Chapter 44

Chapter 43: Because I am a volcano. (3)

"Ouch! It's cold!"

The dawn on the mountain is distinctly different from the dawn on the plain.

When the cold air meets the morning moisture, it creates a bone-chilling cold. The three disciples pushed through the cold morning air, leaving the Baimei Hall and heading towards the training ground.

"I'm wide awake now."

"I'm awake, but my body isn't. I'm still tired…"

"You should have practiced properly."

"But I practiced all night, didn't I?"

"Oh, really?"

The three disciples exchanged meaningless banter as they took out the sandbags and stone bags from the makeshift hut set up on one side of the training ground.

"But how long do we have to do this?"

"Who knows? Until we're told to stop, I guess?"

"Who will tell us?"

"Are you asking because you don't know?"

A person came to mind on the faces of the disciples.

'A monster.'

'A guy who should have drowned in sewage.'

Despite being the third-generation disciples, Qingming had already completely dominated them.

Given the intense training, there were occasional rebellions. However, after the last rebel was pinned to the ceiling of the Baimei Hall, no one dared to rebel again.

After all, even the first rebel, Zhaoge, and the eldest disciple, Yunzhong, practiced without complaint. How could anyone else raise a rebellion against Qingming?

Zhaoge and Yunzhong were of a different caliber among the third-generation disciples. No one thought they could surpass them. From their perspective, Zhaoge and Yunzhong were already monsters, and there was an even greater monster in the world.

"But hasn't he been acting strange lately?"

"What do you mean?"

"He doesn't look well, and he hasn't been showing up for training much."

"…Is that true?"

At first, Qingming would participate in the early morning training and torment the third-generation disciples in various ways, but recently, he hadn't been showing up at all.

"Maybe the rumors are true?"

"What rumors?"

"There's a rumor that he's fallen into madness."

"No way."

"No, no. Think about it. He's getting thinner and paler every day, and he keeps missing training because he's not feeling well."

"Hmm…"

"Maybe it's because he used to be lazy, but he's not. He used to practice three times as much as others, and now he's suddenly not showing up. Isn't that strange?"

"You're right, it does sound plausible."

A subtle atmosphere formed among the third-generation disciples as they listened to the conversation.

"Then…"

And someone finally said what shouldn't have been said.

"Maybe we don't need to practice anymore?"

"…"

The faces of the third-generation disciples stiffened instantly.

In fact, the training now was different from when they first started. At first, they were forced to come to the training ground, and each day felt like hell.

But now, they could feel themselves getting stronger through the training. Although the method of directly moving their bodies for training was unfamiliar, the results were undeniable.

Their lower bodies were more stable, and their sword techniques were clearer.

What greater joy could there be for a martial artist than getting stronger? Despite the physical toll, they were gradually enjoying the training.

But hearing these words, the suppressed thoughts in their hearts began to surface.

'Can't skip it every time…'

'But maybe once in a while…'

'Actually, the training is a bit excessive. Reducing it a bit wouldn't be bad…'

Everyone's thoughts converged.

'If only Qingming wasn't here!'

Even as they carried the training tools and set up the training ground, the murmurs didn't subside. The once routine early morning training had become subtly annoying.

It was a natural human reaction.

"Look, he's not coming today either."

"Seems like there's really something wrong with him."

"Then, isn't it time to try something?"

The last words were the deciding factor.

In fact, the three reasons why the third-generation disciples had followed Qingming without question were precise.

One, they had no confidence that all of them together could defeat Qingming. To be honest, they couldn't.

Two, Qingming was under the protection of Yunjian, the master of the Baimei Hall. If there was a reason to oppose him, it had to be resolved through higher authority. But what could they do if the higher authority supported Qingming?

Three, Qingming was surprisingly rational. While he was a demon in training, he didn't bully others or make them do personal favors just because he was strong.

As a result, life was more comfortable than when Zhaoge was in charge of the third-generation disciples.

But now, one of these reasons had collapsed.

'Maybe it's time to try something?'

'He was almost skin and bones, right?'

'If we all work together, can't we win?'

A determined resolve began to form in the eyes of the third-generation disciples.

Zhaoge sighed as he watched the third-generation disciples murmuring and exchanging opinions.

"Senior Brother."

"Leave it."

Yunzhong chuckled.

"They'll soon realize the reality."

At that moment,

Creak.

Everyone's heads turned to one side. The door of the Baimei Hall was opening. Everyone except Qingming was gathered here. This meant that the only person left in the Baimei Hall was Qingming.

So, the person coming out of the Baimei Hall was naturally!

The door opened wide.

The third-generation disciples closed their eyes and turned their heads away.

"Ah! What is it?"

"It's blinding!"

A dazzling light swept past their eyes.

Those who cautiously glanced back at the door all widened their eyes.

Qingming was walking out. It was definitely Qingming.

But the Qingming they saw was not the Qingming they had seen until yesterday. He was definitely Qingming, but…

'What's with the fresh look?'

'His face is dripping with oil?'

'Did he eat some ginseng or something?'

The third-generation disciples all doubted their own eyes.

Until yesterday, he looked like he could collapse and die at any moment. But now, the Qingming in front of them looked so healthy that he seemed to be dripping with oil.

'He's back.'

'He's back. We should have practiced.'

'He must have had a good dream.'

The third-generation disciples instinctively knew their dreams had flown away.

"Cough."

Qingming walked to the training ground and stood in front of the third-generation disciples, speaking in a slightly solemn tone.

"Disciples."

"…"

"I feel deeply sorry for you. I have been unwell and unable to properly oversee your training. I take full responsibility for this."

"…No, that's not it."

"It's okay. It can happen!"

"We're fine! Really, we're fine!"

Those who sensed something strange were desperately shouting. But Qingming only shook his head solemnly.

"No. Even in my absence, you have been training diligently, and I have not lived up to your expectations. This is clearly my fault."

The atmosphere became strange.

'This can't be happening.'

'Is he really saying all this?'

Still, it couldn't be a good situation…

"But!"

"…"

Qingming declared firmly with a sharp gaze.

"While I cannot undo my mistakes, I can make up for them! If the training was insufficient, we will train more!"

"Damn…"

"Should be fried in sewage and die…"

"Rather die. Rather!"

Small curses were spewed from all directions, but Qingming paid no attention at all.

"Therefore, I hope you remember that the future of Huashan lies in your hands and approach your training with sincerity. For now."

Qingming pointed upwards with his chin. Everyone's gaze followed.

The towering Lianhua Peak came into view.

"…"

"Go."

"…"

"First come, first served. Those who come late will go again."

"…"

"Not going?"

At that moment, someone started running like lightning. The third-generation disciples were shocked to recognize the person running at an incredible speed towards Lianhua Peak.

"Senior Brother?"

Yunzhong.

The eldest of the third-generation disciples was running towards Lianhua Peak as if his feet were on fire. Someone quickly followed.

Of course, it was Zhaoge.

"Senior Brother! No loyalty!"

"Hey, run! Quickly!"

"If you're late, you'll have to go again! Run!"

Only then did the other third-generation disciples start running towards Lianhua Peak.

"How could he become like that overnight?"

"Who knows?"

"Senior Brother! You said it was worth a try earlier!"

"A gentleman must know when to act! Now is not the time!"

"Freeze to death, you gentleman! You're just a piece of trash!"

"What?"

"Senior Brother! Senior Brother! You're falling behind! Run! Senior Brother!"

The third-generation disciples exerted all their energy to climb Lianhua Peak. Qingming's training didn't end just because time passed. They couldn't eat until their quota was met. If they had to climb Lianhua Peak twice and meet their quota, they would have to crawl on their arms.

So, everyone was running with all their might!

"Even ghosts have limits! Why aren't they catching him?"

"Ghosts are just ghosts!"

Everyone ran and ran, shedding tears of blood. No matter what, with Qingming back in good health, they had no hope.

The moment the first rebellion attempt was cleanly suppressed before it even began.

Qingming smiled as he watched the backs of the third-generation disciples climbing Lianhua Peak with determination.

"What cute little things."

To dare to dream of rebellion.

His heightened senses, achieved through reaching a new level, allowed him to hear every word of their conversation inside the Baimei Hall.

"Whatever."

The old Qingming would have done the same.

Well-behaved and obedient people have their limits. Huashan might prefer such people, but Qingming did not. He was, by nature, a rebel.

But!

If someone complains without the ability to back it up, there is nothing more despicable. For a martial artist to have a voice, the first and second requirements are ability.

"I'll make that ability for you."

Qingming smiled.

Regaining his past strength was important, but no matter how strong he became, he couldn't restore the glory of Huashan from the past. A sect cannot be controlled by one person's strength.

For thousands of years in martial history.

Many have become the best in the world through their own strength. But while their names may be remembered, their descendants do not leave a mark on the world.

Ultimately, for a sect to continue and maintain its reputation, everyone in the sect must be strong.

The reason Shaolin is called the best sect in the world is not because it has the best individual. Even a sect with the best individual cannot defeat Shaolin in a sect-to-sect battle.

Even at its peak, Huashan was considered inferior to Shaolin.

'This time, it will be different.'

Qingming's eyes gleamed.

In the past, he could only follow the ways of his master and seniors, but this time, he could rebuild Huashan from the ground up in his own way. It would be a difficult and arduous journey, but the end result would be even higher and more magnificent than before.

Of course, whether the head of the sect would be pleased with this Huashan was questionable.

"If you feel wronged, come back to life."

After cackling for a while, Qingming cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted.

"The one who comes in last won't get any food today!"

It was a cruelty that could make even a demon weep.