Chapter 647

Chapter 647

Normally, alcohol relaxes people.

Everyone pretended to be calm, but there was no way working with Wudang wouldnt have been a burden. In that sense, Song Tae-Aks preparation for the large banquet could be seen as foresight.

At first, everyone was too tense to relax, merely sipping from their small glasses. Still, as they drank more, the conversations grew livelier.

And in the end

That is why I cut the sword right there! Uh? Tatttt!

Sahyung, please calm down.

You lost, though, sahyung?

Uhhh! Didnt you hear what Sasuk said? In this world, there are times when victories are more valuable than defeat!

A defeat is more valuable than a win. And sahyung, if you dont count that as valuable, just shut up and drink.

You brat, come out here!

it was chaos.

Alcohol! There isnt enough alcohol!

Here too!

No, when did I tell you to bring the drinks!

Song Tae-Ak trembled as he shut his eyes tightly.

I would have rather gone and fed a cow.

Starting with the expensive alcohol was a mistake. When he treated Mount Hua before, he should have realized they were people different from other Taoist sects.

No, but back then, they ate like humans.

Now, they were eating and drinking like hungry animals.

Wasnt it Taoism that avoided overcooking food, overeating, and considered alcohol drinking taboo?

There was nothing like that here.

These Taoists wearing black robes no, to be precise, all one could see at a glance was the sight of Taoist monks with their black robes half taken down, showing off their fearsome muscles and making a mess with the alcohol and meat.

All the faces that had been drinking alcohol were turning dull.

Bring me more alcohol now.

Yes, merchant leader.

The good news was that those delivering alcohol and food didnt express any complaints.

This has to be worth it.

Of course, the Mount Hua sect had always been an honored guest. They were heroes who defeated the bandits. However, theres a new weight around the current Mount Hua. Now, they were the group of youngsters who triumphed over Wudang.

The former might hold more value for the common folk, but the latter resonated well with the merchants.

The only thing that bothered them was

This is Mount Hua, the sect that took down Wudang. No matter how much I look at it, I cant get used to it.

To put it nicely, theres simplicity; to put it bluntly, it was a bit too informal. For Song Tae-Ak, who had consistently observed Wudang from the perspective of its existence as a Taoist sect, this casual pouring of alcohol and their laid-back attire were all so strange.

But maybe this is what drives Mount Huas reputation.

In Song Tae-Aks eyes, he noticed a person leading this atmosphere.

Ohhh! Chung Myung is coming!

Now, take this drink!

Drink! Drink! You get to drink!

Uahahaha! Such a great person has come to us.

As Chung Myung moved away, everyone around him gathered, all excited.

What is this? What a great person we have among us! You took down the elder of Wudang, not just anyone!

Well, this man is a monster for real!

The best sword of Mount Hua! The greatest sword of Mount Hua!

Chung Myung, his face red from alcohol, began to twitch at the lips. It seemed like he was desperately trying to remain calm. Still, being weak to praise, it wasnt easy for him to handle so much adulation.

No, wait this much is.

Although he spoke as if he was annoyed, the praises seemed to never end.

If it is this much? He is an elder of Wudang! Wudang!

All my life, I have never heard of a third-class disciple defeating an elder of a prestigious sect! This is something that even a skilled person wouldnt casually speak of! One would hit them on the head for making up such absurd things?

Ugh! Our Chung Myung is shining, shining so much! Its so blinding that I cannot see him!

Kuaaak, right! Light! Our light!

Chung Myungs face finally fell as the praises rained down on him.

Woah huh.

R-right! Thats right! Have a good laugh now! Woah, laugh a lot now, Chung Myung!

You did well! So well! You really did well!

As Chung Myung gulped down the drink and began to laugh with excitement, the sahyungs and sajaes all filled his glass with alcohol.

Hmm.

Kwak Ho, wiping his lips, looked at the alcohol bottle and decided to speak first.

Its nice. Drinking such expensive alcohol from this bottle.

Expensive alcohol, for sure.

At those words, Baek Sang just looked down at the bottle.

Its good because its expensive.

Uh?

But I prefer the cheap alcohol I used to drink on Mount Hua over this.

Baek Sang smiled at Kwak Ho, who couldnt understand this.

Isnt it odd?

No.

Kwak Ho shook his head and spoke with a flushed face.

Honestly, so do I.

Haha.

Baek Sang took a sip from his bottle and then looked up at the moon with a smile.

There are people like you.

When everyone else is resting and leaving it behind, the one who cannot let go of things on their own.

Kwak Ho felt like he couldnt speak.

What is it?

Instead of answering, Kwak Ho just looked into the eyes of Baek Sang. Unlike his cool voice, the eyes were serious, and for some reason, Kwak Ho didnt want to talk.

Its just a little

A little?

A little scared.

Baek Sang didnt push further and just waited for Kwak Ho to continue speaking. Kwak Ho spoke again after a while.

At first, I just liked it. I felt like my skills were improving, and I was able to hope for things I would never even dream of.

Right.

If I just do the best of myself like I am being told right, I felt like I could be something.

And not now?

rather than saying not now.

Kwak Ho took a pause and then thought back.

It is as I said, I feel a bit scared.

Why?

because it isnt there.

Anyone would have wondered what he meant. But Baek Sang nodded as if he could understand it.

Right. That is the most terrifying thing.

yes.

Kwak Ho wanted to be like Jo Gul and Yoon Jong.

He didnt hope to be Chung Myung or Baek Cheon. But he believed that if he did his best to strive for the goal in front of him, one which he could aim for and achieve, he would be strong like them.

But

You are afraid of never being able to catch up?

No that is fine too. But.

Kwak Ho bit his lip.

I am scared that the distance is getting further and further apart.

Despite my best efforts, my sahyungs keep getting further from me. When I get to spar with sahyungs or a first-class disciple, I can understand how strong they are. That is why I realized how strong the sahyungs were to fight against them and win.

Kwak Ho looked down. The sound of talks resonated brightly from the banquet hall.

So, I dont know what to say, it is like

It is fine.

Baek Sang had a light smile as he looked at him.

There is no need to explain it all. Because I completely understand that feeling.

I am

And before he could finish listening to what Kwak Ho said, he gestured towards the banquet hall.

Look.

Uh?

Do you think those people laughing and talking in there do not feel any pressure and are simply having the moment of their life?

Those words were enough to make Kwak Ho go silent.