Return of The Mount Hua – Chapter 1211. It's as good as it gets (1)
Editor: Hoamzz
Co-Translator: Xoxo
Namgung Dowi, who had been watching the situation inside from one side of the path leading to the training ground, looked back at Tang Pae with a blank expression.
"...What exactly is happening here?"
"That... Doesn't it seem like it's not Baek Cheon Dojang but Un Am Dojang that becomes the sect leader?"
"Un Am Dojang?"
Namgung Dowi blinks.
'So this Un Am Dojang...'
His gaze turned to Un Am, whose shoulders were trembling next to Baek Cheon.
'It’s that person.'
It was an inevitably confusing situation for Namgung Dowi.
While the disciples of Mount Hua might feel differently, to Namgung Dowi, Un Am had never made much of an impression. No, not just Un Am, but Mount Hua's Un generation themselves didn't hold much presence.
'Is this really okay?'
Of course, logically speaking, it would be natural for the Un generation to take the sect leader position when the Hyun generation steps down.
But what kind of position was the sect leader of Mount Hua? It would be difficult for an ordinary person to bear its weight, and one would even have to practically handle the position of Heavenly Comrade Alliance Maengju.
In the midst of all this, when he heard that Un Am was going to be the sect leader, a sense of bewilderment came first.
"...I don't know."
Tang Pae muttered as if he felt the same way. His gaze looking at Un Am’s back was subtle.
It was difficult to deny that Baek Cheon was much easier to communicate with than Un Am, whether it was for Namgung Dowi, who would become the gaju of Namgung Family, or Tang Pae, who would become the gaju of Tang Family. That was why, for now, they had no choice but to look at it cautiously.
"Certainly... as expected of Sect Leader."
However, only Tang Gun-ak, who had been silently observing the situation until now, nodded deeply as if he understood and agreed with the decision.
"It was unexpected… but it’s certainly the right choice."
At those words, Tang Pae asked cautiously.
"Gaju-nim... Do you think it's good for that person to take the mantle of Mount Hua's sect leader?"
"This isn’t a matter of distinguishing between good and bad."
Tang Gun-ak smiled as he spoke.
"Of course, the question of who can ascend to the position of the sect leader and lead the sect better is crucial."
"Yes, that's right."
Tang Pae nodded. That's why he thinks Baek Cheon should become the sect leader. While he didn't know much about Un Am, considering his external reputation and relationships with other sects, there was no one more qualified than Baek Cheon for Mount Hua at this time.
"But... the position of sect leader can't be decided by that alone. What they have done for the sect until now is also incredibly important."
"……"
"If we choose the sect leader solely based on those qualities and reputation, who would devote themselves to the sect, and who would put effort into the sect? The sect leader should create a place for those who will shine in the light, but at the same time, they must not ignore those who have worked silently in the shadows."
Tang Pae nodded at those words. Inside, he was filled with admiration for Tang Gun-ak's insight.
"Even I had forgotten this fact... but Sect Leader hasn’t. It’s a choice that is so obvious, yet crucial for Mount Hua to remain Mount Hua."
Tang Gun-ak's gaze turned to one side. At the end of his gaze, Chung Myung was grinning.
To someone unfamiliar with the situation, it might seem like Chung Myung was just a thoughtless child, pleased that Baek Cheon was pushed down a notch...
'Before Sect Leder, the one who didn't overlook this matter must have been Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword.'
Because Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword has consistently opposed Baek Cheon ascending to the position of the acting sect leader.
However, now, even though Baek Cheon has still taken the same position, Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword was genuinely pleased.
Laws are meant to be followed. The reason why laws must be followed was because they contain essential elements that define the identity of a sect.
It's what the predecessors of a sect, after much deliberation, asked the later generations to uphold. How could one dismiss them as mere outdated traditions?
Whether he knew it in his mind or instinctively, Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword understood this. So...
"Kekekekeke……"
"……"
"Euhehehehe. Serves you right!"
"...Or does he?"
"Yes?"
"Kuhum."
Tang Gun-ak shook his head and shook off the small but clear voice of Chung Myung. His ears are unnecessarily good, so he ends up hearing these things.
"But will it be alright? That person..."
"There's no reason it wouldn't be. The newly appointed acting sect leader performs the authority of the sect leader, and the new sect leader focuses on internal affairs. Isn’t that nearly the same as Baek Cheon Dojang alone taking the acting sect leader position?"
"Ah..."
Tang Gun-ak smiled as he looked toward Hyun Jong.
"It means to let Baek Cheon Dojang handle the external affairs he was supposed to take on, and let the new sect leader handle Mount Hua's internal affairs that Sect Leader used to do. For us, nothing really changes. And yet, Sect Leader managed to uphold both reason and laws, even stepping down from the position a little early."
At those words, everyone looked at Hyun Jong with renewed eyes.
It wasn’t a particularly dramatic decision, but hearing it explained, it made perfect sense. What stood out the most was that Hyun Jong had achieved this by choosing to step down of his own accord.
"…It feels like profound wisdom."
"Perhaps that’s the insight of a Taoist. Something we could never have imagined."
Tang Gun-ak nodded.
"That's why Mount Hua is both a sword sect and a Taoist sect."
The three's gazes turn to Un Am and Baek Cheon. To the two who will lead the new era of Mount Hua.
"Sect Leader... I am..."
Un Am unknowingly opened his mouth towards Hyun Jong. He knew it wasn't the right place and occasion, but he simply couldn't keep his mouth shut.
But instead of scolding him, Hyun Jong received his words with a warm voice.
"Why? Were you not confident?"
"...It’s not a matter of confidence. I've already expressed my thoughts..."
"Yes. You certainly did."
Hyun Jong looked at Un Am with gentle eyes.
"But, Un Am, my heart tells me otherwise."
"Sect Leader. I am too inadequate to be Mount Hua’s sect leader."
"Is that so?"
Hyun Jong turned his head and looked at Baek Cheon next to him.
"Baek Cheon, what do you think? Do you also believe that Un Am is lacking to be Mount Hua’s sect leader?"
"How could that be, Sect Leader?"
The answer came back without even a moment's hesitation.
"Sasuk, you are the most suitable person for the seat of Mount Hua’s sect leader. I cannot even compare to Sasuk. If Sasuk hadn't firmly refused and the situation hadn't been so urgent, I, too, would have certainly asked Sasuk to take the position of sect leader."
"I see."
"Sect Leader..."
Hyun Jong smiled as he watched Un Am, who was at a loss.
"Un Am-ah."
When Un Am raised his head with a questioning expression, Hyun Jong spoke. There was no part of his expression or voice that was not filled with sincerity.
"A moment when you felt lacking will never not come."
"……"
"What's important is not whether you're lacking or not, but whether you're prepared to bear that responsibility despite your shortcomings. Hasn't Baek Cheon shown us that?"
"...Sect Leader."
"I was the same. I felt endlessly inadequate and lacking. I was really scared and afraid of becoming the sect leader."
Un Am bit his lip. His master's words came to his ears clearly.
"But I know this: you are qualified for it."
"……"
"You said it yourself. That this isn't such an era. That now is the era when someone who steps forward, not someone who simply protects, should take on the duty of sect leader."
"...Yes."
"Perhaps that's right. Perhaps that's the more rational choice. But Un Am. My heart doesn't say so."
Reason means discarding what needs to be discarded and choosing what must be chosen.
But sometimes, numerous values get buried within that rationality. Hyun Jong did not wish for that. He knew better than anyone what it feels like for those buried by rational decisions to view the world.
"Following one's heart is the way of Chivalrousness, and honestly confronting one’s heart is the way of Tao. If that’s true, then I am now, more than ever, upholding Chivalrousness and following Tao. Even if, as sect leader of Mount Hua, this might not be the best decision..."
Hyun Jong glanced at Chung Myung and shrugged lightly.
"So what of it? I've lived my whole life as the sect leader of Mount Hua, suppressing my desires. Don’t I have the right to make one final decision as I wish? Even the ancestors wouldn't be able to reproach me."
"S- Sect Leader!"
"To be honest, I have more to say to the ancestors than they have to say to me, wouldn’t you agree?"
Hyun Jong laughed mischievously.
Un Am felt both unfamiliarity and familiarity in that appearance. This was a side of Hyun Jong he had never seen before, and yet... perhaps it was a side of him that he could have seen.
"So please do this. Only if you take the position of sect leader will my heart feel at peace."
Un Am lowered his head without saying a word. A long silence followed.
Hyun Jong didn't rush him and simply waited.
The disciples of Mount Hua also waited for Un Am's answer for quite some time without a single disturbance.
Only after a long pause did Un Am slowly lift his head.
"This disciple dares to ask Sect Leader."
"Ask away."
"Does this disciple have the ability to bear the position of Mount Hua’s sect leader?"
"You do."
"Then, is it truly right for this disciple to ascend to Mount Hua's sect leader seat?"
"It is, without a doubt."
"Then, is this disciple ascending to Mount Hua's sect leader for the sake of Mount Hua?"
Hyun Jong smiled broadly and answered.
"That is not for me to answer."
Hyun Jong turned his gaze to look at the disciples.
"Disciples, I ask you!"
Mount Hua's disciples slightly lowered their posture. It was as if they had already prepared the answer before the question even came. As if they were ready to give their sincere answer with the loudest voice in the world.
"Is it for the sake of Mount Hua that disciple Un Am bear the seat of Mount Hua’s sect leader?"
"It is so, Sect Leader!"
Even before the question was finished, a booming voice erupted as if it would pierce the sky.
Un Am's shoulders trembled involuntarily.
"And so, I ask you again."
Hyun Jong's gaze returned to Un Am.
"Disciple Un Am, as the sect leader of the Great Mount Hua Sect, will you protect the spirit of Mount Hua and lead the disciples at the risk of your life?"
Un Am bowed his head. From his mouth, with his head bowed so low it almost touched the ground, a choked voice leaked out.
"This disciple... This disciple Un Am..."
And finally, his head rose.
"Dares... dares to bear the great responsibility."
Hyun Jong nodded and, in one breath, unfastened Zaha Divine Sword at his waist.
"Then, I, Hyun Jong, as the sect leader of Great Mount Hua Sect, appoint Un Am, first-class disciple of Mount Hua, as the new sect leader of Mount Hua and proclaim this to the world."
Hyun Jong, who had drawn Zaha Divine Sword and raised it above his head, put the sword down and handed it to Un Am with both hands. Un Am raised his trembling hands and accepted the sword with utmost reverence.
"This disciple! Will lay down his life to fulfill the duties of sect leader of Mount Hua!"
At the same time, a tremendous cheer erupted.
The disciples of Mount Hua, who had hoped for Baek Cheon to ascend to the position, but could not let go of the regret they had for the Un generation in one corner of their hearts, are now rejoicing to their hearts' content.
Amidst that clamor, Chung Myung smirked.
"...What a mess."
There's no formal decorum, no proper ceremony.
The sect leader succession ceremony he knows wasn’t like this. There should have been rituals dedicated to Heaven and Earth, prayers offered to the ancestors of the sect leaders, and even formal procedures and solemn oaths.
But... he didn't feel like nitpicking about it.
Despite so many shortcomings, the sect leader succession ceremony he was seeing now was much more to his liking than any he had seen before.
'Right, Sahyung?'
Looking up at the sky, it seemed as if he could see Cheong Mun smiling brightly.
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|Note
Back then it was Un Gum, now Un Am. They’re such precious people. And respect for Hyun Jong to not be swayed by the circumstances and stand firm to his heart and conviction!!! I love moments like this the most. It is as if someone left a bowl of onion on my desk…
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