Chapter 1439: Alright, I'll Remember That (Part 4)

"Uh... Hmm."

Eeep embarrassment spread across Lee Songbaek's face. Seeing him like that, Chung Myung burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Why so serious? Obviously, it's a joke, just a joke!"

In an instant, everyone once again held their breaths. That guy had betrayed their expectations once or twice...but still, what if?

"So, um...Your name was... Lee Geum... Baek?"

"...It's Lee Songbaek."

"Hahaha! Just kidding. Just kidding! Of course, I remember! Lee Jongbaek!"

"It's Lee Songbaek."

Chung Myung lightly patted Lee Songbaek's back, as if telling him not to care about such trivial matters. Witnessing this, everyone's heads drooped again.

They felt like they wanted to hide even if there was a mouse hole.

Yoon Jong looked at Lee Songbaek with pitiful eyes. Of course, despite what he said, there was no way Chung Myung had truly forgotten Lee Songbaek. That guy, even if he forgot everything in the world, was also like a ghost who remembered everything.

'He probably just can't remember the name accurately.'

Nearby, Jin Geumryong, Jin Eunryong, and Jin Dongryong were rolling around, so how could a name like Lee Songbaek stick in one's head? [lmfao]

This was more of a mistake on the side of the Jin family rather than Chung Myung...No, rather, Jin Chobek's fault.

"...You seem okay. That's a relief."

"Huh?"

"Your wounds are so deep."

Lee Songbaek glanced at Chung Myung's body, who was tapping him on the back. There wasn't a single uninjured spot. He felt naive for thinking he could casually exchange greetings in such a state.

However, Chung Myung spoke nonchalantly.

"Eh... don't mind it. It's a common thing."

"...Common?"

"Yeah, common."

Lee Songbaek quietly observed Chung Myung. After scrutinizing his face with a strange smile, Lee Songbaek nodded heavily.

"I understand what you mean."

"Huh?"

"In the past, it would have been unimaginable for the Evil Sect to invade this place. But now, it's a world where such things happen. Soon, it will be natural for the righteous to suffer injuries."

"What?"

"...Are you saying we need to endure such a world?"

Chung Myung subtly stepped back from Lee Songbaek. Lee Songbaek spoke seriously.

"Don't worry, Dojang. If we didn't have that determination, we wouldn't have unlocked the seal and come out."

"You worried? Why would a brat like you worry about Southern Edge? I hope it disappears during the war."

Beyond vulgar, it was almost a curse. However, instead of getting angry, Lee Songbaek laughed heartily. Seeing that reaction, Chung Myung hurriedly turned back to Baek Cheon like a scared puppy.

"Sasuk. Why is that guy like that?"

"..."

"Please bring Sasuk's brother. I can communicate better with that guy."

"...I don't like that idea."

Chung Myung was a pain, and Jin Geumryong was a pain, so bringing both of them together? Just imagining it made his stomach hurt.

"They're just preparing yourself. Isn't it weird to see him so strangely?" [not sure]

"If that's what they've set your mind to, who will suffer?" [idk]

"That's true, but..."

Baek Cheon looked at Lee Songbaek and spoke again.

"It doesn't seem like their confidence is without measures."

Chung Myung stayed silent for a moment. Even Chung Myung, who could insult the Southern Edge for three days and nights without break, couldn't argue with this statement.

"...The effect of Bongmun seems good."

"Whether it's Bongmun or isolation, what's the difference? Sasuk went into isolation before the Mount Hua-Southern Edge competition, but there wasn't any improvement, right?"

"Why bring up that story now! And how do you know if it had an effect or not? That guy wasn't there before at Moun Hua."

"If it was effective and you still had that level of skill, wouldn't that have been a bigger issue?"

"...Damn bastard."

Chung Myung laughed as Baek Cheon opened his mouth in frustration. However, even while laughing, his eyes carefully scanned Lee Songbaek.

'Definitely...'

He felt a strong presence from Lee Songbaek.

If strengthening oneself by entering Bongmun could be achieved so easily, which martial arts sect in the world would not close its gates? How much stronger one becomes inside Bongmun purely depends on one's efforts.

And now, Lee Songbaek was proving through his presence that he hadn't wasted time.

"Uh... Hmm."

At that moment, Lee Songbaek sighed deeply, as if hesitating to say something.

"It's a bit embarrassing."

"Huh?"

"In truth, I felt a bit proud. I really worked hard in my training."

There was no need to say it explicitly. Even if one can't feel that presence, just looking at his hands covered in scars would give a hint of the effort he put in.

"But... seeing the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect like this, it doesn't seem like something to be proud of. I thought I had narrowed the gap a bit."

Lee Songbaek smiled bitterly. It wasn't just Chung Myung. Even from Baek Cheon, who could barely stand, he sensed an unapproachable sharpness. If this person were in normal condition, would he have been able to face him like this?

'And... it seems like it's not just him.'

Looking at Jo Gol, who was staring at him with a strangely dissatisfied look, and Yoon Jong, who was restraining him from behind, there was a feeling of discomfort.

'Definitely... during events like the Mount Hua-Southern Edge Competition or the Martial Arts Competition, I was ahead of them.'

It felt like that after the period of Bongmun, when he had pushed himself so harshly, he would've been able to at least catch up, but now it felt like he had been caught up to instead.

The confidence that had swelled up while blocking the blade (一刀) of an enemy returned to its original state in an instant.

At that moment, Chung Myung spoke in a sullen voice.

"Tsk. Anyway, the Southern Edge guys are unlucky."

"Huh?"

"How about it?"

Chung Myung asked bluntly.

"Did you find your sword?"

Lee Songbaek's gaze slightly sank at that question. After a brief pause, he opened his mouth with a small but firm voice.

"It might be awkward to say it's my sword, but I think I know what kind of sword I need to create."

"Hoo."

"And... don't be too relieved, Chung Myung Dojang. I am not the only one who has found his way in Southern Edge."

Upon hearing that, Chung Myung looked at the people behind Lee Songbaek. Certainly, even though it was still somewhat clumsy, there were those who showed a similar presence as Lee Songbaek.

No, more precisely... it wasn't Lee Songbaek's presence that he felt, but the presence of the old Southern Edge he knew. The corner of Chung Myung's mouth tugged slightly.

"Is this something to celebrate?"

"It's all thanks to Dojang..."

"Well, it's just going back to square one. In the past, Southern Edge couldn't beat Mount Hua, so now it's not much different, is it?"

"What?"

"That guy?"

The Southern Edge swordsmen who were listening from behind glared at Chung Myung became furious and glared at him. However, Chung Myung just smirked at them.

"Why? You wanna go a round?"

"Ugh..."

The Southern Edge swordsmen gritted their teeth but couldn't step forward.

Because they glimpsed it. The depths of Chung Myung's sword that they couldn't recognize even when he was right in front of them because they were lacking. The power that they still couldn't fathom with their skills.

"Indeed, Mount Hua..."

"Enough."

At that moment, Jin Geumryong raised his hand lightly, silencing the disciples who were trying to spew obscenities.

"Nothing will change by talking about it. Whether Mount Hua is superior or Southern Edge is superior, from now on, we can only prove it to each other."

"Yes, Sahyung."

Baek Cheon looked at Jin Geumryong with a slightly surprised expression.

Was he someone who could mediate in this way? It seemed that it wasn't only them and Lee Songbaek who had changed during the period of Bongmun.

"It would be an honor for Mount Hua. We dared to acknowledge each other as enemies."

...It would've been better if that Jo kid had also changed a bit.

"Doesn't that bastard talk like Sasuk? Maybe it's because he's Sasuk's brother."

"No!"

"Blood doesn't lie."

"I said no!"

Watching Baek Cheon scream in panic, Chung Myung laughed lightly. 

"Can't you be quiet?"

"These guys!"

Both Jong Rigok and Hyun Jong shouted almost simultaneously. The disciples of Mount Hua and Southern Edge lowered their gazes to the ground, flinching.

While they managed to rescue the remaining members of the Tang Family, the Tang Family suffered significant sacrifices. In such a situation, it wouldn't be wise to raise one's voice without tact. Jong Rigok clicked his tongue with an unpleasant expression. Then, he slightly bowed his head towards Tang Gunak.

"It seems that the kids, after coming out of Bongmun for the first time in a while, are not behaving properly. Please blame me for not teaching them properly, Gaju-nim."

"Don't concern yourself about it. More importantly, how did you know about the situation here?"

"I heard the news from the Beggar's Sect."

"Ah... So, has Southern Edge completely exited Bongmun now?"

"That's correct."

Jong Rigok nodded his head.

"Because it's a bit early to proudly claim that Southern Edge has fully recovered its path, I wanted to continue Bongmun for a few more years to solidify our foundation. But considering the situation, we can't just close the door and stay idle."

He paused for a moment and then spoke firmly.

"Anyway, I am thinking of intervening to pacify the chaotic Kangho."

"Hmm."

Hyun Jong nodded with a heavy expression.

Even though they had an awkward relationship with Moun tHua, no one denied Southern Edge's strength. In fact, didn't they not open Bongmun not because they were lacking but because they wanted to become even stronger? If such a Southern Edge joined the front line, it would be a significant force in the current situation.

"Then, will you return to Shaanxi?"

"That's the plan. What about the Tang Family?"

"We..."

Tang Gunak looked back slightly. The members of the Tang Family were still tending to the wounded.

"Since we can't return to Sichuan, we need to find a place to stay now."

"If there's anything we can help with, please let us know."

Jong Rigok nodded his head lightly, and it was a moment when he seemed to give a light sweep.

"Sect Leader."

Hyun Jong's call was heard. Jong Rigok turned to look at Hyun Jong without answering.

"Do you have something to say, Great Sect Leader?"

"Even though it's a sudden request, I want to make one request despite the breach of etiquette."

"A request...?"

Jong Rigok nodded.

"Please speak."

"Please lend your strength... Southern Edge."

A strange light flickered in Jong Rigok's eyes.

"Although the Myriad Man Manor has temporarily retreated, they are not the sole invaders of Sichuan. Right now, other Evil Sects are gathering and flocking towards Diancang. If Southern Edge lends its strength, we can help them..."

"Please stop, Great Sect Leader."

Jong Rigok's sharp voice cut off Hyun Jong's words. Hyun Jong's face showed a momentary look of surprise.

"Sect Leader. Currently, Diancang..."

"Southern Edge will not go to Diancang."

It was truly an icy tone. Hyun Jong flinched inadvertently.

"Even though I thought you had changed a lot, it seems that Great Sect Leader is still the same as before."

"...Yes?"

Jong Rigok pierced Hyun Jong with a sharp gaze.

"Please be moderate your good-person act, Great Sect Leader. And please be moderate in using other's blood to secure your interests too."

"..."

"It's better to moderate the facade of being a great person. Since when were Southern Edge and Mount Hua in a relationship where they ask favors from each other?"

Hyun Jong's shoulders trembled. However, instead of feeling sorry for him, Jong Rigok looked at him with mockery.

"If you wanted to save Diancang so badly, why didn't you just go there from the beginning? When you had to choose, you picked the side you were close to. Pretending to be pitiful after the fact is just hypocrisy."

Hyun Jong closed his eyes tightly. However, Jong Rigok didn't pity him; instead, he just sneered.

"Oh, I don't know. There may be people who have been impressed by Great Sect Leader's kindness, but..."

Jong Rigok's sharp gaze shifted from the Tang Family to Chung Myung.

"The Southern Edge Sect won't do such a thing. Never."

In an instant, the gazes of Chung Myung and Jong Rigok intertwined fiercely in the air.