Chapter 570

Chapter 570: Mount Hua Will Explode (5)

“That’s impossible!”

“No, speak sense, please!”

Overwhelmed by the fierce opposition, Hyun Jong looked at the situation in sheer disbelief.

“But why... why wouldn’t I go?”

“Do you consider yourself one of us, the sect leader?”

“Nonsense, you can’t expect the sect leader to tackle such minor matters personally.”

Hyun Young and Hyun Sang were resolute in their stance, spreading a wave of despair across Hyun Jong’s face.

“Isn’t it common for all the disciples to be led out? Do you find it odd when I do so?”

“It’s because of the nature of the task.”

Hyun Sang shook his head, his expression stern.

“You’re not the leader of a minor sect anymore. Consider this: would the leaders of Shaolin or Wudang guide their disciples into a place like Green Forest?”

“They... they wouldn’t?”

Because those individuals remained unyieldingly bound to their mountains. Recently, though, the Shaolin abbot seemed to be moving somewhat.

Hyun Young spoke as if further explanation was unnecessary.

“Anyway, just forget it. Please, take good care of the base.”

“I share the same opinion as Hyun Young this time.”

“Ughhh.”

A sigh slipped from Hyun Jong.

‘These wretched fools too!’

How long had he anticipated the day when he would command the disciples of Mount Hua, now vastly changed from the past, to take over the world? He hadn’t expected them to try to dissuade him in this manner.

Hyun Sang paused to consider Hyun Jong’s perspective and then smiled as if he understood his thoughts.

“Is the great leader of the Mount Hua sect personally handling such a minor task? Surely, brighter days are ahead.”

“Ah, I see.”

Though his frustration didn’t disappear, it didn’t mean Hyun Jong was unaware of the implications.

‘It may not be ideal.’

Despite their attempt to make a name for themselves, ultimately, they were meddling in another faction’s affairs. It would seem concerning if the sect leader, the driving force behind the sect, was the one leading the charge.

Hyun Jong exhaled a deep sigh, akin to a needle pricking a chest bloated with empty air.

“Instead, focus more, as this is expected of disciples.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

“Rest assured.”

Hyun Jong’s eyes dimmed.

“It is vital to uphold the reputation of Mount Hua.”

“...”

“The alliance will benefit from the Green Forests and its paving stones, but I can’t say just how important it is to establish a solid relationship with them.”

Two attentive faces turned serious upon hearing this.

“However,”

Hyun Jong gave them a stern look before continuing.

“Nothing on Mount Hua holds more importance than the safety of our disciples.”

“...”

The two elders felt the gravity of that voice.

“If you must make a choice, do not waver. Prioritizing the safety of your disciples will reduce your concerns. Protect everyone, even if it necessitates a sacrifice.”

“Understood, sect leader.”

Hyun Young replied with an uncharacteristically solemn tone.

“Rest assured, we understand that the children are the cornerstone and future of Mount Hua.”

“Isn’t our knowledge the root of our problem? Hearing you’re following him doesn’t exactly put me at ease.”

“Are you emulating Chung Myung now, sect leader? Still tormenting people over a single issue?”

“Phew.”

Looking at Hyun Young, he shook his head, clearly appalled at such an accusation, before shifting his attention to Hyun Sang.

“You’re in for a lot of pressure.”

A soft chuckle slipped past Hyun Sang’s lips.

“Don’t worry excessively. We won’t have to intervene.”

“Excuse me?”

“Can Chung Myung manage to stay quiet?”

“...Indeed.”

Upon Hyun Jong’s acknowledgment, Hyun Sang grinned.

“The brat has long exceeded us in both martial prowess and inner strength. Our only task is to ensure he doesn’t exceed too much.”

“That’s going to be the most challenging task.”

“Indeed, but...”

Hyun Jong exhaled profoundly. Then he continued speaking.

“In any case, do your utmost...”

“Oh my, please stop! We’re already 70 years old. Is there truly any need to endure such incessant nagging?”

“This man!”

“We should depart, Sahyung. It seems the nagging repeats yearly.”

“Hm, shall we?”

Hyun Jong gazed at the two, an expression of incredulity on his face.

“I- I still have much to convey...”

“Ehhhh!”

Nevertheless, with an air of discontent, Hyun Young rose and exited. A more frivolous smile graced Hyun Sang’s features as he followed.

The sight of a needle stuck in their head would evoke the same feeling in anyone, absolutely anyone!

“...not even animals are disciples.”

“If you consider it, it’s not so strange. Some are more beastly than mere animals.”

“I’ve heard the same.”

Everyone turned their attention to the man who was larger than the beast.

“...”

Chung Myung typically wore a smile that stirred anxiety, anger, or discomfort in onlookers. But at the moment, he bore the countenance of a man who had lost his kingdom.

“G-giving the sacred robe of Mount Hua to a creature...”

“What? I think it’s adorable.”

“...sasuk.”

Chung Myung gazed at Baek Cheon with an expression so forlorn that it appeared as if he could shed tears at the slightest provocation.

“...Is this acceptable? Can Mount Hua really act in such a way, Sasuk?”

“...”

Baek Cheon laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“Compose yourself, Chung Myung. Haven’t we already traveled too far to let insignificant matters disturb us?”

“...Mount Hua is destroyed.”

For the first time, Baek Cheon felt genuine sympathy for Chung Myung.

Kiik!

“Kik, what rubbish! I’ll skin you for this!”

Just as Chung Myung was on the verge of grasping Baek Ah as usual, the elders and Hyung Jong stepped into the hall. Everyone hastily found their spots and rose to their feet.

“Are all the preparations completed?”

Un Am, who was standing at the front, answered Hyun Jong’s query with a wave of his hand,

“Yes, sect leader. We’ve completed all the preparations for departure.”

“Hmm.”

Hyun Jong stood tall and spoke in a low voice.

“Now, pay attention.”

“Yes, sect leader!”

“About this task...”

“Let’s keep this brief, Sect Leader. They’ve been standing for quite some time, so try not to drone on.”

Hyun Jong’s face contorted grimly at the sound of Hyun Young’s whisper brushing past the candle beside him.

‘How can someone grow so immature with age!’

“Ugh...”

Hyun Jong heaved a sigh of distaste and called out.

“Everyone, heed your leaders and return with honor!”

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

“And!”

When Hyun Jong turned around, Hyun Sang approached him, smiling.

“Our journey to the Green Forest will be lengthy, so everyone must be vigilant to avoid any complications.”

“Yes!”

A loud response echoed back.

“Never forget, you bear the name of Mount Hua. The moment you step beyond our sect’s gate, you represent Mount Hua, and Mount Hua represents you.”

With those words, the sense of responsibility was clearly etched on the faces of the Mount Hua disciples as Hyun Sang continued in a grave tone.

“Let’s depart now.”

Everyone initiated their movement.

Neither the mammoth task of opposing Green Forest nor the weightiness of upholding the honor of Mount Hua filled the hearts of the disciples at this moment.

‘Let’s showcase the fruits of our training!’

‘I have worked tirelessly, and if we must retreat without performing admirably, I will not bear such injustice.’

‘I will obliterate everything, even the Green Forest!’

Their spirits were high as they prepared to head for the sect gate when a freezing voice pierced their ears.

“If you’re so confident, dare to court disaster.”

“...”

Everyone swiveled their heads in response.

There was Chung Myung, his eyes red, glaring at them.

“I will introduce you to the true meaning of disaster.”

“...”

Their hearts, previously filled with excitement, calmed down in an instant.

‘Create an incident, and you’ll die.’

‘Be cautious now!’

‘Bandits aren’t frightening at all. That man is a thousand times scarier.’

Hyun Sang turned around and gave a respectful bow to Hyun Jong.

“We shall return safely, sect leader.”

“Hmm.”

With a serious nod from Hyun Jong, Hyun Young shouted, signaling their departure.

“Let’s go!”

The disciples of Mount Hua turned in unison, marching towards the mountain gate. A helpless smile appeared on Hyun Jong’s lips.

‘Are you watching, Master?’

The face of his forefather, the sect leader, kept reappearing in their mind.

“Mount Hua is stepping out into the world once again. Please watch over them.”

This was the moment when the great march of Mount Hua commenced.