There were various analyses regarding the reasons for the Moyong clan’s decline.

Most evaluations concluded that, from the outset, the clan lacked a sense of pragmatism compared to other clans or sects when it came to survival.

In reality, even the elders and former clan leaders didn’t aspire to revive the clan; rather, their ambition lay in restoring the Yeon Dynasty.

However, this was not the primary cause of the Moyong clan’s weakening.

The decisive factors were the clan’s insular atmosphere and its location in Liaoning, far removed from the central regions of Henan and Hubei, which could be considered the heart of the Central Plains.

Although the Moyong clan was a prestigious family among the Five Great Clans, they were undoubtedly subjects under the rule of the Song Dynasty.

Yet, the Song’s influence waned significantly by the time it reached Liaoning, and to make matters worse, the constant threat of northern invaders caused the northern territories’ population to dwindle considerably.

As a result, it became extremely difficult for them to recruit disciples.

And as the population declined, their commercial influence naturally diminished, leading to financial troubles.

So, while they were renowned in name, their recent power had diminished to the point where some questioned if they had even fallen behind the Hwangbo clan.

“…”

Amidst such circumstances, marrying off Moyong Sowol to the Young Cult Leader of the Demon Cult had been a reasonably sound decision.

Unexpectedly, they had sent a substantial sum of money, which the Moyong clan had no intention of refusing.

Moyong Danli silently gazed down at the elixirs in front of him.

One of the Shaolin Body Refining Pills claimed to enhance a decade’s worth of inner energy with a single ingestion.

Although sent by the Demon Cult, the aroma and pristine essence it exuded proved it was indeed the genuine elixirs.

That wasn’t all. Piles of dowry goods, worth thousands in gold, were stacked nearby.

Scanning the inventory list, Moyong Danli rolled his eyes at the elders, who were eagerly discussing how to invest the money.

“Our escort business has declined significantly. How about expanding our operations to Henan? If we expand the escort stations we’ve been operating in Hebei and request assistance from the Hwangbo clan and Shaolin Temple, they will undoubtedly aid us.”

“That’s a good idea, but personally, I’d like to invest in recruiting more disciples this time. As you know, we lack sufficient numbers to sustain the clan with just our members. So, recruiting suitable disciples and building our strength might not be a bad idea for the future.”

“I concur with Elder Jin’s suggestion.”

“…”

“…”

They incessantly chattered about pioneering the future. Observing them, Moyong Danli wore a troubled expression.

He bit his lip, grappling with complex emotions.

‘No one seems concerned about that child.’

No one seemed to care where these items had come from or whose sacrifice had allowed them to be obtained. These were the elders of the orthodox sect and the leaders of the Moyong clan.

Inwardly sighing, Moyong Danli felt dismayed by their casual attitude, as if sacrificing the small for the greater good was only natural.

Moyong Danli lowered his gaze and stroked his beard.

‘I wonder… If that child is doing well.’

When she had left this place, she had never resented or tried to hold on to it.

Come to think of it, she had never acted childishly or immaturely beyond her years. She had willingly taken the bitter medicines and diligently cultivated to regain her health.

Yet, due to a single unknown illness, she had to give up everything. From Moyong Danli’s perspective, her plight was pitiable.

Although he had coldly driven Moyong Sowol away, at least a thread of compassion still connected him to her.

As the clan leader, Moyong Danli had to prioritize the clan, and although he would be resented, he couldn’t hesitate in expelling Moyong Sowol. That’s why he could be so ruthless.

But…

‘I cannot forget that gaze.’

As time passed and he questioned whether his actions had truly been right, he could never easily claim they were.

‘Perhaps, on the day when I let go of everything and am asked what my greatest regret in life is, it might be that I couldn’t hold that child’s hand.’

Moyong Danli closed his eyes, setting aside his complex thoughts.

“Clan Leader Danli. What are you thinking about so deeply?”

Pulled from his reverie by the voice addressing him, Moyong Danli looked at the elders.

After organizing his thoughts, he surveyed the elders who had turned their gaze towards him.

Among them, a stout, nearly bald elder spoke up.

“Is something troubling you?”

In response to his question, Moyong Danli paused the hand stroking his goatee and stared intently at him before asking in return.

“You seem quite at ease, don’t you?”

“Pardon?”

“Are you happy? To have received such a vast fortune practically for free?”

The bald elder blinked his eyes before calmly saying, as if there were no issue.

“Aren’t you the one who decided this, Clan Leader Danli? With this money, we can make up for the clan’s recent deficiencies. So, by all means…”

“Heh, I suppose you’re right.”

“…Clan Leader?”

The elders looked at Moyong Danli strangely as he let out a sigh. Moyong Danli seemed displeased as he surveyed the inventory list.

“Not only gold, but various gems, even elixirs, and on top of that, a precious sword. Each item is of inestimable value.”

Moyong Danli slammed the cover of the inventory list shut with a thud before looking around at the elders and speaking.

“It seems none of you are curious about where these fortunes came from. Or rather, you all know, yet you chatter so indifferently about how to use them…”

“…”

At his words, the elders closed their mouths like startled mutes, realizing their mistake.

Moyong Danli surveyed them before softly continuing.

“How truly lamentable.”

Moyong Danli clicked his tongue and straightened his back. Despite being over a hundred years old, the still-robust Moyong Danli looked around with piercing eyes.

The elders averted their gazes or lowered their heads, except for the bald elder who had initially spoken up. Instead, he boldly questioned him.

“She was a child destined to die soon. Since such a child has bestowed upon us this great gift, why shouldn’t we be pleased?”

“Ha! So you’re saying that the renowned Moyong clan is satisfied with receiving aid from a young girl who couldn’t live more than a few months? Are you telling me you have no pride or self-respect?”

The bald elder furrowed his brow and raised his voice slightly.

“Those words are too much. I have lived a life dedicated to cultivation, never slacking. And I take pride in the passion I have devoted to the clan. Pride? Self-respect? Yes, I certainly possess those. But I also know that such pride and self-respect cannot sustain our declining clan. So, despite knowing that we have sold off a child destined to die soon, I cannot help but be pleased.”

“Heh…!”

“No one knows if the Moyong clan will maintain its current status even half a century from now. So I can only do my utmost. Therefore!”

He shook the paper with the inventory list, his eyes flashing.

“I have no qualms about accepting such things. Call me petty or an old man without self-respect, but for the sake of the clan, I can be as shameless as needed, Clan Leader!”

Moyong Danli couldn’t respond to his words.

Contrary to the complex emotions burning within him, he found himself partly sympathizing with the elder’s words. Knowing this, he couldn’t easily open his mouth to rebuke him.

The bald elder clicked his tongue softly before opening his mouth again.

“And, I don’t know what thoughts you hold, Clan Leader, but the one who drove away Moyong Sowol… that child, was none other than you. It was you who persuaded the elders here and coldly forced that child to leave this place.”

“…”

“What a pitiful child. Destined to die without even her own family by her side. It is certainly lamentable and pitiful. But while others may say so, you cannot utter such words, Clan Leader. Was it not your decision?! If you show weakness, it would be an insult to that child who accepted her fate without a single word of protest or a tear, and left this place.”

The bald elder had finished speaking. He caught his ragged breath and flushed face before calming himself.

Moyong Danli couldn’t refute his words. He knew. And the elder wasn’t wrong, either.

In the end, he was the one who had driven away Moyong Sowol.

No matter how much he pitied her, nothing would change.

Moyong Danli wiped his dry eyes before letting out a deep sigh.

Fixing his gaze on the desk, Moyong Danli maintained his silence.

In accordance, the room shared a deep stillness.

Moyong Danli closed his eyes amid his complex thoughts.

Then, suddenly, he lifted his head at the movement he sensed outside the door.

The sound of conversation could be heard from outside before the door opened, revealing Moyong Do.

Although guards tried to stop him, Moyong Do calmly entered the room, seemingly unaffected by their attempts to restrain him.

The elders were momentarily flustered by his unexpected appearance.

Having just discussed matters related to Moyong Sowol, Moyong Do’s presence was less than welcome.

Moyong Danli silently met Moyong Do’s gaze before closing his eyes.

Moyong Danli’s lips slowly parted.

“Yes… those words are also true. It was my decision, and I must bear the consequences. But… honestly.”

Moyong Danli rose from his seat. The elders and Moyong Do followed his movements with their eyes.

Moyong Danli stepped away from his seat and moved slowly.

“Do you not also repeatedly feel regret in your life? I merely feel pity and sorrow for that child. As the Clan Leader, I feel pathetic and regretful for not being able to protect her, and for coldly driving her away. But, as you said, even if given another chance, nothing would change. So…”

Moyong Danli took the inventory list from the bald elder’s hand and slid past him, handing it to Moyong Do.

Moyong Do calmly accepted the bundle.

“Master.”

Moyong Danli closed his eyes and nodded.

“I have no intention of easily using this. At least, not for now. So let us discuss this matter again later.”

He paused in front of the open door, looked back, and spoke softly.

“At the very least, when I have become shameless enough for this guilt to be alleviated.”