Chapter 913: There's No Other Way (Part 3)

News that Su Lo Chae had taken over Plum Blossom Island and finally set foot in Gangbuk spread rapidly throughout the land.

The key point that spread was not Plum Blossom Island but the word 'Gangbuk.'

For those who lived along the Yangtze River and the upper class in the central region, the name Plum Blossom Island was extremely significant. But for the Gangbuk residents who had no reason to leave their lifelong home, Plum Blossom Island was still unfamiliar.

"The Su Lo Chae people have set foot in Gangbuk?"

"Isn't that right? They have occupied a city on the Yangtze River right now and are acting as if they're the owners."

"How did this happen? Didn't they agree not to cross the river for three years? It's still a little early for three years to have passed, isn't it?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. You're saying foolish things. Where's the mutual non-aggression? It's the Righteous Sects Non-Aggression! The Righteous Sects sect can't cross the Yangtze, but it doesn't mean the Evil Sects can't cross."

"Really…?"

And this situation was enough to remind the people of how one-sided the treaty that was made in the past by Wudang. The content of that treaty showed just how unfair it was.

"So? Are you just going to watch this happen?"

"Would that even be possible? The treaty didn't mean that they wouldn't touch those who crossed over to Gangbuk, right?"

"That's right! Naturally!"

"Even if the Righteous Sects suffered a great deal of shame, they are still the Ten Great Sects, and the Five Great Families will be the Five Great Families! To be honest, if they didn't fight at the Yangtze at first, would they have incurred losses?"

"Right! Moreover, they didn't lose! It was just an agreement, wasn't it?"

Some of those who criticized the Righteous Sects for throwing their pride in the Yangtze River and blamed them together were now defending the Righteous Sects. But in the end, those words didn't come out, and they disappeared into their throats. The atmosphere was not very favorable for pointing out the truth.

"After all, this is Gangbuk. No matter how much the Righteous Sects are treated like a toothless tiger these days, a tiger is still a tiger, right? Are they going to leave these newcomers to their area alone? They have to do something to kill them."

"That's right! Naturally! How dare the Evil Sect set foot on Gangbuk!"

The people who threw away the pride of the mainstream factions in the Yangtze and criticized the Righteous Sects, all stood up to support the Righteous Sects in this moment.

Su Lo Chae, or the Evil Sect's entry into Gangbuk, was that much of terrifying news to them. No matter how much the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Families have had their honor tarnished by disgraceful actions, a comparison with the Evil Sect is simply impossible.

"Originally, a wounded beast is more frightening. The Ten Great Sects have only been waiting for a chance to take revenge on the Evil Sects for the past three years, haven't they?"

"Ah, that's true. Regardless, it was due to that Gangnam Non-Aggression Treaty that we were tied up until now. If it weren't for that, we would have entered Gangnam already and cut the throat of that Jang Ilso guy by now!"

"Tsk, tsk. I don't understand. What's so important about a treaty? Even if we ignored it and attacked the Evil Tyrant Alliance, nobody would say anything."

"You, this person! If you can't keep your word, how can you call yourself part of the Righteous Sects? How is that any different from those foolish Evil Sect guys?"

"Well, the words don't mean that much."

"Anyway, the Ten Great Sects and Five Great Families will definitely not just stand still. Absolutely not!"

Everyone believed it. The Ten Great Sects and Five Great Families, who had suffered disgrace and bruised egos at the hands of the Evil Sect, would surely seek revenge this time.

While they had shown disappointing behavior, the expectations for the well-established Ten Great Sects, which had once been everyone's pride, were still alive. And the fear that if these well-established factions couldn't stop the Evil Sect, life would turn into a living hell.

That's how all the people north of the Yangtze River hoped that the Ten Great Sects and Five Great Families would come forward and sort out this turmoil. However, the situation didn't flow exactly as they desired.

***

* * *

A cold chill ran across Beopjeong's face. "What did you say?"

Beopgye timidly lowered his head. Although he hadn't done anything wrong, he felt guilty and embarrassed.

Struggling to open his tightly sealed lips, Beopgye spoke in a feeble voice, "A reply has come... but there are very few sects willing to come to Shaolin."

"How few?"

"Well..."

Beopjeong fell silent for a moment. The only sound was the regular rolling of the rosary beads in his hand.

"Which sects have declined?"

"Well, that..."

A single cold bead of sweat dripped down Beopgye's forehead.

"For starters, the Beggar's Union has declined its intention to attend."

"..."

"Furthermore... the Kongtong sect is on its way to Shaolin. Kunlun also expressed an intention to attend, but..."

"Considering Kunlun, it might be difficult for them to arrive on time."

"I believe so as well."

The Kunlun Mountains, where Kunlun was based, were located on the border of Cheongha and Singang. As a result, the distance from Hannam to Kunlun was nearly 7,000 li, which was much farther than the sects collectively referred to as the "New Outer City."

Therefore, Kunlun had always been an ambiguous part of the Geobang faction while remaining subtly excluded.

"As for Southern Island Sect, you know..."

"I'm aware. They probably can't come."

Beopgye nodded. the Southern Island Sect, based on Hainan Island in the South Sea, was now the most dangerous place since the Evil faction had taken control of the South. They hadn't set foot on the mainland at all.

"However..."

Listening to Beopgye's hesitant words, Beopjeong finally contorted his face.

"Are these all the Righteous Sects? Do they insist on dragging their feet? Stop beating around the bush and answer straight!"

Beopjeong's outburst startled Beopgye, who quickly nodded.

"Yes, Master! Jeomchang [?], Emei, and Qingcheng have all sent word that they cannot come to Hannam."

"...And why is that?"

"Well...the reason is that if the Evil Sect advances to the North, then Sichuan will turn into a vast wasteland."

*Clack.*

The rosary beads, which had been rhythmically clicking, suddenly clenched tightly, producing a harsh sound.

The argument wasn't entirely baseless. However, what Master Beopjeong had initially requested was not the northern advance of these sects. It was a dialogue with the leaders of the sects. Refusing to engage in a conversation based on an issue that hadn't even been discussed yet - what kind of leaders were they?

"And?"

"...There was no response from the sects in Bongmun."

"Even Wudang, for Heaven's sake?"

"Yes."

Without saying a word, Master Beopjeong stared up at the sky. After gazing at the flawlessly blue sky for a while, he sighed and mumbled in a resigned voice.

"The original intention was to discuss the ten sects that make up the Ten Great Sects."

"..."

"In this urgent situation, only three sects are willing to discuss. Only three..."

"Master..."

Beopgye clenched his fists involuntarily, unable to hide his frustration.

Southern Edge Sect they could understand. They entered Bongmun before this situation unfolded, and they've maintained their stance. In a cold analysis, they are free from any responsibility for these events.

Southern Island Sect's decision was understandable as well. They, too, are in a position where they can't easily get involved.

But the same doesn't apply to the other sects. Wudang sect, as well as the three sects from Sichuan, are equally responsible for this matter. Qing Cheng, who participated in the Yangtze River War, should not have ignored their words.

Only the Kongtong sect, the Beggar's Union, and the Kunlun sect were too far away to be unaccounted for.

"What about the Five Great Families?"

"...The Hebei Peng Family has sent word that they will come to Shaolin. However, Namgung is still unresponsive, and Zhuge Family has not provided a reply either."

Master Beopjeong shook his head.

"With the Tang family out of the Five Great Families, there are four left. Among them, the Hebei Peng Family is the only one that has properly expressed its intention to participate. Zhuge's statement about participating cannot be taken at face value; they are known as one of the most cautious sects in the world. 

"Beopgye."

"Yes, Leader."

"I won't claim that I'm without fault."

"I understand, Leader."

Beop Jeong's face remained as cold as ice as he spoke.

"As the leader of Shaolin, I acknowledge that I am also at fault. However... what is the current situation? Don't you all understand how serious the situation can become with Surochae's involvement in the North?"

It's impossible.

Without the ability to predict to that extent, they cannot dare to be called leaders of the prestigious sects.

"But in the midst of all this, they're only looking out for your own interests? During a time like this!"

What infuriates Beop Jeong the most is this.

The sects that have declared their intention to participate either have direct connections to the North or are too far away to influence the outcome. Those places just one step away from the North are all watching cautiously, withdrawing their support.

"How can we mention standards in this situation? Even if it's like this..."

Beop Jeong, who was expressing his anger, suddenly fell silent. As if he wanted to say something but couldn't bring himself to. As if he had been unable to express his emotions for a long time.

After a while, Beop Jeong bit his lips tightly, unable to contain his emotions. And he said,

"Beopgye."

"Yes, Leader."

"Tell me. Do you think their actions can be forgiven?"

"Leader..."

"Can you see their actions as forgivable in this situation?"

"Leader..."

"Beopgye. We are the ones who broke what we should not have first."

"..."

Beop Gye spoke without looking at Beop Jeong, his eyes tightly shut.

"It was my... my fault. I should have... at that place... perhaps I should have chosen death instead..."

Beop Jeong remained silent.

He realized that he had let slip words that he shouldn't have, driven by his emotions.

"I, too, placed the safety of my disciples and Shaolin's safety above what I needed to do. With such thoughts, what right do I have to blame them?"

"But..."

Beop Gye tried to argue but lowered his head instead.

He knew well that no words could console Beop Jeong, that there was no way to escape blame with any words.

"Even if it's true, isn't that too short-sighted? When the North is in flames, what happens next? It's quite obvious who will come next. Amitabha. Amitabha..."

However, Beop Jeong's intense words soon became muddled.

He knew that the words he had spoken were losing their strength.

Beop Gye glanced at Beop Jeong and began to speak.

"Leader, if it were only the Yangtze River Disaster didn't happen, there would have certainly been more sects willing to deal with the Evil Tyrant Alliance first. But..."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you remember... Mount Hua's incident?"

When the words "Mount Hua's incident" were mentioned, Beop Jeong's face noticeably stiffened.

Beop Gye's voice carried a mix of regret as he continued speaking.

"No one wants to take the lead anymore. They've all realized what the price of negotiations and compromise means for the center and the middle regions, haven't they?"

Beop Jeong's face briefly displayed a sense of hopelessness.

"Hehe... he."

Ultimately, laughter mixed with bitterness came from his mouth. After a brief moment of laughter, he spoke quietly.

"...It's all our own fault."

His words carried a heavy sense of responsibility. Beop Gye looked at Beop Jeong with concern.

"Leader..."

"Right, you're right. Who do we have to blame..."

It was something that should never have happened. That incident left deep scars not only on Mount Hua but also on the Ten Great Sects and the Five Great Families. And it continues to haunt everyone to this day.

Neither Wudang nor Shaolin could escape their ghost, knowing that their efforts to negotiate and fight at the forefront had resulted in silence and disregard.

Perhaps the true cause of the Yangtze River Disaster lay there.

"Include the Heavenly Comrade Alliance in the negotiations."

"Leader?"

"We have to have hope, no matter how shameless and regretful it may be."

Beop Gye nodded without a word. He understood that adding to the conversation here would only further torment Beop Jeong.

"Very well."

As Beop Gye cautiously stepped back, Beop Jeong's face was filled with deep remorse.

'How did they endure it...?'

From his closed eyes, a small sigh of disapproval escaped.

'How did they endure those painful times...?'

The name Mount Hua, engraved in his heart, throbbed like a brand.

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