"Ah, you brought the Purple Grass Herb, right?"
At Chung Myung's words, Meng So gave a bitter smile.
"Ah, you mean the Sacred Spiritual Herb. I brought it. But there's a bit of a problem."
"Huh? A problem?"
"It seems that supplying the Sacred Spiritual Herb will be difficult for a while."
At those words, Chung Myung slightly frowned. Meng So sighed.
"Don't make that face. We're not saying this because we're annoyed or have other demands. We've searched all of Yunnan but can't find any more Sacred Spiritual Herb. The ones planted in the last Sacred Pool still need time to grow…"
Meng So scratched his head as if troubled.
"That Sacred Spiritual Herb doesn't seem to be fully grown either, so we need to watch it for a while."
After finishing, Meng So glanced at Chung Myung, knowing how precious the Purple Grass Herb was to him. After all, he had come all the way to Yunnan just to get it. To say he couldn't have more now…
"Well, it can't be helped."
"Hmm?"
But surprisingly, Chung Myung shrugged as if it was no big deal.
"It's not some weed that grows anywhere, and it won't grow quickly just because we want it. We have to accept that."
"Hmm… Is that so?"
"Don't worry. If left alone, the plants will grow again."
"It might take another ten years until the next harvest?"
"Ten years or a hundred years, if we can get it then, that's fortunate. If not, then it can't be helped."
Chung Myung spoke calmly, then glanced at Meng So and chuckled.
"Why are you making such a grim face as if it's a big deal?"
"Me? Hahaha!"
Somehow relieved, Meng So burst out laughing heartily.
He had secretly thought so. The reason Chung Myung treated Yunnan well was probably because Yunnan was essential for obtaining the Purple Grass herb and making money through tea trade.
If either of those became difficult, the treatment of Yunnan might change from before.
No matter how different he was, Chung Myung was still a Central Plains native.
But Chung Myung's attitude was unchanged from before hearing the news, like someone scolding a friend for worrying unnecessarily because he couldn't bring a gift.
"When you say that, I feel like I'm stingy."
"Actually, you did have some traits that didn't match your size."
"Haha. I've never heard that before in my life."
"Then the people you've met so far don't know the Palace lord well."
Meng So laughed heartily, as Chung Myung's words seemed not wrong.
"Anyway, you are a truly fascinating person."
"Huh? You're quick to retort?"
"I can't just take it."
Meng So smiled. Though he took it as a joke, calling him fascinating was his honest feeling.
Whether Chung Myung guessed Meng So's feelings and tried to comfort him or spoke from his true heart, that simple phrase reassured Meng So.
He knew the Heavenly Friends Alliance was not just bound by profit. Like Plum Sword Saint who helped Yunnan without expecting anything in return, Mount Hua was also a place that could reach out to them without reason.
But even knowing that, he couldn't help but worry because the discrimination between Central Plains natives and outsiders was deeply rooted.
"Ah, come to think of it, this is your first time seeing this side, right?"
"Hmm?"
"Hey, Namgung."
"Yes?"
Chung Myung gestured to call Namgung Do-Wei. Namgung Do-Wei approached awkwardly. Chung Myung introduced him briefly.
"He is the young lord of the Namgung Family. Well… his position is still young lord, but he will soon become the head of the Namgung Family."
"Ah, is that so?"
Meng So narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at Namgung Do-Wei.
"Indeed."
Is there anyone in the world who doesn't know the reputation of the Namgung Family?
A prestigious family among the prestigious. Among the many families in the Central Plains, the Namgung Family is top-ranked. Perhaps because he was the young lord of such a family, his aura was extraordinary at a glance.
"Nice to meet you. I am Meng So, the lord of the Nanman Beast Palace."
"Ah, I am…"
At that moment, Chung Myung chuckled and stopped Meng So.
"No need to be so formal. On the contrary, he's not even the head yet. He's still a rookie, so just watch over and help him appropriately."
"…What do you mean? If he's the young lord of the Namgung Family…"
Just as Meng So was about to retort with a bewildered face, Namgung Do-Wei hurriedly spoke.
"No, Palace lord."
"Huh?"
Namgung Do-Wei politely bowed to the slightly stunned Meng So.
"Taoist Chung Myung's words are correct. I still have many shortcomings, so please give me much guidance and advice."
Meng So blinked his large eyes.
Usually intimidating like a giant lion, Meng So looked more like a gentle ox blinking in confusion.
"Do you… know me well?"
"Not really."
"Then why ask for guidance and advice?"
At that, Namgung Do-Wei smiled gently.
"I don't know much about you, Palace lord, but I think I know Taoist Chung Myung to some extent now."
"…"
"He always speaks half-jokingly, but there's always a true meaning that shouldn't be missed. I think Taoist Chung Myung is telling me to learn many things from you, Palace lord."
Meng So stared at Namgung Do-Wei, then subtly turned his gaze to Chung Myung, who shrugged as if he didn't know.
"So naturally, you should ask for guidance, shouldn't you?"
"Listen… I am an outsider. I have nothing to offer the prestigious Namgung Family that symbolizes the Central Plains."
"What does that matter?"
"…You asked what matters?"
"Yes."
Namgung Do-Wei glanced aside at someone and frowned.
"We even share meals with those from the Evil Sect."
"Hey, you really should take care of your eyes. Won't it hurt if you get stabbed?"
Im So-Byeong joked, making Namgung Do-Wei's face twist even more.
"…Did you see that?"
"…"
"Now we even eat with those from the Evil Sect. In such a situation, making distinctions about outsiders is ridiculous."
Namgung Do-Wei chuckled, not expecting to say such things.
"At least within the Heavenly Friends Alliance, such distinctions mean nothing."
"…But aren't you the one who will lead the great Namgung Family?"
"I discarded such pretenses long ago."
"You discarded them?"
Namgung Do-Wei nodded.
"Yes. The Namgung Family is nothing special or different. Please think of it as a request from a student and help me."
Meng So laughed heartily.
Of course, he was proud of the Nanman Beast Palace. But his pride and the world's recognition were different matters.
Between the prestigious Central Plains family and the outsider Nanman Beast Palace, there was an unbridgeable gap. But to this young man, that gap seemed invisible.
"Please."
Namgung Do-Wei bowed deeply once more.
Meng So looked at the bowed Namgung Do-Wei, or rather those standing behind him, who didn't seem to find it unusual.
'Do they not feel this is strange?'
Just ten years ago, it was unthinkable for the Namgung Family's direct line to bow to an outsider barbarian. Now, they just watch this scene indifferently.
Though the parties involved might not notice, Meng So who joined from outside felt this huge change vividly.
"Geez, that kid's going to strain his neck."
"Uh…"
When Chung Myung subtly hinted, Meng So nodded helplessly.
"If I can help, I'll do my best."
"Thank you!"
Namgung Do-Wei smiled brightly, a smile without any pretense.
Seeing that face, Meng So couldn't help but feel this was no mere formality.
Feeling awkward, Meng So turned to look at Chung Myung.
"…You."
"Yes?"
"What exactly are you making?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"No…"
Meng So laughed as if incredulous.
It's not hard for one or two people to show some kindness to outsiders. Even when the Central Plains and outsiders were at odds, some showed goodwill.
But for so many gathered not to show hostility to outsiders was rare, even unprecedented. Even those seeing the Nanman Beast Palace people for the first time today.
Strange clothing or bringing beasts around would normally cause frowns from them…
"By the way, why are those guys walking around shirtless?"
"They came from a hot place."
"Ah, I didn't think of that."
"What's wrong with taking off shirts? They even live with people who skin others alive."
"…Shall I start by skinning you?"
"Then will your neck be safe?"
Seeing those who quickly lost interest in the Nanman Beast Palace and started bickering, Meng So shook his head. He swore this was the first time he felt so ignored.
'…The Heavenly Friends Alliance.'
He thought it was like a dream. Meng So joined Chung Myung's cause simply because it benefited the Nanman Beast Palace, not expecting to change anything big.
The reality outsiders felt and Central Plains natives felt were too different. The Central Plains had no reason to change that reality first.
But here and now, Meng So felt the change clearly. Perhaps… someday those within the Heavenly Friends Alliance will see each other without prejudice.
Meng So smiled bitterly, realizing hope was swelling inside him. Great expectations only bring great disappointment. He decided to be content with this.
But even if he gave up hope, his heart with the Heavenly Friends Alliance could never be the same. He wanted to see how the world would change when they lead it.
"…What exactly did you do?"
"What do you mean?"
"Everyone is so informal with each other now, regardless of status."
"Ah, well, that's natural."
"Huh?"
Chung Myung answered indifferently.
"Whether Namgung or the Green Forest, they're all kids who can't be used anyway. There's no better or worse among them. They should be treated equally."
"…"
That's… a bit strange though…
Understanding and confusion overwhelmed him simultaneously. Meng So thought maybe this was better than empty, unattainable ideals.
"Oh? They're coming too."
"Huh?"
At Chung Myung's words, Meng So turned his head. Seeing where Chung Myung pointed, he burst out laughing.
"They arrived right on time. By the way, aren't they hot? Wearing those thick fur clothes all the way here."
"The Nanman Beast Palace people here walk around shirtless too, you know?"
"…No comment."
The two laughed side by side. Meanwhile, people dressed in snow-white clothes were approaching quickly.
They were the arrival of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, who had traveled farther than Yunnan across the world to finally arrive.