Chapter 1377: Preparations Are Now Complete (Part 2)

"What, what on earth is happening?"

The fishermen along the riverbank exclaimed in confusion.

In the distance, the flames were subsiding. It seemed that the signs of them fading out were now visible, but just a while ago, the flames had fiercely surged as if they would engulf the entire river.

It was rare to see the riverside engulfed in flames, a spectacle that captured their attention. However, it wasn't just the flames that drew their gazes.

"Ships, the ships...!"

Gigantic vessels began to traverse the center of the river. At first glance, they looked nothing like ordinary merchant ships. These were combat ships specialized in catching up with and ramming other ships, belonging to the Su Lo Chae.

Everyone involuntarily tensed up, watching the continuous procession of ships advancing to the east.

Without even thinking, they could understand.

Right now, something significant was happening that warranted the movement of massive forces along the entire Yangtze River.

"Is, is this a war?"

"Careful with your words! War, it sounds ominous!"

Even the voices cautioning against such words carried a sense of unease. They knew it wasn't just empty talk.

"Or maybe the Su Lo Chae ships are just moving for some reason? After all, they've been holding their positions without any movement for months."

"They might be returning to their stronghold."

"Speaking nonsense..."

Fear had settled in everyone's eyes.

Instinctively, they knew that the brief peace they had enjoyed was coming to an end.

"How long has this chaos been going on... There are hardly any people left nearby now."

"That's true."

"Well, don't worry too much. Weren't the Ten Great Sects here on the Yangtze? With their presence, what can those Evil Sects do, no matter how formidable they are?"

It was a hopeful statement.

But everyone present knew. If the Ten Great Sects were as formidable as rumored, even if it was beyond the river, they wouldn't have let the Evil Sect wreak havoc indiscriminately.

And then it happened.

"Look, over there!"

"Huh?"

Those who turned their attention to someone's voice widened their eyes.

Pah-aah-ah!

A group of people was rushing quickly towards the riverbank where they were. The speed was so fast that, although they had spotted them from a distance, the group was already in front of them.

"Shao, Shaolin?"

Dressed in yellow robes, some with red kasaya draped over them. Among the countless temples in the world, only one wore yellow robes—Shaolin.

The Shaolin monks quickly passed by with stern faces. Following them were groups of martial artists wielding large sabers and cold-looking swordsmen, wielding imposing blades.

Observing the approaching martial artists, someone among the onlookers spoke in a bewildered voice.

"Something big is about to happen, isn't it?"

War clouds began to hover along the entire Yangtze River.

❀ ❀ ❀

"Bangjang! Jang Ilso has revealed himself."

"Jang Ilso?"

"Yes! It is said that during the march, the man who had been lying down inside the carriage came out and personally gave orders. Some of the troops receiving the orders have left the main force, but it's difficult to ascertain their exact purpose."

Beopjeong tightly gripped the prayer beads in his hand.

'Paegun.'

The fact that orders were given was not important in itself.

What mattered was that orders could be given even inside the carriage.

By personally coming out of the carriage, Jang Ilso was undoubtedly mocking Beopjeong.

A scarlet vein bulged on Beopjeong's backhand.

Currently, Shaolin had been undeniably attacked first, yet Beopjeong couldn't summon the courage to retaliate.

Following closely behind Jang Ilso, who had taken the lead, was all he could do.

This was what Jang Ilso was asking Shaolin.

If they reached the other side of the river, what would happen from then on?

Clearly, he was asking whether Shaolin had the courage to cross the river and target him, who was right there. He was asking if they had the courage to shove a Kaido (戒刀), laden with righteousness, into Jang Ilso's neck to condemn his sins.

'The audacity...' 

A flicker of blue energy glowed in Beopjeong's eyes.

Others may just pass it off as trivial, but Jang Ilso's ridicule was keenly felt by Beopjeong.

This was mockery directed at none other than Shaolin's Sect Leader, who was leading the three martial sects across the river.

When has he ever endured such ridicule and mockery? [...Plum Blossom Sword Demon]

Amidst this, what made Beopjeong even more furious was that there seemed to be no way to respond.

"Bangjang, what shall we do?"

Beopjeong was subtly addressed by Beopgye, and he momentarily closed and opened his eyes. Then, as if nonchalant, he responded with a casual voice.

"There's no need to respond to such antics."

"Yes, Bangjang."

"The priority is to keep up with the enemy's movements so that we can deal with them. Consider the countermeasures when it's possible. Even if there's a good strategy, it becomes meaningless if it's too late."

"Yes!"

"Increase the speed!"

Beopjeong commanded, pounding the ground even harder. Observing his retreating figure, Beopgye silently watched. His figure didn't seem that imposing from behind.

'Bangjang...'

Certainly, what Beopjeong said was reasonable. When facing Jang Ilso, adhering to that reasoning was crucial. Jang Ilso was a master of deception, using the arts of the ears to manipulate people like breathing. Responding to every small act would risk missing something more significant.

However, in Beopgye's mind, one suspicion lingered.

'Is Bangjang truly calm right now?'

Once again, Beopgye could not help but realize one thing.

From the tragedy of the Yangtze to the present, Shaolin had been entangled with the Evil Tyrant Alliance countless times. To the extent that they shook in the face of their schemes. There was no way they weren't aware of how dangerous Jang Ilso was.

However, looking at it objectively, Beopjeong himself had never directly faced Jang Ilso. That meant he had never been a direct target of Jang Ilso's malice.

If so... If that really was the case...

"Didn't I tell you to hurry?"

"Yes, yes, Bangjang!"

Surprised by Beopjeong's urgent tone, Beopgye abruptly interrupted his thoughts. Gesturing to those behind him, the disciples of Shaolin, who were running behind, gritted their teeth and increased their speed.

Confirming the overall acceleration, Beopjeong gazed intently across the river.

In Beopgye's eyes, fixed on his back, an indescribable unease had taken hold.

❀ ❀ ❀

"Maengju-nim! The distance between us and the ones who went ahead is increasing."

"Hmm."

Hyun Jong looked ahead with a renewed expression.

'Beopjeong.'

Certainly, the one who must be most anxious right now was Hyun Jong. However, the three martial sects were heading towards the east, including Shaolin, were moving so fast that even Hyun Jong was surprised.

Tang Gunak, next to him, spoke cautiously.

"...Indeed, the power of the Ten Great Sects seems formidable."

"No need to be surprised."

Hyun Jong nodded his head.

It was exactly as he said. The reason the Ten Great Sects had declined in influence was not because they were weak. It was because although they had sufficient power, they did not use that power properly.

If Beopjeong had indeed decided through this opportunity to engage in a proper war with the Evil Tyrant Alliance, it would be no different from gaining a reliable ally from the perspective of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance.

Even though they were temporary allies who may not agree on everything.

"How should we proceed? Will we increase the speed?"

Tang Gunak asked, but Hyun Jong did not answer immediately. His gaze was intense.

Compared to the Ten Great Sects group in the forefront consisting only of elites, the Heavenly Comrade Alliance had gathered too many martial sects within it. Even if their minds were united, it might be difficult to move as seamlessly as them.

Eventually, Hyun Jong shook his head.

"No. We won't do that. Maintain the current speed."

"But, Maengju-nim. If we do that, not only will we fall behind the Ten Great Sects, but we might also lag behind Jang Ilso, who went ahead."

"It's okay."

Upon the unexpected reply, Tang Gunak gave a look full of suspicion.

The one who is most urgently concerned at the moment was Hyun Jong, the current lord of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance and the former leader of the Mount Hua Sect. It was something no one in the world can deny. However, for him to say that it didn't matter even if they were late...

At that moment, Hyun Jong calmly spoke.

"Gaju-nim."

"Yes?"

"When will the sun set?"

Tang Gunak's face momentarily froze. What kind of absurd question was this all of a sudden?

Hyun Jong continued.

"The Su Lo Chae has already gathered all available ships and is heading east. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that's what was said."

"And across the river, the elite forces of the Evil Tyrant Alliance are also heading east. So, the military forces of the Evil Tyrant Alliance are likely divided into two groups: those guarding the headquarters, and those following Jang Ilso."

"Well, that's obvious..."

Tang Gunak clenched his teeth. He understood what Hyun Jong was trying to say.

"S-so, you don't mean..."

"Yes. We will maintain a moderate speed let the ships move ahead first. And when the sun sets..."

Hyun Jong declared with a composed voice.

"We will cross the river."

"Y-Young Master!"

Tang Gunak's face turned pale.

"That's too dangerous. If the enemies find out that we've crossed the river, they might change direction and attack us first. Then, we'll be caught in a joint attack from Jang Ilso and the Su Lo Chae on the river."

"Isn't that the situation the kids are facing right now?"

Tang Gunak fell silent.

"It's okay if you don't want to join us because it's dangerous. But Mount Hua will cross the river."

Suddenly turning back, Tang Gunak looked at the disciples of the Mount Hua running close behind. There was not a single tremor in the eyes of the disciples who were running side by side.

'Was this the plan from the beginning?'

As if answering Tang Gunak's thoughts, Hyun Jong spoke.

"I now understand. Even though the children thought it was right, why did the confusion in their hearts not go away? Why was all this considered wrong?"

"..."

"Martial sects share a common fate."

The expression on Tang Gunak's face as he looked at Hyun Jong seemed as if he were enchanted. Indeed, Hyun Jong's face seemed to embody the word 'Taoist'.

"I will go to share the fate with those kids. It's an attempt to turn back what should have been done from the beginning."

Tang Gunak slowly turned his head to gaze at the Yangtze River.

Beyond Song Mountain, the sunset dyed the Yangtze River a deep red. The scenery, which would have been beautiful under normal circumstances, now looked eerie, like the calm before a storm.

"..If that's the case, we will join you."

"..."

"Friends also refer to people sharing a destiny, doesn't it?"

Hyun Jong closed his eyes in silence.

'Chung Myung.'

Now he seemed to understand. What the child was trying to create.

'Is this just my imagination?'

Everything that hadn't been revealed began to show its power the moment Chung Myung was absent. It was as if a solid barrier was guarding the Mount Hua Sect even without him.

'This rascal.'

A faint smile appeared on Hyun Jong's lips.

"It's not you that's protecting the Mount Hua Sect, it's the Mount Hua Sect that's protecting you."

Hyun Jong muttered words so soft they couldn't be heard, then resolutely kicked the ground, pressing forward.