Ho Gakmyung slowed his pace for a moment and looked back, seeing the army of the Evil Tyrant Alliance following behind him. They had been defeated. It was an undeniable fact. Although they inflicted significant damage on the enemy, it wasn't enough to cover up their own losses. With the original goal having been thwarted, there was no way to deny the word "defeat."
However, strangely enough, the members of the Evil Tyrant Alliance following behind did not resemble a defeated army. Instead, a firm resolve and a chilling aura emanated from them. Ho Gakmyung understood the source of that cold gaze.
"We were defeated, but the defeated army has not yet given up. That's probably what they're thinking."
In truth, it wasn't a particularly funny thought. The defeat of the Evil Tyrant Alliance was equivalent to the defeat of Jang Ilso. There was no way to avoid that judgment. However, at this moment, that shameful self-justification was clearly giving strength to the members of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, at least to them.
Perhaps... Ho Gakmyung's gaze shifted toward Jang Ilso, who was walking ahead.
"Did you plan even this?"
What would have happened if Jang Ilso had acknowledged his mistake and punished Ho Gakmyung? While it would have clearly shown the principle of rewards and punishments, it would also have been an admission that this battle was an irreparable mistake.
Perhaps that's why Jang Ilso didn't acknowledge it and instead suppressed it with force, even to the extent of trampling on the Thousand-Faced Gentleman. Whether it was right or wrong, that action clearly left a strong impression on those who had been drenched in defeat.
"Ryeonju-nim."
Even though he knew this, Ho Gakmyung carefully called out to Jang Ilso. Jang Ilso had not held him accountable, but Ho Gakmyung couldn't pretend he didn't know what he had done.
Jang Ilso turned slightly, glancing at Ho Gakmyung.
"Do you have something to say, Gakmyung?"
"Ryeonju-nim, the Thousand-Faced Gentleman…"
"Aah."
Jang Ilso waved his hand dismissively as if brushing away a mosquito, not even feeling the need to discuss it further.
"Don't worry. It wasn't like I hit him that hard, right?"
"He is someone who understands the trends but also doesn't forget grudges. He will surely remember this incident and…"
"And eventually come back for revenge, is that what you're saying?"
"…Yes, that's correct."
Jang Ilso let out a small laugh.
"You say 'eventually'. Do you really think he'll have the time for that?"
"…"
"Not just him, but us as well. Such far-off stories are worthless now."
Jang Ilso's long eyes narrowed, and a sinister energy lingered at their ends.
"What matters is now. No, the next moment."
Ho Gakmyung nodded heavily. The Thousand-Faced Gentleman would surely not forget today's events, but for the time being, he wouldn't be able to act. He had lost too many disciples in this battle.
"But that doesn't mean the problem is over, Ryeonju-nim."
"Hmm?"
"From what I've gathered, the Sun Sovereign is harboring intense resentment against the Hao Sect Leader. This is…"
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Jang Ilso clicked his tongue as if in disdain.
"Such narrow-mindedness. That's why they're from the Evil Sect."
"But something must be done."
"What? Just leave it."
"Ryeonju-nim…"
Of course, Ho Gakmyung was in no position to speak bluntly to Jang Ilso right now. But even knowing this, he spoke up, as it was an issue he considered gravely important.
Had they not already lost the Great Millionaire and the Black Dragon King? The Sun Sovereign and Hao Sect Leader were now crucial assets that the Evil Tyrant Alliance could not afford to lose.
But if the Sun Sovereign couldn't suppress his grudge and started antagonizing the Thousand-Faced Gentleman, it was highly likely that the latter, already humiliated by Jang Ilso, would direct his anger at the Sun Sovereign.
If they bore grudges against each other and fell into discord, it could seriously threaten the very existence of the Evil Tyrant Alliance.
"Couldn't the Evil Tyrant Alliance end up fracturing?"
At Ho Gakmyung's question, Jang Ilso gave him an intrigued look.
"Hmmm, Gakmyung."
"Yes, Ryeonju-nim."
"Don't disappoint me."
"…"
"I don't blame those who fail. But I can't stand those who let failure make them worthless."
Ho Gakmyung's head drooped slightly.
"Fracturing, grudges…"
Jang Ilso muttered as a deep red smile spread across his face.
"Such things don't matter anymore. What's left is simply who survives, who seizes, who…"
Jang Ilso trailed off and turned to look back. He gazed at the dimly dawn-lit Wudang Mountain.
"It's time to bring this to an end. Both I and he must put everything on the line and fight."
"Ryeonju-nim."
Jang Ilso chuckled softly.
Though he said it was time to bring it to an end, technically, it wasn't the right phrase. The truth was, there was no time left to delay.
"Don't worry. The arrangements have been made. Though we lost in an unsightly manner… thanks to that, we've gained what we absolutely needed."
A momentary doubt crossed Ho Gakmyung's mind.
Was there really something they absolutely needed?
However, Jang Ilso showed no intention of resolving that doubt and merely smiled as he fell into thought.
"Even if I was wrong…"
Maybe I was, but.
"Just because I was wrong… doesn't guarantee that you're right either. Isn't that so?"
A deep gloom hovered in his pale eyes.
"We'll meet again soon."
But the next time, both of us won't walk away alive. The only thing left is the final battle, where only one will survive.
* * *
"Why... why are those bastards...?"
Moyong Wigyung watched the Evil Tyrant Alliance retreat from Mount Wudang with a bewildered expression. Although the battle was over, which made him want to shout in triumph, he couldn't understand why the enemy was retreating so easily, and this left him anxious.
'Should we pursue them?'
The thought came to him reflexively the moment he saw them retreating, but Moyong Wigyung quickly shook his head.
Those remaining here had not yet joined the main force, including Mount Hua and the core troops that had climbed the cliff. A reckless pursuit with the remaining forces could lead to a devastating counterattack.
"Strategist..."
Unable to organize his confused thoughts, Moyong Wigyung called out to Im Sobyeong. Of course, he hesitated since he wasn't used to the term 'strategist.'
"Are they really retreating?"
Unlike the obviously flustered Moyong Wigyung, Im Sobyeong seemed calm, almost indifferent.
"You're seeing it with your own eyes, aren't you?"
"But why? They're not in such a disadvantageous situation."
"Morale is everything in war. Besides, those evil sect scoundrels are extremely sensitive, so they must have already realized that the Evil Tyrant Alliance deliberately sacrificed their troops on the cliff."
"..."
"Continuing the battle would only lead to unnecessary sacrifices. It's strategically wise to regroup."
"Then, could it be...?"
Moyong Wigyung started to ask something more but shook his head before finishing.
What he wanted to ask was if there was any chance of a rebellion within the Evil Tyrant Alliance due to this incident. But it didn't seem like anyone left in the Evil Tyrant Alliance was capable of challenging the mighty Paegun.
"But, even so, does this make any sense? If they retreat like this, they will lose a lot, won't they?"
Moyong Wigyung was the head of a family. He wasn't someone who couldn't see the bigger picture. Im Sobyeong responded to his doubts.
"You're right. They swallowed poison in this battle, a deadly poison with no antidote."
"That's what I'm saying. Then why...?"
"Do you know how a poisoned person wins a fight?"
Without waiting for Moyong Wigyung's response, Im Sobyeong answered his own question.
"They win by stabbing a sword into their opponent's neck before the poison spreads."
"W-what? Even if they win, won't they die too? If there's no antidote for the poison, how can that be called a victory?"
Im Sobyeong glanced at Moyong Wigyung.
He didn't have confidence that he could explain it in a way Moyong Wigyung would understand. He wouldn't get it. Sometimes, there are people in the world who don't value their lives. Sometimes, people throw away their lives with a smile just to destroy something.
"There's one thing that's certain."
Im Sobyeong sighed deeply, looking at the retreating forces of the Evil Tyrant Alliance. Or perhaps, someone beyond them.
"They don't have much time left. Probably... they'll soon launch an all-out attack, putting everything on the line. It'll be a total offensive with no retreat."
Moyong Wigyung's face turned pale.
They were retreating.
But after hearing Im Sobyeong's words, it no longer seemed like a simple retreat. It was like the receding waters before a giant tsunami, which would soon crash down upon them.
"W-well, looking at the situation, aren't we in a favorable position? We dealt them a significant blow this time."
"Who knows."
Im Sobyeong's response was lukewarm at best. In fact, his eyes darkened as if something was weighing on his mind. Moyong Wigyung stared at him wide-eyed.
Im Sobyeong was consumed by a single thought.
'Why?'
Isolating Chung Myung of Mount Hua was a good strategic move, possibly the right one at a local level. But did Jang Ilso really need to take on that role?
Ho Gakmyung's intentions were clear. But could it be said that Ho Gakmyung's intentions were aligned with Jang Ilso's?
So, what was Jang Ilso trying to achieve through this?
Crunch.
Im Sobyeong's fan creaked as it slowly bent under the pressure of his grip.
'Ho Gakmyung and Jang Ilso...'
Regardless of the outcome of the war or what they hoped to gain, Im Sobyeong knew one thing for sure.
He himself had been the most disgraceful in this battle.
'Whatever you're after... things will be different next time.'
A cold blue flame ignited in his eyes.
* * *
"Sect Leader."
The Blood Palace Lord slowly turned around.
Despite being wrapped in bandages again, a lingering sense of unease seemed to seep out from him.
"Are you sure it's okay to retreat like this?"
"What do you have to say?"
"Once might be forgivable, but if we show such weakness twice, the reputation of the Sect will be tarnished. If they start to think they can look down on us..."
The Blood Palace Lord remained silent. The disciple hesitated, biting his lip, before speaking again.
"Moreover, if word spreads that we charged into the enemy's camp without orders or even a discussion, and then withdrew without a word, it could strain our relationship with the Evil Tyrant Alliance... Urk!"
At that moment, the Blood Palace Lord grabbed the disciple's throat. The disciple's face twisted in pain, clearly visible even beneath the red bandages.
"You dare to prattle on."
"S-Sect... Leader... krrk."
"Do you even understand what 'Supreme Will' means? You wretched worm."
Thud!
The Blood Palace Lord threw the disciple aside, and he collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. The Blood Palace Lord glared at him, overwhelmed with a surge of uncontrollable frustration.
'Damn it.'
In retrospect, what the disciple said wasn't entirely wrong.
'What should I do...'
Just as his thoughts began to spiral into confusion—
"How utterly pathetic."
A voice, unfamiliar yet chillingly close, spoke from right beside him.
A shiver ran down his spine. The Blood Palace Lord quickly snapped his gaze in that direction.
And then...
"W-who are you?"
A voice filled with shock burst from the Blood Palace Lord's lips. His eyes, visible through the bandages, were wide with confusion and fear.