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This sense conveys one fact.

‘It’s not just a threat.’

In fact, such a thing cannot happen. Logically, it made no sense. But now Bop Jeong’s sense speaks clearly.

If he gave the wrong answer here, Chung Myung might actually act on his threat.

‘Why go to such lengths?’

Bop Jeong couldn’t comprehend the deep-seated anger in Chung Myung. What did Mount Hua have to gain by being antagonistic towards Shaolin?

“Amitabha….”

A mantra tinged with bewilderment slipped from Bop Jeong’s lips. He didn’t know that the end of his voice trembled slightly as he recited his mantra.

“Amitabha.”

His mantra revealed his troubled heart. In order to resolve the situation they are facing now, Heavenly Comrade Alliance’s cooperation is absolutely necessary.

However, if Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword, the center of Heavenly Comrade Alliance, takes such a strong stance, it seems a daunting task to win them over.

In the first place, Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword is a very unpredictable person. He wouldn’t engage in a losing deal, and threats were ineffective against him. What could he possibly say to a person who threatens even the Bangjang of Shaolin?

It is nearly impossible to sway his interest through persuasion.

If there was one weakness in Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword, it was only…

“Maengju-nim.”

Bop Jeong’s eyes gaze shifted from Chung Myung to Hyun Jong.

Hyun Jong faced Bop Jeong with a dark face. Chung Myung’s shoulders were shaking very briefly at the call, and Bop Jeong did not miss the response.

‘Indeed.’

Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword does not pay attention to anyone else in the world but only respects Hyun Jong, the sect leader of Mount Hua. It is difficult for Bop Jeong to know whether it was because he was the sect leader or for some other reason, but the reason is not important anyway.

The conclusion was that if Hyun Jong could be swayed, even Chung Myung might find it difficult to oppose.

“What do you think, Maengju-nim? Do you share the same opinion as Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword?”

“Bangjang, I….”

“Please do not say that the disciples’ will is the Maengju’s will. Maengju-nim surely knows that it is just an avoidance.”

Bop Jeong continued quickly as if he would not give Hyunjong time to think.

“And please don’t forget. I’m asking Maengju of Heavenly Comrade Alliance, not sect leader of Mount Hua. Even if Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword can represent the will of Mount Hua, he couldn’t represent the will of the entire Heavenly Comrade Alliance. Are you certain the other sects within Heavenly Comrade Alliance share the same view as Chung Myung?”

“Umm.”

A look of concern crossed Hyun Jong’s face.

It was not the words of Bop Jeong that weighed on his shoulders now, but the tone.

The tone is clearly different from the first time. He was full of determination to put pressure on Hyun Jong.

“As someone who leads a sect, Maengju-nim must sometimes be able to make decisions that are almost arbitrary for the future of the sect. Even if it seems frustrating and damaging right now, Maengju-nim should understand that in the end, it may be for the good of the sect.”

“This….”

Chung Myung’s face is distorted.

It was the look of someone who wanted to interject and strangle Bop Jeong right then and there, but unlike before, he restrained himself from speaking out.

Bop Jeong, who glanced at the scene, smiled inwardly. Certainly, Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword never challenges the authority of Hyun Jong. Hyun Jong was the one person who could keep the unpredictable Chung Myung in check.

And Hyun Jong was essentially a mild character.

Although it may be Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword, persuading Hyun Jong was not that difficult for Bop Jeong.

“When I first ascended to the position of Shaolin’s Bangjang…”

He continued in a seemingly calm manner, gradually regaining his composure.

“The first thing I realized was its heavy burden.”

Hyun Jong let out a low hum. This sentiment was something any leader of a sect cannot help but empathize with.

“The burden of knowing that my choice could change the fate of Shaolin and the world. That’s something one cannot fathom unless they’ve been in that position.”

“Hmm…”

“Wasn’t Maengju-nim the same?”

“….”

Bop Jeong smiled brightly.

“It’s not once or twice that I’ve wanted to put everything down and live as my heart desired. Every time, it was the one letter of Shaolin that held me together.”

“….”

“I, as Shaolin’s Bangjang, must listen to my disciples. However, sometimes, as Shaolin’s Bangjang, I must not heed them. It is surprisingly not difficult to move according to feeling. What is really difficult is to persevere in what I want to do and consider the future of the sect.”

His calm yet powerful voice enveloped Hyun Jong.

Noticing Hyun Jong’s expression turning even graver, Bop Jeong slowly wedged in.

“I’m not asking for help unconditionally. Shaolin is a sect that never forgets a favor. If you, as Maengju of Heavenly Comrade Alliance and sect leader of Mount Hua, lend us your aid, Shaolin will surely repay the favor. Not only will we support Mount Hua’s return to the Ten Great Sects, but we also promise privileges we have never offered to any other sect.”

Kkagak.

The prayer beads in Bop Jeong’s hand rubbed harshly. The sound made the focused listeners flinch.

Bop Jeong, who once again took control of the atmosphere, smiled softly.

“If that happens, Mount Hua regaining its former glory will just be a matter of course. Everyone is concerned about their children. But shouldn’t a true leader be able to see beyond the children and see the future of the sect?”

Kwadeuk.

At that moment, a small sound was heard in the ears of Bop Jeong. Perhaps it is the sound of Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword that grabs something to hold back his anger. But with sheer willpower, Bop Jeong focused his gaze away from Chung Myung.

At this moment, he needed to completely exclude Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword from the equation to deal with Hyun Jong.

“But….”

At that moment, Hyun Jong opened his mouth.

“What difference would it make if Mount Hua returned to the Ten Great Sects now?”

“A lot would change.”

Bop Jeong looked directly at Hyun Jong with sunken eyes. As if to enlighten him on reality.

“Indeed, Heavenly Comrade Alliance has remarkable momentum. So, right now, the name of the Ten Great Sects might seem insignificant to you. But, Maengju-nim, think about it. In the long history of Kangho, there must have been at least one or two places as prominent as Heavenly Comrade Alliance.”

At those words, Hyun Jong’s expression changed slightly.

Bop Jeong did not miss the opportunity and tightened the reins.

“There were places that had a reputation comparable to that of Ten Great Sects, and other times, there were places that showed off their power beyond that of Ten Great Sects. But what remains today are only the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Family. What happened to those past sects?”

Hyun Jong’s fist, hidden in his sleeve, was quietly clenched. Because he knows that the words was true.

“Heavenly Comrade Alliance is indeed formidable. But as Maengju-nim knows, alliances with outer clans cannot last for long. The moment that alliance is broken, the reality that Mount Hua must face is the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Family who have ill feelings toward Mount Hua. And by then, the relationship with the Sichuan Tang Family will not be the same. In other words…”

At that moment.

Bop Jeong’s gaze returned to Chung Myung for the first time since he faced Hyun Jong. Indicating the message was not only for Hyun Jong.

“As soon as the Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword can no longer protect Mount Hua, Mount Hua must face a terrible reality that cannot be compared to the past. Sect Leader, do Sect Leader really think that Mount Hua will be able to survive even if the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Family turn into enemies?”

“This….”

Chung Myung’s face was distorted, and Hyun Jong closed his eyes tightly.

This statement hit right at the heart of his dilemma.

Mount Hua had expanded its influence remarkably. There was no way Hyun Jong did not know that it was only because there was a being called Chung Myung. Therefore, Chung Myung is a precious being to him and he was infinitely grateful to him.

But if there is light, there is also darkness.

While Mount Hua became extremely close with the Sichuan Tang Family, outer clans, and Nokrim, its relationship with the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Family, which represented the order of the existing Kangho, deteriorated significantly.

If Heavenly Comrade Alliance continues to expand as it is, it may not be a problem.

But what about Mount Hua without Chung Myung?

If Chung Myung suffers a disaster during the war with the Evil Tyrant Alliance, or even if such a thing does not happen, what about Mount Hua after Chung Myung dies of old age?

Will they really be able to withstand the pressure of the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Family?

Probably not.

Mount Hua had already exceeded the limits of what a single sect could achieve. Asking for the same thing to those who will continue Mount Hua in the future is nothing but a violent demand under the guise of expectation.

A terrible weight that was difficult to express in words weighed down Hyun Jong.

If he could witness all this in his lifetime, he wouldn’t have to worry. But how much longer does he have?

He can make a decision now, but the consequences of that decision will have to be paid entirely by those who remain.

Is it really right to burden future generations with this enormous weight for a momentary sense of satisfaction? Could he readily make a choice that could turn the giants who have sustained Kangho for hundreds of years against Mount Hua?

Bop Jeong said while looking at Hyun Jong, who was lost in thought.

“Please consider what truly is the best path for Hwasan. As Maengju… no, as Sect Leader!”

It was the final push.

A long silence followed. Everyone just waited for Hyun Jong’s response.

Hyun Jong, who had been contemplating for a long time with his eyes closed, slowly opened his eyes. He then looked at Mount Hua’s disciples who were looking at him.

There were many different expressions on each face.

Some people are looking at him earnestly, and others are giving him utmost trust. In some eyes, there was full discontent for even entertaining such a conversation, while others seemed to be deeply pondering something.

Of all these thoughts and intentions, finding the right path is the role of the one who bears the position ‘Sect Leader’.

Throughout the time, he has left countless choices up to them.

He did so because he knew that he was too lacking to make a choice alone. At this moment, however, Hyun Jong realized it.

This decision was entirely his to make.

To defer it would be to shift that responsibility onto his younger disciples.

It’s a lonely battle. It is a penance that feels like walking alone on an eternal night road where not even an inch ahead is visible.

However, Hyun Jong knew of one star that would brighten the darkness. A star that shines brighter than anything else in the sky.

“Bangjang.”

Having concluded his contemplation, Hyun Jong opened his mouth while looking at Bop Jeong.

“I clearly understood what Bangjang wanted to say.”

“If so….”

“Surely, if we fight against Shaolin now, Mount Hua of the future may have to go through a painful time. Maybe we will have to go through a great crisis and have the name of Mount Hua that has barely survived disappear forever.”

Bop Jeong nodded loudly, pleased inside. Hyun Jong certainly seemed to understand what he meant.

“Then isn’t the choice to make as sect leader too simple?”

“Yes, Bangjang, it is too simple.”

Hyun Jong faces Bop Jeong with a calm face.

At that moment, Bop Jeong found himself straightening his back slightly. This is because Hyun Jong, who was always kind and gentle, emanated an unapproachable aura.

“When a disciple of our sect visited Yunnan in the past, there was an interesting story.”

“…Yes?”

However, Hyun Jong started a seemingly irrelevant story. Bop Jeong frowned.

“All of a sudden, what does this have to do with…?”

“It is said that our disciple who saw people in need in Yunnan sold the Plum Blossom Sword he was carrying to obtain grain and distributed it to them. No one told me the truth, but the disciple himself revealed the truth to me and asked for forgiveness.”

Then Five Swords’ eyes turn to Yoon Jong in unison. Yoon Jong’s face instantly turned bright red.

Hyun Jong also looked at Yoon Jong once and smiled.

“Our disciple told Yasugungju something that time. I will now tell Bangjang what our disciple said to Yasugungju.”

“….”

“If the glory of Mount Hua makes people living in the world more comfortable, all of Mount Hua’s disciples will be able to proudly boast of that glory. But if it only stays in Mount Hua, Mount Hua will just become a sect that can be replaced by another sect at any time.”

Bop Jeong’s face has hardened.

On the other hand, Hyun Jong’s face was soft as if he was relieved of all delusions.

“Bangjang, the most important thing for Mount Hua is not to leave a facade, is not to leave a false impression. If Mount Hua cannot leave a will to pass on to its future generations, no matter how great the glory we enjoy, it is just another sect with Mount Hua’s name.”

“….”

“If we choose survival over righteousness, Mount Hua will no longer be Mount Hua. I would rather witness its end with my own eyes than see Mount Hua change so much. That is…”

Hyunjong’s eyes were filled with wisdom. It was a wisdom that was difficult to face even for Bop Jeong.

“… the role that I have dared to assume as sect leader of the Great Mount Hua, even though I am extremely inadequate.”

His voice, low and gentle, yet irrefutable, penetrated Bop Jeong’s ears.

“Please leave, Bangjang. Mount Hua will not comply with your request. If Bangjang wished to change Mount Hua’s mind, Bangjang should have brought sincerity instead of logic.”

This was the declaration of Hyun Jong, the sect leader of the Great Mount Hua Sect.