Bab 149: Chapter 1037: You'll Understand It Too (Part 2)
Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold looked silently at his own shoulder.
For a while, he gazed at the empty, cold shoulder with a faint smile on his lips.
"...This is beyond ridiculous."
It was the price of arrogance. Believing that he could negotiate with anyone if he wished, thinking there was no force in the world that couldn't be swayed by wealth. The price for that arrogance was giving up one arm.
Slowly, he raised his hand and pressed his fingertips firmly onto the still-painful shoulder. A sharp, agonizing pain shot through his head, making him almost grit his teeth.
'Not so bad.'
Of course, he wasn't saying this in a delirious state. Losing an arm was a terrible thing, especially when it was the arm that wielded the sword. It was difficult to measure the extent of that loss.
However...
'It doesn't matter.'
As long as you live, opportunities will definitely come. It was a cheap price to pay for his arrogance.
The problem was now.
If he didn't deal with that Demonic Sect, he wouldn't get another chance. He had to eliminate them at any cost.
For that to happen...
Thud!
At that moment, the doors of the main hall opened, and a person walked in. Even without turning his head, the Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold could tell who it was.
The jingling of jewelry with every step was like a symbol of Jang Ilso, even though he didn't look. Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold turned his head to see Jang Ilso approaching him.
Jang Ilso gazed at the Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold and asked.
"What's the situation?"
"...Seems like they're still in Hangzhou."
"Slower than expected. I thought they would have finished Hangzhou by now and moved elsewhere."
The Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold stayed silent in response. Seeing his expression indicating some disagreement, Jang Ilso narrowed his eyes and said.
"Speak up."
"What do you want me to say?"
"Why do you think their advance is slow?"
Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold seemed to be deep in thought for a moment before he spoke.
"It's not slow."
"Hmm?"
It was an unexpected answer. Jang Ilso tilted his head slightly.
Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold continued to elaborate.
"Their speed is actually faster than my expectations."
"They've been stuck in Hangzhou for a day, and you call that fast?"
"Yes."
Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold nodded with a dark expression.
"Their objectives are completely different."
"Objectives?"
"If they wanted to take over Hangzhou, their objective would be to neutralize it. They would quickly slaughter those who resist and put Hangzhou under their feet."
"I see."
"But their objective is not like that. Their goal is literally annihilation. They want to wipe out everything that's alive in Hangzhou."
For the first time, Jang Ilso fell silent. He hadn't had the chance to confirm this part accurately as he had received a hurried report and was on the move.
"...Annihilation?"
A bitter laugh escaped his lips.
"They're willing to kill everyone alive?"
"It seems that way."
"So, their objective isn't about controlling the Central Plain but killing all Central Plain residents? Is that what it means?"
"I can't say for sure. However..."
With a reluctant expression, Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold spoke.
"One thing is certain, regardless of their exact objective, their scope is not limited to the Central Plain. In a war a century ago, they not only defeated the Central Plain but also the Outer Regions."
While speaking, the image of the bishop's gaze vividly crossed Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold's mind.
"I can't be certain. I can't say for sure... But it's not a look of hatred. It's more like disdain than resentment. It's closer to a sense of duty than enmity."
The tip of his finger trembled faintly. Now, they seemed to understand why the Demonic Sect had become such a subject of fear.
However, Jang Ilso's reaction was a bit different.
"Annihilation..."
Jang Ilso pondered for a moment, then started laughing.
"I thought they were completely insane, but they turned out to be more boring than I thought."
"Boring?"
"Yes."
Jang Ilso curled the corner of his mouth.
"If there's nothing to control, then there's no reason to fight. What's the point of a world where there's no one to dominate?"
"…They may be trying to create a world just for the religious believers. Where there is no opposition...A paradise of their own."
"That's a foolish notion."
But Jang Ilso cut him off decisively. A hint of disgust even flickered across his face.
"There is no such thing as paradise where people live."
"… "
The Great Master flinched for a moment facing Jang Ilso's brutal killing intent.
"Whether it's this guy or that guy, they're both spouting dreamlike nonsense."
Jang Ilso lightly glanced at his face. As he did, the grim expression disappeared, and only his usual relaxed expression remained.
"It doesn't matter. Whatever they're thinking, it doesn't matter. They're all going to die anyway."
"...What about the Righteous Sects?"
Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold, who had been silent, turned the conversation towards them. Jang Ilso replied briefly.
"They'll be here soon."
"...You really managed to get reinforcements."
Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold looked at Jang Ilso with a newly serious expression.
'It's not ordinary.'
Jang Ilso was from the Evil Sect. Not just any Evil Sect but a key figure in the Evil Tyrant Alliance. It wasn't an ordinary thing for someone like him to promise support through negotiations with the Righteous Sects.
In fact, even before that... no matter how necessary it was, the mere idea of reaching out to the Righteous Sects first was a significant step.
Perhaps this was something that only Jang Ilso could do.
"There's no need to explicitly call it support. To be honest, I'd like to gather all those Righteous Sect bastards and use them as fodder for arrows, but it doesn't seem like the right time for that."
"...That's true."
"So, get ready, Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold."
For a moment, Jang Ilso's gaze turned cold.
"This is originally what Black Ghost Castle should've done. Just because I'm stepping up doesn't mean you can back out. You have a role to play."
Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold slowly nodded his head. This was unavoidable.
"I'm prepared."
"Then move. Get an accurate fix on their positions, gather the remaining forces, and rally them to Hangzhou."
"Understood."
Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold nodded and stepped out. His eyes, which had once confronted Jang Ilso, had grown strangely chilly.
'Magyo, the Righteous Sects, and Myriad Man Manor.'
A merchant should always think of ways to profit, no matter the magnitude of the irreparable losses, even if it's immediately after suffering heavy damage.
In the expressionless mind of the Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold, the best possible courses of action that he could take began to emerge. His task was to choose the most practical among them.
But was it because he was so deeply absorbed in his thoughts?
Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold did not know.
He was not aware of the peculiar gaze that hung over him from behind, a gaze that seemed to toy with him, as if squeezing its prey.
* * *
By the riverbank, the main forces of Myriad Man Manor assembled.
Normally, those who go by the name of the Evil Sect are known for their freedom and easygoing nature. However, the assembled army of Myriad Man Manor exuded an unwavering resolve within their discipline.
"Are preparations complete?"
"Yes, they are."
Standing by Jang Ilso's side, Ho Gakmyung replied, looking at the river with a reluctant expression.
"Ryeonjul... Even if we say the control of Su Lo Chae isn't complete, with only these...?"
"It's okay, Gakmyung."
Jang Ilso smiled nonchalantly.
"Numbers aren't important right now. The heads will be filled in by Black Ghost Castle."
"...I'll understand that much. But does it really necessitate you going to Hangzhou yourself, Ryeonjul? You're the axis Evil Tyrant Alliance. How can you be involved in such matters...?"
"Gakmyung, Gakmyung."
Jang Ilso sighed deeply.
"You're trying to destroy me at every turn, aren't you?"
"..."
"I know full well what you are thinking. But remember this."
Jang Ilso's eyes gleamed faintly.
"The moment you become intoxicated by the roof that protects you from wind and rain and the warm rice straw, doesn't the wolf that used to sink its teeth into a deer's neck become a mere dog that is satisfied with a bone thrown to it?"
"..."
"Whether it's the leader of Myriad Man Manor or the commander of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, it's all just a facade. Tell me, who am I?"
"You, Ryeonjul..."
A subtle pressure began to bear down on Ho Gakmyung. Trembling with that sensation, Ho Gakmyung spoke.
"You are Paegun Jang Ilso."
"That's right."
Jang Ilso's blood-red lips parted to reveal his white teeth. He looked like a bloodthirsty wolf.
"I am Jang Ilso."
What more needed to be said?
At that moment, Jang Ilso's gaze turned toward the river.
A single boat was approaching. Jang Ilso smirked.
"Yeah, it has to be me. No one else will do. That sword is just too sharp. No one can handle it properly except for me."
Ho Gakmyung watched the approaching boat without a word. His eyes revealed a hint of tension.
About ten people disembarked from the relatively small boat.
Ho Gakmyung silently observed them.
'It might not be appropriate to say this to the enemy, but... They're remarkable individuals.'
It was his honest impression.
This was Gangnam. To them, it was like enemy territory. Despite that, approaching like this so fearlessly was an act of uncommon bravery.
They were the enemy, but there was no denying their valor.
At the forefront, there was a man with a cold demeanor. To Ho Gakmyung, this slightly unfamiliar man approached Jang Ilso, bowed with dignity, and spoke.
"Un Geom, a chief disciple of Mount Hua Sect, greets the leader of the Evil Tyrant Alliance."
It was a respectful yet far from servile greeting. Jang Ilso's gaze shifted to Un Geom, who stood beside Ho Gakmyung.
"Well done on your journey. I'm grateful."
"You're too kind."
Gradually, Jang Ilso's gaze moved to Chung Myung, who stood behind Un Geom.
"That's right."
A youthful smile brightened his face.
"Any thoughts on being on the enemies' ship, Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword?"
"I was thinking that on the way back."
"Oh?"
"I thought, as a parting gift, I might take your head. It's an uncommon opportunity, isn't it?"
"Hahaha!"
Jang Ilso chuckled as if he found it amusing.
"That's right, that's right. That's why I like you."
Before Chung Myung could respond, an irritated voice came from behind.
"Are we going to have a friendly chat here, or should we head back?"
Jang Ilso's gaze turned in the direction of the voice.
"Oh? What a welcoming face you have."
He looked at Im Sobyeong with playful eyes.
"I never thought the Nokrim King would visit me in person. Seems like I haven't lost my favor yet."
"Can a snake gain favor? I thought only humans were capable of that."
"Well, well, you're as vulgar as ever."
The gazes of the two men entangled in thin air.
However, their brief confrontation was abruptly cut off by Chung Myung's words.
"If you're done chattering, let's depart."
All eyes turned to Chung Myung.
"Right now."
Jang Ilso smiled and turned his eyes.
"If that's what you want."
Jang Ilso's gaze seemed to be simmering, and Chung Myung's gaze was icily cold.
As the sun rose from the east, the elite forces of Mount Hua and Myriad Man Manor set out with one goal: Hangzhou.
A land steeped in blood.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Bagel_Seeds
Bagel_Seeds omg I just realized that Jang Ilso reminds me of Lady Eboshi...esp when he laughs...I'm going add it to my to-draw list
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