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Kim Yang Baek, the leader of Southern Island Sect, had passed away. His body was not in a good state since they broke out from the fight in the canyon, yet he preserved until they passed through Yangtze river. It was the preservation and the last will of Southern Island Sect Leader to successfully send his disciples out of danger.
Guo Hansuo clenched his fist. He chewed his inner cheek as he bowed before the cold body laid in front of him.
Few elders joined the Sect Leader, for they had received blow after blow, poisoned, injured but without a moment of respite to tend their wounds; they had to continuously guard the weaker disciples.
The number of surviving elders could only be counted by hand. A devastating blow for a Sect that was considered part of the Ten Great Sect.
But the disciples of Southern Island Sect, though mourned for their loss, didn't look lost; like a flower who had withered yet once again bloomed in the circle of life; through their journey to cross the river, they had turned from swordsman to warrior. They will never forget the sacrifice they had to make.
Countless footsteps emerged from the door of their temporary residences. They now resided in one of Heavenly Comrade Alliance's buildings. They were given spaces to rest, recuperate, sort out their internal structures and discuss what they should do from now on.
Guo Hansuo, Lee Ziyang and the rest of Southern Island Sect disciples straighten their backs. They approached the coming people, with hands clasped in front of their chest, they bowed and expressed their respect.
“We have been greatly indebted to Heavenly Comrade Alliance.”
Who would have thought that the people from alliances not only broke through to find them, but even helped them to survive until now? Guo Hansuo knew that even though the Southern Island Sect had many losses, the same goes to Heavenly Comrade Alliance. He heard that Mount Hua’s Divine Dragon laid unconscious for the fourth day now; it was given when considering how much he had suffered to protect them.
If it wasn't for Divine Dragon, perhaps he wouldn't even be alive right now.
Hyun Jong looked at the face of the Southern Island Sect with a complex look. Behind him, few leaders of the other sect followed and none of them spoke harshly despite their animosity to the Ten Great Sect.
Perhaps, it was because Southern Island Sect had been too far from the others, their position was almost similar to Outer Palace. Perhaps, it was because what Abbot had spoken out to them when they had just crossed the river—a needed sacrifice. But who would be willing to sacrifice their disciples, their brothers in arms, their teachers?
Hyun Jong pulled Guo Hansuo’s arm, stopping him from bowing any further. “Please, you have lost too much. If we had come faster, perhaps Sect Leader would still be here.”
But Guo Hansuo didn't retreat nor did he straighten his back. “No, even if Heavenly Comrade Alliance had come early, the situation would not change.”
Because they would cling to the hope that Ten Great Sect would come to rescue them.
Because they couldn't let go of the prestige they had achieved by luck.
And this was the result of it.
But Guo Hansuo’s heart didn't feel burdened by the fact anymore. A man should accept his mistake, a Sect should mourn and continue forward, they have to learn and change.
He was the most possible candidate to be the next Sect Leader, and Southern Island Sect’s disciples had discussed it prior to this day, coming into consensus on many things. There was no resistance in accepting Guo Hansuo as the new Sect Leader, and the decision onward to Heavenly Comrade Alliance. Therefore, Guo Hansuo’s bowed deeper and speak firmly:
“We, Southern Island Sect, would like to hereby formally request to join Heavenly Comrade Alliance, and vacate the seat of Ten Great Sect immediately.”
Murmurs from Heavenly Comrade Alliance’s disciples were heard, but the faces of Hyun Jong, Meng So, Tang Gunak, and the rest of elders did not show any sign of surprise.
They, too, understood that this decision would come sooner or later. If they were in the position of Southern Island Sect, would they even hold themselves back from leaving Ten Great Sect?
If the injury of many disciples were not more important to tend first, they would have jumped on the spot when Abbot uttered such ridiculous words.
In a sense, they had been very patient. Tang Gunak imagined if Chung Myung was awakened during that moment, he would have bashed Abbot’s head at once.
But to officially enter Heavenly Comrade Alliance was not decided by a single or few leaders here.
Still, Hyun Jong nodded, accepting the formal request. “Once the Prince of Ice Palace, Im Sobyeong and Chung Myung has recover, we’ll push forward the discussion for Southern Island Sect’s membership to the alliance.”
Only after hearing these words, did Guo Hansuo’s head raise. There were many bruised on his face and all over his body; the same went for the other disciples; but it was as if a massive burden had been lifted from their shoulder, Guo Hansuo shouted at once, “On behalf of all Southern Island Sect, we are eternally grateful that you will consider us.”
Southern Island Sect had once rejected this proposal. Although the ten heroes did not seem to have a means to report back immediately, it was safe to assume that the other sect leaders should have known by now.
To refuse and to plead to join again, it was a shameful act that Southern Island Sect wouldn't even consider to do in the past.
But what was pride in the face of death? They had long died when they decided to leave the island and lived a new lease of life thanks to Heavenly Comrade Alliance’s assistance.
In a way, every breath they could take now was thanks to Heavenly Comrade Alliance—and particularly, Chung Myung.
Hyun Jong’s heart felt heavy, because he could see the overlapping image of Guo Hansuo with the past him. Rising to the position of Sect Leader when the situation of the Sect had dried, just like Namgung Dowi.
But at least, there will be someone who is willing to come to their help. Not someone, but everyone in Heavenly Comrade Alliance. Just like how Chung Myung was a blessing to Mount Hua.
No, thinking about it, why is it that that brat seems to attract those kinds of people… Hyun Jong mused to himself as he moved forth to pay respect and chatted with the disciples and elders of Southern Island Sect.
***
Guo Hansuo had expected some of the sect leaders would resist their decision. At least superficially to keep their face. Isn't that what Ten Great Sect often did whenever they gathered together to discuss anything?
But what he didn't expect was that almost every sect leader agreed with Southern Island Sect membership.
Except for one man.
“You want to joiiiinnnnnnnn usssssss? After you refuseeeee ussss?” Chung Myung looked at Guo Hansuo with an annoyed face, as though saying: I have picked up a dog and now I have to feed it.
“Do you think we are a garbage that you can throw and pick out of wil—hnnmnphh!”
Baek Cheon covered Chung Myung mouth, stopping him from speaking any further.
“Can't you read the mood, you fucker!”
“No, mmphh! Sasuk— they are the one!”
The heroic man who had blocked attack after attack for them was nowhere to be seen.
Hyun Jong coughed to attract attention back, while Meng So was barking laughs seeing how lively Chung Myung was. Even Tang Gunak had a small smile on his mouth.
Since the reorganization of Tang family, there had been a subtle change happening to Tang Gunak.
Im Sobyeong spread out and covered half of his lower face with paper fans.
“Given that we have brought them here with literal sweat and blood, we should accepted them, but—”
His paper fan retreated back to its original form and slapped on Im Sobyeong's hands. With a smile, he said, “Heavenly Comrade Alliance can't simply accept you guys for free, can't we? I recalled that Baek Cheon said he will ask for interest once everyone is safe and sound.”
All attention were directed to Baek Cheon who was 'battling’ with Chung Myung, “No, I did said that but—ahhgh!”
His hand was bitten by Chung Myung. Chung Myung jumped from his seat and pointed finger, “That's right! These brats escaped from their own home, bringing nothing but their body! Aren't they no different than beggars now?”
Yoon Jong pushed Chung Myung's head to the table, and Guo Hansuo sweated looking over everything.
Shouldn't meetings be more dignified? More serious? Where people pretend to be calm outside but furiously cursing inside, instead of expressing their real intention?
For a moment there, he suddenly questioned Southern Island Sect's decision to join Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
Unable to sit quietly after being accused as beggars, Lee Ziyang who stood behind Guo Hansuo spoke, “Although we have indeed left our home, it doesn't mean we are penniless! Due to geographic location, we have many merchant connections and business even outside the islands. As long as we can contact those who are in charge, it is not difficult to regain resources to rebuild Southern Island Sect!”
Though, it was also thanks to Plum Blossom Island that they managed to keep the connection despite being cut off by half of Central Plain.
Guo Hansuo coughed, “That’s right. We'll never be and never want to be a burden to the alliance. In fact, we should have compensated the alliance, particularly Mount Hua's Divine Dragon.”
Hearing the last few words, the Five Sword's face visibly paled. Guo Hansuo unfortunately did not understand the weight of the words he had uttered.
There were smiles coming from Im Sobyeong, and Namgung Dowi seated behind him flinched. He knew what that smile meant. It was an identical smile as Chung Myung when extorting someone else. Didn't he also fall for it?
“Wai—”, but Im Sobyeong cut off Namgung Dowi's words mercilessly.
“Oh? How much are you willing to reward us?”
Guo Hansuo acted quickly. Lee Ziyang handed over a list similar to that of ledger to Im Sobyeong. That was what Southern Island Sect had also agreed upon.
Before Im Sobyeong could even touched it, he felt a kick right on his left stomach and his body flew to the nearest wall.
“How dare this bandit robbed people in daylight!”
No, no matter where one looked, you looked more like a bandit kicking an official.
Though, to be fair, Im Sobyeong looked like an official receiving a bribe.
There was not a moment of peace in the alliance when Chung Myung was around.
***
The matter of compensation was easily handled. Southern Island Sect would not back down if they didn't properly deliver it over; and Heavenly Comrade Alliance had no reason to refused; even though there were resistance from youngster, saying that they did as they should as fellow martial art practitioners, but all was brutally retorted by Chung Myung saying medicines and pills for recovery was not cheap like grains and nuts.
Not to mention, they have decided to centralized Heavenly Comrade Alliance to a single place, so any funds were welcomed.
Tang Gunak cleared his throat. “Since the compensation had been settled, I believe no one would disagree with accepting Southern Island Sect to the alliance?”
Though they had agreed to make Chung Myung as the chief and they would follow his order, the membership of the alliance was a separate matter.
But, in fact, everyone knew that there was no way they were going to refuse Southern Island Sect. Not only because they had sent disciple from each sect to rescue them, but also because they wouldn't want to miss the chance to hit Abbot from the back of his head.
Abbot had spread news about Heavenly Comrade Alliance disregarded greater goods, prioritizing their own ally; but how about Abbot who disregarded his own ally and even wanted to sacrifice them?
Everyone looked at Chung Myung who was tapping his cheek.
He blinked when everyone suddenly turned to see him and sigh.
Oh, he inwardly muttered, he forgot that he could no longer be a sword but someone who was forced to wield many swords at once.
Though it gave him more freedom to move after he thought about it, it meant he had more responsibility to shoulder.
Chung Myung looked at Guo Hansuo and Lee Ziyang.
“Since everyone has already agreed, there is no reason to reject them.”
“But!”
“We still have to think on how to circulate the news of Southern Island Sect leaving Ten Great Sect and joining Heavenly Comrade Alliance.”
In fact, one of the major problems that the alliance was facing now was information. In Kangho, there were no other sects that controlled information other than Beggar Union, and Beggar Union belonged to Ten Great Sect. This would highly interfere with the news about Ten Great Sect sacrificing Southern Island Sect alone.
The other sect leaders nodded their head in understanding.
“The information spread by merchants, though more credible, takes much slower to spread.”
“Additionally they are not well-spread like beggars who exist virtually everywhere.”
One of them sighed.
“It will be nice if Beggar Union is willing to join us. Haven't their actions been vague enough?”
They were talking about the ineffectiveness of Beggar Union, the missing sect leader, the action of Hong Dae Kwang and the beggar who helped Namgung Dowi, along with the lack of repression from the higher up to those who had helped Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
Chung Myung kept tapping his cheek, frowning deeply, in the end sigh.
“Let's not worry about this now,” he said, and his mouth suddenly pulled into a smile, similar to a crescent moon, as he swept a look through everyone present. “I think we have other important things to think of.”
The present leaders shiver; stealing a glance with each other, they knew what Chung Myung meant.
Writing down ledgers for him as they were now not separate entities but one.
Who is it that decides to nominate this guy as the chief!
He is going to rob people clean!