Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Yi Hwan's Stratagem
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North of the ravine.
The retreat point Yi Hwan had chosen was the high, steep ridgeline where the ravine ended.
Yi Hwan had passed through this area while strolling through the mountains before and had examined the surrounding terrain in detail, which was why he selected it as the retreat point.
Warriors climbed up to the ridgeline one after another.
Yi Hwan stood side by side with Hwang Ho, staring toward the southwest. Behind the retreating allied forces, the Zhao Kingdom army was swarming in like a black tide.
"This seems to have gone beyond the scope of a local skirmish, doesn't it?"
"Indeed. I can't fathom what they're thinking. Until now, the Zhao Kingdom has been even more averse to escalation than we have."
Memories of the imperial palace flashed through Yi Hwan's mind.
'If the Zhao Kingdom knows about the chaos in the Yeon Kingdom's imperial palace, they might well reveal their true intentions.'
Nothing was certain yet. For now, he needed to minimize troop losses while finding a way to repel the enemy.
It was then.
"What's that?"
The warriors buzzed in agitation.
Flashes of light erupted nonstop from the rear guard of the retreating allies. Whenever a flash appeared, enemies invariably sprayed blood and collapsed.
Hwang Ho muttered in astonishment.
"The Paeng family's prowess is truly formidable."
"Not the Paeng family—my guards."
"......Pardon?"
The culprits agitating everyone were Cheol Mu-ok and Gong Son-tae. The two were cutting down the fiercely pursuing Zhao Kingdom soldiers indiscriminately, protecting the straggling allies.
'As descendants of the Blade King, that's only to be expected.'
To Yi Hwan, who knew of Blade King Cheol Mu-gwang's prowess, it was hardly surprising.
But the others felt differently. Even the Paeng family and Young Tiger Clan warriors who had just reached the ridgeline couldn't hide their shock.
"Run!"
"Keep going!"
The warriors shouted cheers toward the allies who hadn't yet climbed up.
Paeng Mu-wi turned to Young Ho-chung.
"We should go help."
"Is that really necessary?"
"Necessary? This isn't the time to quibble over politics. They're warriors of our Yeon Kingdom—we can't just watch them die."
Paeng Mu-wi leaped forward. Paeng family warriors followed suit, throwing themselves into the fray.
'Suddenly? Since when have you ever spared the warriors?'
Young Ho-chung shook his head as he watched Paeng Mu-wi charge ahead. Then he called out softly to his Young Tiger Clan warriors.
"Help the retreating allies!"
* * *
With the aid of the Paeng family and Young Tiger Clan, the warriors shook off the pursuit and regrouped.
But afterward, the Zhao Kingdom army came on like a black wave.
Cheol Mu-ok and Gong Son-tae landed beside Yi Hwan.
"Sorry we're late. We stepped out to the market."
"Good work."
Hwang Ho expressed his gratitude toward them.
"Thank you. You saved many warriors' lives."
"We only did our duty, General."
Cheol Mu-ok and Gong Son-tae moved behind Yi Hwan. He gazed down at the Zhao Kingdom army that had advanced to the base of the ridgeline.
"Surround them!"
"Move!"
As expected, the Zhao Kingdom army began forming an encirclement. In response, the Yeon Kingdom army swiftly established a defensive line.
Yi Hwan turned to Hwang Ho and spoke calmly.
"The terrain will make it hard for them to climb up easily, so no need to overexert. Watch for signs of wavering and respond accordingly."
"Yes, Great Prince."
"Then I'll rest a bit."
Yi Hwan climbed onto a rock behind the ridgeline. He called for Cheol Mu-ok.
"Come here a moment."
Cheol Mu-ok climbed up.
"There's a place we need to go together tonight."
"The enemy's main camp?"
"You've already guessed. So you know who and how."
"To kill a snake quickest, you cut off the head."
Cheol Mu-ok had pierced straight through Yi Hwan's intentions.
It was true. Yi Hwan planned to kill the Zhao Kingdom army's Commander at their main camp. He believed it was currently the surest way to end this war.
Gong Son-tae spoke cautiously.
"I've heard the Zhao Kingdom's Commander has deep ties to the Zhao royal family. I'm worried killing him might spark a full-scale war."
"If it does, it does."
"......Yes. If it does, it does."
"We have some time, so rest well."
"Understood."
Gong Son-tae walked to a spot a little away, tilting his head.
If it does, it does.
'Pretty cool, huh?'
* * *
Young Ho-chung stared at Cheol Mu-ok and Gong Son-tae.
He couldn't get the incredible destructive power he'd witnessed in the chase out of his mind.
'Unbelievable, even seeing it with my own eyes. Who the hell are they?'
Just then, Paeng Mu-wi approached.
Young Ho-chung asked immediately.
"Do you know anything about their identities?"
"I only know they're the Great Prince's guards."
"The Great Prince's guards can't be that strong. At minimum, they've reached the transcendent realm."
Paeng Mu-wi frowned.
"Even so, he's the Great Prince—he could have guards of that caliber."
"That's why I'm saying it could become a serious problem."
"Problem?"
"If the Great Prince, with experts like that, sides with General Hwang, achieving our goals won't be easy. Even now, look at how the warriors are gazing at them—like peerless heroes."
"Then why did you injure the Great Prince's men!"
"That's not the issue right now, is it?"
"Why isn't it? It ruined our relationship with the Great Prince!"
"No, what are you talking about......"
"Enough. Drop it!"
Young Ho-chung stared in bewilderment at Paeng Mu-wi's back as he stormed off.
'No, that guy......'
* * *
Whoosh!
Amid the fierce wind, Hwang Ho and Jeong Cheon gazed down at the Zhao Kingdom army with grave expressions, conversing.
"I still don't understand. Why choose this place as the retreat point? No one knows it better than you, General."
"Honestly, it felt like I was possessed. I just thought we had to follow the Great Prince's will no matter what."
"......"
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Honestly, I felt the same."
The two exchanged wry smiles. Jeong Cheon soon asked.
"The Great Prince said he'd find a way, right?"
Hwang Ho nodded silently.
Jeong Cheon stared at the rock where Yi Hwan was.
Was he sleeping? Yi Hwan lay motionless on the rock.
"He was smiling."
"What do you mean?"
"The Great Prince. Even facing the black tide of Zhao Kingdom troops, he was smiling. In that situation that would drain the blood from even a battle-hardened veteran like me. He seemed like a completely different person."
"I felt the same. To remain so cold and serene with a battlefield of blood and flesh right before him—it's chilling even now."
Just then, the Deputy General brought tea. They took their cups.
Jeong Cheon changed the subject.
"I don't think we need to suspect the Great Prince's relationship with the Left General."
"Did you learn something?"
"Young Tiger Clan warriors injured the Black Tiger Squad members the Great Prince took in, so he went to the Paeng family camp and imposed harsh punishment."
"Such a thing happened?"
"Yes. He cut off the arms of those responsible. If there were ties, he wouldn't have gone that far."
"That's fortunate. I was hesitating whether to report on the Great Prince and Left General's relationship to the Crown Prince's Palace. We'll watch a bit longer."
"That seems best."
As they conversed, night deepened. It was a pitch-black night without moon or stars.
Jeong Cheon said.
"You should eat something."
"I'm fine."
"Then I'll go see the Great Prince."
* * *
Ordinary martial artists are most vulnerable during meditation or energy circulation, so in emergencies, they keep trusted guards nearby for vigilance.
But Yi Hwan's heart method was different.
Its marvel was that he could circulate energy while sitting, lying down, or even walking.
Clink.
Having just finished his heart method, Yi Hwan picked up the wine bottle beside him to quench his thirst.
"Did you cough, Your Highness?"
Jeong Cheon climbed up.
"How's the enemy?"
"No unusual movements yet. But why are you sweating so much?"
"It's hot."
"......"
Jeong Cheon tilted his head.
It was quite hot in the mountains during the day, but the nights were bitterly cold—sweating from heat?
"Did you come up because you had something to say?"
"Yes, one thing I'd like to ask."
"Curious about the breakout plan?"
"Yes. If it's alright, I'd like to hear it here."
"Even if you're curious, hold out a few days."
"......"
Yi Hwan brushed off his clothes and stood. Cheol Mu-ok, who had been below, climbed up as soon as he rose.
"General Jeong."
"Yes, Great Prince."
"Don't tell anyone I'm stepping out. Except General Hwang, of course."
"Where...... are you going?"
"I'm not running away, so don't worry."
Yi Hwan turned to Cheol Mu-ok.
"Let's go."
"Yes."
Yi Hwan leaped behind the rock. Cheol Mu-ok followed.
Jeong Cheon stared in shock at Yi Hwan's figure vanishing into the darkness, unable to hide his bewilderment.
Jeong Cheon sought out Song Hoe right away. Song Hoe was just climbing up.
"Do you know where the Great Prince is going?"
"Sorry, I have no idea."
"Not even the Deputy General?"
"Unless it's extremely important, he doesn't tell me either."
Jeong Cheon was gripped by deep doubt.
'What is he doing out at this hour?'
* * *
It was a silent night without even insect or bird cries. Also a night thick with suffocating tension.
Though they had encircled the enemy, the Zhao Kingdom army was tense too.
Known for ambushes, the Yeon Kingdom forces might descend the ridgeline anytime, so they had to stay alert.
Time passed slowly.
Then, at dawn, Yi Hwan and Cheol Mu-ok returned.
Song Hoe let out a relieved breath only after confirming Yi Hwan was safe.
"No issues?"
"No. It was quiet."
"Give me some wine."
"Here."
Yi Hwan downed a bottle in one go. Bloodstains marked his hands and cheeks. Cheol Mu-ok was the same.
"You're back, Great Prince."
Hwang Ho and Jeong Cheon approached.
They too looked relieved to see him safe. Before they could ask, Yi Hwan spoke first.
"I need some sleep."
"......"
* * *
The next morning, after a night of tension, both sides showed no movement.
Hwang Ho and Jeong Cheon came to Yi Hwan.
He had finished breakfast and was drinking tea when he dropped a bombshell.
"I killed the Zhao Kingdom's Commander."
"......!"
Hwang Ho and Jeong Cheon widened their eyes in disbelief.
Yi Hwan spoke matter-of-factly.
"No need to worry. I made it look like natural causes, so they won't suspect us, and it won't lead to escalation."
Hwang Ho and Jeong Cheon still couldn't believe their ears.
"You really killed the Zhao Kingdom's Commander?"
"I judged it the only way to break this situation."
"Did you choose this retreat point from the start with that plan?"
"Yes. It's the ideal spot to buy time. As expected, the enemy didn't push too hard, giving me the chance to eliminate their Commander."
"Huh......"
Hwang Ho's expression was complex. Killing the enemy Commander was an immense feat, no matter what. But he couldn't simply rejoice, fearing escalation.
Jeong Cheon's reaction differed.
"If it's natural causes, escalation is unlikely. As long as no variables arise, Your Highness has done something tremendous."
Jeong Cheon's face flushed with excitement.
The Zhao Commander here was the Southern Legion's arch-nemesis.
His elusive schemes had claimed thousands of warriors' lives, and even caused part of the neutral zone to fall to Zhao.
Yi Hwan had killed that man.
If not for the onlookers, he'd have laughed outright.
"Just one question."
"Ask away."
"If the Empress and Second Prince want the Southern Legion, why not just use their power to replace the Commander with their own man? Why send someone like Paeng Mu-wi?"
"How did you......"
"I heard at the Crown Prince's Palace."
Yi Hwan had wondered about this for a while.
Hwang Ho fell silent briefly before speaking.
"Even the Empress and Second Prince can't arbitrarily change military appointments. Especially a legion's Commander. One misstep, and they'd face the entire army's resistance."
"Then how would they oust you and take the Southern Legion?"
"If someone else gains more trust from the warriors than me. Or if I die, but the former is more likely."
"I'd prefer the latter."
Hwang Ho gave a wry smile.
"That could happen, but if an assassination leaks, the backlash would be severe. So the former is the surest, safest way."
"Then we must ensure Paeng Mu-wi doesn't earn merits."
Yi Hwan nodded silently and stood. As he stepped to the front of the rock, Hwang Ho and Jeong Cheon naturally flanked him left and right.
Song Hoe watched, eyes reddening.
He had spent long months with Yi Hwan in the Southern Legion, but had never seen Hwang Ho and Jeong Cheon treat him with such deference.
At that moment, at least, Yi Hwan looked like the Southern Legion's Commander.
It was then.
"The enemy is retreating!"
"The enemy is pulling back!"
Warriors shouted from all around. The Zhao Kingdom army, which had formed the encirclement, was withdrawing.
"Word spreads fast."
Jeong Cheon burst out laughing involuntarily at Yi Hwan's nonchalant mutter.
"Hahaha!"