Chapter 1198

How on earth did you survive this? (3)

«Well… no, Acting Leader.»

Tang Gunak spoke with a slightly flustered voice and then coughed heavily. After regaining his composure, he sighed deeply.

«Of course, I agree with Acting Leader’s suggestion to head to Hainan island.»

There’s no room for disagreement here. Cheonumaeng has already committed to a different path from Gupailbang, and at its core lies the journey to save Haenam.

If they hesitate to head to Hainan now, their words on righteousness will be dismissed as mere lip service.

So, it’s only natural.

«And I’m aware that the situation with Haenam is precarious. If possible, it’s best to hurry. But hurrying and being hasty are never the same.»

Baek Cheon nodded in agreement with those words.

«Journey to Hainan island is not to be taken lightly. We have to go deep into the heart of Gangnam. Naturally, thorough preparation and precaution are necessary. Rushing could lead to mistakes, couldn’t it?»

«I fully agree with the Lord’s words.»

Baek Cheon nodded and looked at Tang Gunak.

«To minimize sacrifices, to minimize losses, adequate preparation is essential.»

«But why…»

«That’s exactly why.»

«Yes?»

Momentarily confused by Baek Cheon’s words, Tang Gunak tilted his head slightly. Baek Cheon then calmly elaborated.

«Right now, hurrying as much as possible is the path that can minimize losses.»

«…Are you referring to Haenam?»

«No.»

Baek Cheon answered immediately without a hint of hesitation.

«Of course, speeding up could also be beneficial for Haenam. But the reason we truly need to hurry is not because of Haenam sect, but because of those who need to go to Gangnam.»

«…Could you please explain further?»

«Our discussion about heading to Hainan island didn’t just happen yesterday or today. Even if only a few members within our sect discussed it, words tend to spread eventually, don’t they?»

Tang Gunak nodded, acknowledging the logic in Baek Cheon’s words.

«And recently, even the Abbot has become aware of our intentions. He will have to explain to others why negotiations failed, increasing the likelihood of discussions about this matter.»

Tang Gunak nodded again, finally understanding.

«So, what you’re saying is that our journey to help Haenam could become known to Sapaeryeon as well.»

«Yes, that’s correct. Of course, it’s not that I distrust those I’ve spoken with. But words are like water: they cannot be contained forever, even without malice. In fact, it’s precisely because there’s no malice that they can easily leak out.»

Tang Gunak’s expression turned slightly serious. Baek Cheon’s words seemed reasonable.

‘Sapaeryeon…’

If Shaolin hadn’t intervened, the situation might have been different, but now the likelihood of their journey to Hainan being kept secret has decreased significantly.

«This is embarrassing.»

From Cheonumaeng’s perspective, Gangnam is practically enemy territory. But if Sapaeryeon knows about their journey to Gangnam…

‘Enemy grounds will become a dead zone.’

Tang Gunak, with a firm expression, looked at Baek Cheon.

«Acting Leader.»

«Yes, Lord.»

«I understand your words. But the concern is valid. While hurrying may seem necessary given the worsening situation…»

«…It could also lead to rushing into a dangerous situation without proper preparation.»

«I see.»

As Tang Gunak excepted the answer, Baek Cheon spoke again.

«I have considered that aspect as well. However, delaying this time won’t necessarily lead to a beneficial solution. While we ponder, they will also devise countermeasures.»

«Hmm. But…»

«Moreover, the one devising those countermeasures will be Jang Ilso.»

Upon hearing this, Tang Gunak fell silent. Plotting against each other and confronting each other? Everyone here knows the consequences of that. In the condition of preparing countermeasures against each other, there is no one in the current powerhouses who can withstand Jang Ilso.

«Of course, I understand. It may seem hasty and risky.»

Tang Gunak didn’t refute, merely listening to Baek Cheon’s words.

«But so far, Cheonumaeng has spent too much time harmonizing opinions and finding common ground. While that approach might have been right until now, it won’t be anymore.»

Tang Gunak’s expression hardened slightly. He understood the implication of «from now on.» Once the flames of war engulf Gangho, gathering everyone to discuss and find consensus won’t be practical. What will matter most is quick decision-making and bold execution.

«Is that your opinion?»

«Yes, Lord.»

Baek Cheon nodded.

«But if that choice turns out to be wrong, it could lead to irreversible consequences.»

«That’s why I mentioned three days. I alone can’t find the best solution. But with the people here and three days ahead, we might not find the best, but at least a better one.»

«…»

“I believe there needs to be a reasonable compromise between the two methods. We should avoid self-righteousness, but we also can’t afford to delay too much. So, from now on, we must desperately seek answers within a limited time frame.”

Tang Gunak gently stroked his chin, lost in thought. Initially, he thought it was rash and premature, but upon hearing Baek Cheon’s words, it sounded exceedingly rational.

He looked at Baek Cheon with newfound respect.

Even when presenting his opinions confidently in front of Beop Jong, he felt it was not usual, but this man is definitely different. While others are still unable to move on from the radical event of appointment of a new Acting Leader of Hwasan, Baek Cheon is clearly already thinking about the next move.

He might be impulsive and inexperienced himself, but wasn’t it said that a Sect Leader couldn’t afford to be so? Watching Baek Cheon now, the meaning behind his earlier words became clear.

«Firstly…»

Tang Gunak furrowed his brow slightly and continued,

«Just to confirm once again, this is the proposal from Hwasan as a sect within Cheonumaeng, correct?»

«Of course. If there’s a better idea, we can change our stance.»

«Understood.»

After addressing the crucial point, Tang Gunak asked again.

“You’ve asked to select skilled martial artists, but what kind of number do you have in mind? How many people are you thinking of assigning from each sect?…»

«Ideally, one person per sect, with a total of no more than ten members.»

Tang Gunak’s eyes widened in momentary disbelief.

«You’re planning to go to Hainan with just that many people?»

«Can we confront Sapaeryeon with this numbers?»

Baek Cheon shrugged.

«Even if a hundred or two hundred go, if we’re surrounded by Sapaeryeon in Gangnam, we will be defeated without being able to exert our strength properly. And if we mobilize enough to confront Sapaeryeon?»

«War will break out.»

«Yes, exactly.»

Baek Cheon looked at Tang Gunak with a resolute gaze.

«That’s why we minimize the number of people going to Hainan.»

«But won’t we lack the means to resist if we’re exposed?»

«That’s why we limit it to those confident in their martial art skills. And if possible, it would be good to select those who are proficient in foot techniques from each faction.»

«…Foot techniques?»

«Yes.»

Baek Cheon spoke confidently, his face radiating a sense of determination.

«We need to be able to scatter if we get caught.»

Tang Gunak was momentarily speechless.

«It’s better to scatter in all directions if we can when escaping. Those who can evade pursuit from Sapaeryeon on their own will have a higher chance of survival. That’s the top priority.»

Tang Gunak couldn’t argue with the logic, though he struggled to maintain his composure. He stared at Baek Cheon in bewilderment.

‘Is it common for someone in the position of a Sect Leader to speak like this?’

Even those who weren’t like that tended to be cautious about their actions once they reached a certain high position…

Tang Gunak cleared his throat and nodded.

«So, the proposal from Hwasan is to prioritize reaching Hainan quickly with a select few who excel in foot techniques?»

«Yes.»

Tang Gunak stroked his chin.

«It sounds like a good idea, but it’s also a problem if there’s no plan. Once they arrive in Hainan, it’s an issue if we don’t have a way to safely evacuate them.»

«We don’t need to worry about that.»

«Huh? What do you mean by that?»

At that moment, a subtle smirk appeared on Baek Cheon’s lips.

«Originally, according to Cheonumaeng’s methods, we would have meticulously devised a plan to escape Hainan island, but isn’t that futile?»

«Why is that?»

«After all the preparations, if we arrive there and they refuse to believe in that method, opting to stay, what would we do?»

«…Hmm?»

Tang Gunak’s face blanked. Baek Cheon straightened his upper body and continued.

«The most important thing now is to confirm Haenam’s intentions. The rest can be discussed later. Right now, all the issues stem from the severed communication with Haenam sect since Sapaeryeon took control of Gangnam.»

«…Communication.»

«Yes. I believe focusing on restoring that communication line is the right approach.»

«Hmm. If that’s the case, then certainly, a bit…»

Initially nodding his head and about to agree, Tang Gunak paused. Something seemed off.

«But… isn’t your statement somewhat contradictory? If they decide to stay, what’s the point of us establishing communication with them?»

A subtle smile appeared on Baek Cheon’s face upon hearing the question.

«It’s meaningless for us, naturally.»

«But?»

«Lord Tang, it’s not always about doing something meaningful. Sometimes, there’s value in acting based on compassion, isn’t there?»

«Compassion?»

«Think about it.»

Baek Cheon spoke with a profound sense of sorrow.

«Imagine how much anguish Haenam sect must be enduring while isolated in enemy territory, unable to establish proper communication with their brotherly sects.»

«Brotherly sects? Gu… Gupailbang?»

«Yes!»

Baek Cheon’s face truly reflected a sense of pity.

«Even if Haenam declares to cooperate with Cheonumaeng, it’s only right for us to step forward and assist them directly. But if they say they can’t, it wouldn’t be humane to simply leave them there. At the very least, while we’re in Gangnam, we should restore their severed communication with Gupailbang.»

«…»

«The information received directly from the isolated Haenam sect will ensure that all members of Gupailbang and all Gangho are aware of the situation. That’s both humane and in line with the principles of righteousness, isn’t it?»

«Is that usually considered humane?»

«Haha, Lord Tang.»

Baek Cheon laughed brightly.

«Now, this is the Tao of Hwasan.»

Tang Gunak’s expression became blatantly shocked. Of course, it seemed a bit odd for him to discuss Tao in front of Hwasan, not being a Taoist himself, but this direction felt somewhat off…

At that moment, Tang Gunak’s gaze naturally drifted towards a certain individual. Just from the atmosphere, it seemed like there might be someone ready to challenge Baek Cheon’s every move. Nevertheless…

«Oh?»

And Tang Gunak saw it. Just a moment ago, Chung Myung had been rolling his eyes, looking practically dead, but now he was gazing at Baek Cheon with sparkling wide open eyes.

«Not bad, huh?»

«Hehe, indeed?»

«If you’re skilled enough, you could even turn the Great Baldie’s head red with rage, couldn’t you?»

«This is the dignity of an Acting Sect Leader, my third generation disciple.»

«Hmm… I’ll admit it this time.»

The confusion in Tang Gunak’s eyes gradually subsided.

‘Is this really okay if it happens?’

He quietly pondered. As soon as this gathering end, he would have to somehow meet with Hyun Jong alone.