Episode 1037. You’ll find out too. (2)
Man-geum-dae-bu looked at my shoulder quietly.
A bitter smile crossed his lips as he stared at the empty shoulders with cold eyes for a long time.
“… … This is a terrible sight.”
This is the price of arrogance.
I believed that I could negotiate with anyone if I put my mind to it. I believed that there was no power in the world that could not be persuaded by money. I gave up one of my arms in exchange for realizing that was arrogance.
I slowly raised my hand and pressed the cut on my shoulder that had not yet fully healed. The pain was so intense that I clenched my teeth.
‘Not bad.’
Of course, I’m not saying this because I’m crazy.
Losing an arm is a terrible thing. Especially for a swordsman to lose the arm that wields a sword is a loss that is difficult to measure.
but…….
‘doesn’t care.’
It’s better than losing your life.
If you live, the opportunity will surely come. It was a cheap price to pay for the arrogance he committed.
The problem starts from now on.
If we don’t get rid of that cult, he won’t get another chance. We have to get rid of them at any cost.
To do that… … .
thud!
At that moment, the door to the main hall opened and a person walked in. Even without turning his head, Man-geum-dae-bu could tell who it was.
The jingling sound of the ornaments that followed with every step was like a symbol of Jang Il-so. Man-geum-dae-bu turned his head and saw Jang Il-so approaching him.
Jang Il-so asked while staring at Man-geum-dae-bu.
“What’s the situation?”
“… … It seems that he is still in Hangzhou.”
“It’s slower than I thought. I thought you’d be done with Hangju and moving somewhere else by now.”
At those words, Man-geum-dae-bu closed his mouth. There was something about his expression that seemed to indicate disagreement, so Jang Il-so narrowed his eyes slightly and said.
“say it.”
“… …What do you mean?”
“Why do you think their advance is slow?”
Man-geum-dae-bu seemed to be thinking deeply about something, then opened his mouth.
“It’s not slow.”
“Hmm?”
It was an unexpected answer. Jang Il-so tilted his head slightly.
Man-geum-dae-bu opened his mouth again and explained further.
“Their speed is actually faster than I expected.”
“It’s been a whole day and I haven’t been able to do anything about it. You say it’s fast?”
“okay.”
Man-geum-dae-bu nodded with a dark face.
“Because the goals are completely different.”
“purpose?”
“If the Sapalians were to occupy Hangzhou, our goal would be to neutralize them. We would quickly slaughter those who resist, and put Hangzhou under our feet.”
“yes.”
“But that’s not their goal. Their goal is literally annihilation. To erase everything alive in Hangzhou.”
For the first time, Jang Il-so’s mouth closed. He was in a hurry to receive the report and move, so he couldn’t confirm this part accurately.
“… … Extinction?”
A hollow laugh escaped his lips.
“Are you going to kill every living person?”
“It seems so.”
“So does that mean their goal isn’t to rule over the Central Plains, but to kill all the Central Plains people?”
“I don’t know that much. But… … .”
Man-geum-dae-bu opened his mouth with a face that said he didn’t even want to think about it.
“What is certain is that whatever their purpose is, its scope will not be limited to the Central Plains. In the war a hundred years ago, they turned not only the Central Plains but even the Sae-oe into enemies.”
While speaking, the bishop’s eyes appeared clearly in Man-geum-dae-bu’s mind.
“I don’t know. I don’t know exactly, but… … .”
It was not a look that looked at people. What was in those eyes was contempt rather than hatred. It seemed closer to duty than hostility.
The tip of his remaining finger trembled slightly. Now he seemed to understand why the Demonic Cult was so feared.
However, Jang Il-so’s reaction was a little different.
“Extinction… … .”
Jang Il-so thought about it for a moment and then started to chuckle.
“I thought they were a bunch of crazy guys, but they’re actually a lot more petty than I thought.”
“… … You think it’s trivial?”
“okay.”
Jang Il-so twisted the corners of his mouth.
“If there is nothing to rule, there is no reason to fight. What is the meaning of a world where there is no one to grab?”
“… … They might be trying to create a world just for the followers. A paradise just for them… where there are no opponents.”
“That’s a stupid story.”
But Jang Il-so dismissed it outright. A look of disgust crossed his face.
“There is no paradise where people live anyway.”
“… … .”
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Man-geum-dae-bu flinched for a moment. The vicious murderous intent that Jang Il-so let out made him cringe.
“This guy, that guy, they just keep talking like dreamers.”
Jang Il-so lightly glanced at my face. Then, the murderous intent and distorted expression disappeared as if washed away, leaving only my usual relaxed face.
“Well, whatever. It doesn’t matter what they think. They’re going to kill me anyway.”
“… … What about the political faction?”
The silent Man Geum Dae Bu slyly changed the subject. Jang Il So gave a short answer.
“Coming soon.”
“… … I really got some support.”
Man Geum Dae Bu looked at Jang Il So with a new expression.
‘This is not an ordinary thing.’
Jang Il-so is a Sapa. He is also the leader of the Sapa Alliance, which holds the power of the Sapa. It is not ordinary for someone like him to have received support through negotiations with the Jeongpa.
No. Before that… … Even if it is necessary, it is a great thing to even think about reaching out to the political party first.
Maybe this is something only Jang Il-so can do.
“It’s not really something you can call support. I’d like to drag all those political bastards in and use them as shields, but it doesn’t seem like the situation is one where you can relax like that.”
“……surely.”
“So, we must prepare, Master Man-geum.”
Jang Il-so’s eyes turned cold for a moment.
“This is something that the Black Demon should be doing. Even if I step in myself, you guys won’t be able to get away. You have to do your part.”
The great lord nodded slowly. This is unavoidable.
“I am prepared.”
“Then get moving. Pinpoint their location, gather all remaining forces, and gather them in Hangzhou.”
“i get it.”
Man-geum-dae-bu nodded and moved his feet. After looking at Jang Il-so, his eyes turned cold as he went outside.
‘The Demonic Cult, the Righteous Sect, and the Maninbang.’
A merchant must always be thinking of ways to make a profit, even if it means immediately after suffering a huge and irreparable loss.
The expressionless Man-Geum-Dae-Bu’s mind began to fill up with the best possible solutions he could take. It was his job to choose the most realistic one among them.
But was it because I was too deeply immersed in that thought?
The rich man didn’t know.
A strange gaze that was planted on my back. A strange gaze that seemed to be teasing, as if squeezing its prey.
* * *
The main force of the Maninbang lined up along the riverbank.
People who use the name Sapa are usually free-spirited. However, the army of Maninbang lined up now had a firm discipline within their free-spiritedness.
“Ready?”
“It’s over.”
Ho Ga-myeong, standing next to Jang Il-so, answered while looking at the river with gruff eyes.
“… … My Lord. Even though we haven’t completely taken control of the waterway, with just these people… … .”
“It’s okay, Ga-myeong.”
Jang Il-so smiled brightly.
“The number is not important. The Black Ghost will fill in the number.”
“… … I understand up to that point. But is there really a need for Your Majesty to personally go to Hangzhou? Your Majesty is the axis of the Sa-pae-ryeon. How could you do something like this… … .”
“Gae-myung, Ga-myung.”
Jang Il-so let out a deep sigh.
“You try to ruin me every moment.”
“… … .”
“I know exactly what you’re thinking. But you have to remember.”
Jang Il-so’s eyes sparkled strangely.
“The moment you become intoxicated with the roof that blocks the wind and rain and the warmth of the straw, doesn’t even the wolf that used to sink its teeth into the deer’s neck become a mere dog that is satisfied with the bone that is thrown to it?”
“… … .”
“Whether it’s the Ark of the Ten Thousand, or the Lotus Sutra of the Four Guardians, the only thing that changes is the shell. Tell me. Who am I?”
“Your Majesty… … .”
A subtle pressure began to press down on Hogamyeong’s entire body. Hogamyeong opened his mouth, shuddering at the sensation.
“This is Jang Il-so, the defeated general.”
“okay.”
Jang Il-so’s blood-red lips parted, revealing his pure white teeth. He looked like a bloodthirsty wolf.
“I am Jang Il-so.”
What more words are needed?
At that moment, Jang Il-so’s gaze turned to the river.
A ship was seen approaching. Jang Il-so snickered.
“Yes, it has to be me. No way. That sword is too sharp. No one but me can handle it properly.”
Hogamyeong watched the boat coming in. Tension flashed across his eyes.
A group of about ten people came down from a not-so-big boat and approached.
Hogamyeong looked at them without saying a word.
‘I don’t know if it’s right to say this to the enemy, but… … they’re some amazing guys.’
It was his honest impression.
This is Gangnam. It is an enemy territory for them. And in front of them are the elites of the Maninbang. But to approach them so recklessly is not something that can be done with ordinary courage.
Even though he was my enemy, I had no choice but to admit it.
At the front stood a man with a cold expression. He was a little unfamiliar to Ho Ga-myeong, but he came up right in front of Jang Il-so and bowed politely.
“I, the great disciple of Hwasan, Ungeom, come see the Lotus Sutra of Sapyoryeon.”
It was a polite, but never servile, manner.
Jang Il-so’s gaze turned to the empty sleeve of the sword. Jang Il-so smiled strangely and slowly opened his mouth.
“Thank you for taking the difficult step.”
“No problem.”
Soon, Jang Il-so’s gaze turned to Cheongmyeong, who was standing behind the sword.
“okay.”
A ghostly smile spread across his face.
“How does it feel to be inside the enemy’s stomach, Hwasan Swordsman?”
“I’m already worried.”
“huh?”
“I was thinking of cutting off your head as a gift on the way back. Isn’t this a rare opportunity?”
“Hahahahahaha!”
Jang Il-so laughed as if he found it funny.
“Yeah, yeah. That’s why I like you.”
The moment Cheongmyeong was about to say something, an irritated voice was heard from behind him.
“If you came here to chat, can I just go back now?”
Jang Il-so’s gaze turned to where the words had come from.
“Huh? Is this a welcome face?”
Jang Il-so looked at Im So-byeong with smiling eyes and chuckled.
“I never thought the King of the Green Forest would come to visit me in person. I guess I haven’t lost the hearts of the people yet?”
“Can even a baby snake win people’s hearts? I thought that was something only humans could do.”
“Oh, oh, oh. You’re still foul-mouthed.”
The two people’s gazes became intertwined in the air.
But their brief confrontation was abruptly cut off by Cheongmyeong’s words.
“If you’ve said everything, let’s go.”
Everyone’s eyes were focused on Cheongmyeong.
“Right now.”
Jang Il-so smiled with his eyes wide open.
“If you wish.”
Jang Il-so’s eyes seemed seething, while Cheongmyeong’s eyes were piercingly cold.
The moment the sun rises in the east.
The elite of the Volcano and the Maninbang kicked the ground.
The goal is Hangzhou.
It is a land soaked in mud.
