Chapter 359: Chapter 1247: That's One Thing (Part 2)
The slightly cool air brushed against his forearms.
Kim Yang Baek gazed blankly at the clear sky above.
'Seems indifferent.'
Kim Yang Baek, who had lived with the belief that most of life was ultimately determined by one's efforts, had looked up at the sky a few times in his life. However, every time, the sky coldly turned away from his wishes.
'It probably wasn't that great a wish...'
He wasn't asking for the typhoon to blow forever. Was it too much to ask for one more day of wind?
天網恢恢疎而不漏.
They say that even though the net of fate in the sky is vast and loose, nothing escapes it. Still, Kim Yang Baek couldn't help but resent the vast and loose net of fate.
"Sect Leader."
At the voice from behind, Kim Yang Baek closed his eyes tightly.
Regardless of what surged in his chest, he was the Sect Leader of the Southern Island Sect. He had to show the appearance of a true Sect Leader of Southern Island until the end. It was a responsibility for everything he had done so far and a courtesy to those who pledged to protect Southern Island with their lives.
"The guests of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance?"
"Guo Hansuo prepared the boat yesterday, and they were informed about the location of the boat."
"Guo Hansuo?"
"Yes."
A sigh escaped from Kim Yang Baek's lips as he recalled the image of Guo Hansuo.
Like sailors growing through storms, martial artists grew through crises. Guo Huansuo, who had talent with the sword but had a problematic temperament due to his impatience, had become someone capable of such consideration.
'So, it's even more regrettable.'
If he could navigate this crisis well and maintain the legacy of the Southern Island Sect, Kwak Guo Hansuo could have become an exceptional Sect Leader who Kim Yang Baek couldn't compare himself to...
It was just a pity that he wouldn't be able to witness that flower bloom.
"So, have they left?"
"I couldn't confirm, but it seems they left without saying anything, judging by the fact that they haven't arrived yet."
"Hmm."
"Isn't it awkward to leave without looking at each other's faces?"
"... What's there to be awkward about? Just be thankful."
Kim Yang Baek let out a short sigh.
"Im Gyeom." [forgot how I wrote his name, he's the elder]
"Yes, Sect Leader."
"Excluding the Evil Tyrant Alliance, they will probably be the last ones to see Southern Island."
"..."
"How about it? Was I okay as the Sect Leader of the SOuthern Island Sect?"
Although Kim Yang Baek wasn't looking at him, Im Gyeom bowed his head with the utmost respect he could muster.
"Sect Leader, you were excellent. The messengers of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance would surely have recognized that fact."
"Is that so..."
Kim Yang Baek gave a faint smile.
"Still, it's fortunate that those who witnessed the end of the Southern Island Sect are them."
"Is it because while the Ten Great Sects may rush to hide their flaws, they'll be eager to expose the flaws of the Ten Great Sects?"
"That's not it."
With a clear expression, Kim Yang Baek looked at the sky again.
"They will probably continue to walk the path of righteousness. After all, they came all this to aid others in need."
"...Likely so."
"If good words about the Southern Island Sect come from their mouths, won't people around the world remember Southern Island fondly?"
When Im Gyeom remained silent, unable to respond, Kim Yang Baek briefly clicked his tongue, as if he had spoken unnecessary words.
"Prepare yourselves. We must conduct the departure ceremony promptly."
"There's surely no need for Sect Leader to go in person..."
"It's better to be certain about things. When those who are leaving with determination embark on a journey, there's no need to plant thoughts that they are making a mistake And going through the proper procedures for departure might increase the chances of avoiding the Evil Tyrant Alliance's pursuit."
"Understood, Sect Leader."
Kim Yang Baek turned and headed towards his quarters.
'It's been a while since I wore a fighting uniform.'
And these robes would not leave his body until he died.
* * *
A deep tension settled on the faces of Southern Island disciples. The moment they confirmed the end of the typhoon, the realization hit them that the Evil Tyrant Alliance could strike Southern Island at any time.
"Is war really going to break out now?"
"Yes. You heard it before. The Evil Tyrant Alliance is building ships."
"Then when those are complete, they'll come. How long will it take?"
"...If those gentlemen who don't even know what a ship is had seen one [idk this part lol], it would take at most a day. No, maybe it's already complete."
"To make it resist to saltwater, it needs four days! Isn't that common sense, Sahyung?"
"...That's when you continuously use the ship. If you're just using it to travel between Southern Island, it doesn't matter if it leaks a little. It just needs to hold out for a few days."
As they heard those words, the disciples swallowed their breath as if stabbed by a dagger.
"After Southern Island is cleared, there won't be a need to board the ship. The Evil Tyrant fellows aren't fools, so they probably thought about that much."
"Then... could the Evil Tyrant attack Southern Island as soon as tonight?"
"...If they're in a hurry, they might."
The more people grasped the situation, the more the tension became overwhelming.
"That..."
"Yes?"
"...Could it be that... is the lineup for the departure ceremony already confirmed?"
The disciple who was glancing around cautiously quietly asked the person next to him.
"Why? Do you want to ask the Sect Leader to participate in the ceremony even now?"
"No, no, Sahyung. How could I do that? I'm Southern Island through and through."
"But?"
"...But... I don't know about me, but there might be some among the other sect members who want that."
The person who heard that let out a deep sigh.
'Not entirely wrong.'
He, too, was being tormented by the same temptation.
If they underwent the ceremony, they could at least escape with their lives. After that, they could try something.
If everyone died and disappeared, the martial arts sect known as Southern Island would vanish from the world. In that case, wouldn't it be better to undergo the ceremony, even falsely, and try to achieve the revival of the Southern Island Sect?
Lost in these thoughts, So Yeol Ip suddenly burst into a mocking laughter.
'Looks like I really want to live.'
Seeing himself rationalizing the ceremony with such thoughts, he couldn't help but laugh.
So Yeol Ip, who was quietly contemplating, suddenly widened his eyes. Guo Hansuo's figure going outside caught his attention.
"Great Sahyung! Where are you going?"
Guo Hansuo, who had half of his foot outside the door, turned to look at So Yeol Ip.
"Are you going to prepare for the ceremony?"
"No, not yet."
"Then..."
The person next to Guo Hansuo, Lee Ziyang, shouted with an arrogant expression.
"So you're going to clean the room where those Heavenly Comrade bastards stayed!?"
"...What? No, why...? We won't use that place again, right?"
So Yeol Ip asked in disbelief.
If it was about the guest quarters, why would they need to clean it now? There won't be guests coming to Southern Island anymore.
However, despite the puzzled looks, Guo Hansuo just chuckled briefly.
"Don't worry about it. I'll just go for a moment..."
"Actually, he says it can't be left as it is, it's the last time, the last time! A person must have a tidy end to anything, and you can't leave any place in Southern Island in such a state!"
Everyone in the temple stared at Guo Hansuo in a daze.
However, among them, a few who were preparing for the ceremony couldn't bring themselves to face Guo Hansuo and bowed their heads deeply.
Lee Ziyang grumbled irritably.
"Great, we have an exceptional senior disciple. So what if those darned guest quarters get a bit dirty?"
"...So, are you saying I should go alone?"
"Fine! Are you planning to turn me, who is assigned to clean the guest quarters, into a lazy bum while you enjoy yourself behind?"
"...If you're going, go. If not, just stay quiet. Why complain so much when you're going anyway?"
"It's frustrating, that's why! You weren't originally such a tight-lipped person either."
"They say a person's true nature comes out in the end, and it seems my true nature was always like this."
"Nonsense..."
"Enough, let's go. If you really hate it, just stay here."
As Guo Hansuo walked away, Lee Ziyang grumbled in irritation and followed suit. Immediately, nearly half of the disciples inside the hall jumped up from their seats and rushed out.
"Sahyung!"
"We'll do it."
"Sahyung, please stay here! We should naturally handle this! No need for you to say anything..."
Guo Hansuo sighed.
"I'm also frustrated. Just leave it to me if you have nothing better to do."
"We're frustrated too. Shall we go together then?"
Guo Hansuo arranged the disciples in a line and nodded silently.
"Yes, let's go. If we all go together, we can finish before the departure ceremony."
"Yes."
Guo Hansuo moved forward without hesitation. Even as he thought about it, it was absurd. Cleaning in this situation? If he didn't feel the reality of it being the last time to do such a thing, Guo Hansuo wouldn't have even considered it. However, since he felt it was the last time, he couldn't just leave it be.
This place was where he was initiated as a toddler and spent his life.
The Deep Sea Temple would soon disappear without a trace in flames, but he wanted to leave that last moment neatly. It was all he could do at this point. That was why he was grateful to those who sympathized with his tight thoughts.
'In the end, the only thing a martial arts sect leaves behind is its disciples.'
No one in the world would help them.
Even the residents of Southern Island, having vaguely grasped the situation, were keeping their distance from Southern Island Sect. Yet, now, these disciples were spending their final moments with something as trivial as cleaning the guest quarters.
That's why they were disciples of the sect, disciples of death.
'When I die, it will be with them.'
A small smile appeared on Guo Hansuo's lips as he arrived in front of the guest quarters. The abandoned guest quarters were silent, eerily quiet. It seemed even the sound of ants would be too much in the profound silence, making the guest quarters seem lonely, if not desolate. As Guo Hansuo quietly observed the scene, he fell into a momentary silence.
"Sahyung?"
"It's nothing."
After one of the disciples called out, Guo Hansuo forcibly smiled and shouted brightly.
"Let's finish quickly. We might run out of time to clean up all the vomit, and even the traces of throwing up."
"That's Ziyang Sahyung's vomit."
"Who, who said that?"
"I saw it with my own eyes."
"Th-that guy...!"
As Lee Ziyang's face turned bright red, Guo Hansuo chuckled softly.
"If you threw up, you clean it up."
"Ah! That's not what I meant, Sahyung!"
"Come on, let's hurry!"
"Yes!"
Several disciples rushed towards the entrance. As they were about to grab the door handle, the door suddenly creaked open.
Thunk!
"Ack!"
The disciple who had his face against the door fell backward as if he had fainted.
"What's going on?"
"Huh?"
The surprised Southern Island disciples stared with wide eyes at the open door. Right at that moment, Chung Myung, whose head was still swollen and had a makeshift bandage over one eye, came out, scratching his belly with one hand.
"What's happening? What brought everyone here this morning?"
For a moment, Guo Hansuo was dumbfounded, looking at Chung Myung.
Why was this person still here?
"Uh..."
"Hey, you."
At Chung Myung's call, Guo Hansuo replied without realizing it.
"Yes?"
"Where's the dining hall here? Why is there no food?"
Guo Huansuo's perplexity ascended to the heavens above.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone