691 Chapter 1579: Take It Whenever You Want (Part 4)

Thousands had gathered here.

Even if the space was vast, there shouldn't have been silence.

No, it was a place where those who must fight for their lives have gathered, so a resounding cheer should've erupted naturally. 

But there was no sound.

The only thing that dominated this sunset land was an abnormally thick and heavy silence.

And the two people standing at the forefront on both sides were the ones who created this silence. The two giants who ruled this era.

Beopjeong.

The leader of the Thousand-Year Shaolin, a pillar of the righteous path that had led the Ten Great Sects for decades.

The criteria for determining the greatest in the world may vary from person to person, but when discussing the greatest in the current era, one cannot ignore Beopjeong.

And Jang Ilso.

The leader of Myriad Man Manor and the Lord of the Evil Tyrant Alliance. A remarkable figure who rapidly united the previously fragmented Evil Sect into a formidable force, achieving a great feat.

Opinions about him may vary, and doubts about his abilities still linger, but no one can deny that he is the top figure in the current Evil Sect.

Quite literally, the leaders of the two most powerful forces in the world, the two axes that moved the world, were facing each other across the desolate plain.

The tension created by their confrontation made everyone present involuntarily hold their breath.

"...Amitabhul."

Beopjeong muttered disapprovingly.

'Jang Ilso.'

Although they were quite a distance apart, Jang Ilso's figure was vividly clear in his eyes. His appearance was as dazzling and exotic as it was impressive.

Even in the face of an imminent battle where many would die, there was still a strong sense of boredom.

Beopjeong's eyes, which seek to see the true nature of humanity, did not even bother with the discordant colors of Jang Ilso.

He simply paid attention to Jang Ilso as a human being. Jang Ilso himself, who was beyond Beopjeong's grasp despite the numerous people surrounding him.

Beopjeong realized once again.

The intensity, as if they had been fighting for decades, was so familiar, but they had never faced each other like this and had a conversation.

Beopjeong's deep voice resonated across the vast land.

"Paegun. How many more sins do you intend to commit?"

The moment Jang Ilso heard those words, his eyes widened.

"Because of your greed, the world is plunged into despair. Countless lives have been lost, and blood has soaked the earth like rain. Isn't that enough?"

Jang Ilso just smiled and observed Beopjeong without saying anything. There wasn't a hint of enmity in his eyes.

"I advise you. Although the sins you have already committed cannot be washed away, there must be a way not to commit greater sins. Realize that all your desires are merely emptiness. If you do, at least you may not accumulate greater karma."

"Bangjang!"

Jonglihyung was bewildered and unintentionally spoke up.

"What on earth are you talking about? The sins committed by that man..."

"Amitabhul."

But when a heavy chant echoed, Jonglihyung closed his mouth without realizing it.

Having silenced Jonglihyung instead of confronting him, Beopjeong turned his gaze to Jang Ilso, lowering his voice even more.

"Believing that you can grasp something in your hands is nothing more than a delusion. In the end, a person is born empty-handed and dies that way. What remains in those hands is not honor or wealth but the accumulated karma of a lifetime."

Beopjeong took a dignified stance.

"If you realize that you are content with this, and attempt to cleanse your sins, Shaolin is willing to help. The path of righteousness is open to everyone. Even if you are a sinner for eternity, it is not beyond redemption."

A heavy and solemn gaze was directed towards Jang Ilso.

While Beopjeong's words surprised everyone, no one doubted the sincerity within. Beopjeong dedicated his life to following the path of righteousness. He never forgot his duty even in moments like this.

However, what returned in response to the noble words of the senior was a burst of laughter.

"Haha. Hahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahaha!"

Jang Ilso, who had been silent all along, burst into loud laughter.

Unlike the dignified Beopjeong, who seemed like a giant tree, Jang Ilso, laughing while clutching his stomach, looked incredibly carefree. It was a too light-hearted appearance for someone who was supposed to be the leader of a faction.

"Oh dear."

After laughing for a long time, Jang Ilso wiped his eyes with his well-groomed fingernails. Even tears were dripping from his eyes.

"Sorry, sorry. I didn't imagine I would hear such a sermon in this situation. So, it doesn't seem entirely my fault..."

Jang Ilso's tender gaze turned towards Beopjeong.

The mockery was evident. He mocked Beopjeong, mocked those who followed him, and even mocked the righteousness that Beopjeong believed in.

"Don't you think so?"

Jang Ilso's gaze swept across everyone beyond Beopjeong.

It was awkward to call then under the name of the Ten Great Sects, but still, they were the ones who guarded the Central Plains under that name.

"Even when Gangnam fell beneath my feet."

Those who felt Jang Ilso's gaze slightly raised their faces.

"Even when Sichuan burned in the hands of my children."

Euduk.

The sound of teeth grinding could be heard.

"Even when countless people in Gangbuk were dying in their hometowns... discussing righteousness and Buddhism..."

Although the voice was calm, it was truly a sharp sarcasm.

"It seems like I'm ignorant, huh? Seeing the difference between the law I know and the law you discuss."

"Paegun."

"Well, how would Buddha think? Wouldn't he be more willing to help those wretches running around saving people in Gangbuk right now, rather than those who only talk about law and mercy? Huh?"

Referring to the Heavenly Comrade Alliance.

Jang Ilso knew. What he was saying now was the last thing Beopjeong wanted to hear. What they are chasing after right now.

The eyes of Beopgye traced down Beopjeong's back to his hands.

Beopjeong's back was as usual, but the hand holding the long staff was trembling slightly with a great force.

Only Beopgye behind him could see that subtle tremor, which made him guess Beopjeong's inner thoughts.

"Amitabhul."

But whatever that inner thought was, the chant was just solemn.

"Surely, we are lacking. But all the causes of that are not us but directly in you. I will say it for the last time. If you want to stop, now is the time."

"Now is the time."

A gentle and kind voice pierced everyone's ears. It was faint but eerily clear.

"Realize your contentment and stop now... What if I say I will? What will happen? Will you just let me go like this?"

Jang Ilso's bright red lips twisted.

"No. No, that won't happen. You can't do that. So what will you do? Kindly bring me in, cut the veins, and stick me in an underground prison? Listen to the nauseating scriptures chanted by the bald fools until the day I die, writhing in that filthy dungeon?"

"Paegun."

"Ha, ha, haha."

Jang Ilso shook his head as if here were repulsed.

"They say Shaolin speak of mercy, but that is it. Even the devils of hell wouldn't be this cruel. I'd rather say the Evil Sect is merciful. Wouldn't we at least kill cleanly?"

"This is the only way for you to repay the sins you've committed."

"Hahaha."

Jang Ilso laughed briefly.

Gradually, vermilion veins began to appear on his pale face.

"I'm not so weak to be upset like this. I can't stand it anymore, and I can't listen anymore."

At that sudden change in momentum, even Beopjeong momentarily stopped breathing.

"Repentance... aren't you curious?"

The chilling gaze pierced through the aged monk.

"Who is the one here who most wants me to not repent? Who is the one praying most desperately that this war won't end in vain? Who is the one hiding behind the humble mask of Buddhism and pursuing his desires more fiercely than anyone else?"

"Jang Ilso!"

A roar burst out from Beopjeong's mouth.

"You endured... That's a very good excuse. It looks plausible and impressive. But one thing you must know. Do you know what endurance that does not take pain is called?"

Jang Ilso's eyes pierced through Beopjeong, and those standing behind him.

"Evasion."

Just two words made Beopjeong's face flush.

"It's strange, isn't it? The price wasn't paid by you, so why is it endurance? You just watched. But now you're standing in front of me, making nonsense decisions as if it's something great. As if hoping someone will recognize you."

"Deceptive talk!"

"Disgusting..."

In Jang Ilso's eyes that reached Beopjeong, a hint of disgust, as if looking at insects, permeated. Beopjeong bit his lips tightly, receiving such a gaze.

"Repulsive."

Jang Ilso laughed. The disdain in his eyes remained.

"But... I don't particularly hate you, or you all. Isn't humanity fundamentally disgusting and repulsive?"

Jang Ilso smiled slyly. A child-like smile spread across his face.

"I will tell you an easier way."

At Jang Ilso's question, a faint doubt crossed Beopjeong's face. Jang Ilso spoke kindly.

"Surrender."

"Jang Ilso!"

"Then there will be no one to shed blood anymore. I am not interested in seeing unnecessary blood. I promise. If you kneel before me, lick my feet, I will not kill anyone and be satisfied with just 'dominating.' How about that? Then, a sacrifice-free peace is achieved."

Beopjeong's beard trembled.

"It's an easy choice, isn't it? If you really want to shed no blood. But... is that really what you want?"

Looking at the insidious gaze, Beopjeong felt it acutely.

It was here.

No words, no persuasion could reach through the absolute evil. It was right there, a being that seemed to have coalesced and brewed from pure malice.

How can one even call that a human?

"No, that's not what you want. I know, I know what you desire. What you want is precisely..."

Jang Ilso slowly drew his fingernails across his own throat.

"Right here."

Simultaneously, his bright red lips twisted.

"What you desire. I will fulfill your purpose. A trophy that will eternally engrave your name in the history of Kangho. I will lift the name of Shaolin above the heavens again, leaving your pitiful fate as an unmatched legend in Shaolin's history."

The small voice echoed like thunder in the ears of Beopjeong.

Now Jang Ilso's gaze was gentle, without a trace of enmity.

"Go ahead and take it."

"...?"

"Stain your hands with blood, cause numerous deaths, fight until this land is completely dyed crimson. Achieve what you so desperately desire."

"Amitabul."

It was the predetermined conclusion.

The two giants knew. Conversation was meaningless to them.

They were not acceptors but those who created acceptance.

Someone without confidence in themselves could never reach this position.

Therefore, they must crush the opponent. Crush their beliefs, goals, influence, and even their lives.

"In the end, dialogue won't work."

"It's coming full circle. A predictable ending."

Jang Ilso's gaze turned to the sky.

The dusk had thickened even more, as if preparing to cover the imminent spillage of blood.

"Everyone, listen!"

Beopjeong opened the gate to the massive battle that would shake the world.

"We can no longer aid and abet the heinous atrocities of this villain. We did not want to see bloodshed, but we will not fear seeing it! Today, here, I will! And we will bring retribution to this villain and restore peace to Kangho!"

A lion's roar erupted like a divine cry.

At that moment, the bodies of those standing behind him tensed with extreme tension. The accumulated energy surged around them.

"If not me, who will go to hell? A―mi―ta―bul―!"

The momentum exploded, and Beobjeong shouted with thunderous force, striking the ground.

"Follow Bangjang!"

"Wooooo!"

The formidable force of the entire Ten Great Sects surged forward towards the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

It seemed like a massive tidal wave. The fearless warriors of Evil Tyrant Alliance, who had fought without knowing fear until now, were momentarily frozen by the force.

"Hmm."

At that moment, Jang Ilso's indifferent sigh reached the ears. The warriors of Evil Tyrant Alliance instantly remembered who they were.

Jang Ilso tapped his chin with his fingertip.

"They're being unnecessarily loud. Treat them more appropriately. Make sure they understand that this place is no longer the world where they could rampage."

The first to react were, of course, the Honggyeon, Jang Ilso's fearless dogs.

"Defend Ryeonju-nim!"

With a sinister force, they rushed forward, followed by the warriors of the Myriad Man Manor and Black Ghost Castle.

In these open vast plains. The tide of the battle surged, distorting the entire expanse like a stranded shipwreck.

The scarlet sun hanging over the Shaanxi mountains was scattered across the sky, as if it had been cut by the incoming darkness.

Justice and evil.

The Ten Great Sects and the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

And Beopjeong and Jang Ilso.

A single battle to determine the fate of the world. The curtain had finally risen.