Chapter 1418
Even if it’s meaningless. (3)
“Did you say Diancang?”
“That’s correct.”
Hyun Jong stared at Beop Gye intently, as if trying to gauge the truth behind his words.
‘What’s his intention?’
It wasn’t because Beop Gye’s request seemed unreasonable. Anyone suffering under the oppression of Sapaeryeon would be rescued by Cheonumaeng to the best of their ability. If Beop Jong knew this, then the mention of ‘Diancang’ didn’t immediately make sense.
“The Abbot…”
“I’m simply conveying Abbot’s message. If Cheonumaeng agrees to it, we will risk our lives to open the way.”
Before Hyun Jong could say anything, Beop Gye added with a slightly hardened expression.
“However, if too much force withdraws from here all at once, it becomes dangerous. You understand that, don’t you?”
Hyun Jong slowly nodded in agreement. If everyone here withdrew suddenly, Ho Gamyeong would undoubtedly lead the remaining forces to target those left behind. To prevent such a risk, as much force as possible needed to be retained here.
“At most, only two sects will be able to withdraw.”
Hyun Jong flinched at Beop Gye’s words.
“All we can offer is that much.”
“Two sects…”
“What do you think?”
Hyun Jong clenched his fist hidden in his sleeve.
In reality, if considering the enemies they would face, it could only be described as ‘at most’ two sects. But if they could join forces with those in Sichuan, even those with seemingly little hope could become significant.
However, Hyun Jong couldn’t shake off his unease about their intentions. Why was Beop Jong extending such favors now?
At that moment, Beop Gye spoke.
“Please do not doubt the Abbot’s intentions too much.”
“Elder…”
Beop Gye lowered his head silently.
“I understand that Alliance Leader may have doubts about the Abbot. But this situation is not solely the responsibility of Cheonumaeng. Just like us, isn’t it our duty to rescue those in Sichuan by any means necessary?”
Beop Gye chuckled self-deprecatingly.
He found it amusing even as he spoke, perhaps because of the absurdity of the situation. When had it been decided that there were those who needed to be rescued by Shaolin and those who didn’t?
Despite sensing that something was amiss, Beop Gye tried to push aside those thoughts.
“We find ourselves in a situation where we cannot act directly, so we simply seek the assistance of Cheonumaeng. What will you do?”
Hyun Jong closed his eyes tightly.
He couldn’t be sure. Beop Gye may say this, but Hyun Jong didn’t believe Beop Jong was helping them without any ulterior motives. People don’t change so easily.
But even if there were hidden motives, could they afford to miss this opportunity?
Hyun Jong opened his eyes and looked around at his disciples. Everyone’s eyes conveyed the same message.
He then turned to Beop Gye and spoke calmly.
“We will go.”
“I thought you would. Which sects do you intend to mobilize?”
“Of course, it will be Tangga.”
It was practically a given. It would be too harsh to tell the Tang clan that they couldn’t go to Sichuan. Even if they arrived late and only found the remnants of the Tang clan burnt to ashes, it was only right that the Tang clan would be the first to witness those remnants with their own eyes.
“Then the other sects… No, there’s no need to ask. I was mistaken.”
Beop Gye lowered his head.
While they all gathered under the banner of Cheonumaeng, there was always one sect that rushed to the most urgent place first.
“Of course, it will be Hwasan.”
“Indeed.”
Beop Gye nodded.
“I will convey that to the Abbot. Then, I shall take my leave.”
Beop Gye, with the demeanor typical of Shaolin’s elder, turned to leave. Or, he attempted to. However, something seemed to trouble him, causing him to pause and turn back. With a sincere gaze, he looked at Hyun Jong.
“…Sect Leader.”
“Yes, please speak.”
“As a Buddhist rather than a disciple of Shaolin, I ask you. If there are others suffering there, besides Diancang… please help them.”
Hyun Jong looked silently at him.
This man crossed the river of his own accord. To aid Cheonumaeng and prevent Gangho from falling into turmoil. Was there truly no ulterior motive in his heart?
While the relationship between Cheonumaeng and Gupailbang had already become sour, with people like him, perhaps someday that relationship could be restored.
“Of course, I will do so.”
As Hyun Jong assured him, Beop Gye deeply bowed again before turning away.
In the depths of Beop Gye’s eyes lay profound emotions.
‘You never know.’
He didn’t view Cheonumaeng and Hwasan favorably simply because of the Abbot’s decree, but rather because he believed Cheonumaeng’s fervor and excessive enthusiasm could lead things astray.
However, Beop Gye found out at the moment when Hwasan confirmed going to Sichuan.
When someone was in danger, the sect they most wanted to be there was none other than Hwasan. Even Beop Gye acknowledged this fact.
‘If you move first, we will respond.’
As Beop Gye unfolded his robe and began to move away, Im Sobyeong’s sharp voice echoed.
“…Do you really think the Abbot of Shaolin is sending us out of goodwill?”
“…Nokrim King…”
“If Shaolin can create a situation where we go to Sichuan and rescue Diancang, they have nothing to lose. They can play their cards without getting their hands dirty, and they can save face. It’s a win-win situation for them.”
Im Sobyeong glanced briefly towards the direction of Shaolin as he spoke.
“And even if we fail to rescue Diancang, he will claim that he has done everything he could. And above all else!”
As Im Sobyeong’s voice started to rise in intensity, Hyun Jong intervened with a composed expression.
“If Hwasan and Tangga end up engaging in a fierce fight with Paegun [兩敗俱傷 – when both sides suffer defeat], it will be quite beneficial.”
Im Sobyeong fell silent for a moment with a stern face before asking.
“Did you know?”
“I may not be well versed in schemes, but I understand people’s hearts. However…”
Hyun Jong’s voice trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.
Hyun Jong glanced briefly towards Tang Gunak. Though he displayed no emotions outwardly, it was evident that his inner turmoil still burned fiercely.
“I’ve never heard of parents weighing the cost when rescuing their children.”
At that moment, Im Sobyeong observed Tang Gunak tightening his pale fist even more.
“And as for Hwasan… Cheonumang is not a place to debate gains and losses while aiding friends.”
All disciples of Hwasan nodded in agreement.
“What will you do? Will you stop it?”
Hyun Jong asked.
Im Sobyeong shrugged in response and looked to the saide.
“If that lunatic drops dead, it’s one thing, but if he’s still breathing, how do you expect me to stop you, Alliance Leader? The moment he opens his eyes, he’ll go berserk and scream he would kill me.”
Hyun Jong nodded in response to Im Sobyeong’s remark.
“I understand that I may have to resort to extreme measures. That’s my role. By the way, are you not taking me with you? I could be of assistance.”
Hyun Jong shook his head at Im Sobyeong’s joke.
“The situation here is just as perilous. It would be difficult to manage without you.”
Im Sobyeong nodded silently. He had to stay here to assess what kind of trouble Ho Gamyeong might cause. Then, with a more serious expression, he added in a solemn voice.
“If it’s too dangerous, you must withdraw by any means necessary.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Hyun Jong turned his head to address everyone present.
“Palace Lord.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
“I entrust this place to you.”
Maeng So sighed deeply, feeling the weight of responsibility placed upon him like a heavy burden.
“Yes. Don’t worry. We will cross the river without any sacrifices. As soon as we cross, we will head to Sichuan as well. Please just think of it as you going there first.”
“Thank you.”
Hyun Jong turned his head to look at Geum Yangbaek. But before he could say anything, Geum Yangbaek spoke first.
“I will protect this place.”
“Sect Leader…”
Geum Yangbaek’s face was pale, but the smile on his lips was gentle.
“It’s just regrettable that we may not meet again. I entrust Haenam to you, Alliance Leader.”
Hyun Jong closed his eyes and nodded.
There were so many things he wanted to say and so much he needed to convey, but time was of the essence. Even at this moment, SIchuan was likely engulfed in bloodshed. Perhaps struggling futilely might seem pointless, but it didn’t matter.
‘We are the ones who will struggle in vain.’
Hyun Jong thought to himself.
He cast a determined glance at Tang Gunak.
“Lord Tang, let’s go. Time is of the essence.”
Tang Gunak nodded, and at that moment, the stifled emotions of the members of the clan, who had been desperately suppressing their feelings, erupted into a low growl.
“Hwasan!”
“Yes, retired Sect Leader!”
“Hurry! We’re going to Sichuan!”
“Yes!”
After briefly checking the condition of Five Swords, Hyun Jong closed his eyes tightly and turned his body sharply.
“Let’s go!”
And he ran straight towards the Yangtze River.
Following him, the members of Hwasan, Tangga, and the core figures of Cheonumaeng dashed forward, emitting a fierce determination.
“Commander! They’re moving!”
The report pierced Ho Gaemyeong’s ears, and his eyes coldly surveyed the scene ahead. Familiar figures heading towards the Yangtze River came into view.
“Surochae is…”
“Leave it be.”
“…Yes?”
The startled aide looked at Ho Gaemyeong. A look of doubt flickered across his’s face, as if questioning his hearing. However, Ho Gaemyeong nodded, indicating that his ears were not mistaken.
“There’s no need to stop them.”
“Co… commander…”
Ho Gaemyeong simply watched as Hwasan and the Tang clan rushed towards the Yangtze River without any further explanation. He also noticed the presence of Gupapailbang moving with them as if guarding Cheonumaeng.
“…Beop Jong.”
Ho Gaemyeong muttered softly, almost to himself.
His task was to detain as many people as possible here without bloodshed. If Beop Jong’s and Ho Gaemyeong interests aligned, there was no need to refuse. If a truce is negotiated in exchange for sending Hwasan and Tangga to Sichuan, it’s definitely not a losing deal. No, on the contrary…
‘What a ruthless human being. In this situation…’
A rare smile appeared at the corner of Ho Gaemyeong’s lips.
What’s the significance of such distinctions as the Just and the Evil?
In the end, they’re just different sides of the same coin, all engaging in similar actions, as Jang Ilso once said. Ultimately, the hearts of humans are all equally despicable.
Chung Myung was still unconscious, held in Tang Gunak’s arms. Ho Gaemyeong’s eyes, watching over them, flashed with a complex mix of emotions.
‘Maehwa Geomgwi.’
In the end, Chung Myung slipped from his grasp like this.
From Hainan to here, he missed the enemy he had risked everything to kill.
But strangely, Ho Gaemyeong didn’t feel as agonizing as one might expect. It wasn’t a failure. If he hadn’t pushed Maehwa Geomgwi to his limit, if he had regained consciousness, the situation would never have escalated to this point.
Reluctantly, he admitted that Chung Myung was the only true rival of Jang Ilso. At some point, he must have sensed the danger.
So, both his sacrifice and the sacrifice of Maninbang must be considered valuable.
It was just regrettable.
Sigh.
Ho Gamyeong gritted his teeth.
If the destination beyond that hell is Sichuan, Ho Gamyeong would never see that bastard again.
No matter how high Maehwa Geomgwi soared, the apocalypse caused by Jang Ilso would surely cover the whole sky.
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