Chapter 1619
I’m prepared to cut it off. (4)
Tension lingered in the gazes directed at Jongli Gok.
It was only natural. One’s position changes with the situation. Though Jongli Gok was the same person as he had been until recently, his standing was now entirely different.
When Cheonumaeng took the lead on something, Jongli Gok was merely a supporter. But when everyone’s opinions needed to be gathered, Jongli Gok held clear value.
He was the leader of the Anti-Hwasan faction.
Now that Shaolin had collapsed and Gupailbang had fallen, the only one who could directly oppose the initiatives led by Hwasan was Jongli Gok of Jongnam. This meant that the atmosphere of the meeting could shift drastically depending on what he said.
Knowing this, everyone held their breath and watched his expression. However, Jongli Gok made an unexpected move.
Step.
After slowly surveying the attendees of the meeting, Jongli Gok sat in an empty seat, closed his eyes, and pressed his lips together without saying a word.
His reaction, which could not be interpreted as either positive or negative, left some faces relieved and others disappointed.
Tang Gunak cleared his throat to break the tension.
“Ahem. To continue the meeting…”
After hesitating for a moment, he continued.
“Nanman Beasts Palace and Northern Sea Ice Palace have expressed opposition to the current issue, while Sichuan Tang clan supported it…”
“We, the Moyong family, also decline.”
Before the summary was even finished, Moyong Wigyeong raised his hand.
“We fully understand the significance of the proposal by the General. However…”
Moyong Wigyeong looked at Chung Myung with slightly sharp eyes and said.
“I don’t know if changing the entire structure that was maintained up to now, right before the war, is really the right idea. At times like this, shouldn’t we distinguish between ideals and reality?”
Tang Gunak struggled not to let out a blatant sigh.
‘Yes, this is to be expected.’
Even he hadn’t thought differently at first. People are instinctively afraid of change, especially those who have much to lose and much more to protect.
Now, the atmosphere in the meeting room was clear.
There were already three sects with negative opinions, while only Sichuan Tang Clan had supported Chung Myung. With the mood as it was, even those who had a somewhat positive mindset would find it difficult to speak up.
If only Namgung Dowi had been there, he would have given Chung Myung strength and support…
“So, what does Nokrim think?”
That’s why Tang Gunak had no choice but to ask Im Sobyeong for his opinion. Although he was from an Evil Sect and couldn’t provide significant support in such a setting, at least he could prevent the atmosphere from becoming completely one-sided.
However, Im Sobyeong’s reaction was unexpectedly cynical.
“Well… Nokrim has always been in the position of a scapegoat. What difference does it make whether we agree or disagree?”
“…Nokrim King?”
Im Sobyeong glanced coldly at those seated.
“Looking at everyone here, it seems like you all think that using bandits who deserve to die anyway to hold back the enemy by their ankles would be beneficial.”
“Nokrim King, your words are too much.”
“Oh, really?”
Im Sobyeong turned his gaze to Tang Gunak. Tang Gunak found himself momentarily speechless under those calm and transparent eyes.
Come to think of it, Nokrim might have to bear the most significant damage if things went according to Chung Myung’s opinion.
Although Nokrim had established a solid position within Cheonumaeng, not everyone agreed with Cheonumaeng’s stance.
If you think about it straightforwardly, would Nokrim under Jongnam, Zhuge, or Moyong really be treated properly? Would they truly consider Nokrim’s bandits as equal comrades?
Probably not. In fact, even the other sects might look down on or avoid Nokrim.
Given the situation, Tang Gunak couldn’t help but painfully realize how contradictory Cheonumaeng, which he thought was built on everyone’s will, actually was.
In the end, it was just a few individuals moving each sect who gathered their will. And even they joined Cheonumaeng because they saw Hwasan as a focal point, not because they particularly trusted each other.
‘Is it really possible? The kind of Cheonumaeng that Hwasan Geomhyeop talked about?’
Now even Tang Gunak began to feel doubtful. Even Hyun Jong had already closed his eyes. As the retired Sect Leader of Hwasan, it would be difficult for him to speak on this matter easily. Any words he said wouldn’t be taken at face value.
“Then…”
Despite this, Tang Gunak tried to speak to turn the situation around positively. But at that moment, Zhuge Jain raised his hand.
“Before that, I have a few questions for the General.”
Chung Myung unfolded his arms, which he had kept crossed the whole time, and faced Zhuge Jain.
“As you can see, everyone is against this. What will you do if things don’t go the way you intend?”
Chung Myung smirked.
“Do you think I would just throw up my hands and leave if things don’t go my way?”
Zhuge Jain did not deny it. Chung Myung shrugged.
“Well, what can I do? I’ll still fight. I have to fight, no matter what.”
“Then why are you pushing for something so unreasonable?”
“Why? Surely, you’re not asking because you don’t know?”
Chung Myung laughed again at Zhuge Jain’s question. It was bordering ridicule, clearly impolite, but no one pointed it out.
Eventually, Chung Myung’s eyes darkened.
“Because we have to win.”
His heavy voice filled the meeting room.
“Because I don’t want to lose. Because I don’t want to die. Because I’m tired of watching people die needlessly.”
You naturally come to understand when you observe. Why the wars of the past dragged on so miserably. Why even the wise Chung Mun had no choice but to sacrifice himself and Hwasan.
Those who desperately cling to what they have won’t let go of it until the very end. Even in situations where everyone could survive with a little sacrifice from each, they sink because they can’t loosen their grip.
The sects of the past must have been even more dreadful than what he sees now. What kind of heart did Chung Mun have as he watched this? With what feelings did he speak of this sacrifice to Chung Myung?
Chung Myung looked at everyone with cold eyes and spoke.
“On the contrary, I’d like to ask you what exactly you are trying to protect.”
“General, your words are a bit…”
Tang Gunak tried to calm him down, but Chung Myung continued, grinding his teeth.
“Is sacrifice that cheap?”
“…”
“Is death that insignificant? Is the weight of the lives lost in Hubei still not enough for you to understand?”
“Chung Myung…”
Baek Cheon unconsciously tried to intervene, but in this moment, even his words held no weight for Chung Myung. Those who haven’t experienced it will never know. The irreversible choices, the weight of what was lost.
“Honor, glory, power… I don’t know how great you think those things are, but to me, they don’t seem greater than the lives that will be lost for them.”
Maeng So, who had been quietly listening, sighed.
“General, we oppose this precisely because that weight is not light. We’re afraid those lives will be treated lightly.”
“It can be done differently. It doesn’t have to be that way.”
“…”
“I am not perfect. And this position isn’t one where I create everything myself. We can talk and make adjustments. Everyone has different thoughts, and everyone will have different methods. This place exists for that very reason.”
“Hmm…”
“Thinking that it can’t be done denies everything we’ve done up to now. So what meaning does this place have? This relationship? And this damned alliance!”
“Chung Myung!”
Even Hyun Jong, startled, raised his voice.
This couldn’t go on. Even if his proposal wasn’t accepted, they couldn’t leave bitterness among them. That would lead to permanent division among those present.
But despite Hyun Jong’s earnest attempts to stop him, one person didn’t miss Chung Myung’s outburst.
“He’s right.”
All eyes focused on him.
“From the start… this approach was flawed. Forcing the sects within Cheonumaeng, those outside, and those who joined for different reasons to follow a single path is nothing short of oppression.”
It was Jongli Gok, the Sect Leader of Jongnam. Under the gazes of everyone, he continued with a cold expression.
“A coalition that loses its meaning is no longer valuable. It would be better for those who share the same will to come together.”
“What do you mean by that, Sect Leader Jongli?”
When Tang Gunak asked, Jongli Gok coldly drove the point home.
“It means gathering those who want to meet, leaving out the superficial connections and acquaintances. Just because Gupailbang have suffered doesn’t mean everyone needs to gather under Cheonumaeng’s banner.”
This was the worst-case scenario. Tang Gunak’s face had now turned almost pale. The measures taken to avoid division were now causing even greater one!
Jongli Gok asked.
“What do you think, General?”
“…”
“Were your earlier words sincere? Saying you’d fight with all your might even if everything falls apart? Even if the conclusion of this meeting is that everyone values their own safety more?”
Chung Myung glared at Jongli Gok instead of answering. However, his question planted a seed of doubt in Chung Myung’s mind.
Could he really do that?
He had already experienced it in the past – the outcome of fighting alone in a world where everyone looked out for themselves. Could he walk the same path again this time?
No, was that even the right path in the first place?
But if not, should Chung Myung and Hwasan act like the other sects this time? Should they strive to ensure Hwasan’s survival, even if it meant trampling over other sects to save as many of Hwasan’s disciples as possible?
What was the right thing to do?
Seeing Chung Myung’s expression, Jongli Gok smirked.
“A meaningless question. The answer is already clear.”
Jongli Gok shifted his gaze from Chung Myung to Hyun Jong.
“Alliance Leader.”
“…Speak, Sect Leader.”
“What will you do? If more people follow the General’s words, will you force those who are unwilling to sacrifice their disciples?”
“Sect Leader…”
“Isn’t that another form of violence? Are you prepared to stand with those who do not wish to follow Cheonumaeng’s intentions?”
Hyun Jong, staring heavily at Jongli Gok, slowly nodded. Tang Gunak flinched, trying briefly to halt the conversation, but Hyun Jong spoke firmly.
“Cheonumaeng was never a place where someone could oppress another. If differing opinions lead to coercion and force, it would no longer be Cheonumaeng.”
“Then, you mean those with different opinions don’t have to join?”
Hyun Jong closed his eyes and nodded again.
“I wish for everyone to be together… but if that becomes oppression, it shouldn’t be so.”
Jongli Gok listened to Hyun Jong’s response and laughed.
“Then it seems everything is settled.”
His sharp gaze now pierced Chung Myung.
“What do you think?”
“…”
“Insisting on this is just a waste of time. Those who agree with you will follow you. Those who do not can form their own group. Just as Cheonumaeng emerged from Gupailbang, a new alliance can emerge within Cheonumaeng. Don’t you agree?”
Chung Myung merely stared at Jongli Gok with dark eyes.
“Will you do that? Or… will you just bury all this here and continue leading a hollow alliance?”
Though the conversation hadn’t been long, the lead had completely shifted to Jongli Gok.
Unlike those who inherited their positions through blood or status, he had become the head of a top-tier sect purely through his own ability. Here, he clearly demonstrated how he had led Jongnam.
Chung Myung spoke in a cold voice.
“I don’t intend to force anyone. I just… want to reduce the sacrifices.”
“That’s not really an answer.”
“But if it’s taken differently from my intention…”
Chung Myung paused, slightly biting his lower lip.
“I don’t want to force anyone.”
“So, you’re telling those who disagree to leave?”
“No, it’s the opposite. If you share the same intent, then let’s go together. That was the initial purpose of Cheonumaeng.”
Tang Gunak nodded as if resigned. Yes, when you think about it, that was the beginning. Let’s join forces with those we can trust. Let’s build a relationship where we can rely on each other.
Perhaps the recent feelings of stagnation and frustration stemmed from breaking that principle. They had to trust those they couldn’t truly believe in from deep within their hearts. They had to work together even when they didn’t trust them.
So, perhaps this was a better direction.
Finally, Jongli Gok smiled faintly and nodded.
“Then the conclusion is simple. Those who agree with the General can join Hwasan. And those who do not can part ways with Hwasan. Even if we part ways, we are still within the same Just Sect framework and will stand against Sapaeryeon together. Isn’t that right, General?”
Chung Myung nodded heavily. Receiving Jongli Gok’s gaze, Hyun Jong also nodded reluctantly.
They never expected it to come to this, but now that the words were spoken, there was no turning back. Jongli Gok took a deep breath and murmured.
“It’s become clear.”
People waited for Jongli Gok’s next words. After all, the actions of Jongli Gok, the Sect Leader of Jongnam, were only natural.
“Then I will clearly state Jongnam’s position.”
Everything Jongli Gok had spoken about would be realized when Jongnam stood at the center of the opposition to Hwasan. When it became the new central power, replacing Shaolin, and when it gathered all those who harbored resentment against Hwasan – or, more precisely, those who did not agree with Chung Myung’s methods – the Just Sects would be divided into two factions again: Hwasan and Jongnam.
In this fleeting moment, Jongli Gok had seized all of this within his grasp.
Hyun Jong, half resigned, Tang Gunak, looking somewhat anxious, Jin Geumryong, whose intentions were unclear as he stared at Jongli Gok, and lastly, Chung Myung, who watched calmly – Jongli Gok scanned them all before finally declaring.
“Jongnam will align with Hwasan’s intentions.”
“What…!”
Moyong Wigyeong, in utter shock, forgot his composure and stood up abruptly. However, Jongli Gok’s gaze remained fixed solely on Chung Myung.
“From this moment, I relinquish my authority as the Sect Leader of Jongnam and entrust all corresponding rights to Cheonumaeng… no, to Hwasan and the newly formed alliance. This is my final decree as the Sect Leader of Jongnam, and I will not accept any objections.”
“Wh… what…?”
Hyun Jong’s mouth dropped open at the unimaginable turn of events.
“Now, Sect Leader…”
“This is Jongnam’s stance.”
Jongli Gok’s concluding declaration swept through the meeting hall like a storm, a colossal tempest that none had ever experienced before.
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