Return of The Mount Hua – Chapter 1250. That’s That (5)
Editor: Hoamzz
Co-Translator: Xoxo
Geum Yangbaek alternately looked at those before him with an incredulous face.
“That’s....”
The reason he was so flustered wasn’t because he couldn’t understand what he had just heard, but precisely because he did.
He blinked a couple of times, then carefully studied the person sitting before him again.
The acting sect leader of Mount Hua had stepped back, seated calmly as if his role was done, and in his place were some thugs sitting there with a blatantly displeased expression on his faces.
On reflection, perhaps this arrangement made more sense.
Geum Yangbaek had been caught up in the fact that Baek Cheon had come here as Mount Hua's representative and as a special envoy of Heavenly Comrade Alliance, but in fact, this person was the real symbol of Heavenly Comrade Alliance, known throughout the world, was actually this man.
'Mount Hua Chivalrous.'
No matter how great Mount Hua Sect might be, and even though the position of Mount Hua's acting sect leader had become one that nobody in the world could treat carelessly, all of that pales beyond comparison before these three words: 'Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword.'
“That’s....”
Clearing his throat to calm his surprise, Geum Yangbaek cautiously asked.
“So, you’re saying… you’re staying here to fight Evil Tyrant Alliance…?”
“Let’s cut to the chase and get to the point, Sect Leader.”
“....”
"What are you planning to do now?"
"Yes?"
Geum Yangbaek blinked blankly. ‘What’s your plan?’ That’s exactly what he should be asking them.
At that time, Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword asked as if frustrated.
"Ah, you said you'd fight the Sapa Alliance. I'm asking how you plan to fight."
“...That’s....”
How? Was this even a matter of 'how'? All they could do was defend the sect and fight to the last…
“You’re not seriously planning to just defend the main stronghold, fight to the death, and leave it at that, are you? You’re not having such complacent thought, are you? As a sect leader?"
“Cough.”
A sudden cough burst from Geum Yangbaek's mouth.
“No way, right? I mean, it’s not like we’re only talking about the lives of a few people here. Surely you’re not behaving as though everyone’s already dead. You’re the sect leader, after all."
“....”
“Right?”
When Geum Yangbaek couldn't properly answer, Chung Myung's face instantly twisted.
“I knew it.”
“....”
"Have these people only read hero stories their whole lives? Do you think a person dying is a small thing?”
“Chung Myung-ah, you should watch your words before Sect Leader."
“What, does Sect Leader have two lives so it’s fine if he dies once?”
"…Still, watch your words."
Geum Yangbaek was astonished to see Chung Myung's face filled with every possible sign of irritation.
“So....”
“What?”
“...The members of Heavenly Comrade Alliance, including Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword....”
“Just speak comfortably. This isn’t an official setting anymore."
"Would that be... appropriate?"
“It’s easier for everyone if we just talk comfortably.”
“...I see. Do you really intend to fight and actually win against Evil Tyrant Alliance?"
"Well, obviously."
“That goes without saying.”
"Of course."
For a moment, a dumbfounded Geum Yangbaek stared at those who answered.
“No, that’s....”
"What? Is there a problem?"
"While I understand your resolve, isn't there such a thing as reality to consider?"
"Reality?"
Chung Myung burst into laughter.
“Hey, old man.”
“...Chung Myung-ah, that's Sect Leader."
"Isn't Sect Leader still an old man?"
“But you should still call him Sect Leader.”
“Tsk.”
Chung Myung frowned and reluctantly corrected himself.
“Right, Sect Leader. You’re talking about reality, but is my point that hard to grasp?"
"Hm?"
"According to ’reality’ Sect Leader speaks of, the only fate left for those remaining here is to die by Evil Tyrant Alliance's swords."
“....”
"So if we're going to die anyway, is it so hard to understand that we want to give them hell first?"
Geum Yangbaek frowned.
"I don’t know how my words came across to you, but I never said we were planning to just lie down and die. Of course, we’re going to take as many of them down with us as possible. Isn’t that only natural?”
"Now you’re talking."
Chung Myung smiled and said.
"Let’s take it a step further."
"A step further?"
Geum Yangbaek's face grew serious as if he was being sucked into Chung Myung's words.
Chung Myung gestured and shouted.
“Hey, explain!”
"Ahem! Allow me to elaborate."
Then, Im Sobyeong stepped forward and sat down.
“Of course, the geography of Mount Hainan makes it an excellent position for defending against enemy attacks. Occupying high ground and intercepting those climbing up has always been a basic military principle."
“...That’s right.”
"But the problem is that this isn’t a battle that ends by holding out. Once we secure the mountain, we’ll inevitably be surrounded, and all that remains will be a matter of how long we last before we’re wiped out. The attackers, on the other hand, will have no reason to rush.”
Geum Yangbaek spoke with a grim face.
“I understand what you mean. But you seem to be overlooking one thing: this is an island. No matter how expansive Haenam Island may seem, it is still subject to the geographical limitations of an island. Even if we abandon Mount Hainan, we can’t take advantage of the vast terrain. Surrounded by sea, it just becomes a game of tag."
"That is also true."
“And if that happens, the commoners living in Hainan Island will inevitably suffer. Furthermore, if that happens, the disciples of Hainan who were sent down to the commoners will inevitably catch the enemy’s eye.”
At that moment, Im Sobyeong’s eyes gleamed as he looked at Geum Yangbaek.
He had thought Geum Yangbaek was merely a man speaking the obvious, but it turned out he had a keen understanding of the situation.
"Which is why Hainan Sect cannot leave this mountain. For Hainan Island to endure beyond Evil Tyrant Alliance’s assault, we must create a clear target and a defined area for them to occupy."
"Sect Leader means that by concentrating all potential targets on this mountain, we prevent damage to other areas?"
"Exactly."
Geum Yangbaek sighed.
"I truly appreciate your concern. But we're not stubbornly holding to this method out of stupidity. Over the past few years, we’ve constantly deliberated on how best to confront Evil Tyrant Alliance when they inevitably strike. This is the conclusion we arrived at.”
“Hmm. Your words certainly have merit. If this is an island, and the goal is to minimize harm to others, this might seem like the only path available."
“I’m glad you understand....”
"However."
Im Sobyeong interrupted Geum Yangbaek with a sly grin.
"That's only when we're confined by the island's limitations."
“...Huh?”
Geum Yangbaek asked as if he couldn't comprehend. Im Sobyeong smiled and elaborated.
"There’s a way to perfectly meet all the conditions you mentioned. A way that doesn’t require holding this place, completely eliminates any damage to Hainan Island, ensures the safety of the disciples sent to the villages, and forces Evil Tyrant Alliance to focus solely on Hainan Sect."
“No, where could such a method..."
Geum Yangbaek stopped mid-sentence.
He realized it. What method Im Sobyeong was suggesting. A solution he had never once considered, thinking it absurd, but one that perfectly met all the criteria.
“S- Surely you don’t mean—?”
“Yes.”
Im Sobyeong grinned widely.
"When one's own house is on fire, who has time to worry about neighbor houses?"
“....”
"The moment we lead Hainan Sect onto Gangnam soil, they won't even spare a thought for Haenam Island."
“Are you in your right mind?”
“Of course, I am.”
Geum Yangbaek's jaw dropped. He glanced around, only to see that not just Im Sobyeong, but all of his comrades, wore calm, composed expressions.
"So, instead of holding and defending here, you’re suggesting we march straight into their base in Jiangnan?"
“Yes.”
"And you're presenting this as a strategy? Do you have any idea what would happen if..."
At that moment, Chung Myung interjected in a bored tone.
"What would happen?"
“Are you asking because you don’t know?”
“Yeah, so what would happen?”
"How frustrating! Obviously, if that happens..."
Geum Yangbaek's mouth closed on its own.
Of course, everyone dies.
Every single disciple of Hainan who stepped foot on Gangnam soil would die without exception. But that...
'Isn't that the same as now?'
A wave of confusion washed over Geum Yangbaek as he pressed his lips together in silence. The one to break that silence was Chung Myung, clicking his tongue.
“Tsk, tsk. That’s the problem with people who only pretend to have courage.”
“...”
“You have the guts to die holding out in your own house but no guts to go out and die fighting?”
Geum Yangbaek couldn't even respond. He just stared blankly at Chung Myung.
"If we’re going to die anyway, let’s die spectacularly."
“....”
“If Sect Leader really wants to show Hainan’s spirit, then dying here is meaningless. Even if you’re to die, you should die out there. I don’t think I need to explain which option is the more honorable one.”
Geum Yangbaek clenched and unclenched his fist without realizing it.
The thought that this was a nonsensical strategy clashed with the sense that Chung Myung’s words might be right.
“Then....”
Geum Yangbaek looked around at everyone with a rigid face.
“You’re saying you’re willing to charge into the enemy base with Hainan, to die for glory (옥쇄(玉碎))?”
He briefly wondered if 'glorious death' was the right expression, but couldn't think of a better one at the moment.
Chung Myung answered bluntly.
"No."
“...Yes?”
“That’s Hainan’s position.”
Geum Yangbaek frowned. Then what was their position?
“Listen carefully, old man.”
“Sect Leader.”
“Ugh. Okay. Listen carefully, Sect Leader. There’s no such thing as a path meant for dying. The only thing that exists is a path with even a sliver more chance of survival.”
“....”
"Our plan isn't to die in Gangnam."
Chung Myung raised the corners of his lips.
"It’s to turn back the way we came."
“...T- Turn back?”
"Yes."
Chung Myung said firmly.
"We’ll lead Hainan and advance in reverse toward Gangnam. We will save at least one more person and reach the Yangtze River.
Geum Yangbaek's eyes widened as much as they could.
“If we succeed, Hainan’s name will spread throughout the world. Even if we fail, it's a hundred times better than dying here. The important thing is, between these two options, the path to Gangnam clearly has a higher chance of survival."
“L- Look. That’s....”
“If you are truly the sect leader of Hainan, you should not humbly accept the end, but try to find a way to continue the name of Hainan. That is what the sect leader should do.”
“But....”
At that moment, Chung Myung's face, which had only shown irritation until now, turned deathly serious. The chill in his gaze sent shivers racing down Geum Yangbaek’s spine. Chung Myung said.
"I’ll carve the path."
Geum Yangbaek froze in place, unable to move a muscle. But unlike him, Baek Cheon calmly corrected Chung Myung's words.
"Not you, we will."
Chung Myung nodded immediately.
“Yes. We will carve the path. So Hainan only needs to make one decision. Whether to fight believing in that sliver of possibility, or give up everything and die quietly here."
“....”
"You said you wanted to leave something behind, didn't you?"
“....”
“Listen carefully, Sect Leader. Those who give up fighting because they can’t win leave nothing behind in this world. Only those who fight to the very end can leave anything at all.”
Those words struck Geum Yangbaek like a blunt weapon.
"We've shown you the path. All that's left is the choice."
Chung Myung narrowed his eyes and stared at Geum Yangbaek.
“What is Hainan’s decision?”
Geum Yangbaek bit his lip without a word.
Chung Myung, who would usually overpower his opponents with logic, simply waited for Geum Yangbaek's decision at this moment. He knew this wasn't a path someone could be pushed onto.
After contemplating for a long while, Geum Yangbaek finally parted his heavy lips.
“From now on....”
Everyone was looking at Geum Yangbaek.
"What would you have Hainan do?"
Chung Myung grinned broadly. It was the perfect answer—one that couldn’t have satisfied him more.
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