Return of The Mount Hua – Chapter 1504. Who am I? (4)
Editor: Hoamz
Co-Translator: Xoxo
The great hall was dyed with silence.
From the position of an invited guest, it was not right to step forward and interfere with the event of another sect. But the reason no one could scold him for his rudeness or point out his overstepping was that the point the acting sect leader of Mount Hua was raising did not go against the morals of Kangho.
"Acting Sect Leader… I understand what you are saying, but it seems right that you should speak of that after the current proceedings are finished.”
“Allow me to ask one thing.”
"Yes?"
“Have the elders and everyone else here already paid their respects to the previous sect leader?”
The elders' faces were filled with bewilderment at those words. Now that he mentioned it, none had even considered it.
"...That’s..."
Before they could answer, Baek Cheon struck first.
Baek Cheon's words ended neatly. The disciples of Mount Hua exchanged glances among themselves and mouthed to each other in a whisper.
'Wow... Really flows like clear water over blue mountains.'
‘Sasuk always goes wild when a stage is set for him. The problem is that he only comes to his senses when the stage is set.’
'As expected, you have to separate Dongryong and Baek Cheon.'
It became a situation where none of the elders of Beggar Union could rashly open their mouths.
It meant that Baek Cheon’s words had hit their mark that effectively.
As the only outsider here, declaring his intent to represent Kangho and offer respects to the predecessor, how could anyone stop that?
Besides, strictly speaking, this wasn't something Baek Cheon should have come forward and argued for. Rather, it would have been normal for the people of Beggar Union to somehow drag them over to pay their respects to the former sect leader.
Having someone of Mount Hua acting sect leader's stature honor the late sect leader would only elevate Beggar Union's standing. Wasn't that why sects went to great lengths to invite prominent figures during succession ceremonies?
The elders' wandering gazes eventually all converged on Lone Tiger Divine Beggar. At this moment, the only one who could respond to Baek Cheon’s request was Lone Tiger Divine Beggar.
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar gave a bitter smile in the midst of their gaze. He had noticed that doubt was dwelling in the elders' eyes.
'That's why we shouldn't accept outsiders.'
When outsiders participate, variables beyond his control inevitably arise. Especially when dealing with troublemakers like Mount Hua, it becomes even more bothersome.
What was fortunate was that he hadn't yet yielded the initiative. Lone Tiger Divine Beggar, who had composed his breathing, stared straight at Baek Cheon and spoke.
“On behalf of Beggar Union, I thank Acting Sect Leader for his deep consideration."
"Not at all."
Baek Cheon bowed his head lightly in a polished and modest manner. Before the expression of disgust could even cross Chung Myung’s face, Yoon Jong quickly grabbed Chung Myung’s head and pushed it down.
Whether fortunately or not, Lone Tiger Divine Beggar hadn’t seen that and continued speaking.
“But unfortunately, it is difficult to grant Acting Sect Leader’s request. It is because the body of the former Sect Leader is not here at this time.”
“What does that mean?”
When Baek Cheon asked in a puzzled tone, Lone Tiger Divine Beggar answered with a sorrowful expression.
“Unfortunately, the previous Sect Leader passed away somewhere else. That is why we have not yet been able to bring his body back to the headquarters.”
“...Somewhere else?”
"That is so."
“Then what was the cause of Sect Leader’s death?”
“I’m sure that Acting Sect Leader also knew that Sect Leader was suffering from a chronic illness.”
Baek Cheon nodded silently. It was such widespread knowledge in Kangho that it wasn’t even worth verifying.
"Nevertheless, the sect leader felt he could not stand by and watch Evil Tyrant Alliance's rampage and Magyo's stirrings, so he led his sick body to personally investigate them. Then eventually things went wrong and...."
"Are you saying he was ambushed?"
“That is not certain. What is certain is something that must be thoroughly investigated to know. What I do know is only this: that Sect Leader is no longer of this world, and that the position of sect leader cannot be left vacant for long.”
The corners of Baek Cheon's mouth twitched faintly.
At first glance, it sounded plausible. Someone unaware of the circumstances might have expressed admiration for the previous sect leader's righteousness in leading his ailing body to risk danger and scout the enemy.
However, to Baek Cheon who knew the truth, the lies of Lone Tiger Divine Beggar were clearly visible beneath the awkward grief covering his entire face.
"Did you, Elder, receive this news personally?"
“That’s right.”
"Only you, Elder?"
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar paused for a moment at Baek Cheon's question.
“...What does that mean?”
“You mean to say that in such a grave matter as the death of the sect leader, the only one to confirm it was you alone?”
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar frowned and hardened his face.
‘These bastards… could they possibly know something?’
No, that can't be. Sect Leader was not someone who could reveal himself. Moreover, there was no way for someone who wasn't from Beggar Union to know about Sect Leader's whereabouts.
"I am the person who represents Beggar Union elders. So there is nothing strange about me hearing it."
“Then who brought the news?”
“The one who was attending to the leader. A trustworthy man. He confirmed the fact and reported it to me.”
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar spoke slowly, glancing sideways to check the elders' reactions.
‘Damn it…’
Those he had firmly won over showed no particular agitation. But among those who had not fully sided with him, a subtle unease was stirring.
They too realized that the entire situation hinged solely on Lone Tiger Divine Beggar's words, and seeds of doubt were sprouting.
Especially Ugly-Faced Beggar, who had openly opposed, was watching this situation with gleaming eyes.
'This cannot go on any longer.'
If the conversation dragged on, even after becoming sect leader, there could be talk behind his back. That would surely become a major obstacle to his control.
“I fully understand you have many questions, but now is not the time to reveal everything one by one. Do not forget. Evil Tyrant Alliance and Magyo are involved in this matter.”
“....”
“I trust that Acting Sect Leader understands that information must sometimes be handled with the utmost secrecy.”
“That’s a given. It would be even more so if this place were Beggar Union.”
“That's exactly what I'm saying."
"However, Elder."
At that moment, Baek Cheon straightened his shoulders and stared directly at Lone Tiger Divine Beggar.
“What if that crucial information is wrong?”
“...What?”
“If the information that the former Sect Leader has passed away is incorrect, who will take responsibility for all of this?”
"Go- Good heavens! How outrageous!"
The astonished elders shouted here and there.
The elders weren’t slow-witted. By this point, they naturally understood that Baek Cheon’s questions were not merely to clear up his own doubts.
“Acting Sect Leader! How can you speak so carelessly as a guest?”
"Even representing Mount Hua, this crosses the line!"
"Are you looking down on Beggar Union now?"
But they couldn’t directly criticize him or act; only their voices rang hollow with restrained anger.
The reason was simple. It is because of the name of Mount Hua’s Acting Sect Leader Baek Cheon. And the name of Mount Hua that backed him.
Mount Hua was no longer the fallen sect of the past. It was the most prominent sect in the world, a great sect that had proven its strength time and time again.
There existed no means to forcibly suppress the representative of Mount Hua Sect, who was the ruler of Shaanxi and the leader of Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
Baek Cheon swept a cold gaze across them all.
"I merely wish to clarify everything with certainty. Otherwise, even our presence here could become disgraceful."
“Tha- That’s....”
"Enough!"
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar raised his hand and silenced the elders. Then he displayed a leisurely smile as if painted on.
"If there is a problem with the information, naturally I will take responsibility."
"You will, Elder?"
“Of course. I started all of this, so it is only natural that I should be held responsible. Is that sufficient?”
Baek Cheon stared at Lone Tiger Divine Beggar intently and nodded.
“Yes, that will do.”
“Thank you, Acting Sect Leader, for your consideration. Then I hope you'll now congratulate Beggar Union on welcoming its new sect leader."
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar paused briefly, then looked over each elder one by one before speaking again.
"And elders, please do not be too angry. All of this is merely this beggar's fault for trying to handle matters quickly in an urgent situation without following proper procedures."
"Hmm....”
"If you put it that way."
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar's face was filled with composure. He looked at Baek Cheon and his companions standing behind him and muttered to himself.
'They seem to have noticed something, but there's nothing you can actually do.'
From Mount Hua's perspective, they would want to prevent him from becoming the sect leader at all costs. The moment he assumed the sect leader position, Beggar Union would return to being a perfect member of the Ten Great Sects. Naturally, Mount Hua and assumed would not be happy about it.
But no matter how much of a fuss they make now, the outcome that has been decided cannot be undone.
'The one who orchestrated all of this would be none other than you, wouldn't it?'
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar's gaze shifted from Baek Cheon to Chung Myung standing behind.
It was his first time seeing his face, but anyone living in the current Kangho could not fail to recognize Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword Chung Myung. When his eyes met with the expressionless Chung Myung, Lone Tiger Divine Beggar let slip a faint smile.
‘Throwing a tantrum won’t work. There is nothing you can do.’
Just as Lone Tiger Divine Beggar was about to open his mouth to conclude everything, a triumphant smile spread across Chung Myung's lips as he faced him.
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar's heart sank for an instant.
“Gotcha.”
"...What?"
The words Chung Myung muttered as if to himself pierced Lone Tiger Divine Beggar's chest like a dagger.
Chung Myung grinned and chinned to someone as if asking.
“Is this good enough?”
“Thank you, Chivalrous Sword.”
At that moment, a man standing behind Chung Myung slowly stepped forward. He had such an ordinary appearance that he had been completely overshadowed by the presence of Mount Hua group.
'Who is it?'
Lone Tiger Divine Beggar rapidly turned his mind with a hardened face.
He had never seen this person before. No matter how much he searched his memory, there was no information about that stranger. But why would such a person step forward in this situation? What on earth was he planning to do?
The man who stepped forward looked around and then took something out from his bosom.
An ordinary wooden staff. Something between a stick (곤(棍)) and a club (봉(棒)), a shape so familiar to the disciples of Beggar Union.
He opened his mouth under everyone's attention.
“What are you doing?”
At that, a look of bewilderment simultaneously filled the faces of the elders.
“Huh?”
“Hmm?”
Because the stranger’s voice was far too familiar.
Oooooong.
In that instant, a jade-green energy coiled around the staff in the man’s hand. The staff was soon dyed in a deep green hue. In an instant, the faces of all Beggar Union disciples turned deathly pale.
That martial art…
"If you are truly disciples of Beggar Union, show respect before the rightful sect leader of Beggar Union."
A voice as stern as autumn frost erupted from the man, his entire body enveloped in the jade-colored energy.
|Note
Consider supporting me by subscribing on Patreon for 5$. The Patreon membership for Mount Hua and Infinite Mage is the same. The benefit:
Advance chapters of Mount Hua : 76
Advance chapters of Magic Realm Convenience Store Worker : 144 Chapters
Advance chapters of Got a Gallery in the Wild : 10
Comments Box