Return of the Mount Hua Sect Chapter 1243: Is That Really All? (3)

Geum Yang-Baek quickly cleared his throat. It was a rather embarrassing moment for a martial artist like him to lose bodily control and choke, though an ordinary person might be excused.

However, who wouldn't become flustered when faced with such words?

What was it that he had said again?

“Right now…”

After composing his breath, Geum Yang-Baek inquired once more.

“Did you… instruct us to withdraw from the Nine Great Sects?”

“Yes.”

The immediate, unhesitating reply only intensified the bewilderment.

Geum Yang-Baek found himself at a loss for words, his gaze fixed on Baek Cheon. He suspected that any further utterance from him would likely result in a misstep.

What kind of person was this?

How could someone, proudly bearing Mount Hua’s sacred symbol, brazenly demand their withdrawal from the Nine Great Sects?

‘Has anyone in the entire murim world ever uttered such a statement?’

Geum Yang-Baek was certain the answer was no. To tell a sect, a member of the Nine Great Sects, to simply remove its shoes and walk away—no sane individual would utter such words.

Even the Demonic Cults that once rampaged through the Central Plains, or the now-defunct potent sects of the Evil Faction that had once unleashed torrents of blood, would scarcely have dared to make such a demand.

Understanding the significance of the title 'Nine Great Sects' would preclude anyone from uttering such a statement. This was especially true for Southern Island, considering the considerable effort they invested to attain their position within that esteemed group.

Therefore…

‘No, no!’

Geum Yang-Baek flinched, swiftly dismissing the thought that had surfaced.

For a fleeting moment, he had entertained the suspicion that Baek Cheon harbored some long-standing resentment, perhaps that Southern Island's current standing had once belonged to Mount Hua.

‘How could I entertain such a wicked notion!’

Even contemplating such a thing felt shameful.

They had traversed a desolate region like the Southern Lands to reach this point. Who would act with such malice?

Furthermore, considering all that had been said about the Heavenly Friends Alliance and Mount Hua thus far, such a suspicion was nothing more than the petty worry of a small-minded individual.

Overwhelmed by shame for even briefly entertaining such a thought, Geum Yang-Baek adopted a considerably more cautious tone.

“This sect leader is rather slow-witted… I struggle to grasp the true intention behind the Acting Sect Leader’s words. For what purpose did you utter such a statement…?”

“I mean precisely what I said.”

Yet, seemingly indifferent to Geum Yang-Baek’s feelings, Baek Cheon responded with the same unwavering conviction.

“We advise you to relinquish the title of the Nine Great Sects, which has become a mere facade, and instead join our Heavenly Friends Alliance.”

“No…”

“What in the world are you saying…”

The elders of Southern Island, surrounding Geum Yang-Baek, muttered indignantly. They too regarded Baek Cheon with expressions of disbelief.

“What are you thinking!”

“How dare you speak so disrespectfully…!”

“Quiet.”

“Hush, Sect Leader! That is absolutely…”

“Be silent, all of you.”

Geum Yang-Baek’s interruption caused the elders to cough awkwardly and reluctantly fall silent. While their shock had initially rendered them unable to remain quiet, this was hardly the appropriate venue for them to voice their every thought.

*Click.*

Geum Yang-Baek observed a moment of silence, then picked up the teacup placed before him.

“The tea will grow cold. It is crafted from superior tea leaves cultivated on Southern Island’s elevated mountains—would you not appreciate its fragrance?”

“Thank you.”

Baek Cheon offered a slight smile at the remark and raised the teacup. His movements, from lifting the cup to slowly savoring the tea, were executed with flawless grace.

“Are you perhaps fond of the tea ceremony?”

Baek Cheon placed the cup down and responded to Geum Yang-Baek’s question with a faint smile.

“I have not had the opportunity to formally study the tea ceremony, but Elder Hyun Jong, the former Sect Leader of Mount Hua, had such a deep affection for tea that I learned the etiquette by observing him.”

“Ah, Elder Hyun Jong… Excuse me? Did Elder Hyun Jong step down as Sect Leader?”

“I neglected to mention it. The former Sect Leader passed the position to Elder Un A, the current Sect Leader of Mount Hua.”

“Huh…”

Geum Yang-Baek’s bewilderment resurfaced.

“C-could it be… Elder Hyun Jong… no, is it your esteemed former Sect Leader…?”

“That is not the case. The Sect Leader remains in excellent health.”

“Ah…”

“While I cannot fully fathom his profound intentions, it appears he determined that the moment had arrived to entrust the position to his successor.”

All of this was quite astonishing. The earlier demand to withdraw from the Nine Great Sects was baffling enough, but this revelation was equally perplexing.

‘He willingly relinquished the position of Sect Leader?’

At such a time? It was utterly beyond comprehension.

The martial world found itself facing an unprecedented crisis. In such dire circumstances, could a sect leader truly relinquish their authority to a successor and step down? How much trust would one need to place in the disciples they had nurtured to make such a decision?

Geum Yang-Baek found the very thought inconceivable.

‘No. That’s not the entirety of it.’

In truth, Mount Hua’s ascendance had reached a point where it could be seen as a genuine threat to Shaolin. While its underlying strength might not yet equal Shaolin’s, its sway over the martial arts community was, in many respects, already surpassing it.

The revival of Mount Hua was undoubtedly the fruit of prolonged perseverance and strategic patience.

After enduring hardships akin to being submerged in a mire, only to finally achieve glorious recognition, could the person at the heart of it all genuinely relinquish their position willingly? What level of detachment from worldly desires would such a person possess?

“...Truly remarkable.”

“I concur.”

Geum Yang-Baek let out a sigh.

‘The tables have completely turned.’

When they had last met, Hyun Jong was someone Geum Yang-Baek could barely compare himself to. Now, however, the situation was reversed. He no longer dared to even stand in Hyun Jong’s considerable shadow.

He had become the figurehead of Southern Island’s near destruction, while Hyun Jong had elevated Mount Hua—once a mere third-rate sect—to a prestigious institution renowned across the land.

‘Life indeed has its unexpected turns, as the saying goes.’

Suppressing a surge of overwhelming emotions, Geum Yang-Baek spoke, his voice striving to maintain a semblance of composure.

“I can comprehend why the Acting Sect Leader might propose such a course of action. Having trained under an Elder as detached from worldly matters as Hyun Jong, titles like the Nine Great Sects likely appear as mere trivialities to you.”

“...”

“However, Acting Sect Leader, you must consider the significance of the Nine Great Sects within the broader society and the perception they hold among people. The Nine Great Sects represent...”

“I am well aware, Sect Leader.”

Geum Yang-Baek’s gaze remained fixed on Baek Cheon.

Interrupting another sect leader was the epitome of disrespect, yet Geum Yang-Baek had no inclination to dwell on such matters at this moment. His curiosity was piqued by what Baek Cheon would articulate next.

“You claim to be aware?”

“Indeed. Perhaps I understand better than you do, Sect Leader. You guided Southern Island to become one of the Nine Great Sects, but it was we who could only gaze up at that esteemed group from the lowest possible position.”

Upon hearing these words, Geum Yang-Baek found himself nodding involuntarily.

Upon reflection, Mount Hua had only recently attained its current standing. They too must have viewed the Nine Great Sects with a blend of longing and envy, harboring aspirations to rejoin that elite circle one day.

“And yet, you address us in this manner?”

“Yes.”

Baek Cheon briefly shut his eyes before reopening them, then spoke with an unyielding conviction, as if no subtlety was required.

“The reason is straightforward. The current Nine Great Sects are an entity to which Southern Island has no compelling need to attach itself.”

“...Acting Sect Leader.”

“The fact that we are present here now...”

Baek Cheon paused momentarily, then directed his gaze towards the elders seated behind Geum Yang-Baek. Making eye contact with each of them in turn, he continued.

“That it is *us* who are here, rather than the Nine Great Sects, serves as clear proof of that.”

A sigh escaped Geum Yang-Baek’s lips. After a prolonged exhalation, he resumed speaking, his tone slightly more measured.

“Naturally, no expression of gratitude is sufficient for those who have journeyed this far. As the Sect Leader of the Southern Island school and as an individual representing Southern Island, I extend my profound thanks.”

“...”

“However, Acting Sect Leader, that matter is wholly separate from the issue at hand. That gratitude and...”

“Originally.”

Baek Cheon once again cut across Geum Yang-Baek’s words.

This time, Geum Yang-Baek’s brow furrowed in clear displeasure. But what Baek Cheon uttered next caused him even greater unease.

“Those who ought to have been present here are the Nine Great Sects, not ourselves.”

“...”

“The rationale is simple. Those who uphold the banner of righteousness bear the inherent responsibility to aid those in distress, irrespective of the prevailing circumstances.”

Having stated this, Baek Cheon surveyed the assembled individuals.

“Consequently, we of the Heavenly Friends Alliance also wish to convey our sincerest apologies to everyone present here.”

While still seated, Baek Cheon inclined his head in a deep bow. This abrupt gesture caused Geum Yang-Baek to shift uncomfortably in surprise.

“W-why are you doing this so suddenly, Acting Sect Leader!”

“We should have arrived sooner. We ought to have recognized earlier that Southern Island required our assistance, that Southern Island’s predicament was grave. Please forgive our oversight... No, forgive us for having been hesitant to act even when the opportunity arose.”

“How can that possibly be an offense committed by the Heavenly Friends Alliance? Please desist, Acting Sect Leader! Raise your head at once!”

Only then did Baek Cheon slowly lift his head.

“Sect Leader.”

“Yes, Acting Sect Leader.”

“With the utmost respect, to claim the Heavenly Friends Alliance bears no responsibility is illogical. That alliance was established on the principle of honoring agreements and has prospered greatly because of it. For such a union to falter in its duties is indeed worthy of severe condemnation.”

For a fleeting moment, Geum Yang-Baek found himself captivated by Baek Cheon's words.

He was undeniably righteous. Purely and simply righteous.

While righteousness can occasionally manifest as narrow-mindedness and induce frustration, at other times, it transforms into an unparalleled force.

Surpassing military strength, influence, and any perceived just cause, regardless of the prevailing circumstances, the appeal Baek Cheon made was to this very righteousness. By that singular aspect alone, Geum Yang-Baek felt completely subdued.

“Therefore, I pose this question to you.”

Baek Cheon's gaze fixed directly upon Geum Yang-Baek as he continued.

“Where are the ones who should have defended this accord above all others, right now?”

“Acting Sect Leader...”

“You must comprehend. No—you are obligated to confess it, Sect Leader.”

Baek Cheon's voice resonated with a chilling firmness, betraying no hesitation.

“The Nine Great Sects have forsaken Southern Island.”

These words seemed to strike with the force of a dagger, plunging directly into Geum Yang-Baek's heart.