Chapter 20: The Message That My Death Brought(2) (2/2)

Ju Cheol Ryong showed life-devoting loyalty to the Mengju when he was still alive, but who knew that once the Mengju was gone he would be the one to turn tail?

‘Sa Ryang-Ah, you still have lot to learn.’

Who would have known the pride that he had when he helped unify the Central Plain with the Mengju would make him conceited?

He only saw the superficial things that the Strongest Under Heaven brought, when he brought peace throughout Kang Ho. He became blinded and couldn’t see the problems that were happening inside. Murim was getting more corrupt and rotten from the root.

Kal Sa Ryang gave cold laugh, hiding his remorse.

“Although upholding rules and regulations is important, I believe upholding the previous Mengju’s wish is also important.”

“The previous Mengju’s wish? What do you mean?”

“As you all know, the previous Mengju gave his whole life to bring unity and peace to the Alliance. Especially when the Five Major Clans were causing chaos throughout Kang Ho. All of you know this.”

They all nodded, showing a reluctant face.

Kal Sa Ryang added, “If we vote for someone like him, then aren’t we forgetting what the previous Mengju have done for us?”

But Ju Cheol Ryung didn’t have the thought of backing down. “Yes, you’re right, but we must also uphold the traditions. Don’t you believe it is proper that we do it the right way?”

“I will think about it.”

“If you postpone this any longer, we will vote without you.”

After saying this Ju Cheol Ryung left the room.

Seeing him leave, Kal Sa Ryang gave a long sigh. He was in a hopeless situation where there was nothing he could do, now that two out of the three pillar sects were on the other side.

He turned his attention towards the window, watching people come and go. Everyone was wearing white in memorial for the past Mengju.

Even without the owner, this place was still lively. No, it seemed more lively now that the owner pa.s.sed away. “…Mengju-nim you can’t go like this.”

Baek Pyo stood at the middle of the Mengju’s Pavillion. This place was empty after the death of the Chunhajin. Baek Pyo walked toward the mural in the wall, which recorded all of the fights that the previous Mengju had been in. The fights were left behind as legends.

Even though he glanced at this mural many times before, this was the first time that he is truly looked at it. Once the new Mengju was chosen, this wall would be taken down and a new one would be placed so that it could record the new history. If that happened, he would have to protect this new Mengju.

But how could he forget the Strongest Under Heaven? After walking through all corners of the room he stood in front of a chair and table. The chair that Mengju usually sat in was empty.

Baek Pyo remembered the smiling face of his master. “Haha, Baek Pyo-ya. Come here and share a drink with me. If you are always uptight like that, you might catch an illness.”

“I can sleep in comfort because of you. Thank You. Thank you very much.”

“I heard that your wife is sick. Go take care of her for a few days. Ha ha, this is an order. Order from the Mengju.”

“You liked the time when we fought like crazy. You remember? I still remember those days. Sorry for making you work hard then. Ha ha ha.” Mengju’s words were still clear in Baek Pyo’s head. Finally he couldn’t hold himself back and tears started dropping from his eyes.

“Mengju-nim!!!” His tears kept on falling. He was feeling guilty for not being able to protect him. He thought that if he paid more attention to the Mengju’s health...

He kept crying. “…I want to see you again…Mengju-nim.”

But there was no reply. Only the sound of his cry.

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