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The majority currently occupying Plum Blossom Island are water fortress pirates, but on the contrary, they have already lost their momentum. On the other hand, the disciples of Mount Hua and Tang Family who had penetrated into their ranks were pressing Jang Ilso around Hyun Jong with strict force.

In other words, it was Jang Ilso who was actually surrounded.

Nevertheless, the moment he faced Jang Ilso, Hyun Jong felt as if his body was caught in a typhoon.

A feeling he already felt once in the past during the founding ceremony of Heavenly Comrade Alliance.

But the sensation he felt now was bigger and more intense than then. To the extent that doubts suddenly arose as to whether he was worthy for him to stand against Jang Ilso.

Maengju of Heavenly Comrade Alliance. And Mount Hua’s Sect Leader.

The name certainly deserves to stand alone in Ryeonju of Evil Tyrant Alliance. However, Hyun Jong as a martial artist was too small to face off against Jang Ilso.

That’s why he remained silent.

Even when Jang Ilso, who boldly entered Plum Blossom Island alone, negotiated with Chung Myung, not with him, Hyun Jong remained silent. Because he felt it was more appropriate.

But… Chung Myung did not hesitate to send Jang Ilso to him. As if it was Hyun Jong who had to deal with him.

‘Chung Myung said this to the children over and over again.’

Those who wield swords must understand the weight of the sword in their hands. They must never forget that what they hold is a weapon meant to take lives.

Those obvious statement struck Hyun Jong once again.

Chung Myung said. That he’s the sword of Mount Hua.

If he were a sword, it would be an extremely sharp one. So much so that there is nothing to compare in the world. If so, Hyun Jong, who held that sword in his hand, must also understand its weight.

That means…

Hyun Jong glanced at Chung Myung. He is still looking at him with an unwavering gaze.

‘That probably means that I also qualified to hold that sword in my hand.’

That probably wasn’t Chung Myung’s intention. But at least Hyun Jong felt that way. Because that was a burden he had always felt.

The current Mount Hua is by no means the same sect as it was in the past.

He, who has earned the undeserved title of Mount Hua’s Sect Leader just by persevering, naturally needs more than in the past.

‘Can I afford it?’

These sharp swords?

Not just limited to Chung Myung. The swords named Baek Cheon, the sword called Yoo Iseol, and even swords called Yoon Jong and Jo-Gol… Does he really have the ability to wield all of the swords of Mount Hua properly?

There is nothing more dangerous in the world than a blind sword. Holding a sword that is beyond one’s status might be akin to a curse. Both for him and for the swords he wields.

Before he could answer all these questions, Jang Ilso opened his mouth.

“Should I address you as Myeongju? Or…?”

“Just Sect Leader is sufficient.”

Hyun Jong drew the line.

Tang Family was present. The moment his title becomes Maengju, Hyun Jong’s decision would also determine the will of Tang Family. That was not what Hyun Jong wanted.

But at that moment, the corners of Jang Ilso’s mouth curved up.

“Humility is a good thing.”

“…”

“Unless it’s cowardice.”

Hyun Jong quietly closed his eyes.

If the person standing here was Bop Jeong, he might have felt insulted. If it had been Namgung Hwang, he would have been furious, and even if it was Tang Gun-ak who did not easily show his emotions, he would have exuded killing intent.

But, oddly enough, Hyun Jong did not feel any anger at Jang Ilso’s words. He had experienced too much to feel humiliated by a single remark from Jang Ilso, and the gap between him and Jang Ilso was too vast. Rather, perhaps that’s why he could remain calm.

“My vessel isn’t that great.”.”

Jang Ilso slightly raised his eyebrows at the calm voice. As if she hadn’t expected that answer at all.

He stared at Hyun Jong for a long time in silence, then slowly nodded his head.

“…Very well, Sect Leader.”

There was not the slightest hint of hostility on Jang Ilso’s smiling face.

Some might perceive it as a pretense, and others might be wary of the malice hidden behind that smile. However, Hyun Jong accepted that smile for what it was.

Jang Ilso is a person who isn’t even conscious of Hyun Jong’s existence. There is no need for such a person to show hostility towards Hyun Jong.

Hyun Jong was accustomed to this.

Before Chung Myung came to Mount Hua, he was the Sect Leader of Mount Hua where only the sect’s name was left. Those who met him always smiled. Human hostility begins with a threat. Towards someone who poses no threat, humans can afford to be endlessly gentle.

That’s why… that smile was as much rightful as it was painful to Hyun Jong.

“As Ryeonju of Evil Tyrant Alliance, I would like to formally request to Sect Leader of Mount Hua. I hope you will show mercy to Black Dragon King, the vice leader of Evil Tyrant Alliance, who is being suppressed by Mount Hua.”

Hyun Jong fell silent at Jang Ilso’s words.

He glanced sideways as if seeking an answer, but Chung Myung still remained expressionless. This wasn’t like Chung Myung, who always tried to communicate his intentions through expressions whenever there was a decision to be made. He just looks at Hyun Jong with an expression that doesn’t suit him.

He held his sword to Black Dragon King’s neck as if he was merely carrying out a decision.

Hyun Jong took a deep breath and looked at Jang Ilso.

“I will return the question that my disciple asked to Ryeonju.”

“… … .”

“Why should we let Black Dragon King go as Ryeonju said?”

“The reason is simple.”

Jang Ilso looked directly at Hyun Jong with a slightly dark gaze.

“Because that is the only way for Mount Hua, Tang Family, and Namgung Family to get out of this island safely.”

A low sigh escaped Hyun Jong’s mouth.

Actually, if you think about it, this isn’t really wrong.

Black Dragon King was clearly subdued. However, much of water fortress’ power, except for Black Dragon King, is still largely intact. If Black Dragon King were to lose his life, they would likely follow Jang Ilso’s commands next.

Logically, there should be some confusion in the command transition, but….

‘If the opponent is Jang Ilso, something like that’s unlikely to happen.’

The reputation of Ryeonju of Evil Tyrant Alliance, and even the reputation of Paegun. Jang Ilso is now a symbol of Evil Sects. If Jang Ilso were to command water fortress in place of Black Dragon King, a situation could arise where morale would increase.

Moreover, there is no way that Jang Ilso had not prepared for this situation in advance.

Thus in the end, in order to get out of this island, they have to deal with the remnants of water fortress and Myriad Man Manor, who have yet to act so far, at the same time.

And now, haven’t they even lost all their footing?

Hyun Jong’s gaze drifted unconsciously across the river.

If Shaolin on the riverside moves, it could be a fight worth fighting….

‘That too is difficult to hope for.’

Hyun Jong had a hunch. Shaolin will not move.

If they had intended to join forces, they should have acted before the situation deepened, when Mount Hua reached the island. Having missed their moment, they would only observe.

“Are you saying that if we let go of Black Dragon King, you will let us return to Gangbuk?”

“Of course.”

Jang Ilso answered with a gentle smile.

There’s no need to question the truth of his words.

It is not because Hyun Jong trusts Jang Ilso. Rather, if there were a list of people who trust Jang Ilso the least, one of them would be Hyun Jong.

But that’s precisely why it’s believable.

A great liar does not lie about small things. Those who deceive the world are usually truthful in everyday matters.

From Hyun Jong’s perspective, the life of the Black Dragon King is no small matter. However, from Jang Ilso’s point of view, it is definitely not big enough to undermine the world’s trust in him.

“What will you do?”

Jang Ilso gently pressured Hyun Jong.

“Would you like to release Black Dragon King and return home? Or….”

Jang Ilso’s fingernail slowly grazed his lips.

“Here.”

At that moment, when the nail left his lip, an eerie voice came out his mouth.

“Shall I kill everyone here?”

This was a blatant threat. A threat that sent chills down one’s spine.

Hyun Jong forcibly suppressed his racing heart.

Should they cut Black Dragon King’s head and target Jang Ilso for the sake of Chivalrousness?

Or, for the safety of Mount Hua, Tang Family, and Namgung Family, should they leave him alive, and retreat as is?

This is probably a problem that no one in the world can easily decide.

But….

Hyun Jong looked at the disciples of Mount Hua. Everyone was looking at him with eyes full of trust.

No matter what comes out of his mouth, they will simply believe and follow, and even if the price of that choice is their death, their eyes show that they’re willing to accept it.

Those who stand in the position of representing Mount Hua should take that look in their eyes for granted. To do so, one must be a greater person.

But….

A faint smile formed on Hyun Jong’s lips.

‘I am a small person.’

After acknowledging that fact, he felt at ease. He might not be the great person they hoped for.

That’s why he knew. He didn’t know what choice Sect Leader of Mount Hua had to make, but it was crystal clear what choice Hyun Jong had to make.

Hyun Jong took one last look at Chung Myung.

‘Will it be okay?’

A small smile appeared on Chung Myung’s lips as he understood the true meaning of those gazes. It is as if he was saying that was enough.

Hyun Jong finally took a deep breath and looked at Jang Ilso.

No matter how determined he was, Jang Ilso was still an overwhelming presence.

However, there is no need for Hyun Jong to be greater than Jang Ilso.

“Right….”

Jang Ilso slightly tilted his head.

“Have you made your decision, Sect Leader?”

Facing that still gentle smile, Hyun Jong calmly opened his mouth.

“Ryeonju-nim.”

“Please tell me.”

“Mount Hua….”

After a brief pause, Hyun Jong spoke firmly.

“I will not accept Ryeonju-nim’s offer.”

At that moment, Jang Ilso stood tall and froze completely.

Jang Ilso’s gaze, which had completely stopped, as if he had forgotten to breathe or was frozen, fixed on Hyun Jong.

But that was only for a moment, and then his face contorted terribly. It was truly a dramatic change.

“…What did you just say?”

As Jang Ilso growled, throwing off the formalities he had worn like fancy robes, Mount Hua’s sword warriors who had been guarding Hyun Jong’s back stepped forward in unison.

The negotiation had broken down.

A terrifying look of killing intent appeared on Jang Ilso’s face.

Right then.

“However…”

Hyun Jong continued in a still calm voice.

“We will release Black Dragon King.”

Jang Ilso stared at Hyun Jong intently. He failed to immediately understand Hyun Jong’s thoughts.

“Please remember this.”

“…What?”

“Mount Hua does not negotiate with Evil Tyrant Alliance.”

“….”

“Nevertheless, the reason we are letting Black Dragon King go is because it was our intention to do so from the beginning.”

“It was your intention?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

When Hyun Jong slowly turned his gaze, at the end of it was Namgung Dowi, who was tightly gripping his sword until his hands turned white.

“Because this revenge is not for Mount Hua’s to achieve.”

“…”

“Mount Hua came at Namgung’s request. It was not to elevate our fame, nor to shake Kangho. We simply could not turn away from a single person’s request.”

For a moment, Jang Ilso looked at Hyun Jong blankly, as if he had been struck on the back of his head. This might be the first time such an expression had ever crossed his face.

“So, it is appropriate that revenge on Black Dragon King be carried out in the name of Namgung. Mount Hua has no right to steal that opportunity.”

“…..”

“So, we will release Black Dragon King. And Paegun, please leave now. This is not the place for you or us to step forward.”

“Ha… Haha…”

At that moment, Jang Ilso’s face became strangely distorted. It seemed like he was laughing, disheartened, and angry, all at once.

Jang Ilso, who was looking at Hyun Jong as if he had seen a ghost, slowly turned his head.

Chung Myung.

He was smiling brightly while looking at Jang Ilso.