Unexpected Encounters
Ma Ui Tae, commander of the Southern Defense Army, inspected Geomga's camp and couldn't hold back his admiration.
Truly living up to their reputation.
To sum up his first impression in a word, it was like a blade honed to a razor edge. The warriors patrolling the camp's perimeter radiated that same fierce sharpness.
"What do you think?"
"If it were before, I'd have gaped in shock. But after serving under our lord and the Blood King Army... no matter how sharp or terrifying they are, can they compare to those two?"
His deputy, Gwak Hong, grinned. Ma Ui Tae let out a chuckle and turned his gaze southward. Just then, the warriors parted to either side, revealing Bukgung So approaching from beyond.
Gwak Hong quickly schooled his expression and posture.
"The Sword God still scares you, huh?"
"He is the Sword God."
In truth, Ma Ui Tae felt the tension too. Even for a man who'd spent his life on battlefields, Bukgung So loomed like a mountain.
Ma Ui Tae bowed first.
"Ma Ui Tae, commander of the Northern Murim's Southern Defense Army, pays respects to the family head."
"Come in."
"I've come in person to deliver our lord's reply."
As Ma Ui Tae finished, Gwak Hong drew a sealed missive from his bosom. Suppressing his pounding heart, he handed it to Bukgung So.
Bukgung So passed it immediately to Baek Do-ryang.
"Let's head to the command tent first."
"Yes, family head."
Bukgung So's command tent.
After formal greetings, they got down to business—and surprisingly, it was Baek Do-ryang who took the lead, not Bukgung So.
Ma Ui Tae felt a flicker of irritation. He was here in Yeon-hoo's stead; he deserved treatment befitting that station. It was a matter tied directly to Yeon-hoo's authority.
Baek Do-ryang surely knew as much, but with Bukgung So deferring to him, he had no choice but to step forward.
Ma Ui Tae swallowed his displeasure and spoke first.
"Our lord in the north wishes for both sides to meet at Wall Thunder Manor."
"Understood. Has a date been set?"
"We can meet on whatever date suits you."
"Your consideration is deeply appreciated. Then..."
Baek Do-ryang trailed off, glancing at Bukgung So. The family head, who had been silently sipping his tea, looked up and met Ma Ui Tae's eyes directly.
"Have you decided on the envoy's rank?"
"No mention was made of it."
"What rank would suffice?"
Bukgung So turned to Baek Do-ryang, who answered without hesitation, as if he'd prepared for this.
"I'll go myself."
"Nonsense. With the enemy at our doorstep, the strategist can't leave camp. Choose someone else."
"My lord, this is more important than the immediate battle. Send me. If fighting breaks out before I return, you can command personally."
Baek Do-ryang sent a transmission right after.
We're the ones in need, so we must observe proper etiquette. And if I may be bold... it's already rude for me to lead this talk. So let me go as envoy.
Bukgung So's brow twitched slightly. Baek Do-ryang's bluntness had irked him a touch. But that was all.
"Very well, go then."
"Thank you."
Bukgung So fixed his gaze on Ma Ui Tae again.
"What do you plan to do with the captives you brought?"
"Our lord thought it best to hand them over to Geomga, so here they are. If you don't want them, we'll take them back."
Baek Do-ryang jumped in swiftly.
"A hundred prisoners are a valuable bargaining chip while facing the enemy. If I meet your family head at Wall Thunder Manor, I'll convey our gratitude in person."
"We won't take them for free. Put a price on each head."
"Understood."
Ma Ui Tae waved it off.
"I didn't bring them expecting payment. Consider it our lord's gift to strengthen ties between us."
"If that's your intent, we'll gladly accept."
"You've made a precious journey here. Though we're in a warzone, let us at least prepare a modest banquet. Please, join me."
Ma Ui Tae and Gwak Hong paid their respects to Bukgung So and followed Baek Do-ryang out.
Once they were some distance from the tent, Baek Do-ryang bowed his head.
"Our lord isn't one for smooth talk. And with the enemy opposing us, his words may have seemed cold or curt. If it offended you, please forgive him."
"Not at all. We're fine."
"Thank you for understanding."
Ma Ui Tae was quite taken with Baek Do-ryang's demeanor. A top strategist of Geomga—one of the world's elite—yet he showed no pretense or arrogance, only impeccable courtesy.
"When do you plan to depart, strategist?"
"I have some preparations first, but I should leave before sunset."
Just then, a warrior came running.
"Strategist! The Suzaku Hall leader from White Night Cartel is here at camp."
"Did you say Suzaku Hall leader?"
"Yes. She showed her token and named herself Cha So-ryeong, leader of Suzaku Hall."
"Why would Suzaku Hall..."
Baek Do-ryang, who rarely showed surprise, widened his eyes.
Why would White Night Cartel's Suzaku Hall visit their camp at a time like this? It was puzzling—and awkward, with Ma Ui Tae right there.
Ma Ui Tae spoke up.
"We're fine. Go ahead."
"I apologize deeply. I'll return shortly."
Baek Mu Yeong gazed at Geomga's camp, inwardly impressed.
Incredible. Once you're inside, you'd never escape alive without becoming a ghost first.
A strange thrill stirred in him too, knowing the Sword God Bukgung So—dream of every sword-wielding warrior in the jianghu—lurked somewhere within.
How strong is he, really?
He exhaled deeply to quell the rising fighting spirit in his chest. Then his eyes flashed.
That banner...
Beyond the camp, about ten cavalrymen clustered, bearing the flag of the Southern Defense Army under Commander Ma Ui Tae.
Clank, clank.
Cha So-ryeong approached Baek Mu Yeong. The Suzaku Hall members and the veiled woman's carriage trailed behind.
Their attire had changed too—no White Night Cartel banner on the carriage roof, no Suzaku unit flags.
Cha So-ryeong peered toward the camp.
"Looks like Northern Murim cavalry."
"Indeed."
"Why would Northern Murim come here, with Geomga and Yellow River Lily facing off? They're not planning to intervene, are they?"
"No idea."
Then they spotted Baek Do-ryang striding toward them at a brisk pace. Unfamiliar as he was, his striking good looks and the extraordinary warriors flanking him gave him away.
"Rumors don't do his handsome features justice."
Baek Mu Yeong merely nodded silently.
Moments later, Baek Do-ryang arrived, clasped his fists in salute, and bowed slightly.
"Welcome. I'm Baek Do-ryang, Geomga's strategist."
"Cha So-ryeong. I lead Suzaku Hall in White Night Cartel."
"An honor to meet you, Hall Leader."
"You're too kind."
Baek Do-ryang's gaze shifted to Baek Mu Yeong.
The silent observer finally spoke.
"Baek Mu Yeong of Iron Blood Clan."
"...!"
Iron Blood Clan startled Baek Do-ryang. But ushering Cha So-ryeong inside took priority, so he gestured toward the camp's interior.
"Please, come in."
Cha So-ryeong signaled behind her, and Suzaku Hall and the carriage began to move.
Clank, clank.
She stayed until the carriage passed the main gate. Baek Do-ryang watched with a puzzled glint, eyeing the carriage. Whoever the Suzaku leader escorted personally had to be extraordinary.
Nodding to himself, he turned forward again.
Meanwhile, as Baek Mu Yeong crossed into the camp, he eyed the Southern Defense cavalry. They stared in awe at Suzaku Hall, yet their formation never wavered—a testament to their iron discipline.
Baek Mu Yeong murmured to a warrior following Baek Do-ryang.
"Who's from Southern Defense?"
"Commander Ma Ui Tae is here."
How'd Ma end up here?
Baek Do-ryang glanced back at Baek Mu Yeong.
"Since you're from Iron Blood Clan, come with me to see Commander Ma shortly."
Baek Mu Yeong asked Cha So-ryeong first.
"When do we leave?"
"Plenty of time. Go meet him."
Baek Mu Yeong nodded to Baek Do-ryang.
Soon, they reached Bukgung So's tent. Baek Do-ryang entered, then emerged with the family head.
Baek Mu Yeong felt a massive wall crashing toward him—an illusion of overwhelming pressure just from looking.
The Sword God...
Lives up to the name.
Cha So-ryeong dismounted.
"Suzaku Hall Leader Cha So-ryeong pays respects to the Sword God."
Baek Mu Yeong reluctantly followed, standing behind her. It implied she outranked him, sparing his introduction. Calculated, of course.
"Bukgung So."
His curt reply prompted Baek Do-ryang.
"Please, inside."
Bukgung So entered first, followed by Cha So-ryeong and Baek Do-ryang. Baek Mu Yeong stayed out—hating forced formality, and needing to guard the veiled woman's carriage.
Just then, she opened the window and their eyes met.
"If it's stuffy, come out."
"...I'm fine."
Slam. She shut it like a startled bird. Baek Mu Yeong gave a wry smile and glanced at the tent.
Cha So-ryeong emerged soon after.
"Done already?"
"I hate tough seats."
"Planning to stay the night?"
"Was going to, but swapping horseshoes and restocking will take time. If we end up staying, that's fine, right?"
"Do as you like."
"Really no issue?"
"Of course."
Baek Do-ryang exited, ending the talk.
"I'll guide you to quarters."
"Yes!"
"See you later."
"Got it."
Cha So-ryeong and Suzaku Hall moved off under escort. Baek Mu Yeong watched them go, then met Baek Do-ryang's eyes.
"Let's go."
They headed to Baek Do-ryang's tent. Inside, Ma Ui Tae spotted Baek Mu Yeong and his eyes bulged.
"You...?"
"Long time, Commander."
"How'd the instructor end up here...?"
"Circumstances. But what brings you?"
"Delivering our lord's orders. Never dreamed I'd see you here. Ha ha ha!"
Ma Ui Tae laughed heartily, baring his teeth. Baek Do-ryang watched, inwardly shocked. Ma Ui Tae was among Yeon-hoo's closest aides, alongside Northern Legion Commander Yun Hoe. For him to treat a mere instructor with such warmth was astonishing.
Does the instructor hold another position?
Then—
"Strategist, shall I bring drinks?"
"Yes."
"Any fiery liquor if you have it?"
"We have plenty of good stuff."
"Fiery liquor is my finest vintage..."
"Ah! You like the strong stuff. Got it. Prepare some fiery liquor too."
"Thanks."
"Sit here."
Baek Mu Yeong sat on the chair Gwak Hong brought, setting down his spear. Disguised, it looked like a plain iron rod.
But Baek Do-ryang's gaze on it was anything but ordinary.
A normal rod... until it bares its edge, and death begins.
Could it be...?