Chapter 1622: With Our Blood and Lives! (Part 2)

Jaegal Jain thought it was surprising.

After all, past connections shape the present, and those living in the present strive to transcend the past.

Yet, Jaegal Jain saw it differently. There was another truth hidden behind this phenomenon.

Meng So clearly opposed Chung Myung's opinion in the past. But now, he passionately supported it more than anyone else. However, no one here found this fact strange or worthy of mention. They didn't even harbor the slightest doubt.

Everything seemed reasonable. And it was all thanks to one person sitting across from Meng So.

'Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword, Chung Myung.'

If someone else had said it, could they have avoided ridicule? Was there anyone naive enough to believe such a dreamlike story at face value?

But simply because he said it, it became believable. Absurdly so. There was an inherent truth in his words that made doubting them impossible. It was a necessary quality to unite people in one place.

Both righteous and evil sects, factions and families, and even the Outer Palaces.

The Heavenly Comrade Alliance, where individuals who could never possibly mix come together. It felt like confirming with one's own eyes the existence of something unimaginable even in dreams.

Jaegal Jain took a deep breath and spoke.

"How are things with the Moyong Family? Haven't you changed your mind yet?"

Moyong Wigyung chewed on his lips with a pale face as if realizing his isolated position.

"...You are being cruel. What resistance could I possibly offer in this situation?"

"No, that's not the kind of answer I'm looking for."

"...What?"

"The people here are not here because they were coerced, but because they voluntarily relinquished their authority. If someone with different intentions is among them, the foundation of the alliance may shake."

Jaegal Jain's eyes were not just composed but cold. Moyong Wigyung was simply at a loss. Perhaps he was pretending to be rational, but ultimately, wasn't it a hint to leave if he didn't intend to participate enthusiastically in the alliance?

It might not be wrong, but the problem was that Jaegal Jain said it. How could a person who was so anxious about not being able swallow Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword's power suddenly change his attitude and put pressure on his close friend?

"Jaegal Gaju-nim. How could..."

"This seat is vacant."

Though Moyong Wigyung protested with a resentful voice, Jaegal Jain cut him off firmly.

"And it's also a place to discuss the crisis that has come upon the world. his is not the place to respond based on personal feelings."

Moyong Wigyung bit his lip again.

"What do you intend to do?"

Moyong Wigyung's face gradually reddened. Why did he hand over the command? Did they know what they were going to do? They hadn't even decided who would lead the new alliance yet!

Moyong Wigyung asked through gritted teeth.

"Can you really do that? Can you really allow our disciples to fight under that Evil Sect member's orders, even if it costs them their lives? Do you realize how absurd this is...?"

"Yes. I can."

Moyong Wigyung was momentarily speechless. Jaegal Jain spoke up.

"Surely, it would be better for the Zhuge Family to bite their tongue and die than to see them receive orders from the Nokrim King."

"M-My words weren't..."

"But it is the Alliance's commanders giving orders to us, not the Nokrim King. That also means he won't be the Nokrim King anymore the moment he relinquishes all his authority and position."

"Just for that reason..."

As Moyong Wigyung's words trailed off, Jaegal Jain sternly looked at him.

"Just for that reason... Maybe that's true. Simply relinquishing authority doesn't erase the past."

But even so, Jaegal Jain had no intention of rejecting this path.

Because sometimes he knew there were things beyond all these complicated circumstances and positions. He may not be worthy enough to walk that path, but he certainly didn't intend to become a fool who tripped over his own feet.

"So, what's your answer?"

Jaegal Jain pressed on without hesitation, causing Moyong Wigyung to exhale deeply.

"I..."

"Then it's settled."

"What?"

But this time, Jaegal Jain firmly nodded his head.

"You will withdraw, Moyong Segae."

"Oh, no, Gaju-nim. What do you mean by that? Why would you decide the fate of my disciples without my consent...?"

"This is a matter of life and death. Are you telling me to entrust my disciple's backs to a someone filled with dissatisfaction at relinquishing their authority?"

Moyong Wigyung's eyes shook visibly for a moment. And the gazes of those around him weren't particularly gentle.

'Oh, no...'

His emotions ran high, causing a momentary lapse in awareness that this place was an alliance. While the Ten Great Sects took the form of an alliance, in reality, it was a place where Beopjeong's words equated to law. On the other hand, everyone could easily speak up in this place. Truly the form of an 'alliance.'

In other words, if they didn't accept the Moyong Family, it meant he couldn't step foot here regardless of his intentions. In this situation, Moyong Wigyung's only choice remained.

In a scenario where all those who bore the name 'righteous' gathered under one roof, the Moyong Family alone could not act independently. Moyong Wigyung knew better than anyone that the Moyong Familly hadn't secured such a position.

"...I, too, will join you all."

Although not very clear, an answer came nonetheless. Jaegal Jain, who had been glancing at Moyong Wigyung, turned his gaze to Hyun Jong and Tang Gunak. As if to confirm that the authority to decide all this lay with them.

But ultimately, the gaze fell on Chung Myung.

"What will you do?"

"Me?"

"Yes, Chief."

"That's something for Maengju-nim to decide..."

As Chung Myung tried to back out, Jaegal Jain latched onto him.

"Of course, but I'm asking for the Chief's opinion."

As Jaegal Jain pressured him, Chung Myung made a groaning sound and scratched the back of his head. Clearly, this person wasn't someone who could be easily manipulated like Im Sobyeong. [...our poor bandit...]

"Well, there's no need to refuse, I guess."

"Even if the Moyong Familly doesn't empathize with Alliance's proposed justice?"

"Well... I haven't really thought grandly about justice or anything like that."

Chung Myung shrugged.

"Even if there is such a thing, wouldn't it be obvious where those who completely respond and follow his words would end up? It'd funny of the person who said he was going to tear down the wall to tell someone to get out because they couldn't tear it down."

The corners of Jaegal Jain's tightly closed mouth softened slightly.

"I understand. If that's what you mean, I agree too."

Hyun Jong, who had been silently observing the situation, looked at everyone.

"Is there anyone else with objections?"

Most of the sect leaders shook their heads without a word.

"Then let's proceed like this. Now, there's just Southern Island left..."

At Hyun Jong's words, Tang Gunak interjected with a bitter smile.

"Since no one from the Southern Island Sect could participate as a representative of the sect, I'll ask for their intentions separately upon their arrival in Shaanxi."

It wasn't a proper procedure, but no one opposed it. It was too obvious what choice Southern Island would make.

Moreover, the Southern Island Sect currently had no authority to wield or authority to maintain. If this became an opportunity, it became an opportunity. There shouldn't be any complaints.

"Is there anyone else with objections?"

As Hyun Jong asked for the last time, everyone remained silent. A big realization flashed across his face for a moment. He had believed it wouldn't be possible, but here...

His gaze turned to Chung Myung and then to Baek Cheon, who had started it all.

It would have been unimaginable with just the ones who had been leading before. It was all made possible by the future leaders of Kangho. Not just confined to Mount Hua.

"Maengju-nim."

At Tang Gunak's urging, Hyun Jong nodded. This was just the beginning. Once it transitioned into practical matters, there would be more troublesome issues to deal with. It was too early to get emotional.

"Well then..."

Just as Hyun Jong was about to conclude the meeting.

"One moment."

Jong Rigok suddenly raised his right hand.

"I have something to say before the sect leaders. I request the right to speak."

"What do you mean...?"

As an unexpected figure intervened, Hyun Jong's eyes widened slightly with surprise.

"This isn't about Maengju-nim. It's about Southern Edge Sect, and..."

Jong Rigok's gaze met Hyun Jong's directly.

"It's about Mount Hua."

Hyun Jong slowly nodded with widened eyes.

"...Please speak. We'll listen."

"Yes."

Jong Rigok stood up from his seat. Countless eyes focused on him. Curiosity, puzzlement, and even the boundless darkness harbored by Chung Myung were all different colors.

Jong Rigok looked at everyone and thought.

His mouth wouldn't open.

But seeing the eyes of the one who carried even greater trust than that, he finally managed to part his lips with difficulty.

"Southern Edge Sect has a debt with Mount Hua."

Instantly, everyone's faces stiffened.

Why bring up such words in this situation?

"Of course, it can be left unasked. We can just pretend nothing happened. If I wish, the elders of the Mount Hua Sect won't even bother to bring this matter up. But... if we don't cut out the festering wound, eventually, it will rot and ruin us all."

For a moment, Jong Rigok's eyes, which seemed to hesitate, gradually became firmer. He looked directly at Hyun Jong and spoke firmly.

"The Southern Edge Sect has committed unforgivable sins against the Mount Hua Sect."

Hyun Jong's face was immediately filled with confusion.

"Well, Sect Leader."

"This is the sin committed by the Southern Edge Sect's predecessors and me, who serve as the Sect Leader of the Southern Edge Sect. The sin is..."

"Well, it's kind of like that."

At that moment, someone's voice unexpectedly interrupted him.

Chung Myung, who had drawn the attention of the elders, leaned back in his chair, nonchalantly clasping his hands behind his head. As if none of this was a big deal.

"It wasn't right of people from a righteous sect to prey on the kids like they were catching rats, saying they were sparring with a fallen faction But... well... it doesn't concern us much. We can do it too. So, don't try to apologize and slip away subtly. It's our turn now."

Some faces expressed relief at his words, while others chuckled softly.

Mount Hua-Southern Edge Competition. [actually not sure...?] The interaction between the Southern Edge Sect and Mount Hua, a competition referred to as the Mount Hua-Southern Edge Competition, was not an entirely honorable affair. Since it wasn't entirely righteous, it wouldn't be a bad idea to clean it up while they had the chance.

Jong Rigok looked directly at Chung Myung. Chung Myung, meeting his gaze, spoke.

"So, let's stop wasting time and get down to business. We have a lot to do."

Gradually, Jong Rigok's lips curled up slightly.

He was an intriguing person.

He didn't let them ignore what could have been left alone and now he was trying to forgive himself first.

Then, Hyun Jong also stepped forward to Chung Myung.

"Yes, Sect Leader. Our Mount Hua Sect did not bear ill will towards the Mount Hua-Southern Edge Competition. Although it wasn't easy, we now recognize that the alliance was of great help to our Mount Hua Sect. So..."

Hyun Jong was perplexed, not knowing what to do next. Observing this, Jong Rigok briefly glanced up at the ceiling. Then, he lowered his gaze and focused solely on one person.

Jin Geumryong.

The one who would eventually bear the burden of the Southern Edge Sect in place of him.

Jong Rigok spoke.

"The Southern Edge Sect...in the past, despite having ample opportunity, refused to assist the Mount Hua Sect when it was invaded by the remnants of the Demonic Sect. Moreover, it took advantage of that opportunity to steal the Mount Hua Sect's plum blossom swordsmanship and turn it into the Southern Edge Sect's own techniques."

"Um, Sect Leader..."

"What on earth...?"

The sect leaders, shocked by the revelation, tried to say something, but Jong Rigok's gaze was now solely on Hyun Jong.

"Furthermore, the Southern Edge Sect continuously undermined the Mount Hua Sect, causing it to completely collapse. Despite knowing what the Mount Hua Sect did during the past Demonic War, the Southern Edge Sect repaid its grace with enmity and committed acts that went against cooperation and harmony."

No one dared to speak out.

Not the other sects, not even Hyun Jong or Jin Geumryong, and not even Chung Myung, who remained silent as if frozen.

"All of this... is the sin of the Southern Edge Sect that has been going on for a long time. And my sin, which I have simply taken for granted. So..."

Jong Rigok bowed his head deeply. As deeply as if his forehead touched the ground. As deeply as if he had always been trampled on, and indeed he had been, towards Hyun Jong, who had always been that way.

"If punishment is to be paid, I will bear it entirely. Please... I request punishment for the Mount Hua Sect."

His sagging shoulders were trembling. As much as the weight of the name he carried, as much as the weight of the sin he bore.