The three warriors, Dang Mujin, Hyun Gong, and Yuyu Do-in, pushed their skills to the limit, racing towards the nearest village.
Calling it “near” was a bit of a stretch, though. Even at full speed, it took them over an hour to reach it.
Like the last village, this one bore the scars of recent fires. Wooden items had been hastily dismantled and used as fuel.
Dang Mujin spoke, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
“Could it be that it wasn’t the cultists, but someone else passing through?”
Yuyu Do-in answered instead of Hyun Gong.
“The winters in Cheonghae Province are brutal. Traders and locals don’t travel far during this season. Some leave in the fall, but no one comes in after late autumn.”
“Surely, there must be some who don’t know how harsh the winters here can be,” Dang Mujin suggested, though he knew his optimism was unfounded.
Yuyu Do-in shook his head, counting the number of fire sites.
“There might be a few fools, but not a hundred of them moving together.”
Dang Mujin sighed deeply.
“There’s no point in lingering. Let’s persuade the others to return to the communal mountain.”
Back at their original village, the three were met by representatives from various clans and sects.
“What’s the situation?” one asked, without preamble.
Yuyu Do-in replied, “It seems the cultists have braved the harsh winter and moved east.”
“Did we miss them on the road?”
“Looks that way.”
The world is vast, and in remote places like Cheonghae or Xinjiang, where paths are scarce, it’s more surprising not to miss each other.
“Then it’s time to decide our next move,” said Murong Muhong, head of the Murong clan.
Sunwoo Ja, leader of the Huashan sect, countered, “Decide? Didn’t you hear we missed the cultists?”
“Missing them is one thing, but our next steps are another. Surely, you don’t mean to turn back and return to the communal sect?”
“Of course, that’s what we should do.”
More than half of the warriors agreed with Sunwoo Ja’s suggestion to return. However, about thirty percent, including Murong Muhong, were not convinced.
Emboldened by this support, Murong Muhong continued, “If we retreat now, the battlefield of the great war will shift to the central plains. The cultists likely headed east to provoke just such a retreat. Falling into their trap is not an option.”
“So, you’re saying we should ignore whatever happens in the central plains?”
Murong Muhong nodded calmly, “Isn’t that why we left some of our people behind in each sect? We must trust those who remain.”
Sunwoo Ja glared at Murong Muhong. He knew Murong’s confidence lay not in the strength of those left behind, but in the remote location of the Murong clan, far to the northeast. Even if the central plains were engulfed in chaos, it was unlikely to reach them.
Those who supported Murong’s stance were in similar situations, based far from the central turmoil. But for most sects, the situation was different. If the communal sect fell, the next targets would be the Zhongnan sect, followed by Huashan and Wudang. If the direction shifted, even the Qingcheng and Emei sects in Sichuan, and the Tang family, could be at risk.
Sunwoo Ja, usually gentle and composed, spoke bluntly to Murong Muhong, “You’re shameless. Do you think we don’t see through your intentions?”
Murong Muhong didn’t back down. “Not all cultists have moved to the central plains. They’ve likely sent a small force to distract us while the leader buys time. The traces left in the villages are part of that strategy.”
Murong Muhong stood, meeting the eyes of those around him. “We came here to eliminate the cult leader. Advancing to Tianshan to cut off the leader’s head and then returning to the central plains is the right course. Even if the Murong clan were the first to be engulfed in flames, I’d argue the same.”
His argument held some sway, but Dang Mujin pointed out a critical flaw. “Can you be sure the leader is at Tianshan?”
“Of course, the leader must be there. Even if not, we must strike at their base. If they aim for our heart, we must show we can pierce theirs.”
A loud laugh interrupted the serious discussion, drawing all eyes to Yujin Gwang.
“Pierce their heart? I like it! Our sect will lead the charge to the cult’s base.”
“Master Yu!” Dang Mujin tried to stop him, but Yujin Gwang waved him off.
“Clan Leader Murong, will you join us at Tianshan?”
Murong Muhong nodded eagerly. “Of course.”
“Are you prepared to fight until the cult’s base is destroyed?”
“Naturally.”
“The key is not to retreat once the swords are drawn. Even if the enemy is numerous or the leader glares from Tianshan, we must not back down.”
Yujin Gwang’s words were more a warning to Murong than a declaration of war against the cult. Once committed, there would be no turning back.
It’s not easy to stand firm against a madman, especially one of the top martial artists in the righteous sects.
“Generally, yes, but… we should decide based on the situation, shouldn’t we?” Murong Muhong’s voice wavered slightly.
Yujin Gwang scoffed. “You said you’d pierce their heart. Our sect is ready to be the sword that strikes the cult’s heart.”
He looked directly at Murong Muhong. “If a limb hesitates when the sword aims for the heart, what should be done?”
“Retreat and wait for another chance, I suppose.”
“No. Cut it off. Once you retreat to avoid death, you’ll do it again. Only with such resolve can we pierce the heart.”
Murong Muhong involuntarily stepped back, but Yujin Gwang advanced on him.
“Anyway, I’m glad to find an ally who speaks my language. Whether we return triumphant or bury our bones at Tianshan, our paths are aligned.”
“That…”
No rational person, no one who values life, could accept such a proposal. If anyone else had said it, it might have been dismissed as bravado.
But Murong Muhong knew Yujin Gwang was a man who kept his word.
As Murong hesitated, Yujin Gwang draped an arm over his shoulder, despite the age difference.
“Great. The Murong clan is with us. Anyone else want to join?”
Those who had supported Murong’s proposal avoided Yujin Gwang’s gaze.
Better to return to the central plains than to follow a madman to the underworld.
As the momentum for advancing on the cult waned, Dang Mujin spoke again.
“If it were just a matter of missing them, it might not be a big deal. But the situation is more complex, and returning east is the right choice.”
With Yujin Gwang as the alternative, people were more open to Dang Mujin’s reasoning.
“Is there more reason to return?”
“The key point is that when we left the communal sect five days ago, there was no news of cultists. It’s wiser to assume they were lying in wait for us to leave, rather than coincidentally missing them. It might not be a simple distraction.”
“Indeed! Excellent insight!” Peng Mugyeom, head of the Hebei Peng family, quickly agreed with Dang Mujin.
Better to align with Dang Mujin and return to the central plains than to be dragged to Tianshan by Yujin Gwang.
Yujin Gwang released Murong Muhong’s shoulder and said, “It should take about fifteen days to return to the communal sect and check on the central plains. Those too impatient to wait, or eager to prove their bravery, can join us in attacking the cult’s base now.”
He paused, then continued, “But those worried about their sect’s future, whose swords might waver, should return to the communal sect. A sword wielded without hesitation, even if slower, is better than one swung too quickly.”
When Yujin Gwang spoke and stomped his foot, the warriors of the Jeomchang Sect rose from their seats. They looked weary, having not rested properly, but none voiced any complaints.
“Those who wish to join the Jeomchang Sect, follow me now.”
Yujin Gwang left the village, heading west.
It was undoubtedly a rash decision.
However, Dang Mujin could easily guess why Yujin Gwang was in such a hurry to leave. Yujin Gwang wanted as many people as possible to return to the central plains with Dang Mujin rather than follow him, so he deliberately set off quickly.
Dang Mujin sent a telepathic message to Yujin Gwang.
Are you sure about this?
I can’t just sit back and do nothing. If I want to return with riches, it’s better to strike at Tianshan than to clean up the aftermath in the central plains.
It was a choice too dangerous and foolish to be justified by such excuses.
Yujin Gwang knew how perilous his decision was. He might have been eccentric, but he wasn’t stupid.
No one followed the Jeomchang Sect. Even the Moyong family, who had been clamoring to attack the main base of the Demonic Cult, stayed put.
Dang Mujin sent another message to Yujin Gwang.
Yujin Gwang didn’t look back. Instead, he waved his right arm lightly in farewell to Dang Mujin.
Soon, the warriors of the Jeomchang Sect disappeared into the night beyond Qinghai Province.
Five more days passed.
Ten days since they left the Gongdong Sect. The group arrived at the charred remains of the Gongdong Sect.
”···.”
Perhaps as a final courtesy from the Demonic Cult’s warriors, the hastily gathered bodies formed small mounds. However, it was impossible to tell whose grave was whose.
The only survivors of the Gongdong Sect were those who had left with the intention of joining the expedition against the Demonic Cult and had returned.
The surviving Taoists of the Gongdong Sect stood silently before the graves, gazing at the indifferent sky.
The sky was a clear blue, without a cloud in sight.
“We will stay here.”
“···As you wish.”
Could the Gongdong Sect rise again?
People were skeptical, but no one was reckless enough to voice such thoughts aloud.
The righteous sect warriors descended from Gongdong Mountain and asked the villagers which direction the Demonic Cult’s warriors had gone.
The answer they received was not what Dang Mujin wanted to hear.
“I’m not sure, but… it seemed like they were scattering.”
If the Demonic Cult’s warriors had moved without scattering, they would have headed east toward the heart of the central plains.
But the fact that they scattered meant they might have considered heading as far south as Sichuan Province.
However, there were those more concerned than Dang Mujin—the Taoists of the Zhongnan Sect, located east of the Gongdong Sect. With Gongdong Mountain fallen, the Zhongnan Sect, being the closest, had no way to avoid disaster.
The situation was not much different for the Huashan and Wudang Sects. If the Zhongnan Sect fell, the next targets would be Huashan and Wudang.
“Where could the cult leader be?”
There was no way to know.
The righteous sect warriors exchanged glances.
Even without speaking, they could guess each other’s thoughts.
Given the situation, it was best to move east and confront the main force of the Demonic Cult.
However, the Tang family, Qingcheng Sect, and Emei Sect decided to head south. With the situation in Sichuan Province also dire, they needed to return there first.
Dang Mujin and his three friends discussed their plans.
Namgung Myung was the first to speak.
“Hyun Gong, you’ll obviously head to Wudang. Dang Mujin, you’re going back to the Tang family, right?”
“I suppose so.”
“Alright. Hong Geolgae, are you heading to Kaifeng?”
But Hong Geolgae shook his head.
“No. I’ll pass through Sichuan first, then head east. Kaifeng isn’t in immediate danger, so I can help Dang Mujin and move later. Besides, not all the Beggars’ Sect members are gathered in Kaifeng.”
“What about the Beggars’ Sect members who followed you?”
“I told them to find their own way. Beggars never lose their way.”
The paths were set.
Namgung Myung and Hyun Gong, along with most of the righteous sect warriors, would head east.
Dang Mujin, Hong Geolgae, and the warriors of the Emei and Qingcheng Sects would head to Sichuan.
Dang Mujin spoke to Hyun Gong and Namgung Myung.
“Let’s meet again in one piece.”
“Yes.”
With those words, the gathered warriors split into two groups.
There was no time to waste. Hyun Gong and the Wudang Sect’s Taoists didn’t wait for the other righteous sect warriors and rushed eastward at full speed.
After about three days, Hyun Gong and the Wudang Sect’s Taoists arrived at the Zhongnan Sect.
‘This isn’t good.’
The Zhongnan Sect wasn’t burned like the Gongdong Sect, but there were graves scattered around, and the air was thick with the smell of blood.
Dark stains marked the ground, and the scent of blood lingered heavily.
The next targets of the Demonic Cult’s warriors would be either the Huashan or Wudang Sects, or perhaps both.
‘···Please.’
Hyun Gong fervently hoped that the Wudang Sect hadn’t fallen yet.
“Hurry! We move to Wudang without rest!”
After two more days of travel, Hyun Gong and the Wudang Sect’s Taoists arrived at Wudang.
Fortunately, there was no scent of blood at Wudang Mountain.
As Hyun Gong arrived, the Wudang Sect’s Taoists guarding the Sword Pavilion shouted inward.
“The headmaster has returned!”
Thankfully, the Wudang Sect had not yet faced disaster.
Hyun Gong moved inside, observing his surroundings. He saw not only the Wudang Sect’s Taoists but also several from the Zhongnan Sect. It seemed they had managed to escape without perishing.
Hyun Gong headed straight to the residence of Elder Yingbo, the Xiantian Hall.
As always, before Hyun Gong could speak, Elder Yingbo’s voice called out.
“Come in.”
Hyun Gong opened the door and entered the Xiantian Hall.
Elder Yingbo sat calmly, looking at Hyun Gong.
But unlike the past, when he was always relaxed and leisurely, there was a sharp, cutting aura around him now.
Even knowing there was no hostility, Hyun Gong felt intimidated by the fierce presence.
“···I’m back.”
“You said you were attending a friend’s wedding. You’re late.”
Hyun Gong bowed his head without offering excuses.
At the same time, the sharp aura surrounding Elder Yingbo dissipated.
When Hyun Gong looked up again, Elder Yingbo was smiling lightly, as usual.
Elder Yingbo spoke to Hyun Gong.
“But there’s still time for one last lesson. Let’s go outside. Carry me out.”
Hyun Gong nodded. In the past, whenever he received teachings, he would carry Elder Yingbo outside.
Hyun Gong carried Elder Yingbo to a flat rock in front of the Xiantian Hall and asked.
“What will you teach me?”
But unlike usual, Elder Yingbo had one more instruction.
“Close your eyes.”
“Pardon?”
“Close your eyes, and I’ll show you.”
Hyun Gong closed his eyes. He had never doubted Elder Yingbo.
Elder Yingbo was his parent, his teacher, and the guiding light of his life.
“Extend your arms forward.”
Hyun Gong followed Elder Yingbo’s instruction once more.
“Like this?”
“Yes, that’s perfect.”
In the next moment, Hyun Gong felt a sharp sting on his forearms.
It was a burning, chilling sensation, like a bee sting. Unpleasant, yet familiar.
‘What is this…!’
Hyun Gong quickly stepped back and opened his eyes to see what had happened.
Elder Yingbo had drawn his sword, and blood was flowing from Hyun Gong’s forearms.
Though the bones were unharmed, the muscles had been cut deeply enough that Hyun Gong couldn’t move his forearms as he wished.
It wasn’t like before when Elder Yingbo would push him to enlightenment.
Elder Yingbo had cut Hyun Gong’s forearms without any warning.
Hyun Gong cried out in confusion.
“Master, why are you doing this?”
“You won’t be able to wield a sword for at least a month. This is the beginning of my lesson.”
Elder Yingbo spoke with a gentle smile.