Chapter 206 : The Predetermined Age of Chaos. -01
Chapter 206: The Predetermined Age of Chaos. -01
It seemed that Damhyeon was not the only one thinking that way, as the Sect Leader of the Mount Qingcheng Sect, who could be called the host of this place, opened his mouth.
As expected, he also felt that if things continued like this, there would be no end, so he mentioned Zhuge Mungok and drew everyone’s attention.
“Right. Let’s hear what the head of the Zhuge Family has to say.”
“It seems this won’t end at this rate.”
At the Sect Leader of the Qingcheng Sect’s words, the Sect Leaders of the Qingcheng Sect and Emei Sect voiced their agreement.
There was only one reason why a conclusion could not be reached.
There was no argument that everyone could fully accept.
Because of that, most of the leaders looked at Zhuge Mungok with faint anticipation.
“First, please look at the map.”
At the center of the conference hall, a massive map was spread out.
It depicted a portion of Tibet adjacent to Yunnan Province, as well as a portion of Miaojiang that also bordered Yunnan Province.
“If I were to greatly summarize the opinions being presented, I believe there are two. Whether to defeat them individually, or to wait until the two forces unite and then fight.”
Tap. Tap.
Though larger than an ordinary map, it was not enormous.
However, since everyone gathered here were well-known martial artists of Jianghu, there was no difficulty in examining it.
Feeling their gazes, Zhuge Mungok planted small flags of different colors on one location each in Miaojiang and Tibet.
They were flags bearing the names of the Potala Palace and the Nine Heavens Gate.
“That is correct. Which option do you believe is better, Head of the Zhuge Family?”
“I believe the latter is better.”
At Zhuge Mungok’s answer, the expressions of those who had advocated for defeating them individually stiffened.
From one perspective, it was no different from saying they were wrong.
On the other hand, those who had argued for wiping them out all at once, like Zhuge Mungok, brightened.
They thought that Zhuge Mungok, who was well-versed in strategy and tactics, had supported them.
Words of agreement began to rise from various places.
They had united against a common enemy, but that did not mean their cohesion was strong.
They were merely cooperating because they shared the same enemy; they had no intention of sacrificing themselves for others.
In the end, what mattered most was oneself, one’s sect, and one’s affiliation.
“In addition, if we choose the latter, there is one more advantage. That is the fact that the Nine Heavens Gate is a sect that uses poison arts.”
“Ah!”
At Zhuge Mungok’s words, Tang Woo-hyeok let out an exclamation.
He immediately grasped the meaning.
However, most did not, as those who failed to understand looked at each other in confusion.
“It means that the poison arts of the Nine Heavens Gate can affect not only us, but also the Potala Palace.”
“Ahh!”
“Even if we divide the areas and fight, there is a possibility it will turn into a chaotic melee.”
With the added explanation, those who had not understood widened their eyes.
Only now did they grasp the meaning.
Seeing this, Zhuge Mungok smiled gently and continued.
“On the other hand, we are different. The poison practitioners of the Sichuan Tang Family can use poison freely. Of course, we must be careful not to harm our allies, but it is far more advantageous compared to the Nine Heavens Gate.”
“Indeed. If we utilize the wind direction, attacking becomes even easier. That’s why positioning is also important.”
“That is why I suggested we secure the position first, wait, and strike all at once.”
“Hoh.”
Tang Woo-hyeok nodded.
As expected, he thought, befitting the head of the Zhuge Family.
The others seemed to feel the same, as the dissatisfaction that had once lingered on their faces had largely faded.
“It is true that we have the advantage in numbers. Dividing and defeating them is also a good method. However, rather than splitting our forces in two, I believe it is better to fight in a more advantageous manner. Since we clearly have the upper hand, there is no reason to discard it.”
“And how we divide them is also a problem.”
The Beggars’ Sect Leader, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.
Even if they split their forces, it would still be an issue.
Naturally, they would try to avoid the relatively more difficult Nine Heavens Gate.
While the Potala Palace was by no means an easy opponent, it was still more manageable compared to the Nine Heavens Gate.
“Everyone would flock to one side.”
“Indeed.”
Following the Beggars’ Sect Leader, Namgung Ho also spoke and glanced around.
At that, several middle-aged men subtly avoided his gaze.
At such transparent behavior, Peng Mancheol snorted.
It was absurd to him that they were worrying about which enemy was easier or harder while facing a common foe.
“It seems the head of the Zhuge Family already has a place in mind.”
“I believe this location is geographically suitable. Utilizing terrain is the most basic principle. The wind direction must be confirmed on-site, but for now, I have these two places in mind.”
At the Sect Leader of the Qingcheng Sect’s words, Zhuge Mungok responded smoothly and planted two unnamed flags on the map.
They were locations he had already decided upon internally.
“Even if we engage in a full-scale battle at one of the two, wouldn’t it be better to reduce their numbers as much as possible before they arrive?”
“Are you suggesting we launch a surprise attack now?”
“Rather than a surprise attack, I am suggesting that deploying a detached unit or special operations group would not be a bad idea. That way, we can adapt to the terrain and make various preparations at the position we secure first. On a smaller scale, we could even cut off their supplies. After all, we must assess the strength of the Nine Heavens Gate and the Potala Palace. I am simply suggesting we allocate some personnel for that.”
One of the leaders of the minor sects confidently voiced his opinion.
Zhuge Mungok’s plan was good, but it seemed too passive to him.
He believed that making the enemy more uncomfortable would increase their chances of victory, so they should attempt ambushes and covert attacks without hesitation.
“Then will the Sect Leader lead the detached unit?”
“What are you saying?!”
“Why? Wouldn’t it be more effective for the one who proposed it to take the lead? It seems you have something in mind.”
“That’s absurd!”
At Peng Mancheol’s words, the middle-aged man who had proposed the idea jumped in shock.
He had only suggested the necessity of a detached unit, not that he would personally participate.
Moreover, the reason the entire Orthodox Murim had united was because neither the Nine Heavens Gate nor the Potala Palace could be handled alone.
Even the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families could not face them individually, yet he was being told to fight, causing him to panic and shout.
“Then are you telling others to step forward instead? Hm? You say you’re afraid, yet you push that task onto someone else?”
“……”
The middle-aged man avoided Peng Mancheol’s gaze.
He had something he wanted to say but could not bring himself to voice it.
However, Peng Mancheol, as well as Namgung Ho, Tang Woo-hyeok, and Zhuge Mungok, who were watching, all knew what he wanted to say.
“If you’re not going to step forward yourself, then I’d rather you keep your mouth shut. If you just stay quiet, at least you’ll remain average.”
“Ugh!”
Peng Mancheol openly humiliated him, yet the middle-aged man could not argue.
He did not have the courage to challenge the Blade King, one of the Ten Great Masters Under Heaven and the head of the Hebei Peng Family.
“Why? Do you have a complaint? If you do, say it.”
“N-no, I do not.”
At Peng Mancheol’s heavy voice, the middle-aged man hurriedly answered, lowering his gaze.
Seeing this, Peng Mancheol clicked his tongue.
He had thought the man had some backbone, but that did not seem to be the case.
“Personally, I do not think Sect Leader Jang’s opinion is bad. However, it is also true that there are many aspects that need coordination.”
“While it does not align with the ways of the Orthodox Murim, if we consider it a war, it is indeed effective.”
Following Zhuge Mungok, the Beggars’ Sect Leader spoke.
He partially agreed as well.
War was not always fought in a fair and honorable manner.
Just because they fought fairly did not mean the enemy would do the same.
Rather, the enemy might even exploit that.
Thus, the Beggars’ Sect Leader thought that if necessary, deploying a detached unit or special operations group was acceptable.
“I think differently.”
“I do as well. We represent the Central Plains Murim—resorting to ambushes? That would only be acceptable if our forces were overwhelmingly inferior, but not from the start. Of course, I am not underestimating the Potala Palace and the Nine Heavens Gate.”
True to his nature of choosing his words based on his audience, Peng Mancheol spoke respectfully to Damhyeon.
It was partly because Damhyeon was the current Abbot of Shaolin Temple, but also because he was the master of Ban Hojin.
“I share the same opinion as the Head of the Peng Family. Though I did not expect our thoughts to align.”
“The Orthodox Murim should act as the Orthodox Murim.”
Namgung Ho was followed by Tang Woo-hyeok, who also expressed his disapproval.
Though his tone suggested he did not like agreeing with Peng Mancheol.
“It seems everyone shares the same opinion. Then shall we move on to the next agenda?”
As it appeared that everyone agreed, Zhuge Mungok naturally continued the meeting.
It was, in a way, the most sensitive and troublesome agenda.
As expected, the moment it was brought up, the conference hall once again turned into the center of a marketplace.
However, since it was an issue that had to be addressed, Zhuge Mungok proceeded calmly with patience.
‘Hmm.’
Damhyeon watched this with a frustrated expression.
Like Zhuge Mungok, he had anticipated this situation the moment the topic was raised.
No one wanted to become the shield that took the arrows.
That was why Zhuge Mungok’s role was important.
‘Even so, it gives me a headache.’
Resistance from the minor sects had been expected.
But just because it was expected did not make it any less exhausting.
Thus, Damhyeon spoke the words he had prepared in advance.
“The main temple will fight at the very front.”
“Uh…?”
“Pardon?”
Perhaps because it was unexpected, the leaders of the minor sects—who had been shouting with flushed faces, trying to force through their arguments—froze in bewilderment.
Even Zhuge Mungok, who had been diligently mediating, was no exception.
“In this war, Shaolin will take the lead.”
“That duty cannot be borne by Shaolin alone. Our sect will stand beside Shaolin. Heh heh heh!”
The Beggars’ Sect Leader joined in.
As if he would not allow Shaolin to shoulder the responsibility alone.
At that, Damhyeon looked at him with warm eyes.
---
Knock knock.
“Come in.”
Having received the invitation, Ban Hojin naturally passed through the door opened by a martial artist of the Sichuan Tang Family.
A slightly burdened expression rested on his face.
Seeing the overly solemn and respectful attitude of the martial artist for merely opening a door, Ban Hojin unconsciously shook his head.
On the other hand, Seo Jo-woon and Moyong Cheok smiled in satisfaction.
“It has been a while.”
“In terms of time, it hasn’t been that long, but strangely, it feels like it’s truly been a long time since I last saw you. Perhaps I must have missed you greatly.”
“That is burdensome.”
“Hahaha!”