NOVEL NEXT Chapter 170
Chapter 170
Tying the Knot
Three days later,
“What did you say?”
Moyong Gun’s expression turned fierce in an instant.
“They’re talking about delaying the departure of the Tangma Myeolsa Army?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Who the hell spouted such nonsense?”
Moyong Gun rarely got angry, but this was understandable. The timing and target for the combined forces of the Tangma Myeolsa Army had already been decided.
Their target was especially notorious, ranking among the top ten most troublesome individuals in Murim. They moved stealthily, but reliable sources had provided their travel route and a month’s stay location.
If they hit that spot, it would be over. The Myeolsa Army would take the lead, execute the mission brilliantly, and all the credit would go to the combined forces’ commander, Moyong Woo.
It was supposed to be the start of showcasing the might of the Tangma Army and enhancing Moyong Woo’s value, and now they’re talking about delaying the departure?
“Who was it that said this?”
Moyong Gun’s most trusted subordinate, Ho Gyeong, replied with a troubled look.
“The first to mention it was the head of the Emei Sect.”
“The Dark Sky Divine Maiden?!”
“Yes, that’s right.”
The soaring anger quickly subsided.
The leadership of the Murim Alliance wasn’t solely composed of the Bonggong (elite members). The positions were filled based on ability and reputation, and some leaders held them in such high regard that even the Bonggong couldn’t easily dismiss them.
If the topic had come up, it was likely from them. But the head of the Emei Sect?
‘Something’s up.’
Moyong Gun, whose sharp strategy had gotten him to where he was, sensed something ominous.
After a brief moment of thought, Moyong Gun spoke.
“This is an issue that hasn’t even gone through the Bonggong meeting. Someone must have spread this intentionally.”
“Well…”
Ho Gyeong hesitated, looking uncomfortable.
“Among the soldiers of the Myeolsa Army, there are secular disciples from Emei. One of our men overheard them talking in a dining hall.”
Moyong Gun’s eyes turned cold.
‘Novices?’
He knew that there wasn’t a single seasoned soldier among the Myeolsa Army’s troops.
“Fetch the details of these Emei disciples immediately. As soon as possible.”
“Understood.”
Half a day later.
“Master.”
Ho Gyeong handed over a few documents.
Starting with Song Yeongyeong, the documents detailed the backgrounds of the Emei secular disciples. Their martial arts level, personalities, and positions within their sects were meticulously recorded.
As Moyong Gun was examining the documents, a chilling energy suddenly emanated from his hand.
Crack! Whoosh.
A threatening spark of electricity flared, turning the documents into a handful of ashes.
“When is the Bonggong meeting scheduled?”
“The day after tomorrow at noon.”
They were supposed to re-evaluate the departure preparations for the Tangma Myeolsa Army in that meeting, and the army was set to depart precisely five days after.
‘It’s hard to gauge just from the disciples’ positions and personalities. In that case…’
Moyong Gun looked at a pile of documents on one side. They contained proposals to be brought up at the last Bonggong meeting before the departure.
“Where is Gonggong Daeja?”
“He is currently at his residence.”
“Go tell him there’s an urgent matter and suggest moving the meeting to tomorrow morning.”
* * *
The next morning, the Bonggong gathered in the conference room of Musung Hal.
Gonggong Daeja spoke.
“So, what urgent matter brings us together, Moyong Bonggong?”
Before answering, Moyong Gun surveyed the Bonggong.
His gaze stopped at the Dark Sky Divine Maiden.
‘…’
The Dark Sky Divine Maiden seemed quite calm. She didn’t seem surprised by the suddenly advanced meeting.
Moyong Gun’s eyes deepened.
‘She knew.’
She already knew what he was going to do.
‘The Dark Sky Divine Maiden isn’t someone with remarkable political skills. She has lived her entire life for righteousness and chivalry.’
There were three Bonggong he had thoroughly excluded from his efforts to gain allies.
Those were from Shaolin, Wudang, and Emei.
The leaders of these three sects were not easily swayed. Approaching them carelessly could backfire.
He had been cautious, yet he was caught off guard in this manner.
‘If this isn’t the doing of the Dark Sky Divine Maiden.’
His eyes turned to Yeon Wi.
‘Not Yeon Ga-ju.’
He was a man even more rigid than the Dark Sky Divine Maiden in some ways. Besides, he was the father of the Myeolsa Army’s leader, Yeon Hojeong. Out of respect for law and honor, he wouldn’t easily bring up matters related to the Myeolsa Army.
‘It’s unlikely to be Peng Ga-ju either.’
Finally, his eyes landed on Jegal Munho.
With slow, deliberate movements, Jegal Munho took a sip of tea, exuding an aura reminiscent of a reincarnated Zhuge Liang.
‘It’s the strategist.’
Gonggong Daeja’s face showed curiosity.
“Moyong Bonggong?”
“…I will explain.”
Moyong Gun spoke with a slightly stiff expression.
“Recently, there have been illegal activities in Shandong…”
He meticulously went over the contents of the documents he brought.
There was a considerable amount, including some serious issues. The atmosphere in the conference room became quite heavy, as some of the matters directly affected the people’s livelihoods.
However, the Bonggong knew that Moyong Gun hadn’t advanced the meeting just because of these documents.
Even those who weren’t politically savvy had grasped the atmosphere after months of meetings. They waited persistently for Moyong Gun’s true intentions to come out.
A little later.
“That’s all the proposals for today.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, and also…”
Moyong Gun’s eyes gleamed.
“Lastly, I’d like to discuss the departure timing of the Tangma Myeolsa combined forces.”
The head of the Huashan Sect, Yong Hwajin, looked puzzled.
“Wasn’t the departure of the combined forces scheduled for five days later?”
“Indeed. However, I thought it would be wise to hold a meeting a day earlier and then convey the operational details to the troops.”
“Hmm.”
“The Myeolsa Army has been coordinating through months of practical engagements. But the Tangma Army hasn’t had such experiences. Given their large numbers, I believe granting them an extra day of preparation would be beneficial.”
Yong Hwajin nodded.
“You have a point. It is concerning to send them out without proper training. However, I was reassured by the impressive martial arts and presence of Moyong Gun during the inauguration ceremony.”
“Indeed.”
Moyong Gun smiled.
“Moreover, the Tangma Army is composed of highly reputed experts from Kangho. If led well by Moyong Gun, they should accomplish their mission without significant casualties.”
Yong Hwajin reciprocated the smile.
“But granting them an extra day might boost the morale of the entire army. I support Moyong Bonggong’s suggestion.”
“Thank you.”
Having a political ally was truly advantageous.
Additionally, the Huashan Sect, along with the Wudang Sect, had historically competed for the title of the world’s foremost sword sect. With the head of such a sect supporting him, many Bonggong nodded in agreement.
It was then.
“I have something to say regarding that matter.”
Moyong Gun’s eyes sparkled.
‘It’s you, after all.’
Jegal Munho spoke up.
“To be direct, how about delaying the departure of the Tangma Myeolsa Army?”
Namgung In frowned.
“Why delay the already fixed departure date?”
Jegal Munho wore a relaxed smile.
“I’ve been pondering this for some time. When the Myeolsa Army was deployed, they accomplished numerous feats without an inauguration ceremony. The soldiers of the Tangma Army are also exceptional, so they should manage just as well.”
“True.”
“However, the circumstances are different now. When the Myeolsa Army was deployed, the alliance’s structure wasn’t solidified. But now, we have a well-established system and organization.”
Yeon Wi asked briefly.
“Are you saying there’s no need to rush?”
“Exactly.”
The head of the Kongtong Sect, Deungcheongyo, frowned.
“Moyong Woo’s abilities are exceptional. Delaying the departure would only dampen the already high morale.”
“Precisely because of Moyong Gun’s exceptional abilities, he can manage the lowered morale.”
“I think it’s unnecessary.”
It was a rather blunt statement, fitting for the head of the Kongtong Sect, known for his bluntness.
The head of the Wudang Sect, Seunghyeon Jinin, spoke.
“Jegal Strategist.”
“Yes, please speak.”
“This humble person also thinks delaying the departure would be problematic. While more thorough preparation would be beneficial, changing the departure date at this point seems unreasonable.”
Jegal Munho nodded.
“Is that so?”
“That’s my thought.”
“Indeed, that part was concerning me as well.”
Jegal Munho stood up and cupped his hands in apology.
“I must have been overly cautious, not wanting to take risks given the alliance’s established structure. Please forgive my hasty remarks.”
It was a clean apology.
Most of the Bonggong smiled and accepted it, but Moyong Gun couldn’t.
‘What’s going on?’
Moyong Gun’s eyes narrowed.
‘He’s giving up already? That can’t be.’
Looking at the Dark Sky Divine Maiden’s expression gave him the answer. Jegal Munho had anticipated that Moyong Gun would advance the meeting.
“Ah! Since we’re discussing the departure timing, I also have a proposal.”
Moy
ong Gun flinched.
‘Proposal?’
What’s this? That reaction as if he’s been waiting?
In that moment, Moyong Gun felt a chill down his spine.
‘Were they really waiting?!’
Was all the rumor spreading and advancing the meeting just bait?
‘…For what purpose?’
Jegal Munho smiled and spoke.
“I’d like to discuss the matter of the leader’s division. Would you care to listen?”
The Bonggong’s faces showed interest.
Gonggong Daeja nodded.
“It was a matter to be discussed eventually. So, what do you propose?”
“The position of the leader is indeed an honorable one. However, even with a solid structure, any leader would find it challenging to lead the first Murim Alliance alone. Not due to a lack of ability, but due to experience.”
“And so?”
“I propose this.”
Jegal Munho calmly continued.
“How about creating two deputy leader positions in the newly established leader’s division?”
Not one, but two.
The Bonggong’s eyes gleamed with interest, and Moyong Gun was consumed by a single thought.
I’ve been had.
* * *
“Deputy leaders, huh… I understand, but why push for two instead of one?”
“To prevent power concentration.”
“But even a leader can’t ignore the Bonggong, right?”
“However, what if the leader has the support of the majority of the Bonggong?”
“…!”
“There must be a balancing force. Power institutions must exist solely for the world, not be swayed by a single person’s political ability.”
“Huh.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled coldly, looking out the window.
The sunlight was truly lovely.
“If the leader is genuinely a good person, they can embrace the opposing factions as well, can’t they?”