Chapter 627

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**Chapter 627: Encounter with the Lazy (2)**

The Master of Divine Abilities cleared his throat to break the tense atmosphere and continued speaking.

“As everyone knows, the current situation is not easy at all.”

His gaze briefly slid towards Wei Yanho.

“Thanks to the great actions of Wei Yanho, from the Wei family of Guangdong, the situation has improved a little. However, we are still on the edge of the abyss.”

Wei Jeonghan frowned.

Not only as a father, but even as a mere acquaintance of Wei Yanho, he expected more recognition of his achievements. What Wei Yanho had done was an extraordinary feat. No matter how urgent the situation, there would always be time for minimal recognition.

But the Master of Divine Abilities quickly moved on to another topic.

It was understandable, but it did not prevent disappointment from settling in.

“Great Strategist,” said Gong Mujin, who had kept his eyes closed until now, slowly opening his mouth. “Just saying that the situation is urgent does not adequately convey the gravity. We know that time is limited, but could you give us a more detailed explanation?”

“Of course, Great Master.”

The Master of Divine Abilities cleared his throat.

“Baekgeom Fortress has retreated for now. It seems they are reorganizing, which will probably take them a while.”

“Why so long?”

“Because it is difficult to raise morale at once. Also, after an unexpected defeat, questions will arise about Baek Hoemyung’s responsibility as commander. To resolve all this, the Leader of Baekgeom Fortress will have to intervene personally. But,” He paused and shrugged, “that won’t solve all the problems. If the problem was only resources, they could be reinforced, but fallen morale does not recover overnight.”

“Mmm…”

“Of course, unforeseen events can always arise. We must be prepared, but at least we have gained some time.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Of course.”

The Master of Divine Abilities’ gaze turned towards Wei Yanho.

“You have done something extraordinary. As the acting leader of the Righteous Martial Alliance (*Jeongmumaeng*) and as its strategist, I express my gratitude to Wei Yanho of the Wei family of Guangdong.”

“Mmm…”

“Humph!”

Everyone nodded.

Regardless of everything, Wei Yanho’s achievements were undeniable. Everyone recognized it.

“That’s right. But, Great Strategist, something doesn’t add up. According to your words, we have gained time. So why do you insist that the situation is urgent?”

“Because the Demon Cult (*Magyo*) is approaching.”

The Master of Divine Abilities responded without hesitation.

“The Demon Cult has already entered Shaanxi. There will soon be a confrontation. Mount Zhongnan (Southern Edge) and Mount Hua (*Hwasan*) have established defensive lines, but they alone will not be able to stop them.”

“And then?”

“Sichuan is mobilizing. The Righteous Heavenly Alliance (*Cheonui Ryeon*) is sending troops to support Shaanxi.”

“I see.”

The Master of Divine Abilities’ voice became more serious.

“But even if Sichuan and Shaanxi join forces, they will not be able to stop the Demon Cult. Everyone will remember what kind of enemy the Demon Cult is, right?”

Silence.

No one answered, but that silence was more eloquent than any word.

How could they forget?

Those demons.

All the sects present had experienced the war against the Demon Cult and suffered its aftermath. Just when they were beginning to recover, the Demon Cult was returning.

“The situation is serious. In the past, even with all the strength of the Central Plains (*Jungwon*), we failed to defeat them. We only reached a balance and repelled them.”

*”Although we didn’t really repel them.”*

They retreated of their own free will. If the war had continued, the Central Kingdoms would have lost.

In the past they would not have admitted it, but now, with the passage of time, it was undeniable. No matter how much the Master of Divine Abilities had fought and the Supreme Sovereign (*Kwon Geuk*) had risked his life, they would have lost.

The only reason they were still alive was that the Great Demon King (*Daema Daeje*) had acted on a whim.

But they couldn’t say it openly.

“And this time, there is also Baekgeom Fortress.”

“Mmm…”

A heavy sigh echoed in the room.

“Speaking bluntly, with the current power of the Central Plains, it is impossible to face Baekgeom Fortress and the Demon Cult simultaneously.”

“Great Strategist, why do you speak so pessimistically?”

“I am the strategist of the Righteous Martial Alliance,” he replied firmly. “My duty is not to feed false hopes, but to analyze reality coldly and propose solutions. For that, we must see the situation as it is.”

A deep sigh.

Then he continued:

“If we are realistic, we are on the defensive. I am not exaggerating when I say that we are on the edge of the abyss. We have won a small battle, but we have not changed the overall picture.”

The Master of Divine Abilities looked at everyone.

Some showed frustration, but no one could refute his words.

That was the reality.

No one here could claim that their strength was sufficient. Whoever did would be a fool who did not understand reality, and someone like that would never have become the leader of a sect.

“So, what do we do?”

“That’s why we must make a decision.”

“What kind of decision?”

“Decide what is most urgent at this moment!”

The Master of Divine Abilities did not stop.

“If we are at a disadvantage, we must take risks. Shaanxi will not be able to stop the Demon Cult. In practical terms, we should send reinforcements immediately.”

“He’s right.”

“But that would be a sure defeat.”

Upon hearing “sure defeat”, those present narrowed their eyes.

“If we try to contain the Demon Cult halfway, Baekgeom Fortress will attack us from the rear. While we waste time with the Cult, they will reorganize and, with more caution but greater ferocity, they will bite us. If it is already difficult to deal with the Cult alone, how would we resist a two-front attack?”

“So what do you suggest?”

“I…” The voice of the Master of Divine Abilities was somber. His coldness made everyone shudder. “I think we must abandon Shaanxi.”

Silence.

A heavy air flooded the room.

Quite some time passed before someone spoke. The one who broke the silence was, surprisingly, Wei Jeonghan.

“Abandon?”

“That’s right.”

“Great Strategist…”

“I know it sounds cruel. But there is no other option.”

“… ”

The Master of Divine Abilities coughed to relieve the tension and continued:

“Just as Liu Bang (Han Gaozu) held back Xiang Yu (Chu Ba Wang) while Han Xin (Huaiyin Hou) conquered the world, we must let Shaanxi hold back the Demon Cult while we deal with Baekgeom Fortress and the rest of the world. Only then can we face the Cult in a decisive battle.”

“But…” Wei Jeonghan bit his lip.

Strategically, it might make sense. But Shaanxi and Sichuan were not Liu Bang, and the Demon Cult was much more fearsome than Xiang Yu.

It could not be guaranteed that the sects of Shaanxi could hold back the Cult, as Liu Bang had done.

“Everyone will die.”

It was a truth that no one wanted to say, but Wei Jeonghan expressed it.

“They don’t have the strength to resist the Cult. The whole plan depends on Shaanxi being able to hold them back.”

“I know.”

“So what do we do?”

“There is no other option. We don’t need them to stop them, just to buy time.”

Wei Jeonghan twisted his face.

“Shaanxi is one thing, but what about Sichuan? Sichuan has always been one of the regions most affected by the Cult. Will we ask them to sacrifice themselves again?”

“Is there another alternative?”

The voice of the Master of Divine Abilities was cold.

“War is like that. Someone must sacrifice themselves, and someone must take on that role.”

“But that…”

“Jeonghan.”

“… ”

The Master of Divine Abilities sighed.

“What is better? That everyone perishes by dividing the sacrifice, or that some die so that the world has the opportunity to survive and compensate for their loss?”

Wei Jeonghan lowered his head.

The Master of Divine Abilities was right. The survival of the world was paramount.

No one spoke.

A strange mixture of emotions filled the room: guilt and relief.

Guilt for planning on the sacrifice of others, and relief for not being the ones sacrificed.

“But…”

Then, Wei Yanho spoke.

“Tell me.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but I have a question.”

“Which one?”

“Do those who are going to be sacrificed know that that is their role?”

“… ”

The Master of Divine Abilities did not answer.

“People can take on any role if necessary. I understand that. But there is a difference between knowing that you are fulfilling that role and being deceived.”

“…That’s right.”

“And if they don’t know… Instead, I would never forgive the Righteous Martial Alliance, even if the Demon Cult is ultimately defeated. Wouldn’t we end up divided again, entering a new war?”

“That won’t happen.”

“Why not?”

“Because they will not have the strength to wage war. War only occurs between balanced forces.”

“Wow!”

Wei Yanho nodded.

“Grandfather Strategist, you are colder than I thought.”

The Master of Divine Abilities closed his eyes without responding.

Wei Yanho had touched on a crucial point, but no one wanted to discuss it.

Liu Bang had dragged others through the mud to conquer the world. But the sects of Shaanxi did not want that role.

They believed that the Righteous Martial Alliance would support them soon. Abandoning them to deal with Baekgeom Fortress first was a betrayal.

But what other choice did they have?

There was no alternative.

“You say it’s a choice, but we don’t really have a choice, do we? Is it the only way, and are they already following it?”

The Master of Divine Abilities sighed and spoke:

“You can blame me if you want. In fact, do it. But we must win, no matter the cost.”

“I don’t want to blame you. It just seems unfair to me. Even if they were warned, not everyone would flee.”

Just when the Master of Divine Abilities was about to respond, someone raised their hand.

“Speak.”

It was Baek San, leader of the Hainan Sect. After looking around him, he said:

“That is important, but there is something else we should discuss.”

“What?”

“The matter of Wei Yanho.”

His eyes were fixed on Wei Yanho with intensity.