Chapter 63
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: 19. Bandits of the Northern Plateau (5)
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Gwak Nan-hoe had gone out of her way in many respects.
Beyond the three items Jin Ga-yong had requested, she had prepared all sorts of supplies useful for the operation: eight warhorses raised for military use, healing salves for the goods, high-quality dried meats, bows and arrows they could use freely if needed, and consumable weapons like daggers and javelins.
She had even arranged a farewell feast.
Some of the escorts she brought would stand watch, so the Face Pursuit Unit Jeong should eat well and rest deeply for the day—that was her thoughtful consideration.
She provided one tent per person, laid out thick blankets for cozy bedding, roasted three whole suckling pigs in the corner with all sorts of spices, and brought out aged liquor jars wholesale.
Soon, the valley filled with the savory, aromatic scents.
"Victory!"
Gwak Nan-hoe raised her toast, and everyone drained their first cup.
Then, led by Great Black Cat, the Ten Cats set off first.
By the time the first jar ran dry, Gwak Nan-hoe, the deputy commander, and the masked warriors who came with her departed as well. To seize victory, her side had to move briskly too.
Thus, after a whirlwind of activity, only the Face Pursuit Unit Jeong's members remained. Of course, with meat and liquor aplenty, it wasn't lonely.
They sat in a circle around the bonfire, filling their bowls and cups with meat and booze as they talked.
Mostly, the team members asked questions, and leader Jin Ga-yong answered. But the questions and answers were nothing special.
Sensitive topics were skirted around, so to speak.
Even so, Jin Ga-yong answered sincerely in his usual straightforward manner, which helped dilute the lingering distrust built up over time.
But Na Mok found the superficial chatter frustrating. After holding back and hesitating throughout, he finally spoke up.
"Leader Jin, what do you make of our success odds for this operation?"
"What do you think?"
Jin Ga-yong countered, while the other members shot Na Mok amused, pitying looks—like staring at a greenhorn. Na Mok flushed awkwardly, but Jin Ga-yong continued.
"It won't be easy. But we'll pull it off—we have to. This is revenge, retribution. Does that answer it?"
"Yes? …Yes."
Na Mok felt it was no answer at all, but swept up in the mood, he said so anyway.
Jin Ga-yong scanned the group, revealing his true feelings.
"It's been nearly twenty years since those bandits began their heaven-defying atrocities, they say. Do you know how many innocents have been plundered and sacrificed to them all this time? Thousands, they claim. Over a hundred villages and hamlets turned to ash by their hands alone."
Jin Ga-yong's plain voice swelled with fury.
"As warriors who gird swords, isn't it infuriating just to breathe the same sky as such lawless scum? It is for me! That's why I drew my blade!"
In declaring his resolve, nothing but pure righteousness filled him—no room for success odds or personal safety.
Wang Baek-gun stroked his beard and chimed in.
"Well said! This Wang will redouble his efforts to ease Leader Jin's ire."
A Jeok-gang picked up.
"I'm lacking, but I'll add my blade too."
Dan Geum stroked his hammer and added,
"I'm no hero spouting grand ideals, but revenge for comrades? That I must do. I can't rest easy till debts are paid."
Then Ye Dok-du rubbed his bald head with a fierce grin.
"Heh heh heh, let's do it. Earn coin, smash bad eggs."
Even the hitherto silent guide No Song-seo tossed out curtly,
"Worth the pay."
Jin Ga-yong looked to Flying Tiger.
Flying Tiger was struck once more by the pure resolve in Jin Ga-yong's eyes, untainted by any foul motive.
He had sensed it before, but a man with such clear eyes—if a con artist—could dupe the world.
"You're a true knight-errant, Leader."
"Spare the flattery."
"One promise, then. At least till this op ends, no past matters held against you."
"…I promise."
"I'll follow you, Leader. Let's have some fun together."
"Let's."
A pleased expression lit Jin Ga-yong's face. Flying Tiger's "have some fun" rang bold and free.
Not just him—the others felt it too. Hearts heavy with thoughts of foes lightened unwittingly.
The mood heated up.
Only then did Na Mok realize: this was a vow-making gathering, not cold calculation of odds.
The arrow was loosed; success rested in their hands!
With that thought, Na Mok's blood surged. He sprang up, cup raised.
"I'll stake my life with you heroes against those lawless bandits!"
They all drained their cups—the eight warriors united in spirit.
Wang Baek-gun set down his empty cup, face glad.
"You didn't ask, but you're all anxious inside, right? Whether this old man can handle Pale Horse Deng."
"No need, Protector Wang."
"No, Leader Jin. Best clear it now. Listen up, all."
Wang Baek-gun drew eyes, then spoke gravely.
"I have a personal grudge with Pale Horse Deng's Yellow Turban Unit. Over ten years back. My younger brother, leading a merchant escort, and my eldest nephew with him—both slain by them. But I couldn't avenge then."
"You pursued a year, I heard. Their tracks too elusive, so you gave up and returned."
Na Mok added, but Wang Baek-gun shook his head.
"Shamefully, excuse. Chasing, I saw Pale Horse Deng and his sworn brothers' prowess. Fight meant certain defeat. Feared death, so fled."
"Just delayed, not quit. Ten years of bitter cultivation brought me to great heights; now I circle back stronger."
Jin Ga-yong's words drew nods—wise choice, endurance rewarded.
Wang Baek-gun smiled bitterly, muttering, "Thanks to that, saw the unsightly end."
Sharp-eared Flying Tiger caught it. Glancing, he saw fleeting fury in Jin Ga-yong—hinting at the "unsightly" truth.
"Anyway, duel with Pale Horse Deng—long-cherished wish. My last as Jianghu wanderer. Win or lose, doesn't matter."
"What? You're hale, Protector Wang! Good for twenty more years."
Na Mok protested, but Wang Baek-gun shook his head.
"Already told Leader Jin, sought consent. Tired of Jianghu grudges—this old man wants quiet retreat post-mission, win or lose. Asked to bury any rift with Leader over it."
"Ho~ What said Leader Jin?"
No Song-seo perked; Flying Tiger and some grasped the hinted rift instantly.
"Gladly agreed. Else, how be here with you?"
To Flying Tiger's ear, Wang Baek-gun's tone darkened ominously. Mutual destruction planned?
Flying Tiger asked bluntly.
"No confidence?"
"Honestly: I'll win. A decade of bitter cultivation, a small insight—recently a stroke of luck, another breakthrough."
"Congratulations."
"But overconfident? Outcome unknown. Leader Jin right: must end those bandits. So, contingency with him."
"…?"
"If I falter badly, Leader Jin hurls Heavenly Thunder bomb at Pale Horse Deng, no hesitation."
"What of you, Protector?"
"Hold him, prevent escape. Worst: cling to death. No regrets—avenged, averts future woes. Profitable end."
Silence fell. His resolve weighed heavy.
Jin Ga-yong heard detachedly, downed his cup, then said,
"Protector Wang's point: if we do our job right, Pale Horse Deng dies for sure!"
The formal gathering ended.
Jin Ga-yong grabbed a jar, excused for private talk with Wang Baek-gun, left. Rest drank as wished, retiring one by one.
The rested Face Pursuit Unit Jeong headed north next dawn.
The letter arrived at Yellow Turban Unit's Yellow Earth Plateau base two days after the unit resumed north.
To Unit Leader Baek.
The Face Pursuit Unit Jeong arrives in your territory within two days. Leader Jin Ga-yong plus seven total. Watch the Face Pursuit Squad's Protector Wang Baek-gun. From Dance Melody Manor, a master.
Guerrilla harassing as expected, buying time for Martial Qin Alliance punitive force.
Face Pursuit Commander Gwak Nan-hoe rallying northern allies via couriers. Soonest half-month, latest month—force assembled.
Reference.
And previously… (omitted)…….
No sender noted, but Yellow Turban Unit Leader Pale Horse Deng knew well upon opening first.
Over a decade, like crocs and plovers, scratching itches in symbiosis.
Pale Horse Deng summoned executives post-read, passed the letter.
"Hey, 'Old Fox'. Thoughts?"
Old Fox Hak Da-won.
Self-appointed strategist, a wizened, parchment-skinned elder.
"Nothing special. Within expectations. We prep in a week—no clash with alliance. But Wang Baek-gun headaches."
"That Dance Melody Manor fossil?"
"Yes. Top-ten Martial Qin Alliance powerhouse, by my info."