Chronicles of the Lazy Sovereign Chapter 548

#548

Taejonbirok Volume 22, Episode 23

Chapter 122: The Lazy Man Arrives (3)

“Reporting!”

The detective's eyes remained motionless. His gaze quickly scanned the papers on his desk. But his ears were intently following the sound of a voice.

"The shaman and Namgung met in Anhui. They said they would camp there and wait for more people to join them."

“What about Shaolin?”

"Shaolin has also reportedly departed. Other smaller and more powerful clans from the surrounding areas are joining in. The Shandong clan is advancing south rapidly, and Gaepoju is also leading a force of generals toward Hefei."

“What else?”

“Jongnam and Hwasan asked for advice.”

“Island, island…….”

The new investigator's mind began to spin rapidly. Not all old factions are the same. The main forces of the old factions are concentrated in Hanam and Shaanxi. Shaolin, Mudang, Gaebo, Hwasan, and Jongnam represent over seventy percent of the old factions' total strength.

If we combine the Sega and the smaller sects, we'll create a truly formidable force. Furthermore, Kwon Geuk is personally leading the generals' warriors to join Anhui. So…

“Jongnam and Hwasan are waiting.”

“Is that all I can say?”

"We never know when the Demonic Cult in Xinjiang will turn and attack. The Shaanxi martial arts factions should consult with Sichuan and thoroughly prepare for their attack."

“……Sir.”

A slightly trembling voice returned.

The new investigator, who knew the meaning of that voice, narrowed his eyes slightly.

'It won't be easy.'

Shaanxi and Sichuan border each other. It's impossible for neighboring powers to be on good terms. When Cheon Il-ryeon exposed his true colors to the Jeongmu Alliance, the two most fiercely opposed were Hwasan and Jongnam.

In particular, hadn't Hwasan already revealed ill feelings with Sacheon in the Hwasan region? It's unlikely such people would easily cooperate. When an enemy invades, it's natural to put aside past grudges and join forces. But if everything in the world went according to plan, where would conflict be?

“Phew.”

The new detective took a deep breath.

While it's currently a problem between Shaanxi and Sichuan, it was clear that this issue would continue to plague the Singi Investigation and the Central Plains. If the front expanded, it would ultimately escalate into a problem between the Jeongmu Alliance and the Cheon Il-ryeon.

The deepening emotional rift will remain like a grudge even while fighting together.

‘That’s why I needed that guy… … .’

What Wei Yanhu wanted was lubricants. Wei Yanhu possessed one extremely strong strength. It wasn't exactly a strength, but it was a strength nonetheless.

That's precisely what everyone who has experienced Wei Yanhui has a strong sense of empathy for. Just look at the people who gather around Wei Yanhui.

Without Wi Yeon-ho, these strong-willed individuals wouldn't have been able to gather in one place and make such a big move. While they may have been close, they wouldn't have compromised their opinions, so ultimately, they had no choice but to go their separate ways.

But when Wi Yeon-ho intervenes, a group naturally forms. This is a tremendous strength.

Shin Gi-su hoped Wi Yeon-ho would play a similar role between Cheon Eui-ryeon and Jeong Mu-maeng. Cheon Eui-ryeon, or rather, the Zhuge Liang family, would understand the importance of solidarity with Jeong Mu-maeng and would use Wi Yeon-ho to forge alliances with Jeong Mu-maeng.

But after the incident with Weishanho broke out, everything went awry.

'Ultimately, if you gain something, you inevitably lose something.'

That's life. You can't always win, and you can't always lose.

The fact that the Wei Yanhos slowed the Demonic Cult's advance was a remarkable achievement. However, they also lost the opportunity to strengthen their base. If we were to calculate the pros and cons, it would still be considered a gain…

"I know this isn't an easy task. Please add that you are asking for my help, Hwasan Jangmun."

“Yes, sir.”

As the reporter left, the new investigator shouted sharply.

“When did Shaolin arrive?”

“It’s coming down quickly. It won’t take more than two days.”

“Your Majesty?”

“Similar.”

“It’s not too late.”

The new detective began to tap his fingers on the desk.

Shaolin, always the problem. Systemically, Shaolin is inherently heavy-handed. For them to deploy, the precepts must be recognized as legitimate.

This is because monks who have left home have a resistance to interfering with worldly affairs.

'That's stupid.'

But when has Shaolin ever been absent from major events? Shaolin's specialty is to sit back and watch when trouble erupts because of their adherence to the law, then quietly rise up and act as saviors when things get dire. Yet, they never lose sight of their own interests.

Considering Shaolin's nature, this time they moved unusually quickly.

'That means the situation is that serious.'

This means that he calculated that his house could be blown away before he could rush in too late and reap the benefits. That calculation alone was identical to that of the new investigator. While martial arts have faced countless crises in the past, moments as perilous as this one are rare.

“What about Baekgeomseong?”

"We're heading north. At our current pace, we'll arrive at Hap-bi in three days."

“Three days, three days…….”

It's an ambiguous time.

Fortunately, most of the grudge's forces will arrive before Baekgeomseong reaches Hapbi, but there's no time to unify the command structure. Even with the leader's authority, the Shaolin abbot, the shaman Jang Moon-in, and the Ark of Opening are formidable opponents.

Having regained their strength, they will not meekly follow the orders of the Jeongmu Alliance.

'There are so many problems.'

In any case, the fact that each sect reacted so immediately and acted as intended when the incident broke out shows that the time Shin Gi-su-sa spent was not in vain. Shin Gi-su-sa dedicated twenty years to creating this system.

But even if a system can be perfect, it cannot perfectly control the people who operate within that system. That's because they are people.

The challenge now is how quickly we can fix and optimize the problems that arise. We should be grateful for the time we have.

If the Demonic Cult were to invade the Central Plains right now, it would be a mess, and moving troops would be a struggle.

“What about the Demonic Cult?”

“I haven’t turned my head yet.”

"……yet?"

"yes."

“Not yet…….”

The new detective took his eyes off his desk for the first time.

“Are you sure?”

“I am sure.”

“Not yet, you say.”

The new investigator looked up at the ceiling. Judging by the timing, they had already arrived at the gunpowder base long ago. If that were the case, the Wiyeonhos would have already escaped from them. In that case, there was no need to dedicate all of their forces to guarding the gunpowder base.

It would have been right to leave behind enough troops to handle the invasion, leave the aftermath to them, and then turn around and head for the Central Plains. But they're still there?

For what?

'There is nothing to gain.'

Baekgeomseong has already begun his work. Waste of time will only make things harder for Baekgeomseong. No matter what the Demonic Cult does, the great war that will unfold in Anhui is now unstoppable. So… … .

'The exhaustion of Baekgeomseong?'

no.

That's impossible.

'That doesn't make sense.'

Of course, if we think about it lightly, allowing Baekgeomseong and Jeongmu Alliance to clash would have the effect of depleting the Central Plains' military power. At first glance, it might seem like a fool's errand.

But then, Baekgeomseong would have to deal with the entire Central Plains. Having planted enemies in the rear, wasting those troops on a single-minded basis was simply foolish.

Isn't there a way to multiply the depleted strength of the Jeongmu Alliance and the Baekgeomseong during the war? Even if they just stormed in from behind at the right moment, they would be crushed on both sides of the Central Plains, inflicting extreme damage. Yet, they move so leisurely?

For what?

No matter how much I thought about it, the Shinki Investigation didn't calculate the benefits the Demonic Cult would gain. No matter what scenario I considered, it would only end up being a case of penny-pinching.

If there's no room for doubt, then don't doubt. If the Demonic Cult is doing something stupid, it's easier to just conclude that they're stupid.

But the new investigation couldn't do that.

This isn't a war where defeat can be accepted and a fresh start is possible. It's an all-out war, leaving the defeated with nothing. A single moment of carelessness, a single misstep, could turn the Central Plains into a living hell. So how can we take our opponents lightly?

'There's something I don't know.'

Obviously.

If there's no advantage in terms of manpower, there must be some other advantage. From now on, the new investigation team must find that advantage.

“Have you not heard from the upper class?”

“Yes. Not yet…….”

"hmm……."

The new detective's face darkened.

'Will I be able to come back alive?'

It won't be easy. If the Demonic Cult is determined to kill them and maintains a force of that size, they will never survive. Even if Wei Yanhu is strong, it won't be the same. Even if there's a powerful force there—no, even if there's a warrior ten times stronger than the powerful force wielding the Demonic Cult—they will never return alive. That's the kind of place the Demonic Cult is.

Still, Shin Gi-su did not give up hope.

The movements of the Demonic Cult, which has been irrationally staying within the main sect, must have something to do with them. And Wi Yeon-ho has always done something beyond what Shin Gi-su-sa expected.

This time too… … .

The new detective closed his eyes quietly.

'Calm down.'

We shouldn't expect anything from Wei Yanhu. Ultimately, his mission is to create a war that can be won even without Wei Yanhu. The moment you rely on a variable, your strategy is over.

“The Demonic Cult will definitely move.”

"yes."

"Strengthen the border between Shaanxi and Sichuan. I will send a separate letter to my Sword Lord."

"yes!"

Watching the man rush out, Shin Gi-su once again fixed his head on his desk. There were countless things to think about. Troop movements, supplies, relations with the authorities, reassuring the trembling people… All of these weighed heavily on Shin Gi-su's shoulders.

This is different from the wars of the past, which were fought without warning. This time, we will never create such a tragedy.

but…….

'What the hell am I missing?'

A heavy weight sank into Shin Gi-su's chest. He hadn't missed anything. But he had clearly missed something. And he had a near-certain premonition that this one variable he had missed would drastically alter the course of this war.

“Shadowmaster!”

“Yes, sir.”

"From now on, the consul will receive your reports. Unless something absolutely necessary is required, the consul will handle everything."

“What if I do that, Your Majesty?”

“I have something else to think about, so if it’s not urgent, don’t come.”

“Please tell me the level of urgency.”

“A problem that could change the course of the war.”

“I understand.”

The new investigator rose from his seat and walked outside. No one chased him. The consul moved to where the investigator had been sitting and began to take over his duties.

'Think… Think, Jo Hyun.'

The detective who entered his room closed his eyes and fell into deep thought.

I have to find it.

certainly.