He understands.
Given the circumstances, they may have gathered in one place, but they were never ones who could sit together.
When individuals with different perspectives need to converse, it usually takes a long time to reconcile. However, what they lack most is precisely that time, so it's inevitable for scenes like this to unfold.
"So Southern Edge is considered a decent sect in the Central Plains."
Beast Palace Lord Maeng So, who had been silent, chuckled as he looked at Jong Ligok.
"As expected, rumors are hardly reliable."
"Sir Palace Lord."
"Isn't that right?"
Maeng So smiled mockingly at Tang Gunak, who was usually stoic.
"A man's pride can be quite ugly."
Jong Ligok also scoffed without holding back.
"So there's such a mess even beyond the Great Wall."
"Especially since it seems that some undesirable individuals are trying to turn the entire under heaven into a realm of evil sects. If you share the same thoughts, why not join us?"
Jong Ligok's eyes emanated killing intent.
"Have you said enough?"
"If not?"
Jong Ligok stood up as if he might kill Maeng So any moment now.
He was none other than the sect leader of the Southern Edge Sect. Even so, enduring an insult like "Why don't you go lick Jang Ilso's feet?" was simply impossible.
"Are you done babbling?"
"In that case?"
Jong Ligok glared at Maeng So as if he might stand up and kill him at any moment.
"Is that the Heavenly Friendship Alliance's stance?"
He spoke with a sarcastic look at Tang Gunak.
"We were unwelcome guests, it seems. An old fool had the audacity to intrude on the Taekmun's meeting, but now that he's realized his mistake, let's hope he refrains from excessive criticism."
"Sir family lord."
Moyong Upholders tried to restrain him, but this time, even Jegal Jain looked at Moyong Upholders with angry eyes.
"Do you have to endure such treatment even after being treated like this?"
"Sir family lord."
"I may have nothing to say about the outcome, but that doesn't mean we have to tolerate any treatment. At least, I don't think so."
Moyong Upholders couldn't say anything. But by now, it was difficult for him to continue opposing Jegal Jain.
It was truly a difficult situation. What could they do by leaving this place? It wasn't a situation where Zhuge Family or Moyong Family could pursue anything on their own.
"Moyong Family Lord, stay here. Zhuge Family will leave."
Jegal Jain firmly declared, then turned his gaze to Jong Ligok.
"What are your plans, Southern Edge? Will you continue to endure disgrace?"
Jong Ligok's face stiffened slightly.
"Endure disgrace?"
A calm yet heavy voice flowed through them.
All eyes immediately turned in that direction, toward Hyeon Jong, the Heavenly Friendship Alliance's alliance lord, seated at the central podium.
Hyeon Jong asked, "What is considered disgrace?"
"Sir alliance lord, we...."
"Is it considered disgrace to show favor to those who were previously ignored?"
Jong Ligok's face hardened.
"Or is it considered disgrace not to flaunt the same prestige as before?"
This time, Jegal Jain's face stiffened. He retorted, "Please refrain from speaking lightly. No matter how esteemed you are as the Heavenly Friendship Alliance's alliance lord, we may be nothing more than defeated generals, but we still have our dignity."
Before Jegal Jain could finish his retort, Tang Gunak's face turned fierce. But before Tang Gunak could say anything, a booming voice erupted from Hyeon Jong.
"Dignity?"
Hyeon Jong cast a completely different look at Jegal Jain than usual.
"What is your pride, exactly?"
"Alliance lord..."
"Being treated well in this place? Or earning the right to hold your head high even in defeat? What is the pride of Zhuge Family? Is it to be recognized for your intentions, even if the outcome may not be favorable?"
Hyeon Jong's voice carried a rage that was difficult to contain, unlike his usual calm demeanor.
"Are such things really pride?"
A cold gaze, uncharacteristic of a Taoist, swept across the room. But no one here dared to think that Hyeon Jong's rebuke, both in words and in gaze, was unjust.
"Who asked for accountability? Who tried to discern right from wrong? While the warmth of the countless bodies buried in the ground has yet to dissipate from our fingertips, are we here to discuss something as insignificant as pride?"
In the midst of the chaos, only Hyeon Jong's voice could be heard. No other sound penetrated the space.
"Do you really know what pride is? If you do, shouldn't we discuss the current situation first and come up with a solution before discussing trivial matters of dignity? Isn't that the role of Zhuge Family, and isn't that what those who died in Hubei would want from you? Is it so important to uphold meaningless dignity?"
Jegal Jain couldn't bring himself to look Hyeon Jong in the eye and averted his gaze. Even Jong Ligok turned his head slightly away, avoiding eye contact.
It wasn't wrong. The person who could legitimately express anger here was Hyeon Jong, and for them to have been pricked and reacted so hastily was nothing more than a display of impatience. Why couldn't they see that?
"If my sitting in the position of Heavenly Friendship Alliance Lord displeases you, then please take that position instead. I will step aside."
"B-But, sir alliance lord! What is this about...!"
Tang Gunak exclaimed in panic, but Hyeon Jong didn't even glance at him and instead stared at Jong Ligok.
"If by doing so, Southern Edge can do its best to overcome the current situation, then I will do so willingly. Even if it means fighting to the death from the perspective of a mere martial artist, rather than an alliance lord."
"..."
"What will you do?"
Jong Ligok finally turned to face Hyeon Jong again. Hyeon Jong, too, stared straight back without flinching.
It was the first time they faced each other since the Martial Arts World Conference.
In the past, it was Hyeon Jong who avoided Jong Ligok's gaze, but today, in this place, it was Jong Ligok who looked away first.
It was a situation where neither accepting nor rejecting would leave a bitter taste. In the end, Jong Ligok chose a different approach.
"What do you think?"
He asked Jin Geumryong, who was sitting here in an odd position.
Jin Geumryong answered calmly, "Southern Edge is not such a shameless sect."
"I see."
This time, Jin Geumryong looked at Hyeon Jong as he spoke.
"And it seems that the alliance lord has misunderstood a bit. Southern Edge will fight against evil sects until the very last person, regardless of the circumstances. The intention of Southern Edge has never wavered from beginning to end."
Jong Ligok nodded slowly and said, "The words of this child represent the position of Southern Edge."
"So, even if Southern Edge joins hands with the Heavenly Friendship Alliance, would that be acceptable?"
Hyeon Jong asked, still not meeting Jong Ligok's gaze.
"...Yes, it would be acceptable."
He answered, but bitterness filled his mouth.
But what could he do? Jong Ligok had no other alternative.
With Wudang's sealed sect potentially being released at any moment, forming power alone alongside the Zhuge and Moyong families?
That would mean even the remaining three sects would be doomed to perish, nothing more than futile talk.
Could they really just leave the weaklings for that tyrant to prey upon? Now they had no choice but to rely on the Heavenly Friendship Alliance, even if it meant sacrificing their last shred of dignity.
Not expressing all those words himself was Jong Ligok's last remaining dignity.
"What about Zhuge Family?"
"...There's no other option but that. What else can we do?"
Even though it was a declaration of willingness to cooperate, it was by no means friendly. Before any response could be made, Moyong Upholders quickly spoke up.
"Moyong Family will naturally stand with the Heavenly Friendship Alliance. It's only natural, isn't it?"
Hyeon Jong nodded heavily. They had conceded so much already, so it was only right that he also made concessions.
"We're not trying to show off our power, nor are we trying to discern right from wrong."
"..."
"The situation we're in doesn't really allow us to leisurely discuss such matters. We can no longer claim to have the upper hand against the Four Tyrants Alliance. I want to face the situation head-on."
Jegal Jain chewed on the inside of his cheek.
In truth, this was the most basic thing in martial arts. It was ironic that he, of all people, was the one who had stood in the way.
"...I won't interfere. Please continue."
Hyeon Jong nodded.
And Tang Gunak, inwardly impressed, looked at him.
He hadn't made any threats or flaunted the power of the Heavenly Friendship Alliance. Yet, Hyeon Jong effortlessly managed to tidy up the mess.
If it had been Tang Gunak, he might have been able to intimidate and dominate, but he wouldn't have been able to garner their cooperation as easily as Hyeon Jong did.
In times of crisis, those who shine emerge.
"Now that everything's settled..."
But just then.
Knock, knock.
The firmly closed door slowly opened, and a figure entered the conference room.
"Chung Myung."
"Military leader!"
Some of them reacted belatedly upon seeing Chung Myung. Chung Myung, who looked at Jong Ligok and Jegal Jain with slightly dimmed eyes, bowed his head respectfully towards Hyeon Jong.
"I'm late."
"Take a seat."
"Yes."
Chung Myung walked silently and took a seat at the empty spot.
"...Why are you so late, Mount Hua's Divine Dragon?"
"Sorry."
"Hmm."
Now that everyone was present and the situation was sorted out, it was Im Sobyeong's turn to speak again. But Chung Myung raised his hand.
"Just a moment."
"Yes?"
"I'll be back soon, so please wait a little longer."
Everyone's eyes were filled with questions. Who could it be?
As if in response to their questions, the door opened again. Two familiar figures revealed themselves.
"Deputy sect leader!"
"Nangong Elder!"
It was Baek Cheon and Nangong Myeong.
With a fist salute, the two entered and their faces were flushed with sweat. They had run non-stop from Mount Song to here.
"Everyone's here."
Chung Myung muttered as he greeted Baek Cheon, then turned his gaze to Jegal Jain.
At that moment, Jegal Jain flinched involuntarily. The sense of oppression emanating from Chung Myung was far greater than he had imagined.
'This person is the Mount Hua's Chivalrous Knight...'
If the Mount Hua's Chivalrous Knight had been present here earlier, would he have been able to make such bold statements?
Before that thought could continue, Chung Myung spoke up.
"Let's hear it first."
"...Hear what?"
"Why couldn't you help Shaolin in time?"
"..."
"Beok Jeong may be a pathetic excuse for a human being, but he's not stupid. So explain. What happened? Who stopped you?"
"That... "
Jegal Jain bit his lip tightly. The scenes he had faced came flooding back to him.
He had briefed Hyeon Jong briefly on the situation. But this wasn't something only Hyeon Jong needed to know. It needed to be conveyed to everyone definitively.
"We don't know the exact identity. They were all wearing masks. But their martial arts skills were exceptional. When we tried to aim for the Four Tyrants Alliance under the abbot's orders, suddenly, more than a hundred experts appeared and blocked our path."
Chung Myung's eyes sank deeply.