Chapter 1382
Of course, such a thing would never happen. (2)
“I report! The carriage carrying Paegun Jang Ilso of Sapaeryeon is currently approaching Nanjing. If this continues, it is estimated to reach the vicinity of Nanjing within three hours!”
“I report! The Black Ghost’s forces are passing through the direction of Changzhou and heading towards Nanjing at high speed!”
“What’s the estimated time of arrival?”
“We are adjusting the speed by taking intermittent rests, so it’s difficult to predict the exact arrival time. However, based on the current situation, it is expected to be between three and five hours.”
“I report! Sapaeryeon’s forces which were near Huangshan Mountain are gathering in Nanjing! We are currently estimating their numbers, but due to the influx from all directions, it’s challenging to ascertain accurately. However, it seems to be at least over five thousand!”
As reports poured in from all directions, the face of the Elder Jao Gae [자오개(慈烏丐)] Neungsam [능삼(能三)] of the Beggars Sect, hardened to the point where it could no longer become any more rigid.
Each piece of news that came in was perilous enough to make one’s heart shrink. But the truly terrifying news came after.
“Elder!”
Bang!
The inner door swung open violently, revealing a pale-faced messenger.
“It’s urgent! An emergency!”
“What’s the matter?”
“A report from Gangnam! C-Currently, a large procession of wagons has been spotted in Huangshan Mountain!”
“Wagons?”
“Yes! It’s not confirmed yet, but judging by the shape of the cargo, it’s likely to be grain!”
“Grain…”
In an instant, cold sweat trickled down Neungsam’s back.
What did it mean to have grain transported at this time? Why would there be a large-scale movement of grain towards the Yangtze River?
‘Military provision!’
Unless Jang Ilso suddenly woke up to Taoist enlightenment and decided to provide grain to the Yangtze River refugees, his intention is very clear.
“I-Is this true?”
Neungsam’s fingertips trembled involuntarily. Replenishing supplies meant that Jang Ilso didn’t intend to end this situation as a simple transient conflict.
As Neungsam momentarily lost his words, other messengers began to chatter excitedly.
“Why would they mobilize military provisions? It’s nonsense! What would elites of Sapaeryeon need grains for?”
“Nonsense! Even if Sapa bastards go without rice for a few days, it wouldn’t be a problem. But aren’t they currently mobilizing even the minor sects? If they intend to lead them northward, then supplies are absolutely necessary!”
“I don’t think so!”
The Intelligence Corps, overflowing with reports, argued vehemently, each holding a handful of reports in their hands.
Of course, interpreting information was their job. Amidst the flood of incoming reports, they had to analyze it in real-time and find the right course of action without even blinking an eye.
However, Neungsam sensed it. He understood that beneath the heated voices, there was an underlying fear that couldn’t be hidden.
“Now, calm down for a moment! Bringing provisions doesn’t necessarily mean they’re intending to cross the river. It could be part of a long-term strategy centered around the Yangtze River!”
“Nonsense. Why would Sapaeryeon make such a choice when they’ve already fortified their front lines?”
“That’s enough!”
In the end, Jao Gae Neungsam intervened to halt the heated debate.
“First, relay the information to headquarters, and immediately contact Gupailbang which is moving towards Nanjing!”
“Yes!”
“Don’t make hasty judgments on what you can’t ascertain. Transmit the available information as is! Analysis comes next!”
“Yes!”
Some of them quickly rushed out upon hearing his words.
“Elder, Cheonumaeng! What about Cheonumaeng?”
“…Pass the information to them as well.”
“Yes!”
As Neungsam was about to finish speaking, he grabbed the person trying to rush out again and shouted.
“Oh, and see if there’s a way to contact Haenam, who is advancing north, confirm it with the Black Stain Unit who is Gangnam!”
“Elder, that’s…”
“Just confirm it!”
“Yes, understood!”
Watching the back of the departing messenger, Jao Gae furrowed his brow.
‘Was it really necessary to go this far?’
The Intelligence Corps was a pride of the Beggars Sect. They gathered and analyzed all the information existing in the world. It was said that while your neighbor might not know what you had for breakfast this morning, the Intelligence Corps did.
Jao Gae Neungsam also took pride in the operation of the Intelligence Corps. However, the reality of this unit that he faced today was far different from what he had imagined.
The system of the Intelligence Corps, which usually operated flawlessly without a single error, was now making squeaking noises everywhere, causing disruptions and inconsistencies.
‘Gangho… Gangho has been too peaceful all this time.’
He had believed that he was sufficiently prepared, that he could handle any situation. However, witnessing this scene, anyone could see how absurdly arrogant that belief was.
Just like a sharp sword left unused in its scabbard for decades would dull and lose its edge, he realized today how his confidence had become blunted and misguided.
“Is there still no news from the headquarters?”
“Not yet…”
Neungsam bit his lip.
‘If only Sect Leader was still in good form…’
He realized the need to appoint a young leader who could swiftly respond to any crisis, no matter what.
He had anticipated such events, and he would have ensured the succession of leadership before Sect Leader became so frail. But now, regrets were futile. Handing over the leadership in such a situation would only create further chaos.
‘Hwasan.’
Jao Gae tightened and loosened his fist.
When he heard that Hyun Jong, who had been the Sect Leader of Hwasan, had stepped down from his position and appointed his disciple to that role, Jao Gae thought he had made a grave mistake.
Moreover, when he heard that the young Hwasan Jeonggeom Baek Cheon was appointed as the Vice Sect Leader, he thought Hyun Jong had gone senile. And he wasn’t alone. Most people shared this sentiment.
Indeed, it was inevitable. There may be countless individuals across the realm criticizing Hyun Jong, but is there anyone who would deny the fact that Hyun Jong revived the fallen Hwasan?
Of course, Hyun Jong may not have been the one who achieved all of this. He might have been just an observer. But that’s all the more reason not to step back. When things are going well, there’s no need to change the system.
Maintaining the status quo and keeping the flow intact are more important when everything is going smoothly.
But now, he thought he understood. He had come to understand why Hyun Jong stepped down. Why he handed over the position to the younger generation.
“Have responses been received from the other sects who Gupailbang requested support from?”
“Not yet!”
“Still?”
“Yes. The Buntajus are waiting for responses from the various sects in each region, but we haven’t received any replies yet!”
“Why on earth not?”
Frustrated, Jao Gae erupted in anger.
“It’s been quite a while since the news were relayed, so why haven’t we received any responses yet? Are they treating this like some kind of spectator sport? Damn it!”
The messenger hurriedly spoke up.
“I-I’ll send another round of messages!”
“Damn it!”
Neungsam slammed the floor with the bamboo stick he was holding.
“What on earth is everyone thinking, seriously!”
His shouts echoed desperately outside the hall.
❀ ❀ ❀
Mount Qingcheng.
“The forces of Sapaeryeon have nearly arrived in Nanjing.”
“Hmm.”
The gazes of the elders and Qingcheng’s Sect Leader’s Byeok Hyeonja [벽현자(碧賢子)], sank deeply.
“Sect Leader. Beggars are setting up camp in front of the mountain gate. Shouldn’t we give them an answer soon?”
Byeok Hyeonja nodded slowly.
“That’s how it should be. Inform them that as soon as preparations in Qingcheng are complete, we are to respond to Shaolin’s call and march to the Yangtze River.”
“Yes, I will do so. Shall I prepare the disciples then?”
“Yes. Preparation must be made. We have eyes at us.”
At these words, the gaze of Qingcheng’s elder, Byeok Sang [벽상(碧想)], sharpened.
“Do you have no intention of marching?”
“We have to. We must. Qingcheng is both the Great Sect and the member of Gupailbang, the sect that is a leader in Gangho. How can we not go?”
“…And then?”
“But there’s no need to rush, is there?”
Byeok Sang said with a stern face.
“Sect Leader. However, the enemy’s movements are unsettling.”
“I know. It’s likely that bloodshed is unavoidable. Paegun won’t return empty-handed.”
“But why such…”
As Byeok Sang trailed off with a hesitant expression, a subtle smirk played at the corner of Byeok Hyeonja’s lips.
“You’re misunderstanding me. I never said I wouldn’t march. I simply stated that we would only do so after thorough preparation.”
“…”
“Running in with half-hearted determination won’t be of much help. Let’s do our best.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
Byeok Sang nodded reluctantly. His expression said he didn’t fully comprehend, but he acquiesced.
Observing him, Byeok Hyeonja chuckled subtly.
“I’m just curious.”
“…Yes?”
“Throughout its history Qingcheng has faced numerous enemy attacks. Sometimes it was the demonic power going rampant, sometimes it was some Evil Sect, and at times, battles against unruly outsiders.”
“That’s our pride, isn’t it?”
“But… well. Given the current situation, it makes me wonder.”
“Wonder about…?”
“What do you think? Isn’t Nanjing closer than you think?”
Byeok Sang fell silent.
“The same goes for Henan, I suppose. If we set our minds to it, we could clear out and rush to support anytime. If our warriors went all out, it wouldn’t take more than a few days.”
“That’s true, but…”
“However… looking back, our ancestors never received proper support from Henan and fought solely with their own strength against the enemy.”
Byeok Sang’s expression hardened. He understood what Byeok Hyeonja was implying.
“That’s why I am curious. Whether those now seeking help were truly too far away to arrive in time when we shed blood.”
“Sect Leader…”
“Isn’t it ironic?”
Byeok Hyeonja gazed out the window pensively.
“When sitting in the safest place in the world, watching the distant flames, they must have always felt this way.”
Though speaking ironically, his eyes were somber.
“So let’s wait a little. We must confirm with what kind of hearts they watched Mount Qingcheng burn from afar. There’s no need to worry. Do you think I wish for Shaolin to fall? I’ll go before it’s too late. Not too late…”
But never in haste.
Understanding the hidden meaning behind the blurred words, Byeok Sang silently nodded.
“What do you think? Do you think I’m being excessive right now?”
Only after a moment did Byeok Sang slowly raise his head to meet his gaze. With a calm demeanor, he said.
“Harboring emotions over past events would not be right.”
Byeok Hyeonja’s eyebrows twitched slightly. Then, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Byeok Sang’s lips.
“But patience is the virtue of martial artists. If enduring a bit of bitterness yields greater gains, then it should naturally be encouraged, shouldn’t it?”
“Haha…hahaha!”
As if dumbfounded, Byeok Hyeonja stared blankly at Byeok Sang, then burst into laughter.
That response was exactly what he had been waiting for.
“Inform the disciples to prepare. They should know as well.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
Watching Byeok Sang leave, Byeok Hyeonja let out a twisted smile.
“…Beop Jong. Why do you always act so grand?”
By now, Byeok Hyeonja wondered what expression Beop Jong would be wearing. But more than that, he wondered about Beop Jong’s expression when facing him, having lost his strength in the war against Sapaeryeon.
Would he still be able to maintain his arrogant demeanor?
“…Do not die, Abbot. I want to see you exactly as you are. Hahahaha.”
Within the main hall, the sound of his laughter spread ominously, lingering slowly.
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