Chapter 1411
It’s time to wake up from this dream. (6)
The military forces of Sapaeryeon filled the riverside. Fleets occupied the vast Yangtze River. Amid this scene golden waves were rushing towards that daunting place.
It’s overwhelming. Could one ever witness such a spectacle again in their lifetime? But it wasn’t a situation to be overwhelmed by.
“A-Alliance L-Leader!”
“T-That’s right!”
Startled out of his senses, Hyun Jong quickly raised his sword again.
“I, I’m-!”
“Just a moment! Ahh! Just a moment!”
In that instant, Im Sobyeong almost flew out of his body, grabbing Hyun Jong’s arm as he collapsed.
“N-No… Nokrim King?”
“Not yet, not yet! Just a little longer! We must strike all at once when those bastards reach the riverside!”
“Ah, that’s right! I understand.”
Hyun Jong swallowed dryly, his heart pounding like crazy.
The day they would join forces with Gupailbang and fight had come. It was an inevitable event, but to think it would actually happen.
‘We can do it!’
Hope filled Hyun Jong’s eyes, which had been filled only with determination.
Of course, the situation was still precarious. Even joining forces with Shaolin, facing off against Sapaeryeon would never be easy.
But it was incomparable to fighting alone with just Cheonumaeng.
“Seems like the heavens lent a hand, turning the tide just in time!”
Nokrim King’s words rang true.
The best way to break through dense enemy lines is to attack from both sides simultaneously. They had unintentionally seized the perfect opportunity for a double-edged assault.
If they seized this opportunity well, they might be able to pierce through the thick central part and open the way to the Yangtze River!
Without necessarily having to face each other in total annihilation, there was now a chance to secure their survival.
“Alliance Leader! They’re wavering!”
Tang Gunak shouted in a voice filled with uncharacteristic agitation.
Indeed, his words were true. Sapaeryeon, steadfastly guarding the riverside, seemed to be in disarray upon discovering the presence of Gupailbang crossing the river. Flags that had once proudly fluttered now swayed chaotically like a stormy sea.
‘It’s possible!’
A clear path emerged, cutting through the solid iron wall. It was a path connecting them to Gangbuk as well as a path connecting them to Gupailbang.
“Prepare yourselves, everyone! It’s almost time!”
The golden waves had now reached the middle of the river. Considering their speed, they would soon arrive at the riverside. They had to seize that moment without hesitation.
Everyone’s hearts pounded.
‘Paegun!’
Hyun Jong’s gaze shifted to the carriage of Jang Ilso, positioned at the center of Sapaeryeon’s force.
He was certain. No matter how much Jang Ilso schemed to shake the world, no matter how much his schemes had turned the heavens and earth upside down, facing those who bore the name of Just Sects – sincere unity would not be difficult!
Perhaps Jang Ilso didn’t know. Even if their intentions differed, as long as they shared the same path, they could unite their strength!
It was then.
“They’re moving!”
Sapaeryeon’s forces began to sway like waves. The ripple that spread out from the splendid carriage soon swept through the entire Saparyeon.
From atop the hill, Hyun Jong could see it clearly.
The army of Sapaeryeon, lined up along the riverside, was precisely splitting in half.
“W-Wait?”
From a single line that appeared in the center, the troops were splitting in half. It was as if… they were opening a path.
“Surochae are also moving! Left, left and right! They’re splitting and moving left and right!”
A path was opening up. A path leading between Gupailbang and Cheonumaeng.
The path that absolutely had to be opened was now opening by itself. From the perspective of Sapaeryeon, it was the path they had to block at all costs, even if it meant employing every possible means to do so.
But Hyun Jong couldn’t cheer at that fact.
“Why…?”
Why were they opening the path? What was the reason?
“What…?”
The situation at the river was no different. Floating in mid-air, Beop Jong looked on with a bewildered expression.
The ships of Surachae, which had almost anchored along the riverside, suddenly turned their bows left and right, opening the way for Shaolin as if welcoming them to the land of Gangnam.
“Ev-Everyone, stop! Slow down, immediately!”
In the face of this incomprehensible situation, Beop Jong urgently shouted.
“Abbot! Staying in the water is dangerous!”
“I know!”
If the pirates of Surochae were known to attack from underwater, so they could face the worst crisis imaginable.
Of course, Beop Jong was aware of this fact as well. But without accurately understanding the current situation, they had no choice but to do this.
Beop Jong’s eyes shook .
“What in the world… are you up to, Jang Ilso!”
“N-Nokrim King!”
Hyun Jong turned to Im Sobyeong. If anyone could interpret this situation, it seemed like Nokrim King could. However, to his dismay, Im Sobyeong seemed equally at a loss.
Im Sobyeong, with a bewildered expression, continuously analyzed the movements of Sapaeryeon.
Opening the path could be understood. If it was Jang Ilso he knew, he could deliberately clear the way and wouldn’t hesitate to set up traps for those following behind.
Yet Im Sobyeong was perplexed because he couldn’t sense such intentions in their movements. If that had been the plan from the beginning, they wouldn’t have widened the path so quickly.
In that case, there were two possibilities. Either Jang Ilso was employing an unimaginably brilliant tactic, or… there was truly no ulterior motive and they were simply opening the path.
However, could Jang Ilso, no matter how cunning, employ a tactic that Im Sobyeong couldn’t even detect a hint of? Even if it were Zhuge Liang returning to life, it would be impossible.
His mind raced.
“Then why?”
Im Sobyeong’s face gradually turned as pale as if he had seen a ghost.
No, perhaps seeing a ghost would be better. Faced with a situation he couldn’t understand no matter how much he racked his brains, a greater fear washed over him.
But the bewildering situation didn’t end there.
“Alliance Leader! Th-Th-They’re widening the gap!”
Hyun Jong clenched his fists tightly, trembling.
Sapaeryeon’s forces, which had cleared the path, weren’t stopping there but were widening the gap even further.
If one looked at what was happening without getting fixated on the situation, Sapaeryeon was now splitting their forces and advancing on both sides.
As if… yes, as if…
“Are they… retreating?”
Here?
Members of Cheonumaeng atop the hill were all left speechless.
“Is it… because of Gupailbang?”
“That can’t be!”
“No, but then if not that, then this could mean…”
Even with Gupailbang joining, there was no reason for Saparyeon to retreat. They still held the advantageous position. It was a fight where there was room for both sides to try.
No, that’s not it.
On the contrary, from Saparyeon’s perspective, they must fight. If they simply let Cheonumaeng pass to Gangbuk, wouldn’t they gain nothing compared to what they would lose?
So why suddenly open the path? Why retreat instead?
“…What on earth…”
Hyun Jong turned to Chung Myung without realizing it.
Maninbang had sacrificed tremendously to kill the young warriors of Cheonumaemg and Chung Myung. Yet they have retreated? Surely Jang Ilso wasn’t a fool of the world.
An inexplicable unease engulfed him. They were clearly the ones showing their backs, yet it was this side that felt anxious.
“W-What should we do?”
From Cheonumaeng to the leaders of Gupailbang, the giants leading the world were at a loss, unsure of what to do in this moment of uncertainty.
Then, someone’s groan shattered the confusion and tension.
“Uh…”
“Ch-Ch-Chung Myung!”
“Chung Myung-ah! Are you coming to your senses?”
Chung Myung’s eyelashes trembled as he leaned against Tang Gunak.
When Chung Myung opened his eyes, he looked around weakly with a gaze devoid of any strength.
“Where…?”
Chung Myung asked, but no one could easily speak up.
It was because no one knew how to convey the current situation. Even those who had clearly watched with their eyes open couldn’t understand.
But it wasn’t necessary.
Chung Myung, with his blurred vision, glanced at the battlefield for a moment.
Moments later, his body twitched with convulsions.
“Th-Th-They’re… right now…”
He urgently pushed Tang Gunak away with his trembling hands. Despite attempting to resist, Chung Myung’s powerless touch carried such strong determination and will that no one could stop him.
Chung Myung stumbled down, his eyes bloodshot.
“Jang Ilso…”
“Y-Yes?”
“Jang Ilso!”
His voice cracked like a scream. Startled, Jo Geol pointed with his finger at the carriage in the midst of Sapaeryeon’s forces.
“T-There! That one.”
At the sight of the enormous carriage, pulled by eight white horses, a sound akin to a groan escaped Chung Myung’s lips. It was a carriage so grand that only Jang Ilso would dare to ride in it.
“…T-There? That one?”
“Huh? Ch-Chung Myung?”
Jo Geol faltered. The relentless emotion in Chung Myung’s eyes as he turned back was unlike anything he had ever seen before.
“T-This… this damn…”
Chung Myung cursed under his breath.
Spewing curses, Chung Myung suddenly reached out and pulled Jo Geol’s sword from its sheath. Then, with a mighty force, he thrust it into the ground and unleashed a terrifying aura.
“Ch-Ch-Chung Myung! What are you doing!”
“Aaaargh!”
Kwaaaaaaaah!
A surge of crimson energy erupted from Chung Myung’s sword, cutting across the riverside like a torrent. In an instant, it crashed into the carriage Jang Ilso was riding in.
“Eek!”
“W-What are you doing, you fool!”
Kwaaaaaaaah!
Dust flew everywhere. Chung Myung, back on the ground, covered his mouth. Crimson blood trickled between his fingers.
“What in the world are you…”
“T-There! Look over there!”
At that moment, someone shouted, and all eyes that had been focused on Chung Myung turned forward.
As the thick dust settled, the shattered carriage was gradually revealed, and within it, the figure of a person was slowly taking shape.
With crimson robes, gleaming ornaments on fingers and wrists, and a distinctive coronet on the head.
“J-Jang Ilso…”
A gasp escaped from Baek Cheon’s tightly sealed lips.
As the face, as white as it could be, and lips as red as blood, became visible, everyone unconsciously held their breath.
But Chung Myung growled out a question.
“Who is it?”
“Huh?”
His face was contorted with anger.
“Who? Who is Jang Ilso, who? Who is that bastard?”
“Chung Myung?”
Most assumed Chung Myung’s mind was somewhat disturbed. It was understandable. He had suffered enough injuries and had just woken up – it would be difficult to be entirely coherent.
But a few among them understood the meaning behind Chung Myung’s words and quickly turned to look at Jang Ilso again.
“Eh…”
“Ah… Ahhh!”
Im Sobyeong collapsed to the ground as if his legs had given out.
“Nokrim King! Why are you doing this?”
Nokrim King’s face twisted with a haunted look.
“No… That’s not…”
“What… What is…”
“No. No, it’s not true! He’s not Jang Ilso! He’s a fake!”
“What?”
“Everyone… Everyone has been deceived. He was never here from the beginning. He had no intention to fight!”
“This is… This is absurd!”
Baek Cheon gathered the last of his strength to examine Jang Ilso once more. Soon, his pupils froze, and moments later, he began to tremble.
He had seen Jang Ilso up close several times. Therefore, he knew.
That person was not Jang Ilso.
Though they looked exactly the same, something was clearly different. Despite the similar appearance and attire, there was none of Jang Ilso’s distinctive aura of intimidation.
Baek Cheon turned his head sharply.
“T-Then where is Jang Ilso? If he’s not here, then where in the world is he?”
“Uh…”
At that moment, Chung Myung’s voice sounded weak, as if he was fainting.
“This damn… bastard…”
Thud.
“Chung Myung!”
“Damn it! Lord Tang!”
As his consciousness faded, Chung Myung’s ears echoed with desperate cries, as if muffled by water.
‘No…’
He couldn’t pass out here…
‘Jang… Ilso…’
Somewhere in the distance, the manic laughter of someone rang out like a hallucination.
❀ ❀ ❀
“Hmm.”
Jang Ilso turned leisurely, smirking disdainfully.
Though the carriage interior was opulent, from the outside, it looked nothing more than a shabby cart, a far cry from the grandeur interior.
Except for the thoroughly disguised door, the only connection between the inside and outside of the carriage was a small window, barely the size of a hand.
Glancing at the shabby carriage and the weary horse for a moment, Jang Ilso eventually turned to the opposite side.
Numerous people knelt before him. Though their attire was common enough to be seen anywhere in the realm, the glint in their eyes and the weapons at their backs made it clear they were anything but ordinary.
Disguised as lowly servants of Sapaeryeon, carrying grain in worn-out carts and spreading out to various secluded places in Gangnam, the elite members of Maninbang had gathered here now.
Like loyal subjects paying homage to a king, Jang Ilso quietly scanned everyone who knelt with one knee, smiling faintly as he murmured, almost mockingly.
“I told you so.”
His lips, red like blood, curled in a mocking smile.
“…It’s not worth it.”
Everyone was just a pawn on his chessboard anyway.
“Both you and… me,”
he added. Even his own reputation and the fear others felt towards him were nothing more than tools for Jang Ilso to exploit. He could twist and trample them at will.
There’s no value worth protecting.
No opponent worth tying a noose around his neck.
Everything that fills this world is just cheap junk.
Jang Ilso briefly glanced at the people kneeling before him before slowly shifting his gaze upward. Ahead of him stood a tall mountain, its peak reaching towards the sky, bathed in a deep green hue. The world, enthralled by its beauty, called it Mount Qingcheng [青城山 – blue-green castle literally].
With a firm step, Jang Ilso moved among the people, leading them towards the path that extended up to the green mountain.
“It’s better when the beginning is grand. Let’s burn it all down,”
his casual and gentle voice echoed. As Jang Ilso walked, the members of Maninbang who had been kneeling rose, one by one, following his lead.
Following the members of Maninbang were various individuals disguised in different attire and crimson-clad warriors, resembling blood, marching in procession.
Haomun and Blood Cult*.
Everyone followed the eminent figure of Jang Ilso, climbing Mount Qingcheng as if trampling it down.
“Heheheh!”
A suppressed laughter emanated from Jang Ilso’s lips, quickly escalating into uncontrollable delight and madness, echoing across the mountains.
“Heheheh! Ahahahahahah! Ahahahahahahaha!”
Burning through Qingcheng, crossing Emei, sweeping past Tangga and Diancang, a colossal blood-red catastrophe finally bloomed, ready to engulf the world.
Right here, in the land of Sichuan.
Comments