Episode 271. At Juksan
Juksan (竹山) near Wudangsan in Hubei Province.
There, roughly over two thousand warriors were busily walking back and forth, each wearing a uniform attire of slightly different colors, each armed with a sword. Most of them had a powerful gait and a sparkle in their eyes. They were martial artists who had learned their own martial arts, but what was impressive was how they calmly carried their organized momentum. Although their achievements were different, this was proof that they had learned the martial arts of the circling movement.
What about those who have mastered the reverse martial arts, commonly called magic? They tend to flaunt their presence by scattering their energy waves here and there in a arrogant manner.
Anyway, the sight of so many people with the character ‘정(正)’ embroidered in bold strokes on their chests and occasionally moving in formation while jangling their military flags made it feel as if the entire Juksan Mountain had become a barracks. In some places, there were those who seemed to have higher status than others and were leading the way. In military terms, they could be called generals.
It was as clear as day what their true identity was.
Jeongcheonmaeng (正天盟) – This is a union formed by the last of the declining forces of Jeongdo. The Jeongcheonmaeng military leader, Jegal Changsin, who was entrusted with full authority by the leader, Yu Sangmyeong, personally brought the troops and gathered them here at Juksan.
This was a questionable part. Why were they still staying in Juksan?
Immediately after the imperial declaration of non-aggression, Ma Guangcheon advanced to Songshan as if he had been waiting for it. When Zhuge Changxin heard this news, he could not hastily go to the rescue of Shaolin. Not only was the distance from Juksan in the west of Hubei to Songshan in Henan far, but he also received urgent news that the Huashi clan of Shaanxi had set out for war.
The one who brought that urgent news was none other than Song Cheong, the Master of the Sword.
He relayed the news of the Hwa clan in Shaanxi, and said that they should abandon Shaolin and attack the Hwa clan to solidify Shaanxi as their territory. To that end, he said that the shamans would also provide elite troops.
━It seems a bit misleading to say that we are abandoning Shaolin. Rather than abandoning it, we should trust in Shaolin’s power and take certain benefits.
The ‘certain gain’ he spoke of, of course, meant the ‘annihilation of the Hwa clan’. More precisely, it could be said that it was the downfall of the two extreme horse masters there and the annexation of the Shaanxi land to the Jeongdo power.
The Jeongcheon Alliance stationed at Juksan had over two thousand troops and the Hwagyeong masters, Hwasanpa Okyang and Jongnampa Hakun. They were joined by Song Cheong, who led the elite of the Mudangpa and the Sword Master. With this level of force, wouldn’t it be possible to completely destroy the Hwasisega clan?
While presenting such an opinion, Song Cheong also said meaningfully.
━You are a soldier, so you should always keep the worst-case scenario in mind. Things don’t always go as planned. Now, let’s say we split our forces to go save Shaolin. Then it would be difficult to wipe out the Shaanxi Hwaga clan. We would only be able to protect Hwasan and Jongnam. If Shaolin is already destroyed, the support force we split up would be in vain, and we might even be attacked by Ma Gwang-cheon and put in danger. Even if we return safely, Ma Gwang-cheon would have already returned to Hubei, so we might never get a chance to attack Shaanxi Hwaga. Think about it. Between completely destroying the two ultimate demon masters and going to help Shaolin, which we might not even be able to save, which would be a wise decision? As a soldier of the Jeongcheon Alliance.
At first glance, it sounded like a correct statement.
Enough to cause even Zhuge Changxin to suffer.
Hanam and Seomseo – Which of the two directions would be the right decision to move troops to?
And several days passed.
Why do ominous feelings usually come true? As if it were a lie, the news of the destruction of the Thousand-Year Shaolin spread. At the same time, the Shaolin secular sects scattered throughout Hanam also quickly disappeared without a trace. It was said that this was due to the madmen’s obsession with sarira. It was said that if taken, it would have the function of calming down demonic possession.
So, when monks who had been virtuous during their lifetime were cremated, the price of the sarira, which was said to be only available in very small quantities, suddenly skyrocketed. It was also said that the world’s best merchant, Man-geum-sang-dan (萬金商團), was behind the price increase. They bought the sarira of high-ranking monks at high prices without asking any questions.
So regardless of the authenticity of the sarira’s functions, all the demons were said to have become blind and started burning monks. Was that all? Eventually, the crazy ones thought that they should burn those who had mastered the Buddhist teachings, so they searched all over Hanam and burned anyone who had even the slightest connection to Shaolin. There was also talk that if they burned those who were alive and wielding the Buddhist teachings according to the secret law, there was a high chance that the sarira would come out, so it was said that the atrocities of burning living people to death occurred here and there in Hanam.
It was also said that it was openly rumored that the Buddhist scriptures had been completely cut off.
That was understandable.
Didn’t the Black Lotus Master destroy the Buddhist sect of the Amipa in Sichuan over ten years ago, and now the Magwang Heavenly Master has destroyed the Buddhist sect of the Shaolin Temple in Hanam?
Until someone went to the West and brought in the Buddhist martial arts, it seemed difficult for the Buddhist martial arts to take root again in the Central Plains martial arts world. Above all, if the Jeongma War ended with the victory of the Demonic Clan, there would be no place for the Buddhist martial arts in a land filled with demons.
Anyway, in these times━
Why did Jeongcheonmaeng not go to Hanam or Seomseo but instead stay in Juksan?
‘The news must have reached Sacheon by now.’
There was a middle-aged man with his eyes downcast, caressing his chin, lost in thought.
This is the military commander of Jeongcheonmaeng, Jegal Changsin.
‘I wonder if he’s back.’
He thought of Ja-un, who went to save Kunlun with the leader, Yuan Ming. In a situation where Shaolin was destroyed, it was fortunate in many ways that he, a master of the Hwa-gyeong, was alive. It was not simply a matter of power. It would be difficult, but if the Jeong-ma War ended with our victory, we could hope to rebuild Shaolin. With someone of that level of skill, we could restore many of the Buddhist martial arts that had been lost.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that Jawoon alone can rebuild Shaolin, which has collapsed and been uprooted. Rebuilding a school is not an easy task. In Shaolin’s case, it would require restoring lost martial arts and accepting new disciples and teaching them, but Jawoon is already too old for that.
However, Zhuge Changxin was hopeful. Although there were only a few, the monks who had joined the Jeongcheon Alliance were still alive.
Earlier, Zhuge Changxin called the Nahan monks and informed them of the danger that was coming to Shaolin. He thought that no matter what choice they made, they should not be deceived. As a soldier of the Jeongcheon Alliance, he thought that was the right path.
━First of all, I would like to thank you for your consideration. Seeing that Shaanxi was also in crisis at the same time, I can see that there is some kind of scheme as you said. Since you insisted on telling us the truth, can I take it that you will accept our leaving the alliance and running to the temple right away?
━Yes. Considering the distance and the time it takes for news to travel, the battle between Shaolin and Magwangcheon is already over… … but I won’t stop you.
━The military is a warmer person than he looks. As the Lord of the Four Heavenly Clans, Lord Zu Yun, set off with the leader, he said. Our origins are Shaolin, but now we are members of the Jeongcheon Alliance, so we must absolutely follow the leader’s orders. And now, we must follow the orders of the leader, Zhuge Liang, who has been entrusted with full authority by the leader.
━Sahyung’s words are right. The current Central Plains martial arts world is weakened by evil ways and is being stained by the devil’s way. Even if the four sects are in danger, it is something that can happen to anyone in the current situation. I heard that several small sects are destroyed every day. It would be unreasonable to stay quiet at that time and then rush out because the six sects are in danger. I appreciate the military’s consideration, but if we tolerate the loss of power like that, I am worried that the sect may collapse.
━… … Are you sure it’s okay?
━Military. Shaolin is not weak. Please do not be bound by petty interests and make decisions for the sake of the main force. Also, isn’t it meaningful as a Shaolin disciple to be able to set an example first in this crisis?
The Shaolin monks were indeed fair and just. They also knew what a great cause was. They were worried that the alliance might collapse, so they even gave strength to the military man, Zhuge Changxin. Of course, they did so because they believed in the power of the Shaolin monks… … .
Anyway, as a military leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance, Zhuge Changxin had to make the best decision. And as a result of that decision, he was staying here. Not in Henan or Shaanxi, but in Juksan, Hubei.
‘We must not get caught up in their intentions. They are the ones who planned and destroyed Namgung Se-ga and Shaolin in one fell swoop. There is no way they did not prepare for Shaanxi. The fact that they are leisurely setting out for battle with a ceremony and such is very suspicious. We should probably assume that it is a trap.’
Jegal Changsin muttered as he closed his eyes with the thought, “Hwasan and Jongnam shouldn’t be so stubborn.
Suddenly, something that happened a few days ago flashed through my mind.
* * *
bang!
“Now, what do you mean? Military? Not advancing to Shaanxi!”
Jongnampa Hakun raised his voice, his beard trembling like a catfish. He slammed the table in anger and barely managed to calm down, but it was guessed that it was because he suddenly remembered who the middle-aged man in front of him had given him full authority. When he joined the Jeongcheonmaeng, he had been severely scolded by the leader, Yu Sangmyeong.
“Your Majesty the Sword Master has already told you clearly. Now that the Magwang Heavenly Lord is away attacking Shaolin, it is the right time to eliminate the Hwa Sega. Is that all? The Hwa Gwa bastards have just gone on a campaign. So you are saying that you will just watch as the demons head towards Hwasan?”
Compared to Hakun, it was a relatively polite voice, but even Hwasanpa Okyang couldn’t help but raise his voice little by little. After all, how could he be at peace in a situation where it seemed like the Samun was facing a crisis right before his eyes?
The next one to speak was Song Cheong, the shaman swordsman.
“Zhuge Liang. All of Guimeng’s troops have already finished preparing to go on an expedition, and the disciples of the main faction have just arrived. Now that you have given your order, you are withdrawing the expedition altogether. I can’t believe it. You’re not even going to rescue Shaolin, and you’re not sending troops to Shaanxi… … Are you doing this because you have a grudge against our shamans? Is that why you made such a decision that threatens the safety of the six factions?”
“If I had harbored a grudge against the shaman, I would never have settled down here in Juksan in the first place.”
“… … .”
Zhuge Changxin immediately silenced Song Qing. It was not that the Zhengtian Alliance troops stationed in Hubei Jushan were intended to restrain Ma Guangcheon from attacking Wudang. Now we know that Ma Guangcheonju led the troops to Songshan, but when Zhuge Changxin decided on the location of the garrison, he could not have predicted where Ma Guangcheonju would move. There was no doubt that he made his decision without any resentment toward Wudang.
“I understand that the three of you are frustrated. You must think that while Shaolin is wasting time, you need to gain something from this side. That’s probably why you suggested attacking Shaanxi Painter.”
“Yes. In addition, according to the information received by your Majesty, the painters just finished their military ceremony and left. Judging from the direction, they seem to be heading towards Hwasan. Even if we can wipe them out, shouldn’t we at least provide troops to Hwasan?”
Okyang spoke urgently. He seemed to be more concerned about obtaining troops to support the monks than about destroying the Shaanxi Hwasa sect. It was understandable, as it was known that there were two extremely high-level masters among the Shaanxi Hwasa sect.
Of course, in Hwasan, there is Jade Yeon, the long-legged Hwasan Sword Flower, and Qingming, who recently ascended to the Hwagyeong, but it is obvious that the two of them will not be able to handle it. This is because there is a skill gap even among the masters who have ascended to the Hwagyeong. It is highly likely that Qingming’s sword will not be able to cut down the extreme horse masters of Shaanxi Hwasa.
However, it was not a good idea for Okyang to leave the group and rush to Hwasan. Three Hwagyeong masters and two Extreme Demon masters – At first glance, it may seem that Hwasan has the advantage, but the fight between the three peerless masters is unpredictable. And if they lose even once, Hwasan will be completely destroyed. They cannot take that risk.
Above all, the volcano is close to Mt. Sungsan, where Shaolin is located.
‘If Shaolin is destroyed, the Magwang Heavenly Lord may descend upon us…!’
Okyang was very worried. Hwasan was in a position where he would have to deal with at least two of the most powerful demons, and maybe even the Magwang Heavenly Lord.
However, Zhuge Changxin, who had already made up his mind, spoke firmly.
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“There is no support. We will absolutely not move troops to the volcano, let alone the Shaanxi region.”
“Military!”
“Why is that? Shaolin has the power, but Hwasan doesn’t? What about Jongnam? Jongnam would have sensed Hwasan’s crisis much earlier than we did. If the two factions cooperate, wouldn’t they be able to defeat the Shaanxi Hwasa?”
“… … .”
“I called the Shaolin monks a little while ago and asked them what they were thinking. I heard that Magwang Heavenly Lord has invaded Sungsan, what are you going to do? I told them that Meng is in no position to go to help, so if they want to go, I won’t stop them.”
“No, you’re saying that’s exactly what you said? They’re the ones who wield the spirit of extermination that specializes in dealing with demons. If they were to defect, how much power would be lost… .”
“He said he wouldn’t go.”
“… … .”
Not only Hak-un, who had been talking about the power loss that almost occurred, but also Ok-yang and Song-cheong were silent. This was because the decision of the Nahan monks to not rush over immediately after hearing about the crisis of Samun was surprising.
“Do you know why they did that? Up until now, the number of destroyed factions has been in the tens or hundreds, and they were quiet back then, but now that the Six Factions are in danger of extinction, they are worried that if they allow the withdrawal of their forces, the alliance will collapse.”
“… … .”
“Even in Shaolin, which was in immediate danger, they had this kind of mindset and showed sacrifice first, but Hwasan and Jongnam just kept yelling and throwing tantrums… … .”
Zhuge Changxin, whose words were trailing off, opened his mouth again.
“Let me reaffirm this once more. The main force is not one to be swayed by the safety of the Six Sects. I have no intention of using the strength I have gathered to the last bit to fight the Demon Lord to save the Six Sects.”
As you all know, there was also a request from the leader. It was to preserve power. ━ As if adding to the story of Dang-myung-myeong, Hak-woon and Ok-yang, who were about to say something, had no choice but to bite their lips. They knew from experience. Dang-myung-myeong’s martial arts level was far beyond compare.
“So, what is the military’s conclusion? We will not go to Shaolin or send support to Hwasan. Does that mean we will just sit here and watch Hanam and Shaanxi fall into the hands of Ma Gwang-cheon?”
“Of course I won’t leave it like that.”
Zhuge Changxin shook his head and said.
“Okyang Jinin and Hakun Jinin, please persuade the elders of Hwasan and Jongnam to retreat from Shaanxi.”
