Chapter 188: Mount Hua (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 188: Mount Hua (2)
Having secured a great victory, the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect returned to their home on Mount Hua.
With their leadership—including the Second Young Master who had directed the invasion—annihilated, the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult was reduced to a scattered remnant. They had no choice but to make a hasty retreat.
Namgung Jun decided to stop by the Mount Hua Sect for a brief visit before returning to his family’s main residence. This was partly due to the earnest requests of the Mount Hua disciples, but also because he had grown curious about a sect that seemed so different from the other Five Great Mountains Sword Sects.
As Namgung Jun climbed Lotus Peak on Mount Hua, he marveled at the dense forest of plum blossom trees that blanketed the mountain from its mid-slope upward. With every gust of wind, waves of red and white rippled through the branches, sending countless petals fluttering into the air. The rich fragrance of plum blossoms that drifted on the breeze was truly enchanting.
"What a magnificent sight. I have never seen so many plum blossom trees in one place."
Seeing Namgung Jun unable to tear his eyes away, Yeong-il smiled with pride.
"They say that Mount Hua was originally a barren, rocky mountain with almost no plum blossom trees."
"Then all these trees are...?"
"When our Founding Patriarch established the Mount Hua Sect, he and his disciples planted these trees with their own hands. That tradition continues to this day. The very first thing a new third-generation disciple does is plant a small plum blossom sapling."
Namgung Jun gasped in admiration, seeing the forest before him in a completely new light. Even at a glance, the expanse of plum blossom trees covering Lotus Peak was incredibly vast—so vast that trying to count them felt utterly meaningless.
The fact that a tradition started by a single sect had endured long enough to transform a barren mountain left a deep impression on him. The red and white plum blossoms blanketing Lotus Peak were beautiful not just for their color and scent, but for what they represented. The realization of the sheer effort and time the Mount Hua disciples had poured into cultivating this forest made the sight truly breathtaking.
"There must be a plum blossom tree planted by Daoist Yeong-il here as well."
"Of course. Whenever I have a spare moment, I visit to see how much it has grown. Even when my life eventually comes to an end, the tree I planted will remain here on Mount Hua. Thinking of that helps me swing my sword with a clear mind."
"So the plum blossom trees serve as a spiritual anchor for both Mount Hua and for you, Daoist Yeong-il."
Namgung Jun glanced at the other Mount Hua disciples. Those listening to the conversation nearby wore similar expressions of quiet pride. Just by looking at their faces, Namgung Jun could tell.
What a fine sect.
As they neared the mountain gate of the Mount Hua Sect, they saw an old man standing alone. He had a fierce look about him, but the sharp light in his eyes, visible through deeply etched wrinkles, immediately swept over the returning disciples. His gaze, which checked on his disciples before all else, held a profound affection and concern.
This was the Mount Hua Sect Master, the Mount Hua Sword Saint Yung-jeong. He was an illustrious figure who had repelled the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult's invasions of Shaanxi Province on multiple occasions. The tale of him descending the mountain alone over a decade ago to slay the Previous Radiant-Sun Right Envoy was still famous.
"I greet the Mount Hua Sect Master."
"We haven't met since the Mount Song Gathering. We didn't have the chance to speak privately back then."
Sensing Namgung Jun's aura, Yung-jeong offered a warm smile that seemed to melt away his stern facade.
"I am truly glad to see that your sword has fully blossomed."
Sweeping his gaze over his disciples once more, Yung-jeong clasped his hands in a polite salute. The hem of his robe, embroidered with countless plum blossoms, fell gracefully.
"Thank you, truly. Thanks to you, so many of our sect's plum blossoms did not have to wither in vain."
"The Mount Hua Sect strives so hard for the peace of Shaanxi Province. How could I possibly turn a blind eye?"
"We merely fulfill our sect's Dao. I am humbled that you hold us in such high regard."
Yung-jeong personally guided Namgung Jun to his quarters in the Upper Palace.
"This tea was brewed from the dried petals of the plum blossom tree I planted when I was a third-generation disciple."
"Then it is a very precious tea indeed."
Yung-jeong watched Namgung Jun sip his tea before speaking again, his voice slow and deliberate.
"Lately, the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult has grown increasingly violent. How fares the Azure Heaven Association? You all operate across the entire Jianghu, after all."
"Our association's forces have always been stretched thin. That is why our alliances with the Three Sects and One Gang, as well as the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects, are so crucial."
"Hmm."
Yung-jeong let out a low hum, his expression hardening slightly as he asked cautiously, "I heard that you have crossed paths with the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects quite often during your missions. What was your impression of them?"
"My encounters with the other great sects of the Five Great Mountains were brief, and I only met with each of them once. However, my fleeting impressions were not favorable."
When Namgung Jun recounted what had transpired with the South Hengshan Sect, North Hengshan Sect, and Mount Tai Sect, Yung-jeong let out a deep sigh, as if he had expected as much.
"I cannot comprehend how those who call themselves the Righteous Faction can behave so selfishly. It is simply shameful."
"Since the Mount Hua Sect is also part of the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects, is there no way to change their minds?"
Yung-jeong shook his head firmly.
"This is not merely an issue with a single generation; the very nature of those sects has changed. There is likely no turning back. Besides, they wouldn't even pretend to listen to us."
Yung-jeong's gaze grew complicated as he stared at the plum blossom trees outside the window.
"When I was a third-generation disciple, I was truly proud to belong to the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects. But now, the name only brings me discomfort."
"Then, Sect Master..."
"If the other sects of the Five Great Mountains continue to stray from the righteous path, the Mount Hua Sect will cast aside the name of the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects of our own accord."
The bitter smile on Yung-jeong's lips carried a sharp, cold edge that was more than just chilly.
"The Sun-Moon Demonic Cult's momentum is fierce, and the Eight Great Unorthodox Powers are running rampant. At a time when the Righteous Faction should be uniting as one, everyone is only looking out for their own self-interest. It is a truly difficult situation."
Yung-jeong refilled Namgung Jun's empty teacup.
"In times like these, it is a great comfort to have a young hero like you in the new generation. The role you and the other chivalrous heroes of the Azure Heaven Association play will be of utmost importance."
"It is not just the Azure Heaven Association; there are other righteous sects and chivalrous heroes in the Jianghu. If we join forces, we can certainly overcome this."
"I truly hope so."
Despite his reply, Yung-jeong seemed to have already abandoned all hope for the other Five Great Mountains Sword Sects.
"I understand that the other sects turned toward prioritizing their own interests long ago."
"Indeed. In fact, several of them have tried to pressure us. It is utterly insolent."
"But is there a reason why the Mount Hua Sect steadfastly adheres to righteousness?"
Yung-jeong burst into laughter. "We are merely carrying on the teachings of our predecessors."
As Yung-jeong lightly waved his hand, the scent of plum blossoms wafted through the air. It was not a scent produced by a Plum Blossom Sword; the fragrance spread simply through the circulation of his internal energy.
Sword fragrance.
It was said that the peerless experts of the Mount Hua Sect could manifest the scent of plum blossoms even without a Plum Blossom Sword.
"To let the plum blossoms we bloom and their fragrance spread far and wide, making the Jianghu a better place—that is the teaching passed down since the time of our Founding Patriarch."
"Is there a secret to how the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect have managed to preserve this teaching for so long?"
Yung-jeong pondered for a moment before replying, "When you look up to the path forged by the predecessors who went before you, it happens naturally. We simply walk that path and take pride in keeping it alive."
Staring into Namgung Jun's deeply serious eyes, Yung-jeong nodded.
"Do you also dream of founding a sect?"
"I do."
"If you have a firm core that can preserve the identity of your sect, you will surely establish a fine one. I hope the martial lineage you establish will spread through the Jianghu as yet another new fragrance."
"Thank you for your wise words."
Yung-jeong held out a letter to Namgung Jun.
"What is this?"
"I heard that you refused a spirit elixir from the Wudang Sect as well."
"That is correct. I did not help them seeking a reward."
"You are quite stubborn yourself." Yung-jeong pressed the letter into Namgung Jun's hand. "Therefore, I wish to repay you in a different way. This letter contains a pledge that the Mount Hua Sect will directly aid the Azure Heaven Association. Please deliver it. The specific details will be coordinated separately with the Ink Lord of the Azure Heaven Association."
Namgung Jun could not bring himself to refuse this offer. While he did not know the exact state of the Azure Heaven Association, he knew they were not in a comfortable position. Furthermore, for the Mount Hua Sect to offer help in this manner, stubbornly declining would be a breach of etiquette.
With a light chuckle, Namgung Jun carefully tucked the letter into his robes.
"This will be a great help to the Clouds of our association. Thank you."
"If we can help the Clouds of the Azure Heaven Association, that is an honor in itself. After all, while the Daoists of Mount Hua remain in Shaanxi Province, the chivalrous heroes of the Azure Heaven Association truly roam the entire Jianghu."
* * *
While resting at the Mount Hua Sect, Namgung Jun also crossed swords with the sect's swordsmen. The Mount Hua disciples, having watched him spar with Yeong-il, had begun to cautiously request matches one by one, and Namgung Jun did not refuse.
It was an opportunity to experience the various martial arts of the Mount Hua Sect, and if a single spar could help the disciples, it was a meaningful endeavor.
The Mount Hua Sect is strong.
This was the conclusion he reached after crossing swords not only with the second-generation disciples but also with the first-generation disciples. The martial arts of the Mount Hua Sect were exceptionally outstanding, and the skill of the disciples who wielded them was remarkably high. They were easily the finest among the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects.
Namgung Jun, who was mentally reviewing the numerous spars he had fought, raised his head. He sensed Sun-hyeon's presence outside the door.
"Hall Master Namgung. May I enter?"
"Yes."
Sun-hyeon entered, carrying a letter. His expression, however, was slightly stiff. Sensing something was amiss, Namgung Jun asked, "Has something happened?"
"A challenge letter has arrived for you, Hall Master Namgung."
"A challenge letter?"
Namgung Jun tilted his head in confusion. If someone wanted to spar, they could have simply approached him and asked, just as the other disciples had. He found it strange that they had gone to the trouble of preparing a formal challenge letter.
"Do not misunderstand. It is not from a disciple of our sect."
"Then who is it from?"
"Have you perhaps heard of the moniker 'Ruined-Prison Sword Night'?"
Ruined-Prison Sword Night. The name sparked a memory. He was a peerless expert who walked the line between the orthodox and unorthodox paths, wandering Shaanxi Province. Little was known about him other than rumors that he was the sole survivor of a destroyed sect.
"I am aware that he is a peerless expert active in Shaanxi Province."
"It seems he found out you are staying with the Mount Hua Sect and sent this challenge."
Namgung Jun opened the letter Sun-hyeon handed him. Its contents were simple.
Let us cross swords. I am on my way.
Letting out a dry laugh, Namgung Jun showed the letter to Sun-hyeon.
"In the past, he even climbed Mount Hua out of the blue, demanding to cross swords with our Sect Master."
"Did the Sect Master agree to the match?"
"He did, because the man was being such a nuisance. They held the match after extracting a promise that if he lost, he would remain quiet for three years."
Namgung Jun chuckled. "So the Sect Master was keeping Ruined-Prison Sword Night in check."
"To think he would start causing trouble again just a few months after those promised three years ended. Hall Master Namgung, it would be best for you to leave Mount Hua quickly."
"Then what about Ruined-Prison Sword Night?"
"Do not worry about him. We cannot allow a guest of our sect to get dragged into something so bizarre. We will handle him."
After pondering for a moment, Namgung Jun shook his head. "I do not think that will be necessary."
"What do you mean?"
Just as Sun-hyeon asked, a booming voice echoed across the Mount Hua Sect's grounds.
"Azure Star Sword! I have come! Show yourself!"
Sun-hyeon stared toward the mountain gate with a look of utter disbelief. "Ruined-Prison Sword Night?"
"To show up immediately after sending the challenge... how amusing."
Namgung Jun picked up his Eternal Righteous Sword.
"This actually works out perfectly. I was just hoping to test my blade against a peerless expert."