297 Chapter 1186: The Path We Will Continue To Walk (Part 1)

Thunk.

The sound of shattered prayer beads hitting the ground echoed loudly, resembling the roar of thunder. The broken string allowed the prayer beads to roll on the floor, the noise indifferent and continuous.

Already with large eyes that seemed like lanterns in their own right, Tang Soso focused her gaze on Baek Cheon, extending her hand to subtly pull on Yoo Iseol's robes.

"…Sago."

"What?"

"Well, do something about it."

"What?"

"No, I…"

"Don't bother, anyway."

Yoo Iseol's expression remained unchanged as she calmly muttered.

"It's impossible to resolve with force."

Only after hearing those words did Tang Soso truly realize.

The individual from Mount Hua who couldn't be stopped once he decided to go out was not Chung Myung, who had a notorious reputation throughout the Central Plains, but Baek Cheon, Mount Hua's Righteous Sword.

And the reactions of others who witnessed this situation were not significantly different from Tang Soso's. Jo Gol's mouth widened as if it would tear, and Yoon Jong, astonished, had his eyes wide open.

'Unbelievable…'

Yoon Jong stared at Baek Cheon with eyes rounded.

It could be asserted that while Mount Hua had more than a hundred disciples, the only person who could sternly reprimand Beopjeong in such a way in the entire Central Plains was none other than Baek Cheon.

All eyes turned towards Beopjeong. More precisely, they were directed towards the Beopjeong's trembling shoulders.

The leader of the Shaolin Sect could not contain his anger and was shaking uncontrollably. Those who knew about Shaolin, those who knew about the leader of Shaolin, could not help but feel a shiver in this scene.

However, only the disciples of Mount Hua, who knew everything, harbored emotions other than fear.

Yes, surely Baek Cheon's actions might have been excessive. The tone might have been too intense. Even if it was the same statement, it could have been expressed in a milder way.

But no one thought Baek Cheon was excessive, and the reason why no one raised their voice was simple. The words Baek Cheon spoke were the deep-seated resentment that everyone who had embraced Mount Hua in their hearts had kept pressing against their chests.

The ancestors of Mount Hua had saved the Central Plains. However, even those who remembered this fact deliberately ignored it, looking down on Mount Hua and trying to use it. How unfair and frustrating was that?

But now, in this place, Baek Cheon sternly pointed out that fact. Against none other than the leader of Shaolin. Even if everyone wished for it and even dreamed of it, the unimaginable happened in reality.

In the stillness that filled the room, Beopjeong gazed down at the floor. Shattered prayer beads were scattered messily.

Who dared to discuss principles before the leader of Shaolin, Beopjeong, in the entire realm? Who dared to teach him? This was not only disrespect to the leader of Shaolin but also an insult to Beopjeong, who had walked the path of enlightenment.

However, the criticism for this situation did not come from Beopjeong but rather erupted from the lips of Jonglihyung, who sat beside him.

"What kind of absurdity is this!"

Jonglihyung, raising his voice, glared at Baek Cheon with eyes full of anger. Until now, he had kept his mouth shut, as it wasn't a situation for him to step forward, but in his view, this was an action that had crossed the line.

"Ascending to the position of Deputy Sect Leader, and yet, is there nothing you can see? Even if you were officially in the position of Deputy Sect Leader and not just temporarily taking over, your words would not be worthy to be uttered! You know nothing about the world..."

However, at that moment, Beopjeong, the one who opposed Jonglihyung, intervened.

"Stop it, Sect Leader."

"Bangjang! But this is excessive rudeness..."

"Enough!"

In an instant, Beopjeong's stern rebuke, full of internal power, crushed Jonglihyung's resistance. Jonglihyung, unknowingly startled, turned to look at Beopjeong.

As Beopjeong looked down at the scattered prayer beads, he raised his head and closed his eyes.

"... I apologize for raising my voice, Sect Leader. Although I appreciate your concern, this is not a matter for you to be upset about."

"Bangjang..."

"...Amitabhul."

With closed eyes, Beopjeong chanted a Buddhist invocation. After a moment of deep breath, he opened his eyes.

Facing him was Baek Cheon's composed face that showed no change in expression. To someone, it might appear as an incredibly confident demeanor, while to someone else, it might seem excessively arrogant. How was it for Beopjeong?

"...On that matter..."

Beopjeong paused slightly, took a deep breath, and continued speaking.

"It is the fault of this monk. I offer my apologies."

As those words concluded, gasps swept through the disciples of Mount Hua. Superficially, Baek Cheon had pointed out Beopjeong's mistake, and Beopjeong had acknowledged it. Perhaps, it might not be more than just a simple incident.

However, those who knew what lay beneath this seemingly straightforward situation could never assess it so simply.

Closing his eyes again, Beopjeong let out a sigh and said.

"I momentarily forgot that you are the one representing the Sect Leader of Mount Hua, and the Sect Leader of Mount Hua deserves proper treatment befitting his qualifications. It is all due to this monk's own shortcomings."

The disciples of Mount Hua looked at each other.

The Sect Leader of Mount Hua deserves proper treatment.

Depending on the interpretation, it could have various meanings. However, what Beopjeong said now about the 'Sect Leader of Mount Hua' deserving treatment did not originate from the current power and influence of Mount Hua.

The meaning was clear. Beopjeong, for the first time in a public setting, acknowledged the past contributions of Mount Hua.

Baek Cheon spoke again.

"As one individual and a disciple of Mount Hua, I must apologize for any excessive words. However, at this moment, I am not just an individual, but I am in the position of representing the Sect Leader of Mount Hua. I hope you understand the difficulty of offering an apology in this situation."

"...There's no need for apologies. It's the right course of action."

Beopjeong nodded his head approvingly. The change in Beopjeong's demeanor was evident to Tang Gunak.

While others might not feel it, Tang Gunak could clearly see the difference in Beopjeong. If it were the old Beopjeong, the conversation wouldn't have proceeded like this.

'We're not the only ones affected by Mount Hua.'

No, perhaps Beopjeong had regained his original self. He had overcome the shaking caused by Mount Hua.

Ultimately, it might be a good thing, but at this moment, it was not welcome. Regardless, Baek Cheon had to engage in the debate. In this situation, he faced Beopjeong, who remained calm even in such circumstances.

"However, Deputy Sect Leader."

Unexpectedly, Beopjeong opened his mouth again.

"What this monk apologized for was his tone and attitude, not the meaning of his words to Deputy Sect Leader. Now, it is time for Deputy Sect Leader to answer this monk's question."

Beopjeong stared at Baek Cheon with calm eyes.

"Deputy Sect Leader clearly stated that this choice did not come solely from youthful vigor. If that's the case, you should be prepared to provide an answer that convinces this monk."

Some people's expressions darkened at his words.

In truth, among those present, were there any who wanted to join the Ten Great Sects emotionally? Everyone silently wished for the continued existence of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance.

Yet, no one openly opposed it because there was no basis and logic to counter Beopjeong's presented justice.

How could one argue against the logic that joining forces for the sake of saving more people was not justified?

"If not, Deputy Sect Leader, you will simply become a transgressor who brings crisis to the world out of personal emotions. You understand, don't you?"

It was a subtle rhetoric. By using the term "transgressor" without exaggeration and subtly assigning responsibility for this choice, Beopjeong made the answer more weighty and pinned the blame on the responder.

However, if one clung to that small expression and became entangled, the one seeking answers would end up being cornered. Everyone could only look at Baek Cheon with worried eyes.

"Of course, Bangjang."

However, Baek Cheon's response was not just bold; it was refreshingly so.

Beopjeong's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Do you have an answer?"

"Yes."

"It's hard to understand, Deputy Sect Leader."

Beopjeong looked at Baek Cheon with eyes that seemed to inquire.

"If you're going to spout sophistry, I'd advise you to stop. That would not only undermine Mount Hua's prestige but also tarnish the honor of the Sect Leader who appointed you as the Deputy Sect Leader."

Baek Cheon, who had been silently listening, finally spoke sternly to Beopjeong.

"Bangjang. Bangjang, do you not realize?"

"...What are you talking about?"

"About how contradictory your words are right now."

As if questioning what Beopjeong was thinking, Baek Cheon raised his head.

"When you visited before, I believed that Bangjang had changed from the past. That's why I willingly accepted and held the utmost respect. Do you remember what you said that day?"

"...Well, I spoke a lot that day."

"No one was wrong. We just had different perspectives. Even if no one was not wrong, if their positions were different, their pursuits could conflict. You said something like that to me that day."

Beopjeong shook his head. This was clearly something he had said personally. But why bring up that story at this moment?

"What you said that day gave me a great realization. That's why I could reflect on my position and thoughts, and understand what I needed to do correctly. I suppose learning from a sage as a disciple is probably like this. But... how about you now, Bangjang?"

At that remark, Beopjeong furrowed his brow.

"What are you talking about..."

"Right now, Bangjang, you are saying that those who do not agree with you are all wrong, sinners, and villains who will ruin the world."

Beopjeong took a sharp breath at that pointed criticism. The words he had used to persuade them seemed to have turned into a double-edged sword, returning to him.

'This child...'

Beopjeong stared at Baek Cheon with narrowed eyes. In reality, pointing out the logical flaws from behind might not be so difficult.

However, Baek Cheon now found himself in the weighty position of Deputy Sect Leader for the first time, facing none other than Beopjeong. Could it be that Beopjeong, while seeming to casually delay his question, was probing for flaws in the logic Baek Cheon was presenting?

"It's truly regrettable and disappointing. At least I empathized with Bangjang's justice, but now Bangjang is not showing a figure befitting that justice."

"This monk..."

"As Deputy of Mount Hua, I only hope that the justice Bangjang speaks of will not be merely a tool to justify Bangjang's logic."

Beopjeong's expression subtly twisted, unknowingly. However, Baek Cheon, even with such a reaction, continued calmly.

"You have nothing to worry about. I don't intend to turn the mistrust of that attitude into mistrust towards Bangjang. Nor will I bring it up as a reason to violate righteousness."

Everyone looked at Baek Cheon with surprised eyes. The first argument between the Deputy Sect Leader and the Sect Leader. Didn't he take advantage of the situation to gain benefits and but then let go of the benefits he had brought?

However, Baek Cheon's following words made even those people nod their heads.

"The reason is simple. I said that if I lack something I can learn, and my shortcomings can be filled by others. Bringing up the fact that Bangjang is not perfect as a reason for rejection is simply contradicting my own words."

Beopjeong's face subtly twitched at those words. It sounded good to hear, but wasn't this ultimately saying that while Bangjang didn't keep his words, Baek Cheon did?

Whether it was intentional or not, without giving them a chance to question this fact, Baek Cheon continued speaking.

"There is no need for different reasons for Mount Hua to take a different path from Shaolin. If there is a reason, it is only one: because Bangjang's justice contradicts completely with Mount Hua's teachings."

"...You say it contradicts?"

"Yes, Bangjang."

Baek Cheon took a slow breath and declared firmly.

"I will make it clear in this place. At least as long as I am Deputy Sect Leader, Mount Hua will not turn away from anyone who can be saved for the sake of justice. If someone has to sacrifice, that sacrifice will be none other than Mount Hua's responsibility."

It was a calm yet resolute voice. A voice that would send a strong shiver down the spine of everyone in Mount Hua.

"That is the will that Mount Hua has inherited from the past and the righteousness that Mount Hua must uphold."

A gentle smile bloomed on his lips.

"So, Bangjang, please remember this fact. This is the path Mount Hua has walked until now..."

Baek Cheon's gaze turned towards Mount Hua's disciples, who were looking at him.

It was a somewhat warm and somewhat stern gaze.

"It is the path we will continue to walk in the future."

The eyes of Mount Hua's disciples shone in response to his voice, as if affirming his words.