Return of the Mount Hua Sect Chapter 1251: And It Is To Live! (1)

“Commander!”

A frantic man burst into the hushed main hall. However, the individual meticulously reviewing ledgers, piled high like a mountain on the desk, didn't even spare a glance for the intrusion.

“Commander.”

“Wait a moment.”

The man who had bowed remained in silent anticipation.

As the solitary candle consumed itself, the man poring over the documents concluded his work, signing a ledger with a delicate brush before closing it.

“Approve these documents and dispatch them.”

“Yes, Commander.”

The subordinate standing nearby responded with practiced politeness.

“Summon those who prepared these ledgers and confine them separately in the prison.”

“Understood, Commander.”

“Especially…”

Ho Ga-Myung flung the ledger he held onto the desk.

“The one accountable for these ledgers: cripple his dantian, sever the tendons throughout his body, then immure him in the subterranean prison. Confiscate his family’s assets by force. Should any resist, they shall suffer the identical punishment.”

“If they are cast into the prison in such a state, they will not endure long.”

“Oh? Perhaps I misspoke. In that case, before they succumb to their fate within the prison, drag them out and execute them. I will not permit them to perish while bearing our shame.”

“...Your command shall be executed!”

Ho Ga-Myung, the military commander of the Four Sects Alliance, closed his eyes and gently pressed his temple.

“People are truly perplexing. What do they hold in higher regard, their lives or a small sum of money?”

Even though they are acutely aware that embezzling the clan’s resources portends a dire execution, and despite the not insignificant number who have met that very end, the slightest opportunity finds them repeating their treacherous acts.

Though he himself belonged to an Evil Sect, he was utterly weary of such individuals.

But what recourse was there? This was the path he had chosen.

Ho Ga-Myung slowly reopened his eyes and uttered, “Report.”

“Yes, Commander! Preparations for departure are finalized.”

“It is late.”

“...I have no excuses for my oversight.”

Ho Ga-Myung’s gaze drifted towards the vast expanse of the open sea. A cerulean sky, devoid of clouds, came into view. The tempest had only recently subsided, and the waves still swelled, yet this should present no substantial impediment to their voyage.

“Southern Island…”

Ho Ga-Myung slowly rose from his seat.

“There is no benefit in prolonging this. Embark the troops.”

“Yes!”

The messenger bowed deeply and hastened outside. Ho Ga-Myung cast a fleeting glance at the unprocessed papers, then abandoned them to proceed.

‘I will address Southern Island first and then return to conclude this; that should suffice.’

It should not require an extensive duration.

However…

“Mun Bang.”

“Yes, Commander.”

“Are there any reports concerning movements from the Nine Great Sects or the Heavenly Friends Alliance?”

“The last surveillance was conducted three days ago, and up until that point, no significant movements were detected.”

From their current position on the Yangtze River, reaching this location within three days would be impossible by any conventional means.

“Regarding the Nine Great Sects, perhaps, but even the Heavenly Friends Alliance…”

A subtle, scornful smirk flickered across Ho Ga-Myung’s lips.

“They would be incapable of accomplishing much, would they not?”

“Indeed, they would.”

“…Pardon?”

Ho Ga-Myung inquired calmly.

“Had they been aware of our undertaking, they would have intervened. Such is their nature.”

“But our current location…”

“Whether it be Southern Island or elsewhere, it is of little consequence. At the very least, they would have initiated hostilities along the Yangtze to impede our consolidation here. Their inaction signifies they received no intelligence of our departure.”

Ho Ga-Myung swiftly revised his assessment of the Heavenly Friends Alliance. Their intelligence network was demonstrably less capable than he had initially presumed, especially concerning the Southern Lands.

‘The Nine Great Sects? No, those scoundrels, even if they were aware, would never have relayed the information to the Heavenly Friends Alliance. Or perhaps… if they knew, they would have deliberately leaked the intel to pit the Heavenly Friends Alliance and the Four Sects Alliance against each other. That old fox would certainly orchestrate such a scheme.’

As his thoughts processed this, Mun Bang’s perplexed voice reached his ears.

“…I confess, Commander, I do not fully comprehend. If one were to ascertain the connection to Southern Island, it lies with the Nine Great Sects, does it not? Why then would the Heavenly Friends Alliance involve themselves? What would they stand to gain from such an action?”

Ho Ga-Myung offered no reply. There was no necessity to articulate his reasoning for their understanding. His role was to evaluate and decide; their sole duty was to execute his commands.

‘If their actions were purely driven by personal gain, they would not undertake such convoluted measures.’

What made them unsettling was the absence of any discernible principle guiding their actions. They might possess their own motivations, but from his perspective, their logic remained elusive.

Only Jang Ilso appeared capable of factoring even their unpredictable movements into his calculations, but…

‘This is not the paramount concern at present.’

Setting that thought aside, Ho Ga-Myung quickened his stride.

In any event, the events unfolding at Southern Island would serve as a stark and potent warning, unequivocal evidence of the fate awaiting those who dared to defy the Four Sects Alliance.

Therefore, the matter must be resolved with absolute finality and ruthless efficiency.

“Regardless of their subsequent actions, the outcome remains the same: the Nine Great Sects and the Heavenly Friends Alliance will only learn of a burning Southern Island Sect.”

This conviction fueled his personal intervention.

“Complete all preparations within an hour. We depart for Southern Island.”

“Yes! Commander!”

“Sahyung. Wasn’t the purpose of our gathering to be an expulsion ceremony?”

“...I believed so as well.”

“Then why are those individuals positioned over there in such a manner?”

“Who can say?”

Unaware of the unfolding situation, the disciples of Southern Island regarded the envoys from the Heavenly Friends Alliance with bewilderment.

Indeed, the scene presented a perplexing sight to them.

While an expulsion ceremony might not necessitate absolute secrecy, it seemed peculiar to conduct it so openly.

Whether a disciple faced expulsion for transgressions or chose to depart the Sect willingly, such events invariably carried an element of disgrace for the Sect itself.

“Weren’t they simply departing after concluding their meal?”

“They are insisting on witnessing the expulsion ceremony before their departure?”

“...That defies logic.”

Yet, no one dared to voice strong criticism of those who had intruded upon the proceedings, for standing among them, undeniably, were the envoys of the Heavenly Friends Alliance, accompanied by Southern Island’s own Sect Leader, Geum Yang-Baek.

At times, a single gesture conveys more than a thousand words. Geum Yang-Baek’s presence alongside them served as irrefutable evidence of the Sect’s tacit approval of their behavior.

“Great Sahyung. Have you obtained any information from them?”

Those unable to fathom the circumstances ultimately turned to Gwak Hwan-So, as he was the last known individual to have conferred with the visitors.

“The Sect Leader will provide an explanation.”

“Yes?”

“For the present, observe patience.”

“...Understood.”

Despite their lingering suspicions, they could not press further; the current atmosphere rendered even casual conversation awkward.

‘This is incomprehensible.’

Lee Ja-Yang’s brow furrowed. He had consistently felt that visitors to Southern Island often overstepped their bounds.

What sort of occasion was this? Was it a venue for instilling guilt in those who were leaving the Sect? No, that was not the intent.

This was meant to be a solemn moment for those who had pledged to defend Southern Island, a chance to look upon the departing and fortify their final resolve.

The occasion ought to be marked by purity, and the intrusion of such extraneous elements inevitably fostered discomfort.

‘They say the young martial artists of the Heavenly Friends Alliance are all prodigies of the realm.’

It appears the common saying that rumors are unreliable holds true. Mere martial prowess does not equate to being a prodigy, especially when such individuals lack even basic decorum.

As Lee Ja-yang struggled to quell his disquiet, Geum Yang-Baek ascended the platform.

The disciples of Southern Island Sect straightened, offering a respectful greeting to their leader.

Surveying the assembled disciples from the platform, Geum Yang-Baek began to address them.

“Today… an expulsion ceremony for those departing the Southern Island Sect was initially scheduled.”

‘Initially?’ Those who sensed an anomaly perked up at Geum Yang-Baek’s subsequent words.

“However, we shall forgo the expulsion ceremony. Instead!”

Geum Yang-Baek declared with unwavering resolve, his gaze fixed upon his disciples.

“I shall reveal to you all the grand strategy to confront the invaders of the Four Sects Alliance!”

Lee Ja-Yang’s expression tightened.

‘What is he suddenly speaking of?’

A course of action to address the invaders had already been determined…

“I, Geum Yang-Baek! As the Sect Leader of Southern Island, will personally lead the disciples of Southern Island Sect to the southern territories they now occupy.”

The sheer impact of this declaration struck every Southern Island disciple with the force of a thunderbolt.

“What?”

“Wait, Sect Leader!”

“To Southern Island?”

Certainly, the possibility that their leader might choose a different path had been contemplated; at this juncture, they might set sail upon the vast ocean, embracing either life or death.

But the southern territories? Who, in their right mind, would flee a fearsome tiger only to voluntarily enter its den?

Geum Yang-Baek, however, did not pause for their understanding and continued.

“Furthermore! The envoys of the Heavenly Friends Alliance presently gathered here will also make their way to the southern lands alongside the Southern Island Sect.”

All eyes then shifted towards the individuals standing below the platform. Amidst the multitude of gazes, they remained composed, as if affirming the veracity of Geum Yang-Baek’s pronouncements.

“Now, Sect Leader. Why this abrupt change in…”

“I am not compelling anyone!”

Geum Yang-Baek’s voice boomed.

“We dispense with the expulsion ceremony because a public expulsion might represent an insurmountable choice for some. Those who lack the resolve to face the ultimate fate of the Southern Island Sect are permitted to remain on this island. You shall live if you choose this path.”

“...”

“However!”

Geum Yang-Baek clenched his jaw and roared.

“All who stand united with Southern Island until the very end! All who are willing to risk their lives to forge a new path, follow me! We shall break through into the southern territories, strike at the enemy’s core, and proceed towards the Yangtze River. There, we shall continue our confrontation with the treacherous Four Sects Alliance, not on Southern Island itself, but along the Yangtze!”

“...”

“Those who place their faith in me!”

Geum Yang-Baek proclaimed, his gaze sweeping across the assembled disciples.

“And for those who cannot bear to part with the name Southern Island Sect, step forward! I will gladly make the journey across the sea with you. We shall proclaim to the world that the spirit of Southern Island endures!”

Amidst a profound silence, the disciples of the Southern Island Sect could only gaze at Geum Yang-Baek. His declaration throbbed with unyielding conviction, yet lacked a clear rationale, leaving them at a loss for a response.

Then, the quiet Gwak Hwan-So slowly advanced, turning to face Geum Yang-Baek.

“Disciple Gwak Hwan-So has one humble question for the sect leader.”

“Speak!”

With a respectful salute, Gwak Hwan-So’s voice rang out with clarity.

“Sect Leader, what is your reasoning for choosing to battle in the Southern lands instead of remaining here?”

Geum Yang-Baek drew a deep breath before responding:

“Some contend that fishermen possess an innate understanding and acceptance of the sea's ways.”

“...”

“What are your thoughts? Is this assertion accurate?”

A few disciples shook their heads.

“No. Not in the slightest. The surest method of harmonizing with the sea is to abstain from venturing upon it. If one never sails, one cannot be claimed by a capricious ocean! Had this been the case, many of Southern Island’s tragedies might have been averted.”

Geum Yang-Baek’s eyes blazed with resolute determination as he proclaimed,

“Yet, we still venture out. Fully aware of the perils, knowing we might never return, we still set sail and cast our nets. This is the path of the combatant, the way of those who resist!”

Every soul present was a descendant of those who grappled with the sea; none here could fail to grasp the profound truth in Geum Yang-Baek’s words.

“To us, the Southern lands are akin to a tempestuous ocean. So, should we drop anchor and languish, gazing upon the waves? Should we accept oblivion simply because sailing into a storm is deemed foolhardy?”

Absolutely not. No one from Southern Island, at least, would do so.

“You ask why we head into the Southern lands?”

Geum Yang-Baek inhaled deeply and boomed his reply,

“To fight! And to live! Even if it appears utterly reckless, those who dwell by the sea understand that nothing is more foolish than remaining idle and awaiting death!”

Geum Yang-Baek’s gaze shifted towards the contingent from the Heavenly Friends Alliance, positioned to the side.

“They served as a potent reminder of something I myself had forgotten. Truths that we, the seafaring folk, should have grasped from the outset were reawakened by these terrestrial visitors. If our desire is truly to protect, if our aspiration is genuinely to live, we must rise and combat!”

Finally, Geum Yang-Baek’s gaze settled upon Gwak Hwan-So.

“Therefore, I shall depart. No matter how formidable the Four Sects Alliance may be, they pale in comparison to the terrifying might of a raging sea.”

Gwak Hwan-So gave a slow nod before drawing the sword from his side.

“My father, too, never returned from the sea.”

“...”

“In my youth, filled with bitterness, I harbored resentment towards him. But… I am now of an age where I bear responsibility for others, and I have come to comprehend my father’s decision. Sometimes, one must embrace danger.”

The eyes of the two men locked in mid-air.

“If the sect leader intends to march towards the Southern lands–”

Gwak Hwan-So extended the sword he held.

“Disciple Gwak Hwan-So, as a son of the Southern Island Sect, I shall tread that path!”