Chapter 458
Chapter 458
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 458
Chapter Title: A Calculated Surrender
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The Chishui River area had long been a place where neither the Orthodox nor Unorthodox factions held sway. Instead, merchants voluntarily hired mercenaries to protect their commerce and influence.
The Leopard and Wolf Guild.
This was because it was home to Guizhou's largest mercenary market, a neutral group unaffiliated with any Orthodox or Unorthodox faction.
The Chishui River area, free from the influence of all factions and pervaded by peace.
But now, the winds of war were unexpectedly stirring.
Following the death of the Iron Plaque Lord, No Dok-cheong, it seemed as though the Demonic Cult and the Martial Alliance might negotiate, but a violent clash suddenly erupted.
After a series of advances and retreats, the Myriad Demons Hall was pushed back by the Divine Might Brigade, retreating beyond the borders of Yeogyeong.
Ultimately, they had planted themselves firmly near the Chishui River.
―We cannot permit the stationing of Demonic Cult troops.
In the end, the Leopard and Wolf Guild stepped forward.
―The Chishui area has been led by merchants and mercenaries working together. It is not a place where the Orthodox or Unorthodox factions have taken root.
It was a place that even the Hellblood Fortress, which had once held sway over all of Guizhou, had not dared to touch lightly.
They were not the kind of people who would tolerate the arrival of a portion of the Demonic Cult's forces.
―It seems there has been some misunderstanding.
Dan So-ok, the Secret Command Lord of the Demonic Cult leading the Myriad Demons Hall.
She first requested a dialogue with the Leopard and Wolf Guild.
―First, let us talk.
In response, the Finance Master of the Leopard and Wolf Guild, Ok Ho-bang, who was in charge of its overall operations, came forward.
He was a man of great skill who had led the Leopard and Wolf Guild for a long time in place of the Wolf Lord, and he was also an excellent negotiator.
He was once an ambitious figure who had tried to swallow the Leopard and Wolf Guild by bypassing the Wolf Lord and joining hands with the Hellblood Fortress.
However, moved by the grace of the Wolf Lord, Do Myeong, who had known everything but watched over him all along… he was now a man who served Do Myeong and the Leopard and Wolf Guild with more loyalty than anyone else.
Hallim Inn, banquet hall.
A middle-aged man with a fleshy face sat there with his arms crossed.
He had a portly build that seemed somewhat greasy, but his eyes were clear and sharp.
He was none other than Ok Ho-bang, the Finance Master of the Leopard and Wolf Guild.
He was waiting here to negotiate with the Secret Command Lord, Dan So-ok.
“This won’t be easy.”
Ok Ho-bang narrowed his eyes.
He had thought they were chased out of Yeogyeong by the Dragon Guard Hall and the Divine Might Brigade.
But to think they would turn a crisis into an opportunity, pretending to retreat while boldly establishing a position in the Chishui River area?
That brilliant plan had surprised not only Ok Ho-bang but the entire martial world.
It was also proof that Dan So-ok was a woman of far superior strategic mind.
“But I can never back down.”
*Swish, swish.*
Just then, the sound of light footsteps was heard, and a middle-aged man in a dark blue martial uniform entered.
His eyes were long like a phoenix's, and a gentle smile graced his face.
He looked like a frail scholar who couldn't even catch a chicken, but in reality, he was a formidable master of martial arts.
He was the Wolf Lord of the Leopard and Wolf Guild, Do Myeong.
“Wolf Lord?”
Spotting Do Myeong, Ok Ho-bang rose from his seat.
“What brings you here?”
Do Myeong had recently achieved a great enlightenment in his martial arts and had entered seclusion in a remote mountain valley.
Ok Ho-bang, knowing that Do Myeong was trying to reach a new realm of martial arts, had not informed him about the Myriad Demons Hall incident.
But for him to show up here on his own?
“No matter the circumstances, how could I not step forward in a matter such as this?”
“Wolf Lord.”
Do Myeong smiled and placed a hand on Ok Ho-bang’s shoulder.
“Don’t try to shoulder too much on your own.”
Ok Ho-bang let out a sigh of relief inwardly.
In truth, this matter was not easy, even for him who had weathered all sorts of storms.
Since the Secret Command Lord was a figure from the Demonic Cult, it was only right that such a major negotiation be entrusted to Do Myeong.
“But I am worried.”
Ok Ho-bang wore a concerned expression.
“The Secret Command Lord is a person of outstanding strategy, enough to plan the capture of the Chishui River area under the pretext of the Martial Alliance’s attack. She will never withdraw her forces obediently.”
“Well, isn’t it better to surrender peacefully than to shed blood?”
When Do Myeong said something unexpected, Ok Ho-bang replied with a surprised look.
“Our Guild has protected the Chishui River area without wavering against any power until now. If the Demonic Cult takes control of this territory, won’t we become mercenaries of the Demonic Cult as well?”
Do Myeong spoke with a relaxed expression.
“Looking at the factions that have recently submitted to the Demonic Cult, they seem to be given very unconventional treatment. I hear they take only about a tenth in tribute, without infringing on their independence or major rights at all.”
“That was only possible because they were major unorthodox factions like the Cloud Sea Azure Spirit Palace or the North Sea Ice Palace.”
Ok Ho-bang said firmly.
“And it only starts at a tenth… they will demand more and more as time goes on. That is a truth passed down through generations.”
“Hmm.”
“If our Guild and the Myriad Demons Hall clash, the merchants will suffer greatly. If that happens, the Martial Alliance will surely appear as if they’ve been waiting.”
Ok Ho-bang said in a powerful voice.
“The Secret Command Lord is not ignorant of that fact, so a military conflict will never….”
*Thud, thud.*
Just then, the sound of low footsteps heading towards the banquet hall could be heard.
Instantly, Ok Ho-bang tensed up.
Now that Do Myeong was here, the only person who would come could be none other than the Secret Command Lord leading the Myriad Demons Hall.
*Swoosh.*
However, the person who entered the banquet hall was a man wearing a mask.
“Who are you?”
When Ok Ho-bang asked, the masked man spoke calmly.
“What if we were to recognize the power of the Leopard and Wolf Guild, but only take nominal control of the territory for the Demonic Cult? A tribute of about one-tenth should be sufficient.”
Surprisingly, the masked man seemed to have heard the entire conversation between Do Myeong and Ok Ho-bang.
“Are you from the Demonic Cult?”
Ok Ho-bang carefully sized up the masked man.
His body was lean, but his eyes held a noble spirit. He was clearly no ordinary person.
The masked man then stared intently at Do Myeong and asked.
“What is the Wolf Lord’s opinion?”
“Hmm.”
Do Myeong crossed his arms, sighed, and said.
“One-tenth is a bit much. How about eight percent? You see, work has been dwindling lately…”
“Wolf Lord.”
Ok Ho-bang jumped.
After all his explanations. What kind of deflating response was this?
The masked man crossed his arms and said.
“Are things that difficult?”
“Well, unlike other mercenary markets, our Guild charges mercenaries very low introduction fees.”
“Very well. Then I’ll lower it to five percent. On the condition that the details of this agreement are never disclosed to the outside.”
“Hahaha, truly unconventional. Will we even make a day's wage from that?”
“When embracing the Chishui area, which has never been interfered with by the Orthodox or Unorthodox factions for generations, what does money matter?”
At the masked man’s words, Do Myeong extended his hand.
“Indeed, you are quite forthright. Then we must seal our pledge with a clasp of hands.”
Ok Ho-bang was dumbfounded.
Usually, agreements between factions are clearly documented in writing to serve as evidence.
But to make a pledge by striking palms, as if it were some children’s game of territory?
‘The Wolf Lord must have gone mad during his secluded training…!’
“No, I cannot agree to this. The Wolf Lord is currently unwell…”
*Clap, clap, clap.*
In that short time, the masked man and Do Myeong had already struck their palms together forcefully, sealing their pledge.
“I’ll be counting on you to take good care of the Leopard and Wolf Guild from now on. So that the mercenaries and merchants of the Chishui area are never caught up in any fighting.”
At Do Myeong’s words, the masked man’s eyes faintly crinkled.
“I will do my best.”
Usually, such words are a matter of courtesy or a common phrase.
But when the masked man said he would do his best, it seemed to carry a will stronger than a promise to lay down his life.
It might have been because the masked man's voice and gaze were so low and earnest.
The masked man continued.
“We will immediately withdraw the forces of the Myriad Demons Hall, but we will establish a branch here in the future.”
“A branch, you say.”
“Of course, it will only be at the level of an intelligence unit to gather information on the Chishui area, so as not to inconvenience the Leopard and Wolf Guild or the merchants.”
“Hmm, so you plan to establish a Demonic Cult branch as a symbolic gesture of having taken control of the territory. To prevent the Martial Alliance forces from entering.”
“That is correct.”
Do Myeong nodded.
“I understand. Let’s do that.”
“No, you can’t!”
Ok Ho-bang cried out as if screaming, stepping between Do Myeong and the masked man and speaking urgently.
“The merchants and markets of the Chishui area trust our Guild deeply! If we are incorporated into the Demonic Cult so suddenly…”
“Didn’t he say they are only taking symbolic control of the territory?”
Do Myeong placed a hand on Ok Ho-bang’s shoulder.
“I will persuade the merchants and the markets. So that they won’t feel anxious.”
“Wolf, Wolf Lord.”
“Considering the current state of the martial world, this was bound to happen eventually.”
Do Myeong glanced at the masked man and said leisurely.
“In that case, we should quickly get on board with the side that offers a good price. Don’t you think?”
Ok Ho-bang felt dizzy.
He realized that no matter what he said, it would be useless.
“My opinion… was never needed in the first place, was it?”
His shoulders slumping, Ok Ho-bang turned around.
“Then, I will take my leave.”
“Finance Master Ok.”
The masked man called out to Ok Ho-bang.
“Is there anything you wish to command?”
When Ok Ho-bang asked weakly, the masked man approached him.
“You’ll need to raise your son more strictly from now on.”
He looked down at him and said.
“Because of that insolent brat, I've ended up in an engagement I never wanted.”
“What does that…”
“That fellow. I hear he recently went abroad, acting like a king of mercenaries and accumulating merits in battle. Tell him to come see me, the Command Lord, as soon as he returns.”
And with that, he swiftly exited.
Ok Ho-bang blinked, watching him go.
What on earth did that masked man just say? And Command Lord?
“Could it be!”
Only then did Ok Ho-bang realize the masked man’s identity and jump in shock.
“Wolf Lord! Could he be…”
“Indeed. It is him.”
As Do Myeong smiled faintly, Ok Ho-bang’s mouth fell open.
“You knew already?”
“Of course not. I merely predicted it after hearing his footsteps.”
Do Myeong was a former disciple of the Langya Pavilion.
Therefore, he had detected the aura of the Beast Arts from the footsteps the masked man had intentionally let him hear.
“No, if that’s the case, why didn’t he step forward himself…”
“Didn’t he say it? That he ended up in an engagement he never wanted.”
In that moment, Ok Ho-bang understood everything.
The Secret Command Lord was engaged to the Martial Soul Lord. And this mission was not unrelated to him… so he was secretly stepping in to help her.
*Swish, swish.*
Just then, the sound of light footsteps was heard, and a shadow walked towards the banquet hall.
*Click.*
The shadow that finally entered was a peerless beauty in a dark blue palace gown, her long hair coiled up like a cloud.
It was none other than the Secret Command Lord, Dan So-ok.
“You were here first.”
Dan So-ok, who was about to bow politely, felt something was amiss and tilted her head.
The Wolf Lord of the Leopard and Wolf Guild, Do Myeong, and his subordinate Finance Master, Ok Ho-bang.
Weren’t the two of them staring intently at her, their lips rippling with smiles?
Their gazes were so peculiar and filled with amusement that Dan So-ok became flustered and touched her own cheek.
“Is… there something on my face?”
* * *
―The Chishui area has been incorporated into the Demonic Cult’s territory!
―The Leopard and Wolf Guild, which had been rooted in Guizhou for generations and maintained neutrality between the Orthodox and Unorthodox, has also been incorporated into the Demonic Cult!
The martial world was in shock for a while.
A self-governing territory of merchants and mercenaries that no Orthodox or Unorthodox faction had ever managed to penetrate.
For the Chishui area to be incorporated into the Demonic Cult?
The Leopard and Wolf Guild, which had not bent even when the might of the Hellblood Fortress echoed throughout Guizhou, had knelt.
And it had happened without any resistance or conflict.
As proof, a Demonic Cult branch was established in the Chishui area.
Although it was small in scale, the fact that a branch was established meant that the area was recognized as Demonic Cult territory.
―The Martial Alliance gained little and lost much…
In the end, the Demonic Cult had given up flesh to take the enemy’s bone.
And it was all due to the astonishing strategy of the Demonic Cult’s Secret Command Lord, Dan So-ok.
The people of the martial world could not help but admire the strategic mind of the young woman who had achieved a complete victory against the Martial Alliance.
―How did this happen!
Meanwhile, the Vice-Commander of the Divine Might Brigade, Gun Ok-sang, who heard this news, was furious.
Because of Yeon Ja-gang’s greed, they had ended up handing over the golden territory of the Chishui River on a silver platter.
Moreover, they had no pretext to reclaim it… From the Martial Alliance’s perspective, there was no greater humiliation.
In the end, the Divine Might Brigade, unable to do anything, was said to have returned to the Martial Alliance in a state of bewilderment.
―The Dragon Guard Hall is to return to the Alliance immediately upon the arrival of the Endless Sword Brigade.
The Dengwu Hall Lord, Yuk Jang-cheon, changed the troops stationed in the Yeogyeong area from the Dragon Guard Hall to the Endless Sword Brigade.
This order was likely made after sufficient consultation with the Grand Commander, Gongson Dan-gyeong… so it was as clear as day what kind of disciplinary action awaited the Dragon Guard Hall upon their return to the Alliance.
“Ughhh.”
Yeon Ja-gang, who had heard all the news, could not contain his exploding rage.
This could not be called his mistake. He couldn’t accept it.
The Leopard and Wolf Guild had never bent, not even to the Hellblood Fortress.
But to suddenly surrender to the Demonic Cult.
Who could have known they would yield to the young strategist leading the Myriad Demons Hall, Dan So-ok?
And who could have predicted that the Wolf Lord of the Leopard and Wolf Guild would personally come forward to obtain the merchants' consent for the establishment of a Demonic Cult branch near the Chishui River?
“This is not my fault!”
This was not his mistake.
It was a disaster-like accident that could not have happened, that should not have happened.
“Ugh.”
Clutching his head in fury, Yeon Ja-gang suddenly recalled one fact.
The Pinnacle Squad.
The intelligence unit, so favored by the Dengwu Hall Lord that they were specifically dispatched to this negotiation, was right before his eyes.
“Summon the Pinnacle Squad Leader at once!”
At Yeon Ja-gang’s shout, his subordinates immediately summoned the Pinnacle Squad Leader, Seonwu Jin, and brought him to the barracks.
“The Pinnacle Squad is an intelligence unit, right?”
As Bu Eun-seol, disguised as Seonwu Jin, entered the barracks, Yeon Ja-gang, his eyes bloodshot, suddenly shouted.
“The Hall Lord told you to assist me in carrying out my duties, didn’t he? But you couldn’t predict a situation like this?”
It was a petty and cowardly excuse.
But Yeon Ja-gang had no intention of going down alone.
He intended to argue that he had made this mistake because he failed to obtain information about the Chishui River area due to the complacent attitude of the intelligence unit, the Pinnacle Squad.
If he took the fall for this failure alone, he wouldn’t even be able to keep his position as Hall Master.
“I did predict it.”
But an answer different from what Yeon Ja-gang expected came back.
“And I came to see you several times because of it.”
“What did you say?”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“But didn’t you refuse to meet with me, Hall Master?”
*CRASH!*
Yeon Ja-gang slammed his hand on the table and shouted.
“How can you say that! If I refused, you should have informed me through my other subordinates!”
Glaring at Bu Eun-seol as if to kill him, he shouted again.
“Just because I refused a meeting? You didn’t report important information?”
Yeon Ja-gang began to push his unreasonable argument with determination.
Even if it meant death, he was determined to drag that detestable Pinnacle Squad Leader down with him.
“Of course, I tried to speak to the disciples of the Dragon Guard Hall several times. But whenever I came, they would just refuse, saying the Hall Master was busy.”
However, at Bu Eun-seol’s subsequent explanation, Yeon Ja-gang’s eyes began to widen.
“As the situation repeated itself despite my repeated efforts, I had no choice but to report the situation to the Hall Lord.”
“What, what did you say? R-Report?”
Only then did Yeon Ja-gang realize why the Dengwu Hall Lord had been so furious.
And why the troops stationed in the Yeogyeong area had been changed.
“What do you expect me to do if you report such a thing!”
“We are an intelligence unit.”
Bu Eun-seol looked Yeon Ja-gang straight in the eye and said.
“As you said, Hall Master, we had to report that important information one way or another.”
Bu Eun-seol had clearly predicted it.
That Yeon Ja-gang’s anger over ruining everything would eventually be directed at him and the Pinnacle Squad.
That was why he had visited Yeon Ja-gang several times with an expression and an air of wanting to earn merit.
Only by doing so would Yeon Ja-gang ignore him and refuse to even listen.
And so, he had reported to the Dengwu Hall Lord that there was a possibility the Chishui River area could fall to the Demonic Cult.
Of course, he had also mentioned the fact that the Dragon Guard Hall Master and his subordinates were not listening to his reports at all.
“Squad Leader Seonwu…!”
Yeon Ja-gang, about to shout, closed his mouth when he saw Bu Eun-seol’s coldly shining eyes.
‘This bastard predicted even this situation and took action beforehand!’
*Tremble.*
Yeon Ja-gang, who had intended to drag the Pinnacle Squad down with him, now understood the entire situation.
‘To think that thoroughly blocking the Pinnacle Squad, just so I wouldn’t have to share even a little credit… would lead to such a result.’
Handing over the Chishui River area to the Demonic Cult out of excessive greed was an irreversible mistake.
But to have his own petty actions reported in detail to the Dengwu Hall Lord as well.
Now, there was no turning back.
“Yes. It’s all my fault.”
Only then did Yeon Ja-gang come to his senses.
Seonwu Jin was not at fault.
On the contrary, he had faithfully carried out his orders until now and had tried to offer advice in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances.
No matter how you looked at it, everything was his own fault.
“Our Hall must wait in Yeogyeong until the Endless Sword Brigade arrives.”
Yeon Ja-gang, staring at the distant sky with a devastated expression, said.
“The Pinnacle Squad is to return immediately. I will take care of the rest.”
“Understood.”
As Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands and turned to leave, Yeon Ja-gang’s voice was heard.
“Squad Leader Seonwu.”
When Bu Eun-seol turned his head, Yeon Ja-gang’s face looked ten years older, and his sideburns had turned white.
“I’m sorry. And… please put in a good word for me.”
Having made an irreversible mistake, not only would he fail to keep his position as Hall Master.
All that remained was to face disciplinary action upon returning to the Alliance.
In that case, his only hope was that Seonwu Jin might speak well of him.
After meeting with Yeon Ja-gang, Bu Eun-seol returned to the barracks where the Pinnacle Squad members were waiting.
“The main unit will now return.”
Bu Eun-seol said in a calm voice, looking at his squad members.
“Although the Dragon Guard Hall Master did not accept our opinion, and the result was not good, I am very proud of this unit’s abilities.”
Tae Mu-ryong and all the other members had grasped the situation in the Guizhou region and created a map marking all the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions in a short time.
At this level, their skills were not inferior to any other intelligence unit in the Martial Alliance.
Moreover, through that map, he had devised a plan to help Dan So-ok, and had also reported to the Dengwu Hall Lord the probability of the Chishui River area being captured…
Thanks to the efforts of his squad members, Bu Eun-seol had managed to kill two birds with one stone.
“Then let’s go back.”
At Bu Eun-seol’s words, the squad members smiled cheerfully.
Although their efforts had not come to light, they had a commander who recognized them.
That alone was enough to make the members smile.
‘Now, the most important thing remains.’
Turning around, Bu Eun-seol looked up at the distant sky.
In fact, from his perspective, the most important thing in this expedition was not to gain merit, nor was it to help Dan So-ok.
It was to resolve the subtle suspicion held by the Grand Commander, Gongson Dan-gyeong.
‘It starts now.’
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes glinted as he gazed at the distant sky.
He had already given secret orders through So-yo… Soon, he would be able to completely escape her suspicion.
“Oh, and have you prepared the items I mentioned beforehand?”
For this plan, Bu Eun-seol had asked his squad members to prepare a few items in advance.
“We have each packed one carefully.”
At the members’ words, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
His plan was only just beginning.