Chapter 1241: Is That All? (Part 1)

"Ugh... My stomach..."

Jo Gol muttered with a frown. Maybe he drank too much from last night, causing discomfort in his stomach.

"Those Southern Island kids really don't know how to drink properly."

"...They're probably saying the same thing on the other side."

"Still, apart from the Beast Palace Lord, I don't recall ever someone making us drink ourselves to death like that..." [?]

"Let's exclude him from the list of people for now."

The same went for Chung Myung, who was on the same level as the Beast Palace Lord.

"Ugh."

Jo Gol groaned, undoing the knots of his robe. He carefully took out Mount Hua's coat-of-arms, which he had delicately wrapped to prevent any damage during the journey. [not sure]

"But why hold a meeting so early in the morning?"

"It's not early; it's late."

"What?"

Yoon Jong said with a bitter expression.

Just giving us a night to rest already shows the Sect Leader's remarkable patience. If it were you, could you remain silent and wait when outsiders arrive in such a situation?"

"...No, I couldn't."

"That's right."

Yoon Jong nodded in agreement.

"Judging by the faces of those who drank, it seems they were feeling a greater pressure than we anticipated. In the midst of that, they took care of us who came a long way, so we should be thankful. Don't voice unnecessary complaints."

"Oh, Sahyung. When did I ever complain about something like that? It's not a complaint; I just feel like the alcohol hasn't worn off yet, and I don't want to look bad for no reason."

"...I agree with that."

Yoon Jong chuckled dryly. In reality, he didn't remember how they had entered this lodging. Well, considering that they didn't even know this was a lodging, they couldn't have entered on their own.

It was a disgrace. It was clear that those who came for an important meeting in Southern Island didn't appear as dignified guests.

However, neither Yoon Jong nor Jo Gol had any regrets.

"What on earth was that guy thinking when he poured out alcohol like that?"

"How should we know? Since it seemed appropriate based on the atmosphere, we just went along with it."

"Sigh..."

Yoon Jong shook his head.

It is said that after three years at the village school, one can recite poetry, but after spending more than three years by Chung Myung's side, things like reason and propriety became less and less important. You just had to roughly match the rhythm, thinking there must be some reason for it.

"It's getting late. Let's hurry."

"Wait, just a moment. Let me change my pants..."

"Hurry up."

"I'm done, I'm done!"

Yoon Jong sighed and opened the door. As soon as they stepped outside, they saw people coming out from various doors.

"Did you sleep well last night, Namgung Sogaju?"

"Yoon Jong, did you sleep...Ugh... Did you sleep well...Ugh..."

Yoon Jong looked at Namgung Dowi with wide eyes.

His face, which had seemed well-groomed and handsome even to men, now looked extremely haggard, like that of a sick patient.

"You don't look good..."

"Well, that damn drink... No, what kind of person..."

"Then just drink in moderation."

"...Then I'll feel like I lost, right?"

"..."

Yoon Jong closed his eyes tightly. Indeed, this gentleman also seemed to be losing himself little by little.

"I'm going to die."

"Sago, be careful. Walk straight."

"I am walking straight."

"Sago! Not that way, this way. Oh my! I already gave you hangover medicine!"

Soso. Why on earth did you bring hangover medicine all the way to Southern Island?

The condition of those who came out was not good, to say the least. Given that they forced an excessive amount of alcohol into already fatigued bodies, it would be even stranger if they were in good condition.

"Now, wait a moment. What about the Nokrim King?"

"...Couldn't get up. I think we should move him to the infirmary instead of the meeting room."

"...Is it very bad? We should at least check his condition after the meeting..."

"Oh."

Yoon Jong tried to go towards Im Sobyeong's room, but Namgung Dowi stopped him.

"It's better not to go in. Our appetites will be ruined, you know."

"...."

"First and foremost, to prevent any trouble, once we return from the meeting, we should wash those beddings."

"...."

Yoon Jong rubbed his face with despair.

'At this rate...'

Could they really have a proper meeting or something?

"What about Sasuk?"

"Oh, right? He's not usually late..."

Just then.

Swish.

One door swung wide open, and Baek Cheon stepped out with steps neither fast nor slow.

Swoosh.

With every step he took, the pure white robe swayed gracefully like undulating waves.

Not a spot on the pristine white robe, perfectly combed hair, and the white hero band on his forehead, it all harmonized well with his flawless white skin.

While others were half dead or more, Baek Cheon's appearance was as neat as usual... No, it seemed even neater than usual.

Thud.

With elegant steps, Baek Cheon came out to the corridor, swept his gaze over everyone with his sharp eyes, and then opened his mouth.

"Is everyone out?"

The disciples of Mount Hua began to mutter among themselves.

"...At this point, is he really human?"

"At this stage, we have to admit it's an illness..."

"This is the kind of person who becomes the Sect Leader of Mount Hua."

"...I admit it."

The disciples of Mount Hua nodded involuntarily, and the leaders of other sects gritted their teeth at the sight.

"Is he human..."

In particular, Namgung Dowi was almost trembling. Surely Baek Cheon drank more alcohol than he did yesterday, so how on earth could he maintain such a fresh complexion?

This couldn't be explained simply by the resilience of a martial artist.

"As special envoys, we are here to meet the Sect Leader of another sect. So, everyone, please don't neglect your appearance..."

Baekcheon, who was speaking, trailed off and frowned. As his disapproving gaze poured out, sullen responses came out.

"...Sorry, Sasuk."

"I'm sorry I'm not handsome."

"Sorry."

"We tried our best."

"Hmm."

Baek Cheon clicked his tongue disapprovingly at the awkward expressions and subtle glances of the disciples, clearly not pleased. Of course, inwardly, they felt unjustly accused, taking a look at Baek Cheon stifled any complaints they might have voiced.

"What about Chung Myung?"

"I don't know. Can't see him. There's no way he'd be passed out from drinking."

"Not in his room?"

"He's not there."

"Then where...?"

Baek Cheon nodded as if guessing.

"Never mind. Let's go."

"What about Chung Myung?"

"He'll come on his own."

Baek Cheon addressed the people in front of him once again.

"I'll say it again; each one of you here represents everyone in the Heavenly Comrade Alliance."

"..."

"When you speak, think twice, and always keep in mind how you'll appear to them."

"Is that a message for everyone?"

"Let's go."

"Sasuk? No, but when you speak, why do you keep your eyes on me... Sasuk?"

Ignoring Jo Gol's complaint, Baek Cheon walked down the corridor. As soon as the others couldn't see his face, a short sigh escaped from him. Tension was evident on his face.

This was his first mission as the Deputy Sect Leader of the Mount Hua Sect. Regardless of the outcome, he had to show the appearance of a Deputy Sect Leader of the Mount Hua Sect and a special envoy of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance.

He walked down the stairs with a stern face.

And...

"Hahaha. Look at this guy's face!"

"Ah, go away."

"He can't even drink! His nickname is Southern Island Drunkard!"

"The whale in this neighborhood is the size of a minnow, isn't it?" [?]

"No, but really!"

"Goodness. If I had challenged someone and lost, I would have bitten my tongue and died. He even comes out with his head held high."

"You lost! It's a draw, it's a draw!"

"Mmm."

Guo Hansuo's blue face turned bright red. Chung Myung, who had been happily teasing, turned to the stairs at the sound of the commotion. Then, seeing Baek Cheon coming down the stairs, Chung Myung chuckled.

"And look at that. Our Deputy Sect Leader is in such good shape. Unlike all the others who are about to die."

"...Really."

"Wow. That gentleman drank more than me yesterday."

"Great Sahyung, admit it. We lost this one."

"...Our Great Sahyung doesn't look that good either."

"Who was the last one just now? Who was it?"

Watching Chung Myung siding himself with the Southern Island disciples and picking on Guo Hansuo, Baek Cheon shook his head.

'That guy can't be stopped anyways.'

Originally, the atmosphere here should have been extremely serious.This was the day when the future of the Southern Island Sect and the Heavenly Comrade Alliance would be decided, and the disciples here would also be aware of that fact.

However, the drinking party from yesterday and Chung Myung, jokes who appeared before everyone else, completely loosened the tension in the air.

Some of the pressure on Baek Cheon's shoulders was relieved. He slightly parted his lips as if about to say something, but soon burst into laughter.

"Chung Myung."

"Huh?"

"... It's embarrassing, so come over here."

"No, did I say something wrong?"

"... Please, just be quiet."

"This person is being treated unfairly!"

When Baek Cheon raised his chin, Yoon Jong and Jo Gol rushed forward, grabbed Chung Myung's arms, and escorted him backward.

"No! I didn't say anything wrong! That bastard picked a fight first? Why only me! Eup! Eup, eup!"

Tang Soso skillfully covered Chung Myung's mouth with a cloth and slapped him. Baek Cheon sighed deeply and surrounded Guo Hansuo.

"I apologize. Well... as you may know... he's that kind of person from the start..."

"...You must have had a hard time."

"Even three days is not enough to put it into words."

After saying that, Baek Cheon looked at Guo Hansuo with a strange look.

"But, your complexion seems off?"

"...It's originally dark."

"It doesn't seem like that... Perhaps a hangover?"

"Oh, it's originally dark. People from Southern Island are naturally dark because of the sunlight!"

"Ah, then that's fortunate. I was just concerned for your health because you drank so much. It won't be a problem, right?"

"...Go ahead and fall down."

"Yes?"

"No, nothing."

When Baek Cheon grinned, Guo Hansuo chuckled and immediately surrounded him.

"I am Guo Hansuo, the top disciple of Southern Island. The Sect Leader wishes to meet you, so please follow me. I'll guide you."

"Please lead the way."

Guo Hansuo, who wiped away the playful look as if washing his face, turned around. As he did, the disciples of Southern Island who were waiting emitted an aura of protection around the Heavenly Comrade Alliance.

"The typhoon has not subsided yet, so please understand that the roads may be rough."

"If one avoids the blowing wind, they are not a martial artist. Don't worry about it."

As if pleased with the answer, Guo Hansuo grinned.

"Open it."

"Yes!"

The double doors opened wide.

Baek Cheon's eyes narrowed slightly. The typhoon was still blowing. However, the disciples of Southern Island did not care about the fierce wind and were lined up on both sides of the path.

"...Unnecessary..."

"Please don't say that."

Guo Hansuo spoke in a serious tone.

"It's not about showing off strength or threatening. Regardless of the outcome of the conversation with Sect Leader, it doesn't matter. It's just showing the minimum courtesy to those who risked their lives to come all the way to Southern Island, where no one has visited. That's all."

Baek Cheon's face slightly stiffened.

"So please come."

Guo Hansuo went ahead into the wind. Baek Cheon nodded and followed behind him.

Disciples who had been standing there for a while, their clothes soaked, drew their swords together and silently saluted the procession heading to the sect leader's residence.

Only the sound of rain was heard. A silent reception without a single loud cheer.

In the eyes of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance walking in that reception, the dignified gate and the figure of Kim Yang Baek welcoming them at the front appeared.

Baek Cheon gently squeezed the rainwater that had accumulated in his palm.