Chapter 1375
We’ll have to force them go that way. (5)
“A-Alliance Leader! Over there!”
“I see it too.”
Hyun Jong stared at the riverbank where black smoke billowed, his face stiff.
“That’s where the ships of Gupailbang were anchored.”
At Tang Gunak’s words, Hyun Jong nodded slowly.
“It must be Sapaeryeon.”
“It’s highly likely.”
Unless Beop Jong had gone mad and set their own ships on fire, the only ones capable of such an act were surely Sapaeryeon.
“They’ve caught them off guard.”
Tang Gunak slowly clenched and loosened his fist, hidden within his sleeve.
This is precisely what makes Jang Ilso most frightening.
When everyone’s attention is focused in one direction, he strikes at the most vulnerable spot, disregarded by anyone.
He even uses himself as bait.
“Alliance Leader! Surochae are on the move.”
“…”
Everyone could clearly see the fleet of Surochae, which had been occupying the Yangtze River, changing direction.
At first glance, their movement didn’t seem abrupt.
“As if they’ve been waiting…”
“It must have already been planned.”
A chilling sensation ran down their spines.
“So then…”
At that moment, Maeng So, who had been standing with his arms crossed behind them, spoke up.
“Should we consider the fact that Jang Ilso started moving eastward as a diversion to draw attention away from setting those ships on fire?”
“Hmm.”
Tang Gunak let out a low breath.
It was undeniable that the lax defense across the river was due to Jang Ilso’s direct movement. Even if they didn’t know, just the fact that Jang Ilso had moved away from across the river would have eased everyone’s minds to some extent
Even Tang Gunak himself, upon reflection, might have unconsciously let his guard down, let alone the others.
“Maybe so. If it’s Jang Ilso.”
Maeng So’s gaze sank into deep contemplation.
“Turning oneself into bait to divert attention and then attacking where the gaze has shifted…”
Maeng So always compared people to animals.
But he couldn’t think of any beast that matched that cursed Paegun.
More cunning than a fox, more ferocious than a tiger. Where in the world could one find such a creature?
“What’s important is…”
At that moment, Hyun Jong, who had been silent, spoke up.
“It’s not just the fact that the ships are on fire, but also that Jang Ilso is still moving east.”
“…”
“Towards where the children are coming.”
Tang Gunak and Maeng So looked at Hyun Jong with renewed eyes of respect.
While others worried about how Jang Ilso’s move would impact the standoff, Hyun Jong’s gaze was solely fixed on the disciples of Hwasan.
Tang Gunak seemed about to say something, but Hyun Jong spoke first.
“Now, Gupailbang knows too. That Jang Ilso’s move isn’t just a bluff.”
“…If they’re not fools, they’ll realize that.”
Tang Gunak’s gaze, filled with complex emotions, drifted across the river.
‘Paegun.’
It was hard to deny.
With Jang Ilso establishing the headquarters of Sapaeryeon across the river and beginning to settle there, it planted a single thought in people’s minds, even in Tang Gunak’s own mind.
– Perhaps Jang Ilso was just content with conquering Gangnam?
It was absurd, yet at the same time, a realistic question.
The land of Gangnam is vast beyond measure. Throughout history, there have been no instances where an Evil Sect was able to completely dominate such vast territory.
In other words, Jang Ilso had already achieved a feat that would etch his name in the annals of Gangho’s history.
Now, why would he provoke a war against Gupailbang, just to dominate more lands?
A slight shift in perspective reveals the answer. Currently, Jang Ilso faces no apparent threats.
While Beop Jong could serve as a focal point of resistance against Jang Ilso’s attacks, his influence alone isn’t sufficient to muster the strength to attack Gangnam. Additionally, Cheonumaeng, which is most hostile to Jang Ilso, lacks the resources to venture into Gangnam on their own.
‘In other words, if Jang Ilso desires to maintain this balance, it means that no one in the world can shake his position.’
The flames spoke insted of Jang Ilso, declaring that he would never be satisfied with Gangnam or any other place like it.
Even if he were to be engulfed by those flames and turned to ashes, he would forever aim for Gangbuk.
Feeling the chilling malice imbued in those flames, Tang Gunak tightly bit his lips.
“I have a report!”
At that moment, someone burst into the courtyard.
“Gupailbang is on the move. It seems they are heading down the river, following Surochae!”
The reporter’s voice echoed loudly.
Tang Gunak nodded involuntarily. With things as they were, Gupailbang had no other choice.
Since they didn’t know what Jang Ilso and the fleet of Surochae were up to as they moved east, they had no choice but to follow for now.
“Shouldn’t we move as well?”
Even though someone might say otherwise, the most anxious person right now would likely be Hyun Jong.
Though it was clear that Tang Gunak’s words hinted at his feelings, surprisingly, Hyun Jong didn’t respond directly. He simply stared at the boats on the river with a stern expression.
“Alliance Leader?”
Tang Gunak asked again, to which Hyun Jong finally spoke with a firm face.
“Lord Tang.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
“What do you think Paegun is aiming for?”
“Um… Yes?”
What was he aiming for?
Hasn’t it already become clear what Paegun is aiming for? After setting Gupailbang’s fleet on fire and completely seizing control of the Yangtze River…
“…Isn’t he trying to cross to Gangbuk?”
Hyun Jong silently nodded.
“Did Paegun really orchestrate all of this just for that one purpose?”
These words left Tang Gunak speechless. Indeed, there was logic to it. So far, Jang Ilso had always aimed for more than they anticipated.
“But… even considering what Jang Ilso could gain from this… Gupailbang. Cheonumaeng. Sapaeryeon. The elites of these main forces gathered in one place.”
‘Oh, no.’
That’s not all. If their predictions are correct, there’s also a high possibility of Cheonumaeng’s group heading north to encounter Jang Ilso.
In other words, it means that all those who control the fate of Gangho will gather in one place.
‘What is he planning?’
A chill went down Tang Gunak’s spine.
While others might not know, if it’s Jang Ilso, he must have something he aims to achieve from that situation. Something completely unimaginable.
But what on earth…
“We need to hurry.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
Gupailbang showing their movement is like an expression of their willingness to open the way east for them as well.
Then, first and foremost, they must head east. They won’t be able to respond if they’re not there when whatever happens occurs.
“I’ll mobilize our forces. Prepare.”
“Yes!”
Tang Gunak hurriedly ran off, Hyun Jong tightly shut his eyes.
‘Chung Myung-ah…’
In his mind, he saw Chung Myung’s face, smiling innocently. It was the face of Chung Myung who always hid his true intentions behind a smile.
‘Did you foresee this situation?’
He couldn’t tell.
But he believed he did.
With this massive chess game of the powerhouses, there’s only Chung Myung who can sit on the opposite side of Paegun Jang Ilso.
Hyun Jong prayed for that to be the case… he desperately wished it to be so.
❀ ❀ ❀
Paaaaat!
Baek Cheon, his face hardened, scanned his surroundings with a stern gaze. Despite searching every corner, he didn’t sense any signs of the enemy.
‘What the hell is going on?’
Just a while ago, they had attacked and taken the lives of nearly thirty Sapaeryeon’s members. It was an action they could have avoided, yet they chose to carry it out.
However, no matter how much time passed, there was no sign of their vigilance increasing.
‘Could they not notice that nearly thirty of their members are missing?’
That couldn’t be the case.
Even if there were many corrupt elements within Sapaeryeon, thirty was not a small number anywhere. Especially in a situation like this, where the enemy was stirring things up from within.
But logically, something like this shouldn’t be happening…
Baek Cheon unconsciously turned his head slightly. In that moment, his eyes met Chung Myung’s.
Baek Cheon quickly turned away from Chung Myung’s intense gaze, trying to avoid it…
“Huh?”
“…”
“This is really strange, isn’t it? We took out nearly thirty of them, why aren’t they retaliating? They should definitely be doing something about it, right?”
“…”
“These bastards didn’t just suddenly vanish, did they? Isn’t that right, Nokrim King?”
“Haha. Why would you say that?”
Im Sobyeong chuckled as he responded.
“If Dojang were to say such things, the person who was frothing at the mouth about us poking unnecessary trouble would become incredibly angry, hmm? Confused, wouldn’t they? A true gentleman never revels in others’ difficulties. One must know when to overlook things generously.”
“Indeed, that’s true.”
“Of course. Perhaps Vice Sect Leader had malicious intent and opposed it while foaming at the mouth? It’s all done with good intentions. Even the Great Sage said not to blame foolishness, despite blaming malice, didn’t he? The wise Dojang should understand.”
“Hmm. If you put it that way…”
“Exactly. Exactly.”
Baek Cheon’s hand, holding the sword, trembled slightly.
What’s going on? Those bastards…
With just that guy, his insides were already turning, but having two similar guys together felt like watching plum blossoms dance in his stomach.
“Tsk tsk. That’s why I said it like that. If a Taoist can’t trust people’s words like this…”
“Isn’t it because the spirit of Gangho has fallen to the ground? Who else can we blame?”
“But Chung Myung…”
Just before Baek Cheon erupted in a fit, Yoon Jong naturally spoke up, changing the flow of the conversation.
“So, did Gupailbang really move?”
“Probably.”
“But why?”
“I don’t know that either.”
“…”
Yoon Jong looked at Chung Myung with a gaze that seemed to say, ‘What kind of bastard is this?’
He knew they’re coming, but not why? Does that even make sense?
Seeing that look, Chung Myung smirked.
“There’s no reason that I know of that would make the Great Baldy move.”
“Then?”
“It means Jang Ilso will do whatever it takes to lure Gupailbang.”
“…”
Chung Myung twisted his lips.
With all sides blocked, this was the only way to break through this situation.
‘We’ve gathered all the pieces. All that’s left is to fight.’
A fierce determination flashed in Chung Myung’s eyes.
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