Chapter 1540
It will be fine. (5)
The air seemed to freeze instantly. There were countless questions he wanted to ask.
When? How? Where?
But setting aside all those questions, Chung Myung’s response was a resolute command.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes!”
Despite knowing the way, Namgung Dowi took the lead, guiding them. Yu Iseol followed closely, as if to guard Chung Myung.
With a swift motion, all three of them launched themselves forward, racing through the mountains. As they cleared the lush forest, a broad, cultivated land spread out before them.
Behind them, a white streak kept pace. Chung Myung glanced back briefly before refocusing on the path ahead.
A white weasel was running desperately to keep up with its short legs. It seemed that thanks to Baek Ah, Namgung Dowi had been able to locate Chung Myung.
And the one who had likely told the frantic Namgung Dowi that Baek Ah could find Chung Myung’s location was probably…
“What’s the situation?”
“I don’t know the exact details yet. Nokrim King just instructed me to bring you.”
“I see.”
“It… seemed very urgent.”
Chung Myung narrowed his eyes.
He wasn’t someone who could be considered calm on a normal day, but neither was he so careless as to show a sense of urgency in front of Namgung Dowi. This must mean that something completely unexpected had happened.
“Hurry!”
Swish!
The three people and one animal increased their speed even more. They reached Hwaeum in an instant.
“Chung Myung!”
Spotting them, Jo Geol leaped over the rooftops lined up like a Go board and joined them.
“Sago, you’re here too.”
“What about you?”
“I was on my way to the main hall as I was told. But…”
Jo Geol’s expression hardened as he observed their faces. He could tell just by looking at them that something more serious than expected had happened.
“Let’s go together!”
Just then, from afar, Tang Soso approached quickly, almost as if flying.
Thud!
As soon as she landed, she stuck closely by Yu Iseol’s side and spoke.
“Sago! Sapaeryeon is…!”
“I heard.”
Yu Iseol replied in a pitchless voice. Tang Soso nodded with a tense expression. Just hearing the name Sapaeryeon made her uneasy and anxious, but Yu Iseol showed no sign of wavering.
At that moment, in their line of sight, they saw the back of someone running ahead on the main road of Hwaeum.
“Sasuk!”
When Tang Soso called out loudly, Baek Cheon, who was running, turned around. He then naturally adjusted his pace to join them.
“Sasuk, did you hear as well?”
“Yes.”
Jo Geol, who had been biting his lip, asked.
“By any chance, is Yoon Jong Sahyeong…?”
Namgung Dowi answered in Baek Cheon’s place.
“Yoon Jong Dojang is already at the conference room. I informed him first.”
“Oh.”
Jo Geol nodded.
Soon, the conference room of the main headquarters appeared before them.
Bang!
Without delay, Chung Myung opened the door and stepped inside.
“Ah, General!”
As Chung Myung entered, Im Sobyeong’s face briefly showed a sign of relief, as if he was worried about them being too late.
Most of the senior members of Cheonumaeng were already gathered.
The heads of each sect, along with Yoon Jong and Hye Yeon, were also present.
For a moment, Yoon Jong made eye contact with Chung Myung, then turned his head calmly towards Im Sobyeong. Chung Myung, likewise, paid no mind and took his seat.
“What’s the situation?”
Im Sobyeong quickly began to speak.
“A message just came from the Beggars Sect. They have detected movement of Sapaeryeon.”
Chung Myung narrowed his eyes and fell into thought for a moment. Im Sobyeong wouldn’t act this urgently over minor movements. Something clearly suspicious was happening.
“Be more precise.”
“Sapaeryeon, which has been stationary in Zhangjiajie, has finally started to move.”
“Where to?”
“The exact destination hasn’t been communicated yet. The information came in immediately after they began moving, so it will take more time to verify the follow-up details.”
Tang Gunak let out a low groan.
Everyone present understood.
Jang Ilso doesn’t move easily. But once he does, he always causes trouble – things that ordinary people can’t even imagine.
There are several reasons why Cheonumaeng is firmly defending Hwaeum, but to put it bluntly, it’s because they have no way of predicting where and how a conflict will erupt.
“In that case…”
“The core issue is obvious.”
At that moment, Maeng So, the Lord of the Beast Palace, interrupted Tang Gunak’s words.
“The critical question is whether they’re moving in our direction or towards Gupailbang.”
The Central Plains were already divided into East and West. Of course, Jongnam and Kunlun sects were still situated in the West. But Kunlun, barely maintaining its position, was only a Great Sect in name, so it wasn’t entirely incorrect to exclude them.
Zhangjiajie was the point where the East and West were divided. Depending on which direction they moved, the nature of the war would change significantly.
To be more precise…
“Whose losses will be greater.”
Maeng So’s remark hit the core of the entire discussion. Whether it was Gupailbang or Cheonumaeng, both had to ultimately defeat Sapaeryeon. The crucial point was which side would gain strength and which side would collapse in the course of the war.
And the most terrifying aspect of this situation was that the power to decide lay in the hands of none other than Sapaeryeon – or more precisely, Jang Ilso.
“So, is there still no word from the Beggars Sect?”
“Not yet…”
Maeng So spoke again.
“Is there no news to report, or are they withholding information?”
Hyun Jong was startled and looked at the Lord of the Beast Palace in surprise.
“Palace Lord, what are you implying…?”
“Even though the Beggars Sect claimed to side with us, they haven’t shown any tangible support, have they? It’s entirely possible that they’ve aligned themselves with Gupailbang and are only sharing detailed information with them.”
Due to his status and position, Maeng So wasn’t significantly affected by the power dynamics within the Central Plains. He had no interest in them, either. Therefore, he had no qualms about saying what other influential figures in the Central Plains couldn’t bring themselves to voice.
Im Sobyeong spoke.
“That is unlikely to happen.”
Maeng So nodded in response but remained silent, his tightly closed lips indicating he still harbored suspicions.
Im Sobyeong quickly continued.
“Regardless, we have yet to receive any follow-up information from the Beggars Sect, and there are two possibilities. As the Lord of the Beast Palace suggested, the Beggars Sect has excluded us. Or, if not, it’s taking time to identify clear information because Sapaeryon’s movements are difficult to define and predict.”
“The latter.”
Just as several people were about to speak simultaneously, Chung Myung bluntly clarified the situation.
“There is no betrayal from the Beggars Sect.”
“Then there’s only one explanation. Sapaeryon’s movements are surpassing the interpretation capabilities of the Beggars Sect’s informants. They probably don’t know how to report this situation accurately.”
“I-Is that even possible?”
Seol Sobaek, who had been listening intently with a stern expression, stammered in disbelief. He heard what was being said, but he couldn’t comprehend the situation.
At that moment, Tang Gunak stepped in to support Seol Sobaek’s confusion.
“I also find it hard to understand. Even if predicting and confirming their direction is difficult, they should be able to verify the number of people moving and the sects joining them. The fact that even this information isn’t being sent means…”
Tang Gunak trailed off. An uncomfortable silence settled over the urgent meeting room.
Just as a sense of unease, like being enveloped in fog, pressed down on everyone’s chest.
Thud.
Un Am lightly tapped the table.
Everyone was startled by the small noise and turned to look at him.
Although Un Am was the Sect Leader of Hwasan, his presence in Cheonumaeng’s meetings was not particularly significant. After all, Chung Myung and Hyun Jong were present. One could think he was just there to hold his seat.
Un Am awkwardly smiled under the sudden attention.
“Sorry, but… it seems to me that we’re a bit off track.”
“What do you mean?”
Hyun Jong asked, and Un Am calmly began to speak.
“Whether we have information about them or not, isn’t it obvious what we need to do here? It seems right to start with that first.”
Hyun Jong’s eyes widened slightly.
He was right.
Whether Sapaeryon comes here or attacks Gupailbang, they will ultimately have to fight. Considering Sapaeryeon’s mobility and aggressiveness, it’s best to prepare as soon as possible.
Even if it leads to futile efforts, it’s better than being caught off guard and scrambling too late.
“General.”
At Hyun Jong’s call, Chung Myung nodded and immediately spoke.
“The heads of each sect, please gather your disciples immediately. We need to be ready to respond regardless of how they move.”
“Understood.”
“We will do so.”
“And while I don’t doubt the Beggars Sect’s sincerity, it will be difficult for them to fully grasp Sapaeryeon’s movements on their own.”
Chung Myung’s gaze shifted to Im Sobyeong.
At this, Im Sobyeong began speaking as if he were a thief caught in the act.
“Huuh… I understand what you’re getting at. If we mobilize the bandits spread across the mountain ranges, we may not grasp their intentions, but we can definitely track their movements.”
However, Im Sobyeong soon sighed and shook his head.
“But General, Nokrim’s bandits may be under one name, but they aren’t as organized as the Beggars Sect. It would take at least three days for any information they see and confirm to reach us. Three days at the earliest. By then, it would be too late to respond.”
“I know.”
“Then how do we…”
“Ghost Gate.”
Im Sobyeong’s eyes widened in surprise.
“What?”
“The various mountain strongholds may have poor communication and slow reporting, but we have people who are well-connected with them and quick on their feet.”
Im Sobyeong instinctively clenched his fan tightly.
Indeed, the Ghost Gate had been using Nokrim’s strongholds as lodgings. Naturally, they would have formed close connections. And unless Cheonumaeng were to scatter and resort to using messenger pigeons, no one could relay information as swiftly as the Ghost Gate.
Im Sobyeong nodded in agreement.
“Once we have the Ghost Gate’s Lord’s permission, we can proceed immediately. That way, we can perfectly track their movements at least within the northern river region.”
“I’ve already secured permission. Just give the order.”
A glint of suspicion flashed in Im Sobyeong’s eyes.
Since when had he been planning this? After the Sichuan incident? Or after Hangzhou? Or perhaps even earlier…?
“Understood.”
The timing wasn’t the critical issue now. Im Sobyeong nodded quickly.
“Move now. Be ready to respond to any news that comes our way.”
“Yes!”
Just as Chung Myung resolutely stood up to leave…
“A message from the Beggars Sect has arrived!”
“What?”
Im Sobyeong shouted.
“Come in! No, just speak quickly!”
The person who burst through the door spoke hurriedly, not even pausing to catch his breath.
“Shiyan! The Evil Sects are attacking civilians in Shiyan!”
Everyone in the meeting room turned pale.
Shiyan was a small city above Zhangjiajie. It was slightly closer to Shaanxi than Henan.
The blade of Sapaeryon was beginning to strike in this direction.
“This…!”
“We must move immediately!”
“General!”
Chung Myung clenched his fist. But the news didn’t end there.
“Alliance Leader!”
Another person burst through the door.
“Message from the Beggars Sect. The Evil Sect has appeared near Shijiazhuang! They’re attacking nearby villages and require immediate response.”
“What did you say?”
Shijiazhuang?
“Isn’t Shijiazhuang in Hebei?”
“Why are the Evil Sects there?”
“Reporting in!”
Before they could even process the information, more pale-faced individuals rushed in.
“Evil Sects are rampant near Beijing!”
“The Evil Sect has appeared in Hefei, killing people without question!”
“Maninbang has appeared near Xian! Jongnam is mobilizing to respond!”
“Minor sects near Xinyang have been attacked!”
Everyone’s eyes quivered.
More people were still running towards the meeting room. Seeing their pale faces, it was clear that their news wouldn’t be any different.
“What on earth…?”
A trembling voice escaped Chung Myung’s lips as he stood there with a grim face.
“What is going on…?”
It was as if cold water had been poured down everyone’s backs, sending chills through the room.
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