Chapter 1146: I’ve Done As Much As I Could For Now (Part 1)

[I'm going to use elixir/spiritual pill interchangeably]

'No, what kind of elixir is this....'

There were too many things that didn't make sense logically.

First of all, how did they create such an elixir? But that was a problem that could be set aside for now. The more important question was why they were being given this elixir in the first place.

'And that too, an elixir that the Tang Family's Sogaju evaluated so highly....'

Of course, it was a bit small in size. Generally, an elixir was said to be at least the size of an almond, but the elixir they held in their hands now was the size of a bean.

But so what? Whether it was the size of a bean or a grain of rice, if it was a high-grade elixir, wouldn't it be normal for a bloody storm to break throughout Kangho if it were released?

Strong martial artists risked their lives in Murim. If there was any way to enhance their martial skills, they would rush to the place where the rumors of elixirs emerged, abandoning everything else. Even though they knew the chance of obtaining an elixir with their skills was slim, they couldn't give up that small hope.

'But why distribute such elixirs like this?'

Everyone looked at Chung Myung with faces of disbelief. Instead of dividing the elixir into smaller pieces, wouldn't there have been enough proper-sized pills for each of the disciples of Mount Hua?

Which sect's chief would distribute elixirs meant for their disciples to others?

"Is... is it really a spiritual pil?"

So, it was natural to doubt even if you knew.

"Is it... poison?"

"Why would they feed us poison!"

"Because we've been sluggish lately, are they trying to make us work harder by feeding us poison? If you don't want to die, work hard…."

Those who were about to refute that it didn't make sense looked at Chung Myung with a suspicious look. It was an absurd thing to say, but with that guy, it was possible...

"The Tang Family Chief said it's an elixir!"

Ah, that's right.

"Ah, no. It's the Tang Family. Those nobles eat poison like elixirs, don't they? Then, isn't poison also an elixir?"

"Huh?"

As if there was some logic to it, the disciples' gaze turned back to the Tang Family. Then, Tang Pae protested with a look of injustice.

"No matter what, I can distinguish between poison and elixir! And it's just a baseless rumor that the Tang Family people eat poison like elixirs!"

"...Really?"

"What about the Heavenly Poison?"

"That's a different issue! If we could increase our inner strength by eating poison, we would have more inner strength than the Shaolin! We would have beaten up Namgung!"

"No, why are we suddenly...?"

That statement seemed to convince everyone, and they all nodded their heads.

"Then, is this really a spiritual pill…?"

The doubt was resolved, but a bigger question arose.

With bewildered expressions, when they sent looks seeking explanation, Chung Myung casually tilted his chin.

"If you've all received it, then eat it."

"...."

"Don't bother saving it for later. Eat it all and cultivate when the elders guard you."

"No...."

Even Beast Palace, with a bewildered face, asked Chung Myung.

"I-Is it really okay to eat this?"

"Then why would I give you something you can't eat?"

"I didn't mean that...."

If they had been alone here, regardless of their dignity, they would have swallowed the spiritual pill as soon as they had it in their hands. However, since there were so many in the same situation, it was ambiguous for someone to step forward and eat the spiritual pill first.

"Oh, eat it! Didn't you hear? Can't you even eat what's given to you?"

At the sound of the nagging from the front, those who were holding the spiritual pill in their hands exchanged glances. However, since no one could give a sharp answer, their gaze ultimately turned to the Palace Lord.

A dry laugh burst from Meng So's mouth. The sight of the robust palace members who couldn't help but look like desperate puppies was amusing.

'Was it like this?'

This was not simply a reaction to receiving an elixir. In the first place, the palace people fundamentally did not understand receiving something from the Central Plains without any compensation.

Although they had come to an agreement to cooperate and nest together under the roof of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, the distrust that had taken root in their minds had not dissipated.

In fact, the one who had to solve this problem was none other than Meng So. He, who had actively thought about exchanges with the Central Plains from the past, should have taken the lead first...

Meng So glanced at Chung Myung. The latter's face was heavily wrinkled as if he were irritated.

'It's just an expression.'

Now he knew a little about Chung Myung. This person, who was awkward in dealing with people, would sharpen his teeth and make a fuss whenever he felt embarrassed or received public compliments. 

"Cough."

Meng So, who gave a short fake cough, opened his mouth.

"That spiritual pill is…."

What should he say? Meng So, who looked at everyone in one glance, continued speaking as he scanned their faces.

"It's the spiritual pill prepared for you by the Heavenly Comrade Alliance."

Strictly speaking, this was the right thing to say. It wasn't a wrong statement.

This spiritual pill was the purification of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, made by combining the ice crystal of the North Sea, the purple wood grass of the Beast Palace, and the efforts of the Mount Hua Sect.

If you stretched it a bit, it could be said that it was made with the funds of Namgung, the delivery business of Nokrim, which made transactions smooth throughout the country, and even the help of the Tang Family's refining techniques.

No matter how amazing the Mount Hua Sect was, the spiritual pill was something that they could create by themselves.

"So, don't look at it with such eyes. You're just enjoying what you rightfully deserve."

This was probably the official position of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, and Chung Myung's perspective on breaking down the barriers among those belonging to the Heavenly Comrade Alliance.

When one side gives something to the other, eventually a division occurs between the giver and the receiver. Chung Myung didn't want that. That slight difference in perspective eventually divided into winners and losers.

Those belonging to the Heavenly Comrade Alliance received equal treatment regardless of their sect. Wasn't that the principle newly established by Chung Myung?

Therefore, as Meng So, who had to uphold that big principle, there was only one answer he could give. But...

"However..."

Meng So interrupted for a moment, glanced at Chung Myung, and smiled faintly.

'I don't have to follow your words exactly. That's right, isn't it?'

Since Chung Myung said there were no barriers within the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, using that contradiction was not necessarily a bad thing.

"When you strip away the fancy packaging, this spiritual pill is also something that the Mount Hua Sect made and shared with you."

"No, that's..."

Just as Chung Myung was about to say something, Meng So quickly continued, blocking his mouth.

"There's no need to reject what has been offered. It's not something small enough to reject, especially when you lay out reasons and justifications like the legitimacy of the spiritual pill. However, the act of graciously accepting what has been given without a thankful heart is not something a person of principle would do."

Chung Myung opened his eyes wide and looked at Meng So. However, Meng So neatly avoided that gaze.

"So, hold a thankful heart for Mount Hua, who stayed up several nights to make the spiritual pill and selflessly provided it to you."

Chung Myung's eyes flared up.

"Ahem."

In a gaze that seemed ready to devour him whole, Meng So subtly avoided Chung Myung's eyes. This time, Tang Gunak supported Meng So.

"The Tang Family feels the same way."

At those words, all Tang Family members stared at Tang Gunak.

"Someone with a bad personality may well feed people well to devour them later. However, everyone knows that it's not as easy as it sounds."

"..."

"There is no need to say thank you. No, don't try to brush it off with such an easy word. The difficult and simple way to pay for this spiritual pill is to make sure that the value of the pill you take away is well recognized in the future. That should be enough. I'm not the kind of person who wants more than that."

"..."

"However... Have a grateful heart for the Lord and the elders of the Mount Hua Sect who collapsed from exhaustion making this pill. That's a separate matter."

The Tang Family members nodded with a heavy heart.

"Are you going to do this?"

When Chung Myung asked with clenched teeth, Tang Gunak shrugged.

"What can I say? Should I say it was nothing?"

"Actually, it wasn't that difficult."

"You're making it seem easy. If it's so easy, aren't we the fools who can't even do that simple thing?"

"...".

"To avoid becoming fools, I have to say something, even if we have to endure blame without making excuses, right?"

"Ugh...."

Chung Myung groaned.

"No, I mean, it's not that...."

As he absentmindedly turned his head, he suddenly stepped back in surprise. The guys who were dying a moment ago without any vitality were now looking at him with shining eyes, and it was a bit overwhelming.

Flustered, Chung Myung malfunctioned.

"That, uh...."

"Oh, for real."

At that moment, a savior appeared.

"It's not like we're training puppies! Are you going to sit here in front of the spiritual pill and die?"

People's gaze turned towards the source of the loud voice. In no time, Im Sobyeong sat on the floor with a dejected look, had thrown away his fan and was frowning arrogantly.

"Whether you're grateful or repay the favor, that's up to each of you. Well, for those of you who don't mind being polite, let's eat now that the order is given. Yeah? Are you going to sit there and cover this and that when your legs are about to give out right now?"

"Uh...."

It was a valid point.

"If you're not going to eat, clear out. I'm going to eat."

Without hesitation, Im Sobyeong swiftly stuffed the Self-Cultivation Pill into his mouth and began devouring it with gusto.

Wasn't being the first always the hardest?

After Im Sobyeong broke the ice, others one by one sat down and, adopting the same pose, pushed the Self-Cultivation Pill into their mouths.

"But, Chung Myung."

When Jo Gol raised his hand as if he didn't understand something, Chung Myung waved his hand as if he couldn't be bothered to listen.

"Just eat like everyone else."

"No, it's not that."

"Oh, just eat. There's nothing we can do about what others give us. We're all eating the same thing. It's not like eating a bit more of it is going to make a difference or anything."

"No, it's not about that."

"Huh?"

Jo Gol, showing his share of the Self-Cultivation Pill, contorted his face.

"Doesn't it seem like our share is a bit smaller than others?"

"...."

"Are you really sure it's all the same?"

"...."

"Don't cheat and tell the truth. If you say it now, I'll let it slide."

Chung Myung, who had a popped vein on his forehead, rolled up his sleeves for the first time in a long while.