Return of The Mount Hua – Chapter 1200. How on earth did you endure this? (5)
Editor: Hoamzz
Co-Translator: Xoxo
"Look... Sogaju."
Tang Gun-ak let out a deep sigh as he began to speak.
"The trip to Hainan is more dangerous than you think. Even if the goal is to travel in a small group and avoid drawing attention."
"I know, Gaju-nim."
"But Namgung Sogaju…. You, who’s essentially acting as Gaju—are saying you’ll go to Hainan yourself?"
Tang Gun-ak raised his voice slightly as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
"Are you really unaware of what might happen if you, of all people, end up in danger given Namgung’s current situation?"
Although it was a cold-hearted remark, Namgung Dowi simply smiled calmly.
"Of course, I’m aware."
"And still, you insist on going to Hainan?"
"yes."
Tang Gun-ak tightly closed his eyes after hearing a firm answer that showed not even a hint of hesitation.
'Namgung Hwang was better.'
Namgung Hwang had his reckless tendencies, but they usually stemmed from his inability to control his emotions, leading to impulsive outbursts.
However, unlike Namgung Hwang, this person thinks about everything he needs to consider and comes to the same conclusion as Namgung Hwang without involving his emotions.
If the process was different but the result was the same, wouldn't it be easier to deal with the one who reached the wrong conclusion?
"Sogaju…."
"Acting Sect Leader."
At that moment, Namgung Dowi turns his head and looks at Baek Cheon.
"Yes, Sogaju."
"What do you intend to do, Acting Sect Leader? Now that you’ve assumed the position of acting sect leader of Mount Hua, will you remain in the rear and send your disciples to Hainan?"
Baek Cheon shrugged his shoulders at those words.
"There's no such sect leader in Mount Hua. The sect leader of Mount Hua is the one who takes the lead and acts first. Naturally, I will go to Hainan myself."
At those words, Namgung Dowi looked at Tang Gun-ak with an expression that says, "See?"
"That's how it is."
“…."
"If the acting sect leader of Mount Hua is going himself, what makes Sogaju of Namgung so important that he should avoid going? Though Namgung’s strength might not match Mount Hua, at the very least, our Chivalrousness will not be outdone."
"No, I wish you wouldn’t feel the need to be so competitive over something so unnecessary…"
"That's not all. As you mentioned, Sogaju, Namgung is not in a complete state right now. Most of those who represented Namgung in the past lost their lives at the battle of Plum Blossom Island. As a result, there are now only a few left who can represent Namgung solely by name."
“….."
"And so."
Namgung Dowi opened his mouth with his shoulders squared.
"An individual from Namgung, who was directly involved in the conflict initiated by Ten Great Sects, someone who has experienced firsthand the ruthlessness of Evil Tyrant Alliance, someone who can represent the position of Namgung Family, and someone capable of uniting those headed to Hainan and successfully leading the mission."
“….."
"I am the only suitable person within Namgung for that role."
Tang Gun-ak closed his mouth like a clam.
He tried desperately to find something to say in rebuttal, but nothing came to mind. The argument was almost flawless in its logic.
Because of that, Tang Gun-ak had no choice but to say things that were out of character for him.
"Listen here, Sogaju."
"Yes, Gaju-nim."
"As you know, your late father and I were acquainted. While I wouldn’t say we were bosom friends, there was no discomfort between us in sharing a drink."
"I’m aware. If not for the circumstances surrounding both of you, I believe you would have become much closer."
"Yes, that's right."
Tang Gun-ak let out a heavy sigh.
"So, wouldn't you consider my position for a moment? If you were to meet misfortune on this journey to Hainan, how could I possibly face my old friend?"
"Gaju-nim don’t need to worry about that."
Namgung Dowi smiled softly.
"If it were the father I knew, he would never blame me for heading to Hainan. Rather, he would criticize me for not going. That’s the kind of man my father was."
“….."
Tang Gun-ak fell silent, like a mute who ate honey.
When he thought about it, Namgung Hwang truly was that kind of person.
"Bu- But you still have your uncle!"
"My uncle suffered such severe injuries in the past that he wouldn't be able to endure a long journey. As a nephew, how could I possibly ask of my injured uncle?"
"That’s..."
If Namgung Myung had heard this, he would have immediately responded, “No? I’m fine.” But unfortunately, Namgung Myung was not there at the moment.
"Tha- That’s..."
The moment Tang Gun-ak struggled to squeeze out some words, Maeng So opened his mouth and chuckled.
"It seems Gaju-nim finds himself in quite a difficult position."
At those words, Tang Gun-ak let out another heavy sigh.
In fact, Tang Gun-ak wasn’t the type to hold others back or to obstruct someone's path with all sorts of reasons. Typically, he was more of a detached observer, calmly watching whatever happened around him.
But when he was actually in the position of presiding over the meeting of Heavenly Comrade Alliance, he felt that if he kept acting the way he usually did, it would take no more than three days for them all to wind up in hell.
‘Maengju-nim…’
For the first time, Tang Gun-ak painfully realized just how much Hyun Jong had been shouldering as maengju of Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
At times, he found it frustrating when Hyun Jong would object to every little thing the younger generation wanted to do…
‘These guys would probably march all the way to the Western Regions if no one stopped them.’ ('이것들은 딴지를 걸지 않으면, 서역까지도 갈 놈들이다.')
So, even though it may not change the outcome, there was meaning in the act of nitpicking itself.
"Ugh. Changing your mind... Of course, you won’t. Fine, I understand for now."
After letting out a deep sigh once more, Tang Gun-ak opened his mouth.
"No, but my original question was whether you agreed with Mount Hua’s proposal—"
"I, too, will go personally on behalf of Ice Palace!"
“…."
Tang Gun-ak turned his head with soulless eyes. He saw Seol So-baek with an intensely determined expression on her flushed face.
"Of course, there are many others in Ice Palace who are more exceptional and capable than I am. However, the Ice Palace isn’t well known in Jungwon, so whoever we send might not make a strong impression."
"…No, Gungju-nim, first of all…"
"That’s why I believe it’s right for me to go on behalf of Ice Palace. Even though I may be lacking, as the one currently holding the position of gungju, won’t my presence carry more persuasive power despite my shortcomings?"
At that moment, the faces of Ice Palace elders looking at Seol So-baek with kind eyes appeared in Tang Gun-ak's mind.
- Our Gungju will become the greatest leader who will rewrite the history of the Ice Palace.
‘I don’t really have any objections to that statement, but…’
Elders.
If that was your intention, you shouldn't have brought that child here… No, if you did, you should have at least kept him away from that troublemaker…
Tang Gun-ak's gaze turned to Chung Myung, who was happily looking at Seol So-baek with eyes that said, ‘Ah, the kid’s grown well.’
This man is the root of all evil. Every evil…
"Gungju-nim… What I was asking was whether you agree with Mount Hua’s proposal—"
"Agree! Of course, I agree! I have no objections."
"No, but you’re being too hasty…."
"Ice Palace was able to rise again from a state of complete isolation thanks to Mount Hua’s help. If Mount Hua hadn’t come to the Northern Sea back then, would we even be here now?"
“….”
Tang Gun-ak quickly closed his mouth.
"A man is a man only when he knows what to do How could Ice Palace, which regained its footing with the help of Mount Hua, turn its back on others who are in a similar situation?"
"Y- Yes, of course, that’s true."
If anyone else had said such things, Tang Gun-ak would’ve responded with, "Life is about reality," but somehow, he couldn’t bring himself to say it in front of Seol So-baek.
Telling this child such words felt like stomping on a budding sprout, and the guilt of such a thought weighed heavily on him.
It was Tang Gun-ak who painfully realized that sometimes even youth can be a weapon.
"It's a noble thought."
"Gungju-nim!"
Meng So spoke with a slightly embarrassed expression.
"But you’ve thought about how to convince the elders, right?"
"Ah… That....”
When Seol So-baek made a bewildered face, Maeng So laughed heartily.
"Let me offer you some advice as a fellow gungju."
"Yes! I’ll listen carefully."
"Sometimes, you need to understand and utilize the fact that you’re gungju. When it comes to things that must be done, getting everyone’s approval isn’t always the most important thing."
"Ah….”
"Come to my quarters after this meeting. I’ll teach you what ‘persuasion’ means for a gungju."
"Thank you."
"W- What on earth are you teaching to a child…"
"If he’s the gungju of an entire palace, then he’s no longer a child, wouldn’t you agree?"
Tang Gun-ak's eyes wavered.
If he denied it now, he’d be disregarding the authority of Ice Palace’s gungju. As far as he was concerned, that was something he couldn’t bring himself to say.
Whether or not Seol So-baek understood Tang Gun-ak’s dilemma, he turned to Meng So with an eager expression and asked.
"Then what about you, Gungju-nim? Are you going personally?"
"Beast Palace will not participate this time."
"W- Why?"
"Because we are outsiders."
Maeng So chuckled softly.
"Though Heavenly Comrade Alliance may not see us that way, the people of Jungwon still have their prejudices against the outer palaces. If two of us show up together to try and persuade them, it wouldn’t leave a good impression."
"...But Hainan Sect is also in a remote region, aren’t they?"
"That’s why it’s acceptable for Ice Palace to go. However, having both outer palaces there isn’t ideal. This decision is in the best interest of Heavenly Comrade Alliance."
"Hmm."
Seol So-baek nodded with a serious expression.
"Besides, hasn't the representative of Beast Palace already been decided? And it's someone with a very important role."
"Kiiiiii!"
"What’s with this little brat baring its teeth at people? Does it need to have a real brush with death to learn its place?"
Baek-ah, who had been growling furiously, shrank back at the sound of Chung Myung's voice, then dejectedly scratched at the floor. (백아가 열이 있는 대로 오른 얼굴로 흉성을 토하다가 청명의 목소리를 듣고는 다시 시무룩해져 바닥을 긁어 댄다.)
Seol So-baek, who had been watching this in a daze, nodded as if he understood.
“….That's right."
There are people here who treat mystical creatures like humans, and then there are those who truly treat them as if they were human.
Same words, but what a world of difference in meaning… Yes, quite different.
"Then the only ones left…"
Everyone's eyes were focused on one place.
And the one who received all their stares responded immediately as if he had been waiting for this moment.
"Bonchung! Bonchung will go."
Im Sobyeong’s face was desperate.
"If an Evil Sects member shows up there, it’s only going to leave a bad impression, not a good one! Honestly, it’d be best if we didn’t go at all, but if that doesn’t satisfy you, then I’ll send Bonchung! He’s strong, so he’ll make a great porter!"
“….”
"And if that’s not acceptable, then that’s fine too! I’ll immediately compile a detailed list of Ten Shadows of Nokrim (녹림십영(綠林十影)) and Elders of Nokrim! You can choose anyone from the list! Whoever you pick, I’ll send them right away—"
"Hey."
"...."
Chung Myung interrupted indifferently.
"Stop spouting nonsense and just come."
"W- Why Evil Sect in Hainan….”
"Ah. I see, then come."
"...It’ll only leave a bad impression..."
"Okay, then come."
"...."
"Nokrim King will represent Nokrim."
And so, Im Sobyeong’s participation was decided, entirely against his own will.
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