Return of The Mount Hua – Chapter 1178. I have something to tell you (2)
Editor: Hoamzz
Co-Translator: Xoxo
Jo-Gol clenched his fists tightly. He didn't mean to eavesdrop. He was simply going to pay his respects when he happened to overhear some words by chance.
But it didn’t matter why he heard what was being said inside. What was being discussed was a hundred times more important than any of that.
Something was welling up in his chest.
Without thinking, he was about to rush inside, but someone firmly grabbed his shoulder.
Jo-Gol turned his head back, unable to hide his intense emotions. However, Jo-Gol, who seemed as if he would scream at any moment out of anger, lowered his head weakly as soon as he saw the person who grabbed his shoulder.
Baek Cheon.
With an uncompromising expression, Baek Cheon shook his head.
Baek Cheon, who was signaling for silence, pulled Jo-Gol backward. The strength in his grip made it clear that resistance would not be tolerated.
Jo-Gol was dragged away helplessly and was taken quite a distance away from the sect leader’s quarter. Only then did Baek Cheon let Jo-Gol go and look at him with stern eyes.
“Didn't I tell you that, no matter what decision the sect leader makes, we must follow without complaint?”
“But… but, Sasuk.”
“Those people have probably thought about it ten times more than you, and their hearts are breaking a hundred times more. It’s not something you can change by screaming, crying, and clinging to them.”
“….”
Jo-Gol's shoulders slumped.
‘...Damn it.’
Why wouldn’t he understand? He also knew Baek Cheon's intentions, so he kept his mind calm the whole time he came here. Even so, he couldn't help his fluctuating emotions. He cherished Heavenly Comrade Alliance more than he thought.
And it seemed that the feelings of the other Five Swords were not that different. Though they couldn’t openly express it, the expressions on the faces of the gathered Five Swords were far from pleasant.
"Haah…."
An uncontrollable sigh escaped Yoon Jong's mouth.
“I had somewhat prepared myself for this, but... now that it’s right before my eyes, it feels strange.”
“Does it?”
Baek Cheon stared at Yoon Jong.
“You say you couldn’t make a decision, but it seems your heart had already made one, to some extent.”
“….”
“Yeah. That’s better than being indecisive.”
As Baek Cheon tried to move past the situation as if it were no big deal, Jo-Gol could no longer bear it and raised his voice.
“Sasuk. But this isn’t right, is it?”
Baek Cheon looked back at Jo-Gol without saying a word.
“I know this is a question with no answer. But can’t we at least have a chance to voice our thoughts…?”
“Presumptuous.”
The one who interrupted his words was Yoo Iseol. She glared at Jo-Gol with eyes that were colder than usual. Jo-Gol flinched.
"Sago…."
“This is a decision made by Sect Leader.”
He couldn't say anything and just bit his lips.
“What Samae said is right.”
“Sasuk….”
Baek Cheon, too, was more strict than usual.
“Aren’t you a disciple of Mount Hua?”
“….”
“The one who determines the direction of Mount Hua is none other than Sect Leader. It is also Sect Leader’s choice to seek the opinions of the disciples, but it is not an obligation that he must do.”
"But…."
"If you are a disciple of Mount Hua, you must trust and follow Sect Leader's words even if there are parts that do not match your will. Do I have to explain even such obvious things to you again?”
Jo-Gol l lowered his head weakly. Watching him, Baek Cheon slowly shook his head.
“Mount Hua has given its disciples powers that no other sect dares to offer. That’s because our Sect Leader is extraordinarily virtuous. If so, you should be grateful for it, and not think that what you have enjoyed so far is a given right.”
"…Yes."
Yoon Jong, who had been listening to their conversation, spoke up with a hesitant expression.
“Don’t push Jo-Gol too hard, Sasuk. He’s just upset, that’s all."
"Being upset doesn’t mean you can say whatever you want."
"Then perhaps you should tell us all to stay silent at all times?”
A brief silence followed. Baek Cheon turned to Yoon Jong with an expression that revealed no hint of his emotions. However, Yoon Jong did not back down an inch even while receiving that gaze.
Their eyes clashed momentarily in the air.
“I understand that you are not happy with the fact that Gol-ah is questioning the choice that Sect Leader made. But wasn’t Mount Hua san a place that allowed that in the first place?”
"Allowed?"
Yoo Iseol's eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke in place of Baek Cheon.
"Indulgence."
“….”
The two of second-class disciples and the two of first-class disciples stood facing each other, as if in opposition. Just as the air grew heavy, Tang Soso quietly muttered.
"…Maybe Sect Leader didn’t want to hear it?”
All four turned to look at Tang Soso.
"If he had listened… if we had made the decision together, then we would all have to bear the responsibility together as well."
“….”
"If he had listened…."
Yoon Jong closed his eyes tightly.
Letting out a deep sigh, he finally opened his eyes and bowed his head toward Baek Cheon.
“I’m sorry, Sasuk. I spoke without thinking…."
“No. Don’t dwell on it."
Baek Cheon brushed it off lightly, but Yoo Iseol's gaze toward Yoon Jong and Jo-Gol was still cold. Since Yoo Iseol had such deep affection for Hyun Jong, it seemed like she was still unhappy about them going against Sect Leader's decision.
Baek Cheon spoke in a stern voice.
“Everyone, listen.”
"…Yes."
"Sect Leader and the others must have known we were outside listening."
“….”
“But the fact that he didn’t stop must mean that we should listen and know first. We should be grateful for that consideration.”
"…Yes."
Baek Cheon fixed his gaze on the two disciples and continued.
“There is no such thing as a perfect decision that satisfies everyone in the world. In the end, you can only push forward in the direction you believe to be better. Those who don’t make decisions or take responsibility have no right to judge the right or wrong of decisions that those who bear the burden of responsibility make.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
"Good."
Baek Cheon nodded.
“Go back to your quarters. Sect Leader will call for you soon.”
Baek Cheon turned and walked away without waiting for an answer. His demeanor was cold. Yoo Iseol, Tang Soso, and Hye Yeon, who had been watching him leave with slightly uncomfortable expressions, also left.
“…I’m sorry, Sahyung. It was all because of me.”
Once only Yoon Jong and Jo-Gol were left, Jo-Gol sighed and apologized. But Yoon Jong firmly shook his head.
“It’s fine. You have nothing to apologize for. After all, it’s part of Mount Hua’s philosophy that anyone can speak their mind in any situation, right?”
"…Still."
"It’s fine."
Yoon Jong lightly tapped Jo-Gol on the shoulder.
“You’re fine just the way you are.”
"…Sahyung."
Yoon Jong smiled quietly at Jo-Gol and stared at Baek Cheon’s retreating figure in the distance.
He understood. Yes, he understood. As the highest-ranking person here, it was Baek Cheon’s role to trust Sect Leader’s decision and resolve any dissatisfaction that might arise. However... 'At least you shouldn't have said that, Sasuk.'
Yoon Jong, still staring at Baek Cheon’s diminishing figure, turned his head with a cold expression.
“Let’s go.”
"Yes."
The two walked weakly toward their quarters without saying a word.
* * *
By late morning, two figures were walking leisurely toward the mansion where Heavenly Comrade Alliance resided.
Bop Jeong was dressed in a yellow robe that symbolizes Shaolin, and Jongni Hyeong follows behind as if escorting him.
Jongni Hyeong glanced at Bop Jeong, who seemed more relaxed than ever, and smiled.
“You seem to be in a good mood, Bangjang.”
“…Is that so?”
Bop Jeong took on a rare, slightly embarrassed expression.
“I suppose I am. The thought that something I’ve been agonizing over for so long is finally being resolved must be showing on my face.”
“Haha, well, why wouldn’t it be?”
Jongni Hyeong laughed as he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Bop Jeong was someone who didn't show his emotions on his face unless absolutely necessary. He wasn’t called a giant for nothing. But for him to be unable to hide his feelings like this showed just how sensitive the issue of Heavenly Comrade Alliance was.
Jongni Hyeong asked.
“Do you think we’ll hear a good answer?”
“We will.”
He nodded in response. But he frowned slightly as if something was still bothering him.
“But, Bangjang. I believe your judgment, but… I am still concerned. According to what you’ve said, that Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword is quite unpredictable…”
“That won’t be a problem.”
Bop Jeong shook his head.
“I understand your concerns. It’s true that Heavenly Comrade Alliance is made up of a strange combination of people. It is home to Sect Leader of Mount Hua, Gaju of Tang Family, leader of Nokrim, successor of Namgung Family, and gungjus of Outer Palaces, And yet, the person deciding the alliance’s direction is a mere youth.”
Jongni Hyeong nodded.
It was truly incomprehensible, but considering what Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword had achieved so far, it was hard to simply dismiss him as being in the wrong.
“Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword is a fickle person. At least, from an outsider’s perspective. Is that why you’re worried he might change his mind suddenly?”
“Yes. I’ve seen and heard too much not to be concerned…”
“But this time, that won’t happen.”
"Pardon?"
When Jongni Hyeong asked again, Bop Jeong shook his head.
“Because Sect Leader of Mount Hua is none other than Hyun Jong. A typical sect leader might try to back out of such a situation, as they wouldn’t be able to easily bear the consequences of their choices.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
Didn't Jongni Hyeong have similar thoughts? This is a matter of too great a ripple effect to be led by the will of a single person.
“But Hyun Jong never backs down in times like these. He knows that the moment he postpones his choice, the responsibility for all of that choice will fall on Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword.”
"Ah…."
“Amitabha.”
Bop Jeong softly chanted the Buddha’s name.
“Therefore, Hyun Jong will never hand over the authority for this choice to Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword. Even if Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword tries to change his mind, Mount Hua Sect Leader will suppress him this time. Then, if a problem arises in the future, he will be able to protect Mount Hua and Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword by taking the shame and stepping down himself.”
“…To that extent….”
"He’s truly an extraordinary person. That’s why he’s so admirable."
Bop Jeong spoke softly and let out a small sigh.
“This time, Hyun Jong’s disposition will lead everything to its natural course. Fortunately for us, Mount Hua Sect Leader is a sage and gentleman without peer, and that, strangely enough, Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword is determined to follow Mount Hua Sect Leader’s orders, no matter what."
“It is truly remarkable.”
Jongni Hyeong nodded his head repeatedly.
Though Bop Jeong spoke as if he were simply lucky to have such people, the truly remarkable thing was how Bop Jeong had accurately assessed their nature and led them into a situation where they had no choice but to follow through.
"So, set aside any lingering reservations you have about them. They are now part of our family, and we must face our enemies together. Shouldn't you, Sect Leader Jongni, be the first to set an example?"
"I will keep that in mind. Truly, I will."
“Amitabha.”
Bop Jeong smiled warmly. After glancing at the manor for a moment, he began walking carefully again.
“Let’s go and see. It wouldn’t do to delay any longer."
“Yes, Bangjang.”
The two walked toward the manor.
As the manor grew closer, Bop Jeong's eyes sank deeper.
'At last, everything will be set right.'
Though it had been a long journey, in hindsight, the delay had led to a better outcome than if they had arrived soon.
The sects belonging to Heavenly Comrade Alliance have become stronger than before, and Shaolin and Ten Great Sects have been able to fully accept them.
'Now only the last step remains.'
There should be no such thing as a single mistake in a thousand thoughts (even the wisest can make a mistake). As Bop Jeong mentally reviewed this final step, the doors of the manor finally opened.
A group of stern-faced individuals came out to greet Bop Jeong and Jongni Hyeong.
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|Note
Thank you for the Chapter """
Honestly, Jo Gul, Yoon Jong and Hyun Young have been carrying these last chapters. Especially Jo Gul was a surprise. I hope Chung Myung won't disappoint.