Chapter 114 :

Chapter 114. Night March of the Dark Faction (4)

"Crazy bastard..."

As expected of a leading figure of the heretical faction, Cha Seokdu seemed to have curses permanently attached to his lips.

But perhaps it was only because my condition was so poor that I felt as though Seong Moran, standing behind him, had muttered something similar.

No matter how generously I assessed it, my current condition was no longer fit to continue the official examination.

If I forced myself through it, I might somehow complete the test, but then I would suffer severe damage to my dantian like the Green Forest Fighting King and eventually become unable to live a proper life.

In the end, my only remaining option was to move Four Emperors Peak.

Cha Seokdu, who had maintained his dignity until now, forgot that his subordinates were watching him from all directions and became a stone statue with his mouth hanging open.

It was only natural.

He probably never imagined that the thing he desired most would come spilling from my mouth.

The heretical faction's murim had long wished to establish an alliance like the Martial Alliance.

However, the various forces were too evenly matched for any one of them to become the central authority.

And when they considered the benefits of an alliance, there was too much to lose immediately.

To the simple-minded fools who hated taking losses, an alliance was nothing but a pointless sacrifice.

In the end, an alliance within the heretical faction was only established after the Demonic Cult's invasion began in earnest and most of the heretical faction had already been half-destroyed.

Considering that the already crippled alliance survived for less time than even the Martial Alliance, it had not even served as a temporary measure to buy time.

"Unless an overwhelmingly powerful figure exists, the best way to establish an alliance is through public discussion and justification."

"It should be easy to understand if you consider how the Martial Alliance has endured for the past five hundred years under the justification of eradicating the Demonic Cult, the common enemy that existed when it was founded."

Cha Seokdu remained dazed for a long while before moving his lips and continuing.

"You mean we should bring the events of Maling Plateau into public discussion?"

"That is correct."

"Many members of the heretical faction are already deeply weary of the Martial Alliance's domination over the murim world."

"Is that not obvious from the fact that most heretical sects suspend their activities and lie low whenever the official martial examination is held?"

"But the incident on Maling Plateau happened half a year ago."

"Public discussion and justification can be built around almost anything."

"Is the Martial Alliance's current justification truly still the eradication of the Demonic Cult?"

"...It is not as though I have never considered it."

"However, what truly matters is what comes afterward."

"Even if we establish an alliance of the heretical faction, there is no guarantee that people will gather and strengthen it as they do the Martial Alliance."

That had also been the greatest reason the heretical alliance collapsed.

People naturally gathered around the Martial Alliance, competed with one another within it, and then spread across the world once more.

The established system itself continued to strengthen the Martial Alliance.

In contrast, the heretical alliance possessed no such system.

Moreover, the principle most deeply embedded in the minds of those from the heretical faction was the survival of the strongest.

As long as that remained, they would never care about carefully constructed systems or ranks.

This was likely Cha Seokdu's greatest concern as the master of Four Emperors Peak.

Gathering people.

And making them obey ranks and systems.

"That is not particularly difficult either."

"...Not difficult?"

Cha Seokdu's eyelids trembled, and without realizing it, he leaned half an inch forward.

"Make it a meritocracy."

"...How is that any different from chaos?"

"It is completely different."

"You guarantee everyone a path to advancement."

"No matter where they were born or what organization they belong to, as long as they possess ability, you open a completely unrestricted path for them to rise."

"What is the greatest flaw of the Martial Alliance?"

"Is it not that one's prospects and benefits differ depending on whether one comes from the Nine Great Sects, the Five Great Families, or the Hundred and Eight Peaks?"

"The Dark Faction Alliance will free itself completely from such things."

"Among people who compete endlessly and develop without limit, the system of the heretical alliance will become firmly established."

Not only Cha Seokdu but even the experts of Four Emperors Peak appeared deep in thought, their eyes filled with complicated emotions.

It was only after a long time that Cha Seokdu finally spoke.

"Is that what the demonstration is for?"

"Yes."

"But I do not understand what a nonviolent demonstration is."

"All the warriors will disarm themselves, wear only black martial uniforms, and carry black flags."

"In the middle, they will carry a funeral bier and march all the way to Wuhan."

"This march will commemorate those who died on Maling Plateau."

"...It will certainly be strange."

"That is precisely why the eyes of the entire world will gather upon it."

"...And you and your companions intend to join the march?"

"I, too, cannot suppress my desire to honor those who died on Maling Plateau."

"Would it not be better to do it later rather than immediately?"

"No. What I am asking is whether you are confident you can persuade those ignorant heretical bastards to accept this idea."

Hwang Busik spoke from the side.

"Peak Master."

"Whatever else happens, if we hold that march, we will at least get to see the dumbfounded faces of those righteous faction bastards."

Beginning with Hwang Busik, the experts standing on either side began to speak one after another.

"There could be no better way to condemn them for failing to act back then."

"Whenever I remember that they did nothing but obstruct us instead of helping..."

"That is right."

"This is worth attempting."

As approving comments erupted, relief began to appear on the faces of my companions.

Cha Seokdu nodded for a long while before waving his hand, silencing everyone.

"It is a good idea."

"As expected of the newly rising star of the heretical faction, the Bloodflame Dragon."

"However, why must we do it now?"

"If you become involved, will that not create problems with our justification?"

"It would be better to wait until the official martial examination ends and hold it on the anniversary of the incident."

As expected of a leading figure of the heretical faction, he knew how to maximize his own gains.

But I would not have come here in the first place if I intended to let him steal only the idea.

"Do you truly believe that is possible?"

The experts who had agreed with me moments earlier once again glared at me coldly.

"How many people do you think will understand and support the need for public discussion and justification?"

"Furthermore, will the others agree to let you monopolize that justification, Peak Master?"

Had Cha Seokdu failed to establish an alliance merely because he lacked justification?

No.

It was because there were no people capable of understanding his grand ambition.

And because most of those with enough sense to grasp it valued their own greed more than his vision, they had refused to support him.

"It would be fortunate if you could accomplish it."

"In any case, it seems there is nothing more I can do."

"I will go outside, surrender, and abandon the examination."

"Thank you for your hospitality over the past few days."

"I hope we meet again."

I immediately turned around and led my dumbfounded companions away.

We had taken perhaps three steps when—

"W-Wait!"

The dignified Cha Seokdu had taken an entire step forward.

"Are you saying you possess a method?"

"I cannot make them understand the justification or persuade them through public discussion."

"But I can make them move."

"How?"

I untied the bundle in my hand.

Clatter, clatter.

The plaques belonging to the respected masters of the heretical faction who, like Cha Seokdu, had given them to me on Maling Plateau spilled carelessly across the floor of the grand hall of Four Emperors Peak.

#

"Goodness, I hope Young Master Jin wakes up soon."

Gang Seopyo's lips trembled as he struggled to suppress his laughter while speaking.

Watching him, Cho Mubin found the sight rather irritating.

After finishing his conversation with Cha Seokdu, Jin Sowoon had collapsed again the moment he left the grand hall.

Namgung Seonhwa had volunteered to nurse him.

Even though Four Emperors Peak had maids, servants, and a resident physician, Namgung Seonhwa seemed oblivious to everyone around her.

She remained firmly attached to Jin Sowoon and showed no intention of leaving his side.

Cho Mubin knew he should be worrying about Jin Sowoon's safety, but he could not help feeling annoyed every time Gang Seopyo grinned.

"Is this really something to be so happy about?"

"What do you mean?"

"Even if Young Master Jin completes the examination with the help of Four Emperors Peak, will that not create its own problems?"

Baek Wongak, who had been listening beside them, nodded.

"Some people may question the examination results themselves."

"Whatever else may be said, the heretical faction is the principal enemy of the righteous faction."

"And Four Emperors Peak is the foremost force in the heretical faction's murim."

"Furthermore, if this incident truly leads to the creation of a heretical alliance..."

"That is also true."

Gang Seopyo gave a meaningful smile as he listened to them.

"But you two see only one thing and fail to see the second."

"What?"

"The examination may appear important right now, but from a long-term perspective, that is not necessarily true."

"What does that mean?"

Gang Seopyo clicked his tongue as though pitying them.

"At this rate, when will either of you ever escape being a captain for the rest of your lives?"

"..."

"From what we saw yesterday, you both sensed that the intentions of the master of Four Emperors Peak were not greatly different from Young Master Jin's, did you not?"

The need for an alliance within the heretical faction's murim had always been discussed, so both men nodded.

"What do you think will happen if this incident truly results in the creation of a heretical alliance?"

"The Martial Alliance will erupt into chaos."

"Correct."

"It may even lead to war."

"However, in the end, the alliance will be created."

"The current state of the murim world already points in that direction."

"Those of the heretical faction who have long been oppressed by the Martial Alliance have merely been waiting for some kind of opportunity."

"...You seem rather pleased by the idea of a heretical alliance being formed."

"Listen until the end."

"If a heretical alliance is established, it is obvious that Four Emperors Peak will become its core."

"Then let me ask you."

"What would be the best method for the Martial Alliance to contact the heretical alliance?"

"...!"

Gang Seopyo continued.

"Considering how the Martial Alliance has oppressed the forces of the heretical faction until now, it will be impossible to create a communication network from the beginning."

"They will need someone who has connections to both the heretical alliance and the Martial Alliance..."

"That would be the Taeul Sect."

"And more specifically, Young Master Jin."

"Correct."

At Gang Seopyo's words, Cho Mubin and Baek Wongak felt even more conflicted.

Looking back now, they even began to wonder whether stopping at Four Emperors Peak during the examination had truly been a coincidence.

"The greatest problem is whether Four Emperors Peak decides to move..."

For Four Emperors Peak to act during an event hosted by the Martial Alliance was extraordinarily dangerous.

Moreover, a demonstration in which everyone discarded their swords and weapons could, if mishandled, become an opportunity to exterminate the heretical faction.

"That must be why Four Emperors Peak is still continuing its discussions."

Several days had already passed.

Yet Four Emperors Peak had sent no word.

"The time is approaching when we must make our own decision and determine what to do."

There was little time left before the examination ended.

If they delayed any longer, they might end up achieving nothing at all.

Step.

Step.

Step.

The three men, who had been squatting in the courtyard and drawing on the ground as they spoke, rose simultaneously and looked toward the entrance.

A huge man entered, forced to lower his head deeply because he was too tall for the doorway.

It was Giant Tyrant Hwang Busik.

He looked at the three men with his usual large, glaring eyes.

"Where is the Black Flame Dragon?"

"He still has not..."

At that moment, the inner chamber door opened and Namgung Seonhwa emerged.

"Young Master Jin is waiting for you."

"He is awake?"

"Yes."

"That is fortunate."

The three men watched Giant Tyrant Hwang Busik enter the inner chamber with anxious expressions.

#

Thousands of warriors gathered near the Dabie Mountains in Henan Province stared sharply at Four Emperors Peak.

Inside it lay bundles of admission plaques capable of bringing glory to their sects.

The elders of their sects had ordered them to cooperate with other sects to recover the admission plaques.

However, they had also added that they must not lose the competition, causing everyone to engage in subtle battles of nerves.

But that could only last for a day or two.

Now that nearly five days had passed, those gathered at the Dabie Mountains were growing more exhausted with each passing day.

Because they had made no preparations for sleeping outdoors, they had been forced to crowd into the few inns near the Dabie Mountains until every room was full.

Supplies were also rapidly running out.

Even when merchants raised their prices, they had no time to travel to nearby villages for provisions and had no choice but to pay the inflated costs.

However, the greatest problem was the growing pressure caused by the approaching deadline of the official examination.

"How long are we supposed to wait?"

"At this rate, we will fail the examination as well."

"Perhaps that is precisely what they are waiting for."

Why would a disciple of a righteous sect enter Four Emperors Peak in the first place?

"Would it not be better to attack Four Emperors Peak?"

"Have you gone mad?"

"Is that not the truth?"

"Four Emperors Peak has already interfered with an event hosted by the Martial Alliance."

"That is clearly a violation of the agreement."

Unable to act one way or the other, their anger naturally turned toward the Taeul Sect, the Iron Sword Sect, and the Namgung Family.

"Some rootless bastard makes a spectacle of himself by taking the official examination, and now the very meaning of the examination has been diminished."

"That is not the only problem."

"The real issue is that the Namgung Family and the Moyong Family are accompanying them."

"What a disgrace to the Five Great Families, which claim to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Nine Great Sects."

On the sixth day, the representatives of the Nine Great Sects gathered in one place to decide their future course of action.

"Once today passes, Jin Sowoon and his companions will be confirmed as failures anyway."

"Let us wait a little longer."

"Four Emperors Peak is moving!"

"Did Four Emperors Peak finally drive Jin Sowoon out?"

Everyone gathered near the Dabie Mountains drew their swords simultaneously in preparation for the worst.

Sword blades densely filled all eight directions around the Dabie Mountains, forming a forest of steel.

They were preparing for the possibility that Four Emperors Peak intended to interfere with the official examination.

"Prepare for battle!"

At someone's shout, thousands of warriors simultaneously raised their internal energy and directed their killing intent toward Four Emperors Peak.

Creeeak.

Boom.

Hundreds of people slowly began emerging from Four Emperors Peak.

"...Th-That is..."

"No, what in the world..."

Those preparing for battle lowered their swords in stunned disbelief and stared at Four Emperors Peak.

"...A funeral bier?"

Hundreds of people dressed in black martial uniforms began a long march with an enormous funeral bier in their midst.

"W-What are we supposed to do?"

Among the bizarrely dressed members of Four Emperors Peak, they spotted Jin Sowoon and his companions.

"Th-There!"

"Jin Sowoon is over there!"

Several impatient warriors attempted to force their way through the crowd from Four Emperors Peak.

At that moment—

A massive axe struck the ground at the man's feet by the narrowest of margins.

"Do not approach."

"If you interfere with the march, I will cut off your head."

"What nonsense is that?"

"You are interfering with the official examination!"

"Interfering?"

"How does our march interfere with the official examination?"

"You are protecting Jin Sowoon and his companions!"

"We have never protected that bastard."

"We are merely conducting our march."

"What kind of damned excuse is that—"

A middle-aged man stepped forward.

The clear emblem of the Wudang Sect was embroidered upon his martial uniform.

"You are clearly interfering with an event hosted by the Martial Alliance."

"Are you not afraid of punishment?"

"Why should we match our actions to an event held by you Martial Alliance bastards?"

"If that is how you intend to behave, we have no choice but to use force."

"Then do so, if you are confident."

The Wudang warrior snorted.

Four Emperors Peak might be called the strongest force in the heretical faction, but those gathered here were members of the Nine Great Sects.

They also vastly outnumbered Four Emperors Peak.

"You bastards will only regret this after blood is spilled."

When the Wudang warrior drew his sword, warriors all around him naturally did the same.

The members of Four Emperors Peak were also about to draw their weapons and prepare for battle when—

Bwooooo!

Along with the long blast of a horn, an enormous group dressed in black approached from the distance.

Someone saw the flag they carried and shouted.

"M-Mado Sect!"

The Mado Sect was also one of the foremost sects in the heretical faction's murim.

"L-Look over there!"

"It is the Cheuksa Gang!"

Beginning with them, groups dressed in black martial uniforms approached from every direction.

As the situation reversed in an instant, members of the righteous faction began retreating one by one.

"I told you to try it if you were confident."

Even under Giant Tyrant Hwang Busik's mocking gaze, the righteous faction warriors could not move a muscle.