Chapter 200
Chapter 200
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 200
Chapter Title: Hunt the Phoenix (2)
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The news that the Shandong Evil Clan had collapsed spread rapidly.
Upon hearing that the North Sea Ice Palace had attacked and seized their main headquarters, the Evil Clan's reinforcements immediately decided to turn back. Even with the Blood Slaughter Cult right before their eyes, reclaiming their homeland from the enemy ravagers took precedence.
As the Evil Clan's reinforcements began their retreat, the Shandong martial forces that had been coordinating with them found themselves in a bind. Some withdrew alongside the Evil Clan to aid them, while others stayed behind to assist the Righteous Heaven Alliance in subduing the Blood Slaughter Cult.
In a nearby small village about a hundred li from Phoenix Mountain.
The Righteous Heaven Alliance had successfully herded the scattered Blood Slaughter Cult forces toward Phoenix Mountain by linking up with the unyielding Shandong martial world—who refused to waver despite the cult's provocations and even viewed the alliance with suspicion—and spreading out in a wide formation.
Late in the evening, the alliance's leadership gathered in the largest of dozens of tents dominating the fields.
"I never imagined the North Sea Ice Palace would be that formidable."
Elder Gyobang of the Hanam Divine Fist, who had been granted full authority by Alliance Leader Left Wing Swordsman and was leading the alliance's warriors, let out a sigh.
"I could understand the Hebei Pang Clan—they've weakened considerably in recent years—but I never dreamed the Shandong Evil Clan would crumble so pathetically."
"To chase down the Blood Slaughter Cult, a significant portion of the Evil Clan's elite forces and masters had already left their headquarters. Blocking the North Sea Ice Palace's assault must have been impossible."
Yeong Ho-pyeong shook his head with a look of regret.
"Have all the Evil Clan's families heading south toward Phoenix Mountain turned back?"
Elder Yong Cheon-bong of the Falling Moon Blade, who had made a name in Shandong before joining the Righteous Heaven Alliance, asked Baek An, the Wingless Squad Leader seated beside Yeong Ho-pyeong.
As a newly formed organization, the Righteous Heaven Alliance lacked many things, but its intelligence network was especially weak. For now, the Yeongho Clan's Wingless Squad was filling that role as the alliance's eyes.
"All of the Evil Clan's members have returned. However, a considerable number of the Shandong martial forces that had been moving with them are still pressing south, keeping pressure on the Blood Slaughter Cult. That said, the intensity of that pressure has undeniably weakened."
"With their main forces gone, that's to be expected. It's worrying, though. We've cornered them at Phoenix Mountain perfectly, but this could give them an escape route."
The tragedy that befell the Evil Clan was lamentable in itself, but Gyobang was concerned they might fail to eradicate the Blood Slaughter Cult—a scourge on the martial world—that they had so painstakingly driven into Phoenix Mountain.
"Word is the reinforcements rushing from headquarters are taking a detour north. They're no match for the Evil Clan's full strength in numbers, but they'll still provide some help."
The gathered leaders' faces brightened at Yeong Ho-pyeong's words.
"When exactly did you receive that report?"
Gyobang asked, prompting Yeong Ho-pyeong to give an awkward smile as he glanced at Baek An.
"I heard it just before arriving here myself."
All eyes followed Yeong Ho-pyeong's to Baek An. Meeting the collective gaze without flinching, Baek An spoke calmly.
"The message arrived only moments ago. While leading additional families from headquarters, the Clan Lord heard of the Evil Clan's disaster..."
"The Sword Empress has arrived."
Baek An's measured explanation was cut short by an interrupting voice.
"Ah! Bring her in at once."
Gyobang said brightly, rising to his feet.
Neung So-hwa entered the tent, guided by Hwang Ye and Seo Yo-ryeong along with two elders.
"Welcome."
Gyobang offered a respectful bow, which Neung So-hwa returned.
"We're a bit late."
"Not at all. We've only just gathered ourselves. Please, have a seat."
Gyobang gestured for Neung So-hwa and the two elders to sit.
"I've heard the Evil Clan's reinforcements have withdrawn."
Gyobang's expression darkened slightly at Neung So-hwa's words.
"Yes. With their headquarters in that state, they had no choice."
"So what happens to the assault on Phoenix Mountain?"
Hwang Ye asked.
She appeared middle-aged, but she was well over sixty. Moreover, as the junior sister of the previous Sword Empress and an elder of the Sword Pavilion, not even the Righteous Heaven Alliance Leader could treat her lightly.
"That's precisely why we've gathered—to discuss it."
At Gyobang's signal to Baek An, the latter nodded to a subordinate behind him. Moments later, a large map was laid out in the center.
"This is the topography of Phoenix Mountain. The Wingless Squad worked tirelessly to complete this map. The sacrifices were considerable."
"The Wingless Squad..."
As Neung So-hwa voiced her curiosity, Yeong Ho-pyeong puffed out his chest.
"It's the Yeongho Clan's intelligence arm, you could say. The Clan Lord dispatched them to aid in subduing the Blood Slaughter Cult."
"Ah, I see. The Yeongho Clan's efforts for the martial world are truly worthy of respect."
Yeong Ho-pyeong's shoulders rose even higher at Neung So-hwa's praise.
"You're too kind. Subduing the Blood Slaughter Cult is a merit for the entire martial world. Of course we'd give our all."
A few, including Gyobang, reacted subtly to the phrase "merit for the martial world," but it passed so quickly no one noticed.
"Please explain, Squad Leader Baek."
Baek An rose and approached the map at Gyobang's request.
"Phoenix Mountain can be divided into three main sectors. The Blood Slaughter Cult has fortified the northernmost one—right here. It was once a bandit stronghold, simply repaired for use. The stronghold itself has lax defenses, but the surrounding terrain acts as a natural shield, making assault difficult."
"Do we only need to target the northern sector?"
Neung So-hwa asked.
"Not exactly. Only about half their forces are stationed at the northern camp. The rest are scattered across the entire mountain."
"How many in total?"
Yong Cheon-bong asked, scrutinizing the map.
"We've estimated around two hundred."
"That's a lot. I thought we'd whittled them down quite a bit."
"They seem to be steadily replenishing their losses."
"Those vermin! Eradicating them is proving exhausting."
Everyone nodded in agreement at Yong Cheon-bong's irritated outburst.
"I understand a new Blood Slaughter Cult group has recently appeared."
Hwang Ye said, looking at Baek An.
"Yes. Roughly a hundred strong, and we've assessed them as highly skilled."
"How skilled?"
"Far superior to the existing cultists. Even compared to our clan's elites..."
Baek An glanced at Yeong Ho-pyeong before continuing.
"Frankly, they seem stronger."
Everyone fell silent at Baek An's admission that these foes outmatched the Yeongho Clan's elites. Having viewed the cultists trapped on Phoenix Mountain like rats in a jar, the shock hit harder.
"Their current position is confirmed here, though it shifts slightly each day."
Baek An pointed to the eastern sector of Phoenix Mountain.
"For reference, confirming their presence and tracking their movements cost the Wingless Squad more agents than expected. They're exceptionally skilled and vigilant, making approaches difficult."
Neung So-hwa exchanged glances with Hwang Ye and Seo Yo-ryeong.
She suspected they were the ones the Lowly Sect had warned about—the assassins dispatched by the Blood Slaughter Cult to eliminate her and the Sword Pavilion's inspectors.
Hwang Ye and Seo Yo-ryeong nodded gravely, sharing the same thought.
"We'll handle them with the Sword Pavilion."
"Pavilion Lord!"
Hwang Ye and Seo Yo-ryeong cried out in surprise at Neung So-hwa's declaration.
"But on one condition."
"Name it."
Gyobang said tensely.
"You've heard the intelligence that the Blood Slaughter Cult is targeting the Sword Pavilion."
"Yes. The Beggars' Sect uncovered it while exposing the Lowly Sect as cult puppets."
"We believe those who arrived late to Phoenix Mountain are the cult's blade aimed at us."
"It's not certain, but the possibility is high."
"The problem is there might be others who haven't revealed themselves yet. I'm not boasting, but the Sword Pavilion won't fall to that many. The cult knows it too."
"From what we've observed, there were no such individuals."
Baek An countered as politely as possible.
"This isn't to belittle the Wingless Squad's sacrifices and efforts. But what if even more skilled operatives are moving in secret, beyond those you're watching?"
"That..."
"You said tracking them cost many lives. If even stronger ones are active, could the Wingless Squad detect them? Even if you did, could you survive piercing their vigilance?"
Baek An was at a loss for words. He wanted to retort but couldn't find an argument.
"So what do you require?"
Gyobang asked cautiously.
"Forces to guard our rear."
Gyobang's expression eased at the surprisingly simple demand.
"Of course we'll provide them."
"As Squad Leader Baek said, the enemies we're facing here are extremely capable. And unknown threats linger. We need to operate at full strength."
As Neung So-hwa elaborated, Gyobang sensed she had a specific request.
"What does the Sword Empress desire? What form of support?"
After a pause, Neung So-hwa turned to Yeong Ho-pyeong.
"I know the Yeongho Clan dispatched elites to the Righteous Heaven Alliance."
"That's correct."
"I'd ask the Yeongho Clan to guard the Sword Pavilion's rear."
Yeong Ho-pyeong hesitated, exchanging looks with Gyobang. After a moment's thought, Gyobang nodded, and Yeong Ho-pyeong responded heartily.
"We'll do it. We'll give our all, though we're not the strongest."
"Thank you."
The alliance leadership readily accepted Neung So-hwa's proposal, lightening the mood. Discussion on assaulting Phoenix Mountain continued at length. Though the Evil Clan and some Shandong forces had withdrawn, the unexpected Yeongho Clan reinforcements and Sword Pavilion coordination bolstered confidence—they spoke as if victory was already theirs.
"...It went according to plan."
Ya Hul-jae nodded in satisfaction at Deputy Golden Command Leader Dam Dong's report.
"I was pondering how to pit Elder Yi's children against the Sword Pavilion, but it wasn't necessary after all."
"Yes. They chose that path even knowing we were targeting them."
"Impressive confidence. Well, for the Sword Empress and Sword Pavilion, it's only natural."
"Judging we'd prepared another move was clever too. Meaningless in the end, though."
Ya Hul-jae and Ya Hul-hun burst into laughter at Yi Geuk's words.
"Tsk tsk, why'd they have to pick the Yeongho Clan of all people?"
"Among the Righteous Heaven Alliance, they have the best skills. They're the only ones trustworthy enough for rear guard."
"In the worst case, were you planning to involve the Yeongho Clan too?"
Ya Hul-hun asked.
"No. Even if it means letting the Sword Empress slip away, we can't expose our ties to them."
Ya Hul-jae turned to Yi Geuk.
"Find a way for the Yeongho Clan to withdraw naturally from the battlefield."
"Understood. If we play along moderately and lure them, they'll follow the rhythm. Have the kids camped on Phoenix Mountain thoroughly block Shandong martial involvement and tie down the alliance's attention, isolating the Sword Empress and Pavilion without aid."
"How about turning the Righteous Heaven Alliance and Shandong forces against each other?"
Ya Hul-jae and Yi Geuk both looked puzzled at Ya Hul-hun's suggestion.
"How? They share a common goal, even if they don't get along."
"No one knows who's who anyway. Disguise our disciples as Shandong forces and some as alliance members, then incite mutual attacks amid the chaos—should work."
"Not a bad idea. Some of the alliance's forces are ours anyway. Have those kids strike the Shandong groups, and confusion will peak. If questioned, it's just a mix-up—no real repercussions."
With even Yi Geuk agreeing, Ya Hul-jae nodded readily.
"Do it. While we're at it, prune some useless factions in the alliance and Shandong martial world. When does the attack begin?"
"Day after tomorrow, morning."
Dam Dong replied respectfully.
"Plenty of time. Oh, has Elder Yi arrived?"
"Yes."
"Have him come here then. It's been a while—let's catch up."
"Understood."
As Dam Dong withdrew, Ya Hul-jae slowly lifted his cup.
"We'll meet soon, Sword Empress."
Recalling Neung So-hwa from their brief encounter at the Twin Swords Piercing Heaven's quarters, a cold smile curled Ya Hul-jae's lips.