Jegal Jain pondered anew.
Originally, he thought about how past connections shaped the present, and those living in the present sought to transcend the past. However, Jegal Jain saw something different, another truth hidden behind Hyeon Sang's facade.
Maeng So had undoubtedly opposed Chung Myung's opinion. Yet now, he was fervently supporting it more than anyone else. Despite this, nobody here found it odd or pointed it out. They didn't even express the slightest doubt.
Everything seemed reasonable.
What made this possible was the presence of one person sitting across from Maeng So.
"Mount Hua's Chivalrous Knight, Chung Myung."
Would anyone have laughed if those words had come from someone else's mouth? Was there anyone naive enough to believe such a dreamlike story without question?
But simply because he said it, it became believable. Absurdly so. One couldn't help but trust the truth in his words. It was a quality necessary to unite people, regardless of their background.
Righteous sects and evil sects, sects and families, even those from Central Plains and beyond the Great Wall.
Heavenly Friendship Alliance, where those who could never have mingled elsewhere gathered. It felt like confirming with one's own eyes the existence of something unimaginable even in dreams.
Jegal Jain took a deep breath and spoke.
"What about Moyong Family? Has your stance not changed?"
Moyongwigyeong, realizing his isolated position, chewed on his lips with a pale face.
"...It's cruel of you. What resistance could I possibly offer in this situation?"
"No, that's not the answer I'm looking for."
"Yes?"
"Those present here have relinquished their authority voluntarily, not because they were forced. If someone with a different intention joins us, the foundation of the alliance could be shaken."
Jegal Jain's eyes were composed, if not downright cold. Moyongwigyeong was simply speechless. Wasn't he essentially being told to leave if he wasn't going to enthusiastically participate in the alliance from the start?
While his words might not be wrong, the problem was that it was Jegal Jain who said them. Was he pressuring the former friend who couldn't catch Mount Hua's Chivalrous Knight?
"Lord of Zhuge Family, how could you..."
"This seat is public."
Moyongwigyeong attempted to express resentment, but Jegal Jain cut him off sharply.
"And it's also a place to discuss the crisis under heaven. There's no room for emotional responses here."
Moyongwigyeong bit his lip again.
"What do you intend to do?"
Moyongwigyeong's face reddened gradually.
Why on earth did he relinquish his authority? Did he know what they were about to do? And they hadn't even decided who would lead the new alliance yet!
Moyongwigyeong asked this with clenched teeth.
"Can you really do that? Will the family lord truly condone it if family members follow the orders of those evil sect scoundrels and lose their lives? Do you realize how absurd that is..."
"Yes. I can."
Moyongwigyeong was momentarily at a loss for words. Jegal Jain spoke up.
"Surely, rather than witnessing Zhuge Family bowing to the Green Forest King's orders, it's better to bite your tongue and die."
"That's not what I meant!"
"But the one issuing orders to us will not be the Green Forest King; it will be the military advisor of the league. He won't be the Green Forest King anymore once he relinquishes all his power and position."
"Just for that reason..."
As Moyongwigyeong's words trailed off, Jegal Jain stared at him firmly.
"Just for that reason... Maybe that's right. Just because one relinquishes authority doesn't erase the past."
Yet, despite that, Jegal Jain had no intention of rejecting this path. Because he knew that sometimes there were things that transcended all those complicated circumstances and positions. He might not be fit to tread that path, but he had no intention of being a fool who would cling and trip along the way.
"So, what's your answer?"
Jegal Jain pressed on firmly this time, and Moyongwigyeong let out a deep sigh.
"I... "
"Then it's settled."
"Yes?"
This time, Jegal Jain nodded decisively.
"Moyong Family will withdraw."
"Oh, no, Sir Family Lord. What do you mean by that? Why would Sir Family Lord take it upon himself to...?"
"This is a matter of life and death. Are you telling me to entrust the backs of my family members to those who are unwilling to let go of their authority and are full of complaints?"
For a moment, Moyong Wigi's eyes shook greatly. Unfortunately, the gazes of those around him were not particularly kind.
'Oh, dear...'
In the whirlwind of emotions, he momentarily forgot that this was an alliance. While Nine Sects and One Union took the form of an alliance, in reality, Beok Jeong's words became law. On the other hand, here, everyone could easily voice their opinions. It truly was the form of an 'alliance.'
This meant that if they didn't accept the Moyong family, it meant that regardless of his intentions, Moyong Wigi couldn't step foot here.
With this in mind, Moyong Wigi had only one choice left.
In a situation where all those bearing the name '正' were gathered under one roof, Moyong family couldn't act alone. Moyong Wigi knew better than anyone that the Moyong family hadn't secured such a position.
"...I, too, will stand with all of you," he said, not very resolutely, but at least an answer came.
Jegal Jain, who had been discreetly observing Moyong Wigi, shifted his gaze to Hyeon Jong and Tang Gunak. As if to confirm that they had the authority to decide all this.
But ultimately, the gaze landed on Chung Myung.
"What will you do?"
"Me?"
"Yes, Military Leader."
"Well, that's something Sir Alliance Lord should decide..."
As Chung Myung tried to back off slightly, Jegal Jain stopped him.
"Of course, but I'm asking for the military leader's opinion."
As Jegal Jain pressed on, Chung Myung scratched the back of his head with a groan. Surely, he wasn't someone who could be easily manipulated like Im Sobyeong.
"Well, I suppose there's no need to refuse."
"Even if Moyong family doesn't sympathize with the righteousness offered by Sir... Alliance Lord?"
"Well... I haven't even thought about anything grandiose like righteousness."
Chung Myung shrugged.
"Even if there is such a thing, isn't it obvious that only those who perfectly respond to those words and follow along can go together? It's funny to tell someone who wants to break down walls that they can't, isn't it?"
The corners of Jegal Jain's tightly closed mouth softened slightly.
"I understand. If that's what you mean, then I agree as well."
Hyeon Jong, who had been silently observing the situation, looked at everyone.
"Does anyone else have any objections?"
Most of the gate masters nodded silently.
"Then let's proceed with that. Now, all that's left is Hainan..."
As Hyeon Jong spoke, Tang Gunak frowned slightly.
"Hainan didn't have a representative who could participate, so once we arrive in Shaanxi, we'll ask for their intentions separately."
It wasn't a proper procedure, but there was no one opposing it. It was too obvious what choice Hainan would make.
Moreover, currently, Hainan had neither the authority to present nor the authority to uphold. If this turned out to be an opportunity, then it was an opportunity. There was no reason for dissatisfaction.
"Are there any other objections?" Hyeon Jong asked finally, but this time, everyone remained silent. For a moment, a great emotion crossed his face. He had secretly believed it wouldn't be possible, yet here...
His gaze turned once again to Chung Myung, the one who had led all this, and to Baek Cheon, who had been the starting point of all this.
It would have been unimaginable if only the existing leaders were present. It was the young future of the Martial Arts World who had accomplished all this. Not confined to Mount Hua alone.
"Sir Alliance Lord."
At Tang Gunak's urging, Hyeon Jong nodded. It was just the beginning now. Once they moved into the realm of practical affairs, there would be more troublesome matters to deal with. It was enough to be immersed in emotions already.
"Well then..."
As Hyeon Jong tried to declare the meeting closed, Jong Ligok suddenly raised his right hand.
"I have something to say in front of the Sir Gate Masters. I request the right to speak."
"What do you mean...?"
Hyeon Jong's eyes showed a hint of surprise as an unexpected figure intervened.
"It's not about the alliance. It's just about Southern Edge and..."
Jong Ligok's gaze squarely met Hyeon Jong's.
"There's something to address regarding Mount Hua."
With his eyes slightly widened, Hyeon Jong nodded slowly.
"...Please, go ahead. I'm listening."
"Yes."
Jong Ligok rose from his seat. All eyes focused on him intently, displaying a range of curiosity, confusion, and even the boundless darkness harbored by Chung Myung.
Jong Ligok looked at everyone and hesitated.
Words failed him.
But in the eyes of someone who believed even more fervently, he found the courage to speak at last.
"Southern Edge has a stain on its history with Mount Hua."
Instantly, everyone's faces stiffened.
Why bring up such a matter in this situation?
"Of course, we could ignore it. We could brush it off as insignificant. If I wished, even Mount Hua's ceremonial sect leader wouldn't insist on digging it up. However... if we don't address the festering wound, it will eventually rot and ruin us."
Jong Ligok's once hesitant eyes gradually grew firmer. He looked directly at Hyeon Jong and spoke firmly.
"Southern Edge bears an unforgivable sin towards Mount Hua."
Hyeon Jong's face flushed with surprise for a moment.
"Indeed, sect leader."
"This is something the ancestors of Southern Edge, and I, as the current sect leader, have committed. The sin is..."
"Well, it's kind of true."
At that moment, someone's voice interjected, unexpectedly.
Chung Myung, who had drawn the attention of the crowd, leaned back in his chair, seemingly unaffected.
"It wasn't righteous for those fuckers from other sects to exploit us like puppets while claiming to interact with a fallen sect like Southern Edge. But... we don't really care. We can do the same if we want. So, let's not try to sneakily apologize and get away with it. It's our turn now."
Some faces showed relief at his words, while others chuckled softly.
The Mount Hua - Southern Edge Conference, or rather, the forced interaction between the two sects under the guise of "interaction." It wasn't truly honorable, so perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to bring it to light and deal with it.
Jong Ligok stared at Chung Myung for a moment. Chung Myung met his gaze, and then spoke.
"So, let's stop wasting time and get on with it. We have a lot to do."
Gradually, Jong Ligok's lips curled up slightly.
What an intriguing person.
Forcing them to confront something they could have ignored, and now, he was trying to forgive himself first.
At that moment, Hyeon Jong also stepped in.
"Yes, sect leader. Our Mount Hua did not hold any grudges against the Mount Hua - Southern Edge Conference. It wasn't easy, but we now look back on that conference with gratitude for the help it provided to our Mount Hua. So..."
Hyeon Jong seemed perplexed, unsure of what to do next. Observing this, Jong Ligok looked up at the ceiling briefly, then lowered his gaze, fixing it solely on one person.
Jin Geumryong.
The person who would eventually carry the burden of the two characters, "Southern Edge," on his shoulders.
Jong Ligok spoke.
"Southern Edge... during the invasion of the Demon Cult, despite having sufficient resources, chose not to aid Mount Hua. They even seized the opportunity to steal Mount Hua's Plum Blossom Sword Technique and turned it into Southern Edge's martial arts."
"Well, sect leader..."
"What in the..."
Shocked gate masters attempted to say something, but Jong Ligok's gaze was now solely on Hyeon Jong.
"In addition to that... Southern Edge continually schemed to ensure the complete downfall of Mount Hua. Despite knowing what Mount Hua did during the Demon Cult crisis, they sought revenge and committed deeds contrary to righteousness."
No one dared to speak.
Not the other sects, nor Hyeon Jong, Jin Geumryong, or even Chung Myung, remained silent in shock.
"All of this... is the sin of Southern Edge that has persisted for a long time. And it is my sin, as I have simply accepted it as a matter of course. So..."
Jong Ligok bowed his head deeply. Almost as if he were touching the ground with his forehead. Very deeply. It was as if he had always been trampled upon, and indeed, he was now addressing Hyeon Jong, who had always carried that name.
"If punishment is to be meted out, I will fully accept it. Please... I ask for Mount Hua's judgment."
His trembling shoulders conveyed the weight of the name he bore, as well as the burden of the sin he carried.