What the Hell Are You Talking About? I’m the Strongest! (5)
"What a damn mountain path!"
Jong Seo-han grumbled, his voice thick with irritation.
Even for someone who knew martial arts, climbing Mount Hua was no easy task. The rugged terrain looked as though it could knock even flying birds out of the sky.
"I don’t know what idiot decided to build a Daoist temple in a place like this. No wonder they went under."
If Chung Myung had heard that, he would’ve applauded.
But Jin Geum-ryong didn’t seem to think the same.
"Isn’t the whole point of a temple to leave the world behind and grow closer to nature? When one studies the scriptures and cultivates oneself, it’s only natural to choose a place where outsiders can’t easily come and go."
"Mount Hua isn’t some temple. It’s half a secular sect. I could at least understand it if Wudang were up in a place like this."
"Well. You’re not entirely wrong."
Like the ones who had climbed Mount Hua before them, the trail had resting spots scattered along the way. The disciples of Southern Edge were seated at one of those places now, taking a brief break.
One of the second-generation disciples spoke with a lazy air.
"If we’re going to go through all this hell to climb up here, there should at least be something worth seeing when we get there. But there’s no doubt we’ll just end up gnawing on roots and sleeping in some half-collapsed hall again."
"I’m not even asking for good food. I’d just like a decent sleep for once. Last time, I stayed up all night because I thought the hall might collapse on me."
"Even the Beggars’ Sect wouldn’t sleep in a place like this. What kind of Daoist temple is worse than a beggar’s den?"
Complaints and insults mingled together in the air.
"Shouldn’t we put an end to this pointless business already? We’re the only ones making the long trip all the way to Mount Hua and suffering for it, while all we’re really doing is helping those Mount Hua bastards."
Jin Geum-ryong shrugged as if he were troubled.
"I know everyone’s upset, but it would be best if you calmed yourselves a little. You all know how the elders feel about Mount Hua, don’t you?"
"We still don’t understand that. Why are they so fixated on a sect that’s already fallen to pieces?"
"Exactly."
"It’s probably because they might still have some hidden strength."
"Hidden strength?"
Someone snorted.
"If they really had hidden strength, they’d have regained their place by now. The fact that they’ve been in that sorry state for nearly a hundred years just means that’s where they belong."
"What sect hasn’t had its golden age? What matters is what they are now."
As everyone continued belittling Mount Hua, one person quietly opened his mouth.
"It would be wise not to underestimate Mount Hua too much."
All eyes turned in one direction.
Yi Song-baek.
He was speaking with an expressionless face.
"If you’re careless, you may end up making a fool of yourselves."
Jong Seo-han clicked his tongue and sneered.
"Like senior brother did?"
"…."
Despite the obvious provocation, Yi Song-baek didn’t react.
"Don’t worry, senior brother. We won’t do anything to preserve Mount Hua’s dignity like you did. We’ll crush even the little bit of dignity you helped them keep."
"I’m telling you not to let your guard down."
"What difference does it make if we let our guard down against those Mount Hua bastards?"
"I…"
Yi Song-baek started to say something, then stopped and let out a low sigh. No matter what he said, it would never be taken seriously.
Because of what Chung Myung had done at the Eunha Merchant Guild, the people left in the most awkward position were Elder Gi Mok-seung and Yi Song-baek.
Most of the blame, of course, fell on Yi Song-baek. That was only natural; after all, how many people could actually criticize an elder?
"Do as you please. But if you let your guard down, you’ll be the ones paying for it."
Just as Jong Seo-han frowned and was about to say something, a low voice came from behind them.
"That’s not wrong."
Everyone turned again.
One man was slowly making his way up the mountain.
"Stand up."
"Yes, sir."
The Southern Edge elder who had led them here, Sama Seung, swept his gaze across them once before speaking.
"Have you already forgotten what happened at the Eunha Merchant Guild?"
At the mention of the guild, Yi Song-baek flinched. But the other disciples answered without hesitation.
"We haven’t forgotten."
Sama Seung’s eyes twitched.
"We were humiliated because of that fallen sect. Do you know how furious the sect leader was over that incident?"
Everyone lowered their heads slightly.
Not because they felt guilty, but because they wanted to avoid the anger seeping from Sama Seung’s voice.
"Being humiliated by Mount Hua was enough for once. We will not suffer such disgrace again. How long are we of Southern Edge, who seek to soar across the world, supposed to keep sparring with a third-rate sect like Mount Hua? This time, the sect leader intends to put an end to our relationship with Mount Hua through the Southern and Mount Hua Assembly. If anyone lets their guard slip, even for an instant, and is humiliated by a Mount Hua disciple, I will never forgive you."
At Sama Seung’s icy voice, the Southern Edge disciples held their breath.
"A general on the battlefield leaves no future trouble behind, and a lion uses all its strength even when taking down a rabbit. This Southern and Mount Hua Assembly is not simply about defeating Mount Hua. Its true meaning lies in crushing Mount Hua’s spirit underfoot. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Elder!"
Sama Seung nodded once, then his sharp gaze settled on Yi Song-baek.
"Still, not letting your guard down and being scared stiff are two different things. Isn’t that right?"
"…Yes."
"Hmph."
Sama Seung turned and looked up toward Mount Hua.
"If you’ve all rested enough, then get up. We should arrive before the fools waiting for us get their necks stretched out."
"Yes, sir."
The disciples of Southern Edge rose at once and began climbing the mountain after Sama Seung.
After a long ascent, the Southern Edge disciples who had nearly reached Mount Hua began blurting out remarks one after another.
"Ugh. This mountain looks like absolute crap."
"I’m never coming here again."
"Last time we came, wasn’t the mountain gate around here?"
If you climbed that steep cliff, you’d arrive at a mountain gate that was falling apart. That meant you had reached Mount Hua. The ones who had visited before leaped up the cliff with practiced ease.
"Huh?"
"What the hell is that?"
And then they froze at the unexpected sight.
Just two years ago, Mount Hua’s mountain gate had been so old it looked ready to collapse at any moment. It had barely even qualified as a door, let alone a proper gate.
And yet now, that decrepit thing was nowhere to be seen. In its place stood a large, newly built gate, as if it had just been completed.
Did we come to the wrong place?
No way.
What sect besides Mount Hua would build itself in a ridiculous place like this?
Their gazes rose along the mountain gate.
Though the gate itself had changed, the plaque hanging above it seemed to be the same one as before. Yet the old sign, which had once looked as if it might crumble into dust, now seemed noble and antique when paired with the grand new gate.
The words Mount Hua Sect, written in a bold, dragon-and-serpent-swirling hand, carried a strange oppressive force.
"No, what the hell is…"
Everyone already knew that the Eunha Merchant Guild was investing in Mount Hua.
But that matter had only happened recently. In such a short time, no one—not even if the Eunha Merchant Guild itself had tried—could have rebuilt Mount Hua’s main gate so impressively.
"This doesn’t make any sense."
Jin Geum-ryong muttered blankly.
Was this not Mount Hua, that infamous beggar sect of the martial world? The same Mount Hua people mocked as a place even the Beggars’ Sect would rush to for lessons?
Then where on earth had they gotten the money to build such a magnificent gate?
"Quiet."
Sama Seung barked the command in a low voice.
"They probably managed to beg a little money from somewhere. But changing the gate doesn’t change what’s underneath. There’s no need to make such a fuss."
"Yes, sir!"
"How inappropriate."
With a faintly displeased expression, Sama Seung strode toward the gate.
And then it happened.
Creak.
The huge mountain gate slowly began to open to the left and right.
And from inside, one man walked out at an unhurried pace.
Hyun Sang.
Seeing the disciples of Southern Edge approaching, he gave a light martial salute.
"You must have had a tiring journey. Elder Sama. We’ve met before, I believe. I am Hyun Sang, an elder of Mount Hua."
"I am Sama Seung."
The response was short in comparison to the greeting.
But Hyun Sang showed no trace of offense and only smiled politely.
"It’s a pleasure to see you again, Elder Sama."
"Isn’t the sect leader coming out?"
Hyun Sang’s brows twitched.
"The sect leader is inside."
"And yet, when guests have come from so far away, he won’t even show his face?"
Hyun Sang bit his lip slightly, unseen.
Sama Seung was an elder of Southern Edge.
He held an unquestionably high status, but he was not in a position to order Mount Hua’s sect leader around.
And Sama Seung knew that. Which meant bringing up the sect leader like this was a deliberate insult to Mount Hua.
Suppressing the boiling anger in his chest, Hyun Sang spoke.
"Please, follow me. A banquet has been prepared to welcome the disciples of Southern Edge. It is modest, but I hope you will enjoy it and set aside the fatigue of your long journey."
"A banquet, is it? It seems Mount Hua thinks of the Southern and Mount Hua Assembly as nothing more than eating and playing."
"…I can hardly imagine that to be the case."
"Never mind. Lead the way. I should speak to the sect leader first."
Hyun Sang let out a low sigh.
He’s shameless to the bone.
Even the old Southern Edge had been unruly, but not to this degree. He must have come here prepared to pick a fight.
Still, Hyun Jong had already warned him over and over not to act rashly. Swallowing his indignation, Hyun Sang forced a smile and gestured inward.
"This way, then."
"Hmph."
Sama Seung strode in with somewhat rough steps. Even so, the newly built mountain gate still grated on his eyes.
They must have received some sort of backing.
Some blind fool had apparently dumped money into Mount Hua. So they must have handled the most urgent things first—the gate and the robes that would be the first thing others noticed.
But the interior halls would be another matter entirely…
"What the—?"
The disciples who stepped inside the mountain gate could not help but gasp.
"The halls?"
"When did that happen?"
As soon as they entered, a vast training ground paved with blue stone came into view, along with buildings that were clearly brand new.
Th-they repaired all of this?
Or had they rebuilt everything from scratch?
Had some god of wealth descended upon Mount Hua or something?
"It looks better than Southern Edge."
A murmur from behind voiced what everyone else was thinking. Compared to this, Southern Edge suddenly looked shabby.
Just two years ago, Mount Hua had been empty and desolate, full of collapsing buildings and already ruined halls. How had it changed so much, and in such a short time?
Sama Seung’s face twisted sharply.
When he stopped walking, Hyun Sang looked at him in confusion.
"Is something wrong?"
"It seems many things have changed."
Hyun Sang smiled lightly.
"Good things have happened."
"Does Mount Hua still have anyone left to back them? Surely the respectable clans aren’t the ones stealing, are they?"
In an instant, anger flashed across Hyun Sang’s face.
No matter how many times Hyun Jong had warned him, that comment was impossible to endure.
"Watch your words…"
And then—
"You wanna die?"
At the voice from the side, everyone turned their heads.
And when Sama Seung saw the scene that had unfolded, he unconsciously stiffened.
W-what the hell are they doing now?
A group of people came running past in a frantic state. Their martial uniforms were soaked through with sweat, and their faces looked as if they were on the verge of collapse, so they must have been running for quite some time. Despite their shaking legs, they were somehow still managing not to fall.
It was certainly a strange sight.
But Sama Seung wasn’t looking at them.
His gaze moved toward the source of the voice.
Beside the group, a small child—unlike the others, dressed neatly and wearing a calm expression—was running ahead as if out for a stroll, keeping pace with them.
Fixing his eyes on the child, Sama Seung snapped in a chilling voice.
"What did you just say?"