"So, what's going to happen?"
"They're changing the formation."
"Formation? Was there even a formation in the Heavenly Friendship Alliance?"
"That's what they're changing this time. They're completely restructuring the alliance system."
"How so?"
"They're planning to establish several branches and rearrange the sect members regardless of their sect affiliation."
"What? Really?"
"That's what I heard."
The news of the restructuring of the Heavenly Friendship Alliance spread like wildfire in the already bustling Huaying.
Given that it wasn't a particularly large place, it didn't take long for the news to spread to every corner. Even without legs, rumors spread faster than a thousand miles.
"Why would they do something crazy like that?"
"Yeah. Those evil sect guys might attack tomorrow, and they're just playing games with their ledger?"
"How does that even help in the current situation? It would be ten times more helpful to swing a sword one more time during that time."
Some were negative.
"Come to think of it, it might be necessary."
"After all, wasn't the Four Tyrants Alliance like that? Those guys who were all over the place got stronger without a master under the Tyrant. If not for that, how could they have defeated Shaolin and the Nine Sects? I see it as a reasonable thing."
"Anyway, if it's a means to reduce sacrifices, we should endure anything, shouldn't we?"
Some were positive.
"...Will this make things better?"
"I'm not sure. It may be useful."
"Even if it's useful, there may be problems adapting to the new formation. Whether it will work out..."
"Don't you think the higher-ups have thought about all this?"
"They should."
But most were just... anxiously uneasy.
Predicting success and failure is possible only when it is predictable. For decades, the Martial Arts World has clearly divided its boundaries. No matter how clear those boundaries were, it was rare for sects from different regions to interact closely.
Now, suddenly mixing with strangers and aligning with them? It was natural that it was unpredictable what results this bold choice would bring.
The only somewhat fortunate thing was...
"What nonsense is this!"
Thud!
A firm fist slammed down on the tea table.
"I've been coordinating with my senior and junior brothers all my life, and now suddenly I'm supposed to synchronize my breathing with people I've never seen before? Does that make any sense?"
"Let's calm down first..."
"And they're even mixing without distinguishing between the evil sects and those beyond the Great Wall? Does that mean they want us to trust mountain bandits and those beyond the Great Wall? Who knows what those guys will do behind our backs."
"Others can hear you! Calm down!"
"How can I calm down?"
The defiant man bit his lip tightly.
"I can't accept this. This is nonsense. They're only doing good things for those Four Tyrants Alliance guys! What on earth are the higher-ups thinking?"
"...If you're so discontented, why don't you go and talk to them yourself?"
"What?"
"Why don't you confront the person who initiated this?"
"Who initiated this?"
"The Mount Huas Chivalrous Knight."
"....Who?"
"The Mount Huas Chivalrous Knight. The Heavenly Friendship Alliance military leader."
"...."
"Why? Are you going to confront them?"
The defiant man turned his head awkwardly after somewhat absurdly blustering.
"Well... come to think of it, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea."
"You were just ranting about nonsense a moment ago?"
"When did I! Do you have any evidence?"
"...You're really something."
While negative voices tended to explode louder in the midst of divergent opinions, at least within Huaying, Chung Myung's reputation for defusing volatile situations without relying on seniority blocked all complaints. With the risk of provoking the fiery-eyed swordsman from Mount Hua, who might storm into their lodgings at any moment, who would dare to speak out?
"Each person only has one life."
With that in mind, everyone looked on anxiously as they awaited the military advisor's decision. After all, they needed at least the basic details about the organization so they could have a proper discussion.
"How long will it take?"
"It'll easily take at least ten days."
"Ten days?"
"Well, senior brother, think about it. We're talking about dividing up all those people from different sects, considering each faction's power and ensuring a balanced representation. It's not an easy task, you know."
"Hmm, I see... But taking ten days during such a time?"
"It's fortunate if we can finish within ten days. Otherwise, it might take up to a fortnight."
"I see."
Anxiety filled the hearts of everyone present. Yet, on the other hand, some saw it as a blessing in disguise. At least they would have time to prepare mentally.
However, as is often the case with everything happening in the Heavenly Friendship Alliance, things were not going as expected.
* * *
"Here it is."
"Oh! Does that mean it's done?"
"...Yes."
"It took longer than expected."
Longer? Ji Gal Jain struggled to suppress the curse words that were about to burst from his lips.
If someone else had been in charge, even hundreds of people would have taken at least a month to complete the amount of work involved. And yet, to someone who finished it in just two days, it took longer than expected! That arrogant group...
"Well, anyway, with this degree, you've upheld your honor. Well done."
Chung Myung nodded appreciatively towards Ji Gal Jain this time, then glared at Im Sobyeong as if scolding him.
"Compared to that incompetent bastard, you really went through a lot."
"Incompetent, you say!"
Im Sobyeong erupted in anger.
"Watch your words, calling me incompetent! I can tolerate anything else, but not that!"
"Well, did I say something wrong? The work finished quickly because Ji Gal took charge. And because of that, we've got people running towards us, thinking they can take advantage of us! It's all because of the difference in fundamental principles!"
"And who's to say it's because I lack the ability? Do you realize how much I have to consider when I work? Even if there's just one loose end, those mountain bandit bastards will think they can take advantage of me, and we'll have countless people coming at us with inflated egos!"
Im Sobyeong fiercely confronted Ji Gal Jain.
"If I had the same temper as Ji Gal or Sa Ma, I wouldn't have to go through all this trouble! This isn't because I'm incompetent!"
"And were you born with the temperament of Ji Gal or Sa Ma?"
"Ugh, *sigh*..."
"Please, calm down."
Ji Gal Jain wiped his sweat and struggled to calm down Im Sobyeong's outburst. He knew there was no point in trying to stop Chung Myung, as he'd realized long ago.
Im Sobyeong's rage was far from over.
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
"What help have you been? Huh? Instead of wasting time, why not suggest drawing lots? What nonsense is this?"
"If we did that, wouldn't it have ended quickly? And honestly, speaking plainly, what's a faster and fairer method than drawing lots?"
"It might be fair. But wouldn't everyone end up in hell fairly then?"
"Well, it's still fair."
"Huh?"
Ji Gal Jain nodded as if he had suddenly realized something. Indeed, there was no fairer result than that.
Though Im Sobyeong sent a pleading look saying, "Please, say something!" Ji Gal Jain coldly turned away.
One wrong word could spoil everything. He had experienced enough to know that the one who kept their sanity intact here was at a disadvantage.
"It's not perfect, but... we've managed to capture the essence. From here on, we need the approval of the sir alliance lord."
"Don't worry. I'll go get it soon."
Chung Myung hugged the completed five volumes of lists. Ji Gal Jain urgently protested.
"Just a moment. Please, listen to what people have to say until the end..."
"Oh, what now? I'm really busy."
"We can decide on other matters, but we can't choose the household heads of each faction ourselves. This part needs to be decided after going through honorable behavior..."
Chung Myung chuckled as if that wasn't a big deal.
"Oh, don't worry about that. We don't need honorable behavior for that. I've already thought about it."
"You have a plan in mind? Really?"
It was quite a rude question to ask if he had ever thought about something. But Ji Gal Jain had lost all sense of politeness. He knew that those who associated closely with Chung Myung ended up like him.
"Don't worry. I mean it."
Chung Myung's assurance came as a relief.
Chung Myung, chuckling to himself, put down the roster and picked up a pen. Then, he unfolded the first page of each roster and wrote several names with a flourish in the blank space under "household head."
"Uh..."
"Uh?"
"Master, disciple, wait a moment! Wait, just a moment, this is really..."
"It's fine! I'll go ask for permission."
"Just a moment! No, wait! You crazy man!"
Im Sobyeong's pitiful cries were in vain. Clutching the rosters in both hands, Chung Myung opened the door and dashed away like the wind.
For a moment, there was silence.
After a while, the two people who had let go of each other's hands, Heo Kong and Jegal Jain, looked at each other weakly. At that moment, the distinctions between the evil sect and the righteous sect, or between prestigious sects and lowly ones, seemed meaningless.
"Are... are you okay?"
"...I suppose."
Both of them let out a sigh simultaneously.
At that moment, Hyeon Jong's face showed deep concern, something that had been there all along.
By now, the best minds of the Heavenly Friendship Alliance would be deliberating over the new formation. Hyeon Jong knew well how significant this task was, and that's why he felt anxious. Unfortunately, Hyeon Jong lacked the ability to help with this task.
So he could only offer his support in spirit.
"It's definitely not as easy as it sounds..."
Thud!
"Please stamp your disciple's name here, sir alliance lord!"
Pfft!
Hyeon Jong spewed out the tea he was drinking into the air.
"Ch-Chung Myung!"
"The formation is here! The formation!"
"Ah, no... already?"
"Yes."
Did someone stir up trouble out of nowhere? Choosing a teacher for new students at the academy would take longer than this.
"Here! Just look and stamp your disciple's name."
"Oh, no, can't this wait?"
"Ah, it's not that big of a deal to waste time on. If we do it quickly, it'll be over."
Hyeon Jong, with a half-empty mind, reluctantly accepted the rosters thrust upon him by Chung Myung.
"Is this... okay?"
Chung Myung nodded vigorously.
"Dongryong may not be very diligent, but he listens well."
Hyeon Jong tremblingly flipped through the pages again.
"Yoon... Jong?"
"Same."
"...."
In the next roster, there was Jo Gol, and with a trembling heart, Hyeon Jong turned to yet another first page.
"S-Su... So?"
"Oh, right. I hesitated a bit with that one. I thought, why not give Geumryong a chance too?"
Chung Myung chuckled.
"But he's a bit unlucky. Since we're all working together with one heart, isn't it better to have good communication? Don't you think so?"
Hyeon Jong was completely speechless. As Chung Myung approached with a strange smile, he whispered softly in his ear.
"We can gain something from this opportunity, can't we? You know? Becoming a ceremonial sect leader? Isn't it nice?"
Lost in thought, Hyeon Jong smiled contentedly.
"Ah, these two troublemakers!"
"Why! Why are you hitting me!"
"Get out! You damn brat!"
Hyeon Jong's thrown roster hit Chung Myung squarely on the back of his head as he fled.