Chapter 1620
I’m prepared to cut it off. (5)
No one dared to open their mouths.
Not only Hyun Jong, but even Tang Gunak, who was always calm, and Im Sobyeong, who was used to all kinds of shocks, were just staring wide-eyed in astonishment.
“Uh…”
Jo Geol, who always couldn’t control his mouth in these situations, was frozen with his mouth wide open.
Jongli Gok’s declaration was that shocking.
What kind of sect is Jongnam? It was a place that had been in a feud with Hwasan for hundreds of years in Shaanxi. Recently, it was said that Shaolin and Hwasan were bitter enemies, but they couldn’t surpass the long-standing feud with Jongnam.
But now that sect had declared its submission to Hwasan. And not just simple cooperation, but in a form that was almost complete subordination!
‘Did I hear something wrong?’
This suspicion felt more rational.
“What… what do you mean by that, Sect Leader!”
The first to come to his senses and speak was Moyong Wigyeong. He seemed ready to rush at Jongli Gok at any moment.
But Jongli Gok was merely calm.
“I meant exactly what I said.”
“Do you mean Jongnam will… no, that Jongnam will align with Hwasan?”
What he originally intended to say was probably, ‘Do you mean Jongnam will become Hwasan’s dog?’ Jongli Gok, fully aware of this, didn’t bother to point it out.
“Is there any reason why not?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Haven’t we already decided?”
“Pardon?”
Jongli Gok calmly spoke as he looked at Moyong Wigyeong.
“Those who align with the will of Hwasan gather under Hwasan’s banner, and those who do not, step away.”
Jongli Gok turned his head to look at Chung Myung.
“And Jongnam has simply chosen to be under that banner. It was a choice between two options.”
“Sect Leader! Do you truly believe that is the right choice? Have you forgotten the relationship between Jongnam and Hwasan? The world will mock Jongnam.”
“Lord!”
Now the situation was the opposite of previous meetings. Zhuge Jain, seeing that Moyong Wigyeong had crossed the line too far, urgently restrained him.
Jongli Gok, without showing any sign of anger, said.
“It’s best to speak precisely.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
“The one to be mocked is not Jongnam, but me. Jongnam is still a stronger sect than Hwasan. It’s not worthy to be mocked for such a sect to bow its head. Only the one making that choice will be mocked.”
Moyong Wigyeong’s mouth dropped open in shock.
“Knowing that, how could you…”
“It’s precisely because of that.”
Everyone’s eyes were filled with questions at Jongli Gok’s words. As they all waited for him to speak, Jongli Gok quietly looked up at the ceiling.
“Suddenly…”
A reply that sounded almost like a monologue flowed out.
“I just realized again what I already knew. Or rather, it’s more accurate to say I remembered what I had already known.”
“What is that…”
“The position of a Sect Leader exists to bear that mockery.”
When Jongli Gok lowered his head again, he saw one person in his line of sight.
An inept individual who, despite being in such an important position, couldn’t even think to hide his confused emotions. Someone lacking the ability and foresight to lead a sect.
But… despite that, Hyun Jong had rebuilt Hwasan into a sect that commanded the world, even when it was on the brink of collapse. On the other hand, Jongli Gok had driven his once powerful sect into disgrace and mockery.
Where did this difference come from? Was it really because of just one person, Chung Myung, as he had always thought? If Chung Myung disappeared, would Hwasan collapse back into its former state?
No. That wouldn’t happen.
There was only one difference. Hyun Jong endured those harsh years, bearing shame and ridicule. Despite facing countless humiliations, many of which were inflicted by Jongli Gok himself, Hyun Jong had covered Hwasan’s shortcomings with his own inadequacies.
While those above evaded responsibility, and the supposed sect leader fled, Hyun Jong endured everything, including numerous injustices he didn’t commit.
But Jongli Gok only sought the honor contained in Jongnam’s name. And it wasn’t just Jongli Gok – the previous sect leaders had done the same.
‘With such a subject…’
How much had they mocked that man?
He still didn’t consider Hyun Jong a remarkable person. In terms of ability alone, Hyun Jong couldn’t compare to Jongli Gok.
But as a Sect Leader…
Jongli Gok continued speaking.
“The General’s opinion is ruthless. It’s extreme, without any consideration for those who must follow it, and nothing more than immature threat.”
Many seemed to agree with this. Indeed, as Jongli Gok had previously mentioned, this might be another form of violence.
“But if that oppression leads to saving even one more life of our disciples, ridicule is…”
A crooked smile appeared on Jongli Gok’s lips. He quickly covered his mouth with his hand and cleared his throat, to regain his composure and hide his unwanted emotions.
With a composed expression, he spoke decisively.
“Jongnam’s will does not change. We will stand with Hwasan.”
“But, Sect Leader, still, let’s reconsider…”
Moyong Wigyeong tried to urgently dissuade him.
“Then Zhuge family will also stand with Hwasan.”
Zhuge Jain, who had been silently listening, firmly declared his position. Moyong Wigyeong, now appearing ready to spit out his insides, shouted in exasperation.
“What on earth do you mean by this, Lord! This is inconsistent!”
However, Zhuge Jain did not waver.
“Inconsistent? I have never once opposed the opinion of the General.”
“Are you saying Zhuge family now supports Cheonumaeng’s stance?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Zhuge Jain had been one of the most vehement opponents of Chung Myung. Under the gazes of everyone, he spoke.
“Because the General’s stance is strategically sound.”
“…”
“I have thought about it repeatedly. But no matter how much I pondered, I couldn’t think of a better method.”
“War isn’t conducted solely with strategy! You know that better than anyone!”
“But a war cannot be fought without discussing the art of war. Isn’t that right?”
Moyong Wigyeong closed his mouth like a mute, rendered speechless. Chung Myung remained silent. Zhuge Jain directed his gaze towards him and spoke.
“If the purpose of this war is to achieve complete victory and minimize our sacrifices, then the General’s proposal is reasonable and sound.”
“…”
“Of course… I do not particularly like the General. And I believe the way he presented his opinion was atrocious. If one wishes to reject it, a thousand reasons can be found. But!”
Zhuge Jain bit his lips tightly.
“It would be laughable for Zhuge family, of all places, to reject a sound strategy out of spite and greed. Unlike the Sect Leader of Jongnam, I have a different view. To avoid ridicule, I will stand with Hwasan. That is my pride as a man bearing the name of Zhuge.”
He then clearly declared to Hyun Jong.
“From this moment, Zhuge family will join the alliance with Hwasan, and I will transfer my authority as the Lord of Zhuge family to the alliance until the war ends.”
Countless emotions flickered across Hyun Jong’s face.
Zhuge family’s joining was, in fact, quite surprising in another way.
During the unexpected silence from Jongli Gok, Zhuge Jain had been the most significant voice against Chung Myung. And now, that very person had declared his unconditional allegiance to Chung Myung’s command.
The age-old nemesis of Hwasan and the most bitter adversary after the fall of Shaolin had both declared their intention to stand with Hwasan.
The meeting room began to buzz. It was an unexpected turn of events, so it was inevitable.
And Tang Gunak could clearly feel it. The flow was changing with just the declarations of two sects. No, with just the declarations of two people.
“In case there is any doubt, let me repeat that Sichuan Tang Clan will do the same. The Tang clan will stand with Hwasan, and as the head of the Sichuan Tang Clan, I will entrust all my authority to the alliance.”
Thus, he drove the point home.
“What about the others?”
At this point, some people couldn’t hide their confusion. Whether they were positive or negative about the proposal, the situation was unfolding differently than they had expected.
As Tang Gunak subtly tried to pressure Im Sobyeong again, Namgung Myeong suddenly sighed with a troubled expression.
“Ugh, I don’t hold much authority, but…”
“Elder?”
Namgung Myeong spoke as if making a big decision.
“Namgung clan will also stand with Hwasan.”
Tang Gunak, who had been subtly pressuring him all along, was taken aback.
“…Are you sure about this?”
“Of course… Even though I am an elder and the commander-in-chief of Namgung clan, proceeding with such a matter on my own could mean being cast out of the family.”
Of course, he could proceed. From the beginning, he had come here with the permission of the Young Lord, so he had been given the authority to represent Namgung clan.
However, whatever choice he made, he would have to bear all the consequences.
In other words, Namgung Myeong had no reason to take risks in this position. With a bitter smile, he said,
“But… it seems that if I don’t express an opinion in support of Hwasan here, I might avoid responsibility, but I’ll never be treated like an uncle for the rest of my life.”
He shrugged his shoulders.
“What can I do? While the position of commander of Namgung clan is important, if I have to choose one, being the Young Lord’s uncle is far more significant, isn’t it?”
His playful banter elicited soft laughter from various corners of the room.
“If the Young Lord were here, he would support the General without a second thought. And I, at my age, have no intention of being rebuked by my young nephew. Therefore, Namgung clan will stand under Hwasan’s banner. And if possible, at the forefront, in the position that faces the enemy first.”
What started as a lighthearted joke ended with the utmost determination. This was inevitable, as Namgung clan was one of the sects with the greatest resentment towards Sapaeryeon.
Namgung clan’s joining held a special significance.
“Thank you…”
“Oh, Nokrim too. Nokrim will align with Hwasan.”
Tang Gunak and Hyun Jong cast sullen glances at Im Sobyeong.
“Isn’t this different from what you said earlier, Nokrim King?”
“What do you mean different? What a harsh thing to say. Deciding the direction within Cheonumaemg and distinguishing between inside and outside are different matters.”
Im Sobyeong quickly opened his fan and covered half of his face.
“It’s obvious that without Hwasan, Nokrim would be treated as a lowly Evil Sect. We really don’t have a choice.”
That wasn’t wrong either, so Tang Gunak sighed and nodded. But Im Sobyeong added.
“And even if that weren’t the case…”
The eyes revealed above the fan gleamed with a peculiar light.
“With Hwasan, Jongnam, Tang clan, and Namgung involved… anyone who doesn’t join is a fool. Even if you’re looking for scraps, it’s sensible to attach yourself to a place where you can gain something, right?”
“…”
“I intend to do my part very well. Don’t refuse me.”
Im Sobyeong’s crescent-shaped eyes turned towards Chung Myung. At that moment, a faint smile finally appeared on Chung Myung’s previously stern face.
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