Chapter 1625
With our blood and our lives! (5)
“Is it okay to just end it like this?”
“What?”
“Jongnam, I mean, Jongnam!”
Jo Geol exclaimed in disbelief. Baek Cheon just shrugged lightly.
“Retired Sect Leader decided not to make an issue of it.”
“Even so, we were wronged!”
The more Jo Geol thought about it, the more his anger wouldn’t subside. Baek Cheon glanced at him and spoke.
“It’s a bit surprising, though.”
“What is?”
Baek Cheon’s expression was somewhat sulky.
“You didn’t know? Not at all?”
“…”
“We learned the Plum Blossom Sword Technique, and we saw with our own eyes their Snow Flower whatever sword technique, didn’t we?”
“I… I don’t remember well… Wasn’t the sequence reversed? Or not? I mean, it’s been years…”
“…”
“Ah, don’t look at me like that! Why should I remember every single technique of those damned Jongnam bastards?”
Despite his fervent protest, Baek Cheon’s gaze remained fixed, so Jo Geol turned to Yoon Jong this time.
“Say something, Sahyeong! Did you know?”
“I had a suspicion.”
“There, you see! He had… wait, you suspected?”
“…You would if you weren’t an idiot.”
Jo Geol leaned his head against the wall in despair, muttering.
“Yeah… it’s just me, the idiot. Only me.”
Yoon Jong didn’t even spare him a glance. Baek Cheon asked,
“You suspected it?”
“Ever since we learned the Plum Blossom Sword Technique, the resemblance kept coming to mind. It was too similar. I thought there might be some common foundation. But I never imagined they had taken the core of our technique in such a way. I thought at most they had taken in those who left Hwasan and restored the lost techniques.”
“Right…”
Baek Cheon nodded heavily. He too couldn’t have imagined that Jongnam would steal Hwasan’s sword techniques in such a manner. It wasn’t easy to think that such a proud and lofty sect would covet Hwasan’s martial arts.
“If Soso finds out, she’ll probably poison every stream on Mount Jongnam.”
“Why does she keep doing that? She’s not even with the Tang clan anymore.”
“Exactly because she’s not with the Tang clan. And to be precise, the Tang clan wouldn’t do that either. Soso is just extreme.”
“…That’s true.”
Thinking of Tang Soso foaming at the mouth with needles in both hands gave Baek Cheon a headache.
At that moment, Jo Geol’s head shot up.
“Wait, does that mean Chung Myung knew all of this?”
“Probably. Given the circumstances, it seems like Chung Myung and Sect Leader Jongli had a secret conversation last night. Maybe they discussed this too.”
“Oh my… Knowing that Hwasan’s martial arts were stolen, and Chung Myung still let those Jongnam bastards live?”
“…I find it hard to believe myself.”
If Chung Myung they knew was involved, he would have dashed straight to Jongnam without taking a breath and set the place on fire before the investigation even started. If it had ended just like that, it would have been a time to weep and say, ‘Finally, Chung Myung has attained enlightenment.’
But to have endured all this while knowing the truth? What could have restrained that reckless brat?
“…Life is full of surprises.”
“Indeed.”
“Could there be some misunderstanding?”
“From the fact that he didn’t strike out on the spot, it doesn’t seem to be a misunderstanding.”
“That’s true, isn’t it? Hmm…”
Both Jo Geol and Baek Cheon sighed, clearly baffled. Only Yoon Jong remained deep in thought with a troubled expression.
“So, are we really just letting this go?”
“Mm.”
Baek Cheon let out a slight groan before speaking.
“Honestly, I’m boiling with anger, but… we have a major issue ahead, so we need to close this matter for now. We can discuss it again later if needed.”
“But closing it isn’t something we can just decide to do. If they slip up even once, it could literally lead to disaster.”
“We’ll have to do our best to prevent that from happening. You should make sure to relay the message to the disciples properly to avoid any unnecessary issues.”
Jo Geol reluctantly nodded and said,
“Well, the disciples will follow if Sasuk decides so, at least outwardly. But behind the scenes, there will likely be talk about how Sasuk is from Jongnam and a brother to Jin Geumryong, so it’s just being overlooked…”
“That damned mouth!”
“Ah, no! That’s not what I say! Why do you always think I’m saying such things?”
“Quiet!”
Yoon Jong’s reprimand made Jo Geol sulk, though he closed his mouth, clearly displeased. In contrast, Baek Cheon remained composed.
“…We’ll have to endure it. As long as I am honest, that’s what matters. And… no matter how troubled I might be, who could be more tormented than Chung Myung, who has kept this matter to himself all this time?”
“Mhm.”
Yoon Jong slowly nodded. Baek Cheon spoke firmly to the two of them.
“For now, make sure to manage the Chung disciples and prevent any issues from arising. I’ll make sure to have Baek Sang and Baek disciples well-informed.”
“Yes, Sasuk.”
While Yoon Jong answered calmly, Jo Geol still seemed dissatisfied. Baek Cheon sighed, having read the discontent in his expression.
“Chung Myung handling of this situation that way means the task ahead will be that much more challenging.”
“…That’s true.”
“That bad-tempered bastard did this to save even one more person, putting aside his own nature. Let’s not hinder him, even if we can’t help.”
“Kuuuuh.”
Jo Geol seemed to faintly groan, as if suppressing his frustration.
“Indeed… even if it’s frustrating, he must be more distressed than I am.”
“…Yes, Geol.”
“Understood. Sajes who don’t share Sasuk’s viewpoint will understand, considering Chung Myung’s determination. Everyone knows he’s a person bound by resentment for not being able to crush Jongnam completely. Who would question the choice of someone like that?”
“Right. Make sure to explain well. It seems I…”
“Yes. Given your position, it would be difficult for you to be fully involved. I understand.”
While the disciples of Hwasan might not be particularly concerned, Baek Cheon himself felt somewhat uneasy about taking an active role in matters related to Jongnam.
He sighed deeply.
“Anyway, the one who must be most troubled right now is Chung Myung.”
Both of them nodded in agreement. It was certainly true. While they could only discuss emotions, Chung Myung now had to bear the consequences of his actions.
“Will things turn out well?”
“Who knows.”
Everyone knew. Although the situation had been resolved dramatically, the path Chung Myung intended to take was by no means an easy one.
“Let’s hope it wasn’t an act done without any plan.”
“…What if it was done without a plan?”
“Then…”
Baek Cheon smiled brightly.
“Will there be anything worse than destruction?”
An ominous silence fell. An indescribable sense of unease passed between Yoon Jong and Jo Geol.
❀ ❀ ❀
Zhuge Jain had to make an extraordinary effort to understand this situation.
‘Why am I… in this place?’
Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t grasp it.
The face of Nokrim King, the Advisor of Cheonumaeng, and someone who was known by countless other titles, was grotesquely twisted even now.
“You haven’t thought of anything at all?”
“Yes.”
“Do you really have no plans set in advance?”
“Yes.”
“And you just screamed that we should do this without any countermeasures?”
“That’s right.”
Im Sobyeong smiled brightly.
“Does that even make sense, you crazy bastard!”
“Why are you shouting! You damned Sapa scoundrel!”
“Is this really the time to be discussing each other’s sects and such? Then what on earth were you thinking when you pulled off this mess?”
“Well, it’ll work out somehow, right?”
“Ahhhhhhh!”
Im Sobyeong let out a cry as if he were about to vomit his innards. It was a sight where dignity was nowhere to be found, but for now, Zhuge Jain fully understood the bandit’s frustration.
“Why all the fuss? We just need to mix people up and divide them by the numbers, right?”
At Chung Myung’s words, Im Sobyeong scratched his head until his scalp bled. His headdress was crooked, and his hair was disheveled like that of a ghost.
“I must be crazy… I should have just stayed a bandit.”
“Then you’d be dead.”
“…Dying might be better.”
“Really? I can still help with that.”
“…I’ll think about it.”
He didn’t expect a serious plan, but thought at least a rough outline would be in place. Who could have imagined there would be no plan at all?
“Hmph. There are so many things to consider…”
“Just divide it roughly, I said.”
“The Alliance doesn’t do ‘roughly’! There might be something that looks like it’s roughly done, but not in the Alliance!”
“…Someone might think you founded the Alliance with that attitude. Since when did you become so loyal?”
“It’s all because of you!”
Zhuge Jain, who had been watching the fierce bickering between the bandit and the young brat, could no longer hold it in and awkwardly opened his mouth. If this continued, he wouldn’t be able to say a word until dawn.
“Um, by the way…”
“Yes?”
“Why am I here?”
“Oh.”
Chung Myung smiled brightly as he saw Zhuge Jain finally raise the question he had been harboring.
“After talking a bit, it seems like you use your head well.”
“What nonsense are you spouting about the great Zhuge family head! You ignorant fool who hasn’t even mastered the basics of the Thousand Character Classic!”
“Who said that? Which bastard said such a thing?”
“I saw your writing last time, and all the strokes were wrong!”
“Is there proof? Huh? Do you have proof?”
Another argument broke out. Zhuge Jain silently looked up at the ceiling. It might have been better to listen to the grumbling of the still-fuming Moyong Wigyeong. After a long wait, Chung Myung finally got to the point.
“Oh, it’s nothing particularly special.”
“Yes.”
“We need to reorganize the structure, and I think you would do a good job of it.”
“…”
“Right?”
Zhuge Jain momentarily lost control of his expression. With a dazed look, he asked in disbelief.
“Are you telling me to participate in reorganizing the Alliance’s structure?”
“No.”
A look of relief crossed Zhuge Jain’s face, as if to say, ‘As expected.’ It certainly didn’t make sense.
“Not just participate, but take the lead. Take the initiative.”
“…Pardon?”
“Even if you mess it up, it’s still better than having a bandit do it. After all, you’ve had some education.”
Im Sobyeong was furious.
“What nonsensical remark is that? I’m educated too! Even if you look at me like this, I’m a Geoin [擧人: successful candidate in the imperial examinations]…”
“Ugh, it’s really noisy!”
The shoe that Chung Myung threw hit Im Sobyeong in the face. After Im Sobyeong fell backward with a thud, Chung Myung, who had just cursed him out, smiled brightly as if nothing had happened and looked at Zhuge Jain.
“Can you do it?”
Zhuge Jain’s eyes twitched uncontrollably.
“I… I’m just the head of Zhuge family who has just joined the Alliance. Oh, no, I’ve even relinquished my position as head, so I’m merely a novice member of the Alliance now.”
“Yes, something like that.”
“But are you really assigning me such an important task? Especially since I was in conflict with Cheonumaeng until recently. In fact, just yesterday…”
Wasn’t it just yesterday that they were grabbing each other’s hair and hurling insults? This was a thought he couldn’t quite express.
However, Chung Myung shrugged nonchalantly.
“Does that matter?”
“…Pardon?”
“It’s actually a good thing. People can’t view everything objectively when they’re inside.”
“Well…”
“Can you do it?”
With the repeated question, Zhuge Jain fell silent. The words ‘Can you do it?’ were clear, but his gaze and demeanor conveyed a different message.
‘Even if it kills you, you must do it.’
Zhuge Jain couldn’t contain his bewilderment and ended up laughing weakly.
“Are you saying I’m the right person for this?”
“Yes.”
“So if I’m the right person, my background, status, and even past relationships don’t matter?”
“Isn’t that obvious? We’re not here for a child’s play.”
Yes, that is obvious. But Zhuge Jain knew well that countless powers and rulers had collapsed because they failed to handle these obvious matters.
“…I understand what you mean.”
He straightened his posture, unlike before.
“While I’m not sure if I’m the right person, I understand that this is my duty. I, Zhuge Jain, will do my utmost to carry out the General’s orders.”
Seeing the markedly different look in his eyes, Chung Myung flinched slightly.
“Oh. Haha, there’s no need to be so serious…”
“First, I need the list of personnel for all sects affiliated with Cheonumaemg, the roster of small and medium sects that have moved to Shaanxi, and the documents regarding the wealth and military supplies held by Cheonumaemg. Also, please assign one knowledgeable person from each sect. They need to gather information on the martial arts levels of the sect members and provide a rough overview of the sects that haven’t yet joined in Shaanxi. It would be better to go through the Beggars Sect’s channels, but it’s preferable to ask them to dispatch their personnel as well. This needs to be urgently prepared as a first step, and next, we will…”
Chung Myung’s mouth gradually fell open. Unintelligible words began pouring out like a flood and showed no sign of stopping. His eyes started darting around in bewilderment.
“General? Are you listening?”
“Y-Yes.”
“We need to hurry. It’s a matter of utmost urgency. Oh, and the first thing you must do is…”
Chung Myung gave a helpless smile.
‘It seems I’ve made a huge mistake.’
He had hoped to make things easier, but instead, the work was doubling… no, multiplying tenfold. Damn it…
With Zhuge Jain’s involvement, the reorganization of Cheonumaeng’s structure took on a life of its own. And it was heading in a direction somewhat different from the original intent of those who had brought him on board.
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