Chapter 1410
It’s time to wake up from this dream. (5)
Should one call it recklessness? Or should one say it’s foolishness?
Right now, Baek Cheon’s actions would undoubtedly fall into both of those categories. But no one watching his back could bring themselves to say such words to him.
Anyone wielding a sword must contemplate their own end.
As Chung Myung often said, those who wield a sword must always remember that there will come a day when they, too, will be cut down by that very sword.
So, when facing an unbeatable enemy and confronting an inevitable death, what should one do?
Baek Cheon was now giving everyone that answer.
Hyun Jong turned his head to look behind him. A small sigh escaped him.
“Oh…”
And it wasn’t just Five Swords’ story alone. The elders of the Ice Palace, the members of Tangga, and the warriors of Namgung and Beast Palace, who filled the ranks behind them, were all looking at Hyun Jong with faces that had regained their determination.
“Why the long face, Sect Leader?”
Elder Han Imyeong of the Ice Palace smiled.
“Do you really think we’ve come this far just because of your orders, without being prepared to risk our lives?”
“Elder Han…”
Han Imyeong shook his head.
“Such expression is an insult to us. No one here has been dragged unwillingly. And no one has come here unaware of the danger to their lives. We’ve all come here willingly, knowing all of that.”
Many nodded in agreement with Han Imyeong’s words.
The outcome they faced was harsh. However, no one attempted to blame Hyun Jong. Hyun Jong had done his best, and it was their own choice to cross the river.
“However…”
“Of course, there is no one here who would not regret dying. But…”
With a resolute expression, Namgung Myeong spoke.
“It’s a hundred times better than watching someone die across the river.”
“As expected of our elder!”
“Exactly. Namgung may die if he must, but we won’t do such a thing!”
Namgung clan, who keenly felt the emotions of those who were abandoned on Maehwado, wore refreshed expression instead.
Hyun Jong bit his lip.
He knew. Most of these words were just meant to relieve his burden. Outwardly displaying composure, but inside, filled with inevitable fear.
“Alliance Leader.”
At that moment, Tang Gunak spoke in a cool voice.
“It won’t be easy, but… We must try. No matter how skilled the enemy is, they are different from us. Those who once opposed each other won’t be able to fight in perfect coordination.”
“…”
“So, we just need to create an opening. Tangga will take the lead. Besides… it seems Surochae are almost here, so if we seize their ship…”
The landing of Surochae means that the number of enemies to be defeated on this land increases. It was definitely not good news for Cheonumaeng.
But instead of pointing out this fact, Hyun Jong nodded.
“Yes, Lord Tang. We must try.”
Hyun Jong gripped his sword tightly.
Even surrender is not allowed. The only thing left is to fight with one’s all might. Even if it’s futile resistance, he will fight until the very last person.
Unconsciously, Hyun Jong glanced at the elders of Hwasan.
Whether his intention was conveyed or they were already thinking the same thing, their eyes shone with the same determination as Hyun Jong’s.
At that moment, Geum Yangbaek pushed aside his protesting disciples and stepped forward.
“If someone has to take the lead… it should be me.”
“Sect Leader!”
“Sect Leader, if you do this…”
Though his knees seemed ready to buckle at any moment, he stood firm.
“…You won’t say no, will you?”
A smile crept onto Geum Yangbaek’s pale face.
Of course, Hyun Jong couldn’t possibly say such a thing. Who would dare to utter those words to Geum Yangbaek? It was an impossible task for anyone.
“Sect Leader Geum…”
Geum Yangbaek’s smile deepened.
“It seems I’ve finally found a place to die.”
“…”
“I’ve lived enough. Now, there’s only one wish left.”
Even without explicitly saying it, it was clear what his wish was. And it was also Hyun Jong’s wish.
‘Ancestors…’
Now, it seemed he understood. Why the ancestors of Hwasan faced death on that distant mountain. What emotions they fought with.
What they desired was for those left behind in distant lands of Shaanxi to survive. That was their only wish.
“Baek Cheon, step back.”
“…Yes?”
Baek Cheon turned back with an incredulous expression, but Hyun Jong nodded firmly.
It was true that for a moment, Baek Cheon had led them all. And it was undeniable that Baek Cheon had already surpassed him.
This was simply… the stubbornness and determination of an old man at the end of his life, nothing more.
“Disciples, step back. And elders, step forward.”
“Yes! Retired Sect Leader!”
Hyun Sang and Un disciples led the other disciples backward as they stepped forward. Even Hyun Yeong, without a word, stood resolutely.
“Now, elders…”
At the same time, Geum Yangbaek raised his voice.
“Elders of Haenam, step forward!”
“Namgung, you too!”
“Young ones, step back! This is not where you belong!”
Those who bore the title of elder, and even those who considered themselves adults despite lacking the title, all pushed aside the young disciples and stepped forward.
“Elders, this is…”
“Shut up and step back!”
Under the menacing glares, those who had attempted to resist took hesitant steps back, their faces pale. Dissent was futile. Those left behind bit their lips.
Hyun Jong looked at them all and spoke.
“I’m not saying not to fight.”
“…”
“It’s just that our way of fighting is different. Clearing the path is our fight. And your fight is to somehow survive and cross that river.”
“Alliance Leader…”
Who would dare to say they wouldn’t?
If everyone dies here, that’s the end of it. But if someone survives, the will lives on. And thus, the deaths here will finally hold meaning.
So how could they consider this a trivial fight?
“Lord Ta…”
Hyun Jong was about to ask Tang Gunak to take care of the rear, but Tang Gunak stood firmly by his side without saying a word.
“Are you going to belittle me just because I’m not old enough?”
In the end, Hyun Jong laughed. Who could dare say such words to the head of Sichuan Tang clan?
“I am the Lord of the Tang Clan.”
“That’s right… I was rude for a moment.”
“The pursuers are coming. We don’t have time for lengthy discussions.”
Hyun Jong nodded and exchanged glances with Geum Yangbaek.
The end should be as clean as possible. If this is their final stand, they must at least show a dignified appearance to their disciples.
Now, they only have to fight with everything they have!
“Cheonumaeng, hear me…!”
It was the moment when Hyun Jong raised his sword with determination and shouted.
But then, a loud voice cut in.
“Alliance Leader!”
“Hm?”
“There! Across the river! No, on the river! Look over there!”
Hyun Jong swiftly turned to look in that direction. Instantly, his eyes widened.
“What… what is that?”
Unbelievable events unfolded. Something that had never been imagined before was happening.
“Shaolin! It’s Shaolin! Shaolin and Gupailbang, Alliance Leader!”
Those who had occupied the riverside across the river.
They had known of their existence, but had deliberately avoided looking at them.
A group of monks in yellow robes, the distinctive attire of Shaolin, were galloping across the river.
“Shaolin?”
At that moment, Hye Yeon let out a cry that sounded like a wail.
“Abbooooooooooot!”
It was clear. His disciples, whom he had known were across the river but couldn’t bring himself to call, were risking their lives as they were crossing the river.
Tears filled his large eyes.
It truly is Shaolin. His Sahyeongs are coming here now.
“…No, this can’t be…?”
“It’s not just Shaolin! Paengga and Kongtong are also jumping into the river! S-Support! Gupailbang is supporting us! They are crossing the river, Alliance Leader!”
Hyun Jong’s mouth fell open involuntarily.
It’s unbelievable. That Shaolin… That Beop Jong is risking the lives of his disciples to help Cheonumaeng? Crossing the river to fight on the land occupied by Sapaeryeon?
Who could have imagined such a thing would happen?
But no matter how many times he blinked, the scene before him remained the same. They are clearly coming now.
Right across this river!
Paaahh!
With every stride, Beop Jong pushed forward. He erupted in a thunderous roar.
“All main disciples, hold back Surochae! Elders, secure landing points for our allies along the riverbank!”
“Yes!”
Paaahh!
With each step pounding the surface of the water, his body surged forward.
Below, the disciples of Shaolin, Kongtong, and Paengga were swimming with all their might. Beop Jong’s face, who raised above the water, contorted like a demon’s as he looked across the river.
‘Did you think I was a joke, Jang Ilso?’
Did he expect Beop Jong to retreat? Did he think he would just sit back and watch? Just like before?
If so, he was mistaken.
Beop Jong does not fear the fight – he fears defeat. More precisely, he fears losing everything. So, he couldn’t just wait for defeat to calmly approach.
He avoided fighting before because there was a better way than fighting. But now, there’s no reason to hesitate to fight and clear the way.
‘Hyun Jong!’
Beop Jong’s gaze shifted to Hyun Jong beyond the forces of Sapaeryeon.
Nothing had changed. If they could join forces with Cheonumaeng, they could compete with Sapaeryeon.
As long as they remained determined, victory would still be within their grasp!
‘Shaolin does not burn!’
There is something one must protect at all costs. For the sake of upholding the name of “Shaolin” Beop Jong would not hesitate to burn his body to ashes.
But what is there to fear, hesitating at the thought of crossing this river!
“Defeat the evil forces of Sapaeryeon and rescue Cheonumaeng!”
Beop Jong’s thunderous voice echoed.
“Yes, Abbot!”
The monks of Shaolin responded with all their might. The Thousand-Year Shaolin, who had protected the Central Plains for countless ages, naturally moved towards their destined place at this moment.
The majestic aura they emitted dyed the Yangtze River golden.
Meanwhile, a strange silence descended upon Cheonumaeng’s side.
Perhaps they didn’t know if it was a moment to be moved or a sight to be shaken with excitement.
Because Shaolin, the leader of Gupailbang who had never been in harmony with Cheonumaeng, was now risking their lives to rescue them.
However, the emotion that rose on the faces of those standing on the hilltop was closer to bewilderment than to being touched.
Jo Geol, who had been staring blankly at the surreal scene that was hard to believe, finally parted his lips quietly.
“That…”
After choosing his words over and over again, he finally couldn’t hold back and muttered.
“Did the octopus head lose his mind?”
It was a terribly rude remark, but no one pointed out the fact.
Comments