“Four Tyrant Alliance.... ((???(四覇聯)))”
The Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold murmured quietly in a slightly cracked voice.
This isn’t an ordinary matter.
Especially when considering the impact the founding of this Four Tyrant Alliance will have on Kangho.
‘It’s dangerous.’
Of course, as Jang Ilso said, an alliance may be necessary to fight the now-active Righteous Faction. In reverse, however, the founding of the Four Tyrant Alliance might also give them a solid enemy.
Geugeung.
At that moment, Jang Ilso scratched the wooden table with his fingertips. Following the tips of his fingers drawn like a brush, the shape of Jungwon was drawn on the wooden tea table.
“The current power structure in the world is like this. First, the Ten Great Sects in Northern land.”
The Ten Great Sects are scattered all over the world.
Given that Haenam Sect in Haenam Island, Jeomchang in Yunnan, and Kunlun at the end of Qinghai, it might be unreasonable to limit the sphere of influence of the Ten Great Sects to northern land.
But it’s not entirely wrong either.
Because after all, the center of the current Ten Great Sects is Shaolin and Wudang. Since the two sects are located around Henan (??(河南)) in northern land, and the surroundings are guarded by Southern Edge Sect, Kongtong, and Beggar Union, the center of the Ten Great Sects is clearly Henan and also northern land.
“And the Heavenly Comrade Alliance in the west.”
“Hmm.”
Thousand-Faced Gentleman’s face flinched slightly.
He hated to admit it, but he couldn’t deny that the Heavenly Comrade Alliance had a significant influence in the west of Jungwon.
‘It’s not even funny.’
To the west of Jungwon are Kunlun Sect, Jeomchang Sect, Emei Sect, and Qingcheng Sect.
Of course, they are not gathered like the Ten Great Sects in Northern land, nor are they sects active in Jungwon.
But even so, the Ten Great Sect is the Ten Great Sect. One cannot ignore the Heavenly Comrades Alliance, which has built a solid power base amidst the checks and balances of these sects.
‘Southern Edge Sect’s bongmun must’ve had a great effect. In the first place, Southern Edge Sect is a sect located in the west of Mount Hua. If Southern Edge Sect was strong, it would not even be possible to start Heavenly Comrades Alliance.’
Whether Mount Hua made Southern Edge Sect into Bongmun, or Southern Edge Sect stabbed in the gap, it was certain that their capabilities were not ordinary.
It was evident in Thousand-Faced Gentleman’s eyes.
From the North Sea Ice Clan to the Namman Yasugung Clan. A long continuous line.
“If they can maintain that line to the end, one day, the Heavenly Comrade Alliance might become the representative power of the world, not the Ten Great Sects.”
However...
Anxiety factors are plenty, obviously.
“And what remains is.”
Taak!
Jang Ilso spread his hand and hit the table. His hand landed squarely on the southern land.
“Southern land.”
“....”
The influence of officials in southern land is not yet significant. Therefore, the Evil Sect gathered in southern land to avoid the oppression of the Ten Great Sects and the officials.
“The key is the Yangtze River! If Evil Sects in southern land can join forces to protect the Yangtze River, they will not be able to go south. Then, first of all, we should secure southern land.”
“Then, is there any difference from before?”
“The world has changed.”
Udeuduk.
Jang Ilso grabs the wooden tea table. A handful of wood caught in his hand was ripped out.
“The Heavenly Comrade Alliance has brought together those who cannot be intertwined. And the existence of the Heavenly Comrade Alliance made the Ten Great Sect, which used to check and fight each other, unite again. The era of merely defending one’s own sect and keeping one’s head upright is over. Now, what remains is which power will survive!”
“Hmm.”
“The world will be divided into three forces.”
Thousand-Faced Gentleman chuckled, seeming amused.
“Three forces, you say. Are you trying to be Gongmyeong?” (Gongmyeong(孔明) is a historical figure best known for his strategies. Also a key character of “The Three Kingdom”)
“If necessary, shouldn’t we do so?”
“Kukukuk.”
He nodded after a grotesque laugh.
“Well, good. I intended to go along with Paegun’s idea in the first place. Looking at how things are going, it’s clear that if things continue this way, everyone will perish.”
Hao Sect is second to none in dealing with the world’s information and analyzing the situation. Words coming from the head of such a powerful sect carried weight.
Even Black Dragon King seemed to be tempted by the words.
“You’re suggesting the Yangtze River as the center?”
“It can’t exactly be the center. But currently, it might be the most critical place. If the Yangtze River is taken, the distinction between the land of north and south disappears. The key is to firmly instill the notion that the Ten Great Sects would suffer significant losses if they try to take the Yangtze River.”
“...You mean to rip off their arms, rip open their stomach, and dig out the intestines.”
Black Dragon King gave a strange smile as he pondered over the words.
In fact, there’s nothing wrong with his perspective. In order for the Ten Great Sect to aim for the Evil Sect in Southern land, it is necessary to attack the pirates to open the path. At this rate, the first place to fail would be the Yangtze River.
In such a situation, why would he refuse assistance offered upfront?
“Keuhahaha! This freak is now saying something worth listening to. Then I’ll join this Four Tyrant Alliance as well! However!”
Flames sparked from the eyes of the Black Dragon King.
“You’d better throw away the idea of using Eighteen Water Fortress of the Yangtze River as a shield. If not, I will surely slit your throat and kill you.”
“There’s no need to worry. We too need the pirates to live.”
Jang Ilso lightly waved his pale hand, clearly expressing his intentions.
Tap. Tap, tap. Tap, tap, tap.
The last remaining Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold was rubbing his chin with one hand and tapping the table with the other. Seeing him continually mumbling to himself, it seemed he was calculating the pros and cons.
Took!
As if to conclude, the Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold tapped the table with his index finger, frowning deeply.
“The numbers don’t add up.”
Everyone remained silent, not offering an immediate answer.
“If we maintain the current system in the name of alliance, it is meaningless. I don’t know if the Righteous Factions can coexist that way, but we can’t. We need a definitive leader and a solid system.”
“Hahahaha! You’re right. But there’s no need to worry about that. I, Black Dragon King, will become the leader and guide you all!”
“It’s too much for you. Black Dragon King. Don’t step up and shut up.”
“Thousand-Faced Gentleman! Do you want to die right now?”
A deep and roaring voice burst out, but Thousand-Faced Gentleman ignored it and gave a crooked smile.
“Information is power. I, who knows the circumstances of all sects, am suitable.”
“Even with power, if you have no money, you can’t do anything. The one who brings the money is the one who holds the power, right?”
“This....”
It was when the three exchanged cold glances with each other.
“You don’t need to worry about it.”
Jang Ilso finished pouring the drink into the cup and shook his head lightly.
“Do you have a proposal?”
“I, Jang Ilso, am the only one who can be the leader of this Evil Tyrant Alliance.”
Flames flickered in the eyes of the Black Dragon King.
“This damned one... So this was your game all along.”
“There needs to be evidence for such a claim.”
“And clearly what the benefits are.”
Jang Ilso smiled and pushed the cup in front of everyone.
“Black Dragon King, your martial prowess are excellent, but your ability to harmonize with people (??(人和)) is lacking. There will undoubtedly be friction with others. Moreover, Black Dragon King cannot leave the Yangtze River. If the leader is at the frontlines, wouldn’t everything be over the moment the frontline falls?”
“...Hmm.”
Black Dragon King let out a sigh as he looked at the wine cup placed in front of him.
He was frustrated, but it wasn’t wrong.
“Information is absolutely important, but sometimes it can be a curse. No one would follow someone who knows their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.”
“...Is this a fundamental issue? Tsk.”
Thousand-Faced Gentleman also received a cup of wine that was placed in front of him. He couldn’t disagree with that statement.
“No one can ignore the power of money, but this is Kangho. And being sensitive to profit means that the leader might prioritize their own personal gain. Isn’t the head of the alliance the right place for a man who can sacrifice personal benefits for the greater good?”
“...That’s a valid point.”
The Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold nodded. He had no confidence to choose the former when the interests of the alliance collided with those of Black Ghost Fortress.
Jang Ilso picked up one of the two remaining cups and threw it lightly at the Lord of the Blood Clan.
“There’s no need to mention the other sect.”
Tak.
The Lord of the Blood Clan, who received the cup, nodded silently.
“Furthermore...”
There was a flicker of madness in Jang Ilso’s gaze. Everyone could not help but flinch when they saw the eyes.
There was something about Jang Ilso that even made them, people who represented the world, sick. It was as if the initiative had effectively shifted to him.
“Those stuck in their territories, only looking forward, cannot be the leaders. The man who will be the lord of the Evil Tyrant Alliance must starve more than anyone else, and therefore have greater greed than anyone else.”
Jang Ilso’s hand gripped the northern part of the map drawn on the table.
Udeuduk.
Jang Ilso, who tore the whole part apart, clasped his fist. The smashed wood turned into powder and scattered.
“I don’t want to take over southern land, stay in such a barren place, and pretend to be a king. I yearn for that place over there. I desire it more than anyone else. Just looking at it makes my throat burn, and makes me hungry. Even if I drink a thousand drinks and consume ten thousand grains, the hunger won’t subside.”
“....”
“Whatever you can gain from that land, divide it among yourselves. People, money, land, they mean nothing to me. There’s only one thing I need. To subdue everything in the world under the name of me, Jang Ilso.”
Everyone held their breath.
Jang Ilso’s eyes overflowing with madness proved that all of this was not just empty words.
“Only that has any worth.”
“....”
“Follow me. Then I’ll lead you. Not this smelly southern land, but northern land, the center of Jungwon!”
“Hahaha.”
Thousand-Faced Gentleman bowed his head with wide-opened eyes.
“Really, you are unmatched. The leader of the Hao Sect, Thousand-Faced Gentleman, greets Ryeonju.” (Evil Tyrant Alliance = Sapaeryeon. Ju = leader. Ryeonju = Alliance Leader)
When Thousand-Faced Gentleman bowed and saluted, the Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold sighed and nodded.
“This seems to be the most profitable path. The leader of Black Ghost Fortress, Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold, greets Ryeonju.”
“...Darn it.”
Black Dragon King seemed discontented until the end, but having come this far, he couldn’t back out.
“Don’t expect any respect from me.”
“Of course.”
“......The leader of Eighteen Water Fortress of the Yangtze River, Black Dragon King, acknowledges Paegun Jang Ilso as the Ryeonju of Evil Tyrant Alliance!”
“Raise your cup.”
Jang Ilso raised his cup first, and everyone lifted the glass in front of him.
“As of now, we are brothers. To brothers, a toast! To betrayers, a sword!”
Tang!
The cup violently clinked in mid-air.
It was not long before everyone emptied their cup.
Evil Tyrant Alliance.
Finally, an alliance of Evil Sects was born that would turn the world upside down.