Return of The Mount Hua – Chapter 1418. Even if it's meaningless (3)
Editor: Hoamzz
Co-Translator: Xoxo
“Did you say Jeomchang?”
"That is correct."
Hyun Jong stared intently at Bop Kye, as if trying to gauge the truth behind his words.
‘What’s his intention?’
It wasn’t because Bop Kye’s request was unreasonable.
If there were people suffering under Evil Tyrant Alliance’s oppression, Evil Tyrant Alliance would do everything in its power to save them, no matter who they were. Bop Jeong would know this too, so Hyun Jong couldn't readily understand why he specifically mentioned 'Jeomchang'.
“Bangjang....”
“I am simply relaying Bangjang’s words. If Heavenly Comrade Alliance is willing, then we will stake our lives to clear the path.”
Before Hyun Jong could say anything, Bop Kye added with a slightly stiff expression.
"However, if too many forces withdraw from here at once, it will become dangerous. You understand this, don't you?"
Hyun Jong nodded slowly.
As Bop Kye said, if too many of them left abruptly, Ho Ga-\myeong would undoubtedly target those who remained.
To avoid such risk, as much force as possible had to stay behind.
“At most, two sects will be able to break through.”
Hyun Jong flinched for a moment at Bop Kye’s words.
"That is all we can allow."
“...Two sects.”
"What do you think?"
Hyun Jong clenched his hidden fist inside his sleeve.
Considering the enemies they would face, one might say 'only' two sects. But if they could join forces with those still in Sichuan, it wasn’t a hopeless number.
In fact, Hyun Jong was… concerned about their intentions. Why would Bop Jeong suddenly offer such goodwill now?
Then Bop Kye spoke again.
“Please do not doubt Bangjang’s intentions too deeply.”
“...Elder.”
Bop Kye shook his head lightly.
“I understand your doubts, Maengju-nim. But this crisis is not Heavenly Comrade Alliance’s alone. Saving those in Sichuan is just as much our duty as it is yours."
Bop Kye laughed self-mockingly.
He laughed inwardly even as he spoke. Since when had Shaolin divided people into those who should be saved and those who need not be?
Though he sensed something was wrong, Bop Kye forced himself to ignore the feeling.
"We find ourselves unable to move directly, so we wish to borrow Heavenly Comrade Alliance's strength. What will you do?"
Hyun Jong closed his eyes.
He could not tell. Bop Kye said this, but Hyun Jong couldn't believe that Bop Jeong was helping them without any ulterior motive. People don't change so easily, after all.
But even if there was another motive, could they afford to pass up this chance?
When he opened his eyes again, he looked around at his disciples. Every one of their eyes was saying the same thing.
Soon after, Hyun Jong spoke calmly to Bop Kye.
"We will go."
"I thought you would. Which sect will you bring?"
"Tang Family, of course."
That went without saying. To deny Tang Family the chance to go to Sichuan would be far too cruel. Even if they arrived too late and found only the smoldering ruins of their home, Tang Family had to be the first to see it with their own eyes.
“Then the other sect… No, there’s no need to ask. That was foolish of me.”
Bop Kye shook his head.
Though Heavenly Comrade Alliance was formed as a united front, there was only one sect that always rushed to where it was needed most.
"Mount Hua, of course."
“It is.”
Bop Kye nodded.
"I will convey this to Bangjang. Then I shall take my leave."
Bop Kye began to make Shaolin's characteristic half-bow and turn. No, he tried to. But as if something troubled his mind, he hesitated and turned back. He looked at Hyun Jong with profound eyes and spoke.
"...Sect Leader."
“Please speak.”
“I ask you this not as a disciple of Shaolin, but as a Buddhist. If there are others suffering there besides Jeomchang... please help them too."
Hyun Jong quietly met his gaze.
This was a man who crossed the river of his own will. To help Heavenly Comrade Alliance, to prevent Kangho from falling into disaster. Could there really have been any hidden motives behind that resolve?
Though the relationship between Heavenly Comrade Alliance and Ten Great Sects was already irreparably damaged, perhaps with people like this, that relationship might someday be restored.
"We will certainly do so."
When Hyun Jong returned the bow, Bop Kye bowed deeply again before finally turning away.
Deep emotion settled in Bop Kye's eyes as he turned.
'One never knows.'
He does not look favorably on Heavenly Comrade Alliance and Mount Hua. Not because he blindly followed Bop Jeong’s will, but because he believed that Heavenly Comrade Alliance’s aggression and overzealousness could often ruin what they were trying to fix.
And yet, as the moment came when he had to send Mount Hua to Sichuan, Bop Kye realized something.
When someone was in danger, the sect one most wanted to be there was none other than Mount Hua. He himself felt this way.
"Amitabha. Once you make your move, we will respond accordingly."
As Bop Kye unfolded his lightness technique and began to move away, Im Sobyeong's sharp voice rang out.
"You don't actually believe Shaolin Bangjang is sending us out of pure goodwill, do you?"
“...Nokrim King.”
"If Heavenly Comrade Alliance goes to Sichuan and saves Jeomchang, Shaolin loses nothing. They can gain credit without getting their hands bloody. It's a profitable deal either way."
Im Sobyeong turned slightly toward Shaolin and continued.
“And even if we fail to save Jeomchang, they’ll still be able to claim they did all they could. And more importantly!”
Just as Im Sobyeong's voice was about to become heated, Hyun Jong calmly intercepted.
"You mean if Mount Hua and Tang Family fight Paegun to mutual destruction, nothing could be better for them."
Im Sobyeong’s face hardened momentarily before he asked quietly.
"You knew?"
"I'm not so foolish. I may not know the strategies, but I understand human hearts. However..."
Hyun Jong glanced at Tang Gun-ak. He showed no emotion outwardly, but it was clear his insides were still burning to a crisp.
"I've never heard of parents calculating gains and losses when saving their own child."
At that moment, Im Sobyeong saw Tang Gun-ak gripping his now-pale fist even tighter.
"And Mount Hua... Heavenly Comrade Alliance is not a place that calculates gains and losses when helping friends."
All of Mount Hua's disciples nodded.
“What will you do? Are you going to stop us?”
In response to Hyun Jong's question, Im Sobyeong shrugged and looked to one side.
“If that damned bastard had died, then I can’t say for sure, but he’s still breathing. How can I stop Maengju-nim? It's obvious he would cause a ruckus threatening to kill me as soon as he opens his eyes."
“....”
“Please understand that I can’t help throwing objections. This is my role. By the way, aren't you taking me with you? I could be of help."
Hyun Jong shook his head at Im Sobyeong’s banter.
“The situation here is just as dangerous. Without you, who else could manage all this?”
Im Sobyeong nodded silently. Since no one knows what Ho Gamyeong might do, he needs to monitor the situation here.
Then, with a suddenly serious expression, Im Sobyeong spoke in a low voice.
“If it becomes too dangerous, use any means necessary to get out.”
“I'll keep that in mind.”
Hyun Jong turned to look at everyone.
“Gungju-nim.”
“Yes, Maengju.”
“I leave this place to you.”
Maeng So let out a deep sigh that did not match his size, as if he had been given a heavy burden.
"Yes. Do not worry. We will cross the river without sacrifices. We’ll head for Sichuan as soon as we’ve crossed, so think of it as us following you shortly.”
“Thank you.”
Hyun Jong turned to look at Geum Yangbaek. But before he could say anything, Geum Yangbaek opened his mouth first.
"I will protect this place."
“...Sect Leader.”
Geum Yangbaek's face was deathly pale, but the smile on his lips was gentle.
"I'm only sorry that we may not meet again. Please take care of Hainan Sect, Maengju-nim."
Hyun Jong closed his eyes and gave a slow nod.
There was so much he wanted to say, so much needed to say, but there was no time.
Even at this moment, Sichuan must be covered in blood.
Whether these struggles are futile or not no longer matters.
'We are those who struggle even in futility.'
Hyun Jong cast a determined gaze at Tang Gun-ak.
"Tang Gaju, let's go. Time is of the essence."
Tang Gun-ak nodded. Only then did Tang Family members, who had been desperately suppressing their emotions, let out groans as if growling.
"Mount Hua!"
“Yes, Grand Sect Leader!"
“Hurry! We're going to Sichuan!”
"Yes!"
After a quick glance at Five Swords’ condition, Hyun Jong shut his eyes tightly and turned sharply.
“Let’s go!”
And they immediately charged toward the Yangtze River.
Behind them, the core members of Mount Hua, Tang Family, and Heavenly Comrade Alliance erupted with chilling killing intent as they raced forward.
"Advisor-nim! They're on the move!"
The report struck Ho Gamyeong's ears. Ho Gamyeong's eyes gazed coldly at the front. He could see familiar figures heading toward the Yangtze River.
"Now the water fortress..."
“Leave them alone.”
"Yes?"
The startled adjutant stared at Ho Gamyeong. Disbelief flashed across his face. However, Ho Gamyeong shook his head to prove that his ears hadn't misheard.
"No need to stop them."
“A- Advisor-nim....”
Without further explanation, Ho Gamyeong simply watched as Mount Hua and Tang Family plunged into the Yangtze. And Ten Great Sects moving around them as if escorting them.
“...Bop jeong.”
Ho Gamyeong muttered softly.
His task was to pin down as many enemies here as possible without losses. If his interests aligned with Bop Jeong’s, there was no need to resist.
Letting Mount Hua and Tang Family go in exchange for a ceasefire was hardly a losing trade. No, rather....
“What a twisted man. Even in this situation…”
A rare smile crept onto Ho Gamyeong's lips.
What meaning was left in the distinction between Righteous and Evil?
In the end, only the skin they wear is different, and the actions that they take are no different. Just as Jang Ilso said, human nature is fundamentally ugly.
Chung Myung remained unconscious and was held in Tang Gun-ak's arms. Watching this, a complex emotion crossed Ho Gamyeong's eyes.
'Plum Blossom Sword Demon.'
In the end, Chung Myung slips from his grasp like this.
From Hainan Island to here, he was letting go of the enemy he had staked everything to kill.
Yet Ho Gamyeong's heart wasn't truly in pain.
Because this wasn’t a failure.
If he hadn't pushed Plum Blossom Sword Demon to the limit, if the man had been conscious, the situation would never have escalated this far.
As much as he hated to admit it, Chung Myung was the only one in the world who could oppose Jang Ilso. He would certainly have noticed something amiss at some point.
So perhaps both his sacrifice and Myriad Man Manor's sacrifice should be considered valuable.
Still, it was a pity.
Eudeuk.
Ho Gamyeong clenched his teeth quietly.
If their destination through that hell was Sichuan, Ho Gamyeong would never see that man again.
No matter how high Plum Blossom Sword Demon might soar into the sky, the apocalyptic fire Jang Ilso had ignited would surely swallow even the heavens whole.
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