.

But…

Pat. Pat.

A searing pain shot through his side, resembling the feeling of being scorched by fire, and something brushed against his chest.

They noticed a sword being retracted. The man’s gaze met with the sword-wielder.

Those cold, emotionless eyes held no feelings. The gaze was so icy that it chilled the body.

“You….”

Swish!

His words came to an abrupt halt. Now in motion, the sword sliced through the head this time.

Thud.

The headless body dropped to the ground.

“You must be cautious.”

Chung Myung smiled and glanced around.

“Who’s next?”

Instantly, fear spread among the troops as they lost their leader.

“Ah… ah…”

“E-everyone, run!”

“Jump down! Don’t die!”

The panic-stricken men dropped their weapons and started to run away. Some ran, some stumbled on the wall, and others leaped off.

Observing the sudden emptiness around him, Chung Myung moistened his lips.

“Tsk. These youngsters have no respect.”

-Brat! Youngsters these days?

Huh.

What were you implying?

Yo Sa-Heon’s expression became tense.

‘That man is…’

Definitely strange.

He didn’t know who this troop leader was because when he was an elder of the Ice Palace, many of these troop units didn’t exist.

However, at a glance, he was sure the man had been skilled.

It was obvious.

A leader refers to a person in charge of the military troops. Warriors did not easily follow those who weren’t stronger than themselves. Among them, the one that rose to the top position would be considered as their leader.

But such a person was defeated in a handful of seconds?

This was a task Yo Sa-Heon could not accomplish.

Regardless of Chung Myung’s strength or him being Mount Hua’s Divine Dragon, they had beaten a troop leader in under 100 seconds?

It should never have been possible for them to achieve this, but this absurd sight unfolded before Yo Sa-Heon’s eyes.

Yo Sa-Heon’s body trembled.

Only Yo Sa-Heon could comprehend the significance of this.

Careless?

Right. Carelessness. To be blunt, it was the leader’s fault for losing focus on the battlefield.

However, Yo Sa-Heon couldn’t possibly blame the now-cooling corpse.

It was common knowledge that one should never lose their focus in battle, but how many people truly comprehend that?

Swish.

This insight accurately identified the gaps that shouldn’t be overlooked. Based on this judgment, jumping into the middle of the enemy troops without hesitation made logical sense.

Additionally, Chung Myung boldly used his sword technique in a situation where a single mistake could lead to death.

‘Monster…’

He wouldn’t be surprised if this young swordsman had killed all the warriors on the wall with his sword. It was something that could be accomplished with his martial arts.

Such determination and guts alone didn’t make a person strong, though. Wasn’t this something Yo Sa-Heon, who had been in countless battles, wouldn’t dare do?

“How…”

It was then…

After twirling the sword in his hand, Chung Myung slid it back into its sheath. He took a step forward and leaned towards the wall.

“Many have arrived.”

Scaling the wall was only the beginning, as the battle was far from over. The might of the Ice Palace couldn’t be contained so easily.

At that moment, Chung Myung turned his head and called out to Yo Sa-Heon.

“Elder!”

“Hm? Me?”

“Yes. Go and bring the others here swiftly! They can’t be slow!”

They were not slugs. You guys were the flying squirrels here!

Chung Myung, who clicked his tongue, pointed towards the bottom of the wall.

“What do we do now?”

“…what do you mean?”

“Huh. This is so frustrating.”

Chung Myung pounded on his chest as if he was truly frustrated.

Yo Sa-Heon shook his head slightly. If this had been earlier, he wouldn’t have cared about whatever Chung Myung said, but now, after witnessing this scene, he was concerned with every single word.

“I hear you’re trying to persuade the kid?”

“Yes.”

“Everyone’s gathered here, and this place is high, making it a good spot for talking. What’s your plan now?”

Yo Sa-Heon nodded with a bewildered expression.

‘Does he really want to think about all this in the current situation?’

From the outside, Chung Myung didn’t appear particularly wise, but he was calmly discerning the situation all around him.

“It seems I’ve misunderstood you.”

“… what’s going through your mind?”

The answer came from behind, not from Yo Sa-Heon.

“You half Taoist.”

“Reckless young jerk.”

“You unstopping snout.”

“Hell going…”

“The bastard monk at the back, come.”

Hae Yeon flinched and hid behind Baek Cheon.

“Is this brat hiding?”

“Amitabha! Amitabha!”

Seeing Chung Myung grabbing Hae Yeon’s shaved head, Yo Sa-Heon sighed.

‘Seriously shocking.’

Thanks to the disciples of Mount Hua, who led the way, everyone was able to reach the top without much difficulty.

It was unclear whether Chung Myung intentionally took the lead or if it was just a coincidence. Either way, it was fortunate for them.

“Chung Myung, you can’t grab a monk by his head.”

“Sasuk, it’s not about holding a monk by the head, but you shouldn’t hold a human by the hair.”

“Uh… right?”

Jo Gul tilted his head as he observed the people.

“Sasuk, shouldn’t we go down? Why are we just fighting?”

“Gul.”

“Yes?”

“… Aren’t people approaching us from behind? There are still a few individuals left to come, so if we split up and fight now, we will be defeated.”

“Ah….”

Jo Gul finally comprehended the situation and glanced back, his head still tilted in confusion.

“Why can’t they come up here when no one is bothering them?”

“….”

Baek Cheon attempted to speak but fell silent. He was considering the same idea.

“We mustn’t hurry. The opponent won’t flee. Our primary focus should be on giving our all.”

This was a notion of utmost wisdom. Most of them comprehended his perspective, but unfortunately, an oblivious individual was in Mount Hua.

“Planning ahead also pertains to our adversaries…”

“Gul.”

“What is it?”

“Is your mouth feeling itchy? Would you like me to strike you?”

“… No, sahyung.”

Yoon Jong’s eyes widened, causing Jo Gul to lower his head.

As they conversed, Yo Sa-Heon’s face turned red.

‘I never expected their skills to surpass ours so easily.’

Despite their long years of training, they were unable to showcase their skills. However, the majority of their opponents were elders and elites of the Ice Palace.

The young disciples of Mount Hua were unparalleled.

But strangely, they were in control of the situation. This indicates that there was something about them that couldn’t be solely explained by martial arts.

‘I’ve been surprised numerous times today.’

He knew he shouldn’t be engaging in such actions on the day when the fate of the North Sea was being decided, but he was only human, and suppressing his emotions was difficult.

“So, what is your plan?”

Upon hearing Chung Myung’s question, Yo Sa-Heon’s expression became tense.

“I understand that keeping the distance is important for our goal.”

“Yes, I agree.”

“However, I believe it would be more advantageous to head down the wall.”

“What is your reasoning behind that?”

When questioned, he replied,

“We need to demonstrate the presence of the Young Palace Lord in a proper manner. It may be challenging to prove his legitimacy as the former Lord’s son, even if the warriors are convinced.”

“Ah, I see. So, you plan to bring him there and place him in front of individuals who will brandish swords at him?”

Chung Myung gestured towards Han Yi-Myung and asked this. Seol So-Baek, positioned behind him, flinched.

“… that.”

Yo Sa-Heon was speechless, and Han Yi-Myung, who was listening, chimed in.

“I understand the disciple’s worries very well. However, if we don’t do that, everyone will die. And this child’s life is in even greater danger.”

“Hmm.”

“This is the best option. Please try to understand.”

Chung Myung nodded in agreement.

“Well, if it is the way of the North Sea, I don’t want to take any risks. Everyone has their own path, after all.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“But…”

Chung Myung’s expression changed.

“Since you said it’s for the best, you ought to be ready to lead the charge and risk your life. That’s how you take responsibility.”

“…”

“Let’s go down. They seem pissed off too.”

Chung Myung grinned as he looked down at the wall. Seol Chun-Sang’s face was flushed with anger and devoid of mercy.

“This…”

He had seen his warriors jump down from the castle wall.

“Those cowardly bastards!”

The Ice Troops were a newly formed, specially trained group of soldiers he established after becoming the Lord. He believed it would be wise to have armed troops in case of invasion, no matter how high the wall was built.

But what could he do if they fled like that?

“That idiotic troop leader! Moron!”

Seol Chun-Sang’s furious gaze shifted to the top of the wall. Alongside the Ice Troops, others were also observing him.

His pride had been crushed.

His anger refused to dissipate despite the blood flowing from his clenched fist.

“What the hell are you doing? Capture them immediately!”

“P-palace Lord. If we ascend the wall, the damage will be extensive.”

“And what’s your suggestion? You want to leave it as it is?”

The elder who had spoken bowed their head in response to his bloodshot eyes.

“Even then, you people, as proud warriors of the Ice Palace, do you not know how to stand by that?”

What was more important than pride were the lives of the Ice Palace people.

Who here didn’t know…

“It has all gone wrong right from the start.”

No one was able to tell their Lord that. If they did, they would die. And they wouldn’t risk their lives when they could still enjoy comfort.

“Bring them to me right now! Those damned Central Plains…”

“L-Lord!”

“Um?”

“T-there!”

Seol Chun-Sang turned his head at those words.

Step. Step.

A man slowly descended the wall.

“That…”

Seol Chun-Sang’s face twisted in anger.

It was Chung Myung who had removed his leather clothes, revealing his plum blossom robes. He descended the steps leisurely.

“It’s been a while, Palace Lord.”

Seeing him greet him with a calm face, Seol Chun-Sang’s face turned red.

“This… I will tear you apart!”

His voice echoed around the palace.

“I! The Ice Palace showed you grace, and the Central Plains repaid it by being enemies! These rude actions….!”

“Ahh. A misunderstanding. I am one who repays the grace twofold.”

“What?”

“It is a bit different now.”

Chung Myung stopped smiling, and the voice of laughter turned cold.

“I don’t see people who have joined hands with the Demon Sect as humans.”

“….”

“There is no such thing as repaying grace to a dog of the Demon Sect. Just a sword.”

It was bitter and cold.

It was so cold that it couldn’t be compared to the blizzard that blew around the Ice Palace.