Return of the Mount Hua Sect [EN]: Chapter 1155

Tang Gunak cleared his throat loudly. He could guess what Beop Jeong was thinking.

“Ahem.”

“Then, the Shaolin⋯⋯.”

“They’ll manage. Do we have to worry about everything they do?”

Tang Gunak squeezed his eyes shut at those words and cautiously asked again.

“But if what you say is true, shouldn’t they move away from there so we can leave the Yangtze River?”

“Hey, it’s not necessarily like that. Honestly, we’ve already gotten everything we wanted. We can leave whenever we want.”

“Huh? Earlier, you said they were the ones deciding?”

“That’s a different story. If we stay put, those bastards can’t escape, can they?”

“Are you perhaps?”

Cheong-myeong nodded and chuckled.

“They are getting weaker just because we are staying here, so why would I get up first? We need to wait until they are very weak.”

“Fighting isn’t about winning. It’s about making sure the guys you hate die.”

Looking at Cheong-myeong, Tang Gunak thought anew.

‘It’s a relief he’s not an enemy.’

If he had become enemies with that man when they first met, Tang Gunak would be suffering the same fate as Beop Jeong. It wouldn’t have ended with just a few holes in his stomach.

“So, let’s not worry about them. It’s not like we can do anything even if we keep a close eye on them. The real problem is not the Four Seas Alliance but the Nine Great Sects. For a while, all they can do is point fingers and grumble from afar. What people think is not a real thing, but it still changes what people do.”

“That’s true⋯⋯.”

What people think is not something you can touch, but it still makes people act. Especially when there’s no justification, public sentiment often ruins things. Moreover, Beop Jeong, who prioritizes face and justification, won’t be able to move for a while, no matter what the Heavenly Union does.

‘But⋯⋯.’

Tang Gunak was a cautious man. He carefully retraced his thoughts and said.

“It’s not something to be so relieved about.”

“Yes?”

“Saying they can’t move now isn’t much different from saying they will move eventually. And if I know Beop Jeong, when the time comes, he will do something really big⋯⋯.”

Tang Gunak stopped talking and closed his mouth. A look of embarrassment was evident on his face.

Cheong-myeong narrowed his eyes slightly, watching him, and finished his sentence instead.

“Appear as enemies?”

Tang Gunak couldn’t answer yes or no. Whatever he said, the results of his words here would be very serious.

‘Enemies?’

Until now, Tang Gunak had been in conflict with Shaolin several times from the Heavenly Union’s standpoint. Sometimes supporting Hwasan, and sometimes by his own will. But the things he had done so far were just more of the arguments between groups, not truly recognizing the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Families as enemies. Yet today, the word ‘enemy’ almost came out of his mouth so naturally. Even against Shaolin.

‘Is this really okay?’

Before he knew it, his perception had changed naturally. Perhaps this was happening because the Heavenly Union hadn’t clearly defined how to treat the Nine Great Sects.

“Hwasan Sword Saint.”

“Yes, Clan Lord.”

“There’s something I want to ask⋯⋯.”

At those words, Cheong-myeong shrugged.

“I know what you want to say, but it doesn’t seem like the right place, does it?”

Tang Gunak gave a wry smile, seeing that Cheong-myeong had read his mind like a ghost.

“Hmm, that’s true.”

“Well, that depends on them, not us, doesn’t it? As you’ve seen, I’ve never treated them badly first.”

“⋯⋯.”

“What’s wrong?”

“No, well⋯⋯. Just⋯⋯.”

Tang Gunak, who was about to say something, chuckled instead.

“Yes, everyone’s position is different.”

“I’m glad you understand.”

It’s better not to think about this.

“Then let’s put that story aside for now.”

Those who understood and those who didn’t all nodded at those words. Cheong-myeong shifted his gaze.

“So.”

“Huh?”

Baek Cheon, suddenly targeted, blinked, not knowing what was going on.

“Again.”

“Why are you suddenly doing this to me?”

“It seems like it’s just us chatting. You got anything to add? Don’t tell me you’re just sitting there with nothing on your mind?”

Baek Cheon, unable to answer, ‘I didn’t have any thoughts?’ made excuses with an awkward face.

“I don’t necessarily have to say it, well⋯⋯.”

“Ah, someone else will step up and do it?”

Cheong-myeong said in a nonchalant tone.

“It’s the same story we’ve been telling all along.”

“Huh?”

“When you go to war, there’s no time to wait for someone to give you instructions.”

“⋯⋯.”

“You have to judge for yourself and move on your own immediately. People die in the instant you turn your head because you can’t make a decision.”

He was speaking indifferently, but the meaning behind his words was significant.

‘So, he’s saying to think, judge, and express opinions naturally in normal times.’

Thinking that even this obvious meeting was preparation for war, a sense of tension and slight stuffiness washed over him.

“Then, while we’re on the subject⋯⋯. The small and medium-sized sects.”

“Why them? What I said earlier was just⋯⋯.”

“No. Not that, but instead of waiting for them to join on their own when the war breaks out, wouldn’t it be better to actively try to bring them in?”

“Hoo?”

Cheong-myeong looked at Baek Cheon with interest and asked.

“Why?”

“It’s what we were talking about. If the Heavenly Union doesn’t have a proper system, they won’t know who to follow. Also, if we don’t know them beforehand, won’t it be difficult to tell them what to do?”

“Oh⋯⋯.”

“Wow…”

Baek Cheon frowned, his eyes narrowing at Yoon Jong and Jo Gul’s strong reactions.

“What? What’s wrong?” he asked.

“No, Martial Uncle,” Yoon Jong replied quickly. “It’s not that we’re making fun of you, but…”

“It feels like it’s been a long time since you’ve called me ‘Martial Uncle’ like that,” Baek Cheon said, a hint of sadness in his voice.

“Come to think of it, Martial Uncle used to be like this,” Jo Gul added.

“There was even talk of you leading Mount Hua. Now you’re just the neighborhood idio—”

“…it would be better for your health to shut your trap, wouldn’t it?” Baek Cheon warned, his voice low.

“Yes, sir!” Jo Gul quickly shut his mouth. Baek Cheon ground his teeth, annoyed. Yoo Iseol silently nodded, which kept bothering him.

“Not a bad idea,” someone said.

“Actually, just waiting around was a bit passive,” added another.

Tang Gunak and Maeng So showed their approval.

“Identifying those we need to lead is important,” Tang Gunak said.

Maeng So added, “According to the Sword Saint of Mount Hua, most people still trust the Nine Great Sects. Before we get robbed blind, we should take action. Before public opinion fades and they accept the Nine Great Sects again.”

“Hmm. I agree. Baek Cheon has made a good suggestion,” another voice chimed in.

Baek Cheon straightened his shoulders, feeling more confident.

He thought, ‘Finally, I’m being recognized for my skills!’ Being praised by important people in the Heavenly Union Alliance made him feel like his old confidence was returning.

“Tsk. Such a pointless idea,” a voice interrupted, throwing cold water on his confidence.

Baek Cheon turned to see Im Sobyung leaning against the wall, grinning.

“Ah. My apologies, Baek Cheon. My mouth sometimes runs wild,” Im Sobyung said, playfully slapping his own mouth. This made Baek Cheon even angrier.

“Did you say it’s pointless?” Baek Cheon asked, his voice tight.

“Yes. Well… it’s not that your idea is bad, Baek Cheon, but I think it’s just inviting trouble for no gain. I know that’s typical for you righteous folks, but… haha,” Im Sobyung replied.

“May I ask why you think it’s pointless? It seems helpful,” Baek Cheon pressed.

“Helpful? Sure. What isn’t helpful? Even if people opened the doors and swept the yard, it would be helpful,” Im Sobyung said dismissively.

Baek Cheon’s stomach churned. ‘Just say it’s not helpful, you little rascal!’ Dealing with Chung Myung was hard enough, but with Im Sobyung, it felt unbearable.

“If you think that way…” Baek Cheon started.

“You want a reason? Of course, you can have one. What’s so hard about answering that?” Im Sobyung straightened up, unfolding his fan with a snap.

“These useless opinions come out because we’ve lost sight of the meeting’s purpose,” he stated.

“Pardon?” Baek Cheon asked, confused.

“We solved one problem, so let’s find another. What’s the main goal?” Im Sobyung asked.

“Well… to reorganize the Heavenly Union Alliance and fight the Evil Sect Alliance…” Baek Cheon answered.

“That’s the problem!” Im Sobyung exclaimed.

Those who had been nodding flinched at his outburst.

“Spouting such foolish talk is why the meeting is going around in circles! Just wasting time!” Im Sobyung declared.

The people who had been nodding quickly straightened their heads. The Five Swords, who had been agreeing, now sided with Im Sobyung and glared at Baek Cheon.

Baek Cheon’s chest burned with fury.

‘Someday I’m going to beat you guys up before I deal with the Evil Sect Alliance or whatever. Seriously…’

“It’s not to fight against the Evil Sect Alliance,” Im Sobyung corrected.

He tapped his hand with his folded fan.

“It’s to win against the Evil Sect Alliance.”

“People feel relieved when they do something, anything. They gain a sense of security that they are not idle and are making an effort. But that sense of security sometimes ruins people because it makes them waste time doing utterly useless things,” Im Sobyung explained.

“Hmm…” someone murmured.

“I ask you, if we create new positions, can we win against the Evil Sect Alliance?” Im Sobyung challenged.

Namgung Dowi flinched under Im Sobyung’s sharp gaze.

“That’s…” Namgung Dowi stammered.

“Then? If we bring in small and medium-sized sects and organize their formations, can we win against the Evil Sect Alliance?” Im Sobyung continued.

“It’s better than doing nothing…” Baek Cheon trailed off, admitting that it wouldn’t significantly impact the war.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk,” Im Sobyung clicked his tongue.

He tapped his palm with his fan again and said, “These are the kind of people leading the Heavenly Union Alliance!”

Namgung Dowi and Baek Cheon’s faces flushed red. It was hard to argue because it was true, but Im Sobyung’s words made them feel ashamed.

‘When in their lives would they ever be lectured by a member of the Evil Sect?’ they wondered.

“Still, the young master of Namgung is a bit better,” Im Sobyung said.

“Huh?” Namgung Dowi looked at Im Sobyung in surprise.

‘Could it be that this man was going to defend him…?’ he thought.

“It’s true that positions are needed. Instead of wasting time gathering people for meetings, it would be better to create proper military positions and put me in charge! Then you wouldn’t have to worry, just do what I order, Kraaah!” Im Sobyung shouted.

A wooden pillow hit Im Sobyung, sending him rolling across the floor and crashing into the wall.

“That Evil Sect bastard always crosses the line, not knowing when to butt in,” Chung Myung said, dusting off his hands.

The others stared blankly, then flinched as they saw Hyun Jong subtly retract his hand.

‘Huh? That wooden pillow was originally near the Alliance Leader…’

“But he does have a point,” Chung Myung shrugged, looking at the wriggling Im Sobyung.

“Alright, go on and blather. So, if we want to win against the Evil Sect Alliance, what should we do?” Chung Myung asked.

“After beating me up like this?” Im Sobyung grumbled.

“Ah, so you want to get hit more?” Chung Myung threatened.

“Agh, damn it,” Im Sobyung said, wiping blood from his nose with his sleeve. He grimaced and straightened up again.

Everyone watched his mouth with nervous eyes, waiting for his answer.