Chapter 1200: How On Earth Did You Endure This? (Part 5)

"Well...Sogaju."

Tang Gunak sighed deeply and spoke.

"The journey to Southern Island is more dangerous than you think. Even if the goal is to go unnoticed with a small group."

"I understand. Gaju-nim."

"But still, Namgung's Sogaju...Are you personally going to Southern Island, even though you're the head of your sect?"

Tang Gunak raised his voice as if the idea was absurd.

"In the current situation with Namgung, if you, who are playing the role of the sect leader, face a crisis, who knows what will happen?"

It was a cold remark, but Namgung Dowi just smiled calmly.

"Of course, I am aware."

"But still, are you going to Southern Island?"

"Yes."

Upon hearing the resolute answer that showed no signs of hesitation, Tang Gunak closed his eyes tightly.

'Namgung Hwang was better.'

Namgung Hwang also had such moments, but they were usually due to bursts of anger that came out because he couldn't overcome his own emotions.

However, unlike Namgung Hwang, this person thought about everything and came to the same conclusion as Namgung Hwang in a similar situation without letting his emotions interfere.

If the processes were different but the results were the same, wouldn't it be easier to deal with the one with the wrong process?

"Sogaju..."

"Deputy Sect Leader."

At that moment, Namgung Dowi turned his head and looked at Baek Cheon.

"Yes, Sogaju-nim."

"What do you think, Deputy Sect Leader? You've ascended to the Deputy Sect Leader of Mount Hua, so will you stay behind and send your disciples to Southern Island?"

In response, Baek Cheon shrugged his shoulders.

"There is no Deputy Sect Leader in Mount Hua who does that. The Deputy Sect Leader of Mount Hua is the one who acts first at the forefront. Naturally, I will personally go to Southern Island."

At these words, Namgung Dowi glanced at Tang Gunak as if saying, 'See?'

"That's right."

"..."

"If the Deputy Sect Leader of Mount Hua is going to Southern Island, is the position of Namgung's Sogaju so prestigious that he can withdraw? Namgung may not be a match for Mount Hua in terms of power, but at least we won't lose in terms of determination."

"No. If only you didn't feel competitiveness in such unnecessary matters..."

"That's not all. As Gaju-nim mentioned, Namgung is not in a complete state right now. Most of those who represented Namgung in the past passed away on Plum Blossom Island. As a result, there are not many people in Namgung who can represent Namgung solely by their name."

"..."

"So."

Namgung Dowi, straightening his shoulders, opened his mouth.

"As a direct participant in the events caused by the Ten Great Sects, a person who has experienced how ruthless Evil Tyrant Alliance can be, and someone who can represent the Namgung Family, I will harmonize well with those going on the mission and successfully complete all tasks."

"..."

"There is no one else but me in Namgung who fits the criteria."

Tang Gunak closed his mouth like a clamshell.

He tried to find words to refute somehow, but he couldn't come up with anything. It was almost perfect logically.

Therefore, Tang Gunak had to say something that was unusual for him.

"Listen, Sogaju."

"Yes, Gaju-nim."

"As you know, your father and I had a friendly relationship. Although I can't say we were close, it wasn't difficult for us to share a drink with each other."

"I know. If the situation were different, you and my father might have become closer."

"Yeah. That's right."

Tang Gunak sighed deeply and exhaled.

"So you should also consider my position a bit, shouldn't you? If something wrong happens on your way to the Southern Island, how can I face my friend?"

"Don't worry about that."

Namgung Dowi grinned.

If it were the father I knew, there's no way he'd blame you for having me go to Southern Island. Instead, he'll blame you if I don't go to Southern Island. That's the kind of person my father was."

"⋯⋯."

Tang Gunak became silent as if his lips were sealed.

Come to think of it, Namgung Hwang was really that kind of person.

"Well, you also have an uncle!"

"My uncle suffered deep wounds, making it difficult for him to endure a long journey. As his nephew, how could I make such a request to my wounded uncle?"

"That⋯⋯."

If Namgung Myung were here, he would have immediately responded with, 'No? I'm perfectly fine,' but unfortunately, Namgung Myung was not present at the moment.

"Well, then⋯⋯."

Just as Tang Gunak was trying to squeeze out words somehow, Meng So spoke up with a grunt.

"Gaju-nim, your position must be awkward too."

At that remark, Tang Gunak involuntarily let out a deep sigh.

In fact, Tang Gunak was not someone who would interfere with someone or hold someone up for various reasons. Usually, he had a somewhat indifferent tendency to calmly watch whatever happened.

However, now that he found himself in a position of presiding over the Heavenly Comrade Alliance's meeting, if he acted as he usually did, it seemed like everyone would fall into hell in no time.

'Maengju-nim...'

Tang Gunak painfully felt how Hyun Jong, as the leader of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, had dealt with various situations.

Sometimes, it was frustrating when children wanted things to go their way without interference...

'These guys are the kind who will go as far as to the West if you don't interfere with them.'

So, even though he couldn't change the outcome, there was meaning in nitpicking itself.

"Hmm. You don't plan to change your mind... Of course not. Naturally, not."

After Tang Gunak let out a deep sigh, he spoke again.

"No. But initially, the question I asked was whether you agreed with the opinions of Moun tHua.."

"I will personally go as a representative of the Ice Palace!"

".."

Tang Gunak turned his head with soulless eyes. He Seol So Baek, who had a face full of determination.

"Of course, the Ice Palace has many people who are more outstanding and excellent than me. However, the Ice Palace is not well-known in the Central Plains, so it would be difficult for anyone to make a distinct impression."

".. No, Palace Lord, for now.."

"So, I think it's right for me to go on behalf of the Ice Palace. Although I am weak, I am the Palace Lord of Ice Palace, so if we lack personnel, my position would hold persuasive power!"

At that moment, Tang Gunak recalled the faces of the Ice Palace elders who looked at Seol So Baek with approving eyes.

- Our Palace Lord will become an incredibly excellent Lord and rewrite the history of Ice Palace.

'Well, there's no disagreement with that statement, but..'

Elders.

If you thought that way, you shouldn't have brought that child here. No, even if you brought him, you should have at least kept him away from that water-downed human.

Tang Gunak's gaze turned to Chung Myung, who was looking at Seol So Baek with eyes that said, 'Oh, you've grown up well'.

That guy was the origin of all evil. The origin of all evil.

"Palace Lord. What I asked was whether you agree with Mount Hua's opinion."

"Agree! Of course, I agree! There's no disagreement."

"No. That's too hasty.."

"Ice Palace was able to rise again with the help of Mount Hua in a situation of isolation and despair. If Mount Hua hadn't come to the North Sea at that time, would we be here now?"

".."

Tang Gunak quickly closed his mouth.

"People must understand their duty to be human. How can the risen Ice Palace turn away from those in a similar situation, even if we lack personnel?"

"Well, yes. Of course."

If someone else had said such words, Tang Gunak would have immediately said, 'Life is reality,' but he couldn't bring himself to say such words in front of Seol So Baek.

Saying such words to that child would feel like a sin, like smashing a growing sprout.

Sometimes, Tang Gunak keenly felt how youth could become a weapon.

"It's a good idea."

"Palace Lord!"

Meng So spoke with a sly face.

"You need to think of a way to persuade the elders, right?"

"Uh.. That's.."

Seeing Seol So Baek's embarrassed face, Meng So chuckled.

"As a fellow Palace Lord, let me give you one piece of advice."

"Yes! I'll listen."

Sometimes, you need to understand and take advantage of being a Palace Lord. There are times when agreement is not necessary for things that must be done."

"Uh..."

"When this meeting is over, come to my residence. I'll show you what kind of 'persuasion' a Palace Lord uses."

"Thank you."

"Teaching something to a child...?"

"As a Palace Lord, it's no longer appropriate to call him a child. Isn't that right?"

Tang Gunak's eyes wavered. If he were to say otherwise here, wouldn't it be a disrespectful attitude towards the Palace Lord of the Ice Palace? From his perspective, it was an undeniable statement.

Whether or not Seol So Baek was aware of Tang Gunak's feelings, he asked with a contemplative expression.

"What about you, Palace Lord-nim? Will you go personally?"

"The Beast Palace won't participate this time."

"Why, may I ask?"

"Because we are outsiders."

Meng So chuckled.

"Although the Heavenly Comrade Alliance doesn't view it that way, there are still prejudices against outsiders among Central Plains residents. Even if both of us go and try to persuade them, we won't leave a favorable impression on them."

"But the Southern Island Sect is also located in a foreign land, isn't it?"

"That's why the Ice Palace going is permissible. However, it's not ideal for both sects to go. This is a decision for the sake of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance."

"Understood."

Seol So Baek nodded with a determined expression.

"Moreover, isn't the representative for Beast Palace already decided? And it's a very important role."

"Kiiii!"

"This bastard is baring his teeth towards humans? Will he come to his senses if he gets beaten up?"

Baek-ah, having screamed as much as it could, heard Chung Myung's voice and sulkily scratched the floor again, its previously raised face now lowered and sullen.

Watching this with a blank expression, Seol So Baek nodded as if understanding.

"...That makes sense."

Here, there were people who treated spirit creatures like fellow humans and those who treated spirit creatures truly as fellow humans.

It was the same words, but the meaning was truly... different. Yeah, it was quite different.

"Now, the remaining place..."

Everyone's gaze turned to one place.

And the one who received that gaze answered immediately, as if already prepared.

"Beomchung! Beomchung will go."

Im Sobyeong's face was desperate.

"In the first place, if those Evil Sect brats go there, wouldn't they only leave a bad impression? Abstaining might be the best option, but if you don't like that, I'll send Beomchung. He's strong, so he can also be used as a porter!"

"... "

"Even if that's not the case, it's okay. I'll quickly prepare a detailed roster of Nokrim's Ten Lords and Nokrim Elders for you! Please choose anyone from among them! Regardless of who you choose, I'll send them right away..."

"Hey."

"..."

Chung Myung spoke in a low, growling tone.

"Stop the nonsense and come."

"W-Why would the Evil Sect go to Southern Island...?"

"Ah. I said, just come."

"...It'll only worsen your reputation..."

"It's okay, just come."

"..."

"Nokrim will send the Nokrim King."

Thus, Im Sobyeong's participation was decided against his will.