Chapter 1629: Good Things Are Good, Right? (Part 4)

"Ah... So, I've been tasked with serving as a unit leader."

"..."

Jaegal Jain looked at Hyun Jong with vacant eyes.

"And..."

"Yes."

"I need to select the unit leaders..."

Jaegal Jain's gaze shifted from Hyun Jong to Chung Myung, who was standing beside him.

"Are you telling me that I was called here because the Chief's... opinion is utterly unreliable?"

"Unfortunately, that's the case."

"..."

At that moment, only one thought crossed Jaegal Jain's mind.

'Was there a common bloodline flowing through the Mount Hua Sect?'

Why were the people wearing the robes of Mount Hua Sect all seemingly insane?

"I understand your point, but..."

At this point, Jaegal Jain wasn't explicitly aware of anything, but couldn't help but suspect that there might have been a secret connection between Mount Hua and the Jaegal Family for generations. Otherwise, how could it make any sense for him, who until recently had been vehemently criticizing Mount Hua, to be treated like this?

"But why specifically me...?"

"Because you seem like the most impartial person to assess the situation."

"Impartial?"

"Yes."

Jaegal Jain's face slightly contorted.

Although they said impartial, did it not mean 'because you're the most outspoken critic of Mount Hua among us'?

"I implore you, Gaju-nim."

"The Chief's...intelligence is at a level that I cannot dare to follow. If you wish to seek my opinion..."

"Though it would be greatly appreciated if you could consider it."

Hyun Jong glanced at Chung Myung and sighed.

"It's embarrassing, but he has yet to develop the temperament to control his innate wit."

"..."

"I should've made a person out of him first..."

"You're making me ashamed in front of people from other sects!" [not sure]

"Shut it, you!"

Seeing Chung Myung pouting, Jaegal Jain felt dizzy, realizing it wasn't a joke.

What kind of world was this?

"Anyway, please give us your opinion."

"..."

There was no time to waste. Even if they had time left.

"If it's for the alliance, I'll offer my humble opinion."

"And if Gaju-nim could also take up the position of a unit leader."

"That's not possible."

"Yes?"

Unlike before, Hyun Jong's voice was firm, making Jaegal Jain flinch as he looked at him.

"Please don't misunderstand. It doesn't mean I won't dedicate myself to the alliance. I simply believe there's a position I must hold."

"A position you must hold?"

"If the command structure is unified, the position of each unit leader is important, but the importance of the command center also increases. I believe the current command structure has its limitations."

"Ah."

Hyun Jong nodded involuntarily.

In practice, the ones currently leading the Heavenly Comrade Alliance were Chung Myung, Tang Gunak, and Im Sobyeong. Jaegal Jain wasn't implying their incompetence.

It was more likely that those who joined the alliance recently, like the Southern Edge Sect and Myong Man Manor, still felt awkward about obeying them.

"So, I want to be part of the command center."

"Are you sure about this?"

Hyun Jong looked at Jaegal Jain with a renewed gaze.

Joining the command center meant listening to Chung Myung's instructions and joining forces with Im Sobyeong. As the head of a prestigious family, it wasn't an easy choice to make.

"I must do what must be done. As the Chief said."

Hyun Jong's head nodded heavily.

He had often thought the other cruel, even if he hadn't said it aloud. [not sure?] That such a person would come into this enclosed space and form a supportive relationship. That was why one shouldn't judge people too quickly.

"Well then..."

"If I need to recommend someone else in that regard..."

Jaegal Jain's gaze sank.

"We can't exclude Sect Leader Jong Rigok of the Southern Edge Sect."

"Mm."

Indeed, it wouldn't make sense to exclude him, as he was the representative figure of the remaining Ten Great Sects.

"And personally, I believe it's only natural for the Lord of the Yunnan Beast Palace to assume that position. Do you understand why?"

Hyun Jong silently nodded.

To avoid the feeling of discrimination against the new Outer Sects, one of the Ice Palace members or the Beast Palace members must be appointed. Considering experience and skills, choosing the Lord of the Beast Palace would be the obvious choice.

"And we also need a sect that can represent the Five Great Families."

"Are you referring to the Namgung Family?"

"No. While Namgung Dowi may be recognized within the Namgung Family, he lacks the gravitas required as the Chief. A vice unit leader would be more appropriate for him."

"Well then..."

Jaegal Jain's gaze shifted to the person sitting next to Hyun Jong.

"To be honest, I fail to see the significance of the Vice Lord position. If someone is skilled, rather than sitting them in a mere ceremonial role, they should be sent to the battlefield." 

Tang Gunak's expression became even more solemn under his gaze.

"While the power of the Heavenly Tang Family may have weakened, there's no reason to not utilize the skills of the Poison King from the Tang Family, right?"

"..."

Hyun Jong glanced slightly towards Tang Gunak. While Tang Gunak might be the most suitable to confront the Evil Sect, he was the Vice Lord of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. Changing his position would essentially be a demotion. Whether Tang Gunak would accept that...

"Well..."

Tang Gunak lightly smiled and brushed his chin.

"Sitting in the conference room has become quite uncomfortable. If Jaegal Gaju says so, I'll gladly return to my place."

"Gaju-nim..."

"This is an excellent opportunity for Tang Family. I'll prove that the SIchuan Tang Family still hasn't lost their strength yet."

Hyun Jong looked at Tang Family with utmost gratitude.

"It's a bit awkward to be ordered by the Chief..."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"...Nothing."

Tang Gunak shook his head lightly.

"So, three positions are confirmed. There are only two positions left."

Jaegal Jain looked at Hyun Jong.

"Maengju-nim. Mount Hua's Great..."

"Not possible."

Before Jaegal Jain could finish his sentence, Hyun Jong interrupted him.

"Mount Hua already has too many positions. Aspiring for a unit leader's position is greed."

"Mm... However."

"It's best to do as I say regarding this matter."

"...Understood."

This time, Jaegal Jain stepped back. Even if Mount Hua didn't take up a unit leader's position, most of the vice leader positions would be filled by Mount Hua, so there shouldn't be a big issue.

"Originally, one position should be given to Nokrim, which has the largest number of followers, but since he's a strategist..."

"What, a member of the Evil Sect becoming a unit leader? That's absurd! I won't stand for such a sight until I have dirt in my eyes!"

"..."

"Are you out of your mind? Gaju-nim, think before you speak... Ow! My ear!"

"I told you to shut it!"

"Ouch. Sect Leader, my ear!"

"..."

A 'Evil Sect hater' who wanted to break down barriers and open a new world was now standing in front of Jaegal Jain.

"...Anyway, it seems Nokrim is not an option."

Jaegal Jain tapped the desk with his finger. Filling the position of unit leader with someone who could match the prestige of Jong Rigok, Maeng So, and Tang Gunak wasn't as easy as it seemed.

"Well, the only option left is the Beggar's Union."

"A beggar becoming a unit leader? I'd rather seat someone from the Evil Sect!"

"This scoundrel! This scoundrel!"

"Ow! It hurts!"

Hyun Jong's hand smacked Chung Myung's [idk? 조동아리를] vigorously.

Even after that, Hyun Jong furiously rubbed his face, letting out a sigh as if finding no relief.

"The Beggar's Union's Sect Leader just recently assumed the position of Sect Leader, so it might be difficult for him to take on the role of a unit leader too soon. Moreover..."

"Yes. Due to the nature of the Beggar's Union, it's not easy for them to operate within the organization."

While ordinary beggars might not know, there was a need to maintain the organization, for those who handled information. In that case, it was also necessary to have a working sect leader.

"Well then, about the Beggar's Union..."

"There's no rule that says that unit leaders must be sect leaders."

"Hmm?"

"Well, there's a guy man who's currently idle and loafing around, and he's better than Uncle Hong."

Jaegal Jain looked at Chung Myung with an expression that said, 'Ah, I see.'

"Indeed... If we're talking about a previous sect leader, they might have certain advantages over the current sect leader."

"Pungyeong Shin Gae..."

Tang Gunak nodded. Despite being relatively unknown compared to his reputation, he certainly possessed the weight necessary for a unit leader.

"So, there's one position left."

"Hmm."

A sigh escaped Hyun Jong's lips. Filling the remaining position wasn't going to be easy.

He declined Un Am, and the Southern Island Sect, led by Guo Hansuo, were still insufficient even as a vice unit leader. Seol So Baek also wasn't suitable as a unit leader considering his age.

The only option left was Do Un Chan from the Ghost Gate... But since there were far more people who didn't know him than those who did, it was impossible to promote him to unit leader.

"Maengju-nim."

"Hmm."

Hyun Jong's face stiffened at Tang Gunak's subtly serious tone.

'If this continues...'

Eventually, would it come to promoting Mount Hua's Sect Leader Un Am to unit leader?

Hyun Jong's complexion darkened slightly.

For Un Am, who had just taken on the Sect Leader position, the burden was already overwhelming. Asking him to take on the role of unit leader might be too much? For someone who was naturally soft-hearted...

But in the current situation, with no other options, Hyun Jong was about to speak out.

"Maengju-nim."

"Yes?"

Jaegal Jain looked at Hyun Jong with a more serious expression.

"May I recommend someone?"

* * *

"...Unit leader?"

Moyong Wigyung's expression froze.

"Yes. Gaju-nim."

"Am... Am I hearing this correctly?"

"Yes."

Moyong Wigyung looked at Jaegal Jain with an incredulous expression.

Unit leader? Just a few days ago, he vehemently criticized Mount Hua. Was he really being appointed to one of the five unit leader positions?

And even bypassing Mount Hua's Sect Leader?

"Is that... Is that even logical? I..."

"It's odd, but..."

Jaegal Jain said with a wry smile.

"It seems to make sense here."

"..."

Not knowing what expression to make, Moyong Wigyung suddenly spoke as if he had remembered something.

"Th-The Chief... Did you mean to say...? No! Did the Chief not object?"

"That... Well..."

"Yes?"

Jaegal Jain's face became awkward.

"...Chief said it would be of great help if Moyong Gaju-nim took the position."

"That, that's... The Chief is truly magnanimous."

Looking at Moyong Wigyung's moved expression, Jaegal Jain silently lowered his eyes.

- Ah! That guy! Great, one less annoying thing. Let's just get rid of him. He was already talking too much, so if we give him that, he'll quiet down, right?

But he couldn't...

Jaegal Jain couldn't bring himself to relay the message as it was.