Chapter 1450
I can’t do it alone. (5)
“Do as you wish.”
In the end, Hyun Jong raised both hands in defeat. There was no real reason to oppose. How could he stop someone who wanted to try persuading others and was determined to proceed regardless?
“Thank you, Alliance Leader.”
Tang Gunak, having secured Hyun Jong’s reluctant approval, offered a gentle smile. At that moment, Chung Myung asked.
“So, is the Tang clan moving permanently to Shaanxi now?”
Tang Gunak glanced at Chung Myung and replied.
“Not exactly. We’ll have to go back eventually.”
“Huh? Then you’re spending all that money just to set up a temporary place? That’s quite extravagant.”
Tang Gunak gave a bitter smile at that.
“It’s not that I don’t value money. And…”
He subtly turned his head to look at his clan members standing behind him.
“It’s also better for them to completely erase the word ‘Sichuan’ from their minds if they’re to adapt to Shaanxi.”
“But why?”
“When we drive out the Sapaeryeon, Sichuan will be left as a land with no martial artists.”
“….”
“Someone will have to take responsibility for it.”
A peculiar sadness flickered in Tang Gunak’s eyes. Seeing that expression, Chung Myung understood his thoughts without needing to hear them.
The people who had served the Tang clan for generations, the refugees relocated from the Yangtze River, and those who came hastily, unable to be properly cared for, weighed heavily on his mind.
“If that’s what you’re thinking…”
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not worrying about what comes after. It’s just that…”
Tang Gunak’s gaze sharpened.
“I think it’s no longer the time to use half-measures against Sapaeryeon. Whatever we do, it should be certain.”
“Hmm.”
Chung Myung nodded. No one but Tang Gunak could initiate this. Knowing this, Tang Gunak had pushed Hyun Jong despite it not being in his nature.
“Honestly, I also think the Tang clan should return to Sichuan eventually, whenever that may be.”
“Why is that?”
“The name ‘Shaanxi Tang Clan’ just sounds odd. ‘Sichuan Tang Clan’ has a better ring to it!”
Seeing Tang Gunak momentarily speechless, Chung Myung chuckled. He thought to himself that while Tang Gunak might lack the martial prowess of Tang Bo, he certainly excelled in decisiveness. And most importantly…
‘He’s got a lot of money.’
Tang Bo had always been a beggar, unable to squeeze out enough money even though he was an elder of the Tang clan. Constantly…
Ah, but I’m not in a position to talk. They really should have given me more pocket money. That avaricious Sect Leader…
– What was that, punk?
“Ahem.”
Chung Myung cleared his throat loudly and cautiously began speaking again.
“But it doesn’t seem as easy as it sounds. What’s the plan?”
“Exactly what I mentioned earlier.”
“Just finding a place for them to live won’t be easy. There were some lodgings built when Cheonumaeng’s founding ceremony was held, but those are…”
“Are you talking about construction? To the Lord of the Tang clan?”
This time, Chung Myung was left speechless.
“Sometimes you don’t just talk too much, you have an overabundance of confidence. You need to reassess the situation once in a while.”
“Ugh. That’s exactly what I tell Dongryong.”
Tang Gunak chuckled, but Chung Myung couldn’t find anything to counter with. The Tang clan had the most skilled craftsmen in the world. While many regarded the Tang clan’s workshop as merely a place for making hidden weapons, their craftsmen were well-versed in mechanical construction and were multifunctional… workers.
When Cheonumaeng was founded, everyone had been awed by the Tang clan’s capabilities. Deploying those craftsmen would make constructing buildings and housing people an easy task. The Tang clan’s warriors were often considered more skilled than ordinary carpenters too.
“So, you’re planning to expand?”
“That’s the plan. Considering defense, it would be best to build the main base on the mountain peak…”
“That’s a dream.”
“Indeed, a dream. Even now, Hwasan is known as the place where lunatics build pavilions in the clouds.”
“What? Who’s saying that nonsense? Who is it?”
“Isn’t it true, though?”
“How is that true! It’s completely wrong. In the first place, Hwasan…”
Tang Gunak spoke calmly and firmly, making his point clear.
“Let’s be honest. If Hwasan had established its sect in Hwaeum instead of on that rugged mountain peak, it would have rivaled even Shaolin in its prime.”
“…”
“I noticed last time that there isn’t much room left to expand on the peak. How many people would be willing to climb all the way up that mountain to join?”
“Are you saying our ancestors were foolish?”
“What did you say about the ancestors of the Tang clan?”
“Ugh…”
Chung Myung trembled with frustration. So this is how this man chose to get back at him?
“In any case, establishing the main base where Hwasan is located is impossible. Therefore, it has to be centered around Hwaeum. We need to gather all the sects there and build the headquarters.”
“Hwaeum will become quite bustling.”
“Indeed, it will.”
After saying this, Tang Gunak looked at Chung Myung with a hint of suggestion.
“You.”
“Yes?”
“Could we speak privately for a moment?”
“Eh?”
Chung Myung blinked, staring at Tang Gunak.
Five Swords watched the two gradually distance themselves.
“What do you think he’s going to talk about?”
“It’s obvious, Sahyeong. He’s probably going to ask for support for the Tang clan.”
“Geol… Not everyone in the world is as thoughtless as you. If that were the case, he would have asked the retired Sect Leader instead of Chung Myung.”
“Oh, really?”
Jo Geol scratched his head and then widened his eyes, shouting.
“Oh? I got it!”
“Huh? Got what?”
With everyone’s eyes on him, Jo Geol confidently puffed out his chest.
“Think about it. What does the Tang clan need the most right now?”
“Poison?”
“Hidden weapons?”
“Money?”
“Tsk tsk. It’s none of those. What the Tang clan needs is to regain its glory and power.”
“…And?”
“By now, the Lord must be feeling regretful! So he’s trying to revive something that had failed before! He must be planning to trap that guy again by marrying him off to a Tang clan’s daughter…Gah!”
Tang Soso kicked Jo Geol in the back of the head with all her might.
“Hey, that could kill him, Soso-ya!”
“I wish it would!”
Watching the peace that barely lasted a moment, Baek Cheon sighed deeply. When would these idiots ever grow up…?
His gaze turned to the two who had moved away.
“What do you want to talk about so urgently?”
“When we get to Hwaeum… No, once the other sects join us, it will be harder to bring this up, so I hurried.”
“Hmm. Well, there are plenty of urgent matters, but shouldn’t you be focusing on the Tang clan and not on me or Hwasan right now?”
“That’s precisely why it has to be now.”
“Huh?”
“If we lose to Sapaeryeon, it will all be over anyway.”
Chung Myung remained silent for a moment before nodding. He trusted Tang Gunak deeply, but it was trust in Tang Gunak as a person, not as a comrade-in-arms.
No, it wasn’t just about Tang Gunak. Perhaps Chung Myung didn’t trust any of the other sects within Cheonumaeng as comrades to fight alongside him.
‘Because they lack a sense of crisis.’
Those who have lived in a time of peace lack the fear that at any moment, a blade could be at their throats. That’s why they hesitate when it’s time to make decisions.
But now, Chung Myung was certain of one thing. Even if it wasn’t anyone else, Tang Gunak had filled that missing sense of urgency. Thus, he needed to see Tang Gunak with new eyes from now on.
“So, what is it you want to say?”
“We’re not a group that can be defeated by Sapaeryeon.”
“…Huh?”
“No matter how elaborate Jang Ilso is with his schemes, if Cheonumaeng moves as one and we can draw support from Gupailbang, we wouldn’t be so easily beaten by mere Evil Sects.”
“…Is that something someone who got beaten badly should be saying?”
Tang Gunak frowned slightly and glared, making Chung Myung awkwardly turn his head.
“Time and place…”
“Ah, I said it wrong! I was wrong!”
“Hmm.”
Tang Gunak cleared his throat and continued speaking.
“The reason we lost is simple. While we have the intention to help each other, we lack organization. In Sapaeryeon, once Jang Ilso makes a decision, whether it’s right or wrong, they follow his orders even if it means death. That’s the secret to their strength.”
“…”
“But for us, even to decide on one thing, everyone must share their opinions, debate right and wrong based on those opinions, and then go through a process of persuading those who agree and those who don’t.”
Chung Myung looked at Tang Gunak with a stern expression.
“An alliance like this can never function properly.”
“…I understand what you’re saying, but it doesn’t seem like something you should say after having just opened a new path through discussion.”
“Of course, this method has its advantages. There are times when it’s necessary. But… do you really believe it’s right to stick to this method even in wartime?”
Chung Myung couldn’t answer.
He had already seen it. He had seen what kind of results a disorganized leadership and an alliance with dozens of competing heads produce on the battlefield.
If Chung Mun, who didn’t particularly like taking the lead, hadn’t stepped in to coordinate everything, they would have crumbled without even mounting a proper resistance against the Demonic Cult.
“This recent experience has made it clear. Cheonumaeng needs to change. We must maintain our trust in each other, but… the situation where we have multiple heads needs to change. Once an order is given, whether it’s right or wrong, it must be followed thoroughly.”
“Like Sapaeryeon?”
“I hate to admit it, but… yes, that’s what we must do.”
Chung Myung let out a long sigh.
“I understand. You’re saying it’s difficult for the Alliance Leader to take on that role?”
“That’s right. He’s not inadequate as the leader, but he’s not the kind of person who can push others when opinions diverge. Nor is he someone who can grit his teeth and endure the sacrifices of his allies.”
“He’s changed a lot now.”
“He’ll break. He wasn’t that strong to begin with.”
“Right.”
Chung Myung nodded, acknowledging the validity of those words.
“I see what you’re getting at. So, ultimately, Cheonumaeng needs a proper leader, and the other leaders need to be subordinated under this one, correct?”
“That’s right.”
“…Somehow, I had a feeling.”
It had seemed a bit strange when the Tang clan, already half-ruined, was willing to put everything on the line. So this was what he had in mind.
“I understand what you’re saying. So, you’re suggesting that the Tang clan can take on that role?”
At the direct question, Tang Gunak silently looked at Chung Myung. Chung Myung nodded in understanding.
Indeed, if that happened, even if their military strength weakened, their reputation could be elevated beyond its former glory. Using that reputation as a foundation to revive the Tang clan was a rational decision.
“But there’s no need to ask me for that. There’s no one more suited to the role than you, the Lord of the Tang clan. I’ll actively support you, so please do well.”
If Tang Gunak’s position as the deputy leader were formalized and he were given the power, Cheonumaeng would surely become more structured. Although it might differ from its current state, such a change was necessary in these circumstances.
After all, Cheonumaeng was created for mutual aid. It was natural to seek the best possible way and adapt accordingly.
However, Tang Gunak’s response was unexpected for Chung Myung.
“You misunderstand, Hwasan Geomhyeop.”
“What?”
“I am not the right person. There is no one in Cheonumaeng who owes me anything. They have no reason to listen to me. In fact, I intend to step down from the deputy leader’s position.”
“What? But that’s…”
“It’s time for you to stop doing the dirty work from behind our backs.”
Tang Gunak looked at Chung Myung with a resolute gaze.
“Establish a formal position of the General* of Cheonumaeng and assume that role. The Tang clan will fully support you.”
Chung Myung’s face went blank, as if he had been struck by something heavy.
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