Shaolin.
Beop Jeong silently observed those seated in front of him. Jaogae (慈烏丐) Neungsam (能三) attended the event as an elder [?maybe] of the Beggar's Union. Fumasanin (伏魔山人) Jonglihyung (宗利形), representing the Kongtong Sect. And Seomjeon Kweedo (閃電快刀) Peng Yeop (彭曄), the head of the Hebei Peng family.
These were all notable names. However, considering that the leader of the Great Shaolin had personally expressed his intention to invite them, the number three was quite modest. Regardless of how formidable each one was in their own right.
Even if you included Kunlun, who hadn't arrived yet due to the distance, there were only four, and even if you included Zhuge Dynasty, whose intentions were completely unknown, there were only five.
If the name of Shaolin still towered over the world of martial arts, at least ten Sect Leaders should have gathered here.
The tension was palpable, but Beop Jeong did not show such emotions in front of them.
Was it to avoid appearing weak?
No, it wasn't that.
Such emotions did not need to be displayed by Beop Jeong, as they were already evident in the eyes of those gathered here.
"Is there no one else coming?"
At that moment, Jaogae Neungsam casually inquired without any hesitation. Beop Jeong responded with a smile on his face.
"Kunlun's Sect Leader is on his way. The Zhuge Family is also expected to arrive soon."
"Kunlun and the Zhuge Family... Does that mean the others won't come?"
"We haven't received a definite answer yet."
Beop Jeong gave a brief response and glanced at Neungsam. It was none other than Beggar's Union, a martial arts organization known for its intelligence network. They would surely be aware that the gathered individuals were not the entire representation of Shaolin. Yet, they chose to raise the issue directly with Beop Jeong.
"While our Sect Leader has expressed the need for discussions, will it suffice for us alone to deliberate here?"
Beop Jeong tried to maintain a gentle smile.
"Those who participate in the discussions here will accept the decisions made. It shouldn't be a significant problem."
"In that case... I hope so. But how should we convey this to our Sect Leader?"
Instead of responding, Beop Jeong quietly twirled a small jade ornament in his hand, a habit he exhibited when his mind was in turmoil.
It wasn't so much that he was angry but rather disappointed. Just a few years ago, the Grand Martial Arts Tournament of the Whole World was held in Shaolin. Back then, no one would have doubted that Shaolin was the pinnacle of the martial world.
Powerful martial artists from the Ten Great Sects, the Five Great Families, and renowned martial arts practitioners from all over the world had visited Shaolin to establish friendly relations. But in just a few years, the situation had changed dramatically.
"Those who didn't come are irrelevant. There's no point in searching for those who are absent! Even if more people gather, it will only mean more talk."
Peng Yeop spoke in a cold tone.
Beop Jeong looked at him with new eyes. It was a bad habit to judge people by their appearance, but Peng Yeop didn't seem like a typical member of the Hebei Peng family.
Those bearing the Peng family name were known for their large physiques. Their naturally imposing size had contributed to the Hebei Peng's reputation as a prestigious martial arts school. However, Peng Yeop's stature was not just smaller than usual; it was even slightly smaller than Beop Jeong.
Perhaps that's why Peng Yeop seemed more sharp than imposing, like a seasoned swordsman in his prime.
"But more importantly."
Peng Yeop asked with a sharp gaze fixed on Beop Jeong.
"What do you plan to do, Sect Leader? You don't intend to leave them like this, do you?"
It seemed Peng Yeop had inherited the impatience characteristic of the Peng family. He went straight to the heart of the matter without any delay.
"To discuss that... for the purpose of the gathering here..."
"Delaying our actions will make matters worse. Even at this very moment, the Evil Tyrant Alliance may be converging toward Gongang. Giving them more time will only complicate the situation."
However, the content of the statement was undoubtedly correct. Beop Jeong shared the same thought.
Someone had a different perspective, though.
"You don't need to rush this."
Jonglihyung, the Sect Leader of the Kongtong Sect, calmly interjected.
"They are a small faction. They should not be underestimated."
"I'm aware of that, but..."
"Above all, what concerns me is that there's no guarantee that the other major martial factions will provide support in time. If the news spreads, we may have no choice but to engage, but significant damage could occur before our full strength is ready."
"But we can't just stand by and do nothing."
"It might result in an unnecessary conflict. After all, they are mostly limited to the banks of the Yangtze River."
Peng Yeop responded to that statement with a cold tone.
"Yangtze River? It's Gangbuk, Jonglihyung."
"Is there a rule that says the Evil Tyrant Alliance can't step foot in Gangbuk?"
"What do you mean..."
Jonglihyung raised his head with a composed expression.
"Due to the Gangnam Non-Aggression treaty, it may feel like the Evil Tyrant Alliance and our territories are divided, but originally, we never stopped the Evil Sect from entering the northern regions. So, why would we make an issue out of it now?"
Jonglihyung's calm words made Peng Yeop ponder.
"What Jonglihyung says is true, but the problem is how the individuals perceive it."
"But even if they don't perceive it that way, it doesn't mean we can cross over to the south. And we can't declare that the Evil Sect is allowed to enter the north either, can we?"
"Well... that's true..."
This time, even Jonglihyung didn't have a strong rebuttal.
"The claim is one thing, but the issue lies in reality, Sect Leader."
Neungsam's gaze now turned towards Beop Jeong.
"You need to speak candidly. I've staked the lives of a hundred Kongtong disciples by coming here."
"...I understand."
"If we take the lead, will the other martial factions, like the Ten Great Sects or the Five Great Families, really come to support us in time?"
Beop Jeong couldn't answer readily. Speaking the truth would be embarrassing, and as a Buddhist, he couldn't utter a falsehood.
"Exactly."
Neungsam clicked his tongue briefly. Although it wasn't the place to act in front of the Shaolin Sect Leader, no one was willing to overlook this fact now.
"Then I have another question."
"What is it?"
"Do you truly intend for Shaolin to take the forefront in this matter?"
"...When you say forefront?"
"Does Shaolin have the intention to lead the other martial factions present here and fight against the Evil Tyrant Alliance at the very front, even if other factions don't provide support?"
"Naturally..."
Beop Jeong's voice trailed off, wavering. His tongue seemed unwilling to cooperate.
Once he spoke those words, there would be no turning back. The term 'frontline' suddenly carried a much heavier weight, a weight that he had only just come to fully realize.
Jaogae couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
"It's done for."
There was still a way out. If Shaolin took the lead in battling the Evil Tyrant Alliance more fiercely than anyone else, the other factions, who had been holding back, would have no choice but to join the fray. The fear of public censure from all over the world might drive them, and if Shaolin preserved its strength during the battle and achieved victory, there would be no way to prevent Shaolin's dominance.
But Beop Jeong couldn't bring himself to say it.
"What are you so afraid of?"
If it were the Beop Jeong from the Grand Martial Arts Tournament of the Whole World, he would have confidently nodded, saying it was natural. However, the present Beop Jeong hesitated. Something weighed heavily on his mind.
"Leading doesn't mean pointing fingers from the back but rather charging forward at the very front."
If Shaolin had forgotten this fact, there would be no hope.
"It seems like we've reached a conclusion."
Jaogae shrugged his shoulders.
"Let's give up the Yangtze River and focus on preventing them from advancing further."
"Jaogae, this can't be allowed."
Peng Yeop immediately objected, but Jaogae stubbornly lowered his head.
"My lord, I am an elder of the Beggar's Union, not the Sect Leader of the Beggar's Union."
"...I didn't mean to disregard that."
"I didn't mean it in that way. I meant that as I'm not the one responsible for everyone, I can speak more freely. I don't need to uphold appearances, do I?"
"..."
"If we were to interfere with the Su Lo Chae here, it would undoubtedly lead to war."
"Why? Couldn't they just back off?"
"The Black Dragon King might back down, but would Jang Ilso do the same?"
At the mention of Jang Ilso, Peng Yeop fell silent. The name of Jang Ilso had left a deep impression on not just those who had participated in the tragedy at the Yangtze River, but even on sects that had stayed out of it.
Furthermore, Jang Ilso was a figure with both a knack for devising perfect schemes and a ruthless determination. Just hearing his name made one uneasy.
"If we make it clear that the opposing martial factions are few in number, Jang Ilso will undoubtedly seize the opportunity to gain an advantage. Do we really need to expose our own vulnerability?"
Vulnerability.
A significant crack within the Ten Great Sects. To reveal that crack to Jang Ilso was not an option. By stepping back and pretending to watch, it would be hard for them to guess the full extent of the situation.
Peng Yeop erupted in frustration, even though he fully understood the implications.
"What are the other martial factions thinking? This is not just a matter of facing the Evil Tyrant Alliance! With so much at stake, they can't all just stand idly by!"
Beop Jeong's face showed deep contemplation.
'What should I say or do?'
After releasing a heavy sigh, he turned to Jaogae.
"Elder."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
"I have one question."
"Please, go ahead."
Beop Jeong paused for a moment and then spoke.
"If the Heavenly Comrade Alliance decides to participate in this war, is there a possibility that the Kongtong Sect will fight alongside Shaolin?"
"...You mentioned the Heavenly Comrade Alliance just now?"
"Yes."
Jaogae furrowed his brow subtly. "You must be referring to the Tang Family and the Mount Hua Sect, right?"
"That's correct."
Beop Jeong nodded in agreement. "I haven't received a definitive answer yet, but I have contacted the leader of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. It's not an impossible scenario."
"An 'impossible' one..."
Jaogae frowned as he contemplated. 'Indeed...'
What he found most unpredictable was the actions of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, especially the Mount Hua Sect. The enigmatic martial faction's behavior was entirely unpredictable. From a logical standpoint, there was no reason for the Heavenly Comrade Alliance, which had no apparent connection to the northern regions or the southern regions, to align with the conflict. However...
'Is it the Mount Hua Sect?'
Because they held a deep grudge against the Evil Tyrant Alliance, they might seize this opportunity to obliterate them. As a highly unpredictable faction, it couldn't be ruled out with certainty.
"...If the Heavenly Comrade Alliance decides to join the battle, the situation will undoubtedly change. In that case, there's no need to merely observe the enemy. The Tang Family will certainly participate as well."
"Hmm."
Beop Jeong nodded quietly.
"In that case, we should wait for the Heavenly Comrade Alliance's response."
"If you wish to confront them, Sect Leader... you must either change the minds of the other factions that have withdrawn or bring in the Heavenly Comrade Alliance. One of these must be accomplished."
"...Amitabha."
Beop Jeong muttered disapprovingly.
'In the end, it's the Heavenly Comrade Alliance again.'
Winning over the hearts of the sects that haven't arrived is nearly impossible. Ultimately, Jaogae's words meant that they needed to persuade the Heavenly Comrade Alliance one way or another.
Beop Jeong sighed deeply at the thought that they would need to reach out to the Heavenly Comrade Alliance again. However, at the same time, there was a sense of willingness.
This meant that at least for now, the fate of Shaolin didn't need to be decided immediately. He was relieved that he had time to wait for the Heavenly Comrade Alliance's response and reach out to them. However...
Unfortunately, things in the world don't always go the way one wishes.
Bang! At that moment, the door swung open forcefully, and a person rushed inside.
Beop Jeong frowned and spoke sternly, "This is where the senior members of the martial factions are gathered. Why are you in such a rush?"
"Oh no, something terrible has happened, Sect Leader!"
But Beop Gye's face was marked with deep contemplation as he exclaimed. The moment Beop Jeong saw his expression, he had an ominous premonition.
"What's going on?"
"W-Well... It's just that..."
Beop Gye's words continued, and the moment Beop Jeong heard them, his face turned a ghastly shade of pale blue.
"Why... Why now? Why!"
His voice erupted like a scream.