Chapter 716: Chapter 1604: It's Not Even Funny (Part 9)
He understood.
They had gathered in one place due to the circumstances, but they were never meant to sit in the same positions in the first place.
In order for those with different perspectives to engage in a conversation, it takes a long time to coordinate. However, what they lacked the most was precisely that time, so such a scene unfolded.
"I've heard that the Southern Edge Sect is quite a formidable martial arts school in the Central Plains."
Beast Palace Lord Meng So, who had maintained silence so far, chuckled as he looked at Jong Rigok.
"It seems rumors are truly unreliable."
"Palace Lord."
"Isn't that so?"
Meng So smiled again as Tang Gunak softly reprimanded him.
"A man's ambition is a filthy thing."
Jong Rigok mocked without holding back.
"Evil Sect, foreigners, and those mixed in, there seems to be no shortage of chaos."
"It seems that someone who already dislikes it is trying to color the world entirely with Evil Sect. [not sure] If your thoughts align, why not consider joining?"
Jong Rigok's eyes glinted with intensity.
"Have you said enough?"
"And if I have?"
Jong Rigok glared at Meng So as if he could rise and kill him in an instant.
He was none other than the sect leader of the Southern Edge Sect, a member of the Ten Great Sects. Even he couldn't endure being insulted with words like, 'If you find it so distasteful, why don't you go and lick the shoes of Jang Ilso?'
"If you think in such a way, it might be better to lead the remaining Ten Great Sects and fight, don't you think? I have no intention of stopping you."
At that moment, instead of Jong Rigok, Jaegal Jain stood up abruptly.
"So, is this the position of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance?"
He said, looking at Tang Gunak with a sarcastic face.
"Unwelcome guests have occupied a seat for no reason. An old man without discretion intruded into the meeting of another faction, but now that he realizes his mistake, he should drink his bitter medicine without excessive criticism."
"Gaju-nim."
Moyong Wigyung tried to dissuade him, but this time, Jaegal Jain glared at Moyong Wigyung with angry eyes.
"Must I keep my position even at the cost of receiving such treatment?"
"...Gaju-nim."
"I have nothing to say about the results. However, it doesn't mean we have to accept any treatment. At least, that's how I see it."
Moyong Wigyung was at a loss for words. But by now, even he found it difficult to oppose Jaegal Jain.
It was truly a difficult situation. What could they do by leaving this place? It wasn't a situation where the Zhuge Family or Moyong Family could pursue anything on their own.
"Moyong Gaju, please stay here. The Jaegal Family will leave."
Jaegal Jain, who spoke firmly, turned his gaze towards Jong Rigok this time.
"What do you think, Southern Edge? Will you continue to endure disgrace?"
Jong Rigok's face slightly stiffened at that moment.
"Did you say disgrace?"
A calm yet powerful voice flowed between them.
All eyes instantly turned in that direction. To the Lord of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, Hyun Jong.
Hyun Jong asked.
"What is considered disgrace?"
"Maengju-nim, we..."
"Is it disgrace to favor those who were once ignored? Or is it disgrace that you can no longer display the same dominance as before?"
This time, Jaegal Jain's face stiffened. He retorted.
"Please refrain from speaking recklessly. Although you are the Lord of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance and we are just sect leaders, we also have our pride."
As Jaegal Jain spoke sharply, Tang Gunak's face couldn't help but show signs of anger. But before Tang Gunak could say anything, a loud voice erupted from Hyun Jong.
"Pride?"
Hyun Jong glared at Jaegal Jain with a completely different expression than usual.
"What is your pride?"
"Maengju..."
"Receiving hospitality this place? Or gaining the right to hold one's head high even after defeat? What constitutes the Jaegal Family's pride? Even if the outcome may not be favorable, is being acknowledged for one's intentions the true source of pride?"
Hyun Jong's usually calm voice carried an anger that was difficult to contain.
"Are such things really pride?"
A cold gaze uncharacteristic of a Taoist was cast. However, in this tumultuous space, no one dared to perceive Hyun Jong's words and gaze as misplaced.
"Who is accountable? Who is to blame? The warmth of the countless corpses we buried in the land hasn't even dissipated from our fingertips, yet are we here discussing matters of pride!"
In the tumultuous space, now only Hyun Jong's voice could be heard, and even the sound of breathing had fallen silent.
"If you truly know what pride is! Before discussing trivial matters of honor, shouldn't we immediately address the current situation and formulate a plan? Isn't that the role of the Jaegal Family, and what those who died in Hubei would hope for from you? Is saving such meaningless honor so crucial?"
Jaegal Jain couldn't face Hyun Jong and turned his gaze away. Even Jong Rigok subtly turned his head, avoiding eye contact.
It was not an incorrect statement. The person who could most legitimately express anger was Hyun Jong, while the others were merely irritated and had itchy fingers for no good reason. Why didn't they understand that?
"If you find it distasteful to sit here and witness this spectacle, please take my seat instead. I will step back."
"Maengju-nim, what is this...!"
Tang Gunak exclaimed in shock, but Hyun Jong ignored him and focused his gaze on Jong Rigok.
"If that helpsthe Southern Edge Sect overcome the current situation, I'm willing to do it. Even from the perspective of a mere sect leader, I am prepared to fight to the death."
"..."
"What will you do?"
Jong Rigok, who had been avoiding eye contact, finally looked back at Hyun Jong. Hyun Jong, in turn, stared at him without averting his gaze.
It was the first time these two met face-to-face since the martial arts tournament.
In the past, Hyun Jong used to avoid Jong Rigok's gaze, but today, Jong Rigok was the first to look away.
Whether to say yes or no, it was a situation where both options were disheartening. In the end, Jong Rigok chose a different path.
"What do you think?"
He asked Jin Geumryong, whose ambiguous presence here provided Jong Rigok with a viable alternative.
Jin Geumryong answered calmly.
"The Southern Edge Sect is not a sect without principles."
"I see."
This time, Jin Geumryong addressed Hyun Jong while speaking.
"And it seems that Maengju-nim has misunderstood a bit. Southern Edge Sect will fight with Evil Sect until the last person in any situation and circumstance. The intention of the Southern Edge Sect has never changed from the beginning to the end."
Jong Rigok nodded slowly and said.
"What this child says represents the stance of the Southern Edge Sect."
"Then, can it be considered that Southern Edge Sect aligns with Heavenly Comrade Alliance?"
Hyun Jong asked Jong Rigok, who was still avoiding eye contact.
"...Well, that's acceptable."
The answer was given, but it tasted bitter.
However, there was no other option for Jong Rigok.
In a situation where the Wudang might open the Bongmun anytime, it would be absurd for him to independently build power with the Zhuge Family and Moyong Family.
Would that cunning Paegun, who digs into the opponent's weaknesses so skillfully, leave weak bait alone? Now, even for survival, they had to rely on Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
The only remaining pride for Jong Rigok was not revealing all of these words himself.
"What about the Jaegal Family?"
"Even if there's no other way, what can we do? That's the only option."
Although it sounded like an agreement, it was by no means friendly. Before any reaction could be made, Moyong Wigyung quickly spoke.
"The Moyong Family will naturally join forces with Heavenly Comrade Alliance. Isn't it an obvious course of action?"
Hyun Jong, who caught a glimpse of Moyong Wigyung, nodded heavily. They had conceded this much, so he had to concede more.
"We will not display power or insist on right or wrong."
"..."
"From the beginning, the situation we face isn't easy to discuss calmly. We can no longer claim to have the upper hand against the Evil Tyrant Alliance. It's time to face the situation directly."
Jaegal Jain bit his lip.
In fact, that was the most basic thing in military tactics. The one who interfered with that task was none other than himself. How ironic.
"Fine, I won't interfere. Please continue."
Hyun Jong nodded.
Tang Gunak secretly looked at him with admiration.
It wasn't a threat, nor a display of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance's power. Nevertheless, Hyun Jong effortlessly organized the chaotic situation. If it were Tang Gunak, he might have been able to intimidate and suppress them, but he wouldn't have gained their cooperation as it happened now.
There truly was brilliance in adversity.
"Now that it's settled..."
Just then, the door creaked open.
"Chung Myung."
"Chief!"
Chung Myung, who arrived late, entered the conference room, and some individuals were taken aback by his appearance. Looking at Jaegal Jain and Moyong Wigyung slightly dimmed eyes, Chung Myung bowed respectfully to Hyun Jong.
"I am late."
"Come, have a seat."
"Yes."
Chung Myung silently walked over and took an empty seat.
"...You were late, Mount Hua's Divine Dragon."
"Sorry."
"No problem."
Now that everyone was present and the situation had been settled, it was Im Sobyeong's turn to speak again. However, Chung Myung raised his hand.
"Just a moment."
"Yes?"
"They'll come soon, so please wait a bit longer."
Curiosity flickered in everyone's eyes. Who was coming?
The door opened again, revealing two familiar figures.
"Deputy Sect Leader!"
"Namgung Elder, isn't it?"
It was Baek Cheon and Namgung Myung. Sweaty and worn out from their non-stop journey from Song Mountain to here.
"They're all here."
Chung Myung mumbled, looking at Jong Rigok and Jaegal Jain. Seeing Chung Myung's dark eyes, Jong Rigok involuntarily flinched. Chung Myung's presence was far more overwhelming than expected.
'This is Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword...'
If Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword had been here earlier, would he have been able to make such bold remarks?
But before that train of thought could continue, Chung Myung opened his mouth.
"Let's hear it first."
"...What?"
"Why couldn't you help the Shaolin in time?"
"..."
"Although that Beopjeong guy is indeed a pathetic human being, he's not a stupid human being. So, explain. What happened? Who exactly prevented you from aiding the Shaolin?"
"That's..."
Jaegal Jain bit his lips. The scene he had encountered flashed back in his mind.
He had briefly explained the situation to Hyun Jong. However, this was not something for Hyun Jong alone to know; everyone needed to be informed.
"We don't know the exact identities because everyone was wearing masks. However, their martial arts were undoubtedly formidable. When we tried to target the Evil Tyrant Alliance's rear as per the direction from Bangjang, suddenly, more than a hundred formidable experts appeared, blocking our way."
Chung Myung's eyes sank solemnly.
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