Chapter 374: The Aftermath of the Succession Competition
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 374: The Aftermath of the Succession Competition
Step. Step. Step.
A Taoist with a cold, stony expression walked briskly down the corridor.
With his sharp features, menacing aura, and lithe build, he looked more like a common thug than a priest, were it not for the Taoist robes he wore.
Step. Step. Step.
After walking for some time, the Taoist finally arrived before a massive set of doors.
Creeeeeak.
He pushed them open without hesitation, and the heavy doors swung inward.
Inside, nine middle-aged individuals, each radiating an extraordinary pressure and wearing grave expressions, were seated around a large table.
"Welcome, Daoist Myo-gang."
Daoist Hyeongak, the Sect Leader of Wudang who sat at the head of the table, greeted him.
"It seems I am late."
"Not at all. We have only just gathered ourselves."
Hyeongak waved off the apology and gestured toward the table.
"You may take the seat at the far end."
Hyeongak pointed to the seat directly opposite his own. Myo-gang nodded curtly and took his place.
"Now that everyone is present, let us begin the meeting immediately."
Hyeongak scanned the room before continuing.
"I am sure you all know why we have gathered here today. However, to ensure our objectives are clear, I shall state the matter once more."
His tone turned solemn as he looked at each person in turn.
"The Cheonmu Alliance Leader has declared a succession competition. It is a contest to select the successor who will lead the Cheonmu Alliance into the next generation. Ordinarily, this would be a standard transfer of power, but the Alliance Leader has made a proposal that is quite... intriguing."
Hyeongak’s expression was dead serious.
"He has proposed that the eligibility for the succession shall not be limited by bloodline. Any member of the Orthodox Faction may challenge for the right to succeed the Cheonmu Alliance."
Hyeongak’s voice rose with a hint of excitement.
"I believe this competition is an opportunity. It is a chance for the Nine Sects and One Gang—who have spent years walking on eggshells around the transcendent being known as Lee Jae-won and his in-laws, the Five Great Clans—to finally spread our wings."
His eyes glittered.
"I am sure you are all well aware that the Five Great Clans have monopolized immense interests simply because they are the Alliance Leader’s maternal family. The opportunity has come. A chance to overturn all the inequalities we have endured! Therefore, I wish to make a proposal to my fellow Sect Leaders."
"A proposal, you say?"
Daoist Jeok Song-ja, the Sect Leader of Qingcheng who had been listening in silence, asked.
"Indeed! I propose that we participate aggressively in this succession competition so that a disciple from the Nine Sects and One Gang may inherit the leadership of the Cheonmu Alliance!"
"Hmm... It is certainly an enticing offer, but such a move could put us at odds with the Five Great Clans."
Daoist Yujeong of the Huashan Sect, seated some distance away, voiced his concern.
"And yet, we cannot spend the rest of our lives groveling like dogs beneath the Five Great Clans, can we?"
Daoist Myo-gang of the Diancang Sect interjected, his voice cold and biting.
"Daoist Myo-gang! Your language is far too coarse!"
Yujeong frowned at the blunt remark.
"And how am I wrong? All the major interests are snatched away, and we are left to pick up the scraps they toss us out of 'generosity.' How is that any different from a dog performing tricks for its master to get the leftovers?"
Myo-gang continued without restraint.
Over the past twenty years, the Nine Sects and One Gang had lost countless lucrative ventures to the Cheonmu Alliance and the Five Great Clans. Under the banner of being the heroes who saved the Murim, the Clans had built immense public trust, using it as a foundation to expand their various businesses.
Myo-gang loathed this reality.
The Nine Sects and One Gang had also played significant roles in the Great War of Righteousness and Demons and had suffered no small number of casualties, yet no one acknowledged them.
They say history is written by the victors.
The history of the Great War of Righteousness and Demons focused solely on Lee Jae-won and the Five Great Clans. Despite being comrades who fought alongside them, the Sects had been thoroughly marginalized.
Now, when people thought of the Orthodox Faction, they didn't think of the Nine Sects and One Gang; they thought of the Five Great Clans and the Cheonmu Alliance.
It was infuriating. Lee Jae-won and the Five Great Clans behind him had monopolized all the glory of the war.
"I... do not think he is wrong."
Chwigeolgae, the Chief of the Beggar Sect who sat at the very end of the table, finally spoke.
"Daoist Myo-gang’s words may be harsh, but they are not incorrect. Do we not all know how many interests we have lost? Every decent business has been monopolized by the Five Great Clans, while the Nine Sects and One Gang have barely scraped by as mere subcontractors for those very businesses."
Chwigeolgae looked around the room with a piercing gaze.
"Ultimately, our income dwindled. With less money, we lost the capacity to recruit more disciples, and our influence naturally shrank. Think about it. How different is the prestige of the Nine Sects and One Gang today compared to twenty years ago?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
The Sect Leaders fell silent. They knew he was right.
As he said, the Nine Sects and One Gang had taken a massive hit after the Great War. All promising industries had shifted to the Cheonmu Alliance. The title of 'World's Greatest Martial Artist' provided more than enough credibility on its own.
The Cheonmu Alliance had achieved astronomical growth based on that reputation. They could manipulate countless businesses at will simply through their name.
And that reality was a disaster for the Nine Sects. The roles they once filled were replaced by the Alliance and the Five Great Clans.
The Sects grew weaker by the day. At first, they thought they could recover quickly if they just endured for a few years. But as the years passed, the bond between the Cheonmu Alliance and the Five Great Clans only solidified. As a result, the Nine Sects had weakened to a pathetic degree compared to two decades ago.
Without money circulating, they had no choice but to send disciples out to earn a living, which caused significant setbacks in training the next generation.
Everyone was well aware of this. That was why they remained silent. Myo-gang’s words were abrasive, but his analogy felt painfully accurate.
"I agree. We must reform the structure," Chwigeolgae said, looking around.
"I feel the same. If we emerge victorious in this succession competition, the Nine Sects and One Gang will be able to reclaim our past glory," Myo-gang added with conviction.
"I believe this matter still requires careful thought. We cannot recklessly turn the Five Great Clans into enemies," Daoist Yujeong of Huashan raised his hand in opposition. He felt they needed to be cautious, given the gravity of making enemies of the Clans.
"Hmph. Huashan is doing well enough, so you can afford to be so relaxed," Myo-gang sneered.
"What on earth is that supposed to mean?" Yujeong asked, looking bewildered.
"Is Huashan not a place that lives off tourism income because of its beautiful scenery? You won't be crying for help just because a few interests were cut."
"That is a misunderstanding! Huashan has also taken a severe hit!"
"But you aren't starving, are you? Do you know what state Diancang is in? We’ve had to cut down from three meals a day to two because we lack the funds for food. Does that make sense to you? That members of the Diancang Sect, a pillar of the Nine Sects, are going hungry?"
"..."
Yujeong fell silent. He had never imagined their situation was so dire.
"I also agree with Daoist Yujeong’s opinion."
Daoist Jeok Song-ja of Qingcheng cautiously raised his hand to support Yujeong. In truth, since becoming involved with the Tang Clan through the Sichuan Alliance, Qingcheng had enjoyed unprecedented prosperity. They had no desire to cross the Tang Clan if they could help it.
"I believe we need more time to think. We do not yet know the Alliance Leader’s true intentions," added Guwol Shin-ni, the Sect Leader of Emei, her expression clouded with suspicion.
"You people are truly frustrating!"
Daoist Mu-gyeong, the Sect Leader of the Jongnam Sect, pounded his chest in exasperation and raised his voice.
"How can you be so selfish!"
"What do you mean by that?" Guwol Shin-ni asked, confused.
"You're saying you'll stay out of this because your sects are prospering and you don't want to get hurt!"
"You seem to be mistaken. That is not it."
"The hell it isn't! Do you think anyone here is unaware that Emei and Qingcheng have formed an alliance with the Tang Clan?"
The Jongnam leader glared back and forth between Guwol Shin-ni and Jeok Song-ja, his face flushed with anger. He hated their attitude. Just because they were living well, they didn't seem to care about the other sects at all.
"Hmph. Even so, you should realize you're just dogs who are better at performing tricks," Myo-gang of Diancang added coldly.
"You've gone too far!"
Jeok Song-ja stood up, his face turning a deep shade of red. Comparing the proud Qingcheng Sect to a dog was a line that should never have been crossed.
"And if I haven't?"
"Keep talking. I shall personally teach you the Way of Qingcheng today."
"How amusing. Do you really think you're a match for me? You, who only took the position of Sect Leader because the sect was buried under a mountain of debt and no one else wanted the job?"
"I took the position of Sect Leader of my own volition!"
"Hahaha! Your desperate denial is pathetic. Is there anyone here who doesn't know the state of Qingcheng?"
Grit.
Jeok Song-ja ground his teeth at Myo-gang’s provocation. He felt a sudden urge to lung across the table and punch that smug face.
"Draw your sword if you have the courage. I'll take one of your arms in exchange."
"My thoughts exactly. I'll turn you into a left-handed swordsman today."
The two Sect Leaders glared at each other, their murderous auras clashing. They were both visibly seething with rage.
BAM!
Suddenly, the table shook with a thunderous roar.
"Enough!"
The shout came from Daoist Hyeongak of Wudang.
"What do you think you are doing!"
He spoke with clear fury.
"I did not arrange this meeting for us to bicker! I intended for us to exchange opinions freely and decide on the best course of action! And yet, you are all at each other's throats! The enemies we must keep in check are not each other! They are the Cheonmu Alliance and the Five Great Clans!"
"..."
"..."
The two Sect Leaders fell silent. They realized how foolish it was to fight amongst themselves when they faced such massive competitors.
"Daoist Myo-gang, I believe it is wrong to force your opinion on others. I understand your anger, but I cannot overlook your insulting remarks toward your peers."
"..."
"And Jeok Song-ja, I do not believe for a moment that Qingcheng has turned its back on the Nine Sects for profit. Do not pay any mind to Myo-gang’s words."
"...Understood."
"In any case, I believe enough opinions have been voiced. It is time to make a decision."
Hyeongak looked around the room.
"All those who believe we should enter this succession competition, please raise your hands."
He spoke in a heavy, deliberate tone.
Snap.
As soon as he finished, Daoist Myo-gang of Diancang, Daoist Gugyeong of Kongtong, Chwigeolgae of the Beggar Sect, Daoist Mu-gyeong of Jongnam, and Great Master Gongneung each raised their hands. All of them were from sects that had suffered significantly under the shadow of the Five Great Clans.
"Those who oppose entering the competition, please raise your hands."
This time, Jeok Song-ja of Qingcheng, Guwol Shin-ni of Emei, Daoist Yujeong of Huashan, and Daoist Jinmu of Kunlun raised their hands.
"There are exactly six votes in favor and four against."
Hyeongak counted the hands and looked at those who had voted against.
"If you have any further objections, you may speak."
"..."
"..."
The dissenters remained silent. Now that a majority had agreed, they felt their individual opinions no longer carried weight.
"Alternatively, you are free to declare your non-participation," Hyeongak added, as if offering a courtesy.
However, none of the dissenters declared they would stay out. They knew that doing so might shatter the long-standing alliance of the Nine Sects and One Gang.
"Then, seeing as there are no further objections, I shall conclude."
Hyeongak spoke with a satisfied expression.
"The Nine Sects and One Gang shall participate in the upcoming succession competition as a unified front! The eligibility for the competition is limited to young martial artists under the age of thirty! Every sect within our alliance will gather their disciples under thirty, and we shall categorize them into groups based on their skill. We will support one another to ensure that our finest Rising Stars win this competition!"
Hyeongak’s eyes shone with a brilliant light.
"This decision will undoubtedly be the turning point that restores the glory of the Nine Sects and One Gang!"
As he finished, Hyeongak looked completely certain. He was convinced that this succession competition would change everything.