Chapter 158
Shaanxi Province, Mount Zhongnan.
Located directly above Xi’an, Mount Zhongnan was gentler and not as high as Mount Hua, another Sect in Shaanxi Province, making it a place where many people used to come and go.
However, Mount Zhongnan was now completely devoid of civilians and filled entirely with martial artists.
This was because Mount Zhongnan was currently being used as a Base for the Murim Alliance.
“…There is no contact from the scouts.”
“…”
“It seems they have been dealt with by the Demonic Cult.”
“Huu…”
At the Adjutant’s report, Murim Alliance Grand Strategist Jegal Tak clutched his head.
They needed to know the enemy’s scale and strength to even formulate a countermeasure, but in the Murim Alliance’s current state, they hadn’t succeeded in planting a single decent spy.
“Has there been any contact from the Mount Hua side?”
“Yes. However…, it seems there are no results on their end either.”
“Damn it…”
Currently, the Murim Alliance Command Center is divided between the two pillars of Shaanxi Province: the Zhongnan Sect and Mount Hua.
And strictly speaking, the situation on Mount Hua’s side was better compared to that at Zhongnan.
Mount Zhongnan was located slightly further ahead than Mount Hua, and Mount Hua was steep, making it good for Defense.
Knowing this, the Murim Alliance had gathered more Troops at Zhongnan, but it still couldn’t rest easy.
“…Gather the people I am about to name. We will hold a Strategy Meeting.”
At Jegal Tak’s Command, the Adjutant nodded and summoned everyone he mentioned.
“Grand Strategist. Did you call for us?”
“A Strategy Meeting…” What is the matter?”
The Sect Leader of the Zhongnan Sect here, the Yu Family Head of the Shanxi Yu Family, the Gongdong Sect Leader who had evacuated here after losing Gongdong Mountain to the Demonic Cult, the Qingcheng Sect Leader, the Tang Family Head of the Sichuan Tang Family, the Diancang Sect Leader, and so on, were present.
In the past, just standing shoulder to shoulder with these faces would have been incredibly reassuring.
“Not anymore, though…”
During the Righteous-Demonic War, the Murim Alliance realized that the strength of everyone here was merely an illusion.
Because true strength lay not with the Murim Alliance, but with the Demonic Cult.
Even so, Jegal Tak didn’t think their existence was entirely in vain.
He still believed that everyone here had dedicated their entire lives to the peace of the Murim Alliance and the Righteous Murim, and that they were noble individuals who would boldly throw away their own lives in critical situations.
Therefore, Jegal Tak laid out his thoughts before them without any embellishment.
“The reason I called you all here is that you are the only ones I can absolutely trust.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“It seems there is a traitor in the Murim Alliance Command Center.”
“…!”
Everyone flinched at Jegal Tak’s words.
A traitor.
That was something that always appeared whenever a fight broke out between groups.
But the Command Center?
A traitor in the high Leadership like the Command Center. This was not something that could be easily accepted and overlooked.
“I have felt it for a long time, the thought that our stratagems… are always being read by the Demonic Cult.”
“…Then what do you intend to do, Grand Strategist? Do you plan to consult with us to catch the traitor?”
“No, rather, I intend to use the existence of the traitor to Strike against them.”
“…What does that mean?”
Using a traitor to Strike the enemy.
At this unexpected method, everyone present perked up their ears and waited for the Grand Strategist’s words.
“As you know, our Murim Alliance has not launched an active offensive since the war began. We have merely been busy absorbing the Demonic Cult’s attacks.”
“…”
A cold silence lingered in the room at his words. For martial artists, being unable to Attack the opponent and only focusing on Defense was no different from a disgrace.
“The current policy of the Murim Alliance Command Center is the same. Block the enemy’s attacks… and hold out until they exhaust themselves and retreat. The traitor inside the Murim Alliance probably only knows this as well.”
“…So what are you proposing…”
“Tonight, I intend to Strike their encampment located in the west of Shaanxi Province.”
“…!”
All the Sect Leaders and Family Heads present were surprised by Jegal Tak’s sudden declaration. Among them, the Gongdong Sect Leader raised his hand and asked.
“What are you saying, Grand Strategist! Has this been discussed with the Command Center over there?!”
“No, I haven’t told the Mount Hua side. I have only been thinking about it myself, and I am only telling you all now.”
“Saying it hasn’t been discussed with the Command Center means this is entirely your arbitrary decision, does it not?”
“Yes, that is correct. But thanks to that, not only the Murim Alliance Command Center but also the traitor inside it will be unaware of this news.”
“…!”
“Now is our only chance, while the opponent is complacent, to deal a meaningful blow and turn the tide of the war in Shaanxi Province.”
“…”
Everyone fell silent after Jegal Tak finished speaking.
An arbitrary Attack not discussed with the Command Center was something he could be held accountable for later.
Moreover, an Attack in this situation where the enemy’s movements weren’t even accurately grasped.
However…
It might be possible.
If there really was a traitor inside as the Grand Strategist said…, the Demonic Cult would never expect a Surprise Attack from the Murim Alliance, which had only been on the defensive until now.
It was truly a ruthless move.
If it worked well, it could deal a massive blow to the opponent, but if it went wrong, one would suffer greatly in return.
“…”
Still…
“Let’s give it a try.”
…The Sect Leaders' deliberation was not long.
“Doesn’t everyone know? If we just keep defending like this, defeat is inevitable.”
“It was a war we couldn’t easily win anyway. Isn’t it worth betting everything on a single roll of the dice?”
They had already realized it.
This was not a war they could win while protecting everything they had.
Seeing the resolve of the Sect Leaders and Family Heads, Jegal Tak nodded and began to explain the operation.
“Now then, let’s start with the personnel assignment. First, the Diancang Sect Leader will…”
Thus, the Surprise Attack Operation that staked the fate of the Murim Alliance began to be discussed a mere three sijin before its execution.
* * *
Under the Leadership of Grand Strategist Jegal Tak, the meeting proceeded with a Swift Victory in mind.
The goal of this Surprise Attack was to break the enemy’s Aura, deliver a meaningful blow, and raise the Murim Alliance’s morale.
The important thing was to inflict damage on them quickly and decisively.
Therefore, the Main Force was taken up by the Diancang Sect, which possessed fast Martial Arts, and the Sichuan Tang Family, which could inflict wide-area damage.
To allow the Diancang Sect and the Sichuan Tang Family to move effectively, the martial artists of the Qingcheng Sect and the Gongdong Sect would provide support, while the Zhongnan Sect and the Shanxi Yu Family would Guard Mount Zhongnan as a Reserve Force in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances.
“I pray…; I hope it succeeds.”
“It’s not a matter of hoping, it must succeed…”
Watching the backs of the special detachment setting out, Zhongnan Sect Leader Jong Yeon-Myeong and Jegal Tak sighed anxiously.
It was a Double-edged Sword of an operation from the start.
The possible outcomes were a definite success or a definite failure. Just those two.
And if the result was a definite failure…, the Murim Alliance would face even greater hardships in the future.
“…We cannot just sit back and watch either. Sect Leader, please prepare your disciples to respond immediately to any potential Surprise Attack or Request for Support.”
“Understood.”
“You as well, Great Hero Righteous Sword Knight-errant.”
“Understood, Grand Strategist.”
Still, Jegal Tak intuitively felt that the success rate of this Surprise Attack Operation was higher.
He hadn’t told anyone about the Surprise Attack Operation plan until a few sijin before it started.
No matter how widely the Demonic Cult’s spies were spread among the Superiors, the Demonic Cult would absolutely not be able to know this plan.
‘Right…, for now, let’s wait calmly.’
It was then that Jegal Tak was waiting at the Headquarters set up in the Zhongnan Sect Leader’s Office for news of the special detachment.
Someone urgently burst into the Headquarters, where he had ordered that no one be let in unless absolutely necessary.
It had barely been half a sijin since the special detachment left.
“Grand Strategist-!!”
“Why already…! What is the matter!”
There was no way the special detachment could have already succeeded in its Surprise Attack at this time.
Anxious, the Grand Strategist hastily opened the door…
Ssaaa-.
“…!”
A chilling demonic energy filling Mount Zhongnan pierced straight into the Grand Strategist’s skin.
“It’s a Raid by the Demonic Cult!”
“What is this…!”
H-how could they launch a Surprise Attack at this exact moment…!
“Could there be a traitor among the Sect Leaders…?”
No…, the probability of that was extremely low.
If so…
“…Did they predict that I would launch a Surprise Attack at this time? My stratagem was read…?”
If this was true, it meant the Demonic Cult had a Strategist several levels above Jegal Tak himself.
“…Keuk.”
…A complete defeat. At this, Jegal Tak’s body swayed.
But there wasn’t even time for that. He had to defend against the Demonic Cult’s offensive, which was now counter-attacking Mount Zhongnan.
“R-right now, tell the Zhongnan Sect Leader and Great Hero Righteous Sword Knight-errant to lead their disciples and block this!”
“Yes, yes!”
The Surprise Attack Operation was already a massive failure. To salvage even a little and preserve their lives, they had to move quickly.
* * *
“Martial Artists of the Shanxi Yu Family, form a Defensive Formation as trained and fight back-!! We absolutely cannot let the fanatics of the Demonic Cult set foot on Mount Zhongnan!”
“Yes-!!”
Having grown accustomed to battles with the Demonic Cult, the martial artists of the Shanxi Yu Family formed a tight Defensive Formation even before the order fell…
“Divine Cult Undefeated, Demonic Heaven Under Heaven!!”
“Iyaaaa-!”
…and blocked the Demonic Cultists' Raid with a firm Stance.
“We hold out like this until the special detachment that went out returns-!”
“Yes-!”
That intense display instilled hope in Yu Haseong that they could hold out even against those crazy Demonic Cultists.
But then…
Chilling.
“…!”
Chwaaaak-!
“Aaaaaaah-!!”
…Soon after, one axis of the Shanxi Yu Family’s Defensive Formation was torn apart just like that, along with an energy that made even Yu Haseong’s hair stand on end.
“E-everyone, step back-!!”
As soon as he felt it, Yu Haseong left his Subordinates behind and stepped forward.
This was absolutely not at a level his Subordinates could face.
However…
Chwaaak-! Kwaaang-!!!!
“Keuheok-!!”
…That was Yu Haseong’s arrogance. The opponent was someone even Yu Haseong’s level could not match.
“Hoh…, it was a Sword Strike swung to kill, yet you blocked it… A profound realm at such a young age…”
“…”
Soon after, with a hoarse voice like scraping iron, an old Swordsman with pure white hair revealed himself from the darkness.
“He unleashed that Sword Strike just now with that body…?”
Seeing his appearance, Yu Haseong couldn’t help but be surprised. The opponent was an old man who looked so Frail that one would even doubt if he could Swing a Sword.
“It is a truly unfamiliar Sword…, may I ask which Sect you people are from…?”
“…The Shanxi Yu Family.”
“The Shanxi Yu Family?”
The old Swordsman tilted his head for a moment before nodding as if he remembered something.
“Ah…, I have seen it once. To think that the Martial Family from the Frontier Region has grown this much…, hoho, this truly makes one deeply moved by the passage of time.”
“…Ha.”
A Martial Family from the Frontier Region.
Even if the Shanxi Yu Family wasn’t part of the Five Great Families, it had been decades since it ascended to a seat among the Ten Great Families, so what kind of evaluation was this?
He truly felt like letting out a hollow laugh.
“…Who the Hell are you?”
“Hmm? Are you referring to This Old Man?”
“Yes…”
This was a question Yu Haseong threw out to somehow stall for time until the special detachment returned.
However…
“I have discarded my worldly name. Dark Heaven Sword King… You can just call me Sword King. But, young man, rather than that…”
Seureung-.
“…How about we quickly exchange swords?”
…The Sword King, seemingly uninterested in the reply, drew his Sword and smiled brightly.
“Damn it.”
Realizing that the opponent was a crazy old man interested only in fighting, Yu Haseong also had to draw his Sword in response.
* * *
Chwaaak-!
“Keuk-!”
Zhongnan Sect Leader Jong Yeon-Myeong shouted to the assembly after struggling To Block a Demonic Cultist’s fierce Attack.
“Disciples of Zhongnan, do not panic and fight back! These Bastards' attacks are the exact opposite of ours, so if you don’t make mistakes, you can easily block them!”
“Yes-!!”
The ones then raiding the side where the Zhongnan Sect was located were the Demonic Cult’s assassins.
If an assassin was a spear sharper than anything else, Zhongnan was a shield that could block anything.
The matchup was good. Jong Yeon-Myeong judged that with him and his disciples at the forefront, they could sufficiently defend Mount Zhongnan.
But then…!
Sswaaaek-!
“…!”
Chaeng-!!
A dagger, incomparable to anything before, rushed toward him.
And then…
Paat-!! Chaaeng-!!
“…You are.”
…Immediately, an assassin with a small build leaped in front of him holding two daggers.
Zhongnan Sect Leader Jong Yeon-Myeong could tell who she was the moment he saw her.
“…Salwang.”
“…”
The king of assassins…, who had slaughtered more key figures of the Murim Alliance than anyone else in this war.
Sasak-.
Chaaeng-!!
Just as the rumors said, she thrust her daggers efficiently, aiming only for Jong Yeon-Myeong’s neck without a single word or noise.
Every single one of those attacks was a movement that made Jong Yeon-Myeong’s life flash dizzily before his eyes.
However…
“Who do you think I am!”
If one can cover all Thirty-Six Directions of the World, the opponent will not be able to touch a single hair.
The Sect Leader thoroughly blocked Salwang’s attacks with the Thirty-Six Swords Under Heaven, the pride of Zhongnan.
However…
Pababat-!!
“Ugh-!”
…Salwang was not one to just watch this quietly.
A wire-like thread shot out from her left arm and wrapped around the Zhongnan Sect Leader’s wrist…
Paengpaeng-!
Although Jong Yeon-Myeong-Myeong immediately untangled it, in that moment, a gap appeared in the Thirty-Six Directions.
Sswaaek-!
And Salwang did not miss that gap, thrusting right into it.
“Ah…”
In that moment, Jong Yeon-Myeong intuited his own death.
He realized, as if his life were flashing before his eyes… the fact that no matter how solid a shield is, a gap is still effective.
“To go so vainly…”
There are still disciples I must lead…
“No-!!”
But death was an inevitability bestowed by Heaven that could not be defied by human will.
Kwaak.
Still…
“…Huh?”
“It’s been a while, Sect Leader.”
What can defy inevitability is human connection…
“Mu-Yeong, no…”
“Just speak comfortably, comfortably.”
…The one who saved him in that moment was his Fake Disciple, who suddenly sprang from the sky.
“Let’s clear this out first…”
“…!”
Kwaaaaa-!
Muyeon drew his Sword just like that, driving Salwang away, and shouted at the sky…
“Kill all the Bastards wearing black clothes!”
Pabababat-!
At his Command, countless martial artists poured down from the sky.