Chapter 228
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 228
Chapter Title: Brothers and Strategies
“Are you saying we should strike the fourth first?”
“That is correct.”
“The reason?”
Leaning forward with his chin in his hand, Wi Ji-hyeok posed the question. His strategist, Kang Un-seo, gestured to the topographical map spread on the floor and continued his explanation.
Once the Dragon Ascension Ceremony began, the Demonic Cult split into five factions, as if they were separate powers.
The First Young Master, Wi Ji-hyeok, seized a vast territory in the east, while So Seon-hwa took the south. Yeo Jin-gang and Gu Yang-hwi then divided the west between them.
“Currently, Yeo Jin-gang and Gu Yang-hwi must be preoccupied.”
“They would be. Too busy fighting over the western territories.”
“Precisely. Therefore, it would be best to quickly conquer the south while they are otherwise engaged.”
“Hmm...”
Wi Ji-hyeok nodded at Kang Un-seo's words, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the map.
“What is the fourth's combat strength?”
“She has the three major sects of the Nine Yin Gate, Mad Wind Valley, and the Flying Serpent Palace, along with thirty-two smaller factions led by the Wind Serpent Manor.”
“Not a small number.”
“In terms of military power alone, they are on par with us. However, considering the Fourth Young Lady possesses the Eyes of the Myriad Beasts and can summon animals…”
“It would double, then.”
“Indeed. We must weaken her forces before they grow any larger.”
“Alright. For now, we'll proceed as you suggest. Explain the plan.”
“Yes, my lord.”
With Wi Ji-hyeok's approval, Kang Un-seo began to explain the strategy he had prepared to everyone gathered in the meeting hall.
“First, the First Elder will lead the Jade Shattering Gate under his command and attack the Nine Yin Gate, located in the center of the enemy's territory.”
“Understood.”
“Simultaneously, the Second Elder will block the left flank to cut off any reinforcements from the west.”
“So we are the bait, then.”
“That is correct. Once you two begin your attack, the main force, led by our lord, will immediately crush the Flying Serpent Palace on the eastern side of the Fourth Young Lady's territory.”
Wi Ji-hyeok nodded with a satisfied expression at Kang Un-seo's explanation.
“A good idea. The Mad Wind Valley, located in the west, borders the fifth's territory, so they won't be able to spare any troops.”
“Exactly. If they were to withdraw their forces, it would become problematic if the Fifth Young Master were to strike immediately.”
“Good. We'll do that.”
As the strategy meeting concluded and Wi Ji-hyeok stood up, the elders standing on his left and right prostrated themselves, bowing their heads to the floor.
“Elders, listen well.”
“Yes, my lord!”
“As the strategist, the Fourth Elder, has commanded, we will march out immediately and conquer the Flying Serpent Palace. There is no retreat! Go with the mindset that you will die on enemy soil!”
“As you command!”
It was as if the Cult Leader's Hall from the main fortress had been moved here.
Looking down and issuing his commands, Wi Ji-hyeok was already the Cult Leader, and those who obeyed below him were his elders.
Wi Ji-hyeok's eyes shone with a sharp blue light as he looked down with satisfaction at the elders answering in unison.
“Tonight, we will hold a banquet at the Flying Serpent Palace and celebrate your achievements.”
“We accept your command!”
Wi Ji-hyeok's formation began to move swiftly. The sight of warriors filling the horizon, their banners raised high, splitting into three columns and charging toward their targets was truly a spectacle.
“Fourth Elder.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Wi Ji-hyeok, who was slowly riding toward the Flying Serpent Palace while waiting for the two elders to begin their diversionary attack, called out to Kang Un-seo in a low voice.
“I hear you have a younger brother.”
“I do.”
“They say he possesses exceptional wisdom. Why have you not brought him to me?”
“As you say, he has a rather brilliant mind, but his way of thinking is twisted.”
“Twisted?”
“Yes.”
“How so?”
“That man… believes that he should not be chosen by a lord, but that he should be the one to choose his lord.”
“A rebellious spirit, you mean?”
“Precisely. He often acts as he pleases and would likely defy your will on many occasions. He would only be a burden to you, my lord, so please pay him no mind.”
“I see. I, too, dislike such types. No matter how brilliant he may be, if he wishes to walk a different path from mine… I would have no choice but to kill him.”
“Wise words, my lord.”
“I am fortunate to have you on my side.”
* * *
Flutter.
A bird, flying powerfully, landed on a warrior's forearm.
The warrior untied a small note from the cylinder on its leg, read it, and his eyes widened. He immediately broke into a run.
“An urgent message from the vanguard! The First Young Master's forces have begun their advance to the south!”
“The south?”
“Yes.”
At the messenger's reply, tension filled the faces of those gathered.
The vanguard was composed of assassins raised in the Sacred Fire Valley, the same ones who had previously infiltrated the Shadow Wolf Gate.
Neung Un-bi had given them the name 'Vanguard' and assigned them the mission of scouting enemy territory.
There was no danger. Their job wasn't to infiltrate deep inside to gather intelligence, but simply to monitor movements.
And now, Neung Un-bi's group was near the rearmost area of Wi Ji-hyeok's territory.
It was the easternmost part of the Demonic Cult's domain.
They had come here at Kang Ja-seo's request.
Kang Ja-seo, the strategist of a generation.
He had not yet pledged his allegiance to Neung Un-bi. In other words, their relationship was temporary.
He had said he would accompany him and observe whether he was truly a man worth following.
What an incredible man.
For someone who couldn't even recite a single line from the common Six Harmonies Fist to so confidently state his intentions before warriors brimming with killing intent, without the slightest hint of intimidation.
A man like this would never bend his will, even with a blade to his throat. Because he does not fear death.
He would probably face death with a sneer, just as Neung Un-bi himself once had, toward the one threatening his life.
“So, what are your thoughts, Master Kang?”
Neung Un-bi, now speaking formally, asked the question. Kang Ja-seo smiled and replied.
“They will likely target one of three places.”
“The Nine Yin Gate, the Mad Wind Valley, or the Flying Serpent Palace?”
“Correct. And they will have certainly chosen the Flying Serpent Palace as their target.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Because I know the strategist on that side better than anyone.”
“Hm? You know him well?”
“Yes. He is my older brother.”
“What? Your brother?”
“That is correct. The First Young Master's right-hand man is my older brother, Kang Un-seo.”
His voice was calm, but upon hearing his words, the atmosphere among the group instantly turned icy.
“You bastard!”
And before anyone could stop him, Wang Cheon grabbed Kang Ja-seo by the collar.
“Wang Cheon.”
“Cult Leader!”
“Let him go.”
“I can't! He said he's brothers with Wi Ji-hyeok's right-hand man! He's a bastard who's been hiding that fact all this time.”
“So, what has Master Kang done?”
“What? Well…”
“Let him go.”
“But…”
“Wang Cheon!”
As Neung Un-bi's voice rose, Wang Cheon released his grip, his face contorted in frustration.
But his gaze was not kind. Not only Wang Cheon, but everyone else was glaring at Kang Ja-seo with the same look.
Only Kang Ja-seo remained composed.
“I did not hide it intentionally.”
“I know.”
“You do?”
“It's a family matter, is it not? I have no intention of prying or making an issue of it.”
“...”
Neung Un-bi simply smiled as he looked at Kang Ja-seo.
At this unexpected reaction, the corner of the composed Kang Ja-seo's eye twitched faintly.
“You said they would target the Flying Serpent Palace not just because their strategist is your brother, correct?”
“Yes.”
“What is the reason?”
“The Mad Wind Valley borders the west, so capturing it would leave them vulnerable to threats from both sides, which is not ideal. The same goes for the Nine Yin Gate.”
“So, they'll target the Flying Serpent Palace?”
“Because they can't afford to leave an enemy at their back.”
“I see. Now that you explain it, it makes sense.”
“Then, the reason we're aiming for the First Young Master's rearmost base…”
Neung Un-bi said, gazing at the small manor visible in the distance.
“The reason for targeting the Spirit Command Gate over there is?”
“It is to isolate the First Young Master.”
“Isolate?”
“Correct. Right now, among the five disciples, our faction is the weakest.”
“And so?”
“We must fight, but it would be problematic to receive a counterattack from the enemy.”
Neung Un-bi nodded at Kang Ja-seo's words.
He was right. As things stood, a direct confrontation was difficult, not just with Wi Ji-hyeok but with the other disciples as well.
“Once they take the Flying Serpent Palace, they will have to wage an all-out war with So Seon-hwa.”
“So, it will be difficult for them to attack us for striking their rear?”
“Precisely. The moment they withdraw troops, creating a vacuum, the other factions will strike.”
“Hmm, continue.”
“Even if his rear is taken, the First Young Master will have no choice but to advance. To maintain his power, he must expand as much as he has lost.”
“So… he eventually becomes isolated?”
“Yes. He will have to keep pushing forward, and the other factions, reaching their limits, will desperately try to stop him. In the end, he will be isolated in the center.”
“But will the other factions move as we anticipate?”
“They will.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because it is the instinct of the weak to band together against one who becomes too strong.”
“Hmm…”
Neung Un-bi nodded as if in understanding at Kang Ja-seo's words.
“In other words, we must take the Spirit Command Gate tonight?”
“Yes. From now on, we must expand our forces bit by bit. Just enough so that they do not perceive us as a threat.”
“Excellent. Then we must move quickly.”
Neung Un-bi rose from his seat.
“You all heard him.”
“Cult Leader!”
“Say no more. No, from now on, I will not tolerate any words against Master Kang.”
“...”
“Just as you trust and rely on me, I trust Master Kang.”
Neung Un-bi patted Wang Cheon's shoulder and grinned.
“Wang Cheon.”
“Yes, Cult Leader.”
“I trust you, too. You've always been my closest friend.”
“Cult Leader!”
“Don't worry. If Master Kang ever puts us all in danger, I will be the first to take his head.”
“...”
Even at those words, Wang Cheon's expression remained stiff, but he eventually nodded.
“Now then, the strategy is set. Shall we move?”
“...”
“Master Kang, issue the orders. From this moment, your word is my command.”
As Neung Un-bi nodded with a smile, Kang Ja-seo took a deep breath and quickly issued the assignments.
“The opening move will be yours, Cult Leader.”
“Mm.”
“You, Cult Leader, will lead the Shadow Wolf Gate and attack the main gate. Simultaneously, Venerable Retribution will neutralize their communication network to delay the spread of information as much as possible.”
“...”
“Venerable Precepts and Venerable Dharma Star, as soon as the battle begins, you will surround the perimeter and block all escape routes.”
“As you command!”
“There will be no persuasion or appeasement. We will press them mercilessly until they admit defeat.”
The fierce, blue flame that erupted from Kang Ja-seo's eyes soon spread to the eyes of the others.
“Well then, shall we go?”
Just as Neung Un-bi clenched his fist, exuding a powerful aura.
“Wait!”
“...?”
Hyang-i stood in their way.
“Why?”
“We have to pray.”
“Huh?”
“Did you forget? I'm the Divine Maiden.”
“...”
“It's my duty to pray for the safe return of the Sun and Moon Divine Cult's warriors who are heading into battle.”
At her words, Neung Un-bi blinked and stared at her.
Since when…
And what prayer?
There was no way Hyang-i had any divine powers, was there?
Talent for slitting throats, maybe.
“What are you doing? Kneel.”
“I have to kneel?”
“Of course. It's procedure.”
“...”
Even in a hurry, the Sun and Moon Divine Cult had its rituals.