142 Chapter 1030: Just Understand (Part 5)

"Did you say there's a problem?"

Hyun Jong, covering the smoldering unease in his heart, calmly inquired.

"Yes, Master."

"What..."

Beopjeong leisurely nodded.

"First, we should organize the situation."

"Yes, Bangjang."

"As you know, the Demonic Sect has made a move in Hangzhou. Based on the information we acquired through Beggar's Union, the Demonic Sect now dominates Hangzhou, and they are indiscriminately massacring not only the Black Ghost Castle but also the commoners in Hangzhou."

Hyun Jong bit his lip.

Although he had already suspected to some extent, hearing it from Beopjeong's mouth gave it a different feeling.

"Is the information reliable?"

"It's news that just came from Beggar's Union a little while ago. They don't have a complete grasp of the situation in Hangzhou, but they seem quite certain that a brutal massacre is taking place there."

"How can we deal with this..."

Hyun Jong sighed in despair repeatedly.

Chung Myung's words about people dying even during moments of hesitation were indeed true.

"What is the scale of the enemy?"

"We're not certain. As you know, Beggar's Union is part of the Ten Great Sects, so they withdrew from there about three years ago."

"That's true."

Since even common beggars were under the influence of Beggar's Union, there should be no problem receiving the information. However, there could be a difference between that and directly verifying the situation.

"Sect Leader."

"Yes, Bangjang. Please, go ahead."

"As you know, the Demonic Sect's actions are a matter that all martial artists should address. Even when the sages acted, they didn't hesitate to join forces to oppose the Demonic Sect, did they?"

Hyun Jong nodded heavily.

"Especially you, Master, the Sect Leader of Mount Hua, must be well aware of how fearsome the Demonic Sect is."

"Of course."

Beopjeong raised his cup, as if his throat was dry, for a moment.

"As you know, I've been vigilant about the Demonic Sect's actions. They are beings that won't disappear even if they retreat."

Hyun Jong had no choice but to acknowledge this statement. Even when he had forgotten about the Demonic Sect and was living his life, wasn't it Beopjeong who had asked him to go to the North Sea and follow their tracks?

"Now that they have revealed themselves, I plan to do everything I can to uproot the Demonic Sect. It is the duty that everyone living as martial artists should naturally take."

Hyun Jong nodded vigorously.

Throughout his journey here, he had been filled with worries. He couldn't easily shake off the anxiety that had taken root in his heart, as he and Beopjeong had often had conflicting opinions. However, at least when it came to the Demonic Sect, it seemed that their intentions were not so different.

Hyun Jong let out a sigh of relief.

"That's why I must thank you, Sect Leader."

At that moment, Beopjeong bowed deeply to Hyun Jong. It was a courtesy between individuals. It was not the leader of Shaolin who expressed gratitude, but a human being expressing gratitude.

"Why, why are you doing this, Bangjang!"

Hyun Jong exclaimed in confusion, and Beopjeong smiled warmly, raising his head.

"Even if I speak kindly, can we deny that there is a certain awkwardness between Sect Leader and me, which wasn't there before?"

"Well..."

"Because of the difficult steps you have taken, which are solely for the safety of these martial artists and the lives of the commoners, I can't help but be grateful as a Buddhist and as one of these martial artists."

"Don't say that, Leader. You're making me uncomfortable. Isn't it only natural?"

Beopjeong shook his head in disagreement, nodding repeatedly. After frowning with his eyes closed for a while, he slowly opened his eyes and gazed deeply at Hyun Jong.

"But I must say this, Sect Leader."

"Yes."

"Based on the information we have gathered, I plan to request the cooperation of all the martial clans and sects, including the Ten Great Sects. The people here may not be enough, so it's important to gather our strength as soon as possible."

"Heavenly Comrade Alliance will actively cooperate as well."

Hyun Jong responded with a strong commitment.

"However, there is an issue I mentioned earlier."

"Yes, please go ahead."

"Let's revisit this once more; this is an urgent matter. There's no time to nitpick. To save the common people and suppress the Demonic Sect's momentum, anyone needs to head to that Gangnam right away. The damages will be too great if we just watch it unfold leisurely. I don't believe for a second that the Evil Tyrant Alliance will do anything to help the common people."

"Umm."

That, too, was a valid point.

"But, Sect Leader."

"Yes, Bangjang."

"As you are aware, at the moment, Shaolin cannot cross the river."

"...Yes?"

Hyun Jong's complexion changed abruptly in that moment.

"The curse of the Gangnam Borders Treaty hasn't fully worn off yet. Therefore, the Ten Great Sects are currently in no position to cross the river to confront the Demonic Sect."

"Ah, Sect Leader, what's that...?"

Hyun Jong looked at Beopjeong with a face that couldn't hide his confusion.

"Is this really the time to discuss such a treaty?"

"Of course, I also think so. But, Sect Leader. It's not for us to decide, is it?"

Beopjeong let out a deep sigh.

"Even though the leader of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, Jang Ilso, might be willing to make small sacrifices for the greater good, he'll still want to gain some advantage through this treaty. No, can we even expect to have a reasonable conversation with him?"

Now, the look in Hyun Jong's eyes as he gazed at Beopjeong was baffled.

"If Jang Ilso had no intention of receiving help from the Ten Great Sects, why would he have bothered to report the news of the Demonic Sect?"

"That intention is difficult to guess hastily. Besides, isn't the person in question, Jang Ilso?"

"That's..."

Hyun Jong bit his lip.

This is a dead end.

Hyun Jong knows very well the situation Shaolin is in, and the situation he himself is in. Therefore, they must not utter the words 'Jang Ilso is aware of the situation, so attempt negotiations with him' at this moment.

However, if he doesn't say that...

It was right at that moment.

"However."

Beopjeong broached the main subject in a subtle voice.

"I'm sorry, but it seems I have a difficult request to make of you, Sect Leader."

Hyun Jong unwittingly clenched his fist. He had a feeling he knew what Beopjeong was about to say. He wanted to get up and leave this place right now. However, Beopjeong's voice pierced into Hyun Jong's ears without allowing him a moment to rise, seemingly indifferent to his impatience.

"As far as I know, Heavenly Comrade Alliance is not bound by the Gangnam Borders Treaty."

"Leader..."

"Please, Master."

Once again, Beopjeong lowered his head toward Hyun Jong.

"These are matters concerning the lives of the suffering common people in Gangnam, their very existence. It might be a tough decision, but can't Heavenly Comrade Alliance cross the river to confront the Demonic Sect first?"

Hyun Jong, with his fist so tense it felt like his nails might pierce his palm, glared at Beopjeong with heated eyes.

"...May I ask you one question?"

"Of course."

"...Is the request you made... truly for the sake of the people in Gangnam? Or is it to force our Heavenly Comrade Alliance into submission?"

"Naturally, it's the former."

Beopjeong responded decisively, as if there was no room for doubt. Hyun Jong bit his lip until blood came out, struggling to contain his boiling anger.

"Is that truly the wish of the Leader... or should I say, Shaolin?"

"It is."

"Is it really!"

Hyun Jong raised his voice.

"Is that truly the wish of Shaolin!"

Beopjeong remained silent. Hyun Jong spoke as though he was spitting out his words.

"I thought the paths were different. Of course, there were times when I felt disappointed and angry, but I believed that was because we each had different perspectives on the world. Because our methods to benefit the world were different, that's why conflicts arose!"

"..."

"I believed that our hearts were not different when it came to benefiting all the people under the sky. That's why I thought Shaolin was such a place! That it should be such a place! But is that truly Shaolin's wish? Is it?"

Beopjeong looked at Hyun Jong with a peculiar gaze. His next words were enough to take Hyun Jong's breath away.

"It's difficult to fathom why Master is so upset with Shaolin."

"...What are you saying right now..."

"That day!"

Beopjeong's firm voice cut through Hyun Jong's words.

"On the day when we faced each other by the Yangtze River, didn't you clearly say to me, 'Heavenly Comrade Alliance will carry out what it believes to be right'?"

"..."

"It was a bitter remark, but at the same time, it was praiseworthy. I understand how difficult it is to stand by such words. However..."

Beopjeong continued, his smile tinged with irony.

"Seeing it now, the meaning of what Heavenly Comrade Alliance deems as 'right' seems to change slightly depending on the circumstances."

"Beopjeong!"

Unable to contain his anger any longer, Hyun Jong abruptly stood up. In response, Beopjeong spoke coldly.

"One month."

"..."

"The time left until the end of the Yangtze Borders Treaty is one month from now. From this moment, one month."

"..."

"The moment that month passes, the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Families will cross the river to retaliate against the Demonic Sect. So, Sect Leader, you only need to make a choice. Will you be the first to cross the river, or..."

Beopjeong's chilly gaze swept over Hyun Jong.

"Will you wait here for one month until the Ten Great Sects set out."

While Hyun Jong's anger was boiling to the brim, Beopjeong calmly picked up his teacup, which still emitted a faint trace of steam. His face, reddened from the anger, contrasted with Beopjeong's nonchalance.

"Sect Leader, I'm curious as well."

"..."

"I wonder if the 'righteousness' that Heavenly Comrade Alliance talks about holds true even when they are in a situation where they must bear the consequences of everything, or if it's nothing more than shallow trickery that comes out when the situation is favorable."

"Now, that..."

Beopjeong reached out and gently pressed Hyun Jong's teacup. The tea, which had been cooling down, suddenly bubbled vigorously.

"Of course, I... fervently hope that the Heavenly Comrade Alliance genuinely upholds the righteousness. This is a sincere wish."

Hyun Jong shot a look at Beopjeong, his eyes revealing no trust in him anymore.

Beopjeong spoke again.

"We will share information coming from the Beggar's Union. If needed, we will provide everything, including resources."

The two men's gazes clashed in the air.

"So, please make a wise decision."

In Hyun Jong's eyes, an unusual blend of hatred and anger swirled, unlike the demeanor of a Daoist.

"I will go."

"Yes, please investigate."

Hyun Jong swiftly turned to exit the room, allowing the cold wind to rush in. He walked with determined steps and opened the closed door.

As he stepped outside, he heard Beopjeong's soft voice from behind.

"Please send regards to Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword as well."

"..."

Hyun Jong left without a reply. In the now-silent room, Beopjeong's lips curled into an enigmatic smile.

"Humans really."

He muttered to himself, and his faint sigh filled the empty space within.