Chapter 1428
So, is this flying dagger a failure? (3)
Terrifying.
That was the first thought that came to Hyun Jong’s mind.
It’s hard to explain the exact reason, but his spine instinctively chilled. The one filling Hyun Jong’s mind with such thoughts was none other than the Abbot of Shaolin, Beop Jong.
‘In that situation…’
Could it be that he foresaw all of this?
No, no. That can’t be. No matter how formidable Beop Jong is, he couldn’t have predicted that Tang clan would abandon their own estate and flee, and that Sapaeryeon would split into two.
Yeah. That’s just common sense.
But…
‘Isn’t it even more of a problem then?’
If all of this wasn’t calculated, then the intention of the Abbot was solely one thing. It must have been to somehow send them off and rescue Diancang. But if a situation arises where Hwasan and Tangga turn away from Diancang, how will Beop Jong respond?
“A catastrophe…”
The tongue forms the words before the mind can fully grasp them.
The outcome can only be described by the one word ‘catastrophe’. Gupailbang and Cheonumaeng, the two factions, will become irreconcilable adversaries forever.
‘How can we handle this…’
It’s a dire crossroads.
Even if there was intent, the fact that Beop Jong had taken risks to create an opportunity for their escape remains unchanged. Abandoning such expectations from Beop Jong is beyond human capability.
But even so, they couldn’t abandon the Tang clan. Abandoning Tangga would be like discarding the foundation of Cheonumaeng. After all, isn’t the essence of Cheonumaeng to never abandon one’s friend in any situation?
No, even if Cheonumaeng were to allow it, Hyun Jong couldn’t permit such a thing.
Hyun Jong’s hands trembled.
Choosing Diancang would mean forsaking faith that had been put in you. Choosing the Tang clan would mean turning a blind eye to the sacrifice of one’s friend. How could one choose between the two?
But there was no time for deep contemplation. If Maninbang started chasing Tang clan from behind, and the remaining forces of Sapaeryeon headed for Diancang, they would have to change direction immediately to pursue them. If not, both would perish.
“Re… Retired Sect Leader. This is…”
Understanding the situation, Un Am’s voice trembled. It was at that moment when Hyun Jong, unable to make any choice, tightly shut his eyes.
Sigh…
A low sigh.
A small but painfully clear sound pierced their ears. Hyun Jong turned his head to see the composed face of Tang Gunak, his eyes reflecting a sense of resolution.
“There’s… There’s no choice.”
“Lord…”
“You must go to Diancang. Alliance Leader.”
Hyun Jong’s eyes widened.
“L-Lord Tang. What are you saying! Right now, Maninbang, Jang Ilso, is chasing after Tang clan’s survivors! If we don’t help them, they’ll…”
“As I said.”
Tang Gunak responded with his endlessly composed voice.
“Tang clan is not so weak. Even Maninbang cannot capture and kill them all. Those who live will live.”
But Hyun Jong didn’t miss the slight trembling in Tang Gunak’s voice. No, perhaps even Tang Gunak himself, oblivious as he seemed, didn’t realize how distinctly his voice was shaking.
“Lord…”
“If we don’t go to Diancang, we will give them a reason. The Abbot who has maintained a reasonable relationship with Cheonumaeng without actually liking it will now criticize Cheonumaeng aloud.”
Hyun Jong tightly shut his eyes. The scene was vividly playing out in his mind.
But…
“Of course, loyalty is important. But… That’s not all there is. Lord, how can…”
“Alliance Leader.”
Tang Gunak cut off Hyun Jong’s words.
“We must prevent any rift with Gupailbang, especially now!”
“…”
“We must go to Diancang.”
Hyun Jong turned back with a bewildered expression. The ones he looked at were not his disciples but the elite warriors of Tang clan following Tang Gunak.
The ones being pursued by Jang Ilso right now were, in a broad sense, Tang clan’s members, but in a narrower sense, they were their brothers, parents, and children.
Tang Gunak’s words meant leaving these people to the mercy of Sapaeryeon’s jaws. It was a chilling, ruthless, and heart-wrenching statement.
Yet, no one from Tang clan objected to Tang Gunak’s words. They simply bit their lips, clenched their fists, and endured this situation.
Because they knew.
Right or wrong, Tang Gunak, knowing he must make this decision, endures the excruciating pain of tearing himself apart internally to make it.
Even Tang clan’s Young Lord, Tang Pae, knows this.
“How…?”
“You must go to Diancang! Sect Leader.”
Hyun Jong looked at the one who spoke with trembling eyes.
Tang Soso.
She, the youngest of Hwasan and the daughter of Tang Gunk. Despite her trembling jaw, she managed to speak, determined to endure.
“That’s what we must do.”
“Soso-ya…”
“There’s no need to hesitate…”
At that moment, someone grabbed Tang Soso’s shoulder and pulled her back.
“…”
Surprised, Tang Soso turned her head to see Yu Iseol standing there with an expressionless face.
“Stop.”
Though the voice sounded emotionless, it was filled with concern. Tang Soso’s shoulders tensed at the sound.
“No. No, this is… we have to go to Diancang. We must.”
“I understand, so stop.”
“We didn’t come here relying solely on our strength. But we can’t cause harm. Tang clan isn’t like that…”
Yu Iseol gently pulled Tang Soso back and tapped her shoulder reassuringly. Tang Soso, unable to continue speaking, lowered her head deeply.
Silence.
A deep silence settled between them.
“Retired Sect Leader.”
It was Baek Cheon who spoke up.
“I understand the situation, but… is it really so difficult to divide our forces?”
Hyun Jong’s face contorted at Baek Cheon’s words.
Not out of anger, but because a moment of intense temptation had found him. Perhaps dividing the forces could provide an opportunity to save them both. It was an opportunity not to be missed.
Even if they all failed, could he not justify to himself that at least he had made some effort?
It was a temptation too sweet. Even the resolute Hyun Jong felt momentarily swayed. But he fiercely pushed away the temptation that sought him out.
“That’s not an option. We risk both Hwasan and Tangga being annihilated individually. If Jang Ilso set a trap knowing we might move, there would be no escaping it.”
Baek Cheon lowered his head deeply.
His thoughts were not so different. He was merely expressing the remaining reluctance.
“I understand what you mean, retired Sect Leader. But then, wouldn’t going to Tang clan be the right choice?”
“Baek Cheon…”
“It’s not just Tang clan. Judging by the timing, it may not seem urgent, but there is also Goel’s home in Sichuan. If we go to Diancang, we don’t know what might happen there either.”
Hyun Jong flinched at his words, then looked at Jo Geol.
At that moment, Jo Geol shouted angrily at Baek Cheon, his face flushed.
“Why are you suddenly talking about my home!”
“It’s an important matter.”
“Why is that important! While everyone else is fighting for their lives, are you telling us to go defend my home? Do you think my father would praise me if I went there? He’d probably scold me for being a worthless son!”
“Geol!”
Jo Geol turned his head sharply to look at Hyun Jong.
“Don’t think about my home, retired Sect Leader. They are not martial artists.”
Hyun Jong bit his lip.
Hyun Jong understood Jo Geol’s point. However, just because he understood didn’t mean he could simply leave it be, right?
“But I also agree with going to Tang clan. We must protect them! They don’t have people who fight! It’s our duty to protect the weak.”
“Diancang isn’t necessarily in the better situation.”
“Sahyeong!”
Jo Geol burst out yelling at Yoon Jong’s response.
“If we have to help the weak, then Diancang is just as important. Just because there’s no friendship, just because it’s not Cheonumaeng, to prioritize it lower…”
“Are you saying it’s not righteous?”
“No.”
Yoon Jong looked at Jo Geol with a firm gaze.
“It’s not Tao.”
“…”
“Pulling out only those who are more willing is not the way. People have no hierarchy, no matter who they are.”
“Damn it! You’re quite the righteous Taoist!”
Jo Geol growled, his temper flaring.
“Then be the righteous one! I’ll be a friend to the Tang clan!”
“Jo Geol!”
“Or rather…”
As their argument escalated, Tang Gunaak spoke up.
“We don’t have time for this.”
His words sobered everyone.
“Jo Geol Dojang.”
“…Lord Tang…”
“Thank you.”
“…”
Jo Geol closed his mouth shut.
“And Baek Cheon Dojang, too. But going to Tang clan now is out of the question. What we stand to lose is too great.”
“There is such a thing as trust…”
“It’s not just about trust… Above all, it’s about the perception held by the world. If the perception that Cheonumaeng helps even those not belonging to the alliance will collapse…”
Baek Cheon flinched at Tang Gunaak’s firm words.
It was something he had tried not to think about, but Tang Gunak was pulling it out into the open.
“It means the trust the world has in Cheonumaemg would be shaken. Ultimately, if we’re in dire situation, we’d prioritize our own people first. Who would trust us after that? If that happens, Cheonumaeng stands to lose what it values most. In comparison…”
Tang Gunak spoke ruthlessly.
“The lives of those who cannot fight are but a small part.”
“…”
They wanted to express their anger.
They wanted to shout, “How could you say such things?” But no one dared. The one who uttered those words was none other than Lord Tang Gunak.
“The threat of Sapaeryon is no longer a mere possibility. They are thrusting a knife into the heart of the Central Plains. If Gupailbang and Cheonumaeng split in this situation, it will be the end. Jang Ilso will certainly widen the rift even further and set the world on fire.”
“…”
“Do as I say.”
“Lord…”
“If you respect me as the Lord of Tangga, then listen to me this once. At least allow me to choose the fate of my own family.”
Everyone bit their lips and looked at Lord Tang Gunak.
“Please.”
Lord Tang Gunak bowed his head.
It was an exceedingly desperate plea. Who could dare to ignore such a plea?
Even Jo Geol, who was shouting, and Baek Cheon, who was firm, and even Hyun Jong, who was wavering, all turned their gaze away in front of that gesture.
But only one person.
“…Ugh”
It wasn’t just one person.
“Damn it… It’s so damn noisy.”
“Chung Myung-ah!”
“Hey, you!”
Chung Myung let go of Tang Gunak, and raised his upper body. As Chung Myung scratched the back of his head with one hand, looking at those who had rushed towards him, and clicked his tongue.
“Are you okay, Chung Myung?”
“Why? Do you wish I was knocked out?”
“No, this guy… What are you saying…”
“I get it, so step aside. It seems like this isn’t the right time.”
With that, the Five Swords hesitated and stepped back. A space opened up between Chung Myung and Tang Gunak.
“I was wondering what was going on… Jang Ilso is indeed quite something.”
“…”
“He made the lords of the world spout nonsense.”
Tang Gunak’s face hardened.
“You are making a fuss over nothing. Hey, Sasuk.”
“Yes?”
“Get ready to leave.”
“Where to?”
“What ‘where to’? It’s obvious.”
Chung Myung sprang to his feet and chuckled.
“We’re going to Tangga. While we’re at it, let’s cut off Jang Ilso’s neck.”
It was a moment when the atmosphere changed completely.
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