Chapter 196
Chapter 196
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 196
Chapter Title: Feigned and Real (1)
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"Hmm."
A low groan escaped Sima Sang's lips.
Everything had been going smoothly.
The North Sea Ice Palace was laying waste to Hebei and Shaanxi while pressuring Shaolin, and the Blood Cult was shaking up Shandong's martial world. The Orthodox Heaven Alliance hadn't missed that chance to make its presence felt. All of it unfolded exactly as planned.
There had been an unexpected variable with the Iron Blood Palace sweeping away Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan sects, but in the end, it only helped their cause.
They had planned to put the finishing touch on this scheme by halting the Sword Rear Guard's march and eliminating the Sword Pavilion's swordsmen heading to Shandong.
But a crack had appeared. It was still just a tiny fissure for now, but there was no telling how large it might grow.
"Of all times, why now."
Sima Sang's face darkened as he drummed his fingers on the table.
"Where the hell did the leak come from?"
The events had unfolded like a bolt from the blue without any warning, leaving him utterly clueless about how the situation was turning.
"We'll know more once a little time passes, but it looks like the Beggars' Sect moved right after the strike on their Nanjing headquarters. They must have been thoroughly prepared."
Yaul Soseong's expression was as grim as Sima Sang's.
"Losing a useful intelligence network is bad enough, but the real problem is that our cult's ties to the Hao Gate have been exposed. Take the Yeongho Clan in Nanjing, for instance. Doesn't it seem odd that they didn't tip off the Yeongho Clan—which dominates the area around the Hao Gate's main branch—before attacking?"
"I got word from the Handler on that front. He says it won't be a big issue."
Yaul Soseong pictured the face of the Dongryeong Lord, who wielded influence over the Yeongho Clan from the shadows behind the curtain, and pressed further.
"Does 'no big issue' mean their lack of connection to the Hao Gate hasn't been exposed? Or that even if it is, it won't matter?"
"He says they disguised everything thoroughly when dealing with the Yeongho Clan—names and all. The Yeongho side vouches for it, so don't worry too much."
"I see."
"They even sent word to the Yeongho Clan expressing their apologies."
"If that's the case, then no need to fret. That's a relief."
"Indeed. Their handling of affairs is truly top-notch."
Sima Sang was pleased with his decision to elevate the Yeongho Clan from mere puppets to full allies. Of course, most of their retainers were oblivious to the situation, but that didn't matter. With the absolute power and authority of their clan head in their pocket, the Blood Cult would get whatever it wanted from the Yeongho Clan anyway.
"Still, it's worrisome. If the Hao Gate's intelligence network crumbles, our operations in Shandong could be in jeopardy."
"I've reinforced our eyes and ears in Shandong to replace the Hao Gate—sending in a large batch. We'll also make maximum use of the Do Gwang Merchant Association and Yang Hui Escort Agency's networks."
Yaul Soseong breathed a sigh of relief at Sima Sang's swift measures.
"So, the plan proceeds as is? I hear the Sword Rear Guard and Sword Pavilion's swordsmen have already reached the Orthodox Heaven Alliance. They'll enter Shandong soon."
Sima Sang nodded at Yaul Cheonkyeong's question.
"Of course. We can't let an opportunity like this slip away."
"Frankly, I'm a bit concerned. I trust Blood Spirit, but the Sword Pavilion..."
Sima Sang chuckled lightly as Yaul Cheonkyeong trailed off.
"Even this old man is worried, objectively speaking. Blood Spirit's forces simply can't match the Sword Pavilion's. Especially their elders—their martial prowess is terrifying. It's accepted wisdom that they outclass even the elders of the Nine Great Sects."
"That's exactly why I've been wondering if we shouldn't send more men. How about increasing our numbers even now?"
Yaul Soseong ventured the suggestion cautiously.
"And yet, this old man has no doubts about the Sword Rear Guard and Sword Pavilion's demise."
He let out a hearty laugh at Yaul Soseong and Yaul Cheonkyeong's puzzled looks.
"No special reason. I simply trust the Lord and Elder Wu Gong. Besides, Elder First himself mobilized to observe the performance of our newly deployed forces firsthand. You both know that's just an excuse, don't you?"
"He didn't say it outright, but it was obvious he wanted to gauge the Sword Rear Guard's strength."
"I never imagined he'd depart in such haste."
Yaul Soseong and Yaul Cheonkyeong exchanged smiles.
"Oh, and for some reason, the Shandong Wicked Families have been acting strangely lately—thanks to the Orthodox Heaven Alliance, it seems. They're getting far more aggressive than before, even recklessly so."
"There does seem to be a trend. As you say, it's like they're checking the Orthodox Heaven Alliance's growing momentum."
"I'm worried the Shandong Wicked Families' interference might cause problems."
Sima Sang slowly shook his head, his face brimming with confidence at Yaul Soseong's concerned words.
"That won't happen. The Shandong Wicked Families will be too busy minding their own survival."
"Things are getting interesting."
Eum Jeokso giggled as he received Jong Yo's report.
"We've heard rumors on our end too, but is the information solid, Strategist?"
Jong Yo shrugged lightly at Bi Gal, the head of the Manan Hall—the Iron Blood Palace's eyes and ears.
"Before meeting the Palace Lord, I built my own modest intelligence network. It's not large or heavily staffed, but it's serviceable enough. This came in urgently, but they claim it's verified, so it should be reliable."
Bi Gal fell silent at Jong Yo's confident words.
"So, the Blood Cult's rampage in Shandong owed much to the Hao Gate's aid in the end."
Jong Yo bowed politely at Eum Jeokso's remark.
"Yes."
"Now that they've lost their eyes, I wonder how they'll cope."
"They'll probably go into hiding. Shandong's martial world is pressing hard, the Orthodox Heaven Alliance is on the move, and now the Sword Rear Guard and Sword Pavilion are lending their strength. I'd say there's a high chance they'll burrow back into the shadows."
Eum Jeokso turned to Jong Yo after hearing Bi Gal's analysis.
Jong Yo shook his head.
"Honestly, I don't know. Too many variables make it hard to predict."
"Too many variables? Like what?"
"I can't tell how the North Sea Ice Palace will move—they've concentrated forces near Shaolin and gone silent."
"By that logic, our own advance after smashing Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan could be a variable too."
"Exactly."
"The friction between Shandong's martial world and the Orthodox Heaven Alliance could be one as well. Right now, it looks like the Alliance is aiding Shandong, but reports say the recipients aren't thrilled about the Alliance growing stronger."
"If I were in the Shandong Wicked Families' shoes, I wouldn't like the Orthodox Heaven Alliance bulking up either."
Eum Jeokso nodded as if it were obvious.
"The Sword Rear Guard and Sword Pavilion's movements are variables too."
"Can they really be? In the current situation, they'd be the Blood Cult's toughest opponents—the ones they'd want to avoid at all costs."
"Conversely, they're the ones the Blood Cult most wants to eliminate."
Eum Jeokso paused for a split second at Jong Yo's words, then smirked.
"True enough."
"With all these compounding variables, it's impossible to judge the Blood Cult's next move. They might join the North Sea Ice Palace to strike Shaolin, keep disrupting Shandong's martial world as before, or slip into the shadows as Hall Leader Manan suggests."
"Or unexpectedly target the Sword Rear Guard?"
"Yes."
"Hmm. Curious what choice the Blood Cult rats will make. Doesn't matter to us right now, though. Hall Leader Manan."
"Yes, Palace Lord."
"How much farther to Shaolin?"
"At this pace, we can arrive in about ten days."
"Ten days. The North Sea Ice Palace won't strike first in that time, will they?"
"Unlikely. If they didn't know of our palace's existence, maybe, but they know we've allied with the Blood Cult. No reason for them to attack alone."
"Still, just in case, let's hurry a bit, Strategist. Might as well clash properly. No point in fighting weakened foes—it'd look bad."
"Understood."
Jong Yo bowed deeply in acceptance.
In Shaolin Temple's abbot chamber, exposed to the North Sea Ice Palace's threat.
Abbot Gong Su sat with his hand on his forehead, deep in thought, exhaustion plain on his face. It wasn't just him—the temple's leadership gathered there all wore similar weary expressions.
The door opened, and Reception Hall Head Mu Yo entered.
"Sorry I'm late."
"No, you've worked hard into the late hours."
Gong Su looked at him with pitying eyes. With the North Sea Ice Palace's threat turning real and throngs rushing to Song Mountain to aid Shaolin, Mu Yo was busier than ten bodies could handle.
"Not at all."
"I heard there was a disturbance. Handled well?"
Discipline Hall Head Gong Jin asked.
"Yes. Just some minor misunderstandings. Resolved without issue."
"Crowds breed quarrels. Good work."
Heaven Kings Hall Head Gong Hu sighed at Gong Jin's words.
"Can't blame those rushing to help headquarters, but troubles are cropping up everywhere."
Heaven Buddha Hall Head Gong Yeong chimed in.
"Since headquarters provides mostly vegetarian fare, many forage for themselves. The problem is the hunting, fires, and meat-eating everywhere..."
"Can't be helped. We can't demand they eat grass daily, and since we can't supply meat, we can't scold those fending for themselves."
Everyone nodded uncomfortably at Ksitigarbha Hall Head Won Il's words.
Gong Su addressed Mu Yo.
"As long as they restrain themselves within the grounds, don't make a fuss. We can't force laypeople to follow our precepts."
"Understood. And the food issue should resolve soon."
"How so?"
"Lay disciples running agencies like Yong Seung Escort and various merchant groups and escorts have decided to procure food for the warlords. They saw it as the biggest problem too."
"Ha ha! What a blessing."
Smiles broke across Gong Su and the leadership's faces for the first time in ages at the news of the lay disciples' initiative.
"Oh, what of them?"
Mu Yo's faint smile vanished at Won Il's question.
"Silent with no notable movements, but their rage is beyond this disciple's measure."
"Day by day in unimaginable agony. Pay them extra care."
"I will."
The support forces from the Iron Blood Palace-devastated Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan hadn't returned home, despite leaving their headquarters to aid Shaolin. They couldn't face the Iron Blood Palace alone anyway, and above all, it was confirmed headed for Shaolin. Rebuilding ruined sects mattered, but vengeance came first.
"When do they say the Iron Blood Palace will arrive?"
Gong Su replied to Won Il's question with a stern face.
"The Beggars' Sect says about ten days at their current speed."
"Ten days."
A heavy silence fell at Won Il's murmur.
With the terrifying might of the North Sea Ice Palace sweeping south through Hebei and Shaanxi, the Iron Blood Palace's eastward advance after toppling Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan hit Shaolin like thunder from a clear sky. Though countless warlords rushed to help, it was uncertain if they could repel a joint assault from both. Worst of all, the Blood Cult's stirrings had pulled back Shandong's martial forces centered on the Wicked Families.
"No need for excessive worry, Martial Uncle. The Beggars' Sect thinks smashing the Hao Gate—the Blood Cult's eyes—will soon settle Shandong."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Shandong's desperation aside, the Orthodox Heaven Alliance is performing admirably. Despite heavy losses, they're doggedly driving the Blood Cult back. With the Sword Rear Guard and Sword Pavilion's swordsmen rushing north too, Shandong's resolution is all but certain per the Beggars' Sect. Once done, they'll rush here."
"The world's affairs don't resolve as neatly as we hope. We must watch and rewatch."
Gong Su bowed politely to Won Il's admonition.
"I will."
"Especially the North Sea Ice Palace's moves. They know what we know. Their silence unnerves me."
"The Beggars' Sect is watching with full effort. No major changes yet, so don't fret."
"That's fortunate."
Despite his words, Won Il's worries lingered.