Chapter 262
Chapter 262
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 262
Chapter Title: Special Detachment Leader
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"Send out the messenger birds right now!"
"Tell all the disciples out on missions to return at once!"
The Murim Alliance was in an uproar.
The war with the Evil-Black Alliance.
Now that it had been officially declared at the Murim Great Assembly, everyone was scrambling.
In particular, the warriors from sects near the Evil-Black Alliance couldn't hide their anxiety, yet they sent out their messenger birds faster than anyone.
Not everyone was like that, however.
A few warriors staying at the Murim Alliance couldn't conceal their joy at the current situation.
"Finally, a chance to show my skills."
"An opportunity to build my fame!"
Those thrilled at the news of war were mostly young warriors.
Trapped in the long era dominated by the Nine Provinces' Three Tyrants and their forces, they welcomed the war more than anyone.
It was a chance to showcase the power and martial arts they had honed for so long to the world.
How could the young and ambition-filled not rejoice?
Those flaunting their youthful vigor lit up at the follow-up news.
"Special detachments..."
"The Alliance has finally drawn its sword."
Everyone paid close attention.
Though hastily formed units, their operational range and composition were impressive.
Independent acting forces.
And the leaders of these special detachments were none other than the renowned Jade Kirin and Plum Blossom Divine Hero of the current era.
"What do you plan to do, Brother Kang?"
"Of course, I'm joining. How could scum like us pass up this chance?"
At this news, several people had fire in their eyes.
They were those who had failed the entrance exams for the Three Divisions and Four Brigades.
Of course, the missions would be extremely dangerous, but to warriors who couldn't join the Murim Alliance's elite units, it felt like an opportunity instead.
Thus, as word spread of the special detachments' creation, young unaffiliated warriors began flocking in droves.
Meanwhile, Cheonhwi—one of the two selected leaders of the special detachments that had set the Murim Alliance abuzz...
"Pardon? You're putting me in charge of a special detachment?"
He was utterly dumbfounded by the Military Strategist's sudden announcement, tantamount to an order.
"Don't want to?"
"Obviously."
The Military Strategist spoke with a cryptic expression.
"Any reason?"
"Several reasons, but the biggest one I hate is..."
Cheonhwi paused for a moment, locked eyes straight with the Military Strategist, and furrowed his brow.
"It's a hassle."
"A hassle...?"
The Military Strategist's eyebrow twitched.
"You're refusing this position just for that?"
"That's reason enough."
The Military Strategist narrowed his eyes at Cheonhwi's blatantly annoyed expression.
"Other sects are dying to take it."
At the Strategist's words, Cheonhwi shot back as if he'd been waiting.
"Then make one of those eager ones do it. No need to force someone who doesn't want it. Good for everyone, right?"
"Can't do that."
"Why not?"
The Military Strategist regarded him with calm eyes.
"Do you know who the other special detachment leader is?"
Cheonhwi snorted at the question.
"I just learned I'm leading one. You think I know that?"
"Fair point."
The Military Strategist nodded indifferently.
"The other is the Jade Kirin."
"Jade Kirin? Ah! That top later-generation disciple from Wudang or whatever..."
That guy's the other leader?
Cheonhwi knew the Jade Kirin well.
How could he not, when one of the Three Great Later-Generation Disciples' name had been ringing in his ears endlessly?
And lately, they've been comparing him to me a lot.
As he recalled the recent comparisons with his own rising fame, the Strategist continued.
"Yes, him."
He added an explanation.
"In the current murim, few can match the Jade Kirin's skill and fame. Maybe Black Night Fang, the Evil-Black Alliance Leader's youngest disciple, or Heavenly Dragon, the Jeon clan heir of the Jeon family. But lately, one name has been rising to a similar level."
The Military Strategist fixed Cheonhwi with an intense gaze.
"That's you."
Meeting his eyes, Cheonhwi sighed wearily and scratched his head.
So, because of his high fame, they wanted him to do it.
Stopping his head-scratching, Cheonhwi spoke up.
"In other words, you're making me a leader with fame equal to the Jade Kirin to balance the two detachments."
"Exactly."
The Strategist affirmed crisply.
The balance between the two was perfect.
In truth, in the current murim, the Plum Blossom Divine Hero held slightly higher fame than the Jade Kirin.
He had defeated and driven off the Bandit King, after all.
No matter how cherished and prodigiously skilled the Jade Kirin was in Wudang, he paled before such feats.
But the Jade Kirin had something that more than compensated.
Wudang backing him.
Wudang and Mount Hua.
Though Mount Hua had recently risen in fame, the gap was still vast.
Especially in the Alliance.
Of Mount Hua's experts left in the Alliance, only the Mount Hua Divine Sword and Plum Blossom Divine Hero remain. Even if reinforcements come later, their numbers won't be many...
Of course, Mount Hua's prowess was exceptional.
The Mount Hua Divine Sword and Plum Blossom Divine Hero who toppled White Ghost Castle could defeat minor sects handily.
But their small numbers were an unchangeable fact in any situation.
Especially in war, where numbers were crucial.
Thus, regardless of Mount Hua's influence, the difference in forces was clear and would become even more so once war began.
"Ah, still a hassle though..."
Seeing Cheonhwi still dissatisfied, the Strategist pulled out his prepared carrot to coax him.
"Of course, I'm not asking you to do it for nothing."
Leading a special detachment was perilous.
It meant standing at the forefront against the Evil-Black Alliance, with death possible at any moment.
How could they overlook that?
No carrot, no deal.
Recalling Cheonhwi at yesterday's Murim Report session, the Strategist spoke.
"If you achieve great merits with the special detachment, I'll request the Alliance Leader to grant you access to the Bicheon Repository."
"Bicheon Repository?"
Cheonhwi reacted immediately.
He'd been pleased just encountering unique weapons in the Murim Secret Records; access to the Bicheon Repository as well...
A hassle, but maybe worth it?
Cheonhwi pondered briefly before replying.
"Tch, fine. I'll do it. The special detachment or whatever."
"Appreciated."
"No need. You knew I couldn't refuse anyway, right?"
The Strategist didn't respond to Cheonhwi's slightly mocking question.
But that was enough.
It was affirmation.
Facing the impassive Strategist, Cheonhwi spoke.
"In return, if you're grateful, give me one thing."
"What?"
"I want to run the special detachment my way. Okay?"
The Strategist's eyebrow twitched again.
"What exactly do you mean?"
"Nothing much. I'll operate it my style, so don't interfere no matter what happens."
"...So, you're asking for full authority over the special detachment."
"We communicate well."
"Authority..."
The Strategist closed his eyes thoughtfully, then nodded.
"Very well."
Huh? He's agreeing?
It was unexpected.
No matter that it was a new special detachment, it was still under the Murim Alliance.
For someone like him, with no prior rank, to get full discretion was unprecedented authority.
"As long as you accomplish the missions. But remember this: with full authority comes full responsibility. Fail the missions, and it's all on you."
"I can handle that."
Cheonhwi's lip curled into a smirk.
At that smile, the Strategist felt a vague unease but shook his head to dismiss it.
Then Cheonhwi asked.
"Oh, right. Found the spies yet?"
"Spies?"
The Strategist looked at him in surprise.
He'd seemed uninterested before and hadn't asked until now.
Yet here he was inquiring.
"Not fully. We've only weeded out a few."
The Strategist answered calmly, then added.
"Why do you ask?"
Shrugging at the Strategist's puzzled look, Cheonhwi replied.
"Just in case. Some spies might try to join the special detachments, right?"
The Strategist nodded at Cheonhwi's words, then said.
"Shaolin, Emei, Kunlun, and Songmumen are safe."
"Confident about that?"
"They suspect my ties to the Bicheon Society. Spies wouldn't pay attention."
The Strategist recalled their suspicious gazes even after the Murim Great Assembly.
"Those four..."
Stroking his chin and murmuring, Cheonhwi suddenly grinned as something occurred to him.
"Surprising, though. I thought the Non-Hidden Party was your right-hand men, but they're under suspicion too?"
"In murim, even trusted axes can chop your foot. The closer, the more caution."
The Strategist spoke meaningfully.
Oh ho, is that so?
Cheonhwi immediately grasped the implication and chuckled.
Keep suspects close...
So he was under suspicion too?
Still smiling, Cheonhwi looked at him and said.
"That's why you kept the Deputy Strategist around?"
"Need bait to catch fish."
"The bait's pretty sturdy."
"The fish is quite big."
Cheonhwi nodded and changed the subject.
"How many for the special detachment?"
"Up to five hundred."
"Hm, five hundred..."
Cheonhwi scratched his chin, mulling the number.
A lot or a little, depending.
"No need to fill exactly five hundred, right?"
"Do as you like. But more is better. Fewer numbers might require reinforcements, and recruiting each time would be hard."
The Strategist's tone was cold.
No, cold-blooded? Treating lives as numbers.
But Cheonhwi understood.
In war, death was inevitable; such detachment was necessary.
Otherwise, you'd falter after losses and fail the survivors.
War was that ruthless.
Live or die.
Only one remains.
Thus, commanders must grasp outcomes clearly.
To prevent the worst: the living dying because the dead sway you.
With that, the Strategist stood as if finished.
"On my way here, I heard the Jade Kirin started recruiting immediately upon appointment. You'd best hurry."
He offered quiet advice.
"Or he'll take all the talent left in the Alliance."
"Probably already has."
But Cheonhwi countered with a amused tone.
"Most here likely went to him."
He knew without seeing.
Wudang would fully support the Jade Kirin.
And he'd built ties with many sects.
Starting from a different point than him.
Smiling, Cheonhwi muttered.
"Besides, talent coming or not doesn't matter."
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly that."
Grinning, Cheonhwi added.
"Not expecting much anyway."
"...I see."
The Strategist gazed impassively at Cheonhwi for a moment.
Swish―
He pulled a paper from his robe and handed it over.
A map?
As Cheonhwi examined the detailed map, his eyes stopped at a large circle.
The Strategist's finger pointed there.
"That's where your special detachment will be quartered."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Tsk, this place?"
Looking up at the building before him, Cheonhwi made a displeased face and clicked his tongue.
"Isn't it too rundown?"
First impressions were poor.
Long neglected, not just the eaves but the front gate was caked in dust and cobwebs.
Yet he sensed presences inside.
Hm? This aura...
A faint smile forming, Cheonhwi placed his hand on the gate.
And pushed.
Creeeak―
The old wooden gate groaned, grating his ears.
As it fully opened.
Thud.
Cheonhwi spotted a man standing in the weed-choked garden.
Younger than his aura suggested.
A handsome young man in his twenties.
Dressed in a blue-and-white Taoist robe evoking taiji, he noticed Cheonhwi late and his eyes sparkled.
"Amitabha."
Murmuring a light greeting, the young man approached with a gentle smile.
"You must be Cheonhwi of Mount Hua."
"Who are you?"
At Cheonhwi's question, the young man scratched his head with an 'oops' expression.
"I've been rude."
His face turned serious as he politely cupped his hands.
"Amitabha. This one is Ilgwang of Wudang."
Cheonhwi's lips slowly curled as he sized up the self-introduced Ilgwang.
This guy's the Jade Kirin?