Read Novel Full Chapter 314
Chapter 314: “It Has Always Been This Way Between Nokrim and the Righteous Sects”
The agitation in the meeting room soon subsided. Although there was curiosity about the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors and her stay at Five Peaks Mountain, the barrier of the Heavenly and Earthly Eight Trigrams Formation limited any possible action.
The attention turned once again to the chief strategist, Jegal Seun. They knew that finding solutions was his responsibility. Jegal Seun felt a nervous tic in his eye, aware of the high expectations.
Yeon Jeokha’s words had highlighted his inability to overcome the formation, a challenge that neither Namgung Yeon nor Great Swordmaster Jang Mudeok could resolve. Jegal Seun bitterly thought, ‘Damn it, anyone who tries will get the same results.’
Jegal Seun cast a resentful glance at Yeon Jeokha. The constant mentions of the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors only underscored his own powerlessness.
“To monitor the Holy Mother, we must surpass the Heavenly and Earthly Eight Trigrams Formation without her noticing. However, based on the experience of the reconnaissance team, it seems like a difficult task.”
The masters present sighed, nodding in agreement. The Wudang Sect Leader, Young Gyeolsang, added emphatically:
“It’s impossible to monitor the Holy Mother without alerting her. Unless we have someone who surpasses the skills of Namgung Yeon, Great Swordmaster Jang Mudeok, and the Three Immortals of Kunlun.”
Although Jegal Seun felt uncomfortable for not being mentioned among the great masters, he refrained from showing it.
“In the Heaven and Earth Alliance, we will investigate the Heavenly and Earthly Eight Trigrams Formation. If we find a way to break it, we will reorganize the reconnaissance team. Is it alright to leave this matter for now?”
Jegal Seun deliberately ignored Yeon Jeokha as he looked at the other representatives.
“Agreed.”
“Let’s do that.”
With no objections, Jegal Seun hurried to close the topic.
“Then, we will leave the matter of the Holy Mother until we have more information about the formation. The next topic is the peace proposal with the Yoomyung Cult. Although they have an advantage, their offer seems sincere. However…”
He paused, capturing everyone’s attention.
“The proposal includes dismantling the Heaven and Earth Alliance and not sending spies against the Yoomyung Cult for a hundred years.”
There was a moment of silence as the representatives processed the shocking news. In contrast, the members of Nokrim seemed indifferent.
The acting abbot of Shaolin Temple, Master Gyeongji, asked:
“Are we not supposed to antagonize the Yoomyung Cult for a hundred years?”
“It seems they want to prevent the righteous sects from uniting.”
“Can we form an alliance, but not against them?”
“It appears so, although we need to confirm the details.”
Someone murmured:
“This is worse than surrender. Why are they only targeting the righteous sects?”
The atmosphere in the room became tense. His words reflected the feeling of humiliation among the representatives of the righteous sects.
The representatives of Nokrim remained silent. Although they had temporarily joined the Heaven and Earth Alliance, they had no reason to confront the Yoomyung Cult.
Jegal Seun quickly understood the divisive effect of the Yoomyung Cult’s proposal. While he pondered his own gain, he concluded that the dismantling of the Heaven and Earth Alliance was inevitable.
‘Could this be an opportunity to get rid of Yeon Jeokha?’
Yeon Jeokha’s influence in the Heaven and Earth Alliance was considerable due to his position as Grand Inspector of Nokrim. If tensions between the righteous sects and the members of Nokrim increased, Yeon Jeokha would lose his influence.
Jegal Seun decided not to calm the growing distrust.
“We don’t know what their intentions are, but it’s clear they don’t want to continue the war. If there are no objections, I will begin the peace negotiations. Both the alliance leader and the prestigious sects agree to end the war.”
No one objected. With the support of the Five Great Families and the Seven Great Sects, everyone accepted the proposal.
Jegal Seun concluded:
“I will begin the peace negotiations with the Yoomyung Cult. There will be no more fighting until we have an agreement. Please remain in Chiliha Village until then.”
The official announcement of the peace negotiations prompted murmurs among those present. It was reasonable to end the war, considering the strength of the Yoomyung Cult.
After the meeting, the members of Nokrim were the first to leave. As soon as they left, the criticism began.
“Something is going on between Nokrim and the Yoomyung Cult.”
“The Heaven Destroyer Demon Lord must be involved.”
“They’ve always been the same. It’s surprising they haven’t stabbed us in the back yet.”
“Strategist, can we get Nokrim out of Chiliha? It’s like walking on thin ice.”
“Yes, we can barely go out after dark.”
“I’ve been sleeping with a sword by my bed for weeks.”
“We should form a new alliance like the old Justice Alliance. How can we live like this?”
“It’s a good time for bandits.”
The criticism against the Yoomyung Cult soon turned to Nokrim. The Five Great Families and the Seven Great Sects remained silent, knowing that they would eventually have to face Nokrim.
The Alliance Leader, Mu Geuk, approached Jegal Seun and suggested:
“Strategist, consider forming a new alliance of righteous sects. Now that everyone is here, it’s a good time.”
“Let’s do it. I’ll talk to the leaders of the Seven Great Sects and the Five Great Families.”
The Seonu Family Leader, Seonu Dam, intervened:
“We must act quickly to coincide with the peace announcement. But what do we do with the territories of the Moyong Family and the Mugeuk Sect? We can’t allow the Evil Faction to take them.”
Mu Geuk looked at Seonu Dam. Both factions had roots in the Nanjing province, so it was natural for him to be concerned.
“Good observation. We must decide what to do with those territories. We can’t allow them to fall into evil hands.”
Jegal Seun nodded energetically. Redistributing the Nanjing territories was just what he desired.
‘Sorry, Namgung Byeok. But your daughter has sealed your fate.’
Jegal Seun planned to ensure that the Namgung Family would receive no gains.
———————
Yeon Jeokha joined the members of Nokrim. The atmosphere in the meeting room was too hostile to stay among the righteous sect masters.
As he crossed the courtyard of the Heaven and Earth Alliance, Yeon Jeokha commented:
“Wow, the Yoomyung Cult are cunning.”
“Why do you say that?”
Lady of the Black Lotus, Seok Ryeoshi, looked at him curiously.
Yeon Jeokha, who had been silent, suddenly praised the Yoomyung Cult, which was unusual.
“They’re only attacking the righteous sects. That way, they make us look like the bad guys. Didn’t you see how they looked at us in the meeting?”
“The Heaven and Earth Alliance has always been strange. Nokrim and the righteous sects have always had their differences.”
“Really?”
Shim Tong added:
“Lady Seok is right. If the Heaven and Earth Alliance dissolves, Nokrim will have problems. The Seven Great Sects and the Five Great Families will use any excuse to act.”
“But we’re still in the same alliance. Shouldn’t they be more discreet?”
“They should. But the strategist didn’t do anything to stop them.”
“That’s true. If the strategist had said something, it would have been different. Do you think it’s because I annoyed Jegal Seun too much? Scholars are known for holding grudges.”
Upon hearing this, Seok Ryeoshi smiled and commented:
“When did you annoy him?”
“When didn’t I? Besides, he’s not just a scholar, he’s a master. I’m sure he could face any Nokrim leader.”
“Really? I thought he only knew how to defend himself.”
“No, I tried to provoke him and his reaction was impressive.”
“Do you know how to do that?”
“It’s not that hard. But I wonder who he’ll take to the peace negotiations.”
“Why? Oh! Is it because of Namgung Yeon?”
“The guy is cunning. Someday I’ll crush him so he can’t say a word.”
“Do it when the Heaven and Earth Alliance dissolves. Now it could be dangerous.”
“True.”
Yeon Jeokha accepted Seok Ryeoshi’s suggestion. Although he led Nokrim, confronting the Grand Strategist of the Heaven and Earth Alliance directly would be complicated.
As Yeon Jeokha and the others from Nokrim approached the main exit, a familiar face approached them enthusiastically. It was Dong Yuso, an officer of the Golden Guard, dressed in a luxurious silk robe.
“Inspector Yeon! You look well.”
Shim Tong frowned. He had never seen a positive relationship between Nokrim and the officers.
The relationships between Nokrim and the authorities were always tense. They needed each other, but once their interests were met, they usually betrayed each other.
The leaders of Nokrim watched curiously. Not many addressed Yeon Jeokha with the title of “Inspector Yeon.”
Yeon Jeokha dismissed the others, preferring to deal with the officer privately. Any association with the Golden Guard could generate unnecessary rumors.
“What brings you here?”
“Hahaha, it’s been a while. Let’s go to a nicer place for a drink.”
“Alright.”
Yeon Jeokha agreed. He knew that the invitation wasn’t just for drinking.
Dong Yuso took him to a modest house on the outskirts of Chiliha Village. Inside, there was a simple table with liquor.
Dong Yuso poured a cup and smiled.
“I’ve heard you like Shaoxing wine. Here’s the best, called ‘Huijie Clouds’.”
The aroma of the wine filled the room.
Yeon Jeokha took a sip and looked around. The house was in ruins, with a broken window.
“The atmosphere is really… interesting. What do you want?”