No one dared to speak up.
Not even Hyeon Jong, nor the usually composed Tang Gunak, and the tough-minded Im Sobyeong found themselves wide-eyed in shock.
"Uh..."
Even Jo Gol, who usually couldn't keep his mouth shut in such situations, remained frozen with his mouth agape.
Jong Ligok's declaration was that shocking.
What kind of sect was Southern Edge? It was a place that had spent hundreds of years in a tense relationship with Mount Hua, having been neighbors in Shaanxi. Although recently they had become bitter enemies, the deeply rooted animosity couldn't be easily overcome.
But now, such a sect had declared that it would submit to Mount Hua. Not just as a mere cooperation, but in a form almost tantamount to complete dependence!
"Could I have misheard something?"
Ironically, this doubt felt more reasonable.
"What... What in the world are you saying, Sect Leader?"
The first to regain their senses and speak out was Moyong's representative. It seemed he was about to rush at Jong Ligok with momentum.
However, Jong Ligok remained calm.
"I've said what I meant."
"Is Southern Edge... I mean, are you saying that Southern Edge will align with Mount Hua?"
Perhaps the initial thought was undoubtedly, "Are you saying Southern Edge will become Mount Hua's dog?" Jong Ligok must have guessed this, but he didn't bother pointing it out.
"That's correct."
"What exactly are you saying?"
"Hasn't it already been decided?"
"Yes?"
Jong Ligok met Moyong's representative's gaze and spoke calmly.
"Those who align with the military leader's intentions gather under Mount Hua's banner, and those who don't, leave from under that banner."
"Sect Leader! Do you really think this is the right choice? Have you forgotten the relationship between Southern Edge and Mount Hua? Under heaven will laugh at Southern Edge."
"Sir Family Lord!"
Now the situation was reversed from the previous meeting. Jegal Jain, who saw Moyong's representative cross the line, desperately tried to restrain him.
Without any sign of anger, Jong Ligok continued speaking.
"Let's be precise with our words."
"...What do you mean?"
"It's not Southern Edge that will be laughed at, but me. Southern Edge is still a stronger sect than Mount Hua. It's not a laughing matter for such a sect to bow its head. Only the one who makes such a choice will face ridicule."
Moyong's representative's mouth hung open in shock.
"T-That... Knowing that... how could you..."
"It's precisely because of that."
In response to Jong Ligok's words, everyone's eyes filled with doubt. As they waited for him to continue, Jong Ligok gazed silently at the ceiling.
"I've just... realized again."
His response sounded like a soliloquy.
"I've just realized again. No, it's more like recalling what I already knew."
"What... What are you talking about?"
"The position of a sect leader exists to endure that ridicule."
As Jong Ligok lowered his head again, there was only one person in his line of sight.
An impetuous man who couldn't even hide his flustered emotions while sitting in such an important position. A half-baked leader lacking the ability and depth to lead a sect.
However... Hyeon Jong single-handedly turned Mount Hua, which was crumbling, into a sect recognized under heaven. In contrast, Jong Ligok pushed that once powerful sect into a pit of dishonor and ridicule.
Where did this difference come from? Is it really solely because of the existence of Chung Myung, as Hyeon Jong had always thought? If Chung Myung alone were to disappear, would Mount Hua collapse and fall as before?
No. That wouldn't be the case.
If there was a difference, it was only one. Hyeon Jong endured disgrace and ridicule over the harsh years. Despite suffering countless humiliations, he wrapped up Mount Hua's shortcomings with his own incompetence.
Avoiding responsibilities from above, fleeing from the position he was originally meant to take, taking on numerous tasks he didn't cause, Hyeon Jong simply endured it all.
But Jong Ligok only took the honor contained in the name of Southern Edge. Not just Jong Ligok, but the previous sect leaders as well.
'On such matters...'
How much he had mocked that person.
He still didn't think Hyeon Jong was exceptional. In terms of ability alone, he was incomparable to Jong Ligok.
But as a sect leader...
Jong Ligok spoke up.
"The military leader's opinion is barbaric. It's aggressive and nothing more than a childish threat that doesn't consider the followers in the least."
Many seemed to agree with this. Indeed, what Jong Ligok said might be another form of violence, just as he mentioned before.
"But if that violence leads to saving even one more disciple's life, then laughter..."
A sly smile played on Jong Ligok's lips. Then he coughed into his hand, as if to cover up an emotion he didn't want to show. After composing himself, he spoke again.
"Southern Edge's intentions haven't changed. We will stand with Mount Hua."
"Oh, no. Sect Leader, but again..."
Moyongwi was desperately trying to object.
"Then Zhuge Family will stand with Mount Hua as well."
Jegal Jain, who had been silently listening, suddenly declared his position. Moyongwi seemed to almost retch with momentum.
"What on earth are you saying, Family Lord! Isn't your tone different!"
However, Jegal Jain's opinion remained unchanged.
"It's a word. I've never once opposed the military leader's opinion itself."
"Then, does Zhuge Family affirm the military leader's opinion now?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
Jegal Jain wasn't exactly the person who had most opposed the military leader from the beginning. Under everyone's gaze, Jegal Jain said,
"The military leader's words are logically correct."
"...."
"I've thought about it and tried. But no matter how much I think about it, I couldn't come up with a better solution."
"War isn't just about military tactics! You know better than anyone!"
"But we can't avoid discussing military tactics. Isn't that what war is about?"
Moyongwi closed his mouth like a mute. Chung Myung still remained silent. Jegal Jain turned his gaze in that direction and said,
"If the purpose of this war is complete victory and reducing our side's sacrifices, the military leader's proposal is rational and valid."
"...."
"Of course... I don't particularly like the military leader. And the way he presents his opinion is terrible. If I wanted to refuse, I could find a thousand reasons. But!"
Jegal Jain bit his lip firmly.
"For Zhuge Family... to reject the right military tactics because of greed and ambition, even passing dogs would laugh. I disagree with Southern Edge Sect Leader. I will stand with Mount Hua, even if it means not being ridiculed. That is my pride as the head of the Zhuge Family."
He declared clearly to Hyeon Jong.
"As of now, Zhuge Family will join the alliance of Mount Hua and will transfer our authority as the family lord of Zhuge Family to the alliance until the end of the war."
Hyeon Jong's face flashed with numerous emotions.
The Zhuge Family's joining was, in fact, a surprising development for different reasons.
While Jong Ligok unexpectedly maintained silence, the most surprising declaration came from Jegalja. The person who had shown the most resistance to Chung Myung was now declaring, without any conditions, that he would follow Chung Myung's command.
The long-standing enemies of Mount Hua and the lingering resentment against Shaolin were now both declaring their allegiance to the same place as Mount Hua.
The atmosphere in the meeting room began to buzz. Such an unexpected turn of events naturally led to confusion.
And Tang Gunak could clearly sense it. Just with the declarations of two sect leaders, the momentum was shifting.
"Just to be clear, Sichuan's Tang Family will also do the same. The Tang Family will stand with Mount Hua, and I will delegate all authority of the Sichuan's Tang Family to Mount Hua as the Family Lord."
That's why he drove the point home.
"What about the others?"
At this point, some couldn't hide their confusion. Whether they were positive or negative about the situation, the unexpected flow of events left them bewildered.
Just as Tang Gunak was about to apply subtle pressure to Im Sobyeong again, Nangong Myeong sighed deeply with a troubled expression.
"Well, I don't hold any authority, but..."
"Elder?"
Nangong Myeong spoke as if he had made a major decision.
"The Nangong Family will also stand with Mount Hua."
Throughout the room, stifled laughter emerged from all corners at the seemingly playful remark.
"If the young family lord were here, he would undoubtedly lend his support to the military leader without a second thought. Even at my age, I have no intention of being mocked by my young nephew. The Nangong Family will stand under the banner of Mount Hua. And if we're going to do it, we might as well be at the forefront, fighting against the enemy."
What started as a light-hearted joke ended with a firm resolution. There was no other choice. If one were to name the sect with the greatest enmity towards the evil sects, it would undoubtedly be the Nangong Family.
Thus, the significance of the Nangong Family's joining was profound.
"Thank y—"
"Oh, Green Forest person. The Green Forest will join Mount Hua."
Tang Gunak and Hyeon Jong turned puzzled looks towards Im Sobyeong.
"Isn't that different from what you said earlier, Green Forest King?"
"Is it? What's wrong with that? Determining our direction within the Heavenly Friendship Alliance and dividing between inside and outside are two different matters."
Im Sobyeong quickly unfolded a fan and half-covered his face with it.
"Being outside Mount Hua would undoubtedly lead to us being treated as an evil sect. For us, there's no choice in the matter."
Though Tang Gunak wasn't entirely wrong, Im Sobyeong added.
"Moreover, even if it were otherwise..."
The eyes revealed above the fan emitted a peculiar gleam.
"If Mount Hua, Southern Edge, Tang Family, and Nangong Family are all joining... it would be foolish not to join. Even if you were looking for scraps, wouldn't it be normal to latch onto any place you could get something?"
"..."
"We'll cling very well. Don't refuse."
Im Sobyeong's curved eyes turned towards Chung Myung. Only then did a slight smirk finally appear at the corner of Chung Myung's mouth, which had been tense until now.