Book 21 Chapter 21

The Path of No Return

-For the Trap-

Each dormitory at Macheongak has a meeting room equipped for efficient discussions by the leadership. The thirteenth dormitory, assigned to the disciples of Cheonmu Academy, was also fully equipped with the necessary facilities.

Three people were gathered in the meeting room at that moment. Namgung Sang, Yong Cheonmyung, and Ma Haryeong were those three.

"What should we do, Captain?" Yong Cheonmyung asked, looking at Namgung Sang.

"No, that title… it's still temporary…" Namgung Sang scratched his head, uncomfortable with the awkward designation.

"Even if it's temporary, you are currently our captain. Therefore, you need to act like a captain. If the captain lacks authority, they will be looked down upon by others. It would be a big problem if you were disregarded, but if all of us were disregarded, that would be an even bigger issue," Yong Cheonmyung stated.

"I agree with Young Master Yong," Ma Haryeong said. Ever since the martial arts competition, Ma Haryeong had been much more inclined to agree with Yong Cheonmyung's opinions.

"Sigh, it feels like the captain's position has changed. If you two say so, then so be it," Namgung Sang replied with a tone of half-resignation.

"That is precisely the role of a vice-captain," Yong Cheonmyung said.

"Isn't the role of a vice-captain to fill the captain's shortcomings? Don't worry too much about it," Ma Haryeong added.

"No, I am very worried…" Namgung Sang muttered. At Cheonmu Academy, people who constantly clashed over disagreements were now working together seamlessly overnight, making Namgung Sang, caught in the middle, feel increasingly stressed.

"Speaking of which, shouldn't we select more temporary leaders besides us? We'll need more hands as time goes on," Ma Haryeong suggested. This time, Yong Cheonmyung nodded.

"I agree. With two vice-captains, the aides are one thing, but it seems the captain appoints the strategists and intelligence officers, so it would be good to decide quickly. What do you say, Captain?" Yong Cheonmyung asked.

The increasing responsibilities made Namgung Sang's head throb. Unfortunately, the two were not wrong. If they didn't select the necessary personnel quickly, the workload would obviously fall heavily on the three of them.

"That's true," Namgung Sang conceded. Despite his agreement, the sharp gazes of the two continued to fix on Namgung Sang's lips, a silent pressure to quickly recite a list of candidates.

'Strategist…' Several names came to Namgung Sang's mind. Yong Cheonmyung, Baek Muyeong, Hyo Ryong, Yeon Bi… Yong Cheonmyung was already a vice-captain standing before him, so he was naturally excluded. Although Hyo Ryong knew the affairs of Macheongak well, he was not suitable as a strategist for various reasons. Yeon Bi was dismissed instantly, as she only vaguely crossed his mind without any specific reason. That left only one.

"How about Ji Ryong (Wise Dragon)?" Namgung Sang proposed.

"Hmm, Muyeong… that's an impeccable choice," Yong Cheonmyung agreed immediately upon hearing Namgung Sang's suggestion. Ma Haryeong also seemed to have no significant objections.

"Let's do that. Then, what about the intelligence officer?" This was a question Namgung Sang had anticipated, and he didn't need to ponder long for a perfect answer that immediately came to mind. Upon hearing the word 'intelligence officer,' only one candidate flashed in his mind. That person was so fitting that it was no exaggeration to say they were born for such a role.

"I will decide on Senior Bi Yeontae," Namgung Sang announced.

"Ugh…" Ma Haryeong frowned slightly with a displeased expression.

"That's a novel idea. Surely that senior can handle it excellently. After all, wasn't he the one who dealt with the most difficult information?" Yong Cheonmyung nodded with a wry smile, a clear sign of agreement.

"The Ae Sojeo Hoe members will surely like that. Although, they should refrain from collecting unnecessary supplementary information," Yong Cheonmyung said, his words barbed but acknowledging Bi Yeontae's information-gathering abilities. He smoothly concluded the discussion.

"Then the appointments are decided. For today, let's discuss amongst ourselves first."

"Certainly. I will inform the two of them by the end of today," Ma Haryeong replied.

Thus, it was decided that Baek Muyeong would join the leadership as a strategist, and Bi Yeontae as the intelligence officer.

"On another note, about the letter we received this time…" Yong Cheonmyung began.

"Let me see it too," Ma Haryeong said. Ma Haryeong had not yet seen the letter. Namgung Sang quickly handed the letter he had unintentionally received to Ma Haryeong.

"Cheonmu Academy Delegation Grand Welcome Reception?" Ma Haryeong's voice trailed off naturally.

"That's a very suspicious title," Yong Cheonmyung commented.

"I agree. They have no real reason to welcome us," Namgung Sang replied. It was indeed utterly suspicious.

"At best, we're a thorn in their side. But for them to provoke us already, it's just as expected from the dark path. They are acting faster than I thought," Ma Haryeong said.

"Indeed. It's as if they were lying in wait," Yong Cheonmyung chimed in.

"This is problematic, we can't back down…" Namgung Sang's brow furrowed slightly. He desperately wanted to refuse, but his position made it impossible.

"If we do that, we'll immediately be called cowards," Yong Cheonmyung stated. It was the truth.

"We can neither move forward nor backward… it's like chicken bone and ribs, a dilemma," Namgung Sang sighed.

"You are the captain, so you decide. We will follow whatever you decide," Yong Cheonmyung said. It sounded like an expression of trust, but Namgung Sang felt no joy. He only felt that the problem had been passed back to him.

"There's no other choice. Even if it's a trap, we have to walk into it. We can't be called cowards, can we?" Namgung Sang said, steeling his resolve.

"I agree," Yong Cheonmyung replied. In situations like this, retreating was akin to losing.

"If a trap awaits, we can prepare for it beforehand, can't we? I agree too. We need to show them that Cheonmu Academy is not to be trifled with," Ma Haryeong said, his fighting spirit ignited.

"Then it's decided," Namgung Sang concluded. The remaining issue was how they would prepare.

***

"Is all the luggage loaded?" the old man asked, lying on his back on the cart and looking at the sky.

"Yes, Elder. Everything is loaded," Zhang Wuyang, the head of Zhongyang Escort Agency, replied with a respectful bow. Behind him, countless white tiger flags fluttered.

The luggage consisted of precious items that the disciples of Cheonmu Academy, who had headed to Macheongak ahead of them, would carry for a year. However, Zhang Wuyang knew that the old man was not particularly interested in the whereabouts of these items or the escort itself. He likely just wanted to confirm if it was time to depart.

"We can depart at any time," Zhang Wuyang said. The old man nodded, indicating he understood. Zhang Wuyang bowed once more and respectfully withdrew. He now had to command this escort. As he ascended the platform, his trustworthy subordinates straightened their postures. The escorts, bearing the imposing white tiger emblem along with the lotus and sword emblem on their chests, looked up at him.

With the successful completion of this task, the reputation of Zhongyang Escort Agency would undoubtedly rise even higher. This was because this undertaking had always belonged to the Central Plains Escort Agency. A world he had never dreamed of was now stretching out before him. He had already stepped into it. From now on, there was only forward progress; there was no path back. Of course, he had no intention of turning back.

"Is everyone ready?" Zhang Wuyang asked in a booming voice.

"Yes, we are ready!" a thunderous response echoed back.

"If we complete this task, the Central Plains Escort Agency will shed many tears. Do you want to see that?"

"Yes, we do!"

"Do you want to laugh heartily while watching that sight?"

"Yes, we do!"

Their morale soared so high it seemed almost a concern that it might incur the wrath of heaven.

"I trust you all. Do you trust me?"

"We trust you!" came the unified answer.

Zhang Wuyang raised his sword high.

"Now, let's depart for Dongjing Lake!"