Return of the Mount Hua Sect Chapter 1250: That Is That? (5)

Geum Yang-Baek’s gaze swept over everyone present, a look of utter disbelief plastered across his face.

“Well…”

His current bewilderment stemmed not from a lack of understanding, but from the precise opposite – he comprehended everything all too well.

He blinked a few times, scrutinizing the individual seated before him once more.

The Acting Sect Leader of Mount Hua had retreated, resuming his formal seat as if his duties were concluded. In his place sat a brazen young man, openly displaying a look of displeasure.

Upon further consideration, this seating arrangement actually seemed quite appropriate.

Carried away by the fact that Baek Cheon had arrived as Mount Hua’s Acting Sect Leader and a representative of the Heavenly Friends Alliance, Geum Yang-Baek had momentarily overlooked a crucial detail: in reality, the true embodiment of the renowned Heavenly Friends Alliance was this very person.

‘Mount Hua’s Sword Saint.’

Regardless of Mount Hua sect’s esteemed reputation, or the fact that the Acting Sect Leader held a position that commanded immense respect in the martial world, all of it seemed insignificant when juxtaposed with those four powerful words: Mount Hua’s Sword Saint.

“So…”

Geum Yang-Baek subtly cleared his throat, attempting to dispel his embarrassment, and inquired again with a gentle tone.

“So… you are saying you intend to remain here and confront the Four Sects Alliance…?”

“Let’s dispense with the pleasantries and get straight to the point, Sect Leader.”

“…”

“What is your plan moving forward?”

“Yes?”

Geum Yang-Baek’s eyes widened in confusion. What did he mean by ‘what is your plan’? Shouldn’t that be the question *he* was supposed to be asking *them*?

At that precise moment, the Mount Hua’s Sword Saint, his voice laced with exasperation, posed another question.

“You stated you would fight the Four Sects Alliance. Just how do you intend to fight?”

“…Well…”

Just how? Was this truly a matter for debating the ‘how’? Simply defend the main stronghold and fight with all their might…?

“Are you merely planning to defend the main sect, fight to the very last person, and accept death if everyone perishes? You can’t possibly hold such a passive mindset, can you? Not when you are a Sect Leader?”

“Cough.”

A sudden, sharp cough escaped Geum Yang-Baek’s lips.

“Oh, surely not? After all, it’s not as if only one or two lives are on the line – you aren’t already acting as if everyone is destined to die, are you? You still hold the position of sect leader, after all.”

“…”

“Right?”

Seeing Geum Yang-Baek’s inability to provide a proper response, Chung Myung’s expression immediately contorted.

“I had a feeling this would happen.”

“…”

“Have these people been subsisting on heroic tales? Do they genuinely perceive dying as such a trivial matter?”

“Chung Myung, mind your words when speaking before the Sect Leader.”

“Does the Sect Leader possess two lives, allowing him to simply perish whenever he pleases?”

“Even so, you must watch your tongue.”

Geum Yang-Baek appeared taken aback as he observed Chung Myung, whose face was etched with visible irritation.

“So…”

“What?”

“…The members comprising the Heavenly Friends Alliance, including Mount Hua’s Sword Saint…”

“Just speak your mind freely. This is no longer a formal setting.”

“Is that truly permissible?”

“Speaking without constraint often facilitates clearer communication for everyone involved.”

“…Very well, then. Do you genuinely intend to engage the Four Sects Alliance in combat and emerge victorious?”

“What an utterly predictable question.”

“Of course.”

“We must.”

For a brief moment, a look of incredulity washed over Geum Yang-Baek as he stared blankly at the faces of those who had provided their replies.

“No, it’s just…”

“Why? Is there an issue?”

“I understand your high spirits, but isn’t there something known as reality?”

“Reality?”

Chung Myung let out a derisive scoff.

“Hey there, sir.”

“…Chung Myung, he is the Sect Leader.”

“Isn’t ‘Sect Leader’ essentially equivalent to ‘Sir’?”

“Nevertheless, you ought to address him as ‘Sect Leader’.”

“Tsk.”

Chung Myung furrowed his brow, reluctantly correcting himself.

“Yes, Sect Leader. You speak of reality—do you find my perspective difficult to grasp?”

“Hm?”

“According to your assessment as Sect Leader, realistically, the ultimate fate awaiting those remaining here is nothing short of being cut down by the blades of the Four Sects Alliance.”

“…”

“Therefore, since our demise is seemingly inevitable, is it truly so perplexing to desire at least inflicting a proper thrashing upon them?”

Geum Yang-Baek’s brow furrowed.

“I am uncertain how my words were interpreted, but it is not as though we intended to surrender meekly. Naturally, our plan was to take as many adversaries with us as possible. Is that not the most logical course of action?”

“Now you are speaking sense.”

Chung Myung flashed a grin and stated.

“Let’s take it a step further.”

“One step further?”

Geum Yang-Baek’s expression grew serious, as if he were being inexorably drawn into Chung Myung’s line of reasoning.

Chung Myung gestured with his hand and called out.

“Hey, you! Explain it!”

“Ahem! I shall provide the explanation.”

Following this, Im So-Byeong stepped forward and took a seat.

“Certainly, from a geographical standpoint, Southern Island Mountain is indeed well-suited for defensive operations against an incoming enemy. Controlling elevated ground and intercepting climbers aligns with classical military strategy.”

“…That is correct.”

“However, the core issue lies in the fact that this is not a conflict that can be resolved merely by holding out. The moment you establish a defensive posture on the mountain, your forces will be surrounded. Ultimately, it devolves into a mere question of how long you can sustain your position before succumbing to inevitable defeat. Furthermore, the attacking forces will have no urgent need to press their assault.”

Geum Yang-Baek voiced his concern with a grimace. “I grasp your point. However, you’re overlooking a crucial detail: this location is an island. Regardless of the Southern Island’s expanse, an island inherently possesses geographical limitations. Even if Southern Island Mountain were abandoned, the terrain wouldn't offer vast areas for maneuvering. Encased by the sea, it would devolve into a simple game of evasion.”

“Indeed, that is also true,” he conceded.

“Furthermore, this predicament would inevitably place the common folk residing on the Southern Island in harm’s way. To compound matters, any disciples dispatched to the villages under the Southern Island’s banner would undoubtedly be exposed to the enemy’s gaze.”

At this juncture, a flicker ignited within Im So-Byeong’s eyes as he regarded Geum Yang-Baek. He had initially perceived him as merely a speaker of pleasantries, but it became apparent that his comprehension of the situation ran deeper than anticipated.

“Consequently, the Southern Island faction cannot vacate this mountain. For the Southern Island to withstand the Four Sects Alliance’s assault, we must establish a distinct objective and a defensible terrain for them to occupy.”

“Sect Leader, your intention is to draw all the Four Sects Alliance’s targets towards this mountain, thereby shielding other regions from suffering?”

“Precisely.”

Geum Yang-Baek let out a sigh. “Your sentiment is greatly appreciated. However, we are not adhering to this strategy without thorough deliberation. For years, we have contemplated how best to confront the Four Sects Alliance when they attack. This is the conclusion we have painstakingly reached.”

“Hmm. There is certainly merit to that line of reasoning. If the objective is to minimize casualties on an island, this approach appears to be the inevitable choice.”

“I’m pleased you comprehend...”

“However.”

Im So-Byeong interjected mid-sentence, a smirk playing on his lips. “That is the scenario when one is confined by the limitations of an island’s geography.”

“...Pardon?”

Geum Yang-Baek responded, seemingly questioning Im So-Byeong’s meaning. Im So-Byeong offered a smile and further explanation. “There exists a method to perfectly satisfy all the conditions you’ve outlined. A strategy that negates any harm to the Southern Island, even without defending this very spot, ensuring the safety of disciples sent to their families, and compelling the enemy to focus all their attention exclusively on the Southern Island Sect.”

“No—where on earth could such a method exist...”

Geum Yang-Baek, who had been speaking, abruptly fell silent. The reason for his silence was that the very method Im So-Byeong was describing had simultaneously materialized in his own mind – a possibility he had never once entertained, deeming it impossible, yet one that could flawlessly meet those exact requirements.

“C-could it possibly be…?”

“Indeed.”

Im So-Byeong’s grin widened considerably. “When one’s own home is ablaze, no one spares a thought for neighboring houses.”

“...”

“The instant we lead the Southern Island Sect onto the mainland soil of the Southern Lands, they will be utterly incapable of diverting their attention to anything concerning the Southern Island.”

“Are you speaking with a sound mind?”

“Of course, my mind is perfectly lucid.”

Geum Yang-Baek’s jaw went slack. Glancing around, he observed that not only Im So-Byeong but his entire contingent wore expressions of resolute composure.

“S-so you propose that, rather than holding our ground here, we should launch an offensive into their stronghold in the Southern Lands?”

“That is correct.”

“You present this as a viable strategy? Do you even comprehend the potential ramifications of such an action...”

At that precise moment, Chung Myung interjected with a casual air. “What ramifications?”

“Are you asking as if you are unaware?”

“I mean, elucidate what would occur.”

“Good heavens! If that were to happen, then naturally…”

Geum Yang-Baek’s words halted abruptly, his mouth snapping shut before he could complete the sentence. The inevitable consequence, of course, was annihilation. Every single disciple of the Southern Island Sect who set foot on the Southern Lands soil would perish without exception. However… was that not… ‘Isn’t that precisely the same outcome as now?’ Bewildered for a fleeting moment, Geum Yang-Baek pressed his lips together tightly, falling into silence. The quiet was eventually broken by Chung Myung’s dismissive tut.

“Tsk tsk. This is why those who feign bravery are so utterly superficial.”

“...”

“You possess the fortitude to remain and await demise, yet lack the courage to sally forth, engage, and meet your end?”

Geum Yang-Baek was rendered speechless, staring blankly at Chung Myung.

“If we are destined to die regardless, let us at least do so with a resounding flourish.”

“...”

“If the Sect Leader truly wishes to demonstrate the indomitable spirit of the Southern Island, you should not be perishing here. If death is inevitable, you should seek it over there. I doubt I need to elaborate on which course of action is the more honorable.”

Unconsciously, Geum Yang-Baek clenched and unclenched his fists. The notion that this was an utterly preposterous strategy warred with the compelling reasoning that Chung Myung might, in fact, be correct, creating a turmoil within his mind.

“Then…”

Geum Yang-Baek surveyed everyone present, his expression stern. “Are you all resolved to charge into the enemy’s midst and embrace an honorable death alongside the Southern Island Sect?” He briefly pondered if the term ‘honorable death’ truly applied in this context, but for the moment, no better phrasing came to mind.

Chung Myung’s response was blunt. “No.”

“...What?”

“That is the Southern Island’s position.”

Geum Yang-Baek’s brow furrowed. If that was their stance, then what precisely was *their* position?

“Listen carefully, honored sir.”

“Sect leader.”

“Ahem. Yes. Listen closely, Sect leader. There is no path that leads merely to death; there are only paths offering a greater probability of survival.”

“...”

“Our objective is not to perish in the Southern lands.”

Chung Myung’s lips curled upwards slightly.

“We shall retrace our steps.”

“...Retrace our steps?”

“Indeed.”

Chung Myung declared with conviction.

“We will guide the Southern Island Sect back along the path we previously traversed through the Southern lands. We will rescue as many as possible and make our way to the Yangtze River.”

Geum Yang-Baek’s eyes widened to an astonishing degree.

“Should we succeed, the reputation of the Southern Island Sect will resound across the world. Even if we falter, this course is a hundredfold superior to perishing here. The crucial point is that between these two options, the one possessing even a slim chance of survival is unequivocally the route through the Southern lands.”

“H-hey, that’s...”

“If you genuinely bear the mantle of Southern Island’s Sect leader, you must not passively accept the sect’s demise—you ought to seek any viable method to preserve the Southern Island's legacy and strive onward. That is the paramount duty of a Sect leader.”

“But...”

In that instant, Chung Myung’s previously vexed expression shifted to an unnervingly serene one. A chilling sensation traced its way down Geum Yang-Baek’s spine from that cool, piercing gaze. Chung Myung spoke.

“I will carve a path forward.”

Geum Yang-Baek stood frozen, as if his feet were rooted, utterly incapable of movement. However, Baek Cheon calmly amended Chung Myung’s declaration.

“Not just you—I— *we* will forge the way.”

Chung Myung immediately gave a nod of agreement.

“Precisely. We shall carve a path forward. Therefore, the Southern Island Sect faces but a single choice: whether to embrace even the slimmest possibility and fight back, or to surrender all hope and meet an obedient end here.”

“...”

“Did you not express a desire to leave something behind?”

“...”

“Heed my words, Sect leader. Those who abandon the struggle due to perceived impossibility leave no lasting mark upon the world. Only those who exert their utmost effort until the very final moment can leave something of significance behind.”

These pronouncements struck Geum Yang-Baek with the force of a ponderous maul.

“The path has been illuminated. The sole remaining element is your decision.”

Chung Myung narrowed his eyes, fixing Geum Yang-Baek with an unwavering stare.

“What choice will the Southern Island Sect make?”

Geum Yang-Baek bit his lip, remaining silent. Chung Myung, who typically would dismantle his adversary's position with stringent logic, at this juncture simply awaited Geum Yang-Baek’s judgment, understanding that this was a path no one could be compelled to tread.

After profound deliberation, Geum Yang-Baek finally parted his heavy lips.

“From this moment forth...”

All eyes were riveted upon Geum Yang-Baek.

“What do you require of the Southern Island?”

Chung Myung's grin widened considerably. It was a response that brought him immense satisfaction.