Chapter 212: Three Reasons (2)
Chapter 211 – Three Reasons (2)
He had heard the rumors.
That he was a strange fellow.
That although he was called by the title of the Jianghu Divine Dragon, he was a type in whom it was difficult to find formality and dignity.
However, he also felt that as a fresh breeze. Indeed, many people went around saying so.
“Well, it might actually be better not to bother with empty formalities.”
“Of course! As long as he shows the appearance of a chivalrous hero who protects justice, does that really matter?”
“I would rather prefer an appearance that is not hypocritical.”
The public’s evaluation was generally like that.
Therefore, Eon Yang-geol had also harbored a certain degree of curiosity.
Even so, he was the fellow who had stabbed his own son’s eyes.
It was impossible to harbor only good feelings.
He merely listened quietly to what the public chattered about.
For if he were an existence like a temporarily rising morning star, it was obvious he would eventually lose his light under the sun.
However, as time flowed, the reputation of the Jianghu Divine Dragon was becoming even more widespread instead.
They even heard the news that the Jianghu Divine Dragon had taken the lead in subjugating a bandit stronghold in Guangxi Province.
Of course, exaggeration must have been added, but there was no smoke without fire.
‘I thought he was a fellow with some skill, but…’
To think he would be such a crazy guy?
Did he lose his fear because the world supported him, calling him the Jianghu Divine Dragon?
No matter how much empty formalities were unnecessary, there was a basic duty that a person must observe.
Eon Yang-geol, whose cheek twitched once, roughly threw on his upper garment and rose.
“Just what…”
The moment he was about to speak, Namgung Cheon cupped his fists and spoke with utmost formality.
“I deeply apologize for visiting suddenly in the middle of the night and committing an impoliteness. However, because it is an extremely urgent matter, I have hastily sought an audience with the Clan Leader!”
Eon Ho-ryang, who was watching, widened his eyes.
‘No, why is that guy suddenly pretending to be normal?’
Yu Hyeon, Yun Jong-seung, and Jin So-hong, who had followed Namgung Cheon inside in a hurry, also took the cupped-fist gesture.
“We apologize to the Clan Leader!”
By this point, Eon Yang-geol, who had intended to scold them severely, could no longer be angry.
He cleared his throat a couple of times and asked.
“Just how important is the matter for you to cause this racket in the middle of the night?”
“It is a matter concerning the survival of the Eon Clan.”
“……!”
Not only Eon Yang-geol but also Eon Ho-ryang was startled and looked at Namgung Cheon.
Eon Yang-geol’s voice instantly rose.
“Our family’s survival? What do you mean by that?”
“How about we move to another place?”
Namgung Cheon looked around and said.
A cluttered situation where servants and subordinates were mixed together in disorder.
Eon Yang-geol nodded and replied.
“Let’s do that. However, if it turns out not to be an important matter, you will have to bear the responsibility in one way or another.”
“Of course.”
Namgung Cheon replied with a faint smile.
* * *
Jinzhou Eon Clan Leader’s Office.
A map of Hebei Province was unfolded on the large table.
Eon Yang-geol, Eon Ho-ryang, and the cadets, including Namgung Cheon, were looking down at the map together.
Eon Yang-geol let out a low groan while looking down at the map and spoke.
“So what you are saying is that Black Mist Valley is likely striking the Hebei Paeng Clan by now.”
“That is right.”
“And the Hebei Branch must already be occupied.”
“Yes.”
“However, the Hebei Branch is not such an easy place. The reason the Alliance focused on Yunnan is also partly because they trust the strength of the Hebei Branch to some extent…”
Thud!
Eon Yang-geol could not finish speaking and looked at the wooden box placed on the table.
He furrowed his brow and asked.
“What is that?”
“I told you the Hebei Branch has already fallen into the hands of the enemy.”
Namgung Cheon opened the lid of the wooden box at the same time he threw out the words.
Instantly, Eon Yang-geol and Eon Ho-ryang recoiled in horror.
“Gasp!”
“Good heavens!”
What was contained in the wooden box was none other than the head of Hebei Branch Leader Paeng Jin-ak.
Namgung Cheon continued speaking.
“I snatched it after capturing the unorthodox bastards who were heading to Wuhan.”
“Then the Hebei Branch really…”
Eon Yang-geol muttered with an expression of disbelief.
Good grief. You really do not trust people’s words.
As Namgung Cheon watched with a lukewarm expression, Eon Yang-geol, who had barely regained his composure, stared intently down at the map.
“I understand what you are saying. However, there are three reasons why our family should not help the Paeng Clan.”
“What a hassle to have three reasons. Let’s hear them first.”
“First, our family is not on very good terms with the Paeng Clan.”
“Then do you hope the Paeng Clan is ruined?”
“Not to that extent, but we cannot put our family in danger for the sake of the Paeng Clan.”
“However, if the Paeng Clan is ruined, the Eon Clan will also be in danger. Where do you think is next after the Paeng Clan?”
“That would naturally be our family. I can guess that much. However, if we defend even more thoroughly from now on, we should be able to hold out.”
Then, Jin So-hong, who had just been listening, stepped in abruptly.
“Sure. You might be able to hold out for a while. If you are lucky, you might even hold out until reinforcements from the Alliance really arrive. But what do you gain from that?”
“We might gain nothing. However, we will lose less than leaping into a pit of fire carrying firewood.”
Jin So-hong shook her head as if frustrated.
“Every crisis is an opportunity. A person who tries not to lose can never succeed compared to one who tries to gain. That is a statement that explains why the Jinzhou Eon Clan always remains in the same spot.”
“……!”
At Jin So-hong’s sharp criticism, not only Eon Yang-geol but also the other cadets wore surprised expressions.
Only Namgung Cheon smiled faintly.
‘As expected of Gold King’s daughter.’
Jin So-hong, who had always just watched the situation quietly, showed a rather sharp appearance when it came to calculating practical benefits.
Eon Yang-geol scolded Jin So-hong with an displeased expression.
“From what prestigious family did you grow up to throw around such words so carelessly?”
Then, before Jin So-hong could even reply, Eon Ho-ryang whispered in a low voice.
“Father, they say she is the daughter of Gold King.”
“W-What?”
Eon Yang-geol looked at Jin So-hong with eyes as wide as lanterns.
With a face full of freckles and a modest, slightly large outfit, she looked like a child of an ordinary family in every aspect.
That was why he had pointed out her presumptuous meddling, but…
‘Gold King’s daughter…!’
If so, what she had seen and heard growing up would make her thinking different.
An ordinary merchant’s child would find it difficult to compare with the Jinzhou Eon Clan.
However, it was a different matter if it was Gold King.
“Keo-heum!”
While Eon Yang-geol cleared his throat, Namgung Cheon spoke to Jin So-hong.
“Men often fail to see the big picture because of their pride.”
“What is that about? It is really frustrating.”
“Nothing can be done. Since martial artists live and die by pride.”
Watching Namgung Cheon and Jin So-hong chattering as if to make him hear it, Eon Yang-geol spat out his words.
“Then do you think there is a way for our family to take profits?”
Namgung Cheon replied with a chuckle.
“Naturally. You just have to help the Paeng Clan. Although the Paeng Clan is stubborn and rough, they clearly distinguish between favors and grudges. If it were me, I would seize this opportunity to rescue the Paeng Clan from crisis and target the Hebei Branch.”
“The Hebei Branch.”
Namgung Cheon’s gaze glanced toward Paeng Jin-ak’s head. Eon Yang-geol also naturally followed that gaze.
Conveniently, it became a vacant position.
He did not know how this war would end, but if it was settled safely, the Eon Clan might occupy the position of the Hebei Branch in the future.
However…
“There are still two more problems.”
“What are they?”
“Just as you said, if the Paeng Clan is in battle by now, it will already be too late even if we set out. And if the Paeng Clan chooses to abandon the estate and flee, we cannot know where they will go.”
“That is simple. Because it is somewhere here.”
Namgung Cheon poked a part of the map with his finger.
It was a terrain where a valley flowed.
“Why are you so certain?”
“The Paeng Clan is a family skilled in actual combat. They must have experienced all the large and small battles occurring in Hebei. If so, they will naturally know the best terrain to flee. That is exactly here.”
In fact, this was something Namgung Cheon knew from his long experience of fleeing. It was also a terrain he had frequently utilized when chased by the Paeng Clan bastards in Hebei.
‘No matter how foolish the Paeng Clan is, they must have learned something from actual combat, so this is the only path of escape.’
Eon Yang-geol nodded silently and said.
“Even assuming you are completely correct, the last problem remains. If it is to the point where the Paeng Clan collapses, it must mean the unorthodox figures have made up their minds. Even if our family goes to support, we will be heavily outnumbered. Naturally, there will be a difference in combat power too. Since the martial artists of our family are fewer than you think.”
Though his pride was hurt, it was the truth.
From the beginning, the Jinzhou Eon Clan was a somewhat closed family. Because they had been rejected as unorthodox in their long history for using the Jiangshi technique.
The reason why the number of martial artists in the Jinzhou Eon Clan was small generation after generation was also because they could supplement them with the Jiangshi they possessed.
Although they were recognized as orthodox by completely abolishing the Jiangshi technique from several generations ago, their strength could not help but be shrunken by that much instead.
Even if they led all their vassals to support, the possibility of overwhelming the Black Mist Valley martial artists was small.
At that, Jin So-hong pointed to her head with a firm expression.
“War is not fought with numbers, but with brains.”
“Is there perhaps a clever plan?”
“I do not have one, but Namgung Cheon will.”
Jin So-hong looked at Namgung Cheon as if it were completely obvious.
‘Her brazenness has increased in the meantime.’
Namgung Cheon shook his head slightly and opened his mouth.
“First, to hide that, we must support them in the middle of the night. And when the Paeng Clan falls into crisis, we surround the vicinity and set fire. Then they will grow scared beforehand and think reinforcements have arrived from the Alliance. Because I will urge them to think so. In addition, select a few individuals with fast lightfoot techniques, have them carry branches and bushes on their backs, and make them run around diligently. Then they will hallucinate that there is an immense reinforcement army, enough to shake the entire forest. It is even better if they let out shouts and stomp their feet hard. The attire should be in shades of blue, enough to evoke the image of the Blue Wave Corps.”
“I understand what you are saying. However, as the fight intensifies and time passes, they will also notice this strategy of deception. At that time, both families could fall into danger.”
“That is why this is the perfect terrain. Because we can naturally open a path of escape. If it were a battle with backs to the river, the enemy would also fight to the death, but since there is a hole to run, the enemy will also try to flee rather than overexert themselves in the fight.”
“A path of escape. We set fire to all sides, so where… Ah!”
Only then did Eon Yang-geol flinch and look at the valley drawn on the map.
Indeed, if it was a valley where water flowed, the fire demon would not reach it, so it would naturally become an escape route.
Eon Ho-ryang, who watched the meeting process, shuddered inwardly looking at Namgung Cheon.
‘Namgung Cheon… just what is that fellow?’
Is it true that he was the official pushover of Dragon Heaven Academy?
Did the Dragon Heaven Academy cadets resolve to deceive everyone?
He does not look like a fellow cadet at all.
In a short time, Namgung Cheon turned three reasons for inability into three possibilities.
Did he not exude an atmosphere like an old master who had experienced all kinds of hardships? He was at the point of looking like a general who had rolled and rolled in the battlefield.
The class is different.
It felt as though he stood tall in a much higher place.
However, Eon Yang-geol still let out a low groan and could not give a refreshing answer.
“Even so, there is no guarantee that we will take the Hebei Branch. And to endanger our family with just that…”
“I will guarantee the Hebei Branch.”
“You?”
“Yes. And to top it off.”
“To top it off?”
“What if I help the Clan Leader’s long-cherished wish be fulfilled?”
“My wish?”
Namgung Cheon’s gaze directed toward Eon Yang-geol’s left arm. Eon Yang-geol, who followed that gaze, flinched and looked back at Namgung Cheon.
“You will help me practice the Jiangling Divine Art?”
“Yes. Then will you go to help the Paeng Clan?”
“Before that. How will you help? The Jiangling Divine Art is our family’s secret. For you to help…”
“Try striking.”
“What?”
“Try striking my arm down with that sword over there.”
Namgung Cheon grinned and pointed to the saber resting on the stand.