Chapter 1231: So? (Part 1)

For a moment, it felt like a piece of flesh had dropped from his heart.

Despite having guessed it, the moment he saw the crumpled plum blossom pattern, his chest sank.

It was strange.

The value of the lives of those who died here was equal. Whether they fought under the name Mount Hua or something else, those who died deserved equal respect.

Therefore, there was no special reason to pay attention to the name 'Mount Hua' or the fact that a plum blossom sword was buried here.

Nevertheless, the reason he couldn't take his eyes off that plum blossom pattern was... probably because Chung Myung was still just an ordinary person.

Chung Myung lifted his head without saying a word.

The group stared at him with expressions that were hard to describe. Chung Myung spoke briefly.

"Bury it."

"...Chung Myung."

"Tsk. Even though there's no time."

Eventually, Yoon Jong let out a long sigh. Then he started gathering the exposed weapons and bones in the center of the pit. It seemed like he was trying to make at least one grave mound.

Chung Myung did not stop him. Then those who were watching silently began to step forward one by one, helping Yoon Jong without a word. Even Im Sobyeong, who had no reason to stand alone, quietly approached Yoon Jong and patted the piled-up soil.

Chung Myung watched that scene and then turned his gaze. The sharp peaks of the Hundred Thousand Mountain stood tall.

'Sahyung.'

Here, the disciples of Mount Hua, even Cheon Mun, were buried. Moreover, Chung Myung vividly remembered exactly where they were buried.

For others, it might have been a hundred years ago, but for Chung Myung, it was only a few years ago. If he set his mind to it, it might be possible to go up that mountain and recover Cheon Mun's remains. If only he could spare one day, just one day.

However...

Chung Myung slowly lowered his head, as if trying to stop himself.

'It's meaningless.'

The dead were just the dead. Only the living could take solace in the dead.

And if it was the Cheon Mun he knew, he wouldn't appreciate getting solace like that. He was a person who would scold people for wasting time on useless things and failing to save lives that could have been saved.

Chung Myung looked at that scene absentmindedly and smiled bitterly.

There was no one here to harass him anymore, like Cheon Jin, who would nag him until his ears bled, Cheon Mun, who would look straight at him and wish him to walk the right path, and even the guy from Tang Bo, who always cried and made noises that didn't suit him.

Still...

Even though they no longer existed... even so, the memories they left behind and the meaning they left behind tightly bound Chung Myung's whole body stronger than shackles.

'It's cruel, really.'

Chung myung sighed softly and caught a glimpse of the people building the burial mound. There hands were full of sincerity.

"A pitiful tomb..."

Deputy Sect Leader of Mount Hua, Sogaju of the Namgung Family, Sogaju of the Tang Family, Palace Lord of the North Sea Ice Palace, Nokrim King...

There were no insignificant figures among them. It was amazing that such people were personally making the grave mounds.

'Know that it's an honor, you damn bastards. My body is probably lying somewhere over there.'

While Chung Myung was grumbling, Yoon Jong, who finished covering the last vacant spot with soil, stood up. He closed his eyes and clasped his hands, and a Taoist chant came out of his mouth.

The solemn chanting of Yoon Jong and the sutras recited by Hye Yeon spread gently over the quiet mountain.

Until the short ceremony was over, Chung Myung just stared endlessly at the towering peaks hidden behind the clouds.

* * *

"...It's visible."

"Really..."

"Finally..."

The Heavenly Comrade Alliance group, now looking like beggars, let out exclamations with faces filled with indescribable awe. The scenery before them was vast and brilliantly blue.

"The sea!"

"Uwaaa! We've arrived!"

"So, the sea really exists!"

Everyone, overwhelmed with emotion, threw in a word or two.

"...It's wider than the Yangtze River."

"It's not just a bit wider, is it? You really can't see the end, can you?"

"Tsk tsk. That's how the sea is supposed to be."

"Huh? Sahyung, have you ever seen the sea before?"

"No. Is this my first time?"

The impressions of those who felt the sea breeze couldn't be put into words.

"...Took a few days, didn't it?"

"About seven days."

"We arrived earlier than expected."

"That's true."

Now that they had finally reached the sea on their way to Southern Island, there was only one thought on everyone's mind.

"If only we had taken the detour..."

"I told you..."

"...What nonsense, trying to enjoy some luxury."

All sighed together with gloomy faces.

As to whether penetrating Gangnam was a bad choice, looking at the results, it was certainly not. In the end, they arrived at the coast in just seven days and nights without much sacrifice. It could be considered an amazing achievement rather than a bad outcome.

But that was only an external perspective. Those who had cleared that path couldn't evaluate it comfortably.

"...I'm still amazed at how I didn't die from a heart attack at Hundred Thousand Mountain."

"Did Sahyung also get scared a lot?"

"Honestly, around the middle, I almost cried to Chung Myung to turn back, but I barely held it in."

"I actually asked that."

"...What did he say?"

"Do you want to die by my hands or by Demonic Sect's hands? That's what he said."

"Then it's better to die by the hands of the Demonic Cult."

Because those bastards might be a bit less cruel.

"...You went through a lot."

Listening to the conversation between Yoon Jong and Jo Gol, Baek Cheon quietly patted their shoulders and offered comfort. And he thought.

'I really thought my heart was going to explode.'

Throughout the journey, Hundred Thousand Mountain remained silent. In the end, considering the results, there might not have been a safer path.

If there was a problem, it was that the current group here knew the fear of the Demonic Sect better than anyone else.

"Now that I think about it, why do I suddenly feel annoyed?"

Yoon Jong kicked Jo Gol without warning.

"Ow! Why did you hit me out of nowhere!"

"If you hadn't mentioned that name, we would have come more comfortably!"

"...What should I do if it comes to mind?"

All the problems started from that damned Jo Gol. During the journey through Hundred Thousand Mountain, that guy suddenly blurted out, "But think about those remnants of Demonic Sect we saw back then. That guy who was a thousand years old or something. What if someone like him is here?"

He answered that it was impossible, but the words that had already been stuck in his head couldn't disappear. From then on, in his mind, Hundred Thousand Mountain changed from being 'an empty mountain, the former stronghold of Demonic Sect' to 'a dangerous cave where remnants of Demonic Sect and mysterious figures might be hiding, having infiltrated the Central Plains.'

Because of that, his nerves were on edge, and by the time he had hurriedly escaped Hundred Thousand Mountains as if he were being chased, he was so exhausted he couldn't speak.

But if it had ended there, Yoon Jong might not have been so angry. The bigger problem was that the area they had to pass through afterward was Guangdong, the main base of Myriad Man Manor. Of course, now most of the Myriad Man Manor's forces were concentrated on the Yangtze River, making it almost an empty land. But still, wasn't Guangdong Guangdong?

"...I've survived well.'

"Which bastard was it that suggested we penetrate Gangnam's territory?"

"That Evil Sect bastard!"

"...Thank you for letting us know, Namgung Sogaju."

A collective sigh escaped everyone's lips. It was a mixture of regret and relief.

"Anyway... Considering we survived, despite facing near-death situations six or seven times while passing through Guangdong... Isn't everything fine as long as the results are good?"

"...Is it really okay if only the results are good? We need to fundamentally rethink this, Sasuk."

"Isn't it better than not achieving any results?"

"Well, that's true but... "

Baek Cheon interjected, organizing his thoughts.

"Fortune was on our side. Of course, even if it's the Evil Tyrant Alliance, it would be impossible to control all the routes people traverse on this vast land of Gangnam. But... still, I thought we might encounter enemies at least once in Guangdong."

"That's right. We were assisted by the heavens... "

"Kkeu-hee-eum!"

"Assisted... "

"Kkeu-hee-eu-eu-eum!"

Yoon Jong, Bae Ccheon, and Namgung Dowi sent disapproving glances at the person who kept clearing his throat without reason. Im Sobyeong, who had been weakened by fatigue, had raised his chin with the most triumphant expression in the world.

Eventually, Yoon Jong spoke with a sigh mixed in his voice.

"Uh... Rather than being assisted by the heavens, it's more accurate to say Nokrim King chose the path well."

"Hahaha! There's no need for you to acknowledge that! I just always do my best for all of you. Hahaha!"

Everyone shook their heads as they looked at Im Sobyeong happily flapping his fan.

"...Yoon Jong. Every once in a while, I realize that you are truly a Taoist."

"Huh?"

"I mean, to be able to say that while looking at that expression. I wouldn't want to say that even if I were to die."

"Agreed, Deputy Sect Leader."

"Kkeung."

Honestly, there was no denying Im Sobyeong's abilities.

It was true on the mountain path leading to Hundred Thousand Mountain, and it was true in Guangdong. If it weren't for Im Sobyeong's quick thinking, they might have faced great trouble several times.

"I wonder if it was unfortunate or fortunate for him to be born into the Evil Sect."

"What? Of course, it was unfortunate, isn't it?"

When Namgung Dowi asked nonsense, Baek Cheon slightly twisted his face.

"Imagine if that guy was born into the Demonic Sect or bureaucratic household."

"...It was really fortunate he was born as a bandit."

"Is it?"

It was indeed fortunate for the sake of the world.

Baek Cheon raised his head and gazed silently at the vast sea.

'At least we've arrived here without any major issues.'

Although the real challenges might start from now on, the fact that they had arrived here without any major incidents already gave a sense of relief.

"But, Sasuk."

"Yes?"

"How do we cross to the island?"

"Naturally... We swim!"

At the unexpected interruption, everyone's gaze turned to one place. Chung Myung, standing cross-legged, was looking at them as if asking, 'Why are you asking such an obvious question?'

"Is there any other way to cross the water?"

"...Chung Myung. It's an island. An island."

"So what if it's an island? It's just floating there. We'll eventually arrive there if we keep swimming."

Namgung Dowi looked at Im Sobyeong with a powerless expression.

"Can you please make a logical rebuttal, Nokrim?"

"...This is difficult for me too. I have no idea where to start with counterarguments."

"Well, still..."

"Say something logical so we can fight... "

Namgung Dowi sighed as he looked at the puzzled Im Sobyeong.

At that moment, salvation reached them.

"Don't talk nonsense, let's find a boat."

"No, why bother... "

"Enough."

Baek Cheon decisively cut off Chung Myung's words.

"Even if something happens and we have to swim from the middle, it's better to save energy as much as possible. Since there are fewer people, we don't need a big boat. Just a small boat will do, and it won't take long to find one."

Chung myung offered his opinion, but he didn't argue further when Baek Cheon made a decision.

"Alright. Let's spread out and look for a boat. But make sure to hide your identity as much as possible."

"Yes!"

Exchanging glances with each other, they scattered in different directions.

Baek Cheon, who remained in the same spot until the end, fixed his gaze on a small piece of land visible in the distance.

'Southern Island, huh...'

For now, get there.