Chapter 1382: Of Course, Such A Thing Will Never Happen (Part 2)

"Reporting! The Evil Tyrant Alliance's Paegun Jang Ilso, riding a carriage, is currently approaching Nanjing. If this continues, it is estimated that he will reach the vicinity of Nanjing within three hours!"

"Reporting! Black Ghost Castle forces are passing through Changzhou, moving rapidly towards Nanjing!"

"What is the estimated time of arrival?"

"Because they are taking breaks to adjust their speed, it's difficult to predict the exact arrival time. However, based on the situation, it is expected to be between three and five hours."

"Reporting! Evil Sect members near Huang Mountain are gathering in Nanjing! Currently, predicting their numbers is challenging due to the overwhelming influx from all directions, but it appears to be at least over five thousand!"

As reports poured in from all directions, the faces of Elder Jaogae (慈烏丐) and Nungsam (能三) hardened beyond measure.

Each piece of news was perilous enough to make one's heart contract. However, the truly shocking news came after.

"Elder, urgent news!"

Bang!

The inner door swung open violently, and a pale-faced messenger rushed in.

"It's, it's urgent! Urgent!"

"What's going on?"

"A report from Gangnam! Currently, a large procession of carts has been spotted above Huang Mountain!"

"Carts?"

"Yes! While it's not confirmed, judging by the shape of the cargo, it's likely to be grain!"

"Grain…"

In an instant, cold sweat ran down Nungsam's back.

What did it mean to be loaded with grain at this time? What other reason could there be for massive quantities of grain to move towards the Yangtze River?

'Military provisions!'

Unless Jang Ilso was suddenly enlightened by the Tao and decided to provide grain to the Yangtze River refugees, his intentions were very clear.

"Is, is it true?"

Nungsam's fingertips trembled involuntarily. Bringing in grain meant that Jang Ilso didn't plan to end this situation as a simple, short-term clash. In the brief moment he lost his words, other beggars started clamoring.

"Why would they mobilize grain? It's just for show! Do the elite forces of the Evil Tyrant Alliance need grains?"

"Nonsense! Even if those Evil Tyrant folks can go without grains for a few days, aren't they gathering even the smaller sects right now? If they plan to lead them north, then grains are definitely necessary!"

"I don't think so!"

Information officers, holding overflowing reports in both hands, argued loudly, their voices almost crazed. Of course, interpreting information was their duty. Even in the blink of an eye, they had to analyze the pouring information in real-time to find the right course of action.

However, Nungsam noticed. In the intense voices, the fear not fully concealed was evident.

"Now, let's calm down for a moment! Bringing in grains doesn't necessarily mean aggression. It could be a long-term strategy centered around the Yangtze River!"

"Nonsense! Why would the Evil Tyrant Alliance make such a choice when they've already fortified the front lines?"

"Enough!"

In the end, Elder Jao Gae interrupted the heated debate.

"First, send the news to the main base, then contact the Ten Great Sects, who are currently moving toward Nanjing!"

"Yes!"

"Don't make hasty judgments on the unknown. Transmit the available information as it is—analysis comes next!"

"Yes!"

In response to his words, some quickly rushed outside.

"Elder, what about the Heavenly Comrade Alliance? What about them?"

"...Report to them as well."

"Yes!"

Nungsam, who was about to finish speaking, grabbed the person trying to leave once again and shouted.

"Oh, and check with the Dirty Clothes Unit in Gangnam to see if there is a way to contact the Southern Island Sect, who are moving north!"

"Well, Elder, that's..."

"Check it!"

"Yes, understood!"

Watching the departing beggar's back, Jaogae furrowed his brow.

'Was it always this messy?'

The Information Bureau was the pride of the Beggar's Union. They gathered and analyzed all the information existing in the world. There was a saying that even if you didn't know what your neighbor had for breakfast, the Information Bureau did.

Jaogae and Nungsam also took pride in the functionality of such an Information Bureau. However, the reality he faced today was vastly different from what he had envisioned. The normally precise and flawless system of the Information Bureau was now making discordant sounds and falling out of sync due to the urgency of the situation.

'Kangho... Kangho has been so peaceful all this time.'

He thought he was well-prepared, believed he could handle any situation. But the faith he had was now proven to be an arrogant and groundless pride.

Just like a sharp sword left in its sheath for decades, it tends to dull and lose its edge. Today, he keenly realized this fact.

"Is there still no news from the main headquarters?"

"Well, not yet..."

Nungsam bit his lip.

'If only the Sect Leader was functional...' [our local beggar's promotion time?]

He should have ensured that a young leader capable of swiftly responding to any crisis led the organization. If he had anticipated such events, he would have transferred leadership before the current leader weakened like this.

'Mount Hua.'

Jao Gae clenched and unclenched his fist.

When he heard that Hyun Jong, who had been the leader of Mount Hua, stepped down and allowed his disciple to take the leadership, Jao Gae thought he had made a grave mistake.

Moreover, when he heard that the young Mount Hua sect leader, Baek Cheon, was placed as the deputy leader, he considered it a sign of Hyun Jong's senility.

Not only him, but most people also thought so.

It was natural. Even though there may be many people in the world who mock Hyun Jong, is there anyone who would deny the fact that Hyun Jong revived the Mount Hua that had fallen? Of course not.

Of course, it might not have been Hyun Jong who achieved all that. Hyun Jong might have been just an observer.

But that was precisely why he shouldn't back off. There was no need to change the well-functioning system, especially when everything was going smoothly. Maintaining the current situation and continuing the flow were more important.

But now he seemed to understand. After experiencing this situation, he understood why Hyun Jong stepped down, why he handed over the position to a young person.

"What about the other sects! Has there been any response from the requested support of the Ten Great Sects?"

"No response has come yet!"

"Still?"

"Yes. The messenger pigeons are waiting at various sects, and their responses haven't come yet!"

"What the hell!"

Unable to endure it any longer, Jaogae burst into angry exclamations.

"Even if it took a long time for the news to spread, why is there still no response! Do they think this is just a stroll across the river? Dammit!"

The beggar who replied to his outburst said in a hurry.

"I-I'll try sending another round of messages!"

"For god's sake!"

Nungsam slammed the floor with the bamboo pole he was holding.

"What the hell is everyone thinking! Seriously!"

His desperate scream echoed outside the Information Bureau.

* * *

Qingcheng Mountain.

"It is said that the Evil Sect has almost arrived at Nanjing now."

"Hmm."

Upon receiving the report from the elder, Qingcheng Sect's leader, Byeok Hyun (碧賢子), had a serious look.

"Elder. There are beggars setting up tents in front of the mountain gate. Shouldn't we give them an answer soon?"

Byeok Hyun nodded calmly.

"That's what we should do. We must respond to the summons of Shaolin once the preparations are complete."

"Yes, understood. Should I prepare our disciples?"

"Yes. We should prepare, with someone who has discerning eyes."

Upon hearing this, the eyes of an elder of the Qingcheng sect, Byeok Sang (碧想), narrowed.

"You don't plan to go yourself?"

"I must go. I must. Since Qingcheng is both a member of the Ten Great Sects and a leader of Kangho, how can we not go?"

"But..."

"However, there's no need to rush things."

Byeok Sang spoke with a stern face.

"Sect Leader. But the enemy's movements are unusual."

"I know. We probably can't end this without shedding blood. Paegun won't return empty-handed."

"However, why..."

As Byeok Sang trailed off with a questioning expression, a subtle smirk appeared on the lips of Byeok Hyun. 

"You seem to misunderstand my words. I never said I won't participate. I simply stated that I would thoroughly prepare before joining the expedition."

"..."

"Rushing in with an unsettled mind would be of little help. Let's prepare thoroughly before making a move."

"Yes, Sect Leader."

Byeok Sang reluctantly nodded, still wearing a dissatisfied expression. Byeok Hyun, observing him, chuckled mysteriously.

"I'm just curious."

"...Yes?"

"Throughout its history, Qingcheng has faced numerous enemy attacks. Sometimes the Demonic Sect would rise up, sometimes the martial arts sects were in turmoil, and occasionally battles with unruly outsiders occurred."

"That is our pride, isn't it?"

"However... Well, considering the current situation, it makes me wonder."

"What..."

"What do you think? Isn't Nanjing closer than you thought?"

Byeok Sang remained silent.

"Hanam is probably the same. [Where Wudang & Shaolin are] If we set our minds to it, we could sweep the place and provide support anytime. If the martial artists run with all their might, it wouldn't take more than a few days."

"But..."

"However... Looking back, our ancestors always fought against the enemy without receiving proper support from Hanam, relying solely on their strength."

Byeok Sang's face stiffened. He understood what Byeok Hyun was trying to say.

"That's why I'm curious. When we were shedding blood, were the people we were asking for help truly too far away to arrive in time?"

"Sect Leader..."

"Isn't it amusing?"

Byeok Hyun gazed out the window.

"While sitting in the safest place in the world, observing the distant flames, they must have always felt this way."

Despite saying it was amusing, his eyes were serious.

"So, let's wait a bit. I must confirm what kind of hearts are those asking for help as they watched Qingcheng Mountain burn. There's nothing to worry about. Do you think I would wish for Shaolin to collapse? I'll go soon enough. Not too late..."

But certainly, not in haste.

Understanding the hidden meaning behind the blurred words, Byeok Sang bowed his head silently.

"How about it? Do you think I'm being excessive?"

At Byeok Hyun's question, Byeok Sang lifted his head slowly after a moment of silence. Meeting his gaze, he spoke calmly.

"Harboring emotions about past events would not be the right thing to do."

Byeok Hyun's eyebrows twitched slightly. At that moment, a faint smile appeared on Byeok Sang's lips.

"But patience is a virtue of the wise. If enduring a bit of bitterness results in gaining something great, it should be encouraged, shouldn't it?"

"Heh... Hahaha!"

Staring blankly at Byeok Sang, Byeok Hyun burst into loud laughter.

That answer was precisely what he had been waiting for.

"Tell the disciples to prepare. The kids need to know."

"Yes, Sect Leader."

Watching Byeok Sang leave, Byeok Hyun let out a twisted smile.

"Beopjeong. Why did you have to act so grandiose?"

Byeok Hyun was curious about the expression Beopjeong was wearing right now.

But more than that, he was curious about the expression Beopjeong, who had lost his strength through the war with the Evil Tyrant Alliance, would wear when facing him.

Would he still be able to maintain an arrogant expression as he did in the past?

"Do not die, Bangjang. I want to see you just as you are now. Haha."

Within the temple, the laughter he let out spread slowly and eerily.