Return of the Mount Hua Sect (HTL 1634+)

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"We've been attacked again?"

Jo Geol's face twisted as soon as he heard the bad news from the previous night upon waking.

"It seems like that."

"….."

The atmosphere around him was tense.

Normally, Jo Geol would have erupted in anger by now. But this time, he didn't even feel angry. The severity of the situation was something he could instinctively sense.

"What about the evidence?"

"None at all."

"We increased the personnel and make the guard tighter, didn't we? And yet, they were taken out again without even managing to blow their whistles?"

"Yeah."

Jo Geol's expression hardened further.

No matter how he thought about it, this seemed impossible. The only scenario that made sense was if the patrol hadn't recognized the approaching person as an enemy.

"…Sahyung, could it be internal…"

"Stop right there."

Yoon Jong shot a stern look, and Jo Geol closed his mouth. After silencing him with a glance, Yoon Jong let out a sigh.

"I had the same thought. But we must be cautious about suspecting our own people, even as a last resort. There's still a possibility we haven't considered, right?"

"What do you mean?"

The answer came from the person who suddenly flung open the tent door.

"The Thousand Faced Manipulator."

"...What?"

Jo Geol quickly turned his gaze toward the entrance. It was Im Sobyeong.

"What about the Thousand Faced Manipulator, Dam Yeohae?"

In an almost leisurely tone, he spoke of something gravely serious. Jo Geol jumped up, exclaiming.

"Ah…!"

"If it's that guy, it might be possible. He's the world's best master of disguise, after all."

"...How did I not think of that?"

Just recently, they had encountered him up close. And they even witnessed him attacking and taking down the Sun Palace Lord right in front of them.

"Are you sure, Nokrim King?"

"Who knows."

Im Sobyeong shrugged lightly.

"No one in the world knows the true extent of Dam Yeohae's disguise abilities. But it's something we need to consider."

Jo Geol scratched his head in frustration.

"Why is everything so complicated? So, in any case, you're saying the Thousand Faced Manipulator is behind this, right?"

"...I like how straightforward that is. Yes, let's go with that."

"Then we need to respond."

"How?"

"What?"

"How do we respond?"

"Well, obviously…"

Jo Geol faltered, his words trailing off.

"Wait..."

It was only now that he realized just how deep they had been caught in a trap.

"You said it was the Thousand-Faced Manipulator?"

"Yes."

With Im Sobyeong absent, many gathered inside the tent.

"Dam Yeohae, the Thousand-Faced Manipulator…"

Murmuring quietly to himself, the Beast Palace Lord, Maeng So nodded.

"That would explain it. He could disguise himself as an ally and get close."

"That's nonsense!"

But Moyong Wigyeong had a completely different opinion.

"Not only is it questionable whether such a disguise is even possible, but even if it is, would someone of his stature really get involved in something like this?"

"Why wouldn't he?"

"Are you dense? Thousand Faced Manipulator is leader of the Hao Sect and practically the second-in-command of the Evil Tyrant Alliance."

Of course, the real second-in-command was The Poisonous Heart Rakshasa Ho Gamyeong, but his authority rested solely on Jang Ilso.

So strictly speaking, it wasn't wrong to view Dam Yeohae as the second-in-command of the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

"And so?"

"Do you think someone like him would sneak into enemy lines just to assassinate some sentries?"

Moyong Wigyeong asked the question in a heated tone, this time looking toward Tang Gunak.

"Within the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, it would be like asking the Tang Family Lord here to sneak into enemy lines and use poison to take them down."

"No, you give me too much credit…"

"Is there anyone here who could ask or even suggest such a thing of him?"

Everyone fell silent. It was indeed something that went beyond their common sense.

Would Jang Ilso really make such an outrageous request of the Hao Sect leader? Considering that the Evil Tyrant Alliance was not just one sect but a coalition of many, it seemed almost impossible.

"Couldn't it be that the Thousand Faced Manipulator is acting on his own will?"

In response to Namgung Dowi's question, Pungyeong Singae shook his head.

"The Thousand Faced Manipulator, Dam Yeohae, is an extremely cautious man. If he had been more daring, the power dynamics of the evil sects might have shifted already. I doubt he would take on such a risky task himself."

"Is that so..."

A heavy silence hung in the air for a moment.

"What's important is to focus on the key issue."

Everyone's gaze turned toward Zhong Ligok.

"Whether it's Dam Yeohae or not, the events of last night are clear. Someone is tricking the guards and approaching them."

Everyone nodded.

At first, it was just a suspicion, but after another night, it had become undeniable. For anyone to silently take down sentries who were on high alert, they would have had to approach without raising suspicion.

"Then we just need to give a simple order."

"What do you mean…"

"All we need to do is order them to attack anyone who approaches, no matter who it is."

A few people gasped softly, nodding in agreement with Zhong Ligok's suggestion.

But others' expressions turned grim. Among them, one, Zhuge Zain, spoke up.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?"

"The Heavenly Comrade Alliance is already in a precarious situation. Giving an order to attack anyone would essentially be commanding them to doubt one another, wouldn't it?"

"If it reduces casualties, then it's worth the risk."

"You may end up splitting the alliance in trying to reduce the damage."

"And in trying to avoid splitting, we might lose our limbs."

Zhuge Zain and Zhong Ligok stared each other down, tension palpable between them. Zhuge Zain didn't back down easily.

"The consequences will be much greater than you think. The Heavenly Comrade Alliance was never a single sect. It's a coalition that could fall apart at any moment over a minor disagreement. And now you want to sow seeds of discord?"

"Isn't it a basic principle to be vigilant when upholding the law? Why would enforcing a principle that was neglected until now be a seed of discord?"

"Do you think suspicion will only arise when the law is enforced?"

Zhuge Zain continued in a firm tone.

"Admitting that someone unknown has infiltrated us will make everyone suspicious of each other, not only when enforcing the law but in daily life as well. People will suspect outsiders from other sects more than their own."

"Hmm."

"The barriers between sects that Commander (Chongsa alias cm) barely managed to break down and ease will rise again, taller and stronger than before. And if that happens, the alliance will be finished."

"That's…"

"There are already signs. I've received reports of disciples showing words and actions of distrust towards each other. In this situation, we cannot issue a command that would further fuel such suspicion."

Zhong Ligok's eyes turned cold. 

"Are you suggesting we ignore the immediate threat before us because of some speculative future risk? If you're so opposed to this, offer an alternative."

"An alternative..."

"If you have no alternative, then what exactly is your opposition for?" 

The air inside the tent grew as sharp as a blade. The tension was broken when Tang Gunak let out a deep sigh to calm the atmosphere.

"Let's stop here."

"….."

"….."

"I will increase the number of shifts."

"Lord Tang!"

Zhong Ligok glared at Tang Gunak in disbelief, but Tang Gunak shook his head firmly, not retracting his decision.

"If their goal is to divide us and use that opening for an all-out attack, we must focus on preventing division for now."

"Even if it means innocent people may be sacrificed?"

"Increasing the shifts and the frequency of rotations will minimize sacrifices. The shorter the watch duty, the less danger people will be in."

"But that will require a lot more manpower."

"We'll manage."

Zhong Ligok crossed his arms and sneered coldly.

"You're telling us to work without rest because of the danger. The situation seems backward, doesn't it? If they intended to eat us alive, it seems like it's working."

Several leaders exchanged glances, nodding in agreement with Zhong Ligok. But Tang Gunak remained unmoved.

"Great Union Leader." [Taesang Bangju-nim]

"Yes?"

"How long will it take to summon the Beggars Union members scattered around, gathering information?"

"...If they're nearby, it shouldn't take more than a day."

Tang Gunak nodded.

"We can use the Beggars Union to fill in for the shortage of people."

"Won't that affect our information gathering?"

"For now, controlling our internal affairs is more important than their movements."

Tang Gunak's proposal seemed to offer a solution, and those present nodded in agreement. Even if it took an extra day to summon the Beggars' Sect members, it was a delay they could tolerate.

However, everyone kept their opinions to themselves.

Tang Gunak sensed that the group in the tent was becoming divided.

"So, that's the alliance's decision."

Zhong Ligok murmured softly as he stared at Tang Gunak. His voice had grown even colder.

"One more question."

"What is it?"

"Where is the Alliance Leader?" [Maengju]

Tang Gunak remained silent.

"The Zhongnan Sect isn't even officially part of the alliance. We only share the same stance. But now you're telling us to follow the orders of the Tang Family lord instead of the Alliance Leader. It's quite displeasing."

"That's…"

"Let the alliance handle its own affairs. Zhongnan will handle its own."

With those words, Zhong Ligok stood up, glancing at a few leaders before walking out of the tent.

"There are always some people who can't get along in the first place."

"Sect Leader!" [Jangmun-in!]

As Zhong Ligok indifferently left, the atmosphere inside the tent grew heavier. Someone, feeling intimidated by Zhong Ligok's final glance, quietly asked a nearby companion.

"Um... Yoon Jong Dojang."

"Yes, Palace Lord." [Gongju-nim]

"Where is Cheong Myeong Dojang?"

Yoon Jong couldn't bring himself to answer, so he remained silent. Looking closely, Seol Sobaek seemed far more gaunt than when they had first met.

"If only he were here... this would all be resolved in no time."

Yoon Jong simply grasped Seol Sobaek's arm gently. After a long pause, he muttered softly, almost as if to himself.

".... That's right."

He blamed himself for not having a proper answer.

❀ ❀ ❀

Standing guard is usually a dull and tedious task.

Enemies rarely show up, and the endless waiting can be tiresome and boring.

But when the enemy is close by, and, worse, if the enemy is a terrifying presence, the situation changes entirely.

Your blood runs cold, your lips dry up, and your feet instinctively tense. Time becomes an excruciating experience, like torture.

'How much time has passed?'

The Guard from Moyong family, who had never imagined how torturous guard duty could be, anxiously scanned his surroundings several times.

Only a dark field stretched out before him. Without even the moonlight, the oppressive gloom felt suffocating.

Srrrk.

At that moment, he heard a rustling sound from the bushes behind him.

"Who's there?"

The Guard from Moyong family, his body tensed in alarm, whirled around, drawing his sword. In one swift motion, he raised his whistle to his lips.

But the tension in his body quickly eased.

"Shift change, shift change."

The man who raised both hands in the air in surrender revealed himself with an annoyed expression. Judging by his attire, he seemed to be from the Zhuge family.

'Right. We were supposed to switch shifts with the Zhuge family. Has it already been that long?'

The other Moyong family swordsmen who had been on guard also raised their swords but relaxed when they heard it was time for a shift change. It was a moment when their suspicions loosened.

"Sorry, I'm a bit late. My stomach hurt from all the tension."

"That happens."

Moyong's swordsman too, had been suffering from a dull stomachache throughout his watch. It was because he hadn't been able to relax.

Just as he wiped the sweat from his forehead and prepared to lower his weapon, a sudden thought made him pause.

"Wait... why are you alone?"

"Huh?"

"The shift change should be three people, right?"

"The others probably have stomachaches too. I came first."

It seemed plausible. Everyone had been on edge.

But one thing still raised suspicion.

"Wait... has it really been time for the shift change?"

"Huh?"

"I feel like there's still some time left..."

"Oh, is that so?"

The swordsman from the Zhuge family let out a faint chuckle as he approached.

"You should've figured it out a little earlier."

"What?"

"Before I got this close."

The Zhuge family swordsman's body distorted. No, he rushed forward so fast it looked like his body was warping and stretching.

'An enemy!'

By the time he realized it, the man's hand was already flying toward Moyong's face. A white hand glowed with deadly energy, so fast that he didn't even have time to close his eyes before sensing his impending death.

Clang!

At that moment, a loud clash of swords rang in his ears.

At the same time, Moyong's swordsman was sent sprawling backward.

"Huh?! Huh?!"

Amid the overwhelming pain, he barely realized that he wasn't dead. Startled, he quickly raised his upper body.

"..... You?"

Someone stood in front of him, now revealed under the moonlight that had slipped out from behind the clouds.

"Mount Hua..."

The Moyong swordsman stared blankly at the figure's back.

Maybe it was the chill of the moonlight, but their face seemed unusually pale. But it was clear—it was someone he knew.

"Step back."

"Yes!"

The Moyong swordsmen quickly nodded and retreated. They understood well that without this person's intervention, they would have died without even realizing it.

Facing such overwhelming strength, the best they could do was to call for backup.

"Hmm..."

The swordsman from the Zhuge family—no, Thousand Faced Manipulator, Dam Yeohae—gently touched his face. Blood oozed from the long cut on his cheek, and the torn mask flapped loosely.

"How did you notice? I should've perfectly hidden my presence."

"The smell."

"What?"

"You reek of a foul stench."

Dam Yeohae was momentarily speechless, then burst into laughter. Calling it a stench must have meant he smelled the blood on him.

"A smell, huh… Should I have thought I was dealing with an animal instead? You're no different than a dog."

His eyes turned icy cold.

"This is different from what I expected... but maybe it's for the best. In fact, it might be even better."

His pale hand began to radiate a bright, fierce energy.

"If I can take the head of the Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword, it would be an achievement beyond measure..."

Whoosh!

At that moment, Cheong Myeong's sword flashed like a streak of light, aiming for Dam Yeohae's throat.

'What?'

Slash!

Dam Yeohae instantly shifted to the side, moving more than a full zhang. But there was already a bright red line across his neck. [one zhang is around 4 meters]

It wasn't over. Before he could even gather his thoughts, Cheong Myeong's sword was descending toward his head.

Sensing that it was too late to dodge, Dam Yeohae crossed his arms to block the strike.

Slash! Slash! Slash!

But just before their arms met, Cheong Myeong's sword twisted unnaturally and sliced into Dam Yeohae's wrists.

"Ugh!"

Dam Yeohae staggered back, blood dripping from his split wrists.

'Even the hands I shielded with my energy...'

The Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword. No, the Plum Blossom Sword Demon.

In an instant, the rumors surrounding him all made sense.

"Shut up."

"….."

"I told you. You stink. It makes me sick, so shut your mouth."

Dragging his sword, Cheong Myeong advanced toward Dam Yeohae, his gaze colder than the icy winds of the Northern Sea.