Chapter 1468
Let’s seize this opportunity to make history. (3)
“Wonju [원주*]!”
A person rushed into the spacious courtyard and bowed before the figure in yellow robes seated at the center.
“Deungyongmun has expressed their intention to join us.”
“Hmm. Deungyongmun…”
Beop Gye nodded approvingly. Deungyongmun was a reputable mid-sized faction in Hubei. Their alliance would significantly bolster their strength.
“And Taecheon Sect [태천파(泰天派)] has also sent word that they will follow us.”
This time, Beop Gye’s reaction was slightly different. There was a hint of surprise in his voice.
“Taecheon Sect?”
“Yes, that’s correct, Wonju.”
Beop Gye let out a small gasp, nodding thoughtfully.
It’s quite encouraging news. Taecheon Sect is beyond Beijing, relatively safe from the threat of Sapaeryeon. If word spreads that even such a sect is joining Gupailbang now, those who are still observing the situation will undoubtedly flock here.
“The number of sects expressing their intention to join us over the past three days has reached as many as twenty.”
It’s a faster pace than anticipated. And it’s a clear indication that the directives from the Abbot are exerting their influence.
“However, they’re requesting to join faster than expected, and we’re struggling to find adequate space to accommodate their numbers.”
“Hmm, I see. Considering the expected influx in the future, it seems this isn’t something we can handle as a temporary measure.”
After a brief moment of contemplation, Beop Gye addressed the reporter.
“What’s the situation with Cheonumaeng?”
“We haven’t been able to confirm it yet.”
“You said twenty in three days?”
“Yes, Abbot.”
Beop Jong’s brow furrowed slightly.
“Not enough.”
“…”
“There should have been at least thirty.”
In response, Beop Gye felt compelled to elaborate unnecessarily.
“More sects expressed their intent on the second day than the first, and even more have sent messages today. The remaining Great Sects are sure to send their messages soon as well.”
Beop Jong nodded silently, but his gaze remained dark.
“That’s just the bare minimum.”
“……Abbot.”
“But this needed to produce results beyond the minimum.”
At those words, the slightly lifted mood sank again. Beop Gye and the leaders of the other two sects watched Beop Jong’s expression, waiting for his next words.
“I thought there was no other move left for them… but Chengdu, of all places. They never act as expected.”
Beop Jong spoke calmly. Jongli Hyeong asked, looking puzzled.
“Abbot. I understand that the invasion of Chengdu by Cheonumaeng seems like a splendid achievement on the surface. However, if we look at the reality, it’s nothing more than a flashy show with no substance. How can this be…?”
“Amitabha.”
Beop Jong, with his eyes closed, chanted the Buddha’s name, cutting off Jongli Hyeong’s words.
“Sometimes, what appears grand on the outside without any real substance is needed.”
“…”
“Especially in times like these.”
Jongli Hyeong fell silent. He realized that there was a peculiar discomfort hidden in Beop Jong’s seemingly calm words.
‘What is this?’
Jongli Hyeong, confused for a moment, soon hardened his expression. He suddenly recognized who had been making loud noises without any real substance.
“Abbot… I did not mean to imply that…”
“No, Sect Leader, I did not mean it that way either.”
“Ah…”
“Ahem.”
Beop Gye coughed awkwardly to change the atmosphere. It was a tactful move to prevent Beop Jong from feeling cornered in the conversation.
Beop Jong, grateful for Beop Gye’s subtle help, continued speaking.
“Anyway, although the unexpected actions of Cheonumaeng have created some variables, things will ultimately proceed as we desire.”
Paeng Yeop also nodded in agreement.
More importantly, it was crucial that Sapaeryeon was poised like a dagger under the chin of those in Hubei.
Focusing on potential and the future is a choice available to those who have the luxury of time. However, the Just Sects do not have that luxury right now. Sapaeryeon has taken that luxury away and is forcing quick decisions.
It almost seemed as if Sapaeryeon was helping Gupailbang to gather and unite.
“Even the villains of Sapaeryeon can be helpful sometimes.”
Beop Jong did not bother to respond to Paeng Yeop’s remark. He simply chanted the Buddha’s name quietly, maintaining a calm demeanor.
Paeng Yeop, with a tone of dissatisfaction, spoke up.
“However, the location is somewhat troubling. Of all places, it had to be Zhangjiajie.”
“Hm? What do you mean by that, Lord Paeng?”
Sect Leader Jongli Hyeong asked. Paeng Yeop remained silent for a moment before speaking.
“While Zhangjiajie is indeed in a position to threaten Hubei, it can also threaten Shaanxi.”
“Of course, that’s only natural, isn’t it?”
Jongli Hyeong’s comment made Paeng Yeop frown slightly.
“What I mean is, what is happening in Hubei can also happen in Shaanxi.”
“Ah…? Ah!”
Jongli Hyeong gasped as he understood Paeng Yeop’s point.
The first sects to express their intention to join were the sects in Hubei. This place was originally under the influence of Wudang. With Sapaeryeon ready to invade at any moment, there was no other option.
So, if one thinks in reverse, the position of Sapaeryeon could also cause the sects of Shaanxi to gather under Hwasan.
“It’s like a rock falling in the stream, splitting the current in two. Abbot, what do you think of that demon’s intentions?”
At this, Beop Jong quietly smiled.
From Jang Ilso’s perspective, it would be preferable for Gupailbang and Cheonumaeng to maintain a balance. If one side were to collapse suddenly, the remaining side would absorb it, consolidating power into one entity. In that case, Sapaeryeon would stand no chance.
The three major powers each have different objectives, so their movements will differ as well. Finding the right path amidst this chaotic flow is no easy task.
However, Beop Jong was not worried at all.
“People may twist and turn, but water simply flows.”
“…Yes? What do you mean by that…?”
A serene, detached tone emerged from Beop Jong, reminiscent of an enlightened monk.
“Water sometimes bends greatly and sometimes pours violently. But in the end, it always follows its destined path. Whether Cheonumaeng resists or Paegun devises his schemes, the flow is already determined.”
Beop Jong’s half-opened eyes were not focused on the people sitting in front of him but gazing into the distance.
“Even if Cheonumaeng momentarily makes a name for itself, it has already lost its luster. And it will continue to fade. What remains will be Gupailbang, as it was in the past and will be in the future. That is the natural order, that is the flow.”
It was both an assertion and a declaration. Neither Jongli Hyeong nor Paeng Yeop had any objections. To them, the situation indeed seemed to be favoring Gupailbang.
It was just Shaanxi. Even if Jang Ilso’s move allowed Cheonumaeng to completely take over Shaanxi, it was still just one province. Shaanxi is vast, but next to the word 天下 – All Under Heaven, it is too small. It cannot compare to Gupailbang, which have influence over the entire Gangbuk.
Cheonumaeng’s latest move might only delay its downfall for a short time, but it would not bring about any dramatic reversal.
At that moment, Beop Gye spoke up.
“I agree that things are proceeding as you said, Abbot. However, there are still concerns.”
“What concerns do you speak of?”
“Cheonumaeng has Hwasan Geomhyeop, does it not?”
At the mention of Hwasan Geomhyeop, Beop Jong’s eyebrows twitched. While Cheonumaeng no longer stirred much emotion in him, the mention of Hwasan Geomhyeop still seemed to irritate him.
“He too must know the flow of things. Do you think he will just let things proceed as they are?”
“And what can he do?”
“…Yes?”
“I asked, what can he do?”
“He… well…”
Beop Jong smiled lightly.
“If there were a full-blown war happening, he might have been able to do something. If Cheonumaeng had the strength to target Sapaeryeon alone, he might have attempted something. But what can he do now? All he can do is check their surroundings and cry out for others to join the fight.”
“…But…”
“He is an extraordinary man. However, this is not something he, or anyone else in the world, can accomplish. Do you understand? Even the great Zhuge Liang could not ultimately make his country victorious, and even the formidable Guan Yu could not destroy a nation on his own.”
Beop Jong concluded calmly.
“That is the nature of the flow. It is not something that can be reversed by human power.”
“…I understand what you mean.”
Beop Jong quietly chanted the Buddha’s name.
Living long, one comes to understand certain things. One of them is that sometimes it is better to wait for the right moment rather than trying to change things by stepping forward.
Thus, Beop Jong waited patiently, enduring as the vicious Jang Ilso and the monstrous Chung Myung ran rampant.
And now, the turbulent flow they created is pouring directly towards Beop Jong, Shaolin, and Gupailbang.
“Even Hwasan Geomhyeop must already know. There is hardly anything left for them to do now.”
Beop Jong’s gaze turned to the distance.
“I’d like to see what expression he wears when no one is watching, behind that vigorous facade.”
❀ ❀ ❀
Chung Myung was gazing at the distant mountains. Baek Cheon watched his back intently.
What is he thinking about right now? No, what kind of expression is he making?
Baek Cheon knew.
He knew that Chung Myung, who always gave orders and pushed everyone else, sometimes averted his gaze. It was not to look elsewhere but because there was something he did not want anyone to see.
Yes, Baek Cheon knew. He knew how deeply Chung Myung was contemplating, how much he was worrying.
But at times like this, he could not help Chung Myung. Because it would not be of any use.
“Huuh.”
With a heavy sigh, Baek Cheon cautiously approached Chung Myung.
“Chung Myung-ah.”
Chung Myung flinched and turned to look at Baek Cheon.
“Ah, you startled me.”
For Baek Cheon to reach right behind him without him noticing, it showed how deeply lost in thought Chung Myung had been.
“It’s finished here. Can we move to help somewhere else?”
“It’s already finished?”
“What do you think of us? We are Hwasan.”
“Ah, right. You guys have certainly mastered digging…”
“We’ve been thinking for at least ten years about completely flattening this cursed peak someday. We’re confident we’re the best in the Central Plains when it comes to demolishing mountains.”
…That does sound convincing.
At that moment, Baek Cheon spoke softly.
“I know you’re deeply worried.”
“Hmm?”
“I might not be much help, but I’ll carry out any decision you make perfectly, so feel free to tell me.”
Baek Cheon’s gaze was unwavering. Chung Myung looked at him with slightly dazed eyes, struck by the firmness and resolve in that gaze.
“Sasuk…”
Chung Myung slowly nodded and bit his lip slightly.
“Thank you for saying that. I’ve been worrying about it.”
“I understand your feelings completely.”
Baek Cheon reached out to pat Chung Myung on the shoulder.
“If you ever have any worries…”
“It seems we’re a bit short here.”
“Hmm?”
Baek Cheon flinched. Chung Myung extended his hand to point ahead.
“We might need to dig a bit more here. I was worried we’d end up doing a lot of work for nothing. But if you’re saying that, there’s no need to worry. We can just dig first and think later.”
“…What?”
“Do you see the highest peak over there? Let’s dig up to there.”
“Th-that’s more than twice the distance we’ve covered so far!”
“Weren’t you confident about demolishing mountains?”
…At that moment, Baek Cheon realized.
The overwhelming murderous intent piercing his back was something Baek Cheon had never felt even when facing Sapaeryeon or even Demonic Cult. He could guess what kind of looks his fellow disciples were giving him right now. He must not turn his head. The moment their eyes met, he might die of a heart attack.
“Then I’ll leave it to you. Finish it by tomorrow.”
“Uh, Chung Myung, wait… Hey, hey, you bastard! Hey!”
Leaving Baek Cheon behind, Chung Myung walked away cheerfully, surveying the now expanded area.
“Hmmm.”
He had already heard the news that Beop Jong had posted a proclamation throughout the land. He also knew that the information being spread by Cheonumaeng through the merchants wasn’t spreading as quickly as expected.
From this point alone, it’s undeniable that Cheonumaeng has taken the biggest hit in this situation. If Jang Ilso and Beop Jong decided to corner Cheonumaeng, there was nothing Chung Myung could do.
But.
“Well, it seems everyone is racking their brains…”
A meaningful smile spread across Chung Myung’s lips.
“If they thought I was going to start doing something now, they’re already too late.”
The deed was already done. Long ago. Now it was time to reap the fruits of the seeds he had sown.
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