Chapter 283
Chapter 283
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 283
Chapter Title: The Expected Decision
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The sun had risen to the midpoint of the sky.
Finally, Won Gae-se and the generals under his command, along with Yang I-cheon, ascended to the plaza.
Yi Hwan slipped away discreetly to a spot out of sight, just in case. Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok followed behind him.
Yang Cheon stared at the Dark Heaven Cult headquarters and spoke.
“They’re being too quiet. Surely they can’t plan to maintain this standoff all the way to the end.”
Yi Hwan nodded silently and turned to Namgung Jang-cheon.
“You said you lured the enemy toward the gorge?”
“Yes. Now that our forces have advanced this far, even if they realize late and come back, it won’t be a problem.”
The Dark Heaven Cult disciples had managed to hold off the numerically superior Qin Kingdom army until now thanks to the advantages of formations, mechanisms, and terrain.
But the moment the Qin Kingdom army had penetrated this deep, all those advantages vanished. Even if the Dark Heaven Cult forces from the gorge returned now, it wouldn’t change much.
‘Then dragging out time won’t make a difference either... Are they just planning to draw the Qin Kingdom army inside and fight?’
At that moment, a warrior approached. He was from the Namgung family.
“Young master, the Grand Commander is calling for you.”
Namgung Jang-cheon glanced at Yi Hwan.
“I’ll be right back.”
Yi Hwan watched impassively as Namgung Jang-cheon walked toward Won Gae-se, then turned his gaze back to the Dark Heaven Cult headquarters.
The fog was so thick that the massive structure about two hundred paces away was barely visible.
Cheol Mu-ok said,
“Now that Won Gae-se has joined, they’ll launch a full assault soon.”
“That’s how it looks.”
“Then do we really need to go inside there? Who knows what might be waiting.”
“We can’t just keep standing around in a standoff forever. It might be better to settle it as quickly as possible.”
Yi Hwan turned to Yang Chan. Yang Chan was crouched in one corner, dozing off with his head bobbing.
Yi Hwan, about to ask something, turned instead toward where Won Gae-se was. A large group had gathered there, engaged in discussion. They were likely debating attack strategies.
Ju Tae asked,
“If it were you, my lord, how would you attack?”
“Fire.”
“What? You mean set fire to this place?”
“Are you worried the flames might spread across the entire mountain?”
“Yes. If that happens even by some slim chance, it could turn into an irreversible catastrophe.”
“Rain is due soon. Even if the fire spreads to the forest, it would be minimal.”
“Ah! I forgot about that.”
“It would be the most reliable method.”
Cheol Mu-ok strongly agreed with Yi Hwan’s words.
“But it comes with a fatal risk.”
“Yes?”
“If the wind shifts, the Qin Kingdom army could end up in danger instead. The wind blows stronger toward us from the building side.”
“Ah...”
The discussion dragged on longer than expected. Occasionally, Won Gae-se’s angry shouts reached even this distance, suggesting divided opinions.
About half a shichen later,
Namgung Jang-cheon returned.
Ju Tae couldn’t hold back and asked,
“What happened?”
“It’s been decided to disassemble the stone catapults, bring them here, reassemble, and attack. The Grand Commander judged it too dangerous to enter the fanatics’ buildings.”
Yi Hwan furrowed his brow.
Disassembling and reassembling the stone catapults alone would take considerable time, and given the steep incline to this point, transporting the disassembled pieces would take even longer.
“We don’t have that much time.”
The Qin Kingdom army had the Dark Heaven Cult headquarters surrounded, so time was on their side, but Yi Hwan didn’t see it that way.
It wasn’t concern about the Dark Heaven Cult forces from the northern gorge returning. As Namgung Jang-cheon had said, that wouldn’t pose a major issue.
The real problem was elsewhere.
“What do you mean we don’t have much time?”
“What if the Dark Heaven Cult launches simultaneous uprisings across the Qin Kingdom? With over a hundred thousand troops tied down here, what then?”
“...!”
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok’s expressions changed instantly. It seemed they hadn’t considered that far.
Yi Hwan asked,
“Are you on good terms with Won Gae-se?”
“He favors me more than I deserve.”
“Then go tell him. We need to plan for that scenario too.”
“Understood.”
Namgung Jang-cheon, turning to leave hurriedly, asked cautiously,
“If it were you, Great Prince, what would you do?”
“Fire.”
“A fire attack...?”
“It’s the surest way. But since there’s a risk your Qin Kingdom army could get caught in the flames instead, pretend you didn’t hear it.”
“...Yes.”
Namgung Jang-cheon ran back toward Won Gae-se. About one gak later, he returned.
Once again, Ju Tae asked first,
“What happened?”
“He says they’ll proceed with the original decision.”
“He must be confident he can suppress any uprisings. No helping it then. Everyone, lie down and rest easy.”
Yi Hwan and the others lay down on the ground. Most of the Qin Kingdom warriors did the same. In the empty plaza, that was the only way to rest.
However, Won Gae-se and the key figures stayed in tents hastily erected by warriors. A bizarre scene unfolded with cauldrons set up on one side of the plaza for cooking meals.
Everyone wondered.
What must the Dark Heaven Cult be thinking, watching this spectacle?
* * *
There was one gazing down at the Qin Kingdom army, suppressing his rage. It was the Land Sword Demon.
“They’re having a field day.”
The smell of the Qin Kingdom army cooking rice wafted all the way to where he was. In a situation with the enemy right before their eyes, it was an excessively leisurely display.
But what truly enraged him was something else.
When the Qin Kingdom army’s surprise attack began, the Land Sword Demon had planned to lead his unit to target Won Gae-se. But Cult Leader Jang Cheon-hwa’s refusal kept him from even stepping outside the headquarters.
Nor had he shone in the plaza’s bloody battle. Under Jang Cheon-hwa’s orders to prepare to strike the enemy’s rear in case of emergency, he’d been forced to standby in some hidden spot until the battle ended.
“Damn it.”
Gulp! Gulp!
At that moment, a subordinate approached.
“The Cult Leader’s strategy has been decided.”
“What is it?”
“They plan to launch simultaneous uprisings across the Qin Kingdom to force Won Gae-se’s army to withdraw. Orders were already sent yesterday via messenger birds all the way to the capital.”
“The uprisings might have already started by now.”
“That’s right.”
Gulp! Gulp!
Crash!
The Land Sword Demon irritably hurled the alcohol bottle. Leaning back, he let out a hollow laugh.
“To be in a position where I can’t even land a single blow on enemies who’ve invaded our home.”
“The Cult Leader’s intent seems to be minimizing losses. The failure in Yeon Kingdom must have made him more cautious.”
“People get weaker with age. Even Cult Leaders aren’t exempt.”
“Previous Leader, if someone hears you...”
“Go snitch if you want, punk.”
“As if I would. Anyway, be careful. You never know where some leftist agitator might be lurking.”
“Where the hell is that bastard anyway?”
“I don’t know either.”
“Bring more liquor and chicken.”
“Understood.”
As the subordinate turned to leave, a man in green robes entered.
“The Cult Leader summons you.”
The Land Sword Demon rose from his half-reclined position. As he moved to step outside, he suddenly grabbed the green-robed man’s throat.
Crack!
“Guh!”
“Summons me?”
“R-Release me!”
“You little shit.”
Thud!
The Land Sword Demon’s fist plunged into the green-robed man’s abdomen. He spat one more word at the man curling up like a shrimp.
“Speak out of turn one more time, and I’ll rip your head off. Watch your mouth.”
“Urgh!”
* * *
The Land Sword Demon stood before Jang Cheon-hwa.
“You called for me?”
“Your face is full of resentment.”
“...No, it’s not.”
“There’s something only you can do.”
“A mission?”
“Yes. A very important one. You might even have to risk your life. Can you handle it?”
“Of course.”
The Land Sword Demon’s eyes sharpened instantly. Ma Jung-hyo, who had been watching from beside Jang Cheon-hwa, gave a wry smile.
“Select the strongest men, lie in ambush at the path the Qin Kingdom army will take on their return, and target Won Gae-se.”
“Will Won Gae-se actually retreat?”
Ma Jung-hyo rebuked him in a stern tone.
“Mind your manners!”
“...”
Jang Cheon-hwa continued.
“If it’s just news of uprisings, he might not move. But if word comes that the capital is burning, he won’t be able to stay. Strike then.”
“Understood. I’ll move out immediately.”
The Land Sword Demon bowed and swiftly exited the hall. Moments later, as he stepped into the corridor, Ma Jung-hyo’s voice called from behind.
“Come see me.”
The Land Sword Demon halted and turned.
Ma Jung-hyo approached.
“I’ll select the men for the mission, so stay in your quarters and come when I send word.”
“Can’t I pick them myself?”
“I’m going with you, so isn’t it better if I choose?”
“...You’re coming along, Strategist?”
“Enemies reaching this place, where no intruders were ever allowed before, could breed doubts about the Cult Leader’s abilities among the disciples. No matter what, we must behead Won Gae-se to restore his authority. We absolutely cannot fail this time. Understood?”
“...”
“Why no answer?”
“Understood. See you later.”
Ma Jung-hyo watched the Land Sword Demon stride away, a sneer on his lips.
‘It’s because of your hot temper that I’m coming along. It’s been a while since I’ll wield my martial arts. I swore I’d never use them except against Daye Fortress heirs.’
* * *
Several days of standoff before the Dark Heaven Cult headquarters.
No battles occurred, but exhaustion was evident on the Qin Kingdom warriors’ faces.
On this high ground battered by fierce winds, there was no shelter from the night dew, making the nights as harsh an enemy for the Qin Kingdom army as the Dark Heaven Cult itself.
“Look at them pulling this crap. While others brave the night dew without a care, hunkered in their tents throwing back drinks.”
Ju Tae grumbled, turning to Namgung Jang-cheon.
“How did a guy like that become Grand Commander?”
“...”
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok could only offer wry smiles. Danri Mok turned to Yi Hwan and asked,
“Shall I fetch something to eat or drink?”
“No need. Just rest.”
“I feel bad...”
“I’m with you out of necessity, so don’t worry about it.”
“Yes.”
Meanwhile, Yang Chan stood at the edge of the fortress walls, gazing at the darkening Mount Shipman. His eyes flashed when he spotted a Qin Kingdom general ascending the plank road.
The general hurried up as if chased by something, entered the plaza, and headed straight for Won Gae-se’s tent.
‘Something’s happened?’
Yang Chan moved toward Won Gae-se’s tent. But the guards kept him at a distance.
Yang Chan heightened his senses to the maximum. Voices began to filter through faintly.
“It’s finally happened, just as expected.”
“What’s going on, Grand Commander?”
“The fanatics have launched uprisings across the country. The capital’s on a massive scale.”
Bang!
A table slam was followed by Won Gae-se’s furious voice.
“I hoped they’d stay quiet until we finished this place...”
“If we withdraw now, the fanatics will fortify their defenses even more! Leave the capital to the Golden Army and annihilate their headquarters!”
“Foolish talk! If we don’t return, that bastard Wei Ji-gwan will claim all the credit for suppressing them! Don’t you get it? That could leave no place for either of us in the future!”
“...!”
Wei Ji-gwan, head of the Qin Kingdom’s Golden Army.
He was one of the two pillars of the Qin military alongside Won Gae-se, locked in fierce political rivalry.
“But...”
“We can come back here anytime. Head to the capital first. Hurry!”
“Understood.”
The conversation ended there.
A sneer curled on Yang Chan’s lips as he turned away.
‘Seems there are always guys like that everywhere you go?’
Shortly after, Yang Chan relayed exactly what he’d overheard to Yi Hwan.
At that moment, several Qin Kingdom warriors approached the surrounding fighters.
“The Grand Commander orders immediate preparation for retreat. Move discreetly so the fanatics don’t notice.”
“What? Retreat?”
“The fanatics have risen in the capital. If we’re late, it could be disastrous. Hurry up.”
The warriors buzzed in confusion.
Many vented their frustration. They were among those who had lost friends or sect brothers in the battles.
“Haa...”
Namgung Jang-cheon looked to the sky and sighed. Danri Mok simply sat there dazed, head bowed.
Cheol Mu-ok asked,
“Shouldn’t we head back too?”
Yi Hwan silently gazed at the Dark Heaven Cult headquarters. In one room on the highest floor of the main building, lights blazed brightly, and a figure stood by the window.
‘Have we ended up handing them our weakness instead?’
It felt hollow.
He had anticipated it to some degree, but he hadn’t expected Won Gae-se to withdraw so easily. After bringing this many troops all the way here, to just pull back like this.
‘If men like Won Gae-se hold the Qin military’s reins, future cooperation will be difficult.’
Yi Hwan shook off his lingering regrets and turned away.
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok bowed deeply.
“We’ll await the chance to meet again.”
“Both of you, take care.”
“Safe travels, Great Prince.”
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok bowed again. By the time they raised their heads, Yi Hwan, Cheol Mu-ok, and the others were already gone.