Chapter 1645. So, Are You Happy? (4)
100 Years Ago.
"I understand what the sect leader says, but isn't the war real?"
There was a sharpness that couldn't be hidden in the old swordsman's voice.
It was too much to call it hostility, but it definitely wasn't a friendly voice. A blatant rejection and little willingness to continue.
No, perhaps it was an emotion that could be called 'jealousy,' though that might be a bit insulting to them.
"You called it 'real'?"
"Yes."
The old swordsman in the blue military uniform looked at the person sitting in front of him with cold eyes.
"Disciples of all sects follow their masters. Where would a young bird go without its mother? Would it prefer to fall from the nest and die?"
"Of course, I don't deny that the elders of each sect are the most qualified to lead the disciples of each sect. But the current situation..."
"Even though the situation is difficult, are there not things possible and impossible? The disciples of each sect are those who have dedicated their lives to the sect. How can you ask them that?"
The person closed his eyes at the sound of a voice filled with anger. The old swordsman spoke again firmly.
"I don't know what the other sect leaders are thinking, but at least we can't distribute disciples separately. It's not just my will, my disciples don't want it either."
When the person listening was about to nod silently, another person opened their mouth. It was a Taoist with a hat.
"Certainly, it is a difficult request... But the words spoken by the Sect Leader of Mount Hua are true."
"Sect Leader!"
The old swordsman shouted in surprise, but the other person smiled kindly and said.
"Then, what do you think about doing this?"
His voice was filled with a relaxed tone, unlike the old swordsman's.
"To gain the support of many people, it is important to set an example. In that case, what if the Sect Leader decides to give us disciples of Mount Hua? I believe we can definitely achieve results if the swordsmen of Mount Hua are under our direction, which is the Wudang Sect."
"...Sect Leader."
Eyes filled with peace. However, that did not mean there were good intentions behind them.
With a somber expression, Cheong Mun let out a faint sigh.
"Don't you know, Sect Leader, that Mount Hua is not in a situation where we can expel disciples at this moment?" said Cheong Mun.
"Isn't it the same for others as well?"
Cheong Mun's face hardened slightly.
Just the same?
What did they mean? Mount Hua was at the forefront, cutting down enemy attacks, while they were just sitting in the rear.
Since the losses suffered by Mount Hua at the front were so great, was it difficult to ask the disciples of each sect to provide support?
Words continued to flow in Cheong Mun's head, who suppressed his feelings of devastation.
"If it's for the sake of Kangho and a way to reduce sacrifices, of course we will. But I don't think now is the right time to make radical changes."
Cheong Mun had no choice but to nod.
It's not that he agreed with the argument. But it was difficult for him to speak for himself in a situation where everyone was opposed.
"In any case, it is difficult for Wudang to accede to the Sect Leader's wishes. From the beginning, the sect is a family and a place like home. When we fight together, we can fully unleash our strength."
"...Yes."
"Do you have anything else to say?"
Cheong Mun, who was about to say something, immediately shook his head.
"I understand exactly what the Sect Leader said."
Despite being rejected outright without even being properly spoken to, there was no sign of regret or discomfort on Cheong Mun's face. There was only calm, as if it had simply happened.
Those who were oppressed by the atmosphere of calm were hard to read, coughing loudly as if their legs were numb.
"Well, I think we've discussed everything we needed to discuss today, so we're going home."
The Sect Leader of Wudang, who said that, seemed embarrassed and added in passing.
"It is natural for discussion time to be reduced in times of war."
Getting up from his seat, leaving the reason unquestioned, the other sect leaders also left their seats without hesitation. They lined up as if wanting to show their strength but quickly headed towards the door as if fleeing.
Just then, the Sect Leader of Wudang, who was approaching the door, stopped and looked at Cheong Mun, who was still sitting.
"If I may say something honestly....."
"....."
"There is no one in this world who does not know the wisdom and intelligence of the Sect Leader, but there are times when you may be too quick in your decisions. It is difficult for ordinary people like us to keep up with the Sect Leader's insight, so we hope you can understand our situation."
Many eyes fixed on Cheong Mun like arrows.
"We apologize for any inconvenience caused. It is all because we are not good enough yet."
".....It's okay."
The Sect Leader of Wudang made a brief bow and turned completely. As he turned around, a slight sense of satisfaction from victory appeared on his lips with a small smile.
Krak.
The Sect Leader of Wudang decisively opened the door and took a step forward confidently. No, he tried to take a step.
It would have been so, if there hadn't been someone standing right in front of the open door.
"Eh?"
"This..."
Those who questioned the rudeness of the person who dared to visit the place where the sect leaders of the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Families gathered, suddenly closed their mouths like clams.
The person blocking the door looked at the Sect Leader of Wudang. His eyes were extremely cold.
That person emitted no energy, nor did he have an aggressive expression. However, the Sect Leader of Wudang's body instantly stiffened, noticeable to anyone.
The man, frozen like ice, spoke slowly.
"You seem very clean."
All the eyes of the sect leaders followed the direction of his gaze, from their clothes to the clothes of the man standing in front of the door.
In contrast to their clean clothes without the slightest hint of dirt, the clothes of the person blocking the door were stained here and there with indelible spots.
Those who knew the origin of the stains could only clear their throats and dared not speak.
"Sometimes you should practice, sect leaders. If the honorable so-called martial arts experts are so fat, even the Demonic Cult will think you own a palace and ignore you without more."
"....."
Of course, saying they had gotten fat wasn't true. They were martial arts experts who had reached their peak, and the shape of their body wouldn't change just because they were a bit lazy in their training.
However, there was no one here who could point out or question such rudeness.
"Well....."
Those who saw the man blocking the door opened their mouths with a choked voice.
"...S-Sword Saint."
Plum Blossom Sword Saint Chung Myung looked at the person calling him without answering. They shuddered upon seeing him, closed their mouths, and avoided Chung Myung's gaze.
A grimace appeared on Chung Myung's mouth.
"They sound like a mother bird."
"....."
"Even a bird would risk its life to fight a snake if its chicks are in danger. Don't just stand there watching from behind."
"Sword Saint. We..."
Those who tried to say something but fell silent, finally turned around. They stared intently at the only person who could handle the Plum Blossom Sword Saint. Cheong Mun, receiving that gaze, sighed and opened his mouth.
"Chung Myung-ah. Please don't use harsh words or behavior with the sect leaders."
"....."
"Get out of the way. Quickly."
Chung Myung looked at Cheong Mun and stepped aside. A narrow path opened enough for one person to pass.
He then looked at the sect leaders. It was like saying: if you want to pass, try to pass.
"Chung Myung-ah!"
Only after another shout was heard, did Chung Myung completely step aside. However, as if he had no intention of hiding his discomfort, he crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe.
"Keuheum."
The Sect Leader of Wudang cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Goodbye." he said as he prepared to leave.
Everyone ran out of the meeting room. None of those people dared to make eye contact with Chung Myung, who was standing by the door.
Barely managing to leave the meeting room, in a stiff state, they ended up fleeing without even looking back.
"Sigh~."
And only after the meeting room was so far away that it could barely be seen, did they look back and sigh.
"How unchivalrous!"
"How can a man be so insolent?"
Only then did the anger erupt.
"Sect Leader! Are you really going to continue tolerating this? Isn't that man's rudeness too much?"
A bitter expression appeared on the Sect Leader of Wudang's face.
"Then what should we do?"
"Shouldn't he be punished for his disrespectful behavior all this time?!"
"Punished...."
The Sect Leader of Wudang let out a small sigh.
"That is an action that can be given to people willing to accept sin. Don't you know? What kind of person is that man?"
Upon hearing those words, the other sect leaders had no choice but to remain silent.
Sin can be imposed on those willing to accept it.
It was a strange statement, but it was true, at least in this situation.
Plum Blossom Sword Saint Chung Myung.
The world called him one of the three best swordsmen in the world, but everyone here knew how empty that title was.
How useless were the words "three best swordsmen in the world" attributed to Chung Myung.
The difference in skill and strength between Chung Myung and the other two members was truly enormous. The others didn't even have the right to discuss the sword with Chung Myung.
Who could declare such a person guilty?
He can't be punished based on his skill. That's why authority and reason must be used, but that Plum Blossom Sword Saint is not someone who can be pressured using authority.
He was the perfect candidate to be called the most rebellious person in the world.
If it weren't for the Sect Leader of Mount Hua, Cheong Mun, holding him back, he would have already killed them several times.
Seeing the deep dissatisfaction on the other person's face, the Sect Leader of Wudang said.
"Moreover, the punishment probably wouldn't work in our favor."
"Hmm...."
Several people nodded at those words.
In fact, if Plum Blossom Sword Saint were truly punished and left his position, it would be the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Families who would bear the greatest losses.
Knowing that, no one here could do anything but air their complaints.
"Don't worry too much. The good hunting dogs must eat good meat, even if their temperament is a bit vicious. But, don't we all know what the fate of the dog will be if it stops hunting?"
Finally, the expressions on the sect leaders' faces slowly relaxed.
"For now, we must give him good meat. That is the best path for everyone."
"Agreed."
After a conversation that was nothing more than a vent for frustration, discomfort set in, and with that, everyone hurriedly waved their hands and turned to disperse.
"But, are you sure this is okay?"
"Do you mean the Plum Blossom Sword Saint?"
"Not that.... I mean what the Sect Leader of Mount Hua said earlier."
The sect leader of the beggars' union rose with a worried face.
"Saying they need help due to the heavy losses of Mount Hua on the front line isn't a lie...."
"Of course, the Sect Leader of Mount Hua is not someone who speaks lies."
"That's what I'm saying."
"But we may not need to provide any support."
".....Why?"
The Sect Leader of Wudang slowly stroked his long beard.
"Yuanshi Tianzun. Mount Hua is not the only sect that can be on the front line, and when their strength is exhausted later, that is when other sects can intervene. There is no need for other sects to share their strength to help them now. Wouldn't it make more sense for us to do that?"
There was a strange gleam on the face of the beggars' union sect leader. At first glance, those words might seem reasonable.
But, could other sects really take on the role like Mount Hua? Did he really believe they would be able to do it?
Maybe.....
"The more a sect is divided, the weaker it becomes. Since the Demonic Cult still has a lot of strength left, we should not waste it carelessly."
"You're right."
"If Mount Hua loses its power, then my Southern Edge Sect will step forward."
"No, that is our common role."
The eyes of the beggars' union sect leader darkened as he watched the people around him speak enthusiastically.
'When things go wrong, it is fortunate that there is at least one person who really takes action.'
But he couldn't sigh openly. It was hard not to agree with them.
His eyes turned towards the meeting room he had left without realizing it.
'Sect Leader... Sword Saint.'
There was helpless sadness in those eyes.
