Return of the Mount Hua Sect Chapter 1247: That Is That? (2)

A gentle, cool breeze caressed his arms.

Geum Yang-Baek gazed upward, his eyes unfocused, at the vast, clear sky.

‘How utterly unconcerned it seems.’

Even Geum Yang-Baek, who firmly believed that personal endeavor determined the course of one's life, had found himself looking to the heavens on a few occasions.

Yet, each time, the sky had responded with cold indifference to his pleas.

‘It wasn't even an extravagant request...’

He hadn't prayed for an unending tempest; he merely wished for it to persist one additional day—was that truly too much to ask?

Though Heaven's reach is immense and its net wide, nothing truly escapes its grasp. Nevertheless, Geum Yang-Baek couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness towards that vast, seemingly careless net at this moment.

“Sect Leader.”

Acknowledging the voice behind him, Geum Yang-Baek softly closed his eyes.

Whatever emotions churned within, he was the Sect Leader of Southern Island. He had to project the dignity befitting Southern Island's head until the very end. This was his solemn duty, a consequence of his actions and a mark of respect for those who had pledged their lives to defend Southern Island.

“Are these the guests from the Heavenly Friends Alliance?”

“Hwan-So already arranged for a boat yesterday and informed them of its location.”

“Hwan-So?”

“Yes.”

A sigh escaped Geum Yang-Baek as his thoughts turned to Gwak Hwan-So.

Just as sailors hone their skills by confronting storms, it seemed warriors evolved through facing dire crises. Gwak Hwan-So, possessing considerable swordsmanship talent but an impetuous temperament, had matured into someone capable of such thoughtful foresight.

‘This makes it all the more tragic.’

If this peril could be overcome and Southern Island's legacy secured, Gwak Hwan-So possessed the potential to become a far more capable sect leader than he himself ever could have been...

His only sorrow was that he wouldn't witness that potential blossom.

“So, have they departed then?”

“We couldn't confirm their departure, but since they haven't returned, it is presumed they left discreetly.”

“Hmm.”

“Wouldn't it have been somewhat awkward to face each other before they left?”

“...What is there to feel embarrassed about? I am merely grateful.”

Geum Yang-Baek released a brief sigh.

“Im Geom.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

“Aside from the Four Sects Alliance, they will be the very last individuals to lay eyes upon Southern Island.”

“...”

“Well? As the Sect Leader of Southern Island, have I conducted myself adequately?”

Though Geum Yang-Baek did not turn to face him, Im Geom bowed his head with the utmost reverence he could express.

“You have performed admirably, Sect Leader. The envoys from the Heavenly Friends Alliance undoubtedly recognized this.”

“I see...”

A faint smile touched Geum Yang-Baek's lips.

“Still, I find solace in the fact that they were the ones present to witness Southern Island's conclusion.”

“Is this perhaps because the Nine Great Sects will be preoccupied with concealing their own disgrace, while these visitors might instead seek to publicize it?”

“That is not the reason.”

Geum Yang-Baek tilted his gaze back towards the sky, his expression now composed.

“They will most likely pursue a path of negotiation. They journeyed this far, unwilling to refuse our plea for assistance.”

“...That assessment appears accurate.”

“If individuals such as them speak in favor of Southern Island, will not the world likewise remember Southern Island with kindness?”

Seeing Im Geom at a loss for words, Geum Yang-Baek clicked his tongue lightly, as if regretting his own pronouncement.

“Make preparations. We must conduct the expulsion ceremony without delay.”

“There is no necessity for the Sect Leader to personally attend...”

“It is always prudent to ensure certainty. There is no benefit in making those who are departing for the cities feel as though they have committed some transgression. Furthermore, proceeding according to proper protocol will, at the very least, slightly enhance our prospects of evading the clutches of the Four Sects Alliance.”

“Understood, Sect Leader.”

Geum Yang-Baek turned and began walking towards his private chambers.

‘My formal attire after such a long interval.’

And these formal robes would remain upon his person until the very moment of his demise.

A palpable sense of dread descended upon the disciples of Southern Island.

The instant they confirmed the cessation of the typhoon, the stark reality struck them: the Four Sects Alliance could launch their assault on Southern Island Sect at any moment.

“...Will war truly commence now?”

“Indeed. You heard then—they are currently constructing a vessel.”

“S-so that implies they will strike once it is completed. How much time will that require?”

“If individuals unfamiliar with ships could identify one at a single glance, then at most a day. Honestly, it might even be finished already.”

“It takes a minimum of five days for a ship to become seaworthy! Isn't that common knowledge, Sahyung!”

“That timeframe applies to vessels intended for extended voyages. If the purpose is merely to shuttle back and forth from Southern Island, minor leaks are inconsequential. It only needs to remain afloat for a few days.”

Upon hearing this, the listeners drew in sharp breaths, as if a blade had pierced their very souls.

“Once Southern Island is secured, there will be no further need for the ship anyway. The Four Sects Alliance are not imbeciles—they would have certainly considered that.”

“So... does this signify that the Four Sects Alliance could potentially attack as early as tonight?”

“...If they are pressed for time, then yes.”

As more disciples grasped the gravity of the situation, the tension escalated beyond any measure of control.

“Um...”

“Yes?”

“...Perhaps...”

A disciple, casting furtive glances around, quietly posed a question to the person nearest to him.

“Has the final roster of participants for the expulsion ceremony been confirmed?”

The individual addressed shot him a lethal gaze.

"Why? Are you planning to grovel before the Sect leader and request your expulsion?"

"Ah, no, hyung. Do you truly believe I would do such a thing? My loyalty to Southern Island is absolute."

"But?"

"...But... I speculated that perhaps some of the other hyungs might entertain that notion."

The man exhaled a profound sigh upon hearing this.

‘He isn’t wrong.’

He himself wrestled with the identical temptation.

If one were merely expelled from the sect, survival would still be possible. Then, one could strategize for the future.

If all were to perish, the Southern Island sect would cease to exist in this world. In such a scenario, wouldn't it be preferable to be expelled—even under false pretenses—and then attempt to resurrect Southern Island?

Thus, So Yeo-rip, lost in contemplation, suddenly let out a scoffing laugh.

‘It appears you genuinely desire to live.’

Witnessing them rationalize expulsion as if it were an inconsequential matter made him think so.

With another sigh, So Yeo-rip’s eyes suddenly widened – he had just spotted Gwak Hwan-So departing the pavilion.

"Great hyung! Where are you headed?"

Gwak Hwan-So, who had already half exited, turned towards So Yeo-rip.

"Are you preparing for the expulsion ceremony?"

"No, not yet."

"Then..."

Standing beside Gwak Hwan-So, Lee Ja-Yang scowled and exclaimed,

"He's going to clean the pavilion where those Heavenly Friends Alliance scoundrels stayed!"

"...What? Why...? We won't be using that place again, will we?"

So Yeo-rip inquired incredulously.

The pavilion in question was the guest hall – why bother cleaning it now? No further guests were expected at Southern Island.

As he perceived their bewildered expressions, Gwak Hwan-So offered a brief, knowing smile.

"Don't fret. I shall merely depart and return shortly {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} ..."

"He claims it's the final occasion, thus he cannot leave it in disarray – it's the very last time! Individuals should have a dignified conclusion, and he refuses to permit any facet of Southern Island to conclude in such a state!"

Every individual within the pavilion regarded Gwak Hwan-So with blank stares.

However, some among them, those anticipating expulsion, lowered their heads, unable to meet his gaze.

Lee Ja-Yang muttered nervously.

"What an exceptional senior disciple you've become. So what if that pavilion is a bit untidy?"

"...I stated I would go alone, did I not?"

"Enough! Are you intending to brand me the ungrateful one who idles while you shirk your duties?"

"If you wish to accompany me, do so; if not, state your preference. You will go regardless – what is with all this complaining?"

"I am merely frustrated! You were not always this obstinate."

"It is said that a person's true character emerges in the end; apparently, this has been mine all along."

"Nonsense..."

"Very well, let us proceed. If you truly despise this, remain here."

Gwak Hwan-So trudged away, Lee Ja-Yang followed, visibly annoyed, and nearly half the disciples present in the pavilion abruptly stood and rushed out.

"Hyung!"

"We will handle it."

"You remain here, hyung! This is clearly our responsibility! Just instruct us, and we will manage the task..."

Gwak Hwan-So sighed.

"I too feel restless; allow me to attend to this."

"We are restless as well. Then, accompany us."

Gwak Hwan-So regarded the assembled disciples before nodding his assent.

"Very well. Let us depart. If we all go together, we can conclude before the expulsion ceremony commences."

"Yes."

Gwak Hwan-So uttered no further words and proceeded onward.

Even to him, the idea seemed preposterous – cleaning amidst such circumstances.

Had he not perceived it as the final occasion, he might not have felt this way. But knowing it was the conclusion, he could not leave matters in such a state.

This place had welcomed him the moment he began to walk and had been a part of his life ever since.

The pavilion might soon be consumed by flames and vanish without a trace, yet he desired, at the very least, to ensure its end was orderly. That was the extent of his capability now. He felt gratitude towards those who shared his resolute sentiment.

‘In the end, all a sect bequeaths are its disciples.’

No one in the world would offer them aid.

Even the inhabitants of Southern Island had begun to distance themselves from the Southern Island sect upon grasping the gravity of the situation. Yet, these individuals were choosing to spend their final moments on the trivial task of cleaning the pavilion.

That, precisely, is the essence of being a sect, of being fellow disciples.

‘When I perish, I shall be with them.’

A faint smile graced Gwak Hwan-So's lips as he arrived at the guest hall.

The guest hall, devoid of occupants, was utterly silent. Its stillness, so profound that even the faintest sound seemed amplified, made it appear not just lonely, but almost spectral. Gwak Hwan-So stood and absorbed the scene, remaining quiet for a moment.

"...Hyung?"

"It is nothing."

Only after a companion inquired once did Gwak Hwan-So manage a forced, bright smile and call out.

"Let us conclude this task swiftly. We will be pressed for time if we must also clean the sake bottles and the stains from vomiting."

"That was Ja-Yang hyung who vomited."

"W-who claims such a thing?"

"I witnessed it with absolute certainty."

"You little rascal—this is slander..."

Lee Ja-Yang's face flushed a deep crimson, and Gwak Hwan-So let out a chuckle.

"You shall clean up that which you yourself expelled."

"Ah! I assure you, it was not me, hyung!"

"Now! Everyone, make haste!"

"Yes!"

Some disciples hurried towards the entrance. Just as their hands reached for the door handles, the door abruptly burst open.

Thud!

"Gyaaah!"