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The scent of all Mount Hua Sect disciples would end with a hint of plum blossoms as a consequence of practicing their Sect's Tao.
In the Sect on the verge of collapse that Chung Myung encountered after his rebirth, that fragrance could only be found in the plum trees that had remained untouched through the passage of time.
How annoying it was.
Even the smell of dust was stronger!
The body of little Cho Sam, who had started practicing martial arts in this scant month and had adapted to the internal imbalance, began to give off the same aroma that had followed him in his past life. Unlike other disciples in his Sect, everything Chung Myung had ever known was in Mount Hua.
When he was young, Chung Myung liked the way the elders rubbed his wrist to mark it with the distinctive scent of plum blossom swordsmen. No matter what mix of other elements they were exposed to, they always had something in common.
Later, his Sahyung would rub his wrist tenderly as they talked, instinctively treating Chung Myung like his own pup. Chung Myung himself hadn't been very close to other young men, rather he found the camaraderie of other alphas, such as Tang Bo, comforting. It's perhaps for this reason that he didn't realize at first that the habit taught and repeated since his childhood had taken root in his subconscious.
He blamed the changes that had taken place over time; his precious Mount Hua smelled of dust, stone, wood, sandalwood, and grass. They were all very common smells that irritated his nose.
After a strenuous afternoon of training, this scent was even more distinctive on his teammates Yoon Jong and Jo Gul, who sat on his bed when they tried to question him about his latest escapade.
Chung Myung couldn't hold back anymore. He stood up with a sudden impetus that alerted the children, who stepped back cautiously. Chung Myung didn't allow any of this, he took hold of his wrists and pulled them into his lap.
"Do you know the title given to the disciples of Mount Hua?"
Jo Gul exchanged an uncertain look with Yoon Jong, tentatively replying, “Taoists? Swordsmen?
They were correct answers, but not the one Chung Myung wanted. He began to rub his wrists in gentle circles, making the children instinctively calm down.
“Plum Blossom Swordsmen. Mainly because of the plum blossoms characteristic of Mount Hua techniques, but also because all the disciples who have trained here will end up with the fragrance of plum blossoms in their scent. Without exception."
When he let go their wrists, the faint scent of plum blossoms had hung over they.
Jo Gul resisted the urge to sniff his wrist out of curiosity, at least until they were out of the room. Yoon Jong did his best to keep his composure, staring at Chung Myung waiting for his voiceless questions to be answered.
Chung Myung didn't say anything else, he just snorted in annoyance before complaining to himself about today's youth.
Later, after confronting Zhongnan, Yoon Jong didn't hold back from questioning him anymore.
"Can we make plum blossoms too? Could it be part of our aroma?"
"Cannnn we? It is the least you all should achieve!"
To bring back the former glory of the Mount Hua Sect. To bring back the same comforting aroma that he remember as his home...
After the careful training regimen he put the second class disciples through, Chung Myung's habit began to surface once more. Yoon Jong and Jo Gul had already gotten used to the prickly nose of the youngest disciple, who couldn't spend more than five minutes in front of them without bursting out with something like “phew, these thugs… They smell like beggars! Come here now."
Baek Cheon and Yu Iseol had opposite reactions.
Baek Cheon recoiled from the intrusive touch, filled with irritation. He was so much older than his Sajil, he had long since stopped receiving such treatment and he should be the one to provide it instead!
"Sasuk smells good, although it's a bit common," Chung Myung mercilessly criticized, "are you not ashamed to walk around, declaring yourself a disciple of Mount Hua, without the slightest hint of plum blossoms?"
Contrary to his initial reaction, Baek Cheon became quite fond of this treatment, even though he would be the first to stand still to receive the extra attention. He would never admit that he was looking forward to it.
Yu Iseol, on the other hand, while she would have been angered by the treatment from any other young disciple, when she brought her wrist close to her nose… she thought she smelled something similar to her father's scent.
It was strange to be pampered like a puppy by the younger, but instinctive respect held them in their places, and in time, they even strutted about their perceived privilege. In front of strangers, it seemed odd to find a group of alphas and beta impregnated with the scent of the youngest alpha, they might even think they were being lenient with him.
This treatment continued to be lavished until the young disciples managed to make the long-awaited plum blossoms bloom on their own swords. After constant practice, they themselves began to notice the change in the aroma of their companions.
The elders were very proud of them, constantly complimenting them for the scent 'befitting an excellent swordsman from Mount Hua, full of talent and a bright future ahead'.
However, that bastard's fussy nose seemed to be messed up, because he didn't seem to know the difference; the unsuspecting disciple's wrist would be kidnapped. Chung Myung was full of complaints as he lavished an act that should be filled with tenderness.
Secretly, the disciples eagerly awaited their turns, and if they neglected their wrists on purpose in Chung Myung's presence… Well, no one had to know.
And when a young female disciple from the Tang Clan joined them, she was eagerly greeted by the disciples, who, excited to find a new member, reached out to rub her wrist at the oddest of times.
“Every disciple of Mount Hua carries the scent of plum blossoms."
The scent of home. Even for those who have just arrived. Because those who were before would make sure to show them that they belonged to Mount Hua.