Chapter 186
Chapter 186
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 186
Chapter Title: Return (2)
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The North Sea Ice Palace's advance showed no signs of slowing after crushing the Peng Clan.
Factions like the Dragon Star Clan and Imperial Sword Sect, which had held some renown in Northern Hebei, were swept away in an instant.
It wasn't just Northern Hebei.
While the North Sea Ice Palace ravaged Northern Hebei, groups that were essentially its limbs—the Heavenly Tiger Gate and Cloud Mountain Sect—launched attacks on the Shanxi martial world. Caught off guard by the sudden assault, Shanxi's leading powers, such as the Hengshan Sect and Great Yin Sect, collapsed without putting up much resistance.
The two forces swept through Northern Hebei and Shanxi, using the Taihang Mountains as their boundary, before pressing southward to Hebi in northern Henan Province.
South of Hebi lay Zhengzhou, with Kaifeng—the Beggar Clan headquarters—to its east and Song Mountain, home to the Shaolin Temple, to its west.
Those watching the movements of the two forces shuddered when they headed for Hebi.
The North Sea Ice Palace's target was clear.
The Taishan and Beidou of the martial world: the Shaolin Temple.
Not the Beggar Clan.
The Beggar Clan's main headquarters, scattered across the entire martial world, held only symbolic value and little real significance.
The martial world erupted in chaos upon confirming the North Sea Ice Palace was marching on the Shaolin Temple.
The Shaolin Temple's stature in the martial world was beyond imagination.
It was the pride and symbol of the orthodox sects.
The Murim Alliance, with fire at their feet, decided to send a massive contingent to aid the Shaolin Temple. But the alliance, fractured by internal strife, lacked the strength it seemed to have, and even that force failed to assemble properly.
People couldn't help but feel disappointed once more at the alliance's feeble response. Still, they didn't lose all hope.
The Wudang Sect and Mount Hua Sect had immediately grasped their intentions upon hearing of the Peng Clan's fall in Northern Hebei and the North Sea Ice Palace's southward march, dispatching large-scale reinforcements. The Beggar Clan had also sent messengers to its branches, issuing mobilization orders.
Shandong's overlords, the Shandong Evil Clan, lent their strength as well.
Declaring vengeance for the Peng Clan, with whom they shared a blood alliance, they sent a substantial number of disciples—knowing that if the Shaolin Temple fell, neighboring Shandong wouldn't be safe either.
They weren't alone. Countless others headed to the Shaolin Temple to defend the martial world's symbol.
Thus, war drums beat louder across the land.
The Diamond Martial Hall, located about three days' journey south from the heart of Hebi and boasting the largest scale in the area, fell to the advancing North Sea Ice Palace.
There was no resistance.
Hall Master Yi Ja-ung, upon hearing the North Sea Ice Palace was coming, chose to contribute his strength to defending the Shaolin Temple rather than engage in a meaningless fight. He sent all young or under skilled disciples home and selected only those with solid ability to head to the Shaolin Temple.
The North Sea Ice Palace, entering the Diamond Martial Hall bloodlessly, rested while awaiting the Heavenly Tiger Gate and Cloud Mountain Sect, who were pressing south after striking the Shanxi martial world.
Though they had racked up victories day after day, the accumulated fatigue demanded proper rest.
Still, they didn't let their guard down completely.
There were no nearby forces to oppose them, but their position was deep in enemy territory, and ambushes could come from anywhere at any time.
Late one evening, as Buk Ri-jin patrolled the Diamond Martial Hall to check the alert status, he was summoned to where Buk Ri-hwang was staying.
"Father. It's me."
"Come in."
With permission granted, Buk Ri-jin cautiously opened the door.
Buk Ri-hwang, Mo Gong-jeong, and his younger brother Buk Ri-do were sharing drinks.
"Sit."
Buk Ri-hwang gestured to a seat. As Buk Ri-jin sat, Mo Gong-jeong handed him a cup.
"Thank you."
After a few rounds of drinks, Buk Ri-hwang handed Buk Ri-jin a letter.
"Read it."
"What is it?"
"It just arrived from the Blood Cult."
"Pardon?"
Startled, Buk Ri-jin looked up, and Buk Ri-do spoke.
"The Blood Cult bastards handed it to our scouts."
His expression and tone dripped with irritation at their covert scouts being exposed to the Blood Cult.
Buk Ri-jin composed himself and began reading the letter.
Though brief, it contained a wealth of information.
It detailed the scale and movements of reinforcements from Mount Hua, Wudang, the Beggar Clan, and the Shandong Evil Clan heading to the Shaolin Temple, including their current positions and predicted arrival times.
"There's a map too."
Buk Ri-do showed a detailed map of Henan Province—specifically around the Shaolin Temple.
"It even marks obscure paths few people use. Chilling bastards."
"With this level of preparation, they must have drawn us in on purpose."
Unlike Buk Ri-do, who felt fear at the Blood Cult's meticulousness, Buk Ri-hwang remained calm.
"In any case, the information from the Blood Cult is most welcome. The map especially is exactly what we needed."
Mo Gong-jeong nodded vigorously at Buk Ri-jin's words.
"This old man agrees. Other intel can be gathered by sending out the kids, but surveying terrain in detail takes time. This is vital and precious."
"Exactly, Uncle."
"Nephew."
At Mo Gong-jeong's low murmur, Buk Ri-jin, pretending not to hear, turned to Buk Ri-hwang.
"But why hasn't the Blood Cult made a move? They promised to respond when we act. This info is crucial, but it's worrisome."
Buk Ri-do, who managed intelligence for the North Sea Ice Palace, answered in Buk Ri-hwang's stead.
"A massive purge recently... well, 'purge' might not be the right word. Anyway, the martial world conducted a full-scale manhunt. It seems their room to maneuver has narrowed because of it."
"Even so, this is too much. If the entire martial world's power focuses on us, we can't handle it."
"You know that's impossible, brother. The Heavenly Demon Cult and Jiangnan martial world are on the brink of war. Central Plains forces won't turn to us."
"Your brother's right. With even the Righteous Heaven Alliance stalled for now, let's be content with that. If attacking the Shaolin Temple proves too much, we pull back at an opportune point. Our deal with them was just for checks and balances. Securing Northern Hebei completely is enough for us. Remember, that's why we're targeting Shaolin. And don't forget how strong the Blood Cult's Cult Leader was. When the time comes, he'll stir massive waves in the martial world."
Silence fell over the room at Buk Ri-hwang's words. The image of that young man who had single-handedly visited the North Sea Ice Palace and displayed overwhelming might was both terrifying and unforgettable.
"Perhaps what we should worry about isn't the present."
Mo Gong-jeong said, lifting his cup.
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean. Whether the Blood Cult will keep their promise."
Buk Ri-hwang clinked his cup against Mo Gong-jeong's.
"We'll make them. Somehow."
Two weeks after departing following a brief seclusion, Sima Geon and the Sword Empress's group had reached the vicinity of Wuhuan, home to the Living Immortal Medical House.
"Didn't you go to meet your comrades? Back already?"
Cheol Woo, having unpacked in a third-floor room and descended to the first-floor dining hall, asked Man Chu, who was already seated.
"Yes."
"How much farther to the Living Immortal Medical House?"
"We should arrive in about a day."
Noe Jeon answered before Man Chu could.
"How would you know?"
"Heh heh heh! Don't you remember where we met?"
"Oh!"
Cheol Woo recalled rescuing Noe Jeon from the Living Immortal Medical House.
"We stayed here one night before the pursuers caught our tail."
"You madman. A fugitive with time for leisure."
Cheol Woo looked incredulous.
"Can't hole up like a rat forever while fleeing, right? The darkest place is under the lamp—places like this can be safer."
"So, you weren't caught?"
Man Chu asked.
"Heh heh heh! We were. Ambushed in the dead of night. Slept so deeply after ages in a proper bed, nearly died screaming without reacting."
"Too bad. Would've spared us your ugly mug."
Cheol Woo pinched and shook Noe Jeon's cheek.
Meanwhile, So Su-rin, who had taken a light bath and come down, shook her damp hair and asked,
"What's going on? Why the fuss?"
"This guy says this is where he stopped while fleeing the Heavenly Demon Cult."
So Su-rin's movements froze.
"Are you insane? We went through hell to get you out, and you leisurely..."
As her eyes turned fierce, Noe Jeon waved his hands frantically in excuse.
"Not like that! Just once, briefly, then the pursuers... Ow! Say something."
Noe Jeon appealed to Cheol Woo, but the latter, already drinking with Man Chu, just waved him off like swatting a fly.
As Noe Jeon suffered under furious So Su-rin's wrath, Sima Geon descended from his room.
"You left before me. Where were you?"
"Had something to discuss with Lady Neung."
"Aha!"
Cheol Woo's gaze turned sly, making Sima Geon chuckle.
"Not that."
"Heh heh heh! Then what?"
"Heard the Spear Dragon Sword Emperor, set for a duel, left the Living Immortal Medical House for separate lodgings. Talked about that."
"What's that got to do with us?"
"Lady Neung wants to meet him right away since time's delayed, but Jin-ah's at the Living Immortal Medical House."
"So what?"
Cheol Woo laughed in disbelief and looked around.
"Hey, do you all get what the captain means? Sword Empress just goes for the duel. We follow if we want to watch, or visit Jin-ah otherwise. Why discuss and seek permission?"
No one responded.
"Say something. Huh?"
As Cheol Woo pressed, So Su-rin sighed and shoved a chicken leg from the waiter into his mouth.
"Shut up with the nonsense and eat this."
"Well done."
Sima Geon smirked softly and turned to Man Chu, who held a cup.
"Already back?"
Man Chu quickly erased his smile and set down his cup at Sima Geon's question.
"Yes. More serious than I thought."
The table's attention turned to him at his subdued tone.
"The Heavenly Demon Cult and Jiangnan martial world, centered on the Nangong Clan, are clashing again. Not full-scale yet, but skirmishes breaking out everywhere simultaneously."
"That area's always one spark from war. Even if the Heavenly Demon Cult retreated, they didn't fully leave—they claimed half of Jiangnan. The truce came from the previous Sword Empress's death and the Blood Cult anyway."
"Yes. The Beggar Clan treats clashes as inevitable now. With Huichun sorted, the Heavenly Demon Cult can focus their power. But the real issue isn't there."
"Shaolin Temple?"
Cheol Woo asked over his cup.
They hadn't interacted with many on the way to Wuhuan, but rumors of the North Sea Ice Palace crushing the Northern Hebei Peng Clan and heading for Shaolin were unavoidable.
"Yes."
"Similar to when the Nangong Clan was attacked, right? Everyone'll flock to help. It's Shaolin, after all."
"Exactly. Not just Mount Hua, Wudang, and Beggar Clan—even the lately hostile Shandong Evil Clan sent massive reinforcements. Countless others are rushing to save it."
"Numbers don't decide fights anyway. Victory does. What's the Beggar Clan's prediction?"
"If no major variables, they'll win handily."
"Variables?"
"Yes. Higher-ups find the North Sea Ice Palace's sudden move suspicious. Unlikely they'd act so boldly alone."
"With the Heavenly Demon Cult stirring below, maybe they saw the opening?"
Everyone nodded at Noe Jeon's question. It was the most logical assumption.
"They're considering an alliance too."
"Heavenly Demon Cult and North Sea Ice Palace?"
"Yes."
Cheol Woo shook his head at Man Chu's reply.
"Doubt it. The Heavenly Demon Cult doesn't ally lightly. They'd die before bending their pride."
"Just a possibility. They mentioned others too."
"Others? Like what?"
"Blood Cult."
"Nah, even less likely. They got smashed last time. Hiding like rats, scheming—no real force left."
Unlike Cheol Woo, Sima Geon took it more gravely.
"They might've rebuilt in the shadows. Given their leader's strength we faced, I see potential."
"Maybe. But captain."
"Yeah?"
"Doesn't this concern us?"
"What're you on about?"
Cheol Woo pointed at Sima Geon with a grin.
"Shaolin's sword, aren't you?"