Return of the Mount Hua Sect Chapter 1244: Is That Really All? (4)

True anger surfaces when confronted with a reality one wishes to deny.

This sentiment was precisely what the members of the Southern Island Sect were experiencing at this moment.

Baek Cheon, like a mirror reflecting an unwelcome truth, was reiterating words they knew but refused to acknowledge, pointing out facts they saw but chose to ignore. His very presence seemed to thrust this undeniable reality before their eyes.

As humans, their immediate reactions were predictably defensive.

“What kind of preposterous statement is that!”

“Even as an envoy from the Heavenly Friends Alliance, your words are far too excessive!”

“Do you have any intention of taking responsibility for such claims?”

Yet, Baek Cheon made no move to refute their impassioned outbursts. He simply stood, a picture of composure, and listened to the barrage of accusations, his gaze sweeping over each individual as they voiced their heated objections.

His unwavering, indifferent demeanor gradually caused the charged atmosphere to dissipate.

Baek Cheon waited with unhurried patience until the last word had faded, then finally spoke.

His voice, crisp and tranquil, cut through the agitated murmurs of the crowd.

“Do I truly need to elaborate on the reasons behind my assertions?”

That simple question served as both a gentle prod and a sharp retort.

The very people gathered understood all too well that the Southern Island Sect had been forsaken by the Nine Great Sects. Even those who clung to the faintest glimmer of hope were merely grasping at any residual goodwill, while the pragmatists among them sought only a way to sway the sentiment of those who had already turned their backs.

Not a single soul present harbored any real belief that the Nine Great Sects would actively intervene to aid the Southern Island Sect.

“You speak of discussions, of proper procedures.”

Baek Cheon’s voice sliced through the rising emotional tide.

“Wasting time in endless circles with pleasantries. Proclaiming lofty ideals and asserting righteousness. Then, with polite confirmations of standing, withdrawing without a single conflict.”

“……”

“Indeed, such a path is possible. However…”

Baek Cheon’s gaze flickered momentarily, through the partially opened doorway. He saw trees thrashing violently in the unseen tempest and disciples of the Southern Island Sect standing guard against the storm’s fury.

“...But the current circumstances do not permit such leisurely maneuvering. Do you comprehend what we observed on the coastline during our approach?”

“...What exactly did you see?”

“We witnessed an innumerable fleet of commandeered vessels, alongside newly constructed ships.”

At these words, Geum Yang-Baek unconsciously bit his lip.

“You mentioned ‘commandeered’?”

“Precisely. They seized every small fishing vessel, without exception.”

A palpable tension instantly gripped every individual in the main hall. The requisitioning of ships could only signify one imminent outcome.

Invasion.

There was no need for further verification; a primal instinct told them that the Four Sects Alliance’s assault was imminent.

“Sect Leader.”

Baek Cheon’s gaze settled calmly upon Geum Yang-Baek as he continued.

“The very instant this typhoon ceases its onslaught, the Four Sects Alliance will commence their advance upon Southern Island.”

“...Acting Sect Leader.”

“We have no luxury of time for diplomatic niceties or evasive pleasantries. Therefore, I shall convey our stance directly. The Heavenly Friends Alliance earnestly extends an invitation for Southern Island to join our ranks. This is not a hollow negotiation, but a genuine plea to restore Southern Island’s prominence, aligning yourselves with a force capable of offering tangible aid to those in need.”

Geum Yang-Baek lapsed into a troubled silence. The palpable pause fueled the agitation of impatient elders, who began murmuring amongst themselves.

“Sect Leader, this proposition is utterly outrageous. To voluntarily sever ties with the Nine Great Sects? Such a precedent is unheard of.”

“Indeed. Consider the implications. Even if this act preserves the Southern Island name, who will bear the responsibility thereafter? How will sects like Shaolin or Wudang perceive us?”

“And what of the judgment of the wider world upon us?”

Naturally, opposition to this radical proposal was not insignificant.

“What use is contemplating distant future matters when our present is in peril? Will there even be a future for Southern Island if it falls?”

“That is a valid point. The Nine Great Sects are merely observing from afar. It is logical to align with those offering immediate assistance.”

“Furthermore, leaving the Nine Great Sects does not render us apostates, nor is the Heavenly Friends Alliance inherently inferior to the Nine Great Sects, is it?”

As Geum Yang-Baek remained silent, the voices grew bolder. He had listened to everyone with his eyes closed; now, he slowly opened them, fixing his gaze upon Baek Cheon and his companions.

“Acting Sect Leader.”

“Yes.”

“...To request that we voluntarily withdraw from the Nine Great Sects is an extraordinary demand. I trust you recognize this.”

“I am fully aware.”

“Such a profound exhortation should stem from unwavering confidence and conviction. Would you not agree?”

“Yes. That is precisely correct, Sect Leader.”

Baek Cheon offered a firm nod.

“I harbor no doubt that aligning with the Heavenly Friends Alliance represents a choice that will bestow upon Southern Island vindication, tangible advantages, and a promising future.”

“Vindication, tangible advantages, and… a future.”

With downcast eyes, Geum Yang-Baek quietly assessed Baek Cheon and his entourage. They certainly projected an aura of a bright future.

‘These young ones.’

Upon closer inspection, the representatives from each sect were invariably young. While some might have interpreted this as an insult to Southern Island, Geum Yang-Baek perceived a burgeoning new trend.

The Heavenly Friends Alliance was undergoing a generational shift, and Southern Island had evidently fallen behind this evolution.

He found himself contemplating the future: what would the Heavenly Friends Alliance, under the leadership of these young martial artists, look like? And what fate awaited Southern Island if it aligned with them?

However, a lingering doubt persisted: could Southern Island truly share in this envisioned future?

He exhaled slowly, his voice heavy with unspoken concerns.

“It pains me to admit this, but Southern Island’s current predicament leaves us no room to deliberate on justifications or future prospects.”

“Now, Sect Leader…”

“Silence.”

A flustered interjection from the rear was swiftly quelled as Geum Yang-Baek raised his right hand, effectively silencing the dissent.

“While some of you may be swayed by the Acting Sect Leader’s pronouncements and find resonance in his vision for the future, I must confess, those words do little to stir me.”

Baek Cheon offered a quiet nod, acknowledging the gravity of Southern Island’s precarious situation, which indeed precluded discussions of abstract ideals.

“I am not suggesting we abandon discussions about a future with the Heavenly Friends Alliance. But surely, dialogue and negotiation are only feasible between parties of equal standing?”

“Precisely.”

“Therefore, I implore the Acting Sect Leader to candidly divulge what preparations you have made. We…”

Geum Yang-Baek met Baek Cheon’s gaze directly, posing a pointed question.

“If Southern Island were to join the Heavenly Friends Alliance, what tangible benefits could the Alliance offer us?”

After a brief pause, Baek Cheon responded.

“We have no specific promises we can offer at this moment.”

“……”

“Should I make a promise, it would be limited to ensuring that when Southern Island faces dire straits, as it does now, we would not stand aside and would uphold our commitments.”

Geum Yang-Baek’s eyes narrowed subtly. Baek Cheon continued his earnest plea.

“And I believe this commitment holds more significance than any other. When neither side needs to make substantial sacrifices for the other, any words or promises can be readily made. Did you not join the Nine Great Sects with the expectation that they would support Southern Island in such trying times?”

“…Of course not.”

“Yet, we have come to your aid even without such explicit assurances.”

“……”

“This is the extent of our offering, and it is all we seek in return. The term ‘friend’ in the Heavenly Friends Alliance signifies mutual support and loyalty, not transactional gain.”

Baek Cheon’s gaze burned with unwavering conviction.

“What we can provide is that very fidelity. Not a partnership based solely on the pursuit of mutual profit, but one that offers aid in times of need.”

Geum Yang-Baek regarded Baek Cheon with a peculiar expression.

A moment of profound silence descended upon the assembly.

Just as the supporters of the Heavenly Friends Alliance behind Baek Cheon and the elders loyal to Southern Island’s sect leader began to sense the underlying tension, Geum Yang-Baek broke the silence.

“Acting Sect Leader.”

“Yes.”

“Allow me to be direct. In the face of Southern Island’s impending final confrontation with the Four Sects Alliance, is there any specific assistance the Heavenly Friends Alliance can provide?”

The elders exchanged surprised glances, directed at Geum Yang-Baek.

This bluntness was uncharacteristic of their sect leader, and the directness of his question, particularly to someone who had journeyed so far to offer assistance, seemed almost impolite.

Baek Cheon then spoke, his voice clear.

“To resolve Southern Island’s current crisis, what our Heavenly Friends Alliance can offer is…”

All eyes fixated on Baek Cheon, their anticipation palpable. A moment later, his words resonated with stark clarity, chillingly distinct in the hushed hall.

“…Nothing.”

Shhhh.

A collective realization dawned upon everyone: the rain, previously muffled by the intense discussion, was now audibly drumming outside. An unnerving silence permeated the main hall.

How long did that suffocating quiet endure?

Finally, Geum Yang-Baek’s composed voice broke the spell.

“As early as tomorrow.”

“……”

“What we can offer a sect that might soon cease to exist is to establish a relationship built on mutual support should the need arise.”

A dry chuckle escaped Geum Yang-Baek’s lips.

“And yet, in practical terms, you have nothing to offer for our current plight?”

Baek Cheon closed his eyes, a storm of unspoken words threatening to surface.

He possessed a multitude of responses, countless sentiments he yearned to express. However, Baek Cheon found himself unable to utter them. No, he simply could not. None of those words would serve to alleviate Southern Island’s present suffering.

The advance of the Four Sects Alliance had been swifter than anticipated, catching Southern Island entirely unprepared to mount a defense.

“I shall ask again, Acting Sect Leader.”

Geum Yang-Baek suppressed his rising emotions, his words carefully measured.

“Are the ten individuals dispatched by the Heavenly Friends Alliance the entirety of your contingent? Or are there further arrangements in place to aid Southern Island?”

A flicker of desperate hope remained in his tone, a last vestige he couldn't quite relinquish. Yet, Baek Cheon extinguished even this final ember of optimism.