Chapter 322 |
Chapter 322
Record of the Righteous Martial Alliance
After the sword dance of Cheongsu was finished, the disciples of the Wudang Sect began to clean up the aftermath of the battle as per the instructions of the sect leader.
They wiped away the dried blood and gathered the bodies of the elders and disciples scattered throughout the Wudang Sect, including the Taiji Sword Immortal, to conduct a memorial service for them.
Although some pavilions and walls had collapsed, it was not feasible to repair everything immediately.
After managing the urgent tasks, a kind of leadership meeting was held in one of the relatively intact pavilions.
Among those with complex expressions, the Wudang sect leader spoke first.
“What are your thoughts on the future, strategist?”
In response to Yunsong Zhenren's inquiry, Jegal Muhwan opened his fan and glanced at those gathered in the room before speaking.
“...It seems most likely to be Shinchun.”
“We suspect them as well.”
“Perhaps that man called Cheon-ju took part directly.”
Several attendees nodded at the elder representing the Zhongnan Sect's last remark, but others shook their heads and voiced their opinions.
“There were no traces of Extreme Yang Energy or Extreme Yin Energy in the battlefield. If it were the martial arts learned by the youth known as So-cheon-ju, there would have been clear evidence.”
“Although it's possible that So-cheon-ju and Cheon-ju practiced different martial arts, we should also consider the possibility of another master apart from those two.”
Upon the Wudang sect leader's final comment, the expressions of those in the room grew even more complicated.
Seeing this, Jegal Muhwan folded his fan with a snap, capturing everyone's attention.
“Our original plan was to help Namgung and the Southern Sky Association to deal with Sa-doryeon, but now it seems we need to change the order of our actions.”
“What do you mean by changing the order?”
“I was thinking of establishing an alliance after dealing with Sa-doryeon, but given the current situation, it would be better to form the alliance first.”
The idea of creating an alliance to confront Shinchun was already on everyone's mind.
It was just difficult to understand why dealing with Sa-doryeon should be postponed.
Although Hyeok Jin-gang has reappeared, the ongoing war between the Namgung family and the Southern Sky Association seemed like the perfect opportunity to strike Sa-doryeon.
Seeing the questions in everyone's eyes, Jegal Muhwan briefly explained his reasoning.
“This is to ensure the stability of our rear. We are not a single force, are we?”
“...Ahem.”
Someone cleared their throat at Jegal Muhwan's words, a cough laced with a bit of embarrassment.
The reason for the ongoing tense atmosphere in the meeting room was precisely because Wudang had been attacked.
While sending major forces to confront Shinchun, their own families or sects could be attacked.
There could be no worse disaster for a martial family or sect.
Perhaps it would be understandable for the shadowy forces, but for the towering giants of the righteous sects who have withstood and grown in one place for hundreds of years, their homes were places that must be protected at all costs.
In reality, every sect and family gathered here always left at least a hundred people behind to defend their base minimally.
The problem was that this incident revealed how inadequate such defenses were.
While everyone was feeling ashamed for worrying more about their sects than the safety of the Central Plains, Tang So-mi, attending as a representative of the Tang Clan, asked,
“But what difference will it make to form an alliance now? If the alliance is created, those who will be active in it will leave their sects or families, so nothing changes, right?”
“A group formed by several allied forces is very different from a single force, Miss Tang. The biggest difference is the speed that comes from unified command. Unlike now, where we have to go through meetings every time, in urgent situations, the alliance leader can make quick decisions. Also, instead of each force gathering and exchanging information individually, forming a unified intelligence group within the alliance will allow us to obtain information much faster and more accurately.”
Even without hearing the rest, everyone could infer the implications.
Obtaining information quickly and making rapid decisions could prevent specific sects from suffering significant damage from sudden attacks.
Seeing that they had somewhat understood his intent, Jegal Muhwan continued.
“Although it may seem inconvenient to establish an alliance and stabilize our rear during the perfect time to attack Sa-doryeon, our main enemy is not Sa-doryeon but Shinchun, which is backing them. And Shinchun's base is still unknown. How can we comfortably head to the battlefield under the threat that our sects can be attacked at any moment?”
Jegal Muhwan elaborated to reassure those worried about missing the opportunity to strike Sa-doryeon due to concerns for their own safety.
“The strategist's words are reasonable.”
“Our bases are exposed, and the enemy's base is unknown, so securing our rear first is the right course of action.”
Seeing a general agreement on forming the alliance, Jegal Muhwan explained the larger picture he envisioned.
“And the benefits of forming the alliance don't end there. Let's say we establish the alliance under the banner of fighting against Sa-doryeon, the demon cult, and the shadowy forces backing them, Shinchun. What if we then post notices all over the Central Plains recruiting new members or allied forces?”
“...Martial artists from small to medium sects or those acting individually across the Central Plains would express their intention to join.”
“Wouldn't that be dangerous? Recruiting new members from everywhere means spies could also infiltrate.”
Jegal Muhwan nodded, understanding the concerns of the Zhongnan Sect elder.
“When a faction grows and the number of people increases, strange individuals are inevitably mixed in. Also, the benefits of incorporating small and medium sects far outweigh the risks of spies mixing in.”
“What benefits would those be?”
In response to the Zhongnan Sect elder’s question, Jegal Muhwan, as if anticipating this, took out a piece of rolled-up leather from his robe and laid it on the floor.
As he unfolded the leather, a rough map of the Central Plains appeared.
“Centered around the new alliance, we will establish branches at key points connecting major sects and families. This will increase the speed of information exchange and also the speed of troop deployment.”
He tapped various points on the map with his fan, continuing his explanation.
Mu-jin watched this scene in amazement.
‘Did he bring the map knowing the conversation would go this way? Or is he always this prepared?’
Whether Mu-jin was feeling incredulous or not, Jegal Muhwan continued his explanation.
“For now, information is being exchanged moderately well through the Beggar Sect and Cheonryu Sangdan, but if we add new members to this, the speed and accuracy will improve even more. When the need for masters arises, we can mobilize key masters from each sect. In the meantime, the alliance’s martial artists will fill the gaps left by the masters.”
“The alliance’s martial artists will gather and deliver information and act as a defensive barrier, while the main battles will be handled by masters from each sect and family.”
“Exactly. This way, it won’t be necessary for many people from the sects or families to leave their posts. Generally, only about twenty to thirty percent would need to be mobilized. Even in battle, more than fifty percent wouldn’t be needed unless it’s a ‘total war.’”
Once Jegal Muhwan finished explaining, everyone in the meeting nodded, indicating they understood.
If the alliance was formed and new members joined, the rear would be much more stable.
Of course, the risk of spies still remained, but Jegal Muhwan, anticipating this concern, spoke again.
“As the elder mentioned, the possibility of spies is not zero. However, this ultimately depends on how well we place people in appropriate positions and assign tasks. What swordsman would avoid using a famous sword out of fear of cutting their own hand?”
The metaphor of a sword seemed to resonate, as no one debated this issue further.
With the situation somewhat settled, Jegal Muhwan brought up the most crucial issue.
“First, considering we have to confront Sa-doryeon and the ease of linking with various sects, this place seems most suitable.”
Saying so, Jegal Muhwan pointed to a location near Dongting Lake in Hunan Province with his fan.
“And we need to decide on the name of the new alliance and elect a leader.”
Electing the head of the new alliance.
This was a sensitive topic, and a peculiar atmosphere filled the meeting room.
At that moment, the youngest member, Tang So-mi, boldly spoke up, breaking the awkward silence.
“How about having Master Mu-jin take the role?”
Naturally, everyone’s eyes turned to Mu-jin.
From Mu-jin’s perspective, this was not entirely a welcome suggestion.
Having once managed a fitness center, he knew well that being the head of an organization was not always a good thing.
It meant he could no longer act as freely as he pleased and would have to deal with various complex issues, possibly leading to hair loss.
‘Ah, I did actually lose my hair before.’
“Hmm. Isn’t it a bit early for me to take on such a role?”
But Tang So-mi, interpreting Mu-jin’s refusal as modesty, recommended him again.
“What does age have to do with it? After all, we are martial artists, right? With Master Mu-jin’s skills, he is more than capable of leading the alliance. Didn’t he already defeat the former leader of the Murim Alliance? Besides, he made numerous contributions in the recent war, so no one would dare criticize him for being too young.”
Many in the meeting nodded, agreeing with her.
“Still, there is a matter of seniority.”
When Mu-jin declined again, the leader of the Wudang Sect spoke up.
“If Master Mu-jin finds it burdensome, what about having Abbot Hyun Cheon take the role?”
Naturally, all eyes turned to Hyun Cheon.
In terms of age, seniority, and reputation in the martial world, he was well-suited for the position.
Furthermore, as the elder of Mu-jin’s sect, who had gained the most fame in the recent war, he was the most fitting candidate.
“If it’s Abbot Hyun Cheon, there would be no objections.”
“Haha. We are all here thanks to Shaolin, so it seems right for the leader to come from Shaolin.”
Although everyone was inclined to nominate Hyun Cheon as the leader, he appeared burdened by the position.
“Haha. I did not gather you here aiming for such a position. Additionally, managing the abbot’s duties is already a challenge, and I’m not confident I can handle the alliance leadership as well. Amitabha.”
When Hyun Cheon declined, people began to ponder their next steps. Then Jegal Muhwan addressed Hyun Cheon again.
“If holding both the abbot and alliance leader positions is burdensome, how about this?”
Curious about Jegal Muhwan’s next words, all eyes turned to him.
“I heard the Shaolin monks brought back a new disciple from Nanzhao. Since that child will be entering as a third-class disciple, won’t the seniority naturally advance by one?”
“Ah…”
Someone let out an exclamation at Jegal Muhwan’s words.
It meant that Hyun Cheon could pass the abbot’s position to a first-class disciple and take on the alliance leadership.
“Now that I think about it, it’s about time we at Wudang also selected a new leader. Holding the position for too long might be seen as greedy. Haha.”
The Wudang sect leader added to support Jegal Muhwan.
However, Hyun Cheon still seemed burdened by the leadership role.
Just as Hyun Cheon was about to express his refusal, Jegal Muhwan spoke again.
“Abbot. I understand your concern that relinquishing the abbot position to take on the alliance leadership might seem like an act of greed. But now, we must think of the greater good rather than public opinion. Choosing a leader everyone supports in this gathering is incredibly challenging. If you decline, the very formation of the alliance might be jeopardized.”
Think of the greater good rather than public opinion.
This reasoning seemed to resonate with Hyun Cheon, who closed his eyes briefly, then opened them with a deep sigh and spoke.
“Amitabha. If it is the consensus, I will take on the leadership role until Shinchun is eradicated. After that, we can either elect a new leader through a fair process or disband the alliance before it becomes stagnant.”
When Hyun Cheon accepted the leadership, those gathered congratulated him.
“Abbot, congratulations on becoming the leader.”
“Haha. I guess we should call you Alliance Leader now instead of Abbot.”
“Should we call you Alliance Leader Monk?”
“Then, would you, the first leader, name the alliance?”
At Jegal Muhwan’s final request, Hyun Cheon, after a moment’s contemplation, spoke.
“We shall call it the Righteous Martial Alliance.”
The name was not simply a label for an alliance of righteous martial artists.
It was meant to be a force that would counter those who wield their strength for evil, an alliance of those who cultivate martial arts for righteous causes.