Chapter 1467: Let's Make History (Part 2)

The Evil Tyrant Alliance invaded Sichuan.

Qingcheng and Emei were engulfed in flames and perished, and even Diancang collapsed. The Tang Family, the only ones who managed to escape the demonic forces, abandoned Sichuan and fled.

The unbelievable news spread rapidly throughout the world.

"S-Sichuan?"

The shock exceeded expectations.

When the Evil Tyrant Alliance first took control of Gangnam, people were horrified. However, the impact they felt back then couldn't compare to the current situation. Even though there was a dreadful incident in Gangnam a few months ago, it was a place where no influential martial arts sects had ever existed to protect it.

But Sichuan was different.

Qingcheng and Emei. The Tang Family and Diancang.

None of these names were lacking in renown. Haven't they held a prestigious reputation as powerful martial arts sects in Kangho for at least several hundred years?

The fact that such formidable figures succumbed to the Evil Tyrant Alliance proved that the enemy's power surpassed the imagination of the martial artists.

Moreover, the subsequent news was enough to turn the shock into fear.

-The army of the Evil Tyrant Alliance that trampled over Sichuan has reached the vicinity of Hebei. No one knows when they might invade Hebei.

If it had been in the past, just a few months ago, hearing the same news might not have caused such a profound disturbance. However, now that Sichuan had fallen into the hands of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, the sentiments of the martial artists receiving the news were bound to be entirely different.

"What are the righteous sects doing?"

"How can Sichuan be trampled by the Evil Tyrant Alliance, and they do nothing? Wasn't their promise to protect us all a lie?"

"If the Evil Tyrant Alliance invades Hebei, will we end up like Sichuan?"

Most people living in the world were ordinary commoners who simply had to endure the oppression of the powerful.

For them, the northward advance of the Evil Tyrant Alliance was nothing short of a terrifying nightmare that shook the very essence of life.

Some tried to find the cause of how the situation had come to this, while others resented those who had observed the unfolding events until they reached this point. And in accordance with that, another piece of news swept through the world.

-The reason Sichuan fell under attack by the Evil Tyrant Alliance was all because of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. The Ten Great Sects tried to prevent this situation, but the Heavenly Comrade Alliance betrayed them.

-The Ten Great Sects entrusted Sichuan to the Heavenly Comrade Alliance and successfully blocked the main force of the Evil Tyrant Alliance moving north. However, the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, ignoring the besieged Diancang, allowed only the Tang Family, affiliated with them, to escape. In the process, not a single drop of blood was shed, and they avoided the battle with the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

- To survive the onslaught of the Evil Tyrant Alliance's demonic forces, one must gather at the Ten Great Sects. The Heavenly Comrade Alliance will not protect those who do not belong under them.

Countless pieces of news relentlessly inundated the minds of the people. They were unaware that all of this seemed to have been prepared in advance, making it even more shocking for them.

The Heavenly Comrade Alliance. Among those who knew about the martial arts world, it was a symbol of righteousness and a new hope for the righteous sects.

The news that the Heavenly Comrade Alliance had ignored the destruction of Diancang was enough to shock those who heard it. A storm swept across the entire Central Plain. It was a tempest that could not be stopped by human power alone.

Yangyang, Hubei province.

Beggars appeared on the main road as the martial artists hurriedly passed by.

"What's this?"

It wasn't rare to see beggars coming and going in such a big city. But there was a reason why they were catching everyone's attention. They didn't seem like ordinary beggars.

"Put it up."

"Yes."

The beggars, within the gazes of the martial artists, spread a large piece of paper on the wall for everyone to see.

"What's that?"

"I don't know, some Beggar's Union people?"

People gathered one by one. As they did, one of the beggars raised his voice towards the approaching crowd.

"This is a message from the Shaolin Sect Leader Beopjeong! Everyone, take a good look!"

After finishing his words, the beggar gestured to the other beggars.

"Let's go."

"Yes!"

The beggars, done with their task, did not linger any longer and moved away. The curious martial artists crowded around the wall where the proclamation was posted. In an instant, the gathered people formed a crowd, and those who arrived late could not see the content of the proclamation even if they tried to pull back their heads.

"Hey there! What's the content? Tell us!"

"Those who will fight against the Evil Tyrant Alliance in Hebei are to gather at Wuhan. And it seems the common people don't have to evacuate. They say they will guard against the Evil Tyrant Alliance entering Hebei."

"Who can't say that!"

One of those who heard the content of the proclamation grunted.

"When did those Ten Great Sect bastards ever protect us! If they were supposed to do that in the first place, would Sichuan be in this state with the Evil Tyrant Alliance?"

In response to those words, angry shouts erupted from various places. However, no matter how much they shouted, there was a lack of strength in their voices.

"But... isn't there another way? Even the Heavenly Comrade Alliance withdrew their support."

"Damn it!"

As soon as the name Heavenly Comrade Alliance was mentioned, curses were harshly poured from various places.

"I thought they would be different! Those with swords are all the same!"

"Oh, it's not certain yet, is it?"

"What uncertainty? If the words written there are false, then where are those guys now? The Evil Tyrant Alliance is targeting Hebei, and those so-called mighty Heavenly Comrade Alliance bastards are nowhere to be seen!"

A moment of silence ensued. It was an undeniable fact. Just because they were commoners didn't mean they were foolish. They knew that what was revealed on the surface wasn't everything.

However, regardless of the intention behind this decision, the fact remained that the Heavenly Comrade Alliance took only the Tang Family to escape to Shaanxi, leaving Sichuan behind.

"Now, the only one to trust is the Ten Great Sects. I never liked those Heavenly Comrade Alliance guys with weight on their shoulders from the beginning. What makes them different?"

"I wouldn't go so far as to say that. If you look closely, the Ten Great Sects haven't done anything remarkable either. They are just two sides of the same coin..."

"That's the problem! That's exactly the problem."

"What does that mean?"

"The reason we supported the Heavenly Comrade Alliance until now, what was it? Because we thought they were different from the Ten Great Sects, right? But if in the end, there's no difference between the Heavenly Comrade Alliance and the Ten Great Sects, why should we trust them? It's better to rely on the strong Ten Great Sects!"

Even those who subtly leaned towards the Heavenly Comrade Alliance couldn't respond to this statement.

"Anyway, every time, the Ten Great Sects fought and won against the Evil Sect. In a situation where we have to choose and put our lives on the line, of course, we should side with the Ten Great Sects!"

People from various places nodded in agreement. Even the voice of those who subtly supported the Heavenly Comrade Alliance eventually lost its strength.

"That may be true, but..."

"Hmm? Now that I look at you, aren't you from the Bokryong Sect?"

"Tsk, you should think carefully. Life is not just two pieces. Especially in times like this, it's better to stick with the strong side for survival. That's the truth! Those damn righteousness and justice, even the righteous sects treat us like expendables when it's urgent. Can you guarantee that it won't be the same for you guys?"

"Well, that's..."

"Our Waho Sect will go to Wuhan. At least, it should be safer there than where those Heavenly Comrade Alliance guys are guarding."

The gathered people nodded in agreement.

Certainly, in the current situation, they had no choice but to stick with the stronger side a bit more. People from anywhere would make the same judgment if they saw this situation.

"Is that so?"

"Try saying that to your sect leader. Their perspective might be different, but isn't our priority to survive for now?"

"...Well, that makes sense."

It was a moment when a disheartened man was about to nod.

"Hey, everyone! Hey, you guys!"

Someone rushed urgently, raising their voice.

"News! Have you heard the news? Everyone, this news is something!"

Some individuals among the crowd frowned as if annoyed by the commotion.

"If it's the message from the Shaolin Sect Leader, everyone must have seen it. Isn't this place in chaos?"

"No, not that!"

"Hmm?"

Only then did everyone's attention belatedly focus on the man who had rushed in.

It was gazes half full of curiosity and half filled with concern. The man, as if exhaling after holding his breath, spoke.

"S-Sichuan! The Heavenly Comrade Alliance ambushed Chengdu in Sichuan and annihilated the Evil Sect members there!"

"What?"

"No, what are you talking about?"

People looked at the man in disbelief, murmuring in agitation. Someone asked,

"The Heavenly Comrade Alliance just evacuated Chengdu, didn't they? Doesn't that contradict what you're saying?"

"No, it was after! After! After evacuating Chengdu, they returned and attacked Chengdu!"

"...Is it true?"

People exchanged glances. It was astonishing, but it was hard to believe outright. It was too absurd.

"Hey, you. Where did you hear that? Rumors can be quite abundant."

"Hey!"

The man frustratedly hit his chest as if expressing his frustration.

"Don't just gather here; go ask at the Wind Forest Merchant Guild (風林賞單)! Among the people doing business there, the news seems to be spreading!"

"Huh?"

One shouldn't believe the words of merchants entirely. There were those who lied and sought advantages. However, generally, news circulating among merchants was quick and accurate.

"Does that mean the Heavenly Comrade Alliance attacked Chengdu?"

"So it seems!"

"No, after they escaped, what's the point of doing such a thing?"

"They did it to rescue the Four Seas Merchant Company."

"Four Seas Merchant Company?"

"It seemed to be a leading company that watched over the affairs of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. After hearing that they were isolated, the Heavenly Comrade Alliance went to rescue them from the turbulent Chengdu, didn't they?"

"Unbelievable..."

Of course, at that time, Chengdu was almost deserted by the elite members of the Evil Tyrant Alliance. But there was no way for ordinary people to know that. Thinking rationally, those who occupied Sichuan probably left a substantial force in Chengdu. People who didn't know the situation might assume that the Heavenly Comrade Alliance naturally defeated the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

"It wasn't just a simple evacuation, right?"

"You fool! Where would the Heavenly Comrade Alliance do such a thing? They must have fought, of course! Naturally!"

Those who were suppressed by the pro-Ten Great Sects atmosphere finally spoke out.

"Even if they attacked the Evil Sect, what's remarkable is that they rescued mere merchants!"

"That's another story..."

"Think about it. If the same thing happened in the Ten Great Sects, would those distinguished individuals attack Chengdu to save merchants?"

"That's... unlikely."

Everyone fell silent.

"The Heavenly Comrade Alliance is willing to risk their lives even to save merchants, so at least they won't completely turn away if we're in a crisis. So we'll go with the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. Well, the decision will ultimately be made by the sect leader."

The man who finished speaking turned away.

The faces of the remaining people became complex and subtle. Sighs were heard here and there.

"Ugh. I should check it out too."

"Our sect leader should make a good decision as well."

"For the martial artists, they can go anywhere. As for us..."

Various concerns were expressed.

But everyone instinctively sensed one thing. There was no longer room for fence-sitting.

The world was unmistakably painted with three distinct colors.