Chapter 1525
Now that I think about it, we did do wrong. (5)
Hyun Jong licked his lips reluctantly.
“So…”
Although he didn’t want to, his gaze kept drifting towards Tang Gunak and Im Sobyeong, who both looked somewhat pale from running all the way to Hwasan and back.
“…disciplining those who left Hwaeum without permission to handle matters outside…”
“No, absolutely not!”
As expected, Tang Gunak’s eyes flared with anger.
“Discipline them? What are you talking about, Alliance Leader! Although it started as a personal action, it ended with merit. If you discipline such individuals, what will happen to the alliance?”
“Well…”
“No one will act on their own accord! With that mentality, how can we overcome the current crisis where Sapaeryon is attacking from below and Gupailbang are eyeing us from the side?”
“But in this case, it’s somewhat…”
At that moment, the breathless Im Sobyeong swiftly opened his fan. Although he wanted to do it with his usual flourish and sound, he seemed too exhausted, and the fan made a weak noise.
“A general on the battlefield is not punished for disobeying orders. He is only judged by his achievements.”
“…that’s also somewhat…”
And Nokrim King, don’t cover half your face below your eyes. With your pale complexion and dark circles, you look like a ghost…
“In any case, I oppose this as the representative of Nokrim.”
“I also oppose it as the representative of Sichuan Tang Clan.”
“Eunha Merchant Guild opposes it as well!”
Before he knew it, Hwang Jong-ui, who had come running and joined them, also chimed in. These three people were the ones who had the greatest stake in planning Hwaeum. With all of them vehemently opposing with loud voices, Hyun Jong couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
How could he not understand the reason for their opposition? It was undeniable that Chung Myung had turned everything upside down and made a mess of the sect. But when it came to his abilities, he was honestly worth a hundred ordinary strategists.
This was no exaggeration – he truly was worth a hundred. They say you don’t miss what you have until it’s gone, and during the past ten days without Chung Myung, they had keenly felt his absence. Moreover, the very idea of building this city had originally come from his mind. No one else could handle this task as efficiently as he could.
Given the situation, if they disciplined Chung Myung, the remaining workload would fall on everyone else.
“Come on,”
Chung Myung, sitting in a corner of the meeting room, slumped back in his chair and sighed. It was a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor when he had jutted out his lips upon first hearing about the disciplinary actions.
“I said I’d take the punishment, didn’t I? If someone commits a wrong, it’s the world’s rule to punish them. Why do you keep blocking it?”
Im Sobyeong’s hand trembled. If a stare could kill, Chung Myung’s body would have been split into seventy eight pieces by now. However…
“I’m sure… there were understandable reasons for your actions.”
Unfortunately, the sad reality was that one couldn’t kill someone with just a glare and had to utter words contrary to their intentions.
“There weren’t any reasons.”
“There were!”
“No, there weren’t.”
“There absolutely were!”
Im Sobyeong was on the verge of bloody tears. Finally, Chung Myung nodded as if he felt sorry for him.
“You see! There were reasons!”
“…Please don’t cry and just speak.”
“Mother…”
It was both a comedy and a tragedy. Everyone was moved to tears by the desperation, except for Chung Myung, who clicked his tongue and brought something from his waist to his lips.
“Ah, you won’t even let me receive punishment properly. Here I am reflecting on my actions, but I deserve a proper punishment.”
“Chung Myung! How can you drink here…?”
“Why can’t I drink!”
“Isn’t this truly grand and admirable!”
“What are you all doing! Bring out the snacks! The finest ones!”
Hyun Jong, who was about to reprimand them, was left speechless. However, he had no intention of scolding the three of them.
Tang Gunak spoke with a weary face.
“Alliance Leader.”
“…Yes, Vice Alliance Leader.”
“If you really insist on disciplining him, just make him help us with our work a bit. Then we won’t oppose…”
“…Ahem. I understand your point that there are no laws to punish a general during wartime.”
Tang Gunak glared, but Hyun Jong subtly avoided his gaze. He, too, was getting older and knew that working like that could be fatal. Hadn’t he recently learned that a warrior could die from overwork?
Five Swords, watching the entire scene from a little behind, quickly exchanged glances.
‘…Is this right?’
‘Do you think it is?’
When Chung Myung suddenly suggested locking himself to repent, they thought he had lost his mind, but who knew it would turn out like this… Rather than impressive, it was more like…
‘He’s a devil.’
‘He’s not really human.’
Yoon Jong whispered quietly to Baek Cheon.
“Is it okay for a Taoist to act like that?”
“…Doesn’t he have good qualities?”
“What? Why?”
“A Taoist fundamentally needs to understand human hardships, right?”
“That’s… true?”
“How does he manage to perfectly target and exploit others’ difficulties? Isn’t that also a remarkable quality?”
…Normally, we don’t call that a quality, Sasuk…
“Anyway, go ahead. What’s the current situation?”
“Ugh.”
In response to Chung Myung’s question, Tang Gunak let out a groan. But it was brief – all the emotions quickly disappeared from his face, as work was work.
“The maintenance of Hwaeum is roughly finished.”
“Already?”
“Building, dividing, and raising things isn’t that significant of a task. It’s just a matter of manpower.”
Tang Gunak spoke calmly, but those who provided that “manpower” knew how terrifying his words were. The implication was that any task could be expedited significantly if you put enough people through the grind.
“The influx of refugees has drastically decreased… What’s left is ensuring they adapt to living in Hwaeum.”
“And the headquarters?”
“It’s being built. Whether it can be called a headquarters is another matter, though.”
Tang Gunak’s eye twitched slightly in displeasure. From his perspective, it was hard to call the massive, unfinished pavilions, with incomplete roofs, a “headquarters.” Frankly, it resembled a detention center more than anything else.
“And those joining us at the headquarters?”
“Haenam is on its way to Hwaeum right now, so it shouldn’t take more than a few days. The main force from the Ice Palace in the North is also coming down, but due to the distance, it will take some time. Other small and medium sects also wish to join, but…”
Im Sobyeong interjected to continue the explanation.
“We’re being selective. If we accept just anyone, it will become a mess.”
“Like Nokrim?”
“Yes, exactly… No! What are you saying? Do you know how selective Nokrim is? Not just anyone can become a bandit! You’d be surprised how many fail just based on their appearance. You can put a leopard skin on a fool, but he’ll still look like a house cat!”
“Then why is it such a mess?”
Im Sobyeong’s eyes bulged with rage as he trembled.
“Argh… I’m beginning to understand why people turn to the Evil Sects.”
“You are already there, Nokrim King.”
Tang Gunak, chuckling, summarized the situation.
“At first, I didn’t understand why we needed to go to such lengths, but after doing it, I see the importance of the headquarters.”
For one, the headquarters is visible. It can also house people. The combined effect of these two factors exceeded Tang Gunak’s expectations.
“Well, people naturally become attached to the place where they eat and sleep.”
“So, is that why Nokrim is so disorganized?”
“Why do you keep bringing up Nokrim! Nokrim! Agh…”
“Soso, it looks like he’s about to collapse.”
“Yes, he’s on the verge.”
“Leave him be, Sahyeong. There’s no cure.”
“…”
“Why are you looking at me like that? There’s really no cure for him. He’s beyond help.”
Jo Geol sighed in resignation, while Tang Gunak continued speaking.
“It’s not just the major sects. Once the small and medium sects that joined due to the reputation of Cheonumaeng settle in Hwaeum, they’ll feel a strong sense of belonging. Then truly…”
Tang Gunak trailed off. What he originally intended to say was, ‘Cheonumaeng might not end as just a temporary alliance.’ However, he felt it was premature to make such a statement, so he held back.
At that moment, Chung Myung spoke nonchalantly.
“Well, it’s obvious. People get attached to places they live in, even if they’re just staying at someone else’s house.”
“If you understand that so well, then make the exterior look more impressive…”
“Enough of that.”
Tang Gunak’s face showed endless gloom.
“Looking at this state of the headquarters, the whole world will point fingers at the Tang clan…”
Leaving the despondent Tang Gunak behind, Im Sobyeong continued.
“Anyway, with this, we have everything in place.”
“What do you mean by everything in place?”
“The biggest issue with Cheonumaeng so far was the lack of a middle ground. There were no people to support the higher-level experts.”
“Could you explain more precisely?”
“To put it simply, we’ve always lacked absolute numbers. Because of that, we’ve always had to fight while being in numerical disadvantage. We’ve managed well so far, but there are limits. In war, the larger force always has the upper hand.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Especially those who had traveled to Hainan nodded their heads so vigorously that it was almost alarming.
“So, by uniting the small and medium sects, we can now balance those numbers?”
“We won’t necessarily gain superiority, but at least we won’t be overwhelmingly outnumbered. And that’s not all.”
The playful glint in Im Sobyeong’s eyes vanished completely.
“There are three things we need to prepare to win a war. First is the military, second is supplies, and the last is information.”
“…”
“We’ve gathered all our scattered allies to strengthen our military force, built a city in Hwaeum to ensure smooth supply and management, and secured the cooperation of the Beggars Sect to gain an advantage in intelligence.”
At those words, everyone turned to look at Chung Myung once again.
“So, that means…”
“Yes.”
Im Sobyeong nodded. Though he was the leader of Nokrim, he was also the strategist of Cheonumaeng. And this strategist spoke with confidence.
“It will take some time to stabilize, but that time will be solely for ‘stabilization,’ nothing more.”
Someone gulped audibly.
“The preparations for war are complete.”
A profound silence descended upon the hall. Im Sobyeong’s words made everyone acutely aware of the inevitable war that was now upon them.
At that moment, Hyun Jong, with a grave expression, fixed his gaze on Im Sobyeong.
“Nokrim King.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
“What should we do from now on?”
Im Sobyeong gave a slight smile.
“Well, I don’t think I’m the one to answer that. Shouldn’t we ask the person who started all of this in the first place?”
Now, all eyes turned to Chung Myung.
“General.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
“Then, General, tell us, what should we do from now on?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
Chung Myung, who had been lounging as if it were someone else’s business, slowly leaned forward. He turned his head leisurely.
He was looking at the large window in the meeting room. It faced south.
Everyone knew where he was looking. They knew who was there.
“…It’s been about a month now. That damn snake bastard hasn’t moved from there.”
Everyone’s faces hardened. There wasn’t a single person who didn’t know who he meant by “that snake bastard.”
‘Already.’
Time had flown by without them realizing it. They had been too busy preparing for war and fortifying Hwaeum.
“He wouldn’t have spent a month just trying to divide us and Gupailbang.”
“Then…?”
“He’ll be coming soon.”
Chung Myung’s eyes turned cold.
“The dagger that snake has been sharpening for a month.”
Everyone held their breath. Just the thought of what Paegun Jang Ilso might have been preparing for an entire month sent chills down their spines.
At that moment, Baek Cheon, who had been silent until now, spoke.
“So, now… we have to stop Paegun.”
No one answered. There was no need. The answer was clear.
Im Sobyeong’s gaze turned southward. His eyes, uncharacteristically somber, reflected his thoughts.
‘Jang Ilso. What are you planning?’
❀ ❀ ❀
His complexion was dark, his body slightly lean, thin lips, and thick eyebrows. His overall demeanor exuded a strong impression. He was not someone whose appearance elicited immediate favor.
But appearances could be deceiving.
Adorned in a golden robe embellished with vibrant crimson embroidery, and displaying a striking sun pattern boldly across his chest, the impression of him changed entirely.
His gaze seemed to look down upon countless others from above.
It wasn’t the gaze of someone confident in the power held in their grip. It was the natural gaze that only someone like him, who could reign as effortlessly as breathing, could possess.
Slowly, he spoke.
“So? A mere thief… dares to challenge me?”
From the man’s haughty gaze emanated a formidable aura.
“I’ve heard people say that the Master Of Thousand Faces indeed has a thousand faces, but I’ve never heard anyone claim he has two lives. Did you think you could insult me and still live to see another day?”
The man with long hair in front of him responded calmly.
“A person cannot have two lives. However…”
The man with long hair, the disguised Cheon Myeon Susa, continued, looking at the man seated on the throne as if piercing through him.
“The Palace Lord will not get this opportunity twice.”
A fresh smile bloomed on Master of the Thousands Faces Dam Yeohae’s lips.
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