Return of The Mount Hua – Chapter 1164. What Should We Do? (4)
Editor: Hoamzz
Co-Translator: Xoxo
'So this was it.'
Jongni Hyeong looked at the back of Bop Jeong, his lips pursed and his head bowed.
'Could it be…?'
At first, he thought Bop Jeong had lost his mind.
How could Ten Great Sects accept Beop Jeong’s proposal to reinstate Mount Hua and give away everything they had to offer?
It was practically a declaration of unconditional surrender to Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
But the moment Bop Jeong said his last words, Jongni Hyeong was able to realize Bop Jeong's true intentions.
'There is nothing to lose.'
If Nokrim is recognized as a sect of Jungwon, what damage will it do to Ten Great Sects? If those outer palaces are recognized as sects of Jungwon, will they suddenly abandon their homeland and flock to Jungwon to settle down?
Tang and Namgung are just going back to their original positions. So, in reality, what Shaolin is giving up is simply acknowledging Mount Hua.
Of course, it would be unpleasant for Shaolin to create an equal force called Mount Hua in the power structure of Ten Great Sects that Shaolin had been leading alone. However….
'It's nothing compared to having Heavenly Comrade Alliance as an external threat.'
Actually, setting Mount Hua as an opposing force within Ten Great Sects might not be entirely unfavorable for Shaolin. In the past, Shaolin's position was unshakeable, but now, Shaolin is clearly wavering.
If a sect from outside were to rise and challenge Shaolin in such a state?
Other sects who do not want to lose their power to Mount Hua will definitely gather under Shaolin. The reason Shaolin is under attack now isn't just Bop Jeong's mistakes but because Shaolin has placed itself so far above the other sects.
People are always eager to pull down those who stand at the top.
'But people hate it even more when someone new surpasses them.'
No one wants to see another person rise to a level above them, especially not when there are already so few at the top. If that happens, Shaolin might actually have the opportunity to reclaim its unshakeable position.
'The more I think about it, the more perfect it seems.'
If Mount Hua accepts this proposal, Bop Jeong will instantly become a hero who unites the divided Righteous Sects against Evil Tyrant Alliance and Magyo. A hero who sacrificed everything, even what he had, for the sake of the world!
What is even more absurd is that all of this was originally supposed to be done by Bop Jeong. If things had just flowed as they should have, this would have happened naturally, but instead it was accomplished dramatically through much pain.
Aren't people originally more interested in a dramatic resolution than in a straightforward victory? The word blessing in disguise exists for times like this.
'What will you do, Hyun Jong?'
Jongni Hyeong's gaze was fixed on Hyun Jong, whose expression had hardened.
Of course, if Heavenly Comrade Alliance rejects this offer, it will be all in vain, but that is unlikely to happen. The moment this offer is rejected, all the justifications and values Heavenly Comrade Alliance has put forward so far will be thrown to the ground.
The only thing left would be the accusation that they ignored the sacrifices of the common people in their pursuit of power.
So how could they possibly refuse this proposal?
Jongni Hyeong could see it. The dagger Beop Jeong had driven into Hyun Jong’s side. It was the dagger that pierced flesh in an instant, splitting bones and tearing out lungs.
"Hmm…."
It was the moment when Hyun Jong let out a sound, almost like a groan of pain.
"Why… why does it have to be us? If that's the case, why doesn’t Shaolin just join Heavenly Comrade Alliance instead! Wouldn’t it be the same if Ten Great Sects and Five Great Family joined Heavenly Comrade Alliance?"
Even though he didn't understand it, Jo-Gol felt that the situation had become strange, so he shouted in a hurry. As one of the third-class disciples of Mount Hua, he dared to speak in an excessively rude manner to bangjang of Shaolin.
But rather than criticizing his manner, Bop Jeong smiled as if he found it peculiar.
"Of course, that's possible. But it's not something that can happen."
“…Why?”
“Because the common people are fighting alongside us. Which name are they more familiar with?"
"...That’s...”
Bop Jeong sighed.
"And though it’s embarrassing to admit, the other sects of Ten Great Sects will refuse to disband Ten Great Sects and join Heavenly Comrade Alliance. That will only lead to another division.”
"Why, why just us…"
"That's why I'm asking you like this. In my view, there is no better way."
Bop Jeong looked at the others.
“There is only one general principle. To gather strength in a better direction and save more people. If anyone knows a better method, please enlighten me. If it's reasonable, I will certainly follow it."
“….”
No one could offer a better solution.
Even those present here have all come to understand that the method Bop Jeong has just mentioned was the most powerful means to deal with Evil Tyrant Alliance and Magyo.
'To fight alongside Ten Great Sects?'
The desperate efforts they made just moments ago to strengthen their forces now seemed foolish. Of course, those efforts were not in vain, but the name of Ten Great Sects carried such immense weight that it made them feel as if their previous thoughts were insignificant.
Tang Gun-ak bit his lips slightly and said,
“Just a moment ago, you promised equal status to Mount Hua. But in the end, that's just words, isn't it? Realistically, is that even possible?"
"And why do you think it isn't possible?"
"Even if Shaolin acknowledges it, the other sects won't."
Bop Jeong smiled broadly.
"Why should that be a concern? Wouldn't it be enough if everyone here helped?"
“….”
"Changing affiliations doesn't erase the bonds you've built. Isn't that a more certain form of support than some petty promises or statuses?"
"But Ten Great Sects are a bit..."
“Tang Gaju. There is nothing perfect in the world.”
Bop Jeong shook his head as he spoke.
"If you’re unwilling to give up even a little or make any concessions, then harmony and compromise will remain mere dreams."
Bop Jeong slowly turned his gaze towards Hyun Jong.
“Isn’t that right, Sect Leader?”
Hyun Jong couldn’t help but laugh.
Until a little while ago, he was called Maengju of Heavenly Comrade Alliance without fail, but now he’s calling Hyun Jong 'Sect Leader' as if he’s already part of Ten Great Sects. What a clever way with words.
“Let me ask you something, Bangjang.”
"Please do."
"Why are you going to such lengths?"
Bop Jeong looked at Hyun Jong with unwavering eyes.
"I imagine you must be doubting my true intentions, Sect Leader."
"...To be honest, yes, I am."
"Then I will speak honestly. Right now, I am very personal, blatant, and filled with desire."
"Yes?"
“I absolutely do not want to hear in the future that some crazy monk named Bop Jeong did not know what he was doing and ran wild, turning the world into a den of evil.”
Hyun Jong flinched.
“If my words sound like a threat, it is because I am that desperate. I may very well not become a hero who saves the world, but I certainly don't want to be the traitor who plunges it into misery. If that were to happen, I wouldn’t be able to face the ancestors of Shaolin in the afterlife. I'd rather fall into the deepest hell and suffer eternally."
Hyun Jong's fingertips trembled slightly.
Bop Jeong was simply calmly revealing his inner feelings, but to Hyun Jong, it sounded like a sharp warning. If he were to reject this offer, it would be Hyun Jong who would become a traitor.
Even though he knew that wasn’t Bop Jeong’s intention.
"So, I’m trying to do what I should have done from the start. Regret, no matter how early, is always too late, and what’s done cannot be undone. But still, isn't it better to try and avoid regret altogether?"
“…You are right.”
Hyun Jong could no longer make sense of it all.
The person sitting in front of him now looked like a snake with the most venomous poison, but on the other hand, he also looked like a great monk who had abandoned all worldly attachments and attained enlightenment.
Or perhaps, it was possible that both aspects were part of the same person.
'I don’t understand him.'
He couldn’t understand. Bop Jeong’s actions and goals appeared righteous, yet the consequences of those actions were pushing Mount Hua into a corner. The highest Good seemed to be oppressing him like the most insidious evil.
'Maybe... maybe Bangjang has been like this from the beginning.'
When he decides something is right, he does everything in his power to uphold that righteousness. He fears no sacrifices, endures any loss of face, and even withstands temporary humiliation with determination.
Yes, this was just what Bop Jeong has shown so far on the opposite side. The only difference is that now his goal has shifted to working with them.
Can anyone truly say that’s wrong?
'What should I do?'
Everyone was looking at Hyun Jong.
Those who had been discussing the future of Heavenly Comrade Alliance so passionately just a moment ago were now just staring at his mouth with faces of ignorance.
All these great individuals here were being completely swayed by Bop Jeong.
No, was there really no one left unswayed?
Hyun Jong's gaze naturally turned to one person. The one person who had always shown him the way when he was cornered.
"Ten Great Sects, with Mount Hua..."
Before Hyun Jong’s gaze could reach him, Chung Myung's slow voice flowed like water into the room. His voice naturally drew everyone’s attention.
"Well, it doesn’t sound too bad. As long as Bangjang keeps his promises."
"If there is a lack of trust, I’m willing to swear an oath. If needed, my own life will be the stake."
"Well, if Bangjang says so."
Chung Myung shrugged.
"So, will Ten Great Sects now become Eleven Great Sects? The name doesn’t really sound that great."
Bop Jeong burst into laughter.
"What does the name matter so much? While Ten Great Sects originally meant nine sects, it has long since become a symbol in itself. Even if there were eleven sects within Ten Great Sects, people would understand."
“Well, I suppose that makes sense."
Chung Myung nodded with his arms crossed.
“Bangjang.”
"What is it?"
"You're more impressive than I thought. Honestly, I never expected to be pushed this far."
Bop Jeong smiled brightly at those words.
"Seeing the great Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword says that, it seems I’ve made a good proposal."
"It’s so good I feel like dancing. When did you start planning this?"
"It just became clear to me when I let go."
“…Should I try believing in Buddhism?”
Chung Myung shook his head as if he couldn't win. Bop Jeong, who had been staring at him, opened his mouth again.
"So, what will you do? What’s your answer?"
“…I can’t think of a way to refuse. Honestly, if I don’t accept this, Mount Hua will get cursed at by the whole world and then die from its stomach exploding.”
"That's because it’s simply the right thing to do. Isn’t that so?"
“…That justification and path were what I used to wield like a sword, but to think Bangjang would be the one to swing it."
Chung Myung clicked his tongue loudly and raised both his hands slightly as if surrendering.
"Then, should I take that as acceptance?"
"Well, I guess so. Who knows what the future holds, but for now, the first step is to respond positively."
"Good. I didn’t expect an immediate answer here and now. Take your time to consider."
Bop Jeong's confidence was evident in his smile. Chung Myung said as he looked at him.
“But before that, let me ask you one thing.”
“What is it?”
"A moment ago, you said this was all to save as many people as possible? And that you let go of everything for that purpose?"
“That’s right.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course.”
“Oh, really?”
Chung Myung smiled faintly. The moment their eyes met, both carrying a hint of amusement.
"Then what will you do about Hainan Sect?"
“…Hainan Sect?”
“Yes, Hainan Sect. Hainan Sect is surrounded by Evil Tyrant Alliance at the far end of Gangnam.”
“….”
“I’ll decide after hearing that. Tell me, what do you plan to do with them?"
In that instant, everyone in the room, who had been holding their breath, clearly saw it—the chillingly cold gaze of Chung Myung piercing through Bop Jeong.
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