Chapter 1439
Yes, I’ll remember that. (4)
A deep sense of embarrassment spread across Lee Songbaek’s face. Seeing him like that, Chung Myung burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! Why so serious? Of course, it was a joke, just a joke!”
For a moment, everyone’s hopes were once again rising in their eyes. After all, Chung Myung had betrayed their expectations before, but… maybe this time?
“So, your name is… is it… Baek, right?”
“…It’s Lee Songbaek.”
“Hahaha! Just kidding. Of course, I remember. Lee Jongbaek!”
“I am Lee Songbaek.”
Baek and Chung disciples of Hwasan patted each other’s backs. Witnessing this, everyone’s heads drooped once again.
It felt like wanting to disappear into a mouse hole.
Yoon Jong looked at Lee Songbaek with a pitiful gaze. Of course, even if Chung Myung pretended to forget Lee Songbaek, there was no way he truly did. That guy was like a ghost, remembering every possible detail.
‘Maybe he just couldn’t recall the name accurately.’
There were Jin Geumryong, Jin Eunryong and Jin Dongryong, so it’s not surprising that a name like Lee Songbaek wouldn’t stick in one’s mind.
This was more of a fault of the Jin family than Chung Myung’s… No, it was Jin Chobaek’s fault.
“You seem fine. That’s a relief.”
“Hmm?”
“…Because your wounds run deep.”
Lee Songbaek glanced at Chung Myung’s body as he patted his back. There wasn’t a single place without a wound. It felt naive of him to think they could casually exchange greetings like this.
However, Chung Myung spoke with a casual expression.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s common.”
“…Common?”
“Yeah, quite common.”
Lee Songbaek looked at Chung Myung silently, examining his face with a subtle smile. After a moment, Lee Songbaek nodded heavily.
“I understand what you mean.”
“Hmm?”
“In the past, it would have been unimaginable for the Evil Sect to invade this place. But now, it’s a world where such things happen. It’s becoming natural for the martial artists to get hurt.”
“Huh?”
“…Are you saying we have to endure such a world?”
Chung Myung gradually stepped back from Lee Songbaek. Lee Songbaek spoke seriously.
“Don’t worry, Dojang. If we didn’t have that level of determination, we wouldn’t have lifted the Bongmun.”
“Why would I worry? Who is worried about Jongnam? I hope it gets blown to bits in the duration of the war.”
It was not just a vulgar remark but almost a curse. However, Lee Songbaek didn’t show any anger – instead, he chuckled heartily. Seeing his reaction, Chung Myung quickly turned to Baek Cheon, looking puzzled.
“Sasuk. Why is he like that?”
“…”
“Bring your brother here, Sasuk. I think I can communicate better with him.”
“…I don’t like that idea.”
Chung Myung and Jin Geumryong together? Just the thought made his stomach ache.
“It’s just preparing oneself, nothing strange about it.”
“If determination alone could solve things, who would suffer?”
“Well, yes, but…”
Baek Cheon glanced at Lee Songbaek and spoke again.
“But I don’t think it’s confidence without any ground.”
Chung Myung fell silent for a moment. Even Chung Myung, who could curse Jongnam for three days and nights without a break, could not come up with a retort to these words.
“…It seems Bongmun worked out well.”
“What’s the difference between Bongmun and Pyegwan*? Sasuk had attempted Pyegwan before the tournament between Hwasan and Jongnam, and there wasn’t any improvement, was there?”
“…Why bring that up now? And how do you know if it had any effect or not? Before Pyegwan you weren’t even at Hwasan.”
“If there was an effect, wouldn’t that be more concerning?”
“Damn bastard.”
Baek Cheon’s face crumpled in frustration, and Chung Myung chuckled softly. Yet, his eyes were scrutinizing Lee Songbaek intently.
‘Well…’
Chung Myunf felt a strong aura emanating from Lee Songbaek.
If just practicing martial arts in Bongmun could make one stronger, which martial arts sect in the world would not devote themselves to it? Even if one locks oneself behind closed doors, how much stronger one becomes depends entirely on their efforts.
And now, Lee Songbaek was proving with his actions that he had not wasted his time.
“Um…”
Lee Songbaek seemed about to say something but sighed deeply instead.
“It’s a bit embarrassing.”
“Hmm?”
“Actually, I wanted to brag a little bit. I really worked hard in my training.”
There’s no need to speak of it explicitly. Even if one cannot feel the aura of his magnanimity, just looking at his hands covered in scars would give a hint of the effort he’s put in.
“But… seeing you guys, it doesn’t feel like something to brag about. I thought I had narrowed the gap a bit.”
Lee Songbaek chuckled bitterly. His words weren’t aimed solely at Chung Myung. Even from Baek Cheon, who seemed to have difficulty standing properly due to his injury, emanated a sharpness that was hard to grasp. It made one wonder if they could have faced each other like this if he were in normal condition.
‘And it’s not just him.’
Jo Geol, who looked at him with a strangely dissatisfied gaze, and Yoon Jong, who was restraining him from behind, were not to be underestimated.
‘I was ahead of them at the yearly tournament and the martial arts competition.’
Lee Songbaek had pushed himself relentlessly during his time at Bongmun, believing he had harshly trained to the point of breaking, but instead of catching up, he felt like he was being overtaken.
The confidence that had swelled up while blocking the attack of Jeok Ho’s sword suddenly returned to its original place.
At that moment, Chung Myung spoke in a blunt voice.
“Tsk. Anyway, those Jongnam bastards have no luck.”
“Hmm?”
“How is it?”
Chung Myung asked bluntly.
“Have you found your sword?”
At that question, Lee Songbaek’s gaze slightly faltered. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke with a small but firm voice.
“It’s embarrassing to say it’s my sword, but I think I know what kind of sword I need to strive for.”
“Oh?”
“And… don’t be too relieved, Chung Myung Dojang. I’m not the only one who has found their path in Jongnam.”
At those words, Chung Myung glanced at the people standing behind Lee Songbaek. Though still clumsy, there were people showing the sturdiness somewhat similar to Lee Songbaek’s.
Or rather… not exactly Lee Songbaek’s energy, but the energy similar to Jongnam of the old days that he knew. Chung Myung’s lips twisted slightly.
“Is this something to celebrate?”
“D-Dojang that’s all thanks…”
“Well, it’s just going back to square one. Jongnam couldn’t beat Hwasan in the past, so what’s different now?”
“What?!”
“You bastard?”
Jongnam’s disciples listening from behind glared at Chung Myung. But instead of being angered by their gaze, Chung Myung only grinned.
“Why? Want to spar?”
“Uhh…”
Jongnam’s disciples gritted their teeth but couldn’t bring themselves to step forward.
Now it was clear. The depth of Chung Myung that they couldn’t see even when he was right in front of them. The power they couldn’t yet fathom with their current skills.
“Well, it’s just Hwasan…”
“That’s enough.”
At that moment, Jin Geumryong raised his hand lightly, silencing the others who were about to utter something inappropriate.
“Talking won’t change anything. Whether it’s Hwasan or Jongnam that’s superior, it’s something we’ll prove to each other from now on.”
“Yes, Sahyeong.”
Baek Cheon looked at Jin Geumryong with slightly surprised eyes.
Was he capable of mediating like that? It seemed that the changes during Bongmun weren’t limited to just them or Lee Songbaek.
“It must be an honor from Hwasan’s perspective. We dared to acknowledge them as enemies.”
…It would be nice if that bastard could change a bit too…
“That bastard speaks the same way as Sasuk because I think they’re brothers.”
“No way!”
“Blood can’t be deceived.”
“I’m telling you, no!”
It was when Baek Cheon, startled and angered, was met with Chung Myung’s laugh.
“Can’t you keep quiet?”
“These brats!”
Jongli Gok and Hyun Jong shouted almost simultaneously. The disciples of Hwasan and Jongnam both flinched, their gazes lowered to the ground.
While the remaining members of the Tang clan were rescued, the clan had still suffered great losses. In such a situation, raising one’s voice recklessly would not be seen favorably. Jongli Gok clicked his tongue slightly, wearing an uneasy expression. Then, he bowed slightly towards Tang Gunak.
“It seems the disciples are not behaving properly after coming out of Bongmun for the first time in a while. Please blame me, Lord Tang, for not teaching them properly.”
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. More importantly, how did you know about this situation?”
“I heard the news from the Beggars Sect.”
“Ah… So, does that mean Jongnam has completely lifted Bongmun now?”
“That’s correct.”
Jongli Gok nodded.
“While it’s difficult to claim that Jongnam has fully regained its path and we wanted to continue at Bongmun for a few more years, we can’t just close our doors when the situation is like this.”
He paused briefly before speaking firmly. “Anyway, we’re considering intervening to calm the chaotic situation in Gangho.”
“Hmm.”
Hyun Jong nodded with a heavy expression.
Despite the uneasy relationship with Hwasan, no one denied Jongnam’s strength. They hadn’t entered Bongmun because they were lacking, but to become even stronger. If Jongnam joined the frontlines now, it would greatly bolster their strength.
“So, will you return to Shaanxi now?”
“That’s what we plan to do. What about the Tang clan?”
“We…”
Tang Gunak glanced back subtly. The members of Tangga were still tending to the wounded.
“Now that we can’t return to Sichua , we’ll have to find a place to stay.”
“If there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know.”
Jongli Gok nodded and was about to give a light nod.
“Sect Leader.”
Hyun Jong’s call came, and Jongli Gok turned to him without a word.
“Do you have something you wish to say, retired Sect Leader?”
“I know this is sudden, but… despite the breach of etiquette, I would like to make one request.”
“A request…?”
Jongli Gok nodded as if to encourage him to speak.
“Please… lend us your strength. The strength of Jongnam.”
A strange gleam flashed across Jongli Gok’s face.
“Even though Maninbang has temporarily retreated, those who invaded Sichuan are not only them. Other Evil Sects are converging in Sichuan as we speak. If Jongnam lends its strength, we can help Diancang…”
“Enough, retired Sect Leader.”
Jongli Gok’s sharp tone cut off Hyun Jong’s words. Hyun Jong’s face showed a moment of confusion.
“Sect Leader, the current situation with Diancang…”
“Jongnam will not go to Diancang.”
His tone was truly icy. Hyun Jong flinched involuntarily.
“I may have thought there have been many changes, but it seems retired Sect Leader is still the same as before.”
“…What?”
Jongli Gok’s sharp gaze pierced through Hyun Jong.
“Ease up on the pretense of being a bigger person, retired Sect Leader. And please be moderate in taking care of your own interests at the cost of other people’s blood.”
“…”
“It’s also best to moderate your aspirations of being a generous person. Since when have Jongnam and Hwasan been in the relationship of asking favors from each other?”
Hyun Jong’s shoulders trembled.
But Jongli Gok looked at him mockingly.
“If you wanted to save Diancang so badly, why didn’t you just go there in the first place? Choosing sides when it’s convenient and then pretending to be regretful afterward is just hypocrisy.”
Hyun Jong tightly shut his eyes. But instead of pitying him, Jongli Gok only sneered.
“Well, who knows. Thanks to retired Sect Leader Hyun Jong’s kindness, there are people who have given their hearts to him…”
Jongli Gok’s gaze, which sweped the Tang clan, soon turned to Chung Myung.
“Jongnam will never do such a thing. Not now, not ever.”
For a moment, Chung Myung’s and Jongli Gok’s gazes clashed harshly in the air.
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