Chapter 566
Hyun Jong was undoubtedly enduring a difficult day.
The children had excelled in the North Sea, and while that was commendable, it significantly increased his workload.
As for the remaining tasks
The end isnt far off. You have an upcoming meeting with the head of the Tang family in the Heavenly Friends Alliance, and you must finalize the North Sea trade with the head of the Eunha merchant.
Upon hearing Un Ams words, Hyun Jong exhaled a hefty sigh.
And?
The leader of Hwa-young has requested a meeting with you.
Hwa-young? Why now?
Now that our clan is well-established in Xian, talks of opening a new branch have arisen.
Ah. Is that the case?
Indeed. They suggest opening two branches simultaneously because were a bit late to the branch expansion game.
Really, it should be a simple endeavor. Why is there a need to meet?
Well, it appears that besides the Hwa-young Gate, several previous gates want to return to Mount Hua.
Hmm?
Hyun Jong furrowed his brow.
Are you referring to those who parted ways with us before?
No. They seem proud. Why would they demean themselves like that? Its believed that among the disciples of Mount Hua descendants, some aspire to make a name for themselves, inspired by the growth of Hwa-young Gate. Reports suggest theyve been in discussions with the Gate leader.
Haha. So thats the situation.
Hyun Jong ran his fingers through his beard.
If possible, the more subordinate clans, the better. Each would contribute to Mount Huas finances and strength.
Many things remain unmanageable, potentially tarnishing Mount Huas reputation. But wasnt the main sect intended to oversee such matters?
It is a nice thing.
The necessity for clan expansion has resulted in Hwa-young being inundated with disciples in Xian. Additionally, the desire of people to form their own Gates and clans implied that Mount Huas reputation was now undisputed.
Despite the non-stop activity of the day, a smile managed to curve his lips.
Thanks to the relentless efforts of our young ones, Mount Hua is prospering.
All thanks to the benevolence of our sect leader.
How could that possibly be mine? If it occurred because I was proficient, it should have unfolded in the past already.
Hyun Jong offered a smile and hoisted his teacup.
Day by day, Mount Huas renown was increasing, but Hyun Jong remained disinterested. It was clear to him that this popularity had no correlation with his abilities.
Those who claimed the expertise of others as their own were quick to become avaricious.
So, is that the only significant point?
There is another.
Hmm?
Chung Myung says he must go to the Shaolins abbot eventually
Un Am voiced these words, but Hyun Jong simply shut his eyes.
lets address that issue a bit later.
I tried, but
hold on a little longer.
Understood.
Hyun Jong let out a sigh.
He wishes to debate.
The words of the Shaolin abbot at the missions start and the reality of the situation varied significantly. Fortunately, the disciples of Mount Hua managed the situation effectively. This was an incident no sect could afford to ignore or disregard.
Sect leader.
Hmm?
If it burdens you, I will try to convince Chung Myung.
Hyun Jong tilted his head in response to Un Ams careful inquiry.
Burden?
Isnt it overwhelming to put the blame on Shaolin?
A smile spread across Hyun Jongs face as he looked at him.
Its not that.
Indeed, Shaolin is a formidable opponent. Regardless of what Mount Hua has recently achieved, can we truly compare ourselves to Shaolin?
Correct.
However, I dont want to let those considerations cloud this mission. The disciples of Mount Hua risked their lives due to incorrect information provided by Shaolin. If we dont confront them about this, Mount Hua has no right to claim superiority.
Though serene, his resolution was unwavering.
I truly wish I could rush to Shaolin immediately and engage in combat.
Then whats making you pause?
Hyun Jong remained quiet for a moment in response to Un Ams confusion, then he closed his eyes and spoke.
It might have been feasible if it were just me going
Even if Chung Myung himself perishes, he would certainly cause uproar in the whole of Shaolin. Managing that is unthinkable
No, he isnt suitable for the role either. Martial arts may be crucial, but just because he teaches martial arts doesnt qualify him to be a sect leader.
then?
Un Am spoke as if hed reached a decision.
Bypass the Un disciples and pass your position to Baek Cheon.
What!
Hyun Jongs reaction was a shout fueled by anger.
What nonsense is this! Despite perennially being the youth leading the sect, the Un disciples have protected Mount Hua for decades. How can I overlook them and give the Sect Leaders position to a mere child among the bAek disciples! Such a thing cannot occur!
Then perhaps you should assume the position. Right?
Sect Leader.
However, Un Am remained defiant, a bitter smile fixed on his face.
The Sect Leader has spent his entire life on Mount Hua.
I aspire to do the same. If you found yourself in my situation, what would you do?
You.
Hyun Jong gazed at Un Am with a sympathetic expression. Of all the inhabitants of Mount Hua, only Hyun Jong truly understood Un Ams emotions.
Therefore, reflect on this. Everything we do is for the sake of the sect.
However, the Baek disciples are still too young.
If the sect leader remains in power for another 20 years, therell be no issues.
So youre content with the current leader staying in place for twenty years? Are you suggesting a step back after that?
Step back, you say.
Un Am smiled.
I plan to be the one guiding Mount Hua. Even Baek Cheon has moments of impulsivity, but as long as I can sustain it and restrain him, he wont behave recklessly.
ugh.
When it comes to progress, Baek Cheon is unsurpassed, and for stability, Yoon Jong excels. If Baek Cheon develops Mount Hua and Yoon Jong manages it, then Mount Hua will finally become the place our Sect Leader has always dreamed of.
Un Am had already given this considerable thought. Hyun Jong sighed.
We should set that aside for now. Its too ambitious. Just too distant to contemplate at this moment.
Understood.
Un Am refrained from pressuring Hyun Jong further. However, once the situation settled, everything would return to normal.
Hyun Jong gazed at Un Am, his eyes filled with sorrow.
How could Un Am not be greedy?
The Mount Hua of the past was not the same. Everyone had previously avoided taking Hyun Jongs position, but now Mount Hua was respected as a highly reputable sect. It possessed the potential to become wealthier than any other sect in the world.
The prospect of an open sect leader position in such a sect would be tantalizing for anyone.
Yet, Un Am was relinquishing his role for the good of Mount Hua.
His emotions were a mixture of pride and melancholy.
But
Yes.
Setting that aside.
Yes, sect leader.
did you mention that Baek Cheon is the initiator and Yoon Jong is the stabilizer?
Yes. Therefore, when the time comes, Baek Cheon must pass the sect leaders baton to Yoon Jong.
No, that isnt the issue at hand.
Um?
Un Am tilted his head in confusion, not understanding why Hyun Jong was hesitating as if he was struggling to find the right words.
HeperhapsChung Myung might desire to become the sect leader
We must prevent that.
Before he could even finish his sentence, Un Am expressed his concerns. A chill of seriousness marked his voice.
His determination was such that it seemed he was ready for battle immediately.
We must utilize the full strength of Mount Hua to guide our disciples. Even if it requires imprisonment, he must be stopped!
If Baek Cheon is the one who fosters growth and Yoon Jong maintains balance, then Chung Myung will consume it all! Mount Hua will erupt!
Well, hes accomplished things well so far, hasnt he?
That is because there are the sect leader, myself, his Sasuks, and his Sahyungs, holding the reins as if on a horse. Once the reins are released, his true nature will start rushing out.
I I do not want to see his true nature coming out!
I I understand.
Hyun Jong always trusted Un Ams insight into people. Hearing him say this
Well, Chung Myung should have just tried to live a little more like a human
Hyun Jong licked his lips, shaking his head at the thoughts of Chung Myung.
Suddenly,
Hm?
Both Hyun Jong and Un Am turned towards the door as continuous noise drifted in from outside.
Whats happening?
Feeling that something was amiss, the two abruptly sprang from their seats.