Chapter 1657
And I Like Those Kinds of Idiots (2)
The situation was unfolding too fast for reason to keep up.
"W-Wait a moment!"
Zhuge Jain raised his voice urgently.
This was madness. Absolute madness. Charging headfirst into a trap with the justification we'll just break it—how could that be considered a plan?
"G-General! First of all… please calm down!"
"Vice-leaders!"
Chung Myung shouted as if he hadn't heard a word.
"Summon your division members immediately. You have a quarter of an hour!"
"Yes!"
"Understood!"
"Move!"
The moment his words landed, the vice-leaders sprang from their seats and shot out of the hall like arrows released from a bow.
"W-What…?"
Zhuge Jain stood frozen, eyes wide.
Chung Myung continued without pause.
"Division leaders, prepare to head straight for Hubei. Immediately!"
"Understood."
"We will follow the General's orders."
Tang Gunak and Maeng So rose at once. Pung Yeong Shin Gae followed without hesitation. Jongli Gok stood a beat later, and even Moyong Wigyeong quietly lifted himself from his chair, gauging the room before moving.
"All logistical support will be handled by Hwang Jong-ui of the Support Unit! Hurry!"
"Yes!"
The division leaders departed in quick succession.
When the whirlwind passed, only Hyun Jong, Chung Myung, and the two strategists remained.
"Nokrim King!"
"Please call me Military Advisor, General."
Im Sobyeong opened his fan, half covering his face. A smile—too amused for the moment—curved his eyes.
"Or First Advisor, if you prefer."
Chung Myung flicked him a glance, then turned to Zhuge Jain.
"Analyze every possible move Sapaeryeon might take. Report directly to me."
"Of course—"
Snap.
Chung Myung snapped his fingers.
A golden bird glided in through the open window, circling once before landing calmly on his hand.
"Send reports through this."
Zhuge Jain accepted the bird reflexively.
"The Ten Thousand Li Golden Dove…? That belongs to the Beggars Sect—"
"Don't worry about it. It's Alliance property until the war ends."
"I see…"
As Zhuge Jain stared blankly at the bird, realization struck.
"W-Wait. If I'm using this, how are you going to relay orders to the divisions?"
"It's fine. I have more."
"…More?"
"Come here!"
The door burst open.
A black-and-white blur shot into the room, leapt onto Chung Myung's shoulder, and lifted its head proudly.
"…A weasel?"
It was wearing Hwasan's black uniform.
Zhuge Jain's expression went blank.
Chung Myung scratched the weasel's chin roughly.
"It's faster than birds. Don't worry."
"…Ah."
Zhuge Jain nodded, though understanding lagged far behind acceptance.
Then a quiet voice interjected.
"But it seems you've forgotten about me."
Im Sobyeong waved his fan gently.
"Shouldn't these orders be directed to me? The First Advisor?"
He emphasized the title.
Chung Myung nodded.
"First Advisor."
"Yes!"
"You're coming with me."
"…What?"
"You're coming with me."
Thud.
The fan slipped from Im Sobyeong's fingers and hit the floor.
"Me? Why me?"
"Lord Zhuge will manage the rear. You're commanding from the field."
"No, General! Do you even know what advisors do? Advisors stay far—very far—behind—"
"Stop talking and follow me if you don't want to die."
Im Sobyeong's shoulders sagged.
Commanding from the field wasn't the problem.
The problem was where Chung Myung would be.
Anyone with half a brain knew that wherever that Taoist stood would become the most dangerous place in all of Gangho.
I'd rather bite a sword and die, Im Sobyeong thought.
"Wouldn't it be better if Lord Zhuge—"
"Move."
"…Yes."
He gave up.
At that moment—
"W-Wait, General—"
"Alliance Leader."
Chung Myung turned and clasped his fists toward Hyun Jong.
"Chung Myung of Hwasan requests permission to depart and support Wudang."
Worry flickered across Hyun Jong's face—then vanished.
"Permission granted."
"Thank you."
Chung Myung turned and left without looking back.
Zhuge Jain stared at the empty doorway, hollow-eyed.
"…This is insane."
He turned desperately to the only person left.
"N-Nokrim King."
"Yes?"
"What is happening?"
"Hmm?"
"A moment ago we were debating feasibility, logic, right and wrong—"
"Oh, that?"
Im Sobyeong sighed deeply.
"Everyone can share opinions. That's fine."
"…And then?"
"But once a decision is made, you don't look back."
Zhuge Jain swallowed.
Not looking back.
Simple words. Impossible in practice.
And yet…
"It's not complicated," Im Sobyeong said calmly.
"Think deeply. Act simply."
He folded his fan and walked out.
Zhuge Jain remained, staring.
So this is Cheonumaeng…
If this unity held—
A chill ran down his spine.
"You will oversee the Intelligence Division."
Zhuge Jain turned sharply.
Hyun Jong stood there, smiling gently.
"All reports funnel through here. You'll manage intelligence, logistics, and rear support."
"…Understood."
"The battle here may be fiercer than the battlefield. Are you prepared?"
Zhuge Jain bowed deeply.
"I look forward to serving, Alliance Leader."
Hyun Jong nodded, then looked outside.
"They've assembled."
The road to Hwaeum was filled.
Divisions stood shoulder to shoulder—different uniforms, different sects, no separation.
Chung Myung stood before them.
Black Hwasan robes. Calm eyes.
He glanced once toward Hwasan behind him—then forward.
Tak.
He stepped ahead.
"When we return…"
"…it will be after the war ends."
A vow.
"Move out!"
"Yes!"
Cheonumaeng marched.
Toward Wudang.
Toward the battle that would decide Gangho's future.