#CHUNG MYUNG THE MAN YOU ARE

[quuerbee]

POV you just finished the first side story

[eyeswaitingfortuesdaynight]

i'm crying they're so dumb

[chungmyungenthusiast]

Concern

Notes I

this is a discontinued wip because I didn't know what to add,, anyways MORE FLUFF!!!! can this count as hurt/comfort except it's literal hurt and confrontation ?? who knows,, more chung myung content while I work on the wips :3

He's staring at you. Ah, no. He's frowning, is he angry? He's also bandaged up, did something happen? "You.." Chung Myung starts, and you swear that you see a pout on his lips. Are you laying on the spare bed in the nearby infirmary? Why is he next to you, though? His fingers gently caress your palm, the harshness of his calloused hand making you shiver, his eyebrows furrowing as he observes your hand. "You shouldn't have done that, really. I would have been fine, you know? And now that you went ahead and blocked that attack… You're laying here instead of me, you're so stupidly dumb." He sighs, his eyes still staring at your hand. You didn't do much though, your injuries are nothing compared to his deep ones. Speaking of which, why isn't he in bed right now? Shouldn't he be resting? "Why would I let it hit you?" "..??? What sort of question is that?" "A genuine one." ... He squints at you, his expression doing that thing where it's as if you just told him you're going to throw yourself off a cliff because you couldn't find your favorite cup. [ You did that once. ] "Because I could've easily blocked it?" "In that position? Chung Myung, you were already injured enough. If that hit you then you could've basically said that death knocked on your door once; if you survived, that is." That, kept him quiet for the next few minutes. "You're the idiot," You chuckle, shaking your head. "Just as much as you hate it if I got hurt-" "I loathe it." He interrupts, still a bit frustrated. You simply look at him with a blank look before sighing. "Okay," You nod, "You loathe me getting hurt. We established that multiple times, right? So, you expect me to not be the same way? We both know how stubborn the other is when it comes to such topics, dumbass. Of course I'll feel the same way."

Notes II

I dug deep into my drafts for this one and just edited it a tad bit so um :D

This is your daily reminder to actually communicate with others if you want the relationship to work /hj.. maybe

Eat this up while I continue to work on the reqs.. there's a lot of fluff to write so uh expect some angst after I finish them up :3

[ge]

🐌 : haven't sent anything for so long i forgor how i formatted these lmaooo

anyways been thinking abt how chungmyung/qingming (青明) which could loosely mean clear sky and he died under a clear sky, was found under one, was reincarnated under one ;;; how his 青明 sounds like 清明节 (qīng míng jié) or known as hungry ghosts festival colloquially in some parts, a festival of honouring the dead, and how he spends entirely of his second life honouring the deaths from his first life — his home his family his friends and loved ones... maybe hwagwi was always a ghost story,,, one where they're always going to linger at every corner of his life, one where he's going to watch people die again and he's going to see a living ghost and at the very end he'll watch himself die all over again.... yeah.....

you have no fucking idea how often i think about this.. u reminded me what biga said in regards to chung myungs name in his birthday interview almost a year ago... a person who NEEDS to be bright..he is a bright person who wants to be bright until the end... ooh i feel faint

[tangsoso]

chung myung

[chatonyant]

Return of the mount hua sect..... I wish I had something substantial to say but instead all I have is me screeching over fan content and also the official animations and trailers

My brain is just. Constant yelling about certain moments in the novel and the exasperation of knowing it has 1551 chapters and fan translations are nowhere near that number. Oh my god. The spoilers I've seen from memes and other fanart hurt my heart. I'm just. Grabbing this novel. And eating it. Aough. It's so fun.

The official trailers for s2 of the manhwa is very funny because apparently it seems that a catchphrase of this manhwa is "to those who haven't read this: I envy you"

So its appeared at least twice

It's so funny

It's even funnier when it's a trailer recapping the premise of the story which means it's bloody!! And sad!!! And serious!!!!! And then you look at the comments and it's people going "this is the man who will whack you on the head six times but say "HEAD" only five" it's great I love this story

[sanijoys]

Working on chapter 2

While also admiring Baek cheong cuz I love him.

Ok

[enihk-writes]

Can I suggest a she fell first he fell harder with Chung Myung

[when he sees me]

pairing: chung myung x f!reader

summary: he'd always known that she liked him, he just never knew he did too.

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longing gazes weren't meant to go on for long, it was a movent of artistry in itself. to watch someone when their back is turned and to then turn away when just before they look back. it's like a dance, a push and a pull like waves coming in at high tide.

she thinks she might have looked at his back enough times to have his visage imprinted in her mind's eye. she loved all beauty that walked on this earth — he wasn't that much of an exception. at first, at least.

she liked how long and thick his hair was, and oh, she wished she could run her hands through it. when they were younger, their white uniform made him look rather cute. now, in their black uniform, she thinks he's grown into a dashing young man. his features developed beautifully over the years too, and she couldn't help but take notes on it. from his strong brow that turned up into a sharp point at the ends, to the slope of his nose and the fullness of his lips —

covering her heated face in realisation, she slinked down to the floor with her knees to her chest.

oh no. she was in love with chung myung.

═══════════════

he can see her from the corner of his eye looking at him, her trying to be discreet didn't work at all — he should've felt a little uncomfortable then, but somehow he didn't mind her staring.

it didn't take him long to put two and two together and figure out how she felt about him.

how could he not? when he sees her, she ducks right out of view with her shoulders raised — something she tended to do when she got bashful, just one of her habits he'd noticed.

or that time he turned back to see her still in her daze and in her little daydreams, her eyes filled with a silent, quiet flame of adoration.

at some point he'd begun to stare at her too. he appreciated how she always wore her heart on her sleeve — if she was happy, her eyes would crinkle up at the corners. if she was disappointed, her gaze would turn downwards as her hands play with the loose threads of her clothes. if she was confused, her eyes widened. he'd know she was upset and angry if there were tears gathering at the outer corners of her eyes.

he felt his insides twitch a little. nervousness? no, that's not it. well, it's not serious, so he'll think more about it next time.

═══════════════

she was a very careless girl, someone who was in her own little world up in the clouds most of the time. while he was a rather careful man, who always seemed to see too much, or know too much. and that was all the opportunity certain schemers hanging around them needed.

they should have known it wasn't a coincidence, when the door to the study room locked by itself as she came in to deliver paperwork to him.

they should have known it wasn't a coincidence, that they were both paired up in the sect duty roster pretty often.

they should have known it wasn't a coincidence, especially when the head of the medical hall or tang soso were sometimes too busy and had her come and patch him up on their behalf.

the awkward small talk slowly became casual conversations that would end in comfortable silence as the two stayed next to each other. he couldn't have known then that it would plant small seeds in his heart that took years to grow into vines that wrapped around and tugged down tightly whenever he was with her.

═══════════════

it all clicked together in the middle of one summer's night — chung myung sat up in his bed, hands grabbing at his hair and practically ripping them off it's roots. how could he have been so slow? how could he have been so stupid?

you are actually.

no i'm not! he snapped back at the sarcastic voice of his sa-hyung in his head.

it was funny how the metaphorical final piece of the puzzle was that damn namguang kid. he really thought he was so slick when he stole glances at her, huh?

stop being so jealous when you can't even admit to your own feelings.

his head dropped back as he stared off into the darkness, uncharacteristically quiet.

the guy was right. it was embarrassing how he'd always known but could never come to terms with his own heart. how he would freeze up for just a second each time she was close, how his hands felt like they were on pins and needles each time his knuckles would ghost over her side. he should've known then.

damn it. he liked her. he really loved her too.

he could only hope that it wasn't too late for him yet, that he caught up to her years of longing after him. tomorrow, first thing, he was going to make the first move. there was no way he was going to let that adoring gaze fall onto anyone else.

tomorrow.... tomorrow... and the days after that... what should they do together? chung myung feels himself drifting off to sleep with a snall smile on his face — giddy with childish delight over the thoughts of the first love of his second life.

[blossoming-mind-palace]

How do you think Cheong Myeong would react to learning s/o is pregnant? Would he be shocked, frozen standing still🧍‍♂️or fall down face hitting the floor! Or would he be vocal about it? He likes how? I’m too ol- remember he young man again 😂

Also how would he be with pregnant s/o during her pregnancy. I can imagine how protective he be like if anything happened to her and the baby then I’am going to do lot more than busting heads and no one would be able to stop me.

Thanks for asking this. I love talking about dad Chung Myung.

Chung Myung with a pregnant s/o headcanons (sfw)

- Everyone just hears him yell “HUH!?” And he'd stare with his mouth open for a few minutes. Mostly just shocked bc he's this old and is just now becoming a dad. 

- “What do you mean I'm having a kid when I'm over 80 years old!? That should be near imp- oh wait I'm not physically 80. Should've seen this coming.”

- After he calms down, his reaction would vary depending on his s/o. If they're upset, he'll be supportive, and if they're happy, he's happy.

- But yeah he'd be really protective. His s/o can't fight right now, so he always has his eye on them just in case. Hell would break loose if someone accidentally hurt them by like idk bumping into them. 

- Was it an accident? Yeah, but that person could've avoided bumping into his pregnant s/o, so it's still their fault and he's going to bust their head.

- Would be in a bad mood and on high alert for the next few weeks until his s/o somehow gets him to relax.

- Talks to their stomach when his s/o is asleep. I feel like his kid would move around a lot while in the womb, so he'd probably tell them to stop kicking their parent, too.

- He whispers stuff like “I know you want to be a strong fighter like your dad but PLEASE stop kicking around you're hurting your parent.”

- The pre-parental panic kicks in halfway through the pregnancy. Besides his seniors in his previous life, he hasn't seen a lot of examples of parenting, so he ends up questioning himself. Like “Will I even be a good parent? Will my kid hate me? Am I doing this right?” 

- Like the same insecurity that most new parents have, but amplified.

- Says he didn't cry when his child was born (he did a little bit)

- He's just so overwhelmed. After all of the shit he's been through, he's finally got something good going on thanks to his s/o, their kid, and his found family.

[gojosatoruwifey]

ㅡlove me in this and the next

📜🖋️🎀SUPPORT MY KO-FI🎀🖋️📜

the reflection in the mirror bears your resemblance. you wipe off the excess stain of lipstick, gingerly watching the red shade follow the shape of your lip, and then, in a moment of notice, your eyes catch the sight of a beauty mark on your jaw.

behind you, there’s the rustling clothes.

a pair of arms embraced your waist as you sit idly in the messy sea of blankets in your lover’s room, the young man’s soft exhales can be mistaken he's sleeping yet chung myung, with all of his morning wake, sit up properly. his face pressing to your hips seconds ago is now buried in your neck, his long eyelashes tickling your skin there, as you watch him in silent adoration.

“have you heard of the saying ‘beauty marks are the places your lover in the past life kissed the most’?” your whispered voice almost lulling him to sleep. using the mirror to see him better, you moved to angle it.

chung myung leaned forward to kiss your jaw. “tell me more about it.”

“there’s nothing much about it,” you brush his hair with your fingers once he tries to sleep on your shoulder. “if that is true, i think you and my past lover share a similarity.”

you can’t see the twinkle in his half-lidded eyes. chung myung tilted his head to the side while one of his hands slipped into your thin robes, playing with your flesh — caressing and light pinches. your eyes met his and you think the expression on his face is telling you i-know-something-that-you-don’t.

“is that so? that’s good then. it means in the next life, you’ll born with this mark reminding you of me again.”

[bananaguyboi]

[[ SNEAK PEEK ]]

Reward for making yall wait for an entire month. and uh, didn't post much because yeah- got to too lazy lmao-

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"Hm? Ah-Pyung?" Chung Myung spoke.

The disciples immediately stared at Chung Myung.

'Ah-Pyung..???'

'He's calling an old man a kid...'

'This crazy bastard! Is that how you refer to the Great Elder of the Tang Family!?!??'

'Someone hit his head before the Great Elder gets angry!'

The Heavenly Comrade Alliance's disciples inwardly cursed at Chung Myung's casual statement, but to their surprise, instead of being bothered (like most of the people Chung Myung met), He was rather happy.

"Ah! Elder-nim!" Tang Jopyeong opened his mouth with twinkling eyes.

The disciples' mouths gape loosely as they looked at Chung Myung with a questioning gaze, then quickly stared at the Mount Hua's Five swords, and the monk.

A cold sweat formed from their head.

"Ah.... We forgot about him pretending to be the Plum Blossom Sword Saint...." Baek Cheon whispered.

Hye Yeon, and the Mount Hua swords nodded with tears in their eyes.

The disciples gazed emptily at Chung Myung.

'Is this surprising at this point? Aiggoooo... He's pretending to be an ancestor..'

And, seeing Tang jopyeong happy at the punk made it even worse for them. It's best for anyone to not see it.

Tang Jopyeong bowed. "I apologize if we visited without any prior notice....."

"Enough with the apology" Chung Myung interrupted, and waved his hand. "What brings you here?" 

Augh—

Tang Jopyeong smiled, "I have news regarding grandfather."

Chung Myung tilted his head. “What are you..—”

Chung Myung soon paused his words as he caught a glimpse of someone.

His head suddenly shifted to another direction with his eyes widening, and rapidly shaking.

The disciples tilted their heads, and looked in the direction where Chung Myung's eyes were fixated.

Everyone's face contorted as they saw a young man in a green robe being carried to the training hall.

It was weird that the person who was carrying the young man was a Tang member himself judging by the expensive attire, but what was even weirder is that it seemed like his soul was sucked out of his body...

The young man that was being lifted was graciously dropped down to the ground, brimming with elegance, and sophistication.

Everyone stared, and inspected the young man's appearance.

As expected of the Tang Family; He was wearing the familiar luxurious dark green robes with his hands hidden inside the billowing green sleeves.

Half of his hazel-nut hair was tied in a messy bun, like he had sluggishly bundled the hair- Although a blemish rarely seen in the family, he somehow still looked flawless.

However, his clothes weren't what caught their attention. It was Baek Ah, who was on the young man’s shoulder.

“Kkiiiiiiiiiiii !” Baek Ah screeched, proudly raising its head as if they had done something to be praised. 

The disciples blankly stared, confused. What is that marten doing there..?

Baek Ah soon jumped to the floor, and crawled its way to Chung Myung.

As Baek Ah climbed, the marten nuzzled Chung Myung’s neck. Chung Myung didn’t reciprocate, He was still focused on the young man, and was standing still as a statue.

The young man’s eye glared at Baek Ah. The marten lets out a tongue as if they were mocking the young man.

The disciples watching the scene were confused, however they quickly got distracted as they looked at the young man’s serene eyes.

His iris burnished with the intense emerald-hue, with a grace of a slightly chartreuse color, radiating with light like it's lucent. Everyone was astonished by the sight of this young man.

Truthfully, he was on par with Baek Cheon in terms of beauty, but it's not to the point where they would hold their breath, and gawk at him for being pretty.

Like Chung Myung was.

Eh?

Hold on.

Was that right?

They darted their gaze away from the young man, and looked back at Chung Myung, who had a terrified, hardened face.

No matter how they look at it, that face is not someone openly admiring a person's appearance.. More than anything, it seems like he had seen a ghost.

He looked terrified almost. A baffled face that Chung Myung would never make unless he lost his precious green ribbon.

Tang Zhan could somehow understand his feelings. He, too, is surprised by Tang bo’s sudden appearance.

"Grandfather, why don't you introduce yourself to the Plum Blossom Saint?" Tang Jopyeong smiled.

The young man in green robes coughed, and bowed his head

"Tang Bo of the Tang Family greets the Mount Hua Chivalrous sword" He loudly announced, with a slight tremble in his voice.

Chung Myung didn’t respond, and remained silent.

Everyone coughed, and awkwardly glanced at each other waiting for the silence to break.

However, Chung Myung only stared at Tang Bo, not saying a word.

The disciples tried to speak to smoothen the atmosphere, but soon failed as they felt like they were in no position to do so.

They locked eyes at the Tang members that were with Tang Jopyeong, but even they were bewildered by the strange atmosphere.

Everyone was in a panic except for one person.

"I'm sure you're surprised, elder-nim" Tang jopyeong stated "But please, don't let grandfather wait."

"...Haha.." Chung Myung lets out an empty laugh.

The man named Tang Bo slowly raised his head, and stared back at Chung Myung. 

It made the already weird atmosphere even stranger.

Tang Bo tried to open his mouth, but paused, and thought for a moment. Then he slowly let out a voice.

"..Hyung-nim…?"

...

......

...

..Uh..

Chung Myung started approaching Tang Bo. Every step felt so heavy.

Everyone held their breath, and silently observed Chung Myung, whose face cannot be deciphered.

‘!?’

Suddenly, Chung Myung jumped tang bo, and hugged him.

Tang Bo held his arms as he tried to catch Chung Myung, but fell down at the sudden weight.

Thud!

Chung Myung hugged him tightly, his whole body trembled as he buried his head against Tang Bo's arms.

Tang Bo stopped his movements, and blinked at him.

It was unexpected to see Chung Myung in complete distress.

But then again, he died right in front of him, so he guessed that it's an understandable reaction.

Tang Bo smiled for a moment, and gently hugged him back.

It was a beautiful scene of two old friends finally reuniting once again after the hell of war, and death.

However.

There was one thing that the two old men forgot.

The whole alliance was watching them, mouth opened, perplexed expressions, their hands wiping their eyes as they continued to observe the two young men hugging, and shedding tears.

Everyone in the alliance locked eyes with each other.

Are we seeing this correctly???

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[weirdocat83]

Because I’m still fixated on return of Mount hua sect:

Fic Idea!

I’ve seen a lot of people do “Tang Bo reincarnates too” fanfics (which, I love y’all. Plz keep writing) but I haven’t seen one where he’s there from the beginning. Canon rewrite style.

Like, imagine Chung Myung reincarnates as per canon but a few minutes after realizing (and getting information) Tang Bo, freshly reincarnated and just as confused overhears Chung Myung getting information and they figure out that they reincarnated together! So they make their way to Mount hua and canon events occur but this time there’s someone helping Chung Myung in his shenanigans and that changes things just a little.

Chung Myung having someone on his level to rely on would be a HUGE boon to him while doing things (plus having someone to yell at him for doing stupid shit in secret [*cough* using his literal life force and almost dying *cough*].) Someone to join in his suffering not only when the past becomes a bit too much but also when he feels the unfairness of what happened to Mount Hua and himself. Someone who acknowledges with him all the people that died in the war that didn’t get remembered and how unfair it is that the current generation of Mount Hua is weak because there was nobody to teach them how to be strong or how to manage things. Someone to talk to when things get rough, you know?

But also just the hilarity of both of them being gremlins from the beginning. I mean, Chung Myung has said it himself, Tang Bo is a bit of a crazy bastard. Which is rich coming from him, but also that kinda shows how crazy Tang Bo is. It’d be interesting to see them causing trouble, especially if they’re clingy because ✨trauma✨. It’d be funny if anyone from/allied with mount hua just has the general knowledge that if you see one, the other isn’t far behind. Tang Bo will walk down the streets for shopping but Chung Myung is probably on the roofs of said stores watching. Or if Chung Myung is out in the forest training Tang Bo is either on standby to make sure he’s ok or training himself within earshot but not close enough to be seen. This may go on to the point that if they are forced to separate for some reason or another it feels really weird and unnatural for everyone involved, not just them.

Also the whole tang clan confrontation would be 1000x funnier. Because Tang Bo is no longer really related to them he gets a lot of questions about his name (unless he changes it for secrecy?). Tang Bo watching from the sidelines as his dagger techniques getting used by his family to fight mount hua. Tang Bo, horrified and laughing in the background as Chung Myung is proposed to by his descendant because that man is 82 even if he looks like a teenager. Also Tang Bo seeing what his family has become over time.

Idk I have thoughts because the funny poison man lives rent free in my brain.

[ofmonstersandflowers]

Blacksmith [PBSS!CM]

Blacksmith, blacksmith, forge me a blade...

THE DEPARTURE.

You were at the gates of Mount Hua, your belongings packed into a simple bundle, the crowd or early risen disciples watching in complete silence. They watched as you walk with quiet dignity, forcing your expression to be unreadable.

Chung Myung broke through the crowd, his anger momentarily melting into desperation. "You don't have to go."

You shook your head, your calm demeanor masking the pain in your eyes. "Yes, I do."

"You're just going to let them do this?" he asked, his voice breaking slightly.

Don't let them win, don't let them trample over you.

You're stronger than this.

"It's not about letting them," you respond softly, as if anything else would make him burn brightly and unforgivingly. "It's about what's best for everyone. Staying will only make things harder—for you, for me, for the sect."

Chung Myung reached out, gripping your arm. "This isn't right."

His gritted teeth made a sizzing sound, like a snake's curse.

"I know," you say, appeasing, your voice barely above a whisper. "But sometimes, we have to accept what we can't change."

But it could've been prevented. This is a mistake, and you're the scapegoat. This isn't fair. He bites his lips until all he tastes is metallic taste.

He lets go, his hands falling to his sides and you step past him.

As you disappeared down the mountain path, the disciples stood in stunned silence, their hearts heavy with unspoken protests.

A PURPOSE.

Your departure from Mount Hua has left you untethered, wandering with no clear destination. The sting of your expulsion still lingered, but the ache of uncertainty was worse. You needed a purpose, a way to life instead of becoming a mourning ghost.

Your wandering eventually led you to a small, unassuming village nestled between two rugged hills. The sound of hammering drew you to the outskirts, where a blacksmith's forge stood, smoke curling lazily into the sky.

You paused at the threschold, your gaze drawn to the man within. His movements were deliberate, his hands steady despite the bandages covering his eyes. He worked as if the metal were an extension of himself, each strike of the hammer resounding with purpose.

"Are you going to stand there all day, or do you have something to say?" his voice rang out, startling you. A raspy heavy sound, as if he hadn't talked to someone in ages.

"I'm looking for work." You are sincere and curt.

Without seeing, he seems to scrutiny you.

"And what does a young lad like you know about smithing?"

"Nothing," you admit. "But I learn quickly." Because there is nothing else waiting for you. Because one always starts from a scratch, or nothing.

He chuckled, a low, gravelly sound. "Quick learning won't fix a blade or temper steel, but I could use an extra pair of eyes. Seems mine have given up on me." He gestured to a spare room at the back of the forge. "You won't find anything close by to stay. Food, a roof, and payment if you're useful."

"I won't disappoint," you say firmly.

You threw yourself into the work with the desperation of someone grasping at straws. You start with simple tasks: fetching water, stoking the forge, organizing the tools. Your eyes never stray far from the blacksmiths form, you observed him work closely, noting the rythm of his movement, the way his hands seemed to see what his eyes could not.

"Watch the color of the metal," he told you one day, his voice calm as he hammered a piece of glowing steel. "That'll tell you if the heat is right. Too bright, it's ruined. Too dull, it won't take shape."

You nodded, focusing intently on the changing hues of the metal in the fire. Under his guidance, you began assisting with smaller tasks, getting closer to the goal: holding pieces steady, filing edgees, even shaping simple tools.

Your progress surprised him, looking at you favourably. "You weren't lying about learning quickly," he said one evening as they sat by the forge.

"Maybe I've hidden from you the messes I made."

He snorted. His blindness made him notice more than those who depend on sight. There isn't a thing that escapes him. He knows of your screw ups, but that's a part of learning. Making less mistakes reveals determination to improve.

THE FLAME.

"You're not just any blacksmith, are you?" you ventured one day, as you watched him shape an intricately curved dagger.

He puffed his chest a bit. "I have a knack for the unusual. People come to me when the ordinary won't do."

"Why did you take me in?" you press on. He could've had more than you. Maybe there were people wanting to learn from him more qualified than you. "Surely there were others more skilled."

The blacksmith paused, his hands stilling over the anvil. "Skill can be taught. Determination can't. You walked in here with fire in your voice, with a purpose in mind. That's worth more than knowing how to swing a hammer."

That was the closest thing he ever said to admiting your presence was welcomed company, drowning any voice in your head that made you feel like an intruder.

You became indispensable. Your sharp eyes and steady hands complemented the blacksmith's expertise, allowing them to tackle commissions that would have been impossible for him alone.

You learned to read blueprints, measure with presicion, and even design your own modifications. Customers began to notice the improvements in the forge's work, praising the flawless details and ingenious designs.

The blacksmith, for all his gruffness, seemed proud. "You've got a good head for this," he said one evening over a simple meal. "Keep at is, and you'll surpass me one day."

You laughed a bit breathless. Compliments were as scarce as water in a desert from him. "I doubt that," and it rang true, you were full of shortcomings in front of his lifetime of experience. You learn from him, you calk his work and make it yours slowly. That's enough.

You have time. What more can you ask?

The spare bedroom was modest but comfortablee, and the meals were simple and filling. The payment wasn't much, but it was enough to buy new clothes and save a little. For the first time in months, you feel a sense of stability.

You miss Mount Hua like you'd miss a limb, but the forge has given you a new purpose to not lose yourself and wallow in misery. Each strike of the hammer, each piece of metal brought to life, was a step forward—a way to prove yourself that you're more than what you've left behind.

And perhaps, you thought, watching the blacksmith expertly guide you through another project, you'd found a place where you can belong.

You only hope it won't be ripped from you again.

Another time would definetly kill you. One can only be so strong.

THE COMMISSION.

It was a quiet morning in the forge when a new commission arrived, brought by a courier who left as quickly as he'd come.

You took the note, scanning through the details: a sword with a handle carved to resemble plum blossoms.

Your breath caught. Your hands trembled slightly as you placed the paper on the workbench. You hear your heart beat boiling on your ears. You didn't have to ask who it was for—there was only one person who would request something so symbolic, only one who would go so far as to find you in such remote place.

You made him sweat a bit, didn't you? He is such a fool... that unrelenting force of nature he embodied. Ah, trouble knocks again.

The blacksmith, sitting nearby, seemed to sense your unease. His sightless eyes turned towards you, his expression unreadable. "A special commission, is it?" his tone casual but probing.

From a speacial someone. A part from a not far off past is catching up to you. Will you welcome him or hammer him into the ground?

"Yes. I'll handle it," your voice tight.

Before you could steel youself further, the door creaked open.

Damn you, what was the courtier for, if you were never one to be patient? You're a Taoist unable to meditate... learn some patience!

The air shifted as a figure stepped into the forge, his presence filling the space like an uninvited storm. You didn't need to turn around to know who it was. You had memorized his footsteps, the way his energy seemed to draw attention effortlessly. For better or worse. Normally for worse.

... Chung Myung.

"Excuse me," the voice came, familiar and sharp, thought tinged with something softer. "I'm here about a sword."

Your grip on the workbench tightened. Slowly, you turned to face him.

Chung Myung stood in the doorway, his usual confident smirk dimmed by exhaustion. His clothes even if pristine, were travel worn, his face slightly gaunt, but his eyes burning with the same fire. When he saw you, his expression faltered, a flicker of relief breaking through his guarded demeanor.

"I've finally found you," he breathed out, his voice barely above a whisper.

You'll have none of that.

"Are you getting dumber by the day? What, you sent a courtier asking for a sword and you enter less than five minutes after? Not even the best blacksmith can create a sword out of damn thin air. Get out."

When you get nervous or caught off guard you ramble and you bristle like an angry cat.

What angers you more is that his whole body relaxes like falling into a well known familiar routine. No, no, no.

"Get. Out." you repeat forcefully.

"I've walked a lot to..."

"Go walk a bit more. Outside."

"Not even a cup of tea?"

"As if you'd know the taste of tea, you raging alcoholic. Out. Now." Please, you need to compose yourself, damnit!

His smile is infuriating. You hear the little jumps he does out of sight, the lively rythm his steps have.

He makes you lose your temper so fast that... you look back at the blacksmith. He is definetly holding back his laughter.

"You're rougher with your loverboy than when moulding metal."

"Wh—he is not...!" you gulp down another anger-nervous-induced ramble.

"And he listens better to you than the steel does your hammer. Go to him, go discuss... the sword." He nudges you to the door and disappears inside with surprising speed for a bling man.

Was this old man hidding such a side all this time? I feel more drained now than after a rigurous spar. Ugh...

THE CONFRONTATION.

You crossed your arms, your face a mask of calm despite the storm raging inside you. For your own sanity, just forget the slip up you made when seeing him for the first time. You can't let youself fall into the familiar banter and let yourself be dragged by his flow. "You shouldn't be here."

Chung Myung stepped closer, his gaze locked on yours. "I've been looking for you. You didn't make it easy."

"Didn't it cross your mind that maybe I didn't want to be found?"

"Couple times. Yet, here I am." His voice firm but not unkind.

"Ignoring the voice of reason. Do you even have it?" A jape. To hide your inner turmoil more than anything. He doesn't look pleased.

"Do you have any idea how far I've traveled? How many villages I've searched? How many dead ends I've hit?" Bordering desperation, his voice tinged with a silent plea. What if I didn't find you?

You looked away, jaw tightening. "You didn't have to look for me. I'm doing just fine. I've found a place here."

"Do you really believe that?" his question a tad softer, a tad incredulous. He didn't buy it. "Or are you just telling yourself that because it's easier than facing the truth?"

You turned back to him, your eyes flashing dangerously. "And pray tell me, what truth is that?"

"That you belong with us. With me." At Mount Hua.

The words hung in the air. What a selfish prick he is. As if leaving was easy, as if you truly had a choice in the matter, as if you hadn't left behind all you've worked for. Home. You lost home once, you are trying to make another here.

His timing is a terrible form of a joke.

You shook your head, your body trembling with barely restrained anger slipping through the cracks. "I was expelled. Cast out like I was nothing. You can't just pretend that didn't happen. Nothing can go back as it was."

You wish. You hope. It's a cruel fantasy, one you won't be indulging in anymore.

"I'm not pretending," he said, stepping closer. "You didn't deserve that. None of us agreed with it. The Elders made a mistake."

"A mistake that cost me everything," you spitted bitterly. "I'm rebuilding my life here. I'm learning a craft, getting better everyday, I'm contributing. What more do you want from me?"

It felt like your heart was rippen out. What more can you give? You are surviving everyday by a hair's breath by not looking back, by not giving in to nostalgia.

"I want you to stop running," his voice rising slightly; the heat of the moment was getting to him too. "You think this place will give you peace, but I know you. You will never be satisfied with this. You running only gives them the power to decide your worth."

"And what; have everyday all I ever wanted to be, all I could achieve at arm's reach to never quite close the distance? That's a fool's form of torture. I will not put myself through this."

"You're stronger than any of us."

"I was stronger. They turned me into a scapegoat and now I am broken." Your defenses wavered, but you stood firm. Even if your voice cracked.

I won't go back. It was clear in your eyes. That would be dying everyday. Here you die slowly and ultimately, as a natural development. Like an old ache growing impossible to ignore.

Going back is a violent death, one you'll relive in every corner. Once is enough.

Chung Myung's shoulders slumped a bit, and he looked up at the sky, searching for an answer to fall in his hands. The sky is silent. His determination is waning. You are more stubborn or maybe he's always been softer when it's you.

"Then I'll stay." Chung Myung smiled faintly, a bit resigned and not quite satisfied with the outcome, but showing the first real sign of warmth since he arrived.

"Don't you dare. I'll grow sick of you."

"Aren't you already? How tolerant you've become. I'll linger a bit longer just to test your limits."

THE SWORD.

The silence between the two was broken only by the soft crackle of the forge's fire. You looked at the sword commission sitting on the workbench, the plum blossom design sketched out in careful detail.

"You knew I was here when you sent this request, didn't you?"

Chung Myung shrugged, his smirk returning. "It was the best way to draw you out. You don't exactly have a low profile."

You huffed a laugh despite yourself. So he already knew about your wereabouts and still put up a scene with the courtier, his ragged looks. So dramatic. "You're infutiating."

"Maybe," he drawled, his tone light. "But I'm also right."

You exhaled deeply, the weight of your conversation settling in your chest. You picked the note, holding it tighly. "If I make this sword for you, will you leave me alone?"

Chung Myung tilted his head, his eyes narrowing and softening at the same time. "If that's what you really want... but I don't think you wish for it."

Cunning bastard... you didn't respond, your eyes loud enough. His smile widened and you turned back to the forge and lighting the fire. As the flames roared to life, you silently resolved to face your past—no matter what it meant for the future. No more running.

Chung Myung had too many things on his mind. You're surprised by his capability to stay quiet for once. He changed a bit too. People never stay as frozen as memories in one's head. He waited all day, watching as you worked, the broken bridge that became your bond growing stronger with every strike of the hammer.

This is enough for now.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

DON'T ask me what this is. I also don't know. I've never published anything I've written until know because I am my worst critic. English is not my first language and I know I messed something, but I am not going to read it because this feels like eating whatever I've thrown up. I made this in one go for whoever is starving and wants more content. If there's something weird is maybe because I've written this with an OC of mine (I can't draw for shit so they life rentfree on my mind) and I just changed "her" to "you" to make it gender neutral too. God please give me a signal if you want to see more of this or anything else, appreciaton makes me feel less shitty and conscious of my own skin, ty

[ge]

i dont particularly ship chung myung harem as a whole but i think its ridiculously hilarious if its just people falling head over heels in love w chung myung left and right but chung myung doesnt reciprocate and leaves a trail of broken hearts behind him but theyre all loyal and obsessed with him that it almost doesnt even really matter anyway

[tangsoso]

NOOOO HE PUSHED HIS HAND AWAY TO CLASP IT INSTEAD. INCONSOLABLE

also chung myung cradling his head. what the fuckkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!

god this scene conveys so much in 3 panels… Chung Myung trying desperately to heal his closest friend. Tang Bo stopping him because he knows it’s futile, pushing away the hand that tried to heal him to hold it instead. Chung Myung cradling Tang Bo’s head to make his last moments more comfortable. Would Chung Myung have fed him qi forever if Tang Bo hadn’t stopped him?

I’m not talking about them in a romantic way, though you can definitely read into it like that. But regardless, how devastating must it have been, watching his dearest friend die with the knowledge that Tang Bo might have lived if only Chung Myung knew how to save him?

in earlier chapters we see that the past Chung Myung was always dismissive of healing and, more broadly, anything not related to martial arts. Losing Tang Bo made him realize how lacking he was. He could be the strongest man in the world, but it won’t save the dying. It would make him, (in)famous for his strength, feel helplessly weak.

This is what sets rotmhs apart from other martial arts novels!!! The emphasis on vulnerability and the limits of pure strength!!!

this tiny gesture may not be in the novel, but it tells so much. what an incredible adaptation. the webcomic is so good.

[chatonyant]

Return of the mount hua sect..... I wish I had something substantial to say but instead all I have is me screeching over fan content and also the official animations and trailers

My brain is just. Constant yelling about certain moments in the novel and the exasperation of knowing it has 1551 chapters and fan translations are nowhere near that number. Oh my god. The spoilers I've seen from memes and other fanart hurt my heart. I'm just. Grabbing this novel. And eating it. Aough. It's so fun.

The official trailers for s2 of the manhwa is very funny because apparently it seems that a catchphrase of this manhwa is "to those who haven't read this: I envy you"

So its appeared at least twice

It's so funny

It's even funnier when it's a trailer recapping the premise of the story which means it's bloody!! And sad!!! And serious!!!!! And then you look at the comments and it's people going "this is the man who will whack you on the head six times but say "HEAD" only five" it's great I love this story