Chapter 144
Chapter 144
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 144
Chapter Title: Intervention of the Qin Kingdom
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The Southwest King Jo Yun fell deep into thought.
The generals still had no idea why he had issued the retreat order.
The army's morale was low.
They had lost the fierce general Han Seom, along with thousands of soldiers including many officers.
On top of that, ominous rumors began to spread.
"The Yeon Kingdom forces have terrifying masters among them. Even Do Geom couldn't stop them, and they're more savage than yakshas."
"The Yeon Kingdom's Great Prince is a heavenly expert. He broke through our martial artists and killed General Han Seom. The general couldn't even withstand a single blow."
The rumors grew, leading to even wilder tales.
"The Yeon Kingdom warriors take some kind of drug before battle, so they know no fear. Even with an arm severed, they charge like demons."
In just one battle, the Zhao Kingdom had lost too much. Everyone had been so certain of an overwhelming victory that the shock hit even harder.
"Why on earth did you order the retreat?"
"I have no idea either."
The generals whispered while staring at Jo Yun's command tent.
Since issuing the retreat order, Jo Yun hadn't stepped out of his tent even once.
* * *
Jo Yun's face was rigid with tension.
The green-robed man simply watched him in silence. After a long while, as the hot tea cooled, Jo Yun finally spoke.
"I figured they might exist somewhere in the world, but I never imagined the Yeon Kingdom's prince was a descendant of Daye Fortress. Does that mean the Yeon royal family are all descendants of Daye Fortress?"
"It's possible that this Yi Hwan simply inherited Daye Fortress's true arts."
"Does it make sense for a royal prince to secretly inherit the arts of a martial faction—especially Daye Fortress, which brought indelible shame to three kingdoms—without the royal family's knowledge?"
"We should investigate first."
Jo Yun nodded silently at the green-robed man's words.
"The generals are curious about why you ordered the retreat. If we leave it like this, the entire army might fall into turmoil."
"Hmm..."
Jo Yun leaned back in his chair, furrowing his brow.
He had to explain something. But he couldn't mention the Poison King's existence.
That was a secret he could never reveal.
"Were the Yeon Kingdom's martial artists that strong?"
"According to the martial artists we deployed, the ones around the Great Prince and his forces were utterly impossible to handle."
"That's to be expected if they're descendants of the Three Kings. Use that as the excuse. Say we retreated because the enemy lines had many unknown masters not in our intelligence reports."
"Understood."
The green-robed man left the tent.
Jo Yun leaned back again, his gaze settling coldly.
'If the Poison King's descendant is there, we can't predict the war's outcome. Even if we win, the losses would be irrecoverable.'
It was a dilemma.
They could win if they fought, but at a horrific cost he didn't even want to imagine.
That was far from what he desired.
Though he held real power, he hadn't formally ascended the throne yet. A pyrrhic victory in this situation could shake his position.
The Imperial Palace still harbored factions supporting Crown Prince Jo Gwang, waiting for him to slip.
'This grudge from two hundred years ago suddenly rearing its head to trip me up.'
Crack!
The teacup shattered in Jo Yun's hand. At that moment, the green-robed man returned from outside.
"I've handled it as ordered."
"And the reaction?"
"Most seemed to accept it. Though they're wondering when we'll resume the attack."
"Before that, I need to meet him."
"Who..."
"The Yeon Kingdom's prince. Up close, I can tell if he's truly the Lord of Daye Fortress's heir or just some worthless offshoot. Send an envoy immediately to say I'll meet him."
"The Poison King's descendant didn't appear in battle. Why not attack once more?"
"A second attack would require even more troops. He might be biding his time, staying hidden in the first battle for that very reason."
"But—"
"You're talking too much."
At Jo Yun's icy rebuke, the green-robed man immediately bowed his head.
"Understood. I'll send the envoy right away."
* * *
The other defensive lines also ended their battles as the enemy withdrew. Yi Hwan waited for Gwak Chung-mu in the command post. Moments later, Gwak Chung-mu entered.
The room reeked of blood as he arrived. Blood dripped from him with every step, evidence of a brutal fight.
"No injuries, I hope?"
"I'm fine, Great Prince. And you...?"
"I'm fine too. What about our casualties?"
"I haven't tallied exactly, but probably around a thousand. Still, we crushed several times their number— a decisive victory."
Gwak Chung-mu continued immediately.
"I heard you beheaded their enemy general Han Seom. Truly impressive, Great Prince."
"Was he that big a deal?"
"Han Seom was a favorite of Zhao's Southwest King, one of their top fierce generals. His death must be why they retreated."
Yi Hwan recalled Han Seom.
'Getting distracted with me right in front of him.'
It was then.
One general entered.
"Great Prince, an envoy from Zhao has arrived."
* * *
Yi Hwan gazed indifferently at the returning envoy. The cheek he'd slapped last time was still swollen round, the bruising not yet faded.
"The Southwest King wants to meet me?"
"Yes."
The envoy's eyes, expression, and demeanor were worlds apart from before. He couldn't even look Yi Hwan in the face.
"The reason?"
"I'm just here to relay the message."
Yi Hwan took a sip of tea.
Thud!
"Go back and tell him I'll meet—but in the middle ground between our forces. Tomorrow morning, just the two of us."
"Understood."
The envoy departed.
Gwak Chung-mu asked,
"Isn't that too dangerous? The Southwest King is unpredictable; who knows what scheme he might hatch."
"It's just as risky for them. If need be, I'll take his head."
"Great Prince!"
"Just speaking figuratively—don't worry."
Yi Hwan finished his tea and stood.
"I need some rest. You should too, Commander."
"Rest well, Great Prince."
After Yi Hwan left, two generals entered. Gwak Chung-mu removed his armor and downed a bowl of cold water.
Thud!
One general spoke in an excited tone.
"Fortunately, we won decisively in the first battle. Especially the western line you commanded, Great Prince—they say we overwhelmed the enemy."
"I heard."
Gwak Chung-mu drank another bowl.
Thud!
"We don't know when the enemy will strike again, so hurry and tend the wounded, reinforce all lines."
"I've already ordered it. But why did Zhao send an envoy?"
"The Great Prince and Southwest King are meeting."
"What?"
"The Southwest King requested it first. The Great Prince accepted, but only the two of them alone."
"Rumors say the Southwest King is quite the master himself. You sure it's safe?"
"The man who felled fierce general Han Seom with one stroke. It's risky for them too—don't worry needlessly, go rest. I need to wash up; I can never get used to this blood stench."
"Then rest well, Commander."
* * *
Yi Hwan headed not to his tent, but to the western defensive line.
'A meeting with someone who knows of Daye Fortress's existence...'
He anticipated his encounter with Jo Yun.
That's why he'd accepted without hesitation. He didn't even ponder what Jo Yun wanted—he had no intention of granting it anyway.
"Great Prince."
Go Mi's voice called from behind.
Yi Hwan stopped and turned. Go Mi ran up.
"Something happen?"
"I have a question."
"What?"
"About the form you taught me—did you deliberately weaken it, considering my level?"
'She noticed?'
Yi Hwan was inwardly surprised.
As Go Mi said, he'd adjusted the form's power down to her level, so she could learn it faster.
"Any issues?"
"In battle, it felt like the flow broke against the enemy. Like my sword wasn't forged steel, but some floppy tree branch. Something was off."
Yi Hwan stared at her silently. Go Mi widened her eyes and stepped back.
"Why stare like that?"
"Ever had a master?"
"No. Just learned family arts from my father and Imperial Palace styles from the instructors. Why ask?"
Yi Hwan walked on without answering. Go Mi hurried alongside, pressing.
"Answer me."
"You're right. I weakened it for your level. The full version would overwhelm your current internal energy."
"If I build up my energy, can I use it?"
"Even more than that."
"What if I tried the full version now?"
"Your dantian couldn't take it and would shatter. Worst case, you'd lose your arts forever."
"So it's all about internal energy."
Disappointment crossed Go Mi's face.
She wanted a quick fix, but building energy wasn't that simple. She was progressing with Yi Hwan's breathing method, but for someone eager to become a master ASAP, it wasn't enough.
"You look disappointed."
"Yes. Building energy doesn't happen overnight."
"Keep up the breathing method diligently; we'll find other ways later."
"Like spirit pills?"
"That's the surest, but... let's get through this war first."
"...Yes."
Soon they reached the line. Yi Hwan headed straight to where the warriors stood guard. Awe filled their gazes.
Word had spread through the army that he'd slain Zhao's fierce general Han Seom.
"Welcome, Great Prince."
Jeong Cheon greeted him.
Yi Hwan surveyed the line. Used boulders and logs were restacked nearby.
"Enemy movements?"
"They've pulled back into the mountains and haven't budged. No scouts either—looks like they have major internal issues."
Yi Hwan nodded silently, staring southwest toward the Zhao forces.
Thick woods hid them, but their banners fluttered atop, waving in the wind. So many that the forest looked like one massive bloom.
"I've agreed to meet the Southwest King tomorrow morning. Hold position until then—no moves."
"With the Southwest King?"
"He asked, so I'll humor him. See you tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Great Prince. Rest well."
Jeong Cheon watched Yi Hwan head to his tent, mouth agape slightly.
'The Southwest King requested the Great Prince, not the Commander. What's he plotting?'
Jeong Cheon felt uneasy, unsure what Jo Yun might do. He trusted Yi Hwan's skill, but worry over Jo Yun outweighed it.
'Hope nothing goes wrong.'
Jeong Cheon kept eyes on Yi Hwan's back until he vanished from sight.
* * *
Jo Jeong-mu entered Jo Yun's tent.
"Father!"
"You're safe."
Jo Yun's briefly brightening eyes darkened slightly. His son's face was deathly pale.
"Injured?"
"Just minor internal injuries—don't worry. But why order the retreat?"
"There were circumstances."
Jo Yun called lowly outside.
"Guards! Summon the army physician!"
"Yes!"
Jo Yun eyed Jo Jeong-mu again.
"Why so late?"
"Left half my unit to handle their vanguard, advanced on main camp as planned, but detoured to aid our forces against Gwak Chung-mu's unit."
Jo Jeong-mu asked immediately.
"I heard General Han Seom fell."
"To the Yeon prince. He underestimated and didn't focus—knew it'd end like this someday."
"Was that why you retreated?"
"I'll explain later—eat something and rest."
It was then.
A general burst in urgently.
"Your Highness! The central army is under Qin Kingdom attack and retreating to the rear!"
"What?"
The world-shaking Jo Yun's eyes flew wide.
"The report lacks details, but the central army took heavy losses from Qin forces and fell back—that much is certain!"
Tremble...
His magnificent black beard quivered.
"Why would Qin..."