Chapter 107
Chapter 107
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 107
Chapter Title: Ju Tae's Judgment
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Marshal Yang Chun-hong's residence.
Dozens of warriors stood lined up around a single carriage.
And oddly enough, Ju Tae was there among them.
He had arrived half a shichen earlier with two warriors and was waiting for Yang Chun-hong to emerge. After Yi Hwan sent the official document, Yang Chun-hong was the first to request protection.
Since he held significant weight among those supporting the Second Prince, Yi Hwan had dispatched Ju Tae personally.
'What’s taking so damn long?'
Ju Tae stared beyond the main gate. At that moment, people emerged from the main building.
A look of puzzlement crossed Ju Tae's face as he watched.
'Wasn't the Grand Marshal supposed to be entering the palace?'
The man stepping out appeared to be in his early thirties at most. Arrogance oozed from his eyes and expression, the very picture of a spoiled noble's son.
As he passed through the gate, the warriors bowed their heads in unison.
He turned to Ju Tae and asked,
"Are you from the Golden Army?"
"Yes."
"And why have only three of you come?"
"We are merely following the Great Prince's orders."
"Hmph! Sending a mere three after an official document. I'm dying to know what that guy's intentions are!"
At the words "that guy," Ju Tae felt a surge of anger but kept it hidden.
'If bandits show up, I'll make you suffer.'
The group soon set off.
Ju Tae and the two warriors brought up the rear. Ju Tae wrinkled his nose as he eyed the warriors encircling the carriage like an iron wall.
'They've thrown money at this.'
The escorts all exuded an unusual air. A few in particular screamed master martial artist at first glance.
Hiring this level of force must have cost a fortune.
Then, one warrior sent a transmission.
[With this many, even bandits wouldn't dare attack. Why request our protection?]
[Why do you care? Focus on guarding the perimeter and quit thinking nonsense.]
[......]
Ju Tae leisurely took in the surroundings.
The scenery was exceptional, befitting the Grand Marshal's neighborhood. Armed soldiers were stationed everywhere, making it impossible for outsiders to slip in easily.
'Staying holed up here means no worries about bandits.'
Soon, the carriage hit the main road and picked up speed.
Thud thud thud!
With so many riders galloping along, passersby scattered in fright to the roadside. Those who moved too slowly earned curses from the escorts.
Ju Tae was dumbfounded.
'Unbelievable. Shouldn't we just let trash like this die?'
How far had they gone like that?
The lead rider raised a hand, slowing the group. The escorts drew their weapons in unison.
Clang clang clang!
"Stay alert and advance!"
"Yes!"
Ju Tae scanned the area.
About twenty zhang ahead, dense forest flanked both sides of the road. The path twisted sharply in places, perfect terrain for an ambush if bandits were lying in wait.
Ju Tae sent a transmission to the two warriors.
[Stay sharp.]
[Yes!]
[Yes!]
Thud thud thud!
The Grand Marshal was a key figure in the Second Prince's faction, entering the palace for the first time in months, so bandits were highly likely to appear. Go personally and assist with protection.
Recalling Yi Hwan's words, Ju Tae scanned sharply.
'For the lord's document to shine, bandits must show up.'
Thud thud thud!
Speed slowed further at a sharp bend, but they passed two without incident.
As the straight stretch began, they accelerated again.
Thud thud thud!
'I'd attack right around here instead.'
Ju Tae had just that thought when—
Swoosh!
Dozens of hidden weapons flew in with a whoosh of air. But they targeted the carriage horses, not the people.
Thud thud thud!
Neigh!
The horses cried out pitifully as they collapsed.
Had the driver not yanked the reins, the carriage would have flipped.
"Form up protective formation!"
At the shout from the lead blue-robed man, everyone surrounded the carriage, swords aimed at the forests on both sides.
Ju Tae eyed the carriage.
Through the half-open door, he saw a man trembling in fear. Gone was the arrogance from before departure, when he'd sneered at Yi Hwan.
'This bastard... the Grand Marshal's son? If so, failed completely at raising him.'
Shing.
Ju Tae clicked his tongue inwardly and slowly drew his sword.
The two warriors drew theirs and guarded the left and right forests.
Ju Tae approached the blue-robed man.
"Hold your position!"
The man shouted, but Ju Tae ignored him.
"The terrain here favors the bandits far more. We should move slowly to open ground."
"I said hold your position!"
'This punk.'
Ju Tae's eyebrow twitched faintly. But causing a scene wasn't wise, so he returned to his spot.
'A few deaths should wake them up.'
Whoosh!
A sudden wind gust blew. After halting the carriage with projectiles, no second attack had come.
"Someone ride ahead and fetch the garrison troops!"
The man in the carriage yelled.
The blue-robed man stepped forward.
"The garrison won't help much. Trust us."
"How long do you plan to sit here? What if the bandits swarm us!"
"We'll handle it. Just stay quiet."
'Hmm?'
Ju Tae, watching, felt a flicker of doubt.
'Not the Grand Marshal's son? A mere escort wouldn't dare act so brazenly to a son.'
The blue-robed man's attitude was off. No son of the Grand Marshal would tolerate that.
'Could it be...'
As that suspicion flashed through Ju Tae's mind, figures burst from the forests on both sides.
Ju Tae quickly transmitted to the two warriors.
[Go all out.]
[Pardon?]
[Plans changed. No need to hide your skills—overwhelm and slaughter them.]
[Understood!]
Clang!
"Argh!"
"Ugh!"
A brutal life-or-death melee erupted between escorts and bandits. Almost immediately, two from each side fell, spraying blood.
'Not ordinary thugs.'
Ju Tae was mildly surprised inwardly at the bandits' higher-than-expected skill. But that was exactly what he wanted.
Ju Tae's sword cleaved the head off the nearest bandit in one stroke.
Thud!
"Argh!"
The two Sword King lineage warriors leaped at the bandits. Ju Tae soared over their heads and swung again.
Boom!
"Cough!"
One bandit split in two with the sword.
Ju Tae let the blood splatter his face without dodging.
Splash!
Flash!
"Argh!"
Another bandit crumpled.
It was pure one sword, one kill. Even the Grand Marshal's escorts could only gape at the overwhelming might.
"Hey, get out of the way—don't block me."
Two escorts blocking Ju Tae hastily sidestepped.
Ju Tae charged through the gap, diving into the bandits' midst. The two warriors followed.
[Hey, you two. Slaughter mercilessly!]
[Got it!]
* * *
Tweet!
A shrill whistle pierced from somewhere.
The bandits fled into the forest.
"Who said you could run?"
Ju Tae kicked off the ground, soaring to vertically bisect a bandit's back.
Thud!
"Argh!"
The two warriors did the same.
The Grand Marshal's escorts could only watch in awe, not daring to pursue against such dominance.
Ju Tae halted the chase.
No need to bother.
"That's far enough."
"Yes!"
Returning, Ju Tae ignored the blue-robed man and opened the carriage door.
"It's over. Come out."
"Have the bandits retreated?"
"Yes."
The man inside finally emerged. He gazed at the gruesome corpses littering the ground with trembling eyes.
Ju Tae said,
"We ride from here. Delay, and more bandits may come. Hurry."
"Ah, got it."
Ju Tae turned to the blue-robed man with a chill tone.
"I'll take command from here. Leaving it to you might get everyone killed."
"What?"
"Hey, watch the informal speech."
"......!"
"Don't forget where I'm from."
* * *
Imperial Palace.
Second Prince Yi Tae-ji's residence.
Yi Tae-ji's face darkened as he received the report from his aide.
The report continued.
"Their martial prowess was utterly overwhelming. They repelled the bandits, and the Grand Marshal's overseer entered the palace safely."
Thud!
Yi Tae-ji slammed the table in irritation.
Clatter.
The aide quickly steadied the tipping teacup. Puzzled by Yi Tae-ji's reaction, he tilted his head slightly.
"You may go."
"Yes."
Once the aide left, Yi Tae-ji leaned back, covering his face with both hands.
"Damn it...."
* * *
Yi Hwan and Ju Tae sat facing each other.
Yi Hwan wore a faint smile as he heard Ju Tae's report.
"Not the Grand Marshal's household? As I thought."
"Didn't seem like his son either. But you already suspected?"
"I did. That's why I sent you personally."
"Was it the Second Prince's scheme?"
"Has to be. Failure would turn blame on me, shaking my position."
Yi Hwan sipped his tea and praised Ju Tae.
"Using full power was the right call. Once word of your overwhelming strength spreads, protection requests will pour in from fence-sitting officials."
"I'm pretty good, huh."
Ju Tae grinned, then asked,
"Any other motive for the protection support?"
"First, bolster position. Second, win over neutrals. Third, dispel prejudices against me. Plenty still doubt my abilities."
"I figured as much."
"That's all."
"......Yes."
"You've earned it—drink with your men. Don't skimp on the money."
"Thank you."
"On your way out, tell Moon Lord Go Mi I want to see her."
"Yes."
Ju Tae withdrew, and Go Mi soon entered.
"Need something to grab the Grand Marshal by the throat. Can you manage?"
"Understood."
"Best if it's something that keeps him immobile. Even better if exposure forces him to cut ties with the Second Prince."
"The Grand Marshal's greed ensures corruption. Dig, and you'll find what you want."
"You've already grasped some, I see."
"Yes. But since you desire it, I'll find something stronger."
Yi Hwan liked Go Mi's attitude. No questions on orders, brimming confidence, always delivering top results.
"When will you teach me the martial arts?"
"Didn't I say after mastering the mind technique perfectly?"
"Can't it be alongside?"
Yi Hwan narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Not like you, Moon Lord. Getting impatient? Some reason?"
"I want to grow stronger sooner. Strength lets me access riskier intel easily."
"Just that?"
"......"
Go Mi hesitated, bit her lip softly, and replied.
"Just... I want to get stronger."