Chapter 67
Chapter 67
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 67
Chapter Title: The Martial World Experts Reveal Themselves
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Ding ding ding!
"Enemies!"
"The Zhao Kingdom army is coming down!"
The bells signaling the enemy attack rang out clamorously. Namgung Jang-cheon stared toward the northwest, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Just in time. The enemy has begun their assault."
"You must be tired, so leave this battle to us."
"I'm fine. Come with me."
Namgung Jang-cheon headed northwest alongside the Commander. The Commander's attitude toward him was exceedingly cautious.
It was only natural, given that Namgung Jang-cheon could become the Emperor's Prince Consort.
"Block them!"
Kwachijik!
Kakakang!
"Ugh!"
"Argh!"
Battle had already broken out on the northwest side of the camp. As it was the path down which the Zhao Kingdom army advanced, the heaviest defensive forces were stationed there.
As he walked, inspecting the campgrounds, Namgung Jang-cheon grabbed the Commander's arm.
"Wait."
"What's wrong?"
"It seems we need to go that way."
The Commander turned to where Namgung Jang-cheon pointed. It was the southwest side, thought to be the safest spot in the camp.
"You're saying the enemy will circle around and come through there?"
"If I were the enemy, that's what I'd do. Of course, with martial artists leading the way. See you later."
Namgung Jang-cheon kicked off the ground and leaped into the air. The Namgung Clan experts followed suit, soaring after him. The Commander stared in astonishment at Namgung Jang-cheon, who covered an immense distance in an instant.
'What incredible lightness skill!'
* * *
Namgung Jang-cheon's prediction proved correct.
The south side of the camp featured steep terrain with very narrow space for troops to maneuver, so it was rarely patrolled.
It was precisely there that intruders were leaping into the camp. Over a hundred blood-robed figures, dressed differently from ordinary Zhao Kingdom soldiers.
The Blood Ghosts.
"They've neglected this place, as expected. Heh heh heh."
"Shall we strike the enemy command post directly?"
"Of course."
Sreung!
As the leader drew his sword, the others simultaneously unsheathed their weapons. A chilling aura swirled around them.
That was when it happened.
"Hey! Look over there!"
Someone shouted urgently.
All eyes turned to where he pointed. Figures were charging through the downpour.
"Qin Kingdom martial artists!"
"Heading straight here. That means they anticipated we'd come up this way!"
"It seems so!"
The Blood Ghosts grew agitated. No matter how valiant they were, confronting enemy martial artists in the heart of their camp was unnerving.
"There aren't many of them! Form up!"
Chochochot!
As the Blood Ghosts swiftly formed their ranks, Namgung Jang-cheon and the Namgung Clan experts landed before them.
Hwiririk!
Namgung Jang-cheon slowly swept his deep-set gaze over the Blood Ghosts.
"Are you the Blood Ghosts?"
"If you're curious, it's polite to reveal your identity first. But your Qin Kingdom doesn't seem to know that."
Pfft.
"Invading our territory and lecturing on manners. So very Zhao Kingdom of you."
"Your Qin Kingdom provoked us first."
"Is that so?"
Sreung.
Namgung Jang-cheon drew his sword. Very slowly, the blade emerging from its sheath bore the clear engraving of the characters "Namgung."
'The Namgung Clan!'
"It's the Namgung Clan!"
A cold smile spread across Namgung Jang-cheon's lips.
"I hear your Blood Ghost leader was dismembered and hung at the camp gates. You'll need to prepare for an even harsher death. We Qin really hate losing to Yeon Kingdom."
* * *
Gurgle.
A gurgling sound rose from the throat of the man leading the Blood Ghosts.
Plop!
Blood dripped from his split chest, forming blood flowers on the ground before being washed away by the rain.
"This can't be..."
He looked up at Namgung Jang-cheon with eyes full of disbelief. The man who had annihilated him and his subordinates was still smiling as if nothing had happened.
"How many martial artists do you think are in the Zhao Kingdom camp?"
"Quit your nonsense and kill me!"
"If you talk obediently, you might live and go back. This is your last chance!"
Heh.
The Blood Ghost leader suddenly smiled. In that instant, as Namgung Jang-cheon's eyes seemed to flicker, he spewed blood and collapsed. He had severed his own meridians.
Thud!
"Hmm..."
Namgung Jang-cheon looked down at the corpse with a bewildered expression.
Behind him lay the bodies of the Blood Ghosts. The entire Namgung Clan watched him in silence.
A moment later, Namgung Jang-cheon turned his gaze to the battlefield. A fierce fight raged on the northwest side of the camp.
"Shall we go cut off the enemy commander's head now?"
* * *
Some figures overlooked the blood-soaked battlefield.
They were men of imposing stature, clad in deep yellow robes and iron gauntlets forged of steel.
Gazing down at the corpses filling the hills and fields, they hardened their eyes.
"We're a step too late."
"The Zhao Kingdom army seems to have already retreated. Judging by the corpse ratio, they suffered a crushing defeat."
Zhao Kingdom and Qin Kingdom uniforms were distinctly different colors, making it easy to discern from afar which side had lost more men.
"Let's head to the camp first."
"No. We wait for the scouting kids to return."
Shwaaa!
The rain poured relentlessly.
The yellow-robed men stood soaking in the rain, waiting for someone. After about two shichen had passed, figures ascended from the battlefield side.
They too wore yellow robes.
"The Namgung Clan has joined the Qin Kingdom camp. Young Master Namgung Jang-cheon came with his experts and annihilated the Blood Ghosts who attempted the ambush."
"You're certain it's Namgung Jang-cheon?"
"Yes. There were witnesses who saw him."
"Qin Kingdom, cornered, has finally called him in."
"It's unexpected. Calling a man who could become the Emperor's Prince Consort to the battlefield, no matter what."
"That's how desperate they were."
The apparent leader's eyes flashed.
"With the Namgung Clan here, it'll be quite the interesting fight. I've long wanted to leave the kingdom and clash with them once. No, to show the world that our Hwangbo Clan is stronger than the Namgung Clan."
Hwangbo Clan.
A prestigious martial family affiliated with the Zhao Kingdom, renowned for centuries.
Their fist techniques had long been called the best under heaven, and that fame endured into the present day.
Rumble!
Crackle!
Lightning bleached the faces of the yellow-robed men white.
"We return to camp for now."
"Yes!"
* * *
Eyes watched the departing Hwangbo Clan members.
Namgung Jang-cheon's.
Lightning whitened his eyes, narrowing them slightly at the sides.
Was he smiling? His lips parted, revealing teeth like white jade.
"With the Hwangbo Clan here, things are about to get very interesting."
"We can catch them if we pursue now, Young Master."
"Don't overdo it. We'll meet them on the battlefield anyway, so we can wait."
"Understood. Then let's head back."
Before turning, Namgung Jang-cheon stared at the Hwangbo Clan members vanishing beyond the woods, subtly furrowing his brow.
'The clan head himself has come. It'll be fun, but I need to be careful too.'
* * *
It was a night when the full moon cast an exceptionally bright glow.
Go Mi approached Yi Hwan, who sat in the courtyard of his pavilion enjoying tea.
Go Mi watched Yi Hwan's endlessly leisurely figure from a distance for a moment.
'The Great Prince never showed tension even in the Imperial Palace. Touching the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group is no different from touching the Second Prince, yet he acted without hesitation, as if it were nothing. Is that his true nature?'
The series of events and outcomes Yi Hwan had wrought in the capital still seemed unbelievable.
That was when it happened.
Yi Hwan opened his eyes.
Go Mi quickly composed her expression and approached.
"Visiting at this hour means you have important information."
"The Zhao Kingdom army, which had pushed all the way to Jin Castle, has been driven back north of Guiju Castle in a single battle."
"Qin Kingdom must have put in some real effort."
"The Namgung Clan's young master took the field personally. Thanks to him, the Zhao-side martial artists who had been tormenting the Qin army have suffered heavy losses."
Yi Hwan's eyes gleamed.
"That friend who might become the Qin Emperor's Prince Consort?"
"Yes. Reports say he's even stronger than the rumors. His hands are ruthless too, and the Zhao side is trembling in fear."
"Unexpected. Usually, they're weaker than the rumors. Then Zhao Kingdom will call in experts or sects to match him."
"The Hwangbo Clan has already joined the Zhao Kingdom camp. The clan head himself led warriors there, so it looks like things will get even more interesting."
First the Namgung Clan, now the Hwangbo Clan.
Yi Hwan realized anew that the martial world of this era had utterly collapsed. In his time, those two clans had been unparalleled allies.
Clink.
Yi Hwan set down his teacup and continued.
"If Zhao Kingdom is pushed back, we need to watch what follows closely. If the Zhao Emperor fears escalation, he'll seek a truce. If things go that way and we're unlucky, the sparks could fly our way."
"Understood."
"But how many from Moon Pavilion are active?"
"My apologies, but that's classified."
Go Mi answered, then inwardly cursed her slip.
Treat the youngest as your lord and follow him.
Recalling Crown Prince Yi So's injunction, Go Mi immediately spoke.
"A total of twenty are operating in the conflict zone."
"You call it classified, then tell me. Why?"
"Oh, I just thought you should know... Then I'll take my leave."
Yi Hwan watched Go Mi vanish into the darkness, subtly furrowing his brow.
"She's acting strange today."
* * *
The next morning.
After breakfast, Yi Hwan went straight to Paeng Mu-wi. Paeng Mu-wi welcomed him warmly.
"Come in, Great Prince!"
"Let's have some tea."
"Yes! Please wait a moment! Hey! Bring tea!"
Paeng Mu-wi was still full of vigor.
He had visited several times while you were away, but I made excuses about poor health and didn't meet him.
'That's why he's even more pleased.'
Yi Hwan harbored no more resentment toward Paeng Mu-wi. Even if he served under the Second Prince, Yi Hwan could wield him freely, so there was no reason for ill will.
"Are you keeping a close eye on the Zhao side?"
"Yes. We're scouting as frequently as before they withdrew to the rear. Fortunately, no unusual activity so far."
A moment later, Paeng Mu-wi's Deputy General entered with tea and handed over a sealed dispatch.
"It just arrived."
"I see."
Paeng Mu-wi opened it immediately.
The Deputy General looked flustered. It was probably a dispatch Yi Hwan shouldn't see.
"It's fine. You can go."
"...Yes."
Sensing something off, Yi Hwan glanced at the back of the dispatch. Nothing indicated the sender.
"Who sent it?"
"The Second Prince. He says people will arrive soon from the capital."
Paeng Mu-wi confessed readily. Watching his demeanor, Yi Hwan finally realized for certain.
'His resistance to me is completely gone.'
Yi Hwan asked casually again.
"With sufficient forces already, why send more people?"
"I'm not sure either. The dispatch just says people are coming, so cooperate fully. Want to see it?"
"No need. Why would I read someone else's dispatch."
Yi Hwan took a sip of tea.
'Why is he sending more men? He should be writhing over the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group.'
Clink.
"Commander."
"Yes?"
"Word is Zhao Kingdom and Qin Kingdom have brought the Hwangbo Clan and Namgung Clan into their camps. Did you know?"
"Really? This is news to me."
Paeng Mu-wi frowned and continued.
"This means we might need to reinforce our own martial clans beforehand. If those two countries truce, the Hwangbo Clan could come here."
"That's why I came."
"Is that so? Shall I call in our clan?"
"Would that be alright?"
"If the Great Prince wishes, I'll send the dispatch immediately."
"Don't you need permission from the Second Prince?"
"No. Troop deployment is the Commander's authority, so no need. Just give the order, Great Prince, and I'll follow."
"It's not urgent, so I'll think on it."
Yi Hwan called for Song Hoe.
"Deputy General."
"Yes!"
Song Hoe entered.
"Serve it."
"Yes."
Song Hoe placed a silk-wrapped bundle on the table. Paeng Mu-wi’s eyes widened.
"What's this?"
"Dragon Well tea. A friend sent it, and I thought of you, Commander, laboring to lead the camp, so I brought some."
"Thank you, Great Prince!"
Dragon Well tea was not only expensive but so rare it was used as bribes. It was natural for the tea-loving Paeng Mu-wi to be delighted.
"I feel like I've kept a busy man too long. See you next time."
Yi Hwan left Paeng Mu-wi's tent. Song Hoe followed and asked.
"Are you really calling in the Hebei Paeng Family?"
"I'm considering it. Wondering who to call."
"Not the Hebei Paeng Family. If they come, the Left General might slip from your grasp."
"Not necessarily."
"Yes?"
"I'll explain later, so be patient even if curious."
"Can't you just tell me now?"
"Be patient."
"......"