Chapter 519
Rumors spread rapidly through the murim that the Heavenly Human Cult's Taiping Branch had collapsed along with the Sword Tomb they had created.
But the martial artists paid little attention.
Given the cult's nature of mingling with ordinary civilians, branches like these often disappeared only to be rebuilt elsewhere.
Only third-rate martial artists who had yet to muster the determination to visit the Sword Tomb lamented the news.
Most lacked the courage to risk their lives under the Eight Rules of the Sword Tomb, so they had never set foot there.
Yet quite a few third-rate martial artists had harbored ambitions of one day entering the Sword Tomb to obtain divine swords and secret manuals.
For those who had neither fortuitous encounters nor opportunities, the Sword Tomb had been a beacon of hope—now gone.
Not long after these rumors spread, another shocking piece of news about the Heavenly Human Cult struck the murim like a thunderbolt.
—The cult had orchestrated these events to awaken the demonic sword Blood of a Thousand People and a large number of other demon swords.
—Countless martial artists who had entered were nothing more than sacrificial offerings to awaken those swords.
—Only because most were nameless, second-rate martial artists had the truth remained hidden.
It was an unbelievable claim.
That the Taiping Branch of the Heavenly Human Cult had obtained the demonic sword Blood of a Thousand People and many others, then lured martial artists to their deaths as sacrifices to awaken them?
How could a mere branch, not even the cult's main temple, commit such an enormous atrocity?
Yet disbelief was impossible.
The source of these rumors was none other than the Martial Alliance itself.
—"The Heavenly Human Cult lured hundreds of martial artists to their slaughter. Our alliance will dispatch envoys to severely punish those responsible and discuss countermeasures to prevent recurrence!"
She had sent an investigation unit to hold the cult accountable and uncover the truth behind their crimes.
With even the Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist personally stepping forward, martial artists naturally expected the Heavenly Human Cult to pay the price it deserved.
But something entirely unexpected happened.
—"The Sword Tomb incident was a deviation by the Taiping Branch. Those involved will be punished by our main temple, so the Martial Alliance need not interfere."
The Heavenly Human Cult drew a line, declaring the Sword Tomb incident an isolated transgression by their branch, and turned away the alliance's envoys, even refusing the dispatch of an investigation unit.
—"Have they gone mad?"
No matter how large the cult had grown, the Martial Alliance was the united orthodox faction that divided the martial world.
Moreover, even if the victims were nameless martial artists, they had been killed without a trace.
As the alliance existed to uphold justice in the murim, it had every right to demand punishment for such acts.
When groveling wouldn't have been enough, how dare the cult dismiss the Martial Alliance's demands?
—"This is utterly unacceptable."
Gongson Dan-gyeong had already been searching for justification to crush the Heavenly Human Cult.
That was why she had sent Bu Eun-seol to the Taiping Branch—and through his efforts, the truth of the Sword Tomb incident had been uncovered.
There, she had obtained evidence that at least some martial artists had been massacred.
For the cult to now pretend not to know was beyond intolerable.
In the end, Gongson Dan-gyeong issued a final warning.
—"If you do not immediately reveal the truth and accept our investigation unit, this alliance will declare the Heavenly Human Cult a heretical sect corrupting the murim."
But no further reply came from the cult.
Instead, weren't they gathering troops from all branches at Yangmun Mountain and fortifying defenses around their main temple in preparation for the Martial Alliance's attack?
This was nothing short of provocation.
Gongson Dan-gyeong's patience had run out.
—"We will eradicate the Heavenly Human Cult for defiling the murim!"
The Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist immediately declared the cult's annihilation.
Yet another problem arose.
The alliance's high command had not unanimously approved the extermination.
The evidence Gongson Dan-gyeong presented consisted only of fragments of the demonic sword Blood of a Thousand People and some corpses of martial artists recovered from the collapsed Taiping Mountain.
She had yet to obtain definitive proof that the cult had slaughtered the third-rate martial artists who had entered the Sword Tomb.
The Heavenly Human Cult was a massive religious organization with ordinary civilians among its followers.
Launching an immediate attack simply because they refused to cooperate with the investigation would reflect poorly on the alliance's image.
—"We cannot mobilize all Seven Great Battle Corps at once without irrefutable evidence."
Moreover, the Seven Great Leaders themselves expressed skepticism about the extermination operation.
They were all candidates to become the next Martial Alliance Chief.
And the selection process for that position depended solely on evaluating each leader's merits and faults.
In other words, becoming chief hinged on what achievements one had accomplished as a leader.
What if the cult's claim—that they hadn't slaughtered martial artists—was true?
Then this operation wouldn't be a merit for the leaders, but rather a stain on their records.
For this reason, the leaders hesitated to take command of the Heavenly Human Cult's annihilation.
"To mobilize all Seven Great Battle Corps just to deal with a cult like the Heavenly Human Cult is an extremely inefficient undertaking."
In the end, they failed to achieve unanimous agreement among the Martial Alliance's high command.
The Leaders withdrew from this extermination campaign, and the number of battle groups Gongson Dan-gyeong could mobilize was limited to just two.
"Understood."
Gongson Dan-gyeong complied with the decision without protest.
Because she had deliberately withheld some of the evidence Bu Eun-seol had brought.
If the battle group leaders had intervened, Bu Eun-seol would have had no chance to distinguish himself.
By intentionally revealing only a portion of the evidence of their atrocities, she had engineered this very situation.
"Then, I shall personally lead the Divine Guard Unit and the Heavenly Martial Division—along with their deputy commanders—to strike down the Heavenly Human Cult."
Gongson Dan-gyeong appointed Seong Jo-yeong, deputy commander of the Divine Guard Unit, and Muk In-hyeok, deputy commander of the Heavenly Martial Division, as her adjutants.
Assuming overall command, she set out for the Yellow River region with the two battle groups in tow.
"Gongson Dan-gyeong. You will pay dearly for this unjust invasion."
Though enraged by the news of the Martial Alliance's incursion, the Heavenly Human Cult inwardly rejoiced upon learning that only a fraction of two battle groups would be deployed.
Though a newly risen cult, they dominated the Yellow River region, boasting nearly sixty thousand followers.
Backed by immense wealth, they had recruited renowned martial masters and many skilled in various Arts of Spells.
The Divine Guard Unit and the Heavenly Martial Division—just two battle groups, led by deputy commanders at that—made the outcome unpredictable.
Regardless of the Heavenly Human Cult's reaction, the battle groups under Gongson Dan-gyeong's command advanced into the Yellow River region.
They stationed their forces on the plains near Haseo, the gateway to the cult's territory.
As soon as the barracks were erected, she summoned the deputy commanders and unit leaders to begin strategizing.
The purpose was to discuss battle plans with the deputy commanders and leaders of each unit.
But the moment they entered the barracks, their expressions twisted in bewilderment.
Because standing beside Gongson Dan-gyeong was a conspicuously unremarkable young man.
Tall but slender, with a face so mild it seemed tailor-made for counting coins in a marketplace—
It was Bu Eun-seol, disguised as Peak Leader Seon-u Jin.
"He is Commander Seon-u, leading the Peak Division under the Hall of Martial Ascension."
As the gathered officers' gazes fixed on Bu Eun-seol, Gongson Dan-gyeong introduced him.
"I have appointed him as my strategist to deliberate on military strategy and tactics for this campaign."
Instantly, the commanders' expressions froze over.
Peak Leader Seon-u Jin.
Hadn't he once been embroiled in scandalous rumors with the Chief Strategist?
And the Strategy Pavilion was overflowing with brilliant tacticians—why bring him as an adjutant?
In the urgency of wartime, was the Chief Strategist failing to separate personal affairs from duty?
"Though little known, Commander Seon-u excels in military strategy and the art of deploying troops. I expect great contributions from him in this battle."
Despite Gongson Dan-gyeong's bright expression, the assembled officers pressed their lips tight.
Noticing their displeasure, she added firmly:
"He is indispensable to our victory."
The martial artists swallowed their protests.
If he was truly essential to victory, they had no grounds to object.
But to lose the trust of subordinates even before the battle began... this was no auspicious sign.
"Chief Strategist."
Just then, an urgent voice called from outside the barracks.
"An official from the imperial court requests your presence."
Gongson Dan-gyeong frowned.
Why would a court official seek her out on the eve of battle?
"Show him in."
All the commanders were already gathered here.
If this concerned something they needed to know, it was better to discuss it openly.
Ahem.
A cough sounded as the guard escorted in an official in court robes.
His stride was dignified, but his eyes were clouded, his face brimming with greed—likely a mundane bureaucrat with no knowledge of martial arts.
Hmm.
Clearing his throat again, the official scanned the martial artists in the barracks and shook his head.
"Truly, you seem ready to wage war."
Then he nodded to the attendant behind him.
The attendant knelt on one knee, raising a scroll high with both hands.
The official unfurled it and declared in a solemn voice:
"By the decree of His Majesty the Emperor."
All in the barracks bowed respectfully.
Ahem.
The official coughed pointedly at their subdued response but continued reading the scroll aloud.
"The Shaanxi governor has reported that Gongson Dan-gyeong, Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance, has led martial artists to destroy a benevolent religious order in the Yellow River region."
A benevolent religious order?
Just as the officers' eyes widened in disbelief, the official read on.
"We care not for the quarrels of martial artists. However, we shall not tolerate innocent civilians suffering under the blades of martial factions."
Thud.
The martial artists in the barracks widened their eyes at the official's words.
Normally, in such cases, intervention would come from the branch level at most.
But to mobilize a provincial governor and even submit a memorial to the Emperor himself?
Yet Gongson Dan-gyeong's expression remained serene—
As if she had anticipated this very situation.
"However, the Martial Alliance has long cooperated with the court and upheld righteousness. Thus, we presume there must be reason behind this. Before attacking the Heavenly Human Cult, bring forth all evidence and explain yourselves."
As the official finished speaking, silence fell over the barracks.
Unable to bear the tension, the official cleared his throat and added:
"His Majesty wishes to hear the explanation for the suppression of the Heavenly Human Cult directly."
In the end, the Emperor was demanding that Gongson Dan-gyeong personally come to the capital and justify her campaign against the cult.
Which meant—
The Heavenly Human Cult must have colluded with the government office to buy time.
"His Majesty is mistaken. The Heavenly Human Cult is not a gathering of innocent civilians—it is a heretical sect that has slaughtered martial artists."
Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke calmly.
"I will present the evidence and documents to prove it."
Fortunately, she possessed irrefutable proof of the cult's crimes.
Had she relied on flimsy rumors alone, she would never have launched this extermination operation.
"Unnecessary."
But the official shook his head.
"Did you not hear what this official just said?"
His expression turned haughty as he addressed her.
"As written in the royal decree, His Majesty the Emperor wishes to see and hear the evidence himself."
The martial artists in the barracks were aghast.
To demand that the commander—who should be leading the entire army—suddenly travel to the capital and personally explain the evidence before the Emperor?
"Ahem."
Sensing the hostility in the air, the official coughed awkwardly.
"The Heavenly Human Cult is not a martial faction but a religious order, is it not? Since civilians are among its followers, attacking without His Majesty's permission is unreasonable."
His words were not entirely without merit.
The Emperor had never held martial artists in high regard.
While he cared little for their infighting, the Heavenly Human Cult was still a sect that included civilians.
For the Martial Alliance—a coalition of martial factions—to attack it without imperial sanction would naturally invite reprimand.
"So, in the end, I must personally convince His Majesty with the evidence."
"Precisely."
"But both sides are already in a state of war. Without a commander, unavoidable battles may break out."
"As long as one side is not completely crushed, His Majesty will tolerate some degree of conflict."
Gongson Dan-gyeong and the other martial artists snorted at that.
Clearly, the cult had significant influence within the government—enough to manipulate the court.
War was inevitable now.
This scheme was undoubtedly meant to demoralize the Martial Alliance while buying the cult more time.
"Understood."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded.
"I will personally go to the capital, present the evidence, and convince His Majesty."
"Good."
The official nodded in satisfaction before departing with his subordinates.
Once he was gone, the expressions of the martial artists darkened.
Even if she hurried, the round trip to the capital would take about ten days.
The bigger problem was that the window for battle here was roughly two weeks.
Meaning they would have to engage in combat to some extent—
And maintain a stalemate until Gongson Dan-gyeong returned.
"Since things have come to this, there's no other choice."
She scanned the commanders before speaking in a solemn voice, as if having made a decision.
"While I am away, Commander Seon-u will assume command of the battle."
The martial artists in the barracks looked as if they had been struck in the gut.
To appoint an unheard-of second-grade commander to lead two battalions in her absence for ten days?
"Wait—"
Seong Jo-yeong, deputy commander of the Divine Guard Unit, widened his eyes in disbelief.
"Chief Strategist, what did you just say?"
"I am entrusting full command to Commander Seon-u."
Her gaze did not waver.
Seong Jo-yeong blinked rapidly, stunned.
"The Heavenly Human Cult must have manipulated the government, calculating our forces, their defenses, and the duration of battle."
"..."
"We cannot afford to waste these ten days. I ask for your understanding, Deputy Commander."
"Wait—it's not that this deputy commander desires to command the troops himself."
Seong Jo-yeong pointed to the deputy commander of the Heavenly Martial Division standing beside him, Muk In-hyeok.
"But Deputy Commander Muk is exceptionally composed, strategically brilliant, and has weathered countless major battles. I wouldn't say he surpasses the Chief Strategist, but he is more than capable of leading the forces with distinction."
"Of course, I wouldn't object if Deputy Commander Muk took command."
Gongson Dan-gyeong met Muk In-hyeok's gaze as she spoke.
"But Deputy Commander Muk will absolutely refuse to take charge."
"What do you mean—?"
"What I require is for our forces to breach most of their defensive lines within ten days—yet without advancing further. We must force them into a stalemate."
To break through their defenses yet maintain a standoff. That was nearly impossible.
This wasn't a skirmish between a handful of fighters—it was a clash of six thousand against sixty thousand.
To breach their defenses, push deep into enemy territory, and then withdraw?
From both tactical and strategic perspectives, it bordered on the unthinkable.
"This mission cannot afford to fail. So tell me—will Deputy Commander Muk shoulder full responsibility for everything?"
At Gongson Dan-gyeong's question, Seong Jo-yeong fell silent.
Truthfully, this expedition was almost entirely Gongson Dan-gyeong's unilateral decision.
Without proper consultation with the Martial Alliance's high command, she had leveraged her authority as Chief Strategist to mobilize these forces.
Not only that, but Seong Jo-yeong and Muk In-hyeok were already brimming with discontent.
They had been abruptly summoned to the battlefield without their direct superiors, the division leaders, even present.
Both men were deputy commanders who had risen as far as their youth allowed. Even if they achieved merit here, it would bring them no further advantage.
And now, to demand they also bear responsibility for this battle? That was utterly unacceptable.
"The Chief Strategist is correct. This deputy commander has no desire to assume command."
It was then that Muk In-hyeok spoke.
"But neither do I wish to entrust the fate of our division to a mere second-grade commander."
His sharp eyes flicked between Gongson Dan-gyeong and Bu Eun-seol.
"If things go wrong, the second-grade commander shouldn't be held responsible."
"I will take responsibility."
She set down the commander's seal on the table, her voice unwavering.
"I will answer for every outcome resulting from Commander Seon-u's leadership."
Muk In-hyeok had no retort. He hadn't expected the Chief Strategist to stake her own position—to pledge accountability so decisively.
"Chief Strategist, then allow me to ask one thing."
Seong Jo-yeong interjected.
"If our division follows this second-grade commander's orders, holds the battlefield in stalemate, and the Heavenly Human Cult launches a preemptive strike—what then? If we retaliate and annihilate them in self-defense?"
His piercing gaze locked onto Gongson Dan-gyeong.
"Whose responsibility would that be?"
If the Martial Alliance crushed the Heavenly Human Cult before the Emperor's audience?
Gongson Dan-gyeong, en route to the Capital, would have defied the Emperor's decree.
Yet once battle was joined, with victory within grasp, ordering a retreat would be equally unthinkable.
"Once combat begins, thousands of martial artists will be swept into a frenzy beyond reason. If they've already stormed the enemy's headquarters, they could even wipe them all out."
"That, too, will be my responsibility."
Seong Jo-yeong's eyes widened at her words.
"Are you serious?"
If such a scenario unfolded, "taking responsibility" wouldn't suffice.
Defying the Emperor's decree to eradicate the Heavenly Human Cult wouldn't just cost her position as Chief Strategist—it could very well cost her life.
"But that won't happen."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's pupils burned with absolute confidence.
"So long as Commander Seon-u leads, by the time I return, they'll have only progressed as far as breaching the defensive lines."
Seong Jo-yeong's brows arched.
For someone so young to have risen to Chief Strategist, she must possess extraordinary strategic brilliance—perhaps even the legendary Mystic Calculation Strategy.
But Seon-u Jin didn't appear remotely capable of such a feat.
In the end, Gongson Dan-gyeong was gambling her future on vanishingly slim odds.
'Too young. Too naive. She must think everything is simple.'
Internally, Seong Jo-yeong shook his head.
Unless he stepped forward to assume command himself, he had no choice but to comply with her orders.
She had staked everything, after all.
"Very well. Since the Chief Strategist insists to this extent, I shall obey."
"And Deputy Commander Seong?"
At her prompting, Seong Jo-yeong also nodded.
"So be it."
"Good. Then I'll depart for the Capital at once to settle this matter."
She turned to Bu Eun-seol and gave a firm nod.
"Commander Seon-u. I leave this to you."
Her eyes gleamed as she spoke with resolute clarity.
"By the time I return—shatter every last one of their defensive lines. But do not destroy their headquarters."
In truth, this bordered on an impossible task.
Bu Eun-seol didn't answer immediately.
This situation hadn't been hinted at beforehand—nor was it part of any prior discussion.
"You can do it, right?"
Yet Gongson Dan-gyeong only smiled brightly.
If she had been ordered to command the troops for ten days and engineer such a deadlock?
Difficult as it was, she would have seen it through to the end.
Gongson Dan-gyeong believed in her.
If she herself could do it—
Then Bu Eun-seol absolutely could as well.