Chapter 168
Chapter 168
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 168
Chapter Title: To Sichuan (2)
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"...and so, we've completely demolished Huicheon's base of operations. However, their leadership and core forces have already fled north. We're pursuing them, but given their numbers, it won't be easy to hunt them all down."
At Hyung Mu-gang's report, the Bloodlight Demon Emperor vented his frustration.
"So you're saying we only caught the small fry. If you don't cut off the head, they'll just raise it again someday."
The Dark Thunder Monk Chim Seung chimed in in agreement.
"The Supreme Elder's words ring true. Especially that bastard from Myriad Poison Valley, Eum Jeok-so—he'll come back and stir up trouble again."
"If those mad monks from Thunder Sound Temple hadn't interfered, we would've wrapped this up ages ago."
Elder Demon Sword pressed a hand lightly to his chest as he spoke. During the recent assault on Huicheon's forces, high-level experts from Thunder Sound Temple had suddenly crashed the battlefield, leaving him with a severe internal injury. He'd survived, fortunately, but the damage hadn't fully healed yet.
"Which way did they flee?"
One Finger Blood Ju Geol-ryeon, who was leading the Council of Elders in place of the North Heaven Sword Demon—personally dispatched to subjugate Huicheon—asked the question.
"We've confirmed they've crossed the Jinsha River."
"Hm. Past the Jinsha River means they've bolted for Sichuan, then?"
"Yes."
"Chasing them into Sichuan will be even trickier. What are your thoughts, Cult Leader?"
At Ju Geol-ryeon's question, Gwan Ung's gaze shifted to Hyung Mu-gang. As if it had already been discussed, Hyung Mu-gang spoke on his behalf.
"We'll keep up the pursuit. But from here on, rather than direct clashes, a bit of pressure should suffice."
"A bit? We need to rip out the roots!"
The Bloodlight Demon Emperor was the first to object.
"This old man agrees. I know everyone's worn out from the long fight, but we should send more troops and finish them off properly."
Ju Geol-ryeon was skeptical as well.
"I'm not saying we let them be. But there are others who'll handle them for us, even without us stepping in."
"What do you mean? Someone else to..."
Ju Geol-ryeon tilted his head, then burst into laughter as realization dawned.
"Ha! The strategist has a clever idea. You're right—we don't need to spill our blood."
"I see. A little pressure should do the trick, then."
The Bloodlight Demon Emperor seemed to grasp Hyung Mu-gang's intent. But not everyone in the chamber did. For their sake, Hyung Mu-gang continued.
"Just as in other regions, Sichuan is home to countless great and small clans and sects. Among them are forces that absolutely cannot tolerate Huicheon crossing the Jinsha River into Sichuan."
Hyung Mu-gang rose from his seat, and as if on cue, a large map unrolled on the wall.
He pointed to central-southern Sichuan Province.
"First, the Emei Sect."
He pointed to central-northern Sichuan Province.
"Second, the Qingcheng Sect."
After a brief pause, Hyung Mu-gang went on.
"Though driven out by our Cult, the remnants of Huicheon are no pushovers. Knowing that, Emei and Qingcheng might stay silent. They might turn a blind eye. But there are those who can never accept it, no matter the circumstances."
Hyung Mu-gang tapped the central city of Chengdu.
"The Sichuan Tang Clan, overlords of Sichuan—they will never tolerate an invasion of their territory."
"Right. Forgot about the Tang Clan."
"Those vicious bastards staying quiet? Not a chance."
At the mention of the Sichuan Tang Clan, everyone in the chamber nodded in understanding.
'Idiots, all of them.'
In the chaotic meeting hall, Jong Yo kept his eyes closed, fighting the urge to retch.
After sending Eum Jeok-so, Ma Uk, Left Sword, and the others to the Iron Blood Palace in the great camp, Jong Yo had taken over as Huicheon's strategist.
It was too taxing on his battered body to follow them all the way to the camp, and even if he did, his options would be limited in a place where might made right.
Jong Yo had decided his role was to protect Huicheon from the Heavenly Demon Cult's pressure, build up their forces as much as possible, and wait for Eum Jeok-so's return. Over the past year or so, he'd executed this mission flawlessly.
Despite the Heavenly Demon Cult's relentless assaults, Huicheon had grown dramatically, embracing far more forces than before Eum Jeok-so and the others left.
If they'd only weathered the recent massive offensive led by the North Heaven Sword Demon, Huicheon could have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Heavenly Demon Cult. But the spies planted by the Cult and poor decisions from Huicheon's leadership had led to heavy losses—and the loss of their base.
Now those same fool leaders were spouting nonsense again, driving Jong Yo up the wall.
Slowly opening his eyes, Jong Yo sighed at the young man yawning lazily from the head seat.
'Looks like he spent the night rolling with some girl.'
Jong Yo's gaze on Gwan Hwi, second grandson of the previous Cult Leader Gwan Hyo, was ice-cold.
After Eum Jeok-so, Ma Uk, and Left Sword headed to the camp, Gwan Hwi had proven an incredibly useful pawn in rallying forces for Jong Yo.
Gwan Hwi was dim-witted, incompetent in martial arts, and obsessed only with women—a total playboy. Yet after the deaths of his elder and younger brothers in the recent rebellion, his status as the last bloodline of the former Cult Leader overshadowed all his flaws. Within a fortnight of bringing him into Huicheon, their forces had more than doubled.
But as Gwan Hwi's faction grew within Huicheon, the voice of Jong Yo's original faction weakened. Especially after the Mad Buddha Temple joined, tipping the balance sharply—thanks to them pulling in Thunder Sound Temple.
Jong Yo didn't resist the shift. He lowered his profile, slipping under Gwan Hwi's wing.
He was certain everything would sort itself out when Eum Jeok-so returned.
Everything had gone according to Jong Yo's plan.
Until a month ago, when the idiot leaders' decision got Huicheon's main force crushed by the North Heaven Sword Demon.
"...so you're saying we need to set up base in Sichuan to survive?"
Elder Oh Hong asked.
"Exactly. The Heavenly Demon Cult's pressure is only mounting. But they won't dare barge into Sichuan recklessly."
Tae Bo, the former Heavenly Demon Cult elder known as Crimson Face Demon Guest—who now effectively led Huicheon with Gwan Hwi tucked under his arm—stroked his belly-button-length beard smugly.
"If it's because of the Murim Alliance, that's too complacent. It's not the old Alliance anymore. I doubt the Heavenly Demon Cult gives a damn about them."
Hwan Yu, the Black Heaven Branch Lord wielding massive influence alongside Tae Bo, was full of worries.
"We can't stretch our front lines on two fronts, though."
"Two fronts?"
"Haven't you heard the mood in the southern murim is getting tense? They'll have to focus there more than us."
"True. With their front yard snatched away, the Nangong Clan can't just sit idle forever."
"And that's not all—the Murim Alliance mess has soured relations between Emei, Qingcheng, and the Tang Clan. This is our chance. Am I wrong?"
Tae Bo looked around.
"Absolutely right, Elder."
"I agree. Heaven's granting us this opportunity."
"Exactly. Sichuan is Huicheon's only path to survival."
No dissent. Everyone competitively praised Tae Bo's view. Only those waiting for Eum Jeok-so with Jong Yo stayed silent.
"We'll target Emei, then."
Tae Bo said to Gwan Hwi.
Gwan Hwi waved dismissively, annoyed.
"Do as you like."
And so, Huicheon's goal was set.
"Finally!"
Emerging from the mountain path, Noe Jeon cheered at the sight of endless rolling hills and the plains between them, lightning crackling nonstop. Those following behind reacted the same. Especially Gwa Yu, the weakest physically—he collapsed right there.
A month since leaving Ox Fortress to head home. Starting with Mount Paan Guest Abduction, they'd crossed endless ranges and finally reached Sichuan's basin.
Even after entering the basin, it took half a day more to reach a decent village.
They unpacked at a shabby inn catering to travelers.
Small, uncomfortable beds—but after a month of camping, it was a palace.
After soaking in hot water and easing his fatigue, Sima Geon arrived at the first-floor tavern to find the drinking party in full swing.
A dozen empty bottles littered the floor—not enough, so the owner huffed and puffed carrying out a massive jar.
Sweat poured off him, but his face beamed.
The huge wolf gnawing meat on the floor was still terrifying, but having made several days' sales in under half a shichen, his fear was fading bit by bit.
"Come on over, boss."
Cheol Woo, a chicken leg in his mouth, beckoned Sima Geon.
As Sima Geon sat, Man Chu handed him a huge bowl brimming with liquor.
Sima Geon chuckled and downed it in one go.
"Try this. Not bad for a backwater dump—the owner's got skills."
So Su-rin served him stir-fried pork with veggies in a small dish.
"Yeah, pretty good."
Sima Geon nodded, chopsticks flying.
The table groaned under simple dishes you could find anywhere, but as So Su-rin said, the owner's talent made them delicious. Even the boiled rapini vanished fast, savory and rich.
As Sima Geon set down his chopsticks, belly full enough to loosen his belt—
"Oh, hey, boss. Heard something funny earlier."
Cheol Woo, racing Man Chu at chugging, spoke up suddenly.
"What?"
"About those Huicheon bastards."
"Huicheon?"
"Yeah. Word is they crossed over here. Got smashed by the Heavenly Demon Cult."
"Who said?"
"The owner here. Before you came down. Not sure if it's accurate, but rumor has it they're gonna hit the Emei Sect soon. These guys are taking turns screwing around."
At the mention of attacking Emei, Sima Geon's brow furrowed slightly.
"Man Chu."
"Yes, bro?"
Man Chu set down his cup quick.
"If Emei gets attacked, will the Tang Clan move?"
"Of course."
"Why? I heard the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Clans don't get along great. Especially lately, with the Murim Alliance mess."
So Su-rin, who'd heard plenty of rumors during treatment at the Ha Hu Clan, voiced her doubt.
"Other places maybe, but Sichuan's different. So remote—hard to get outside help. So they stick together strong. Might act distant on the surface, but when danger hits, they'll step up."
"So what? Might not find the old man at the Tang Clan after all."
Man Chu nodded at Cheol Woo's words.
"High chance. Poison Freak Senior's not one to sit idle."
"That's the situation. What now, boss?"
Sima Geon pondered, then lifted his liquor.
"Head to the Tang Clan first. Great if we meet the old man—but if not, nothing we can do."