The Cartwheel Turns (4)
Gong Gong-daesa, Dang Gwan, and even Beom-o all jumped in surprise.
“Vice Alliance Leader?”
Yeon Hojeong gazed deeply at Dang Gwan.
“The head of the Tang family knows this too. No matter how much we fight on our side, it's going to be hard to seize victory in this election.”
Dang Gwan nodded with a reluctant expression. He grimaced upon realizing he'd nodded unconsciously.
Gong Gong-daesa cleared his throat.
“That's something no one can know for sure.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Of course, but we can make some educated guesses, can't we? As you know, Abbot, the Sichuan Tang family is synonymous with terror in the eyes of the world.”
Blood and fear were powers that were hard to replace. But the White Path martial world prioritized reputation and consensus over blood and fear. At least outwardly.
Entrusting the leadership of the Martial Alliance—the supreme alliance of the White Path—to the head of the Tang family? It was absurd. Impossible.
“Even if all Twelve Bonggong backed the Tang family head, they'd still hit a wall of public opinion.”
“Hmm.”
Gong Gong-daesa's eyes deepened.
“I had my suspicions, but as expected, the Tang family head entered the race as a counter to 'someone,' didn't he?”
Admiration appeared on Yeon Hojeong's face.
“Impressive. Honestly, I didn't expect you to see that far.”
Gong Gong-daesa sighed.
“Most worldly struggles stem from desires for gain. It's just frustrating that such things happen even in the Martial Alliance, the greatest united force of the White Path.”
“That's precisely why it happens in the supreme united force of the martial world. Being at the top means wielding that much power.”
Strength entered Gong Gong-daesa's discerning gaze.
“Is power what you seek?”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“Power always comes with responsibility. I'm busy enough just looking after my own people. The position of Myeol Sa Army Leader alone is overwhelming.”
“Yes, you're not one who craves power. Regardless of your true intentions, that's how I see it—and believe it.”
“Thank you for seeing me that way.”
“Yet you dive into this brutal political arena and stain your hands with blood. Why?”
Gong Gong-daesa had said “blood.” Not literally killing people. To him, desire, anger, conflict, and wounds were no different from shedding blood.
And right now, the two people most bloodied by the political strife within the Martial Alliance were Yeon Hojeong and Moyong Gun.
“Because the ones who should fight are staying silent.”
“……?!”
“To someone cultivating the Buddhist way like you, Abbot, political strife itself might seem meaningless. It's conflict, after all. But fighting isn't always bad.”
“If it's a fight in good faith to find a better path, I'd welcome it.”
“I don't believe there's such a thing as good faith in fighting. Nor do I think my justice is always right. But if we're seeking a better way, we mustn't hesitate to dirty our hands with blood and filth.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed.
“Turning a blind eye and watching is easy. But for those with power to live leisurely—especially in these chaotic times—is a sin.”
“A sin?”
“A sin. If you have power, you must use it rightly to correct wrongs, even if it means spilling blood.”
Gong Gong-daesa's eyes deepened.
“Is that your greater cause?”
“Before it's my cause, it's the truth of our era.”
“The truth of the era……”
“The sages of Dao and Buddha always say: if the Dao rises one foot (do-go-il-cheok), the demon rises ten (ma-go-il-jang). The corrupt and evil always surpass the good.”
“……”
“Those with power must strive for do-go-sam-cheok, do-go-chil-cheok, premised on constant self-cultivation.”
Gong Gong-daesa gazed silently at Yeon Hojeong, a slow smile spreading across his face.
“A bitter lesson.”
“A lesson? That's too much for me to bear.”
“Heh heh, as the saying goes, among three travelers, one is surely your teacher. Even the wise must humble themselves endlessly to avoid folly.”
Gong Gong-daesa offered a half-palm salute and bowed his head.
“General Yeon's lecture has been a great learning for this old monk.”
Yeon Hojeong bowed his head.
“It's just hot-blooded words from an immature youth. Thank you for understanding.”
“Heh heh heh.”
Dang Gwan didn't show it, but inwardly, he was floored.
This guy's tongue is a born weapon.
Not only had he dominated the conversation, but he'd even made the world's Gong Gong-daesa bow his head. No easy feat.
Beyond mere eloquence, one had to pierce the opponent's stance and thoughts to achieve this. Yeon Hojeong was exceptional in that regard—knowing when to understand and when not to bother.
But that means……
Dang Gwan glanced at Gong Gong-daesa.
Yeon Hojeong's words were clear: since those with power weren't moving, he'd step up to right the world—which implied the abbot should move now too.
Shaolin will move?
Gong Gong-daesa continued.
“In your view, is Moyong family head that dangerous?”
“Yes.”
“And those with him?”
“The Bonggong are all heads of sects representing the White Path. Each of the twelve has the power to sway the political flow.”
“Indeed.”
Gong Gong-daesa nodded and turned to Dang Gwan.
“Tang family head.”
“Speak, Abbot.”
“Will you do your utmost to guide the Martial Alliance on the right path?”
Dang Gwan smirked.
“Sorry, but I hate flowery words like 'greater cause.'”
“Heh.”
“What moves me is always myself alone.”
“Let me ask again. Do you seek power?”
“Power?”
Dang Gwan sneered.
“I already reign as king of Sichuan. Do I need more?”
“……”
“I differ from this kid. More power is always better. But with power an emperor wouldn't envy, why cling to a headache like alliance leader?”
It was tremendous confidence. In truth, the Tang family's prestige in Sichuan far surpassed Qingcheng and Ami sects. They wielded influence in the secular world, unlike the mountain-bound sects.
Thus, Dang Gwan's claim of emperor-like power in Sichuan was fact. If one lived there forever, he had no need to enter this strife.
“Then why enter the election?”
“Can't stand seeing Moyong Gun succeed.”
“That's all?”
Dang Gwan smirked again.
“Do I look that simple? Of course not.”
“Then……?”
“I won't say more.”
Gong Gong-daesa smiled.
“Somehow, you seem much softer than when we last met.”
Dang Gwan waved dismissively, annoyed.
“Think what you will.”
Finally, he looked at Yeon Hojeong.
“The vice leader position is exactly that: assisting the leader and mediating between Bonggong and elders.”
“Yes.”
“Do you think the Tang family head will perform it well?”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“I don't know. I haven't grasped all his abilities.”
“Heh heh, yet you ask us to back him for vice leader.”
“Who can predict who'd excel as leader or vice? But having the least problematic person hold real power, then aiding them to pacify the White Path and repel invaders—that's the right path.”
It was a principled statement. But it ignited Gong Gong-daesa's resolve.
“……Very well.”
Gong Gong-daesa nodded.
“I'll consider it. Sincerely.”
No firm promise, but a huge gain.
Yeon Hojeong bowed.
“Thank you.”
“Don't thank me. As I said, I need to think it over. And while it's a noble cause, coming unannounced to ask for backing isn't exactly admirable.”
“I know.”
“But I know you wouldn't stir this without reason. So I'll consider—no great expectations or disappointments.”
“Understood.”
“Good.”
Gong Gong-daesa smiled at Dang Gwan.
“Whatever the reason, you'll feel secure now, family head. With talent like this on your side.”
Dang Gwan snorted.
“He might bite my throat anytime. Chills my spine.”
“Heh heh, if even the Tang family head says that, General Yeon's abilities must be formidable.”
“Cross me, and death. Worse than an enemy.”
“At least not an enemy yet.”
“For now.”
Yeon Hojeong stood.
“Sorry for visiting unannounced and troubling you.”
“That's fine……”
Then it happened.
Gong Gong-daesa glanced at Beom-o. His eyes were fixed on Yeon Hojeong, burning with an indescribable emotion.
A strange smile crept onto Gong Gong-daesa's lips.
“Listen, General Yeon.”
“Yes, Abbot?”
“You're right. Coming unannounced and asking for backing under grand causes and truths—crossing the line.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled awkwardly.
“My apologies.”
“I listened knowing your character and skill. But your actions are scheming. Improper. By principle and to this poor monk.”
Confusion crossed Yeon Hojeong's face. No reason to add this after the talk ended.
“Do you have a separate request?”
Gong Gong-daesa burst into hearty laughter.
“Not a demand, but a favor? Accept, and I'll forget today's rudeness.”
“Speak.”
Gong Gong-daesa pointed at Beom-o.
“What do you think?”
Yeon Hojeong looked at Beom-o. Their eyes clashed, invisible sparks flying.
Yeon Hojeong's lips curved up.
“One who's properly mastered Shaolin's orthodox martial arts.”
Beom-o could only be exasperated.
Gong Gong-daesa laughed loudly.
“Exactly. One of our temple's prized talents, recognized for his martial prowess since youth. But age hasn't tamed his warrior spirit—he just gets scolded by his senior monk.”
“Haha.”
“What say you? The one called the world's top later-generation talent, one of the Tiger-God Twins, hero of Bi-san who crushed the Nine Provinces famed families—will you teach this stiff-headed old monk a lesson?”
Dang Gwan inwardly clicked his tongue.
Unnecessary meddling.
He knew Yeon Hojeong's hands were as vicious as the Tangs'. This favor might undo all their talk.
Yeon Hojeong nodded readily.
“You've given me a chance to witness Shaolin arts—how could I refuse? I'm grateful.”
Beom-o shot to his feet.
Yeon Hojeong thumbed the door.
“Shall we?”