Chapter 446

Chapter 446 – Avici Hell Opens (3)

The Martial Alliance and Shaolin Temple were in extreme tension.

Before they could even dispatch forces, one of the Five Great Families, the Zhuge Family, suffered extinction, and Wudang Sect also suffered great damage, unable to support the Martial Alliance.

Ultimately, the Martial Alliance and Shaolin Temple had to block the Demon Cult's invasion with their forces alone. The consolation was that many martial artists from across the land had already entered the Martial Alliance to stop the Demon Cult.

Excluding sects and people too distant to help, over half the martial world's forces were inside the Martial Alliance and Shaolin Temple. The martial artists who entered the Alliance thought such forces could sufficiently compete with the Demon Cult.

In the Martial Alliance Leader's hall, Alliance Leader Nam Cheon-san and the martial world's supreme martial artists gathered. Dissatisfaction filled their faces. Like a volcano about to erupt, the atmosphere was extremely tense.

Gwang-cheon sitting at the head seat closed his eyes tightly.

Having served as Shaolin Temple's abbot for decades, though a monk cultivating Buddhism, he'd never abandoned a martial artist's life either, so he well understood what the current atmosphere meant.

Gwang-cheon slightly opened his eyes to look at Nam Cheon-san. If anyone suffered most torment right now, it would be Nam Cheon-san. As expected, Nam Cheon-san couldn't hide his bewildered expression.

The first to speak was Ju Yeon-rok, sect leader of Azure Void Sect.

"Alliance Leader, how will you take responsibility?"

"Calm yourself, Sect Leader Ju."

"How can I calm down? Alliance Leader. The suicide squad was annihilated. The martial world's greatest prodigies were all slaughtered in this mission. A catastrophe. Due to this incident, the martial world will endure thirty years of dark ages."

"That's right. Those in the suicide squad were core talents of each sect. It's no different from cutting off the current martial world's waist."

"What exactly did the previous generation suicide squad do? Didn't they say they'd protect the young prodigies? Just what…"

"It was a flawed mission from the start. A suicide squad… To think such outdated thinking would still work."

Though Nam Cheon-san tried to calm them down, he couldn't suppress the heroes' anger. Condemnation poured out like an erupting volcano.

Especially great was the fury of sects that lost prodigies included in the suicide squad. They attacked Nam Cheon-san as if facing mortal enemies.

Nam Cheon-san's face crumpled as if chewing bitter herbs. Though he'd indeed pushed for the suicide squad, the prodigies entered by their own will. So bearing all responsibility felt unjust. But with so many glaring at him murderously, he could only endure.

"What about the previous generation suicide squad? Surely they didn't just return alive alone?"

"Right! We sent prodigies trusting them, so shouldn't they take responsibility for this situation?"

People now raised even the previous generation suicide squad while demanding accountability.

Nam Cheon-san could only show a frustrated expression, unable to give a clear answer. Actually, the most frustrated person was him.

The one who proposed organizing the suicide squad was the previous generation's absolute master, Heavenly Sword King Jeok Gyeong-cheon. Because he and other previous generation martial artists would join, Nam Cheon-san could also push it forward. But as soon as the suicide squad's mission failed, Jeok Gyeong-cheon suddenly disappeared.

Though many searched for Jeok Gyeong-cheon's whereabouts, no good news arrived yet.

'Damn it!'

Nam Cheon-san bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.

He had much to say. He wanted to say even he was deceived by Jeok Gyeong-cheon. But they wouldn't simply accept such excuses.

The enraged heroes needed someone to hold responsible for this situation. Nam Cheon-san was that sacrifice.

'Where exactly did Senior Jeok go? Surely he didn't hide to push all responsibility onto me?'

Ominous premonition arose, but Nam Cheon-san tried not to show it.

"The suicide squad's raid rather provoked the Demon Cult. That's why they're coming up for revenge."

"That's right. The suicide squad's rash attack brought disaster."

The atmosphere inside was flowing toward the worst.

Now people blamed the suicide squad for recklessly provoking the Demon Cult. Confusion and fear filled their faces.

Even at this moment, the Demon Cult was drawing closer. Having annihilated the Zhuge Family and crossed into Henan Province, reaching here would be instant. The fact they must directly fight that terrifying Demon Cult paralyzed their reason.

The hall instantly became chaos.

Voices denouncing Nam Cheon-san and voices saying they must find reason and establish countermeasures mixed, evoking a marketplace.

Not one martial artist here wasn't a supreme master of the martial world, and not one didn't bear responsibility for a sect. People everyone revered outside. But nowhere in their appearance could be found the demeanor of great heroes truly caring for the martial world.

With eyes closed, their voices came even more clearly. The clearer their voices, the more Gwang-cheon felt his inner demons strengthening.

'Amitabha! Amitabha!'

However fierce the waves, eventually they would calm with time. Though emotions were aroused now raising voices like that, eventually the heroes would find reason. Right now, whatever he said, the heroes wouldn't listen.

As Gwang-cheon thought, after some time passed, the heroes raising voices gradually found reason. And someone appeared seeking Gwang-cheon's opinion.

"What does Great Master Gwang-cheon think we should do?"

Shaolin Temple was called the martial world's leader. And Gwang-cheon was Shaolin Temple's abbot. Naturally the questioning tone and attitude were respectful.

Only then did Gwang-cheon think the atmosphere had ripened for dialogue.

"Amitabha! Your anger is perfectly natural. This temple is also burning with anxiety not knowing So Cheon's whereabouts. However, rather than holding the Alliance Leader accountable right now, establishing countermeasures is urgent. As everyone knows, the Demon Cult has reached our doorstep. In this situation, dismissing the Alliance Leader and selecting a new one would likely bring internal strife."

"Then does Great Master think Great Hero Nam should continue maintaining the Alliance Leader position? Then who takes responsibility for this situation reaching this point?"

"Responsibility can be demanded later. Isn't surviving the priority?"

"Mmm!"

Gwang-cheon spoke of survival.

Instantly the hall quieted.

Coming from Shaolin Temple's abbot, the weight differed, making the sense of crisis also greatly felt.

With heavenly Shaolin Temple speaking of survival, no other sect dared object. Currently, the only ones somewhat avoiding the Demon Cult's storm were sects on the Central Plains' outskirts like Mount Hua Sect and Zhongnan Sect; the rest inevitably would be affected by this clash.

Meaning the moment Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance collapsed, their sects and territories also fell under the Demon Cult's influence. Then their fate was obvious.

"Huu!"

"Mmm!"

Sighs flowed from everywhere.

"Amitabha! Now is the time to unite strength behind the Alliance Leader. This monk thinks so."

At Gwang-cheon's words, the heroes only watched each other.

They too had no better solution, knowing Gwang-cheon's words were right. But passing it over like this didn't save face.

Then it happened.

Thud!

Suddenly Nam Cheon-san let down his hair and knelt.

"This Nam apologizes before all heroes. I admit recklessly involving previous generation seniors brought tremendous damage to the Martial Alliance. I know even death cannot repay this sin. However, if I may ask one thing, please give me opportunity to fight at the very front. I wish to atone even slightly by fighting at the forefront with a soldier's heart. Please postpone throwing stones at me until after overcoming the martial world's crisis. I will gladly accept without avoiding."

Nam Cheon-san's impassioned voice and eyes gradually moved the heroes' hearts.

Anyway, there was no alternative. The heroes' hearts gradually moved toward keeping Nam Cheon-san's Alliance Leader position.

Watching this, Gwang-cheon quietly exhaled. He thought they'd at least avoided the worst situation.

He too didn't trust Nam Cheon-san, but in the current situation, carelessly replacing the Alliance Leader was too dangerous.

Then it happened.

"B-big trouble!"

Suddenly the door burst open and a monk with deathly pale face rushed into the hall. Shaolin Temple's second disciple.

Sensing the unusual atmosphere, Gwang-cheon jumped up asking.

"What happened?"

"The, the Demon Cult."

"What?"

"The Demon Cult appeared a hundred li outside Mount Song."

"Is that true?"

"News from the Beggar's Sect."

"Mmm!"

At the mention of Beggar's Sect intelligence, Gwang-cheon involuntarily groaned.

Along with Hao Sect, the most reliable information network was precisely the Beggar's Sect. If they said so, it must be true.

The atmosphere that seemed to regain peace rapidly chilled. The threat that felt distant approached as reality.

No longer time to fight over responsibility. Before crisis, they must unite.

Gwang-cheon hurriedly raised Nam Cheon-san.

"Alliance Leader, please rise."

"Great Master!"

"Apology is offset by merit. The martial world needs the Alliance Leader's leadership."

"Thank you. This Nam pledges his life to repel the Demon Cult."

Nam Cheon-san clasped fists to Gwang-cheon bowing his head.

'The Demon Cult extends my lifespan.'

While feeling relief, it was also pathetic.

When he first became Martial Alliance Leader, he was full of spirit. He had conviction to repel the Demon Cult's threat and protect Central Plains' peace. But while sparring politically with Military Advisor Namgung Chang focusing on expanding his influence, he'd somehow become worldly.

The young martial artist full of spirit was worn and worn by worldly winds becoming a cunning martial artist, ultimately reduced to desperately protecting his position.

Though knowing this fact, Nam Cheon-san couldn't help clinging to the Alliance Leader position. Because right now all he had left was just the prestigious title of Alliance Leader.

Nam Cheon-san knew that without even that, he was nothing.

***

Sang Han-cheon indifferently gazed at the massive mountain visible far away.

One of Central Plains' Five Sacred Mountains, the Central Peak, namely Mount Song. On Mount Song coexisted Shaolin Temple, the martial world's leader, and the Martial Alliance.

Setting aside the Martial Alliance living off others having lost their Yueyang base, just the fact Shaolin Temple existed made Mount Song look great.

"Finally arrived here?"

For Central Plains martial artists, Mount Song was a place to visit anytime. Anyone could come if they wished, freely entering Shaolin Temple through open gates.

But those gates free to everyone were uniquely closed tight only to the Cult.

Buddhist Shaolin negated the Cult.

They defined the deity they believed in, Bright Venerable, as false.

That the Demon Cult became recognized in people's minds as a heretical cult was greatly influenced by Shaolin Temple's hostile attitude.

This place easily visited by others was too distant and harsh for Cult members. So it took too long.

Perhaps because decades were needed to stand at this place, even cold Sang Han-cheon's face was slightly flushed red.

"Once Shaolin Temple collapses, Central Plains will lose its center and fall into internal strife."

The Martial Alliance might have greater power. Actually, the Martial Alliance gathering Central Plains' numerous sects and figures far surpassed Shaolin Temple in forces. But Sang Han-cheon rather thought Shaolin Temple a more threatening existence.

Then it happened.

"Military Advisor."

With a familiar voice, an old man suddenly appeared before him. Recognizing the old man, Sang Han-cheon bowed.

"You've arrived? Thank you for your hard work."

Not many received such respectful greetings from Sang Han-cheon.

The old man's name was Wi Gang-hwi.

Director of the Cult Protection Division and an absolute master called Phantom Demon Emperor. He qualified to receive Sang Han-cheon's greeting.

Behind Wi Gang-hwi appeared dozens of old men. Those each emanating extraordinary presence were precisely Cult Protection Division martial artists.

Having received Sang Han-cheon's orders, they were returning after devastating Wudang Sect. Some were wounded, some died unable to come together. But their faces held more exhilaration at having Shaolin Temple before them than loss.

They too anticipated coming to Shaolin Temple as much as Sang Han-cheon.

Wi Gang-hwi spoke representing them.

"Shaolin Temple is our portion. We absolutely cannot yield that. You focus on the Martial Alliance."

"I understand."

"Just give the order. We're ready to attack Shaolin Temple anytime."

Wi Gang-hwi's shoulders kept twitching as if unable to contain excitement. The same for other Cult Protection Division martial artists.

Though everyone feared Shaolin Temple, they rather felt fighting spirit. Because they believed collapsing Shaolin Temple would achieve a Cult world.

Knowing their hearts, Sang Han-cheon smiled faintly.

"When battle begins, you'll stand at the very front."

"Then what are we hesitating for? Hurry and give orders."

"Everyone is tired from the long journey. Now is time to rest and gather strength."

"Mmm!"

"However, I won't make you wait long."

The smile at Sang Han-cheon's lips deepened.

He looked up at the sky.

To drop lightning, the sky must gather power for quite a while. But such condensed power destroys everything.

This war would also be so.

Sang Han-cheon smelled the thick blood scent carried on the blowing wind.

'After this wind passes, a new era's wind will blow.'