Chapter 1387
You underestimate people. (2)
“Faster!”
“Yes!”
The response came not from his side, but from ahead. Before his words could even finish… No, before he could even open his mouth to convey his intentions, they were already moving as if in accordance with his will.
Baek Cheon found himself clenching his fists involuntarily.
It might seem odd to say it now, but he never felt like he got along particularly well with those guys.
It was understandable – the disciples of Hwasan were each so fiercely individualistic that they were difficult to mesh together. Without the unifying focal point – Chung Myung, they might have spent their lives eyeing each other like roosters.
But now, they moved as if of one mind. It meant they weren’t just obeying orders – they all shared the same thoughts, centered around Baek Cheon.
Sensing a slight gap up front, Jo Geol surged forward like lightning to fill in. Watching Jo Geol’s current state, Yoon Jong dashed forward with a thought that he might find it a bit difficult considering his current condition.
Turning his head to check if Yu Iseol might be struggling, he saw Tang Soso sticking to her like a ghost. At the tip of her sword, swung passionately, there was a strong determination not to burden Yu Iseol.
It was as if they understood Baek Cheon’s feelings at that moment.
Baek Cheon shook off his sword like a lightning bolt. The crimson blade swiftly cut down the approaching enemies beside Yoon Jong.
“Thank you, Sosuk!”
“Don’t worry about it, just focus on what’s ahead!”
“Yes!”
Baek Cheon’s eyes narrowed slightly. Though the enemies weren’t particularly formidable, adding a time limit only heightened the pressure.
Fortunately, they weren’t the only ones here anymore.
“Haaap!”
With a shout, Tang Pae swung his hand upward. Dozens of flashes shot forth from the tips of his fingers, striking the enemies who were hesitating to retreat.
Witnessing his true nature, Jo Geol was momentarily astonished.
“What, with just needles…?”
“You don’t need anything fancy for that! It may not kill them, but it’ll certainly help!”
“…Hidden weapons are worth learning.”
The one who inherited Tangga’s blood supported his back, while Seol Sobek desperately swung his sword in hands that were still not yet matured.
“Don’t leave it to fate alone! We must carve out our own path to survival!”
“Yes!”
And the disciples of Haenam, who had always awaited only the orders from Baek Cheon, were now using all means to advance ahead of Cheonumaeng and strike down the enemy.
“Let’s go, Jayang!”
“Yes, Sahyeong!”
Gwak Hwanso and Lee Jayang charged forward like flashes of lightning, cutting down the bewildered enemies in one fell swoop. The water-colored gleam emanating from the tips of their swords summoned the sea of Haenam that they had once known.
A strange sensation crossed Baek Cheon’s face.
Where else could one witness such a spectacle? No, who could have imagined that such a sight could even exist?
It was a sight to behold: Tangga’s Young Lord leaping forward, stepping on the shoulders of the disciples of Hwasan, while Haenam’s Sect Leader unleashed a soaring strike to protect the Ice Palace Lord.
It’s difficult to tie them down to be Just Sects. Among those present here, there are even those who cannot be called a Just Sect.
Different origins, different regions, different paths of life. But at least at this moment, no one is conscious of such distinctions. They only strive to protect those standing beside them and carve out a path together.
‘Perhaps….’
Baek Cheon’s lips twitched. It’s indescribable. He couldn’t definitively ascertain what sensation he was feeling.
But such thoughts occurred to him.
Bringing together Hwasan they each longed for, binding together various sects that seemed impossible to be tied by the thread of fate, and even rescuing those who everyone insisted must be abandoned.
Perhaps all the chaos caused by Chung Myung was meant to create this scene.
He would never directly admit it, and even asking would only amount to mockery, but somehow such thoughts crossed Baek Cheon’s mind.
But strangely…
“Sasuk!”
“Got it!”
Baek Cheon snapped out of his thoughts and shook his sword.
‘I still have a long way to go.’
Amidst the need to concentrate all his attention on opening the path, having such futile thoughts was absurd. He was still far from being a true Sect Leader. He chastised himself and regained his composure.
‘How much distance have we covered?’
The situation was far from favorable. Even though Hye Yeon, Namgung Dowi and Chung Myung were holding on, they alone wouldn’t be able to last for long.
No matter how strong they were, if overcoming ‘numbers’ with just skill were possible, then no powerful person would ever establish their own forces.
Eventually, the enemy would catch up. Baek Cheon had to lead them all and escape from the enemy’s clutches.
He wasn’t sure. Could that really be possible?
Those relentless pursuers from distant Guangdong had stuck to them like glue all the way here. Could they really shake them off? Even while carrying the injured?
But in truth, Baek Cheon’s confidence didn’t matter. It wasn’t a matter of whether it could be done or not. It must be done, regardless. Failing to do so would only lead to destruction.
That’s when it happened.
“Sasuk, in the back…!”
Baek Cheon quickly turned around. Hye Yeon and Namgung Dowi were charging at full speed. The droplets of blood splattering with each step hinted at the fierce battles they had endured.
The two of them swiftly surpassed the disciples of Haenam and reached where Baek Cheon was.
“Vice Sect Leader!”
“You both have worked hard…”
Baek Cheon’s mouth stiffened as he noticed the expressions on their faces. It was as if they were stricken by evil, yet also overwhelmed by fear.
In that moment, Baek Cheon realized one thing.
“Now… Vice Sect…”
“…Chung Myung?”
“…”
“Where is Chung Myung! Is he still behind?”
In response to Baek Cheon’s question, Hye Yeon nervously bit his lip. It was Namgung Dowi who spoke with a desperate look on his face.
“Dojang…! Dojang didn’t join us and veered off in a different direction!”
“…What?”
As if struck by an unforeseen attack, Baek Cheon’s face momentarily went blank. Namgung Dowi clenched his lips tightly before blurting out.
“Dojang delved into the enemy lines… changed direction… Damn it! What should I say! Ah, the east! He went east! Most of them aren’t after us, but after him. No, maybe more than half! The… numbers aren’t much different, but that…”
Under normal circumstances, Namgung Dowi would never have spoken in such disorganized manner. That’s how much panic and despair were evident.
Even amidst the chaotic explanation, Baek Cheon immediately grasped the situation.
“They’re after him?”
“Yes, Vice Sect Leader! We must… we must do something.”
Baek Cheon’s eyes shook.
This wasn’t normal. It didn’t make sense for so many of them to be chasing just one person. It was logically impossible…
At that moment, Baek Cheon’s gaze sharply turned to one side.
“Nokrim King!”
At the piercing shout, Im Sobyeong, who had been following behind, met his gaze. There was no sign of particular surprise, just a cold look in his eyes.
It was only then that Baek Cheon realized. Normally, Im Sobyeong would stick by his side and offer various advice, but he hadn’t said a word since a while ago.
“Ugh…”
Baek Cheon gritted his teeth and clenched his fist.
There was no need to ask why this had happened. He already understood. What had happened, why Chung Myung had changed direction, and why Nokrim King remained silent.
“That idiotic bastard!”
A curse finally burst out of Baek Cheon’s mouth.
He knows it too. Despite his relentless efforts, the situation remains dire. That’s why Chung Myung didn’t join them. If he became the bait and drew the enemy’s forces from the rear, the ones here would survive.
As Baek Cheon had seen a moment ago, the capabilities of those present here had vastly improved compared to the past. If they only didn’t have to deal with Maninbang’s main forces, surviving and crossing the river would be quite feasible. But if that happened…
“Then what about Chung Myung?”
Baek Cheon flinched.
Jo Geol had suddenly run up to his side. His eyes were filled with intense emotion.
“What will happen to Chung Myung?”
Silence fell once more. There was nothing left to say. They had already seen it. What state Chung Myung had been in, staying behind alone to hold off the enemy.
Even utilizing the advantage of the terrain of the gorge, hadn’t he been pushed to the brink of death if it weren’t for Jo Geol and Yu Iseol?
But could he face even more enemies in this vast open field without anyone’s help?
“Where is he!”
An immediate response burst from Jo Geol’s mouth.
“The east? You said east? Sasuk! Then should we change our direction too…?”
“No, we cannot!”
But Im Sobyeong cut him off with a voice as sharp as a blade.
“That’s not what Chung Myung Dojang wants.”
“What nonsense are you talking about!”
“Then make a choice.”
“…What?”
“There’s only one way to survive against the enemy’s main forces. Abandon Haenam and only those capable must escape.”
Jo Geol remained silent.
“There is no other way. The Yangtze is not a place where you can easily break through while dragging luggage.”
Everyone knows it. That the moment they reach the Yangtze River is the true beginning. That’s when the real crisis hits. But they’ve just been ignoring it.
“We’ll deal with it then, somehow…”
“If you’re going to talk about miracles, don’t even bother. Our opponent is Jang Ilso. There is no such thing as a miracle for us.”
Those who heard those words trembled briefly. They knew better than anyone the power behind those two words: Jang Ilso.
“If you want to save Haenam, there’s only one way. Not confronting the enemy’s main forces. And for that, someone needs to lure them away.”
“And that someone is Chung Myung?”
“Yes.”
Im Sobyeong spoke calmly.
“Fortunately, it seems they’re not particularly interested in us either. Even if Jang Ilso loses both Haenam and us, it seems he’s determined to kill only him. At the beginning of the journey to Gangnam, it didn’t seem like he had that intention, but it’s clear he changed his mind along the way.”
“…”
“So just leave him alone. That’s what Chung Myung Dojang wants. Then we can survive.”
“Stop spouting nonsense!”
Jo Geol’s eyes blazed with killing intent.
“Who said we want to sacrifice that bastard to survive? Stop talking nonsense. Hwasan is not that kind of place!”
“Then are you going to die? Leading everyone?”
“Of course…”
“You should’ve known!”
Im Sobyeong shouted in frustration, unable to contain himself.
“That righteousness you speak of, where you sacrifice yourself for things that aren’t even that important! If you were willing to tolerate that, it means you would accept anyone else doing the same thing!”
For a moment, the surroundings became chillingly quiet. Im Sobyeong muttered sarcastically with a contemptuous expression.
“You should’ve known, you foolish humans.”
Jo Geol silently glared at him. But soon he noticed. He saw Im Sobyeong’s hand trembling slightly, half-hidden within his wide sleeve.
Thus, Jo Geol’s gaze naturally turned to Baek Cheon.
“Sasuk. Give the order.”
“…”
“We have to go save him!”
“Listen.”
At that moment, Baek Cheon spoke with a cold voice.
“As Vice Sect Leader of Hwasan, I command. Dissent will not be tolerated. Especially if someone from Hwasan defies this order, it will be dealt with severely, punished by excommunication.”
“…Sasuk?”
Sensing an eerie foreboding, Jo Geol looked at Baek Cheon. Even in his chiseled face, there was no hint of emotion.
“…We ignore Chung Myung’s situation.”
“Sasuk!”
Jo Geol instinctively reached out his hand, as if to interject and block Baek Cheon’s forthcoming words. But before his hand could touch him, a cold command flowed from Baek Cheon’s lips.
“All forces, head to the Yangtze. Clear the path with all your might. Disagreements will not be tolerated.”
A cold dagger seemed to slice through their hearts.
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