Chapter 1645
So, Are You Enjoying This? (4)
"I understand what the Sect Leader is saying, but isn't war a matter of reality?"
The sharpness in the old swordsman's voice was unmistakable. It was not outright hostility—but neither was it friendly. Wariness, rivalry, and something close to jealousy lingered in his tone.
"Reality, you say?"
"Yes."
The old swordsman in blue robes stared coldly at the man seated across from him.
"The disciples of each sect walk the path taught by their masters. Where would fledglings without a mother go? They would simply fall from the nest and die."
"Of course, no one denies that elders are best suited to lead their disciples. However, given the current situation—"
"Even if the situation is dire, there are lines that must not be crossed."
The old swordsman's voice hardened.
"Our disciples have devoted their lives to their sects. How can we demand they be scattered elsewhere?"
Listening silently, the man across from him closed his eyes.
"I cannot speak for every sect," the old swordsman continued,
"but at the very least, we cannot spare a single disciple. Even if I wished it, the disciples themselves would never accept it."
The listener nodded quietly.
Then another voice joined the discussion—a Taoist wearing a formal headdress.
"It is a difficult request," he said gently.
"But the Sect Leader of Hwasan does make a compelling point."
"Sect Leader!"
The old swordsman turned in surprise, but the Taoist smiled calmly.
"Then how about this?"
His voice carried an easy confidence.
"To rally others, one must first set an example. In that sense, how about Hwasan offering its disciples first? If the swordsmen of Hwasan follow Wudang's lead, I am confident tangible results would follow."
"…Sect Leader."
"Wouldn't that also strengthen Hwasan's position?"
There was leisure in his expression—certainly no kindness.
A faint sigh escaped Chung Mun as he looked at him.
"You know very well that Hwasan cannot withdraw its disciples under current conditions."
"Isn't it the same for everyone?"
Chung Mun's expression stiffened.
The same?
Hwasan was blocking the enemy's sharpest blade at the front, bleeding openly—
while they remained safely behind.
Was it truly unreasonable to ask others to shoulder even part of that burden?
Struggling to suppress his frustration, Chung Mun listened as the Taoist continued.
"If it were truly to reduce sacrifices, we would naturally consider it. But now is not the time for drastic changes."
Reluctantly, Chung Mun nodded.
Not because he agreed—but because standing alone against all of them was futile.
"In any case, Wudang cannot support this proposal. A sect is a family, a home. Its strength is realized only when it fights together."
"…I see."
"Is there anything else?"
Chung Mun shook his head.
"I understand your position."
Despite his proposal being dismissed without real discussion, Chung Mun showed no visible resentment. He accepted it calmly.
An awkward silence settled over the room.
"Well, it seems today's discussion has reached its conclusion."
The Wudang Sect Leader stood.
"In times of war, lengthy meetings are unnecessary."
With that hollow justification, the others rose in unison and moved toward the door—quickly, almost eagerly.
At the threshold, the Wudang Sect Leader paused and turned back.
"A word of advice, purely out of consideration."
"…"
"Though everyone recognizes the wisdom of Hwasan's Sect Leader, his insight can sometimes feel… too advanced. Ordinary people like us struggle to keep pace."
Several gazes pierced into Chung Mun.
"If I caused discomfort, I apologize."
"…No need."
The Wudang Sect Leader nodded courteously—and turned away.
A faint smirk flickered across his lips.
He pushed the door open—
"Eh?"
"…What is this?"
Those about to scold the insolent intruder froze.
Blocking the doorway stood a man whose clothes were stained beyond repair.
He stared coldly at the Wudang Sect Leader.
"You seem very clean."
Eyes shifted—first to their pristine robes, then to the bloodstained figure before them.
The meaning of those stains was obvious. Throats were cleared. Silence followed.
"Sometimes it's good to train a bit, Sect Leaders," the man said lazily.
"If martial artists like you look this well-fed, even demonic cultists might mistake you for landlords and pass you by."
"…."
"T-That is…."
Finally, someone spoke, voice tight.
"…G-Geomjon."
Maehwa Geomjon Chung Myung stared at him without reply.
The man flinched and looked away.
Chung Myung sneered.
"You're clucking like mother hens."
"…"
"Even a small bird will fight a snake if its chicks are threatened. It doesn't sit back and watch."
"G-Geomjon, we—"
Their voices faltered.
All eyes turned to the only one who could restrain him.
Chung Mun sighed.
"Chung Myung. Enough."
"…"
"Step aside."
Chung Myung moved just enough for one person to pass.
Then he stared challengingly.
"Chung Myung!"
Only then did he fully step away, crossing his arms and leaning against the frame.
"Ahem."
The Wudang Sect Leader cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Well, then…"
They left hurriedly—no one meeting Chung Myung's gaze.
Only when far away did complaints burst forth.
"Such insolence!"
"How can that be tolerated?"
"Sect Leader, will this truly continue?"
Wudang's Sect Leader sighed.
"What can we do?"
"Shouldn't he be punished?"
"Punishment only works on those willing to accept it."
Silence fell.
Everyone knew what that meant.
Maehwa Geomjon Chung Myung.
Though called one of the Three Greatest Swordsmen, the title felt hollow.
The gap between him and the others was immeasurable.
Who could discipline him?
Authority meant nothing to him.
Only Chung Mun kept him in check.
"And punishing him wouldn't benefit us," Wudang added calmly.
A few nodded.
If Chung Myung were removed, they would suffer most.
"Don't worry. A good hunting dog may be fierce, but it only needs to be fed."
A faint smile crossed his lips.
"And we all know what happens when a hunting dog stops hunting."
Expressions eased.
"For now, just provide good meat."
"Yes."
As they prepared to disperse—
"But… is this really fine?"
The Beggars Sect Leader spoke uneasily.
"You mean Geomjon?"
"No. I mean Hwasan."
"There are casualties. They truly need support…"
"That's true."
"Then why—?"
"Because others can step in when Hwasan falters."
Wudang stroked his beard.
"There's no need to divide resources prematurely."
The Beggars Sect Leader's expression darkened.
If even one of them actually stepped forward…
But he said nothing.
His gaze drifted back toward the meeting hall.
'Sect Leader… Geomjon…'
Regret lingered in his eyes.