Let’s see how you like a taste of your own medicine. (1)
Once the decision seemed to be made, Im Sobyeong finally spoke up.
“There’s no need to take it so seriously.”
“Huh?”
Chung Myung asked back, and Im Sobyeong flashed a wicked smile.
“When you help someone once, they feel grateful. But if you help them ten times, they start to take it for granted. And by the eleventh time, they’ll expect it boldly.”
“…”
“And if you don’t provide that eleventh time, they’ll criticize and curse you.”
“…What do you think people are, exactly?”
“It’s just the way things are, the natural order. Isn’t that right, everyone?”
Im Sobyeong looked around as if seeking agreement. However, what he faced were nothing but cold, reproachful glares.
“You really can’t hide your roots, huh?”
“You’d think he wasn’t a bandit or something.”
“…An Evil Sect is still an Evil Sect.”
Im Sobyeong’s eyes trembled with frustration.
“Am I… Am I the only one? Am I the only trash here? Really?”
“Yes.”
“Yep.”
“Seems like it.”
Im Sobyeong’s head drooped down.
Though his mumbling, ‘Damn Taoist bastards. I just can’t get along with them. They act more like bandits themselves, but only in times like this…,’ could faintly be heard, Hwasan’s disciples cleanly ignored him, pretending not to hear a thing.
“So, anyway, what’s the plan?”
“Ahem.”
Im Sobyeong cleared his throat and spoke again.
“The important thing is the method, the method! Not just retreating, but retreating with a proper declaration.”
“…A declaration?”
“Yes. What did I say would happen if we didn’t provide the eleventh time of help?”
“They’d curse us.”
“Exactly! They curse you if you don’t help. But if we change our approach! What if we boldly declare that we won’t be helping them anymore and then withdraw?”
“…Wouldn’t they still curse us the same way?”
“Hahaha, you’re thinking too simply. Wrong!”
“Then what?”
Im Sobyeong replied with a wide grin.
“They’ll curse us even more. Like they want to kill us…”
“Hey, you bastard!”
Bang!
Chung Myung flew across the room and delivered a solid kick to Im Sobyeong’s chest. As Im Sobyeong screamed in pain and was knocked back, the Five Swords and Tang Gunak hurriedly restrained Chung Myung and dragged him away.
With his eyes blazing like a guard dog that had spotted a thief, Chung Myung growled.
“No, I’m just so pissed off! Are you trying to provoke people on purpose? Are you? Should I show you how hard a bandit’s skull really is?”
“C-Calm down, Chung Myung!”
“He’s Nokrim King! You can’t just kick him!”
“Come on, Chung Myung. Even if he’s from the Evil Sect, he still holds a position. We should show him some respect.”
But Nokrim King was still Nokrim King. Im Sobyeong, who had been kicked, bounced back up like a spring.
“Oh?”
Seeing this, the disciples of Hwasan nodded in agreement, exclaiming, ‘That’s Nokrim King for you.’
“Let me finish my – cough! Cough! Gah… Why am I suddenly coughing… Cough!”
As his body shook with violent coughing, bright red blood suddenly spurted out of Im Sobyeong’s mouth.
“Oh my!”
“What the?!”
After the cries of shock, a heavy silence fell over the room.
Im Sobyeong stared blankly down at the blood that had soaked his chest. Then, he looked helplessly at Chung Myung, who grumbled.
“What, are you some weakling who coughs up blood from just one kick?”
“Is he even human?”
“A demon.”
“Why does someone like him exist in this world…? At this rate, Jang Ilso seems like a nicer guy. Jang Ilso!”
“…Are you alright, Nokrim King?”
In response to Tang Gunak’s question, Im Sobyeong nodded weakly.
“…Yes, don’t worry about me. I’m perfectly – cough! Cough!”
“…”
“More importantly… let me finish… let me finish what I was saying…”
Chung Myung nodded indifferently.
“Alright. Go on, then.”
“Where was I… Oh, right – cough. Anyway, they will blame us. But – cough! – what we need to do is make sure they know we’re not the ones they should be blaming.”
“…You want to redirect their anger towards Gupailbang?”
“Oh, come now. Why put it that way? That’s not – cough! Cough! Ahem! – redirecting their anger. It’s just the natural thing to do.”
Im Sobyeong grinned widely. With blood trickling down from his mouth as he smiled, the sight was more chilling than triumphant, but no one dared point that out.
“Actually, this works out well. Since Hwasan lifted Bongmun to protect Xian in Shaanxi, we now have a reason.”
“A reason?”
“Yes. What better reason is there than returning to protect one’s own territory? The Evil Sects have stretched their claws from Hubei and Henan into Shaanxi and Sichuan, so we can simply say that we’re returning to our base to defend the places we were originally supposed to protect.”
“…”
Chung Myung looked at Im Sobyeong with a face that said, ‘Oh?’
“In doing so, the direction of the blame changes. It’s not that we’re leaving because it’s difficult or bothersome, but to protect our own territories. So, who will the remaining people look to?”
“Who are you talking about?”
“Tsk, tsk. They won’t be looking at those who are traveling far to protect other commoners. They’ll look at those Taoist bastards who are locking their doors and playing hermits. While everyone else is suffering, they’re comfortably hiding behind closed gates, those damn Taoists… No, no, put down that fist. Put it down. Cough! Cough! Here, blood, blood!”
As Im Sobyeong quickly showed his blood-stained chest, Chung Myung reluctantly lowered his clenched fist. However, his expression was still filled with annoyance.
Swoosh!
Im Sobyeong spread his blood-soaked fan wide.
“We just need to remind the world that in Gangho, each sect was responsible for protecting its own territory. Sichuan was the Tang clan, Shaanxi was Hwasan, and Hubei was Wudang. If we do that, people will naturally be reminded that the Tang clan has been doing work they shouldn’t have had to do by leaving their own territory.”
Hyun Yeong nodded, seeming to like Im Sobyeong’s proposal.
“Indeed, that approach makes sense. It’s much better than simply pulling out.”
However, Baek Cheon seemed to have a slightly different opinion.
“But isn’t this like playing pretend, considering the Evil Sects weren’t actually targeting Sichuan? Isn’t it a bit too much of a stretch?”
“Haha. What do you mean, Baek Cheon Dojang? The Evil Sects are already in Sichuan.”
“What?”
Baek Cheon widened his eyes in surprise. Tang Gunak was even more shocked than him and quickly asked Im Sobyeong.
“Is that true?”
“Yes. I don’t know their exact identity, but there are definitely Evil Sects’ members hiding in the mountains of Sichuan, currently threatening the lives of those passing by.”
If there are members of the Evil Sects hiding in the mountains and threatening travelers…
Well… What do you usually call people like that…?
“…Bandits?”
“Hey, now!”
Im Sobyeong waved his fan back and forth.
“They’re unidentified Evil Sects’ members. Unidentified! Anyway, these Evil Sects will soon, very conveniently, cause some trouble. Not to the point of killing anyone, of course. Very conveniently, indeed!”
Baek Cheon’s jaw dropped.
So, what he’s saying is that Nokrim is planning to disguise themselves as Evil Sects of Gangnam and stir up trouble in Sichuan to give the Tang clan a reason to withdraw?
“Wait, do you think people will fall for that? Surely they’d be able to tell the difference…”
“They won’t.”
“They won’t.”
“…No. They won’t. You’re right.”
If Evil Sects are in the mountains, they’re bandits; if they’re on the river, they’re pirates; if they’re in the fields, they’re marauders. They don’t have ‘bandit’ written on their faces, so if you dress them up differently, how would anyone know where those people came from?
“Sure…”
Tang Gunak nodded, acknowledging that there was some merit to the idea.
Whether the scale is large or small, if rumors spread that the Evil Sects are causing disturbances in Sichuan, no one could blame the Tang clan for returning to Sichuan. After all, isn’t it the Sichuan Tang Clan? If the Sichuan Tang Clan says they are returning to defend Sichuan, who could demand they abandon their home to keep guarding elsewhere?
As everyone seemed to understand and accept the idea, Im Sobyeong spoke up confidently.
“Haha. Looks like you’ve understood. Do you know what this is called?”
“A scheme.”
“Cowardice.”
“Filth.”
“It’s a strategy! A strategy! A brilliant and thought out strategy! Not something dirty, you damn Taoist bastards!”
As always, the desperate cry of the lone bandit went unheard by the Taoist bastards.
Only Chung Myung looked at Im Sobyeong with a hint of admiration.
“I always complained that the dying bandit wasn’t much use, but look at this, turns out you’re actually good for something.”
“What do you mean, not useful! I nearly broke my back making money at Maehwado!”
“You mean you nearly broke your wrists skimming off the top.”
“…If I’d known it would be like this, I should have just pocketed it all.”
“If you had, it wouldn’t be your wrist that broke but your neck.”
“…”
Chung Myung had considered spreading rumors through the Beggars Sect or Nokrim to shift responsibility, but the idea of directly disguising themselves as the Evil Sects of Gangnam in Sichuan and causing trouble hadn’t crossed his mind.
“The Evil Sect really is different. The level of scheming is just on another level. I guess it’s because that’s what they’ve always done?”
“…I told you, it’s a brilliant strategy.”
“Tsk tsk. It’s like this: if a cow drinks water, it becomes milk; if a snake drinks water, it becomes venom. The same strategy, when it comes from a Just Sect, is a clever plan, but when it comes from an Evil Sect, it’s a scheme.”
“W-Well, that’s…”
“If you find it unfair, why don’t you join a Just Sect? Who told you to be a bandit?”
“…”
Im Sobyeong felt his vision blur and kept his mouth shut.
Baek Cheon quietly whispered to Chung Myung.
“But… don’t you think you’re being a bit harsh?”
“What’s harsh about it? Does joining a Just Sect even earn you a single coin? You have to at least get something out of it.”
“…”
Now that he thought about it, Chung Myung wasn’t wrong, but…
At that moment, Tang Gunak, realizing that if he left things as they were, Chung Myung would verbally bury Im Sobyeong ten feet under, quickly stepped in to wrap things up.
“If it works out that way, then the Tang clan will have a clear reason to withdraw from the Yangtze. But I’m still worried about the common people who will suffer there.”
Chung Myung answered that concern.
“Don’t worry. We have a solution for that too.”
“Huh? What solution?”
“Even if we can’t do much about Wuhan, there are people living along the Yangtze River who might be willing to move to Sichuan if given enough support.”
Tang Gunak looked at Chung Myung with surprised eyes.
“To Sichuan?”
“Yes.”
Chung Myung nodded lightly.
“They should be given an opportunity. If they decide to move to Sichuan, both the Tang clan and Hwasan can provide support. After all, we have more than enough money accumulated over the past three years.”
This time, Im Sobyeong clapped his palm with his fan in admiration.
“Indeed, there is plenty of money. And even if we give them the opportunity, not many people would actually choose to relocate, so it wouldn’t cost much. Haha! The idea of taking credit for it while making sure everything is covered – truly a plan that would make even a devil weep…”
“But this bastard just keeps-!”
“Hold it, Chung Myung-ah!”
“If you hit me again, I might die!”
After a brief scuffle, Chung Myung finally calmed down and spoke.
“That way, you can feel at ease.”
“Hmm.”
Tang Gunak glanced at Hyun Jong as if seeking approval. Hyun Jong responded with a gentle smile and nodded.
“If the Lord’s heart is so concerned for the common people, how can someone walking the path of Tao be attached to mere wealth?”
“…But you do seem quite attached.”
“You should be attached to it.”
“We were practically beggars, Sect Leader.”
“Q-Quiet, you fools! Don’t you see we have people not from the sect present?”
With a flushed face, Hyun Jong scolded them loudly, then cleared his throat and spoke more calmly.
“So, please do as you see fit.”
“…Thank you, Alliance Leader.”
As Tang Gunak nodded, Im Sobyeong smiled broadly.
“Then, along with the Tang clan, we will also withdraw from Maehwado.”
“Huh? Why Maehwado?”
“…It is even closer to the front lines than the Tang clan. If a war breaks out, we’d be the first to die, wouldn’t we?”
“Well, that might be true, but…”
Chung Myung nonchalantly picked his ear.
“It’s a bit of a waste to pull out now when we haven’t made enough money yet… Maybe you should stay a bit longer?”
“…Weren’t you just saying that human lives are the most important?”
“That’s right. But…”
Chung Myung blew on the finger he’d used to clean his ear.
“Are bandits considered human these days? Back in my time, they weren’t.”
For a moment, Im Sobyeong was left speechless, staring at Chung Myung with a face that screamed, ‘Is this guy even human?’ However, Chung Myung remained sullen.
“Anyway, even if you stay alive, you won’t be much help to the world. So why not make a bit more money while you’re at it?”
“We’ll withdraw!”
“Don’t decide so hastily.”
“Money is important, but we need to survive first!”
“These days, youngsters just don’t understand the value of money, I swear. Back in my day, it wasn’t like this.”
Was your world filled with only demons back then?
“Ahem. It seems like withdrawing is the right decision, Nokrim King.”
“Thank you, Alliance Leader.”
Up until now, Im Sobyeong had thought that the true leader of Cheonumaeng was practically Chung Myung. But at this moment, he was grateful that it was Hyun Jong sitting in the leader’s seat and not Chung Myung. If that demon had been in charge of Cheonumaeng, the world – no, if not the world, then at least Nokrim – would have surely burned to the ground.
With the discussion roughly settled, Chung Myung started to grin slyly.
“Now that the stage is set, that bastard should start moving soon.”
“…The stage is set?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Hehehe.”
Seeing him smile like he was the happiest person in the world without offering any explanation, everyone felt a creeping sense of dread.
‘So, you thought you could mess with us, huh? Beop Jong, you bastard!’
Chung Myung’s lips started to twist into a sinister grin.
“Seems like in the three years I’ve been away, you’ve forgotten who I am.”
“…”
“Well, let’s see how you like a taste of your own medicine. Hehehe! Hahaha! Hahahahaha!”
“…”
Watching Chung Myung laugh maniacally to himself, Jo Geol quietly asked Baek Cheon,
“…What’s with him this time?”
“What’s there to say? He’s probably plotting some scheme again.”
What was it again? The same water turns into milk when a cow drinks it and venom when a snake drinks it?
‘Well, that guy is definitely a snake. A very wicked one at that.’
The wicked gaze of a great evil dragon was now turned to the south. Far, far away, towards the Yangtze River, where chaos that would shake the world was soon to unfold.
________
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Return of the Mount Hua 
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