Chapter 318: Not a Single Step Shall You Pass!
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 318: Not a Single Step Shall You Pass!
Inside the Great Hall of the North Sea Ice Palace.
Bukgung Yeon sat upon the jade throne in the center of the hall. Her face was radiant, as if she were basking in the glow of some wonderful news. It was a stark contrast to the icy, frigid expression she usually wore.
Bukgung Yeon was in an excellent mood. Since returning to the North Sea Ice Palace, she felt as though everything was finally falling into place.
In the process of reclaiming the palace, she had unexpectedly earned the favor of a Central Plains organization called the Sichuan Alliance and had been promised support befitting that debt. Furthermore, her somewhat vague plans for the palace’s reconstruction had gained a solid foundation thanks to a man named Jang Sun-woo.
But above all else, the most delightful thing was selling Ice Essence in exchange for three cat’s eye stones. Though she had spent her life in a remote region focused solely on her martial arts, she was well aware of the value of cat’s eye stones.
She was certain of it. With these stones and the support of the Sichuan Alliance, the restoration of the North Sea Ice Palace was only a matter of time.
The thought of the rebuilt palace brought a glow to her face and a natural smile to her lips.
After some time had passed...
"Sister! Sister!"
A frantic voice suddenly echoed from outside the hall.
Slam!
The doors burst open, and Seol-hyang appeared with a look of pure desperation. Bukgung Yeon looked at her with a puzzled expression. Through their drinking session the previous night, she had learned that Seol-hyang was typically easygoing and relaxed. For such a woman to be searching for her in such a panic was disconcerting.
"What is the matter?"
"It’s... it’s a disaster!"
At Bukgung Yeon’s question, Seol-hyang took a moment to catch her breath before quickly raising her voice.
"What could possibly be so urgent?"
Bukgung Yeon asked, still unable to understand. What could have happened to cause such a fuss?
"An army has appeared outside the Ice Palace!" Seol-hyang pounded her chest a few times, frustrated by Bukgung Yeon’s calm demeanor. "The Northern Army!"
"The Northern Army!?"
Bukgung Yeon’s eyes widened in shock. She couldn't understand it. The Northern Army usually remained near the borders to fulfill their defensive duties. Why would they abandon their posts and march all the way to the North Sea Ice Palace in the heart of the region?
"Are you sure you didn't misidentify them?"
"I’m certain!" Seol-hyang cried out, feeling wronged by the doubt. "Just in case, I checked everything from the colors of their banners to their insignias."
"Is that so?"
Realizing Seol-hyang was telling the truth, Bukgung Yeon’s brow furrowed. Irritation flared within her at the unexpected arrival of the Northern Army.
She stood up abruptly from the jade throne.
"Let’s go."
With those words, Bukgung Yeon moved quickly, and Seol-hyang followed close behind.
*
"Will you not reconsider?" Lee Yeon asked Un-jeok-ja once more.
"Regrettably, I will not. We are all people who revere chivalry. If we lived our lives calculating gains and losses, we would not be called the Orthodox Faction."
"How laughable. To preach chivalry before me." Lee Yeon let out a mocking laugh before continuing. "Then I have no choice. Do not resent me."
"I am upholding my principles. How could there be any room for regret?" Un-jeok-ja replied, looking Lee Yeon straight in the eye. There wasn't a single hint of hesitation in his gaze.
"You certainly have a silver tongue."
"I suppose it has grown smoother with age," Un-jeok-ja replied with a light jest.
"Well, I don't dislike it. At least you seem to have a backbone."
"I am honored. It seems I am lucky to have caught the General’s eye," Un-jeok-ja said with a faint smile.
"However, your thinking is incredibly short-sighted." Lee Yeon shook his head slightly. "You are unilaterally throwing so many of your disciples to the threshold of death."
"I do agree that I am being quite arbitrary," Un-jeok-ja nodded. "Therefore, I have one request."
"A request?"
"Give me time."
"Time for what?" Lee Yeon asked curiously.
"Time for them to choose."
"Hmm, a choice..."
"What I told you just now was my own personal decision. To me, repaying a debt is natural, even if it means risking my life. But others may feel differently, wouldn't they? I wish to give them the chance to choose—whether to stand against the Northern Army or to step aside."
Un-jeok-ja spoke while maintaining his steady gaze on Lee Yeon.
"I have a question."
"Please, ask."
"Why should I grant your request?" Lee Yeon asked, finding the situation amusing.
"If any of the disciples choose to withdraw, wouldn't that be a benefit to you, General?"
"And why is that?"
"Though my disciples may not reach your exalted realm, they are all respected masters in their own right. If they clash with the Northern Army, they may not be able to take on a hundred men each, but they could certainly handle fifty or sixty. If such people were to leave after a short time, wouldn't that be a boon for the Northern Army?"
Un-jeok-ja spoke calmly, looking directly at Lee Yeon.
"Is that so?"
"It is. Furthermore, wouldn't it ease your conscience as well, General?"
"Hmm."
Lee Yeon stroked his chin in thought. Un-jeok-ja’s words were undeniably logical. The Northern Army was powerful, but a direct confrontation with these martial artists would result in significant casualties. A martial artist who had reached a certain realm could pierce through even iron armor.
"Very well."
Lee Yeon finally spoke.
"I will give you fifteen minutes. Those who wish to withdraw may step aside. I will specifically ensure they are not harmed."
"Thank you, General."
Un-jeok-ja bowed deeply toward Lee Yeon. It was a gesture of respect for the mercy he had shown.
"Hmph."
Clop, clop, clop.
Having finished his piece, Lee Yeon returned to his cavalry unit. He looked straight ahead and waited patiently for the fifteen minutes to pass.
*
"Heroes of the Search Party, I have something to say."
Having secured fifteen minutes from Lee Yeon, Un-jeok-ja turned to the Search Party gathered at the main gate.
"The Northern Army intends to annihilate the North Sea Ice Palace. Every last soul. They have advised us to step aside. They say that if we do not move, our safety cannot be guaranteed."
Un-jeok-ja looked around at the members of the Search Party with a heavy expression.
"However, I have refused his proposal. Having received a great kindness from the Palace Master, I believe that turning a blind eye would go against the chivalry I pursue. But this is my own conviction, and I do not believe it is something I should force upon you. Therefore, I want you to choose."
Un-jeok-ja continued in a calm tone.
"I intend to stay until the end and defend the main gate of the North Sea Ice Palace. At least until the people inside can find safety. But I have no intention of forcing this on you. So, please make your choice. Whether you will stay and fight to the end, or step back."
"..."
"..."
"..."
The members of the Search Party fell silent, each lost in deep thought. But no one could easily reach a conclusion. Their lives were on the line. Who could make such a decision lightly?
"I’ll do it."
Just then, Cheongsong, who was standing in the back, raised his hand high.
"You don't have to push yourself," Un-jeok-ja said, looking at him with pity.
"Chivalry isn't something only you, Martial Uncle, hold in your heart. I have my own chivalry as well." Cheongsong looked at Un-jeok-ja with a serious gaze. "If I were to ignore the kindness we received and just watch the Ice Palace be destroyed, I would regret it for the rest of my life. I don't want to live with that regret."
Cheongsong spoke with eyes full of determination.
"I’ll do it too."
As soon as Cheongsong finished, Cheonggil spoke up in a heavy voice.
"I don't want to be a beast that doesn't know how to repay a kindness either."
It wasn't just them.
"I’m in!"
"Me too!"
"I want to repay the debt!"
"I want to return the favor!"
Following Cheonggil’s words, all the disciples of the Qingcheng Sect raised their hands one after another, expressing their intent to stay.
Seeing this, Un-jeok-ja looked at them with a pained expression. Although he had given them the choice, he had secretly hoped that no one would volunteer. He had hoped they would only calculate their own interests and ignore something as old-fashioned as chivalry.
But it seemed his wish had not reached the disciples of Qingcheng. They were simply doing what they believed was right. Un-jeok-ja was both saddened and heartened by them. At least it meant the teachings of Qingcheng were not wrong.
"...You fools."
Un-jeok-ja’s eyes grew moist, and a hot tear escaped.
"I will stay as well."
Then, a martial artist from the Tang Clan raised his hand and spoke.
"In the Tang Clan, we have a saying: repay a kindness twofold, and a grudge tenfold." The Tang Clan warrior’s eyes gleamed. "The time has come to repay a kindness; how could I possibly run away?"
"He’s right!"
"We’re staying too!"
"We’ll repay the debt!"
Following his lead, everyone let out a roar of agreement.
"...Will you not regret this?" Un-jeok-ja asked them once more.
"If we were to run away now, many would mock the Tang Clan," the Tang Clan warrior replied calmly. "For the sake of the Tang Clan’s honor, we cannot leave our posts."
His eyes began to fill with a resolute will. Seeing this, Un-jeok-ja could feel it. They weren't just going along with the crowd out of peer pressure; they truly wished to repay the kindness they had received.
"It seems the Search Party is full of nothing but fools. To make such an idiotic choice."
"Doesn't that apply to you as well, Priest?"
"Hahaha, I suppose it does."
Un-jeok-ja let out a cheerful laugh before stopping abruptly.
"Lady Un."
Un-jeok-ja looked at Un-hye, who was standing behind him.
"Please, speak." Un-hye replied with a determined expression.
"Right now, we need someone to evacuate the villagers. Could the Emei Sect take on that role?"
Un-jeok-ja looked at her pleadingly. Currently, most of the Emei disciples were busy transporting iron fragments or doing odd jobs at the forge. In this situation, it was better to ask them to evacuate the villagers rather than join the battle.
"Understood."
Upon hearing Un-jeok-ja’s request, Un-hye nodded and immediately began to sprint toward the forge. She, too, realized that every second counted.
Un-jeok-ja nodded in satisfaction as he watched her go. Then, he slowly turned around to face the front.
Before him, hundreds of cavalrymen were watching them. They were likely waiting for Lee Yeon’s command to charge.
"Whew."
Un-jeok-ja let out a deep sigh. He felt as though things had become incredibly complicated.
Shring.
Un-jeok-ja drew a sword from the scabbard at his waist. A pure white blade revealed itself. With his sword drawn, Un-jeok-ja began to walk forward slowly.
Thud.
He stood in the very center of the main gate and pointed his sword straight ahead. It was a clear declaration of his intent to never let them pass.
Thud.
Beside him, another sword was pointed toward the cavalry. Un-jeok-ja glanced sideways at the owner of the sword. It was Cheongsong. Though he looked anxious, his gaze was fixed forward without a hint of trembling.
Thud.
Yet another sword was leveled at the cavalry. This time, it was Cheonggil. He simply pointed his sword at the cavalry with a calm gaze.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Soon, the swords of countless disciples were pointed toward the cavalry, and Un-jeok-ja’s eyes grew moist once more. Those tears were out of gratitude for those who had followed his foolish stubbornness.
Glare.
Un-jeok-ja wiped away his tears and stared ahead with wide, fierce eyes. Then, channeling his internal energy, he roared at the cavalry.
"Not a single step shall you pass!"
His voice echoed across the field.
""Not a single step shall you pass!""
Immediately, the disciples also roared at the cavalry.
"It seems I gave them time for nothing," Lee Yeon muttered calmly as he heard their shouts.
Not a single one of them had left. Lee Yeon thought to himself that he had truly wasted his time.