Mount Hua was in a state of turmoil.

Seven days had passed since a third-class disciple had suddenly disappeared from Mount Hua. This was a huge thing.

Of course, when Mount Hua collapsed, there were more than just one or two who escaped at night. But this wasnt something common anymore.

Thanks to that, the atmosphere in Mount Hua was horrendous.

could he have been in some kind of accident?

Accident?

It doesnt seem like he is going to come back no matter how long we wait. But, I dont see any reason for him to abandon Mount Hua, right?

Right.

Yoon Jong nodded his head.

Jo Gul had said it. Chung Myung had no reason to leave Mount Hua. If he had even the slightest intention of doing so, then he wouldnt have given away that pill.

Did he give away such precious medicine just to leave Mount Hua immediately after?

Rather, maybe he gave them poison and left before it could take effect.

But.

If Chung Myung doesnt have a reason to abandon the sect, but he still hasnt come back after all this time doesnt that mean something bad happened to him?

Gul.

Yes, Sahyung.

No matter how hard I try, I just cant imagine him getting into an accident.

Can you imagine it?

I can

Chung Myungs smiling face flashed through Jo Guls thoughts. Of course, not a warm smile but a wicked one.

Ehh. No way.

Even if he was thrown down a cliff and then an even bigger cliff, Chung Myung would find a way to survive even in hell. It was impossible for him to not come back.

Then, what happened?

It would be nice if it was something which could satisfy the elders. They seem quite angry.

Yes

Sasuk Un Geom has been summoned to the sect leaders residence again. Im worried something bad is going to happen.

Sigh.

Yoon Jong frowned and turned his side.

What the hell is going on with him?

Even though he thought everything would be fine, Yoon Jong was strangely worried about Chung Myung,

Isnt he too arrogant!

Hyun Jong frowned at the sharp voice.

It has been seven days and nights already. This is the first time a third-class disciple has been away for such a long time without permission.

Hmm.

This isnt something we can overlook. Now, the sect is finally re-establishing its foundation, what will others think!?

When the head of finance, Hyun Yeong, raised his voice, everyone nodded. Clearly, this wasnt something to overlook.

It was then that Hyun Sang, the head of Martial Arts, spoke.

Now now, calm down, Sahyung.

How can I be calm now?

Why are you thinking about it like that? What if the child has gotten in some accident? He might need help right now.

Accident? What are the odds of an accident happening on Mount Hua? Even if its true, he walked out on his own two feet. Does that mean that its our mistake?

He may have lost his footing.

Ummm

Realizing that this possibility made sense, Hyun Yeong immediately closed his mouth.

Mount Hua is indeed a steep mountain. It was common for people to trip and get injured. Even skilled warriors would occasionally get into danger; it wouldnt be strange if a third-class disciple died.

Shouldnt we search the Mountains? If he is injured.

Right, we should search.

Hyun Jong, who was silent, answered with a heavy voice.

We can certainly not rule out that possibility.

However, Hyung Yeong didnt give up.

Even so, we cannot let this slide. Isnt this only a problem because a third-class disciple left Mount Hua on his own accord? Why was that child even given permission?

Hyun Jongs face slightly hardened.

It was none other than Hyun Jong who gave Chung Myung the authority. Now, Hyun Yeong was saying that the sect leader had given too much freedom to the child.

There was a reason for that.

Reasons exist everywhere. Order can only be kept by following the rules of the sect.

Finance head.

Sect leader. This is something that shakes the basis of Mount Hua. Since when did Mount Hua give special privileges to children? Hes not even a great disciple, only a third-class disciple.

Thats enough.

Hearing the heavy and cold voice, Hyun Yeong kept his mouth shut.

If he said anything more, it would cross the line. He also didnt want to fight with the sect leader.

sect leader. I went too far. I didnt mean to blame you.

I know.

Hyun Jong took a deep breath.

What is happening?

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldnt understand why Chung Myung would do such a thing. Did he give him too much authority?

Did I misjudge that child?

Un Geom, who silently watched the proceedings, opened his mouth heavily.

Sect leader.

Go on.

I will call the disciples and organize a search party. We will search through Mount Hua and the village below as well.

Hm.

Hyun Jong nodded his head.

You should.

After finding Chung Myung, I will return. It was my mistake to not discipline him properly.

How could it be your fault? You arent even his mentor.

I am the mentor for all the children.

But

Hyun Jong, who was about to speak, shook his head and closed his mouth. If he said anything more, it would imply that the dorms were under no ones guidance.

It isnt your fault. It is mine for putting too much trust in that child.

Sect leader, its not like that.

The important thing right now is not to find who is at fault. It wont be too late to discuss the right from wrongs after finding that child. It would be a pity if we were unable to save him because we wasted too much time here, wouldnt it?

Everyone bowed their heads.

Even if there was a mistake, no one could deny Hyun Jongs heartfelt concern for the disciple.

Un Am.

Yes, sect leader.

Organize a search party with you as the head. We need to provide all the support we can in order to find that child. First, we will find him and then

At that moment, a loud voice interrupted the meeting from outside.

Sect leader!

Hyun Jongs forehead twitched.

I am in a meeting right now

The child is back! Chung Myung is returning!

Hyun Jong jumped up from his seat; there was a sense of relief which he couldnt hide on his face.

How is his condition?

Yes. He looks fine. But

Enough. I will go and see for myself!

There was nothing wrong, which meant there was no accident. Hyun Jong was glad to hear that he was safe.

Wait, sect leader.

However, Hyun Yeong didnt let him leave.

What?

Sect leader.

Hyun Yeong glanced around at the people around him and opened his mouth.

I understand that the sect leader cares for that child. Considering all that he has contributed, it is natural for him to receive such treatment.

Hyun Jong narrowed his brows.

What are you trying to say?

Sect leader. Do not spoil the child too much.

Punishment isnt only a tool to govern the sect, but also to nurture the people properly. If he isnt punished appropriately for what he did, then that brat will never realize what he did wrong.

Hyun Jong sighed.

You think I dont know that? Dont worry. Im the one who wants to raise him more righteously than anyone else. If the child is safe and well, he will be punished for half a month.

That wont do.

It was Un Geom who cut in.

The crime of not returning to Mount Hua is serious. He should be imprisoned for at least half a year.

Un Geom, hes only a child, a third-class disciple.

If this was something the second-class disciples did, it would be a year. Please punish Chung Myung appropriately according to the offense committed.

Hyun Jong closed his eyes tightly.

The position of sect leader doesnt exist so that he can impose his will on others and decide everything. It was a position that gathered everyones opinions to come to a decision.

do the others think the same?

Yes.

Sect leader. Dont hate us. We do treasure the childs talents, but thats the reason we are being strict.

Hyun Jong nodded his head.

I know.

Hyun Jong walked outside without loosening his stiff face. All those who were seated stood up as well.

Un Am sighed as he watched this happen.

What did you do? You foolish child.

Only Un Am understood how much Hyun Jong cherished Chung Myung. So, no one except Un Am knew how he was feeling.

They nearly reached the entrance and saw Chung Myung entering the gate.

That

Un Am and Hyun Jongs faces were burning up.

No injuries. It was good that Chung Myung was uninjured, but he should have at least been self-reflecting on his sins. Yet, the childs face showed no signs of regret at all.

Why is he walking tall with straight shoulders and acting so confidently?

You brat!

Hyun Yeong screamed.

Huh?

Chung Myung, who noticed so many elders approaching him, tilted his head.

Where are you all going?

You idiot! Where do you think YOU are going?

To see the sect leader?

Hyun Yeong, who was screaming, looked at Chung Myung, who bowed to Hyun Jong.

Ththat guy?

Chung Myung.

Yes, sect leader.

Is there a reason why you left Mount Hua?

Yes. Sect leader. There were unavoidable circumstances.

Hyun Jong nodded his head.

Explain. If your explanation doesnt convince us, you will be punished accordingly. Mount Huas laws are strict.

Hyun Yeong couldnt stand being there.

How dare this third-class disciple be this arrogant! If you cant give us a proper reason, I guarantee youll suffer extreme consequences! Sect leader favors you so much, but this is how you repay his kindness!?

Chung Myung looked at Hyun Yeong and scratched his head.

No, it isnt like

You! Speak properly!

Firmly, an answer came from behind Chung Myung.

Dont behave like that, please.

Huh?

Only then did they realize that Chung Myung wasnt alone.

Elder Hwang?

E-elder Hwang?

Didnt we receive a letter saying that you had fallen ill?

Hwang Mun-Yak, who entered the gate, looked at everyone. Then observed the sect leader.

And he bowed.

It is nice to meet you again, sect leader. How have you been?

Elder Hwang. Its been so long since I last saw you. I heard that you werent feeling well; I am glad that you seem to have recovered.

He pretended to be calm, but Hyun Jong was shocked.

H-how is he here?

Wasnt it just seven days ago that they received a letter saying he was going to die of some serious disease?

Yet, Elder Hwang was here and looked to be in perfect form. He seemed like he was the same as the last time they met.

Sect leader. Dont be so angry. My life was saved thanks to this young disciple. He saved both the Eunha Guild and me too.

Yyes?

It is Mount Huas grace which looked after Eunha. Which is why I decided to come here and give my thanks in person.

what on earth?

Everyone looked at Chung Myung.

Chung Myung only grinned and shrugged.

Well, thats how it turned out.

Ah!

This brat!

Somehow, it only makes me angrier.

Chung Myung was still the best when it came to pissing off his elders.