Chapter 151 - Something's Brewing
Northern Legion. Commander Yun Hoe climbed to the watchtower and gazed toward the enemy camp. With only a few days left until the ultimatum's deadline, tension should have hung thick in the air on both sides, but the Northern Legion's mood was anything but.
Whoosh!
The harsh northern wind clawed at Yun Hoe's body as it swept past. He brushed back the hair tickling his face and furrowed his brow.
"It's too quiet."
"You're telling me, sir. They conquered us without spilling a drop of blood—they ought to be dancing in the streets by now…."
Jang Pae, standing beside him, chimed in. Bewilderment settled in Yun Hoe's eyes. It stemmed from Yeon-hoo's announcement that he would accept the Northwest Murim's demands—an utterly unforeseen turn. Yun Hoe hadn't shaken off his shock since.
"I never imagined my lord would avoid war…."
"There must be a reason for it. So you should accept it too, Commander."
"If it's my lord's will, of course I must. But…."
Yun Hoe trailed off with a quiet sigh. Jang Pae's gaze on him was equally grim. He was one of those most disappointed by Yeon-hoo's decision.
Did I misjudge my lord?
The unyielding strength Yeon-hoo had shown. Drawn to it, he'd sworn absolute loyalty. When he heard Yeon-hoo had beheaded a Wall Thunder elder in retaliation for the ambush on Song Gyeom, the satisfaction had been so profound he'd secretly shed tears.
Yet that same Yeon-hoo had chosen submission over battle against the Northwest Murim's declaration of war.
Why….
As Jang Pae's eyes reddened, a figure appeared from behind. It was Noegeom.
Since joining the Northern Legion, he'd been scouting and reconnoitering near the enemy lines multiple times a day. He'd set out before dawn again today and was only now returning.
Yun Hoe asked, "What's the situation in their camp?"
"No unusual activity, but I confirmed some troops heading west."
"How many?"
"Around a thousand, I'd say."
"Has to be Blood Clan forces. No reason for them to stick around anymore. Anything else noteworthy?"
"No, sir. But it was eerily quiet. They hadn't done any training from morning till evening today."
"Makes sense. No need for it anymore. Good work—go rest."
"Yes, sir."
As Noegeom turned to descend the watchtower,
"Commander!"
A clear voice rang out from below. Looking down, they saw Song Yeong grinning up at them.
"What brings you here?"
"I have orders from my lord."
"If it's about accepting the enemy's demands, we've already received the official dispatch. So you're here to relay the order to withdraw the Northern Legion to the rear?"
Sneer.
"As if."
"…!"
* * *
Baekya-beol. Songhak, who had stayed at the Iron Blood Family since his grandfather Song Gyeom's death, returned there. He went straight to meet Akso and Baekun.
"Weren't you supposed to stay by my lord's side?"
"Had some business. The cartel's atmosphere hasn't changed much, huh."
"Wi Yeon Gwang's declaration stirred things up plenty, but my lord accepting his demands calmed it down some. So what the hell happened? Why did my lord make that call?"
Baekun demanded, eyes wide. Songhak replied calmly.
"How could I presume to fathom my lord's deep intentions? He only said for you two not to waver and to stick to your duties."
"How can I not waver? I'm burning up inside—ain't that right, brother!"
Akso, who had been listening silently, took a sip of tea and fixed Songhak with a stare.
"The mood must be a mess."
"Some are relieved we've avoided war, but most can't make sense of it. The hardliners especially…."
Songhak trailed off, and Akso narrowed his eyes.
"Folks harboring grudges against my lord will start appearing."
"I hope not."
"So what's this business of yours?"
"Ah, yes. I left in a rush, so I didn't tidy up properly… Planning to wrap things up and head back in five days."
Moments later, Songhak headed to his quarters. Along the way, he pressed his palm to his chest and muttered.
What the hell is this?
Tucked in his bosom was a personal letter from Yeon-hoo. He had to deliver it to the Great Earth Sovereign one day before the ultimatum's end. And until he handed it to Somubaek, he wasn't to breathe a word of it to Akso or Baekun.
Something's definitely up….
There was something else odd too. Before coming here, Yeon-hoo had grilled him in detail on Baekya-beol's laws—especially those concerning clashes between the Eight Great Families. As someone well-versed in such matters, Songhak had answered everything he knew.
Just do what my lord says. That's all.
Pocketing his doubts and heading to his quarters, Songhak spotted some passersby and scowled, halting his steps.
Damn bastards.
Wall Thunder people in Baekya-beol. They jeered at him.
"Heard your lord tucked tail like a dog?"
"Bit like a mad hound all this time, but chickened out on actual war, huh? Heh heh heh."
Songhak ignored them and kept walking. His gut boiled, but he couldn't afford a scene. It'd reach Akso and Baekun's ears, and who knew what hotheaded Baekun might do.
"How'd the old man's funeral go? Heard he died in agony. Must've hurt, eh? Heh heh heh."
Snap.
Songhak stopped and turned. He said coldly, "About as much as a headless ghost, I reckon?"
A jab at the Wall Thunder Elder Council Leader's beheading. They knew it full well—the air turned hostile in an instant. But they couldn't act rashly. Not here in Baekya-beol.
"Watch your back, monk."
"You lot watch those traps first."
Songhak smirked, thinking of Akso and Baekun.
If they knew about the Demon King and Demon Leader, they'd piss themselves a hundred times over….
* * *
Southeast Plains. Dusk fell over the ancient battlefield where countless great wars had decided nations' fates in the era of chaos. The downpour turned the already silent plain into a sinister gloom.
Shaaa….
Gwanbaek appeared at the entrance, flanked by Gwan-ryang, Jeok Yong, and military advisor Heo Jeong. Behind them, thirty thousand Red Wolf Corps moved silently.
Rumble. Crackle!
Lightning tore the darkness, illuminating the plain like midday for a flash.
"This should do," Heo Jeong said. Gwanbaek reined in his warhorse. Gwan-ryang signaled, and the Red Wolf Corps halted.
Gwanbaek looked north. A short ride away lay the Northwest Murim's camp, facing off against the Northern Legion. His lion-like eyes gleamed with admiration.
"A ghost would wail in envy. How did my lord predict they wouldn't post guards?"
"No kidding. We looped around, but there should be at least minimal patrols here. And with the storm perfect for stealth…."
Heo Jeong replied.
"Locked in a standoff with the Northern Legion, they'd slack on the rear, no?"
"Even so, leaving it wide open like this…."
"True enough."
"Anyway, time's right. We wait for my lord's signal."
Gwan-ryang stepped forward. "I'll check on the pirates then."
"Be careful."
Sneer. "Don't worry. I won't beat Uncle to the grave. See you later."
Gwan-ryang vanished into the dark. Watching him go, flames kindled in Gwanbaek's eyes like embers in a bonfire.
I'll crush you utterly, Wi Yeon Gwang.
* * *
After declaring at the command meeting that he'd accept the Northwest Murim's demands—plunging everyone into confusion—Yeon-hoo hadn't stepped out of his quarters since. A day later, he emerged.
He sought out Sinhwi for a brief talk, then headed to the Elder Council. A few leaders chatting with Sama Song rose as one when he entered.
"Welcome, my lord."
Sama Song greeted him. Yeon-hoo eyed the leaders. Hardliners all, their gazes and expressions differed from usual.
"Plenty of discontent, I see."
"If I may speak boldly, it's not discontent—we simply don't grasp your intent."
Yeon-hoo sat, picking up Sama Song's teacup. Clack!
"You think I surrendered to the enemy?"
"Frankly, yes. That land is steeped in our ancestors' blood and sweat. How can we yield it without a fight?"
"Elder Ban! Enough!"
Sama Song scolded, but Yeon-hoo didn't mind. He appreciated the elder's frankness. Yeon-hoo scanned them one by one. Some met his eyes; others looked away.
"Your loyalty to the North moves me deeply. Thus, as lord of the North, I command you, Council Leader."
"Yes, my lord."
"Lead the Iron Blood Cavalry north at once. Join the Northern Legion and annihilate the enemy."
"…My lord!"
Sama Song and the rest gaped. Yeon-hoo pressed on firmly.
"Yun Hoe will detail the plan. Don't lag behind the Blood King Army—move fast."
"…The Blood King Army's already headed north?"
"Just gave the order."
Sama Song's eyes trembled. "So from the start, it was a feint to deceive the enemy?"
"Yes."
"Oh!"
"As expected!"
Excitement lit their faces. All hardliners, their reactions matched perfectly. Sama Song continued.
"But my lord, reversing course now breaks the cartel's iron rules! To avoid that, we must notify them first—but time…."
"I've handled it. No worries."
"Oh…!"
Tears welled in the emotional Sama Song's eyes. He'd fretted over people turning resentful.
"Then I'll lead the Iron Blood Cavalry north as commanded!"
"You two assist the Council Leader."
"Yes, my lord!"
Two elders left with Sama Song. Yeon-hoo ordered the rest.
"Guard the home front."
"Worry not—go! We'll bar those Northwest dogs with broken swords, severed hands, even our teeth if need be!"
After issuing commands, Yeon-hoo exited the Elder Council. In the courtyard and beyond the gates waited Baek Mu Yeong, Seo-wi-ryang, Dongbang Ri, Jo Yeong, and even folk from Mudan Sect and Hwasan Sect.
Dongbang Ri asked, "I heard the Blood King Army and Iron Blood Cavalry are heading north. We want to know what's happening."
Yeon-hoo met her sharp eyes. Clever as she was, she already knew. And she wouldn't stay behind if told to.
"Go north with the Council Leader. Mu Yeong, go with them."
"Understood."
As the trio hurried off, a Hwasan lightness expert stepped up. "Hwasan will help too!"
"Mudan as well—one arm at least!"
"Grateful. Guard the home front then."
"Send us to the front!"
"Only with a solid defense here can everyone fight without worry, right?"
They relented at his words. Finally, Yeon-hoo eyed Seo-wi-ryang.
"Stay with him."
He meant Yuksoon.
"…Understood."
Yeon-hoo headed out the gate with Cheol-u. Crowds had gathered, bowing deeply.
Cheol-u asked, "Where to, my lord?"
"To cut off the snake's head."
"Understood."