Chapter 177

Chapter 177
## Chapter 177: Traveling Together (2)

The Sword Empress and her retinue finally made their departure from the Tang Clan.

Sima Geon and his partners, who had originally intended to stay behind for several more days, found themselves tagging along. Little So Surin’s loud protestations about being pulled away from her rigorous training sessions with Tang Cheon-hu were largely dismissed by the rest of the group.

Tang Cheon-hwa expressed deep regret at their leaving but found herself unable to accompany them. The regional climate was simply too volatile—the Huicheon had crossed a line, even daring to strike at their primary residence.

Just as the Sword Empress and Sima Geon’s party were preparing to exit the Tang Clan gates amidst the farewells of Tang Cheon-hwa and the local disciples, a report of triumph reached them: the Huicheon units that had assaulted the Emei Sect had been completely eradicated.

Despite the news of success, the atmosphere remained somber. The Emei Sect, the warriors of the Sichuan martial world, and the reinforcements provided by the Tang Clan had all endured catastrophic casualties during the operation to purge the Huicheon.

The Emei Sect, bearing the brunt of the conflict, had suffered the loss of their sect leader, Geumjeong Satae, along with the majority of their senior authorities. It was a ruinous outcome—the sect would be forced to shutter its gates and focus on internal recovery for at least a few years.

The relief forces from the Qingcheng Sect had been decimated, and most of the independent martial artists who had hurried to aid the Emei Sect had fallen in battle. It was a victory defined by its scars.

“Tch, in the end, we’ve essentially done a massive favor for the Heavenly Demon Cult.”

Once the main entrance of the Tang Clan faded from view, Cheol Woo clicked his tongue in annoyance and voiced his thoughts.

“I can’t shake the feeling that the Heavenly Demon Cult might have engineered this result from the beginning.”

Cheol Woo’s eyebrows twitched at Manchu’s observation.

“Engineered it?”

“Indeed. Think back. Before we traveled north following the trail of the Yin Demon, the Heavenly Demon Cult and Huicheon were engaged in a savage struggle.”

“Yeah. It was a bloodbath. That’s the only reason Huicheon survived this long despite having fewer numbers. Normally, it would have been over in a heartbeat.”

“However, that fierce combat suddenly simmered down, shifting into a strategy where they simply nudged Huicheon out of their borders. At the time, everyone assumed the Heavenly Demon Cult was being cautious due to the instability in the southern martial world, choosing to wrap things up quietly without overextending.”

“Pathetic. When dealing with foes who would stab you the moment you turn, what does ‘quietly’ even mean? They clearly had a hidden agenda.”

Cheol Woo was irritated that the obvious truth seemed to have escaped everyone else.

“Then Huicheon, essentially cornered into Sichuan, initiated a massive provocation by striking the Emei Sect. Ultimately, they crippled the Emei Sect and the entire Sichuan martial world. The Qingcheng Sect committed a huge force and suffered heavily, as did the Tang Clan. In this weakened state, even if chaos erupts in the southern martial world or elsewhere, Sichuan won’t have the strength to intervene.”

“Exactly! We’ve basically handed the Heavenly Demon Cult a win without them lifting a finger.”

“Precisely. They purged the annoying Huicheon and guaranteed that Sichuan cannot interfere in any southern or external disputes. They killed two birds with one stone.”

“Even so, hearing the victory report before we left makes me feel better. To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive.”

“Apprehensive about what?”

Cheol Woo replied with a shrug to So Surin’s comment.

“That Huicheon might actually win. Their next objective would have certainly been the Tang Clan.”

“There was zero chance of that.”

“What are you on about?”

So Surin snapped at Noe Jeon, who had suddenly interjected.

“Think it through. Despite the massive gap in strength, Huicheon only held out this long because of Noeumsa Temple. They were being funneled money and recruits without pause.”

“That’s true.”

“So what became of those Noeumsa thugs? They were crushed trying to take down the Tang Clan. If the Tang Clan had collapsed as they intended, the momentum would have shifted. But since they failed, the outcome of the war was already decided. The body count was higher than anticipated, but Huicheon stood no chance of winning. That’s why the Division Leader departed without a second thought, and the Poison Lord didn’t try to stop him. If things were truly as dire as you claim, sis, they would have begged us to stay—or the Division Leader wouldn’t have moved an inch.”

“Wow, your brain used to be as dense as a mountain rock, but when did you become so perceptive?”

So Surin was genuinely startled by Noe Jeon’s analytical tone.

“This is just common sense.”

Noe Jeon, who had been quietly sharing perspectives with Manchu and the others, gave them a quick wink.

“On another note, I’m questioning if we can even get Black Fang onto a vessel.”

Manchu looked with concern at Black Fang, who was trotting along beside Noe Jeon.

“That’s my worry as well. Never mind riding on a boat—he’ll probably panic the moment he catches sight of the water.”

Noe Jeon’s expression was shadowed with anxiety as he stroked Black Fang’s head.

“Don’t sweat it. This will take care of everything.”

Cheol Woo let out a chuckle, giving his heavy travel bundle a shake.

The rest of the group knew exactly what was packed inside that bag.

The Tang Clan had not overlooked Sima Geon’s contribution in defending their family from the Noeumsa assault. They had provided an astronomical amount of gold for their trek back home.

Sima Geon had tried to turn it down several times because the sum was so vast. Even after significantly reducing the amount, it still totaled more than a hundred gold taels.

The Tang Clan had attempted to offer a similar gift to the Sword Empress’s party, but she had flatly refused. She pointed to the strict traditions of the Sword Pavilion and was so resolute that the Tang Clan members felt a bit rebuffed.

“Can’t get Black Fang on a boat? Hahaha! Then we’ll just buy the whole damn ship.”

The Sword Empress’s party, walking ahead, spun around in shock at Cheol Woo’s outrageous declaration.

Cheol Woo ignored their wide-eyed stares, but his own companions quietly looked away and created some distance—even Sima Geon lowered his head in silent embarrassment.

—

“It’s me, Left Elder.”

Sima Sang, who had been lost in contemplation under the soft morning light, turned his head toward the sound.

“Enter.”

The door swung open, and the leaders of the Dogwang Merchant Association and the Yanghui Escort Agency walked into the chamber.

“Greetings. It has been quite some time.”

“Yes. You mentioned you would return shortly, but more than a year has already passed.”

Ya Hul So-seong, the head of the Dogwang Merchant Association, poured a cup of tea with a slight smile.

“Has it been that long? There were more complications to navigate than I anticipated.”

“Because of your guidance, Left Elder, we managed to blunt the damage. Those ruthless bastards.”

Ya Hul Cheon-gyeong, the head of the Yanghui Escort Agency, shivered as he thought back to the martial world’s relentless hunt for the Blood Slaughter Cult over the last twelve months.

Decades of meticulous groundwork had been torn apart repeatedly, and many followers had died for nothing.

Thanks to Sima Sang’s quick maneuvers and his clever utilization of the burgeoning Jeongcheon Alliance as a shield for the Murim Alliance, they had kept their losses to a minimum. If the Alliance hadn’t stayed intact or if Jeongcheon hadn’t acted as their cover, the ruin would have been absolute.

“It is the aftermath of the previous Sword Empress’s passing. We took a heavy blow.”

Sima Sang offered a thin smile and raised his teacup.

“Yes. It was a masterstroke. She traded her life and secured a massive win. It stalled the Heavenly Demon Cult’s collision with the southern martial world and turned all eyes toward our cult.”

Ya Hul Cheon-gyeong scowled at Ya Hul So-seong’s comment.

“If that incompetent Guardian Law had understood her goal, she wouldn’t have been able to act so boldly.”

“The situation was murky enough that we can’t place the blame entirely on him. He calculated that the Sword Empress’s intervention could halt the war between the Heavenly Demon Cult and the southern martial world. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to wipe out an opponent. Anyone would have reached that conclusion. The issue was that she was willing to bet her life on a series of unpredictable variables.”

“Regardless, the Sword Empress is a constant thorn in our side. The predecessor ruined our grand event, and now this new successor arises—and she’s clearly no amateur. Haha! I was stunned to hear that even you were unsuccessful, Left Elder.”

Sima Sang broke into a deep laugh at Ya Hul Cheon-gyeong’s remark.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect to come up short either. I believed the force I sent was more than enough, but her prowess exceeded my data. I should have been more mindful that the youngest Sword Empress candidate in history possessed such freakish talent. My failure of judgment cost us many capable lives—I am truly repentant.”

“Don’t say that. We were all shocked to learn she had survived. Considering the assets we deployed, failure wasn’t even a consideration. Perhaps that is why the previous one took such a massive gamble—knowing she had a successor of that caliber.”

Sima Sang and Ya Hul Cheon-gyeong nodded in agreement with Ya Hul So-seong’s analysis.

“By the way, have you officially transferred your station to the Jeongcheon Alliance, Left Elder?”

“Yes. Three days ago, I accepted their invitation to finalize things. I will be departing for their headquarters soon. The construction of the Jeongcheon Alliance’s primary base is almost finished.”

“So soon?”

Sima Sang looked genuinely surprised.

“We connected several pre-existing properties. It wasn’t an entirely new build. Cheon-gyeong put in immense effort gathering the laborers and materials.”

“Hahaha! Brother provided the gold. I just spent it with a free hand.”

Ya Hul Cheon-gyeong tried to minimize his role, but Ya Hul So-seong, who had watched him work tirelessly day and night for a year, and Sima Sang, who had reviewed the progress reports during his travels, knew the truth of his labor.

“In any case, everyone has done their part. Once the Left Elder takes his place as the new leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance, our grand design—which was interrupted by the previous Sword Empress—will finally resume.”

“Heh heh! I can’t wait to see the expressions on the faces of the Murim Alliance when they realize one of their own elders has become the head of Jeongcheon.”

Ya Hul Cheon-gyeong chuckled with delight at the thought, and Ya Hul So-seong shared the smile.

“For an Alliance already crumbling from internal rot, this will be the final nail in the coffin. Their collapse is gaining speed. I was worried that promoting the Left Elder might cause too much friction, but your strategy was flawless.”

“The theater of the promotion is what matters. Yeong Ho-jung performed his role excellently.”

“Yes. As you noted, Left Elder, he is quite remarkable. Treating him as a peer rather than a servant was a brilliant move.”

“It’s easier to say than to do. Following him around for three separate formal visits. Or was it more? I heard it was five.”

Ya Hul So-seong grinned at Sima Sang’s inquiry.

“It was exactly nine visits.”

“Hahaha! That much effort would make a stone statue weep.”

“Yes. The public’s perception has shifted entirely.”

“Nine bows of respect. Anyone who doubted his dedication at that point would be seen as the outlier.”

Sima Sang erupted into laughter.

And he was correct.

Yeong Ho-jung’s emotional campaign to recruit Cheongsan Ilhyeon Jwa Ik-seon—the former head of the Murim Alliance who had resigned in disgust over its corruption—as the leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance had become the stuff of legend.

Initially, Yeong Ho-jung’s proposal was met with skepticism. Despite the Murim Alliance’s tarnished reputation, putting its former chief in charge of a rival group felt inappropriate.

Jwa Ik-seon understood this and declined the offer repeatedly. But Yeong Ho-jung did not give up.

Once, twice—with every subsequent visit, the public’s icy reception began to melt into admiration after eight consecutive displays of profound respect.

The mood of the people changed: Jwa Ik-seon had maintained his honor; he should now lead Jeongcheon for the sake of the martial world.

On the ninth visit, Jwa Ik-seon finally gave his consent, bringing a dramatic end to a saga that had captivated the public almost as much as the purge of the Blood Slaughter Cult.

“The first move of the Jeongcheon leader: to block the encroachment of the North Sea Ice Palace.”

Ya Hul So-seong and Ya Hul Cheon-gyeong both jolted at Sima Sang’s sudden statement.

“The North Sea Ice Palace? What are you implying?”

“My father has done something quite entertaining.”

“Has he finally ended his meditation?”

They asked in unison.

“A year ago, apparently. Right after the death of the previous Sword Empress. Haha! Coming face to face with the Cult Leader so suddenly was both a shock and a blessing.”

“A year ago? Where has he been?”

“Is his health well?”

Sima Sang answered their flood of questions with a mysterious, knowing smile.

“You should look forward to it. You are going to be just as shocked as I was.”