Chapter 1727
I can’t afford to lose it. (7)
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Wudang’s Reception Hall.
In the center of the spacious hall, overlooked by the statue of Daode Tianzun, there was a large round table that hadn’t been there before. In Wudang, where hierarchy was usually emphasized, a round table was a rare sight, but no one had the luxury of marveling at it.
Instead, their attention was inevitably drawn to the individuals seated around that table.
Each one of them was someone not to be taken lightly.
With Gupailbang having become nearly obsolete, the leaders of the sects that could now be considered the true representatives of the Just Sect of the Central Plains were gathered around this round table in Wudang’s reception hall.
As the head of the alliance, Hyun Jong, had not yet arrived, the one currently holding the command of Cheonumaeng was, in practical terms, the General, Chung Myung. However, somewhat unexpectedly, the person presiding over this meeting was not Chung Myung, but Poison King Tang Gunak, who had stepped down from his position as the Vice Alliance Leader and now served as a division leader.
“Thank you all for gathering here.”
Tang Gunak opened the conversation with the customary formalities. After successfully managing the initial situation, this should have been a moment to celebrate the victory and commend those who had distinguished themselves.
However, Tang Gunak’s voice, as he presided over the meeting, was anything but cheerful. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it simply couldn’t be.
“First, we should express our gratitude to Wudang for providing us with this opportunity…”
Tang Gunak’s gaze shifted to the opposite side of the table.
If his position was considered the seat of honor, then the place directly opposite him would naturally belong to the Secr Leader of Wudang. However, someone else was seated there.
“The former Sect Leader and the Acting Sect Leader both send their apologies for being unable to attend due to their severe injuries.”
“…I see.”
Tang Gunak let out a long sigh as he looked at Heo Gong, who sat across from him.
“I don’t even know what words of comfort I can offer.”
“Please, think nothing of it. We are fortunate enough just to have survived.”
Even as he spoke these words, Heo Gong himself had lost his martial arts.
The damage that Wudang had suffered in the recent battle was beyond description. It was questionable whether they could ever fully recover their former strength.
Of course, when thinking of Hwasan, one might argue that it’s not entirely impossible… but…
‘Whether another sect like Hwasan could rise again in this world…’
Wudang was surely aware of this, too.
And yet, Heo Gong remained impeccably composed and upright, without a hint of wavering. This left a strong impression on Tang Gunak.
If he hadn’t lost his martial arts, he would have become one of the greatest talents to contend for supremacy in the world…
“How is the health of the retired Sect Leader… no, the former Sect Leader?”
“He will need to recuperate for at least several months.”
A trace of awkwardness flickered across Tang Gunak’s face.
Considering the severity of the injuries sustained, it was only natural that he should have intervened, but he had been too preoccupied with Baek Cheon’s condition to even think about checking on Heo Do Jinin’s state.
“Ah, I should have…”
“It’s not necessary.”
Heo Gong, who could easily guess what Tang Gunak was about to say, shook his head.
“The former Sect Leader’s most significant injuries are not physical, so there’s no need to concern yourself too much.”
Those calm words, though brief, carried a profound weight. Tang Gunak couldn’t press further.
He was aware as well.
Although Heo Do Jinin had miraculously survived, most of Wudang’s elders who had set out to assassinate Jang Ilso did not return alive. Of course, they took down countless elite members of Sapaeryeon, so their deaths were not in vain, but still…
“I give you my word, in place of the Leader of the Alliance. Cheonumaeng will spare no effort in supporting Wudang.”
“We are simply grateful.”
As Tang Gunak watched Heo Gong nod calmly, he let out a long, hidden sigh.
‘This should have been a different kind of meeting…’
It was, undeniably, a victory. They had perfectly thwarted Sapaeryeon’s plans, so calling it anything other than a victory would be absurd.
Considering the series of defeats Cheonumaeng and Gupailbang had suffered at the hands of Sapaeryeon, this victory at Mount Wudang was nothing short of monumental.
However, no one present could find joy in this monumental victory. It wasn’t just because of the heavy toll Wudang had suffered.
As Tang Gunak glanced around, his eyes met with someone else’s – Yoon Jong.
His presence here was not particularly out of place. The Five Swords of Hwasan had often participated in senior-level meetings, even beyond their formal ranks, with tacit approval.
But seeing Yoon Jong here alone, without the person who should have occupied that seat, was unfamiliar even to Tang Gunak, who had known them for a long time.
“Vice Sect Leader. The Vice Sect Leader of Hwasan…”
Realizing that his tone and gaze might have seemed awkward, Tang Gunak looked away. At that moment, Yoon Jong spoke up.
“Due to his poor health, I’m attending in his place. I’m not as capable, but… I ask for your understanding, seniors.”
No one offered a proper response. No words seemed appropriate.
The situation with Baek Cheon had been whispered about, passed on in hushed tones, and sometimes even officially acknowledged. Those who had heard of it were deeply sympathetic but found it difficult to express their condolences.
They knew how much sorrow even a word of comfort might bring to those who carried the name of Hwasan.
Namgung Dowi, oppressed by the silence, hesitated, his lips moving before he finally spoke.
“That… How is Baek Cheon Dojang…?”
“This isn’t a meeting to discuss personal matters.”
However, as someone suddenly interrupted, everyone’s attention turned towards him. Chung Myung, who was slouched deep in his chair, was staring at everyone with darkened, sunken eyes.
“Gathering busy people and dragging out the time like this doesn’t seem very productive.”
“Hmm.”
Tang Gunak nodded in agreement. It was true – they weren’t in a situation where they could afford to waste time like this.
“First… Military Advisor.”
“Yes.”
“Have we confirmed the current position of Sapaeryeon?”
“As I’ve mentioned, they are currently stationed in the southern region of Wuhan and haven’t made any moves.”
Im Sobyeong, the Military Advisor of Cheonumaeng, responded in a cold tone.
“Wuhan…”
Tang Gunak murmured as if in pain.
Wuhan in Hubei Province had once been one of the regions where the strength of the Just Sects was at its peak, a place where the Evil Sects wouldn’t dare set foot.
The reason was simple. Wuhan was the largest city in Hubei, and it was under the simultaneous influence of the two most powerful sects in the region.
But now, with the strength of Namgung in Hefei and Wudang in Xiangyang greatly diminished, Wuhan had essentially become a land without a ruler.
“Why haven’t they taken over Wuhan? They must be aware that there’s no one left there to stop them.”
In response to Moyong Wigyeong’s question, Im Sobyeong let out a brief snort.
“You’d get your answer if you looked at the person sitting next to you. No need to ask me.”
Moyong Wigyeong turned to the side with a puzzled expression. Pung Yeong Shin Gae was sitting there with a somewhat awkward look on his face.
“Ah, I see.”
Moyong Wigyeong’s face flushed slightly as he realized his oversight.
Indeed, while it wouldn’t be difficult for Sapaeryeon to occupy Wuhan, completely controlling such a large city would be another matter. From the moment they entered Wuhan, with its numerous buildings and people, they wouldn’t be able to avoid the watchful eyes of the Beggars Sect. Im Sobyeong had made a precise observation.
“Jang Ilso enjoys deceiving his opponents. A man like him wouldn’t want to take the risk of exposing his every move by entering a place like Wuhan.”
A few empty chuckles escaped from various corners of the room.
The damage suffered by Cheonumaeng and Wudang was no small matter. However, Sapaeryeon had suffered even more severe losses.
Yet, despite that, Jang Ilso was still calculating every move with precision, as if the recent defeat in battle didn’t matter much to him.
“That damned bastard…”
Anger surged within them, mixed with a deep weariness. And, secretly… a slight sense of awe. The restrained sighs coming from all around the room reflected the shared sentiments of everyone present.
At that moment, Moyong Wigyeong spoke up.
“There’s no need to be so gloomy, is there?”
“Hmm?”
“After all, we did win.”
“…”
“Of course, I understand. There were many factors, and perhaps some luck involved. And yes, our losses were not insignificant. But this has made one thing clear. No matter how formidable they are, they are not beyond our ability to defeat.”
Moyong Wigyeong’s voice carried a hint of excitement.
For him, it was natural to feel elated. He had witnessed firsthand the devastating defeats suffered by Shaolin, Paeng, and Kongtong. The fear he had felt towards Sapaeryeon was as great as anyone’s, so the thrill of having won against them was equally strong.
“And didn’t they suffer tremendous losses as well? Surely, we now have the upper hand…”
“Do we? Are you sure about that?”
The question, casually tossed out, made Moyong Wigyeong turn his gaze with a hint of irritation.
It was Hwasan Geomhyeop Chung Myung.
To be honest, Moyong Wigyeong found this young man unsettling. Normally, he wouldn’t even consider engaging with someone so much younger and lower in rank, but here, Chung Myung’s status was beyond Moyong Wigyeong’s reach.
However, this time, Moyong Wigyeong didn’t back down so easily.
“Am I wrong?”
He knew that neither he nor Chung Myung had played a major role in this particular battle, which gave him some confidence in holding his ground.
Actually, in this particular battle, Chung Myung might know even less than Moyong Wigyeong.
“‘Wrong,’ you say…”
Chung Myung, who had been slouched lazily, slightly straightened his posture. In that instant, the atmosphere in the reception hall grew a bit tense.
“Indeed, they suffered significant losses.”
“…”
“Haomun on the cliff lost nearly half of its members, and the newly recruited Lord of the Sun Palace was seriously injured. I’d wager that the Sun Palace’s forces also sustained considerable damage.”
Everyone seated nodded in agreement.
“Moreover… they must have used up most of the explosives from the Sun Palace that they had prepared to attack Wudang. Just for that, Wudang’s contribution to this battle is immense. So, looking at it that way, it’s true that we achieved a decisive victory, thanks to Wudang’s great sacrifice.”
“Isn’t that what I was saying?”
“Yes. If they had used their full strength.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
A hint of irritation crossed Moyong Wigyeong’s face. Chung Myung’s tone always seemed to grate on people’s nerves in a peculiar way. Moyong Wigyeong pressed on sharply.
“Are you saying that Paegun didn’t participate in the battle?”
“…”
“Or are you referring to the… Blood Palace, was it? Yes, that’s right. Are you talking about the fact that the Blood Palace’s forces didn’t join the battle in time?”
“…”
“Enough with the cryptic talk! For heaven’s sake, just!”
“Who wasn’t there is something you should know best, shouldn’t you, Lord Moyong?”
A brief silence filled the room. Moyong Wigyeong’s face, which had been contorted in frustration, suddenly turned pale.
“Ah…”
His eyes, now filled with uncertainty, turned to Chung Myung, as if seeking confirmation. Chung Myung gave a short nod.
“This… this can’t be… They…”
“What are you talking about, Lord Moyong?”
asked Jongli Gok with a puzzled expression. Moyong Wigyeong, now with a grave look on his face, answered.
“In this recent battle, there were hardly any swordsmen among the enemies. The few that were there were rather crude.”
“What does that mean?”
Jongli Gok asked, still not understanding the implication.
Isn’t that to be expected?
After all, practitioners of the Evil Sects rarely use swords. Since maintaining weapons isn’t a regular part of their routine, they tend to prefer thicker, easier-to-maintain weapons like heavy blades over the more delicate and easily damaged swords.
But Moyong Wigyeong’s expression grew increasingly serious.
“Didn’t I mention before? In Hubei… we encountered a group of unidentified swordsmen who stood in our way.”
Jongli Gok’s face also became tense.
“They didn’t appear here. If such skilled swordsmen had been deployed at Mount Wudang…”
The atmosphere in the room turned icy, a chilling realization settling over them.
Those who had been mildly elated by the facade of the victory, as well as those plagued by an inexplicable unease, were finally beginning to see the situation objectively.
“Whether we won this battle or not isn’t particularly important.”
Im Sobyeong’s cold voice cut through the room like a splash of cold water, snapping everyone back to reality.
“What matters is what that man… no, what ‘he’ is really after.”
“…Explain in more detail.”
“Why didn’t he deploy those swordsmen in this battle?”
Im Sobyeong spoke with a grim expression.
“There are more questions than answers. The only certainty is something we’ve learned through bitter experience.”
“…”
“Whether or not our forces are objectively stronger than theirs, if we don’t uncover what Paegun Jang Ilso is truly aiming for after his quiet retreat… we’re likely to witness a horrific nightmare unfold before us.”
A chilling air swept through the room.
The word ‘Paegun’ hung heavily in the air.
In this battle, Jang Ilso had done nothing, yet his oppressive presence still loomed over everyone in the room, binding them in an unshakable grip.
❀ ❀ ❀
That night.
Tak.
A half-cooled teacup was set down on the table.
“So…”
Jongli Gok looked at Jin Geumryong, who sat across from him, with a heavy expression.
“You spoke with Baek Cheon… no, your younger brother.”
“Yes.”
Jin Geumryong nodded slowly.
“I acted impulsively and spoke without consulting you first…”
“It’s alright.”
Jongli Gok waved his hand dismissively, as if there was no need to explain.
“Sometimes the situation at the moment is more important than following procedures. So, what did he say?”
“…For now…”
Jin Geumryong couldn’t finish his sentence and pressed his lips together tightly. Jongli Gok smiled gently.
“You’ve done well. You worked hard.”
“Sect Leader.”
“Let’s just wait and see.”
Jongli Gok rose from his seat and walked over to the window. Through the open window, the moon hung high in the sky, large and bright.
“Heartache is like a lingering bitterness.”
He muttered to himself.
“The more you try to say you’re fine, the deeper the bitterness seeps in. Until eventually, it’s all you can think about, and in the end, you won’t be able to endure it.”
“…But he is Jin Dongryong – no, Baek Cheon.”
Jongli Gok glanced briefly at Jin Geumryong.
“He… he’s the kind of person who will endure that bitterness.”
Jin Geumryong’s eyes held two conflicting emotions simultaneously: deep concern for his brother and an unshakable belief in him. A smile played on Jongli Gok’s lips.
“You might be right. He is an exceptional man.”
“…Yes.”
“But you’ve misunderstood me.”
“Misunderstood?”
Confusion filled Jin Geumryong’s eyes. Jongli Gok sighed as he spoke.
“The one who won’t be able to endure that bitterness… isn’t your brother.”
He closed his eyes, and his eyelashes trembled slightly. He murmured, almost to himself.
“Even I wouldn’t be able to. Just as you can’t right now.”
Late at night.
In the quiet room, in the wide courtyard, or on the rooftops, several pairs of eyes gazed up at the moon hanging in the night sky. Each pair carried its own sorrow.
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