Chapter 208: Chapter 1096: The Mount Hua-ification of the Entire Central Plains? (Part 1)
Sometimes people surprise us.
When you see someone doing things that ordinary people wouldn't do, when you see someone thinking in a different direction than ordinary people.
However, a greater surprise comes when you witness someone who sees further than the ordinary.
"We feared the Demonic Sect and were concerned about the unification of the Evil Tyrant Alliance and the division within the Ten Great Sects. That's why we panicked and were in a hurry. At that time, the only thing we thought about was how to deal with them from now on."
Hyun Jong nodded in agreement with Tang Gunak's words.
"You're absolutely right."
"But the Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword Sect was looking at something else entirely. It wasn't about how to deal with the Demonic Sect; it was about how we needed to change. It's similar, but an entirely different story, isn't it?"
Tang Gunak sighed as he spoke.
"It's quite strange."
"Hmm."
Though it was an abrupt remark, Hyun Jong seemed to understand its meaning as he nodded.
"Sometimes, when I look at Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword, I wonder how someone can think like that. How can someone who has walked such a perfect path have so little faith in themselves?"
"…Gaju-nim."
Tang Gunak's gaze turned slightly upward. It felt like he was looking somewhere beyond the ceiling.
"From the perspective of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, he is a blessing. He's also worthy of praise from the perspective of the Mount Hua Sect. The existence of such an individual that leads everyone forward. However..."
Tang Gunak's eyes went dark as he was speechless for a moment.
"Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword... from the standpoint of one person, Chung Myung, is it truly something to be praised?"
His voice carried a distinct sense of regret.
"I don't know well, Maengju-nim. Perhaps it... may be a sad matter."
Hyun Jong slowly closed his eyes. It seemed like Tang Gunak's words were piercing to the core of Chung Myung.
Certainly, outwardly, Chung Myung appeared like a deity of unwavering confidence. Without any doubt that he could be wrong, he always presented the right answer and moved forward without hesitation. Not only for himself but also leading others like a superhuman.
But what lied deep within, beyond his outward appearance?
It was a mix of doubt and anxiety that bordered on self-hatred, and... fear.
Hyun Jong couldn't forget the shock he felt when he first glimpsed into Chung Myung's inner self. No one would blame Chung Myung for being excessive even if his arrogance reached the sky, but he found out that Chung Myung considered himself less than an insect. Even if it were someone other than Hyun Jong, they would have been surprised.
Among the various reasons why Hyun Jong deliberately refrained from delving into Chung Myung's past, this was the biggest one.
Regardless of what Chung Myung saw or experienced, even if he committed unforgivable sins...Didn't he feel such regret and pain?
Even if Hyun Jong were the Sect Leader, how could he, as a Taoist, overturn the wounds of someone who had suffered so much for such a long time?
A considerable silence ensued, both wearing pensive expressions.
Tang Gunak slowly resumed speaking.
"Shaolin fixates on the benefits of righteousness and has already shattered the union that existed."
"..."
"Moreover, the Myriad Man Manor is subjugating even the allied sects under its control. Right now, it may seem correct, but viewed from another angle, they are following the path of a giant sect that once displays its prowess in history but ultimately fades away."
Hyun Jong nodded heavily.
"On the other hand, the path chosen by Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword is entirely different. Without building walls between sects, sharing what each possesses, ensuring no one stands in a superior position.... That's true friendship, isn't it?"
Tang Gunak smiled.
Up until now, Chung Myung had always favored other sects, but deep down, Mount Hua was always at the forefront. The evidence lied in the fact that, when threatened by the rise of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, the first thing he did was to strengthen Mount Hua by leaving all other sects alone.
However, now Chung Myung had extended his influence not only to Mount Hua but also to other sects within the Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
To some, it may seem like excessive interference or overreach, but considering it from Chung Myung's perspective, he was letting go of something significant. Chung Myung was a person who evaluated his abilities more objectively than anyone else.
At that moment, Hyun Jong, with a slight smile, spoke.
"If you think about it, Sogaju of the Namgung family…I think Chung Myung may have enlightened his thoughts a little."
"I don't think his influence is negligible."
It may have been a first for Chung Myung as well. The experience of approaching a sect as prominent as Namgung's with humility for its growth.
Therefore, Chung Myung, who had previously respected the independence of each sect, may have slightly expanded the scope of what he could do.
"Gaju-nim, regarding..."
Hyun Jong hesitated slightly before asking.
"What do you think will be the result of what that child is trying to do?"
"Well."
Tang Gunak smiled delicately.
"Honestly, I don't know. This is something that no one in Kangho has ever attempted."
"Hmm."
He immediately looked at Hyun Jong with clear eyes and continued.
"However, the situation we are facing has also been unprecedented. We don't know when the Demonic Sect will launch an invasion, and the Ten Great Sects, which should be at the center of the response, is in a difficult situation with its internal divisions. Moreover, the Evil Tyrant Alliance, which is difficult to cooperate with, is growing stronger day by day."
"..."
"In this situation, the probability of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance overcoming everything without sacrifices is not very high. No, to be honest, even if sacrifices are made, resolving this situation itself will be difficult."
"Yes, that's true."
Tang Gunak smiled.
"So, although it may be like grasping at straws, shouldn't we try everything we can? Even if it's something that has never been attempted before."
Hyun Jong also smiled back.
"That's the way it should be. All I can do is to silently support what that child wants to do."
"Don't say that. At least for Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword, there is nothing more powerful than your silent support."
A faint look of humility appeared on Hyun Jong's face.
"There is a lot to do."
"Yes. First, I think we should inform the Southern Beast Palace and the Northern Ice Palace of this and ask for them to join us, actually. In fact... it seems that we've somewhat neglected them, doesn't it?"
A sigh escaped Tang Gunak's lips.
It wasn't intentional avoidance. It was just that it was difficult to request help prematurely since the Southern Beast Palace and the Northern Ice Palace were located far from the Central Plains.
However, from the perspective of the two palaces, it may have felt like Mount Hua and the Tang Family were leading most of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance's actions out of necessity rather than consideration.
Now that they have declared that they would embrace everyone, they must never make them feel left out.
"Beast Palace's lord might find it a bit troublesome..."
At Hyun Jong's words, Tang Gunak smiled bitterly.
"That could be true. However, it's something that must be endured. Responsibility follows authority. The person in charge understands that much."
Hyun Jong nodded and sighed.
Every time Chung Myung goes through a major event, there is a upheaval, whether it's on a small scale within Mount Hua or on a larger scale within Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
But it shouldn't be blamed. Chung Myung has been overturning and rebuilding, both on a small and large scale, every time he faces a significant challenge.
What Hyun Jong needs to do is not to deny that fact but to ensure that Chung Myung can unfold his intentions without burden.
"However..."
Tang Gunak opened his mouth with a slightly different expression than before.
"There are still concerns. Internal issues are one thing, but the biggest worry is probably external."
"...Are you talking about the Ten Great Sects and the Evil Tyrant Alliance?"
"Yes."
Tang Gunak's eyes narrowed slightly.
"The story of Hangzhou this time will soon spread throughout the world. If that happens, the status of Mount Hua and the Evil Tyrant Alliance, who participated in this event, will rise to an unprecedented level. And the one who will feel the most uncomfortable about that fact is..."
"...The Ten Great Sect."
"Yes. And it might become even more than what Maengju-nim imagines."
When Hyun Jong looked at Tang Gunak with a questioning gaze, Tang Gunak smiled with a hint of bitterness.
"What the Shaolin Sect never wanted to let go of, regardless of how it happened, was the concept of 'Shaolin protecting the strong.' But with this incident, Mount Hua has taken that concept away."
"Ah..."
Hyun Jong nodded slightly with a slightly complicated expression. When Tang Gunak seemed to want to say something, he covered his mouth with wide sleeves. His shoulders began to tremble faintly. Hyun Jong raised his eyes inquisitively.
"Why are you suddenly like this?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I know it shouldn't be like this, but thinking that the head of the Shaolin Sect might have a fever from head to toe, I couldn't help but laugh."
It was an absurd sound coming from Tang Gunak's mouth.
But Hyun Jong understood Tang Gunak's feelings very well. He also found it difficult to control the corners of his mouth from rising uncontrollably when thinking about Beopjeong's figure running energetically.
He managed to control his expression and said,
"A miserable person, indeed."
"That's right. He's not a foolish person. He just... knows he's superior, and his pride is strong."
In this regard, Beopjeong stood on the opposite side of Chung Myung.
Beopjeong was also an exceptionally outstanding individual. Just the fact that he had risen to the position of the Sect Leader among the talented individuals of the thousand-year Shaolin demonstrated his undeniable competence.
'That's why.'
Beopjeong does not entertain the thought that he might be wrong. He doesn't abandon the conviction that he is right. Isn't he starkly contrasted with Chung Myung, who always carries the awareness that he could be wrong like a hidden dagger?
"So, you should be careful. You never know what Beopjeong, wounded in pride, might do."
Hyun Jong nodded with a heavy heart.
It was a frustrating situation, but the Ten Great Sects right next to them were a more real threat than the Demonic Cult, who were trying to destroy the Central Plains, or the Evil Tyrant Alliance, who were aiming for Gangbuk. At least for now.
Hyun Jong, unlike before, spoke with a firm voice.
"Whatever they... might be thinking."
With a sudden change in tone, the eyes of Tang Gunak, sitting across from him, also showed a hint of spiritedness.
"I won't let a finger be laid on those kids. That's my duty as the sect leader of Mount Hua and the lord of Heavenly Comrade Alliance."
The determination in his words was palpable. Tang Gunak said with a smile.
"I will do my best to assist, Maengju-nim."
Perhaps even this move by Heavenly Comrade Alliance was just a small change. No, considering the rapidly changing situation of the formidable powers, it was indeed a minor change.
However, Tang Gunak was firmly convinced that the end of this change would certainly not be insignificant.
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