CLS-Chapter 522

Chapter 522:

“Hmm.”

Jeong I-myeong, the branch leader of the Righteous Martial Alliance’s Zhejiang branch, was lost in thought.

‘The movements of White Sword Castle are not normal…’

A frown formed on his brow.

The surveillance of White Sword Castle was mostly entrusted to the Beggar’s Sect. But that didn’t mean the branch was idle. There might be parts the Beggar’s Sect overlooked, so they couldn’t take their eyes off the surveillance.

The Zhejiang branch was the Righteous Martial Alliance branch closest to White Sword Castle.

Normally, the Zhejiang branch, with White Sword Castle nearby, would have nothing to do. There was no need to be particularly wary of anything, and even the task of mediating between nearby sects was being handled by White Sword Castle instead.

As a result, the Zhejiang branch belonged to one of the very small branches among the Righteous Martial Alliance’s branches.

Of course, just because the surroundings were controlled didn’t mean all branches were small.

For example, the Righteous Martial Alliance’s Henan branch was surrounded by strong sects including Shaolin, but it was conversely one of the largest branches. Managing those large sects and mediating their interests and losses was an extremely labor-intensive task.

But Zhejiang was no different from land dominated by White Sword Castle. There were no other sects in Zhejiang that could oppose White Sword Castle. Naturally, the Righteous Martial Alliance’s influence was bound to diminish.

Thanks to this, he had been spending rather leisurely days…

‘They should at least reinforce the manpower.’

Everything changed after the Huashan Conference. White Sword Castle’s movements became unusual, so they had to squeeze out insufficient manpower for surveillance.

The main headquarters didn’t seem to have high expectations for them, but what kind of position is that of a person in charge? If he didn’t demonstrate his abilities just because there were no expectations, he would never escape this insignificant post for the rest of his life.

So this time, he absolutely had to prove his abilities.

Divine Strategist was someone who didn’t miss even the smallest detail. If he achieved merit in this matter, he would surely reevaluate his abilities.

Having an excellent superior work below means…

Suddenly, Jeong I-myeong’s complexion changed dramatically.

‘What?’

Jeong I-myeong’s body shot toward the window like an arrow. He flung open the window, and thick fog entered his eyes. However, his trained eyesight pierced through the fog that obscured his vision and looked directly at the main gate.

Crash!

The main gate made of solid rosewood shattered into pieces. Then, martial artists in white clothes came rushing in.

“What are you bastards doing!”

His body moved before his head. When he came to his senses, Jeong I-myeong’s body was already climbing over the window and jumping outside.

Clang!

As soon as he hit the ground, Jeong I-myeong drew his sword.

Emergency bells rang from all directions. Martial artists came rushing out from inside the pavilions.

“White Sword Castle?”

Jeong I-myeong’s face contorted.

“What is the meaning of this! White Sword Castle breaking down the main gate of our branch!”

“There’s no need to act so shocked.”

The martial artists split left and right, and one person slowly walked out.

“…Won Gyu? White Ghost Corps Leader?”

“Since you’re at least a Righteous Martial Alliance branch leader, you recognize my face. Well, the gatekeepers treated me like a third-rate martial artist, which was quite disappointing.”

Strength entered Jeong I-myeong’s hand gripping his sword.

‘Self-Completing Sword Won Gyu.’

One of the sword masters representing White Sword Castle.

The White Ghost Corps he led was famous for being a gathering of the most outstanding sword demons in White Sword Castle. Weren’t those White Ghost Corps members the ones who achieved the most military merit among White Sword Castle’s forces in past wars?

That White Ghost Corps had now broken down the branch’s gate and invaded.

Not the Demonic Cult, but a branch of the Righteous Martial Alliance.

“What on earth…”

“Let’s both skip the useless words, Branch Leader. After all, you know that no guests come with good intentions.”

It was a statement mixed with ridicule.

“You shameless fool!”

Jeong I-myeong’s beard trembled.

“Don’t you even know what you’re doing!”

“I know very well.”

The White Ghost Corps Leader shrugged his shoulders.

“And I also know who the shameless ones are.”

“What?”

“Don’t make that angry face. The ones who should be punished are not us, but you.”

Jeong I-myeong couldn’t understand what Won Gyu was saying.

Why should the Righteous Martial Alliance be punished?

Jeong I-myeong’s face darkened as he glanced behind him.

‘It’s impossible.’

Resistance was almost impossible. If White Sword Castle had come with proper military force, the Zhejiang branch’s personnel couldn’t oppose them. In the first place, those forming the Zhejiang branch weren’t people who had come to this position through martial force.

‘What should I do?’

Jeong I-myeong fell into confusion.

He knew that White Sword Castle was showing suspicious movements. But he never imagined they would choose to attack so decisively.

“Do you think you can handle the consequences?”

“Tsk tsk. Branch Leader, don’t waste time unnecessarily. After all, both you and I are people who receive orders, aren’t we? It’s not us who do the thinking, but those above us. Isn’t that right?”

“…”

“There’s nothing that will change by stalling for time. Even if you flee from here, nothing will change. Soon, the entire Central Plains will be engulfed in the flames of war.”

“You’re doing this knowing that!”

Veins bulged in Jeong I-myeong’s eyes.

“Knowing! Knowing how many people will die in those flames of war, you’re still doing this! Is this White Sword Castle’s will?”

Jeong I-myeong raised his sword and pointed it at Won Gyu.

“I don’t know what White Sword Castle is thinking by doing this, but I want you to realize that your current actions violate both agreements and principles.”

“Agreements?”

Won Gyu curled up the corner of his mouth. Won Gyu, clearly showing ridicule, spoke mockingly.

“You dare speak of those precious agreements? You of all people?”

“…”

“Acting so self-righteous. Not knowing who forgot principles and agreements… talking as if you know everything while knowing nothing.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You don’t need to know.”

Won Gyu waved his hand violently.

“What would change by telling you? Knowing the truth is also the privilege of those who are qualified. You don’t even have the qualification to know the truth and die in repentance. Just die. Die carrying unresolved doubts. That’s the only punishment I’ll give you.”

Won Gyu spoke as if screaming.

“What are you all doing! Sweep them all away!”

“Charge!”

White Ghost Corps.

White death gods clad entirely in white drew their swords and rushed forward.

“Block them!”

Along with Jeong I-myeong’s shout, the Righteous Martial Alliance’s martial artists also drew their weapons and met the charging White Ghost Corps.

But the result was far too one-sided.

“Aaaaargh!”

“Ahhh!”

“You bastards!”

Watching the Righteous Martial Alliance members being swept away in an instant, Jeong I-myeong hardened his face.

‘So futilely…’

His teeth ground together.

It felt like all the blood in his body was rushing backward.

‘I should have been more sensitive.’

He thought White Sword Castle could rebel. But he didn’t feel the reality of it. Even though the sharp blade of the enemy had reached his throat, he couldn’t escape from the dreamlike feeling of floating in water.

He had a groundless belief that somehow, at least White Sword Castle could be resolved well, even if not the Demonic Cult.

Why?

“I believed you were allies!”

At Jeong I-myeong’s words, Won Gyu laughed mockingly.

“That’s quite an interesting thing to say. Allies… Look here, Branch Leader. Do you think there are such things as allies in this martial world? Everyone is an enemy, everyone.”

“Even so, you should understand the situation. In this situation where the Demonic Cult is stirring, do you think it’s right to stab the Righteous Martial Alliance in the back? History will not forgive you!”

“History… Yes, history is good.”

Shing.

Won Gyu’s sword slowly emerged from its sheath.

“Do you know what that damned history is?”

One step.

Won Gyu, sword drawn, slowly approached Jeong I-myeong.

“History, you see, doesn’t convey facts as they are. It’s what those who usurped the world write and leave behind as they please.”

With each step forward, killing intent surged.

‘Was he this strong?’

Jeong I-myeong couldn’t help but be shocked.

Self-Completing Sword Won Gyu.

He couldn’t not know his name. If he hadn’t grasped the reputation of the White Ghost Corps Leader, he wouldn’t be qualified as the branch leader of the Righteous Martial Alliance’s Zhejiang branch.

However, no matter how high Won Gyu’s reputation was throughout the world, he was just one of White Sword Castle’s many sword masters. Just those evaluated as more skilled than him in White Sword Castle numbered more than twenty.

That Won Gyu was now immobilizing Jeong I-myeong with just his presence alone.

Was Self-Completing Sword Won Gyu’s skill underestimated, or had the world underestimated White Sword Castle’s ability?

Jeong I-myeong rather hoped for the former.

If, as known, White Sword Castle had many who were stronger than Won Gyu, the Righteous Martial Alliance would never be able to easily stop White Sword Castle.

Blood would form rivers, and corpses would pile up like mountains.

That terrible scene already seemed visible to his eyes.

‘Where is the world heading?’

Jeong I-myeong gripped his sword tightly.

“Aaaaargh!”

Screams continued to be heard from behind.

Undeniable sorrow was filling his chest. A life of eating with swords. He thought such a day might come someday. But the death he had imagined was more dramatic and justified than this.

It wasn’t this kind of futile death.

“I will die here today.”

“You know well.”

“But your end won’t be very good either.”

“Oh?”

Jeong I-myeong looked directly at Won Gyu and spoke.

“The Righteous Martial Alliance is the martial world, and the martial world is the Righteous Martial Alliance. You don’t know how much power the martial world is hiding…”

Slash.

Jeong I-myeong’s words couldn’t continue.

Self-Completing Sword Won Gyu had cut off his neck without listening to more of Jeong I-myeong’s words.

Thud!

Won Gyu’s head, eyes wide open, fell to the ground. Won Gyu clicked his tongue looking at the fallen head.

“Spouting obvious nonsense.”

That the martial world was strong, and that the Righteous Martial Alliance was incredibly strong – they knew this best. That’s why they had held their breath until now. Otherwise, they would have already cut off those hypocrites’ necks decades ago.

“No need to waste time. Kill them all!”

“Yes!”

“Don’t bother chasing those who flee!”

“But Corps Leader, if we do that, they will…”

“Leave them be.”

“Yes!”

Watching those fleeing over the walls, Won Gyu smiled meaningfully.

“Let them go and spread the word. Now they too must know. That the long, long peace has ended. That their lives full of hypocrisy have now ended as well.”

Along with the ear-splitting screams, the Righteous Martial Alliance’s pavilions began to burn.

Won Gyu slowly sheathed his sword while watching the scene.

“More disappointing than expected.”

Seeing the Righteous Martial Alliance unable to even properly resist made his stomach turn.

Was it because of such things that they had been stalling for time all this while?

He knew it was just a branch, but he thought there would be at least some satisfaction in cutting them down.

“It can’t continue to be this disappointing. Now, how will you come out, Divine Strategist?”

Behind Won Gyu, gazing at the burning pavilions, the sunset was setting.

As if the bright day had ended, darkness slowly crept across the world.