Fate (1)
The Tangma Myeol Sa Army entered Shandong after just ten days on the march.
They could have moved faster by unleashing their lightness skills, but if a battle broke out, they'd be fighting with depleted stamina. Preparation was key. They advanced methodically, riding their warhorses in tight formation.
Surprisingly, there were no incidents between the two allied forces over those ten days. The fact that different units didn't clash spoke volumes about the quality of command. Of course, these were elite warriors handpicked for their discipline.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed. A cool wind swept across the vast plains of Shandong.
"The air's different here."
Different regions meant different terrain, and different terrain meant different climates. Shandong's breeze carried a chill laced with an odd humidity. Though far from the coast, it almost smelled of salt.
Yeon Hojeong glanced at Mok Bi. Her face was subtly tense.
"Brings back old memories?"
"Pardon?"
"You said Gwanil Valley was in Tae Mountain. Thinking about it?"
Mok Bi gave a wry smile. "I'd be lying if I said no. It's a strange feeling."
Yeon Hojeong chuckled. "That connection's severed now. Can't do anything about it at the moment, but you should train yourself to let it go."
"That's the plan."
Yeon Hojeong slapped her back. Thwack!
"Ow! That hurts!"
"Tighten your core and let's ride."
"I was already tense! Damn, your strength is ridiculous."
Yeon Hojeong's expression grew serious. "We've synced up over months, so we're fine. But one slip, and the Tangma Army could take casualties."
Mok Bi's face hardened too. "The enemy's no pushover. Makes sense. Even without advanced martial arts, a thousand trained swordsmen are a threat in themselves."
"Exactly. And unlike us, they're not split into separate units."
"That's the point. Word is, the Hwarang Group's been around for over a decade. Few bandit groups grow that strong in ten years—you'd be hard-pressed to find any in history. United like that, they'll be stronger than we imagine."
Yeon Hojeong scanned the Tangma Army. "Your role in this fight isn't killing enemies—it's protecting our allies."
Mok Bi nodded. "Got it."
"Who in the main force excels at close combat and defense?"
"Ok Cheong's great on defense, Cheok Gang on close quarters."
"I'll assign them to you. Secure the high ground before we hit the battlefield—no exceptions. Once that's done, focus on wiping them out. Clear?"
"Harassing shots first, then annihilation. Understood."
"Good. I'm counting on you."
Mok Bi eyed him in surprise. "That's unexpected."
"What is?"
"'I'm counting on you'... Doesn't sound like you, Young Master Yeon."
Yeon Hojeong smirked. "Plenty of real combat experience doesn't mean squat with large-scale forces—you're still a rookie. And now those rookies are our allies. Lives are on the line, so of course."
"...Allies."
Mok Bi looked over the ranked Tangma Army. Most were renowned experts from across the land, with ages and temperaments as varied as their origins. Yet under Moyong Woo's iron command, they exuded formidable discipline.
Impressive.
She glanced at Moyong Woo, who stood afar gazing over Shandong's soil like a figure from a painting.
It's not just his martial prowess—he commands his men masterfully.
Mok Bi knew now how hard it was to control people. The Myeol Sa Army numbered just under fifty. Yeon Hojeong had thrown them into real battles from the start to forge them. Even so, control slipped during training. He'd patiently bonded with them, turning them into elites.
Does that mean his leadership surpasses even Young Master Yeon's?
She shook her head inwardly. Too soon to say. But whipping five hundred strong personalities into shape in days at such a young age? Undeniable talent.
Enough useless thoughts. We're here to annihilate the enemy. Focus on the mission.
As Mok Bi steeled herself, Yeon Hojeong approached Moyong Woo.
"Moving out right away?"
"Have to."
"Speed's key from here. First real battle—keep a tight rein on your troops."
Moyong Woo glanced at him. "You too, Yeon-je?"
"What?"
"Nervous?"
Yeon Hojeong smiled. "Terrified. Worried I'd lose even one in the first fight."
"Lucky for Myeol Sa—no fatalities."
"They were skilled to begin with. And fortunate."
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sharpened. "But casualties can happen anytime. Steel yourself."
"I am. Still nervous, though."
Moyong Woo drew a deep breath. "Alright, let's move."
"Yeah."
Neighhh! The two warhorses whinnied fiercely and surged forward. The Tangma Myeol Sa troops raised their reins in unison.
Rumble.
Descending the slope, the army charged at terrifying speed.
Shandong hosted several White Path sects. Thanks to the Martial Alliance's missives, every stop offered prime fodder and meals. Five days passed like that.
The army halted at the Beggar Clan’s Shandong southern branch, having pierced deep into the province.
"Their position's changed."
"Changed?"
"Until days ago, the Hwarang Group was hiding near Chang Gu. Now they've surfaced near Dong Yeong."
Dong Yeong was among Shandong's easternmost counties, bordering the East Sea.
"Why the sudden move? Intel said they'd stay put for a month."
"Unknown. But as bandits, villages near Dong Yeong are at risk."
"Damn."
"Sent Beggar Clan scouts, but no word yet."
Moyong Woo looked to Yeon Hojeong, who frowned. "Better safe than sorry, but something feels off."
Then—
"Army Leader."
They turned. Jegal A-yeon stood there, polite in the presence of superiors.
"I said the Hwarang Group's stronger than expected, right?"
"Yes."
"Dong Yeong has a notable power nearby."
Moyong Woo tilted his head. "A famous sect in Dong Yeong?"
"Not a sect—a merchant group. Hae Ryong Merchant Group's headquarters."
"...!"
"Might be worth contacting them. They'd help."
"Or."
All eyes turned to Yeon Hojeong. His gaze deepened.
"The Hwarang Group's targeting them."
Jegal A-yeon looked skeptical. "Hae Ryong's one of Shandong's biggest. Hitting them would blow up huge. Why would bandits risk it?"
"Not impossible."
"Why?"
"Tangma Army Leader's reaction says it all."
Moyong Woo blinked. "My reaction?"
"You knew of Hae Ryong?"
"Of course."
"Then why didn't Hae Ryong cross your mind when we heard Dong Yeong?"
"Well..."
Moyong Woo faltered. "They're merchants, not martial forces..."
He trailed off. Surprise crossed Jegal A-yeon's face.
"See? That's the usual response. If it's not a sect, even famous merchants or battlefields get overlooked."
Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed. "So the Hwarang Group striking Hae Ryong isn't that strange."
"B-but they're bandits. No way they have your insight..."
"Insight or not, the possibility exists."
Moyong Woo shouted, "Tangma Myeol Sa Army—full advance prep!"
Neighhh! Tension rippled through the mounted troops.
Taut even for a mere bandit hunt. Any prideful martial artist would scoff, but Yeon Hojeong and Moyong Woo had drilled the threat home. A group that grew steadily for a decade was dangerous enough.
"Move out!"
Rumble!
The five hundred fifty charged faster than ever.
Jegal A-yeon rode beside Yeon Hojeong. "If they're really hitting Hae Ryong, it's no small matter!"
He glanced at her. She yelled anxiously, "Hae Ryong's a pillar of Shandong commerce! If they fall, the province's trade shakes, and the martial world follows!"
One faction's rise or fall could rock a region. The world's way. A southern breeze could become a northern storm.
The martial world was no exception.
"We stop it, no matter what."
"Absolutely!"
How long had they ridden?
"Myeol Sa Leader!"
Moyong Woo called. "Scouts report! One hundred fifty suspected Hwarang heading to Hwa Un Ri, southeast of Dong Yeong!"
"Where's their main camp?"
"Five li from Hae Ryong!"
Yeon Hojeong ground his teeth. Damn pests, complicating things.
A bandit ploy? Split forces to shake pursuers. Black Path wouldn't attack civilians; White Path valued justice too much.
"We'll handle Hwa Un Ri!"
Yeon Hojeong and Moyong Woo's eyes met midair. Bound by unspoken trust, the leaders' gazes locked.
"Clean up and rejoin!"
Yeon Hojeong bowed. "By your command!"
Short order, firm reply.
Watching from behind, Mok Bi's heart raced oddly. Like comrades of years. Like sworn lord and vassal from the start. Their seamless command and response carried a magnetic reassurance.
Hummm! Pure white true energy surged from Yeon Hojeong.
Whoosh! Fierce, potent qi exploded outward.
A terrifying presence.
"Myeol Sa Army—battle ready!"
Clang! Their roars matched a tiger's, weapons drawn in unison.
The Tangma Army, led by Moyong Woo, stared in shock. The free-spirited air they'd shown shifted to savage killing intent.
Fifty elites' overwhelming aura. A discipline forged in countless battles and slaughters—one the current Tangma lacked.
"Charge!"
The Myeol Sa detachment broke ranks, thundering toward Hwa Un Ri.