Meng Hu Dai 2: The Treacherous Lure
As Geuk-hyeon had ordered, we pushed deep into enemy territory. Compared to the other righteous faction warriors who'd bailed midway on their missions, we'd plunged into the heart of the danger—the innermost depths. It felt like Yuan cavalry could pop out any second now.
How much farther did we go? "...Halt."
Geuk-hyeon barked the order to stop.
"You two. Scout left front. And Naachalbang, check right front."
"Got it."
The Meng Hu Dai members moved out, and we followed orders, pressing forward on the right flank.
"Grraaah."
This place was a paradise for death ghosts. My gut told me their main force was nearby. Keeping that in mind, we advanced cautiously, step by step.
"Hold up. There."
Wi Ha-young thrust out her stone staff to block me. No words needed. Namgung Serin and I dropped low, using cover as we crept ahead. After a bit...
"..."
We spotted the Yuan cavalry camped over there. About a dozen riders. Were these the same bastards we'd seen before? But one stood out—a guy in less-rusted armor. Hell, blue ghostly flames were rising from his empty eye sockets.
This fucker looked insanely strong, even from a glance. Some kind of general?
Tap tap.
Serin silently tapped my body—signal to fall back. We retreated straight to Ha-young.
"Ha-young, cavalry up ahead. About ten of 'em. But one looks like bad news."
"Blue ghostly flames were blooming from his skull. Definitely packing way more yokai energy."
"Hmmm... risky. A general? Let's pull back for now. Mark the spot."
"Yeah."
We noted the location on the map and retreated to Geuk-hyeon.
"Ah, you're back."
"Meng Hu Dai leader. Spotted enemy cavalry. And we judge one to be a general-level specimen."
"General-level?"
Geuk-hyeon's eyes widened at that.
"Bigger build than the others, blue ghostly flames burning in his eye sockets."
"Even had a rotten banner. Definitely general-class."
Serin added details, and Geuk-hyeon nodded.
"Understood. Wait here till the other scouts return."
Soon enough, the Meng Hu Dai scouts came back. He got their report, nodded, then approached us again.
"Naachalbang. New mission. You found the general-level one, right? Lure it to this point."
"What?"
Lure it? What the fuck is this bullshit?
"Here, I'll mark it on the map."
Geuk-hyeon casually marked the map and handed it over. No, what the hell is this motherfucker saying?
"You just ordered us to lure the cavalry general? Meng Hu Dai leader?"
"I know it's dangerous. But it's vital for the people's safety. Death ghost hordes are mindless yokai swarms. If luring the general changes their advance direction, it'll be a huge merit."
I nearly spat out a curse. This slick-talking prick—bottom line, he wants us to attack the general and get chased.
"Doesn't make sense. That mission's impossible. Lure a general from the heart of enemy lines? No way. You Meng Hu Dai do it."
"What?"
My words twisted Geuk-hyeon's face.
"Meng Hu Dai leader. Use some common sense. Three of us luring a general deep in enemy turf? It's suicide. Is that the best strategy you've got?"
"Jade Flower Sword...! So you're refusing?"
"We can't do that childish crap."
"What! You're shirking duty!"
The bullshit-spewing Geuk-hyeon glared and bellowed.
"We're not playing games! We're carrying out the Alliance's orders—for the imperial court itself! Scared of a little danger, defying orders? Unacceptable!"
What a load of crap.
"Heh heh heh. Then show us how Meng Hu Dai does the lure. We can't quite picture it."
"Shut your mouth, you traitor scum!"
"Whoa. Now it's traitor talk? Hey, Geuk-hyeon."
Can't hold back anymore.
"You fucking worm."
"W-what...?"
"Sudden suicide order, then flipping out? Hey. Be honest."
Suspicious as hell all along.
"Holding a grudge from last time? That's why you're feeding us this shit order, right? Huh?"
Suspicion turned to certainty. Their attitude so far. Subtle contempt. And now this garbage command. It all added up.
Geuk-hyeon, this fucker harbored massive resentment from before. No other explanation for this bullshit. But a Murim Alliance guy pulling this? That's underworld thug shit, like from Amtobang.
"Crazy unorthodox scum. You call yourself Murim Alliance combat unit? No wonder their level's obvious."
"I'll kill you."
Poking him lightly brought out killing intent.
"Filthy unorthodox worm... You think you can mouth off to me, Meng Hu Dai leader, and walk away?"
"Leader! Kill this bastard!"
"Leader!"
Furious Meng Hu Dai members closed in. Geuk-hyeon glared like a demonic cult fiend ready to hack someone apart.
"Hah. They're insane."
"Bandit scum."
Serin and Ha-young bared their own killing intent. No way this ends peacefully now. In Murim, conflicts boil down to strength and violence. They gave us a suicide order. Unforgivable. If they live, they'll fake a report to the Imperial Guards. We're done. Meng Hu Dai gets wiped today.
"So."
Killing intents clashing, Geuk-hyeon spoke.
"Defying orders. Fleeing in battle. Treason. Fratricide. You gonna commit those grave sins?"
"Ridiculous. Meng Hu Dai leader. This stems entirely from your stubbornness—"
"Shut it! All because of that bitch!"
"Huh?"
Why Serin?
"You fucking whore...! You dared insult me!"
Geuk-hyeon's lips trembled.
"You tarnished Meng Hu Dai's honor—insulted the Murim Alliance!"
"What bullshit? You tarnished it. Every damn one of you. Why blame me?"
"Haha! Still yapping! Think that flimsy Jade Flower Sword title saves you?"
Serin tilted her head, and he yelled again.
"Decide! Obey and go in, or refuse and face punishment! Latter means Imperial Guards get involved—Nangong Family won't escape either!"
I listened, probing his motives.
"Hate both? Special chance! Kneel now, apologize for smearing my authority, face, and honor in front of everyone last time! Pay the price!"
"Kuhahaha! What nonsense, Geuk-hyeon!"
So Serin was the target? So fucking predictable.
"Suicidal much? Geuk-hyeon! Save that horseshit for your mom!"
"W-what?!"
"Learned that habit from mommy? You start the shit, get cursed, then blame us?"
Guess Gong Son-tan's tantrum got publicly called out last time—they took it as an insult. Fucking Murim idiots. Face over right and wrong.
"Kinda sounds like I know where Geuk-hyeon's mom works."
"You fuck! Jade Flower Sword! You blew your last chance! Everyone! Annihilate the enemy!"
Yeah, that's Murim. Even the unorthodox scum I killed thrashed like this. Fine, bring it.
They think I just hunted death ghosts? Nah, I analyzed how these fuckers fight, their techniques. That's where my real effort went.
"Wait, leader! But Jade Flower Sword and Plunder Fire Lotus...!"
"They're just tricked by Absolute Cry Naachal!"
"Just take out Absolute Cry Naachal!"
What the fuck?
"Then do that!"
"Hey, Geuk-hyeon. What're you on about?"
"Obvious bullshit, Geun-hyeop. We know their game—no more talk. Kill 'em all."
"Yeah. Time to off these bandit fucks."
The moment I picked my first target...
—Kieeeaaak!
—Shaaa!
Suddenly, an evil shriek from that direction, followed by a foul chill wind sweeping our position like a gale.
"What...!"
Then.
—Clop clop, clop clop!
Hoofbeats pounding the earth. Situation clear: rough cavalry gallop—Yuan riders!
"Grak."
"Grgruk."
Yuan cavalry on skeletal warhorses charged, gripping rusted sabers!
"Geun-hyeop!"
"L-leader!"
Our call was swift. Under Serin's lead, we dodged behind a massive tree. But Meng Hu Dai lagged a step.
"Fuck! Execute retreat! Hold formation!"
"Kraaa!"
"Uwaaa!"
Instead of fleeing, they formed up against the cavalry. Solid formation snapped into place; drawn swords met the charge. But...
—Spurt!
The skeleton rider's hand was faster...! Flying saber cleaved a Meng Hu Dai member's chest!
Murim Alliance combat unit, one-shotted? Brutal.
"Tch! Geun-hyeop! Can't escape!"
"Damn...!"
"Incoming!"
We hunkered behind the tree, but some riders blew past, wheeling to target us. No escape. Have to fight. Deal with Meng Hu Dai later. Priority: clear these cavalry, secure retreat.
"You two! Guard me! Better that way!"
"Ha-young!"
Lucky us—we've got a top-tier spellcaster DPS!
"Hah!"
Ha-young raised her stone staff, talismans flying. I scanned surroundings, eyeing the charging horned cavalry.