Chapter 202
Chapter 202
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 202
Chapter Title: Battle at Phoenix Mountain (1)
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"Kaaak!"
With a single scream, the warriors from the Yeongho Clan at the rear collapsed. Over ten men fell in the simultaneous assault that erupted from all sides.
"Enemies!"
"Hostiles at the rear!"
Shouts erupted everywhere as a fierce melee broke out.
The attackers' individual skills far surpassed those of the Yeongho Clan warriors, but their numbers were too few. The Yeongho Clan calmly pressed their assault and soon seized the advantage, driving the enemies back.
"Retreat!"
As the ambushers began to fall back, Yeongho Pyeong's eyes gleamed strangely from where he led the Yeongho Clan.
"The enemies are retreating. What are your orders?"
"We pursue, of course."
Yeongho Gi, who had posed the question, wore a troubled expression at Yeongho Pyeong's curt reply.
"But chasing them would leave us unable to cover Sword Pavilion's rear. Our numbers are too thin as it is—this might be bait to lure us away. I'm afraid we could fall into a trap."
"Quiet. Those bastards were about to strike Sword Pavilion from behind."
Yeongho Pyeong ignored Yeongho Gi's warning entirely.
"Inform Sword Empress of the enemies' appearance first."
The messenger, catching the meaningful glint in Yeongho Pyeong's eye, dashed like the wind toward the advancing Sword Pavilion.
"Blood Death Cult bastards. Chase them down."
At Yeongho Pyeong's shout, the already fired-up Yeongho Clan warriors immediately gave pursuit.
"Why on earth..."
Yeongho Gi spurred on his retainers into the chase, staring at Yeongho Pyeong in utter incomprehension.
"We were attacked?"
The messenger, panting heavily, nodded at Nung So Hwa's question.
"Yes. About a quarter-hour ago, we were ambushed by what appeared to be Blood Death Cult members."
"How many were there?"
"They struck from all directions, so I couldn't pinpoint it exactly, but at least fifty."
"I see."
Nung So Hwa's brow furrowed slightly.
The number was smaller than expected, but she didn't dwell on it.
A small force only proved how elite they were.
The real issue was that the attackers on the Yeongho Clan numbered fewer than twenty—contrary to the messenger's report.
Yeongho Pyeong had greatly inflated the enemy count, and Sword Pavilion had no way of knowing.
"If it was an ambush, the casualties must have been heavy."
"Yes. Over twenty fell in an instant."
At the mention of twenty, Nung So Hwa and the Sword Pavilion leaders listening in all hardened their expressions. Even for an ambush, inflicting such losses on the Yeongho Clan in so short a time meant the enemies' martial prowess was as formidable as anticipated.
"Fortunately, quick action kept deaths to a minimum, though everyone suffered serious injuries."
"Our condolences. Please convey our sympathies to the elder."
"Thank you."
The messenger bowed.
"So you're pursuing them now?"
Hwang Ye asked.
"Yes. But the elder suspects it might be a lure and is proceeding cautiously. He's sent scouts in all directions to check for hidden foes."
"Good."
Hwang Ye, who had worried the Yeongho Clan might fall for a feint, seemed somewhat relieved. In her eyes, Yeongho Pyeong's response was quite steady.
"It's reassuring to have the Yeongho Clan holding our rear. Tell the elder we trust him completely."
Nung So Hwa expressed her gratitude once more.
"Understood. Stay vigilant, everyone."
The messenger bowed politely and departed. Nung So Hwa turned to Hwang Ye and Seo Yo Ryeong.
"Just as we predicted—the Blood Death Cult had a separate force ready."
"Yes. Asking the Alliance Lord to support the Yeongho Clan was a masterstroke."
Hwang Ye smiled brightly, recalling how the Sword Empress had boldly requested Yeongho Clan support from Jeong Cheon Ryeonju. Seeing her once-youthful niece-in-law mature was immensely gratifying.
"We can't slack on rear guards—some might slip through the Yeongho Clan's watch."
Hwang Ye and Seo Yo Ryeong exchanged glances and smiles at Nung So Hwa's words.
"Don't worry. We'll post scouts at the rear too, just in case of ambush."
Nung So Hwa nodded at Seo Yo Ryeong's reply and let out a soft breath.
"Yes, no need for concern. Even if something happens, Yeongho Clan reinforcements will arrive swiftly. Now we can focus solely on the foes ahead."
Nung So Hwa gazed toward the distant ridgeline.
Round that ridge, the Blood Death Cult awaited.
As a blade dispatched to target her and Sword Pavilion's swordsmen, they would be exceedingly powerful—likely inflicting heavy losses. Yet evasion was impossible.
This path was for the martial world, and for her master.
"Let's move out."
Nung So Hwa took the lead, stepping forward.
As if her surging aura had transmitted to them, the swordsmen's momentum shifted dramatically as they followed.
"Sword Pavilion's rear guard, the Yeongho Clan, ambushed. Enemy numbers estimated at around twenty."
"Currently engaged. Yeongho Clan has taken some losses but is holding better than expected."
"Ambushers on Yeongho Clan retreating; Yeongho Clan in pursuit."
"Distance between Sword Pavilion and rear guard Yeongho Clan gradually widening."
"Sword Pavilion begins full advance to strike Blood Death Cult waiting in eastern Phoenix Mountain region."
Sima Geon and his group marveled at the endless stream of messengers appearing and vanishing, relaying intelligence. They couldn't fathom how many agents had been mobilized.
"It wasn't just Wyrm Dragon Squad?"
At Sima Geon's question, Zhuge Jian gave an awkward laugh and pointed to Zhuge Su, still clinging to Black Wolf. His persistent efforts had finally earned a bit of space beside the usually aloof beast.
"At that fellow's strong insistence, not only nearby forces but even agents from distant operations were summoned."
"Brother, how many attackers hit the Yeongho Clan earlier?"
Zhuge Su turned to ask.
"Around twenty."
"Twenty. Now it's certain."
"What is?"
"The Blood Death Cult force quietly approaching Phoenix Mountain's outskirts numbers over a hundred. Damn, so many lives lost just to uncover that. Anyway, a mere twenty confirms it's a setup."
Thunderbolt tilted his head at Zhuge Su's confident assertion.
"Isn't that a bit premature? It could just be bait."
"Yeah, suspecting them solely on low numbers seems off."
Man Chu voiced his doubt as well.
Having built rapport through Black Wolf, Thunderbolt and Man Chu now spoke casually with Zhuge Su.
"No doubt about it. Think: the Blood Death Cult doesn't need lures. They could just sweep them away. Yeongho Clan's no pushover, but against foes targeting Sword Pavilion? They'd be annihilated before sending word."
"I-is that so?"
Thunderbolt murmured uncertainly.
"It is. This is just smokescreen—for if things go wrong, an excuse why Yeongho Clan abandoned Sword Pavilion's rear. If even one escapes Sword Pavilion, suspicions arise. Even granting it's bait, chasing a tiny force makes no sense. Anyone with a brain wouldn't in this situation."
Zhuge Su tapped his temple and continued.
"Now I'm curious about Jeong Cheon Ryeon's moves. Will they leave it to Blood Death Cult, or quietly deploy their own? Ah, they could scheme at Phoenix Mountain too. Shandong martial world might be at risk. Anyway, later for that—if my prediction holds, they'll send a small detachment. We'll see."
Self-questioning and rambling, they stared at Zhuge Su in bewilderment. What stunned them was an intelligence agent arriving before he even finished—reporting that a Jeong Cheon Ryeon faction had deviated from their original target, heading toward Sword Pavilion's path.
Bewilderment vanished; all gazed at Zhuge Su in admiration. He, meanwhile, happily stroked Black Wolf's mane, beaming.
"What should we do now?"
At Sima Geon's question, Zhuge Su replied simply.
"Evidence is thin, but circumstances are clear. Time to crush them. Interrogate later."
"Yeongho Clan might be tricky. They were ambushed and fought Blood Death Cult."
Zhuge Su shook his head at Zhuge Jian's concern.
"I said: no evidence needed. Circumstances make excuses invalid."
"Agreed. Ignorance is one thing; we know their intent. Extracting confession is easy."
Zhuge Jian sensed a chill in Sima Geon's calm smile.
"By the way, Brother Sima, when will you treat me casually? It feels like the Yangtze between us."
"Ha!"
Zhuge Jian turned away with a light sigh, embarrassed by Zhuge Su's petulant turn.
"Divine Demon Division's seen plenty of weirdos, but that guy's no slouch."
Cheol Woo flipped Black Wolf's lip, eyeing giggling Zhuge Su in disbelief.
No ambushes, no surprises. They were fully aware of each other, primed for battle.
"You're late. Thought I'd die waiting."
Go Yang Sun grinned at Nung So Hwa. To an onlooker, he might seem a grandfather reuniting with his granddaughter, exuding warmth.
"Really? I hurried, but still tardy, I suppose."
Nung So Hwa glanced around casually after her light retort.
Figures with inhuman, cold eyes drew weapons, radiating sharp killing intent, poised to strike.
Their numbers were roughly equal. The enemy had a slight edge, but it hardly mattered. Expanding her senses for hidden foes, Nung So Hwa detected none.
"I heard Blood Death Cult planned our elimination, but can this lot manage it?"
"We'll see."
"Waiting for reinforcements? They'll be delayed. Reliable saboteurs at work."
"Heh heh! Don't be so cocky. The world's unpredictable. And no, not waiting for anyone."
"Quite confident."
"Faith in myself."
Go Yang Sun chuckled lightly and slowly raised his sword.
"Well then, shall we see the new Sword Empress's skill?"
Go Yang Sun pointed his sword at Nung So Hwa, face alight with anticipation.
"Whenever you're ready."
Nung So Hwa assumed stance with serene eyes, a stark contrast to Go Yang Sun's fervor.
"Charge!"
The instant Go Yang Sun and Nung So Hwa crossed blades, Sword Pavilion swordsmen clashed with Go Yang Sun's disciples en masse.