Pursuit Battle (1)
“This way!”
Seobaek led Bukgung Pae and the Geomga experts into the canyon. It was more like a disguised ravine, hidden by dense forest until you passed the entrance—no one would suspect it was a canyon at first glance.
Moments later, Bukgung Pae and the others followed Seobaek in leaping inside. Jo Yeong and Dongbang Ri were already there waiting.
Dongbang Ri hurried over the instant Seobaek landed. “Where’s the lord?”
“He’s on his way.”
No sooner had Seobaek replied than Cheol-u strode in first, followed closely by Yeon-hoo.
Bukgung Pae’s eyes flickered with surprise. That woman just called him ‘lord.’ Does that mean the ruler of the North is here?
He glanced back and forth between Yeon-hoo and Cheol-u. Both wore bamboo hats, making it impossible to tell them apart, but one of them was likely the North’s lord.
Then Yeon-hoo removed his hat. Bukgung Pae’s eyes widened.
He’d never seen Yeon-hoo before, but he had met the former lord, Yi Yeom, several times. He looks just like him… too much alike. Then…
Yeon-hoo met his gaze. Bukgung Pae steadied his breath and asked politely, “Are you by chance the Iron Blood lord?”
“That’s right. I am Yeon-hoo.”
“Bukgung Pae of Geomga pays his respects to the lord!”
Clap!
The Geomga warriors all cupped their fists and bowed deeply. Even in their profound courtesy, an air of pride and dignity shone through, leaving Yeon-hoo quietly impressed. Not bad.
Yeon-hoo issued orders to Seobaek and Jo Yeong. “Go to the canyon entrance and keep an eye on Hwangha Suryeon’s movements.”
“Understood.”
“Got it!”
As Seobaek and Jo Yeong dashed out, Yeon-hoo sat on a nearby rock, pulled out his waterskin, and took a swig. He fixed Bukgung Pae with a steady gaze. “I heard you clashed with Hwangha Suryeon. Were you attacking them and got pursued?”
“…Yes. We didn’t anticipate their reinforcements and had no choice but to retreat.”
“May I ask your position?”
“…”
“No misunderstanding. I asked because it seems Hwangha Suryeon is after you specifically.”
Bukgung Pae inquired, “What makes you say that?”
“Just a feeling.”
“My brother is Geomga’s lord.”
No wonder he seemed so familiar. Yeon-hoo had thought Bukgung Pae resembled Bukgung So from the moment he saw him.
Still, it was unexpected. For someone of Bukgung Pae’s stature to personally join an operation—let alone a localized skirmish, not a full-scale war—and end up being chased like this.
“The south will be even more dangerous.”
“We aimed north at first, but they blocked us, leaving south as our only option.”
“Then come with us. They’ll see you to safety.”
“…!”
“Think of it as help for your young master’s sake.”
Just then, Seobaek and Jo Yeong burst back in. “Lord! Hwangha Suryeon’s coming—straight for this spot. They know the terrain well.”
Yeon-hoo rose from the rock. “We’ll head east through the back of the canyon. Seobaek, take point.”
“Yes, sir!”
Seobaek leaped toward the rear of the canyon. Yeon-hoo turned to Bukgung Pae. “You coming?”
“My thanks for the aid.”
Even in the chaos, Bukgung Pae cupped his fists and bowed. Watching him, Yeon-hoo couldn’t help but think of Geomga’s young master, Bukgung Cheon—their mannerisms were strikingly similar.
“Cheol-u, cover the rear.”
“Yes.”
“Let’s move.”
“Yes.”
Yeon-hoo headed to the canyon’s rear. In truth, this was the same canyon they’d passed through on the return from Baekya-beol. When he’d decided to aid Geomga, he’d already planned this escape route.
To Bukgung Pae, unaware of that, Yeon-hoo’s seamless actions made it seem like he’d come specifically to help them from the start.
How much farther did they go? Strangely, a river flowed through the canyon—twenty zhang wide, with ample water like any major stream.
Yeon-hoo turned to the Geomga experts. “A few of you follow the riverbank to the end and back. Leave minimal traces so the enemy spots them—don’t forget.”
He pointed to where the river ended, blocked by sheer cliffs on both sides, out of sight.
At Bukgung Pae’s nod, five Geomga experts started along the bank. Yeon-hoo continued, “The rest, leap across the river.”
Bukgung Pae jumped first. A large rock jutted from the river’s center, making the crossing easy.
What was remarkable was how the Geomga experts followed Yeon-hoo’s orders without question. Watching them, a faint smile touched Dongbang Ri’s lips. When it comes to overwhelming people, he’s unmatched in the world.
Yeon-hoo glanced at her. “Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
Dongbang Ri leaped first, Yeon-hoo right behind. But unlike the others, he skipped the central rock, instead unleashing a few palm winds around it.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Splash!
Water sprayed high, drenching the rock. Dongbang Ri, landing beside him, blinked in surprise. “Why’d you do that?”
“To erase the footprints on the rock.”
“Ah…”
Dongbang Ri let out an admiring gasp. Bukgung Pae, too, was visibly impressed by Yeon-hoo’s meticulousness. Splashing water with palm force was within his ability, but thinking of it? Unimaginable.
Once across, they raced along the canyon. After about an hour, it opened into a vast plain.
Seobaek turned back. “Cross the plain and over the mountains, and we’re in our territory, lord.”
Yeon-hoo felt a strange twinge at our territory—it had been Northwest Murim’s domain not long ago.
He eyed the river cutting through the plain’s center. Perfect spot for a city. And that wide plain? Ideal for breeding warhorses.
He’d thought the same passing through before, but back then, it was Hwangha Suryeon’s turf, too close to the Northwest. Now, things were different.
Yeon-hoo thought of Hyeon-jin and Songyeong. This land belongs to no one. First to plant a flag claims it. I’ll need to bring them here soon and make solid plans.
Screee!
An eagle appeared overhead, circled once, then vanished into the distance. Yeon-hoo turned to Bukgung Pae. “Best scout a way back to our territory and return.”
“With your permission.”
“Let’s go.”
They plunged into the plain. The grass grew tall as a man’s head, hindering progress. They could use lightness skill to skim over it, but no need to waste energy here.
“I’ll clear the path.”
Seobaek drew his sword instead of his bow. Guessing his intent, Jo Yeong drew his too and joined him.
With Seobaek and Jo Yeong hacking ahead, the group followed slowly northward. How long had they gone?
Screee!
The eagle returned, circling lazily above. “Does that bastard think we’re prey? I’ll grab it and roast it whole.”
As if hearing Jo Yeong, the eagle, swooping closer, beat its wings and soared high.
That’s when it happened.
“Lord, Hwangha Suryeon’s pursuing.”
Cheol-u’s voice rang from behind. Yeon-hoo looked back. Hundreds of Hwangha Suryeon experts were emerging where the plain began.
How did they know?
Yeon-hoo frowned. A skilled tracker could follow, but this fast? Suspicious.
Screee!
He glanced at the screeching eagle. No way…
He chuckled wryly at the absurd thought—impossible unless man and bird could communicate.
Bukgung Pae spoke gravely. “We don’t want to drag you into trouble. We’ll head elsewhere.”
“No need for apologies. We’re far ahead—we can shake them.”
Yeon-hoo gave a low command to the group. “Full speed.”
“Full speed, everyone!”
Whoosh!
Seobaek and Jo Yeong vaulted atop the grass first, the rest unleashing lightness skill behind them.
Whoosh!
Yeon-hoo brought up the rear, Bukgung Pae at his side. How far did they run?
Boom! Boom!
Two fireworks burst in the sky, their flames lingering amid rising smoke. Yeon-hoo glanced back—Hwangha Suryeon pursued fiercely, but the gap widened.
Then—
Hm?
Yeon-hoo’s eyes shifted left. Black Cloaks skimmed the grass, about fifty zhang away.
They’re deliberately keeping distance.
More unsettling: no one had noticed their trail.
“Lord! Hwangha Suryeon ahead!”
Seobaek’s shout. Yeon-hoo instinctively turned—several warships sliced through the river crossing the plain like daggers. Unmistakably Hwangha Suryeon’s.
We might be too late…
They’d have crossed before the ships arrived, but with injured Geomga experts, it was uncertain. Detouring wasn’t viable.
“Push straight through.”
“Yes, sir!”
Seobaek sheathed his sword and nocked an arrow. “Cheol-u, up front.”
“Yes.”
Cheol-u moved beside Seobaek. Then—
“Uncle Master!”
Two injured Geomga experts drew swords, turning to Bukgung Pae, tears streaming down their cheeks.
“We’ll go first! Stay safe!”
“…!”
Slash! Slash!
They slit their own throats. Bukgung Pae cried out, “No!”
Blood sprayed, staining his face. Yeon-hoo grabbed his arm as he faltered. “Don’t waste their sacrifice.”
“…!”
The bodies fell into the grass as Yeon-hoo and Bukgung Pae passed over. Through his grip, Yeon-hoo felt Bukgung Pae’s trembling.
Geomga… no wonder it can’t be weak.