Chapter 1520
This isn’t my fault, right? (5)
Gritting his teeth, the tendons bulged on Pung Yeong Shin Gae’s jaws as he tried to suppress his emotions. Watching this, the disciples of Hwasan felt awkward, until someone chuckled.
“Well, that’s only natural.”
“…”
“There’s no need for thanks. It’s just natural, of course! Hahaha!”
Pung Yeong Shin Gae seemed to be at a loss for words, his composure shattered.
The disciples of Hwasan silently applauded.
‘Our Chung Myung did well!’
‘There are times when being oblivious can be helpful.’
‘Is he really oblivious? That guy’s perceptive like a ghost – maybe he’s doing it on purpose?’
‘What does it matter?’
In a brief moment, Pung Yeong Shin Gae’s face changed colors dozens of times before he managed to calm himself down with a deep sigh that seemed to sink into the ground.
“……Anyway, thank you.”
It was complicated and subtle.
It was true that Hwasan had saved him and had cut out the rotten parts of his sect.
But still…
If someone came to a doctor with injured fingers and toes and the doctor started cutting off arms and legs, saying ‘Now you’re all treated, you’re fine,’ wouldn’t it be hard to thank them sincerely?
No, he was lucky if only his arms and legs were cut off. Actually, he’d lost about half of his assets as well… The more he thought about it, the more his head throbbed.
“So, what will you do now?”
“First… I’ll have to rebuild the destroyed headquarters. And then…”
Pung Yeong Shin Gae stroked his chin.
“I plan to step down once the elders’ fate is settled.”
“Their fate?”
“I intend to keep my word about not holding them accountable, but I can’t just leave things as they are. This incident has made me realize they had too much power.”
“Hmm.”
Chung Myung gave Pung Yeong Shin Gae a curious look, as if questioning his true intentions. Under that gaze, that seemed to dig into the truth, Pung Yeong Shin Gae continued, as if he had no other choice.
“If they remain in their current positions, it will hinder the new Sect Leader from implementing his vision. People don’t change that easily, so I’ll have to take responsibility for those I’ve ruined and step down.”
“New wine in new bottles?”
“That’s right.”
Chung Myung nodded in agreement, then suddenly paused.
“Then the next Sect Leader is… don’t tell me…”
“It’s exactly what you’re thinking.”
Hwasan’s disciples all turned their gazes to the side simultaneously. Standing awkwardly like a lonely barley sack was Hong Daekwang.
“What? What is it?”
Various emotions flickered across the faces of Hwasan’s disciples.
“Well, actually… there’s no other option…”
“After all that chaos, it would be strange to have someone else take over as Sect Leader now.”
“That’s true. But still…”
One question filled the faces of Hwasan’s disciples as they looked at each other.
‘Will it be okay?’
They couldn’t help but feel uneasy. That man becoming the Sect Leader of the Beggars Sect?
“Is it decided?”
“Yes, Geomhyeop.”
“…Really?”
“…”
“Really? Truly? Without any regrets? Do you have a plan? What are you thinking…”
“Hey, you! Why are you doing this to me?”
“No, I know you! You’re not the type to lead anyone!”
“You said you’d make me the Sect Leader!”
“Well, the situation was urgent – what could I say?”
“What did you say? And you call yourself a Taoist!”
Chung Myung glared.
“This is like making porridge only to give it to a beggar… no, it’s like giving it to a dog! Trying to save the Beggars Sect might just ruin it more!”
“How much have I helped you, you bastard!”
“You call that helping? That?”
Watching the two bicker, Pung Yeong Shin Gae laughed and spoke in a calm voice.
“I determined that capability is not the most important thing.”
“Hmm?”
“If there are shortcomings, others can assist. That’s what positions are for. The important thing is not whether someone is highly capable but whether they are walking the right path.”
With his mind firmly made up, Pung Yeong Shin Gae’s eyes were resolute.
“And this is not just my decision. There was a strong recommendation from Ilho Shin Gae. That should quell most of the elders’ opposition.”
Chung Myung looked at Hong Daekwang with a reluctant expression before letting out a deep sigh.
“Don’t sigh right in front of my face!”
“You’re a beggar, not a person…”
“You little…”
Hong Daekwang, who had been flaring up, snorted.
“I’m the one most bewildered right now! I was called to the headquarters expecting a scolding, and then suddenly a war breaks out, and if that’s not enough, I’m about to become the Sect Leader overnight!”
“So, do you not want it?”
“I really want it!”
“…”
“Ah, no. That was a slip of the tongue.”
Not only the disciples of Hwasan but even Pung Yeong Shin Gae stared at Hong Daekwang with soulless eyes.
“…Reconsider.”
“Think it over once more.”
“This doesn’t seem right.”
A moment of conflict flickered across Pung Yeong Shin Gae’s face, but he soon shook his head again.
“No reconsideration.”
“Oh no.”
“It’s over.”
“We should just cut ties with the Beggars Sect. This place is finished.”
Seeing the reactions of Hwasan’s disciples, Pung Yeong Shin Gae gave a bitter smile.
“There’s no need to worry too much. I plan to call Jao Gae and place him in the Guardian position.”
“Oh!”
“If it’s Grandpa Jao Gae, well…”
“Then it might be better.”
At the mention of Jao Gae, everyone nodded. No one paid any attention to the emotionally wounded Hong Daekwang.
“But Sect Leader, what’s the difference between a Guardian and an elder?”
“The distribution is similar. Some sects use different names, but to put it simply… an elder is usually an honorary position, whereas a Guardian holds real power. That’s how you can think of it.”
“What do you mean?”
“A Guardian’s role is more focused on protecting the sect, so it’s more geared towards martial strength.”
“I understand.”
You didn’t understand.
Baek Cheon resolved to grab Jo Geol later and explain it to him again. Pung Yeong Shin Gae spoke once more.
“And from what I saw today, Chu Myeon Gae seems suitable for the Guardian position as well, so I will have to ask him to assist too.”
“Oh, you mean that ugly beggar grandpa?”
“Hey, you brat! How can you call someone ugly to their face?”
“No, he’s called Chu Myeon Gae because he’s ugly! If you want to argue, blame the Beggars Sect for giving him that nickname!”
“…What?”
Come to think of it, that was true…
“Ahem!”
Pung Yeong Shin Gae cleared his throat and subtly turned his gaze away. Watching this, Baek Cheon smiled to himself.
‘From our perspective, this isn’t a bad outcome.’
Regardless of his abilities, everyone knew about Hong Daekwang’s enthusiasm and righteousness. Besides, no one could deny that Hong Daekwang was the most friendly towards Hwasan within the Beggars Sect.
Having someone like him become the Sect Leader of the Beggars Sect could be very advantageous for Hwasan.
Moreover, in the process of resolving this matter, they had confirmed that there were also factions in Jongnam and Shaolin that were friendly towards Hwasan.
This might be a greater achievement than merely changing the Sect Leader of the Beggars Sect.
‘Especially Shaolin…’
At that moment, Chung Myung spoke up.
“When do you plan to hand over the authority?”
“First, I need to sort out the headquarters.”
“So, you’ll step down as soon as that’s done?”
“Isn’t that what I should do?”
Pung Yeong Shin Gae looked quite relieved. He could finally put down the heavy burden that had always weighed on his shoulders.
“Thanks to you, Geomhyeop, I realized that the future of the Beggars Sect should be entrusted to those who will live it. Although it’s not very reassuring…”
Pung Yeong Shin Gae glanced at Hong Daekwang and shook his head.
“That too is just the desire of someone who knows it’s time to step down.”
“…”
“The wrongs I have committed against the Beggars Sect can be repaid even if I’m not the Sect Leader. From now on, I intend to spend the rest of my life atoning as an ordinary beggar within the sect, not as its leader.”
Pung Yeong Shin Gae’s gaze shifted towards the ceiling of the hall.
What he was looking at wasn’t just the ceiling, but a certain someone lying above it.
“My Master would want that as well.”
“Tsk.”
Chung Myung clicked his tongue in disapproval.
“The ones who really need to atone are already dead.”
“Chung Myung!”
“Watch your mouth! Watch your mouth!”
To others, Chung Myung’s words would have seemed extremely disrespectful, but Pung Yeong Shin Gae merely smiled. He knew that the person in front of him was the only one in this world who could reprimand his master. And he understood that those harsh words were spoken out of genuine concern.
Chung Myung’s gaze turned to Hong Daekwang.
“Anyway, now we have to talk to this guy, right?”
“…”
“The Sect Leader of the Beggars Sect…”
Chung Myung’s face gradually contorted. He had started this endeavor to restore the Beggars Sect to its original state, but the outcome was not quite what he had envisioned.
“Argh. Anyway, spare Sect Leader.”
“Hahahaha! Speak, Hwasan Geomhyeop!”
Hong Daekwang puffed out his chest proudly. At that moment, Chung Myung instinctively punched his jutting chin.
“Ow!”
“Hey, Chung Myung!”
“He’s the Sect Leader! Sect Leader!”
“Not yet! He’s not Sect Leader yet!”
“But you can’t just hit him out of the blue!”
“He makes me want to hit him!”
“Well, that’s true, but still…!”
Even Baek Cheon couldn’t argue against Chung Myung’s words.
However, the one who had been punched stood up, seemingly unfazed, grinning broadly.
“Oh, it’s fine.”
“What?”
“After all, it’s practically the same as Hwasan making me the Sect Leader, so a punch to the chin is no big deal! Hahahaha!”
“Chung Myung, calm down!”
“Why are you so angry?”
“Honestly, it’s infuriating, Sahyeong.”
“…Actually, I feel the same way.”
Hong Daekwang was a person who made one understand why the saying “to scratch (provoke) people [사람을 긁는다]” exists. Chung Myung sighed and asked,
“Huu, so what are you going to do now?”
“About what?”
“The Beggars Sect! You’re going to be the Sect Leader! What are you going to do with it?”
Hong Daekwang rubbed his swollen chin and replied.
“What do you mean, what will I do? The answer is obvious.”
“Huh?”
“Hwasan Geomhyeop. As you know, I’m not very bright.”
“Yeah, and you lack tact.”
“Not to mention skill.”
“And you’re ugly.”
“…Watch it, you little brats.”
Hong Daekwang gritted his teeth. Then he let out a deep sigh, his face growing serious.
“Despite all that, I believe the reason I got this far is because I have an eye for people.”
“Hmm?”
“And what I’m particularly good at is finding someone who can show me the way.”
Hong Daekwang straightened his posture. Gone was his usual slouching demeanor, replaced by a firm and resolute expression.
“Hwasan Geomhyeop. No, Chung Myung, the General of Cheonumaeng.”
“Hmm?”
“The moment I become the Sect Leader, I will request the Beggars Sect to join Cheonumaeng. Please, do not reject our intent.”
Facing Hong Daekwang’s serious demeanor, Chung Myung’s expression also turned earnest. Hong Daekwang continued,
“The Beggars Sect will use all its power to support Cheonumaeng. To stand against the impending crisis that threatens the world!”
“Hmm.”
Chung Myung slowly clasped his hands together and respectfully bowed.
“If the Sect Leader says so, our Cheonumaeng will likewise welcome the Beggars Sect with all our sincerity.”
Chung Myung’s eyes shone as he spoke with renewed conviction.
“And we will all strive to ensure that whatever Sect Leader hopes to achieve through Cheonumaeng comes to fruition.”
“I trust you will.”
The two men clasped hands firmly.
When they first met in Luoyang, neither had fame nor position.
Now, here they were, representing a sect and an alliance, shaking hands.
As the two exchanged glances and slowly released their hands, Pung Yeong Shin Gae, who had been watching the scene with a somewhat moved expression, opened his mouth to speak.
“Ahem.”
Chung Myung’s face contorted slightly.
“But um…”
“Yes?”
“…I’m not sure if this is the right thing to do.”
The disciples of Hwasan empathized wholeheartedly with Chung Myung’s words, as if he had voiced their inner thoughts.
Of course, silently.
Comments