Chapter 156
The return of So-ah and Jeon Woo-chi, who had been dispatched for negotiations, was so fast that it was hard to believe.
To make a round trip from the Martial Alliance headquarters to Shiwanda Mountain, located in the middle of Qinghai, that is, 'Aheladaheze Mountain', even a person with excellent lightness and footwork skills would take at least a month.
Since they had to rest in the middle and needed time to replenish their internal energy in addition to eating and sleeping, a month was actually a very short period.
But So-ah and Jeon Woo-chi broke through this distance in just ten days.
Therefore, the members of the alliance at first paid more attention to their mirage-like return than to the direction of the negotiations...
'Did they really go to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult?'
'I knew that the lightness skill was comparable to the Cloud Dragon Eight Great Forms, but isn't this too fast!'
'He kept shouting about infinite stamina and body remodeling, so was he able to come so quickly because his stamina is infinite?'
To make matters worse, the people began to unfold their own impossible imaginations.
Fortunately, at the right time, Abbess Hongryeon stepped forward.
"You've worked hard coming a long way, So-ah. Sir Jeon Woo-chi has also worked hard."
"Not at all, Alliance Leader."
"I have only done what I was supposed to do, Alliance Leader."
After such simple pleasantries ended...
Abbess Hongryeon immediately brought out the main point.
"So-ah. What happened to the matter you went for? Did it go well?"
Thump-thump—
At Abbess Hongryeon's question, the people held their breath.
In fact, this proposal was nothing short of a courageous decision for the Martial Alliance.
When the former top masters, the God of War and the Heavenly Demon, were alive, they had maintained a smooth relationship based on the tense balance of power and personal friendship between the two.
But since some of the prestigious orthodox sects of the Orthodox Path still regarded the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult as a wicked group or a cunning demonic cult, to extend a hand to them first was a matter of considerable pride.
'To have returned so quickly...'
'The possibility of the negotiations having broken down is high.'
'It was an absurd thing from the beginning.'
When So-ah's answer did not come out immediately, a look of disappointment was clearly on the faces of the people.
But just then.
Grin—
Weren't So-ah and Jeon Woo-chi curling the corners of their lips at the same time?
"...Surely?"
Abbess Hongryeon asked with a trembling voice.
As a good premonition welled up, she forgot her duty and showed a frivolous appearance.
And...
"It's done, Alliance Leader! I have received a direct confirmation from the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, and the young leader will act as the representative of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and will actively cooperate."
In that moment.
"So-ah! You did it!"
"Young Hero Jin! Sir Jeon Woo-chi! You've worked hard!"
"Hohoho! What a great achievement! It's nothing short of a great achievement!"
A warm wind blew in the stiffened room.
A bright flower of laughter also bloomed on Abbess Hongryeon's face.
"Well done, So-ah!"
"Alliance Leader. I think things will go well. We will now be able to completely annihilate the White Lotus Cult!"
"I would like to express my gratitude to you, So-ah, and Sir Jeon Woo-chi on behalf of the alliance once again."
Abbess Hongryeon, as if she was sincerely impressed, bowed to the two.
At that, So-ah and Jeon Woo-chi, not knowing what to do, also bowed together in response.
Soon, So-ah suddenly said.
"Alliance Leader..."
"Yes."
"I think we need to discuss the full-scale expedition now. Please summon all the officials remaining in the cult."
"All the officials?"
"Yes. Because I have a very important matter to tell you."
"I will do so."
Abbess Hongryeon nodded her head and hurriedly opened her mouth.
"Leader Jang. Right now, summon all the officials in the main office to the main conference room."
"Yes, Alliance Leader!"
***
Half a shichen later...
Martial Alliance, Main Conference Room—
At the summons of the Alliance Leader, all the officials, except for the personnel scattered to each branch throughout the Central Plains, were summoned.
At that, the spacious main conference room was crowded with people.
The heat from the packed room was stuffy.
"So-ah. Now, let's begin. How did the story go with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult?"
"Yes, Alliance Leader. First, let me tell you a surprising fact. The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult has been collecting more information than the Martial Alliance. The young leader disguised his identity and infiltrated as a spy, and has dug up unimaginable information."
"Unimaginable information?"
"Yes. It is the fact that the White Lotus Cult has established a huge cult branch in Gansu, and is restoring and producing thousands of demonic beasts there."
A look of astonishment appeared on the faces of the people who heard So-ah's words.
It was only natural.
Gansu was not that far from the Martial Alliance headquarters.
Since they did not even know that a heinous thing was happening right under their noses, they were surprised and at the same time, felt a sense of futility.
But So-ah ignored the reactions of the people and calmly continued to speak.
"The problem is not just the demonic beasts. They say that the Ghost Demon Jiangshi, which are known to be one-man-armies, are also sealed in a number that cannot be counted. It is truly a terrible power."
"Hah... the power of the White Lotus Cult is truly frightening!"
"The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult wants a quick subjugation. That part is in line with us. Therefore, we must immediately gather all the members scattered to each region, as well as all the personnel of the small and medium-sized sects of the martial world, and form a subjugation army."
"It won't be an easy task."
"But we have to do it. Because the more actively we move, the more support we can draw. The Cult Leader has promised to support three battalions of troops under the young leader, the 12 monks of the Heavenly Demon Sacred Hall, and a budget of 5 million silver nyang as the first phase. Of course, this is limited to the first phase of support. If we show the firm will of the Orthodox Path, we will be able to plan for a considerable amount of additional power."
Murmur-murmur—
The crowd murmured among themselves.
It was inevitable.
One battalion of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult boasted a power that was comparable to one of the large sects of the Orthodox Path.
But to support not just one, but three such battalions, and to support the 12 representative monks of the Heavenly Demon Sacred Hall, which was known as the best group of monks in the martial world?
Furthermore, even 5 million silver nyang!
Since all of this was said to be the first phase of support, it was not unreasonable for the crowd's mouths to drop open.
Just then.
"Kehkehkeh! So-ah. Amazing, amazing! You have truly achieved a great merit. As expected, you are undoubtedly the lucky charm of the Orthodox Path. Hohohohohot!"
The Dragon Head Sect Leader, Hong In-geol, who was usually revered as a person of a pleasant and gentle nature, but was strict in official settings, burst into loud laughter.
"Grand... no, Sect Leader. You are too kind."
At that.
"No, So-ah. You have truly done a great thing. If you had not gained the favor of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Cult Leader, such a meticulous and cautious person would not have readily offered such support."
Abbess Hongryeon also stepped forward to praise So-ah's merit.
Simultaneously.
"But So-ah. This unworthy Alliance Leader cannot help but ask you for a favor once again."
She suddenly added.
"Alliance Leader. What is it? Just give me the order comfortably, haha."
"Hoho. You brat! Yes, then I will speak frankly."
"..."
"In the vanguard of the White Lotus Cult's Gansu cult branch subjugation. Can you stand?"
"Yes?! Me?"
"Didn't you say that the young leader would act as the representative of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? Then, of course, isn't it appropriate for you, who are close to him, to act as our representative?"
'Ah... this is!'
So-ah was at a loss for words.
Of course, he was prepared to stand at the forefront of the White Lotus Cult's subjugation and fight with all his might.
But to officially stand at the forefront meant something different.
"Is it burdensome?"
"No. Rather than being burdensome... I was just wondering if a young person like me could take on such a heavy responsibility. I need to consult with the other elders..."
Therefore, So-ah had no choice but to hesitate.
In that moment.
The Dragon Head Sect Leader, Hong In-geol, shouted in a loud voice.
"On the day of the Hero Tournament, who was it that established the prestige of the Martial Alliance from the White Lotus Cult and the Eastern Depot? Is that all! When the key figures of the Nine Great Sects and the Eight Great Families were struggling with the Ten Fragrances Tendon Severing Powder. At that time too, it was you, So-ah, who did not hesitate to travel a thousand miles to Namman to persuade the Poison King and get the antidote. Moreover, since you have achieved the merit of cooperation with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, you are strictly a hero of the entire Orthodox Path. No one will oppose it. So-ah. I want you to be the protagonist of the prelude to this great war."
At that.
"That's right!"
"Of course! Who can find fault with Young Hero Jin!"
"Of course, it is right for Young Hero Jin to stand at the forefront!"
"Our Kunlun agrees!"
"Qingcheng also agrees!"
"Wudang also agrees!"
"Amitabha... Shaolin will also share the same will!"
In an instant, a fiery cheer poured out in the room.
At the same time, as the representatives of the Nine Great Sects and the major families showed their positive intentions.
'My goodness... am I destined to die working?'
In a situation where there seemed to be no way out, So-ah let out a sigh inwardly.
In the end.
"Ah-ah! Just a moment! Yes, yes. I understand! Yes, yes! For now... everyone, just a moment... shh!"
So-ah went to the center of the main conference room and drew the attention of the crowd.
"Alright. If that is the will of the various seniors. I, Jin So-ah, as the representative of the Orthodox Path martial world, will join forces with the young leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and stand at the forefront of the subjugation army. But!"
At So-ah's shout, the people all fell silent, opened their ears, and assumed a listening posture.
So-ah took a deep breath and continued to speak in a serious tone.
"You all know that unity is the most important virtue in order to successfully lead such a great cause. Therefore, I am worried whether I, who have little experience, can faithfully carry out my role. Therefore, I ask for one promise. The moment the matter is implemented, you must all think of my words as the Alliance Leader's command and follow them. Do you agree?"
So-ah's worry was this.
To lead the high-nosed seniors of the prestigious orthodox sects, one needed seniority, wisdom, and furthermore, transcendent martial arts.
Although So-ah was outstanding in terms of wisdom and martial arts, since he was young, he was sorely lacking in seniority, so this worry could not be dismissed as a groundless fear...
But.
"Young Hero Jin. I will promise. Our Qingcheng Sect will definitely believe and follow your opinion."
"Amitabha... it is the same for Shaolin."
"We will also do so!"
The atmosphere, which had once been ignited, did not easily subside.
Most of the people showed their positive intentions to So-ah's question.
"Alright! Then, I will accept the proposal. I will do my best to achieve the complete subjugation of the White Lotus Cult as soon as possible!"
Only then did So-ah readily accept the proposal.
It would be a lie if he said he did not feel burdened.
It would be the same for anyone, not just So-ah.
But as soon as he thought about becoming the representative of the Orthodox Path, his mind, on the contrary, became as clear as a still mirror.
Instead of anguish and agony, a fighting spirit and a desire for victory welled up.
"Waaaaah!"
"Let's subjugate the White Lotus Cult!"
"For the peace and tranquility of the martial world!"
Thus, the main conference room of the Martial Alliance was boiling with excitement and heat.
***
"Everyone is gathered..."
In front of the man clad in a black martial robe, a total of 50 figures were lined up.
They were all individuals who boasted an extraordinary eye light, and of course, their bodies were like a single, well-polished famous sword.
They were none other than the imperial court's direct unit, whose name was famous throughout the world.
The members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
"This operation will be an arduous and rugged path. Perhaps many comrades will die. Because it is not an easy task to deal with the martial artists who have a record in the martial world."
"..."
"But with a single mind, what can't be accomplished. As much as our determination is extraordinary. I believe that our Embroidered Uniform Guard will be able to faithfully carry out the mission as always."
At the words of the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Jin Won-tak, the 50 or so members all prostrated themselves and expressed their determination.
"I obey!"
"I obey!"
"I obey!"
At that.
"The beginning of the operation is the confiscation and search of the Moyong family. Tonight, we set out on our way."
The gaze of Jin Won-tak, who had given the command, was directed at the empty air.
'Jin So-ah... it won't be. It won't be...'
It was a gaze filled with a distant look.
A somehow lonely look was on his face.
(End of Chapter)