Chapter 1773
Who did you just say it was? (8)
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“We got hit again?”
As soon as he opened his eyes, Jo Geol grimaced upon receiving last night’s grievous news.
“That appears to be the case.”
“…”
The atmosphere around them was unsettling.
Normally, Jo Geol would have burst into anger without hesitation. But now, he didn’t even feel angry. Because he could sense how serious the situation was.
“What about their whereabouts?”
“Nothing.”
“We increased our numbers and told them to be more vigilant, didn’t we? And yet, they were attacked again without even blowing the whistle?”
“Yes.”
Jo Geol’s expression hardened even more.
No matter how he thought about it, it was impossible. There’s only one possible scenario: the sentries didn’t consider the approaching person an enemy.
“…Sahyeong, could it be an insider….”
“Stop right there.”
When Yoon Jong shot him a stern look, Jo Geol closed his mouth. Having subdued Jo Geol with his gaze, Yoon Jong sighed and said.
“I thought of the same thing as you. But we must be cautious about suspecting our own people, even at the very end. Isn’t there still a possibility we haven’t considered?”
“What are you talking about?”
The answer came from someone who entered, throwing open the tent flap.
“Cheon Myeon Susa.”
“…What?”
Jo Geol quickly turned his gaze towards the entrance. It was Im Sobyeong.
“What if it’s Dam Yeohae, Cheon Myeon Susa?”
He spoke such serious words in a truly relaxed tone. Jo Geol exclaimed and jumped to his feet.
“Ah…!”
“If it’s that man, it might be possible. He’s known as the one with a thousand faces, the greatest master of disguise in the world.”
“……Why didn’t I think of that?”
They had even encountered him at close range not long ago. Moreover, hadn’t they witnessed him attacking and defeating the Lord of the Sun Palace right before their eyes?
“Are you certain about this, Nokrim King?”
“Well.”
Im Sobyeong lightly shrugged his shoulders.
“No one in the world knows exactly how advanced Dam Yeohae’s disguise abilities are. But we need to consider it.”
Jo Geol scratched his head vigorously, complaining.
“Why is this so complicated? Anyway, you’re saying that Cheon Myeon Susa is up to something now.”
“Simple and straightforward. Yes, let’s go with that.”
“Then shouldn’t we respond?”
“How?”
“Yes?”
“How should we respond?”
“Well, of course…”
Jo Geol, who was about to reply, trailed off blankly.
“This is…”
Only then did he realize how badly they were cornered.
“You said it was Cheon Myeon Susa?”
“Yes.”
With Im Sobyeong absent, many people were gathered in the tent.
“Cheon Myeon Susa, Dam Yeohae…”
Maeng So, the Beast Palace Lord who had been murmuring softly, nodded.
“Indeed, if it’s him, it’s possible. He could have approached us disguised as one of our own.”
“Don’t say such nonsense!”
However, Moyong Wigyeong seemed to have a completely different opinion.
“It’s questionable whether such a disguise is even possible, but even if it is, do you think that man would personally carry this out?”
“Why not?”
“This is frustrating! Cheon Myeong Susa is the head of Haomun and essentially the second-in-command of Sapaeryeon.”
Of course, the actual second-in-command might be Poisoned Heart Rakshasa Ho Gamyeong, but his authority was built entirely relying on Jang Ilso. So, strictly speaking, it’s not wrong to consider Cheon Myeon Susa Dam Yeohae as the second-in-command of Sapaeryeon.
“So what?”
“Does it make sense for someone like him to infiltrate enemy camp and go around assassinating sentries?”
Asking in an elevated tone, Moyong Wigyeong looked over at Tang Gunak.
“If we’re talking about the second-in-command of the Alliance, it would be the Lord of the Tang clan.”
“Oh no, please don’t say such things…”
“Is there anyone among us who could order – or even request – Lord Tang to infiltrate enemy camp and reduce the enemy using poison [용독(用毒)]?”
At those words, everyone fell silent. Indeed, according to their common sense, it was an absurd notion.
Could someone, even Jang Ilso, make such an unreasonable demand of Haomun’s head? Considering that Sapaeryeon is not a single sect but a coalition of multiple sects, it would be almost impossible.
“Isn’t it possible that Cheon Myeon Susa acted on his own volition?”
At Namgung Dowi’s words, Pung Yeong Shin Gae shook his head.
“Cheon Myeon Susa Dam Yeohae is an extremely cautious man. If he had been a bit more daring, the landscape of the Evil Sects might have changed. Someone like that wouldn’t willingly undertake such dangerous tasks.”
“Is that so…”
A heavy silence fell momentarily.
“Let’s focus on what’s important.”
Everyone’s gaze turned to Jongli Gok.
“Whether it’s Dam Yeohae or not, the process of what has happened last night is clear. Someone is deceiving our sentries to get close to them.”
Everyone nodded.
On the first day, they merely harbored suspicions, but after experiencing another day, it became crystal clear. To harm those who had become more vigilant than before without a trace, an approach that wouldn’t arouse suspicion was essential…
“Then we just need to warn them about that.”
“What do you mean..?”
“Wouldn’t it suffice to order them to attack anyone who approaches, no matter who it is?”
At Jongli Gok’s words, several people let out small exclamations and nodded.
However, there were those whose expressions hardened. Among them, one person, Zhuge Jain, spoke up.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Cheonumaneg is already in a precarious situation. In such times, it is akin to issuing an order that effectively tells them to suspect one another.”
“If it’s a way to reduce damage, we have to endure it.”
“Trying to reduce damage could put cracks in the Alliance.”
“If you try to avoid those cracks, you might lose your limbs instead.”
Zhuge Jain and Jongli Gok stared intensely at each other. Zhuge Jain did not back down easily.
“It will cause a bigger ripple than you think, Sect Leader. From the start, Cheonumaeng is not a single sect. It’s an alliance that can split at any time over even a minor disagreement. Are you suggesting we sow seeds of discord in such a place?”
“It’s a basic principle to be wary of anyone when setting up guard posts. Why is insisting on a principle that hasn’t been observed until now considered sowing discord?”
“Do you think that suspicion will be limited only to the times when setting up guard posts?”
Zhuge Jain continued with a stern face.
“It means admitting that an unknown person has infiltrated among us. Not only when setting up guard posts but also in everyday life, people will start looking at others with eyes of suspicion. They’ll be more suspicious of strangers from other sects than their own senior and junior disciples.”
“Hmm.”
“A huge wall will rise again between the sects – a wall that the General barely managed to ease by implementing reorganization within the Alliance. Perhaps it will be an even higher wall than before. Then the Alliance will end on that path.”
“That is…”
“There are already signs. Reports have come in that words and actions of mutual suspicion are appearing among the disciples. In such circumstances, we cannot issue orders that will further incite suspicion.”
Jongli Gok’s gaze turned cold.
“Are you suggesting we ignore the immediate harm by guarding against things that haven’t even happened yet? If you oppose it so strongly, then present an alternative.”
“An alternative is…”
“If you don’t even have an alternative, then what is the point of your opposition?”
The air inside the tent began to sharpen like a blade. Tang Gunak, who had been watching, let out a deep sigh to break the tension.
“Let’s stop here.”
“…”
“…”
“First, we’ll increase the number of shifts.”
“Lord Tang!”
Jongli Gok glared at Tang Gunak as if he couldn’t possibly accept this. However, Tang Gunak shook his head without taking his words back.
“If what they’re aiming for is division among us, intending to launch an all-out attack taking advantage of that gap, then we must prevent division as much as possible now.”
“Even if innocent people are sacrificed?”
“If we increase the number of shifts and the frequency of rotations, we can reduce casualties. The shorter the time spent on guard duty, the less the risk.”
“Then we’ll need an excessive number of personnel.”
“We’ll have to accept that.”
Jongli Gok crossed his arms and let out a cold sneer.
“So you’re saying we shouldn’t rest because it’s dangerous. Doesn’t it seem like the cart is before the horse? If their plan was to wear us down, it seems to be working perfectly.”
The eyes of several leaders shone as if agreeing with Jongli Gok. Tang Gunak spoke without wavering.
“Retired Sect Leader.”
“Yes.”
“How long would it take to gather the Beggar Sect’s disciples who are spread out collecting information?”
“…If they’re nearby, it shouldn’t take more than a day.”
Tang Gunak nodded.
“We can supplement the insufficient numbers with the Beggar Sect’s disciples.”
“Won’t that cause issues in gathering intelligence?”
“Right now, regulating our internal affairs is more important than monitoring their movements.”
Indeed, if they followed Tang Gunak’s suggestion, the problem would be somewhat resolved. Even if it took an extra day to gather the Beggar Sect’s disciples due to unforeseen issues, they could endure for about two days.
Some nodded at that alternative solution. But others couldn’t hide their dissatisfaction.
Tang Gunak felt that the people inside the tent were dividing into two groups.
“…So that’s the Alliance’s choice, then.”
Jongli Gok muttered softly, staring at Tang Gunak. His voice had grown even colder.
“I have one question.”
“What is it?”
“Where is the Alliance Leader?”
Tang Gunak remained silent, his mouth closed.
“From the beginning, Jongnam hasn’t even joined the Alliance – we’re merely sharing the same stance. Yet you’re telling us to follow the orders of the Lord of the Tang Clan, who isn’t even the Alliance Leader. I find that extremely displeasing.”
“That is…”
“Let the Alliance do as it wishes. Jongnam will act on its own.”
Jongli Gok stood up and left the tent, giving a glance to several other leaders.
“There are those who are inherently unable to get along.”
“Sect Leader!”
As Jongli Gok indifferently left, the atmosphere inside the tent grew heavy. One person, intimidated by the final glance Jongli Gok had cast, cautiously asked the person beside him.
“Um… Yoon Jong Dojang.”
“Yes, Palace Lord.”
“Where is Chung Myung Dojang?”
Yoon Jong couldn’t bring himself to answer and closed his mouth. Come to think of it, Seol Sobaek had become much more gaunt than when they first met.
“If only he were here… this would have been resolved in no time.”
Instead of replying, Yoon Jong quietly grasped Seol Sobaek’s hand. Only after a long pause did he murmur softly, almost to himself.
“…That’s right.”
He blamed himself for not being able to give a proper answer.
❀ ❀ ❀
Standing guard is usually a tedious task.
Typically, enemies don’t appear so easily. Spending endless hours on alert for foes that never come is inevitably exhausting and boring.
But what if the enemy camp is just a stone’s throw away, and the enemy is an utterly terrifying presence? From that moment, the meaning of standing guard changes completely.
It becomes a time akin to torture – your blood runs cold, your lips dry up, and tension naturally stiffens your toes.
‘How much time has passed?’
The swordsman from Moyong family, who had never realized how painful guard duty could be, had already anxiously looked around several times.
In front of him stretched a meadow shrouded in darkness. Without even moonlight, an overwhelming sense of suffocation pressed in.
Sssst.
At that moment, a sound of something brushing through the bushes came from behind.
“Who’s there?!”
Moyong’s swordsman, his body tightly bound by tension, quickly turned around and drew his sword. With one hand, he swiftly brought a whistle to his lips.
However, the tension that had been building up quickly dissipated.
“It’s the shift change.”
A figure appeared, raising both hands high with a hint of irritation on his face. Judging by his attire, he seemed to be from Zhuge family.
‘Right. We were scheduled to switch with Zhuge family. Has it already been that long?’
The other Moyong swordsmen standing guard also hastily raised their swords but began to relax upon hearing the word ‘shift change.’ It was a moment when their suspicions eased.
“Sorry I am a bit late. I was nervous and had a stomachache.”
“It happens.”
Moyong’s swordsman had also been suffering from a subtle stomachache throughout his watch. It was because he couldn’t let go of his tension.
Just as he was about to lower the weapon in his hand, wiping away the sweat running down his forehead, a sudden thought made him hesitate.
“Wait a minute… but why are you alone?”
“Huh?”
“Isn’t the shift change supposed to be with three people?”
“They must have stomachache too. I came ahead first.”
That was possible. Everyone was nervous.
But there was one thing that truly aroused his suspicion.
“But… has the shift change time really come?”
“Huh?”
“I think there’s still some time left…”
“Oh, really?”
The approaching warrior from Zhuge family smirked.
“You should have realized it a bit sooner.”
“What?”
“Before I got this close.”
Zhuge family’s warrior’s body distorted. No, he lunged so quickly that it looked as if his body warped and stretched.
‘An enemy!’
By the time he realized it, the enemy’s hand was already flying right towards his face. A pale white hand imbued with a sharp, chilling aura. Moyong’s swordsman sensed death without even having time to close his eyes.
Kaaang!
But at that moment, a loud metallic sound rang in his ears. Simultaneously, Moyong family’s swordsman fell backwards.
“Gah! Huh?”
Amidst the surge of intense pain, he barely realized that he wasn’t dead. Startled, he quickly lifted his upper body.
“.…..You?”
Someone was standing in front of him, holding a sword that reflected the moon, which had emerged between the clouds.
“Hwasan…”
Moyong’s swordsman stared blankly at the figure’s back.
Was it because of the moonlight? The face that briefly appeared looked unusually pale. However, it was indeed someone he knew well.
“Stand back.”
“Yes!”
The swordsmen of Moyong family hurriedly nodded and retreated hesitantly. Knowing that if this person hadn’t appeared, they would have become mere wandering ghosts without even realizing their deaths, they couldn’t even think of displaying any pointless bravado.
In the face of such an overwhelming gap, the only thing they could do was call for reinforcements.
“Hmm…”
The warrior of Zhuge family… no, Cheon Myeon Susa Dam Yeohae gently touched his face. A long cut on his cheek oozed a thin line of blood. The smoothly split mask [면구(面具)] dangled, torn away from his flesh.
“How did you know? I thought I had perfectly concealed my presence.”
“Your smell.”
“What?”
“A foul stench was emanating.”
Momentarily speechless as if dumbfounded, Cheon Myeon Susa suddenly burst into laughter. Though he said ‘foul stench,’ it ultimately meant he had smelled blood on him.
“Smell, you say… Should I have thought I was dealing with a beast? You’re no different from a dog.”
Cheon Myeon Susa’s gaze turned chilling.
“It’s somewhat different from what I expected… but this isn’t bad. No, it might even be better.”
His pale hand began to emit a pure white energy.
“If I can take Hwasan Geomhyeop’s head, it will be an achievement incomparable to anything…”
Whoosh!
At that moment, Chung Myung’s sword became a streak of light, rushing towards Cheon Myeon Susa’s neck.
‘What?’
Slash!
Cheon Myeon Susa immediately moved more than one zhang to the side from where he stood. But a vivid red line had already been drawn across his neck.
This was not the end. Before he could even come to his senses, Chung Myung’s sword was descending upon his head in rapid succession.
Sensing it was too late to evade, Dam Yeohae crossed his hands and raised them.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
However, just before the sword and hands met, Chung Myung’s sword twisted in a bizarre manner and began to slash at Dam Yeohae’s wrists.
“Ugh!”
Dam Yeohae swiftly retreated. His wrists had shallow cuts, dripping crimson blood.
‘Even hands enveloped with internal energy…’
Hwasan Geomhyeop. No, Maehwa Geomgwi.
It was a sword technique that instantly made him understand the countless rumors about him circulating throughout Gangho.
“Don’t babble.”
“…”
“I told you. You reek. So shut your mouth because you’re making me sick.”
Chung Myung dragged his sword as he approached Dam Yeohae. His gaze was colder than the biting wind of the Northern Sea.
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