"What's with this mountain range!" Jong Seohan complained with a voice full of irritation.
Even for someone who had mastered martial arts, climbing a volcano was no easy task.
The treacherous terrain seemed capable of making even a bird fall.
"I really don't understand what they were thinking, setting up a dojo in a place like this. No wonder it's failing," he grumbled.
If Cheongmyeong had heard this, he would have applauded.
However, Jin Geumryong did not seem to share that sentiment.
"A dojo is meant to be a place where one can leave the mundane world behind and resemble nature, isn't it? It is only natural to choose a place that is not easily accessible to outsiders for studying the Dao and honing oneself."
"What kind of dojo is a volcano? Half of it is still a worldly place. If I were a Wudang disciple, I might understand being here."
"True. You have a point."
It seemed that those who had climbed the volcano before them also found it difficult, as there were resting spots set up along the way.
Currently, Jongnam's disciples were sitting at one of those spots, taking a brief rest.
One of the top disciples spoke up lazily, "If this place is such a hardship to reach, there should at least be some reward for it, but I bet we'll just end up eating roots and sleeping in a crumbling hall again."
"I don't even expect good food; I just hope we can sleep comfortably. Last time, I couldn't sleep a wink, worried the hall would collapse on me."
"Even beggars wouldn't sleep in a place like this. This is worse than a beggar's den."
Complaints and disdain mixed in their words.
"Isn't it time to stop this pointless endeavor? We're the only ones suffering by coming all the way to this volcano, while the volcano folks get to enjoy themselves."
Jin Geumryong shrugged, looking somewhat troubled.
"I know everyone has many complaints, but it would be wise to calm down a bit. Don't you understand the feelings the higher-ups have towards the volcano?"
"We can't understand that either. Why are they so obsessed with a sect that has fallen apart?"
"Perhaps it's because of the potential they might still have."
"Potential?" Someone scoffed.
"If they had potential, they would have found their place long ago. The fact that they’ve been in this state for nearly a hundred years means that this is their place, doesn’t it?"
"Has there ever been a sect without a golden age? What matters is the present."
As everyone spoke dismissively about the volcano, one person quietly opened his mouth.
"It would be wise not to underestimate the volcano too much."
All eyes turned to him.
It was Lee Songbaek.
He spoke with an expressionless face.
"You might end up facing great embarrassment if you're not careful."
At that, Jong Seohan sneered, "Are you speaking like a senior brother?"
"……."
Despite the clear provocation, Lee Songbaek did not react.
"Don't worry, senior brother. We won't be like you and revive the volcano's spirit. We'll crush the spirit you revived."
"I'm saying we should not let our guard down."
"What difference does it make if we let our guard down against the volcano folks?"
"I……."
Lee Songbaek seemed to want to say something but stopped, letting out a low sigh.
Whatever he said would not be taken seriously.
The ones who found themselves in the most difficult position due to the events at the Eunha Association were Elder Gi Moksung and Lee Songbaek.
Especially since the arrows of blame would inevitably be directed mostly at Lee Songbaek.
It was only natural; how many people could dare to criticize an elder?
"Do as you please. But if you let your guard down, the price you pay will be on your own heads."
Jong Seohan frowned, about to say something when a quiet voice interrupted.
"That's not an incorrect statement."
Everyone turned their heads again.
They saw a person slowly climbing the mountain, and all stood up.
"Sit down."
"Yes."
The one leading them, Elder Sima Seung of Jongnam, scanned everyone before speaking.
"Have you forgotten about the Eunha Association incident?"
At the mention of the Eunha Association, Lee Songbaek flinched.
However, the other disciples answered without hesitation.
"We have not forgotten."
Sima Seung's eyes twitched.
"We were humiliated because of a sect that has fallen apart. Do you know how angry the sect leader was because of that?"
Everyone slightly lowered their heads, not out of guilt but to avoid the fury that seeped from Sima Seung's voice.
"Being humiliated by the volcano is enough. We must not suffer such disgrace any longer. How long must our Jongnam, which aspires to soar across the world, continue to tussle with a third-rate sect like the volcano? The sect leader intends to put an end to our relationship with the volcano through this Jonghwa Conference! If anyone lets their guard down and gets humiliated by a disciple of the volcano, I will not forgive you."
The cold voice of Sima Seung made Jongnam's disciples hold their breath.
"A general on the battlefield does not leave behind future troubles, and a hunter uses all their strength even when catching a rabbit. This Jonghwa Conference is not just about defeating the volcano; it is about crushing the very spirit of the volcano. Do you all understand?"
"Yes! Elder!"
Sima Seung's sharp gaze landed on Lee Songbaek.
"However, not letting your guard down is different from being terrified. Is that not so?"
"……Yes."
"Hmm."
Sima Seung turned to look at the volcano.
"If you've rested enough, rise now. We must arrive before those waiting lose their patience."
"Yes."
The disciples of Jongnam began to ascend the mountain in unison.
After climbing for a while, as they neared the volcano, each disciple began to voice their thoughts.
"Ugh. What a terrible mountain."
"I really shouldn't come here again."
"If we follow the previous route, we should be seeing the mountain gate by now?"
Climbing this steep cliff would lead them to the nearly collapsing mountain gate.
They would then have arrived at the volcano.
Those who had visited the volcano before climbed the cliff with vigor.
"Huh?"
"What is that?"
They were taken aback by an unexpected sight.
Just two years ago, the mountain gate of the volcano had looked so dilapidated it seemed it would collapse at any moment.
The door was barely functioning as a door, so what more could be said?
But now, the old, crumbling door was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a grand new mountain gate that looked freshly built.
'Did we come to the wrong place?'
'No way.'
'Where else could there be people building a sect other than the volcano sect?'
Their gazes followed the mountain gate upwards.
The gate had changed, but it seemed the plaque hanging on the gate had not been replaced.
However, the plaque, which had previously seemed ready to crumble, now appeared to blend with the newly built grand mountain gate, exuding an air of elegance.
Seeing the words "Hwasan Sect" written in a bold, flowing script, they felt an unexplainable pressure.
"No, what is this……."
It was already common knowledge that the Eunha Association was investing in the volcano.
However, the events of the Eunha Association had only recently unfolded.
To have built such an impressive new main gate for the volcano in such a short time was something even the Eunha Association's ancestors could not have accomplished.
"This can't be happening."
Jin Geumryong muttered in disbelief.
Wasn't the volcano known as the number one beggar sect? It was a place that even beggars would mock, saying they would learn a thing or two from the volcano.
Yet, how could the volcano have the funds to create such a magnificent mountain gate?
"Quiet."
Sima Seung snapped quietly.
"It seems they managed to beg for some money. But while they can change the gate, they cannot change their essence. There's no need to make a fuss."
"Yes!"
"Such an unworthy act."
Sima Seung walked towards the mountain gate with a slightly displeased expression.
At that moment, the massive mountain gate began to creak open.
And from within, a person slowly walked out.
Elder Hyeon Sang of the Hwasan Sect.
He lightly waved his hand as he approached the disciples of Jongnam.
"Thank you for your hard work in coming such a long way. Elder Sima, we have met before, haven't we? I am Hyeon Sang, the elder of the Hwasan Sect."
"Sima Seung."
His response was brief compared to the greeting.
However, Hyeon Sang did not show any sign of displeasure and smiled warmly.
"It’s a pleasure to see you again, Elder Sima."
"Is the sect leader not coming out?"
Hyeon Sang's eyebrows twitched.
"The sect leader is inside."
"Still, a guest has come from afar; is it not customary to show one's face?"
Hyeon Sang bit his lip slightly, trying to hide his irritation.
Sima Seung was the elder of Jongnam.
While he held a high status, it was not his place to summon the sect leader of the Hwasan Sect.
Sima Seung knew this well, and to mention the sect leader in such a way was a blatant act of disrespect towards the Hwasan Sect.
Suppressing his rising anger, Hyeon Sang spoke.
"Please, enjoy. A banquet has been prepared to welcome the disciples of Jongnam. It may be lacking, but I hope you can forget the hardships of your long journey and enjoy yourselves."
"A banquet? It seems the Hwasan Sect thinks of the Jonghwa Conference as a mere feast."
"……That cannot be the case, can it?"
"Whatever the case, lead the way. I must meet the sect leader first."
Hyeon Sang let out a quiet sigh. 'How utterly rude.'
While Jongnam had also acted arrogantly in the past, it was never to this extent.
It seemed they had come with a clear intention to provoke.
But hadn't the sect leader warned him repeatedly not to act recklessly?
Suppressing his frustration, Hyeon Sang forced a smile and gestured inward.
"Please, enjoy."
"Hmm."
Sima Seung stepped inside with a somewhat rough gait.
Even in that moment, the newly built mountain gate was irksome to him. 'It seems they received some support.'
Some blind fool must have poured money into the volcano.
So they must have prioritized the most urgent matters first, like the gate and their attire, which would be the first things others noticed.
But the internal halls were beyond repair……
"What is this?"
As they entered the mountain gate, they couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
"This, the hall?"
"When?"
Upon entering, they were greeted by a spacious training ground with blue stones laid out and new halls that were clearly in pristine condition.
'Did they repair all of this?' No, had they built it all anew? Had a deity descended upon the volcano?
"It seems better than Jongnam."
A murmur from behind echoed the feelings of everyone present.
Compared to this, Jongnam looked shabby.
Just two years ago, the volcano had been filled with crumbling halls and dilapidated structures, so when had it changed so drastically?
Sima Seung's face twisted in disbelief.
When he stopped walking, Hyeon Sang asked with a puzzled expression, "What is wrong?"
"It seems a lot has changed."
Hyeon Sang smiled brightly and replied, "Something good happened."
"Is there still someone willing to support the volcano? Surely those claiming to be prestigious wouldn't resort to theft."
In an instant, anger filled Hyeon Sang's face.
No matter how much the sect leader had warned him, this was an intolerable remark.
"Watch your words……."
At that moment, a voice came from the side.
"Shut up."
Everyone turned their gaze to the source of the voice.
And upon witnessing the scene, Sima Seung's face hardened involuntarily. 'What on earth are they doing?'
His eyes caught sight of a group of people running frantically, their martial robes soaked and their expressions suggesting they had been running for quite some time, barely managing to stay on their feet.
It was indeed a bizarre sight.
But Sima Seung's gaze was not on them.
It was on the voice that had spoken.
To the side of the group, unlike the others, a neatly dressed person with a calm expression was running along as if strolling.
A small child.
Fixing his gaze on the child, Sima Seung spoke in a chilling voice, "What did you just say?"