Chapter 1255: And To Survive! (Part 5)

The sea, with its overflowing blue water, stretched out before them.

Small dots appeared on the horizon, gradually increasing in size.

It might not have been an extraordinary scene to discuss, but the disciples of the Southern Island Sect watching this sight felt a breath-stopping pressure.

As those who made a living relying on the sea, they could understand it at a glance.

The approaching ship was somehow different from what they had seen so far.

"The Evil Tyrant Alliance..."

A voice, almost a groan, escaped someone's lips.

Those who were moving energetically just moments ago stood still, staring blankly at the approaching ship.

Although they were determined to risk their lives against the Evil Tyrant Alliance, the moment they gazed at the fleet approaching them, an inevitable sense of despair and fear overwhelmed them.

Fear is contagious.

Especially in situations like these, fear spreads faster than anything else. Someone standing on the coast unconsciously stepped back at that moment.

"I see those bastards quite often. It's almost welcoming."

Chung Myung's deep voice pierced their ears.

"...Even so, how can you be happy to see the Evil Sect guys?"

"We've seen them too many times."

"I agree, Sasuk. I've seen enough of this scene on the Yangtze River, but seeing it again from a distance feels strange. By now, it seems like the Evil Sect bastards are sailing around everywhere."

"...True."

Chung Myung snorted.

"Anyway, those bastards don't seem to grow. Sailing around, getting in trouble, and then sailing back again?"

"How else would they come to the island?"

"Swim!"

"...Chung Myung. Not everyone in the world is as crude as us."

"It's not about being crude. It's about being rational!"

"Even if the whole world fell apart, that wouldn't be rational..."

Those who overheard this conversation looked at Chung Myung and the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect with newfound eyes.

Watching those who calmly accepted a situation that was nothing short of terrifying, a name naturally popped into their heads.

Plum Blossom Island.

That's right, that name.

'Come to think of it...'

Plum Blossom Island was a secluded island on the Yangtze River surrounded by the forces of the Su lo Chae.

Mount Hua boldly invaded the island without a moment's hesitation and rescued the Namgung Family, who were trapped in despair. And with that achievement alone, they built an unwavering reputation.

Thinking calmly, there were quite a few similarities between that situation and the current one.

Of course, the circumstances were not exactly the same. The victory against the Evil Tyrant Alliance on Plum Blossom Island was achieved by Mount Hua, but now there was only a fraction of Mount Hua, and it was the Southern Island Sect that had to face the real challenge.

However...

There was one thing certain: in such a situation, the most trustworthy individuals were none other than the disciples of Mount Hua.

Realizing this fact, the minds of those who thought about it eased a little compared to before.

Moreover...

"Should we just settle it as soon as they land?"

"Why bother making plans if you're going to do that! You bastard!"

"I know, but seeing them pissed me off. Those bastards have no fear."

"No. Don't they not know we're here?"

"Don't they? If they don't, they'll find out the hard way!"

"...Please."

Instead of feeling dispirited upon seeing the advancing fleet of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, seeing these people who were just joking around made their determination swell.

They were the descendants of those who fought against the sea.

They were individuals who, despite their uncertain skills, boasted courage that would not be surpassed by any martial arts sect in the world.

How embarrassing must it be to momentarily succumb to fear upon spotting the enemy?

"If you plan to attack as soon as they land, please include us."

"Huh?"

When Chung Myung turned his head and looked at the speaker, Guo Hansuo chuckled and spoke.

"Considering feelings accumulated against the Evil Tyrant Alliance, there may be no place in the world with more hatred than us."

Hearing this, Chung Myung smirked.

"Fearless bastards. What if you get wiped out?"

"If we were scared of dying, we wouldn't be here in the first place."

"Oh?"

At Guo Hansuo's words, the expressions of the disciples of the Southern Island Sect hardened. It was a valid point. Everyone who had come here had already resigned themselves to sacrifice their lives.

But now, at this very moment, why express fear anew?

"...When you think about it, maybe it's better to attack and die than to be chased and die."

"That would be more refreshing."

"I have so much built up, I'd like to stab those bastards in the neck at least once..."

"Is that your idea of refreshing?"

The voices of everyone gradually filled with a sense of triumph. It wasn't that they had forgotten the fear; they were still afraid of death, and they were still afraid of the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

But if being afraid didn't change anything, they couldn't succumb to that fear.

Everyone understood this, and that was why they were making an effort to summon courage that might not exist.

Seeing this, Chung Myung finally laughed heartily.

"I understand the feeling, but... well..."

Chung Myung, whose expression had changed dramatically, looked at Im Sobyeong with a solemn gaze.

"The one who planned this with a bad head has put in sincerity, too... So, for now, we have to stick to the plan."

"...I appreciate it."

Im Sobyeong spoke with a face that forcibly kept his inner turmoil in check.

"Guo Great Sahyung, is everything ready?"

Guo Hansuo quickly surveyed the situation, nodded, and replied.

"There are about two ships left, but they're currently in progress, so they'll be done soon."

"Hurry up. Also, move everyone but the minimum number of people currently on the coast to the designated location. It won't be good for them to see a crowd of people gathered by the coast."

"Yes!"

As Guo Hansuo quickly gave orders, the disciples who were on the coast rushed backward.

"Footprints!"

At that moment, Im Sobyeong shouted abruptly.

"Erase the footprints! Footprints! Do you have any reason to brag to the whole neighborhood that people were flocking here like crazy!"

Upon hearing this, the surprised disciples of the Southern Island hurriedly wiped away the footprints hastily imprinted on the coast.

"Tsk."

Im Sobyeong clicked his tongue as if displeased. Just like how a small hole could cause a meticulously built dam to crumble, he knew that it was these trivial details that could undermine a strategy.

"Move!"

"Yes!"

Im Sobyeong quickly inspected the state of the ships and the coast.

"Is it certain that they will land on this side? We've prepared everything, but it's meaningless if they suddenly go to another side."

"Ho Gakmyung will arrive here."

"Huh?"

Namgung Dowi tilted his head at the somewhat unexpected answer.

"This is a matter that must be dealt with without any hesitation from the perspective of the Myriad Man Manor. If Jang Ilso could have come in person, it would have been great, but Jang Ilso can't leave the main base of the Evil Tyrant Alliance right now, so Ho Gakmyung has come."

Im Sobyeong continued, as if it wasn't something to think about.

"Jang Ilso is an unpredictable person, but Ho Gakmyung is someone who honestly pursues practicality. If he knew that we were here, it wouldn't be good for the situation. He won't stay only in Southern Island. He will definitely land here."

Namgung Dowi looked at Im Sobyeong with blank eyes.

Not because of that logic, but because of the certainty in that statement, Namgung Dowi was bewildered.

Normally, it was hard to understand what was in the mind of this person, but at times like this, Im Sobyeong showed an overwhelming presence that didn't allow for any doubt.

'This is the dignity that a leader of a martial arts sect possesses.'

Namgung Dowi nodded involuntarily. That man may have been an individual he didn't like, but in such matters, he had to learn. Certainly, Im Sobyeong was not someone you could easily overlook...

"But what if they land elsewhere?"

"We'll have to run! Without looking back!"

"..."

Lim Sobyeong twists his face.

"That that means those bastards clearly knew we were here and came prepared. If we recklessly resist, we'll be annhilated. Quickly and neatly!"

"But, no, even so, we have people left. It's not right for us to abandon them..."

"No, what nonsense are you talking about! Southern Island or whatever, what do I care! I have to survive first."

No.

It seemed like there was some misunderstanding. There was nothing to learn from a person like this.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the advancing fleets from a distance were approaching the coast in a straight line without changing direction.

"Preparations are complete!"

Im Sobyeong quickly scanned the situation on the coast with sharp eyes.

"Good!"

As if convinced that this was enough, Im Sobyeong made a big gesture, signaling to go.

"Go to the predetermined location! I need to mention this in advance, but you must not move first under any circumstances! Do you understand?"

"Yes!"

As Guo Hansuo quickly gave orders, the disciples led by him rushed with all their might towards the bushes beyond the coast.

"Let's move too!"

"Understood."

Baek Cheon turned his head, took in the approaching fleet with his two eyes, and nodded his head.

'We've done everything we can.'

Now, all that was left was to move according to the prearranged plan. It was always right to respond to small variables case-by-case.

"Let's go!"

"Yes!"

The disciples of Mount Hua, pounding the ground beneath them, leaped over the bushes and sprinted towards the ridge that connected the coast and the mountain, following the plan.

Watching Baek Cheon's back as he led the way, Jo Gol shook his head.

"It seems like Sasuk is experiencing a lot of pressure too."

"You looked calm even to me."

"I was worried my legs might wobble."

"That's true."

It was inevitable that they were be nervous. The Evil Tyrant Alliance and the Myriad Man Manor were still formidable and threatening to them.

Normally, there would be confidence in fighting alongside the support of Mount Hua. However, the current situation required them to collaborate with the disciples of the Southern Island Sect, whom they had never fought alongside before. How could they not feel anxious?

Yet, the reason Baek Cheon engaged in frivolous banter with Chung Myung, despite being aware of the tension, was that it was clear the disciples of the Southern Island Sect were even more afraid and nervous than them.

People decide their attitudes based on the leading figures in front of them.

Therefore, Baek Cheon couldn't show tension. At least outwardly, he had to appear relaxed.

Jo Gol and Yoon Jong fully understood Baek Cheon's state of mind. It was clear how hard he was trying.

"This way!"

"Yes!"

The running group hid in the deeply indented terrain indicated by Im Sobyeong.

There was still a distance, but perhaps because of the tension, those who lowered their bodies slightly raised their heads and watched the approaching ship.

"...They're big."

"Yeah. Just like we saw before."

Ships they had seen once before.

However, the feeling when the ships were docked on the coast and when they approached them was completely different.

The sharp, soaring prows of the ships felt like a knives aimed and ready to strike at them.

"Sasuk."

"Yeah."

Baek Cheon nodded.

"They're coming."

Chung Myung's eyes sank sharply.

Splash!

Finally, the vanguard of the Evil Tyrant Alliance split the rough currents and reached the coast where they were.

Thud!

The sound of a large anchor plunging into the water changed the atmosphere of this coast.

To that of the battlefield.