Episode 1164 What should we do? (4)
‘This is it.’
Zhongli-hyung twitched his lips and looked at the back of the court, which lowered its head.
‘No way…’
At first, I thought the court had lost its mind.
How would the other factions of the Nine Faction factions accept his words that he would restore Hwasan to the Nine Faction factions and give away everything he could?
This is no different from a declaration of unconditional surrender to the Cheonwoomaeng.
However, the moment the court spoke its last words, Zhong Li-hyung was able to realize the court’s true intention.
‘There is nothing to lose.’
What kind of blow will it have to the old faction if Noklim is recognized as a political faction? Even if we recognize the factions outside of the new world as factions in the central plains, would they suddenly abandon their homeland and flock to the central plains to settle down there?
Dangga and Namgung are just returning to their original places. So, in reality, the only concession Shaolin makes is to acknowledge Hwasan.
Of course, it would not be pleasant for Shaolin to create a volcano as an antithesis to the old faction-one-party power structure that Shaolin had led alone. But….
‘It’s something that can’t even be compared to having a blind eye outside.’
no. If you think about it, building a volcano at the opposite point might not necessarily be a bad thing for Shaolin. It may be true that Shaolin has a firm position, but isn’t Shaolin clearly shaking now?
In the meantime, what if a faction that is at odds with Shaolin comes in from outside?
Other factions that do not want to lose their power to that volcano will definitely gather under Shaolin. The reason Shaolin is being attacked now is not only because of the court’s mistakes, but also because Shaolin is completely above other sects.
People want to somehow bring down the one who stands tallest.
‘But people hate it when someone overtakes them more than when they stand tall in the first place.’
No one wants to have two people standing on their head. If that happens, Shaolin will have a chance to recover its shaky position.
‘The more I think about it, the more perfect it is.’
If Hwaseong accepts this proposal, the court will instantly become a hero who united the divided political factions against the Saepaeryeon and the Demonic Cult. A hero who sacrificed himself for the world, even giving up everything he had!
What’s even more shocking is that all of this is something the court should have done. What would have flowed naturally if things had just gone as they should, ended up happening dramatically after going through many hardships.
Isn’t it true that people in the world are more interested in a dramatic conclusion like this than a natural victory? The phrase “fake fortune” exists for times like this.
‘What are you going to do, Hyeonjong?’
Jong-li-hyeong’s gaze fell on Hyeon-jong, whose complexion had hardened.
Of course, if Cheon Woo-maeng rejects this offer, it will be a waste of time, but it is difficult for that to happen. The moment you reject this offer, all of the justifications and values that Cheon Woo-maeng has put forward so far will be thrown to the ground.
And all that remains will be the assessment that the sacrifices of the common people were ignored in the pursuit of power.
But how on earth can you refuse this offer?
It is visible to Jong-ri-hyung’s eyes. The court’s dagger stuck at King Hyeonjong’s side. A dagger that pierced flesh, split bone, and even tore out a lung in one fell swoop.
“Hmm…”
It was the moment when Hyeonjong swallowed the air as if groaning in pain.
“Why… why do we have to do that? If that’s the case, Shaolin should join the Cheonwoomaeng! Even if the nine factions and the five major families enter the Heavenly Wu Alliance, won’t the same result come out?”
Jo Geol, who sensed with her senses that the situation had become strange, hurriedly shouted. This is an excessively rude remark to make to the head of Shaolin as one of the three greatest disciples of Hwasan.
However, rather than blaming such a request, the court smiled as if it was something special.
“Of course it’s possible. But that won’t work.”
“…Why?”
“Because the civilians are also the ones fighting alongside us. Which name would they be more familiar with?”
“…That…”
The court sighed.
“And it’s a shame, but the other factions of the Gu-Fail-Bang will disband the Gu-Fail-Bang and refuse to join the Cheonwoo Alliance. “That will only lead to further division.”
“Why are we the only ones…”
“That’s why I’m asking you this. “I think there is no better way.”
The court looks at those who remain.
“There is only one great principle. Let’s join forces in a better direction and save more people. If you know a better way than I think, please teach me. “If it makes sense, I will definitely follow it.”
“….”
There is no such way.
Even the people here were convinced. The method just mentioned by the court is the most powerful means to deal with those evil cults and demonic cults.
‘Fighting together with Gu File Bang?’
It almost feels stupid that I was struggling to somehow strengthen my power just a little while ago. Of course, all that work could not have been in vain, but the name of Gufile Room is big enough to make you think that way.
Tang Gunak slightly bit his lip and said.
“A little while ago, you said you would promise equal status to volcanoes. But in the end, they’re just words, aren’t they? “Is that realistically possible?”
“What makes you think it’s not possible?”
“Even if Shaolin recognizes it, other sects will not.”
The court chuckled.
“Why are you worried about that? “Then shouldn’t the people here help you?”
“….”
“The bond you have built will not disappear even if you change your affiliation. “Isn’t this support more certain than those small promises and status?”
“The old file room is a bit different….”
“Dang family head. “Nothing in this world is perfect.”
The court said, shaking its head.
“If you don’t give up anything you have and don’t give up even a single thing, harmony and compromise are just a dream.”
The court slowly turned its gaze towards Hyeonjong.
“Isn’t that so, Jang Mun-in?”
Hyeonjong stopped laughing.
Until a little while ago, he was supposed to be the leader of the Cheonwoo Alliance, so they always called him ‘Maengju’, but now they call him ‘Jangmun’ as if he is already a member of the Gupa Ilbang. This is really clever language.
“Let me ask you something, boss.”
“Ask me a question.”
“Why are you doing this?”
The court looked at Hyeonjong with unwavering eyes.
“Jang Moon-in is probably doubting my true intentions right now.”
“…Honestly, yes.”
“Then I’ll be honest with you. I’m very private, explicit and full of desire right now.”
“yes?”
“I never want to hear in future generations that one day a crazy bastard called the court went on a rampage without knowing what to do and turned the world into a den of evil factions.”
Hyeonjong flinched.
“If my words sound like scaremongering, it’s because I’m that desperate. I may not be the hero who saved the world, but I don’t want to be the traitor who threw the world into disaster. If that happens, even after death, there will be no shame in seeing Shaolin’s ancestors. “It would be better to fall into endless hell and suffer forever.”
Hyeonjong’s fingertips trembled slightly.
Although the court was just calmly revealing its true feelings, it sounded like a sharp warning to King Hyeonjong. If he rejects this offer, it is Hyeonjong who will become a traitor.
Even though I know it wasn’t my intention.
“So now I’m going to do what I was supposed to do. “No matter how fast you regret, it’s too late and what’s gone can’t be undone, but isn’t it better than not having any regrets at all?”
“…You are correct.”
Hyeonjong no longer knew.
The person sitting in front of me looked like a very poisonous snake, and on the other hand, he seemed like a monk who had abandoned all worldly attachments and attained enlightenment.
No, maybe both of those things are one thing.
‘I don’t know.’
I don’t know. Clearly, the court’s actions and goals are those of a good man, but the results of his actions are pushing Hwasan into a corner. The supreme good is oppressing him like a terrible evil.
‘Maybe… the room manager may have been like this from the beginning.’
If I think something is right, I will do my best to enforce that right. In the process, they are not afraid of sacrifice, even accepting loss of face, and patiently endure momentary humiliation.
So, this is just what the court shows on their other side so far. The only difference is that the purpose of the court has now changed to being with them.
Can you say that’s wrong?
‘What should I do?’
Everyone is looking at Hyeonjong.
The people who had been discussing Chun Yu-meng’s future so passionately just a moment ago were now just staring at his mouth with faces that did not know what to do.
Every single one of these great people here has been swayed by the court.
No, not a single thing left?
Hyeonjong’s eyes naturally turned to one person. To the one who always opened a way for him whenever he was cornered.
“It’s a volcano in one room…”
Before Hyeonjong’s gaze could even reach him, Cheongmyeong’s slow voice flowed like water through the room. That voice naturally attracted everyone’s attention.
“Well, it’s not bad. “As long as you keep everything the host says.”
“If I don’t have faith, I can at least make an oath. “Even my neck is worth the price.”
“Well, if you say it that way.”
Cheongmyeong shrugged his shoulders.
“So, the nine-file room is now the ten-file room? “The name doesn’t really matter.”
The court burst out laughing.
“What’s so important about a name? Although ‘Gupileilbang’ refers to ten sects, it has long since become a symbol in itself. So even if there are 11 factions in one faction, people in the world will understand.”
“what. That may be so.”
Cheongmyeong folds his arms and shakes his head.
“Bangjang.”
“Why are you doing that?”
“You’re more amazing than I thought. “Honestly, I never imagined it would go this far.”
The court smiled at those words.
“Seeing as the Hwasan Sword Association of the World said this, it seems like I made a good suggestion.”
“I love it so much I almost want to dance. “When did you start thinking about it?”
“I just put it down and saw it.”
“…Should I at least believe in Buddhism?”
Cheongmyeong shook his head as if he couldn’t win. The court, which had been watching the scene intently, spoke again.
“So what are you going to do? “What is the answer?”
“…I can’t think of a way to refuse. Honestly, if I don’t get this, Hwasan will be cursed all over the world and then his stomach will explode and he will die.”
“Because it’s just the right thing to do. “Isn’t that right?”
“…That justification and degree are the swords I used, but I never thought the head of the house would wield them.”
Cheongmyeong clicked his tongue loudly and slightly raised both hands. It’s like surrendering.
“Then is it okay if I accept it?”
“Well, that should be it. “I don’t know what will happen later, but for now, the priority is to answer positively and try to discuss it.”
“okay. I also don’t expect an immediate answer here. “Please take your time and think about it.”
His confidence was evident in his smile in the courtroom. Cheongmyeong looked at him like that and said.
“But before that, let me ask you one question.”
“Something?”
“You said a little while ago that it was to save at least one more person, right? “You gave up everything for that?”
“That’s right.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course it is.”
“Oh yeah?”
Cheongmyeong smiled. The moment when two people’s smiling eyes meet each other.
“Then what are you going to do with the Haenam faction?”
“…Haenampa?”
“Yes, Haenam school. “The Haenam faction is surrounded by Sapaeryeon at the end of Gangnam.”
“….”
“Let’s listen to that and decide. “Tell me what you are going to do with them.”
Those who were holding their breath on the spot saw clearly at that moment the cold, cold eyes of Cheongmyeong penetrating the courtroom.
