Chapter 1620: Bracing Oneself For The End (Part 5)

No one dared to speak up. 

Not even Hyun Jong, nor the usually composed Tang Gunak, or even the usually calm Im Sobyeong were able to do more than widen their eyes in shock. 

"Uh…" 

Even Jo Gol, who usually couldn't control his tongue in such situations, found himself speechless. 

Jong Rigok's declaration was that shocking. 

What kind of sect was Southern Edge? It was a place in Shaanxi had spent hundreds of years in contention with Mount Hua and its disciples. Although recently Shaolin and Mount Hua were known to be enemies, their deep-seated animosity towards Southern Edge couldn't be easily surpassed. 

Yet, such a sect now declared its allegiance to Mount Hua. And not just as a simple cooperation, but in a form tantamount to complete subjugation! 

'Did I hear something wrong?'

Actually, this doubt felt more rational. 

"What... What exactly are you saying, Sect Leader?" 

The first to regain composure and speak up was Moyong Wigyung. He seemed ready to pounce on Jong Rigok at any moment. 

But Jong Rigok remained calm. 

"I said it as it is." 

"So, you mean Southern Edge... No, they're saying they will align with Mount Hua?" 

Perhaps initially, he meant to ask, 'Are they saying they will become Mount Hua's dogs?' Yet, even though he could guess this, Jong Rigok didn't point it out. 

"Is there any reason why not?" 

"What on earth are you saying?" 

"Hasn't it already been decided?" 

"Yes?" 

Jong Rigok looked at Moyong Wigyung calmly. 

"And those who align with the Chief's intentions will gather under the banner of Mount Hua, while those who don't will stray from that banner." 

Jong Rigok turned to look at Chung Myung. 

"And the Southern Edge Sect has merely chosen to gather under that banner. It's simply a matter of choosing one side." 

"Sect Leader! Do you truly think that's the right choice? Have you forgotten the relationship between Southern Edge and Mount Hua? The world will laugh at Southern Edge." 

"Chief!" 

Now the situation was reversed from previous meetings. Jaegal Jain, who saw Moyong Wigyung's actions as too much, urgently protested against him. 

But Jong Rigok remained unperturbed. 

"It's better to speak precisely." 

"...What do you mean?" 

"Those who will face ridicule won't be the Southern Edge Sect, but rather, it will be me. The Southern Edge Sect is still a sect stronger than Mount Hua. For such a sect to bow down is not a cause for ridicule. It was the one who made that choice who will be ridiculed." 

Moyong Wigyung's mouth gaped in shock. 

"T-That, how could... How could you, knowing..." 

"Rather, precisely because of that." 

At Jong Rigok's words, everyone's eyes filled with questions. As everyone waited for him to elaborate, Jong Rigok calmly looked up at the ceiling. 

"Once again..." 

Almost like a monologue, an answer flowed out. 

"I've just come to realize it anew. No, it would be more accurate to say I've remembered what I already knew." 

"What...?" 

"The position of the Sect Leader exists to endure ridicule." 

When Jong Rigok lowered his head again, there was one person in his line of sight. 

The idiot, unable to conceal even his confusion while sitting in such an important position. Half-hearted in leading a faction, lacking both the ability and the temperament. 

But... even so, Hyun Jong transformed the crumbling Mount Hua into a sect that commanded respect. Meanwhile, Jong Rigok pushed such a formidable sect into a pit of dishonor and ridicule. 

Where did that difference come from? Was it really just because of the existence of Chung Myung, as Jong Rigok had always believed? Would Mount Hua collapse again if just Chung Myung disappeared? 

No. That wouldn't happen. 

If there was a difference, it was only one. Hyun Jong endured the harsh years, enduring disgrace and ridicule. Despite suffering countless humiliations, he wrapped Mount Hua's deficiencies with his own incompetence. 

Shunned from those above, fleeing from becoming the rightful Sect Leader, taking on numerous tasks he hadn't caused, Hyun Jong endured it all. 

But Jong Rigok only took the honor contained in the Southern Edge Sect's name. He wasn't the only one. Even the previous Sect Leaders had been the same. 

'On such a theme...' 

How much he ridiculed that person. 

He still didn't think of Hyun Jong as outstanding. In terms of ability alone, he couldn't compare to Jong Rigok. 

But as a Sect Leader, not as a person... 

Jong Rigok spoke up. 

"The Chief's opinion is unreasonable. It's nothing but a violent threat that doesn't consider the followers to follow." 

Many agreed with this. Indeed, as Jong Rigok had said before, this might be another form of violence. 

"But if that violence leads to saving even one more disciple's life, then ridicule..." 

A sly smile appeared on Jong Rigok's lips. Soon, he covered his mouth with his hand, coughing. It seemed he was trying to conceal the emotions he didn't want to show. 

After composing himself, he spoke decisively. 

"The Southern Edge Sect's intention won't change. We will align with Mount Hua." 

"Oh, no. Sect Leader, still..." 

Just as Moyong Wigyung was about to desperately protest, 

"Then the Jaegal Family will align with Mount Hua as well." 

Jaegal Jain, who had been quietly listening, decided his stance in an instant. Moyong Wigyung now seemed on the verge of vomiting bile as he shouted, 

"What on earth are you saying, Gaju-nim! Pay attention to your words [not sure]!" 

However, Jaegal Jain's opinion remained unchanged.

"I mean it. I have never once opposed Chief's opinion."

"So, are you saying that Jaegal Family now affirms the Chief's opinion?"

"That's correct."

"Why?"

Wasn't Jaegal Jain the one who initially opposed the Chief the most? With all eyes on him, Jaegal Jain spoke.

"Because Chief's words are strategically correct."

"..."

"I've thought and reconsidered. But no matter how much I thought, I couldn't come up with a better solution than this."

"War isn't just about strategy! You know that better than anyone!"

"However, war cannot be conducted without discussing strategy. Isn't that right?"

Moyong Wigyung closed his mouth like a mute person who found honey [...?]. Chung Myung remained silent as ever. Jaegal Jain glanced in his direction and said,

"If the purpose of this war is to achieve complete victory and reduce our sacrifices, then the Chief's proposal is rational and valid."

"..."

"Of course... I don't particularly like the Chief. And I find the way he presents his opinion terrible. If I wanted to refuse, I could find a thousand reasons. But!"

Jaegal Jain bit his lip firmly.

"For the Jaegal Family...A passing dog would laugh at the fact that the sect leader Zhuge Family, not anyone else, was so blinded by greed and ambition that he rejected the correct strategy. I disagree with Southern Edge's Sect Leader. But even if it is to avoid ridicule, I will join hands with Mount Hua. That's my pride as someone who bears the name Jaegal."

He declared firmly towards Hyun Jong.

"From this moment on, the Jaegal Family will join forces with Mount Hua, and I will delegate all authority as the head of the Jaegal Family to the Alliance until the end of the war."

Various emotions flitted across Hyun Jong's face.

Jaegal Jain's joining was indeed surprising for a different reason.

While Jong Rigok unexpectedly remained silent, the one who had most opposed Chung Myung in the past, Jaegal Jain, now declared without any conditions that he would follow Chung Myung's lead.

Both the longstanding enemy of Mount Hua and the one who had been most hostile after the fall of Shaolin had both chosen to stand with Mount Hua.

The atmosphere in the conference room began to stir. It was inevitable, considering the unexpected turn of events.

And Tang Gunak clearly felt it. Just two sects. No, just two people's declarations were already changing the course.

"Just in case, let me say it again. The Sichuan Tang Family is the same. The Sichuan Tang Family will also stand with Mount Hua, and I will delegate all authority as the head of the Sichuan Tang Family to the Alliance."

That's why he drove the wedge.

"What about the others?"

At this point, some couldn't hide their confusion. Whether they were positive or negative about this matter, the situation itself was flowing differently than expected.

At a moment when Tang Gunak was trying to exert subtle pressure on Im Sobyeong again, Namgung Myung suddenly sighed with a troubled expression.

"Um, I don't hold any authority particularly, but..."

"Elder?"

As if making a big decision, Namgung Myung said.

"The Namgung Family will also stand with Mount Hua."

Tang Gunak, who had been subtly applying pressure all along, found himself rather surprised and speechless.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Of course... Even though I am an elder of Namgung and vice leader, deciding on such matters single-handedly is something that requires me to be prepared for being cast aside by the family."

Of course, he could proceed. After all, he had been given the authority to represent Namgung under the permission of the Sogaju.

However, if he were to make any decisions, he would have to bear all the consequences as well.

In other words, for Namgung Myung, there was no real reason for him to take risks in this position. Namgung Myung chuckled wryly as he spoke.

"But... considering, if I don't propose to align with Mount Hua here, I might avoid some responsibility, but I may never be able to be treated as an uncle for the rest of my life."

He shrugged his shoulders.

"What can I do? While the Namgung Family's position as a general is important, if I have to choose one, wouldn't the position as the uncle of the head of the family be much more significant?"

Amidst the playful banter, chuckles could be heard from various corners.

"If Sogaju were here, without a doubt, he would have sided with Chief. Even at my age, I have no intention of being belittled by my young nephew. The Namgung Family will stand beneath the banner of Mount Hua. Better yet, at the forefront, in the position to fight the enemy first."

What began as a light-hearted joke concluded with an unwavering resolve. It was inevitable. If one were to list the sects with the greatest grudge against the Evil Sect, the Namgung Family would undoubtedly be among them.

The significance of the Namgung Family's joining was unparalleled.

"Thank y..."

"Oh, Nokrim too. Nokrim will also align with Mount Hua."

Tang Gunak and Hyun Jong cast sullen gazes towards Im Sobyeong.

"Isn't this different from earlier, King of Nokrim?"

"Is it different? What slander is this? Deciding the direction within the Heavenly Comrade Alliance and distinguishing between internal and external matters are different issues."

Quickly unfolding his fan to partly cover his face, Im Sobyeong continued.

"Nokrim, not attached to Mount Hua, will inevitably receive poor treatment among the sects. There's no choice for us."

That wasn't a wrong statement, and Tang Gunak sighed as he nodded in agreement, but Im Sobyeong added,

"And even if it were otherwise..."

Eyes peering over the fan emitted a strange light.

"If it's between Mount Hua and Southern Edge, Tang, and Namgung... Those who don't join would be the foolish ones. Even if you try to find something to pick up, isn't it normal to attach yourself to any place where you can gain something?"

"..."

"I'll cling very well. Don't refuse."

Im Sobyeong's curved eyes turned towards Chung Myung. A faint smile finally appeared on Chung Myung's lips, which had remained stiff until now.