Chapter 1468: Let's Make History (Part 3)

"Wonju-nim!" [idk what it means, I'll leave it fore now]

A person in yellow attire jumped into the wide courtyard and bowed before the solemn figure in the center.

"The Dengyong Sect has expressed their intention to join."

"Hmm. Dengyong Sect..."

Beopgye nodded approvingly. Dengyong Sect was a small martial arts sect with a significant presence in Hebei. Their joining would add considerable strength.

"And Thai Sky Sect (泰天派) has also sent word that they will follow us."

This time, Beopgye's reaction was slightly different. A more intrigued tone flowed through his voice.

"Thai Sky Sect?"

"Yes, that's correct. Wonju-nim."

Beopgye sighed softly, nodding in acknowledgment. It was quite a significant piece of news. The Thai Sky Sect was located beyond Beijing, and unless the entire world was set on fire, they would not be exposed to the threats of the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

If news of their alliance reached others, those who were still observing the situation would undoubtedly gather here.

"In three days, we've received expressions of intention to join from as many as twenty places."

It was a faster pace than anticipated. Moreover, it was a clear sign that Beopjeong's instructions were exerting a powerful influence.

"However, they are requesting to join faster than we expected, and we are struggling to find enough space to accommodate their numbers."

"Hmm, I see. Considering more will gather in the future, it's not something we can handle as a temporary measure."

Beopgye addressed the report after a moment of contemplation.

"I understand. I will discuss this matter with Bangjang and report back as soon as new information comes in."

"Yes, Ho Beop-nim." [idk]

"That's all."

After a while, Beopgye's report concluded, but Beopjeong remained silent. Instead, Peng Yeop, the lord of the Peng Family, spoke up.

"It's good news."

He nodded briefly, adding.

"Bangjang's plan seems to be bearing fruit."

"Hmm."

Beopjeong showed a response to Peng Yeop's rare praise. However, he eventually spoke not of gratitude but of another matter.

"How is the situation on the Heavenly Comrade Alliance's side?"

"We haven't fully grasped that yet."

"Twenty in three days?"

"Yes, Bangjang."

A slight furrow appeared on Beopjeong's forehead.

"That's not enough."

"..."

"It should have been at least thirty."

Then, without being prompted, Beopgye uttered words he hadn't asked.

"On the second day, more factions expressed their intentions, and today, even more sent word. The remaining Ten Great Sects will undoubtedly send their communications soon."

Beopjeong nodded in silence. However, his gaze remained dark and contemplative.

"It's just a matter of course."

"...Bangjang."

"But this should have yielded more than just the expected results."

The atmosphere that had momentarily lifted sank again. Beopgye and the leaders of the other two sects awaited Beopjeong's next words, monitoring his expression.

"To think there would be no more reinforcements...in Chengdu? Anyway, they don't move as expected."

Beopjeong said calmly. Jonglihyung, puzzled, asked.

"Bangjang, I understand that the Heavenly Comrade Alliance's attack on Chengdu may seem like a splendid achievement on the surface. But when you look into the reality of it, there is no substance at all. Yet, how..."

"Amitabhul."

Interrupting Jonglihyung, Beopjeong closed his eyes and recited a Buddhist chant.

"Sometimes, what appears flashy on the surface without substance is important."

"..."

"Especially in times like these."

Jonglihyung remained silent. He sensed a strange discomfort in Beopjeong's words.

'What's going on?'

For a moment, Jonglihyung wondered, then he stiffened his expression.

There might not be much substance, but whoever made the big noise outwardly had become clear once again.

"Bangjang... I didn't mean to say that with such intent..."

"No, Sect Leader. I also did not intend to say that."

"Ah..."

"Cough."

Beopgye awkwardly cleared his throat to dispel the tension in the air. It was a timely move to prevent Beopjeong from saying anything more uncomfortable.

Thanking Beopgye's subtle expression, Beopjeong continued speaking.

"Anyway, due to the unexpected event caused by the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, there may be some variables, but ultimately, things will flow as we desire."

Peng Yeop also nodded in agreement.

More important than anything else was the fact that the Evil Tyrant Alliance was encamped as if stabbing a dagger under her Hebei's chin.

Those with the luxury to focus on possibilities and the future had the option to choose their battles.

However, at present, the various sects across the land had no such luxury. The Evil Tyrant Alliance had deprived them of that luxury and was forcing quick decisions.

At first glance, it seemed as if the Evil Tyrant Alliance was assisting in the Ten Great Sect's absorption of the surrounding sects, allowing them to gather.

"Even the Evil Sect can be helpful at times," Peng Yeop remarked.

In response to Peng Yeop's words, Beopjeong chose not to speak explicitly. He simply expressed disapproval with a calm face, subtly revealing his displeasure.

Peng Yeop, noticing that Beopjeong wasn't pleased, opened his mouth;

"However, the location is somewhat bothersome. It had to be Zhangjiajie."

"Hmm? Peng Gaju, what do you mean by that?"

Jonglihyung asked. Peng Yeop remained silent for a moment before speaking.

"Zhangjiajie's position not only threatens Hubei but also Shaanxi."

"True. Isn't that an obvious statement?"

At Jonglihyung's words, Peng Yeop furrowed his brows slightly.

"What I mean is that the events unfolding in Hubei could also happen in Shaanxi."

"Ah...? Ah!"

Understanding Peng Yeop's words, Jonglihyung exclaimed in realization.

The first sects to express the intention to join were the Hubei sects. Originally under the influence of the Wudang, there was no other choice due to the possible invasion of the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

So, considering it inversely, due to the Evil Tyrant Alliance's position, the sects in Shaanxi might also gather under the Mount Hua Sect.

"It's like a rock falling by the stream, splitting the current in half. What does Bangjang think of that devil's intentions?"

Upon hearing this, Beopgye smiled subtly.

From Jang Ilso's perspective, it would be desirable for the Ten Great Sects and the Heavenly Comrade Alliance to maintain balance. If one side were to collapse suddenly, the remaining side would absorb the power. If that happened, there was no chance of the Evil Tyrant Alliance winning.

The three forces leading the world had different intentions. Therefore, their movements were bound to differ. Finding the right path amidst this chaotic flow was not an easy task.

However, Beopjeong was not the least bit worried. 

"People tend to twist, but water simply flows."

"... Yes? What do you mean by that?"

A clear voice emanated from Beopjeong's mouth, as of an ascetic detached from worldly objects.

"At times, water may bend dramatically, or it may rush fiercely. However, in the end, it will flow in the direction it needs to go. Even if Paegun resists, trying to manipulate the flow, the direction is already set."

Beopjeong's eyes, filled with a sense of detachment, gazed into the distance rather than focusing on the people in front of him.

"Even if its name was briefly known, the Heavenly Comrade Alliance has already lost its luster. It will continue to fade away gradually. What remains is just the Ten Great Sects. It was the same in the past, and it will be so in the future. That's the natural order, the flow of events."

It was an assertion and a declaration. Jonglihyung and Peng Yeop didn't offer any counterarguments. In their eyes, the situation was already favoring the Ten Great Sects.

Even if Jang Ilso allowed Shaanxi to be completely taken by the Heavenly Comrade Alliance in this move, it was just Shaanxi. Despite its vastness, when placed next to the two characters 'Kangho,' it seemed too small. It wouldn't compare to the power that the Ten Great Sects, which could influence the entire North, possessed.

This move by the Heavenly Comrade Alliance only delayed their decline for a while; a dramatic reversal wouldn't occur.

At that moment, Beopgye spoke.

"I agree that it's progressing as Bangjang mentioned. However... there is also something to be concerned about."

"What are you talking about?"

"Doesn't the Heavenly Comrade Alliance have Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword?"

As soon as the words "Mount Hua's Chivalrous Swordt" were mentioned, Beopjeong's eyebrows twitched. While the name Heavenly Comrade Alliance no longer excited him, the epithet Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword still bothered him.

"Considering that he's aware of the flow, will he let the situation flow as it is?"

"What difference does it make?"

"...Huh?"

"So, what do you think he can do?"

"Well, um..." 

Beopjeong remained silent for a moment, wearing an enigmatic smile.

"If a full-scale war is raging, he may be able to do something. If he had the power to target the Evil Tyrant Alliance alone, he might attempt something. But what can he do now? He can only check his surroundings and shout for help, asking everyone to fight together."

"But...?"

"He's an extraordinary person. However, this is something not even he, nor anyone in the entire world, can do. Do you understand? Extraordinary excellence cannot save a country on its own, and extraordinary malice cannot destroy a country on its own."

Beopjeong concluded matter-of-factly.

"A flow is something that cannot be reversed by human strength."

"I understand what you mean."

Beopjeong expressed his disapproval with a calm voice.

There are things you learn from living a long time. Sometimes, it's better to wait for the right moment than to take action yourself.

That's why Beopjeong endured, patiently waiting while the monsters Jang Ilso and Chung Myung ran wild.

And now, the rough currents they created were pouring towards Beopjeong, Shaolin, and the Ten Great Sects.

"Even the Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword probably already knows. There's not much they can do now."

Beopjeong's gaze drifted into the distance.

"I miss him. I wonder what expression he's wearing in a place where others can't see, disguising himself with his lively appearance." [fuck you]

***

Chung Myung always looked at the distant mountains. Baek Cheon gazed at his back with a certain restraint.

What was that guy thinking? No, what expression was he wearing?

He knows. He knew that Chung Myung, who always issued orders like a storm, sometimes turned away from everyone. Not to look elsewhere, but as if there was something he didn't want anyone to see.

Yeah. Baek Cheon knew. He knows how deep in contemplation Chung Myung was when he turned his back. How much he worried.

But Baek Cheon couldn't help Chung Myung at times like this. It wouldn't be of any assistance.

"Hoo."

Baek Cheon, who sighed heavily, cautiously approached Chung Myung.

"Chung Myung."

Chung Myung flinched and turned to look at Baek Cheon.

"Oh, you surprised me."

That Chung Myung didn't notice Baek Cheon coming right behind him. How deeply must he have been immersed in contemplation?

"We're done. Should we help elsewhere?"

"Already done?"

"What do you think of us? We're the Mount Hua Sect."

"Oh, right. When it comes to digging land, this is... "

"Those bastards have been thinking about tearing down these damn peaks for at least ten years. I'm confident we're the best at breaking mountains in the Central Plains."

...That was persuasive.

At that moment, Baek Cheon spoke up.

"I know your concerns run deep."

"Huh?"

"I can't provide much help, but I'll perfectly execute the decision you make. So, feel free to speak your mind without any burden."

Baek Cheon's gaze was firm and unwavering. There was no hesitation in that resolute gaze as Chung Myung looked at him with slightly absent eyes.

"Sasuk..."

Soon, Chung Myung nodded slowly, biting his lips.

"Thanks for saying that. I was already in a dilemma."

"Yeah. I understand your feelings."

Baek Cheon reached out to gently pat Chung Myung's shoulder.

"If you ever have concerns..."

"I guess that wasn't enough."

"Huh?"

Baek Cheon flinched. Chung Myung extended his hand, pointing ahead.

"I think we need to dig deeper here, don't you think? I was worried it might be useless work, but if Sasuk says so, there's no need to worry. Let's just dig and think later."

"...What?"

"Can you see the highest peak in front of us? Let's go just beyond that."

"Over there? That's more than twice the distance we've covered so far."

"I heard you were confident in breaking mountains?"

...At that moment, Baek Cheon felt it.

An overwhelming killing intent that he hadn't experienced when facing the Evil Tyrant Alliance or dealing with the Demonic Sect.

He could imagine how his martial brothers were looking at him right now. He shouldn't turn his head. The moment their eyes met, he would die.

"Well then, I'll leave it to you. Finish it by tomorrow."

"Uh, Chung Myung, wait... Hey, you bastard! Hey!"

Chung Myung walked away with ease, leaving Baek Cheon behind, who had been looking around at the expansive land.

"Hmm."

He already heard the news that Bangjang was spreading throughout the whole of Kangho. The news spread by the Heavenly Comrade Alliance through the merchants wasn't spreading as fast as expected.

At this point, it couldn't be denied that the damage to the Heavenly Comrade Alliance was undoubtedly the greatest in this incident. If Jang Ilso and Beopjeong decided to push the Heavenly Comrade Alliance into a corner, even Chung Myung wouldn't be able to help.

But.

"Well, everyone seems to be thinking hard... anyway."

A meaningful smile spread on Chung Myung's lips.

"I think it's too late to think that I'll do something from now on."

The work had already been done. From a long time ago. Now was the moment to collect the fruits of the seeds he sowed.