Chapter 1615: So, We Have To Break It Ourselves (Part 5)

At the center of a not-so-large room, two people sat facing each other, with a small table between them.

"A guest has arrived, but apart from tea, there's nothing suitable to offer. Since I didn't invite you, please don't be offended."

"I wouldn't dare."

Sip.

The tea in Chung Myung's cup slowly rose. Watching it quietly, Chung Myung lifted the cup as soon as it was filled.

"If it's tea offered by Sect Leader of the Southern Edge Sect, it cannot be compared to the delicacies across mountains and seas."

"If you think so, I'm relieved."

The teacup in Chung Myung's hand gradually heated up, and soon steam began to flow out.

"It seems you enjoy hot tea."

"Yes. Lukewarm ones are just unpleasant."

Jong Rigok smiled faintly.

"Preferring certainty over mediocrity is a privilege of youth. But... if you enjoy tea so much, you might miss out on its aroma and taste."

"I've heard that a lot. So I've tried my best to truly enjoy tea whenever possible. But..."

Interrupting midway, Chung Myung downed the tea in one go, the tea almost boiling.

Thunk.

Placing the emptied cup neatly on the table, Chung Myung smiled crookedly.

"There is nothing one can do about their nature."

"That... is truly regrettable."

Jong Rigok simply smiled faintly and refilled Chung Myung's empty cup. Then, he leisurely asked.

"So, what's the matter?"

"It seems there is something to discuss."

"Between us?"

"Yes."

Jong Rigok leaned back in his chair after setting down the tea kettle, his gaze sharp and fixed on Chung Myung.

"It doesn't seem like we have much to talk about, do we?"

"Do you think so?"

"I am aware that you are the Chief of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. But the Southern Edge Sect isn't exactly allied with the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. So if you want something from me..."

Chung Myung cut off Jong Rigok's words firmly.

"No, I didn't come here as the Chief of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance."

"In that case?"

Chung Myung's gaze towards Jong Rigok seemed momentarily sharp and cold.

"I came as a disciple of Mount Hua. Nothing more, nothing less."

A brief silence settled in the room. Though a hint of surprise flickered in Jong Rigok's eyes momentarily, it was just that - a flicker. Maintaining an impassive expression as if nothing happened, Jong Rigok calmly replied.

"Then... there wouldn't be much else to discuss, would there?"

"Do you really think so?"

After a brief silence, Jong Rigok crossed his arms.

"Your words and actions are inconsistent. You claim to prefer certainty, yet you've been nothing but asking questions since earlier."

"Isn't inconsistency human?"

"I won't deny that."

Chung Myung smirked.

"Please understand. It's something... necessary, something I must do, but seeing your face... it's just..."

Tch.

The sound of grinding teeth echoed. It was an action that left no room for hiding, even with Jong Rigok present.

"The desire to cut off that arrogance keeps surging up unexpectedly, but I am supressing it"

Killing intent poured out like a beast's vitality. Taking it in fully, Jong Rigok smiled faintly. It was definitely not something one could say to the Sect Leader of the Southern Edge. Even if it were Chung Myung, renowned throughout the world as the Chief of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance and representing Mount Hua.

If Jong Rigok were to take issue with this, it might undermine the Heavenly Comrade Alliance and could lead to their downfall. Such was the audacity of the statement.

Despite knowing this, Jong Rigok chose a different path.

"Still, it's fortunate."

"What do you mean?"

"At times, I've reflected on whether I'm too inflexible. I've even wondered if I'm worthy of using the name 'righteous sect'."

There was a youthful vigor in Jong Rigok's eyes as he looked at Chung Myung.

"If it were't for you, if Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword Chung Myung was absent. How many times do you think I've had such thoughts?"

Jong Rigok's hand, resting on the table, clenched slowly. The tightly gripped hand seemed to reveal his hidden intentions.

"If it weren't for you. Yes... if you were to disappear. If you were to perish fighting somewhere. Or, at least... "

Jong Rigok's words trailed off. It seemed he couldn't bring himself to speak the final words. Instead, Chung Myung, who had been listening quietly, spoke in his place.

"If you were to slit that throat? Even if it meant bearing all sorts of infamy and disgrace?"

Jong Rigok neither affirmed nor denied. But Chung Myung couldn't fail to understand the meaning of that silence. Jong Rigok faced Chung Myung squarely and said.

"No matter how hard I try to discard it, it doesn't go away. Even at this moment with you before me."

There was no warmth in their gaze as they faced each other. The silence and exchange of glances continued for what seemed like an eternity. It was Jong Rigok who first turned his head.

"Why have you come?"

The simmering murderous intent had washed away as if rinsed, leaving only a feigned indifference. Their eyes met calmly, and Chung Myung hesitated for a moment. Then, he spoke as if exhaling.

"I need... the Southern Edge Sect."

Jong Rigok's eyes dimmed briefly. It seemed as if he were trying to grasp the meaning behind Chung Myung's words, or perhaps uncovering the sincerity hidden within.

Then, he slowly shook his head.

"I hope there's no misunderstanding. I have no intention of blindly following every whim of Mount Hua's events now. My lack of cooperation isn't due to harboring other intentions, but rather because excessive friendliness would be hypocritical."

"..."

"In conclusion, you don't need to persuade me. Southern Edge will do what Southern Edge must, at the very least."

Chung Myung's voice flowed coldly.

"No. More is needed."

"...More?"

"Complete cooperation."

Jong Rigok's complexion stiffened at the unexpected words.

"No, perhaps even more than that."

His gaze turned chilly once again.

"...Are you asking for submission?"

"I'd appreciate it if that were possible. But a scenario where Southern Edge submits to Mount Hua is something I can't even begin to imagine."

"..."

"But we can cooperate. Lay down our drawn swords."

Jong Rigok chuckled softly after a brief moment of dumbfoundedness. It contained various emotions - incredulity, amazement, mockery, and scorn.

"If you speak so earnestly, then I'll be honest in my response."

"Yes."

"I don't think Paegun was wrong. Rather, he struck a very painful spot."

Jong Rigok spoke calmly.

"Your words were impressive. By breaking down boundaries, we suppress those who pursue their personal desires. But... it's a funny notion. Who created those barriers? Wasn't it us?"

Chung Myung remained silent.

"People want to set boundaries. Divide 'me' and 'others,' 'us' and 'them.' It's instinctive. Even if we forcibly break down those barriers, new ones will arise."

Raising his cup, Jong Rigok toasted his throat before continuing.

"We're no different. As long as two sects exist in Shaanxi, we can never be 'together' forever. Not until one side completely triumphs."

A cold, fierce sneer crept onto Chung Myung's lips as he remained silent.

"So, you extracted the secret techniques of a sect under attack and guided them to their downfall?"

"..."

"In order to achieve total victory?"

Walking here, Chung Myung realized anew. He had never once questioned Southern Edge about this matter.

He neither condemned nor forgave. They were the same. There had never been condemned, nor sought forgiveness. They simply turned their gaze away, pretending as if such things never existed.

Leaving something unspoken ultimately amounted to just hiding it. It couldn't be a solution.

Jong Rigok, who had been silently staring at the ceiling, turned to face forward again. It was difficult to guess what he was thinking from his emotionless face.

"Do you seek atonement from us? If that's the case, forget it. I have no intention of atoning."

Chung Myung chuckled frankly.

Did you know, Jong Rigok? What Chung Myung was feeling right now What he was enduring while sitting here.

"Still, you're not denying it."

"Spewing obvious lies will only make Southern Edge look foolish."

Jong Rigok slightly closed his eyes.

"But... that's all. I won't say it was a mistake. If you came to hear that answer from me, it would be better to turn back. I have nothing to say."

Staring intently at him, Chung Myung asked.

"Is it difficult to admit it was wrong?"

"..."

"To say it was a mistake, that it shouldn't have happened, to apologize to the disciples of Mount Hua who died because of it. Is it so difficult to say those words?"

Chung Myung's voice, which had remained largely emotionless, began to boil slightly. Or perhaps it seemed to subside. A low, menacing voice continued to flow.

"Say it."

"..."

"We had to pay the price with our lives. We had to lose everything. But you won't lose anything by admitting it. Just lower your proud head and say it once."

"Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword."

"Answer me. Why is it so difficult and burdensome?"

Chung Myung bit his lip. His face somehow resembled that of someone holding back tears.

"Among those who protected by Mount Hua... you were there too."

Jong Rigok's hand under the table trembled ever so slightly, so faintly that it could only be noticed upon close inspection.

"I didn't expect anything in return. But at least I didn't think we'd be betrayed. Because humans wouldn't do that. At least not those pretending to be human."

Jong Rigok let out a long sigh as he listened silently with closed eyes. And that sigh soon became a barrier, blocking Chung Myung's path.

"So, are we supposed to follow Mount Hua's orders without question this time because we've committed sins? Are we supposed to pretend it never happened?"

"I..."

"I refuse."

Chung Myung's face stiffened slightly. Jong Rigok was firm.

"I won't accept such a deal. Southern Edge hasn't sinned against Mount Hua. It was simply an unavoidable choice. So there's no need for atonement or regret. No matter what you say, the outcome won't change."

Jong Rigok slowly lowered his head, looking somewhat exhausted.

"If you're going to talk about the past, let's stop here. I have nothing more to say. That's my position as a member of Southern Edge. Of course, if you want to blame me for this, feel free to do as you please."

Chung Myung fell silent. Only the gaze directed at Jong Rigok was firm.

He tried to understand.

The inferiority Southern Edge felt towards Mount Hua. The thirst for a stronger martial arts. And even the choices they had to make in a situation beyond their control.

But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't understand. And he realized. Perhaps Chung Myung would never understand or forgive them.

"You should speak straight."

"...What are you talking about?"

"It's not that you don't want to admit it, it's that you can't. Because it's not your place to admit it in the first place."

Jong Rigok's eyes sank as he stared at Chung Myung. The unbearable weight, the conflict intensified to an uncontrollable extreme, and even the vulnerability concealed within.