Return of the Mount Hua Sect Chapter 1248: That Is That? (3)
Previously on Return of the Mount Hua Sect...
“Ah, no. Um...”
At that exact moment, other companions from the Heavenly Friends Alliance began to emerge, staggering, through the now-open doorway.
“Ugh. This sea fatigue is hitting harder than I anticipated.”
“Hyung. You’re way too weak, aren’t you? The Tang Family must have showered you with the finest provisions.”
“Stop spewing nonsense; it was you who feasted, being nurtured by the Namgung clan. While the Tang Family possesses numerous poisons, they hardly dispense spiritual pills. At best, it's merely medicated poison.”
“Didn’t the Tang Family often use poison-medicines as if they were spiritual pills?”
“...I have no idea where such absurd rumors originate. Do people genuinely believe the Tang Family circulates poison instead of blood? Ingesting poison would kill us too! Is it akin to saying the Namgung clan wields a blade and it's perfectly safe, while one dies if cut by that same blade?”
“Now that you bring that up...”
Observing them saunter out, engaged in such casual conversation, Gwak Hwan-So could only blink in utter bewilderment.
“Why aren’t they bringing us any food?”
“Tsk tsk. For how long do you intend to remain seated, awaiting sustenance? Once sufficient time has elapsed, naturally, one proceeds to the dining hall to procure a meal.”
“They delivered it yesterday, hence the expectation.”
“A new day has dawned. It cannot possibly be the same as yesterday.”
“Wow, sharp as a newly honed blade.”
What in the world were these individuals still doing here?
A hollow, disembodied voice escaped from Gwak Hwan-So’s lips.
“No… what exactly are you people doing at this very moment?”
“Huh?”
“Didn’t we even go so far as to prepare a vessel for your departure once the storm had subsided?”
“On your word?”
Chung Myung, who had been diligently scraping at the side of the boat, cast an indifferent glance towards the interior of the room before inquiring.
“Sasuk. Were boats indeed prepared for us?”
“Hm? Ah, I believe I heard mention of it. They indicated that vessels had been readied along the coastline for use upon departing the island.”
Baek Cheon emerged from within the building.
In stark contrast to the others whose attire was visibly disheveled, Baek Cheon’s robes remained impeccably spotless. Gwak Hwan-So, whose gaze was fixed blankly upon the pristine white martial robe shimmering under the sunlight, contorted his expression.
“Are you even in a sound state of mind?”
The response to this rather pointed question originated from a different direction altogether.
“You are the one who has lost their mind, you absolute ruffian.”
“...Pardon me?”
“When esteemed guests arrive, you provide them with sustenance! Even the Mount Hua Sect, which is notorious for tossing manners aside with abandon, would not let guests go hungry!”
“Chung Myung. You must refrain from insulting another sect while you are a guest within their domain.”
“These scoundrels are even more lacking in decorum than Mount Hua!”
“Do not insult our sect either.”
Gwak Hwan-So clutched his throbbing forehead, pain radiating from it. In a precarious situation where the Four Sects Alliance could launch an assault at any given moment, these individuals were calmly contemplating their breakfast arrangements. Their nerves couldn't possibly be forged from whale sinew; what on earth were these people thinking…
“Ja-Yang.”
“...Yes, Sahyung.”
“Escort our guests to the dining hall. Instruct them to prepare a meal forthwith.”
“No, Sahyung. This situation is… ”
“Do precisely as I have commanded.”
“Yes…”
Ja-Yang shot a resentful glare at Chung Myung and his companions, his eyes practically burning with indignation.
‘This is utterly preposterous.’
In principle, there was absolutely nothing wrong with their request. To send away visitors who had journeyed from afar with benevolent intentions without even offering a morning meal was undoubtedly discourteous. At any other time, the Sect Leader would have unequivocally rebuked such handling of the situation.
However, this was far from an ordinary circumstance, was it not?
The disciples of Southern Island were now compelled to confront the formidable Four Sects Alliance. Those who remained would undoubtedly face their demise in combat, while those who had descended the mountain to evade the Four Sects Alliance were now forced to hold their breath and submit to their dominion.
Every individual present was acutely aware of this impending fate. What sentiments would arise upon witnessing members of the Heavenly Friends Alliance calmly departing Southern Island after accomplishing their objectives? Regardless of one's fortitude, morale was inevitably destined to plummet.
‘I had assumed a reasonable explanation would suffice and be understood.’
Lee Ja-Yang’s gaze locked onto Baek Cheon’s face.
He wasn't foolish, so he reasoned there was no necessity to articulate their predicament in excessive detail—yet, it appeared that this oblivious man completely failed to grasp the implied meaning behind their words.
“...Please, follow me.”
A thousand resentments surged within him, yet given that the other disciples had already borne witness to the scene with their own eyes, no alternative course of action presented itself. They could only extend courteous treatment and bid them farewell.
Lee Ja-Yang bit his lip fiercely and turned his body away.
“By the way, why did all of you congregate together like this so early in the morning? You aren’t perhaps planning to instigate a conflict, are you?”
In response to Chung Myung’s probing query, Ja-Yang’s head snapped around abruptly. Unable to contain himself any longer, he bellowed as if thunder itself had spoken.
“And this absolute moron really—!”
“Ja-Yang!”
“No, Sahyung! This is simply too much! If this isn't blatant mockery, then what could it possibly be?”
“Did I not instruct you to cease this outburst!”
As Gwak Hwan-So glared and sharply commanded, Ja-Yang bit his lip once more.
“Bang Hong. You shall escort them!”
“...Me, me, Sahyung?”
“What is it? Are you incapable of performing this task?”
“No. I shall do it.”
Ja-Yang spun around, his posture stiff. From behind him, Gwak Hwan-So’s voice, attempting a composed demeanor, echoed.
“...My apologies. I had assumed our guests had already departed, hence my intention to clean the rooms. I was unaware you were still present.”
“Hm?”
“We’ll pack your belongings with great care, so cease your worrying and go eat first. When you return, arrangements will be made for you to depart immediately.”
Ja-Yang understood Gwak Hwan-So’s disposition to be more impetuous than his own. Thus, he recognized the immense self-control it required for him to utter those words.
Faced with his sahyung’s composed reply, Ja-Yang felt a wave of shame wash over him for his own hasty conduct.
It was at this moment.
“Sasuk. What are those fellows chattering about?”
Chung Myung’s voice, carrying an air of deliberate disregard for Gwak Hwan-So, echoed indifferently. This final straw shattered Ja-Yang’s remaining composure.
‘Very well, this is it!’
Lee Ja-Yang’s eyes blazed as he turned. Whether it was to be Southern Island’s final impression or not, he resolved to correct that insolent brat’s manners.
However, the instant he overheard Chung Myung and Baek Cheon’s exchange, his disbelief was so profound that all his strength vanished.
“Why would one clean a room that someone else is currently occupying?”
“Chung Myung. In reputable inns, the room is cleaned even if a guest is still within.”
“That pertains to an inn. This is not an inn, is it?”
“That is correct.”
“Then it’s quite rude. Why would you rummage through another’s possessions as you please?”
“Hm. That is a valid point for consideration. The customs of the western island and the South Sea might not necessarily align with our own.”
Lee Ja-Yang lost even the will to be angry, emitting a hollow chuckle. Gwak Hwan-So clenched his teeth and offered a further explanation.
“It is not that. We are packing the belongings of those who intend to depart in advance. If you wish to leave the island before the Four Sects Alliance launches their assault, every moment is critical. There is simply no time for dithering.”
An unyielding resolve could be detected in Gwak Hwan-So’s tone, as if he could no longer contain his frustration. Yet, Chung Myung merely responded with a hollow laugh.
“That action is only applicable when I am the one departing.”
“Precisely! The baggage… huh?”
On the verge of shouting, Gwak Hwan-So’s eyes widened in utter bewilderment.
“Who is departing?”
“…”
“These people are utterly absurd. Does the South Sea treat its guests in such a manner? I never once indicated that I planned to leave—so why are they so eager to drive guests away on their own accord?”
“It does incur substantial costs to provide for you.”
“Honestly, we have consumed an excessive amount.”
“All of that was consumed by the Young Master of Namgung.”
“Me, me? Me? Wow, me?”
The entourage of the Heavenly Friends Alliance remained entirely unperturbed. Gwak Hwan-So found himself momentarily speechless, staring at them with a vacant expression. Chung Myung snapped his fingers and addressed them.
“Hey, you there.”
“...Yes?”
“Cease your nonsensical talk and simply guide us to the dining hall. Do not disturb our belongings. The youth of today have no manners—no sense! Ugh!”
“…”
“Lead the way!”
“Yes?”
“What are you waiting for?”
“Ah… yes.”
Gwak Hwan-So, as if under a spell, began to lead them in the direction of the dining hall.
The disciples of the Southern Island Sect simply watched their retreating figures with blank stares.
“Um… sahyung.”
“Yes?”
“Then what should we do? Should we clean? Or…”
Lee Ja-Yang’s face contorted in misery.
“You… are not leaving?”
Gwak Hwan-So inquired, making a considerable effort to mask his utter bewilderment.
Yet, alas, there was no one present to provide a satisfactory answer to that crucial question.
“No… you mean to say you eat raw meat?”
“This is a precious delicacy.”
“It’s uncooked, you say? Who in their right mind consumes fish in its raw state?”
“That is precisely how it is customarily eaten, I assure you.”
“Even those who fish along the Yangtze River did not partake of it like this! In Anhui, with Dongting Lake nearby, they would still cook their fish!”
“I heard they consume it in the North Sea?”
“No, they did not originally do so in the North Sea either. We were the ones who introduced them to it.”
“Regardless, they consume it now. As long as there are no adverse effects after eating, it is perfectly fine.”
“So, apparently, this is the local custom for eating.”
“Ah, no…”
As Namgung Do-Wei attempted to voice an objection, Chung Myung’s face twisted with irritation.
“Just shove it in, you fool! Who here is complaining about side dishes! That’s precisely why the pampered ones are raised in luxury and then perish! You must thrust them into the harsh environment and feed them mud to forge them into true people!”
“What does being raised preciously have to do with this matter!”
“Silence. You damned rich brat!”
Namgung Do-Wei, unable to cope with the overwhelming cultural dissonance, trembled and sought validation from the others.
However.
“Oh, this is so chewy.”
“It adheres so well.”
“It’s quite delicious, though?”
The members of the Mount Hua Sect were already enthusiastically devouring the raw fish. Even Tang Pae exclaimed, “Delicious!” and smacked his lips while chewing the flesh.
‘If they can consume this, they would readily tear and devour another’s raw flesh.’
Is there truly any distinction between them and predatory fish? They are, in essence, predators. Namgung Do-Wei struck his chest in utter frustration.
Yet, there was someone present who felt even more exasperated than Namgung Do-Wei.
“No! Please, listen to me!”
“...Ah, we are attempting to dine, and you persist in…”
“They say one should not disturb someone during their meal.”
“The South Sea truly possesses peculiar customs.”
Gwak Hwan-So clutched his head. He nearly felt compelled to commend his own remarkable restraint for not drawing his blade upon those who spoke so nonchalantly.
“Ai, geunge aaauoer.”
“...Pardon me?”
Chung Myung swallowed his mouthful and responded indignantly.
“Why do you continuously pressure us to depart! Are you being excessively stingy with the food?”
“Aye, we are indeed being stingy... wait, that is not the right word. The discussions have concluded, and the Heavenly Friends Alliance as well as Southern Island have decided to part ways, have they not?”
Baek Cheon responded with a calm nod. “That is correct.”
“Then there is nothing more to be done, so there is no reason to linger here. I recall the Acting Sect Leader mentioning he would properly convey the Heavenly Friends Alliance’s stance from our Sect Leader.”
“That is also true.”
Baek Cheon nodded once more, a gesture that only intensified Gwak Hwan-So’s feeling of suffocation.
“But you are suddenly not leaving—what precisely does that mean?” Chung Myung interjected, thumping his chest lightly.
“That’s one point, you scoundrel!”
“Yes?”
“But why is it that I cannot understand? Is the young man a bit dim?” Chung Myung twisted his face in irritation.
“Look, let me break it down. The negotiations with the Heavenly Friends Alliance fell apart, correct?”
“That’s right.”
“Then, our task is simply to relay that situation back to the Sect, isn’t it?”
“Precisely!”
“Which means our role is concluded.”
“That is exactly what I am stating!” Chung Myung declared with evident exasperation.
“So! We have fulfilled our given duty, and the remaining matters are for each individual to decide! The Heavenly Friends Alliance departs, but I state that I will not! Is that so difficult to grasp? Do you not get it?”
Gwak Hwan-So was rendered momentarily speechless… Could he possibly comprehend such a thing? How could that even be construed as logical?
Observing his stunned silence, Chung Myung clicked his tongue. “What is it that you are going to do by not understanding something so straightforward? It is truly driving me insane.”
Gwak Hwan-So sank into contemplation. What else could he possibly say to this peculiar individual? Baek Cheon, who had been listening, offered a faint smile and spoke:
“After we have eaten, I propose we hold another meeting.”
“...Pardon?”
“Not as the Acting Sect Leader of Mount Hua, representing the Heavenly Friends Alliance’s position, but…” Baek Cheon’s gaze grew deeper and more solemn.
“As a lone warrior who arrived upon hearing that comrades in the Central Plains are facing a dire crisis.”
At that very instant, a palpable chill coursed down Gwak Hwan-So’s spine.