Chapter 1238: Who Came? (Part 3)

"Who came?"

"It's Mount Hua, Mount Hua! The Heavenly Comrade Alliance has arrived!"

"What nonsense! Can't you see the typhoon raging?"

"It's not the time to argue about sense or nonsense! They're in the guest hall right now! Have you been deceived?"

"...Oh my god."

The person hearing this reached out and opened the window.

Whoosh!

The wind was blowing at a speed that made the trees sway as if they were about to break. Some trees had already been uprooted and were rolling around.

"Through this?"

Whether it was the sea or a boat, it wouldn't be easy to cross a sea in such a typhoon. Typhoons in the South Sea are different from those on the mainland. And yet, amidst this typhoon, those unfamiliar with the South Sea had...

"W-who came?"

"Don't be surprised! The Five Swords have come, The Five Swords!"

"The Five Swords? Could it be Mount Hua's Five Swords?"

"Yes! The Five Swords from Mount Hua!"

"...Haha."

The term "Mount Hua's Five Swords" evoked various feelings among the disciples of the Southern Island Sect.

'They are the ones from back then.'

The grand martial arts competition held in Shaolin. At that time, disciples of the Southern Island clashed fists with Mount Hua's disciples. Although the matter didn't escalate significantly due to Shaolin's mediation, looking back, it wasn't entirely wrong to say that it was the disciples of the Southern Island who spread the news of the arrival of Mount Hua's Five Swords to the world.

As a result, the disciples of the Southern Island who heard the term "Mount Hua's Five Swords" couldn't help but have mixed feelings. Those who were not much different back then had risen to become representatives of the later generation within just a few years, achieving unimaginable feats and sweeping away all the fame in the world.

"S-So, is Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword here?"

"That's right!"

"...Really. He really came."

The person listening to the news trembled.

Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword. That title had long surpassed Mount Hua and become a symbol of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. What did it mean for the man himself to come? It was beyond comprehension.

"Where are they now?"

"They are in the guest hall... Sa, Sahyung! Where are you going, Sahyung?"

"I need to see it with my own eyes!"

"Let's go together! Sahyung! Ah, Sahyung!"

The news of the special envoys of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance arriving in the Southern Island spread faster than the strong wind, permeating the internal affairs of the Southern Island. Some were surprised by the fact, some were moved, and a few hot-tempered individuals ran towards it, disregarding everything.

And the entire attention that fell on the group of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance...

"Food! Please give us more food!"

"Well, the Southern Island chicken is delicious."

"That's not a chicken, Sahyung."

"Why are the rice grains here so long?"

"What does it matter as long as it tastes good!"

They were plundering the food warehouse of the Southern Island Sect at a speed that rivaled the processing of a typhoon. For those who didn't know better, they might mistake them for dispatched personnel sent by the Evil Tyrant Alliance to deplete the resources of the Southern Island.

The cook of the Southern Island stared blankly at the war-torn dining table.

If things were normal, they would have prepared the finest delicacies for visitors from afar, but suddenly receiving guests left them with no such luxury. Consequently, there were more concerns about hastily prepared food not being palatable.

However, looking at the current state of affairs...

'Was there any significance to the term "finest delicacies"?'

They just crammed in everything they could chew and swallow... Wouldn't it be a waste to put precious food in those mouths...

"Is there more rice?"

"...You just had a pot a moment ago."

"None left?"

"I-I'll get it. Rice! Bring more rice, quickly! And prepare more dishes!"

The cook ran back to the kitchen, sweating profusely.

After a while, the members of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, who had been draining the Southern Island's warehouse as fast as they could for a while, finally sat down on their chairs, clutching their bloated bellies.

"I think I'll live."

"That's true."

Namgung Dowi closed his eyes tightly, looking at his bulging belly.

Honestly, there was a time when he thought those people from Mount Hua, who ate so voraciously as if possessed, lacked any sense of culture.

'It wasn't that they lacked culture.'

To survive, they had to eat.

Through the training commanded by Mount Hua and the various tasks he had undertaken, no matter how much internal energy he cultivated, weight would inevitably be shed.

If Namgung Dowi had maintained his usual eating habits, by now, he might have faced physical exhaustion and couldn't avoid the embarrassment of a grumbling stomach. Eating like crazy like this was the only way he could keep his body intact.

"I really thought we were done for."

"Maybe we're already dead? We've already sunk to the depths of the sea, and this is just like a dream..."

"...Stop talking nonsense."

Tang Pae rebuked with a grimace on his face.

He didn't understand why that guy, Namgung Dowi, was getting stranger as time went on. Still, in the past, even though he had some bad luck, he used to be a serious person.

"...Really, coming back from the brink of death."

"I can relate to that."

Tang Pae nodded with a tired face.

Just thinking about the waves the size of houses made his stomach churn.

'We survived somehow, we really did.'

Where they faced the typhoon was in the middle of the vast ocean. Even if you were a seasoned martial artist, you shouldn't be able to survive under normal circumstances.

If Im Sobyeong hadn't instructed them to dive deeply, they might have suffered some consequences halfway through due to stamina depletion.

"...It's good as long as the outcome is good."

"Is it good?"

"...It's not the worst, at least."

Namgung Dowi also shook his head with a weary expression.

'How could he know that?'

He learned the moment he went underwater. In the water, the fierce currents that were so intense on the surface calmed down instantly, like a lie.

Of course, it wasn't easy to swim deep down and, from time to time, they had to come up to the surface to breathe. But swimming outside the water was incomparable to swimming inside.

"But where did this bastard get such precious medicinal herbs!"

At that moment, Chung Myung snatched the medicine bowl from Im Sobyeong. Even though Im Sobyeong toppled over, he somehow managed to protect the medicine bowl and sucked on it, leaning his face forward.

"Why aren't you giving it to me? Where is the Evil Sect wasting precious medicinal herbs?"

"Oh my, Sahyung! What if he really dies?"

"That's what I'm saying! You, a Tang Family member, are using this medicine, not poison, on an Evil Sect bastard? And an expensive at that?"

"...People need to live. Still, I'm a doctor."

Namgung Dowi sighed deeply. Both Chung Myung and Im Sobyeong were consistent in various ways. Without saying a word, Tang Pae also nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Namgung Dowi's gaze turned to the side. Unaware of it due to the chaos, a considerable number of people had gathered by the window. Even though the storm was raging outside.

Their eyes showed a strange mix of anticipation and anxiety. Namgung Dowi spoke in a low voice.

"The expressions of the members of the Southern Island Sect don't seem to be favorable."

"Well, that's understandable. They've endured for several years under the pressure of not knowing when the Evil Tyrant Alliance might attack."

"Shouldn't they be a little more welcoming, then?"

"You seem to have forgotten one thing."

"Yes?"

"We've also completely ignored the Southern Island Sect until now."

Upon hearing this, Namgung Dowi's expression slightly stiffened.

"Of course, we can push the responsibility onto the role of the Ten Great Sects, but it won't be easy for them to see it that way."

Namgung Dowi couldn't avoid this particular topic, especially.

Until Namgung Hwang's death and before he transferred his enemies from the Namgung Family to the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, the Namgung Family had been in a position where they acted alongside the Ten Great Sects under the name of the Five Great Families.

During those three years, they turned away from the Southern Island Sect. That was an unchanging fact.

'Don't forget about it.'

So, they didn't come here as saviors. They came to apologize for turning a blind eye to what they should have done, and now, to make it known that the Heavenly Comrade Alliance stood with them.

"We came with a good heart, so it's not just arrogance to expect a warm welcome. But before that, we need to reflect on what we've done."

Namgung Dowi nodded at those words.

'I should approach them with a more humble attitude.'

It seemed like that would be the key to opening up Southern Island.

And then.

Whoosh!

The door of the guest room swung wide open, and a fierce wind rushed in. Drawing everyone's attention, Guo Hansuo entered.

Thud. Thud.

Advancing in a straight line toward the dining table, which was now cleared of dishes, Guo Hansuo nodded approvingly.

"Sect Leader ordered to ensure that guests are comfortable. If there is anything you need..."

"Oh? I remember!"

At that moment, Chung Myung pointed at Guo Hansuo.

"It's him, Sahyung! Him!"

Yoon Jong, swaying left and right from Chung Myung's hands, casually asked.

"Who?"

"Oh, that time! The guy who got beaten by Sasuk. At Shaolin!"

"Ah! That time?"

"Yeah! He cried after getting beaten by Sasuk."

"Who cried, who!"

Guo Hansuo roared loudly. He did get hit, but he didn't cry! He might have lost consciousness with a single blow, but still!

"Yeah. It's good to see you like this here."

"... "

"But the guest treatment here doesn't seem quite refreshing, does it?"

"What?"

Chung Myung said indifferently.

"Is this how guests are treated in Southern Island? How can you not bring a bottle of alcohol?"

Guo Hansuo laughed.

"Oh, you mean alcohol. Of course, there's good alcohol in Southern Island. But since Southern Island's alcohol is so strong, it might be a bit much for tired people like you..."

"Too strong?"

"... "

"It's the kind of liquor that weak, feeble guys who get knocked out with one hit by Sasuk drink. Well."

Guo Hansuo's cheek twitched.

"...I told you, Southern Island's liquor is potent. And the men of Southern Island..."

"Are weaklings?"

"... "

At that moment, the sound of Guo Hansuo grinding his teeth echoed.

"... Ziyang."

"Yes, Sahyung."

"Go and get some liquor."

"...Yes?"

"Bring everything that's available. Right now!"

In response to the urgent command, several disciples of Southern Island hurriedly ran outside. Soon, they returned with large barrels of liquor. Even with a quick glance, there were easily more than ten of them.

Thunk.

Guo Hansuo unsealed the barrels, and the strong aroma of the liquor spread throughout the hall.

"We've brought the liquor as you requested. However, just by smelling it, you can tell it's quite potent. So, for no reason..."

"Sasuk, is the aroma strong?"

"Fragrant."

"Are these country bumpkins? Their pretentiousness is a bit excessive."

Guo Hansuo's eyes reddened.

"Well, since we're good at drinking, we'll enjoy it. Those noble gentlemen who can't handle liquor should leave. We'll enjoy it."

Unable to suppress his anger, Guo Hansuo grabbed a barrel of liquor and seemed ready to throw it.

"Sahyung!"

"Sa... Sahyung! No, please don't!"

Thunk!

However, he walked forward and slammed it down in front of Baek Cheon. Then, he sat down, looking straight at him.

"...Travelers from a long distance deserve a proper treat."

"Oh?"

Baek Cheon smirked meaningfully as he looked at Guo Hansuo. Guo Hansuo twisted his lips and said,

"But... I'm concerned. Even if you have a familiar face, if the taste of the liquor, as pungent as urine, stays with you, it might become a lifelong memory."

Baek Cheon just laughed good-naturedly.

"Well, it's better than fainting and foaming at the mouth from one hit."

"What?"

"Why?"

Fire sparked in both men's eyes simultaneously.

"So? Are you willing to face off again?"

"Even after experiencing that, you still don't seem to understand. Mount Hua doesn't start fights, but they never avoid them either."

Those who overheard the conversation muttered from behind,

"Doesn't start fights?"

"Don't we put everything on the line to fight?"

"Sasuk tells lies almost like breathing. I think he can join the Imperial Palace."

"Doesn't he have a conscience?"

Baek Cheon shot a death glare at those whispering behind him, then looked back at Guo Hansuo.

Guo Hansuo forced a smile with a contorted face.

"You won't regret it, right?"

"Regret?"

Crack. Crack.

Baek Cheon tilted his head from side to side and slightly lifted his chin.

"Make me regret it."

"Excuse me, Deputy Sect Leader?"

"Show some composure..."

"Well, let's leave it. It seems like you've lost your mind already. Can't stop you now. It's too late."

Regardless of what others said around them, the two of them locked eyes and simultaneously gripped their liquor bowls.

"The one who falls first!"

"You're in the wrong!"

Two large liquor bowls clashed violently in midair.