Chapter 1351
It’s just the way it turned out. (1)
Hong Daekwang contemplated for a bit and stuttered as he spoke.
“Th-the current report is that Jang Ilso, along with Red Dogs and other elites, were mobilized from Sapaeryeon. Th-the destination is not exactly clear, but it’s roughly south…”
“Are you certain?”
Hong Daekwang vigorously nodded without answering. One could feel the urgency and tension just by looking at his face, as he was sweating profusely.
“W-we may have lost most of our intelligence network in Gangnam, but we still have some eyes on Sapaeryeon’s headquarters. Frankly speaking, we’re barely keeping tabs on the headquarters, but…”
He paused, then continued.
“At any rate, this is the first time Jang Ilso has personally moved since the Hangzhou Incident! The Beggars Sect is in chaos! And the fact that Red Dogs and the elites of Maninbang are also mobilized implies that something big is about to happen, wouldn’t you agree?”
Hyun Jong’s face remained hardened throughout the conversation. Although Beggars Sect still didn’t know the clear situation of Cheonumaeng and their group in Gangnam, them interpreting the situation somehow was inevitable. However, to Hyun Jong, who knew the current situation of those who went to help Haenam, Jang Ilso’s goal was clear.
“If Beggars Sect knows this news, it means that Gupailbang also knows.”
Hong Daekwang closed his mouth like a mute and nodded his head.
Of course, the Beggars Sect was still a member of Gupailbang, and the information they obtained would naturally be conveyed to Gupailbang. To be rational, it could be problematic for Hong Daekwang to convey this news to Cheonumaeng.
However, whenever Hong Daekwang spoke such words in front of Hyun Jong, he couldn’t help but feel like he was committing a sin.
As if understanding his feelings, Hyun Jong deeply bowed to Hong Daekwang.
“Thank you. I understand it might have been difficult for you to convey the news.”
“P-please don’t do this, Alliance Leader!”
Hong Daekwang recoiled in shock and raised his arms defensively.
“This isn’t something to be thankful for. A-and… gratitude is something you express to outsiders. How could I, even though I’m affiliated with the Beggars Sect, be a stranger to Hwasan Shinryong… No, Hwasan Geomhyeop.”
Hyun Jong silently nodded. He knew it wasn’t just empty words, so he could only be grateful.
However, there was no time to express gratitude leisurely now.
His gaze turned towards the Yangtze River, spread out beyond the walls of Jangwon. The river in the distance was still controlled by the fleets of Surochae.
As much as he wanted to break through that blockade and advance in one breath, it was realistically difficult. That’s why there was even less time. They had to move now, crossing the Yangtze River through a route where the grip of Surochae couldn’t reach as soon as possible.
Hyun Jong nodded.
“Sect Leader.”
“Yes.”
“We don’t have time.”
“I’ll prepare for departure right away.”
“I’m sorry, Sect Leader.”
Un Am shook his head firmly.
“I don’t think it was wrong at all, as my master believed.”
“…”
“If the disciples of Hwasan were isolated in Gangnam, and Chung Myung was here, what do you think he would have said?”
Hyun Jong’s face momentarily went blank. Seeing his expression, Un Am chuckled.
“If it were him, he would have undoubtedly insisted on heading to Gangnam immediately. No one could have stopped him, and if necessary, he would have gone alone without hesitation. Don’t you think so?”
“Sect Leader.”
“Yes.”
“They are not going to save them because they are them. At least for a moment, they thought about whether this was the right choice. If it were other disciples, as if you wouldn’t have been worried?”
Hyun Jong nodded slowly.
Un Am was right. Regardless of who was in danger now, the reaction would likely have been the same.
“They are all our disciples, and they are children who Hwasan must protect. There’s no need for hesitation or doubt. If we’re not willing to sacrifice a hundred lives to save one, then the name of the sect is nothing but a hollow shell.”
Un Am’s gaze turned towards the disciples.
“Isn’t that so?”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
There were no usual cheers or rowdy voices. Only resolute voices erupted in unison.
Hyun Jong nodded, suppressing something surging within him.
“All right, let’s go.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
Hyun Jong’s gaze turned to Tang Gunak.
“Lord Tang.”
But before he could speak, Tang Gunak shook his head.
“Please don’t ask us to stay and guard this place, Alliance Leader.”
He spoke as if he already knew what Hyun Jong was going to say.
“There are also my children there. They are more important to me than anyone else.”
“But…”
“But that’s a secondary issue.”
A chill emanated from Tang Gunak’s face.
“For the sake of the clan, I can sacrifice my children’s lives anytime. But there is one thing as the clan leader that I can never give up.”
Tang Gunak’s face was stern.
“Anyone who touches the successor of the clan will inevitably pay the price. This is the law of the clan passed down for centuries, the iron rule of the clan that must be upheld at all costs, even above the clan’s existence.”
A fierce determination flashed in his eyes.
“Even if Hwasan didn’t go, the Tang clan would have crossed the river. So please don’t ask me to stay here.”
“Lord…”
Just by looking at his face, one could tell that there was no way to break Tang Gunak’s will. Throughout history, Tang Gunak had endured the same because of the name Cheonumaeng.
“Indeed, the laws of the Tang clan are renowned.”
They turned to see who had spoken from behind.
“But the sense of obligation to those laws may not outweigh the urgency of the situation in Namgung.”
“…Elder Namgung.”
Namgung Myeong nodded heavily.
“Not adhering to the laws won’t make the clan disappear. But in Namgung’s current situation, the existence of the Young Lord is more significant than the clan itself.”
Namgung Myeong spoke with a cold face, as if clad in armor.
“In the first place, not sending him would have been the best option, but given the circumstances, we have no choice but to take the next best option. Namgung’s next best option is to rescue our Lord at any cost, even if it means risking all our lives. There is no alternative.”
A chilling determination emanated from Namgung Myeong. By his side, Namgung Dan also expressed his agreement with resolute face.
Namgung’s lineage had already lost Namgung Hwang. Losing Namgung Dowi here was not an option.
“Namgung is going.”
Hwasan, Tangga, and Namgung expressed their will.
“In that case, the Ice Palace will join as well.”
“Elder Han…”
“We cannot afford to lose our Lord. Shouldn’t we strengthen our forces with another sect?”
But Tang Gunak firmly shook his head at those words.
“The Ice Palace must guard this place.”
At that moment, Song Won, who had been observing the situation from the side, exploded in anger.
“Why is that? Just because we’re not from here?”
“Song Won!”
Han Imyeong roared in a chilling voice.
“What nonsense is this! After seeing how Cheonumaeng treats us, how can you still utter such words?”
“…Sorry.”
“If you dare spout such nonsense again, I won’t forgive you.”
Song Won bowed deeply. Han Imyeong apologized to Tang Gunak on his behalf.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright. I understand perfectly.”
To the eyes of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, Tang Gunak might appear as just another Central Plain’s figure, but in reality, Tang clan was often regarded as an outsider even within the Central Plains for various reasons. So, they understood their sentiments to the point.
“There are two reasons why we’re not mobilizing the Ice Palace. One is that it’s difficult for the Ice Palace warriors to exert their full power in the hot south.”
“…That’s…”
There’s no denying this fact, even for Han Imyeong. It’s natural that the effectiveness of ice arts diminishes as one moves to warmer regions.
Under normal circumstances, one might have boldly proclaimed that it wouldn’t matter that much, but when facing Sapaeryeon, even such words were hard to come by.
“And the other reason is that if this place falls into enemy hands, they could then pour their forces into Gangbuk. To return alive and set foot on this land again, it’s imperative to have a sect that can contain them.”
Han Imyeong clenched his lips tightly.
The desire to rescue the Lord was undoubtedly strong, but he was now the one standing in for the Ice Palace’s Lord. Naturally, practical concerns couldn’t be ignored.
If someone had to stay behind and guard, it had to be the Ice Palace. It was undeniable that they were lacking in strength compared to other factions of the Alliance.
Above all, what made Han Imyeong hesitate was the concern that them joining might actually be a hindrance.
Sensing his hesitation, Hyun Jong addressed Han Imyeong firmly.
“We will definitely bring Lord Seol back. So, we entrust you with your role here.”
“…Understood.”
In the end, Han Imyeong stepped back.
Tang Gunak’s gaze shifted to Maeng So, who was silent.
“In the same sense, the Beast Palace must also guard this place.”
Maeng So’s eyes shimmered with complex emotions. After pursing his lips, he asked Tang Gunak with a slightly blunt tone.
“Does the Lord think that beast warriors won’t be able to exert their full strength in the south?”
“It may not be so. However… moving those beasts in secret and crossing the river is impossible.”
“…”
“…And if someone is needed to guard the rear, I believe there is no one more suitable for that role than the Lord himself. You can always provide the quickest response. If it’s the Lord, we can trust you to guard our backs.”
Maeng So nodded reluctantly, as if he couldn’t argue against it.
Those who call Tang clan ruthless and selfish are all fools. Where in the world is the selfishness and ruthlessness in this situation?
“…Then so be it.”
The ones to head south had been decided: Hwasan, Sichuan Tang clan, and Namgung clan.
Maeng So asked with a slightly worried expression.
“Will just these three sects be enough?”
“It may not be just these three.”
“Hmm?”
“…No matter how much we try to control them, Nokrim won’t listen. Nokchae are the people who will follow even if it means deaths.”
“Hmm.”
Maeng So nodded as if acknowledging the validity of the point. Without Nokrim King, Nokrim would be uncontrollable even in the name of Cheonumaeng. So, they would likely move according to their own will.
For Nokchae, who stayed by Im Sobyeong’s side even in times of crisis, the choice had already been set.
“Now then…”
“But both of you, you can’t just head to Gangnam.”
Namgung Myeong spoke with a resolute expression.
“Crossing the Yangtze River won’t be easy. The river is completely controlled by Surochae, and we don’t even have a suitable boat to cross.”
“So, we need to hurry and secure a boat.”
“That’s not all. Even if we manage to cross the Yangtze without any casualties, if we don’t know which path those who are breaking through Gangnam will take to head to Gangbuk, it’ll be like searching for a needle in the desert.”
Tang Gunak fell silent, unable to refute the logic of Namgung Myeong’s words.
“Namgung has already once lost something we shouldn’t have lost by being too hasty. We can’t afford to make the same mistake twice.”
The weight of those words carried a heavy burden that couldn’t be ignored.
Tang Gunak’s eyes twitched faintly. Despite his attempt to appear composed, he was also clearly shaken, enough to overlook something that he would have usually considered.
“Well then…”
“I know where they will come.”
Tang Gunak’s gaze turned to Hyun Jong. Hyun Jong spoke calmly.
“So please, prepare quickly. My patience is not as deep as it was.”
Both Tang Gunak and Namgung Myeong nodded simultaneously as they silently stared at Hyun Jong.
“We understand, Alliance Leader.”
“We’ll prepare right away.”
“Please do.”
Hyun Jong firmly asserted his position.
The two immediately led their disciples towards the living quarters where the others were staying, as if even a moment of hesitation was too precious to waste, such was their urgent movement.
Hyun Jong, with his head held high, also didn’t look at them. His gaze had once again shifted to the distant south.
‘Chung Myung-ah… You kids…’
He closed his eyes tightly.
‘Just hold on a little longer. I’m coming soon.’
He just desperately hoped that this voice would reach those exhausted disciples.
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