Chapter 1456: It Won't Be Easy (Part 1)

"Boss. What should we do now?" [Forgot his title]

Jo Woong couldn't readily answer the subordinate's question. It had been several days since the Evil Tyrant Alliance infiltrated the city, and the Tang Family stronghold had already burned down. However, they had been silently enduring within the Merchant Company without formulating any effective countermeasures.

"How is the situation?"

In response to Jo Woong's question, the subordinate replied with a frightened expression,

"People affiliated with the Evil Sect seem to be increasing."

"The Evil Sect? Are they from the Hao Sect or Su Lo Chae?"

"I apologize... Due to the current situation, I can't see outside in detail..."

"Is that so."

Jo Woong let out a small sigh. It couldn't be the Myriad Man Manor. If the Myriad Man Manor, which had tracked down the Tang Family, had returned, the city wouldn't be so quiet. Either nearby sects took advantage of the situation, or it could be other factions affiliated with the Evil Tyrant Alliance arriving.

Of course, from the perspective of the Four Sease Merchant Company, either scenario was grim.

"Boss... What should we do now?"

As the question echoed again, Jo Woong turned to see the family members looking at him with anxious eyes. Naturally, they were anxious. With Qingcheng and Emei destroyed and the Tang Family fleeing, there was no hill for them to retreat to in this land of the Evil Sect.

The only thing they could do now was hope that the Evil Sect occupying the city wouldn't seek their lives. That was the only option.

'How empty.'

What was the point of accumulating food and wealth in the warehouse? What was the use of their reputation resounding through Sichuan.

Before the blunt edge of a sword, all of that became meaningless. Jo Woong closed his eyes silently.

'At least... it's fortunate that Father is away on a supply run.'

His father and the core members of the company had gone on a supply run near Plum Blossom Island. Even if those present here were taken hostage, it wouldn't pose a significant problem to continue the name of the Four Seas Merchant Company.

So, in the worst-case scenario...

At the moment when Jo Woong was firmly making his own decision within his heart, the subordinate cautiously asked.

"Boss, um... could it be possible..."

"What?"

"Is there... someone who might come to save us?"

"..."

"No, no. Even if it's not the Evil Tyrant Alliance, with Qingcheng and EMei in such a state, wouldn't the Ten Great Sects take action? Naturally, they would come here to expel them, wouldn't they?"

"If that's the case, it would be good. However..."

Jo Woong slowly raised his head.

"It won't be easy for them to come here so quickly."

"Yes? How..."

Jo Woong didn't elaborate on the answer. Speaking in detail would only make everyone feel more uncomfortable.

If even one of Qingcheng and Emei were still fiercely fighting against the Evil Tyrant Alliance, the Ten Great Sects would undoubtedly mobilize their forces.

But there was nothing left in Sichuan. Even the Tang family was in ruins.

Engaging in a war prepared to face death just to reclaim a barren land? Would the Ten Great Sects really find it worth it to go to Sichuan?

Probably not.

"Having hope is good, but don't have excessive expectations. It will only hurt your heart."

"...You mean the Ten Great Sects won't come?"

"That's correct."

"But..."

The subordinate's face darkened rapidly. However, not giving up easily, he urgently asked.

"T-then, what about the Heavenly Comrade Alliance?"

"..."

"The Heavenly Comrade Alliance won't come either?"

Jo Woong remained silent for a moment, gazing into the distant sky. However, the subordinate, seemingly unable to grasp his feelings, continued in an agitated voice.

"In fact, although we haven't officially joined the Heavenly Comrade Alliance... But we had trade relations through the Yunnan tea trade, right? Moreover, from what I know, the Mount Hua Sect where young master Jo Gol is located is considered the leader of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance..."

"..."

"Isn't this where young master Jo Gol resides? But surely, they won't just abandon us like this..."

"Gol-ah is a third-class disciple of Mount Hua."

Jo Woong cut in, ending the conversation. His voice carried a slightly chilly tone.

"No matter how much Gol-ah is called one of Mount Hua's Five Swords or has a grandiose name, do you think any of the third-class disciples would express opinions on such matters in the world?"

"...Well, that's true, but..."

"Even if it were possible, Jo Gol is not a foolish child. Despite having a somewhat impatient personality, he has always been quicker in calculations than me. He knows very well that forcing the situation won't solve the current predicament."

Having finished speaking, Jo Woong turned around slowly.

The number of people remaining in the company was not even thirty. Therefore, he couldn't help but have doubts.

If his father had stayed here, if the key actions of the company were present here, would the Heavenly Comrade Alliance have made an effort to save them?

Jo Woong shook his head inwardly.

'That's unlikely.'

Even if the company were intact, who would confront the Evil Tyrant Alliance for the sake of rescuing just one small company?

That was nothing more than a futile attachment.

"You must strengthen your heart."

"...Yes, Boss."

The subordinate responded, but Jo Woong's words were not only directed at the subordinate but also at himself.

'I have to protect them.'

He would probably endure severe hardships.

Fortunately, Jang Ilso had lost interest in them, but the members of the Evil Tyrant Alliance would harbor no favorable feelings toward the Four Seas Merchant Company. Even without discussing Jo Gol, how they would deal with the upper echelons under the Sichuan Tang Family was obvious.

They had to endure the situation with the feeling of chewing on mud. Nevertheless, eventually, this storm would pass.

Jo Woong let out a deep sigh and said.

"You must tightly control the members. The situation outside seems quite dangerous."

"Dangerous? Isn't it a pin-drop silence out there?"

"Huh?"

"Isn't that right? While the bastards from the Evil Tyrant Alliance are walking around with their eyes wide open, who would be able to make a sound?"

"No, even though what you're saying is true..."

Jo Woong raised his head with a somewhat puzzled expression.

"Then, am I the only one hearing this sound?"

"Huh? What is that...?"

"No, listen. Haven't things been noisy for a while now? It sounds like noise from outside."

"Oh, come to think of it?"

The subordinate opened his eyes slightly.

Until just a moment ago, there wasn't even the sound of ants outside the sect, but now there was a restless commotion. Although it was unclear exactly what the sound was from the distance, it somehow felt busy and urgent, like a disturbance.

"It seems something is happening."

"Perhaps the Ten Great Sects are coming to save us..."

At those words, Jo Woong furrowed his brows.

"That's not likely."

"...I apologize."

Receiving a disappointed look along with the apology, Jo Woong sighed deeply. Perhaps the Evil Tyrant Sect members were fighting among themselves. With the leader absent, it wouldn't be surprising if disputes arose among the gathered members.

"We should check."

"It's dangerous, Boss. Don't rush, let's first..."

"If they're taking advantage of the absence of the Ten Great Sects to engage in looting, it's not a situation to just sit idly, right?"

The subordinate fell silent. Indeed, the statement was not wrong.

Jo Woong, with slightly pursed lips, turned towards the main gate. Instead of the shattered main gate, he pushed aside a makeshift wooden board and carefully slipped through.

Gradually, he raised his head towards the outside of the sect, squinting his eyes to focus on where the noise was coming from.

'What could be happening?'

If it was just a dispute among Evil Tyrant Sect members, it would be fortunate. However, if looting was taking place, they should gather all disciples into the underground warehouse and lock the door...

"Hmm?"

As Jo Woong pondered various contingency plans, his eyes widened a little. There, in front...

"Huh...?"

And soon, his eyes widened as if they were about to pop out.

"What...?"

What on earth was happening?

❀ ❀ ❀

Dohan Gok (都寒谷) was extremely dissatisfied with his current situation.

'Damn it.'

Of course, he understood.

Sichuan was vast, and just a few days ago, he was under the influence of the Five Great Families and the Ten Great Sects.

Even if they claimed to have completely occupied the capital, it didn't mean they had a tight grip on everyone's necks. If they completely withdrew, the people would try to escape Chengdu like livestock. To prevent them from escaping, there was a need for those who would guard Chengdu.

However, despite the majority of surveillance forces being filled by the Black Blade Unit, who were assembled in advance from Guizhou... [not sure?]

'It's still a challenge'

The damned Evil Sect bastards, even if tamed, were still the Evil Sect. Releasing them even a little would make them lose control of their nature.

It was like people addicted to gambling running to the gambling den even though they knew they would ruin themselves. Similarly, even knowing that meddling with commoners would lead to death, they would recklessly wield their swords if something annoyed them.

In order to control them, it was necessary for someone to stay here. The problem was why Dohan Gok himself was included among 'those who would stay'.

Normally, he wouldn't harbor such dissatisfaction. However, after dealing with Qingcheng and Emei, tasting the flavor of blood, the situation of being tied to the surveillance and control of others didn't sit well with him.

'Even half would have been enough.'

The Black Blade Unit recruited from Guizhou alone numbered more than five hundred. Did they really need additional people here?

'Damn it... I made a mistake meeting the Lord.'

His Yama Unit (閻王臺), the Myriad Man Manor, was by no means inferior in strength. It was just that, compared to the leaders of other units, their reputation was lacking. This small difference turned him into a watchdog guarding his own house.

"Tch."

Annoyed, Dohan Gok spat out his saliva and raised his head.

The place he stood was the enormous gate that led to Chengdu. A group was approaching this way.

There were only about ten? No, a little more than that. They seemed to be carrying a thick aura of blood, probably coming from a considerable distance.

What irritated him was that, even though they must have seen Dohan Gok, there was no urgency in their steps. It seemed they were in no hurry to arrive late.

"Ugh."

'Damn bastards...'

Even though they were also from the Evil Sect, he felt his insides twisting.

Dohan Gok grabbed the sword at his waist, eyes radiating murderous intent. If they did something annoying, he would their blood as an example.

"Hey, you."

"Yes?"

The group that was about to pass through the castle gate stopped at Dohan Gok's call.

"Which unit do you belong to?"

"...Yes?"

"Which unit do you belong to that only about ten of you came?"

"Uh..."

The one at the front hesitated, unable to respond properly. Dohan Gok tightened his grip on the sword at his waist. First, he would cut off the head of one of them...

"We belong to... uh... Mount Hua."

"...What?"

For a moment, Dohan Gok was dumbfounded by the unexpected response. What did he just say?

"Uh, and also Namgung, the Beast Palace, and Ice Palace."

Dohan Gok's face turned a full spectrum of red and blue.

"You insolent bastard dares to mock me..."

However, he couldn't finish his sentence. Suddenly, an illusion-like sword appeared in the middle of his neck.

"Krk..."

Dohan Gok's eyes filled with disbelief. But when he checked the face of the person who wielded the sword, his disbelief turned into shock and fear.

"Ah, I forgot to mention the Tang Family."

The person in front took off the hood covering his head and laughed.

"We're just ten, but not exactly. We came a bit excessively, you know."

Dohan Gok's body twitched on the ground. And it began to cool down.

"Hey, come on. Listen a bit more before you die."

There were still many people to introduce.

Beyond the fallen Dohan Gok, Chung Myung walked towards the wide-open gate of Chengdu.

"Well, it should be fine. There are still many people who will recognize me. Now, where..."

The corners of his mouth twisted into a smirk.

"Shall we rampage?"

At his words, those behind him simultaneously discarded their robes. Leaving behind the blood-soaked robes fluttering in the air, they entered Chengdu.